Truck and Barter

Comments

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Kevin Brancato wrote:

Testing...

-- March 6, 2007 8:57 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Glad to see the new pad.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:05 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to investigate joint raid on suspected torture centre
By Steve Negus

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06 March 2007 (Financial Times)
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The Iraq government's decision to investigate a raid by Iraqi and coalition forces has raised fresh questions over who has charge of the country's security forces.

In a statement late on Sunday, the government said Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister, had ordered the inquiry into a raid on a police intelligence headquarters in the southern port city of Basra. The statement vowed to punish "those who carried out this illegal and irresponsible act".

British military sources had announced on Sunday that Iraqi troops backed by multinational forces had stormed the offices of the National Iraqi Intelligence Agency, where they found 30 detainees who showed signs of torture and abuse.

Major David Gell, the British military spokesman, said the raid had been led by an Iraqi special operations force "with the multinational forces very much in support". He said it had targeted individuals suspected of kidnap, torture, and murder but did not specify the nationality of the multinational forces, although the British make up a large majority of the troops in the region.

The UK military has been involved for more than a year in an attempt to weed out corrupt officers from the Basra security forces, parts of which are reportedly loyal to one of the city's half-dozen feuding Shia Islamist political factions.

In December, British forces raided police station of the city's major crimes unit, which it suspected of involvement with death squads.

The operations in Basra fit into a larger campaign against Shia militias, many of which have supporters in the security forces.

Iraqi special forces have been instrumental in this campaign, participating in a number of raids against militia targets in Baghdad.

Mr Maliki has denounced several of these raids, claiming he had not been consulted in advance. However, such disavowals have become less frequent in recent months as Washington has begun to put more pressure on him not to offer the militias political cover.

Supporters of Shia radical groups targeted by the special forces refer to them as the "Dirty Forces" and officials in the Baghdad district of Sadr City have asked that they be excluded from the neighbourhood.

Most Iraqi security units still technically answer to a US or British chain of command, although an increasing number have been passed to the control of Mr Maliki's government. Iraqi government statements frequently conflict with US or British statements on the extent to which Mr Maliki's government is aware of its own troops' activities.

Iraqi civilians who have encountered the special forces at checkpoints and elsewhere in Baghdad say that even relatively small units will answer directly to a US commander. US and British commanders say they consult the Iraqis before any significant operations, but the government often claims to be ignorant of politically sensitive raids.

Britain has 7,100 troops in Iraq, mostly based around Basra. Tony Blair said last month he would withdraw about 1,600 troops from Iraq over the coming months, and bring the number of troops to below 5,000 by late summer - if Iraqi forces secure the southern region.

Violence continued in Baghdad yesterday when a car bomb detonated in a book market killed at least 26 people.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:09 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Controlling investment in Iraq

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06 March 2007 (Gulf News)
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With considerable fanfare, Iraq's Cabinet last week announced approval of a draft law that would permit foreign investment in the nation's oil industry and provide for distribution of oil revenues among the regions and thus the country's main sectarian blocs. Details of the draft are tricky. Revenues from current oil fields are to be shared according to population. Yet no recent census has been taken. The Kurdish region in the north and the provinces can sign new oil contracts, but these must be reviewed by an independent federal committee, not yet appointed. There is concern that foreign oil companies might try to get better terms by playing the provinces against one another. But some oil experts are sceptical of the significance of the measure. "It will not mean anything on the ground," says A.F. Al Hajji, an oil economist at Ohio Northern University in Ada.

As long as Iraq suffers from political instability, major oil companies will shy away. "The situation is so bad no one in his right mind wants to go there to be attacked or nationalised a second time." Fearing the consequences, "The oil companies never supported the invasion," Dr Al Hajji adds. Iraq's oil remains important to a world highly reliant on petroleum and its byproducts. Iraq has proven reserves of 115 billion barrels and, according to Iraqi oil economist Mohammad Ali Zainy, another 215 billion to 240 billion barrels not yet proven. Some of that new oil may cost as little as $1 a barrel to extract. By comparison, Saudi Arabia has 264 billion barrels of proven reserves.

Rush to approve

Because of sabotage by insurgents, Iraqi oil production has been running at less than 2 million barrels per day, down from 2.8 million barrels before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, says Zainy, now with the Global Centre for Energy Studies in London.

To Al Hajji, the "rush" to approve the draft law reflects the need of the Iraqi government and the Bush administration to show some success‚ "even if it is as cosmetic as the new oil law." Zalmay Khalilzad, US ambassador in Iraq, stated the draft was the "first time since 2003 that all major Iraqi communities have come together on a defining piece of legislation."

Iraq's government hopes the nation's 275-member parliament will approve the draft before the end of May. The legislation will be extremely controversial. Opposition is expected from the powerful Oil Workers Union of Basra.

It staged strikes in 2005 objecting to America's plan to privatise Iraq's oil industry. A reviving Communist Party will oppose it.

Much of the Iraqi press also objects to aspects of the law. One sensitive provision allows "production sharing agreements" (PSAs) with foreign oil firms. In theory, Iraq would retain ownership and ultimate control of the oil in such a deal.

A PSA would merely grant the firm or consortium the right to explore, develop, and sell the oil, while getting a share of the oil extracted. History, however, is full of "unequal" PSAs highly favourable to oil companies and less favourable to oil nations. Zainy says that details of an oil contract are more important than whether it is called a PSA, a "production and development contract," or a service contract.

He fears "corruption, presently rampant in Iraq" could affect contracts, wasting much of the nation's main resource. During the 20th century, oil became the fulcrum of politics in the Middle East, with countries nationalise ing their oil resources and winning better oil deals.

American influence

The draft law "reverses everything that has happened in the Middle East since 1901," charges Rashid Khalidi, director of the Middle East Institute at Columbia University in New York.

Implying that American occupiers have had much influence on the measure, Khalidi asks: "Does [Vice-President] Cheney think he can stand against history?" Khalidi's latest book, "Resurrecting Empire," spells out the history of foreign exploitation of Iraqi oil, noting that resentment over "insufficient benefits" to Iraqis led to the popularity of the Baath government and nationalisation of the oil industry in 1975.

Khalidi doubts the draft law will pass parliament. "It is so manifestly against the interests of Iraq," he says. If it does, though, he doesn't expect the law to last. Presumably, an Iraq no longer occupied would seek better terms for any deal reached under the proposed law.

Al Hajji notes that contracts signed "under duress" are not legally binding. After Iran nationalised its oil industry in the 1950s, British lawyers for the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (now British Petroleum) contested the action in the International Court in the Hague and lost, despite Britain's superpower status then. In the future, Iraqi lawyers could similarly argue that any oil deal signed while Iraq was occupied was done under duress and thus was invalid.

After reading the draft law in Arabic last week, Al Hajji says, "It is so broad and loose, it has no significance."

Often, he says, nationalism in oil-rich nations rises during and after occupation by foreigners. That "will cause problems."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:17 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Turkey to invest in Iraqi oil sector

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06 March 2007 (MENAFN)
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The Turkish Energy Minister announced that the Turkish government will host discussions with US and Iraqi officials over Iraq's oil development program, Iraq Directory reported.

The objective of the meetings is to welcome Turkey to invest in the Iraqi oil sector and contribute to the development of the oil in the northern region of Iraq on the basis of the new Iraqi oil law, which the government drafted last month.

The discussions will highlight the necessity of international contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq to achieve stability in all Iraq's regions.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:19 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Trowers & Hamlins advises on USD3.8 billion purchase of a controlling stake in 'Wataniya' - Kuwait's second mobile telecoms operator

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06 March 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
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Trowers & Hamlins the international law firm is advising Qtel, Qatar's leading telecoms provider, on its USD3.8 billion acquisition of a 51 per cent stake in Kuwait's second mobile telecoms operator Wataniya (also known as the National Mobile Telecommunications Company of Kuwait) in addition to two non-Wataniya-owned stakes in Iraqi and Algerian operators forming part of the Watanaiya Group.

Wataniya has over 10 million subscribers and owns mobile telecoms assets in Algeria, Iraq, the Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia as well as Kuwait.

The controlling interest in Wataniya is being purchased from a consortium of shareholders led by Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) advised by Morgan Stanley. The financial adviser to the Qtel team was ABN AMRO.

The acquisition is the largest ever transaction of shares in a KSE listed company and is the second record breaking telecoms deal that Trowers & Hamlins' has scooped this year. Both deals were led by partner Abdullah Mutawi who is the head of the firm's new International Telecoms Team.

In January Trowers & Hamlins advised Cable & Wireless on the US $506m sale of their stake in Batelco the Bahraini telecoms company. The Batelco deal was also the largest ever transaction of shares in a Bahraini listed company and the country's largest ever telecommunications transaction.

Qtel currently operates or has key strategic mobile investments in Qatar, Oman, Singapore and Indonesia and is one of Qtar's largest publicly listed companies.

Comments Abdullah Mutawi: 'We are very proud to be involved in such a significant deal for Qtel and one which has significantly added to Qtel's rapidly expanding international footprint.'

"This deal underscores the huge appeal of emerging markets for telecoms M&A activity where massive growth potential and attractive synergies are proving to be a magnet for operators seeking to propel themselves onto the global stage. The proportion of these deals led by Middle Eastern telecoms operators is quite remarkable." Abdullah Mutawi, described the negotiations for Wataniya as 'marathon' but says that he found it incredibly satisfying to be leading the team advising on an M&A deal of this magnitude.

Adds Abdullah Mutawi: 'Working with Qtel on a number of their important projects over the past year has been an enormous pleasure. What makes this deal especially satisfying is that it really puts our International Telecoms practice on the map. I think Qtel's decision to instruct us vindicates our commitment to invest in bringing together a formidable team of specialist telecoms lawyers with both regional and international experience.'

Abdullah Mutawi was assisted by senior corporate finance associate Patrice Michaud, also based in the firm's Bahrain office.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:23 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Dollar Demand Drops Sharply in Iraq Exchange
Monday Auction Barely Reaches Half of Sunday's $68 Million
Posted 19 hr. 12 min. ago
Baghdad, March 5, (VOI) – Demand for the dollar sharply declined in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Monday, only reaching $35.555 million compared with $67.810 million on Sunday.

In its daily statement, the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $11.040 million in cash and $24.515 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,279 dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday.

Thirteen banks participated in Monday's auction and offered to sell 4 million dollars, which the Central Bank bought at 1,277 dinars per dollar.

Abdul-Razzaq al-Abaiyji, an economist, told VOI that the bids and offers made by the banks at the Central Bank's daily auction are governed by, amongst other things, the principle of supply and demand, adding that "a tick lower in the exchange rate could not have considerably affected demand for the dollar, as it sharply dropped in today's session."
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:31 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The 877 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/ 3/ 6 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1279 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 105.320.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 105.320.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $)
(www.cbiraq.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Camp Liberty Soldiers Up-Armor Humvees
Army News Service | Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown | March 06, 2007
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - As the enemy changes its tactics in warfare, the military constantly updates strategies on how to keep servicemembers safe.

At a new center on Camp Liberty, Soldiers are working hard to up-armor M1115 Humvees with the newest and highest level of protection available: Frag 5.

"We have more people outside the wire now that are needing this protection," said 1st Lt. Aaron J. Kravitz, the Frag 5 yard officer in charge of the 541st Combat Support Sustainment Battalion.

Soldiers work 12-hour shifts turning out about 10 Humvees per day, Kravitz said. Their mission is to fully strip Humvees of all prior armor, add the new Frag 5 kits and hand them back to the units as quickly as possible.

The process of giving Humvees their Frag 5 facelift is a six-step assembly-line process, Kravitz said.

"We rebuild the Humvee, kind of like a puzzle," he said. "It's an evolving process. The Humvee wasn't originally built for the mission it's doing now."

From start to finish, the process takes about 40 hours. With an augmented staff of Soldiers from different units, the shop is more productive than it was a few months ago.

"When we first started we had a small section of about 12 to 15 people," said Sgt. Kevin D. Gatlin, a quality control noncommissioned officer. Gatlin, who works the night shift, said operations shifted dramatically in October when they changed their mission from working on other levels of Frag armor, and turning out one or two vehicles per day, to working strictly with Frag 5.

They increased tempo, boosted staff and changed locations to supply safer vehicles to the battlefield. This change in mission was due to the incoming surge of Soldiers in the Baghdad area who did not have the most current armor on their vehicles, Kravitz said.

The Soldiers and civilians working at the new center are trying to ensure that all Soldiers traveling on the roads of Iraq have the most current and sophisticated safety equipment possible.

"Right now we are turning out a truck every two to three hours," Kravitz said. "We try to get it through as quick as we can because the more trucks we get out, the more trucks are out there saving people's lives."

Kravitz said he is most proud of the job he does when Soldiers come to his shop thanking him and his unit because their work saved a life.

"Just knowing that we make a difference is the best," Kravitz said. "Everybody has to do their own little part, and this is our part."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ghost Soldiers Discover Hidden Cache
Army News Service | Sgt. Paula Taylor | March 05, 2007
MOSUL, Iraq - Two Garryowen troops assigned to Ghost Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, netted one of the largest weapons caches in the Ninewa Province Feb. 9.

Located in a walled-off compound, the cache was discovered by Pfc. Ryan Kennedy and Spc. Isaiah Johnson, both infantrymen assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment.

"Our battalion got information that there was a weapons cache in one of the lots in the city," said Kennedy.

When Kennedy's platoon arrived in the suspected area, the Soldiers began taking small-arms fire from a mosque across the street. After securing the area with the help of Iraqi Army troops, the Soldiers detained 10 suspects.

"We pushed forward to continue searching another lot after another platoon moved up to secure the detainees," he said. "There were four garages and a small building with two rooms in it; one was like a tool room and the other was like a living area. We cleared the building and the garages."

After a brief search by 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Sgt. Shen O split his team up for a more comprehensive search.

"Me and Specialist Johnson went back to the room that was like a living area and started busting all the floor tiles," Kennedy said.

"We saw a sink and tried turning it on," Johnson said. "It didn't turn on. At the time, we didn't think anything of it."

The two continued busting floor tiles to see if the ground would give way. Kennedy eventually busted the inoperable sink.

"Once we broke the sink, we saw there weren't any pipes under it," Johnson explained. "The XO (executive officer) noticed there was no grout between the tiles."

"We could tell something was wrong with it because the tiles under it were real loose," Kennedy added. "I hit it with a sledgehammer and it fell through. We could clearly see some rocket-propelled grenades, bags and different types of munitions.

"We were overjoyed to find the cache. All these months we weren't finding anything. We were going on raids, searching vehicles. When we saw it, we just started yelling out, 'Hey, we found it; we found the cache!'"

After discovering the secret room beneath the sink, a member of the explosive ordnance disposal team was called into the compound to check the area for dangers. Once he deemed the area safe to enter, other troops began arriving to help remove the items.

"There was everything you could name in there," Johnson recalled. "Missiles you shoot helicopters with, grenades, mines, wiring, cell phones, tons of AK-47s and ammo. It took us several hours to get it all out. It made us feel happy finding that stuff, knowing the enemy couldn't use the weapons against us.

"It was sneaky how they had it set up, with the sink and the stove. They tried to make it look like it was a kitchen. We put the clues together and we figured it out," Johnson bragged.

The day's find included 30 blasting caps, about 250,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 25 grenade fuses, 37 high-explosive anti-tank weapons, 100 unfused grenades, one Iranian PG-7 grenade rocket, six Chinese 75mm APERS rocket fuses, 13 French 68mm SPAMV rockets, 72 rocket motors, 10 Iraqi 40mm rockets, 221 mortars, 300 various fuses, 40 pounds of propellant, 50 pounds of detonation cord, 13 PG-7 launchers, 17 AK-47 assault rifles, one Russian machine gun, two sniper rifles, one PKC machine gun, 40 million Iraqi Dinar, more than 400 fake identification cards, and various Motorola radios, including one Iraqi police radio believed to have belonged to an IP who had been previously kidnapped and subsequently killed.

"People can say I found it, but everyone was searching that day," Kennedy said. "We were all working really hard. Everyone was covered in sweat even though it wasn't that hot. It was back-breaking labor."

Fellow Soldiers also found Iraqi Dinar and fake IDs nearby.

In recognition for their part in the discovery, Johnson and Kennedy were given a 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Coin of Excellence, which was presented to them by their first sergeant.

"It was a large cache. They knew it had to be right under their feet," said 1st Sgt. Eric Volk. "These guys are very determined to have a positive impact in this area. They've got a lot of pride, and I think they feel like they've finally achieved that big step against the insurgency. I couldn't ask for any better troops than what I've got."

(Sgt. Paula Taylor writes for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.)
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 2:26 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush Seeks Funding for Extra Troops
Associated Press | March 06, 2007
WASHINGTON - The White House is ready to ask Congress for more money for President Bush's plan - already hotly debated - to send 21,500 new combat troops into Iraq.

The move would pay for support personnel and otherwise update last month's request for the Iraq war. It probably will draw criticism from Democrats who say the Pentagon had low-balled estimates of the costs of Bush's plan for improving security in Baghdad and Anbar province.

The latest request could come as early as Tuesday, modifying last month's $93.4 billion request for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through Sept. 30.

Though the changes may be relatively modest, they nonetheless are embarrassing to the White House and the Pentagon, which earlier dismissed criticism from lawmakers that the original $5.6 billion estimate for the troop buildup was too low.

Take Action: Tell your public officials how you feel about this issue.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England told the Senate Budget Committee last week that about 6,000 additional support personnel - such as headquarters staff, military police, and medical personnel - would be needed to complement the 21,500 additional combat troops.

Hours after England testified, White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten paid a rare visit to the Capitol to press Senate GOP leaders for the additional money.

The modified request was being finalized Monday, said administration and congressional aides. In addition to the money for increased troop strength, the White House will press for more dollars to battle the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan and get mine-resistant vehicles.

The request probably will come to about $2 billion. It will be accompanied by equal-sized reductions to elsewhere in the larger request, which contained money for two next-generation Joint Strike Fighters and a V-22 tilt rotor aircraft.

At the same time, lawmakers have signaled they will provide an additional $3 billion to put in place the latest round of military base closings. The military base money - cut from the president's budget when Democrats pushed through a huge spending bill last month - has the strong support of the administration.

In addition to concerns about Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq, Democrats say the Pentagon has underestimated the cost of the new mission. The $5.6 billion price covers deployment of combat troops through Sept. 30.

Typically, it takes 5,500 support troops for a 4,000 combat brigade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. But the Defense Department says the most recent addition of troops will require far fewer support troops because a sizable support infrastructure is in place in Baghdad and Anbar province.

Democrats are looking at the must-pass supplemental spending bill as a way of attaching their domestic initiatives. They include farm disaster aid, money for a children's health insurance program and improvements to levees around New Orleans.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 2:30 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I have posted a number of articles today. I hope they are informative at minimum.

Did anyone see Lindsey Graham's appearance on Meet The Press Sunday? Tim attempted to pin him on several key Democratic issues, but he showed himself to be succinct and articulate.

I am further convinced the more the U.S. invests in Iraq, the more Dinar I should by. I think we all need to pick up a few more million.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 6, 2007 2:35 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Thanks Rob N.

The articles are much appreciated.

-- March 6, 2007 6:24 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Announcement No.(878)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 878 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/ 3/ 7 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1278 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 66.260.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 66.260.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 7, 2007 3:30 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush sees 'test' for Iran, Syria, on Iraq
3/6/2007

by Olivier Knox 36 minutes ago

US President George W. Bush challenged Iran and Syria Tuesday to prove at a pair of upcoming international conferences on Iraq that they are serious about helping to quell deadly violence there.

"These meetings will be an important test. They'll be a test of whether Iran and Syria are truly interested in being constructive forces in Iraq," he said in a speech to the American Legion US veterans organization.

The conferences will also "will be a test for the international community to express its support for this young democracy, to support a nation that will be at peace with its neighbors," said Bush.

Bush was referring to Iraq's call for a March 10 conference in Baghdad grouping officials from Iraq's neighbors as well as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- and the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

The US president also noted that there would be a subsequent meeting in April of foreign ministers from around the world, including US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, to discuss Iraq's future.

Tehran said on Monday it was "not hostile" to joining its arch enemy Washington and other permanent UN Security Council members at the March 10 talks.

Iran's foreign ministry had stressed on Sunday that no direct talks were planned between Iran and the United States at the Baghdad conference.

The US ambassador in Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, said in a television interview that no decision had yet been taken on US-Iran talks at the meeting.

"We have not decided at this point with regard to anything bilateral, but we will be prepared to play our role as constructively as possible," he said.

Iran and the United States have had no diplomatic relations since Washington severed ties in 1980 in the wake of the seizure of its embassy in Tehran by Islamist students.

Any direct contacts between the two sides would mark a major break in the frozen relations, which have been marked by mutual recriminations and enmity over almost three decades.

Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of fomenting the violence in Iraq and arming Shiite extremists who have carried out deadly attacks on Iraqis and US troops. Iran vehemently denies the charges.

In his speech, Bush also took aim at opposition Democrats now in control of the US Congress over their efforts to curb the war in Iraq and even in some cases threaten to cut off funds for US military operations there.

Bush said lawmakers have "a responsibility" to pay for the war and warned against "undue interference from politicians in Washington" in the way US military commanders in Iraq "carry out their missions."

And he assailed lawmakers calling for a withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

They "seem to believe that we can have it all: That we can fight Al-Qaeda, pursue national reconciliation, initiate aggressive diplomacy, and deter Iran's ambitions in Iraq -- all while withdrawing from Baghdad and reducing our force levels," he said.

"That sounds good in theory, but doing so at this moment would undermine everything our troops have worked for," he charged.

Bush sees 'test' for Iran, Syria, on Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 7, 2007 9:01 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush says gradual progress in Iraq despite violence
3/6/2007

26 minutes ago

President George W. Bush insisted on Tuesday a new Iraq security plan is making gradual progress, despite the deaths of nine more U.S. troops and another major bomb attack.

Bush used the bulk of a speech to the American Legion veterans organization to defend his plans to deploy 21,500 more U.S. troops to Iraq aimed at taking control of and holding restive neighborhoods of Baghdad rife with sectarian violence.

Bush also said a regional conference in Baghdad next month will be "a test of whether Iran and Syria are truly interested in being constructive forces in Iraq."

The United States has agreed to attend the conference but U.S. officials have said American representatives will not have side meetings with officials from Iran and Syria.

Washington accuses Iranians of providing explosive devices to Iraqi insurgents for use against U.S. troops.

Insurgents killed 112 Shi'ite pilgrims streaming to the holy city of Kerbala in attacks across Iraq on Tuesday, including more than 70 after suicide bombers blew themselves up in a street lined with tents.

The attacks are likely to increase sectarian tensions between majority Shi'ites and Sunni Arabs that have threatened to plunge the country into all-out civil war.

The U.S. military announced on Tuesday the death of nine U.S. soldiers in two bomb attacks north of Baghdad, the deadliest day for U.S. forces since they launched the security crackdown in the capital three weeks ago.

"Iraqi and U.S. forces are making gradual but important progress almost every day and we will remain steadfast until our objectives are achieved," Bush said.

Arguing against any congressional attempt to scale back the mission, Bush said: "The mission is America's mission and our failure would be America's failure."

Bush called on lawmakers to avoid adding billions of dollars of unrelated domestic spending to a $100 billion budget request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying Congress should approve it "without strings and without delay."

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino cautioned against expecting immediate results from the security plan.

"Our commanders are not taking their eye off the ball. We are going to have unfortunate days." she said.

Bush says gradual progress in Iraq despite violence - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 7, 2007 9:03 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Were all supposed to act surprised here.....Wow a new scratchpad!!

-- March 7, 2007 7:44 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Why is the Dinar still very undervalued?

We have seen a very gradual increase in value since Nov, and some of us are jumping with joy, (me for one), and thinking this is a very great step.

Well, yes from 1475 to 1278 to 1 is indeed a significant step, 15-20 % seem like a great step as this is our nominal value that has increased.

However, if you are coming from a close to worthless, to an almost worthless currency this doesn't make much in a difference other then a slight superficial, almost cosmetic change.

If we take it from THEIR viewpoint, they have increased the value of their currency pretty much, we can see a difference.

However, if you already are so low down in the bottom of the scale that the value of the currency is almost an amplification of the bottom line, it wont matter much in the long run, unless you make a drastic currency revaluation.

Look at it from OUR viewpoint, you was able to buy 14 Dinars for ONE cant some time ago, and now we can ONLY buy 12 Dinars for ONE cent, it's still in a ridiculous low range. Almost worthless.

The value of a currency is not only determined by a country's resources, it's productivity, and how stable it is, but also how valuable that currency is IN COMPARISON with other currencies.

Lower the value of all the other currencies in the world and the Dinars will go up in value.

It's like Einstein's theory of Relativity.

If you drive a car, it is meaningless to argue whether the universe moves backwards, and you are sitting still, or that the universe is sitting still, and you move forward in it.

It's just a matter of what viewpoint you take.

Right now, the Iraqi currency is by all comparison to the buying power to any major currency very weak and have almost no to slim buying power.

From the Iraqis viewpoint they have raised it about 20% or thereabout, and that is in their eyes quite a lift.

From our viewpoint, nothing really significant has happened.

It has happened, just enough to say that it HAS happen, but the magnitude is very very small.

1475 to 1 going to 1278 to 1......from our viewpoint it is like feeding an elephant with a table fork of hey.

For them it is a magnificent 20%.

Stirling, Euro and Dollar have such a buying power that it dwarfs the Dinars buying power, ONE unit of those currencies, will get thousand or more of the Dinar currency.

The Dinar has an even higher climb to do if they want to get to the levels of the surrounding countries, in the Gulf, where an average of 1 to 3.25 is the norm.

So if they want to do that, they better get the climb going, or do a decent reval pretty quick.

Doing one point per day will take slightly more than 4 YEARS to get to get to 1 CENT = 1 Dinar.

That's the perspective we have here, before they even get on OUR board being worthy of at least ONE lousy penny.

I don't know how old you are, I guess it is an age issue, but I don't bend over for a penny any more, it's not worth bending over, and picking up.

(Dime, ok I bend over.)

I just wanted to communicate the idea that the value of the Dinar is still just in between Disney Dollar and Lala land.

The opportunity to buy more Dinars is right now, the difference in value from the time they started to climb, in Nov and now, is so insignificant, compared with the shear volume of the currency you can buy, that the situation is almost the same as before....with other words, go for it.

Get em while you can.

-- March 7, 2007 8:35 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

We'll have this thing licked, and our boys will be aboard transports on their way home, and the Dem's will still be mulling around trying to figure out what their withdraw plan is. Why don't they wake up and take a look at what's happening?

-- March 8, 2007 12:30 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Announcement No.(879)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 879 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/ 3/ 8 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 11 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1279 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 54.145.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 54.145.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 8, 2007 2:55 AM ∞

---

thor wrote:

http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic?expr2=&script=..%2Fconvert%2Fclassic&language=en&lang=en&value=1&date=03%2F07%2F07&SUBMIT=Convert%20Now&date_fmt=us&margin_fixed=0&exch2=&expr=USD&exch=IQD

this is interesting, value is alot different

-- March 8, 2007 3:02 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob N.

While I can appreciate the time and energy it takes you to post the ad infinitum articles, you are causing the flavor of this blog site to change from one of discussion to archives of articles. Can you just post the Subject matter and reference where one might read it, if interested, instead of writing out the whole dang thing?

One Sara is enough!

I don't know where you 2 get the time.....

I truly miss the dialogue and the expression of ideas that used to be the main attraction of this site.

IT IS SOOOOOOO BORING NOW! Even more boring than watching the Dinar doing nothing more than gaining cob webs in my safe!

Valerio,

Thanks for your explaination of the zero looping. I got it now! Thanks!

Roger,
The next time you are ready to buy more Dinar, would you first consider a deal of a lifetime----I have some ocean front property in Wyoming, I am selling ---cheap!??

Carole

-- March 8, 2007 9:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Minister of Finance authorized to sign agreements

The government’s official spokesman, Ali Addabagh, said that the Cabinet decided to ratify the Convention of debt reduction signed with Paris Club during its tenth regular session.

Addabagh explained in a press statement that the Cabinet authorized the Minister of Finance, Baqir Jabr Al-Zubaydi, to sign all the executive agreements of the Convention and signing the agreements of reducing and reorganization Iraqi debt with Switzerland and Germany, as well as writing-off Iraq's debts with Romania.

Al-Zubaidi said: "the ministry responsible for the debt settlement and the signing of loan agreements is the Ministry of Finance, while the ministry responsible for grants is the Ministry of Planning, "pointing out that his ministry and his government are working actively to resolve the Iraqi debt issue once and for all.

The Minister of Finance said that his country is committed to the International Monetary Fund under the Convention that imposes on Iraq making economic reforms like raising the prices of oil derivatives, while the IMF is committed to supporting Iraq in the reduction of 80% of its debt, and that what has been done during the past three years.

He disclosed that one of the conditions of the International Monetary Fund is: "raising the added subsidy" on oil derivatives.

He said that "Iraq obtained important loans from Iran and Japan," saying that two agreements were signed this year: the first was with Iran, which provided a long-term loan of one billion dollars, over forty years; it is a "facilitated loan" because no interests will be paid during the first ten years. The second agreement was with Japan, which provided a loan of 3.5 billion dollars; it is a facilitated loan also, in addition to obtaining 500 million dollars from the International Bank.

Source: Iraqdirectory.com
(www.dinartrade.com)

-- March 8, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Wall Street drools over prospect of capturing Iraq oil wealth

The Iraqi cabinet’s adoption last week of a law creating the legal framework for turning over the country’s oil wealth to American corporations has touched off a chorus of salutes from the Bush administration, congressional Democrats and the corporate-controlled American media.

Perhaps the crassest expression of money-grubbing glee came in the Wall Street Journal, which published an article March 4 celebrating the unlocking of untold riches, including “dozens of untouched oil fields loaded with proven reserves and scores of exploration blocks that may prove a magnet to international oil companies.”

The draft law lists 51 oil fields, 27 in production and the balance with proven reserves, as well as 65 exploration blocks. The fallow fields and exploration blocks are located in every region of the country, while the working fields are concentrated in the northern region around Kirkuk and in the southern region near the border with Kuwait. Citing a cabinet document, the Journal reported that “Iraqi officials must first agree to the framework of contracts to be used when negotiating with foreign oil companies by March 15 if the country’s draft hydrocarbons law is to be submitted to parliament for its approval.”

The draft law calls for reviewing and renegotiating contracts with Russian, French and Chinese oil producers, signed under Saddam Hussein. These countries, which initially opposed the US invasion, are expected to be cut out of any lucrative oil deals in favor of American and British companies.

The government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki endorsed the draft law February 26, after months of bitter conflicts among the representatives of rival bourgeois factions within Iraq—Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite—over the terms of the deal. Approval is likely in the Iraqi parliament, although not certain, as news of the agreement is sure to provoke widespread popular outrage over the sell-off of the country’s most valuable resource.

The cabinet conflict revolved around two related issues: Kurdish determination to hold onto Kirkuk, a city of mixed Arab, Kurdish and Turkomen population that is the center of the northern branch of Iraq’s oil industry; and the Sunni demand for revenue-sharing at the national rather than regional level, since the proven oil reserves are largely in the Shiite and Kurdish populated areas, with relatively little in the central and western provinces where most Sunnis live.

Neither issue was completely settled, but the formula agreed upon under heavy pressure from outgoing US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, who reportedly dictated the final terms, provides rather more concessions to the Sunnis, largely at the expense of the Kurds.

In public, the Bush administration and congressional leaders of both parties have cited the working out of inter-ethnic compromises as the main purpose of the oil legislation. In reality, however, the Bush administration sought an agreement on whatever terms it could impose, so that the Iraqi oil industry could be placed on legal foundations suitable for opening it up to foreign (and largely American) capital.

Source: Bay Area Indymedia
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,
Rob N.

-- March 8, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U-turn as US tries to revive Iraq state industry
By Steve Negus

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

08 March 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
Four US Blackhawk helicopters come in low over a sprawling automotive plant near the town of Iskandariya, south of Baghdad. The complex is a mess, strewn with jumbled railway cars and fields of broken concrete.

But amid the decay sits a line of newly painted police cars freshly out of the factory's workshops, evidence that this plant - once a flagship of Iraqi heavy industry but virtually shut down after the 2003 US-led invasion - is getting back on its feet.

The helicopters unload a team from the US Department of Defense and several dozen US businessmen from defence, manufacturing and other companies. They are part of a push to reinvigorate the Iraqi public sector, an idea that emerged in Washington as post-invasion plans to dismantle the state sector and create a model of economic liberalism in the Arab world gave way to the necessity of fighting an entrenched insurgency.

Factories once seen as deadweights are now considered - at least by the US - a potential source of work for hundreds of thousands of Iraq's unemployed and an opportunity to drain the militias' recruiting pool.

Members of the defence department team say that in the middle of last year, the State Company for Automotive Industries at Iskandariya was overgrown with weeds, the employees despondent. Today, it is producing armoured buses - a contract given by the US military to jumpstart the business - in addition to smaller contracts, such painting police cars.

Only 1,000 of the 5,000 workers listed as employed at the plant are in full-time work. A plant that the management says could roll out six to 10 buses a day is only assembling five a month.

The factories were built in the 1970s, part of the industrialisation campaign led by the regime's then-number two, Saddam Hussein.

The SCAI specialised in assembling buses from parts provided by Sweden's Scania. During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war it built armoured trucks and missile launch platforms. After the Gulf war and the imposition of sanctions, the factory became a jack of all trades, even dabbling in oil refining.

But though state-owned heavy industry may have been an engine of Iraq's prewar economy, it was financially a burden, annually billions of dollars in the red.

The US-led Coalition Provisional Authority, which ran the country after the invasion, slated the factories for privatisation and slashed their subsidies.

"The initial approach . . . was a rapid disempowerment of state-owned industry, in an expectation that in a secure stable environment private industry would quickly emerge," says Paul Brinkley, deputy undersecretary of defence for business transformation.

The Americans say this model has seen at least partial success in regions such as eastern Europe, but in Iraq it was a flop.

CPA policy - combined with electrical shortages and the purge of technocrats who held high rank in the former ruling Ba'ath party - may have "disempowered" the sector, but no factories were sold and no private sector capable of employing anywhere near the sector's 500,000 workers emerged.

Soon, the US military was facing Sunni guerillas and a Shia militia movement. It became convinced economic desperation pushed many Iraqis to become the insurgency's foot soldiers.

Local commanders began to eye the vast, idle industrial complexes as a means to drain the recruiting pool of their opponents, while senior officers pushed for job creation to be considered a key means of combating the insurgency. Iraq's coalition government still has the factories slated for privatisation, but the Americans are trying to get the plants running in the meantime.

Mr Brinkley was put in charge of a taskforce that is touring Iraq's factories to introduce potential clients and partners. But managers at Iskandariya say the policy is meeting resistance from the Iraqi government itself.

The Shia Islamists who run most ministries may be shunning the state factories because they were too closely associated with the old regime. Contracts for vehicles are going abroad, or to the private sector. One senior manager says: "We export oil, we buy goods, but we're not employing people here."
(www.iraqudates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 8, 2007 10:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I respectively disagree with you. Yes, I post a number of articles. Primarily, pieces relevant to the economic and political development of Iraq; specifically, as it relates to the Dinar.

I think your concerns about this blog are unwarranted. You are still free to discuss any topic at will. I do not understand how the information I share impedes your ability to share your own thoughts. Though I post several articles, Roger seems to be able to post his comments about the Dinar being undervalued without any obstruction.

Granted, the discussion of late has been less than stellar. I have not seen postings from Okie, Lance, Taxmama, and others in a long time. I doubt articles related to our investment have driven them away.

Let the posting and dicussion continue.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 8, 2007 10:44 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

Thank you so much for the informative articles you post.
Don't be discouraged - it is much appreciated by some of us!!
I know how difficult it is to wade through the plethora of information out there
and find the ones which impact Iraq and our investment.
Please keep up the good work!
And Thank You! :)

Roger - Bored?? Ready for a religious discussion?
(Just kidding.. I think. ;) )
I am in the midst of one off board and I have been
giving my attention to it lately.
Working on a discussion on the Big Bang..
worth posting and getting a lively discussion going?
Oh, also.. my computer lost its hard drive..
that takes time to resolve, too.

Sara.

-- March 8, 2007 11:08 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

US Military Commander in Iraq says Security is Top Priority
By VOA News 08 March 2007

The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus, says his top priority is to provide security for Iraqis and that the buildup of American forces will continue.

General Petraeus was speaking Thursday at his first news conference in Baghdad since taking over command last month.

Petraeus said since coalition forces began a security crackdown in Baghdad three weeks ago, mostly Sunni Arab insurgents have sought to intensify attacks, which are aimed at provoking a civil war between the country's Shi'ite and Sunni communities.

He noted some positive developments, saying several insurgent cells have been destroyed and their leaders captured.

He said the number of sectarian killings in Baghdad has also gone down. But added that it is "critical" for Iraq's political leaders to halt any drift toward sectarian conflict.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates Wednesday approved General Petraeus' request for 2,200 more military police to help deal with an expected rise in detainees during the security crackdown.

The extra police are in addition to the 21,000 combat troops and 2,400 support troops being sent to Iraq as part of President Bush's Baghdad security plan.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-08-voa10.cfm

-- March 8, 2007 11:10 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Top US General Says Iraqis Want Baghdad Security Plan to Work
By Al Pessin 07 March 2007

The top U.S. military officer says there are indications that the Iraqi people want the new Baghdad security plan to work, but he and Defense Secretary Robert Gates both also said that while the plan is going well so far, it is too early to predict success. VOA's Al Pessin reports from the Pentagon.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, told a Pentagon news conference that although large-scale bombings have increased in and around Baghdad in recent weeks, he is encouraged that smaller-scale attacks have decreased.

"The murders between Sunni and Shi'ia are down," said General Pace. "The numbers of bombs that have gone off killing large numbers has gone up. With just those few data points, it means to me potentially that the Iraqi people do want to stop killing each other, but that the al-Qaida wants to find ways to get them to start killing each other again."

General Pace said he only has those two bits of information, but he was encouraged by what he sees so far.

At the same news conference, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said there are some "very preliminary positive signs" in the early stages of implementing the Baghdad security plan, and the increase in bombings did not surprise him.

"I think that we expected that there would, in the short term, an increase in violence as the surge began to make itself felt, as the Baghdad security plan began to be implemented," said Secretary Gates.

Secretary Gates said the Iraqi government continues to meet its commitments in the security operation's early stages, but he said no one is getting "too enthusiastic" because this is still the "very beginning" of the effort.

President Bush announced the new Baghdad security plan in January, including an increase of 21,500 U.S. troops.

General Pace said a goal set last year to hand over all Iraqi provinces to local control by the end of this year is still realistic, although the insurgents could affect the process. He said three of Iraq's 18 provinces have already been put under local control, and three more are nearly ready. He said the process is on track, under the supervision of an Iraqi government committee.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-07-voa74.cfm

-- March 8, 2007 11:15 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Top U.S. Commander Says More Troops Will Be Sent
BAGHDAD, March 8, 2007

(CBS/AP) Petraeus stressed that military force alone is "not sufficient" to end the violence in Iraq and political talks must eventually include some militant groups now opposing the U.S.-backed government.

"This is critical," Petraeus said in his first news conference since taking over command last month. He noted that such political negotiations "will determine in the long run the success of this effort."

The Pentagon has pledged 17,500 combat troops to the capital. Petraeus has said the full contingent should not be in place until early June. He declined to say how many U.S. forces will be deployed to Diyala, which the group al Qaeda in Iraq has made one its main staging grounds.

CBS News chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan reports that Petraeus did not put a time limit on how long the additional troops may remain in Iraq, but he said they're likely to be there "beyond the summer."

Maj. Gen. John Batiste (Ret.), a CBS News military analyst, said on The Early Show that the problem is not a failure of the military to do its job. "Our military is fantastic," he said. "We have not set our military up for success. We're not firing on all cylinders, diplomatically, economically and politically.

Citing the still-unfolding debacle surrounding war veterans' hospitals, Batiste lashed out at what he described as "six years of insufficient military funding."

"We need to mobilize this country. They need to understand the what and the why, and what happens if we fail," he said.

In other developments:

- The Pentagon has approved a request by the new U.S. commander in Iraq for an extra 2,200 military police to help deal with an anticipated increase in detainees during the Baghdad security crackdown, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said. Gates also cited early indications that the Iraqi government is meeting the commitments it made to bolster security, although he cautioned that it was too early to reach any firm conclusions about the outcome.

- House Democratic leaders intend to propose legislation requiring the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq by the fall of 2008, and even earlier if the Iraqi government fails to meet security and other goals, congressional officials said. The conditions, described as tentative until presented to the Democratic rank and file, would be added to legislation providing nearly $100 billion the Bush administration has requested for fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the officials said late Wednesday.

- Violence across Iraq Wednesday left about 90 people dead. The deadliest attack, a cafe bombing northeast of Baghdad killed more than 30 people. According to a police officer, a suicide bomber detonated the explosive in a cafe in Bala Ruz. In addition to the 30 killed, dozens were injured.

Hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims have been streaming by bus, car and foot toward the holy city of Karbala, about 50 miles south of Baghdad, for annual religious rituals that begin Friday.

Petraeus said U.S. forces are ready to help provide additional security for the pilgrims if asked by Iraqi authorities.

"It is an enormous task to protect all of them and there is a point at which if someone is willing to blow up himself ... the problem becomes very, very difficult indeed," he said.

But Petraeus added that he saw no role for the powerful Shiite militia known as the Mahdi Army, which had sent out fighters to guard the pilgrimage in the past two years.

He said "extremist elements" in the militia have been engaged in "true excesses" in the past — an apparent reference to suspected gangs carrying out targeted killings against Sunnis.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/08/iraq/main2546422.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_2546422

-- March 8, 2007 11:29 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

I think it is worthwhile keeping an eye on anything which
could affect the global scene..
and thus.. our Iraqi interest in Dinar.
So... just a note:

US Defense Secretary Says China Is Not Strategic Threat
By Al Pessin 08 March 2007

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday he does not consider China a strategic threat, in spite of the country's sharply rising defense spending and capability. Still, the top U.S. military officer says the United States must be prepared to respond to any threat that develops.

Secretary Gates told a news conference China's rising military spending does not by itself represent a threat, unless it is accompanied by an intention to confront the United States.

"I do not see China, at this point, as a strategic adversary of the United States," said Robert Gates. "It's a partner in some respects. It's a competitor in other respects. And so we are simply watching to see what they're doing."

Secretary Gates repeated U.S. calls for more transparency in China's defense budget, which he said is likely larger than the official figure. China has announced an 18 percent increase in its official defense spending, the largest in a series of large annual increases.

At the same news conference, the top U.S. military officer, General Peter Pace, said even though it is not clear what China intends to do with its growing military capability, the United States needs to be ready.

"When you see the global capacity growing in any area, we need to make sure that the United States' military is capable of handling any threat that might develop, without regard to current intent, which is why, in the budget, when you look at it, there is not only the money for continuing the global war on terror, but also ensuring that we have the air force we need, the navy we need, and all the things we need for conventional battles," said said General Pace.

General Pace said it is important that any potential U.S. adversary not think the United States is too busy with the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan to respond to any other threat. He said the U.S. military is committed to maintaining the ability to, in his words, "over match" the capability of any potential adversary.

Earlier Wednesday, the top U.S. commander in the Pacific, Admiral William Fallon said China's recent test of an anti-satellite weapon is "clearly" aimed at countering U.S. military systems, which rely heavily on satellites for surveillance and communications. But other U.S. officials have said the U.S. military has plenty of back-up systems, and more are being developed, some of which do not rely on satellites.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-08-voa1.cfm

-- March 8, 2007 11:41 AM ∞

---

pat wrote:

Any new news on when the dinar might go the exchange ?

-- March 8, 2007 1:15 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Rob. N
Speaking as someone who has only a limited time to get net access most days I have to say that I truly appreciate your posts.
Most days i am limited to logging on, check exchange rate, check e-mails, check T & B, log off. So to someone like myself who does not have time to trawl through endless sites, your posts are a major source for me keeping up with what is really happening in Iraq. I would much rather read your posts, than read posts of people banging on about religion. If I get invited to the pig roast I will be buying you many beers.

As someone who mostly sits on the sidelines and hardly ever posts, I must also say that the discussion aspect of this blog is also very important and also entertaining to those of us who view from the shadows. I therefore believe that there is adequate space for informative posts, and discussion type posts, to harmoniously co-exist on this blog.

Roger,
If we ever meet I will gladly try to educate you in the finer points of the game of cricket. However I do doubt whether anyone from your side of the pond, will ever be able to get their head around a sport which, in it's longest format, can end with two teams leaving the field of play after 5, yes five, DAYS play with the game tied. No sudden death, no shootouts, no extra innings, the teams go home with no winners and no losers. In an international test series there is normally 5 tests. So you can have 25 glorious days of cricket ending with a tied series.

-- March 8, 2007 3:36 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Carol,
Your right, the board has changed somewhat, but i don't think it's because of Rob N.'s cut and paste articles. It's evident that many appreciate the reading, even though we all can check the articles at dinartrader ourselves just as easy. I think it's more about the absence of the commentators, story tellers, and intellectuals we previously enjoyed. That is what made this site special. This absense is partly due to the increase in the movement of the dinar and Iraq, and partly because these discussions were offensive to those who are looking for news. I think there's a need for both. I like the news, but myself I don't need all the stuffing. Most of the news articles could be reduced to a few sentences, and still be effective to the benifit of this board. I like it when we are speaking when we are posting on this site. Communicating with each other as real people, and when we come together at the roast we will have something to talk about, and if things need settled we will have a ring there with some of those giant boxing gloves for that.

-- March 8, 2007 4:36 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Carol,
Your right, the board has changed somewhat, but I don't think it's because of Rob N.'s cut and paste articles. It's evident that many appreciate the reading, even though we all can check the articles at dinartrader ourselves just as easy. I think it's more about the absence of the commentators, story tellers, and intellectuals we previously enjoyed. That is what made this site special. This absense is partly due to the increase in the movement of the dinar and Iraq, and partly because these discussions were offensive to those who are looking for news. I think there's a need for both. I like the news, but myself I don't need all the stuffing. Most of the news articles could be reduced to a few sentences, and still be effective to the benifit of this board. I like it when we are speaking when we are posting on this site. Communicating with each other as real people, and when we come together at the roast we will have something to talk about, and if things need settled we will have a ring there with some of those giant boxing gloves for that.

-- March 8, 2007 4:37 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Thank you for your encouraging comments. In my opinion, I disagree with Secretary Gates. I perceive China as a great threat to the American way of life.

Our dominance in the world is being challenged on two fronts by the Peoples Republic of China. Fron one is an economic challenge.

Since the U.S. chooses to produce little to no steel or textiles we are uncomfortably dependant upon the whole of Asia especially China for these types of products. It is time to reclaim our independence from China and begin manufacturing these items once again in the U.S.A..

Unfortunately, America has not learned from history. As long as the colonists imported most goods, they were subject to the foreign powers who supplied them. Globalization and America's failure to produce manufactured goods could lead us to where the colonists were over 200 years ago. It is a cliche, but history can repeat itself.

The other front where China is challenging our dominance is militarily. An 18% increase in military spending by the Chinese is a big deal. Our military has seen continued cuts beginning with George Herbert Walker Bush and William Jefferson Clinton. Because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has the readiness of the military come back into vogue.

To maintain a readiness and keep our advantage the next President must be willing to increase military spending to that of Ronald Reagan's administration. Furthermore, it is time for the American military institute a four year mandatory tour of duty for this nations young people.

It is time to take the Chinese and their military seriously. In my opinion, once China's military has enough confidence to do so they will seek to reclaim Taiwan, hence an American/Chinese war. We are not ready.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 8, 2007 5:49 PM ∞

---

DALE wrote:

CHELSEADAVE,
I went to South Africa for a couple of months in 98& 99, the springboks were playing the West Indies in the Crciket World Cup, I watched every game & ate it up. Loved the game.
A guy I met was a semiprofessional bowler, so he took me to a practice facility & showed this old Yankee that hitting a baseball is far easier than a cricket ball bounced & curved at a high rate of speed.

-- March 8, 2007 5:52 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I read an interesting article today in Success Magazine about the history of currency; specifically the American currency.

In 1775 the Continental Congress issues per-Revolutionary money, the Continential. Now for the interesting factoid. In 1777 the Continental inflates to the point that shoes costs $5,000.00 and a full suit over $1,000,000.

Though this has nothing to do with the Dinar directly, I thought it to be an interesting symbol of where we hope the Dinar never rises. Can anyone say, HYPERINFLATION?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 8, 2007 6:00 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Rob N.
I appreciated that comment about China.
I believe that such concern is warranted as well.
I'll stick to politics for now.. religion is too controversial.

Sara.

-- March 8, 2007 10:56 PM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

Sara: With your work on the "big bang" theory, please let us in on it when you get it prepared. I, for one, am very interested in how this bang could work. I've heard many ideas on the subject but very few made any sense.

Rob N: You are on the right track in being concerned about China. They have the technology, money and manpower to mount a powerful offensive against us. Taiwan is the sore spot with them and we are commited to protecting Taiwan, so eventually the fur will fly and we must be prepared.

I am not impressed with what I see going on in Iraq. It appears to me that our troops are attempting to perform with so many restraints that they are ineffective. They are providing target practice for the terrorists. I see very little of terrorists being killed but everyday I see many American soldiers, Iraqi citizens, soldiers and policemen killed. Why are we not locating those terrorist cells and killing them? They have to be making those bombs somewhere and we should be locating those sites rather than 50 soldiers charging a building looking for something.

The American people have got to start seeing some results.
The polls indicate that support for what is going on in Iraq is in the 20% area. We have got to turn these troops loose and let them start killing some terrorist even if there is collaterial damage.

We have also got to say "to hell" with what the Iraqi people think until we get things under control and then let them screw it up again.

-- March 8, 2007 10:58 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Neil: I think you missed the between the lines when I said that we can now use artillery again. You see, due to wind, etc, you never are quite certain where that first shot is going to land. Now, our boys are good and rarely miss by much, but that first shot is usually a guid for the barage that follows seconds later. From what I am seeing and hearing from my buddies, the gloves are off - at least around my base. A lot has happened recently that has not hit the news. My friend is in Sadr City. The area where they are has goen from almost 200 murders a month to about 10. He lost 2 soldiers in the first week (about a month ago) and has not lost one since. We have targeted death squad and Al-Qaeda leaders and are now getting local support. We have lists, often mentioned by the Generals, that tell our guys who to go after. Mosques are no longer off-limits if we have good reason to go there. Most of the time, Iraqi soldiers handle those but we can enter if we have good reason to. The rules of engagement have been changed to pretty much - apply as much force as needed. I won't say our military is in full click but I've heard some nice uses of technology and man-power. The changes have been drastic. According to my buddy in the transportation company, the roads are no longer lined with IEDs. My base is no longer getting attacked every couple days. From my perspective, I don't know if this is the end to our problems but it has put a nice dent in our current issues.

-- March 9, 2007 2:00 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Baghdad conference a chance to stabilize Iraq - British ambassador

The British ambassador to Iraq said on Thursday that the upcoming conference in Baghdad, next Saturday, will be a chance for Iraq's neighboring countries to end their support of armed groups, which aim to foil the ongoing political process.

"The conference will be a chance for the Iraqi government to show its policies and ability to its neighboring countries," Dominic Asquith told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

"It is a chance to solve all problems," he added.

"Preserving Iraq's security and stability is something that concerns all neighboring countries," the ambassador noted.

Regarding Iran's problems with the U.S. and Britain, the ambassador noted that the conference will only tackle Iraq's problems, "and all countries have to realize the importance of cooperation for achieving peace and security in Iraq."

He stressed that "Iran must stop providing armed groups with weapons, which are being used in attacks against Multi-National forces."

"All neighboring countries have to realize that they are dealing with a legitimate and sovereign government," he noted, highlighting that the presence of Multi-National forces in Iraq is due to Iraqi government's desire for their presence.

He also refused to comment on the incursion, a few days ago, by British forces into an intelligence building in Basra belonging to the Iraqi interior ministry.

However he acknowledged a disagreement between the political parties in Basra and other southern provinces and the British forces.

Iraqi army troops and British forces, at dawn on Sunday, stormed the intelligence headquarters in Basra, 600km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, and freed more than 30 captives there.

The conference is to be held in Baghdad, with the participation of Iraq's neighboring countries, Egypt, Bahrain, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Arab League and the Security Council's five permanent members, to seek a means of restoring regional stability.

The conference also seeks to lend support to the ongoing political process in Iraq.

Source: Voices of Iraq
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 9, 2007 9:42 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

CNPC seen regaining oil exploration rights to Iraq's al-Ahdab field

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

BEIJING, 09 March 2007 (AFX News Limited)
Print article Send to friend
China National Petroleum Corp, the parent of PetroChina Co Ltd (HK 0857), is expected to obtain new exploration rights to the al-Ahdab oil field in Iraq, CNPC-owned China Oilnews said.

Assem Jihad, a spokesman for the Iraqi Oil Ministry, was quoted as saying that CNPC officials arrived in Iraq on March 6 to negotiate a new contract to jointly develop al-Ahdab.

After China won exploration rights to al-Ahdab in 1997, activities at the field were suspended due to UN sanctions and postwar security problems.

The field has projected reserves of up to one bln barrels, it said.

The 1997 contract was valued at 700 mln usd over 23 years. Planned oil production was 90,000 barrels per day.

In February, the Iraqi Cabinet approved a draft Oil Law aimed at encouraging international companies to exploit the country's petroleum reserves, estimated at about 115 bln barrels.

The legislation is pending approval from parliament, it said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 9, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Byblos Bank plans Iraq expansion from Kurdish North

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

09 March 2007 (Financial Express)
Print article Send to friend
Byblos Bank, Lebanon’s third-largest lender, will open a branch in Iraq next month using the safety of the Kurdish north as a platform for expansion into a country that holds 10% of the world’s oil reserves.
“Iraq is very important, there is huge potential there,’’ chairman Francois Bassil, 72, said in an interview in his office in Beirut March 6. Byblos will open its branch in Arbil, capital of the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, because it’s more secure than other parts of the country, he said.

Baghdad is the focus of a security crackdown that began last month involving additional U.S. and Iraqi personnel to combat a growing insurgency and stop a full-scale civil war between majority Shiite and minority Sunni Muslims. The Kurdish region, which follows its own constitution while remaining loyal to a national government in Baghdad, has so far avoided the worst of Iraq’s ethnic conflict.

Iraq’s minority ethnic Kurds, persecuted during Saddam Hussein’s rule, maintain a pro-US, self-governing administration for the region of more than 6 million people that borders Iran, Turkey and Syria.

Benefiting from high oil prices and foreign aid, the region’s economy is growing at more than 6 percent a year and may expand 10% or more over the next two years, according to Empire Holdings, an Iraqi property developer building offices, malls and a five-star hotel in Arbil.

The Kurdish region has “fewer security issues’’ than the rest of Iraq ``and more economic activity linked to its proximity to Turkey,’’ said Monica Malik, economist for Standard Chartered Plc in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Byblos Bank, which has about $6.2 billion of deposits, plans to start in Iraq by financing trade and infrastructure projects. It also aims to become an intermediary for Iraqi banks trying to do business overseas, Bassil said.

A total 27 domestic banks operate in Iraq, seven of them state-owned, the Central Bank of Iraq says on its web site.

HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe’s biggest bank by market value, in 2005 said it won regulatory approval to buy 75% o Baghdad-based Dar el-Salaam Investment Bank as a means to return to Iraq for the first time since Iraq’s banks were nationalized in 1964.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 9, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Pat:

I think the Dinar reaching the foreign exchange market while the World Bank and IMF are directing monetary policy in Iraq is unlikely.

Once Iraq has met all of the IMF and World Bank criteria in conjuntion with producing a significant amount of oil we may finally see a free floating exchange rate.

While Iraq is making progress toward meeting the benchmarks set by both the IMF and World Bank, they are still sometime away from a free floating currency.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 9, 2007 11:48 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq: U.S. Raids Kill Suspected Militant
The Associated Press
Friday, March 9, 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- U.S. forces killed one suspected militant and captured 16 others in raids across Iraq on Friday morning, the military said.

Among those detained was an alleged al-Qaida operative who worked in the group's media operation, the military said in a statement. The man was captured along with seven others northeast of Karmah, 50 miles west of Baghdad.

The seven were believed to be part of an al-Qaida courier network, the statement said.

Nearby in Fallujah, 40 miles west of Baghdad, U.S. troops captured two men accused of helping foreign fighters come to Iraq, it said.

And in Mosul, American forces arrested an alleged al-Qaida suspect believed to be responsible for kidnappings, beheadings and suicide attacks, the statement said. Five other suspects were detained there, and one was killed, it said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/09/AR2007030900192.html

-- March 9, 2007 12:58 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraqi PM tours Baghdad streets before meeting
March 9, 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq’s prime minister strolled Baghdad’s streets and visited police checkpoints Friday to showcase security ahead of an international conference aimed at stabilizing the war-torn country with help from its neighbors.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki toured a neighborhood and chatted with people, one of his advisers said. Security was heightened across Baghdad as international envoys prepared to arrive for Saturday’s conference, which would be held at Iraq’s Foreign Ministry just outside the heavily fortified Green Zone.

“Additional security measures have been taken to protect the officials participating in the conference and to secure the location of the meeting,” said Brig. Abdul-Karim Khalaf, an Interior Ministry spokesman.

U.S. forces, meanwhile, killed a suspected militant and captured 16 others in raids across Iraq, the military said. Among those detained were a man accused of working in al-Qaida’s media wing and another believed to be responsible for kidnappings, beheadings and suicide attacks.

Preparations for major summit

In Cairo, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the foreign minister for Arab affairs, Hani Khalaf, would lead his country’s delegation to Baghdad on Saturday.

“Egypt will provide all possible aid to help the Iraqi people build its national institutions and rebuild the country,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

David Satterfield, the top State Department adviser on Iraq, spoke to reporters in Washington before leaving for Baghdad, where he would lead the U.S. delegation.

“Iraq needs support not just from us, not just from our coalition partners, but it needs broader support from its neighbors, from the region, from the international community,” he said. “We see the neighbors conference...as a significant step in that process.”

Saturday’s meeting would be “a process, not just a one-off event,” Satterfield said.

“It is a process which allows them to articulate directly to their neighbors...what they are doing and what they are pledged to do in the future on security, on political progress, on economics,” he said.

The conference came a day after the new commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, told reporters in Baghdad that military force alone was “not sufficient” to end the conflict.

“Military action is necessary to help improve security ... but it is not sufficient,” Petraeus said. “A political resolution of various differences...of various senses that people do not have a stake in the successes of Iraq and so forth — that is crucial. That is what will determine, in the long run, the success of this effort.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17533172/

-- March 9, 2007 1:11 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Democrats and Bush head for Iraq showdown
March 9, 2007

The Bush administration and the Democratic party squared up for what could turn into a bitter constitutional showdown over a congressional plan unveiled on Thursday that is designed to force the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by 2008.

Senior administration officials said the president would "vehemently oppose" and "ultimately veto" the Democratic party's Iraq withdrawal plans. The plans took two months to hammer out and may still unravel over differences between moderate and liberal factions in the party.

The Democratic proposal, presented on Capitol Hill, will be attached to a $100bn Iraq and Afghanistan war funding measure that the House will vote on this month. The proposal is designed to force withdrawal of all US combat forces from Iraq by August 2008 at the latest and as soon as the end of 2007 should the Iraqi government fail to meet performance benchmarks.

"It would unnecessarily handcuff our generals on the ground, and it's safe to say it's a non-starter for the president," said Dan Bartlett, a senior counsellor to George W. Bush. "This is a political compromise in the Democratic caucus of the House, aimed at bringing comedy to their internal politics, not reflective of the conditions on the ground in Iraq."

Democrats have attached "sweeteners" to the proposal to help win Republican moderates, including higher levels of funding for US military veterans and US army medical centres. It also includes another $1.2bn for fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, which Democrats say is the true epicentre of the "war on terror".

John Boehner, House Republican leader, on Thursday said his party would strongly oppose the measure, which it claimed would undercut US forces on the ground in Iraq at precisely the moment when Mr Bush's 21,500 Iraq troop "surge" is under way.

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=FT&Date=20070309&ID=6591788

-- March 9, 2007 1:20 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Are you still thinking June for some type of RV?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 9, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Sara,

Maybe I didn't phrase what I was getting at very well, or perhaps you misunderstood my point.

Primariy I was trying to encourage Rob.N, as were you, that his research and posts were appreciated by some, if not all the people on this blog, and that his efforts were not in vain.

In my opinion, his posts are far more relevant to what we are all here for, than some other topics covered in posts and discussions. But thats all it is, my opinion. If I am not so interested in other topics I can scroll past.

Likewise if other people are not interested in Rob.N's posts, they can scroll past. But Rob should not be discouraged from making his posts.

I do not wish to discourage you from making your religious posts. I am not a religious person myself, but reading your posts shows me that you are deeply religious, and that you obviously get a lot of comfort and strength from your faith. I feel happy for you for that. Maybe one day I will get religion, although I'm not holding my breath on that one. The fact that we all have different interests and beliefs is obviously what makes life such a wonderful and interesting experience.

So my point is that people should be able to post informative posts and to discuss what is important to them, without getting grief. In my opinion Rob.N did not deserve any grief.

If my comments caused you offence, I apologise.

Dale,
I'm glad to hear you got to appreciate the game of cricket, and that you got to face a few balls and know that it isn't as easy as it looks. Now we just have to persuade Roger as to the merits of the game.

I spent 6 months travelling the continent of Africa in the early 90's. I saw most of northern, western and some of central Africa. Unfortunately I ran out of money and couldn't make it all the way down to South Africa. When the dinar comes in I'll be going back to finish my trip.
The main thing that lives with me from my African experience is the number of people you meet who have absolutely nothing. Not a penny to their name, living in squalor and often having to walk miles just to get fresh water. And yet they are happy. Always smiling.
So whenever the daily grind of working to pay the bills and keeping my children clothed and fed, and keeping the revenue off my back,starts getting to me, I remember those people in Africa and remember just how fortunate I am. If they can smile when they have nothing, then I have no reason to stop being happy.

-- March 9, 2007 5:12 PM ∞

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DALE wrote:

CHELSEADAVE,
If your looking for someone to travel Africa with, Let me know thats one of my to do list when the dinar ship comes in.

-- March 9, 2007 6:30 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

As I Stated Several Months Ago...
COVERT...COVERT...COVERT..COVERT..
If you want to achieve things quickly...move within the shadows out of the limelight of the press and public...
Events Recently indicate certain things are happening... The top Iranian Nuclear Scientist ended up dying of a mysterious gas death...a Iranian General recently disappeared..and it now appears he defected..Sadr fled to Iran..I am sure because a little bird told him his feathers were about to plucked...Probably the Iraqi PM with the CIA supporting it...Now! the Arab League is taking a stand against Iran and insurgency within Iraq...other insurgency leaders are being turned in and now being captured..
Yep! finally progress being made...actually the Democrats in their own way by putting pressure on the Bush Administration, caused Bush to put intense pressure on the Iraqi leaders...the end result is positive movement.
The dinar keeps improving in value..however, don't look for the dinar to go on the FX until 2008. This is when Iraq is predicted to mean the IMF and World Bank Guidelines...
But then again...the WILDCARD is still in play...and can upset the game at any time..

-- March 9, 2007 8:42 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Carl.. good insight! Glad to have you back. :)

As for June, Rob N.. it still looks possible to me that we are in a timeframe for a real RV of the Dinar sometime between now and the end of June. As Carl said, there are wildcards out there, and I think there are some out there in a few hands.. We will have to see how the Powers That Be are orchestrated, but I certainly continue to be hopeful for a real revaluation to happen in the near future.

chelseadave, thank you. I did think I might upset you if I posted a religious post, but as you pointed out, folks can just skip the post and Neil did seem interested.. so when I finish it, I will likely post it. :) I also appreciated your cheery view on how we have no reason to complain. I totally agree with you. We live like Kings in the days of old with all our modern conveniences. It is humbling to realize how much we have been given.

Sara.

-- March 9, 2007 9:03 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Dale,
That sounds good to me. The more the merrier. It sounds like your time in South Africa has given you an appetite for more. Did you get time for a look around while you were there?

-- March 10, 2007 3:25 AM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Dale,
That sounds good to me. The more the merrier. It sounds like your time in South Africa has given you an appetite for more. Did you get time for a look around while you were there?

-- March 10, 2007 3:28 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Cricket, well I don't have a clue what they are doing, ...a man initiation process,...(na that gotta be Rugby, I looooove the New Zealanders Maui like war dance when they try to intimidate the other team), I'm told it's a game, ...well we have a similar thing over here, that is as hard to grip as anything else,.....baseball.

20 minutes of nothing, public have all the attention on the beer and hot dog vendors that sells their stuff for the price of a 3 series Beemer.

In the meanwhile on the diamond, one player scratches his frontal part of his pants, spits, and make secret signs to his buddies, one guy takes a bat, taps it on the ground, spits, fixes his baseball cap, spits one more time, and take another scratch in his beloved scratching place.

Then someone trows a ball, and the public goes wild, only to immediately go back to it's 20 minutes of interest in the beer and hot dog vendor.

Soccer have never got a real break her in the US, but I think that the sport could be accepted if the public eases over from Baseball into Soccer.

The players could be given a baseball bat, and have a free swing at anyone that comes close to him, then Soccer could probably be interesting.

There could be a complete medieval war on the soccer field. Any weapon found up until the introduction of automatic firearms would be allowed to be used.

Flings, Greek Fire, Hillebards, and Pikes would only be part of the fun, as full medieval armour would be allowed, (in Kevlar though). The higher series would allow any black powder firearm to be carried openly or concealed, and in the playoffs the goal keeper would be allowed flame throwers.

There is definitely room for improvements in our sports.

Then my granddads saying would be a truism : -"Tobacco, Alcohol and a sound active sexual living, will keep our youngsters away from the dangerous Athletic sports".

Rob N, Sara,

If Carole can take a piss on someone, she will. You're doing great, be what you are, do what you do, and you have my acknowledgment for being very valuable.

Your contribution is well received. Thank you.

The blog site changes, yes, it goes in waves, sometimes it is a boring site, and sometimes there is this dynamic interchange.

For my own part, I feel that I have not that much to contribute anymore, I found myself to rehearse the same thing over again, and have not found much more angles to cover the Dinars, so I take a low profile for now, post here and there, but need to recharge my batteries a bit.

I think that on top of the Dinar thing, I also live a life, and I live it now. I don't want to miss the Dinar thing, and I don't want to miss my life either, so it will become what it will become.

Carl,

I'm with you when it comes to covert operations. The opposition is withdrawing hiding or fleeing, and it seems that more cover operations then overt operations are in the works now. Turtles post speaks millions, thanks Turtle.

I'm perhaps not fully with you on the possible future of the Dinar. It may very well go on the Forex at the time you are predicting, but the crux is the value the Dinar has in the meanwhile.

As we're standing right now, the HCL is in it's last stages, and the Wall Street are getting jidderish because right now, or in a few months from now, is when the flood gate will open for oil contractors.

Also this is to happen in a country where (according to latest stats) the AVERAGE persons income in Iraq is in our currency 54 lousy Dollars/month. Estimated 17-20 MILLION Iraqis are living on LESS than a Dollar a day.

The Iraqi Generalissimon in the CBI have made in his latest statement that he wants a strong and reinstated Dinar, (well mr Shibib, in his statements almost always says the same thing, it's like he is reading from a list or something any time he opens his mouth.)

Iraq is well in it's way into WTO, the only institution in the world that set standards for trading, trade rules and regulations, ethical behavior on the world scene so to say (China don't give a rats ass, they only do what is good for China).

The budget for this year was a budget that was aimed at spending on government project, ( Hoover dam type things, thus jobs).

The reports that this was an overdraft budget must be seen in it's right perspective.

It's not that Iraq is a poor nation ( well the state anyway) it's a SPENDING problem they have.

The budget for last year wasn't spent, they had about 6 bill in their coffers, unused, so the Iraqis got a kick in their ass, being told to USE the money, on responsible reconstruction projects. (you've got to start some construction projects ...duh).

So this budget, AND the leftover from the last budget is the working budget for this year, AND they are to actually SPEND it this time ( hopefully they got the idea this time around)

So the short fall as it seems, is already covered from last year, it is NOT a budget in the red, the annual income this year is not covering the whole budget, therefore it looks like a shortfall, but they have this budget and a very big chunk from the last years budget to spend THIS year.

Ok so they have a mega budget this time, plus they have an ant invasion of oil companies.

This WILL have an extremely positive influence on the whole job market, and the whole economy as such.

This will warrant another value of the Dinar, a slow increase, perhaps, but as the coming big investment, both commercial and state, is about to kick in this year, (and this time around it is the real money, invested where it counts), a more dramatic increase of the Dinar is on the table.

It doesn't matter if the Dinar is in the hands of the IMF, because when the economy starts cooking, IMF or not, the pressure is on, from all sides to raise the value of the Iraqi currency.

I'm starting to feel good about saying that a reval will take place, and I say, this year, at least a partial reval.

The more the economical wheels are spinning, the more the pressure cooker is pressing on the Dinar to go where it belongs, in a higher region.

When is the pressure cooker starting to bite?

As the yearly budget have to be spent THIS year, I say that the Iraqi state is themselves starting the pressure cooker, they have a head start before the oil companies are getting on the ground.

The states investment will bring the cooker up to pressure so to say, prime the situation, but when the oil companies are moving in, there is no way around it.

Any institution, any foreign or internal Pobah professing this, or that, will not matter, any directive or any manipulation will not stop the raising value of the Dinar. It can be artificially held at one point or the other, (like now, now it's easy, they have managed to get three years of sleeping time, with very small economical results) but it will be by the nature of the beast an impossible thing to ignore once the pressure is on.

It's just simmering now, finally they have turned the stove on full blast, and it's just a matter of sitting and watching when the pressure cookers safety valve will pop.

I believe that this year, something dramatic will happen with the Dinar, on one way or the other, if I was to pick a date.....October (I'm guessing)

Cheesadave,

I hardly drink at all, so I will be a cheapo at the roast, I'll get drunk on two beers, so instead....I buy you a beer, and you get me a sweet cigar, and when I'm completely drunk puffing on my cigar, ..then, you can explain to me Cricket, I'll probably get it immediately then.....Deal?

Sara,

Wish I would have more time on the Big Bang. Was very involved in it some time ago, and I'm more of those that have some very big reservations about Big Bang. I don't say it is an impossible thing, but the expansion of the universe is mainly based on one observation, lights redshift.

The first observation of it, by Hubble, convinced Einstein that it (the universe) is expanding.

From then on, it was like putting a golden seal on that statement. Two of the earths most trusted names, said so, so therefore it was so.

Any calculations and observations uses the expansion theory as a foundation for how the universe is built, it's just that in order for it to work we have to INVENT "dark matter" and "dark energy", to conveniently make the equations work.

Something is awfully wrong when 95% of all the matter and energy is something we cant, see, measure or detect in any way or form.

Light WILL lose energy every time it is under the influence of a gravitational field.

Higher energy is on the blue scale of the visible spectrum, (well there are even higher energies as well outside the visible spectrum, but looking only at the visible spectrum you can transform the redshift function to any part of the existing electromagnetic spectra) and lower energy is in the red part of the spectra.

Any body with mass, WILL gravitationally influence ANY other body with mass. The influence will vary dependent on the body's distance to each other, and their own mass, but it will NEVER reach zero.

In our observable universe, we have more than ONE body of mass. (we have as far as celestial bodies quite a few, the blog would probably be filled up, and we have to go to a new scratchpad if the number was written out)

So, there is no location possible where a mass can exist without the influence of gravity from ALL the other masses existing.

Mass and energy is direct interchangeable. (E=MC2)

(In our daily life we can see that it takes more then twice the distance to stop a car even if we only doubled the speed. there's where the 2(square) in E=MC2 comes in)

Mass is in simpler words, condensed energy.

There are different forms of energy, inertia, acceleration, pressure etc, but that takes a mass of some sort, if we are looking at the most raw and primal energy there is, electromagnetic energy, get enough of it , preferably smash it together, and you will get mass.

Mankind have learned to smash it apart, and get a big energy release (nuclear power plant, and nuclear weapons), but have no idea how to create matter. (would be pretty cool, you have something that looks like a Microwave oven, and need a gasket for your moped, program in what you need, and plug it in to the electric outlet for power, and pop, here is the gasket)

So electromagnetic energy and mass = same thing different wrapping.

Electromagnetic energy is affected by gravity. (Light bends around a high gravity object)

A small amount of energy is lost every time electromagnetic energy is bending around any mass.

The light from the farthest object seen has, from the time it was emitted, to the time it reached you eyes, been under the influence of gravity, THE WHOLE TIME from ALL existing masses.

So what I'm saying is, that the universe might be locally fluid, but in essence a static universe, possible endless, and what we see is only a small portion of it, because the light will lose it's poop the further out you see, thus limiting our observable universe to 13.7 Billions light years out.

If you don't know that there is an ocean there, dive into it, and see what you see, well what you see is the ocean as you would know it. The direct observable ocean. Problem is, you cant see that far inside the ocean.

You see only a small sphere around you.

As we see the universe today.

So I'm not completely sold on Big Bang, however it is such a heavily followed theory today, that it is very hard to convince the crowd of anything else.

-- March 10, 2007 3:29 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Valerio,

We share the same sentiments. I read this stuff for myself everyday on the Dinar/Iraqi sites and then see it all reposted here. Just seems a waste of time and space. But I guess for those who want to circimvent going to the sites, Rob and Sara are a quick reference source. I just don't think this is the place to post COMPLETE ARTICLES!

Besides it is all recycled information that has been circulating for months now.

The whole middle east picture is one big roller coaster ride.

However, I do think that something BIG is soon to happen.

I posted several mopnths ago, that while we are so perplexed with Iran and N. Korea and their nuclear ambitions, we are failing to see our ONE AND ONLY BIG THREAT!! RUSSIA!! With nuclear warheads pointed at every US domain including our own soil.

Of course, Roger,boo-hooed it, in his delussional state of being the Motherload of all knowledge.

But now we see that Putin is blatantly doing whatever he can to keep the US busy in Iraq so he can advance his evil schemes against the US.

I do not think that the Adminsitration is keeping a blind eye to this and that is why I think that very soon we are going to see a very surprising turn of events.

SOmeone recently said that the US in any kind of trouble is "solution" for Russia. They hate us and always will. The last 10 or so years has been a bitter pill for them to swallow. They see our actions toward Iran and Syria as interfering with tier interests in the Middle East.

Puttin is an indoctrinated KGB soldier. And that will never change and he has alot of AVENGING to do towards the US. He is arrogant, evil, and on a mission to reestablish Russia as a superpower, and would like nothing better than to do it at the expense of the US and especially our military. He is accomplishing part of his plan by selling arms to the Iranians and Syrians, that are killing our troops everyday.

So those who are contemplating discussion about the BIG BANG theroy ( which I totally believe in), get ready for the coming BIG BANG!!! Cause it is definitley in the works.

Unless, of course, if Roger says it isn't going to happen, then I guess for sure it won't.........YUK!

Carole

-- March 10, 2007 5:33 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob, Sara,

Your posting of articles doesn't have near the impact on me as your thoughts, perceptions, and reactions to those articles. That would be valuable to me, not someone elses abstract information and reporting.

You both have great minds and I love when you share them with us.

Carole

-- March 10, 2007 5:47 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Roger:
The actual time from beginning exploration to pumping oil in the best situation is on the average 7 years.. Some of the fields, are at different stages of development...so the time frame will be shorter on a lot of the areas...SWAG is about 2-4 years...to get the fields producing as they should...in the mean time...their will thousands of jobs open up for the locals...this within itself will put pressure on the dinar...how long before the CBI will allow the market to place value is still in the wind...but I assure you it will not be until Iraq is a full member of the WTO and the security situation has become more secure..time frame on this...barring the WILDCARDS...approximate 24-36 months...
So in my mind, we are going to see a slow increase in value for the next 14 to 18 months..probably between 800 to 1000...then the WTO will be the kicker that puts the ball through the Goalposts around the end of 2008 and beginning 2009...the long range projection back in 2004 was 5- 10 years..so it could stretch out until 2014...but I doubt it..
Again...I am using knowledge gain since I started following the dinar in 2004...Sara is also familiar with all of the past information...I realize Sara has a different prospective that I do...and tends to see things coming to a much quicker conclusion...I hope she is right...I would love to have to buy everyone a drink at the Roast...during "the foot in my mouth event".

-- March 10, 2007 3:16 PM ∞

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akadjjam wrote:

To everyone posting the articles. PLEASE KEEP IT UP!!! I for one have not ever once before posted an article here but have been a reader of this blog since my purchase in November in 04. I am personally gratefull for this very unique group of poeple, and appreciate everyones efforts. Thanks ... akadjjam

-- March 10, 2007 3:43 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Neil. :)
And glad you had skepticism, too, Roger, about the whole thing.
This will be a bit of review, then.. for a lot of what I know you see.
But I think it foundational, so important to cover.
I was asked how I reconcile the Big Bang to the Bible's account of how the world began.

My reply was as follows, (posted in two parts):

Speaking of Big Bang science. First of all, let's define science. There are two parts of science - Fact and Theory. Facts are true, and Theories may or may not be true. They are both called science but one is subject to error and one is not. To clarify this let me give you an example; "The Theory of Gravity is Science". Ok, that phrase is a little tricky, but let's look at it closely.

1. Gravity Exists, this is a fact.

2. The Theory states that the reason that Gravity exists is because of a space-time continuum distortion. This is current scientific Theory.

There is a clear and distinct line between Fact and Theory. Facts are always correct, and Theories are subject to human error. They are both parts of science. You cannot ever prove a Theory absolutely correct because you do not know absolutely everything, and therefore an exception to your Theory may exist which you do not know about.. so you can never be sure that you are absolutely correct. You can, however, prove Theories wrong. After a Theory has seemed consistent with the data for a for a period of time it becomes a Law, but later it may be discovered to have exceptions to it or be wrong. For instance, Atomic Theory has exceptions which indicate that the model we have of an atom with electrons whizzing around it does not work all the time - so we know that we are missing something. But it works pretty well so we will continue to work with that Theory until we come up with another Theory which fits the facts better. Also, Newtonian gravity became outdated by Einstein's view of gravity as existing within the space-time continuum (point two, above.) Einstein taught us to think of gravity, not so much as the force which causes an apple to fall to the ground as Newton experienced, but as the space-time continuum being warped by the heavy earth sitting on that continuum - like a heavy beach ball on a trampoline. If you were to move near the ball on the trampoline, you would "fall" toward it. That's Gravity.

There have been many "scientists" in the past who have tried to defend their Theory against another scientist and have been proven wrong. The most famous example is likely the "flat earth" scientists, but this is true of all science. All science is subject to revision as we learn more. In reality, all scientists are really "Theorists". In the past there have been many many Theories for gravity, some of which were quite accurate, but they have been disproven or superceded over the years. The one we have now we think is correct, but it may not be. If a scientist today should express doubt about it being correct he may be laughed at for going against "Science", because it is accepted as settled science now, even though it is only a Theory. Now suppose this scientist should turn out to be right after all. The Scientific World would (after much debate) finally pubish an article with a headline similar to "Einstein's Theory of Gravity Disproved." They would never say "Science of Gravity Disproven." If you asked them about this they would tell you "Science can never be wrong, true science is always right." Yet, if you had been standing against the theory (before they admitted it was wrong) they would tell you that you are "unscientific" and that you are coming against settled accepted scientific FACT. This "duplicity" within the scientific community must be understood. Looking, therefore, from this historical viewpoint at science, I think it is obvious that there is a clear definition between Theory (which can and has been disproven over time) and true scientific Fact (which is unchanging and always true.)

Understand, however, that when a Theory becomes accepted and is taught as if it were a Fact, it gets a large number of scientists who will defend that Theory and spend their time spreading what they perceive as science and knocking down whatever contradicts their so-called science (think of Mr. Gore here.) They will have no trouble calling what they are doing science, though it later may be proved wrong. So, in effect, a single ideology or group of "scientists" may sieze power. They then control that branch of science, and of course if they have the ability to allocate funding they will not give it to fund a rival Theory - they will give it to a group which holds to their Theory. The most popular current scientific controversy, as I just mentioned, is the Global Warming issue where they are seeking to do this to those who will not accept the new "science".

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/01/iraqi_dinar_dis_7.html#128769 - Taylor also holds a unique title: State Climatologist. “Most of the climate changes we have seen up until now have been a result of natural variations,” Taylor asserts. His opinions conflict not only with many other scientists, but with the state of Oregon's policies. So the governor wants to take that title from Taylor and make it a position that he would appoint.

AND - "Global Warming Skepticism Bites Another State Climatologist" - For the second time in roughly two weeks, a governor had harsh criticism for a state climatologist over differing views of man’s responsibility for global warming. After Oregon’s state climatologist received the bad news in early February, Delaware’s governor had similar sentiments... http://newsbusters.org/node/11019

Another example which is instructive to note is where a scientist was studying radioactive decay in granite and he found a ring of decay which proved that this so-called magma found all over the world was formed while cold and not formed while hot, otherwise the ring would have not been preserved. This went against the original Big Bang Theory which states that this granite formed from magma millions of years ago as a result of a molten (hot) state from the Big Bang. Once he reported his discovery along with the conclusion he immediately lost all his funding. The prevailing Theory gets the money donated to forward "science" (see below.) In reality what they often do with the money is forward their own views and Theories. Many scientists ignore or ferociously attack any other point of view, especially when their reputation (or funding) depends upon that Theory. Like Edison insisting on building DC power plants instead of AC, narrow mindedness persists even in the highest scientific circles.

Scientists Vie for 25 Million Climate Prize - LONDON Feb 9, 2007 (AP)— British tycoon Sir Richard Branson on Friday announced a $25 million prize for the scientist who comes up with a way of extracting greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The Virgin Group chairman was joined by former Vice President Al Gore and other leading environmentalists, as he announced the challenge to find the world's first viable design to capture and remove carbon dioxide from the air. He said many remain skeptical about the reality of climate change. - http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=2862259

In order not to be misled one must understand not only the Theory, but what the Theory is based upon - one must know the Facts. From the Facts you can draw conclusions which are equally correct as the other Theories, though they may differ in their scientific viewpoint. Obviously, this does not guarantee the scientific community will approve of you because you are doing science which they would probably view as "maverick" - as these State Climatologists found when they spoke out against a current prevailing scientific Theory. Yet so many of our breakthroughs in science come from those who do this thinking "outside the box" of the conventional scientific Theories, so it is important to allow all scientific views to be heard. We should not expect only one view to prevail and silence all the others because there may be points in the varying rival Theories which are correct and a third or fourth Theory will coalesce (unite) these disparate views into a cohesive whole. Disallowing one viewpoint will stunt our growth and advancement in scientific fields.

So, in order to understand science one must not understand only Theories, but Facts as well. If you are not familiar with the Facts it is easy to be led astray with any new Theory, only to find it was wrong later. Theories that are taught as Fact to people when they were very young are the hardest to draw people out of. People who teach Theories do not tell you the problems with their Theories, because they believe the theory and they want you to believe it too. A child will believe anything (like Santa Claus and the Toothfairy) and most schools teach many Theories as fact. Ask any eighth grader if Pangea existed and they will solemnly tell you it did. They will be totally unaware that it is just a Theory and there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. For instance - fossils used to geologically match Africa and South America together are also found all over all the other continents, not just in those two locations, so that doesn't prove they were once joined. Also, the "scientists" had to shrink 40% of the land mass of Africa and cut out all of Central America to make it fit like the picture in the textbooks show. Also, the continents aren't floating around like lily pads on a pond - all ready to be fit like puzzle pieces into one another - in reality, between the large land masses is earth, just dished out so that these low spots are filled up with water.. etc. So there are a lot of objections to the theory which is still today taught as incontrovertible fact to schoolchildren. Children believe whatever they are told, and children are taught Theories, so they believe them. Rarely are the Facts which underlie the Theories explained or brought into view for them to look at and formulate their own ideas about what happened. Very few children (or adults) know much scientific FACTS at all. In fact, most only know the Theories and perhaps a very small number of supporting examples. Many times they are totally unaware that the Theories are controversial within the scientific community itself. They don't know what supports the Theories they believe, but they defend the Theories they are taught as if they were the very foundation of all science and understanding. But these THEORIES are not Fact, they are only Theories and may be discarded in time when we see that the they do not fit the Facts, as many MANY previous Theories have been in the past.

Facts do not need to be defended. Facts stand on their own. Only Theories need defending. But if people didn't know the Facts which underlie a Theory, how could they defend it or know if it is really true? When they only know Theories, they cannot ever be certain they are correct and often people are completely ignorant of any supporting or opposing Facts for the Theory they believe. I have reasoned that it makes little sense to believe or defend any scientific Theory without first understanding the Facts and any opposing Theories along with the Facts supporting those Theories. So you ask how I can entertain doubt about the Big Bang science? The Big Bang is a Theory which is constantly changing, not a Fact. There are many problems with the Big Bang Theory not fitting the Facts, and corrections are ongoing to the theory which you may not know about. Let me give you a major one:

From a NASA government document an Astrophysicist says:

Therefore the Big Bang occurred everywhere all at once. You could not assign a location to it. The Big Bang was not so much an explosion really as the start of a great expansion, which continues even now. The rate of expansion would appear to be roughly the same, aside from local anisotropies, no matter where in the Universe you are.

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/980327a.html

Note that this NASA Astrophysicist who believes in the Big Bang says here that the Big Bang was not an explosion from one location. Think about it.. doesn't it seem a little far fetched to have all the matter in the universe concentrated in one HUGE big black hole which then explodes? Instead, science has concluded the FACTS show otherwise. Revision of the theory now says it is an "expansion" which happened from all areas of the cosmos at once. And that is exactly what the Bible reveals when it explains that God Created all we see by "stretching" it out:

Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded.

Jer 51:15 He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heaven by His understanding.

Psa 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained..

Here, God says in Scripture that He made the earth and "stretched out" the heavens. Could we say this is like an "expansion" from all points of the compass at once - such as the Big Bang theorists now say happened? The verse above says that the heavens are "the work of Your fingers" - then specifically refers to the moon and the stars as the work of God's fingers and understanding. It is as though God made the cosmos we see as a man makes a project with his hands. God uses His hands and stretches it out and puts it into place in an instant of time (hence the reference to a "Bang" or "Expansion" which was rapid.) Isn't that what the Big Bang theorists are now saying they think happened?

To further illustrate that this was not random but had Design, think of an explosion for a minute.. say, a hand grenade. When it explodes you get shards disbursed in all directions. Do you end up with orderly ORBITS, like the planets around the sun? And what could possibly cause opposite rotational patterns? Wouldn't the spin be all in the SAME DIRECTION?

Still-Forming Solar System May Have Planets Orbiting Star in Opposite Directions
02.13.06

Astronomers studying a disk of material circling a still-forming star inside our Galaxy have found a tantalizing result -- the inner part of the disk is orbiting the protostar in the opposite direction from the outer part of the disk.

"The solar system that likely will be formed around this star will include planets orbiting in different directions, unlike our own solar system in which all the planets orbit the Sun in the same direction," said senior scientist Jan Hollis of the Computational and Information Sciences and Technology Office at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

"This is the first time anyone has seen anything like this, and it means that the process of forming planets from such disks is more complex than we previously expected," said Anthony Remijan, of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Remijan and his colleague Hollis used the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope to make the discovery.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/op_orbit.html

Now, I know, they will come up with an explanation outside of God creating the Universe due to their prejudice against the solution being the Infinite Creator and His complexity of Intelligent Design. However, note that they are presently saying that this is, quote, "more complex than we previously expected." There is at least some degree of acknowledgement that the design is more complex than their simple models which are based on their postulation of a random process. In time, as we learn more, there will be additional REASONS that this opposite rotation has to happen, showing more and more intricate design. Just as the microscope opened up new worlds to us which caused us to come to a greater understanding of the incredible intricacies of the universe within us (immune system, lymphatic system, DNA, microbes, glandular systems, etc...), so as we are able to see more in the stars we will learn more of the intentional complexity which makes them up.

But you can easily see that what happened as the result of the "Big Bang" is much more like looking at a watch working than the random and chaotic pattern which would emerge from an explosion of a hand grenade in outer space.

To emphasize the points I am making, I reiterate - the Bible speaks of God "stretching out" of the heavens... and the Big Bang apologists are even now saying that there does not appear to be ONE PLACE where the Big Bang came from. It is like it exploded from all points of the compass at once! What could do that? .... God?

Think upon this point for a minute.. what does this sudden "expansion" look like as it comes from all points of the compass at once? Could it be like we imagine the act of God putting it into place in one instant act of Creation? Could it be that He "stretched" it into place from all points of the compass at once? It fits.. doesn't it?

Also, they note that there is "more complexity" than they expected using their random Big Bang model which leaves God and Intelligent Design out of the picture. The "stretching out" from all points of the compass at once is physics, and the "complexity" is likewise atrophysical fact.. and they are also in the Bible. It was an Intelligent Designer who "stretched out" the heavens from all points of the compass at once, not an explosion from one single point in space. And the Designer of the Universe likewise put into it intricate Design, thought and understanding.

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-- March 10, 2007 4:22 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

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Mankind so often thinks they know everything about something when they only have scratched the surface of knowledge on a subject. At one point in time the "experts" in the medical field said tonsils served no useful purpose. They thought people should have them removed surgically in order to stop them from becoming infected. I know of several persons who had them removed, though they were perfectly healthy organs, based on this information. We now know that the tonsils are an important part of the immune system and they act as antiseptic barrier which take to themselves microbes which enter the body and kill them with a concentrated organic disinfectant. They are the firstline of defense against disease for the body. Take note of this event as a precedent concerning mankind. When men do not understand something, and think arrogantly that the design is simple and easily explained, they are very often wrong in their explanations (think of the "experts" recommending to remove your tonsils or their view that you have a "useless" appendix). They do not expect complexity because they think all things are simple and easy to explain because they are put there by chance. It is simply not so. Another illustration:

Goofy galaxy spins in wrong direction
February 11, 2002
By Richard Stenger

CNN) -- A galaxy captured by the camera of the Hubble Space Telescope seems to be rotating in the direction opposite of what it should, astonished astronomers announced this week.

Most spiral galaxies have arms of gas and stars that trail behind as they turn. But this galaxy, known as NGC 4266, has two leading outer arms that point toward the direction of the galaxy's rotation, according to Hubble researchers.

"NGC 4622 suggests that maybe people do not know all that there is know about spiral structure yet. Our study may lead to a new understanding of spiral arm production in galaxies," scientists Ron Buta and Gene Byrd said in an e-mail to CNN.

This high-resolution image, besides showing the reverse spin of the galaxy, unveils the blue bursts of recently formed stars in the outer pair of galactic arms. A closer inspection reveals another enigma: a trailing inner arm that wraps around the galaxy in the opposite direction of its rotation, just like conventional arms of spiral galaxies.

"It is pretty clear that there are both clockwise and counter-clockwise spiral arms, so something funny is going on," Noll said.

What could make it comport itself so strangely?

http://archives.cnn.com/2002/TECH/space/02/08/oddball.galaxy/index.html

Of course, the explanation they give leaves out the possibility of complexity due to Design and postulates some random thing which we cannot see causing this instead.. here, they postulate "a companion was destroyed in the merger and that the dust lane is the surviving evidence." I think if we found a watch gear turning in an opposite direction inside a watch they would postulate it happened by a collision with another unseen gear, not due to any design within the watch itself. But it is worthwhile to note that since the CAUSE of this galaxy spinning in the opposite direction is not yet understood or clearly seen but only postulated, Intelligent Design cannot be excluded by 'a priori' assumption. That is, you cannot prove or disprove God as the cause. Hence, science is not able to exclude this galaxy's "goofy" spin being due to God's intentional design for it to be that way. Just as with the tonsils.. in time, they might just find that "goofy" galaxy has a purpose which is very important to the cosmos and designed with Infinite Intelligence. I am willing to bet it is and my view is no less scientific a postulate than those who support a naturalistic solution since they cannot scientifically prove their assumption either.

There is a plethora of incredible "coincidences" which permeate the cosmos and our environment, such as the fact that our planet is not a bit closer to the sun (so that it burns up) or a bit farther away (so that it freezes). Or the "coincidence" that we have an atmosphere which gives us breathable air and the element of water, which are necessary for life to survive, unlike every other planet in our solar system. Indeed, the postulate that there are other planets with atmospheres and water like our own are just that.. postulates. No one has EVER actually seen a planet which can sustain life other than our own. It is not scientifically proven Fact - it is Theory, postulation, hypothesis.. ONLY. (I do hope they exist, that would be interesting and it would mean that God created even more design than we see, but that doesn't make my hope science or Fact, does it (?).. since I cannot prove it to you in any scientific way. Let us separate between a hope and a provable Fact here is all I am saying. Let's stay in the realm of reality and not get into flights of fantasy.. Star Trek is a movie, not a reality.) Also, "coincidentally", we have the rotation of the earth which gives us day and night, and the moon which "just so happens" to orbit where it does and affects the tides... (QUOTE, "What would life on earth be like without the moon? Well, chances are, there wouldn't be any life on earth without the moon." http://shopping.discovery.com/product-52214.html - If We Had No Moon DVD from the Discovery Channel.) There is a lot of intricate design in these supposedly random "coincidences" which have to be in order for life on earth to exist..

Think of the incredible complexity of living systems and cycles - such as water evaporation and condensation (rain), which are necessary for plantlife to grow, enabling crops for human consumption - another incredible "coincidence." It does seem so very orderly for "random chance" to be the cause of it, to me. And how is it that the scientists who say that life is easily created cannot create life artificially nor recreate the conditions which could lead to life from inanimate matter? Something appears to be missing from their equations about how life started.. God, maybe? But no... they will look for a "companion star" which was destroyed and caused this "goofy" galaxy to spin backward, or little green aliens from outerspace to seed the earth with life.. rather than admit that there could be an intentional design by an unseen God. I find it interesting when they say in the article above, "NGC 4622 suggests that maybe people do not know all that there is know about spiral structure yet." Hmm.. maybe... maybe man doesn't know "all that there is know about spiral structure yet", is that possible? It is as if they expected that they almost have all the knowledge about spiral structure NOW.. when they have never even set foot inside the galaxy itself. What arrogancy man has, to think they know so much when the data they have is so very little (just like with tonsils.)

What it really turns out to be is prejudice against God being the explanation, since those who EXCLUDE God as a cause are merely showing a bias against having an open mind to a greater intelligence than their own. The Universe declares in silent testimony that God created it:

Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handywork.

Psa 19:2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.

Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

All men hear this speech of silent testimony to the Creator who Designed all things. They look up into the heavens and see His handiwork which declares the Glory of God, they look down to the earth witness that voice which testifies to God in the continual breaking of the waves on a beach, the cries of the gulls - and the sandpipers ambling along picking up bugs from the surf-covered sand in the wake of the wave's retreat. They hear it whisper in the firey sunset at the end of a warm summer's day, and in the birth of a new day with the birds and insects buzzing around as the air begins to warm. All of them speak with one voice of Him who created them.

Psa 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

The God who is from everlasting, the Uncreated CREATOR of all things - He who formed the earth and the heaven is given constant and silent testimony by the heavens and the earth. All men see the testimony to God and hear this voice speaking to them of the Creator and there is no language barrier which stops men from understanding what is being said. But men clap their hands over their ears like they are hearing the sonic boom of a jet breaking the sound barrier and they will not hear that voice which speaks in the silent whispers on the warm summer breeze. They want no part of the speech they hear and they flee away from the truth which comes to every man who looks at the Creation. And then they speak in their hearts:

Psa 53:1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.

Mankind has a "hearing" problem, and it isn't due to the scientific evidence for an Intelligent Designer which comes from the heavens and the earth. Those Facts fit with pure science perfectly well. It is the scientists who choose NOT to listen to the possibility of God being the cause of all they see and who instead insist that the Universe is simple, easily explained, without Intelligent Design.. and certainly.. without God. Men choose a false science which they say is "scientific" but which is really just Theories based on an assumption that denies God's Creation and ownership of all the universe (and man.) They begin with what the fool says in his heart, "There is no God".. and then they make a "scientific Theory" without Him which must inevitably lead them away from what is accurate and true Fact.

The result of denying the inevitable truth of God (and the Facts which will always support that truth) is their constant perplexity when complexity is found which is beyond the scope of their simplistic and unfounded Theories. God, you see, can never be wrong because He made the Sciences and founded the Universe Himself by the work of His hands. If the Bible and these current "scientific Theories" conflict in any point, it is that very questionable "science Theory" which will be proven wrong in time and not the other way around, as this new revision to the Big Bang theory illustrates. They have admitted to the Factual truth in saying the "expansion" came from "everywhere all at once". I ask you.. what could cause such a phenomena? If it wasn't an explosion of a celestial hand grenade.. but came from everywhere all at once.. WHAT COULD DO THAT? ... God?

Science ... true science.. will not conflict with the Bible. It will prove it. FACTS will prove the Bible, not incorrectly formed and unfounded atheistic Theories. The Big Bang Theory will be revised over and over again to fit with the Facts.. until it finally says the same thing that God said and comes into line with the true and accurate picture.. such as the fact that He created it and stretched it out in an instant of time.. almost like a "Bang" but more like an "expansion" from all points of the compass at once - as they now confirm.

Sara.

-- March 10, 2007 4:25 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carl,

Yes the future expansion of the Iraqi economy fits very well into the long term prognosis, as me myself agree with.

However, I need perhaps to clarify a little bit what I say when the pressure cooker will release it's safetyvalve and the Dinar will take off.

Some posts ago I talked about the almost worthless Dinar, and that it has moved up to a point where it is sligtly better than totally worthless, but not much.

From the perspective that this is Monopoly money, to the perspective that the Dinar will have at least SOME significant value to it, lets say 10 cents value, this would be a very big step for the Iraqis, but for us, in comparison with our currency, it will barely put it on the board.

What I mean with a significant move this year, ( I hope) is that the currency will get from the worthless state it is in now, to at least scratch the bottom line on the chart compared with Dollars, Euro, or Stirling.

From that move, to any other projected values like 3 or 4 Dollars is years away, and in that respect I agree with your prognosis.

We can buy 12 or 13 Dinars per cent right now....face it, the currency is cheap to buy, and a wonderful investment opportunity, but as currencies go, they are in a dark hole.

Scream "Dinars" in the barrel, and you will get an echo back.

This particular stage of the currencys value is the stage where you just can't have any economy that makes sense.

Social, financial and economical impossibilities will stagger up and it will be almost impossible to get anything decent done.

The currency except for a microscopic movement recently have been stagnant, and as far as I'm concern, the measures they are trying to take, by increasing the value with a hardly detectable ammount( from 14 Dinars to 12 Dinars per cent) is really, economically speaking not much of a hill of beans.

The breaking of the ice, would be when the change will actually matter.

With the mega budget going on, and with the oil law enacted, this will change the economy in great force.

The change I'm predicting, is the actual breaking of the ice, the valve that pops, when the Dinar either starts to take off in a way that it really counts, or by reval.

THAT is the event I'm looking for, the real establisment of the Dinar, when it is on the charts, when it have some value.

That breakthrough I think have some very big chances of happening this year.

From that on, as the years passes on, it will only get better.

Sara,

Yes Big Bang might or might not have happened.

There is one very big nagging problem I have over the description of it though.

"Big Bang happened everywhere and at the same time".

It's a geometric impossibility to have an explosion without a center.

Any phenomenon that describes an expansion must have an earlier position closer to each other, continue this backtracking and you will eventually find a center.

The Universe as we see it is expanding, seemingly uniform, from any point of observation.

Meaning, if you are standing on earth, the universe seems to expand evenly from that point, but if you would go to another planet or Galaxy, the expansion seems to emanate from that viewing poit.

To me this is more an effect of light losing it's poop, and it therefore appears that the stars in the universe are leaving, as we, instead of designate the redshift from gravity energy loss, of the light beam, to doppler effect.

If we would designate the lights redshift to energy loss bacause of gravity effect on the light beam, we will get exactly the effect we see in the universe, wherever you stand, the light will becomne more redshifted the further away from your viewpoint you are looking.

Go to earth and observe it, go to Mars, or go to the Adromeda Galaxy, and the phenomenon will stay the same.

Unfortunately the science community right now claim it is because of the Doppler effect.

Things are fluid in the universe, so Doppler effect does exist.

However, if you designate the doppler effect to the overall redshift experience we are observing in the universe today, then, you are getting back to a universe that are expanding mysteriously without a center.

So then you have to invent the statment that it happened everywhere at the same time.

It's a round circle argument.

-- March 10, 2007 7:09 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Carole, cover your eyes the following is another article from www.iraqupdates.com

In Iraq, whispers of soft coup arise: Allawi re-emerges to push political overhaul
By Liz Sly

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BAGHDAD, 09 March 2007 (Chicago Tribune)
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Secular former prime minister and U.S. favorite Ayad Allawi is leading a new push to replace the Shiite-led administration of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki with a broad-based government that would focus on restoring order.

Amid deepening concerns among Sunnis and secularists about al-Maliki's performance, Allawi has emerged at the center of an initiative to create a "national salvation front," which his supporters say would be able to secure the backing of Iraqi insurgents, reunite the country and end the sectarian conflict that has prevailed for more than a year.

Though Allawi's aides deny that he wants to replace al-Maliki as prime minister, Allawi is preparing to embark on a tour of the region to win the support of Arab governments for his proposals, just as representatives of Iraq's neighbors are gathering with the U.S. in Baghdad for a regional conference intended to shore up support for the al-Maliki government.

The idea of a new coalition to overturn the current political process is not new, and the front has yet to be fully formed.

Sending a message

But the effort has been given new momentum by the reappearance on the Iraqi political scene of Allawi, a high-profile U.S. ally who is both a Shiite and a centrist; the defection this week of the Fadhila Party, a small faction from al-Maliki's ruling Shiite coalition; and a trip by Allawi in the company of U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad to visit the Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani last weekend.

U.S. Embassy officials refused to say why Khalilzad accompanied Allawi on the trip to Kurdistan or what was discussed during the talks.

But the Kurdistan visit was interpreted by many in Baghdad as a public display of support for Allawi by the U.S. It was also seen as a warning to al-Maliki that he cannot count on continued U.S. support if his Shiite-led government does not deliver on a range of promises intended to end the sectarian conflict and bring about real reconciliation with Sunnis.

"You see Allawi meeting with Barzani and the U.S. ambassador is with Allawi, so people analyze this as meaning that the U.S. supports Allawi," said Kurdish legislator Mahmoud Othman, who discussed the meeting with Barzani and does not believe the U.S. has made a decision to support the new front.

"Maybe the U.S. is using this to put pressure on Maliki to deliver more, to remind him that there are alternatives," Othman said.

Sunnis and secularists staunchly opposed to the Islamist Shiite parties now running the government have unsuccessfully tried to find ways to block Shiite rule since the December 2005 election, which gave Shiites a plurality, though not an outright majority, in the Iraqi parliament.

For any new coalition to have a chance of outvoting the al-Maliki government in parliament, it would have to secure the backing of the Kurds, the second-largest parliamentary bloc. The Kurds teamed up with the Shiite coalition to form a majority in the current government.

Triggering rumors

The Kurds are not prepared to abandon their Shiite partners for now, said Othman, which makes it difficult to see how Allawi can succeed in his efforts.

The U.S. has also given no indication that it is considering abandoning al-Maliki. Addressing reporters at his first news conference on Thursday, Gen. David Petraeus, the new commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, expressed full confidence in al-Maliki, saying that he and his team are "striving to be leaders for all Iraqis and responsive to the desires of all Iraqis."

The political maneuvering has nonetheless triggered rumors across Baghdad that a coup plot is being hatched, stirring fury among al-Maliki's supporters.

"If there is any conspiracy or plot against Maliki's government, millions of people will take to the streets," Shiite legislator Hassan Snaid, one of al-Maliki's closest advisers, told Al-Hurra TV, in a reminder that the Shiite government enjoys the support of the vast majority of ordinary Shiites.

Supporters of the new front deny that they are conspiring to remove al-Maliki. They say they will seek to replace him only if he fails to fulfill a set of demands that includes the formation of a new government, an overhaul of the de-Baathification law, which prevents many former Baathists from returning to public life, and a review of the constitution.

These are longstanding Sunni demands, backed by the U.S., that al-Maliki has repeatedly said he will address. They also include a revamp of his Cabinet, which he has promised in the coming week.

"Our problem is not with Mr. Maliki as a person. Our problem is with the system, which must be modified," said Izzat Shahbandar, a parliamentarian from Allawi's bloc who is closely involved in the new effort.

"The first step is for Mr. Maliki to make changes, and if he doesn't respond we are ready to form a parliamentary bloc that is big enough to remove the prime minister."

The latest challenge to al-Maliki has the support of most members of the main parliamentary Sunni and secular blocs, and efforts are also under way to lure support away from the Shiite coalition, which controls 128 seats. Past efforts to split the United Iraqi Alliance have failed, though the small Fadhila Party, with 15 seats, announced it was leaving the coalition earlier this week.

But with the Kurds in control of 53 seats, that still leaves the Allawi initiative far short of the 138 seats needed to bring about a parliamentary coup.

"I'm not optimistic that it will succeed," said Othman, the Kurdish legislator. "I'd prefer a secular government, but the Shiites are sticking together and they're a strong coalition."

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 10, 2007 10:00 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Sunni politician's house raided, Al-Mahdi Army suspect arrested

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

09 March 2007 (BBC Monitoring)
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Between 0800 gmt and 1200 gmt on 9 March, Baghdad Al-Sharqiyah Television reports on security and political developments in Iraq as follows:

Security Developments:

- "An Iraqi Army force raided the house of Khalaf al-Ulayan, representative of the Iraqi Al-Tawafuq [Accord] Front in the Council of Representatives, in the Al-Yarmuk area in western Baghdad, stripping the guards of their weapons. Speaking to Al-Sharqiyah over phone, Al-Ulayan held the Iraqi Government responsible for anything that might happen to his family, saying that the raid operation was ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki."

Al-Ulayan says: "Acting on orders from the prime minister and the defence minister, a National Guard force raided my house in the Al-Yarmuk area. They broke the doors and ransacked the house, despite the fact that I am a member of the Council of Representatives and have immunity, which was not respected. They stripped the guards of their weapons; they only left two rifles and two pistols. This is a permission for the terrorist militias and forces to kill all the guards, who are soldiers assigned by the defence ministry, which provided them with these weapons. Despite all of this, they carried out this provocative and humiliating operation. We, therefore, hold the prime minister and the defence minister responsible for any operation against this area in general and against my family's house and my office in particular."

- "Joint US-Iraqi forces arrested a prominent commander of Al-Mahdi Army, which is affiliated with Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whom the US forces accuse of involvement in identity-based murder and abduction operations, in Al-Sha'b neighbourhood in eastern Baghdad. Local residents said Husayn al-Asadi was arrested while at a banquet in the area. The arrest came after the forces raided the house of his brother, who gave information about Al-Asadi's whereabouts. All those who accompanied Al-Asadi to the banquet were also arrested. It was disclosed that a large number of the arrested are Iraqi Police members who are involved in operations carried out by death squads."

- "A medical source said that Ba'qubah Hospital received the bodies of seven treacherously-killed people, which were found with signs of torture and bullet holes in various areas in the governorate."

- "The US Army announced that a gunman was killed and 48 suspects were arrested during operations in various Iraqi cities. A US Army statement said that the coalition forces killed a gunman and arrested 21 people suspected of affiliating with Al-Qa'idah Organization in Mosul, including a commander of an armed cell responsible for several abduction and suicide operations in Mosul and Al-Ramadi. The statement added that US forces arrested two people suspected of carrying out armed operations and assisting foreign armed men in Al-Fallujah, west of Baghdad, in addition to arresting a commander in the Al-Qa'idah Organization and seven other people suspected of providing information to the organization in the Al-Karmah area in the city. The statement also added that joint US-Iraqi forces carried out military operations in Al-Dulu'iyah Subdistrict, during which they arrested eight people."

- "A security source said that the Iraqi Police thwarted attempts to detonate two booby-trapped cars at an industrial compound in northern Kirkuk, north of Baghdad."

Political Developments

- "Iraqi Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Lubayd Abbawi expressed hope that the international conference scheduled to be held in Baghdad on Saturday would yield positive results that would reflect positively on the situations in Iraq. Speaking to Al-Sharqiyah over phone, Abbawi said that all countries of the region and the five permanent members of the Security Council will attend the conference, something that will make the discussions more transparent and frank, unlike previous conferences."

- "Basim al-Sharif, representative of Al-Fadilah Party in the Iraqi Council of Representatives, said that the party is currently working independently to formulate new political visions away from the sectarian atmosphere, adding that the party mem bers are open to any national dialogue. Speaking to Al-Sharqiyah over phone, Al-Sharif welcomed Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa's statements on foreign interference in Iraq's internal affairs and expressed hope that the Baghdad international conference would end divisions in Iraq."

Source: Al-Sharqiyah TV, Dubai

(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 10, 2007 10:02 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Good news.

IRAQ TENDER - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF POWER STATION

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

09 March 2007 (Asia Pulse)
Print article Send to friend
IRAQ - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF SOUTH BAGHDAD POWER STATION SECURITY

TIRef.No 1315380

Bidding Type International Competitive Bidding

Financier Self-Funded

Country Iraq

Description

Invitation to tender for Design and Construction of South Baghdad Power Station Security . The work of consists of security improvements to the compound to include: Establishment of secure access points, Paving the access road to the site, Placing Jersey barriers on access road to form a serpentine pattern, Removing vegetation between existing fences, Rearranging existing blast walls in a cohesive pattern, Installing additional blast walls, Installing of chain link fencing with Concertina wire, Constructing earth berm around the perimeter, Constructing guard towers around the perimeter. This Work is located near Baghdad, Iraq. It is highly recommended to all those interest in placing a proposal for this requirement to perform a site visit.

Organisation GULF REGION CENTRAL DISTRICT

Client Address Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Central District, XR W6EX GRD Central District KO Operation Iraqi Freedom, APO, AE, 09335, UNITED STATES, Iraq,

http://www.baghdadbusinesscenter.org

Email Id maria.d.oterotac01.usace.army.mil

Contact Person Maria Otero

Tender Notice No W917BG-07-R-0082

Estimated Project Cost Not Provided

Document Cost Not provided

Bid Security Not provided

Submission Deadline Mon, 19 March 2007

Sourced by Tenders Info

www.tendersinfo.com
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 10, 2007 10:08 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

IRAQ TENDER - CONSTRUCTION OF POTABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

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

09 March 2007 (Asia Pulse)
Print article Send to friend
TIRef.No 1315379

Bidding Type International Competitive Bidding

Financier Self-Funded

Country Iraq

Description

Invitation to tender for Construction Of A Potable Water Distribution System . The construction includes a potable water system of Ductile Iron water mains, commercial/residential connections, water main shut-off valves, fire hydrants, and appurtenances required for an operable system for the Amanat Baghdad Water Authority. It is highly recommended to all those interest in placing a proposal for this requirement to perform a site visit. The Government will not be responsible for any coordination of the site visit nor any cost associated with the site visit. This magnitude of this project is between $1Million and $5Million.

Organisation GULF REGION CENTRAL DISTRICT

Client Address Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Central District, XR W6EX GRD Central District KO Operation Iraqi Freedom, APO, AE, 09335, UNITED STATES, Iraq,

http://www.baghdadbusinesscenter.org

Email Id maria.d.oterotac01.usace.army.mil

Contact Person Maria Otero

Tender Notice No W917BG-07-R-0079

Estimated Project Cost Not Provided

Document Cost Not provided

Bid Security Not provided

Submission Deadline Wed, 21 March 2007

Sourced by Tenders Info

www.tendersinfo.com
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 10, 2007 10:09 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Corruption Magnitude US$8 Billion, Eight Ministers Implicated

Head of the General Integrity Authority in Iraq, Judge Radi Hamza Al-Radi, said that total monetary value of all the corruption cases the Authority is investigating has reached US$8 billion, reported Asharq Al-Awsat. He added that eight ministers and 40 general directors are implicated in the cases.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 10, 2007 10:13 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

To the polls from http://www.noozz.com

Poll 1:

Do you think that the newly drafted Iraqi oil law will pass parliament before late May, as the government is hoping?

Yes 24
73%
Don't know 3
9%
No 6
18%

Poll 2:

Do you think that Bush's new Iraq plan, with both a reconstruction and troop surge, will regain the political momentum for the Iraqi government and disarm the militias?

Yes 138
70%
Unsure 15
8%
No 45
23%

I think these poll numbers reflect the contrary opinions touted on the major news networks night after night.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 10, 2007 10:21 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

One more, I could not resist. I love these numbers.

Poll 3:

Do you think that Bush's new Iraq plan, with both a reconstruction and troop surge, will regain the political momentum for the Iraqi government and disarm the militias?

Yes 138
70%
Unsure 15
8%
No 45
23%

Also, in my previous post to be clearer I should have substituted the word reflect for "stand in contrast to"

-- March 10, 2007 10:25 PM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

Sara: Great post on the "big bang" idea.

I wish you had gotten a little deeper into what actually happened when the "big bang" occcured such as where did the mass come from that exploded, what caused it to compress in preparation for the explosion and what caused it to explode?

From what you have said, I am more convinced that some type of supreme being put this universe in motion.

-- March 10, 2007 10:38 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob,

I know , I know , I know..... I read the same site!

Sara,

Have you ever heard of the concept of "THE UNMOVED MOVER"?

-- March 11, 2007 8:12 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(880)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 880 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/ 3/ 11 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 10 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1279 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 45.395.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 45.395.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 11, 2007 9:00 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Sara:
Your statement should have said...Science has THREE PARTS.... FACTS...THEORY..AND HOLY SH----WE DIDN'T EVEN COME CLOSE..RELIGIOUS BOOKS have THREE PARTS... FACTS....PARABLES... AND HARRY POTTER STORIES... It is up to the reader to make up their own mind about which one is which....

-- March 11, 2007 9:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq warns neighbours to stay out

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

11 March 2007 (Aljazeera)
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Iraq's prime minister has urged regional powers, including Iran and Syria, not to use the country as a proxy battleground.

Nuri al-Maliki made the plea in the opening speech of a conference in Baghdad on Saturday aimed at ending sectarian violence in Iraq and stopping the violence from spreading throughout the region.

The conference provided a rare opportunity for the United States to meet Iran and Syria, its bitter rivals in the region.

"There was meeting, discussions and consultation at times" between the US and Iranian delegations, Hoshiyar Zebari, the Iraqi foreign minister, said.

"It was a lively exchange, not only with them but the Syrians also," he said "[There were] exchanges regarding relations between the two in Iraq, not anwhere else. That's why they were very constructive."

Zalmay Khalilzad, US ambassador to Iraq, confirmed that he had spoken directly to Iranian officials.

Iran denied holding one-to-one talks with the US delegates.

'Moral responsibility'

Al-Maliki said that Iraq needed the support of its neighbours and the world in stopping the sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims, which he said could spill over to other countries in the region.

"We call on all to take moral responsibility by adopting a strong and clear stance against terrorism in Iraq and co-operate in stamping out forces of terror," al-Maliki said.

He demanded that "regional or international states refrain from interfering or influencing Iraq's state of affairs through supporting a certain sect, ethnic group or party".

"Confronting terrorism means halting any form of financial support and media or religious backing, as well as logistical support and the flow of arms and men who transform themselves into bombs that kill our children, women and elders, and destroy our mosques and churches."

Security committee

The 16 nations at the long-awaited conference agreed to establish a committee to look at security co-operation, as well as two others focusing on Iraqi refugees and energy issues.

Zebari described the meeting "constructive and positive" and said Iraq and its neighbours had decided to hold another mid-level in Turkey next month.

The delegates, however, failed to agree on a date and venue for a follow-up conference at a higher, ministerial level.

"What the conference achieved was exploration and preparation, explorations of the different positions of people attending this conference and preparation for the upcoming conference in Istanbul," Jasim Azawi, the presenter of Al Jazeera's Inside Iraq programme, said.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US ambassador to Iraq, urged Iraq's neighbours to do more to stop the flow of fighters, weapons and sectarian propaganda contributing to the violence, saying the future of Iraq and the Middle East was the defining issue of the moment.

"No country represented at the table would benefit from a disintegrated Iraq; indeed, all would suffer badly," he said.

He said he hoped their presence indicated they were "ready to take concrete, constructive actions" to support Baghdad.

Iran urges US withdrawal

Iran's envoy to to the talks rejected allegations that his country was fomenting violence in Iraq and blamed the fighting on the presence of US forces.

"It will help resolve the problem of violence if they set a timetable for withdrawal of their troops from Iraq," Abbas Araghchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, said.

"Tehran stands ready to help bring peace and stability to Iraq."

Iraq's security problems were highlighted when mortar rounds exploded just metres away from the foreign ministry where the talks were taking place.

Meanwhile, 3km away in east of the capital, a bomber drove a truck laden with explosives into an army checkpoint at the entrance to Sadr City, killing 26 people, officials said.

A second suicide bomber killed another soldier at a checkpoint nearby, and further south, one civilian was killed in a third blast.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 11, 2007 10:24 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq conference centres on stability
By Steve Negus

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

11 March 2007 (Financial Times)
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Iraq’s prime minister Nouri al-Maliki said his country should not be used for proxy wars between foreign powers, as US and Iranian officials were brought together in a rare meeting at a security conference in Baghdad.

“We will not accept that our lands, cities and streets serve as an arena for inter-regional or regional-international disputes,” he declared as the conference began.

Bringing the Americans and the Iranians together was a diplomatic breakthrough for the Iraqis, and could lead to further contacts between the two governments.

The US accused Iran of providing weapons to militia groups inside Iraq that have been used in deadly attacks on US troops, a charge that Tehran denies.

“I met with them directly and I met with them in front of others and spoke to them across a table as well. I raised our concerns,” US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters.

Iran in turn raised the issue of a half dozen Iranian citizens arrested in January. Tehran claims they had diplomatic immunity and that they were “kidnapped”, but US officials have said that they are suspected of involvement in violence, and are not diplomats.

In a press conference after the meeting, which brought together Iran’s neighbours and representatives from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Tehran’s envoy Abbas Aragchi repeated Iran’s call to set up a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, which he said led to a “vicious cycle” of violence.

Iraqi and US diplomats, however, stressed that the conference stuck strictly to the issue of Iraqi stability, avoiding the question of Iran’s nuclear program which the United States at present refuses to discuss in bilateral talks.

The conference, which the Iraqis said was the largest international gathering in Baghdad since 1990, included representatives from all of Iraq’s neighbours including Iran, Turkey, and Syria, other Arab states, the Arab League, the UN, and the five permanent members of the UN.

Iraq’s foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari said that the conferees had agreed to set up technical committees to discuss security, the flood of Iraqi refugees into neighbouring countries, and energy supplies.

The most significant aspect of a conference which Iraq had earlier described as “ice breaking” was to bring all the mistrustful parties to the same table, in particular the United States and Iran, but also the Sunni Arab states that fear Iraq is becoming part of an Iranian-led Shia axis across the region.

Iraq took offence earlier this week at a statement by the Arab League that it would urge changes in Iraq’s constitution to give more political power to Sunnis.

But Prime Minister Maliki said at Saturday’s conference that Iraq “had decided to reconsider” the document, a reference to a committee charged with reviewing the constitution and possibly suggesting amendments.

Delegates also alluded to allegations that Arab states including Syria and Saudi Arabia allowed supporters of insurgent groups to operate from their territory.

“Confronting terrorism means halting any form of financial support and media or religious backing, as well as logistical support and the flow of arms and men who transform themselves into bombs that kill our children, women and elders, and destroy our mosques and churches,” Mr Maliki said.

The delegates agreed to hold a higher-level meeting bringing together the foreign ministers of the participating countries possibly as early as next month, but have not yet decided on a venue. Baghdad would like to host the conference, but Egypt has also volunteered.

Meanwhile, Mr Khalilzad said that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would attend the next round of talks if they were held in Istanbul.
(www.iraqupates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 11, 2007 10:27 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Foreign Office helped set up Iraqi oil deals
By Tim Webb

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

11 March 2007 (The Independent)
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The British Government intervened to help UK and US energy giants in their attempts to secure lucrative contracts to exploit Iraq's ruined oilfields.

The Foreign Office delivered a report by the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC) - a Washington-based think-tank backed by a host of multinationals, including oil companies such as Shell and BP - to Iraqi officials in Baghdad, it has emerged.

The British ambassador to Iraq formally sent the "road-map" study on the Iraqi oil industry to the then Iraqi minister of finance, according to documents seen by The Independent on Sunday. The study recommended the Iraqi government sign long-term production-sharing agreements with foreign oil companies.

Emails between civil servants also showed that the Foreign Office helped the ITIC secure an audience with senior officials from the Iraqi Oil Ministry so that it could present its report.

The ITIC hosted a conference in Beirut in January 2005 to give a formal presentation to Iraqi ministers. Executives from BP, Shell, ChevronTexaco, the Italian oil company ENI and its French rival Total attended.

A diplomat from the Foreign Office, who helped the ITIC further its relationship with the Iraqis, was also present.

The story of the envoys' involvement was revealed on Friday night by the Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera as part of its People and Power documentary series.

Greg Muttitt, the co-director of the campaign group Platform, said: "There is no question that the British Government is exploiting its position as an occupation power to push its own oil interests and those of multinational companies."

Kim Howells, a Foreign Office minister, told the Al-Jazeera programme that the accusation that the British government was influencing Iraq's oil industry was "paranoia gone completely loopy".

Separately, the IoS has learnt that the ITIC is planning another key conference to be attended by oil company executives and senior Iraqi government figures.

They will discuss in greater detail the tax regime that will accompany the long-awaited hydrocarbon law, which should be approved by the Iraqi parliament
(www.iraqiupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 11, 2007 10:32 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Neil. I am glad what I wrote was of help to you.

Roger wrote, "Big Bang happened everywhere and at the same time". - It's a geometric impossibility to have an explosion without a center.

==

You are correct, Roger, it is a geometric impossibility to have an explosion without a center. This was no ordinary "explosion" though. This was the explosion that created Time. So it is not only a 3D explosion (like a hand grenade), but also a fourth dimensional expansion (an expansion of the Space-Time continuum). This is the creation of TIME. Remember that Einstein said time and space are interchangeable. Let me illustrate for you, here:

Imagine a single sheet of paper, this represents our 3D world frozen in a frame of time (even though it is just 2 dimentional, flat). Now this sheet expands upwards creating a 3D stack of papers. The top sheet is the future, and the bottom sheet is the past. Imagine a creature living on the bottom sheet of paper which cannot comprehend up and down. The creature cannot see up and down, his visual sight is constrained to the sheet he is presently in. This creature would automatically move through the sheets upwards at a constant rate, and this is what he calls time - the upward movement he experiences as he moves up the stack. He is free to move around on the surface of the paper - back and forth, left and right - but he has no control over moving up through the stack or "forward in time". Once he gets about halfway up the stack of papers another creature asks him where on the piece of paper the explosion came from which created the stack. He cannot tell - from his view it seemed to come from everywhere (on his 2D world) at once.

Although we know it came from below, that is a place he would perceive as the past. But it would appear to be from everywhere at once from his point of view. So since our explosion which created our universe is a fourth dimensional explosion, in our third dimensional world you could not assign a physical 3D point as the center for the explosion, anymore than you could assign a 2D space for the creation of a 3D world. It is almost like a frame of time exploded and created the entire universe (from our vantage point.) So the explosion did come from everywhere at once, but the center for the explosion is in the past, and we, like the flat creature, may have trouble grasping an explosion which originated from a higher dimension not bounded by our laws of physics or the current Space-Time continuum - much like our imaginary flat creature may have a hard time understanding an up and down explosion (which he understands as time, exploding).

Everything I have said here is strongly grounded in physics and not flights of fantasy. This is based on mathematics and is mathematically proveable. For a better understanding of higher dimensions I highly reccomend reading the physics books "Flatland" by Edwin A. Abbott, and the sequel "Sphereland" written by a physicist. These books are written for the layman, and are classics for understanding multiple dimensions and curved space.

Neil - I hope that explanation to Roger helps a bit more with your questions, too..
It was a long first post.. as it is a very large subject area. :)

Carole - no, sorry, never heard of it as such.. is the "unmoved mover" a reference to God?

Sara.

PS By the way, God is above our dimension, of course.. a higher dimensional being than our Space-Time continuum, and He made this continuum we exist on.. (just in case that wasn't understood.) :)

-- March 11, 2007 10:49 PM ∞

---

paul wrote:

Hi All,
Has anyone read this? Does anyone know what this new policy change is about?
tia.

Demand for dollar down as new policy expected in Central Bank auction
By Dergham Mohamed Ali
Baghdad, March 11, (VOI) – Demand for the dollar was down in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Sunday, reaching $45.395 million, compared with $54.145 million on Thursday, amid expectation of a new policy to sell dollars.
In its daily statement, the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $8.845 million in cash and $36.550 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,279 dinars per dollar, unchanged from Thursday.
None of the 10 banks that participated in Sunday's auction offered to sell dollars.
Abdul-Razzaq al-Abaiji, an economist, told VOI "the decline in today's demand for the dollar was due to the expectation that a new policy will be adopted by the Central Bank to raise the dollar exchange rate in upcoming sessions."The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

-- March 11, 2007 11:19 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Paul,

Yes I hope this is significant, the CBI have a new currency policy, it was still in Arabic when I read it off the CBI site, and the automatic translation kind of sucks, but what I got out of it is that the CBI will aggressively combat inflation and the causes for it, it will raise the exchange value of the Dinar, to do so.

Now, until a better translation is at hand, I can only speculate.

The CBI have for months raising the value of the Dinar, and have not seen a need to announce a policy change, just to do that.

I read into it that they will go for it full blast now.

This might be it.

If they are to get a handle on the inflation, and meet it with a higher value of the currency, then they are doing the right thing if they are doing big steps that really counts, not the Mickey Mouse steps they have been doing so far.

The nominal value of the Dinar will tell when the inflation is taken care of.

With other words, if I'm reading it the way I think I'm reading it.

They are really bugged by the inflation, it causes big harm over there.

They want to deal with it, and its causes. ( They already know that their Dinar buys s..t nothing and that makes for a sellers market in Iraq, sellers setting any price they want, thus inflation)

That means also, they will CONTINUE to raise the Dinar until the inflation is under control.

What they are saying is, -"We are going to let the currency's value determine when the inflation is under control".

That is exactly how currency will take care of inflation.

So the Iraqis are going to bring up the currency in value until their inflation flattens out.

As the inflation will flatten out automatically at the currency's nominal value, it is time for a guessing game here now.

HOW MUCH IS THE IRAQI CURRENCY ACTUALLY WORTH?

I stick with my 10-30 cents/Dinar window.

My reasoning for that is, in a series of points.

The average income is 54 Dollars /months, and 17-20 million Iraqis are living on LESS than a Dollar a day.

54 times 1279 is 69066 Dinars a month.

A value increase to 10 cents will give the value in Dollars to 6906 Dollars and 6 Cents.

THAT is decent wages, and a lot of buying power, compared with now.

This is per month.

In the US we have mostly weekly wages, so that would pan out to be (counted on a 22 days week) 6906.6 : 22 = 313.9/day times 5 = 1569 Bucks a week.

Not bad, still using the same currency, still getting the same wages, with the only difference that suddenly there is cheap stuff around them to buy.

So you see, even with as modest value increase as 10 cents, the Iraqis individual buying power would increase with the same amount of money, to about 1500 bucks a week.

So this is one of the reasons I'm not with the crowd that say it will be a 1 to 1 reval.

Imagine the AVERAGE income per capita would be 69 thousand Dollars/month. That's an annual income of 828 thousand Dollars per year.

1 to 1 overnight will not happen, the value of the currency, the wages, and the prices have to ease into that condition, and you don't do that overnight.

When looking at numbers like that, you're looking at long term.

-- March 12, 2007 1:10 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Thanks for the posting, interesting, however, there are some fundamental flaws in this reasoning.

Time is nothing but measurement of movement.

Time is not in the past, it is not in the future, this is only perception of either a remembered earlier position or a postulated future position of matter.

Therefore the future and the past dint exist.

We can make facsimiles of the past, in our own mind, and make references to them, thus we have created our own reference file. Memory.

We can also make mechanical or electronic devices that can duplicate patterns from the past, video, gramophone, cameras, tape recordings, movies, DVDs , and re duplicate a close facsimile of the actual events and conditions of the past.

As existence goes, past don't exist.

I have read a lot of books from different theorists, one is more popular than the other, some of them become flings, for a certain cause, some are just duds.

I'm aware of the theory of flat universe, basically describing the universe in a flat dimension, and thus pointing out that we will never be aware of the other dimension because we have no reference to it.

No Big Bang can not be explained with that as a reference, as explaining that it happened everywhere and at the same time.

Time references can only exist when you have something that moves comparable to one or more energies or objects.

When it comes to "other dimensions" very much time have been spent by different scientists, and theorists into possible scenarios of a de facto existing dimension, other than the known, but hierto, it's not see able, touchable, measurable, or proven existing other than in our minds.

In deed our minds can of-course bee said to be a universe by it's own, or a dimension, with unknown properties, but that doesn't stretch into the physical universe, in other ways that we use the mind to control the physical universe.

There can not be a separate time reference in the same space as existing masses or energies, other than with disagreement, or agreement. Then we're back to our minds again.

If anything that can be called TIME would exist, two conditions must be fulfilled.

1. At least one object (may it be energy or matter) must move in relation to the other.
2. It must be perceived by someone.

As we are so spiritually ingenious as human spirits, we can set up our own perception of time, we can remember, or associate with something in our own mind, even if we're looking at nothing that moves, and make up our own reference to what time is.

It's easy, mock up, in your mind your grand dads, ding dong wall clock, with a pendulum, and go watch a stone, you will get perfect timing if you wish.

No Sara, I have my doubts about the Big Bang, but I have less doubts that there is a much closer relationship between the physical universe, it's creation, and spirits.

It's funny, a very big percentage of scientists don't have a spiritual relationship either with a God, or just spiritually.

Perhaps it's a "lets get back on them" because the Church hit Galileo with house arrest, when he was observing the universe as he saw it.

I do believe there is more of a correlation between a spiritual side and the physical universe, but talking strictly about Big Bang, no I have my doubts, it has far too many flaws.

When and how it is created that is another story, God, or you and me, or any other way, well that part I leave open.

Expanding matter, thus explaining gravity , ( earth always expanding, and anything else also) is one of the theories, about the universe.

The flat universe, meaning a universe in balance, not expanding, not contracting, is another one.

The string theory describing the existence of the universe as strings of energy, have had a big following but is right now waning. At it's peak it had 14 different "dimensions" of existence, but I believe they're down to 4 or 5 now.

The existing theory, Big Bang, came across late 50's early 60's even if the galaxies had been assigned Doppler effect since Einstein and Hubble got together one evening in Hubble's observatory.

Then they figure out by measurement that it is expanding uniformly, so they had to invent the " it happened everywhere at the same time", and any and all explanation on this point I have heard have not held water, mostly references to another popular artists book, but so far it eludes explanation.

My self I'm proposing the effects of redshift, as an effect of gravity influence on each existing photon during it's whole existence. Longer exposure, less energy. More redshift.

Anyhow, then they figure out that the existing mass and existing energy present in our observable universe don't fit the bill, if it is expanding the way it is, so now they have to invent "Dark matter, and dark energy".

A commodity still completely unknown, properties unmeasurable, and in a remarkable way very good in avoiding detection even though they claim that the universe must consist of about 95% of that stuff.

They're now founding out that at the edge of the observable universe, with the newest and most sensible observation instruments, that according to the Big Bang, the Galaxies we're looking at is the very first embryos of galaxies.....BUT, instead they are finding that a big number of the very most distant Galaxies are well organized and well developed Galaxies, something that they would never had time to do, if it is as far away as they are, because, the theory claims that just beyond those Galaxies is the time of Big Bang.

There is big problems with the Big Bang, Sara, the very latest and most perplexing result came in not too long ago, where they measured the background radiation from the universe, it doesn't fit the Big Bang, but it fits, a stable and non expanding Universe.

The backers of Big Bang is still very big, but doubts have began to risen among the ranks, and I'm not too sure that this theory will survive another 25 years as the main theory about the universe.

-- March 12, 2007 2:15 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

CBI Exchange Rate for Monday

Still shows the Sunday post at this hour.

I have to leave posting the Monday rate to somebody else once the CBI updates.

I have access issues where I am going

Have a nice day all!!

-- March 12, 2007 5:16 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

New scratch pad sure does scroll faster

Must be "New and Improved"

-- March 12, 2007 5:20 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

Announcement No.(881)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 881 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/ 3/ 12 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1278 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 59.600.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 59.600.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 12, 2007 7:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

BG Looks To Iraq Gasfield

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

12 March 2007 (Sky News)
Print article Send to friend
BG Group looks set to become the first major Western energy group to invest in Iraq.

Representatives of the oil and gas group are believed to have visited the country to examine exploration opportunities.

They looked at sites for gas exploration in the Kurdish-controlled north.

Ashti Hawrami, the Kurdish regional government minister of natural resources, says the region will have signed agreements with 10 new companies by the end of the year.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, Iraq has long been on the radar of the world's majors who are under pressure to replenish their oil and gas reserves.

The country has the world's largest petroleum reserves after Saudi Arabia and much of it is simple to extract, says The Sunday Telegraph.

Since 2003, there have been more than 380 attacks on Iraq's oil assets.

Although some oil giants have privately identified areas in the country where they would like to explore, none have so far taken the plunge, says the newspaper.

Analysts believe output could reach between 5m and 6m barrels a day over the next two decades once new investment and infrastructure is in place.

BG Group declined to comment on Iraq, but said it was "looking at a number of opportunities across the Middle East".
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 12, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger stated that, "As existence goes, the past doesn't exist."

I believe that is true, that the past does not exist. Godel postulated that one would have to go faster than the speed of light to go back in time, a relativistic impossibility. Though some would argue wormholes and the like, none of that phenomena has been observed. However, we do know that the past has existed in reality and the future will exist in reality. Therefore, the model I used of the two dimensional creature and the stack of papers is only a help or an explanation of that Space-Time continuum and how it exists - but it is a valid and true picture, though crude and oversimplified, I admit. It was to facilitiate a basic understanding of the principles, not meant as a complete description of the reality of past and future. Only the present exists, the past is gone and the future is not yet. However, we do move through time, as you said, "Time is nothing but measurement of movement." That is true.. it is something which is measured by movement.. but it is experienced by our moving THROUGH it. Time can be moved through, and as Einstein showed, it is relative and can be altered by the use of acceleration. There have been physical experiments done with people using planes and taking with them a clock and circling the earth, then landing and the clocks on the plane and on the ground showed differing times, proving Einstein's hypothesis. Therefore, when we know that Time is quantifiable objectively, there is a need to explain it in a reference which explains that quantifiability, hence the illustration which is an oversimplification of the reality of that continuum using the "paper stack" illustration.

Many people believe in the Big Bang, and all I am saying is that if it happened - because there is no central point, it either does not exist (the Big Bang didn't happen) - or the Big Bang occured from a higher dimension. My point with the higher dimension idea is that what currently exists is much more complex than a hand grenade exploding in outer space. It is very complicated, and so requires a Designer. It is far more complicated than just a particle exploding into the entire universe, akin to an explosion in a print factory ending up creating a complete leatherbound Encylopedia (with Bibliography and Appendixes.)

But going back to addressing your points, you say you do not think that this illustration showing our world being created from a higher dimensional plane can explain the "Big Bang" happening everywhere at once because, "Time references can only exist when you have something that moves comparable to one or more energies or objects." But Einstein proved that time is relative and moves at differing rates and speeds, showing that time references CAN exist because time can move at differing speeds comparable to us or objects. You say, QUOTE:

If anything that can be called TIME would exist, two conditions must be fulfilled.

1. At least one object (may it be energy or matter) must move in relation to the other.
2. It must be perceived by someone.

BOTH conditions can be proven, hence, TIME does exist. Einstein proved that time moves in relation to us and can be accelerated or slowed down in real terms which would make a difference to how we experienced time and how long we lived in the Space-Time continuum. Yes, I agree that it can be changed only in relation to our own minds as well, and not in concrete physics terms. Sometimes time seems to be whizzing past and you are almost "out of time" to accomplish the things you wish to. Other times (like waiting for the Dinar to peg) it seems that time is working at a snail's pace. Those are relative only to our perception of time. You are right in saying that those kinds of perceptions are only in our minds (the clocks did not change in those instances). However, with Einstein's experiments and those done in the physical realm using the acceleration force of planes, we can show that time can be physically changed and distorted, slowing down and speeding up in relationship to the current time we are now living within. Einstein said that if you moved at the speed of light away from earth for a period of time and then back, those on earth who did not experience that movement would age more quickly and by the time you returned to earth everyone you know would have died from old age. The physical experiments we have done using planes which can fly at mach speeds proves the theory out (we can't go at the speed of light yet, but we extrapolate mathematically to light-speed acceleration and we can see that it would cause a slowing in Time-Space as we experience the continuum, just as with the plane experiments. It has mathematical foundation and experimental foundation, though at this time we are not yet able to send people forward in time to check because the human body cannot take the forces necessary to live through the acceleration to travel at the speed of light.) Therefore, using Einstein's theory and these concrete experiments, I conclude that Time is physically measurable and slows with acceleration in relationship to "stationary" (unaccelerating) objects. So your point one and two are both fulfilled experimentally in the real world. This means that Time exists as an objective continuum and as the crude "paper stack" illustration I used explains.

I found fascinating your statement which shows the universe to have incredible complexity and DESIGN, when you said:

They're now founding out that at the edge of the observable universe, with the newest and most sensible observation instruments, that according to the Big Bang, the Galaxies we're looking at is the very first embryos of galaxies.....BUT, instead they are finding that a big number of the very most distant Galaxies are well organized and well developed Galaxies, something that they would never had time to do, if it is as far away as they are, because, the theory claims that just beyond those Galaxies is the time of Big Bang.

Again, the complexity is too great for a mere explosion of a hand grenade in outer space. It appears complex and DESIGNED, another proof of a higher dimensional being taking a hand in the formation of the universe. I believe as we learn more of the complexity of the universe we will see this to be even more so, even as the microscope opened up the realms within us to inspection as to the intricate design of our bodies and the DNA code which makes up our beings, a code we are only just beginning to explore and map.

When you say, "There is big problems with the Big Bang, Sara, the very latest and most perplexing result came in not too long ago, where they measured the background radiation from the universe, it doesn't fit the Big Bang, but it fits, a stable and non expanding Universe." I must agree with you. There ARE lots of problems with the theory. That is because they start with a wrong premise underlying the whole scenerio.. that God didn't exist or have a hand in it. Obviously, that means they miss DESIGN put into that universe and then they cannot see WHY things don't fit with their atheistic assumptions. Red Shift, for instance, is a measurement which shows a shift in the light spectrum which appears to show that the universe is expanding. But then.. they are EXPECTING that to be there, are they not? It is an 'a priori' assumption that the Big Bang happened and is continuing to happen which caused them to look for proof of the expected expansion. There are other ways to explain red shift, rotating things have red shift, I even heard some predict that the light could become "tired" and shift to red on the way. (I think you mentioned that, too.) I would also like to point out that we do not know if there is anything between us and the light which could have an effect on it shifting to red, as we have never been any farther than the vicinity of our own solar system. I have heard from Big Bang sceptics that we cannot accurately measure beyond 100 light years the distance of a star (using the trianglation of the earth). So when they say "2.6 billion light years from here". They are making a presumption, normally based upon the redshift and the supposed age of the universe. These very rough estimates are subject to very large percentages of error. There is a lot of presumption and guesswork in the Theory - educated hypotheses, but they are still subject to human error. I therefore find Red Shift alone a bit flimsy as concrete evidence of a very large acceleration effect. I look for corroborating evidence, before accepting one evidence (Red Shift) as completely true. Another thing which makes me skeptical is the fact that IF these galaxies were actually accelerating at this HUGE rate AWAY from us.. and had been doing so for literally MILLIONS of years.. all the stars in the sky would have gone beyond the reach of our physical eyes, would they not? Why is it that the stars are not "disappearing" from the night sky as they accelerate away from us? Surely as they go farther away at such incredible speeds they would become undetectable to our telescopes over MILLIONS of years of time? Which brings us to your second skepticism..

I agree with you that the Big Bang theory of constant acceleration of the universe "does not fit with background radiation but with a more stable and non expanding universe." Could we say it is like everything was created ONCE and is more or less continuing in that state since? Instead of being within an acceleration or "Bang", we appear to be within that which "has already been "Banged""... that fits with a once for all creation, as the Bible predicts our universe to be. Hence, yes, the Big Bang could end up among the scrap heap of theories in some things, yet, in others, it has some merit. I suggest not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and looking carefully with what Facts their Theory presents and what is flimsy in evidence (or contradicted by sound reason.)

Again I reiterate that where scientific Theory departs from the Biblical account they do seem to end up in quagmire and end up revising the theories until it fits with the Facts.. and then it fits with the Bible's version. Hence my confidence that the Bible has continuing validity as a book describing exactly how our universe came into being. I would rather rest on the infinite mind of the Creator and His thoughts as they were written down, than in the puny and changing Theories of men which are in constant revision due to their incorrect reasonings and lack of knowledge of all the known Facts. If men are disproven in these areas you spoke of (questionable Red Shift and the background radiation showing a non-expanding universe) and it fits with the Bible, I find it a validation of that infinite wisdom which was once-and-for-all distilled and placed in the Bible for us to read and rely upon as a true guide to the universe for man.

I think it worth noting at this juncture a quote in this regard which is instructive: "the very existence of modern science had its origins in a culture at least nominally committed to a Biblical basis, and at a time in history marked by a great return to Biblical faith. When we look at the giants of the past who pioneered the development of science and are the ones who are most responsible for its nature and accomplishments, were these men skeptics and agnostics? Are their achievements attributable to a mechanistic, atheistic attitude toward the world and its phenomena? Or were they men and women who believed in God and His sovereignty over nature as its Creator?

Men such as Johann Kepler, Issac Newton, Robert Boyle, David Brewster, John Dalton, Michael Faraday, Blaise Pascal, Clerk Maxwell, Louis Pasteur, William Thompson (Lord Kelvin) and a host of others of comparable stature were men who firmly believed in special creation and the personal omnipotent God of creation, as well as believing in the Bible as the inspired Word of God and in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Their great contributions to science - indeed, in laying the very foundation of modern science - were made in implicit confidence that they were "merely thinking God's thoughts after Him" (a phrase coined by Johann Kepler*) and that they were doing His will and glorifying His name in so doing. They certainly entertained no thoughts of conflict between science and the Bible.

Some skeptics may say that such men were merely products of their times - that everyone believed in God and the Bible at that time. But that is exactly the point!! It was no COINCIDENCE that it was in the milieu of the religious Reformation and the Great Awakening that modern science first grew and began to thrive. Fruitful scientific research almost demands a Biblical worldview, either conciously or subconciously - a world view in which like causes produce like effects, where natural phenomena follow fixed and intelligent natural laws, and where we can have confidence that we can think rationally and meaningfully. Such a world presupposes no random, chaotic origin but an origin under the control of a great mind and will, an intelligent volitional First Cause, a great Lawgiver who can enact, implement and enforce His created laws.

Many recent scientists, even though they themselves are not creationists, are still willing to recognise the Christian, creationist origin of modern science. Entomologist Stanley Beck, an articulate anticreationist, has acknowledged this fact: "The first of the unprovable premises on which science has been based is the belief that the world is real and the human mind is capable of knowing its real nature... The second and best known postulate underlying the structure of scientific knowledge is that of cause and effect.. The third basic scientific premise is that nature is unified."

Beck acknowledges that these are all essentially Christian in origin and nature. "These scientific premises define and limit the scientific mode of thought. It should be pointed out, however, that each of these postulates had its origin in, or was consistent with, Christian theology."

==end of quote==

I must agree with the points made, above. Science has premises based in Christian theology which make Scientific reasoning possible. We are arguing within those beliefs which underpin and inform our understanding, but their origin is the same book which I look to for scientific validity of the Design and Creation of our universe.

Sara.

* Johann Kepler is the discoverer of the laws of planetary motion and he established the discipline of celestial mechanics. He conclusively demonstrated the heliocentricity of the solar system and published the first ephemeris tables for tracking star motions, contributing to the eventual development of calculus. He was an earnest Christian who wrote, "Since we astronomers are priests of the highest God in regard to the book of nature, it befits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our minds, but rather, above all else, of the glory of God."

-- March 12, 2007 1:46 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Voices of Iraq: Qaeda-Arrest
Posted by: saleem on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 07:50 PM

Qaeda-Arrest
Senior figure in al-Qaeda group arrested - spokesman
By Hossam al-Shahmani
Baghdad, March 12, (VOI) - A senior figure in al-Qaeda in Iraq armed group was arrested on Monday northeast of Baghdad, the official spokesman of the law-imposing security plan said.
"Hussein al-Heyalli, the general mufti of al-Qaeda network in Iraq, was arrested and gave us information that will help to dismantle the group," Brigadier Qassem Atta al-Mousawi said in news conference.
"Since the beginning of March, 241 gunmen and 700 suspected militants have been arrested," he said in the news conference, which was attended by General William Caldwell, spokesman for the Multi-National forces in Iraq.
"A number of hospitals and markets were secured during that period and the security forces played an important role in limiting gunmen's attacks," he noted.
The spokesman added "the defense ministry has signed contracts to buy devices for detecting explosives, bomb cars and will be used by Iraqi forces soon."
For his part, General William Caldwell said that two brigades of the Multi-National force-Iraq arrived in Baghdad, while a third brigade arrived in Kut, 180 km southeast of Baghdad, and will be in Baghdad in the upcoming days.
"The number of forces heading for Baghdad will be completed by June and 7,000 more troops will be deployed, including military police forces, in addition to other 2,000 Georgian troops," General Caldwell added.
U.S. President George W. Bush had vowed to send 21,500 extra troops to Iraqi capital Baghdad to support Iraqi government under Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Iraqi and U.S. troops have been involved in a large-scale operation called Fard al-Qanoon (Rule of Law), since mid-February, in a bid to quell bombings and sectarian violence in Baghdad.
SH
(www.aswataliraq.info)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 12, 2007 1:56 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Voices of Iraq: Iraq-Currency
Posted by: saleem on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 05:51 PM

Iraq-Currency
Higher demand for dollar in Iraqi Central Bank auction
By Dergham Mohammed Ali
Baghdad, March 12, (VOI) – Demand for the dollar increased in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Monday, reaching $59.600 million compared with $45.395 million on Sunday.
In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $19.980 million in cash and $39.620 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,278 dinars per dollar, a tick lower than yesterday.
None of the 13 banks that participated in Monday's auction offered to sell dollars.
Ali al-Yaseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the drop of one tick in the exchange rate encouraged banks to make higher bids for dollars in today's auction session."
However, al-Yasseri pointed out, traders wanted to seize the opportunity to make higher bids because they fear a possible increase in the dollar exchange rate in upcoming sessions.
The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.aswataliraq.info)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 12, 2007 1:59 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil Law not in the bag yet.

Draft Oil Law Dispute in Iraqi Parliament
Unclear What Impact the Debate Will Have on the Controversial Draft Law
Posted 0 hr. 0 min. ago
Iraqi National Slate, IAF object debating draft law on oil, gas
By Santa Michael and Kawther Abdul-Amir
Baghdad, March 12, (VOI) – The Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) and former Iraqi Premier Iyad Allawi's Iraqi National Slate objected to the debate of a draft law on oil and gas on the agenda of the Iraqi Parliament's session on Monday. Hussein al-Falluji, an IAF member of parliament, said "we believe that the time is not right for dealing with this issue. We should, above all, deal with security matters before debating this draft." "Socio-political and security circumstances do not allow such a step now, as the draft would allow investment companies to re-wield power over Iraqi oil," Falluji, who belongs to the third largest parliamentary bloc, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on Monday. In an ordinary session earlier on Monday, the Iraqi Parliament debated a draft law on investment in crude oil and delayed the second reading of a draft law on regulating frequencies, as it was correlated with the law on provinces. The quorum for last Tuesday’s parliamentary session was not reached, prompting members to turn it into a "consultative session" in which they debated a mechanism for the Iraqi legislative house during the coming period. Iraq's parliament is composed of 275 members. The quorum necessary to convene sessions is half the members plus one (139 members). The parliament was scheduled to debate second readings of draft legislation on the higher commission for human rights, amendments to the law on irrigation networks and the law on municipalities and the public works ministry, said the parliament speaker's media director Muhannad Abdul-Jabbar.
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 12, 2007 2:03 PM ∞

---

gimp wrote:

soooooo haliburton moves it's corp execs to dubai O well ..... does this protect those that would be questioned orrrrrr does this set the stage for the oil rush that is about to happen??? since after all haliburton pumps the stuff the bush interest is in the persion gulf shipping bahrain refines....and a gazillion dollars will be pouring into iraq and the dinar is step by step getting closer and closer I ain't got much and one may call it blood money or call it help a country I don't care I call it a hopefull change in this poor boys life and all I can say is let the oil flow and flow WOO HOO GO DINAR GOOOOOOOO

-- March 12, 2007 7:53 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

YAY us!!!! One more step up the downward bound escalator!!!

The 882 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/ 3/ 13 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 11 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1278 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 47.010.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 47.010.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 13, 2007 4:12 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Group of insurgents killed, another arrested northeast of Baghdad

BAGHDAD, March 13 (KUNA) -- Iraqi and American troops have killed 16 insurgents and arrested 11 others during an operation in a village in Diyala governorate, northeast of Baghdad, the US military in Iraq said in a statement.

It added that Iraqi troops, supported by Americans, had carried out a wide-scale operation against terrorist cells in Al-Saadiya district in Diyala over the past three days.

The troops also discovered a cache containing weapons and materials used for making improvised explosive devices, it was reported.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=960903

-- March 13, 2007 4:42 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

ANTHONY R

Step?

Must have been a less than a 1 Dinar move and they rounded?

-- March 13, 2007 5:05 AM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

Yeah, one more step up the down escalator... pretty much we stayed where we were.

-- March 13, 2007 5:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US military plans Iraq pullout if ‘surge’ fails
Iraqi soldiers move into British base in Basra as they prepare to take responsibility for security in area.

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

WASHINGTON & BASRA, Iraq, 13 March 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Pentagon planners have begun work on a fallback position for Iraq that includes a phased pullout of US troops in case the current "surge" strategy fails or is undercut by Congress, The Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

The "surge" proposed in January by President George W. Bush calls for sending 21,500 additional combat troops and several thousand more support forces in order to pacify Baghdad and other key parts of the country.

But citing unnamed military officials and Pentagon consultants, the newspaper said the alternative strategy was based in part on the US experience in El Salvador in the 1980s.

During the 1981-1992 El Salvador civil war, the United States deployed 55 Green Berets to aid the Salvadoran military in its fight against leftist rebels.

The report said that some historians believed that their presence had helped the United States to gradually professionalize the Salvadoran army and curb its abuses while avoiding a large-scale US military involvement.

A drawdown of forces in Iraq, The Times said, would be in line with comments made last month by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. He told Congress that if the "surge" failed, the backup plan would include moving troops "out of harm's way."

Such a plan would also be close to the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, of which Gates was a member before his appointment to the Pentagon, the paper said.

"This part of the world has an allergy against foreign presence," the report quotes a senior Pentagon official as saying of Iraq.

"You have a window of opportunity that is relatively short. Your ability to influence this with a large US force eventually gets to the point that it is self-defeating."

The new round of planning is taking place in an atmosphere of extraordinary tension within the Pentagon, The Times said.

Some support the new commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, who advocates using more US forces. Others back General John Abizaid, the retiring Central Command chief, who favored handing over security responsibilities to Iraqis.

Meanwhile, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Peter Pace has made several references to El Salvador in recent congressional hearings and private Pentagon meetings, The Times said.

The senior Pentagon official said Pace's repeated references were a signal that in the chairman's view, success in Iraq might not depend on more combat troops, according to the report.

Iraqi soldiers move into British base

Iraqi soldiers have raised their flag above a British base in the southern city of Basra as they prepare to take responsibility for security in the area, the military said on Monday.

Elements of the 10th Division of the Iraqi Army have joined their British colleagues from the Staffordshire Regiment in the Shatt al-Arab Hotel, a town centre stronghold which comes under frequent militia mortar attack.

In the coming weeks and months British troops are to pull out of two bases inside Basra and a logistics centre outside the city, in order to concentrate their force at a single compound at Basra airport.

British troops will also continue to protect the consulate located in central Basra.

The 7,200-strong force is to be reduced by at least 1,500 by the end of August and could be cut by up to half by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the locally-recruited 10th division will fill the gaps.

"The first elements of the Iraqi Army's 10th Division moved in the middle of least week. There is an Iraqi flag flying over the Shatt al-Arab hotel," British army spokesman Major David Gell said.

"This is another important step for the Iraqi army as they develop their capabilities and gradually take more responsibility for their own security.

"It is pleasing that the move went so smoothly and offers encouraging signs for the future as everybody continues down the road towards Iraqi self reliance," he added.

Basra is Iraq's second city and the hub of the country's oil industry.

The British force's four-year-old mission to pacify the city has been hampered by armed clashes between rival tribes and political Shiite militias, the brutality and corruption of the local police and insurgent attacks.

At least 132 British soldiers have died since the March 2003 invasion led by US and British forces and their bases still come under almost daily mortar or rocket attack.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

International Organisations

U.N. chief to host meeting Friday on Iraq Compact to promote the country's development
By EDITH M. LEDERER

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

13 March 2007 (AP Worldstream)
Print article Send to friend
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to host a meeting Friday so the Iraqi government can brief U.N. member states on a five-year plan to ensure the government has funds to survive and enact key political and economic reforms.

The Iraq Compact was set up shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006 to "consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development."

Friday's meeting also will "provide the Iraqi government with an opportunity to inform potential donors on the progress made in the implementation of its commitments," Ban said.

In his quarterly report on Iraq circulated Monday, Ban expressed hope that the date and venue for the launch of the compact will be identified as soon as possible, noting that the documentation has been finalized.

Ban said in Monday's report that he strongly believes "that positive political progress and a reduction of violence are essential preconditions for the success of this initiative."

Since December, however, the report said high levels of violence have continued to overshadow political and reconstruction efforts.

"The worsening security situation, particularly in Baghdad and in the southern and western regions, continues to undermine the ability of the government of Iraq to deliver essential services, create jobs, and reconstruct socio-economic infrastructure," it said.

The U.N. Mission in Iraq and the country team will continue reconstruction efforts wherever possible, including providing support for the International Compact "while also maintaining a strong advocacy role in humanitarian and human rights issues," the report said.

"Ultimately, the Iraqi people and their leaders face a fundamental choice, between seeking a negotiated political settlement or drawing further into the abyss of sectarian conflict," Ban said. "I believe that it is still not too late to turn the tide and prevent further escalation."

As of January, contributions to the U.N. Development Group Iraq Trust Fund totaled $1.12 billion (A850 million) and some 113 projects have been approved for funding, Ban said. He also noted that the fifth meeting of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq Donor Committee will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 20.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's agriculture bounces back
After decades of strain, the Ministry of Agriculture in the Ninewa Province reported a significant increase in the wheat crop yield for 2006.

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

13 March 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working with the Government of Iraq to help restore the grain marketing infrastructure by renovating two granaries in the Ninewa Province. With the increase in wheat production, having a place to store the crop is vital.

Once considered the second largest value sector in the country.

The renovation of these two facilities at a combined cost of approximately $2 million will provide a reliable source for the processing, storage and distribution of various grain crops, which is needed to restore agriculture productivity.

"The Sinjar and Tal Afar granary renovation projects are beneficial to those farmers in the Ninewa Province and Iraq's agricultural industry," said Maj. Vincent Navarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resident engineer for the Mosul resident office. "These granaries are very rewarding Corps projects. We will have an opportunity to observe the facilities in operation during the next harvest season in Ninewa."

Wheat is a fundamental staple crop in the Middle East. According to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reports, Iraqis consume nearly 4 million tons of wheat annually, yet only produce 500,000 tons of milling- quality wheat. More than 85 percent of the wheat consumed is imported, adding to the country's economic burden. These two state-owned grain silos feed into the Public Distribution System's flour requirements; the more grain the government can store, the less they have to import thus easing the economic burden.

U.S. Navy Lt. Shane Stoughton, the Agricultural Team leader for the Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team explains, "Increasing the capacity of the granaries as a post-production grain marketing outlet benefits the citizens of northern Iraq and improves the macroeconomic situation of the country as a whole. These projects also raise the demand for grain, which in turn drives the production agriculture sector to achieve greater efficiency and output."

The granaries in the Ninewa Province will help revive the agricultural sector, which will increase domestic production. With agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USAID and other non-government organizations working to increase domestic production, the increase will provide income and employment opportunities to the Iraqi people as well as create stability through private sector development, reducing poverty and creating food security.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Democrats Chicken Out On Tying Bush’s Hands On Iran
From a dismayed Associated Press:

Dems abandon war authority provision
By DAVID ESPO and MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON - Top House Democrats retreated Monday from an attempt to limit President Bush’s authority for taking military action against Iran as the leadership concentrated on a looming confrontation with the White House over the Iraq war.

Officials said Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the leadership had decided to strip from a major military spending bill a requirement for Bush to gain approval from Congress before moving against Iran.

Conservative Democrats as well as lawmakers concerned about the possible impact on Israel had argued for the change in strategy.

The developments occurred as Democrats pointed toward an initial test vote in the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday on the overall bill, which would require the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq by Sept. 1, 2008, if not earlier. The measure provides nearly $100 billion to pay for fighting in two wars, and includes more money than the president requested for operations in Afghanistan and what Democrats called training and equipment shortages.

The White House has issued a veto threat against the bill, and Vice President Dick Cheney attacked its supporters in a speech, declaring they “are telling the enemy simply to watch the clock and wait us out.”

House GOP Leader John Boehner of Ohio issued a statement that said Democrats shouldn’t count on any help passing their legislation. “Republicans will continue to stand united in this debate, and will oppose efforts by Democrats to undermine the ability of General Petraeus and our troops to achieve victory in the Global War on Terror,” he said.

Top Democrats had a different perspective.

Pelosi issued a written statement that said the vice president’s remarks prove that “the administration’s answer to continuing violence in Iraq is more troops and more treasure from the American people.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement that America was less safe today because of the war. The president “must change course, and it’s time for the Senate to demand he do it,” he added.

The Iran-related proposal stemmed from a desire to make sure Bush did not launch an attack without going to Congress for approval, but drew opposition from numerous members of the rank and file in a series of closed-door sessions last week.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said in an interview there is widespread fear in Israel about Iran, which is believed to be seeking nuclear weapons and has expressed unremitting hostility about the Jewish state.

“It would take away perhaps the most important negotiating tool that the U.S. has when it comes to Iran,” she said of the now-abandoned provision.

“I didn’t think it was a very wise idea to take things off the table if you’re trying to get people to modify their behavior and normalize it in a civilized way,” said Rep. Gary Ackerman of New York.

Several officials said there was widespread opposition to the proposal at a closed-door meeting last week of conservative and moderate Democrats, who said they feared tying the hands of the administration when dealing with an unpredictable and potentially hostile regime in Tehran…

===end of quote==

Thank God there are stil a few sensible Democrats hiding out in the Congress.

Still, this again points up the danger of ever giving the Democrat “leadership” control of our country’s national security.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 at 3:35 am.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/democrats-chicken-out-on-tying-bushs-hands-on-iran

-- March 13, 2007 11:57 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Democrats' Divisions on Iraq Threaten Shaky Seats in 2008 Races
By Laura Litvan

March 13 (Bloomberg) -- The House Democrats' struggle to find common ground on the Iraq war is rooted in the dilemma facing two freshmen representatives: John Hall and Nick Lampson.

Hall, 58, of New York, belongs to the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is an ally of the anti-war group MoveOn.org. He says he won't back a ``war without end'' and wants U.S. troops home by year's end, a stance that helped him unseat a popular incumbent Republican in November.

Lampson, 62, says he wouldn't vote for any measure that constrains President George W. Bush's ability to wage war. Lampson said his votes on Iraq may determine whether he will be able to keep his Texas seat, which was previously held by former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

``It's my feeling that my constituents do not support restraining funds for our troops, and they don't support, nor do I support, artificial timelines for withdrawing our troops,'' Lampson said in an interview.

Lampson and Hall are among 30 Democrats who won seats from Republicans in 2006, giving the party a 15-seat House majority. For Democrats in Congress, finding Iraq proposals lawmakers such as Hall and Lampson will both agree to -- and that won't imperil their support back home -- is vital to their hopes of retaining power in next year's elections.

``Democrats don't have a very big margin,'' said Eric Uslaner, a political science professor at the University of Maryland in College Park. ``If they can't protect their freshman incumbents, they could wind up in the minority again.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a49CwfYirFrU&refer=us

Shaky seats?
Interesting that the Democrats are actually not in a very strong position and
they do not have a very big margin over the Republicans.. so that "they could wind up in the minority again."
Not exactly MSM fodder for news, is it?

Sara.

-- March 13, 2007 12:48 PM ∞

---

Madbrad wrote:

IMF Executive Board Completes Third and Fourth Reviews under Iraq's Stand-By Arrangement, Approves Six-Month Extension of Arrangement to September 2007
Press Release No. 07/48
March 13, 2007
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the third and fourth reviews of Iraq's performance under its economic program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement. The IMF arrangement is being treated as precautionary by the Iraqi authorities, and no purchase is planned.

The Stand-By Arrangement in an amount equivalent to SDR 475.36 million (about US$714.7 million) was approved on December 23, 2005 (see Press Release No. 05/307). In completing the latest reviews, the Executive Board also approved the authorities' request for a six-month extension of the arrangement through September 28, 2007. Additionally, the Board also approved the authorities request for a waiver of the non-observance of a structural performance criterion.

Following the Executive Board's discussion of Iraq, Mr. Takatoshi Kato, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, stated:

"Iraq is entering a crucial period in its economic recovery. Despite very difficult political and security circumstances, the Iraqi authorities have taken important measures to keep their economic program on track. The maintenance of fiscal discipline, as well as the tightening of monetary policy and the appreciation of the dinar, are commendable. The increase of official domestic fuel prices and the enactment by the Council of Representatives (CoR) of a law liberalizing the import of fuel products are important steps. The amendments to the pension law were submitted to the CoR; we look forward to their early passage into law. The government's approval of a new oil and gas law augurs well for the future of the oil sector. Progress is also being made in financial sector reform.

"Inflation, however, remains high. While this is to an important extent due to the prevailing difficult security situation and supply disruptions, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) may need to take further steps in order to prevent high inflation from becoming entrenched and to de-dollarize the economy. Fiscal policy should be supportive by keeping current spending, including the wage and pension bill, in check. At the same time, it is important to increase government investment, especially in the oil sector. The government also needs to reduce supply bottlenecks, especially of fuel products. To that end, actions are needed to facilitate the importing of fuel products by the private sector. The pace of structural reforms needs to be increased. Efforts to modernize the chart of accounts and the budget classification need to be stepped up, and the Financial Management Information System should be implemented rapidly. It is important to complete the census of public sector employees by mid-year. While the restructuring effort on the two largest banks is commendable, efforts should be made to restructure the four other state-owned banks. The modernization of the payments system needs to be expanded to cover all banks.

"The CBI's efforts to implement the recommendations of the Interim Safeguards assessment report and the Ernst & Young 2005 audit report are encouraging. The Ministry of Finance is strongly encouraged to recapitalize the CBI as soon as possible.

"Corruption and violence need to be brought under control to unlock Iraq's oil wealth. More forceful actions are needed, especially in the area of smuggling. In this respect, the implementation of oil metering projects should be finalized as soon as possible. The authorities' intention to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative is welcome.

"Progress in settling arrears with private creditors is commendable. However, further progress is needed towards resolving non-Paris Club official claims," Mr. Kato said.

Its going to be Hot Summer!

-- March 13, 2007 1:26 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

In my opinion, the following is further proof we are in the right investment at the right time.

Iraq Allows Non-Iraqis to Trade Stocks

The council of governors of the Iraqi Stock Exchange have approved procedures allowing non-Iraqi traders into the market and have submitted the new regulation to the designated authorities for endorsement, the market’s executive director Taha Ahmed Abdul Salam said to Al-Hayat. Read
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 1:46 PM ∞

---

Madbrad wrote:

Rob

you've spot on.......there's alot of good stuff happening!

-- March 13, 2007 3:04 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The International Compact with Iraq - A Shared Vision, A mutual Commitment

The International Compact is an initiative of the Government of Iraq for a new partnership with the international community. Its purpose is to achieve a National Vision for Iraq which aims to consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years.

The primary focus will be to build a framework for Iraq’s economic transformation and integration into the regional and global economy. However, it is recognized that good governance and resolution of security and political challenges are pre-requisites for progress in all other areas, including economic revival and normalization.

The objectives of this initiative are:

Iraq’s Economic Transformation and Integration into Regional and Global Economies
To realize a National Vision for Iraq
Consolidate peace and political unity and the vision of a united federal democracy
Establish a path to economic reconstruction, integrated national economy and self-sufficiency over five years
Advance goals of Iraq’s National Development Strategy
Strengthen stability and security
Mutually reinforcing commitments
Iraq’s pursuit of critical reforms
International commitments for support
Recognizing fundamental needs
Good governance
Resolving the political and security challenges
Benefits to the Iraqi People – Progress towards Peace and Prosperity
Benefits to the Government of Iraq – Support and Enhanced Legitimacy
Benefits to the International Community – Peace and Stability, a New Partner
The Compact will be implemented via a consultative group process, around a commonly understood fiscal framework against which substantive commitments will be made. As part of this process, progress will be measured in terms of achievement of key strategic benchmarks.

A follow-up mechanism will also be devised to coordinate pledges, trust funds and disbursement of capital in support of the Compact.

This initiative is not Iraq’s alone. A Preparatory Group tasked with providing strategic advice and engendering high level political support for the Compact, has been set up and is co-chaired by the United Nations and the Government of Iraq, strongly supported by the World Bank and UNDP. It is closely coordinated with the IMF and other international financial institutions. The Preparatory Group liaises directly with the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, as the focal points for the Compact process.

The Government of Iraq and the United Nations have designated an Executive Committee to assist the Preparatory Group in establishing a timetable, guiding negotiations and overseeing implementation, including the role of monitoring and evaluation against benchmarks once the Compact is launched. The Executive Committee will manage the process towards the adoption of the Compact and beyond. The Executive Committee will also assist the Government to formulate a strategy for economic regeneration and fundamental reforms for integrating Iraq within the regional and international communities.

As such, the Compact is intended to be a statement of strong regional and international support for the political and economic vision of the elected government of Iraq underscored by specific financial commitments.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 5:31 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Important Article:

Iraq PM Fears Loss Of US Support If No Oil Law By Jun 30-Aides
3/13/2007

BAGHDAD (AP)--Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fears the U.S. will withdraw support for his government - effectively ousting him - if parliament doesn't pass a draft oil law by the end of June, close associates of the Iraqi leader told The Associated Press Tuesday.

The legislature hasn't even taken up the draft measure for a fair distribution of the nation's oil wealth - only one of several U.S. benchmarks that are now seen by al-Maliki, a hardline Shiite, as key to continued U.S. support for his troubled government.

Beyond that, the al-Maliki associates told the AP, U.S. officials have informed the prime minister they want an Iraqi government in place by year's end that would be acceptable to Iraq's Sunni Arab neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.

"They have said it must be secular and inclusive," one al-Maliki associate said.

To that end, al-Maliki made an unannounced visit Tuesday to Ramadi, the Sunni insurgent stronghold, to meet with tribal leaders, the provincial governor and security chiefs in a bid to signal his willingness for reconciliation to end the bitter and bloody sectarian war that has riven Iraq for more than a year.

For its part, the U.S. military is speaking with great optimism about its efforts to turn Sunnis in volatile Anbar province away from the insurgency and its al-Qaida in Iraq allies.

Compounding al-Maliki's fears about a withdrawal of U.S. support were visits to Saudi Arabia by two key political figures in an admitted bid to win support for a major Iraqi political realignment. Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. ally and oil supplier.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a Shiite, arrived in the Saudi capital Tuesday. Masoud Barzani, leader of Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdish region, flew in a day earlier. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims.

"Allawi is there to enlist support for a new political front that rises above sectarian structures now in place," the former prime minister's spokesman Izzat al-Shahbandar told the AP.

Barzani spokesman Abdul-Khaleq Zanganah said the two had met in Kurdistan before traveling to Saudi Arabia for talks on forming a "national front to take over for the political bloc now supporting al-Maliki."

It appears certain that the U.S. was informed about the Allawi and Barzani opening to the Saudis, who are deeply concerned that al-Maliki could become a puppet of Iran, the Shiite theocracy on Iraq's eastern border. Tehran is seen as a threat to stability among the long-standing Sunni regimes throughout most of the Arab world and deeply at odds with the United States over Iran's nuclear program and policy toward Israel.

Washington has been reported to be working more closely with Sunni Arab governments to encourage them to take a greater role in Iraq, particularly in reining in the Sunni insurgency that has killed thousands of U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands more Iraqi Shiites.

Washington was believed to be trying to win support for its mission in Iraq among the country's Arab neighbors by assuring a greater future role for the Sunni minority that ran the country until the U.S. invasion ousted Saddam Hussein.

One al-Maliki confidant said the Americans in Baghdad had voiced displeasure with the prime minister's government even though he has managed so far to blunt major resistance from the Mahdi Army, the Shiite militia, to the joint U.S.- Iraqi security operation in the capital and its environs. The militia is the military wing of the political organization run by anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose political backing secured the premiership for al-Maliki.

"They have said they are frustrated that he has done nothing to oust the Sadrists, that the oil law has not moved forward, that there is no genuine effort on reconciliation and no movement on new regional elections," said the official on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information.

Passage of the oil law, which seeks a fair distribution of revenues among all Iraq's sectarian and ethnic groups, has become a major issue for the U.S., which had initially counted on financing Iraq's post-invasion reconstruction with oil revenues.

But the decrepit oil infrastructure and violence have left the country producing oil at about the same levels as before the war, at best, and those figures are well below production before the first Gulf War which resulted in U.N. sanctions against the Iraqi oil industry.

The major Sunni bloc in parliament along with Allawi loyalists in the Shiite bloc are openly opposed the oil measure as drafted. Al-Maliki also has lost the backing of the Shiite Fadila Party, and independent Shiite members are split on the bill.

The al-Maliki associates said U.S. officials, who they wouldn't name, had told the prime minister that President George W. Bush was committed to the current government but that continued White House support depended on positive action on all the benchmarks - especially the oil law and sectarian reconciliation - by the close of this parliamentary session on June 30.

"Al-Maliki is committed to meeting the deadline because he is convinced he would not survive in power without U.S. support," one of the associates said.

But standing in the way of forward movement is a recalcitrant Cabinet which al-Maliki has promised to reshuffle by the end of this week. So far, however, he is at loggerheads with the political groupings in parliament which are threatening to withdraw their support for the prime minister if he doesn't allow the blocs to name replacements for Cabinet positions.

The impasse amounts effectively to a threat to bring down the government if it does what the U.S. reportedly is telling al-Maliki he must do to win continued U.S. backing.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 5:39 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's PM visits insurgent stronghold of Ramadi
3/13/2007

By Saif Fouad1 hour, 17 minutes ago

Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki traveled to the violent city of Ramadi on Tuesday on his first visit to the heartland of Sunni Arab insurgents fighting his U.S.-backed government.

The highly symbolic trip to Anbar province came as more than 100,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops were being deployed in Baghdad in a security crackdown seen as the last chance to avert an all-out sectarian civil war.

Maliki, who flew aboard a U.S. military helicopter, met tribal leaders, local government officials and commanders of Iraqi and U.S. security forces and pledged to improve services in Ramadi, capital of the vast, largely desert province.

Ramadi, 110 km (68 miles) west of Baghdad, is a bastion of the four-year old Sunni rebellion against Iraq's Shi'ite-led government and occupying U.S. forces.

Iraqi and U.S. troops patrolled the streets in large numbers and a vehicle curfew was imposed under extraordinary security measures in the city, scene of a growing power struggle between local tribes and al Qaeda militants.

While U.S. and Iraqi forces are focusing security efforts on Baghdad, seen as the epicenter of Iraq's violence, Maliki's unannounced trip to Ramadi appeared aimed at showing his government was willing to deal with other regions too.

Several thousand of the 26,000 extra U.S. troops being sent to Iraq by President Bush are slated to reinforce Anbar, which is the deadliest area for American forces in Iraq.

A member of the long-oppressed Shi'ite majority that came to power after the fall of Saddam Hussein, Maliki has called for national reconciliation with Sunni Arabs to end a war that has killed tens of thousands of Iraqis. Dominant under Saddam, Sunni Arabs now make up the backbone of the insurgency.

AL QAEDA

Many Ramadi residents said they hoped the prime minister's visit would improve the situation. "We hope he brings us security and stability," said teacher Ahmed Hussein Ali, 35.

"We ask the prime minister to help the people in Anbar to root out the terrorists. His visit comes at a time that demands cooperation from the government," Fawaz Khalaf, a retired civil servant, said.

Maliki, who was accompanied by reporters on his trip, met at a U.S. military base outside the city with local government officials and Sattar al-Buzayi, a Sunni sheikh who has emerged as the leader of the tribal alliance against al Qaeda.

Iraqi and U.S. officials have encouraged Sunni tribesmen to band together against Sunni al Qaeda in the province.

The traditionally minded tribal leaders oppose the militant group's plan to impose an Islamic caliphate, and the two sides have fought battles in towns and villages along the length of the Euphrates valley from Falluja to the Syrian border.

A truck bomb blamed on al Qaeda killed 52 people near a Sunni mosque in Ramadi last month.

Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, chief U.S. military spokesman, said on Monday commanders anticipate the security crackdown in Baghdad could drive some insurgents out into areas such as Anbar and northeastern Diyala province.

The U.S. military said a battalion of 700 troops with Stryker armored vehicles arrived in Diyala on Tuesday.

"Up in Diyala we have seen a slight increase in the number of incidents there has been and there's going to continue to be some repositioning of coalition forces into that area," Caldwell told a news conference in Baghdad.

He said U.S. forces had already found car bomb factories in Diyala. "We anticipate that's probably where there are some more, and that's where some of the additional presence of these forces will go."

(Additional reporting by Claudia Parsons, Ahmed Rasheed and Aseel Kami)

Iraq's PM visits insurgent stronghold of Ramadi - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 13, 2007 5:41 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

We are vacationing, but I peeked in to T&B this morning. Exciting news, I guess about Iraq finally getting off the dime and starting to dance to the beat of the IMF. I am sorry to see that they have given extensions, though. It will give a signal to Iraq that may hinder credibility of the IMF where Iraq is concerned. Anyone in any position of influence with Iraq,
needs to keep their hands to the fire, if we ever expect to see some REAL PROGRESS.

Now concerning the concept of the "UNMOVED MOVER".

I was quickened to pay attention to this in the 60's when I was stuck in some juvenile athieistic mode.
I had a professsor of Microbiolgy, that I now later realized was a Christian, that was trying to shake me out of my atheistic mode. He used the "beginging of motion", to assert that some initial SUPREME being had to "start" motion. He also analagized the ameoba to this "motion" phenomena. As you know an ameoba is made up of only 1 cell. 2 cells create energy ( motion), so where does the amoeba gets its energy from, and how does it reproduce????? :)

I hate to say this, but ireally do hope the Dinars hit. Ususally I am not materialistic, but today I saw a georgeous Yacht that I would love to host everyone on at the PIG roast.

On one of the decks it even has a special spot with and escape hatch! I figured if Roger got out of line that would be his destiny!!! haha just kidding.

Anyway, it is wonderful to "shop" with the rich and famous.

I know it still can't compare to the streets of diamonds in our ultimate home, but while here on earth, it would should be a nice substitute!! :)

Carole

-- March 13, 2007 6:24 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Carole,

You can dream!

Laura

-- March 13, 2007 10:00 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole - Hope you are having a great vacation.. thanks for peeking in on us.

Yes, the IMF development looks good. :)

It would be nice if the Dinar hit and you were blessed with a yacht.
And it is a generous thought that you would throw the Pig Roast on it for the Dinar Train gang.
Thanks. :)

The "unmoved mover" stuff was interesting.. I suppose it is the argument that goes back and back.. asking always what made the thing before it.. until you get to something which must be the First Cause of all things - and that First Cause must itself be Uncaused. God is the great Uncaused Cause of all things. Even if aliens did seed the earth with life.. where did they come from? Other aliens? Then where did they come from? Back and back.. until you have a First Cause, or an "unmoved mover" of all things. We all understand beginnings, and we look back until we see where it all began. It is how we think. Even the "Big Bang" had to have had a beginning. Whatever it is that started all we see and know.. that "initial matter".. where did that thing that went "Bang" come from? What made it? And if it was something else.. where did it come from? etc... Back until you get the beginning.. which is the Uncaused Cause of all things. Interesting point, that.. that God is the beginner of all movement, the initial supreme being which had to have "started" motion. I hadn't thought about that quite that way before. Thanks for sharing that. :)

Have a fun and relaxing vacation and God Bless,

Sara.

-- March 14, 2007 1:33 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Seems like good news are coming out of Iraq,

That report about IMF's commendations to the Iraqis for increasing the Dinar, seems though a little bit out of line to come from IMF. IMF have the Iraqi's by the ball, and could have themselves initiated that process long ago, and now when they are doing it, well says IMF, that is very well done.

Why didn't IMF say, or do, or start that process years back....well, it's like the Dems, take the glory when the camera lens is there.

Now for the tricky part.

Seems like there is a big pressure from the Dems to pull out, and the military have already, just to make sure, made contingency plans in case that order is given.

Well the problem the Dems seems to have is to acknowledge that the crackdown as executed now, IS working.

I have read nothing but encouraging news the last three weeks, regarding the gains from the security crackdown.

Now, for some weeks also, I keep reading more and more financial and economical news, laws, progresses, and plans being put into place.

Last year was an abysmal reading, it could almost be called the "lost year".

This year, some good news of some sort is steady piece meal now.

Lets just hope that the Dems , that were so willing to highlight the body count, and number of car bombs, are as willing to look into the great progress currently under way.

What I'm afraid of is that they will, when in power, pull the rug, as long as "there will be peace on earth".

Peace on any term, as long as we get peace, can be had with any capitulation.

Sara,

I can see from your writings that you have picked up a lot of knowledge since last time around we had these cosmology discussions almost a year back.

I can see that you have developed very much insight on the subject and probably you are passed the point when someone can BS you with long and complicated words or far out theories.

I seem to be in agreement with you, actually on more points than you might believe, (given the religious discussions in the past we have had).

Our viewpoint on a Supreme Being, might differ, but I absolutely think that in the creation process there is a, from the current scientific community's stand point, an overlooked, almost (probably) denial of spiritual existence.

By some reason or the other, teachers, professors, or the whole educational system for that matter, have always been radical, socialistic, communistic or anarchistic.

They just can't say, -"I love you", they have to say, -"My brain stimulus is increasing, making me believe I love you. We put electrodes to rats, so we have proven that this is the way it works".

Those socialist have tossed out the option of spirituality, God, your spirit, or yourself as being a spirit, as humbug, and deferred anything spiritual to something that will either haunt you, give you night mares, superstition, or occult.

Vast majority of researchers, scientist, and cosmologists, have the notion that we are meatballs running around, and you and me, are really not you and me, we are chemical reactions in our brain.

Talk anything spiritual with them, and you will automatically get into a round circle argument about our chemical brain. They will tell you that THAT'S what we are.

So it is an uphill battle right now, trying to convince any "established" scientist that in order for something to exist it has to be created first, because he will immediately see what in the physical universe will create it, and come up with another theory.

The Newtonian cause and effect universe, where all energy is never started, or ended, but is only transformed from one form to another, holds true in the PHYSICAL UNIVERSE ONLY.

From a spiritual standpoint it's laughable, you can start, continue it's existence or stop it, at any time you wish.

The more capable you are as a spirit, the more YOU are the cause point.

There is no written laws, or detectable barriers that limits that.

Sara, if I may, there is one point that I think I need to clarify for you, that has to do with you example of time and time continuum.

The present time is the only community of all awareness, when one mass is accelerating in relation to another mass, the accelerating mass will change it's time awareness, in relationship to the non accelerating mass only. For both entities, normal time is observed, but the change in time, is due to the difference in their reference point.

So even if the spaceman coming back from a long journey have not aged that much, and our age is very high, the TIME TRACK happened for both of us at the same time sharing the same present time.

The only difference again is the references.

Perhaps one good illustration would be if you can picture yourself that you are looking into two rooms, at the same time, one to the right and one to the left.

The left is the time on earth, with a man sitting in front of a wall clock ticking away. The right is a spaceman sitting in his capsule, with a clock going very very slow in front of him.

You can see them both, IN PRESENT TIME.

You can choose to take the space mans viewpoint, looking back to earth and see the clocks on earth racing very fast, and when he is looking at his own clock it is ticking in it's normal time.

Or you can choose to take the viewpoint of the earthling looking at the spaceman with his slow clock, and when he is looking at his own clock it is ticking in it's normal pace.

You can also choose to look at both rooms at the same time, from an out side viewpoint. (Only a spirit can do this, as this is forbidden in the physical universe)

What ever viewpoint you take, YOU WILL NOT LEAVE PRESENT TIME.

No one leaves present time.

Future and past don't exist.

-- March 14, 2007 2:50 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Roger,
Could it also be said that a present doesn't exist either?

-- March 14, 2007 4:20 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

Announcement No.(883)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 883 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/ 3/ 14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 56.600.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 56.600.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 14, 2007 6:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Good Article:

Three cheers for Iraq's new hydrocarbon law.

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

14 March 2007 (Slate)
Print article Send to friend
The recent hydrocarbon law, approved after much wrangling by Iraq's council of ministers, deserves a great deal more praise than it has been receiving. For one thing, it abolishes the economic rationale for dictatorship in Iraq. For another, it was arrived at by a process of parley and bargain that, while still in its infancy, demonstrates the possibility of a cooperative future. For still another, it shames the oil policy of Iraq's neighbors and reinforces the idea that a democracy in Baghdad could still teach a few regional lessons.

To illustrate my point by contrast: Can you easily imagine the Saudi government allocating oil revenues so as to give a fair share to the ground-down and despised Shiite workers who toil, for the most part, in the oil fields of the western region of the country? Or picture the Shiite dictatorship in Iran giving a fair shake to the Arab-speaking area of Khuzestan, let alone to the 10 percent of Iranians who are both Sunni and Kurdish? To ask these questions is to answer them. Control over the production and distribution of oil is the decisive factor in defining who rules whom in the Middle East.

The Saddam Hussein dictatorship, with its record of mass murder against Shiites and Kurds, can be explained partly by a Baathist ideology that subordinated everything to the leader and to the state. But—without wishing to be overly Marxist on the point—I would argue that it was also determined by an economic imperative. The Sunni minority, and especially the Tikriti minority of that minority, lived in areas of Iraq where oil was relatively scarce. In order for it to exert control over the country's chief national resource, it had by definition to act as an almost colonial power in the Kurdish and Shiite provinces, with results that are well-known. (It also had to invade and annex Kuwait to make up the huge self-inflicted deficit created by its invasion of Iranian Khuzestan.)

But there is, in fact, enough and more than enough oil for everybody in Iraq. And important new fields are being prospected all the time, most notably and recently in the Anbar province, where al-Qaida forces have been making their strongest challenge. Here, as across much of the rest of the country, the visitor stands amazed at the sheer abject poverty and misery of people who are living in what is potentially one of the richest countries on earth. Iraq has the third-largest oil reserves of any nation, and that's if you take the lowest estimate of its reserves. Its oil is of purer quality, and nearer to the surface, than that of many of its rivals. A dusty and hopeless city like today's Basra could be, as one minister told me excitedly last December in Baghdad, "as rich as Kuwait in five years." The new law proposes a federalized control over oil and gas, with a distribution of revenue that would be in proportion to the population of each province. To put it another way: The very element that greased the weaponry of dictatorship and aggression could, with a certain amount of nurturing, become the economic basis of a federal democracy. I must say that it sounds worth trying.

On the left and in the anti-war camp, the very mention of the word "oil" is usually considered profane: a Brechtian clue to the secret designs of neoconservatives. So, I was interested to see Christian Parenti, a staunch foe of the Bush policy in Iraq, saying in the March 19 Nation that "on key questions of foreign investment and regional decentralization versus centralized control, the law is vague but not all bad." What have Iraqis got to lose here? It's not as if a withdrawal of foreign investment would leave the oil as a trusteeship for the people. Remember that Iraq under Saddam had already seen the most extreme form of "privatization," with the whole industry a private fiefdom of a parasitic elite. Remember that no real investment was made in the oil fields for almost 20 years, so that when experts visited the refineries after 2003, they could not (in the words of one I spoke to) "find anywhere even to put a Band-Aid." Remember that the Baathists used the "oil for food" program to sow corruption throughout the United Nations. Remember that Saddam Hussein set fire to the Kuwaiti fields and also ordered the taps opened so that crude oil would flow straight into the seawater of the Gulf, destroying the marine habitat. After all that, even Halliburton must come as a blessed relief.

Of course, all this is still heavily overshadowed by the daily menace of vicious jihadist sabotage, of corruption in a sectarian oil ministry, and of the generally parlous state of the infrastructure. And the deal has yet to be approved by the Iraqi parliament—a body that has some difficulty in meeting. Nonetheless, a principle is being established that does great credit to the Iraqis who signed it and to the coalition forces that made it possible. If it were not for the general American feeling that oil is a substance too dirty even to be mentioned in polite society, this consideration might even influence the current debate about an "exit strategy." One would like to know, of those who advocate leaving Iraq, whether they are happy to abandon the control of its fabulous wealth to be parceled out between the highest or most ruthless bidders—say, al-Qaida in Anbar, the Turks in the north, and the fans of Ahmadinejad in the south? Or might it be better to have even an imperfect federal democracy that could be based not just on ideals but on an actual material footing? A country that might, over time, undercut the power currently exerted by Saudi Arabia and Iran? I only ask. And it's no good chanting "no blood for oil" at me, because oil is the lifeblood here, and everybody knows it and always has.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 14, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

Godel (Einstein's best friend) said that Time in reality does not exist. Einstein was stumped and troubled by this, but said he felt that Godel's statement was accurate scientifically. QUOTE:

"It is a widely known but insufficiently appreciated fact that Albert Einstein and Kurt Goedel were best friends for the last decade and a half of Einstein's life. They walked home together from Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study every day; they shared ideas about physics, philosophy, politics, and the lost world of German-Austrian science in which they had grown up. What is not widely known is that in 1949 Goedel made a remarkable discovery: there exist possible worlds described by the theory of relativity in which time, as we ordinarily understand it, does not exist. He added a philosophical argument that demonstrates, by Goedel's lights, that as a consequence, time does not exist in our world either. If Goedel is right, Einstein has not just explained time; he has explained it away.

Without committing himself to Goedel's philosophical interpretation of his discovery, Einstein acknowledged that his friend had made an important contribution to the theory of relativity, a contribution that he admitted raised new and disturbing questions about what remains of time in his own theory. Physicists since Einstein have tried without success to find an error in Goedel's physics or a missing element in relativity itself that would rule out the applicability of Goedel's results. Philosophers, for the most part, have been silent -- "

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780465092932&z=y

(Note - Godel was presented with the first Albert Einstein Award in 1951 for achievement in the natural sciences - the highest honor of its kind in the United States.)

I think you just made the point that time does not exist very clear in your illustration. From the heavenly viewpoint of higher dimensional space, time is a creation that can be looked at - one which we on earth experience - but time in reality does not exist. If you are sitting and looking at both of those rooms which you described, the higher dimensional space you are viewing those two rooms from is the only real reality and those other two "times" are just warps of time. Your place from which you view them is the only real and undistorted viewing of Time-Space.

I believe that is why the Apostle John saw the book of Revelation happen and it was happening instantly in front of him and he observed our Time-Space continuum finish. Yet, it is taking a very very long time for that to play out in the real world which we experience. In the heavenly realm, this "vision" John had saw the completion and end of this Space-Time continuum, but we experience the Space-Time continuum at such a slow pace it takes thousands of years for it to happen from earth's perspective (the different rooms). From the real perspective - that of higher dimensional space - that event has already occurred. Time is warped and slowed in this continuum in which we live. When taken out of it, people see and experience "no time" and so see world history and events completely differently and accurately. Literally, there, time does not exist. Therefore, since it is the ultimate reality and ours only a temporal distortion, Godel was right, time does not in reality exist.

Unfortunately, if this is correct in perspective, it may be that what we are going to do has already happened from that perspective, making it certain and unalterable from that viewpoint. I am not trying to be fatalistic here, but it appears to jibe with reality that heaven already knows the outcome of every future event since for them this timeline has completed. Thus, heaven KNOWS the future infallibly as we know the past (ie Hitler lost.) It also makes the future unalterable.

I think we would prefer a world in which mankind's choices determine the future and can change it. But perhaps that is just a fiction men like to believe in to make themselves feel important and like they can truly influence the outcome of future events. It is also likely why people did not cotton to what Godel said but remained silent.. because men wish to have the upper hand. But in reality, God is in complete control and the future is already written and completed (God won - see the book of Revelation.) It adds a lot to Jesus saying He would come "quickly" if it means that in that realm and from that higher dimensional perspective, He already has. A Question.. if John the Apostle was shown the future in his vision and it is unalterable (and indeed has already occurred from the higher dimensional viewpoint).. if he didn't wish a future event to occur.. knowing that future event, could he prevent it? Or is the best he can do.. to describe it and acknowlege the fact as having occurred in the future and being infallibly true?

Sara.

-- March 14, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Timetables for Withdrawal From Iraq and the Danger of Polls
by Paul M. Weyrich
Posted: 03/14/2007

The Democrats must pay off their left-wing which helped them become a majority party for the first time in a dozen years. Leaders from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) to Defense Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D.-Pa.) in the House and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D.-N.V.) and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D.-Ill.) in the Senate have come up with bills which would impose timetables on the President’s request for another $100 billion to fight the war in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. The bills, although somewhat different, would impose benchmarks which the troops and the Iraqi government must achieve to avoid a more immediate withdrawal.

Of course, these drastic measures, which call for all the troops to be gone by the end of 2008, are not enough for the so-called “Peace Caucus,” which wants the troops out this year.

The question is, is this good politics? Clearly the effort is to micro-manage the wars via the Congress. This never has been successfully done. In Viet Nam and Angola Congress pulled the rug out from under the Nixon and Ford Administrations. In those cases it simply was a matter of denial of funds. The Administration had no choice.

In this case the Congress would be telling the Administration what it should and should not do. So we would remain in Iraq for the next year and a half but what could and could not be done is spelled out in this supplemental appropriations bill. First, can Speaker Pelosi get this through the House?

The White House has indicated that it will veto the bill. But will the President actually do so?

McConnell believes fervently that there can be only one commander in chief and President Bush is he. In fact, it becomes a constitutional question if a bill tying the President’s hands were actually to pass both Houses: would it be constitutional? Some Republican Senators say they are thinking of trying to make this a test case before the Supreme Court of the United States.

My bet is on McConnell. I’ll bet he will keep almost all of the defecting senators in line. Then if only one Democrat crossed over that would create a tie, which Vice President Dick Cheney could break in favor of the Administration.

It really comes down to this. Most Democrats think the country is so fed up with the war that is why they won last November. Thus, in advocating a bill to require timetables for withdrawal (which Sen. Hillary Clinton [D.-N.Y.] has said she opposes because it would signal the enemy just when we would be gone) they are doing what the public wants. Republicans are convinced (and have survey research data to prove their point) that the public does not want to go this far. Who is correct? If Democrats are then their poll numbers will soar after this passes the House, if it does. If Republicans are they will witness an up tick in the polls. That is the curse of our times. Important public-policy questions are determined by the polls and not what is good for America.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=19796

-- March 14, 2007 12:06 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger wrote;

They just can't say, -"I love you", they have to say, -"My brain stimulus is increasing, making me believe I love you. We put electrodes to rats, so we have proven that this is the way it works".

Those socialist have tossed out the option of spirituality, God, your spirit, or yourself as being a spirit, as humbug, and deferred anything spiritual to something that will either haunt you, give you night mares, superstition, or occult.

==end of quote==

Roger - I think you also deserve a 1.5 million prize for your astute observations about how man needs a spiritual side and not just the scientific in looking at the realities of our world and figuring them out or solving their dilemmas. Maybe you will get one.. with the peg. :)

Sara.

I think this applies:

===

$1.5M prize for spiritual research goes to Canadian 14/03/2007
A Canadian philosopher has won a $1.5 million US prize for his theory that the world's problems can only be solved by considering both their secular and spiritual roots.

CBC News - Charles Taylor was announced as the winner of the 2007 Templeton Prize Wednesday at a news conference in New York. The 75-year-old university professor is the first Canadian to win the prize.

"For nearly half a century [Taylor] has argued that problems such as violence and bigotry can only be solved by considering both their secular and spiritual dimensions," said a news release from the prize organizers.

"Key to Taylor’s investigations of the secular and the spiritual is a determination to show that one without the other only leads to peril," said the release.

Taylor, in an interview with the CBC's Alison Smith, described the essential idea behind his work.

"I think the thing that caught the attention of the people giving the prize is that I've always thought that we've had a social science and philosophy that were much too narrow ... that hasn't recognized the importance of the religious and spiritual dimension in peoples' lives," he said, "And the result is, it's not been good for understanding in the world."

http://news.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/15M+prize+for+spiritual+research+goes+to+Canadian/World/ContentPosting.aspx?isfa=1&newsitemid=taylor-templeton&feedname=CBC-WORLD-V2&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc

-- March 14, 2007 4:19 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil and Gas Law “Seed to Divide Iraq and Shatter its Resources” says MP

Iraqi MP Osama Al-Najeifi called on parliament to take its time discussing the oil and gas draft law during the coming period due to its “criticality and the lack of appropriate conditions for endorsing it at the present time,” according to Al-Hayat.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 14, 2007 7:59 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Congressman Seeks to Scrap Iraqi Oil Law
Kucinich Says "Benchmark" Law Opens Iraqi Oil to Foreign Control
By SANDRA HERNANDEZ Posted 1 hr. 59 min. ago
Brendan Smialowski/Getty
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) (file photo)

The Iraqi Cabinet's approval of a draft law privatizing the country's oil industry was hailed as a political milestone by the Bush Administration last month, but critics are now blasting a House bill that makes the law a precondition for continued U.S. military support.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) called for the removal of the Iraqi hydrocarbon law, as it is called, from a supplemental war appropriations bill to be considered on the House floor next week, saying that the law "is a concerted effort to ensure that American oil companies are granted access to Iraqi oil fields."

The hydrocarbons law, which must still be passed by the Iraqi parliament, is one of six "performance measures" that Baghdad would have to meet in order to receive more funding from Congress this year, UPI reports. Failure by the Iraqi parliament to meet these benchmarks would result in redeployment of U.S. troops.

Kucinich called for reconsideration of the benchmark in a Monday letter to House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and plans to propose an amendment on the House floor next week that would remove it from the supplemental. By requiring enactment of the law by the Iraqi government, "democrats will be instrumental in privatizing Iraqi oil," his website quoted him as saying.

Kucinich's amendment "in all likelihood is not going to get past the Rules Committee," a congressional staffer told Iraqslogger.com, adding that the Congressman had not actively sought his colleagues' support for the amendment.

As Iraqslogger reported previously, the draft hydrocarbon law empowers Iraq's regional governments to negotiate production contracts with international oil companies, while calling for national distribution of oil revenues on a per capita basis.

But other provisions in the law undercut this revenue-sharing plan, opening Iraq's oilfields to foreign control, writes Antonia Juhasz in a New York Times op-ed:

"The law would transform Iraq's oil industry from a nationalized model closed to American oil companies except for limited (although highly lucrative) marketing contracts, into a commercial industry, all-but-privatized, that is fully open to all international oil companies. The Iraq National Oil Company would have exclusive control of just 17 of Iraq's 80 known oil fields, leaving two-thirds of known — and all of its as yet undiscovered — fields open to foreign control."

The draft legislation is expected to encounter stiff opposition in Parliament from the Iraqi Accordance Front and the Iraqi National slate, as well as Iraq's oil unions, which represent tens of thousands of workers, UPI reports.

The Bush Administration "has been aggressive in shepherding the oil law towards passage," writes The New York Times' Juhaz, and has made the law a performance benchmark for the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

It's not clear whether Kucinich's proposal to strike the law will garner much attention on the House floor, as no one in Congress has yet publicly supported him. Robert Naiman writes in the Huffington Post, "It's quite plausible that with a little public attention and lobbying, this amendment could pass."
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 14, 2007 8:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

How long can the American people be duped by the Dems? Polsters associated with the party word questions in a bias fashion to evoke a certain response.

Linking the Iraqi HCL law to additional funding is rediculous. Congressman Dennis Kucinich is not thinking. Why can the dems not step aside and allow President Bush conduct this War.

I agree with Sara, the positive outcome of this war could spell trouble for the Dems in November 08 elections.

Regardless of all their posturing, I think this is the time to buy as many Dinar as possible. In the end, I believe the U.S. will be victorious in the War on terror bringing peace and prosperity to Iraq.

Is it not exciting watching the birth of a nation. The dems will be on the ouside looking in once again. Iraq will continue to meet the requirements set by the IMF and World Bank. Once the HCL does pass, we have passed one big hurdle.

I have not seen much of Okie in a while, so I guess I will echo his sentiment if he were posting. Go Dinar!

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 14, 2007 8:32 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N said, "Linking the Iraqi HCL law to additional funding is ridiculous. Congressman Dennis Kucinich is not thinking. Why can the dems not step aside and allow President Bush conduct this War."

===

RobN, they are thinking.. but not about America. They are thinking about their party and about getting the Whitehouse. That is their priorities, not what is good for America. Only the deluded public allows them the room to pretend to represent what is truly close to their hearts. The Dems can pretend care for veterans while seeking to cut funding. They can pretend to be against corruption while covering it up and increasing it. They can seek to circumvent the Constitutional powers and strongarm the Executive Branch of government and cause a Constitutional crisis while the country is at war. They can coddle the enemy and help their aims, all while being in power. It disgusts me. America is sleeping, lulled to sleep by the lyre's they play. And, like Caesar, who claimed the Christians burnt Rome, they blame everything on those good Christians who support the troops, America and the Bush Administration. They even try on the sheep's clothing over their wolf teeth and pretend religion when it suits their selfish aims.

Jesus' disciples came to Jesus and told him there were people casting out demons using His name. They asked Him if they should rebuke them. Jesus' answer is instructive, He said no because "he who is not against us is on our side." Mar 9:40. Those in Congress and the Senate who are doing this and thereby aiding and abetting the enemy are on their side. Those who are not against the terrorists are by default on their side. Even if they think they are doing the country a service, they are deceived and are instead emboldening the enemy and fighting on their behalf. They are themselves acting the parts of wolves and not sheep. Phi 3:19 "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their mind earthly things." Those who mind the portals of earthly power instead of the good of the United States are her enemies. They dishonor their vows they have sworn before God to uphold and by their selfish aiming at power they seek by their daily acts to bring her to ruin. I do petition heaven to witness against them on Judgement Day to this end, and that He might open the eyes of the American public that they might see and then not listen to nor follow those who are leading them astray for their own selfish political goals.

Sara.

-- March 15, 2007 1:47 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

PS If the GOP had their eyes on political power and not the good of the US they would have simply done whatever the public opinion polls said to do and not lost so much in the last election. It is to their credit that they were willing to do what was unpopular even in the heat of the thickest part of the battle.

They are truly among those of whom it is said - Psa 15:4 He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.

They give their word and they keep it, best they can, even if it costs them dearly to do so. That should count with the public as it does with God. Honoring a commitment and keeping your word is a sacred trust. Those who think the US should lightly violate their commitments (withdraw, lose, run away in defeat, cut and run, redeploy, etc..) after pledging with her to go to war - fully knowing its potential cost - are not without blame before Almighty God who saw their oaths and votes to start this war. They may revoke the oaths once given, but I do not think God will void the words they spoke simply because they changed their minds with the latest passing poll for their political advancement and vainglory. And if it really WAS a heartfelt commitment that the US had done wrong, they would be doing what the peaceniks want, in full agreement with them... by cutting all funding and FORCING a withdrawl. Their fear of reprisal by the public at the polls proves the point - their only thought is their own selfish political gain. They are unworthy of the trust the public puts in them and their belief that they are honest men.

Sara.

-- March 15, 2007 2:57 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Anyone remember the three thousand who died on 911? Or the grim vow the US took to get those responsible?

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Acknowledges Planning Sept. 11 Attacks
By Paul Tighe and Ken Fireman

March 15 (Bloomberg) -- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged he was al-Qaeda's commander responsible for organizing the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S. ``from A to Z,'' according to a transcript of a hearing released by the U.S. Defense Department.

``I was the military operational commander for all foreign operations around the world'' under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, Mohammed said in a statement read to a tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba by a U.S. military officer acting as his personnel representative.

Mohammed's list of terrorist operations he oversaw included the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, an attack on a nightclub in Bali, Indonesia, and planned attacks on buildings in New York, Chicago, California and Washington state, according to the transcript released yesterday.

Mohammed is among 14 suspected terrorist leaders transferred to Guantanamo Bay in September after being held by the Central Intelligence Agency. Mohammed responded to questions by the tribunal president that he was the author of the document outlining his involvement in al-Qaeda's operations by saying: ``That's right'' and ``That's true,'' according to the transcript.

Transcripts from the hearings are edited to remove information that may be dangerous to national security, Whitman said last week, according to the Defense Department's Web site.

Mohammed was arrested in March 2003 in Rawalpindi in an operation by the Pakistani and U.S. intelligence services. Binalshibh, captured in Pakistan in September 2002, is alleged to have helped finance the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=anoJPX1ejzEs&refer=home

-- March 15, 2007 3:12 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(883)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 883 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/ 3/ 14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 56.600.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 56.600.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 15, 2007 5:01 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Page 4, The Rest of the Story. Hate the format

D.G. of Investments

Daily price Bulletin buying and selling Wednesday 2007/3/14

Currency
Currency Code
Selling Price In IQD
Buying Price In IQD

US Dollar
USD
1278.000
1277.361

European Euro
EUR
1686.832
1685.989

British Pound
GBP
2469.352
2468.117

Canadian Dollar
CAD
1093.523
1092.976

Swiss Franc
CHF
1045.998
1045.475

Swedish Krona
SEK
181.764
181.673

Norwegian Kroner
NOK
208.517
208.413

Danish Krone
DKK
226.435
226.322

Japanese Yen
JPY
10.927
10.921

The above price represent reference rate and does not from any commitment on the Central Bank of Iraq.

GOOD DAY!

-- March 15, 2007 5:08 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

Announcement No.(884)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 884 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/ 3/ 15 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1275 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 79.140.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 310.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 79.140.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 310.000 -----

-- March 15, 2007 8:01 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Iraq's Accomplishments in Perspective
By Austin Bay

The chattering class nostrum that Free Iraq and its coalition allies have "lost the Iraq war" is so blatantly wrong it would be a source of laughter were human life and hope-inspiring liberty not at such terrible risk.

In terms of fundamental historical changes favoring 21st century freedom and peace, what Free Iraq and its Coalition allies have accomplished in four short years is nothing short of astonishing.

Consider what Iraq was, not simply in A.D. March 2003, but in 2003 B.C. Both historical frames provide instructive lessons in the obvious.

Iraq, as ancient Mesopotamia (the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers), seeded Abraham's Ur and Hammurabi's Babylon. The region was the Eden of city-states, the consolidator and exporter of the Agricultural Revolution. It is also the center of a predominantly Muslim region where -- to paraphrase historian Bernard Lewis -- something "went wrong." Lewis was addressing the "fossilization" that began to afflict the Middle East at least six centuries ago, a cultural, intellectual and, yes, political ossification and decline.

The decline did two things that directly affect the War on Terror (which Rudy Giuliani more correctly calls The Terrorists' War Against Us). The decline undermined Islamist utopian notions of theological supremacy. That millennialist disappointment seeds the long list of "grievances" infesting al-Qaida's propaganda.
The far greater consequence (and truly grievous wrong) was arresting Middle Eastern populations. Arrest is the right word. The Middle East was trapped in the terrible yin-yang of tyrant and terrorist, the choice of one or the other -- which is no choice, for both mean oppression and death.

In November 2001, I wrote that we -- the United States specifically, but the civilized world as a whole -- are in a "fight for the future" with terrorists and tyrants. Iraq (Mesopotamia) has been and continues to be an influential if not critical stretch of geography.

In January 2003, I argued that toppling Saddam's tyranny in Iraq would do two things: begin the process of fostering political choice (democracy) in the Middle East and bring al-Qaida onto a battlefield not of its choosing. Moreover, that battlefield would be largely manned by Muslim allies, exposing the great fractures within Islam and the Middle East that al-Qaida's strategists tried to mask by portraying America as "the enemy."

Credit the Iraqi people with taking the opportunity by conducting three honest, open, democratic elections. In May 2006, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki formed a democratically elected, consensus-seeking government not simply in Mesopotamia but in the heart of the politically dysfunctional Middle East.

That's an astonishing achievement.

Al-Qaida's now-deceased emir in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, understood the stakes. In a message to al-Qaida (intercepted by the Coalition in February 2004), Zarqawi wrote that after Iraqis run their own government, U.S. troops will remain, "but the sons of this land will be the authority. ... This is the democracy. We will have no pretexts." Iraq's new army and police will link with the people "by lineage, blood and appearance."

The terrorists and tyrants understand. It's a shame America's chatterers don't.

Unable to defeat coalition soldiers or dim liberty's appeal, Zarqawi and his terror clique chose Iraqi civilians as their target. They concluded that an Islamic sectarian war between Shia and Sunni was the only way al-Qaida would avoid defeat. That might entail temporarily placing a secular Saddam-type tyrant in power -- hence the short-term cooperation with thugs from the former regime. Al-Qaida and the Saddamists bet their bombs would break the Iraqi people. That has not happened. They know their resiliency is a stinging rebuke of terror and tyranny.

Targeting the vulnerable is the same tactic the Ku Klux Klan used to enforce segregation in America's South. The Klan burned African-American churches instead of mosques, but the Klan, al-Qaida and Saddamist fascists target a population with similar technique and tyrannical viciousness.

Most of us are glad the FBI didn't pull out of Mississippi and Alabama in 1963. The analogy isn't direct -- Baghdad isn't Birmingham. However, the goal of ending the oppressive destruction of lives is both comparable and noble.

The Iraqi people are earning their victory and their liberty. The price for both is inevitably paid in blood, sweat and toil. At this point in history, they need American patience.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/03/iraqs_accomplishments_in_persp.html

-- March 15, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

A must see video for all Americans:

http://www.interviewwithgod.com/patriotic/highband.htm

I particularly appreciated Ronald Reagan's thoughts in it, which reminded me of Roger's.

-- March 15, 2007 1:20 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Iraq confirms death sentence on Saddam aide
Sapa-AFP
Posted to the web on: 15 March 2007

BAGHDAD - An Iraqi appeals panel has confirmed the death sentence on Taha Yassin Ramadan, who served as vice president to executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, officials said today.

Ramadan was sentenced to death on February 12 for crimes against humanity by the Iraqi High Tribunal which is trying former regime officials. His sentence was automatically reviewed by the appeals panel which today confirmed the execution by hanging.

"Yesterday, all the members of the appeals court ratified the death sentence on Taha Yassin Ramadan," Judge Munir Haddad of the appeals panel told a press conference. "He can be hanged at any moment but the official period is that the sentence be carried out within 30 days of it being confirmed by the appeals court."

A senior Iraqi official said that Ramadan is likely to be hanged by the end of this month. Ramadan was originally given a life sentence for his role in the killing of 148 Shiites from the village of Dujail after an attempt on Saddam’s life in 1982. But the prosecution filed a petition demanding he also be hanged.

Saddam and two other former aides, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti and Awad Ahmed al-Bandar, have all been hanged for crimes against humanity linked to the Dujail killings. The former dictator was executed on December 30 while Barzan and Bandar were hanged on January 15.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/world.aspx?ID=BD4A413303

-- March 15, 2007 1:24 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Some early signs of progress in Iraq
3/15/2007

March 15, 2007

BY Robert H. Reid Associated Press

BAGHDAD -- Bomb deaths have gone down 30 percent in Baghdad since the U.S.-led security crackdown began a month ago. Execution-style slayings are down by nearly half.

The once frequent sound of weapons has been reduced to episodic, and downtown shoppers have returned to outdoor markets -- favored targets of car bombers.

There are signs of progress in the campaign to restore order in Iraq, starting with its capital city.

But while many Iraqis are encouraged, they remain skeptical how long the relative calm will last. Each bombing renews fears that the horror is returning. Shiite militias and Sunni insurgents are still around, perhaps just lying low or hiding outside the city until the operation is over.

U.S. military officials, burned before by overly optimistic forecasts, have been cautious about declaring the operation a success. Another reason it seems premature: only two of the five U.S. brigades earmarked for the mission are in the streets, and the full complement of American reinforcements is not due until late May.

U.S. officials say that key to the operation's long-term success is the willingness of Iraq's sectarian and ethnic political parties to strike a power- and money-sharing deal. That remains elusive -- a proposal for governing the country's main source of income -- oil -- is bogged down in parliamentary squabbling.

Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs.

Gone are the "illegal checkpoints," where Shiite and Sunni gunmen stopped cars and hauled away members of the rival sect -- often to a gruesome torture and death.

The rattle of automatic weapons fire or the rumble of distant roadside bombs comes less frequently. Traffic is beginning to return to the city's once vacant streets.

"People are very optimistic because they sense a development. The level of sectarian violence in streets and areas has decreased," said a 50-year-old Shiite, who gave his name only as Abu Abbas, or "father of Abbas." "The activities of the militias also have decreased. The car bombs and the suicide attacks are the only things left, while other kinds of violence have decreased."

In the months before the security operation began Feb. 14, police were finding dozens of bodies each day in the capital -- victims of Sunni and Shiite death squads. Last December, more than 200 bodies were found each week -- with the figure spiking above 300 in some weeks, according to police reports compiled by The Associated Press.

Since the crackdown began, weekly totals have dropped to about 80 -- hardly an acceptable figure but clearly a sign that death squads are no longer as active as they were in the final months of last year.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 15, 2007 2:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi vice president meets with U.S. treasury official ahead of international conference on Iraq's economic development

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

15 March 2007 (AP Worldstream)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi will update U.N. member states and other potential donors Friday on the war-torn country's plan for economic development and ask for international support, the United Nations said.

Abdul-Mahdi, one of two vice-presidents, will be promoting a five-year plan known as the Iraq Compact to ensure the government has funds to survive and enact key political and economic reforms. The compact was set up shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006 to "consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who convened the meeting, "looks forward to the participation of the broader international community ... to help put Iraq on a credible path towards sustainable development and economic prosperity," his spokeswoman Michele Montas said Wednesday.

Delegations from more than 40 countries plan to attend the meeting, she said.

Abdul-Mahdi met Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, who will lead the U.S. delegation to the meeting.

Kimmitt said in a statement issued after the meeting that he congratulated the vice-president on Iraq's economic progress and lauded the creation of the Iraq Compact as "an ambitious framework for transformation of the Iraqi economy."

Ban recently appointed Ibrahim Gambari, the former U.N. undersecretary-general for political affairs, to be his special adviser for the compact. Gambari and the Iraqi delegation, which also includes Planning Minister Ali Baban, will co-chair Friday's meeting.

The U.S. Treasury said all parties have agreed to a ministerial meeting in the near future to formally sign the compact.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 15, 2007 2:11 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Energy - Oil & Gas

New Dates Confirmed for Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit following Government Consultation

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

15 March 2007 (Iraq Development Program)
Print article Send to friend
Following in-depth consultation with the Unity Government of Iraq, the Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit will now be taking place in Amman, Jordan on 28-30 May 2007.

The summit will welcome representation from the Iraqi Ministries of Oil, Industry & Minerals and Electricity, as well as the Iraq Energy Council, Investment Promotion Agency and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry for Natural Resources. It will also host many of the state companies operating under the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and senior representatives from the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO).

For the most important sectors of the Iraqi economy, this historic landmark event will be the first of its kind since the formation of Iraq's Unity Government, with these key decision makers 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.

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.

For more information on how to register for the summit, please visit the official event webpage: http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/events/iog/index.htm
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 15, 2007 2:13 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Large Oil Refinery to Be Built in Karbala

The Iraqi oil ministry has agreed to build a large oil refinery in Karbala, 110 km southwest of Baghdad, the head of Karbala provincial council said on Tuesday, according to the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 15, 2007 2:16 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Zogby Poll: Vast Majority Believe Media Is Biased
Posted by Mark Finkelstein on March 14, 2007

Call it confirming the obvious, but a poll released today by the Zogby organization, conducted in conjunction with the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, reveals that a vast majority of Americans believe that the media is biased. 83% of likely voters said the media is biased in one direction or another, while just 11% believe the media doesn’t take political sides.

Of particular significance: "nearly two-thirds of those online respondents who detected bias in the media (64%) said the media leans left, while slightly more than a quarter of respondents (28%) said they see a conservative bias."

Other findings of interest:

- "97% of Republicans surveyed said the media are liberal, two-thirds of political independents feel the same, but fewer than one in four independents (23%) said they saw a conservative bias. Democrats, while much more likely to perceive a conservative bias than other groups, were not nearly as sure the media was against them as were the Republicans. While Republicans were unified in their perception of a left-wing media, just two-thirds of Democrats were certain the media skewed right – and 17% said the bias favored the left."

- "As the influence of blogs has risen, mainstream news organizations have attempted to get in on the action by creating their own blogs to counter those run by private citizens and those not in the news business. But American voters remain skeptical of major news outlets diving in to the blog pool – 26% speculated that the reason news organizations are placing blogs on their Web sites is that 'blogs give news organizations a chance to promote a political agenda they could not promote in their regular broadcasts, cablecasts, or publications.'”

====

Comments:

1) Tim the Enchanter Says:
March 14, 2007 - 16:34

Mark...

What we are seeing is a result of the acquisition of perspective. When the alphabet soup media were the only act in town, there was a lack of perspective in where they stood- there was nothing to compare them to, except for each other. Since they all had similar viewpoints, there wasn't much to compare. For example, if you had a bunch of similar-looking women in the room, who's to say if they're beautiful or ugly (so I don't upset the ladies here too much, the same example could be made with similar-looking men). Now that there's talk radio and Fox, there is perspective. One can see clearly where any individual is leaning by comparing among truly different choices. Good news- the conservative media, though they be few and far in between, are having an impact!

http://newsbusters.org/node/11417

-- March 15, 2007 5:44 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

A current example of media bias:

Boston Globe: Iraq Insurgents Just Like Our Founding Fathers
Posted by Warner Todd Huston on March 14, 2007

I wonder if the MSM ever gets tired of trying to make evil look good? And if they aren't trying to make evil look like good, they are trying to soft peddle evil with a they-are-really-just-like-us analysis of evil’s actions. Such is the case today in the Boston Globe wherein writer H.D.S. Greenway equates Iraqi insurgents to being just like America's founding revolutionary generation.

In 'Surge' doomed to final failure, a badly garbled reading of history is foisted upon an unsuspecting reading public that culminates with H.D.S. Greenway boiling down the entire American Revolution to the claim that British soldiers were a "conquering force" in the Colonies and the Colonists were mad at them for it. Quote:

"And so conquering foreign soldiers will be resisted in Iraq, as they have always been everywhere down the centuries. In early April 1775, the British governor of Boston sent John Howe out to gather intelligence in that hotbed of insurgency now called the western suburbs, but then the Anbar province of its time. Howe met an old man cleaning his rifle who looked too old to hunt game.

The old man said he expected foreign soldiers -- "a flock of redcoats" -- would be arriving soon, and he thought they would make good targets. Arrive they did, and with them the American revolution that in many states degenerated into civil war. The British soldiers were mostly of the same race and religion as the people they fought, but they were by then foreigners, and eight years later they were gone."

==end of quote==

This simpleminded "gotcha" point that H.D.S.Greenway seems to imagine he has stumbled upon makes a mush of what really happened in 1776 and before to cause the American Revolution. Apparently H.D.S. Greenway is unaware that the British didn't "conquer" the Colonists because the colonies were part of the territorial possessions of Great Britain in the fist place. Putting down an insurrection is quite different than conquering and the British were not truly "foreigners" – Revolutionary rhetoric aside-- even to most American citizens. Unwanted, yes, but “foreign”? Not really. In truth, many U.S. citizens felt they were being truer Englishmen than the Brits were being.

He also seems unaware of the many decades of deteriorating political ties and governmental debacles that preceded the Revolution, causing it to erupt.

In the final analysis British troops in early America and the Revolutionary era hardly lends an apt comparison to U.S. troops in Iraq today.

And did you notice the they-are-just-like-us touch there when he said that the “western suburbs” were the “Anbar province of its time”? Nice touch, don’t you think? Utterly false, but nice touch just the same.

I also found it interesting that the “r” in Revolution was not capitalized in the on-line version. It should have been, but was not. Is this just editorial ignorance, or did they mean to demean the American Revolution?

But, in any case, we shant let facts and grammar get in the way of Greenway's gymnastic back bending to twist the American Revolution into an example that would be "just like" Iraq, shall we? Nor will we allow reality to get in the way of his desire to advocate for a precipitate pull out of American troops from Iraq.

Nor should we allow truth to get in the way of Greenway saying that it is US troops, not the insurgents, that is the cause of the unrest in Iraq. QUOTE: "When the president and surge proponents talk about restoring law and order to Baghdad, they underestimate the fact that it is the very presence of American soldiers themselves who are sparking the resistance... "

Spurring his bout with runawayitis, Greenway was quite taken with the picture from Iraq he saw a while back. QUOTE: "The photograph shows four American soldiers, dressed in full, intimidating battle gear, around the periphery of a Baghdad living room. In the center, on the carpeted floor, lies a collapsed woman in a traditional black dress... A man, identified as her son, is holding her in his arms. His feet are bare, as if he were caught by surprise..."

While Greenway's "His feet are bare, as if he were caught by surprise" was a nice novelistic flourish, it is nonsense, of course. Muslims take their shoes off when entering their homes, so bare feet would not be uncommon indoors in an Iraqi household!

But, leave it to a denizen of the MSM to make a complex situation simplistic and to mislead readers with a picture to buttress his agenda.

In any case, H.D.S. Greeway's is just another example of an MSM that isn't capable of either telling a balanced and truthful story, or of any historical analysis.

I wonder if the H.D.S. of Mr. Greenway's name stands for "He Doesn't See"?

===

Comments:

1) BD Says:

I read this yesterday and immediately thought that Mr Greenway obvously had no grasp on history.

I do not recall the population supporting the revolution filling wagons full of gunpowder and pulling in to Boston Common in order to maximize the devastation to their fellow citizens.

2) TheBigMackDaddy Says:

One of the important pre-requisites to being a liberal and/or Democrat these days is that you have no clue about history. It is pointless to explain how wrong this analysis is (e.g. we were for freedom of religion, did not detnate bombs in crowds of our own children, our founding fathers were from here, we did not behead captured English soldiers, etc) but that is a waste of time.

It is just funny and sad how the Globe will hire anyone and print anything.

3) Prester John Says:

Will or Krauthammer had a great column a few years in ago in which he pointed out that when you don't know history everything is unprecedented and hence is to be treated as a crisis. This can also be tied in to the fact that for the Left everyone to the right of them is a fascist or a Nazi, therefore showing either a) a complete lack of understanding of what the Nazis were about or b) they are so full of hate they are delusional.

4) TheBigMackDaddy Says:

I copied this from another post, a good point to note:

The Nazi's were hard-core Left-Wingers. I know the modern-day Left has been successful at re-writing that trivial piece of History. Sure it is easy to confuse the National SOCIALIST Party as a Right-Wing Movement (The Official Name was actually the National Socialist German Workers' Party) The Nazi's were like any other left-wing movement: they believe so much in their mis-guided cause that they attempt to impose it on everyone via force.

5) Dyne Says:

I seem to recall being taught that our founding fathers fought in the Revolution for political and religious freedom. The terrorists only want political and religious oppression. Don't believe me? Stand in the middle of a Middle Eastern city and publicly denounce Islam. You won't live long enough to count how many times you're shot.

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” - John Adams

6) Tim the Enchanter Says:

Also, our Founding Fathers were highly educated, cultured gentlemen. Let's see Islam produce anything like our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, or the Federalist Papers. To compare a band of murderous, barabaric slugs to some of the greatest political geniuses that ever lived is... someone help me out here with a suitable strong adjective!

6) stanleygoodspeed Says:

Patently evil and subversive.

7) Airforce_5_O Says:

Our founding fathers advocated a separation of church and state. The Jihadist wants the Church to run the state. Big difference.

8) mostlymoderate Says:

As a moderate that puts our founding fathers on a pedestal of the HIGHEST respect, I find this article offensive. H.D.S. Greenway needs to think before writing.

9) stanleygoodspeed Says:

Liberals, Democrats, and the MSM in a nutshell ...

Isaiah 5:20

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

10) emjem24 Says:

As a a former teacher/historian myself, I just find this comparison between our Founding Fathers and terrorists not only wrong but disingenuous. This comparison reflects the utter lack of American history knowledge that prevails not only in our public schools but in our colleges and media. Where our young people measured or even scored higher than their contemporaries around the world for primary school subjects, our students slump and underperform both in middle and high school as well as college.

This is the most stupid article I've ever read! I never read how our revolutionary army and those who fought for freedom from British tyranny ever bombed whole comunities or neighborhoods like terrorists resoundly do in Iraq and Afghanistan (along with other choice places around the world). I wish other media would condemn this as the fake historical tripe analysis that it is. However, America will tolerate it because as a whole, it has trouble identifying what holds this country together historically and contemporaneously.

11) RJ Says:

This comparison of the Islamic Terrorists to our Founding Fathers has been seeping around the sewer brains of the far left for several years. That it is actually published in a major newspaper reveals the intellectual bankruptcy of the liberal elite media.

It's also more evidence that liberals, as a class, are stupid beyond belief.

12) HunterPro Says:

Emjem, I completely agree with you on the point that we will accept this article with only passing (if any at all) resistance to the inaccuracies and libelous correlations between Islamic murderers and our Founding Fathers. As was pointed out in the article and various posts, the American colonies were just that; colonies. This implies being an extension or a part of something. Iraq has no such prerequisite with us. The Founding Fathers were inspired by the writings of great men such as John Locke and Trenchard, the Magna Carta, and other sources that aspired to a constitutional contract between governments and the governed. The terrorists only desire control and domination, not freedom and individual rights. Our founding documents speak of protecting rights given to us by God, our creator, while their founding document speaks of killing and death to infidels and heretics. Boston was not a town under siege because it desired violence and chaos but because it wanted just the opposite!Rather than striking across the world to bring about a world-wide caliphate, the Founding Fathers struck against tyranny. We are offering freedom and choice, not forcing it. This is the choice that those in the Middle East must make; that of joining the civilized world or reverting back to 8th century barbarism.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11408

-- March 15, 2007 5:57 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

And another showing media bias as well:

In Advocating Draft, Andy Rooney Smears Volunteer Soldiers
Posted by Justin McCarthy on March 14, 2007

On the March 14 edition of "Imus in the Morning" guest and "60 Minutes" commentator Andy Rooney discussed the possibility of a draft with Don Imus. In that exchange Rooney, like Senator Kerry and Congressman Rangel, implied that those who volunteer to serve do so out of desperation rather than patriotism.

DON IMUS: Tell me about your thoughts on re-instituting the draft.

ANDY ROONEY: Well, I think a draft produces a better army than the one we would have with all volunteers. Because I think you get average Americans if you, if you have a draft. And if it’s an all volunteer army, you get people who join up because of some problem in their own lives. They don’t have anything else to do, they don’t have a job, or they can’t find what they want to do, so they join the Army. And it doesn’t produce the best army.

Rooney should have checked over his facts before making such a statement. This recent study ( http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/cda06-09.cfm ) directly contradicts his assertions.

===

Comments:

1) ThisnThat Says:

My dad served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I was in the Air Force. My father-in-law was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. My son is currently serving in IRAQ.

If Mr. Rooney or any of his MSM friends wants to discuss "producing the best army" with me in a dark alley sometime, I would welcome the opportunity.

Otherwise, Mr. Rooney and the rest of you sons of b****es, SHUT UP.

There. I feel better already. And I'm ready for my offensive post to be deleted.

2) Mean Gene Dr. Love Says:

Andy Rooney a "War hero"!? Surely, you jest. I really hope you're being facetious.

Audie Murphy was a war hero. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Divisions of the V Amphibious Corps (USMC) that took and held Iwo Jima were war heroes. The young men that landed at Normandy were war heroes. Andy Rooney was an Army news reporter.

3) BD Says:

Benedict arnold was originally considered to be a hero as well.

Does service automatically grant a higher level of credibility in an argument? In that case there are several members present with 5 times the length of service in three times the wars than Rooney. Do they get a greater "Credibility" rating?

4) Mean Gene Dr. Love Says:

Benedict Arnold was a great hero and an asset to our young nation until he succumbed to his selfish desires and betrayed the Continental Army.

5) MightyMouth Says:

Rooney is old, senile and waaay past his prime. That's not beating up. That's being realistic. Looking at the effort that was put into your post I would say you have some affinity with the old coot. It doesn't matter if a person is distinguised like Rooney, if he spouts nonsense, it is still nonsence and he should be called on it.

6) dscott Says:

The draft produces a better Army? Are you daft Rooney? Oh that's right, a better Army to produce draft dodgers and desserters so you the MSM can have someone to interview to play up the anti-war theme. I mean why in the world would the MSM want highly motived people joining the military, that just takes the wind out of low morale stories and dissention in the ranks. You see there is nothing in it for the MSM. Boring, boring, boring.

7) Daniel Baker Says:

Draft produces a worse Army, but a better country. If we could draft some of these liberals they would become much better people, and actually worth listening to.

8) mattm Says:

The Left's call for a draft is such a perfect example of their hypocrisy, it's almost too precious!

First they burned their draft cards* in protest of America's fight against tyrannical communism, and now they want to reinstitute the draft. Why? For military reasons? Obviously not; otherwise they wouldn't be calling for troop withdrawls. So what else could it be but political pot-stirring????

They know that 90% of the 1960's anti-war movement was merely people who didn't want to get drafted (which is not an illegitimate reason - btw). Now, even with all their propaganda they can't seem to generate anywhere near the same level of America-Hating activism which characterized the '60's. So, what's their answer when mere rhetoric won't work? Conscription! Government coercion!

This has nothing to do with military readiness, socio-economic fairness or any other equity issue - it's purely designed to revive the 60's protest vibe - man!

*and don't give me the bogus argument that Andy Rooney served...that was WWII - almost everybody served in one way or another.

9) Mean Gene Dr. Love Says:

I just cannot reconcile how the liberals can support compulsary service through a draft while being so "pro-choice" on just about everything else under the sun.

I've been in the military for 11 years now, granted there are a number of "dirtbags" that joined for reasons Rooney listed. However, I have seen some of those people turn their weaknesses into strengths and reform themselves to become assets to society. These changes in their lives probably would not have happened without the discipline of the military. I would also have to go on to say that the majority of honorable, hard-working, unselfish, reliable, and generous people I know have served several years in the military. The sacrifices associated with voluntary service bring out the best in people because of their willing service. Compulsary service usually results in resentment, especially when the individual is only complying to stay out of legal trouble.

10) DirkCS Says:

Having served in the United States Marine Corps, I would first like to echo the comment that I would be happy to discuss these ideas in a dark alley any time.

Next I wonder how it is that Rooney reconciles the fact that service in the armed forces is looked so favorably upon by prospective employers with his belief that we are all losers.

In closing, Rooney can take his opinions and stick them where the sun don't shine.

Dirk

http://newsbusters.org/node/11419

-- March 15, 2007 6:25 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am not sure we should be surprised at anything we read or watch in the media.

To say the insurgents are similar to our founding fathers is insulting. Once history gives birth to this new Iraq, those of us who have invested in the Dinar will reap the benefits.

A peaceful and prosperous Iraq will give President George W. Bush his legacy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 15, 2007 10:40 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Valerio,

Well you could of course say that the existence is a figment of our imagination, but then again, who is crating that thought??, someone in present time I would say.

If it is aware.

If it is looking.

If it is aware of being aware.

If it can think.

If it can decide, or decide against, or redo a decision.

Then it's so big, it can create Gods.

That's the spirit, and it's here now, and forever.

And it all happens in our perception, and we perceive it in present time.

We can recall past things, but it's only in present time.

We can wish for a future, from our present time.

If we would contemplate present time as non existing, we would deny our own existence, as this is the only place we exist in.

Mental wards are full of people unable to live in present time, acting out an old scenario over and over again, dressed like Napoleon.

Sara,

Time as non existing, well it's a paradox in that it can only exist as the 3rd order after energy, or matter, those two has to exist, one or the other, to give time, one change location in relation to the other and we now have time.

Also a black hole would in theory be a timeless place, or an object that would accelerate to the speed of light.(cant go faster, but you can go up until that speed.)

From your viewpoint, a person falling into a black hole (well probably he would be torn apart by gravitational force long before he would come close to the event horizon, the limit where light can not escape the black hole) would from an outside observer go slower and slower into the hole, and probably get stuck just around the event horizon, we would perceive his time to stop.

Time as such is not an item, it is not an energy level, it is correctly an abstract way of measuring change, you can not save time in a bottle.

Celsius or Fahrenheit, degrees doesn't exist either. It's an abstract way of telling how much electromagnetic energy a body is radiating.

There are no "Mile trees" where you harvest miles, or "Gallon mines", where you mine for gallons.

Octane, in gas doesn't exist either, it's an abstract way of telling when the fuel will self ignite under certain compression.

It's a scale or degree in comparison with something similar, in order to describe a magnitude or speed of perpetual motion.

So in that sense, I agree, Time doesn't exist. Still I would have a hard time catching the train without it.

Ok lets do some Dinars now.

The Ohio Dem congressman that are calling for the Iraqi HCL law to be taken off the table, describing the law to be an enabler for greedy oil companies to steal the Iraqi oil.

Barrel full of s..t.

Our congressmen might before they open their mouth, perhaps study the subject at least to the point that they can make an intelligent statement.

The Iraqi oil, is by Iraqi law the property of the state of Iraq.

Iraq have a very under developed oil production structure, completely degenerated, and in panicky need of investment, the stuff barely holds together no more.

Iraq is in need of oil revenues very quickly in order to build up the Iraqi society, from millions living on ONE Dollar a day to something that at least is a dignified life.

The good deals, highlighted, is an arrangement for the oil companies investing, to get their investments back as quick as possible, and not a continuous give away to greedy oil barons. The money is already fronted by the oil companies, when investing, so it's not something that is given away.

Rest of the profit is pretty much in line with any other international oil deal.

The Norwegian oil is Norwegian, and the British oil is British, in the North sea, but a lot of international oil companies are drilling there.

How come the Dem congressman from Ohio are so concerned about oil companies are stealing oil from Iraq, and doesn't mention with one word the possibility that Shell, BP or Exxon is stealing from Britain or Norway?

Seems like when you don't have a clue, but just open your mouth, the words your saying are posted in any and all newspaper that want to further paint a grim and unjust picture of any dealings with Iraq.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if that Dem Congressman from Ohio can be seen in a few weeks over in Iraq, where he is talking with some insurgency people, trying to get another ally in his quest for fairness.

The scary part is, these are the people that are running this country.

Complete idiots, making a name for themselves, but have no touch with reality.

So there they sit, making law after law after law, all forbidding laws.

You cant fish or hunt after or before a set time, you cant buy a beer because it is Sunday, you can't run a car unless you have a sticker on it, that has to be renewed every year.

You cant do it, unless you have a permit, and in order to get a permit, you have to apply for a permit, and it will get denied unless you fill in all the lines correctly.

You will of course not be notified that it has been denied in any other form than with snail mail, so ten days later you get their answer as no, and you have to start again, spending another day trying to get another application form,(only the original issued application forms are valid) applying again.

Don't ask an agency to send it for you, as this will only take another fifteen days, where the authority will send it back to the agency, telling THEM that the application will only be mailed to the original person in question.

This even if the agency asked to have it sent there.

These kind of state and Government idiots are on occasion on a political career, uneducated, biased, and full of shit they completely unembarrassed, claim such a stupid thing that the HCL are a way of STEALING THE IRAQI OIL.

Makes me wonder, where do they find these people.

The progress in Iraq is well underway, indeed this is a turnaround year, let the economic make it's work let the investment begin, let the oil flow, and to those with a lesser, naive and feeble mind, shut up.

-- March 16, 2007 2:04 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

President Bush welcomes defeat of Iraq pull-out plan
Mar 16, 2007

WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush on Thursday praised the defeat of a Senate measure calling for a US withdrawal from Iraq by late March 2008 and warned against a similar push in the House next week.

"Today, the United States Senate wisely rejected a resolution that would have placed an artificial timetable on our mission in Iraq," he said in a speech to fellow Republicans after the bill went down to a 48-50 vote defeat.

The US president painted the pull-out proposals, mostly backed by Democrats, as a betrayal of US troops in the war-wracked country and said retreating from Iraq would invite Islamist extremists to attack on US soil.

Bush accused some in the House of Representatives of trying to use an emergency war-funding request up for debate next week to try to "micromanage" the war or "force a precipitous withdrawal" from Iraq.

Democrats who control the US Congress have taken the White House's 120-billion-dollar budget request for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and inserted a demand for the withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraq by September 2008 at the latest.

The Republican minority in the House had opposed the move, which also threatened to compel withdrawal even before September next year, if Bush cannot certify benchmarks for progress are being met in Iraq.

Bush warned that a hasty withdrawal would infect all of Iraq with "a contagion of violence" that could spread across the entire Middle East.

"The enemy would emerge from the chaos emboldened, with new safe havens, and new recruits, and new resources and an even greater determination to harm the United States of America," he said.

"If we were to leave Iraq before the job is done, the enemy would follow us to the United States of America and we're not going to let it happen," he said. "I believe the members of Congress are sincere when they say they support our troops.

And now is the time for them to show that support. Our men and women in uniform are risking their lives and they need the firm support of the United States Congress," he said.

http://www.keralanext.com/news/?id=986061

-- March 16, 2007 2:37 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

Thanks.. great analysis about Iraq and the Ohio Dem congressman portraying the oil companies as greedy capitalist opportunists and calling for the Iraqi HCL law to be taken off the table. Obviously, as you pointed out, this HCL law being implemented will put the Iraqi economy back on its feet, give the oil companies a fair rate of return for the risk they are taking and finally allow the Iraqi people a decent standard of living.. and that is EVIL? Well.. maybe if you are a Leftwing Socialist and one step from agreeing with Marx.. but not in the mind of those of us who want to see Iraq PROSPER and continue to own and use its resources for the good and prosperity of its people. Delaying the oil companies from development of those fields only helps one set of interests.. those of the enemy. Hence, this man and those like him who are decrying the oil company development of Iraq's oil fields are aiding and abetting THE ENEMY.. they are FOR the aims of the enemy, and as previously stated, those who are not against someone are for them (as Jesus said). If the Democrats and this Congressman are helping the aims of the terrorists by seeking to delay the production from the Iraqi oil fields which will bring in much needed improvement in the lot of the Iraqi people.. then I don't really think he is on the side of the US or of Iraq. He is on the terrorist's side, whether he sees that or not. So.. I agree with you, he needs to research it before he opens his mouth and spouts off terrorist propaganda and tries to introduce that which accomplishes the terrorist's aims as a measure in the US political sphere.

As for the concept of time not existing.. it may seem to be merely splitting hairs as we do experience it no matter how it is nonexistent from the point of view of another space. You are right, we still have to go through the present time one moment at a time. As you said, time is only measured (in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, centuries, etc.. we do measure it a lot, don't we?) but it is experienced in the present only one moment at a time. That is why God revealed Himself as the great "I AM" and not as the great 'I was' or 'I will be.' God wished to say He is a God of this moment, and went out of His way to explain that by naming Himself "I AM." I think that is very relevant to a proper view of time because it has so many implications for understanding that continuum. "I AM" was the name by which Moses was introduced to the God who gave him the Ten Commandments, and when Jesus claimed to be "I AM".. the very name of that God who appeared to Moses, they took up stones to stone Him to death for claiming to be the God of the Old Testament. First, here is where God says He is God of NOW, not of later, the great "I AM":

Exo 3:13 Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?"
Exo 3:14 And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.

Having called Himself by a name showing His existence in our moment by moment timespace, when Jesus claimed the same name for Himself, those hearing Him sought to stone Him as a false prophet:

Joh 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
Joh 8:57 Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
Joh 8:59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him...

I do think they understood the claim to deity Jesus was making, hence the stones in their hands. But it is strange that so many do not understand that Jesus claimed to be God - the SAME God that spoke to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments - and called Himself "I AM." In another place (where they were slightly less hasty to throw those stones,) Jesus had opportunity to ask them why they were taking up stones, and they said, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God." (John 10:33). THEY understood His claim to deity, yet I find it strange that the Islamics (and others) never have.

The reason I bring this up is that, as far as time is concerned, God says that He is a God of the present - "I AM" - and so He is a God of the now. That has many implications for time-space theory and whether time can be distorted or travelled through, and understanding this may be as important as understanding E=MC2 to the discipline of physics.. one day.

Sara.

-- March 16, 2007 3:40 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Being consistent with what I just said about those seeking to STOP the oil production acting FOR the terrorist's interests and against the good of the Iraqi people and the US.... applying that here:

Iraqi leader fears ouster over oil money
By STEVEN R. HURST - AP
03/15/07

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fears the Americans will torpedo his government if parliament does not pass a law to fairly divvy up the country's oil wealth among Iraqis by the end of June, close associates of the leader told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The legislature has not even taken up the draft measure, which is only one of several U.S. benchmarks that are seen by al-Maliki as key to continued American support, a crucial need for the survival of his troubled administration.

Aside from the oil law, the associates said, American officials have told the hardline Shiite Muslim prime minister that they want an Iraqi government in place by year's end acceptable to the country's Sunni Arab neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.

"They have said it must be secular and inclusive," one al-Maliki associate said.

To that end, al-Maliki made an unannounced visit Tuesday to Ramadi, the Sunni Arab insurgent stronghold, to meet with tribal leaders, the provincial governor and security chiefs in a bid to signal his willingness for reconciliation to end the bitter sectarian war that has riven Iraq for more than a year.

Compounding al-Maliki's fears about a withdrawal of American support were visits to Saudi Arabia by two key political figures in an admitted bid to win support for a major Iraqi political realignment. Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. ally and oil supplier.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a Shiite Muslim, flew to the Saudi capital Tuesday, a day after the arrival there of Masoud Barzani, leader of Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdish region. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims.

"Allawi is there to enlist support for a new political front that rises above sectarian structures now in place," the former prime minister's spokesman, Izzat al-Shahbandar, told the AP.

Barzani spokesman Abdul-Khaleq Zanganah said the two Iraqis met in Kurdistan before the trip for talks on forming a "national front to take over for the political bloc now supporting al-Maliki."

It appears certain the United States was informed about the Allawi and Barzani opening to the Saudis, who are deeply concerned that al-Maliki could become a puppet of Iran, the Shiite theocracy on Iraq's eastern border they view as a threat to the region's stability.

One al-Maliki confidant said the Americans had voiced displeasure with the prime minister's government even though he has managed so far to blunt major resistance from the Mahdi Army militia to the joint U.S.-Iraqi security operation in Baghdad. The Shiite militia is loyal to anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose political backing secured the premiership for al-Maliki.

"They have said they are frustrated that he has done nothing to oust the Sadrists, that the oil law has not moved forward, that there is no genuine effort on reconciliation and no movement on new regional elections," said the official, who like the other associates agreed to discuss the situation only if not quoted by name because of the political sensitivities.

Passage of the oil law, which seeks a fair distribution of revenues among all Iraq's sectarian and ethnic groups, has become a major issue for the United States, which had initially counted on financing Iraq's post-invasion reconstruction with oil revenues.

The al-Maliki associates said U.S. officials, who they would not name, told the prime minister that President Bush was committed to the current government but continued White House support depended on positive action on all the benchmarks - especially the oil law and sectarian reconciliation - by the close of this parliamentary session June 30.

"Al-Maliki is committed to meeting the deadline because he is convinced he would not survive in power without U.S. support," one of the associates said.

Standing in the way of forward movement is a recalcitrant Cabinet, which al-Maliki has promised to reshuffle by the end of this week. So far, however, he is at loggerheads with the political groupings in parliament that are threatening to withdraw support for the prime minister if he does not allow the blocs to name replacements for Cabinet positions.

http://www.buffalonews.com/260/story/32561.html

It is obvious that the aims of the terrorists have continued to be furthered in Iraq and these benchmarks which support the Iraqi people and the US interests are not met. Saudi Arabia is concerned Maliki is in Iran's back pocket and working for their interests as "he has done nothing to oust the Sadrists.. the oil law has not moved forward... there is no genuine effort on reconciliation and no movement on new regional elections." All of this proves by Maliki's actions whose interests he is furthering - whether sincerely or only by default - just as with the congressman who is seeking to stop the oil law here. The ousting of this man who is working for the interests of the terrorists and not the Iraqi people may be a necessity and the US is planning toward that aim as they see his unwillingness to move forward on the benchmarks which are essential to the TRUE interests of the Iraqi people and the United States.

Sara.

-- March 16, 2007 4:09 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, RobN, for your thoughts on the news media bias.
I was disturbed to read that CNN is going to do a piece on
Shia Death Squads which is "based on the work of an anonymous journalist" -
Why don't they just come right out and say it is straight from the terrorists?
But there is a LOT of good info given in this protesting article on Iraq..
information which shows the incredible progress there..
and so it makes this article a very worthwhile read:

CNN Uses 'Anonymous Journalist' for Report on Shia Death Squads
Posted by Mark Finkelstein March 16, 2007

Next week marks the fourth anniversary of Operation Iraq Freedom. How does CNN plan to observe the event? An update, perhaps, on General Petraeus’ new strategy to win the war, and the initial positive – if still early – reports from the battlefield?

Please. I did say "CNN." The network is set to run a one hour special: “Death Squads Reveals Links between Shia Death Squads, Iraqi Security Forces.” CNN's report will in significant part be based on the work of an anonymous journalist.

Before considering the CNN report, let's review some of the recent developments in Iraq, as gleaned from MNF spokesman Maj. Gen. William Caldwell's press conference of March 14th:

- Prime Minister Maliki has affirmed that there will be no political interference in security operations. Iraq's leaders have lifted restrictions on Iraqi and Coalition forces that prevented them from going into certain areas, and U.S. and Iraqi troops are now pursuing the enemy in neighborhoods like Sadr City, where operations were once restricted.
- Iraqi and Coalition forces have secured significant sections of Sadr City without a shot fired in anger, an unimaginable achievement just months ago.
- About half of the planned joint security stations have been established in neighborhoods across Baghdad, helping coalition forces develop trust of local residents.
- Sectarian killings have been lower in Baghdad over the past several weeks than in the previous month.
- Sectarian displacement appears to have slowed or even stopped, with increasing numbers of families returning to their homes.

Other recent positive developments:

- More than 700 Shia radicals have been detained by Iraqi and Coalition forces in just the last 6 months.
- The PM and Minister of the Interior have fired or reassigned more than 10,000 personnel from the Iraqi Interior Ministry – people who were working subversively to stoke sectarian violence. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0305iraq0305.html
- In Feb., Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Health was arrested by Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces – an action that would be been unthinkable a few months ago.

=====

But if CNN's press release about its "Death Squads" report is any indication, the network doesn't plan to cover the progress that has been made in recent months in its special.

CNN's report also raises a journalistic issue. Its press release states that: "Death Squads is a co-production of CNN and Channel 4/Quicksilver Media and is reported by a team of journalists: British journalist Deborah Davies, an Iraqi journalist working anonymously and CNN’s John Roberts."

We're all familiar with anonymous sources. But anonymous journalists? We can understand the personal security concerns. But as the only Iraqi on the team, Mr. X is likely the key to some of the more sensitive, and potentially controversial, allegations being reported. Doesn't his anonymity raise a serious credibility issue? Paging Howard Kurtz and Fox News Watch!

Comments:

1) Dyne Says:

Is not the first question in journalistic reporting, "Who?"
This includes the person's name, background, political/religious affiliation, and motives.

2) bigtimer Says:

Great point Mark!

Anonymous journalist?

What!?!

The left in the media will do their utmost for our defeat in this war, they know darned good and well we are making progress, so they will have to counter this now, the surge has to be bad, we cannot have victory at all costs...period.

If the leftists are reporting this, or better yet, the lack of reporting that has been done on the news from the likes of CNN...it truly is disgraceful to the utmost...let alone despicable.

The enemy within proves who they are every single day...in our living rooms..world-wide.

CNN, do you not understand why your ratings are zilch or do you not care whatsoever about your ratings, which equals revenue...

By Friday I cannot even turn it to that station when Wolfie is spewing his DNC talking points which I usually do during most of the week..

Agenda and outcome is all the care about, at expense to their stockholders, which evidently they do not care about...or the stockholders don't either...

Beats me anymore...I just despise them...the work they do to not give our fine military any credit is outrageous...just outrageous.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11468

-- March 16, 2007 8:09 PM ∞

---

david brock wrote:

some new news about iraqi dinar reval tonight...

-- March 16, 2007 9:09 PM ∞

---

david brock wrote:

cnbc just had something on about iraqi dinars. that americans and soldiers are hording,buying iraqi dinars,and then he shows an old saddam dinar and said its worthless and all iraqi dinars are not a good investment and will never be worth anything.

i think the guy is actually one of cnbc's fast money traders. i think he himself is very uninformed.

-- March 16, 2007 9:47 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

David Brock,
Whats the news?

-- March 16, 2007 10:03 PM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

Hello, all

I would like to properly introduce myself...

Sorry for just busting in earlier…..

And I hope my presence is welcome...

As you may have gathered I am a DJ and I hail from Tampa, Fl...

I have been in the shadows as it has been said earlier in this segment of this blog since Nov of 2004 and I have a vested interest in the outcome of Iraq as I believe all of us here do.

First I would like to thank each and everyone on this blog that has posted on or off topic….
It has been almost religious reading for me.

Second I would like to offer my entertainment services for the roast. Looks like we’re all getting closer...YEAH BABY!!!!

Last I saw a report today from the MSM that was actually the most positive that I have seen thus far,
On MSNBC today there was a report that was covered with Senior Bush and an Iraqi official that I did not catch as I was walking through the living room …as the report goes it was all structured around the progress and the future success of the HCL.

I was shocked and let out an enormous YES!!!

Loud enough for my neighbor to here, only 8 ft away with the windows open... loll.

The point is it was broadcast 1 time and 1 time only, but it was broadcast.

Progress in the MSM?

I understand that one report does not build a house, but maybe the progress in Iraq has become undeniable, or at least the negative reports are at an all time low for all the news that I have seen.

Above and beyond all that we think we know, I also have friends on the ground in the war zone.

The one thing I do believe is what they all have told me, by the way when things were ugly, 2 years ago. I was told if I just saw the gym, the mess hall, the base as a whole.

“THE US GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS OF LEAVING!”

Dems are just posturing for 08

We can’t leave….sorry to say but

We can’t leave.

In their words

“We will be there for a very long time.”

I admit I was nervous, not my only investment, and I have no ties to anyone selling Dinars.

But I will repeat their words,

“We will be there for a very long time.”

Rob N

Thanks for all the hard work you do for all of us in the shadows…..I Don’t have time in my day, Yet!!!, to search all the sites listed here, so your time is appreciated by me an inspired this post.
And yes I have bought more….

Thank you..all

Roger, Thanks for the stimulating remarks.

Carole. Keep the boat engine warm…..

Sara, what are your thoughts on the afterlife? Exist or not? Is it another plain?

Curious on your thoughts, not a challenge.

Panhandler, thanks for your due diligence.

Chelseadave, have a pint for me been to London a time or 3.

The Famous Red Lion in Chesterfield,

thefamousredlion.com,

Home of the bent spire is a favorite spot,
and I always do a run in Hyde Park...a must.

If you were not mentioned,
I Thank You

A special thanks to everyone on the ground.

-- March 17, 2007 2:01 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

akadjjam,

Welcome to the show, this blog is a little bit more expressed than the one line comments you can read in other blogs.

I can see you have been lurking for some years as a reader only, and you say you have interest in Iraq.

May I ask are you an investor in Dinars, (I guess) or do you have other investment or interest in Iraq?

If you been reading the blog for such a long time, you pretty much by now have picked up the pace, and seen the "vibes" we have here, and you should fit right in.

Please post on occasion, we could use more DNA here.

Sara,

Yes it is interesting, I think we're touching on the same thing here.

The phenomenon we call Present Time.

The I AM, God, spirit or whatever we call it, is the present time.

Makes me wonder, if present time is spiritual in essence.

Every time a spirit in one way or the other is invalidated he will become less in present time.

Every time a spirit in one way or the other is validated, he will be more in present time.

As present time exist because we see it, it must mean this is what we are, and as spirits are not the physical universe, merely looking at it, and operate in it( hey we need some kind of playground) the condition of present time will exist once we decides that: I AM.

If it is not observed, no one there to observe, play in it, or plainly just doesn't exist, there will be nothing there to create a time track for him.

(He probably took off to another dimension for a cheeseburger)

That leads me to ponder one thing, it seems very plausible to me, that the present time AND spirit, can be reduced into being the same thing.

Yes it's interesting Sara, and religion in this sense is more my style rather than doom others for sinners, screaming minarets, and isolation on a mountaintop.

Sara, this time I had a computer crash, did you remember that calculator I told about some time ago, where all the currencies automatically was calculated to, if you bookmarked it, can you please try to find it, and post it again.

-- March 17, 2007 4:14 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Now I'm not anynomous no more

-- March 17, 2007 4:16 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

AKADJJam,
Thanks for comming out! I welcome you. What type of DJ'ing do you do?
Since you are going to provide services at the roast, I presume that you regularly do this type of gig. I'm a guitar player myself, and I'll be entertaining (or annoying) also, and hopefully there will be some other musicians among us willing to join in. I'll be writing a special song for the event. Hopefully the day will come sooner, rather than later.

-- March 17, 2007 4:43 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Donald Trump Is Living Proof...
If given enough seed money from your dad...to weather the loses from bad decisions while you learn... you can be successful....

After reading his interview about President Bush on Woff(CNN) That business sense is not always indicative of rational,common sense thinking...

That the most important thing to a democrat is to get a democrat in the white house regardless of its affect on America as a whole

+++++++++++

From the layman's point of view...TIME is simply being aware...it is a perception...nothing more...nothing less...Past and Future are terms used to show awareness of the present...example...without joy...you could not recognize saddness...without the feel of touch you could not recognize feeling...crying gives you the recognition of laughter...all are gifts...THE PROVERBIAL ANSWER when THE QUESTION IS ASK OF A CERTAIN EVENT, OR THING...
ANS: WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO MEAN???? Thus you have the different views of the human race...all clamoring to say their VIEW IS SUPERIOR

-- March 17, 2007 9:28 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

ROGER!
Plans are moving forward...will be making trip leaving out next Friday AM or Sat AM...will give you a report by email..

-- March 17, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

CHLORINE GAS BOMBS IN IRAQ...
I believe there are now 365 CURRENT documented cases of WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION...
LETS ALL WATCH THE MSM AND SEE HOW THEY SPEND THAT INFORMATION...The silence may be deafening...

-- March 17, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

At the very moment you become conscious of present time that moment is past.

-- March 17, 2007 12:22 PM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Hi All,

Has anyone seen this? Any thoughts?
tia.

CBI adopts fixed ID exchange rate
Baghdad (NINA)- The Central Bank of Iraq CBI has announced adopting the exchange rate of Iraqi Dinar against the US Dollar, settled on last Thursday’s auction until March 19. A CBI statement said Saturday that the measure came within the previously adopted measures, aiming at boosting Iraqi Dinar...

http://www.ninanews.com/ninaII/indexeng.php
__________________
Sources at the Central Bank told the nation »« that this policy will continue until the Iraqi dinar thrive and become the preferred currency in daily dealings. With those sources expressed its confidence in achieving this policy even finishing off phenomenon (dollarization).

-- March 17, 2007 8:12 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi All,
Still vacationing and having a very good time.

Every couple of days look in on T&B.

I was wondering--what has happened to Tim Bitts? I miss him!!

Have met quite a few people that are into DINAR investing. Have pointed them to this site. Muy cousin actually does "day tradiing " on currency on the Forex. He tried to explain it all to me. I may dabble in it.

Well, hope this hits soon, fo everyone's sake.

Take care

Carole

-- March 18, 2007 12:32 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

Cool, Let me know if there is any Q's.

Paul,

Have read it over and over, and it seems like it is one of those commonly produced articles or messages that says a lot but doesn't really say anything.

As I read it:
-"The current exchange rate will be good until the 19th."

Another way of saying it is:

-"We will skip work, calling in sick and have a goat barbie, and we will be back on the job in two days, and take up the slack from there."

Valerio,

Good observation, it seems like a trap of some sort, the present time, is here, but the past is immediately upon the present time.

If you make a really brilliant creation, or have a really brilliant idea, that aha moment was so satisfying that it's easy to re create it from the past.

Storing it on the time track and bring it up an look at the jewel on occasion.

Present time don't have a memory facility for storage, like the mind we are using.

It does have one thing that beats it all though.

It knows.

Sara,

Perhaps your June prediction is getting more real.

Very soon the Iraqi stock market will be open for foreign investors, and if they don't revalue the currency, foreigners can buy up much of the Iraqi industry, for a bargain price.

The banks are right now not in too good of a condition in Iraq, some, like business banks have done some really good progress, but still overall, the banks are to a high degree the agent that pays people state subsidiaries. Compared with here, instead of people on welfare lining up in the social services centers, over there they line up in the bank instead.

This will all change over time, when the boom is on. So right now, you can make some really good deal on Iraqi bank stocks.

When the foreign investors are getting in on the stock market, private investments are getting to Iraqis industry.

As everything, this is Iraq, and it is slow go, but I predict in about May June sometime you will see the stock market doing the foreign deal.

Ad that to the oil law, the HCL, still bogged down, and still the "we are aaaaalmost done" reports are trickling in, but by Apr or May there is no way around it, they must get their thumb out of their rear end sometime this lifetime.

The big budget, as far as I recalled reading on it, the budget calender starts the 1st of Apr. And this time around it is a very very big budget.

There are so many things that are coming together around Apr, May Jun, that at least if they want to do a reval, that time would be a very good opportunity.

They might do the slow reval as we see it now, but that would be a very big disadvantage for the Iraqis, if they are following the market instead of leading the market.

If you chase the market you are always at disadvantage.

See it like a Real Estate owner that bought a house and some land at a good price, and wants to sell it when the market is high.

He's asking just a bit too much, and when the market goes down he waits, and then he lower the price just a little bit , but too late, because the market has already gone further down, so now he waits and waits, find no buyer, and lower it a bit more, again too late because now the market is even lower.

On and on it goes until he chases the market down to it's bottom, at this time he is desperate, and sell it for less than he bought it for, takes his losses, and move in with his wife to his mother in law.

So you never chase the market, especially a state with it's own internal economy.

They can set the market.

So if the Iraqis are a bit on the smart side (ha) they would have an excellent opportunity around that time.

If they don't do it, and instead they decides to chase the market, with the exchange rate, the rate of increase on the Dinar can be expected to accelerate the more hot the internal market is.

If it happens, well Jun doesn't seem to bad of a time.

-- March 18, 2007 1:26 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

Yes, the problem with present time, and the viewpoint that observes from it, every viewpoint is unique.

If you can accept it, and enjoy your own point of view, and live with the frustration that you will never be able to fully make someone else duplicate what you have experienced, you will have a happy life.

The arse that have the idea that sunset and sunrise happens in his butt, and the universe rotates in concentric circles around HIM, gives his viewpoint and present time such an importance that he must exert any conceivable effort to MAKE other people understand him, even if it involves cutting their head off, beating the wife, or abuse their children.

Imagine this complete looser, with everything he loves, in pain around him, children with belt marks, wife with hair ripped out, and black eyes, and while he is beating his 5 year old with a book over the head for not reading absolutely correct, he his mumbling his problem over and over again....-"Why will they not understaaaaand ?"

-- March 18, 2007 1:46 AM ∞

---

Terry853 wrote:

Mostly I am a JAFO. On all the threads these days you see a lot of what seems like depression!! Every body that has been in this thing for any length of time knows of the SHAKEOUT!!!It seems to be working with some success!! What is the dinar stalled at. 1277 ?? What is the approximate value of the Euro right now. Regardless any other oil field service company hands out there. If so you know what this business pays. Iraq will be the same in a few years. Big Bucks!! Hang in there folks.
Hey Tim Bits, Where you at!!
I know that there are a couple of well informed people here who can give me a very detailed answer on this question. Is not Babylon, 30 Km north of Bagdad supposed to be amazingly wealthy when the world decides to go nuts!!

-- March 18, 2007 1:55 AM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Terry853:

thanks for asking. I am in the middle of making some big changes in my life. I sold my business, have to wrap it up in a few months, lots to do there, also am starting a new venture, have done some travelling, and will be moving to a different part of Canada soon, selling the house, etc. No worries. As Arnold Swarzenagger said, "I'll be back!"

I peak in from time to time, but will be back in the fall. I expect an RV in 2007 or 2008.

I've started to notice a subtle shift in the mainstream media. They are becoming a bit less hostile to the inevitability and desirability of American success in Iraq, and the success of the Iraqi economy, and oil industry, and some are starting to catch up to people on this blog, who have been absolutely and firmly convinced, years ago, that American success in Iraq is definitely not just an option. It is a must.

The success of Iraq, and specifically a secure and inexpensive supply of oil to run the American economy is essential to America, if America is to continue, long-term, as a wealthy super-power. Iraqi success is absolutely vital to the overall long term health of the American economy, and that affects everyone.

Iraq may contain one out of three barrels of oil on the planet, by some estimates. This vital commodity allows our entire civilization to continue. There is great controversy over how much oil is left in the world, how much demand will continue to grow in the future, and how much new technology will affect that overall picture, but there is no controversy over the fact that Iraq sits on a considerable amount of the future energy needs of the world, and that the oil in Iraq is of a very high quality, and, even with terrorism a factor, it is very cheap to produce. Letting control of that enormously valuable resource slip into radical hands would be economic suicide for the United States.

An American loss in Iraq is unthinkable and would have dire negative consequences for generations, fueling and super-charging terrorism, and seriously threatening American global pre-eminance, economically and militarily. America MUST win. The stakes are simply guargantuan. And America WILL win!

That means we should all buy more dinars. We'll be wealthy some day!

....Hi to all on this site! I miss coming here, lots of great people on this site, take care, I will come by sometimes, and then get more involved later this year. Thanks.

-- March 18, 2007 3:34 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Terry853,

Hi, yes, well, we're a bit worn out, but those that are waiting for something good, never waits too long.

Absolutely, Babylon is on the same legendary page as El Dorado, Atlantis, and Shangri La.

Streets made of gold, and food everywhere.

The bonus is that of those cities only Babylon was a real city.

Well what was in the past doesn't necessary guarantee a future, once upon a time. India was one of the most rich, if not THE riches country on earth, where big gems and gold was sold on the street market. However all the ingredients for a rich Iraqi future is there.

As for the current freeze with the Dinar, ...an explanation, well the Iraqis do what we do on this blog only, talk.

Difference is, we do it on our leisure time, they do it professionally.

Tim Bitts,

Long time no see, wow that's a big change in your life, selling house , business and all.

Amazing to what length some can go to, just to buy more Dinars.

What are you up to now, where are you heading and what are you getting into?

-- March 18, 2007 4:10 AM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

Thanks for the welcome party,

Anonymous and or Roger …lol … I can feel your pain in that post

Now I'm not anonymous no more... If I busted you out I apologize…honestly was talking about some of your earlier posts not the anonymous one ….lol

And thank you Valerio ….

Would like to say that I honestly envy you for playing an instrument I have tried to learn to no avail….Hat is currently bowed….

First things first and that’s to answer all questions and comments,

Anonymous… my only vested interest at this moment is in Dinars other investments my come…how substantial is what you are really wondering…well I am just a lowly DJ in the big ole world right now …..But it does look like I may have that bar on the sand in Coastal Rica after all… I happened to have a friend hiding some property for sale for us… if the freaking Dems can just stay out of the way.

Ooops, did I say that out loud…lol

One more thing I have surfed and surfed and yes this seems to be the only blog that is actually stimulating.

Progress in any situation is a beautiful thing!!!

Valerio

Man we could probably bore this blog to death …

but to answer your question as short as possible.

If it has lights and sound I have done it...

Light and sound for bands large and small...not the huge concerts but big enough to now my limit, but that was ages ago …like Ready for the World days …

Great group…

Didn’t work their concerts but just think in that era

Also did a couple of plays…lights and sound …really an art

Did some radio in but was very boring ….can’t getting a feel of what the people are responding too…

But all along my calling was clubs... started spinning in 1984 in a teen club 6hrs on Sunday day by the way …lol

Now at the ripe old age of 37 still spinning and currently decided to come play with some of the best here in Tampa, just wanted to test my skills just to see if I could survive in such a saturated market... huge gamble and one of the biggest tests in my life …so far happy to report my head is above water gaining a following …believe me, some of the best DJ”S have houses right around the corner…

Currently spinning Electro, House mostly like Axwell, Bob Sinclair and others, if you like Break beat, House, any Electro, Honestly this is the home of electro of all genres ..

You have

Malicious Mike… a style one to his own…

Chris Craze both spins at the Hard Rock Café…aka Floyd’s

Big Concert on the beach here every summer... last years was

http://sunset06.com/ party kind of like Ibiza

Concert include everybody from Moby on down ….a must for any electro fan
Have a deal for anyone on this blog for a stay… and I won’t profit a dollar just keeping some condos filled for a friend….

LOL, now that I have ran my mouth once again for to long …I hope you enjoyed goodnight and to all of us

GOOD LUCK ON OUR BETS!!!!

-- March 18, 2007 4:55 AM ∞

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akadjjam wrote:

Again Thanks for the welcome

-- March 18, 2007 5:05 AM ∞

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akadjjam wrote:

Bye the way found a four leaf lover today hoping it means , all is weel....on pPatties Day and I'm Irish...lol

-- March 18, 2007 5:14 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(885)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 885 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/ 3/ 18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 74.415.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 74.415.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 18, 2007 7:33 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

SILLY ROGER. . . EL DORADO IS REAL. . . JUST NORTHEAST OF WICHITA. . . LOL

-- March 18, 2007 9:12 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

BENCH MARKS
So far Iraq has met all of the goals and guidelines set forth by the IMF.

The Security crackdown is starting to pay dividends as the militia violence is down..The Southern Providences have reported very little violence...with things settling down...73% of the Iraqi people believe that a state of CIVIL WAR does not exist in Iraq..I guess the MSM media didn't poll the Iraqi people before classifying the situation on their own...The Ego..Self-Importance...and Attitude of Arrogance tends to corrupt one's vision..

Recent Iraqi poll indicates that most of the Iraqi people, despite the killing..kidnappings, etc are still better off now than under Saddam..

Read article regarding a 5 year UN & Iraq Plan to build the Iraqi economy. Based on this...presently the dinar has slowed to a scale value of about 60-80 points a year...If this trend keeps then the projected dinar value in 5 years will be around 977 to 877 per dollar...(While slow for me it is better than the last 2 years) As for myself, I believe as the oil fields come on line, the agriculture end of the date and wheat fields kick in, we will start to see a acceleration of the dinar value toward the end of the 5 years..Of course this also depends on the present situation with Iran being cooled down to a slow steamer..instead of a boil...so it appears under the present climate we will be looking at around 2010 before a significant movement is seen)
I base this on the slow political actions of the Iraqi Government...time to improve the security throughout Iraq...the time for the dates and wheat to be significant contributor to the international market, the time to explore the oil fields, analyze the profitability of the fields vs expense outlay, develop roads into the fields,build power facilities,housing,fencing,build storage facilities,get oil pumping equipment into the remote areas,string pipelines to move the oil to the refineries,lines to move the oil from the fineries to the ports for distribution, etc..all of this has to be done before one drop of newly pumped oil can be extracted from the ground...now take into consideration how long it takes us here in the USA to complete a road system with everything already here, and you start to get the magnitude of the endeavor to bring just the oil fields on line...this does not include the political things that have to be done within the smaller villages where all of this is going to take place.)

-- March 18, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Roger, hi, part of the proceeds of the business will go into investing in companies that will be players, in the coming "oil rush" that will flood Iraq with rigs, in the next few years. I want a little variety in my Iraqi investments.

I am heading to a somewhat remote location in northern Canada, where I can spend a fair bit of time on outdoor pursuits, like hiking and canoeing, and nature photography. I'm able to take a couple of years off, without working. I should have access to the internet, when I come back home from the woods, from periodic trips. I'll stay in touch.

-- March 18, 2007 1:51 PM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Roger: I think Terry853 is making a Bible reference when talking about Babylon when the world goes nuts. Babylon is pretty close to Baghdad but I don't know the distance. I have some neat pics though. It is stated in the Bible that Babylon will be rebuilt to it's former glory and will be the capitol of the new world. Anyway, it's something I put a lot of thought into at one time but according the the scriptures as I understand, this could only currently happen if the US loses and Iran takes over. If the US wins this war and attcks Iran and Syria, there could be long run implications of possibility. Anyway, I don't see those final days scenerios playing out well for the dinar.

-- March 18, 2007 2:32 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Wow.. a lot to catch up on when you get busy with other stuff.. isn't there?

Welcome akadjjam. You asked for my thoughts on the afterlife.. hmmm.. Well, obviously, Jesus said there was one and that He was going to prepare a place for His followers somewhere - in some location or place:

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Soo.. since Jesus said there was an afterlife - with a "place" in His Father God's 'house' which is prepared for those who follow Him - I would say there is a real afterlife which has some degree of physicality and locality to it. Even if it is difficult to explain to earthly minds because it is beyond this plane of existence, as the Bible says, 1Co 2:9 it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.

So.. all I know from this is.. it is a bit too difficult to explain in terms we can understand from our viewpoint in the world. I believe it likely this speaks of an existence in a higher dimensional plane which is too hard for us to grasp at this point in time. It is like this says, "You wouldn't even understand what it will be like - it hasn't even entered into your minds or hearts.. it is so far beyond this earthly plane of existence as to be incomprehensible to the human mind at this point in time." It is like explaining a third dimensional world to a second dimensional creature. Jesus claimed to come from this other extra dimensional plane of existence where He will take us, and said He came down from there and was returning to there, so He claimed to know what He was talking about concerning these things. Also, He rose from the dead.. which gave Him a unique credibility concerning dominating other realms (including death), in my opinion. :) Jesus said:

Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you of heavenly things?
Joh 3:13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

First off, Jesus said they were having a difficult time with the earthly things He was saying to them plainly, so how on earth could He get into that which is beyond present physics? Second, Jesus is "the Son of man" He refers to in the second verse. Jesus very often claimed to be the Son of man in the Scriptures. It was a title He used to refer to His incarnate presence. (Matt 8:20, 9:6, 11:19, 12:8, 12:32, 12:40, 13:37.. etc, etc. Mat 16:13 - "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am?"" )

In this passage in John 3, above, Jesus said that He (the Son of man) came down from heaven, quote, "He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man " - He came DOWN to our earthly plane of existence from those realms which are higher in dimension than our existence. He also said we would have a difficult time grasping what He might wish to teach us if He tried to explain what those heavenly realms are like. And lastly, He claimed, as He stood directly in front of them, to actually BE IN HEAVEN.. ( the Son of man which is in heaven - in John 3:13, above ). This is, of course, a direct claim to Deity, since God is present everywhere at once - Omnipresent. Jesus was standing there and saying He was IN HEAVEN (right then). He wasn't "a god" but "THE God" - the One who is Omnipresent - present everywhere at once. So in this passage of Scripture He said that He was from heaven and also was (in the present, at the time He uttered these words) present both in heaven and on earth.. because He was God incarnate (God come to earth in human flesh.) Hence, His claims about what it is like in the afterlife hold definitive authority to me since Jesus had actually BEEN THERE, was from there, had seen the things He spoke of, understood that realm (which He said we would have difficulty grasping) and actually was there in real time reality as He spoke these words. In brief, those are my thoughts on the Afterlife.. :)

Sara.

-- March 18, 2007 8:43 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Just my thoughts Turtle, but if the end of days scenario is unfolding, my monopoly money (Dinars), is my smallest concern to be honest.

-- March 18, 2007 11:27 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Panhandler,

El Dorado is also one of the counties here in the Ca Mother Lode area, probably the name was minted during the Gold rush.

The "real" El Dorado was the elusive place the Spanish conquistador's was looking for, the town that was built of gold.

They went into the jungle and found themselves only to be the target of Curare darts.

I get a hit of gold fever myself on occasion, and are doing recreational gold panning.

It's fun, but it's really back breaking if you want to be serious about it.

Turtle,

Babylon as the Capitol of the World???

As a metaphor perhaps.

I can't see any city being the Capitol of the world at all.

In order for that to happen, a World Government must first come into play, and even though the world is globalizing in business, in culture and politics, it's not any closer now than it was 100 years back.

A guy from the south wants to speak his accent, and have local government, and a guy from Boston wants to do the same. They rarely even read each others newspaper.

The "we" and "us" feeling is very narrow in people, and I have a hard time see that we will have any common ground with Olaf in Norway, or Boris in Russia.

We are even baffled daily, by the way the Iraqis execute their thinking process.

It's a complete blank in western eyes, how would we possible get a "we" and 'us" feeling about it?

Any World Government in a possible up and coming existence can not exist other than as an enforced entity.

Just hope they don't impose Goose Marching, if that happens.

Tim Bitts,

Good plan, and a good quality of life.

Have you already made the list of the companies that are on the doorstep of Iraq?

When you go out a year or a couple of months up there in the middle of nowhere, get a good scope with you.

Summertime look into the Teapot, or Scorpius, you will see into the center of our Galaxy with billions stars, star clusters and all kind of fun things.

Wintertime will reveal most number of Galaxies.

May I suggest a possible purchase, get Celestron refractor apochromatic, very good quality, 4 inch and a focus of 1000 mm.(one whole meter), get some good quality eyepieces, (oculars).

Don't do an axial mount, just get a good Azimuth mount, with knob adjustments.

Once you have seen an up close of what's out there, you will never be the same.

Just a suggestion for you when you are heading to the wilderness area and are going to be there for a while.

Hope to hear back from you on occasion.

akadjjam,

No you didn't scare me away in any form or way, the reason I ended up as "anonymous" for a posting there, was that I have had a PC crash and are building up all my routines again, and just plainly forgot to permanently mark my entry with my handle.

Carl,

It's plausible that Iran and Iraq don't have really too much of a conflict with each other, there is and always have been a very big interchange, like Canada and US, and the conflict is more based on US / Iran than anything else.

The physical border of Iran/Iraq was set by us westerners early in the last century, and the concept of two countries wasn't really real to the people there, as they have for thousands of years always had their trade routes, and commercial dealings with each other.

Iran will be a big influence in Iraq, and vice versa.

For them this is just a natural thing, but for us, any presence of anything that is spelled Iran is synonymous with Iranian covert action, infiltration or support of enemy forces.

I'm absolutely convinced, as proof of it has been brought to the table, that the Iranians in fact ARE doing covert operations in Iraq, but most Iran/Iraq dealings is just old business as usual.

Up until about a moth ago, the Iranians officials were on the front page almost everyday saying or proclaiming something, they seem to keep a low profile lately. Maybe just a fluke, or they might be up to something, or they have got problems of their own, keeping their noses within their own borders.

If they have got problems of their own, and are keeping quiet or busy on their side of the fence, I think we put their problems there for them to consume.

The US/Iran confrontation is very much an intelligence operation.

-- March 19, 2007 1:32 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

What if Jesus have been reincarnated for two thousand years, and is presently a bank manager in Wachovia, Wisconsin, driving a Dodge Turbo Diesel, and in need of a root canal. He is a Vietnam Vet, and consider himself a Democrat and is an avid deer hunter, have cheated on the tax form about 16 times, and considers stop smoking .....what if?

-- March 19, 2007 1:45 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Roger, I like Western Oil Sands, based in Calgary. They have an interest in part of the Athabasca oil sands development in Alberta, and they have a wholly owned subsidiary, Western Zagros, that is currently looking for oil in Kurdistan, Iraq. See: www.westernoilsands.com/

Thanks for the night viewing tips.

-- March 19, 2007 1:59 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

yes the long term is where we have to look for a stable and increasing Dinar, but if there is an RV in the works, the following months is one of the most excellent places to execute that maneuver.

Lets say for the sake of the argument that there will be an RV, that might not be much of an RV, more an adjustment, but significant enough that it will be a difference from now.

They have the choice, chase the market and be the effect, always in need of adjusting or counter the fluctuations, or be in command of the market, and do their RV or an aggressive Dinar revaluation on a progressive sliding scale.

I have a feeling that right now they are not even up to ask themselves the question, -"what is happening, and what will we do."

It's more -"What did that IMF guy say we should do?"

The World Bank HAS commended the Iraqi Central Bank for raising the Dinar, and both are studying proposals to raise the Dinar, and even suggestions to get it up to it's former value of over 3 Dollars to the Dinar.

Between goat barbies and WB/IMF incompetency ( read: bureaucratic slow paper pushing, non responsible mangers, always have to ask their boss, to go ahead, in order to not screw up and be responsible for anything, and they in turn has to ask their boss, in order to again not be responsible for a screw up, the last in line is a non educated, voted in, member of the World Bank, from Ugabebe, that is schooled in Socialism, and doesn't have a clue of how economics really works)...things that need to happen will not happen.

IMF told the Iraqis to skip some subsidiaries on fuel, as part of the deal to get rid of the debt, well they have got rid of about 80% of their debt by now, and that is remarkable.

The higher fuel price will reflect immediately on an economy that have 15-20 million people living on LESS than a Dollar a day.

In itself this is in the long run not too bad, because the money stays in Iraq, and will in this way be reloaded into the Iraqi state finance.

In the short run this is a blow to the market, as their currency value is so extremely low, and this makes it harder to run things, keep in mind that humming generators is the norm in Iraq, rather than a functioning electric grid.

This will affect air conditioning, TV, food preservation, any electronic communication, and a lot of other basic things.

However, again, the state if Iraq have been slow, and very incompetent in refunding their income into projects that benefit the country and will create jobs.

The Iraqi state has been a Socialistic state under Saddam, where food and fuel have been government handouts.

That can of course not continue, and it will be a painful adventure to wean off the Iraqis from the bottle, and the problem here is, that they culturally seem to solve such problems with going out in a pack, and shoot people that they consider are doing wrongs against them.

And on top of it all, the HCL is still stuck.

I don't have a clue how these people even think.

We gave away this country far far too early, it is obvious that the Iraqis are right now a bunch of very incompetent, non result , managers, that are more interested in their clan than getting this show on the road.

When we say the word Iraq, we see the whole thing as one unity.

For them that is very low on the scale, it is clear that Iraq is very compartmentalized where all this unimportant questions are for them very burning.

The priorities are not straight over there.

They need to win a Soccer tournament, and get some national heroes very quick.

Toss in a hard line PM on the deal, and we might see some action, right now, it's talk, talk, talk.

-- March 19, 2007 2:34 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The pressure increasing on the Iraqi Dinar.

GCC the Gulf Coast guys that are pumping as much as they can, hoarding in money, and displaying Bugattis and high line Mercedes on the streets, are in heavy discussions about revaluing their currency.

This is not Iraq, but it will impact Iraq as this is the next door neighbours.

Next coming month the GCC will hold a conference and the agenda is known, IMF will be there and the burning question is a revalue of their currencies.

The Dollar is as it is a falling currency right now, not a wanted currency to peg to, but a basket of currencies are on the agenda.

An evaluation of the currency value on an individual basis will be done, some of the members will revalue as much as 30% ,some to 15% and some will not revalue.

The hottest currency right now is the Saudi Currency, that has the most probable cause for revalue.

The money flowing into those places are unbelievable, for example, we are bitching on China, where a trade deficit is an irritating phenomenon, but we have about a one fifth MORE trade deficit with the Gulf region.

They export oil, but buys Bugatti's and Mercedes instead.

Anyhow, most probably a currency reval will take place in that region pretty quick. A month or two and it should be done.

So where does that leave Iraq, and the Dinar?

Well as stated earlier, a currency is not only valued on how stable or productive a country is, but also how the currency is valued IN COMPARISON with other currencies.

A reval of most of the important countries in the region will immediately devalue the Dinars value, not on the exchange basis it is operating on now, but on the buying power it has in the region.

So even if it holds the same Dollar exchange rate, it will be a lesser valued currency in the neighbouring states.

This move, that is currently underway in the GCC states, will undoubtedly get a lot of interest from the Iraqis, and just by the fact that it is a revaluation, will make the concept of a revaluation much more real to the Iraqis.

Hope they get the hint.

-- March 19, 2007 4:31 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(886)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 886 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/ 3/ 19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 88.015.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 88.015.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 19, 2007 4:46 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
I agree with you on the Iran/Iraq view regarding their relationship. That is why I always said if, we go to WAR with Iran, Iraq is lost...as the Iraqi Shiites will merge with the Iranian Shiites.. Business wise..I believe the Iranians are a excellent trading partner for the Iraqis..

Regarding the Dinar...Yes! there are internal and external pressures to revalue...but this revaluation will be done slowly at a snails pace for several different reasons...Their infrastructure can not support a fast revalue....The Electrical, Water, Roads, Warehousing, Grain Storage Bins, Transportation,Security, Sewage, Tribal and Community Politics ..etc.. infrastructure is not adequate to promote the manufacturing infrastructure (more Jobs) needed to improve their production of export goods... at the fast pace needed...The question is... which comes first the chicken or the egg?..I suggest in this Iraqi senario...the chicken must grow to laying status before the golden egg is laid...

The time frame I observe is based on my observation of human nature in the natural process of planning, and implimetation of the plans..It takes time...and time is just another ingredient needed whether you are baking a cake or trying to build an economy...the value of your currency is based on that result of those plans...some decisions made today will have to be adjusted tomorrow to meet the ever changing needs of the Iraqi people...unfortunately...the needs change faster than the governments ability to react to the problem (that is just one of the many reasons for the present unrest in certain regions)...thus they are presently a reactive government and not a proactive government...

MY! MY! MY!
Oh! What is a good democrat to do??? All of this good news coming out of Iraq about the security crackdown working...Plus! The Iraqi people actually think they are better off under Maliki than Saddam...Well! kick my grit bowl!!!

THE DISAPPEARING ACT...
It seems Iran in the past 3 months has developed a problem of... a string of top Revolutionary Guards and Generals disappearing...also 17 other Revolutionary Guards were killed within the past 30 days...nothing like a little covert action to stir things up within the central Iranian Command..I bet their pucker factor has now reached the scale of 10 and climbing..

-- March 19, 2007 6:28 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carl,

Yup, seems to be disease of some sort in the higher Iranian ranks.

Abdullah do you think?....Abdullah? ...strange he was standing here just a minute ago.

The Dinar....time,... whataya mean, I want the millions now.

-- March 19, 2007 9:30 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger.. I think this is the calculator.. http://coinmill.com/IQD_calculator.html

As for the spiritual discussion being more to your taste.. that is good. :)
Interesting thoughts you had.. but Jesus never mentioned any reincarnation, only an afterlife..
and as I said, I do think He knew what He was talking about from actual experiential knowledge of it..
not just pontificating from imaginings. So I expect an afterlife, not a reincarnation, as Jesus' word is trustworthy.

Carl - Your view on the Dems wishing the WH at any cost.. seem true to me, too.

As for AWARENESS or self-awareness being important to our human race.. I agree.

But I think the question isn't who wins an argument or makes themselves out to be the "superior view or opinion", but to me.. the real question is.. what is GOD's Opinion/View. Since it really doesn't matter what you or I think.. but only what He does, in the end. That is the Judgement Seat of God.. right? God judges men, right? Sooo.. even if you have someone who can teach/preach or sweet talk himself out of any trouble in this life.. I just don't think it will jive with the Lord on that Day. It is THAT judgement that I seek to hear and listen to.. even if others don't like what they hear and don't wish to hear it.. I do. It also seems to be unpopular from time to time.. in the Bible days, there were prophets telling the people "peace, peace" from God (supposedly) but the prophet writing the Bible said that God said it was not peace, but a time of war. I think I would not wish to be among the "popular" prophets and believing their words, even if everyone else did. I guess to me it is more important to be right than to win an argument with someone who is good at debating... be they Islamic, MSM or anything else.

As for the chlorine gas attacks.. the MSM has been very silent about linking it with one of the MANY reasons the US went to Iraq (WMD) in their coverage.. haven't they?

And thanks so very much for pointing out that 73% of the Iraqis don't think it is a Civil War.. though the MSM does. Perhaps it was more this attitude of arrogance in viewpoint, rather than a religious (ie - terrorist) viewpoint which spurred your comments on those with a "superior view or opinion" but I took it in the context of religious discussion and so answered it that way. Also, I am discussing Islam at length on the side, so that may have crept in as a bias in how I took that point you made.. sorry if I misconstrued it in any way. I appreciated your saying, "Recent Iraqi poll indicates that most of the Iraqi people, despite the killing..kidnappings, etc are still better off now than under Saddam.." That is good news and not highlighted in the MSM, so thanks for mentioning it. I haven't been on news for a couple of days, and that is good news to hear. :)

Your five year plan sounds slow and steady.. but I still think Iraq could use with the "kickstart" of a stimulant like the RV to get things up and running.. Since there will NEVER be an announcement saying "The Iraqi Dinar will RV tomorrow at 1:1 USD!!" - it is watching for something no one will even admit anyone might be working on. Hence, your five year plan looks logical.. IF there is no plan by the Powers That Be to do a RV to kickstart things for the Iraqis. I still hope that the plan to RV exists, and I know you hope so, too. Like being lost at sea where you "pray for help (from God) but row for shore." - I expect that rowing toward the shoreline of the five year plan is logical and trustworthy. But hoping for the RV is like hoping for the Coast Guard to find you long before you would sight land from rowing on your own.. :) And survival of those in the boat may depend on it.

Roger - Yes, June is still looking good to me, too. :)

But I would take anytime sooner if anyone wished for it to go sooner, too. I just look at June as the last ditch attempt.. like the deadline for the Constitution in Iraq to be ratified.. which also went to the wire.

Tim Bitts - Glad you are still around.. I was wondering where you were, too! I agree with you concerning Iraqi oil, "Letting control of that enormously valuable resource slip into radical hands would be economic suicide for the United States." and I also agree with you that more people in the US are slowly coming to the conclusion this blog long ago came to on this and the other related points, as you astutely observed, "An American loss in Iraq is unthinkable and would have dire negative consequences for generations, fueling and super-charging terrorism, and seriously threatening American global pre-eminance, economically and militarily. America MUST win. The stakes are simply guargantuan. And America WILL win!"

I think the hardest point of that for the MSM to swallow is that America WILL win.. but the other points are slowly being drummed into their minds, which is good. Don't be a stranger, we appreciate your contributions to the blog! All the best to you and yours.. hope the move goes smoothly. :)

Sara.

-- March 19, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts said he was interested in the Oil sands of Alberta and had an interest in them. As I was checking for news, this item came up which relates. I thought it worth posting.. because it is something which could affect that investment profoundly. As this article shows, Canada may go for the view of the Global Warming advocates and tax the industry there heavily so that it will take the profit out of that investment (to the tune of multi-BILLIONS of dollars).. Global Warming is, after all, a big tax grab under the guise of being science.

Sara.

===

Carbon wars may pit province against province
SHAWN MCCARTHY
Globe and Mail Update

A get-tough strategy to combat global warming could produce multibillion-dollar transfers from coal-fired provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan to provinces like Quebec and Manitoba that rely on hydroelectric power, says a new study from CIBC World Markets Inc.

Jeffrey Rubin, chief economist with CIBC World Markets, said he expects Canada will have to adopt an effective emissions credit market that includes strict limits on carbon dioxide emissions and large fines for companies that exceed those limits.

Mr. Rubin said Tuesday that governments in Ottawa and Alberta are pursuing a minimalist policy that will actually lead to significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions. Eventually, he said, Canada will have to get tougher, prodded by a growing movement in the United States to combat global warming.

“The carbon wars promise to be anything but regionally neutral.”

He said a Canadian-based cap-and-trade credit system would entail “very significant transfers” between oil- and coal-rich Alberta and Saskatchewan and provinces that rely less on fossil fuels.

Alberta recently imposed new limits on greenhouse gas emissions based on so-called intensity targets — the amount of carbon dioxide produced per barrel of oil or megawatt of electricity. The government said it would fine companies that exceed their limits $15 for every tonne of additional CO{-2}, a figure the former Liberal government and the current Conservative government have also embraced.

Alberta and Saskatchewan currently account for 40 per cent of Canada greenhouse gas emissions, and represented 60 per cent of the growth in those emissions between 1990 and 2004.

While critics have focused on Alberta's oil sands as a potential source of major increases in greenhouse gas emissions, Mr. Rubin said the current interprovincial breakdown has as much to do with how the provinces generate their electricity.

Those that rely heavily on coal would be major purchasers of emission credits under a cap-and-trade system, while those that depend on hydro and nuclear could be sellers of credits.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070313.wgreenhouse0313/BNStory/Business/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20070313.wgreenhouse0313

So those who are thinking of investing in the Oil Sands in Canada ought to be aware that the Canadian government may tax the Oil Sands so heavily with the "carbon" tax as to make that industry unprofitable to invest in.

Sara.

-- March 19, 2007 10:20 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Consensus My Eye: Global Warming Skeptics Win NYC Debate With Believers
Posted by Noel Sheppard on March 16, 2007

You probably didn’t hear about a rather topical debate concerning man’s role in global warming that took place in New York City Wednesday night.

Want to know why the media will likely ignore this fascinating event? Well, because the panel of skeptics beat the believers.

How large was the victory?

Well, before the debate took place, the tough New York crowd was polled, and the results showed that they believed global warming was a crisis by a margin of 57 percent to 30 percent. However, after the debate, this changed to the crowd feeling it wasn’t a crisis, with skeptics topping believers 46 to 42 percent.

So much for consensus, huh? As reported by Marc Morano at the EPW blog (emphasis added throughout):

Just days before former Vice President Al Gore’s scheduled visit to testify about global warming before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, a high profile climate debate between prominent scientists Wednesday evening ended with global warming skeptics being voted the clear winner by a tough New York City before an audience of hundreds of people.

[…]

After the stunning victory, one of the scientists on the side promoting the belief in a climate "crisis" appeared to concede defeat by noting his debate team was ‘pretty dull" and at "a sharp disadvantage" against the skeptics. ScientificAmerican.com’s blog agreed, saying the believers in a man-made climate catastrophe “seemed underarmed for the debate and, not surprising, it swung against them."

===

The evening was not without well-timed jabs at hypocrites like soon-to-be-Dr. Al Gore and his adoring fans in Hollywood who preach to the populace the need for a change in energy usage while they use the planet’s natural resources at a staggering clip:

"What we see in this is an enormous danger for politicians in terms of their hypocrisy. I’m not going to say anything about Al Gore and his house. But it is a very serious point," quipped University of London emeritus professor Philip Stott to laughter from the audience.

The audience also applauded a call by novelist Michael Crichton to stop the hypocrisy of environmentalists and Hollywood liberals by enacting a ban on private jet travel.

"Let’s have the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), the Sierra Club and Greenpeace make it a rule that all of their members, cannot fly on private jets. They must get their houses off the [power] grid. They must live in the way that they’re telling everyone else to live. And if they won’t do that, why should we? And why should we take them seriously?" Crichton said to applause audience.

"I suddenly think about my friends, you know, getting on their private jets. And I think, well, you know, maybe they have the right idea. Maybe all that we have to do is mouth a few platitudes, show a good expression of concern on our faces, buy a Prius, drive it around for a while and give it to the maid, attend a few fundraisers and you’re done. Because, actually, all anybody really wants to do is talk about it."

"I mean, haven’t we actually raised temperatures so much that we, as stewards of the planet, have to act? These are the questions that friends of mine ask as they are getting on board their private jets to fly to their second and third homes. [LAUGHTER]"

===

University of London professor emeritus Philip Stott stated:

"In the early 20th century, 95% of scientists believe in eugenics. [LAUGHTER] Science does not progress by consensus, it progresses by falsification and by what we call paradigm shifts."

"The first Earth Day in America claimed the following, that because of global cooling, the population of America would have collapsed to 22 million by the year 2000. And of the average calorie intake of the average American would be wait for this, 2,400 calories, would good it were. [LAUGHTER] It’s nonsense and very dangerous. And what we have fundamentally forgotten is simple primary school science. Climate always changes."

"Angela Merkel the German chancellor, my own good prime minister (Tony Blair) for whom I voted -- let me emphasize, arguing in public two weeks ago as to who in Annie get the gun style could produce the best temperature. ‘I could do two degrees C said Angela.’ ‘No, I could only do three said Tony.’ [LAUGHTER] Stand back a minute, those are politicians, telling you that they can control climate to a degree Celsius.”

“And can I remind everybody that IPCC that we keep talking about, very honestly admits that we know very little about 80% of the factors behind climate change. Well let’s use an engineer; I don’t think I’d want to cross Brooklyn Bridge if it were built by an engineer who only understood 80% of the forces on that bridge. [LAUGHTER]”

===

And, MIT professor Richard Lindzen declared:

"Now, much of the current alarm, I would suggest, is based on ignorance of what is normal for weather and climate."

"The impact on temperature per unit carbon dioxide actually goes down, not up, with increasing CO2. The role of anthropogenic greenhouse gases is not directly related to the emissions rate or even CO2 levels, which is what the legislation is hitting on, but rather to the impact of these gases on the greenhouse effect."

"The real signature of greenhouse warming is not surface temperature but temperature in the middle of the troposphere, about five kilometers. And that is going up even slower than the temperature at the surface."

===

Any questions about why the media ignored this New York, New York debate? After all, to paraphrase Frank Sinatra, if you can make your point there, you can make it anywhere!!!

http://newsbusters.org/node/11461

-- March 19, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

The Poll You’ll Never Hear About: Only 27% of Iraqis Believe it’s a Civil War
Posted by Noel Sheppard on March 19, 2007
There were two Iraq polls released on Sunday. One is guaranteed to be headline news. The other will likely be totally ignored.

In fact, one of the polls was already referenced by George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week,” as well as reported by USA Today and CNN.

Know what the difference is between these surveys, both of which rather compelling as they asked questions of Iraqi citizens? Well, one painted a rather dire picture of conditions in the embattled country, while the other found a very optimistic people who don’t believe their nation is in a civil war.

As the American media will likely focus all of its attention on the more pessimistic survey, here is the contrary view nobody other than Fox News is likely to cover as reported by the Sunday Times (emphasis added throughout):

DESPITE sectarian slaughter, ethnic cleansing and suicide bombs, an opinion poll conducted on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq has found a striking resilience and optimism among the inhabitants.

The poll, the biggest since coalition troops entered Iraq on March 20, 2003, shows that by a majority of two to one, Iraqis prefer the current leadership to Saddam Hussein’s regime, regardless of the security crisis and a lack of public services.

The survey, published today, also reveals that contrary to the views of many western analysts, most Iraqis do not believe they are embroiled in a civil war.

===

Is it becoming clear why you are unlikely to hear anything about this poll? Yet, that was only the beginning of the startling findings:

The 400 interviewers who fanned out across Iraq last month found that the sense of security felt by Baghdad residents had significantly improved since polling carried out before the US announced in January that it was sending in a “surge” of more than 20,000 extra troops.

[…]

49% of those questioned preferred life under Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister, to living under Saddam. Only 26% said things had been better in Saddam’s era, while 16% said the two leaders were as bad as each other and the rest did not know or refused to answer.

Another surprise was that only 27% believed they were caught up in a civil war. Again, that number divided along religious lines, with 41% of Sunnis believing Iraq was in a civil war, compared with only 15% of Shi’ites.

“We’ve been polling in Iraq since 2005 and the finding that most surprised us was how many Iraqis expressed support for the present government,” said Johnny Heald, managing director of ORB. “Given the level of violence in Iraq, it shows an unexpected level of optimism.”

Despite the sectarian divide, 64% of Iraqis still want to see a united Iraq under a central national government.

Rather unfortunate that Americans will likely hear very little about this survey, wouldn’t you agree?

What a disgrace.

===

Comments:

1) Edhenry Says:

Haven't heard about these Iraqi polls. Hmmmm. Liberals are using any lie to gain political advantage. It doesn't matter that US soldiers will die, or that millions of Iraqis will die if they pull a democratic unfunding, as they did in Vietnam.

Day after day, the liberal press bashes every issue and non-issue in this war that has long been won, ignoring all the good, to help their liberal buddies: Hillary, Nancy, Harry. Then suprise, the american people listening to their stations poll negative.

I support the troops and their mission. To do otherwise emboldens the enemy, prolongs the conflict and causes more American GIs to die.

If the MSM was just neutral, our troops would have been home long ago.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11497

-- March 19, 2007 4:04 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Hey, as reported yesterday, there were literally 30,000 PRO-WAR (Gathering of Eagles or GoE) advocates at yesterday's "anti-war" rally. They OUTNUMBERED the peaceniks three persons to one (note the dearth of pictures about them on the MSM news.) As Newsbusters reported.. this shows that the Old Media is in decline as people go against the MSM viewpoint, think for themselves about the issues and prove the addage of Abraham Lincoln, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."
http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/27074.html

A good sign for the future. :)

Sara.

===

Gathering of Eagles (GoE): An Indicator of Old Media Decline
Posted by Tom Blumer on March 18, 2007

So how many Gathering of Eagles (GoE) counterprotesters were in Washington yesterday, and how did their numbers compare to the Answer Coalition's protest count?

The New York Times (may require registration) reported "several hundred counterdemonstrators" (HT Michelle Malkin, who has the priceless quote of the day -- ".... the NYTimes relied on 'several veterans of the antiwar movement' to give them crowd estimates of the Gathering of Eagles. It's the domestic equivalent of MSMers relying on dubious Iraqi stringers to provide them with war coverage...." -- THWAP!)

The Washington Post, in its article about the protest, wrote of "thousands of counter-demonstrators."

Gathering of Eagles' web site reports that they were told by the National Park Service that their GoE estimate is ..... is .....

30,000

GoE's site is also saying that the protester counts being reported elsewhere were 5,000 to 10,000 (the Times reported "thousands" and WaPo said "several thousand," but both papers acknowledged that the protester turnout was much lower than at a similar event in January).

Bottom line: GoErs outnumbered protesters at least three to one. Remember what you just read here and will read at the center-right blogs, because you probably won't see this "turnout rout," which as far as I can tell is unprecedented, reported in the Formerly Mainstream Media.

"Cherry-picking pictures"

Absolutely. (see url below for full coverage of this with pics) The New York Times had no GoE pics; its only pic from the event was of a burly member of law enforcement appearing to drag away a protester, possibly cuffed.

For a better (and more accurate) representation of the GoErs, go here (url below) to Hot Air's Flickr collection.

"Obscenities"

WaPo pulled a major mislead in its article covering the protest, "Some counter-protesters yelled obscenities and mocked the marchers as traitors. War protesters responded with angry words of their own, and police intervened at times to prevent shouting matches from escalating."

WaPo made no mention of the protesters' obscenities, even though, as you can see in the Cindy Sheehan excerpt at Hot Air (url below), the obscenities came from the stage.

* * * * *

So .... who got closer to the reality of what happened yesterday? And why should anyone be surprised at the continued decline of both "newspapers of record"?

Comments:

1) AtheistRepublican Says:

Feel Good event of the year. Won't be seeing it on the TV because the MSM can't lie with live images nearly as well. Maybe Fox news will cover it though...

2) josephsamuelson Says:

They aren't "anti-war" protesters ... they are "pro-dictator", "pro-terrorist", "pro-islamic-fundamentalist", "pro-defeat", "pro-abandonment" supporters.

If they would put the same amount of energy, commitment, and determination in FIGHTING terrorists (as they do in supporting and forwarding their objectives) then Iraq could have been pacified in less than a year.

3) bigtimer Says:

Thanks so much for the great information, I am so burnt out on the media bias after yesterday that I did not catch much of the regular msn today other than the regular Sunday morning political drivel...

I watched almost half of the so-called protesters on C-Span yesterday...I myself call it nothing but angry communistic leftists that were screeching at the top of their lungs to anyone that would listen, there were not that many people there as they expected whatsoever...it was rather funny if you could get past the screeching, screaming words coming from the enemy within, the words they were spewing were despicable, but they demeaned themselves with every word they spewed...what silly little fools....all of them.

I am so far disappointed in the media not covering the Gathering Eagles counter-protest, but then again, it was nothing less than expected by me.

I will be checking in later on Fox to see if there is any mention of this tonight.

Thank you all that attended for the good side of this country, you are what helps make it great... thanks from the bottom of my heart.

4) Tom Blumer Says:

Thanks for the nice words, but the people who are the heroes are the 30,000 who were there. Thanks to them, this may come to be seen as a watershed event. I think more than a few wavering congresscritters might be influenced to get a grip by what happened this weekend.

Unlike 40 years ago, Old Media can't just make it up without anyone knowing better. All you have to do is see the latest on what people think of news bias (almost 2/3 think it leans left) to know that most people aren't buying what they're selling.

5) mostlymoderate Says:

WOW! I just went to M. Malkin's site to see some pictures covering this event. The Post definitely cherry-picked the above photo. They picked the ONE photo that made the GofE look as angry as they possibly could. When I first saw that photo, I thought I was looking at terrorists in Iraq or something. Definitely a biased article with cherry-picked images. Makes you wonder who ALSO "Photoshops" pictures in the media.

6) Blonde Says:

It's a total photoshop job.

How wonderful is that, for the MsM?

Liars, and damned liars....yes?

3:1 ratio.

But read the NYT.

Sickening.

7) mostlymoderate Says:

Yup. That just isn't fair. It's a misrepresentation and a fraud. I really don't understand how they can get away with it. I have no problem with dissenting opinions because that is what makes our country so fantastic; however, the media has an obligation to report things fairly and accurately. If they don't want to report properly, then they need to be put out of business.

8) EKOG Says:

They get away with it because the MSM consumers have been told it so often that they believe it must be true. It’s like hitting a Kid and telling them that their stupid and won’t amount to anything if you do it often and long enough the Kid will believe it deep down even if the they know it’s not true. The MSM has been blatantly doing it to their consumers for the last 14 or so years.

"George W. Bush simply reminds leftists everyday what they will never be. And they hate him for it." --Tammy Bruce

9) JayTee Says:

I was there in DC, on the Eagles side. It was OBVIOUS TO THE MOST CASUAL OBSERVER that the Anti war goup was TOTALLY outnumbered by the Eagles and Vets.

The Speakers on the Eagles side talked about Pelosi...as they had a Contingent from San Fran....and there seems to be some "dissention" from San Fran about Pelosi and the gang.

10,000 Flags erected on the Eagles site, was impressive.

The most entertaining aspect was the Eagles contingent standing on the opposite side of the demonstrators, shouting them down when they made some stupid anti-American remark, complete with BOOOOss...

Seeing all those Vets in Black Leather and Grey beards, just across the street from them....had to be intimidating to the protestors....I was proud to be on the Eagles side of the Issue.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11488

-- March 19, 2007 5:38 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Carl,
I agree with you. Very realistic assessment of the real time factors involved.

The following is off the dinar topic
scroll past if you must.

Sara,

It seems to me that your deeper understanding has increased in the past year. This happens when one searches for truth instead of merely searching for validation of ones own notions, or even previous misteachings. May I also suggest that it was not only Jesus who came from that heaven plane, or demension, but everyone ever born of woman? This is what was being explained to Nicodemas when the words interpreted "born again", in reality meant "born from above" as is usually indicated in the footnotes. This spiritual birth from above actually happens at conception when the soul legally leaves the first habitation to enter this earth age through the blood and the water. He also explained to Nicodemas that the spirit is like the wind, you can hear it, but you can't see into that demension of where it comes from, or where it goes, and that His kingdom was not of this flesh age, but of that spiritual demension when this age is completed. Some, called Nephilium, came to this earth age illegally to take the daughters of Adam as wives, and they bore children to them as written of in Genesis, and Jude. We were all present in the age before this one as the Elohim, the sons of God. In that age of existance there was an attempted overthrow by Lucifer, and he drew 1/3rd of the sons of God to join his coup. For this reason God caused the earth to become covered in darkness, void and without form, and ended that age. Then, on the 6th day of the new creation, God said let us create man in our image after our own likeness. We as mankind, were created in our own image and likeness. This is why it is written that God knew you before you were in your mothers womb, because your soul was created in the first age. Some fought against Lucifer in a special way in the first age, and is the reason their predestination was determinded before the foundations of this earth age. They earned it then.

-- March 20, 2007 2:10 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Thanks, that was the calculator I was looking for, thanks again.

Lot of good postings Sara, good readings.

When it comes to power, me myself have always been so mystified why nuclear power have been portrayed as such a menace.

We have not build any of those plants for 30 years, and if we would get a good portions of those going, we would reduce a lot of oil dependency.

We could even start making hydrogen for our beloved hydrogen cell cars, that never seem to take off.

What comes out of the chimneys in a nuclear plant is steam, and what comes out of the exhaust of the hydrogen cell car is steam, so why isn't everybody happy with that?

Seems that we can't build nuclear power plants because packs of uneducated people screams that we can't.

There seems to be no protests going on right now with the existing plants, even though they are built with technology that was state of the art between 30 to 50 years back.

About God, well Sara you always refer to him as a 3rd person, even though God means I AM.

Say I AM one hundred times slowly and look yourself in the eyes in a mirror when you are doing it, God will show itself. There isn't that long of a walk after all.

About Dinars,

Iraq is done with it's IMF review and they are in a hurry to get their other reviews done asap.

One of the goals for this coming season is to reconstruct CBI in a more hurriedly fashion, this might include a refinancing but it will certainly include a better bank routine.

CBI cant in the long run continue to set the Dinar with internal auctions, where they legitimize the Dinar by selling Dollars to themselves.

It's darn effective tool though, to buy up Dinars, and for now, they are buying up as much as they can get their hands on, making the Dinar more scarce, and thus giving it higher value, by paying more Dollars (to themselves) setting the exchange rate.

With a falling Dollar, this will set the Dinar in comparison with Dollar only, and as it is going down in price, the net raise in value of the Dinar is in huge part washed away.

Also when the GCC will revalue their currency soon, the Dinar will tread water and sink in comparison with important neighbouring trade partners in the close region.

A small slice of baloney razorthin, will not feed a hungry man.

They have to start thinking BIG very soon, but as always in Iraq, ...first a goat barbie.

Still their biggest worry is the inflation, and they promise to keep vigorously after it, "with all available means", further the WB thinks that the raise of the Dinars exchange value is the right move.

So we can expect more raise of the Dinar, except they seem to have an irritating habit of working three days and being off five days.

They say that they will release other denominations when and if the market demands it, now that's interesting.

I have heard rumors, but never seen concrete evidence that Iraq have already preprinted currencies in other denominations, waiting to be released.

If :

1. The value of the dinar is suppose to be going up.

2. They have other denominations.

Then I can only conclude that these are lower denominations, to be used either after a zero loop, or a revaluation.(overnight, or slow steady raise)

Some stupid "financial expert" have recently suggested to CBI, to zero lop the currency, but they have no plans on that (for now anyway).

I would like to know from what economic educational faculty those idiots are getting their degree from.

We always seem to get that zero argument on occasion.

Zero lop doesn't do anything for anyone, except change the face of a bill. No win no loss.

Foreigners are now welcome to invest in the ISX, and soon they will put it online, as any other stock market, expect a couple of months to get that running (naa... this is Iraq, expect a lot of months to get it running)

If they (CBI) are continuing to buy up Dinars, in a much higher degree than the increase in value of the Dinar, then they must offset the value with the percentage of the money they are buying up.

The value increase since Nov is about 15%.

They might have been buying up 15% of their currency, but here is the interesting part.

If you have very much currency billions of it, like Iraq, and it's worth about as much as wallpaper, and you buy up 15% of that, you will now have a currency that is worth a LITTLE BIT more than wallpaper.

However if they continue to buy up Dinars, just continue doing so, the critical point where the Dinars are so scarce will start emerging, that buying up small amounts will make a huge difference, so for now, let them continue to buy up the stuff, they're doing good.

To show two extremes, you have a mountain of currency, you buy up 15%, you still have a mountain.

You only have 100 Dinars, you buy up 15%, and now you made a difference that counts.

So CBI continue do what you're doing. Just be on the job on occasion and I'm happy.

-- March 20, 2007 2:26 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Official: Saddam’s deputy hanged
He becomes fourth man executed for the 1982 killings of 148 Shiites
March 19, 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The former deputy in Saddam Hussein’s government was hanged before dawn Tuesday for the killings of 148 Shiites, an official with the prime minister’s office said, despite appeals from international human rights groups.

Taha Yassin Ramadan, who was Saddam’s vice president when the regime was ousted nearly four years ago, was the fourth man to be executed in the killings of 148 Shiites following a 1982 assassination attempt against the former leader in the town of Dujail north of Baghdad.

Ramadan appeared frightened and said words that indicated he was remorseful, the official said, although he was not more specific.

Al-Maliki’s office said the Shiite leader assured Bush in their half-hour call that his government was pressing ahead with reconstruction and political reforms and that it remained committed to national reconciliation and the passage of a draft oil law.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17691609/

-- March 20, 2007 2:27 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara, Valerio,

What if God and the Devil is the same identity, God would be moonlighting as the Devil night time.

That would solve a lot of logistic problems, both the Heaven and Hell could use the same wing repair facility when they are re-feathering the black and the white angels wings.

-- March 20, 2007 2:40 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(887)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 887 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/ 3/ 20 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 55.899.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 55.899.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 20, 2007 4:38 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Roger,
FYI: Angels don't have wings.

-- March 20, 2007 5:27 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Valerio,

Sure they've got wings, whats an angel without wings, black or white doesn't matter, they both fly.

-- March 20, 2007 5:34 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carburetor spray or Break Cleaner spray makes no difference, you'll get high on both.

-- March 20, 2007 5:38 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,thanks,

They're buying but not selling the Dinar, this was another 59 + million wort of Dollar in Dinars.

It's funny when the CBI is announcing that "all the demands for Dollar was met".

They do as they please.

All of the Dinars bought, is not going back to the vaults, some of them are used for the Finance Ministry's daily government expense.

They need to do their wages and material expenses, but even if half of it's daily budget for material is embezzled (as usually) the people pulling wages are not turning up to their governmental jobs, and 15% is set aside for the usual bribes, they still don't have a 60 million Dollar DAILY budget, so big chunks are going into bringing in Dinars from circulation.

-- March 20, 2007 5:53 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Taking another peak from vacationing--now in the beautiful Sedona, AZ.

Looking forward to reading your response to Valerio. I'll stay out of this one ;}

God Bless!

-- March 20, 2007 7:52 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,
I have tried to figure out ho a seemingly intelligent, conservative type, sensitive to the inner needs of others can be so blantantly blasmephous to the things of God.

I think I have it almost figured out! Part of it is because your inflated ego demands that you are a god. Therefore reducing any real angelic being to their knees before you ( in your mind).

Sara's continued dialogue with you, just allows you to continue to spew out your garbage from your garbage mouth.

You have demonstrated time and time again that you have no respect for the feelings of others here.

Maybe someday if you ever acquire a little self-respect, (not self idolation), we may all stand a better chance of less garbage coming from your mind and mouth.

Carole

-- March 20, 2007 8:01 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Tim,

Glad to see that you are alive and well.

Blessings on your new ventures. Keep in touch. You will be missed if you stay away and out of the discussions for too long.

You bring such great balance of intellect, wisdom and wit.

Carole

-- March 20, 2007 8:09 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

This, too, is a reply about theology and not Dinar.. please skip if not interested. :)

Valerio;

As you know, I stick very close to the Scriptures and am bounded by them. I do believe I have heard of these doctrines you speak of here.. in Mormonism, for instance. But I see no Bible verses which explain that there is a pre-existence of the soul before birth as you have spoken of. Indeed, I see much to contradict your assertion that, quote: "We were all present in the age before this one as the Elohim, the sons of God." The Bible teaches that God GIVES this power to men WHEN they believe on His name:

Joh 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:

This states plainly that becoming a "son of God" is not from all eternity past or "in the age before this one" but rests upon concious belief and choice in this life and is given to "as many as received Him (Jesus)" - It is given to those "that believe on His name." This is for anyone who exercises faith and belief in Jesus, and is not a past eternal state according to this passage. This passage states that a person becomes a "son of God" at the point of receiving Christ and believing on His name. It does not mention any preexistence or preexistent state, only concious belief as the prerequisite to becoming a "son of God." I do not seek to interject other thoughts into the Biblical passages, but only to read and understand what is there. It does not say that we were sons of God in the age before this one, but says the prerequisite to becoming a son of God is to receive and believe in Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus Christ is, of course, accepting all He accomplished in His death, burial and ressurrection - the gospel - as Paul taught:

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and in which you stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:

This is the belief which gives a person the right and the power to become a son of God. It is this gospel which makes a person saved (a son of God) - believing that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. Those who believe and receive Jesus and His work on their behalf are given the power to become the sons of God at the time when they receive and believe on Him (John 1:12, above). I cannot see from any Scripture that "We were all present in the age before this one as the Elohim, the sons of God." as you assert, but only that once we believe on Jesus Christ, THEN we are given the power to become the sons (or children) of God.

Indeed, the teachings you spoke of are interesting, but I see no Biblical foundation for them. I am wholly unaware that any passage of Scripture which teaches the pre-existence of the soul and I do believe the Judeo-Christian church in general has not taught that belief. I seek to reconcile all things (including current physics understanding) to the Bible and to be consistent with settled Christianity as taught and held to throughout the ages from the time of Christ. I seek no other teachings than the old paths.

Jer 6:16 Thus says the LORD, "Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls..."

I seek the old paths within the written traditions of the Church as recorded in the Bible.. not something new. I know the Mormon church teaches new teachings which have not been until Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were given them. The Mormons teach that the person we Christians call the Father God and whom we think of as the Uncreated Creator of the Universe was once just a man and had to learn to obey the Mormon doctrines. (Obviously, our views of Father God conflict on this point so that I would say they do not believe in the same Father God that Christianity does.) Through his good works in a previous world their "Elohim" (or Father God) attained to godhood and was given this world with his celestial wives. He birthed in the spirit realm many spirit children as you speak of here - preexistent souls before coming to earth in human form - including (supposedly) Jesus and his spirit brother Lucifer. The teaching of Mormonism is that we can all become as this "Elohim" or Father God (Father God - because he is said to have fathered all of us spiritually in our preexistence, including Jesus and Lucifer). This takes away from the unique God we in Christianity profess, a God who is Uncreated and Before all things, which did not make spirit children by physical acts with spiritual women, but the God who creates mankind's souls from nothing and places them at conception within the womb. The doctrine of Mormonism on the preexistence of the soul, from wikipedia, says, quote:

After Smith's death, the doctrine of pre-mortal existence was elaborated by some other Latter Day Saint leaders, primarily within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its breakoffs. Although the "mind" and "intelligence" of humanity were still considered to be co-eternal with God, and not created, Brigham Young introduced the idea that the "spirit", which he distinguished from the "mind" or "intelligence", was indeed created and not co-eternal with God. Young postulated that we each had a pre-spirit "intelligence" that later became part of a spirit "body", which then eventually entered a physical body and was born on earth. In 1857, Young stated that every person was "a son or a daughter of [the Father]. In the spirit world their spirits were first begotten and brought forth, and they lived there with their parents for ages before they came here." 4 J.D. 218.

Among Latter-day Saints the idea of "spirit birth" was described in its modern doctrinal form in 1909, when the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement: "Jesus, however, is the firstborn among all the sons of God—the first begotten in the spirit, and the only begotten in the flesh. He is our elder brother, and we, like Him, are in the image of God. All men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother, and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity." MFP 4:203.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-existence

===end of quote===

In contrast to these kinds of beliefs about mankind being preexistent sons of God and all men and women being souls which were birthed by celestial parents (the universal Father and Mother spoken of here), Judeo-Christianity has taught that God is not female and creates us by a supernatural act at the time of conception in the womb. The psalmist wrote:

Psa 22:10 I was cast upon You from the womb: You are my God from my mother's belly.

Surely if there were an existence in heaven before the womb the Psalmist would have said that God was his God from all eternity past, or during that preexistence, or from the time "Elohim" had conceived him in heaven with one of his celestial wives? He also makes no reference to a heavenly mother. Instead, the beginning of his dependence upon God in this Scripture is from the time of his creation here on this earth - from the belly of his mother and from the womb. Job also laments his creation in Job 3:3 saying it were better he had never been conceived, but does not refer to existing before that time and does not lament he was "sent" to earth from those heavenly preexisting realms.

Also, your use of the Scripture which describes GOD'S CHOICE as being before the foundation of the world speaks only about GOD and not a preexistence of man:

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as He has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:

To take this passage as saying that we existed before the foundation of the world is to misconstrue what is plainly said in the passage. This says God made the decision to choose - He has chosen those who would be His from before the foundation of the world. His choice is from before the foundation of the world... and to the end that we should become (in time) holy and without blame before Him in love. That does not say we existed there with Him at the time He was making this decision. If I make a decision that my son or daughter will go to University and begin to set aside money toward that aim before I become pregnant, that does not create that person. This passage is speaking only of GOD'S CHOICE, not of any preexistence of the soul, as any grammatical reading of it in its normal sense shows. Eph 1:4 speaks of God's choice of us, He has chosen us before the foundation of the world, not of our being with Him in the eternal realm before the foundation of the world.

Your second Scripture verse also speaks of God's foreknowledge saying that GOD KNEW US before He created and formed us in the belly - not saying we preexisted before we were put within the womb:

Jer 1:5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.

This passage speaks of God knowing us before He made us. That is because all time is known from the eternal realm, and as I explained, from that dimension, time does not exist. God sees the beginning, middle and end of time because He is outside of it and therefore He knows who will accept His gospel from all eternity and who will not. He chose and knew us before He created the world or put us in our mother's belly. But His foreknowledge and choice in these things is not the same as us existing at the time when He made these decisions. When you say, "God knew you before you were in your mothers womb, because your soul was created in the first age." (in some preexistence). And then when you say that "our predestination was determined before the foundations of this earth age." and "was earned then." These concepts are interjected into the Scripture and it does not refer in these passages to a preexistence of the soul, so far as normal grammatical meaning within the passages themselves. It just refers to God choosing us "before the foundation of the world" in His foreknowledge and also knowing us before He formed us in the belly. This is totally consistent with believing in a God who is Omnicient (all knowing) and requires no preexistence of the soul. There also is no passage which points toward an earning of salvation by previous acts. Indeed, the Bible bends over backwards to say it is NOT OF WORKS of any kind, but an act of God's choice and Grace:

Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

So the choice God made (from the foundation of the earth) to extend Grace to save mankind - this Grace is a gift of God and NOT OF WORKS of any kind, this says. No person can boast they "earned" it in any past life, according to this passage, because salvation is by Grace and "not of yourselves" but "the gift of God." When you say, "We were all present in the age before this one as the Elohim, the sons of God." and "it was not only Jesus who came from that heaven plane, or demension, but everyone..." and "the soul legally leaves the first habitation to enter this earth age"... all these concepts agree with Mormon doctrine and teaching concerning a man who can attain to godhood by obedience to Mormon teachings, but they are not consistent with the orthodox Christian teachings of an Uncreated Creator God who is Omnicient. There is no passage which explains that the human soul had a "first habitation", only passages explaining God's foreknowledge of events, which is necessary for proof that He is all-knowing, eternal, uncreated, and separate and different from men.. something we cannot attain or hope to ever become - God above all gods, the Supreme Being whose infinite understanding created the Universe we see and the earth we enjoy, with all that is pleasant.

Therefore, since I can see no logical Scriptural basis for the teachings of Mormonism, nor for the view of the preexistence of the human soul, I cannot believe it to be Biblically substantiated Christian belief. So your post leads me to ask the question.. do you then embrace Mormonism and the extra-Biblical teachings of Joseph Smith on these points.. ? I am just trying to understand your views and where in theological tradition they come from - to what "camps" they belong.

Sara.

-- March 20, 2007 1:09 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

A BIG AMEN!

I might add, that when Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus about being "born again" He makes the distinction between the human flesh birth ( of water -amniotic fluids, as well as the will of the flesh-procreation) and being born of the Spirit-- the rebirth when Jesus is proclaimed in a person's life he is given the Holy Spirit, a regeneration or reconnection, if you will to God Almighty our Creator.

Of course the 3rd chapter of St. John is very clear on this subject. To read into and assume Jesus was referring to some mystical pre-exisitence of the human soul is to mutate the truth.

Thanks for your sharing and even more so... thanks for studying to show yourself approved......

Carole

-- March 20, 2007 1:32 PM ∞

---

Madbrad wrote:

Iraq, UN set plans to increase Iraq's oil production

MENAFN - 20/03/2007

(MENAFN) An Iraqi official at the Iraqi Oil Ministry announced that the UN has set a plan to raise Iraq's oil crude productions to reach 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2011, Iraq Directory reported.

The plan aims to provide Iraq with around $50 million income from its oil exports, three times more than the current rates as said by the plan, he stated. He added that post-war Iraq now produces two million barrels per day and exports 1.5 million bpd of crude oil.

Moreover, the UN plan also aims to raise Iraq's production by 700 thousand barrels per day of refining products by 2011, he concluded

-- March 20, 2007 5:31 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
As peviously stated, I have never as much as researched the morman doctrine. I have heard of Smith, but have never read his writtings. I read, search, and study the authorized 1611 scriptures only, with help from the Stong's concordance. Can you explain who the sons of God were, whom we were created in the image of? When were they created? How did those sons of God who left their first habitation (Jude) mate with women and create children. Surely they must have been extreemly similar to humans. Why does God personaly enterviene in certain lives, as he did with Paul. How is that fair to the those who never had Christ to blind them and change their minds for them? Because He was predestined, choosen from before. Since you believe in a post existance, why does pre-existance of the soul give you so much trouble? When did God create your soul? Be careful of quoting scriptures, then saying what it says is not what it means so you can make it fit your fancy. If you cannot see that which was, and is obvious, even from the very beginning, thats ok. I don't judge you, theirs only one judge. Some people are satisfied with the knowledge of salvation. I thank God for salvation through Christ, and his gift of life, but my mind is inquizitive and always seeking to find all the knowledge the scriptures have to offer.

-- March 20, 2007 5:57 PM ∞

---

Nelly B wrote:

Carole wrote:

Roger,
I have tried to figure out ho a seemingly intelligent, conservative type, sensitive to the inner needs of others can be so blantantly blasmephous to the things of God.

I think I have it almost figured out! Part of it is because your inflated ego demands that you are a god. Therefore reducing any real angelic being to their knees before you ( in your mind).

Sara's continued dialogue with you, just allows you to continue to spew out your garbage from your garbage mouth.

You have demonstrated time and time again that you have no respect for the feelings of others here.

Maybe someday if you ever acquire a little self-respect, (not self idolation), we may all stand a better chance of less garbage coming from your mind and mouth.

Carole

-- March 20, 2007 8:01 AM ∞
______________________________________________________________

In Roger's defence (although he is more than capable of defending himself, should he consider it necessary), this is primarily a DINAR forum.

Whether valid or not, religion seems to be a bigger part of this forum than anything else to to with IRAQ's currency, economy, news and culture. Far from Roger spouting his 'garbage', I see his opinions as defending the purpose of this forum - to discuss Dinar news.

Roger is usually very outspoken and opinionated, but always entertaining. This does not equate to garbage, even if a little insensitive at times. I've been told before if I don't like what I see, scroll down. Thats one option, but if you don't like blasphemy, don't bait the trap by contstantly shoving god in our faces. There are those that find it offensive and inappropriate.

I find it ridiculous that seemingly intelligent people can believe that **** in the first place.

-- March 20, 2007 7:35 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Hello All:

I have been on vacation this week. A number of honey do's to accomplish.

I think we are on the cusp of a major move in the Dinar world. The CBI's temporary peg of the Dinar to the dollar until March 19th may be a precursor of what is to come.

Rather than a zero lop, For the time being I still believe the CBI will continue buying Dinars limiting its supply in the market place.

Is anyone familiar with Darren Chabluk? He is suppose to have a live call tomorrow night at 7:00pm CST. I plan to join the call and take good notes. Once the call is completed, I will post what was discussed.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi vice president meets with U.S. treasury official

Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi will update U.N. member states and other potential donors Friday on the war-torn country's plan for economic development and ask for international support, the United Nations said.

Abdul-Mahdi, one of two vice-presidents, will be promoting a five-year plan known as the Iraq Compact to ensure the government has funds to survive and enact key political and economic reforms. The compact was set up shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006 to "consolidate peace and pursue political, economic and social development."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who convened the meeting, "looks forward to the participation of the broader international community ... to help put Iraq on a credible path towards sustainable development and economic prosperity," his spokeswoman Michele Montas said Wednesday.

Delegations from more than 40 countries plan to attend the meeting, she said.

Abdul-Mahdi met Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, who will lead the U.S. delegation to the meeting.

Kimmitt said in a statement issued after the meeting that he congratulated the vice-president on Iraq's economic progress and lauded the creation of the Iraq Compact as "an ambitious framework for transformation of the Iraqi economy."

Ban recently appointed Ibrahim Gambari, the former U.N. undersecretary-general for political affairs, to be his special adviser for the compact. Gambari and the Iraqi delegation, which also includes Planning Minister Ali Baban, will co-chair Friday's meeting.

The U.S. Treasury said all parties have agreed to a ministerial meeting in the near future to formally sign the compact.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:44 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The Iraqi Bourse is active again
After the decision of allowing Arabs and foreigners to circulate in the Iraqi bourse, activity started to crawl back into various sectors of the stock exchange, and especially banks and industry; the main indicators rose and the number of companies whose shares are being circulated increased, following a stage of decline in the bourse during the months of January and February.

The number of transactions carried out in the first session during the month of March reached 361 deal, while the volume of circulation rose to one million and 321 thousand dinars, and the number of shares traded around was about 709 thousand shares; the number of companies that have been circulating their shares rose to 38 companies from among the companies enlisted in seven sectors, and which amount to 93 companies with a nominal capital of 774 billion dinars.

It is hoped that indicators will continue escalating during the sessions of March so that the bourse's activity would be back to its former era, especially that electronic exchange will enter the Iraqi bourse in April after
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Robv N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:46 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

last sentence of the previous post: setting up devices and equipments and training the cadres for this developed type of circulation.

CBI adopts fixed ID exchange rate

Baghdad (NINA)- The Central Bank of Iraq CBI has announced adopting the exchange rate of Iraqi Dinar against the US Dollar, settled on last Thursdays auction until March 19. A CBI statement said Saturday that the measure came within the previously adopted measures, aiming at boosting Iraqi Dinar

A FIXED RATE DEFENITION
A fixed exchange rate, sometimes (less commonly) called a pegged exchange rate, is a type of exchange rate regime wherein a currency's value is matched to the value of another single currency or to a basket of other currencies, or to another measure of value, such as gold. As the reference value rises and falls, so does the currency pegged to it. A currency that uses a fixed exchange rate is known as a fixed currency. The opposite of a fixed exchange rate is a floating exchange rate.

Revaluation means a rise of a price of goods or products. This term is specially used as revaluation of a currency, where it means a rise of currency to the relation with a foreign currency in a fixed exchange rate. In floating exchange rate correct term would be appreciation. The antonyme of revaluation is devaluation.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:49 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Thu Mar 15, 4:07 PM ET
3/16/2007

Congressman says he sees evidence of more agricultural development.
By DENA BUNIS
The Orange County Register

WASHINGTONAs he flew over Iraq for the fourth time this past weekend, Rep. Ken Calvert says he saw clear signs of progress: crops in the field.

"I saw more agricultural activity than I've ever seen in the four years I've gone to Iraq,'' said Calvert, who spent two days in Iraq with three other members of the Armed Services Committee.

Calvert, R-Corona, said four years ago the irrigation canals were "choked with reeds and weeds and unusable. All that has been cleared out and thousands of acres are under cultivation.''

But from the standpoint of the fighting, Calvert said the biggest difference between this visit and when we went a year ago, is that "the Iraqis are showing up.

"You see a lot more activity on the part of the Iraqi security forces, both the local police and the national police,'' Calvert said.

He said more and more the Iraqis are leading the fighting with U.S. forces backing them up. As this continues, he said, the Iraqis will be able to take over the fighting and American forces can be pulled off the battlefield.

"I think we'll begin to see that occur within the next six months or so,'' Calvert said.

In his meeting with soldiers and Marines, Calvert said he did not see any of the low morale that his Orange County delegation-mate Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove, said she encountered when she was there two weeks ago.

"They believe in the mission. Many of them have been there many times, risked their lives many times,'' said Calvert, who has supported President Bush's Iraq strategy and approves of the surge.

"Some were concerned that we weren't going to stand behind them.''

Calvert said he assured them that many in Congress were backing them up and that he would vote against any Iraq spending bill that includes the kind of mandates for withdrawal that Democratic leaders are insisting on.

Calvert went to Iraq with the ranking Republican and presidential hopeful Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, and Reps. Robert Neugebauer, R-Texas and David Boren, D-Ok.,
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:52 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ministerial Iraq security meeting in early April
3/16/2007

Thu Mar 15, 4:07 PM ET

A new international conference on Iraq that will see US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sit alongside her Iranian and Syrian counterparts could be held as early as April 1, a senior US official said Thursday.

"It could be as early as April 1 but is still being worked on," according to a high ranking State Department official who asked not to be named.

"April 1 or 2 but it has not been set yet," the official said.

A location for the meeting has not yet been made public, but the United States has said it would prefer to gather in Istanbul.

A first meeting dubbed an Iraq neighbors conference but which also included diplomats from other Arab states and the five permanent UN Security Council members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the US -- was held March 10 in Baghdad.

Those talks focused on efforts to stabilize the US-backed Baghdad government and end sectarian and insurgent violence that Washington has said it fueled by Iran and Syria.

During the meeting the US ambassador to Baghdad, Zalmay Khalilzad, held direct talks with senior Iranian officials in the highest level contact between the two states in more than four years.

The April meeting is due to include the foreign ministers of the same countries plus Japan and Canada.

Ministerial Iraq security meeting in early April - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:54 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.N. Compact Could Help Transform Iraq Economy
3/17/2007

U.N. Compact Could Help Transform Iraq EconomyNew benchmarks will encourage economic reform, Treasury official says

The following op-ed article by Deputy Secretary of Treasury Robert Kimmitt was published in the March 16 edition of The Washington Post. There are no republication restrictions.

(begin byliner)

A Strong Fiscal Framework for Iraq
By Robert M. Kimmitt

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi will host a major international conference at the United Nations today to discuss "The International Compact With Iraq," an ambitious framework for transforming the Iraqi economy. This initiative is designed to help achieve within five years Iraq's vision of a stable and prosperous nation underpinned by a self-sustaining economy.

As President Bush's envoy to the international compact, I traveled to Baghdad last July for the launch of the initiative and later attended preparatory meetings in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The compact to be presented today calls for Iraq to commit to specific economic benchmarks, including a series of reform efforts such as transparency in the hydrocarbon sector, private-sector development, investment promotion and a restructuring of the banking sector. In turn, donors will provide technical assistance, debt forgiveness and other financial support to help reintegrate Iraq into the international community and complete its reconstruction.

Iraq is committed to economic reform and has met the guidelines set out by the International Monetary Fund [IMF] since 2004 to encourage growth. The government has implemented tighter monetary policies to control inflation, liberalized official fuel prices and imports, limited government spending on employee wages, improved a fiscally unsustainable pension law and made important strides in developing an electronic payments system to reduce dependence on cash transactions. These changes have been possible because Iraqi leaders have worked diligently to put their country's financial house in order. They also demonstrate that Iraq will work to implement the agreements in the compact.

It is promising that the reforms enacted thus far have been successful. The IMF estimates the growth of Iraq's economy at 3 percent over the past year, with oil revenue totaling $29.5 billion. The Iraqi cabinet's recent approval of a new hydrocarbons framework law is an important development in strengthening the economy. This legislation is critical because it shares oil revenue proportionally among all Iraqi citizens. It also sets the ground rules for managing oil production and sends a strong signal of economic liberalization to the world. When it is passed by the Iraqi legislature, this law will enable government leaders to negotiate with foreign companies to open up investment in the country's oil sector.

Another critical component to rebuilding Iraq's economy is ensuring that this revenue gets to the people. Now that Iraq's parliament has passed the budget for 2007, Iraqi officials have emphasized the importance of using the $10 billion set aside for capital investment and reconstruction to bring tangible benefits to citizens. To encourage budget accountability, they have stipulated that ministries and provinces that fail to perform by midyear may have a portion of their funding transferred. Iraq held a conference earlier this month to outline these new budget procedures for approximately 200 officials from both the central government and the provinces, including cabinet ministers, ministerial officials, heads of anti-corruption bodies, provincial governors and council chairmen.

The United States is working to support these efforts through initiatives such as the recent appointment of Ambassador Tim Carney as coordinator for economic transition in Iraq. The U.S. government hosted a budget execution conference last week for coalition provincial reconstruction team members to familiarize coalition advisers with Iraq's new budget process. President Bush has already announced an expansion of these teams, which work in the provinces to help Iraqis build their government. Bringing these efforts together will harmonize U.S. and coalition technical assistance with Iraq's budget objectives.

The challenges ahead are great, but today at the United Nations the government of Iraq will take an important step forward in cooperation with the international community. Iraqi officials have demonstrated their dedication to undertaking the hard work necessary to successfully carry out this initiative. This framework will enable Iraq to establish an economic foundation built upon good governance, the rule of law, a solid budgetary structure and strong, credible institutions.

The writer is deputy secretary of the U.S. Treasury.

(end byliner)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

U.N. Compact Could Help Transform Iraq Economy - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 8:56 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq experts say draft oil industry law fraught with problems
3/18/2007

by Kamal TahaSun Mar 18, 12:15 AM ET

Some Iraqi oil experts and politicians are aghast over their government's approval of a bill that many fear will deliver the country's oil wealth to international firms on a platter.

In February, capping months of bitter wrangling, the Baghdad government approved a draft law that aims to distribute revenue from crude oil exports equitably across Iraq's 18 provinces and open the sector to foreign investors.

The multi-party government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki sees the legislation as a key plank in moves to reunite a country torn apart by sectarian violence, and hopes that parliament will ratify the bill in May.

But former Iraqi oil industry officials, experts and lawmakers gathered in Jordan to debate the bill have warned that the timing is wrong, and expressed strong concerns that Iraq would lose control of its own "black gold."

"There are many question marks hanging over this draft law," said Dhia al-Bakaa, former president of the Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO).

"Why the timing? Why the hurry when we still lack political, economic and security stability," Bakaa asked a recent conference organised by the non-governmental Iraqi Centre for Strategic Studies.

"The Iraqi National Oil Company should have been restructured before the government endorsed the draft law, to allow INOC to develop the giant oil fields so that they would not face pressure and extortion in the future."

Issam Chalabi, an oil minister under executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, said the bill did not take "into account our greater national interests."

It was adopted "to satisfy US President George W. Bush," who called on the newly installed Maliki government last June to restore electricity in Iraq, adopt a new investment law and restructure the oil industry, he said.

Chalabi also charged that Iraqi oil exports over the past four years have gone "unchecked and unaccounted for."

Iraq's proven oil reserves, estimated at 115 billion barrels, are thought to be the third largest in the world, behind Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Since the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraqi production has tumbled from 3.5 million barrels per day to around two million. Chalabi said Iraq has been exporting around 1.5 million bpd.

Faleh al-Khayat, a former head of planning at the oil ministry, warned that "major foreign oil firms are greedy and will covet Iraq's oil wealth" if the bill is adopted.

"If Iraq's giant oilfields are developed they would yield 80 percent of Iraq's proven reserves estimated at 115 billion barrels," he said.

MP Saleh Mutlak of Iraq's National Dialogue Front echoed him: "We have no need for foreign companies. We are experienced enough to reap the fruit of our wealth."

Mutlak also said he feared the bill may not live up to government hopes that it will unify Iraq.

"We don't want a new law that will further divide us. We need a law that will unite the Iraqi people," he said.

Most oil production is in the Shiite south, with the best prospects for new finds centred on the Kurdish north. The northern oil hub of Kirkuk is disputed between Kurdish and Arab leaders.

Motlak said parliament in Baghdad should not ratify the bill "until we reach the appropriate climate for investments in Iraq."

MP Ali Mashhadani agreed.

"Our oil wealth is black gold that must be kept underground until security conditions are appropriate to take advantage of it. It has been entrusted to our safekeeping by the people we represent," he said.

According to Mashhadani "Iraq has sold 125 billion dollars worth of oil since the start of the US-led occupation."

The Iraqi people have not benefited from this revenue and "are eating garbage," Mashhadani said, suggesting that income from oil sales be given to the people in the form of state-subsidised "monthly rations cards."

Iraq experts say draft oil industry law fraught with problems - Source

Iraqi Dinar News Article List
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 9:00 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Japan to extend air mission to Iraq
3/20/2007

Tue Mar 20, 9:17 AM ET

Japan plans to extend its air support mission to Iraq for another two years, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday on the fourth anniversary of the US-led invasion.

Japan last year ended its historic deployment of troops on a reconstruction mission to Iraq, but continues to provide logistical air support to the US-led coalition and the United Nations.

"We would like to continue fulfilling our responsibility in the reconstruction of Iraq," Abe told reporters.

"Having considered the current situation in Iraq and developments in the international community, I asked for the ruling party's approval on the extension of the air force mission by two years," Abe said.

Abe's Liberal Democratic Party on Tuesday approved the plan to extend the current mission, which expires at the end of July.

The bill is seen as certain to pass as the ruling coalition has an overwhelming majority in parliament.

Iraq had asked Japan to extend its air force mission which its Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki described in a letter to Abe as playing a "vital role" in the nation's reconstruction efforts.

Japan's Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma -- who caused a stir earlier this year when he said the United States was "wrong" to invade Iraq -- indicated that he hopes to visit Iraq to inspect the conditions there himself.

"I have a wish to visit Iraq to see with my own eyes the security situation to examine if the Air Self-Defence Force can continue its mission without any problems," Kyuma told reporters.

Japan's deployment of 600 troops to Iraq marked the first time since World War II that Tokyo had sent soldiers to a country where fighting was underway.

Japan continues to station some 210 air force personnel in Kuwait to fly people and supplies into Iraq.

Japan to extend air mission to Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 9:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush demands that Congress grants $100bn Iraq funding
By Edward Luce

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

Washington, 20 March 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
George W. Bush yesterday marked the beginning of the fifth year of the Iraq war by warning the Democratic-controlled Congress to ap-prove $100bn in emergency funding for the war "without strings and without delay".

The US president, whose poll approval numbers are hovering just above their all-time low, also warned Capitol Hill that any attempt to withdraw US forces from Iraq could prove "devastating" and spark a regional civil war.

In his five-minute televised address Mr Bush's choice of words were more downbeat than in previous statements on the war in Iraq. However, he said the "new way forward in Iraq", which he unveiled in his last Iraq address in January, was beginning to take effect.

Mr Bush said that if US and Iraqi forces continued to make progress in their joint security operations in Baghdad and elsewhere then the war "can be won". This contrasts with the president's traditional statements of confidence in the ultimate certainty of US victory. Mr Bush said that fewer than half of the 21,500 new combat troops had so far arrived in Iraq.

"I want to stress that this operation is still in the early stages . . . The new strategy will need more time to take effect. And there will be good days, and there will be bad days," he said. "Four years after this war began, the fight is difficult, but it can be won. It will be won if we have the courage and resolve to see it through."

Yesterday's broadcast comes as the US House of Representatives is considering a $124bn (€93bn, £64bn) appropriation for Iraq and Afghanistan, that would attach conditions on the -disbursement of funds linked to the Iraqi government's progress in meeting "performance benchmarks".

The measure, which Republicans have said would subvert the US constitution by arrogating power to -Congress that belongs to the US commander-in-chief, is expected to be voted upon this week. But it is unclear whether Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the house, can muster the necessary 218 votes to pass the measure in the 435-member house. Nor is it clear whether it would pass in the US Senate, which last week voted 50 to 48 against a similar bill.

Mr Bush yesterday took the opportunity to have a dig at the fact that the Democratic majority has added in a number of "pork barrel" items to the bill, including $25million for spinach growers, $100million for citrus growers, $74million for peanut storage and $283million in milk subsidies.

The bill also includes more than $4 billion in additional "emergency" payments to farmers in compensation for recent weather disasters.

"They have a responsibility to pass a clean bill that does not use funding for our troops as leverage to get special interest spending for their districts," said Mr Bush.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 9:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush: Too early to leave Iraq
US President says his new plan to pacify violence-torn Iraq will take months to show results.
By Stephen Collinson

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

WASHINGTON, 20 March 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
President George W. Bush Monday warned it was too early for US troops to "pack up and go home" from Iraq, on the fourth anniversary of a war clouded by pessimism and political angst on the home front.

Bush also said in a televised address from the White House, after speaking to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, that his new US plan to pacify Iraq would take months to show results.

"It could be tempting to look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude our best option is to pack up and go home," Bush said, four years to the day after American troops launched operations to depose Saddam Hussein.

"That may be satisfying in the short run, but I believe the consequences for American security would be devastating," Bush said, warning that a US departure would spark chaos in Iraq which would engulf the region.

"The terrorists could emerge from the chaos with a safe haven in Iraq to replace the one they had in Afghanistan, which they used to plan the attacks of September 11, 2001," Bush said.

A new US-led Baghdad security effort which will see 21,500 extra troops pour into Iraq would not yield immediate success, Bush warned, as the unpopular war entered its fifth year.

"The Baghdad security plan is still in its early stages and success will take months, not days or weeks," Bush said in an eight-minute statement from the White House's Roosevelt Room, which broke into regular programming on US television networks and was also carried by cable news channels.

Bush also paid tribute to US soldiers and argued that despite still raging on, the Iraq war had yielded considerable progress.

"Today the world is rid of Saddam Hussein and a tyrant has been held to account for his crimes," Bush said.

"Nearly 12 million Iraqis voted in free elections under a Democratic constitution that they wrote for themselves. And the democratic leaders are now working to build a free society that upholds the rule of law."

"We also hold in our hearts the good men and women who have given their lives in this struggle. We pray for the loved ones they have left behind."

Despite Bush's warnings, a new poll on Monday showed already skeptical US public opinion on Iraq had soured further, with only 32 percent of Americans saying they favored the war, compared to 72 percent just after it began.

Nearly half of those questioned in the survey by Opinion Research Corp. for CNN said they strongly opposed the war. Four years ago only one in five said they were strongly against it.

And despite recent claims by the Bush administration and top generals that the month-old US troop surge was beginning to work, another poll told a story of Iraq skepticism.

Only 18 percent of those polled had confidence in US and coalition troops, while 78 percent opposed their presence, 69 percent said their presence made security worse and 51 percent said attacks on coalition forces were justified.

The poll, commissioned by the BBC, ABC News, ARD German TV and USA contrasted with a similar survey two years ago when two-thirds of Iraqis were more upbeat.

But in a British television interview Maliki, who spoke to Bush Monday in a secure videoconference, insisted sectarian killing had ended and blamed violence on Al-Qaeda, which he called "the biggest threat" to Iraq.

Leaders of the Democratic majority in Congress were meanwhile gathering for another week of bombarding Bush with political attacks over the war.

By mid-week, the House of Representatives was due to debate Bush's 124 billion dollar funding request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democrats last week inserted a clause calling for the withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraq by September 2008 at the latest, but Bush has vowed to veto any such legislation if it makes it to his desk.

"We think that is an approach that is conducive to defeat. It is a recipe for failure, not for victory," Snow said on Monday.

Asked to describe a recipe for victory, Snow at one point grew testy, telling a reporter pushing him on the issue to "zip it." He later apologized and called that comment "inappropriate."

The Senate last week voted down a similar attempt by the Democratic leadership intended to bring troops home by the end of March next year.

In Iraq Monday, a string of coordinated car bombs and mortar attacks killed 15 people and wounded dozens more in the ethnically-volatile oil hub of Kirkuk.

Another eight people were killed in violence elsewhere.

Anti-war demonstrators planned to hold at least a thousand candlelight vigils around the United States.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 9:09 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq reconstruction fund meeting ends with donations said lower than expected

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

ISTANBUL, 20 March 2007 (BBC Monitoring)
Print article Send to friend
If donations for Iraq end, this would make terrorists stronger, said Iraqi Planning & Development Minister Ali Baban.

"Iraq Reconstruction Forum" held within the scope of the 5th meeting of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI) Donor Committee (formed by the World Bank and the UN Development Group) ended in Istanbul on Monday.

At a news conference, Baban said that the forum was very fruitful.

Stating that there was an important correlation between economic relations and security, Baban noted that if Iraq achieved developments in its economy, this would also make a positive impact on security in the country.

Asked how much donation they collected, Baban indicated that the amount that they collected did not meet their expectations.

On the other hand, Iraqi Electricity Minister Karim Wahid al-Hasan said that they expected more cooperation from Turkey in regard to reconstruction of Iraq.

Source: Anatolia news agency, Ankara
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 20, 2007 9:11 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

Thanks so much for your informative posts.. I think I will also get back to more Dinar posts. And I do hope you will pass on what you hear from the teleconference. :) I hope you are right about a soon move on the Dinar and I think it is likely to happen, too.

Nelly B;

Glad you poked your head in for a hello. Yeah, it was kinda slow.. hence the non-Dinar discussion. I will lay off a bit after this post if Valerio will. :)

Roger;

I took no offense to your posts.. and had a longish reply I was going to post and may still.. but I felt we were getting a bit too off topic for the board to tolerate, as evidenced by the resurrection of Nelly B. HUG! Hang in there.. as she pointed out (and I agree), your contributions are valued and appreciated. :)

Now.. a religious reply to Valerio -

Valerio;

I didn't know if you were Mormon, but your understanding of Scripture in this area does square with Joseph Smith's view. If you say you are not, I believe you. As for the doctrines you speak of when you ask who the "sons of God" were then say we are created in their image, I have a problem with that. To quote you, QUOTE - "Can you explain who the sons of God were, whom we were created in the image of?" (end quote)
The Bible teaches that we are made in the image of GOD not "sons of God."

Gen 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

That says rather clearly that God created mankind in God's image, no one else's. As for who the sons of God are and when they were created, the Bible clearly reveals the "sons of God" as angels in Job:

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Job 1:7 And the LORD said to Satan, From where do you come?

This dramatic stage which is set takes place in heaven. Note here that the "sons of God" present themselves before the throne of God Almighty. Among them came the fallen angel, Satan. Obviously this dialog between God and Satan occurred at this time when Satan was allowed to come into the very presence of God and present himself. Job is believed to be the oldest book in the Bible, pre-dating even the time of Moses, who wrote the first five books in the Old Testament. Many believe that subsequent revelation in the Scripture proves that Satan cannot come before God now due to the work of Jesus on the cross which caused him to be cast him down from heaven to the earth (Rev 12:12, Eph 4:8). However, this quote in Job is before that. Here, the sons of God are definitely the angels.. both unfallen and, in the case of Satan - fallen. They were created by God and some of these "sons of God" left their first habitation as you noted from Jude:

Jud 1:5 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
Jud 1:6 And the angels which did not keep their first estate, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day.

Again, note that there were some angels who did not keep their "first estate" - these "angels" we would call demons. This passage refers to fallen angels who will be judged on Judgement Day and some of them are now "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness." Though obviously, ALL the fallen angels are not in chains right now, some are and the Bible notes this fact. Do note that the Bible itself does not elaborate on whatever crimes these angels committed. When you speak about the conjecture that demons supposedly mated with humans, I have heard that interpretation before, but do not believe it the most correct interpretation of the Scripture, nor the most likely or plain from the Scripture passages themselves.

In Genesis there is mention that there were "sons of God" who "saw the daughters of men" and took them as wives in Genesis 6. Some do think this could be demons taking human wives, and that these demons who did that were then the ones "reserved in chains under darkness" until the Judgement Day for that sin. However, it is not the only interpretation of those words and a bit of a stretch of the imagination, in my opinion. The Scriptures use the words "sons of God" to speak of believers (see my previous post to you) as well as of demons (see above, in the book of Job.) Therefore, this could have been speaking of the "sons of God" or godly lineage from Seth seeing the "daughters of MEN" - those who were from the ungodly lineage of Cain (idol worshippers who were corrupt upon the earth so were NOT "sons of God") and taking them for their wives.

Remember the context of these words in Genesis 6... God is said to be so grieved with mankind for their evil deeds in this chapter that He vows to destroy all of them.. except those who had kept faithful to Himself - Noah and his family. It appears, then, that the entire lineage of Seth married out of the faith to "daughters of men" and turned from God to wickedness and violence so that the earth was full of evil. The ONLY man who was righteous before God in the ENTIRE earth was Noah and his family. This interpretation is more likely to be the correct scenerio than the esoteric appearance of demons on earth and women marrying them, in my opinion. Since the Bible does not say WHY the angels who did not keep their first estate were put in chains, it is mere conjecture that this passage wayyyy back in Genesis 6 is the reason, and it is VERY flimsy "proof" to rely on when you are marrying these two verses together for an entire doctrine (which is a very weird, and twilight zoneish teaching - more like trying to believe in things that go bump in the night than anything in the normal realm of mankind). I think when the plain sense makes sense, we don't need to go hunting for anything further. I do not think this teaching (of demons mating with humans) is supportable based on this one verse in Jude and making the meaning of the "sons of God" to apply ONLY to fallen angels and not God's own people -

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Obviously, demons are not in view in this passage here. In context, to believe that this passage in Genesis 6 is dealing with the situation of the corruption of mankind due to turning from God is more logical and does not force the natural flow of the passage into esoteric and obscure interpretation about normally unseen supernatural beings. I also seriously doubt that demons have sperm, since they were not created to mate and reproduce... but I cannot prove that, obviously. :)

Mar 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

Here, angels are seen as not marrying nor being given in marriage. I think they are not equipped to reproduce, but that is also conjecture, I admit.

When you ask, "why does pre-existance of the soul give you so much trouble?" - it is no trouble. It is a doctrine or teaching, and one which is held by many unorthodox religions and not taught by Jesus Christ. As I said, I do not see it in the Bible, so that is why I will not embrace it. Would you expect me to embrace that which is not right theology to resolve any differences I had?

Sara.

-- March 20, 2007 10:13 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Here is that post I composed but didn't post this morning.. which spoke to Carole.. and to Roger.

Thank you, Carole. I appreciate your kind words. :)
I believe the Lord gives us help when we are trying to explain His Word...
because He wrote it plainly so we might know and not be deceived.
I am glad His clear words came across to your understanding. :)
Sometimes I speak and it just doesn't seem to get through to some, though.
Humbling..

Roger;

I took no offense at your remarks.

When you said to look in the mirror and say "I AM".. and expect to see God? I am not that conceited that I would take Him off the throne and put me on it.. lol. Also, ask yourself.. how well do you think I would run the Universe if given the chance? :-D I try my best in my little sphere of life, but that is not equivalent to being infallible in judgement as God must be. What if I made mistakes that cost lives? Or accidentally destroyed the world? Whoops would work for an apology? No.. there are some things that are the perogative of Deity alone, and people cannot ever be those things.. Things like.. being eternal (without a beginning or an end), being all knowing (Omnicient), being Almighty or all powerful (Omnipotent), being present everywhere at the same time (Omnipresent), being PERFECT Love, Righteousness, Holiness, Justice.. being infallible (that means without error)... and being able to Create things like planets, the Space-Time continuum and man (from NOTHING.. not starting with an egg and sperm, and not starting with matter to make a "big bang" from, etc.)

As for me.. since I cannot remember being uncreated and without a beginning, I won't pretend to something I am not, so I am not the eternal God. And I KNOW I am not all knowing, all powerful, present everywhere, infallible or perfect in love, righteousness, holiness and justice. And I won't tell you I can create a planet or people out of nothing.. So the God which embodies these perfect attributes is different than I am.. very different.

Perfection is a word I understand, but I do not claim to be perfect. The Bible puts it so well.. "for all have sinned and FALLEN SHORT of the Glory of God". I fall very far short of that Being you speak of.. the great "I AM." No.. it is altogether too great a degree of pride for me to take into myself the belief I could become that God which I just described. For I am only human, not divine, and I have a great many flaws.. and am mortal. If I seem at all like Him, it must be by His Grace. Heaven knows (and my enemies remind me consistently) that I do not come anywhere close to His perfections and beauty. Also, try as I might, I do at times end up sinning. To say I am without sin in this earthly realm would be foolish and to invite God or the Prince of Darkness to prove me very, very wrong. As Charles Spurgeon wrote:

"You whose love is fervent, whose faith is constant, whose hopes are bright, say not, "We shall never sin," but rather cry, "Lead us not into temptation." There is enough tinder in the heart of the best of men to light a fire that shall burn to the lowest hell, unless God shall quench the sparks as they fall. Who would have dreamed that righteous Lot could be found drunken, and committing uncleanness? Hazael said, "Is Thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?" and we are very apt to use the same self-righteous question. May infinite wisdom cure us of the madness of self-confidence." (end of quote)

As for angels, I do believe they have wings as the Bible says they do. The Seraphim (a kind of angel) are said to have SIX wings:

Isa 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly.

Interesting creatures.. certainly. And they fly, too. But I bet in heaven no one needs anything, including wing fixing.. :)

I know you jest about God moonlighting as the devil. However, in Taoism, the religion upon which the popular movie franchise called "Star Wars" is built - the concepts of the light and dark sides of "the force" is elevating that very idea you just mentioned into a deistic principle. The idea of the person of God in the Bible being evil is anathema (wrong) to Christianity, as some who took offense here showed. But in Taoism, there is no person to offend, only a "force" of good or evil. The problem with that view of deity is that "the force" idea makes God only a weapon to be called upon and used by man for his battles, rather than a being in Himself with His own will and choice and Glory. When Luke Skywalker "uses" the force to destroy the deathstar, it is LUKE we pat on the back and have a ceremony to honor, not the "force" since it is impersonal. But with the God of Christianity, the PERSON of God is to be honored because it was HE and no one else who does the great things on earth which we measure, such as parting the Red Sea and bringing the people of Israel out of the bondage they were in in Egypt.

Also, as a current example of His hand at work, when the Dinar RVs, I will praise and thank GOD.. not the CBI or the men involved. Ok, I might be glad enough to give one of them a HUG and thank them for their part in it, too.. but I would still see them as instruments of God rather than the source of the blessing, just like Moses was the instrument God used to stretch out his staff over the Red Sea before God stepped in and parted the waters. Praise for God's works goes to the One who did them.. not to the instruments themselves. In one instance in the Bible.. a person was given an oration directly from God Himself and the people recognised it as such so that they said, "It is the voice of a god and not a man!" And instead of acknowledging God and saying He gave the inspiration, that person took the glory to himself. God didn't like that. The Bible says he was striken dead on the spot by God. I still puzzle exactly how, but it appears to have been instant (note the word "immediately"):

Act 12:21 And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and gave an oration to them.
Act 12:22 And the people kept shouting, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!"
Act 12:23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

This says that because he did not give the glory to God, the end of the matter was.. he died. (Don't ask me how a person can quickly be eaten by worms.. ebola looks terrible enough, thank you.) But this phenomena (being stricken dead by God) just doesn't happen with a "force" which can be used by men for good or evil. A force that can act for evil or good does not care. Such a force cannot be jealous - but the God of the Bible is jealous:

Exo 34:14 For you shall worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
Deu 6:15 (For the LORD your God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and destroy you from off the face of the earth.

So, you see.. God wouldn't take to the idea of being called evil and wishes the glory for the good things He does. He also is a person and is also Jealous - jealousy appears to be an attribute or character trait of His Deity - and that is a trait we understand as being only descriptive of a real PERSON. Only PERSONS can be jealous as God here describes Himself as being. The passage above states that His jealousy is such that if those who profess to follow Him do not do so, He promises to destroy us from off the face of the earth. A warning the Church should take to heart in every age throughout history.

Sara.

-- March 20, 2007 11:40 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Nellie B,

Hi there welcome again, haven't seen you for a while.

Carole,

Go fishing, never mind the bait.

Sara,

Thanks, deep thoughts, between God and the bum in the street, it is only a matter of gradient.

Anyhow, Dinars perhaps.

Thanks Rob N.

DrDinar have occasional group phone calls, and sometimes he get hold of a prognosticator or so, usually son of a daughters friend of the Finance Ministers aunt.

By all means, please report back , there might be something of interest, usually a new date to expect something spectacular to happen on.

About Dinars

The HCL have been stuck and seem to be more stuck, and seemingly will always be stuck.

Latest move when all these so called experts have been circulating warning texts to many members of the Iraqi parliament against doing this law, instead they are proposing that Iraq should themselves develop the oilfields.

That's all nice and ducky, but that would put them immediately on another 10-15 years behind any kind of development needed to get the production going.

They don't have the current modern technology, and to invest in it, means that they anyway have to contract with the same companies that now are willing to get in and start drilling.

Just a bunch of blabbers.

The Iraqi Govt is also a bunch of blabbers.

The UN, as posted above, wants to "set goals" , well since when did the UN do industrial oil drilling, and have any kind of resource to rebuild the Iraqi oil fields, or any other oil field for that matter. UN another bunch of blabbers.

I think the Iraqis have not got the idea of representative Democracy.

Instead of everyone meddling in all businesses, and in order to not have to go to the town square and do a hand's up ballot for any and all issues, laws or regulations needed for the city, county, state or federal state, you elect representatives.

Then you go about your business, and he goes about his business.

If you don't like the representative, and are opposed to him, then elect someone else, simple.

Iraq, is a deadlocked blabber place where voting routines, passage of bills, and debate is first and for all not even attended in any numbers, (they were all there when the vote for THEIR pay), second, sheiks, mullahs and Imans dictate for them what is important, friendship can be bought and sold as a commodity.

Bribes is part of the life to such an extent that it is expected.

Hostage taking, can be done in such a way, that unless you pay under the table, nothing or the opposite will happen.

If you get to a checkpoint, and surrender your papers, they have the hostage, and now you might need to pay them to surrender your documents.

This kind of practice, very common in many 3rd worlds is hard to get at, because if you can pay the police, judge, lawyers and jury, you cant stop it, as the means of stopping it, is itself corrupt.

The Dinar still low and undervalued, doesn't do the Iraqis any good.

However, the Iraqis own industry needs to get going.

One of the biggest trade partners of Iraq, Iran is getting a big foothold.

As Iraq doesn't have much of anything themselves in terms of production of consumer goods, they import, and Iran has gotten a big boost.

So the money that is suppose to circulate in the Iraqi economy is not doing so, but are more or less going straight out of Iraq, in order to purchase consumer goods.

Iran, hundreds of truckloads a DAY with consumer goods are going into Iraq from Iran.

Air conditioners, cars, books, you name it, all made in Iran, and consumed by Iraq.

As the electricity infrastructure is so undeveloped the whole city of Basra will start getting electricity from Iran.

So the industry in IRAN is getting a boost, not the industry in Iraq.

Why?...because they have to blabber a bit first, and then they have to blab a little bit more.

So the very few earnings an Iraqi man have, is not going back to Iraq, in order for him to survive, and have the bare necessities in life, he has to enrich IRAN.

So here's UN "setting goals", 'experts" advising against the HCL, CBI keep the Dinar in the rock bottom, and are in no hurry at all to rise the Dinar value, and the Iraqi Parliament (present on occasion) works one day and have ten days off, every second day is some holy day of some sort, and programs, badly needed laws, and a push forward into a better Iraq is not important.

Probably never has been important either, just the ordinary, business as usually.

To break this circle, other kind of ethical and morals are needed, a shake up is promised by Malaki, but I chuckle when i read the latest about that, ...it has been postponed, and may come in a couple of months.

Has Malaki ever done anything he promised?

Oh yes, he has promised a lot, but seems to get into instant confusion when it comes to executing it.

If you do a lot for these people, take their Dictator off the throne, set the people free, build schools, set up programs, get them a new currency, set them up in any and all forms with help organizations, with international support, with troops for their security, on and on, we even sacrifice our own life for them, and they are more interested of debating their God in every Parliamentary session and business meetings.

They don't give a rats ass, they know we are there, and are carrying the brunt of THEIR security, THEIR organizational set up, and their guarantee to their future.

If it's not important for them to get this ship on the road, why would it be important to us? Don't say oil, we will get it in one way or the other anyway whoever is pumping.

If you have a kid, you do everything for that kid, feed him, clothe him, love him, school him, and care for him, but in every turn he is making trouble for you, then the kid will lose privileges.

If the Iraqis are themselves not stepping up, then why would we keep giving him privileges.

I guess the warning have been given many times to the Iraqis, but the message is not getting through.

Bush is desperate to show progress in Iraq, and are pushing for things to happen, but so far, with all the programs, laws and other things lined up, instead, we keep hearing, next month, next month, bla bla bla.

We would probably not be pulling out of Iraq, but we would instead go to a couple of bases, and hold those.

The insurgency crackdown is going good, but that can hold only until jobs, opportunities and investments can replace the military hold down.

So right now it is urgently needed fast and quick investments, oil production, jobs and all that, but bla bla bla.

Do these people think they can leisurely on occasion attend Parliamentary meetings, blabb themselves through months after months, while we are bleeding for THEM.

I guess they think so, and we are willing to do so, confusing the War On Terror with holding another nations hand while they do nothing, solving THEIR problems.

No I don't say we should get out, but I really don't mind either taking back the country, run it ourselves, or kicking but with the current Iraqi regime to such a point that the mere thought of another goat barbie in the middle of a workweek would give them vomiting feelings.

-- March 21, 2007 2:13 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Nellie B,

We really have not got any views from across the pond on the Iraqi thingie lately, the patience with Iraq is wearing thin here, not so much that it is the wrong ting to do , or so, but mostly with the incompetence of the Iraqis themselves.

What is the latest from over there?

-- March 21, 2007 2:25 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Of course it was not meant to be offensive either, you know me pretty well by now, and we have pretty much establish were we stand, and can talk freely, and say freely anything to each other.

I know I can't rock your boat and vice versa, and as long as we have talked we know that we are probing into each other realities, posing challenging thoughts, and knows that the other will see it as a reality that might or might not be accepted.

You know, and I know, that the discussion we're having on occasion in between you and me, is not cheap shots trying to insult.

We're discussing on a completely different level.

The notion that it was intended to be offensive, was created and served to you by Carole.

-- March 21, 2007 2:38 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

CBI still showing the Tuesday Rate. Would appreciate someone else posting the Wed. Rate when it appears

Thanks!

-- March 21, 2007 5:49 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Roger.

I knew we were discussing things rightly - on a different level, and as always your thoughts were interesting and welcome.

As for your saying, "The HCL have been stuck and seem to be more stuck, and seemingly will always be stuck."

It is sometimes seemingly discouraging.. but remember, they DID eventually.. in the very last possible second... ratify their new Constitution. And, they also voted into power the politicians they now have, too.. risking life and limb to do so. So maybe June is where the end of it is.. at the last possible second that it can take until.

But as I said.. any sooner is welcome, too. :)

You never know.. people can suprise you! :)

Sara.

-- March 21, 2007 8:42 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

These are the people the former MsM mollycoddles:

Children used in Iraq attack: US general
By Kristin Roberts
Wednesday, 21 March 2007

Iraqi insurgents used children in a weekend suicide attack, a US general said, raising concerns the insurgency has adopted a new tactic to get through security checkpoints with bombs.

Major General Michael Barbero, deputy director for regional operations in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, said adults in a vehicle with two children in the back seat were allowed through a Baghdad checkpoint on Sunday.

The adults then parked next to a market in the Adamiya area of Baghdad, abandoned the vehicle and detonated it with the children still inside, according to the general and another defence official.

"Children in the back seat, lower suspicion, we let it move through," Barbero said.

"They parked the vehicle, the adults run out and detonate it with the children in the back.

"The brutality and ruthless nature of this enemy hasn't changed."

The attack killed five, including the children, and wounded seven, the defence official said.

The general called it a new tactic, but noted US forces had only seen one such occurrence involving children.

The use of chemical bombings has increased and become a tool of the insurgency, as the three chlorine bombs detonated this past weekend brought the total to six such bombings since January, the general said.

"High-profile" suicide and car bomb attacks by Sunnis against Shi'ites also have not abated, Barbero said.

But he said increased force in Iraq's capital had yielded some success, such as a reduction in murders and executions of civilians.

He also said hundreds of families had returned to Baghdad and the number of tips from Iraqi civilians about insurgent activity hit its highest mark ever in February.

Representative Ike Skelton, a Missouri Democrat who chairs the US House of Representatives' Armed Services Committee, said violence between Sunnis and Shi'ites will worsen when the United States leaves Iraq, regardless of when that pull-out occurs.

"Should there be a redeployment now, six months from now, two years from now, the sectarian violence will increase," Skelton said.

"It's inevitable."

http://bathurst.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=international%20news&subclass=general&story_id=568169&category=general

-- March 21, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
Completely agree with your description of the Iraqi view of how things are done...After watching these plowboys for the last couple of years...it reminds me of the chicken house being turned over to the fox...when chickens start to come up missing from groups of fox running freely throughout the chicken house, and the master fox is brought to task on the rampaging chickens..the master fox blames the farmers sheep dogs out in the yard for stealing the chickens...ignoring the fact, that it is his own foxes that is raging havoc within the chicken house...then the master fox, says we will stop this stealing of chickens ...but we must leave a certain group of foxes alone that operate freely within the hen house...why? Because their leader is another master fox and he is a friend of mine...Now after several thousands of chicken deaths and disappearances, the master fox says..no more..then gives a hint to his friend the other master fox...you had better leave the chicken house, because all of the foxes within the house is now fair game...to the hunters...
The question is...when is the master fox who flew the coup...going to be allowed to return...? I bet ya! the master fox knows....

Meanwhile the chickens have quit laying the golden eggs that were expected...due to fear and having to watch for too many foxes in sheep dog clothing...

-- March 21, 2007 10:01 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

On War Anniversary, Nets Stress Dire Views of Iraqis, Skip How Iraqis Don't See Civil War
Posted by Brent Baker on March 19, 2007

ABC anchor Charles Gibson led on Monday night, the fourth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, with the results of a door-to-door survey of more than 2,000 Iraqis conducted for ABC News (and USA Today). The ABC survey found that 56 percent of Iraqis don't believe there is a “civil war,” with 42 percent thinking there is, but ABC's World News skipped that finding. The British poll determined 61 percent don't believe they're in a civil war compared to 27 percent who think they are in a civil war, yet Couric asserted the nation is in the midst of one.

Hume's March 19 “Grapevine” item on FNC's Special Report with Brit Hume:

“On this fourth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war a new survey, based on an unusually large sample of Iraqis, indicates that contrary to many Western analysts most Iraqis do not believe their country is embroiled in a civil war. The poll of more than 5,000 Iraqi adults was conducted by the British market research firm Opinion Research Business and reported in our sister publication, the Times of London. 61 percent of the respondents did not think the situation qualifies as a civil war there. 49 percent said life is better under the current Iraqi government. Just 26 percent preferred life under Saddam Hussein. And 64 percent want to see a united Iraq under a central national government.”

The Times of London's summary of the poll: “Iraqis: life is getting better."

The same paper's March 18 article about the civil war question: “Resilient Iraqis ask what civil war?”

A version of the combined articles as posted by The Australian: “It's better than Saddam, say hopeful Iraqis.”

===

Comments:

1) Hero Squad Says:

I'll bet if the media could've somehow polled the people who were tortured and murdered during Hussein's regime, that 42% figure would've been much higher.

I guess that's what happens when you eliminate your dissenters.

2) BD Says:

1.) There have been significant increases in Iraq's sewage treatment, and water distribution capabilities in the four years we have been in Iraq. Prior to our arrival only major cities had clean water.... and only sporadically.

2.) The presence of suicide bombers only indicates that our enemy is "Shooting Back." Move on please. While I was there the Iraqi's did not hold casualties from sucide bombings against the US. They held it against the other factions. US troops actually are MORE trusted than any of the locals. Locals tend to prefer US troops provide local security than having others in the role.

3.) There is more electricity being consumed in Iraq now than duirng ANY year of the Saddam Regime. The recent purchasing of computers, air conditioners, microwave ovens etc has exponentially increased electricity usage since we have arrived. In order to make up for this gain, local communities off the grid (And ALWAYS off the GRID during the Saddam Regime) have been purcahsing their own generators.

3) mattm Says:

As for WMD:

1. There were WMD, Saddam gased the Kurds... The WMD were either moved, destroyed or hidden... but their extent was probably exaggerated - especially by Hussein himself.

2. The WMD weren't the main problem, nor were they the only reason for the war. Saddam Hussein's fanatical, terrorist-abetting regime was the problem.

Whether or not Bush's policy was well advised, is and will always be debatable, but to actively campaign for defeat, especially for merely political "gotcha-ism" is counter-productive.

4) BD Says:

What did they stretch?

Was saddam attempting to acquire weapons? Yes.

Did Saddam have missiles which were prohibited by agreement? Yes.

Have binary chemical artillery rounds been found, and even used by Iraqi insurgents? Yes.

Did they still have staffs planning for the use of such equipment? Yes.

What is your point again?

5) radiofitz34 Says:

In the pacific theatre of World War II, there was this women named Tokyo Rose. She would get on the radio and tell the US troups to go home and that the empire of Japan would prevail. In the USA, we don't need Tokyo Rose, we have our own American media playing that role. I mean I've heard of desperate measures to win a 2008 election but tanking the war. That's just BS. The liberals are playing with the lives of American troups and might be bringing terrorist acts back to our soil again.

ABC, NBC and CBS should be ashamed of themselves. Apparently they are not.

6) mattm Says:

I also love how they bring up how long this war has been going on in comparison to WWII and Korea.... Well we're still in Korea and Germany and Tokyo. Besides, it's an apples and oranges comparison. We're not fighting a conventional war against uniformed soldiers of soverign nations, were fighting for a soverign nation (the duly elected government of Iraq) against terrorists who are hell-bent on thwarting the march of freedom and democracy.

It would be nice if the media in this country would join the good guys.

7) mattm Says:

First of all, the actual "war" was "won" within a couple months of its start. Hussein's regime was ended. Since then, we've been attempting to keep the peace, the Iraqis have elected a soverign government and have begun the process of building a democracy. But terrorists (who are encouraged by Leftist naysayers in the media, in Congress and in the blogosphere) are making it difficult - because they, like the Libs, can't afford politically for this policy to succeed.

8) BD Says:

Our presence and its increased stability is "WINNING." And I challenge you to prove to me that we are not gaining stability day by day. (Warning, two time Iraq vet here....)

9) old cro Says:

Wow, longer than WWI and WWII. The problem is the MSM and some of you bloggers here do not realize we are in a fight for the rest of our (yours, mine, everyone's) LIFE. Civilization, as we have come to know and love here in the US, is at stake, and you/they cannot see past the tip of Waxman's nose. Stories on Global warming, Ms. Smith and other nonsense rule the day. Quibbling over whether it’s a civil war or not is idiotic. The MSM has it’s agenda set and their sticking to it. Sad, sad times we live in.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11521

-- March 21, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq insurgents ‘on the defensive’
By Steve Negus

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

21 March 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
The US-Iraqi offensive launched last month has put anti-government forces on the defensive in their former insurgent strong­hold of Anbar, Britain’s top general in Iraq has told the Financial Times.

“We’re getting momentum . . . We’re seeing a number of points . . .  which would imply that [anti-government militants] are being challenged,” said Lieutenant General Graeme Lamb, deputy commander of the multinational forces in Iraq.

Lt Gen Lamb said that US and Iraqi forces were recruiting hundreds of police for the first time in towns in the Anbar region and that the forces were working together in shared combat outposts.

The insurgency “didn’t do too well in Anbar . . . Their claims have failed to come to fruition,” he said, referring to the declaration by Islamist radicals that they had established a “caliphate” encompassing much of western Iraq.

Lt Gen Lamb did concede that car bomb attacks In Baghdad and a surge of violence in neighbouring Diyala had to be addressed. The US military admitted last week that car bomb attacks in the capital threatened to undermine the progress that has been made by Operation Enforcing the Law.

Lt Gen Lamb said that US and Iraqi planners were learning to reduce the threat, establishing an outer cordon around the city as well as barriers, or “point defence” protection around key targets inside.

The US military has reported cases in which car bombs have been stopped at checkpoints. In some cases the bombs detonated killing Iraqi security forces, but the casualties would arguably have been much greater had the blasts hit crowded commercial districts.

General Lamb, who commanded British ground forces in Iraq in 2003 and 2004 said that multinational forces now had the benefit of four years of experience in fighting the insurgents.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 21, 2007 1:02 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Demand for dollar down in daily auction
By Dergham Mohamed Ali

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

Baghdad, 21 March 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Demand for the dollar was down in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Tuesday, reaching $56.899 million, compared with $88.015 million on Monday.

In its daily statement, the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $13.265 million in cash and $42.634 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,277 dinars per dollar, unchanged from Thursday.

None of the 12 banks that participated in Tuesday's auction offered to sell dollars.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the decline in today's demand for the dollar was due to expectation that the exchange rate will go down at least one tick tomorrow."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 21, 2007 1:05 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Four Years On, Bush Urges Patience in Iraq
By Barbara Ferguson

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

WASHINGTON, 21 March 2007 (Arab News)
Print article Send to friend
With Democrats pushing for an end to the Iraq war now entering its fifth year, President Bush pleaded for more patience yesterday, saying success is possible but "will take months, not days or weeks."

The war has stretched longer, with higher costs, than the White House ever predicted. On the fourth anniversary of the day Bush directed the invasion to begin, the president made a televised statement from the White House Roosevelt Room to defend continued US involvement. He said his plan to send 21,500 additional US troops to secure Baghdad and Iraq's troubled Anbar province "will need more time to take effect." Bush added: "There will be good days and bad days ahead as the security plan unfolds."

Bush's speech followed a weekend of anti-war protests around the United States and more suicide blasts in Iraq.

In his White House speech, Bush attempted to neutralize Democratic calls for a withdrawal of troops. Congress will vote Thursday to determine if they have the 218 votes needed in Congress to set timeline for US troop pullout. Democrats, put in power on Capitol Hill mainly because of anti-war public sentiment, are trying to use their power of the purse to force action. So far, Iraq's leadership is struggling to meet the major benchmarks that it has pledged to the United States.

The impending House vote concerns a $124 billion spending bill, $95.5 billion of which is targeted for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of the other money is for unrelated domestic programs, which also has angered the White House. The legislation would provide funding for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan through 2007 but would essentially prompt the withdrawal of troops from Iraq by the fall of 2008.

Also yesterday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice staunchly defended going to war in Iraq, but acknowledged the Bush administration should have sent more troops initially to quell the civil strife following the invasion.

Asked on CBS's "The Early Show" to say what the Bush administration could have done better, she said that, early on, officials "might have looked to a more localized, more decentralized approach to reconstruction."

"… And I do believe that the kind of counterinsurgency strategy which Gen. (David) Petraeus is now pursuing, in which we have enough forces to clear an area and hold it so that building and governance can emerge, is the best strategy. And that probably was not pursued in the very beginning," she added.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a persistent critic of the war strategy but a supporter of the war itself, has repeatedly complained that not enough US troops were placed on the ground in the weeks and months following the March 2003 invasion.

Bush's speech coincides with a poll that said fewer than one in five Iraqis has confidence in US-led coalition troops and they are evenly split on whether they have confidence in Iraq's government.

Iraqis are growing increasingly pessimistic according to the survey gauging public opinion four years after the US-led invasion of their country. The British Broadcasting Corp., ABC News, USA Today and Germany's ARD television commissioned the poll. Only 18 percent of Iraqis have confidence in US and coalition troops, and 86 percent are concerned that someone in their household will be a victim of violence.

-- March 21, 2007 1:10 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Invites Foreign Firms to Oil Tender

Iraq has issued a tender to drill 50 new oil fields in the southern Province of Maysan, according to Arab daily Azzaman.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 21, 2007 1:12 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

This would change the entire makeup of the Senate leadership, with the Republicans 51-50 - and the Republicans having the tie breaker.

Video: Lieberman 'won't rule out' switch to Republicans

In an interview with MSNBC's Nora O'Donnell, Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) admits that joining the Republican Party is not out of the realm of possibility for him.

"I wouldn't rule [a switch to the GOP] out," Leiberman says to O'Donnell, adding that "my real hope here is to stay and fight for the kind of Democratic Party I joined when John F. Kennedy was president." He also says that he could support a Republican pro-war presidential candidate.

Lieberman said, "And to be as direct as I can be, Norah, in this question of who I will support for president, I'm going to wait until both parties have their nominees, and I'm going to support the candidate that I think is best for our country, regardless of party. And obviously the positions that they take on the war on terrorism will be very important to me."

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Video_Lieberman_considering_support_for_GOP_0319.html

-- March 21, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

To All...from across the pond..

BAGHDAD (Reuters uk) - U.S. forces have released a senior aide to Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on the orders of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Maliki's office said on Wednesday.

Ahmed Shibani, who had been held for more than two years, is a senior aide to Sadr, a radical anti-American cleric who is also the leader of the Mehdi Army militia which Washington recently called the greatest threat to security in Iraq.

Shibani's release is likely to boost the standing of Maliki, a Shi'ite Islamist who relies on Sadr for political support. The Sadrist movement holds a quarter of parliamentary seats in the ruling Shi'ite Alliance.

Sadr's political movement is an important part of the coalition government and holds several ministries.

"(Shibani) has been released this afternoon on the orders of Prime Minister Maliki," an official in the prime minister's office told Reuters.

Nassar al-Rubaei, head of the Sadrist bloc in parliament, said U.S. forces had been detaining Shibani without charge.

"We know that today he will be released by the occupation forces and delivered to the prime minister today to be freed," he said. Another Sadr Movement official said Shibani was at the prime minister's headquarters in Baghdad.

"This is a great victory for us," said Abdul Mahdi al-Matiri, a senior member in Sadr's political council. "We cannot deny that this happened with major efforts from the prime minister."

Shibani was arrested in Najaf with another 17 Sadr followers on accusations of carrying heavy weapons and was believed to be held at a U.S. base at the airport in Baghdad.

Last year, an Iraqi court found no evidence against Shibani and his colleagues but U.S. forces kept him in detention.

The U.S. military confirmed Shibani's release.

"Tonight, coalition forces released into the custody of the Prime Minster of Iraq Sheik Ahmed Abady al-Shibani who was detained two and a half years ago in Najaf," the military said in a statement.

"In consultation with the prime minister, and following his request, coalition leaders determined that Sheik Shibani, who was detained since 2004, could play a potentially important role in helping to moderate extremism and foster reconciliation in Iraq."

Shi'ite officials said Maliki and the Sadrists had a tense relationship in the past few months, particularly since the launch of a major security crackdown in which Maliki pledged to tackle both Shi'ite and Sunni militants."The relationship was tense for some time, the Sadrists saw the Baghdad plan as against them. The release will put it back on track," a senior Shi'ite Alliance official told Reuters. "Maliki will be their favourite again."

U.S. and Iraqi forces have killed or arrested hundreds of Sadr's followers since the crackdown started. In January, the U.S. military arrested Sadr's spokesman in Baghdad, Sheikh Abdul Hadi al- Darraji.

U.S. and Iraqi forces recently extended the security crackdown into Sadr City, a stronghold of Sadr's Mehdi Army, but have met little resistance and U.S. commanders say senior militants appear to have left the capital.

However, there has been concern over whether the Mehdi Army and Sadr himself, who Washington says is in Iran, have embraced the plan or are merely lying low until it is over.

matt.

-- March 21, 2007 6:54 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

To All, a sample of things over here..

LONDON (Reuters) - Two aspiring prime ministers gave a taster on Wednesday of the ferocious political battles to come in the post-Tony Blair era as they traded personal attacks and rowed over the economy.

Chancellor Gordon Brown, expected to succeed Blair in June or July, caught youthful Conservative Party leader David Cameron off guard by announcing a cut in income tax in his 11th and probably last budget.
Photo

But a self-assured Cameron -- way ahead of Brown in the polls -- accused his rival of massive waste, portrayed him as a relic of the past and seized on a scathing attack by a former top civil servant who accused Brown of "Stalinist ruthlessness".

"For years he wanted to be the young pretender, now he's ended up as the old man in the Kremlin," joked Cameron.

"It is a bit like Stalin. They are cheering him on now, he'll wipe them out later," he said as Labour Party MPs rowdily applauded Brown's budget speech.

Cameron likened Labour to "a listing, leaking rusting hulk" that was heading for the rocks: "He (Brown) can't jump ship because he's been the pilot for the last 10 years."

Brown, renowned for his mighty intellect but not for his charisma, sought to make light of the "Stalinist" quip by former civil servant Lord Turnbull, who also accused Brown of having a "very cynical view of mankind and his colleagues".Brown noted the only chancellor in the last two centuries to deliver 11 budgets was William Gladstone -- who combined that position with that of prime minister.

"Something ... no one should ever contemplate doing today," Brown said, adding with a smile that he should refer to his civil servants as "comrades".

Labour MPs laughed boisterously. Many are anxious that Brown, 56 and frequently labelled a dour Scot, will be no match for the telegenic Cameron, 40 at the next general election, expected in 2009.
Photo

In traditional parliamentary jousting, Brown accused the Conservatives of producing policies that were not "properly thought through" and that would penalise taxpayers.

Cameron in turn needled Brown over his age and links to the Blair's decade in power, which has left many voters disillusioned after the Iraq war and struggling to see improvements in the public services despite massive spending.

"You are an out-of-date politician wedded to state control," Cameron charged. "The question everyone is asking is where has the money gone?".

Matt.
P.S Have any of you heard of a guy recently in the news called Lewis Hamilton?

-- March 21, 2007 7:10 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

mattuk,

Thanks for the news from over there.

It seems like it is the same all over the world, the weakness of Democracy is the endless bickering the politicians are involved in, the slug fest is not only happening here, but is alive and well in the UK as well.

No can't say I know Lewis Hamilton, is he one of the other PM candidates in the UK?

The report of a Shiia leader released, well if he wasn't charged, why not let him go, either you charge him or you don't, unless he is a combatant, detained for the duration of a war.

The report you gave, was also a very encouraging one, where it said that it appears that the highest leaders of the Shiia militia seems to have disappeared from Baghdad.

They probably put their tail between their legs, and did what the fat boy, Sad'r did, went over the border to Iraq, and are lying low.

Mattuk,

What is the consensus of the Brits about Iraq now?

Good, bad, ugly?

Carl,

That was brilliant.

Sara,

Yes they got the ratification done .....just in the nick of time, and I have a feeling that it was with a lot of push, and pressure from the US side.

The HCL law, well I don't know if these people NEED a supervisor hanging over their shoulders telling them what to do, maybe they do, because as soon as they are left to do anything on their own responsibility, it just isn't getting done.

It's like a class in school where they take children that needs special attention, those kids that are so drugged down with drugs that the psychiatrists are giving them for "ADD disorder".

The confusion in the room is complete, any communication is addressed to anyone that happens to be close, and short term memory is like a gold fish....about 3 seconds.

That's the way the Iraqi parliament comes across.

Well they might surprise me, but I don't hold my breath, during the time I have been in the "Dinar game" one of my realizations was that nothing happens over there.

At first I thought that it was a delay, then perhaps conspiracy, then it was wrong orders, then it was faulty plan, then it was ......it doesn't matter, the people in charge over there doesn't give a rats ass, or is so completely incompetent that it's embarrassing.

I think all of us, in the west have come to the same conclusion.

Doesn't it tell you something when the Chief Police Officer in Iraq, have to admit, that he have ONE THIRD of his officers, listed as COMPLETELY ILLITERATE.

When we went into Iraq, we had 70-80% support, it was so seemingly easy.

I think the Bush Administration have got the same medicine.

Didn't it look easy, go in there, get rid of Saddam, and everybody would come out dancing on the streets, like in Europe at WW2 when the Allied liberated town after town.

Sprinkle the Freedom and Democracy pixels.

The very first thing these people did, was to loot everything that wasn't bolted down, and if it was, they torched the bolts off, and left their own institutions with bare walls.

The they started to kill each other with ferocity.

These people don't have our values, we went in there with our rights and wrongs, expecting them to cooperate.

There is a reason Palestine is a dump and Israel is green park.

Give a bum a new suit, new apartment, new wrist watch new car, and watch him after a month.

You will find him in the same place as you found him the first time, in the gutter.

I say it again, we gave away that country to imbecillis and idiots, people that don't have a clue that between two dots is a straight line.

-- March 22, 2007 3:54 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The IMF "standby agreement" that was recently extended six months, might mark a new era for the Iraqi Dinar, the IMF will be much less in the hair of the Iraq's, and leave the Iraqis in another condition than they have now.

Six months from now, makes Sep as the breaking of ties with IMF.

Earlier reports suggesting an increase around election times in Oct, is another date to look for.

Stated clearly though is that IMF (well actually the WB, but same thing in different clothing) is in approval of a higher valued Dinar.

The Iraqis themselves wants a higher valued Dinar, and are in fact talking about values close to yesteryear's value when it was in the vicinity of 3 dollars and 50 cents.

This is, as we all know completely impossible, but what would the plan be if they are determined to do so.

Well herein lies the problem, you must get as many Dinars BACK as possible, in order to not have the market flooded with the currency.

So how would a plan be. looking from CBI in order to get Dinars back in droves.

Easy, RV.

Now they cant RV the whole amount, they can do a bit at a time.

So ok, lets say they RV to 10 cents, ok now there's so many investors that are jumping crazy and cash in, and some are holding.

Those Dinars that are cashed in, would eventually go back to CBI and would go quicker if they put out a bid to purchase them from the banks all over the world.

Here is the trick to milk out as many Dinars as possible.

Start with an RV of 10 cents, and let it hang there for some days, then you start a slow downgrading of the currency, slowly and painfully, now the Dinar is a currency that have a downtrend, and those that decided to hang in and wait for better times, are getting nervous, and sells when it hits 8 cents, in order to not lose any more.

Ok eventually the Dinar cant hold the pressure downwards, and the investors that have cashed in, have probably cashed in by now.

Then you RV again, lets say to 65 cents, and redo the cycle over and over again.

In the meanwhile all the excess Dinars out there was bought up by CBI from investors like you and me, that have eventually reached a comfortable point where they feel that they can cash in.

The IMF are strongly recommending CBI to "refinance" it's operation, I'm not completely sure what they mean by that, but one thing for sure, if they RV, they will have added a lot of dynamite to their own vaults.

If there is any insiders with knowledge about a real and sure 'RV coming up, I think we should look for our own supply sources.

Most plausible is to look for bigger finance institutions, like banks, if there is a bank that suddenly would stop selling dinars.....we know of Chase One right now, that is selling, if they would by some reason or the other one day stop selling this currency.....hold on, there is a reason for everything, then they are themselves hording it, and not selling it.

Check that if it happens, just an obvious sign if insider knowledge is at hand in a bank.

It would be fun to get a couple of rumors now

-- March 22, 2007 4:39 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

Announcement No.(888)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 888 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/ 3/ 22 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1275 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 72.605.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 201.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 72.605.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 201.000 -----

-- March 22, 2007 6:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Opens New Small-Business Center
3/21/2007

Amid the dangers of daily car bombings and sniper fire, the government of Iraq and the U.S. Agency for International Development are rallying local entrepreneurs to launch start-up businesses, as the nation now enters its fifth year of conflict.

Earlier this month, the agency announced the opening of the fifth Small Business Development Center in the war-torn country since November.

The centers, which are located in a handful of provinces, offer workshops in business planning, marketing, cash flow, and loan applications, among other entrepreneurial skills, in such hotbed regions as Baghdad and Kirkuk.

On top of basic business training, they also provide useful connections to local microfinance institutions, banks, and other sources of start-up capital, the agency said.

The effort is part of Izdihar -- meaning "prosperity" in Arabic -- a three-year program funded by the USAID to assist the Iraqi government in expanding the country's private sector.

So far, it's managed to attract several hundred participants spread almost evenly between men and women, including local shop owners, restaurateurs, and other Iraqi businesspeople, the agency said.

"Initially, I hesitated to participate," a pastry chef who participated in a recent SBDC workshop, told USAID Izdihar officials. "Now I feel that it has been very helpful and I must change the way I run my business. I have to analyze the market and define my objectives accordingly," she said, adding the next step was to create a trademark for her products, along with a cash-flow statement and an operating budget.

At the end a typical five-day training course, most participants should be able to create a viable business plan and know how to access capital, the agency said.

The hope behind establishing the centers and promoting entrepreneurship is to generate greater regional stability with jobs and economic opportunities, despite the war-zone realities of everyday life, the agency said.

"Don't be intimidated. Start you business now," a State Ministry for Women's Affairs official told a meeting of 60 Iraqi businesswomen at an Izdihar-sponsored conference in February.

Not surprisingly, many entrepreneurs are instead lying low these days.

"As you know, the bad security is the first obstacle," an Iraqi hotel owner said on a recent prime-time television series about local small-business owners on the local Al-Iraqiya network.

Iraq Opens New Small-Business Center - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 22, 2007 2:56 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US, Iraqi Troops seize chemicals in Baghdad
US soldier killed in Baghdad as House Democrats engage in last-minute budget haggling over Iraq.

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

BAGHDAD, 22 March 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Hundreds of Iraqi and US troops have pushed into troubled areas of western Baghdad, arresting 31 suspects and impounding containers of nitric acid and chlorine, the US military said Thursday.

Around 1,100 US soldiers and 500 Iraqi troops swept into the Mansur district on Wednesday, conducting house to house searches.

Iraqi forces detained 20 suspects and US troops another 11, while two weapons caches were seized with containers of nitric acid and chlorine, the military said in a statement.

Last Friday, two policemen were killed and 350 civilians required hospital treatment after insurgents detonated three trucks filled with toxic chlorine gas in the seventh insurgent gas attack this year alone.

Codenamed Arrowhead Strike Nine, the latest raid is part of Operation Fardh al-Qanoon (Imposing Law) that was launched last month to regain control of Baghdad.

US soldier killed in Baghdad

A US soldier was killed in Baghdad when gunmen ambushed his combat patrol during an ongoing American-led security operation in the war-torn Iraqi capital, the US military said Thursday.

The soldier was killed when the patrol was attacked with small arms fire in a western sector of Baghdad on Wednesday, the military said.

The latest deaths brought the US military's losses in Iraq since the March 20 invasion four years ago to 3,223, according to a count based on Pentagon figures.

US forces free aide of top Shiite cleric

A top aide of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has been released after nearly three years in US military detention, a media officer at Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's office said on Wednesday.

"Ahmed Shibani was released at the prime minister's request," Haider Majid said.

Sadr's office in Baghdad confirmed Shibani's release.

Sadr is a key political ally of Maliki's embattled Shiite-led national unity government.

The cleric's political bloc has six ministers in the cabinet and 32 lawmakers in the 275-member Iraqi parliament.

Shibani was a prominent spokesman for the cleric during the August 2004 rebellion when Sadr's Mahdi Army militia fought US forces in the central holy city of Najaf.

He was arrested by the US military after the rebellion in which hundreds of Mahdi Army militants were killed.

Not handing power to Iraqis quickly was 'mistake': Bolton

The coalition forces that invaded Iraq in March 2003 made a "mistake" in not handing power to Iraqis quickly enough, former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said in an interview on Wednesday.

"The real problem was in not relying more on Iraqis," Bolton told the BBC.

"By imposing the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) for a year, we denied the Iraqis at least a year of learning how to live with each other ... So in 20/20 hindsight, and I confess it's hindsight, that was a mistake, obviously ...

The CPA was established by the United States about two months after the March 2003 invasion, and was only dissolved in June 2004 in the run-up to national elections in Iraq.

"It's perfectly obvious given the circumstances that we should have handled it differently, and what I would have done differently is much earlier, much sooner after the overthrow, given it back to the Iraqis," he said.

Bolton, who was also formerly undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, was a staunch backer of the war in Iraq.

House Democrats in last-minute budget haggling over Iraq

Democrats in the US House of Representatives engaged in last-minute haggling Wednesday on the eve of an expected debate over a controversial 124 billion dollar budget supplemental to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Top Democrats want to link approval of the money to a withdrawal of US forces from Iraq by August 31, 2008. However the party's leftist base wants the legislators to approve the funding only on condition that the troops begin to withdraw this year.

It seems unlikely that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will get members to vote on the request this week as first expected.

The leftist "Out of Iraq" caucus includes dozens of House members -- and Democrats are under no illusion they will convince Republicans loyal to President George W. Bush to vote with them on this issue.

At midday Democratic majority leader Steny Hoyer said he was hopeful a majority favoring the measure could be reached.

"We're getting closer," he said.

Hours later a source close to the Democratic leadership described the situation as "optimistic and making gains."

Republicans, most loyal to the White House despite growing doubts over the unpopular war, sought to emphasize splits among the majority party.

"We see a leadership that's unable to lead," said Republican Eric Cantor. "Their caucus is extremely divided."

Calls for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq remain in the text of the House measure, even though it will not likely become law as Bush has repeatedly said he will veto the measure.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 22, 2007 4:39 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US, Iraqi Troops seize chemicals in Baghdad
US soldier killed in Baghdad as House Democrats engage in last-minute budget haggling over Iraq.

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

BAGHDAD, 22 March 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Hundreds of Iraqi and US troops have pushed into troubled areas of western Baghdad, arresting 31 suspects and impounding containers of nitric acid and chlorine, the US military said Thursday.

Around 1,100 US soldiers and 500 Iraqi troops swept into the Mansur district on Wednesday, conducting house to house searches.

Iraqi forces detained 20 suspects and US troops another 11, while two weapons caches were seized with containers of nitric acid and chlorine, the military said in a statement.

Last Friday, two policemen were killed and 350 civilians required hospital treatment after insurgents detonated three trucks filled with toxic chlorine gas in the seventh insurgent gas attack this year alone.

Codenamed Arrowhead Strike Nine, the latest raid is part of Operation Fardh al-Qanoon (Imposing Law) that was launched last month to regain control of Baghdad.

US soldier killed in Baghdad

A US soldier was killed in Baghdad when gunmen ambushed his combat patrol during an ongoing American-led security operation in the war-torn Iraqi capital, the US military said Thursday.

The soldier was killed when the patrol was attacked with small arms fire in a western sector of Baghdad on Wednesday, the military said.

The latest deaths brought the US military's losses in Iraq since the March 20 invasion four years ago to 3,223, according to a count based on Pentagon figures.

US forces free aide of top Shiite cleric

A top aide of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has been released after nearly three years in US military detention, a media officer at Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's office said on Wednesday.

"Ahmed Shibani was released at the prime minister's request," Haider Majid said.

Sadr's office in Baghdad confirmed Shibani's release.

Sadr is a key political ally of Maliki's embattled Shiite-led national unity government.

The cleric's political bloc has six ministers in the cabinet and 32 lawmakers in the 275-member Iraqi parliament.

Shibani was a prominent spokesman for the cleric during the August 2004 rebellion when Sadr's Mahdi Army militia fought US forces in the central holy city of Najaf.

He was arrested by the US military after the rebellion in which hundreds of Mahdi Army militants were killed.

Not handing power to Iraqis quickly was 'mistake': Bolton

The coalition forces that invaded Iraq in March 2003 made a "mistake" in not handing power to Iraqis quickly enough, former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said in an interview on Wednesday.

"The real problem was in not relying more on Iraqis," Bolton told the BBC.

"By imposing the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) for a year, we denied the Iraqis at least a year of learning how to live with each other ... So in 20/20 hindsight, and I confess it's hindsight, that was a mistake, obviously ...

The CPA was established by the United States about two months after the March 2003 invasion, and was only dissolved in June 2004 in the run-up to national elections in Iraq.

"It's perfectly obvious given the circumstances that we should have handled it differently, and what I would have done differently is much earlier, much sooner after the overthrow, given it back to the Iraqis," he said.

Bolton, who was also formerly undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, was a staunch backer of the war in Iraq.

House Democrats in last-minute budget haggling over Iraq

Democrats in the US House of Representatives engaged in last-minute haggling Wednesday on the eve of an expected debate over a controversial 124 billion dollar budget supplemental to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Top Democrats want to link approval of the money to a withdrawal of US forces from Iraq by August 31, 2008. However the party's leftist base wants the legislators to approve the funding only on condition that the troops begin to withdraw this year.

It seems unlikely that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will get members to vote on the request this week as first expected.

The leftist "Out of Iraq" caucus includes dozens of House members -- and Democrats are under no illusion they will convince Republicans loyal to President George W. Bush to vote with them on this issue.

At midday Democratic majority leader Steny Hoyer said he was hopeful a majority favoring the measure could be reached.

"We're getting closer," he said.

Hours later a source close to the Democratic leadership described the situation as "optimistic and making gains."

Republicans, most loyal to the White House despite growing doubts over the unpopular war, sought to emphasize splits among the majority party.

"We see a leadership that's unable to lead," said Republican Eric Cantor. "Their caucus is extremely divided."

Calls for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq remain in the text of the House measure, even though it will not likely become law as Bush has repeatedly said he will veto the measure.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 22, 2007 5:01 PM ∞

---

Mary Lou wrote:

Good post Roger

-- March 22, 2007 10:35 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Don't Close Your Blinds

The other day, my nine year old son wanted to know why we were at war.
My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and
I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve
and defend our Country again today. I knew that my husband would
give him a good explanation. My husband thought for a few minutes and
then told my son to go stand in our front living room window.

He said "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?"

"I see trees and cars and our neighbor's houses," he replied.

"OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the
United States of America and you are President Bush."

Our son giggled and said "OK."

"Now son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every
house and yard on this block is a different country," my husband said.

"OK Dad, I'm pretending."

"Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and pretend
you see Saddam come out of his house with his wife, he has her by the
hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in
the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to
death.

Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are
screaming and crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they
are kids and they are afraid of their father. You see all of this, son....what
do you do?"

"Dad?"

"What do you do son?"

"I'd call the police, Dad."

"OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations. They take your
call. They listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help.
What do you do then son?"

"Dad........ .. but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to
whine.

"They don't want to son, because they say that it is not their place
or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it,"
my husband says.

"But Dad...he killed her!!" my son exclaims.

"I know he did...but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I
want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who
you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children."

"Daddy...he kills them?"

"Yes son, he does. What do you do?"

"Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next
door neighbor to help me stop him," our son says.

"Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to
get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop
him," my husband says.

"But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!"

"WHAT DO YOU DO SON?" Our son starts to cry.

"OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask
for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands
taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next son?"

"What Daddy?"

"He walks across the street to the old ladies house and breaks down
her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house
on fire and then...he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing
in the window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?"

"Daddy..."

"WHAT DO YOU DO?" Our son is crying and he looks down and he
whispers, "I'd close the blinds, Daddy."

My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him. "Why?"

"Because Daddy.....the police are supposed to help people who needs
them...and they won't help.... You always say that neighbors are
supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either...they won't help
me stop him...I'm afraid....I can't do it by myself Daddy.....I can't look
out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and...and...
do nothing...so. ...I'm just going to close the blinds.... so I can't see what he's
doing....... .and I'm going to pretend that it is not happening."

I start to cry. My husband looks at our nine year old son standing
in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my
husband's questions and he says..."Son. "

"Yes, Daddy."

"Open the blinds because that man.... he's at your front door...
WHAT DO YOU DO?"

My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls
up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, without
hesitation he says: " I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM
HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA
FIGHT HIM!!!!!"

I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs our son to
his chest and hugs him tight, and says... " It's too late to fight him,
he's too strong and he's already at YOUR front door son.....you should
have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife, and his children and the old lady
across the way. You have to do what's right, even if you have to do it
alone, before its too late," my husband whispers.

THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war with Iraq.
When good men stand by and let evil happen son, THAT is the greatest atrocity in the world.
"YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!"
BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! BE PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!! SUPPORT THEM!!!
SUPPORT AMERICA SO THAT IN THE FUTURE OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THEIR BLINDS..."

This should be printed in every newspaper and posted in every school
in America. Of course that won't happen so we'll use the internet.
If your blinds are closed do nothing with this email. If they are open I
do not need to tell you what to do.

GOD BLESS!!!!!!! !!!
SC, CMSgt
332 ELRS/Vehicle Management Flight Balad Air Base, Iraq

-- March 22, 2007 11:28 PM ∞

---

Mary Lou wrote:

Good news:

Security is Happening
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defense Minister : We are ready to take over security responsibility

(صوت العراق) - 23-03-2007(Voice of Iraq) - 23-03-2007
ارسل هذا الموضوع لصديقThis issue was sent to a friend

مباحثات بين الحكومة وجماعات مسلحةTalks between the government and armed groups
كشف مسؤول عراقي أن مباحثات تجري حاليا بين الحكومة العراقية وبعض الجماعات المسلحة، وإنها قد تكون قريبة من الوصول الى نقطة يمكن ان ينضم عدد منها الى حملة من أجل طرد تنظيم القاعدة من العراق، فيما أكد وزير الدفاع العراقي جاهزية قواته لاستلام المسؤولية الأمنية حتى في حالة انسحاب امريكي مفاجئ.The Iraqi official that talks were underway between the Iraqi government and some armed groups, and that it may be close to reaching a point could be a number of them to join a campaign to expel Al-Qaeda from Iraq, while the Iraqi defense minister his troops ready to take over security responsibility even in the case of the withdrawal of American sudden.

وأوضح مسؤول العلاقات الدولية في وزارة الدولة العراقية لشؤون الحوار الوطني سعد المطلبي في تصريح لهيئة الاذاعة البريطانية بثته امس أن الجماعات المسلحة التي يجرى الحوار معها لا ترتبط بتنظيم القاعدة.An official of international relations in the Ministry of State for the Iraqi National Dialogue, logistical Saad said in a statement to the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcast yesterday that the armed groups that are not linked to dialogue with Al-Qaida. وأشار الى إن المحادثات ترمي إلى إقناع الجماعات بوقف القتال ضد الحكومة والمساعدة على دحر القاعدة.He pointed out that the talks aimed to convince the groups to stop fighting against the government and helping to defeat Al Qaeda.

وجاء تصريح المطلبي غداة مطالبة نائب الرئيس العراقي طارق الهاشمي بإجراء حوار مع الجماعات المسلحة سعيا لإحلال السلام في العراق.The statement came the day after logistical Iraqi Vice President Tariq Al-Hashmi a dialogue with armed groups in order to restore peace in Iraq.

وكان وزير الدفاع العراقي عبدالقادر محمد جاسم قد أكد امكانية فتح حوار مع بعض الجماعات المسلحة التي تؤمن بالديمقراطية، وقال ان على الجميع في العراق أن يأخذ حقه الطبيعي، وأن يكون هناك قرار لجهة واحدة هي الشعب.The Iraqi Defense Minister Abdelkader Jassem Mohammad confirmed the possibility of opening a dialogue with some of the armed groups that believe in democracy, and said that everyone in Iraq take their natural right, and that there should be a decision of the hand and one people.

الى جانب ذلك قال جاسم إن تعزيز الوجود العسكري الأمريكي في العراق قد يستمر أشهرا لكن من غير المرجح أن يمتد لعام 2008.Besides, Jassim said that the strengthening of the American military presence in Iraq may continue for months but it is likely to be extended to 2008.

وقال للصحفيين خلال زيارة للندن إن لواءين عراقيين يضم كل منهما ما بين 4000 و5000 جندي وصلا إلى بغداد ومحافظة ديالى المجاورة في إطار الخطة، وإن لواءين آخرين سيصلان خلال الأسبوع أو الأسبوعين المقبلين.He said to reporters during a visit to London that two brigades of Iraqi each consisting of between 4000 and 5000 soldiers arrived in Baghdad and the neighboring province of Diyala, in the framework of the plan, and the other two brigades al during the week or the next two weeks.

وذكر أن الخطة الأمنية نجحت حتى الآن في تقليل أعمال القتل التي تقوم بها فرق إعدام طائفية وعصابات إجرامية.The security plan has so far succeeded in reducing the killings carried out by firing squad sectarian and criminal gangs.

واكد الوزير جاهزية القوات العراقية لاستلام زمام الامور الامنية في البلاد حتى في ظل انسحاب مفاجئ للقوات الامريكية.The minister emphasized the readiness of Iraqi forces to take over the reins of security matters in the country, even in light of the sudden withdrawal of the American forces.

وقال في مؤتمر صحافي عقده في لندن “ان عام 2007 سيكون حاسما بالنسبة لتدريب الجيش العراقي ليصبح جاهزا للعمل بشكل مستقل دون أي دعم خارجي من القوات الاجنبية”، بيد انه اشار الى أن القوات العراقية تعاني من نقص في معدات النقل والاتصالات، وحث القوات البريطانية المنسحبة على ترك قواعدها وأجهزتها للجيش العراقي.He said in a press conference held in London that "2007 will be crucial for the training of the Iraqi army to be ready to operate independently, without any external support from foreign forces", but he pointed out that Iraqi forces suffer from a shortage of transport and communications equipment, and urged the British troops retreating to leave their bases and of the Iraqi army. (ا.ف.ب، ق.ن.ا)(A. P. B, s. N.. A)

الخليج الاماراتيةGulf Arab Emirates

-- March 23, 2007 12:32 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

As Iraq is a consumer country, and not much is made there, Iraq is very much an import country.

As for Iran, a country in odds with the world right now, because of their regime that are probably passed the point of self help, they have got a real boost from Iraq's current situation.

Iraq is importing, and Iran is exporting to Iraq.

100 to 150 trucks a day is crossing over, depending on day, from Iran to Iraq with plain consumer goods.

That means that the value of the goods, must have a direct proportional money flow the other way INTO Iran.

What would be the effects on that trade if we would RV the Dinar?

Well, if we are looking on it from the viewpoint that we don't like Iran, and want them to go away, or lose, or Iraq starts trading with other countries instead, in order to isolate Iran, or have any other input on the scene that is not economic, there will not be a break in the trade relations because of an RV.

Any effort to isolate Iran will not be affected by an RV, but if Iranian isolation has to come, it must be a political maneuver instead.

An RV, or a rise of the Dinar, will in fact have more beneficial effects on the trade, as the Dinar can by even MORE products from Iran. At first.

If a trade isolation is imposed, it has showed in the past that the borders along these countries are so porous that even if Iran would be denied international commerce, the ordinary day to day dealings with the neighbouring countries would probably not be affected to a large degree.

Bribes buy you into passage, and as this is already an established practice going on right now, there is no reason to believe that a border checkpoint (or any border checkpoint for that matter) wouldn't be seen as anything else other than a source of revenue for the patrolling officer.

An order to stop traffic from Iran would only raise the passage fee.

Despite us patrolling
Syria, during the past years, there have been a highway full of terrorists coming in from that country.

Iran was able to supply Hezbollah with numerous rockets, thousands, coming from Iran.

The logistics of putting them on trucks, and shuttle them across from Iran to Lebanon must have been a pretty big operation, and still none was intercepted.

So the point being, any closed "Iron curtain" type of isolation is just not possible.

From an economic viewpoint, if Iraq RV's this will bring Iran in an even more deeper financial hole, in the long run.

The local trade will benefit, but as Iran's currency is about 5000 to the Dollar, and neighboring countries would increase the value of their currency, Iran will slip further in economical power

As Iraq will increase the value of it's currency, Iraq will be more and more able to afford to buy their own production tools. Eventually down the road, the stuff coming from Iran will be made in Iraq

Iraq as a trading partner for the day to day things, would be more and more important for Iran, as this is the only country with a broad market for their retail industry. To the other side is Afghanistan, and they are not as big of a market as Iraq.

Most Muslims in Afghanistan is Sunnis, and they are leaning more towards Pakistan and Saudi Arabia than Iran.

North, Iran have the old Soviet, Russian Federation , a current trading partner in heavy industrial wares, but vulnerable to international restrictions.

Turkey, another Iranian border country, a rotten NATO member, but still a member, and if push comes to show, they will rather align themselves with NATO and are begging to be brought into the European union. The Turks are looking west.

The ONLY big Shiite population outside of Iran, is the Iraqi Shiite population.

Iran's problem is that Uncle Sam is there, as well as on the other side, in Afghanistan.

There are pretty much boxed in, from a political viewpoint, for trade of truckable day to day stuff, they're not.

The trade could possibly be restricted somewhat but the existing holes are so big, it would take manpower with determined border guards to execute that.

Determined manpower, only available right now in the foreign troops in Iraq, and perhaps in some few Iraqi crack units, is just not enough to cover the border.

So if the UN determines to put embargo on Iran, they better not include AC's lamps, fruit, car parts and such things, because the effect would be very small.

As for an RV, in the short run it will benefit Iran, but in the long run, they will lose, as Iran is heavily dependent on a non producing, consumer only, Iraq.

RV the currency, and Iraq, will start producing themselves.

-- March 23, 2007 5:40 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
I agree...the Iraqi situation will only be won with time and with opportunities made available to the average Iraqi, so he or she can better their economic position in life...
It is and going to be like watching a cold jug of molasses drip onto a stack of hot pancakes...when your stomach thinks your throat has been cut....

-- March 23, 2007 7:48 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran nabs British sailors in Iraq waters
By ROBERT BARR, Associated Press Writer Mar 23, 2007

LONDON - Iranian naval vessels seized 15 British sailors who had boarded a ship suspected of smuggling cars in the Persian Gulf off the Iraqi coast on Friday, officials said.

The British government demanded "the immediate and safe return of our people and equipment."

The British Navy personnel were "engaged in routine boarding operations of merchant shipping in Iraqi territorial waters," and had completed a ship inspection when they were accosted by Iranian vessels, Britain's Defense Ministry said.

A Pentagon official said the Britons were in two inflatable boats from the frigate H.M.S. Cornwall during a routine smuggling investigation. He said the confrontation happened as the British contingent was traveling along the boundary of territorial waters between Iran and Iraq. They were detained by the Revolutionary Guard's navy after inspecting a merchant ship believed to be smuggling cars, he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070323/ap_on_re_eu/british_seized_iran

-- March 23, 2007 10:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq’s Kurds to go it alone on oil deals
By Carola Hoyos in London

Published: March 22 2007 20:40 | Last updated: March 22 2007 20:40

The Kurdistan regional government plans to triple the number of foreign oil companies operating in its region by the end of the year regardless of whether Iraq’s parliament passes a politically sensitive hydrocarbon law.

In an interview, Ashti Hawrami, the Kurdish energy minister, said Kurdistan would become a hub for energy companies that were not ready to invest in the rest of Iraq because of security concerns.

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“We are in discussions with a number of other companies. It is more likely that the contractors will come [to Kurdistan] to start with and set up a base to hopefully then invest in the rest of Iraq,” he said, adding that he saw no reason why the hydrocarbon law should not pass parliament by the end of May, the target date.

Kurdistan will still share any revenue it makes from the oil sales with the rest of the country even if the law is not yet in place, he said. “Even if things don’t go ahead, we will still share it. If things go completely wrong we will rethink it.”

He said the negotiations of the draft hydrocarbon law had accelerated the interest of oil companies, several of which had already completed contracts that were ready to sign. He declined to name the companies, but interested parties are believed to include OMV of Austria, and US companies Marathon and Anadarko.

“It is 15 [contractors] we want to end up with. If we get another 10, I’ll be very happy with myself. We need to keep the momentum going,” he said.

It is unclear how Baghdad will react to Kurdistan’s ambitions. It has in the past objected to Kurdish contracts, but is also likely to be careful not to upset negotiation of the hydrocarbon law.

Kurdistan wants to produce 200,000 barrels a day of oil by the end of next year and ramp up to 1m b/d within five years. The region is thought to hold 25bn barrels of oil reserves, with another 20bn lying in the disputed areas.

But Kurdistan has to find a way to export its oil before it is able to realise its goals. The Kirkuk pipeline, the main northern artery, has been sabotaged so often that it is all but useless.

DNO, the Norwegian oil company that has signed one of the five existing contracts with the Kurdish government, expects to produce the first new oil out of Kurdistan, and for that matter Iraq, in May. It has provisions to truck as much as 10,000 barrels a day, but even 20,000-25,000 b/d would be possible, though logistically difficult and about 10 times more expensive than moving the oil by pipeline.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 23, 2007 2:43 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq, insurgent negotiations deadlocked
3/22/2007

By HAMZA HENDAWI, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 16 minutes ago

Iraq's government has engaged in secret negotiations seeking to get some Sunni Arab insurgent groups to give up their fight, but the talks are deadlocked over the lack of a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, a senior official said Thursday.

Saad Yousif al-Muttalibi of the Ministry of National Dialogue and Reconciliation said talks have been taking place inside and outside Iraq over the past three months and involved five or six insurgent groups.

He did not identify the groups, saying only that they excluded al-Qaida in Iraq and Saddam Hussein loyalists. But he said senior members of Saddam's outlawed Baath party took part. He added further talks were planned but would give no details.

Speaking to The Associated Press, al-Muttalibi described the talks as "very delicate" and said they were being conducted through intermediaries. He said negotiations were initiated at the request of the insurgents, who insisted on being kept anonymous as a condition for talking.

Al-Muttalibi said the two sides also have differences over issues such as federalism and Iraq's identity as outlined in the constitution adopted in a nationwide referendum in 2005.

Sunni Arabs, a minority that dominated until Saddam's 2003 ouster, maintain the document does not clearly state Iraq's Arab identity and enshrines a federalist system they fear is a prelude to the country's break-up. A parliamentary mechanism to address these reservations was agreed upon in 2005, but there have been no substantive political talks so far.

Al-Muttalibi said the insurgent groups insist they will lay down their arms and join the political process only if a timetable is announced for the withdrawal of U.S.-led foreign forces. "This is the biggest stumbling block to an agreement," he said.

The Bush administration and Iraq's Shiite-dominated government routinely reject setting a pullout timetable. The Americans say that would encourage insurgents to hold out, while Iraqi leaders say no pullout should be announced until the country's fledgling army and police forces are capable of ensuring security.

Al-Muttalibi's comments came a day after he expressed optimism in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corp. that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government was making progress in talks with insurgent groups, predicting some factions might be close to laying down their arms.

"One of the aims is to join with them in the fight against al-Qaida (in Iraq)," he told the BBC.

A top aide of al-Maliki confirmed talks were under way, but refused to be drawn out on details. The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said U.S. officials had been involved in some of the negotiations.

Reports have periodically surfaced that Iraqi officials and U.S. authorities were talking with representatives of Sunni insurgent groups, but details always have been sketchy. Groups mentioned as partners in such talks often deny their participation.

Al-Maliki's government has come under mounting U.S. pressure to work harder for national reconciliation, but its critics claim its efforts may lack serious commitment.

Sunni Arabs, meanwhile, remain embittered by their loss of power and are reluctant to accept political dominance by Shiites, who account for about 65 percent of Iraq's population. The Sunni-dominated insurgency also is fragmented, with dozens of groups operating independently.

News of the talks comes as the U.S. also is pushing for reconciliation by calming Iraq's Shiite militants.

In a bid to bolster that effort, the U.S. military on Wednesday freed a close aide of Muqtada al-Sadr, an anti-American Shiite cleric whose militia fought with American troops in 2004. It said Ahmed al-Shibani "could play a potentially important role in helping to moderate extremism and foster reconciliation in Iraq."
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 23, 2007 2:50 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US struggles to avert Turkish intervention in northern Iraq
· Ankara claims Kurdish rebels preparing attacks
· Operations could wreck American peace strategy
By Simon Tisdall

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

Ankara, 23 March 2007 (The Guardian)
Print article Send to friend
The US is scrambling to head off a "disastrous" Turkish military intervention in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq that threatens to derail the Baghdad security surge and open up a third front in the battle to save Iraq from disintegration.

Senior Bush administration officials have assured Turkey in recent days that US forces will increase efforts to root out Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) guerrillas enjoying safe haven in the Qandil mountains, on the Iraq-Iran-Turkey border.

But Abdullah Gul, Turkey's foreign minister, MPs, military chiefs and diplomats say up to 3,800 PKK fighters are preparing for attacks in south-east Turkey — and Turkey is ready to hit back if the Americans fail to act. "We will do what we have to do, we will do what is necessary. Nothing is ruled out," Mr Gul said. "I have said to the Americans many times: suppose there is a terrorist organisation in Mexico attacking America. What would you do?... We are hopeful. We have high expectations. But we cannot just wait forever."

Turkish sources said "hot pursuit" special forces operations in Khaftanin and Qanimasi, northern Iraq, were already under way. Murat Karayilan, a PKK leader, said this week that a "mad war" was in prospect unless Ankara backed off.

Fighting between security forces and Kurdish fighters seeking autonomy or independence for Kurdish-dominated areas of south-east Turkey has claimed 37,000 lives since 1984. The last big Turkish operation occurred 10 years ago, when 40,000 troops pushed deep into Iraq. But intervention in the coming weeks would be the first since the US took control of Iraq in 2003 and would risk direct confrontation between Turkish troops and Iraqi Kurdish forces and their US allies.

Several other factors are adding to the tension between the Nato partners:

The firm Turkish belief that the US is playing a double game in northern Iraq. Officials say the CIA is covertly funding and arming the PKK's sister organisation, the Iran-based Kurdistan Free Life party, to destabilise the Iranian government.

US acquiescence in plans to hold a referendum in oil-rich Kirkuk in northern Iraq. Turkey suspects Iraqi Kurds are seeking control of Kirkuk as a prelude to the creation of an independent Kurdistan.

Plans by the US Congress to vote on a resolution blaming Turkey for genocide against the Armenians in 1915. Faruk Logoglu, a former ambassador to Washington, said that if the resolution passed, relations "could take generations to recover".

Record levels of Turkish anti-Americanism dating back to 2003, when Turkey refused to let US combat forces cross the Iraq border.

The US is already fighting Sunni insurgents and Shia militias. Analysts say a surge in violence in northern Iraq, previously the most stable region, could capsize the entire US plan. But pressure on the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is also growing as a result of forthcoming elections. Military intervention was narrowly avoided last summer when he said that "patience was at an end" over US prevarication. Now conservatives and nationalists are again accusing him of not standing up to Washington.

"If they are killing our soldiers ... and if public pressure on the government increases, of course we will have to intervene," said Ali Riza Alaboyun, an MP for Mr Erdogan's Justice and Development party. "It is the legal right of any country to protect its people and its borders."

US support for Iranian Kurds opposed to the Tehran government is adding to the agitation. "The US is trying to undermine the Iran regime, using the Kurds like it is using the MEK [the anti-Tehran People's Mujahideen]," said Dr Logoglu. "Once you begin to differentiate between 'good' and 'bad' terrorist organisations, then you lose the war on terror." But he warned that military intervention might be ineffective and could be "disastrous" in destabilising the region. A recent national security council assessment also suggested that senior Turkish commanders were cautious about the prospects of success.

Daniel Fried, assistant secretary of state, said last week that the US was acting to assuage Turkish concerns. "We are committed to eliminating the threat of PKK terrorism in northern Iraq," he said.

General Joseph Ralston, the US special envoy dealing with the PKK issue, was less upbeat, admitting that "the potential for Turkish cross-border action" was growing. "We have reached a critical point in which the pressure of continued [PKK] attacks has placed immense public pressure upon the government of Turkey to take some military action. As the snows melt in the mountain passes, we will see if the PKK renews its attacks and how the Turkish government responds ... I hope the Turks will continue to stand by us."

But a Milliyet journalist, Kadri Gursel, said: "The US attitude has really pissed off the government and the army. The US really doesn't understand how exhausted and fed up they are."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 23, 2007 2:52 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Turkey's interference in Northern Iraq is something the U.S. mission to Iraq does not need. It may be time to use NATO to place a significant amount pressure on them to but out. Let us hope a diplomatic solution can be found with the Turks.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 23, 2007 6:22 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Absolutely, diplomatic solution must come at hand, we don't need the Turks to start sending troops into Iraq, operating on their own agenda.

There has been a very long conflict between Turkey and old Armenia, nowadays the Kurd territory.

In the past Armenia was much bigger, and had a big swath of nowadays Turkey.

The Kurds have been fighting a war, a low profile simmering war with Turkey almost the whole last century.

Will it never end, these long standing tit for tat , my grandfather was killed by.....therefore I must kill....

Kurdistan is stable, and we want to keep it that way, the Turks can stay in Ankara.

Sara,

Yes I read that in another article, 15 British marines currently held by Iranians, well we will see where this leads.

Seems like muscle flexing by the Iranians. Just shows how volatile the situation is down there.

Interesting how the predictions on this blog have come to pass, the Shiite insurgency is now reportedly splintered up in a lot of small fractions, and operate without leaders in small groups.

The Sunni insurgency, willing to talk, and have had a few secret meetings with the GoI.

I have conflicting reports on the oil meters, used for metering the exact amount of oil that is pumped into tankers.

In the past it was not unusual when the meters always refused to work, that ships was loaded and measured by with what height the water mark had on the outside of the hull on the boat.

On a big oil tanker, ONE centimeter, lower in the water can mean, depending on the tankers size between 75 to 150.000 barrels of oil, and one centimeter can never be precisely determined on a boat.

The theft of oil have been rampant, one article described a named Iraqi running something that could be called a private oil stock market, oil booking company or high volume oil dealer market, call it whatever, and he is selling oil by the millions, like it is his oil.

He is reportedly still doing it, police probably paid handsomely in advance.

No fear for a razzia, business blooming, and booming.

Halliburton have been involved in the oil metering devices, and per report, there has been an endless saga, why the meters was never repaired, installed calibrated or set in operation.

That section of Halliburton must have been staffed by 100% Iraqis.

Since 2003 the invasion, these devices have been needed, on contract basis, they were promised long ago, but the endless tours about why they never was put in operation could have made a book.

Other companies have bidded, and promised much speedier installation, but by some reason or the other the job stayed with Halliburton.

On CBI's report to the IMF in the letter asking for an extension of six month on the "stand by" agreement, both the finance minister and the president of CBI, (Shibib) have signed that they are in fact there now.

If they are, how come still the oil is robbed by tanker loads still?

Is it possible to sneak in a supertanker, into an oil terminal and steal this big amount of oil????just wondering.

If a convoy of tanker truck is a small amount that is stolen, then a big amount, how do you go about and hide that activity?

Apparently, the trick is, you don't, you just pay whoever you want to hire, and you go about it, as it was a days worth of work.

The Iraqis way to independency, freedom and financial wealth, stolen by the tanker boat.

Imagine a theft organization like that operating in Texas where they ship all that oil.

How long time would they be able to operate before at least half of the staff of all the Federal and State law organizations would be flown over there in a couple of Jumbos, and wrap it up.

In no time we would see pictures of men in orange jumpsuits walking in a long line, holding them together with a chain, with a towel over their head.

Iraq is a strange place indeed.

-- March 24, 2007 2:44 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Does anyone have some strong ROACH Spray...to test on the democrats...they seem to be of the same species..was hoping it would work...it works on the Palmeadow bugs here (2 inch long suckers)

-- March 24, 2007 5:41 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Home from vacation. Looking to other sites for Dinar info.

One interesting post was from someone who wanted to take a loan from Chase Bank, and they stated they would take the applicant's Dinar as collateral, since it will RV in 2 weeks.

The other said that Chase not selling anymore Dinar and hinted that other financial institutions are stating to hourde the Dinar.

It seems that the rv has had it's toes in the water many times before and then retreats. Do you think this is just another recycle of hope?

Regarding my comments about Roger's seemingly lack of regard for your's and others here, I must admit you stump me.

In my world, I have those who think and believe quite differently than I do. BUt the line of tolerance is drawn when ( whether in jest or otherwise) the name,person or reputation of God is defamed or degraded for any reason.

Where and when do you draw your line?

Everyone has boundaries, and I doubt that you are an exception.

Jesus drew His lines of tolerance and casted out demons and essentially eliminated dialogue with those who demonstrated defiance to the Father.

You undoubtedly have an exceptional knowledge and insight of Scripture, so I am in a quandry about your tolerance of Roger.

Not that you or anyone could stop him, or at this time even influence him, but just for curiosity sake, I would be intersted in your response.

Carole

-- March 24, 2007 8:49 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

To All:

Our hopes have laid in the passing of the Oil Law.

I found an interesting article about a former Iraqi President of the Iraqi State Marketing Organization (SOMO) who has declared that the passage of this law would be detremental to the Iraqi people.Citing that it would give too much power to foreign investors.

He proclaims that the Iraqi govrt. should be self sufficient in producing their own oil and not allow any outsiders to have any influence on the 3rd largest oil reserves in the world.

I think he is out of touch with reality. My question to him would be..when he was in charge what did he do to advance his theories????

NOthing! Iraq has proven time and time again they can not stand on their own 2 feet for anything or issue.

Once again there are those who want all we have to give them in the way of financial, humanitarian, and blood. Yet, first chance given to some they would not allow us to capture any future rewards for our efforts and loyalty to them.

Worse than that, they are ignorant and blind to the fact that they will fall to an infinite doom, if we leave, and give some what they want.

I wonder if this guy knows anything about the 5 billion unaccounted for under his watch?

Hope no one pays serious attention to him, AND HOPE THE US STICKS TO IT'S GUNS ABOUT PULLING OUT IF OIL LAW NOT PASSED!

Carole

-- March 24, 2007 5:03 PM ∞

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John wrote:

Hello,
With such a devalued dinar to dollar, they must be having a tough time with the black market trade into the countries which border Iraq. They would have to nail things down or raise the value....

In my opinion...

John

-- March 24, 2007 6:05 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

Yes this is America, we have a spray for everything.

On my can of Raid it reads: -"Works on Ants, Hornets, Cockroaches, Democrats, and Mosquitoes. Shake well before use".

Carole,

Welcome back from vacation, I can see you have come back as usually in a great spirit, always happy and as always with respect and never backstabbing.

We need more people like you, always knows the ethic and moral of things, and always lives up to it.

Not one of those cheap shits that TELL us how to behave, but themselves don't miss a chance to puke on something.

No no Carole, even if you do, we're not smart enough to see through something like that.

Old Chinese saying _"If you are in contempt, just bow deep enough, and they cant see you laughing".

I bow my head for you, in full respect.

John,

Well when it comes to Iraqis, most things have to be bolted down anyway, if it explicitly doesn't have their name on it, chained, bolted or secured to something that is to cumbersome to transport, it must be abandoned, and therefore anyone can have it.

I saw some video clips yesterday from amateur videos of ordinary Iraqis living their days over there.

It was pretty fun, the students seem to speak very good English with an American accent.

One Iraqi did an Iraqi rap, with all the Iraqi daily problems in the text, that was hilarious, especially as he had to cover his head to conceal his identity.

Extremists are spreading flyer's around telling them what is religious and what is not.

One thing, one of those extremists think is blasphemy is eating Sallad with ice in it.

So I watched a video of a family eating ice Sallad, laughing and wondering how much of infidels they really were.

One dentist on a video were crushed, he had no real career in Baghdad, he wanted to continue his dentist education to be the best there ever was.

However, in the panic of people leaving the conflict area, the authorities are not issuing any visas or other papers that will make it possible to move for Doctors, Dentists and other highly educated people.

I assume the idea is to not be drained out of competent people, and just make it impossible for them to move.

This Dentist just said, "screw them", and moved on anyway.

This drain of competent people will be a very heavy burden for Iraq to replenish, as competence comes with experience and education, and thus it will not be possible to just replace a position with another body.

A safe environment has to exist in order for the middle class to flourish, and expand.

If the crackdown will succeed this is depending on backup plan nbr 2, jobs, income, development and expansion.

Just standing with a boot over a head forever will not do any good.

Militarily the crackdown can be accomplished, but it will have no holding power except with force, until jobs are there.

If the crackdown continues forever, and the jobs are not coming, the crackdown will lose it's holding power, or it will require more and more force to hold it, because a man will eventually rebel just by the only reason that he has this boot on his head.

Militarily, overtly or covertly, I'm confident that we can do it, but I'm a bit worried about step nbr 2 here.

It's an urgent call when it comes to the military action, but the social political and economical steps that is an absolute must, to replace the military action, is a confused, slow coming process that has less urgency.

That process is a direct translation of the Dinars value.

-- March 24, 2007 8:27 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

Saturday was the best post day that we have had in some time. It is most interesting when there is some kind of contraversey going-like with Roger and Carole.

Carole, Roger is not a religous man and consequently he does not have the reverence for the Christian Diety that Christians have but he has about the most knowledge of as many areas as anyone I have known. We have several people who are absolutely brilliant such as Carl, Sara,
Roger, you and Tim Bitts but right now I believe that Roger is the smartest. Have a little compasion for him as he means well. I would stand up for you also if I thought you were being lambasted.

I have been pessimistic in the past but I am liking what I see in Iraq now. The handcuffs have been somewhat removed from the troops and they are showing what they are capable of; however, I am afraid that the American people have had enough of this war and want the troops to come home and nothing short of drastic results will change their minds.

-- March 24, 2007 10:43 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Roger,

Old Chineese saying: When you point your finger to someone---Look! 3 pointing back to you!!

-- March 24, 2007 10:45 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Depending on what finger you flip. I don't need three, just one.

-- March 25, 2007 12:03 AM ∞

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the Lone Ranger wrote:

Folks: Does this mean the new oil investment law has been finally approved?:

From http://tomorrowwhat.wordpress.com/

"Foreign companies in scramble for 10 new Kurdish oil contracts
Posted by balkanbalkan on March 23rd, 2007

While the rest of Iraq continues to be ravaged by violence, the Kurdish Regional Government hopes to sign oil exploration deals with 10 foreign companies this year.

KRG’s natural resources minister, Ashti Hawrami, speaking at a conference in London yesterday, predicted that production in the Kurdish region would rise to 200,000 barrels per day by 2008, and 1 million bpd over the next five years - half the current oil output of the whole of Iraq.

There are already five companies operating in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, including Norway’s DNO, Turkey’s Genel and Western Oil Sands of Canada. The new deals could include Norway’s Statoil.

Under an oil investment law which has just been approved by the Iraqi central government, the rules for foreign involvement in the whole of the country have been set down for the first time.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 23rd, 2007 at 2:45 pm and is filed under Oil, Iraq, News."

-- March 25, 2007 12:33 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The Iranian confrontation is heating up.

A full blown conflict may or might not happen, most probably though there will be one, in one form or the other.

What will this mean to the Iraqi Dinar, the current development of Iraq and will there be another postponement of the development in the region?

No one has the crystal ball, but analyzing part by part might give some hints.

First, will the Iranians go "all the way" so to say in their intention of getting a nuclear bomb, well I will say this is a two fold thing.

First, it is in the Interest of Iran to get it on religious principles, to be able to wipe Israel out of the map, and with a little bit of luck be able to pop off a few of those in the US.

Second, it's also a matter of national pride, to run this program, the Iranian nation seems to be proud to be in control of the nucleus, and it is a way of showing that they are a modern state, that have their own will. The popular consensus on the Iranian street is a pro nuclear program, with demands of other nations to leave them alone, and that this is a "right" and within "international law" and so on.

Ok this is one side of it, the other side, like we all know is that the world can easily see through Iran's claim for civil use, and the bomb is the actual ultimate objective, not civilian nuclear power plants.

Their true intentions are known.

So we have the UN starting phase one in the sanction game today, implementing a pretty lame, but still a noticeable set of sanctions against Iran today.

Europe, Brits, and the US wanted tougher sanctions, Russia and China softer.

A compromise in between was met, and this is the first round of sanctions going into effect right now.

About the same time, Iran captured 15 Brits doing ship inspections in the waters, Iran claim it was in Iranian waters.

This is waters that has been in dispute for a long time, and no set borderline has been agreed by any of the partners involved, so Iran claim this on "old historic ground".

Either way, they are holding 15 Brits hostage right now.

So in the last couple of days an escalation of the conflict have been made, and it could possibly escalate up in intensity very quick.

Will Iran back down.....not likely...possible, but only to buy time, but backing off it's nuclear bomb aspiration is not in Iran's master plan.

So, as long as Iran have these aspirations, the world in general, Britons, US and Europeans in particular, will continue to push along a nuclear free Iran.

The means will change as time goes by.

Iraq, in all this mess, is not part of it in principle, but is involved in three steps.

1. Shiite population.60%of Iraqis are the same religious faction as the majority in Iran.

2. Physical long border with Iran.

3. Evolved trade of consumer goods with Iran.

I should put in a fourth here, not directly part of Iraq's relation with Iran, but so close that it will be affected.

Iraq's oil is offloaded in a very narrow stretch of land, bordering Iran, on one side, and Kuwait on the other, in case of a conflict with Iran, the waters will be very vulnerable, and if there is a war, probably closed for the duration of the conflict, possibly for some time after while clearing mines.

The Shiite population would probably have some very strong sympathies toward Iran, but the state of Iraq, would probably not go against any UN demand, the hole in the wall here is the Shiite in Iraq, and their already developed trades.

Probably trade will be slowed down and perhaps stopped, but most probably this is an impossibility.

If war breaks out, I would have a hard time seeing Iraq as a full fledged member of the world community, sealing the border with Iran.

The effectiveness, and the ability to execute command have not impressed me too much during the years they have tried to be in control over their own country.

So a slowdown but not a stop would probably be the most possible scenario.

A slowdown of the trade would mean that the demand for gods will still be at it's present level, and as the economy increases, the demand will also increase.

If Iran is a place where gods have been slowing down from, because of an ongoing conflict, then Iraq will of course establish their needs for those goods from elsewhere.

This might be temporary during the conflict, but it may lead also to new trade routes for the Iraqis, with other countries other than Iran.

Most probably all the business contacts will be taken up again after the conflict and trade will go back to what it was.

From Iran's viewpoint, the vast Shiite population is another means for them to try to bring destabilisation of Iraq, but the main threat for the Iranians this time will not be in a population that will learn to like Coca Cola, and listen to rap music, but from regular forces, operating from Israel, Iraq, the Gulf waters, and Afghanistan.

There is sympathy for Iran in Iraq, but there is a difference in opinion, between those countries Shiite population.

While it would be comparably easier to induce uprising amongst the Shiite "against the US occupation" . The Shiite sees foreign troops on their soil, and can go along with that, but from that, to assuming that the Iranians can control the Iraqi Shiite population for the direct purpose of the Iranian government in a conflict with multinational forces, is a long step.

Their might be demonstrations, some militias doing their usual thing, and so on, but a complete Shiite uprising in Iraq, because of Iran is in trouble is far fetched.

Iran have already lost control over the Shiite insurgency, and there is no reason to believe they will gain control again, just because they themselves are facing the world. They are already facing the world, and this has not rallied more Iraqi Shiite to their side, on the contrary, their Shiite military movement are rapidly falling apart.

So at a time of actual conflict with Iran, Iraq will probably be very very keen on staying on the sideline, everybody and his brother has heard the Iranian Rhetoric in the Arab world, and the vast majority of them, Sunnis, are probably secretly wishing the Iranian threat would be converted into melted glass.

Lets say, Boom here it goes, a conflict involving force.

If it is a surgical strike, possibly no difference in the Dinar, remember it is artificially held where it is, and not free floating, on the Forex, where it can be at the whim of temporary investors, that will buy or sell oil, currency etc, and drop it at the possibility of a Hurricane.

If it is a longer and more complicated campaign, involving an invasion, and long weeks of street to street fighting, then the Dinar may be affected, but only in that sense that it will have a pressure on it to go up or down, just the pressure, the actual up and down will still be dictated by CBI.

The geopolitical scene would be hard to tell about, as it is not known if this possible conflict would involve a couple of million refugees, coming across from Iran into Iraq, how well Iraq can care for them, and how this will affect the overall situation of Iraq.

If a crisis or war situation will take effect in the region, most probably restrictions and delays in construction will take place, investing companies will probably make do with what they can at the moment, but shipping of pipelines, Caterpillars, and other things that by necessity needs to go by ship will have to wait and yield for man of war in waters outside the Gulf.

Possibly oil interruptions will be felt not only from Iraq, but Kuwait, Dubai and Saudi Arabia as well, and oil prices will (as usually) go up.

So for the short term this is not good news, but in the long run it is not too bad of a deal, once the oil prices are up, they have a lethargic tendency to stay there, and have to be wrenched down with pliers designed to pull molars from horses.

Most possibly the conflict will not be a long conflict, but be over in days, weeks, but will not go on for months and months. So the effects on the region will possibly be temporary, and when the oil business starts up again after the conflict, the participants, (like Iraq) will have a market that is screaming for oil.

Will the conflict be a devastation of Iraq, its oil production and it's country? no, it will be an interruption, and they will go back to doing what they were doing before the conflict.

For the Dinar, it will be held where it is, if it is not traded on the market during the conflict, possibly a move up or down, but not a free fall or something along that line, unless Iraq manage to themselves get involved in the conflict in one way or the other.

A scenario highly unlikely, as long as we are there, and as long as the Iraqis themselves want to get their own stuff going.

Iraq, probably in the heart of most Iraqis, don't really need Iran's problems.

To sum it up, in case of a conflict with Iran, there might be delays, but most possible scenario is a better position for Iraq after the conflict.

-- March 25, 2007 1:29 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The Lone Ranger,

I doubt it, the HCL has passed numerous hurdles, and each time they have been reported as "passed".

If they really would pass, this would be headline news all over the universe, latest I heard of the final possible passing of the law was in May.

The Kurds are running their own show up north, not entirely in line with the federal Govt in Iraq, there is a lot of bickering going on about the validity of contracts signed by the Kurds up in that region.

Just wonder how they are going to transport all that oil, the main pipeline have been sabotaged so many times that it is in all effect a completely useless piece of scrap wrapping around the country side.

Even though it is about 10 times as expensive, to go by truck rather than pipe it, they might as well start trucking it to the northern harbors.

Guess truck jobs will be a very good business over there in the future with all that projected oil coming up out of the Kurdish area.

-- March 25, 2007 1:49 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Neil,

Yes this could be wrapped up very fast. Troops getting home, and Iraq taking care of themselves.

1. Clap down on insurgency, quick.

2. Set in motion all the investment projects, needed to start the Iraqi economy, quick.

3. It's done, the stuff is rolling and we're not needed anymore. Lets go home.

There is only one problem.

This is Iraq, and desperately needed HCL laws, investment projects and other means to get the Iraqi economy rolling just has to yield for the nbr 1 priority.

Goat barbie.

Maaaaybe they can get enough people to even bother to attend the Parliamentary session needed in order to get enough votes to make the HCL law possible......in May.

-- March 25, 2007 2:02 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Neil,

Naaa, I would say that I am religious, but yes not in the Judeo, Christian, Muslim way where a God exist at some distance from your own consciousness.

I would definitely say that I am spiritual, and believe that there is more to life than being bodies, that are trapped in a DNA sequence.

God as traditional western religion has it on this location of the earth, will tell us that God is above you and me.

We are less.

In my opinion God is within you and me, and is our existence.

The Christian concept of God would be the absolute perfection of a spiritual existence to strive to achieve.

The problem with Christianity is that they say that would be blasphemy, and it can't be done.

If God is the perfect being, then wouldn't we all try to be like God.

Christianity tells me that we all must be better, but we can't be really that good, because it cant be done. If we are getting to such a high state of existence that we bear any close resemblance to God, then we should be stomped down.

So we must, but can't reach out goal.

As long as Christianity says that it is impossible to compare, or try to strive toward, or be in likeness of, or adopt the ability of, or in any way or form discourage me as a spiritual being to reach a higher state
of existence (that will approach God) then I think the persons saying that is lying.

I strongly strongly doubt that anyone has ever reached the Christian, Jewish ,Muslim definition of God, but anything that is improved in a person, will be ONE step in that direction.

You teach a child not to lie, the child adopt that policy, and have made one step up in ethics or morale.

Have you made him a God, of course not, but he is one step closer to that existence now than he was before.

Will we ever reach to that position, possibly not, but to have that state as the absolute raw model, well are there any other raw models to look for.

Between a street bum and God, the existence is a mere gradient.

So whatever God is and you and I are, is a spiritual existence that have the same existential ground.

So getting closer to God is in my book just to try to better yourself.

You find him in the mirror everyday.

Not claiming to BE the highest possible spiritual existence. That is actually funny, one of the board members here, actually had the far fetched idea that I said I'm God (with the Christian value of an overall almighty God) I'm still laughing.

God, if that existence actually exist, is another story. Sara and me have had some very interesting discussions on this subject.

So, Neil, yes I am religious but in another way than western ways of looking at God.

Then we of course have Carol, imagine her as a religious interpreter and judge at the inquisition.

Run for the torch, a free thinker....burn, burn, and God forgive me, but I'm doing it for you. Ha.

-- March 25, 2007 3:05 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

No move today. I saw one theory that we are going to stay at 1277 until they move the rate to 1 NID: $1.277. Some of us can dream big!!!!

Roger, Hope you were finally able to go to sleep

Announcement No.(889)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 889 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/ 3/ 25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1277 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 86.755.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 86.755.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 25, 2007 7:08 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

I don't believe the Chase story. It makes for fun rumor, but it is a bit too far fetched. No bank could say it will RV before the time to any customer. It just could not be done. The rumor is not credible, to my mind.

As for my friend Roger.. I respect him. We have walked a long way together and talked of many things. We are both learning things as we go along. I am not superior to him or anyone else. As for you speaking about my being too "tolerant" I was reminded of The Screwtape Letters, a book written by C.S. Lewis.. have you ever read it? In it, Lewis records a dialog between a young apprentice demon with his superior officer as they strategize on how to take down and destroy the life of one of God's people. I think you need to listen to your words and try and see who is speaking the words coming from your mouth and how they line up with the Scriptures. Your words appear to make having righteousness and being holy the central thing of importance before God, but not in the sense of a real essence of heartfelt holiness, but more in the sense of being holier than others. This reminds me of the Pharasees, who also sought to judge the people Jesus sat with, including "publicans and sinners." They were so busy looking down on others, they did not see how great many sins they had been forgiven of themselves, as the parable about Simon in Luke 7:39 explains.

In that passage, Simon thinks, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner." Jesus replies to him about two people who owed money, one of which owed much and one who owed little, and their creditor (God) forgave them both. He then asks Simon which would love the most? Here is that dialog:

Luk 7:41-42 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Luk 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And He said to him, You have rightly judged.

Then Jesus turns to the woman and says her sins are forgiven to her, "because she loves much, " quote, Luk 7:47 "Therefore I say to you, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." I have always noticed in that passage that they were BOTH forgiven by God, the Pharasee who loved very little, and the woman who loved very much. Which are you most like as a Christian? Do you think of the golden rule when you speak of Roger? "Do to others what you would have others do to you"?? That rule says... do you wish to have others act as you do toward him? If you read your posts before you post them to Roger and address them to yourself instead of to him, what do you feel when you receive those words as Roger would do?

Therefore, concerning your desire to place holiness above all other things (including the salvation of sinners or loving them), so that tolerance for sinfulness or sitting with sinners is evil in your view, I wish to point out that the Bible says "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

That is the Scripture right after John 3:16 about God so loving the world that He sent His Son, that whoever believes in Him might be saved... and here it says that Jesus was not sent into this world to condemn the world. Think for a minute about what that means. If God did not come to this world in human form to condemn.. how can I pretend to condemnation of any other? Judgement is not left with me, but God. Jesus said:

Mat 12:31 I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men..."

You say he blasphemes.. I did not take what he said the way you did, and I think you judge his intent and God alone can see the motivations of a heart. But even if I were to concede the point and grant that he has blasphemed.. what of this same wonderful Lord Jesus who, while on the cross said, Luk 23:34 Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.

Can I do less than Jesus and not forgive? And if "all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men" and Roger is called to the Light of Jesus and will one day see the truth that is in Jesus which He brought into the world and accept Him as Lord and Savior - Roger will also be forgiven, as you and I are. And should I place a stumblingblock before him that he may hate me.. a stumblingblock that may turn him from the Lord Jesus Christ because of my Pharasaical distain? I believe I serve the purposes of God better by showing him love and understanding because the God of infinite Love and Understanding may have already forgiven him in eternity. Who am I to judge or take offense on God's behalf? If God does not condemn him for his sins, who am I to retain them? Paul said Acts 26:9 "I truly thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth."

Would you also condemn Paul during the time when he was "contrary to the name of Jesus" and thought that he "ought to do many things" against His Name? He further said:

Act 26:10-11 "Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even to strange cities."

I do believe if you had met Paul in those days, a man who gave voice against Christians, who persecuted them and punished them, even "compelling" (torturing?) them until they blasphemed the name of the Lord, that you would have judged him as unworthy of Jesus Christ. Yet Jesus chose him and called him and made him an apostle to us Gentiles. So, no.. I do not condemn Roger. I leave that judgement in the hands of God alone. Who am I to judge Paul before he accepts Christ.. or any man? I am not called to condemn others. You say Jesus, "eliminated dialogue with those who demonstrated defiance to the Father." But Jesus said He and the Father were One and that if you had seen Jesus you had seen the Father. Phillip asked Jesus to show him the Father God of whom Jesus spoke so often. His reply:

Joh 14:9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been such a long time with you, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how do you say then, Show us the Father?"

I admonish you to consider what spirit you are of, even as when the disciples asked of Jesus if they could call down fire from heaven on some they thought had rejected Him and what did Jesus answered them?

Luk 9:55 But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.
Luk 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

Jesus' mission should be our mission, Carole. This was how He acted to those who defied the Father with whom He was One. He says He came not to destroy men's lives or condemn them but to save them. I ask you, Carole.. which of the two of us do you think Roger considers more like Jesus Christ? The one who condemns him or the one who loves him? (((Roger))) (Roger, if I have caused any offense to you in discussing things with Carole this way, like you are a fish over which we are squabbling, I ask your forgiveness, truly. As you pointed out, some people dissect things like love into mere human responses of synaptic nerves. Here, some make it into cold doctrine. I ask your forgiveness, for I think you know my heart and dissecting my care for you into doctrinal talking points is crass and lowly.. yet, I must answer her, for if I do not I remain accused of a very great evil and I cannot allow such deprecation of me or of you, as I hope you appreciate. Please do not take offense to any of my words if I sin in them or act so as to offend while defending myself. It is not my intent in any way to harm you, as you know, so I ask your forgiveness if I offend you, my friend. - Sara)

Carole, you have already practically said he is without ability to turn to God and will be lost.. if I hold out hope for him in love, believing that God might speak to him and enlighten his eyes to see and follow in the Way (as Paul did and as He once did for me), am I then become an enemy to those of the church who are like you? Because in my heart I find love where you find none? I wish to God all religions had this love for one another, that we might not condemn and kill others thinking we do God a service, but learn to love mankind as Jesus did when He forgave from the cross. The time of the Judgement seat is later.. at the end, when we all stand before God, and that is the perogative of Deity alone, not of man.

What a wondrous and loving God we serve. May we both be worthy of that love that cared enough to die for us, and give ourselves and spend our lives as did He - in love and service and care to all.

Sara.

-- March 25, 2007 7:20 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

I can't believe they are so bold as to actually VOTE to stop the mission and not support the troops.
What an abuse of their power and vows of office.
Is defeat the only song the Democrats can sing?
The Democrats are indeed worthy of the roach spray Carl intimated.

May God indelibly write this act on the heart of every voting American so that they do not forget..
so that next time they will not vote so foolishly for such evil men and women..
by whose actions the terrorists, the enemies of America, are greatly encouraged.

===

Cheney: House is undermining the troops
By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press Writer Mar 25, 2007

MANALAPAN, Fla. - Vice President Dick Cheney on Saturday accused the Democrat-led House of not supporting troops in Iraq and of sending a message to terrorists that America will retreat in the face danger.

"They're not supporting the troops. They're undermining them," Cheney told a gathering.

On Friday, the House voted to clamp a cutoff deadline on the Iraq war, agreeing by a thin margin to pull combat troops out by next year.

Cheney called it a myth that "one can support the troops without giving them the tools and reinforcements they need to carry out their mission." President Bush has threatened to veto the legislation. Cheney said Bush will not withdraw troops before there is stability in Iraq.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070325/ap_on_re_us/cheney_troops

-- March 25, 2007 7:37 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
I agree with a lot of your view points regarding the Iraqi and Iran interconnection...but I feel Iran has been itching for a USA or Israeli strike for quite sometime...Why???? Their intent is to have an excuse to take over Iraq...they have full intentions of re-uniting the OLD PERSIAN EMPIRE..and I believe they have a good chance of doing it under two flags...We are SHIITES and being attacked by the Western and European Invaders...come to our aid...We are MUSLIM and ISLAM is being beaten down..stand up for ALLAH as WE ARE ALL PERSIANS regardless of boundries...

After the first strike, Iran will invade Iraq and strike Coalition Bases enmass... our troop's will retreat to points that can be best defended in an attempt to hold out...since we do not have the man power or equipment to fight a winnable ground war...look for cruise missile strikes all throughout Iraq and along the Iranian borders where Iranian troops are staging for advancement...The Militias will come back to the surface in strength and attacks on existing IRAQI OFFICIALS, and COALITION CONVOYS will spiral out of containment...
Key Iraqi Officials will join the coalition between Iran and Iraq... to save their own butts...The Economic situation of Iraq will rapidly deteriorate to be a point where the present dinar will be toilet paper value, until it is determine who is going to be the winner of this conflict..you will see uprising throughout Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Malasia, some existing leaders now in power will either flee or be removed by force...Either way existing countries as we know them presently will not exist in the same physical or governmental statue....the Western and European influence in the region will be weaken to the point of possibly collapsing...for the first time..we will see nuclear strikes at first pin pointed...then used in a broader stroke to try and stop the rout before all foundations dissolve..
I fear that most of our troops in Iraq will become casualties of the conflict...oil prices will go so high, that worldwide the economies will start to collapse...not at first..but as the conflict drags on...The USA is now a weaken dragon financially...we cannot afford to have a major conflict regardless of the reason...as the value of the dollar is now only propped up by the China and other middle eastern oil countries...take that away and the dollar becomes like the Iraq dinar on the international market...In house fighting between the Republicans and Democrats will become so bad..that it will shake the foundation of our governmental structure..
I know this sound like gloom and doom...for I truly mean it that way...I have said for the past two years and only in the past few months..that things will start to heat up in the Spring....
The disappearance of the top Iranian Generals and Officials has really shaken the Iranians...they know that the coalition forces now know a way more than they did 3 months ago...they have to make something happen now...before the Western and British forces can put together a plan that will have a good chance of working, and stop the take over of Iraq and the oil fields..that is why the British Soldiers were taken...this is a poke in the face...to get the Western Powers to strike now...they are simply pawns in one of the biggest chess games you will see played out in the near future...
The only and only option is the ARAB NATIONS PUTTING A STOP TO THE IRANIAN ROMP NOW if the British, American or Israeli Forces attack Iran..go ahead and plan on putting your dinar away for about 30 years..if even then...after the conflict a lot of the area in Iran, and Iraq will not longer be habitable for thousands of years...I believe RUSSIA has given an example of that...
I bow my head in prayer and pray that I am totally wrong in this observation of things to come...I had rather be called a idiot by all who reads this ...than to see the above come to past...I believe Sara can attest to a lot of my past postings regarding the above starting two years ago...any comment Sara!! Please tell me I am wrong...and where...as my heart is heavy today...

-- March 25, 2007 8:40 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Sara!
Your response to Carole was beautifully conveyed...You are a shining beacon to your faith...While I have not spoken to Roger about this particular "crap on your on your lawn act" of Carole's toward Roger or the talking down to you because of your apparent inability to see the evil "WICCAN" soul of Roger...I am certain he appreciates your response and respects your faith...as most of the readers on this board do...

-- March 25, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

Thank you. :)

I am sincere in my faith and beliefs about Jesus and I don't think you or Roger would expect me to compromise on that which I sincerely believe. That doesn't change our friendship or my care for you both, however, and I could easily visit with you both, talking and enjoying your company any day of the week. I would find the conversation lively, no doubt. :) If that makes me "too tolerant" so be it. I think Jesus is the same. If He accepted me and Paul and those people who stood before His cross after having just scourged Him.. and who had also just mocked Him by putting a purple robe on Him and bowing mockingly down before Him, then putting a crown of thorns on his head and beating it into his head so that His blood was dripping down... You know, they beating Him mercilessly, stripping Him of His robe and crucifing Him (John 19:2-3).. if He could forgive that, I think He has room from the eternal realm to give to us sinful and undeserving folks His forgiveness... you, me and Roger.

Sara.

-- March 25, 2007 2:09 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Hello All,

I Have been taking a break from the board for awhile. It appeared that things were moving slowly in Iraq news.

Sara,

My comments are for you. I have spent a great deal of time reading back on the blog to get re-acquinted with where everyone is at.

I agree with Carl. I believe you answered Carole with wisdom. Jesus did all of the items you cited in the scriptures. Great tolerance was given to us (You and me) when we were in an unsaved state.

Today, we are gratiful for his mercy and for his loving us with a steadfast love. As we become like Jesus, we hope to care about everyone as Jesus would care about person.

Keep up the great work of explaining the scriptures. God has given you a talent.

Laura

-- March 25, 2007 5:55 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

Last paragraph to last should read, As we become like Jesus, we hope to care about everyone as Jesus would care about each person.

Laura

-- March 25, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

---

satans spawn wrote:

The IQD is blood money we all shall reap.

-- March 25, 2007 6:49 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Whoa,

Chris, thanks for your updates on the exchangerate, yes finnaly I got some sleep.

Funny I have always been a nocturnal individual, I have read somewhere that only 5% of the population is true nocturnal.

It saves a lot of time going to the supermarket at 3.30 AM, no line.

Sara,

Somewhere along the line you deserves a hug, what a brilliant master piece you wrote.

HUUUUUUUUG, hope you felt it like a comfy bearhug.

Satans spawn,

"Blood money", would be defined as money gotten from stolen, scammed or illegaly obtained money.

Money from stolen gods, money from illegaly mined diamonds, "blood diamonds" money from extorsion, racketeering or any bother illegal activity would be blood money, especially if by the illegal activity, deaths have occured.

By the fact that deaths and pain exist in Iraq, doesnt make an investment in Iraq, "blood money".

The death and pain have other causes, then our intention and investment.

Our investment and our intention with it, will enhance the lives of the Iraqis.

The return of it, our prospective profit, is gained with the knowledge that we helped these people, not caused death, pain or theft.

It is a generalization to say that because you see deaths, and pain, that the Dinar is "blood money".

If we take the concept of Iraq, Death Pain, our investment, and keep pictures in our head of carbombs, executions and other killings, and stir everything in one pot, then we can generalize and say :

Iraq = Death = Pain = our investment = carbombs = "blood money".

Death and pain may very well occur, but designate some kind of guilt on the part of us that invest and want to make a better place out of Iraq, is a mental creation that just have not been fully thought trough.

Carl,

Well depending on how widespread the conflict will be with Iran, I do believe that once the conflict starts, the activities will not spread appreciable over Irans borders.

Psychotics as they are, they of course wants to do as much harm as possible to as many as possible before they go down in flames, so it is a matter of how long time we want to post pone the conflict.

The longer we wait, the better ability Iran have to cause harm across the region, possible even in the US.

If we do it as soon as possible, it will probably be more of a local conflict.

They dont have much of a backing in the Arab world, and Iraq is the only popoulation where the Shiite is in majority except for Iran, but Iraq is controlled by us, and any strogharm that way have already disintegrated.

You are right, we are itching to take care of this demon once and for all, and the sooner the better.

If done sooner, the conflict will be local, and the Dinar will be only temporarily at risk, but later, with a conflict reaching into Iraq, well thats another story, because then the investors will say bye bye.

All in all, Iran wont back down, and with that the confrontation is set.

It's just a matter of time.

-- March 25, 2007 9:34 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Thank you for your response. It is obvious that I see Jesus' mission on earth differently than you do.

I wholeheartedly agree with the scriptures that you have quoted and referred to. And I too wished that all would come to a saving knowledge of Christ and further His Kingdom. The harsh reality is that there will be some who will not.

The gospel is that of salvation, the acceptance of the shedding of Christ's blood for the forgivenss of sins, and spending eternity with our Creator.

Salvation to mankind was motivated by Divine love. A love that no human can ever understand or duplicate.

I am sure that we agree on more than we disagree on. But my questioin to you is that through your efforts of tolerance, motivated by Christian love to Roger has gone on for so long, where are the fruits of your labor of love with him? That he would feel so free to mutilate the name and essence of our Lord in your presence?

I could see him doing that to me, but to you......?

There are countless scriptures that admonish us to hold true to the faith and avoid all presence of evil.....be no partaker of those who are contrary to the things of God.

How do you assimilate these doctrinal truths?

Anyway, I would love nothing better than for Roger and Carl and anyone else to experience the forgiveness and restoration to their Creator. BUt until the human heart sees their inadequacies and sinful ways there will not be repentance.

I am eternally grateful that those who led me to the saving knowledge of Christ did so by loving me enough to keep the hard cold facts in front of me about my behavior, obstinence to the things of God,including His holiness, righteousness and purity. This led me to be convicted of my sin. Without that conviction, I would have never felt or known the need for a Savior.

I'll leave it at that....

Again thank you for taking the time to respond.

Carole

-- March 25, 2007 11:59 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Do you refer to Sara's writings as a brilliant masterpeice, because she attempted to put me down, or that you finally understand and accept the love that Christ offered to you through His ultimate and Divine death on the cross for your soul and eternal life with Him?

I am fervently praying for the latter, cause that's the one that really counts!

Carole

-- March 26, 2007 12:07 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Laura, thank you for your very kind words. :)

Roger, thanks so much for the comfy bearhug.. greatly appreciated by me.

Sara.

-- March 26, 2007 12:34 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Neil,

I agree that Roger is very smart, as well as Sara, Carl and my favorite Tim ( I think we lost him though....great loss!)

DOn't short changed yourself though, you are a wise man and I know you have a perception that many of us lack. And a class all of your own.

You have a softness that I appreciate. And moreso.... your humility is awesome.

Sometimes I think that there is alot of misunderstandings going on because of "WRITTEN" dialogue between all of us.... at least I hope so...:)

I think for the most part we all call it as we see it, and I can respect that. But purposeful disregard and disrespect will always demand my attention and comments.

At any rate, it is the Dinar that has drawn us all together, and I am in this for the long haul. But will be glad when the saga comes to an end.

Although, I must admit, I would like to see how people react to the Dinar finally hitting and what that kind of wealth brings us all to.

My biggest wish ( other than with my family) is that Panhandler can finally retire and not worry about money matters anymore.

Carole

-- March 26, 2007 1:14 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

The 890 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/ 3/ 26 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1276 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 61.790.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 61.790.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

D.G. of Investments

Daily price Bulletin buying and selling Sunday 2007/3/25

Currency
Currency Code
Selling Price In IQD
Buying Price In IQD

US Dollar
USD
1277.000
1275.000

European Euro
EUR
1698.665
1697.816

British Pound
GBP
2507.006
2505.753

Canadian Dollar
CAD
1100.767
1100.217

Swiss Franc
CHF
1049.388
1048.863

Swedish Krona
SEK
182.896
182.805

Norwegian Kroner
NOK
209.320
209.216

Danish Krone
DKK
228.052
227.938

Japanese Yen
JPY
10.839
10.833

-- March 26, 2007 5:03 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Sara and Carole...
You both state you are Christians...So I write from a position of not being being of the Christian faith. I was driven away in disgust from Christianity many years ago by pious Christians who had no tolerance of other faiths, or regard for other life that existed on this earth...I observe them to go to church, profess to love one another...then without reverence to anything else, kill animals for the shear sport of killing in order to practice their shooting abilities...I watched the target of choice die as they laughed, so they could have an enjoyable afternoon...I watched in amazement as land and forest were destroyed without any regard to any understanding of what they were doing....NO! I am not a tree hugger...nor a vegetarian...I have no problem in hunting or fishing for the food...but to kill without regard to the life they are taking is an abomination to mother earth...and to the human race...I fully understand that all living things are connected...I am sure that you have heard the phrase we are all one...as life is energy...regardless of what form it takes..does not water change from the form of liquid to solids to vapor without changing its basic structure...? I find that most human beings are blind, deaf and dump to all the interaction of the Universe that goes on around them...(I believe Jesus said...forgive them for they no not what they do!...that phrase can apply to many things) Like Roger, I am more spiritual than religious..I do not hold what appears to be true to me, as your truths..for you have your own battles and path to follow while here... I don't have to go to some church to experience god...I am what he is made of...(I believe it was said by your faith...we were made in his image) you want to see god look in the mirror...look at the beauty of the world...you want to be of GOD..then give respect to all things of GOD...In the world that I observe..God is within me and I interact with his beauty every day...I have no doubt in my mind...there is a CREATOR of all that we experience...we are more than our bodies or mind...just as the water changes form, so do we as our energy leaves this DNA cage to return to another place...for if death existed...so would GOD have the ability to die...and I believe that is not possible...If the human race was more tolerate and understanding of why they are here, we as human beings would not be so cruel to our own race, much less other animals and living things of this world...

I have observed both of you in your writings about your faith...from my observation, Carole,s view and method of expressing Christianity is like looking at a pretty bucket of honey....from the view point of the eye it is appealing, but from the taste comes the bitterness of bitterweed..that makes you want to throw it down to the ground...Sara's method is to bring forth scripture all of the time...once I got pass the thought of "can't she at least think for herself and put things into her own words"...I started to understand...she was simply conveying the foundation from which her views spring forth...I have seen her struggle with anger and hurt...and sometimes the human trait of retaliate comes through...but never have I seen Sara be cruel in her writings...She does her best not to offend, but even that sometimes fails when you are restricted by writing...which does not allow the true meaning of trying to express your point of view.
I find myself, puzzled as to why Carole is so disturbed at Sara...Sara! and Carole! have two points of views regarding how Christians should react to certain things...their reactions are totally opposite of each other...I don't believe there is a right or wrong here...simply an observation of a lesson to be learned...it is up to each reader to determine what that lesson is and what value they have learned from this difference of opinion...

-- March 26, 2007 6:56 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris,

It has moved again, ONE point, well I take it.

Should I bitch or should I be glad?

I have been bitching lately on the Iraqis, for being very backwards, non producing and have a spin top instead of working faculties.

True there is very much confusion over there, it is also very much illiteracy, and they are on top of it all trying to do something that is very new in the whole region, Democracy, they don't have a clue so of course things are not working with the same clockwork we expect.

After all, when you stop and think about it.

We are sitting here expecting THEM to make US millionaires.

We want it now, how convenient for us.

Never mind that they have war, have one of the poorest nations on earth, have a 25 years decline of their infrastructure, have their oilfields rusted up, have mortars flying, bullets flying, have no electricity, have no real water system, have no real wages, have confused bank system, have debts over their ears, (even though it has come down from sky high, to "only" very high), an average income of 54 Dollars a MONTH, population that is unwilling to unite, and no investment project going because those darn grenades are falling everywhere, kidnappings by criminals, and an active Al Qaeda cell, that have promised to keep Iraq as the forefront in their struggle. They have deep religious split, and an almost split off nation in the north, where the Kurds are going their own way.

They have furthermore foreign countries involvement in their business, have a constitution and government that is extremely young, and all their consumer gods have to be imported.

Never mind that, we want to be millionaires NOW, and we want these dumb people to do it for us, right away.

-- March 26, 2007 7:03 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carl,

As a very young boy, I had this air rifle, a very powerful air rifle for my age.

Everything was fair game, anything that the gun could handle was a target.

I wanted to score, to show that I was something, that I could cause things, and that I was something that could be counted.

One day I shot a swallow sitting on a telephone wire.

When he fell down something unexpectedly happened, other swallows followed him down, when he fell, checking on him.

I had taken away something that others loved.

I had chosen him for my kill, what a perfect way to be at cause over something, it's an irreversible act, it's, a definitive statement and it is absolute.

I didn't want that swallow to die, I didn't want that bullet to hit him, I wanted to take that bullet back so badly.

I really wanted that swallow back in life again.

THAT I couldn't do.

-- March 26, 2007 7:53 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

It did to me appear a difference in opinion, and perhaps in approach.. but not in faith. My view is this which Jesus spoke:

Mat 9:13 But you go and learn what that means, "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice": for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

From my view, God values mercy. As Jesus further said:

Mat 12:7 But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless.

You said, Carl.. "I was driven away in disgust from Christianity many years ago by pious Christians who had no tolerance of other faiths, or regard for other life that existed on this earth..."

So your view is that CHRISTIANS drove you away from Christ.. but you have no controversy against Jesus. I think God sees that and knows your heart. There is a vast difference between trusting in Christians ... and trusting in Jesus Christ. I think if you consider only Jesus Christ and not the professing Christians, you can see more clearly. You judge Carole and I.. as individuals. Surely Jesus Christ deserves the same? And if you judge Him alone and without respect to those who say they are following Him, I cannot see any reason you would see fault in the Savior Himself. To turn from following Christ because His people are not worthy of your trust is a travesty in my view. Surely in the quiet of your heart you know what God has created is precious and the animals and earth are not to be misused in His view, either. Proper stewardship of all He has made is a cornerstone of a just Creator who caused to be written:

Pro 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

A God who cares that the life of an animal is respected rather than treated with cruelty is not likely to endorse those persons who are without regard for the life forms He has Created to dwell with us here upon the earth. As you said, if killing an animal to survive, for food, is necessary.. no one would fault those who did so. I have thought much, though, upon vivisection.. the practice of using animals in cruel experimentations to supposedly further science. Vivisection is "used to describe any invasive experiment upon living animals, or any live animal testing, typically for the purpose of physiological or pathological scientific investigation" (wikipedia). An example was when they took away monkey babies from their mothers so that they could see if the animal being held by its mother made any difference to its development. The monkey babies all died. Apparently, physical contact is necessary for its survival. Worth learning in that way? Seems cruel to me. They then tried it with babies in a third world nursery.. and yes, all the human babies died, too. They could feed and clothe them.. but if they did not pick them up and hug and cuddle them, the babies died. When the human babies died, there was a great outcry and the experiment was stopped. I think it cruel. So I agree with you about cruelty to God's creation.. and cannot endorse those who disregard the lives of beasts as though their beings are nothing or use them cruelly for dubious "learning" simply because they are helpless and unable to defend their lives against such cruel experimentation.

As for no tolerance of other faiths by many Christians.. it seems that if you have love for others or tolerate other views and faiths while living within the Christian faith, it is a reason by many Christians to find fault with you.. So I guess I see your points... but not the conclusion that Jesus is not worth following...

I just think Jesus deserves better than to judge Him by so many who are less worthy and fallible.. and sometimes, quite cruel.

Cruelty toward man and beast is a folly of men.. and not attributable to God. And Jesus was God.. Infallible.. Just and very, very Kind.

Mar 1:40 And there came a leper to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."
Mar 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."
Mar 1:42 And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

He used His power for good.. and was not cruel, but kind and compassionate..
My friend Carl.. don't judge Him or reject Him because of those who are not so.

Sara.

-- March 26, 2007 8:07 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Carl,

My husband and I just finished touring several states where hunting season either just ended or about to begin. We too are amazed and discusted at the reality of nature being disturbed and God's beautiful animals being slaughtered for the sake of a sport.

According to scripture, you are right, the human soul never dies.

Spiritual death is described as the situation where one has been seperated from God because of sin.

Do you believe that God is perfect? If so, how then can a human hope to experience fellowship with Him?

Looking at another's behavior to try to find God will only lead to frustration and disappointment, for ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.

BUT THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST.

None of us deserve it, can earn it, or change His plan for reconilliation for His creation.

Carl, perhaps my presentations or way of discussing things is not as polished as some, but in my experiences in life I have found that many times truth can be bittersweet. Especially those concepts that I struggle with.

Truth is absolute! And that is where people seperate from eachother. Because without that foundatioinal agreement, nothing else will jive between people who are trying to understand eachother.

Scripture proclaims to be inspired by GOd and therefore infallible.

Men have distorted scripture and used it for many evil purposes. But that is what man does. But mans actions, beliefs, interpretations, etc... can not change or hinder the truths of scripture.

In fact, man's behavior validates the truths of scripture.

To look to another for answers or definitions of God and His creation and the many wonders of it all is dangerous and can only lead to despair.

I am glad you are not religious! Religion boxes one in and prevents one from dsicovering the foundational truths of God.

Attrocities have occured throughout the existence of mankind, in the name of religion.

Religion is mans attempt to do something for God. Christianity is what God has done for mankind.

I would adivse to anyone, that they look to the scriptures for themselves. Discover their own value and pertinence to their lives. God speaks to us individually through His Holy Word. What we do with that information and how we assimulate it is a life long journey.

It is in that realm that I invite sharing and discussion. For I recognize that God has a perfect individual plan for each of our lives. In sharing with eachother where we are in that journey and watching eachother discover the truths of that journey is the cement that bonds human to human.

Cracks take place in that "cement" when boundaries are crossed and deception creeps in. And truth is distorted or manipulated for self edification.

I've done it, we've all done it at one time or another in our lives. And it is never pretty. But once again validates our fallen nature.

More than likely, the inconsistencies I see are due to the fact that we are in deep discussions through "writing" rather than through oral dialoguing.

Much can probably be cleared up of we spoke face to face.

But until then, I will hold to my favorite bumper sticker that I see from time to time that says "CHRISTIANS ARE NOT PERFECT ONLY FORGIVEN".

Enjoyed and appreciated your post.

Carole

-- March 26, 2007 8:23 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Sara!
Don't confuse the rejection of Christianity with the rejection of how Jesus lived...Christianity is man's concept of how things should be done to show honor and respect to Jesus....or GOD...most of it is filled with BS...I believe the Catholic Church and some other religious organizations are a good example of organization that started with good intentions, but have ended up more concern for their ass and manipulation of their followers than what Jesus represented...

It is my belief, that Roger and I probably have a deeper understanding of the wonderful Gift the creator gave each of us here on this earth....than a lot of Christians...in my mind God gave us the ability to come experience who we are...for without the gift of experiencing... we would have no concept between the relativity of this world or the absolute world of the other dimensions...for if god made us in his image...and we are part of god, then so does god get to experience as we experience...
Jesus...was no different than you or I in the flesh...the difference was he understood the love of the father more than others that were on the earth at that period of time...he attempted to show them different attitudes but, as it is today...most of his teaching were rejected by the clergy of that time...when they saw their followers start to listen to him....he threatened their domain and power...that could not be allowed...thus you know the rest of the story...it was not until after his death...as in a lot of cases a martyr, saint, movie star, singer, etc he or she becomes bigger in death...than they ever did in life...his intentions in my mind was not to be famous or a religious figure...man in their rush to worship something or someone unfortunately has given him a bad rap...and used his teachings for personal gain under the flag of Christianity...I am sure it would disown the Christian Structure as it presently exist...and smile with happiness at the individual who goes about living their life with respect to all...regardless of whether they professed to being anything...much less a Christian...The dragon plant is beautiful and attracts many insects with its sweetness and brilliant colors...but the taste of injury and death is just one landing away...thus it is with someone who professes a faith...but inside their soul is like the dark swamp mud of Louisanna..that will swallow you quickly without even a burp! They are too be avoided at all cost...thus I stay away from most Christians for I find them two face and too judgmental for me to tolerate any length of time..thus I try to live as Jesus and lot of other spiritual teachers have taught over the centuries...I guess if that is a problem...then I am sure I have a good argument before God when I get back home...all I have to say is...I chose not to be like some the Christians that I came in contact with...I believe the record will speak for itself...

-- March 26, 2007 8:43 AM ∞

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Mike wrote:

It seems we have an editor of this blog. How can we truley know what other people are saying in we have those who would edit others words.

Mike

-- March 26, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Mike:
What are you referring too?

-- March 26, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Carl,

You and I have a foundational difference.

Jesus said " I (meaning Himself) am the way the truth and the life, no man can come to the Father accept through me"

Jesus procalimed to be God.

I believe Him, you don't.

Simple as that!

I respect your rejection, and hope you can respect my acceptance.

Carole

-- March 26, 2007 1:18 PM ∞

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DinarAdmin wrote:

Carl, Mike was referring to me, the DinarAdmin, whose only change in the posts to that time when he posted was to satan's spawn's post. Since then I have gone through and edited some of the more offensive comments toward one another between Carole and Sara. It is getting too personal, and as noted at the top of the page, I do occasionally turn up and edit such personal attacks. Kevin also edits from time to time. I think the discussion should move forward and cease with unconstructive remarks and mudslinging.

DinarAdmin.

-- March 26, 2007 3:19 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

All,

So Iran is thinking of charging the fifteen Royal Navy marines they have kidnapped with illegally entering Iranian waters. I say kidnapped because they refuse to give details of where they are holding them, and I believe they were taken illegally.

The British and Iraqi governments say that they were in Iraqi and not Iranian waters, and I believe them.

I understand that military satellite navigation is accurate to within one metre. Add to this the present situation with Iran, and I cannot see how or why troops would stray into Iranian waters in such an obvious manner as they, according to the Iranians, did.

Now consider how many Iranians would be needed to kidnap fifteen presumably armed marines. This leaves me thinking that it is a premeditated and calculated kidnapping.

It seems to me that Iran is itching for British or US troops to launch some kind of attack on them. At the moment they know they are the black sheep, a rogue state among Arab and muslim nations. They know they cannot rely on support from any of those nations at present. But depending on the level of any attack on them, this could change.

I heard a worrying report on a british radio station the other day that George Bush may consider limited nuclear strikes on Iran. I hope that this was just a scaremongering journalist sprouting a load of BS, because if this happened I think the other nations in the area would quickly fall in line behind Iran.

We all know that Iran would like to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, but after Israel the US would come next.

I travelled through Iran in 1985. As we approached the Iranian border from Turkey a huge mural painted on the side of the a border crossing building came into view from probably half to one mile away. The mural was of the head of the Ststue of Liberty. Impaled on the spikes on the top of the statue of liberty's head, was a man wearing a suit and tie. His hands and feet were in manacles and chains, and his blood was running down onto the statues head. In massive letters beneath the picture was the message 'Death to the USA'.

On every wall in every room at that border crossing was anti Israeli and anti American propaganda. And I'm talking really vile propaganda. My first impressions were obviously that they hate, detest, despise and loathe Israeli's and Americans equally. What a welcome into a country!

Fortunately the average man on the street in Iran did not seem to have this hatred and loathing, and I found them to be pleasant, likeable and welcoming. I hope this is still the case. But unfortunately when it comes to the Iranian government, we are not dealing with a reasonable, logical group but an extremely dangerous regime who would love to be given a reason to strike at Israel, the US or Britain especially if they reach nuclear capability.

I am not as politically astute as a lot of you on this blog so please feel free to enlighten me if you think I am reading this situation wrong.

AKADJJAM.

Let me know next time you venture across the pond and I'll buy you a pint or few.

-- March 26, 2007 6:04 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi all
Baghdad (NINA)- The Central Bank of Iraq CBI has announced adopting the exchange rate of Iraqi Dinar against the US Dollar, settled on last Thursdays auction until March 19. A CBI statement said Saturday that the measure came within the previously adopted measures, aiming at boosting Iraqi Dinar

A FIXED RATE DEFENITION
A fixed exchange rate, sometimes (less commonly) called a pegged exchange rate, is a type of exchange rate regime wherein a currency's value is matched to the value of another single currency or to a basket of other currencies, or to another measure of value, such as gold. As the reference value rises and falls, so does the currency pegged to it. A currency that uses a fixed exchange rate is known as a fixed currency. The opposite of a fixed exchange rate is a floating exchange rate.

Revaluation means a rise of a price of goods or products. This term is specially used as revaluation of a currency, where it means a rise of currency to the relation with a foreign currency in a fixed exchange rate. In floating exchange rate correct term would be appreciation. The antonyme of revaluation is devaluation.

-- March 26, 2007 7:12 PM ∞

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AKADJJAM wrote:

The DJ busts in the room with music playing and singing “It’s getting hot in here” …lol

Just a tension breaker guys and gals…. Please put all weapons / tongs away

Chelseadave,

Thanks for the invite just got back not too long ago, a couple of months back. Man I miss the news over there it’s just better not how to describe it. Love the beer, real beer..lol. I'll take you up on that offer.

As for Iran yep they want us to attack get the watered down version of the BBC here, and no pun intended but It’s get hot over there too…..

Roger

Never mind that, we want to be millionaires NOW, and we want these dumb people to do it for us, right away.

In response

UMMM YEP!!!

lol

Shallow but true...

-- March 26, 2007 8:01 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole...
Did it ever cross your mind...Jesus may have been talking about how he lived, and not himself? i wasn't there so I could not read his mind...I was called away to read some tea leaves..for a couple of the disciples...they wanted to know if they should remain with the outfit they were with or bail for a Alaskian King Crab venture...they felt the money was much better...I told them "NAW" stick around...you just might get in the history books with this fellow they were hanging around...besides he appeared to be pretty good at producing all the baskets of fish, without going and freezing your butt off...

-- March 26, 2007 10:30 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

DinarAdmin:

I am confused as to your purpose in editing.

Roger has called me a Nazi, thief, hoodlum, etc. etc.

It appears he is excluded from your editing responsibilities. Can you explain why?

Carole

-- March 26, 2007 11:02 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Dinar Adm:

Can you please refer me to the guidlines and the policies and procedures you use to exercise your right to edit postings by contributors to this blog site?

Thank you
Carole

-- March 26, 2007 11:23 PM ∞

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DinarAdmin wrote:

Carole - By searching this page for the words Nazi, thief or hoodlum, only your post comes up and a bit about Nazis which is unrelated and not personal attack. As you know, the DinarAdmin was only begun recently to help keep down personal attacks or disruption to the board. I was not a DinarAdmin for what went before. I did edit the comments you preferred not to be said recently, such as those about being "ticked off" and others which were said to be offensive to those who were posting. If someone appears to be taking offense and is attacking personally or being attacked, I try to edit those out so that people don't feel attacked but only discuss issues in a friendly attitude. I am just trying to keep the peace, not change what is said unless it is pointed out as offensive, personal or grossly out of line. I hope I will not need to come here very often.
DinarAdmin.

-- March 27, 2007 12:04 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

chelsesdave,

The Iran conflict is heating up, absolutely, and it seems to me that Iran themselves would love to get on with it.

The logic of kidnapping 15 Brits, is completely insane, but somewhere in their thinking this is the right thing to do, apparently.

Any opinion in the British ranks will be of patriotism more than objection over going into another war, or protest against their own government.

If you grab 15 of our boys, you have poked a hole in any trust, or hope for solution.

It is obvious that either the leadership over there is a bucket full of cow dung, with an ego the size of Montana, or just plain stupid.

Probably it's a combination of all.

What's embarrassing in others eyes, are brave and courageous in their eyes.

The fact that they are not embarrassed at all, is one of the factors that will alienate them more and more with any other nation.

So far they have done a great job themselves to do so, but now, when they are playing their hands, it is so far down on the scale what they are doing, that no one wants to be associated with them.

I do differ in your belief on this particular point.

I strongly believe that Iran's problem is just that, Iran's.

While Iran wants to see it as a world wide movement, with religious causes and a Godly right to do what they please, it might have been reported that Iran's ambitions are world wide.

When it comes down to it, the world wide movement they are professing is just that, their own talk, they have a very limited number of people out side their borders following them. Hezbollah, Iraqi insurgency and some terrorists.

Hezbollah can not do much without Iran's help, Syria, while politically in line, religiously they are on the other side of the fence, and are aligned for sheer bilateral protection, runned by a dictator since long time back, and his goal is to stay in power, he don't care about the 12th Iman returning.

The last big group, the Shiite uprising in Iraq, is falling apart, their leadership having fled to Iran, and are operating in dis organised groups.

Other Arab countries are Sunnis, with a silent secret desire to have the Shiite gone, dead or without power.

85% of the Muslim population is Sunnis.

Iran have been seen as a threat for a very long time by the bigger more dominant Arab countries , Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, etc.

Iran might very well see their cause as global, but the rest of the Arab world sees it for what it is, Iran's problem is just that ...Iran's.

A war with Iran, would be favourable in the view of most Arab countries, the Brits and the US will fight it, so they don't have to.

No there will not be a line up behind Iran.

There will not be a "Jihad" scream and everybody and his brother would bring his gun in protection of Allah, from Pakistan to Morocco.

Iran have been a big boasting bully in the whole region since the Islamic Revolution 1979, and to be an ally with Iran would be as desirable as to bring an un showered, farting, burping bum to a high society dinner party.

No Iran are pretty much alone, Syria is of no significant protection for Iran, as it has no bigger military power to match a determined force.

They have always been beaten by the Israelis anyway, and their pure existence in the Iranian eyes are to be the buffer to Israel.

UN forces are in Afghanistan, they are from all kinds of countries in Europe, plus US and British forces. Afghanistan is leaning more towards Pakistan anyway, a Sunni dominated area.

The border to Afghanistan or Pakistan would never be the place where the saving armies of Allah would appear from.

There is no chance of a rescue mission from the states coming from that area.

In the north, the old Soviet, the Russian federation, at odds with the US as well as China, BUT THEY ARE on board, with the sanctions, and any help from the Russians are highly unlikely, Turkey, forget it, they want to be westerners, and have had western influences since day one, they are completely unwilling to leave Nato and help out Iran, in this case they just wouldn't care.

Iraq, Brits and the US ARE IN Iraq.

Even if Iraq managed to stir up something more and activate the Shiite uprising in Iraq, what good would that do, they are already beaten down, and the Iraqis are fighting for Iraq, not Iran.

The rest is a border to the Gulf waters, and the Indian Ocean.

Waters well in control by far superior naval forces from Britain and the US.

No chelseadave, I strongly believe that the Iranians will be very isolated in this conflict.

The Iranians might believe it is a global conflict, and are certainly trying to do so, but when the powder starts burning, it will be on their own home territory.

Arabian countries and surrounding countries in particular will be quick to take measures to stay away from the conflict.

Iran is on a losing track, just taking these hostages , is such a dumb idea, considering it was hostages taken from one of the superpowers of the world, The Brits, and when it comes to the US, well we got rid of Jimmy Carter, the American embassy hostage taking spectacle we saw in the late 70's will most probably not be played out again.

Either Iran have to release the hostages pretty quick or the heat will be turned up, but that is what the Iranians are hoping for, so, i guess we will once again oblige the Jihadist to get their virgins in the heaven again.

Most are willing to facilitate with that request.

-- March 27, 2007 12:45 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

Am I stuck in your head,

...my name comes up all the time in postings of yours, mostly in a form when you talk about me in a 3'rd form.

You don't miss ONE chance to bring up my name when you are addressing someone else.

When you are addressing religious things, I am in the reference in one way or the other, when it comes to your idea about what you have been called, I'm there, when it comes to your idea about how you are treated by admin, well why not toss in another one liner telling him what you think I have called you.

Your whining endlessly like a child that consider himself always being sooooo unfairly treated.

The world must be a very unfair place Carole.

If you have at least a touch of interest in the Dinar, and the evolution of the Middle East, why don't you get on board with that.

Of course you can't be told that, because now you are going to whine about that in fifteen more postings.

It's obvious, your game is what we did in the middle grades, trying to get on top of someone.

You don't miss a chance to mention my name in one negative way or the other, very cleverly hidden in any of your burning issues or agendas, but it is so obvious that it is embarrassing.

What you're missing is that it is so obvious.

The admin just told you very polite to stop whining and get with the program, I can tell you less polite, but the message is the same dear Carole.

If I am stuck in your head, in one way or the other, I strongly advice you to get help.

It seems like any turn of the dime, the issue is to angle it in such a fashion that "Roger" is referred to, and his bad ways.

If you are having dinner, about to sleep, sitting in the car, trying to read, but your activity is disrupted in any way or form because the concept of my existence is affecting you negatively, you have a problem of magnitude.

It certainly seems so, as you have been on the same track since you came on this board.

For heavens sake Carole, we have never met, never seen each other, never been to a movie together, never had a dinner, never.

This is Internet, it's a screen in front of you. It's so sick. It's not the usual social behavior that we all accept. Hit here, stick a needle there, lay a trap there, pretend to be friend, and then do another stab.

You're not only doing it to me, but those cleverly hidden attacks against others on the board, never ending, on and on.

Small sublime, and well camouflaged, but ever present.

If you enthusiasticly do this on this board, then it is clear that this is the way you operate in your own life as well.

Only psychotics do so, and so far you display all the known symptoms.

The first step for your own benefit is to recognize that. There will be no cure unless the will is there.

May I suggest, for your benefit, talk with someone, get some help, don't let this go on, it will eat you up alive.

Stay out of pills, get rest and vitamins.

Sometimes when the thoughts are racing around and wont stop, it is beneficial to just go to a solitaire place and spend a week or so.

Whatever you are doing here on this board, is only a display of something that you yourself only know the answer to.

I don't know whats bugging you, but you for sure play it out on this board.

I can assume that you will see this as another attack on you, even though this is probably one of the most helpful posts you have ever read.

-- March 27, 2007 1:34 AM ∞

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AKADJJAM wrote:

Roger,

At what point do you think they will figure out that, there is not enough virgins for everyone?

-- March 27, 2007 1:53 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

AKADJJAM,

They probably never figure that one out.

Hey it's moving a bit again, it's 1274.

The budget is based on 1260 for this year, so they have until last of Jun to accomplish that, that is the half year mark, and that have to be the average then.

Unless they will do something else...like goat barbie, or lock themselves in while we are bombing Iran, or something.

-- March 27, 2007 4:44 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Roger,

Emphasis on the word "bit" as in little bit

Announcement No.(891)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 891 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/ 3/ 27 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1274 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.195.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.195.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 27, 2007 5:12 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Oil prices up, per report it is the uncertainty about the market because tension with Iran.

Good or bad, well for our own consummation it is bad, prices at the pump will of course take a leap.

As investors in Iraq, and the only possible way Iraq can do money, oil, this is of course good news.

At the end though, after a conflict, after an overthrown of the Iranian Govt, and after the dust have settled, how will it look then?

Iran and Iraq have about as antique oil production facilities as the other.

Iran have seen a stagnation in it's own oil production, after the Islamic revolution in the late -70's.

Very few investors have dared to do anything significant in Iran due to high uncertainties with the current regime.

Their own oil industry is slowing down, and their own consumption is rising.

But is there oil there though? oh yes, they have big fields as well, known fields are somewhat smaller than Iraqi oil fields but as in Iraq, prospecting with modern methods is still to come, and it is very possible to find even more fields there.

The current fields can be modernised and pumping capacity can be increased, it is just a matter of investment.

So how would a conflict change things around.

For Iraq, during the conflict, possibly oil deliveries from the whole region will be affected, and a spike in oil price a high probability. Almost a certainty.

After the conflict, depending on how destructive it became, there will now be not one more but two more countries open for oil developments with modern methods. Iran and Iraq.

At the end of the conflict, and the delivery system is again put into motion, the world will be very starved of oil, and the market will probably see sky high prices.

This will be a very beneficial situation for Iraq, as the coffers of Iraq will be filled quickly, and money will flow abundant into the country.

Iran will have it's own problems to work with.

Probably there will be a remake of the Iraq experience, but this time well rehearsed, and the mistakes made in Iraq, will not be made with Iran, while turning the country into Democracy.

Iraq will most probably continue its trek it is on right now, and up and coming advantages and disadvantages might, today unseen, come up on the board.

If Iran will get a big investment boom, will that be a competitor to Iraq's oil?

Probably not, both countries will contribute to the worlds thirst for oil, and give more time for other energy sources to be explored, but the need for oil will continuously rise, and there will be no lack of customers for neither Iran nor Iraq.

So oil up, bad for our gas pump prices.

Oil up, good for our investment.

Early conflict with Iran, Iraq as well as other countries in the region will be disturbed in their delivery at the time of the conflict, otherwise no change.

Late conflict with Iran, this is now a more capable Iran, and risk for a spill over of the conflict onto other regions will affect the oil outcome.

Possible Hezbollah will do another number on Israel.

If this involves smuggled in, nuclear warheads, and they are using it on Israel, a retaliation onto Iran is a sure bet, and possible a retaliation strike against Syria, and southern Hezbollah controlled areas of Lebanon.

This will be the worst possible scenario, unlikely, we are trying to stop it before it happens, but if not stopped, the Iranians will make sure just that WILL happen.

Lets say there is a nuke war, Israel, Syria and Iran will be in a pretty bad shape afterwards.

Most possibly Iraq will be very little affected, as to the war itself, but might be their recipients of a lot of refugees instead, because of devastated Iranians cities.

This will put a strain on the Iraqi govt, of course, but Iraq's funding for the oilfields are from international oil companies and the buildup and development of those will come from outside investment, and not tax on the Iraqi govt's budget, so the Iraqi oil development can probably go on pretty much undisturbed.

During the war, probably everybody ducks, but the longevity of modern wars with modern arms are short. affairs.

The wheels will spin even though some fascists in Iran think that the world have to stop.

Iran looks like another Pre Saddam case, some you just have to slap silly before they will understand.

As it stands now, and the world don't waits to long, the Iranian affair will be local....but dont wait.

-- March 27, 2007 5:56 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

Thanks, yes noticed is that they did two Dinars worth of improvement this time, they have not done that for quite some time, we've been sitting on one Dinar, then nothing then nothing, then one Dinar and so on for quite some time.

Two Dinars in one session, wow they're really in a hurry now (Yawn) but It would be interesting to see if they are starting on a new trend now or if this was just a fluke.

-- March 27, 2007 6:01 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

hi all heres one four you. ss

Economy


Published: 27/03/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

UAE 'closer to revaluation'
By Gaurav Ghose, Staff Reporter

Dubai: The chances of the UAE revaluing the dirham this year may have risen.

Standard Chartered Bank has raised its estimation of the probability of such an event to 40 per cent. It had previously suggested that the chances were low, perhaps in the region of 20 per cent.

Any revaluation would be relatively small in size, between three to five per cent, according to a research note issued by the bank yesterday.

With the GCC central bank governors scheduled to meet next week in Medina, Saudi Arabia, there is speculation of changes to currency regimes.

Standard Chartered Bank says that although the central scenario is that the UAE will leave the peg in place at its current level, "it is clear that the central bank is re-examining its foreign exchange policy and ... the risks of a move are rising with time."

The revised estimation follows comments emerging from credible sources, said Steve Brice, regional head of research. "This was not being discussed 12 months ago, and now it is being discussed in various ways. The Central Bank Governor has indicated that it is going to be looked at."

The note suggests three reasons why it is unlikely for the region to opt for a managed currency float, which would enable control over interest rates.

First, it would be a complex system to manage. "There's a lot of work to be done on ascertaining the fair value of currencies of the region," Brice says.

Second, "the central bank does not have at its disposal tools to manage liquidity in the financial system, an absolute necessity if they are going to manage interest rates effectively."

Third, it may be that the authorities are concerned about imported inflation rather than the low interest rates which Standard Chartered believes are the main culprit behind inflationary pressures. Any revaluation would probably be small because of the need not to impede diversification efforts, the bank explains. It would take account of the export competitiveness of non-oil activity.

They would have to manage that balancing act very carefully, Brice suggests. "Assuming that this solution is pursued, what you don't want to see is 10 to 15 per cent appreciation of the currency. Three to five per cent is it going to have massive impact on reducing inflation? No. Is it going to have a massive impact on the economy? No. You could argue that this is a step in the right direction to balance the two things. And of course if they find that it's not enough, they can do it again."

-- March 27, 2007 1:49 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

cornish boy,

Yes this issue has been more and more debated in the GCC countries.

The soon coming meeting with the GCC's finance ministers have the reval as one of the top agendas.

Two things has happened for the currency to be revalued.

First they pegged the currency amongst GCC to the Dollar in anticipation of a new common currency in the year 2010, a proposition that in itself have hit some hurdles, but will eventually be done.

The Dollar have slided down in value and thus it has brought with it, any currency that is pegged to that value.

The GCC countries themselves have amassed more capital, basically, they have become richer, and the net worth of the countries have raised in value.

(Lamborghini's and Bugatti's in the parking lot is a hint)

This will translate into a reval, in one form or the other.

The worst dilemma a finance institution can have, is that it need to announce a reval, this will throw off the true value of the currency as people will either dump or hoard currency that relates to that countries finances.

A reval that has the best effects, is one tht is kept secret until it happens.

GCC is not ONE country, and have to circulate and agree with a lot of other states the course of an action, so the secrecy bubble is blown, and money speculation has begun with those currencies.

The best they can do is spread rumors that it will not be so big, but a very modest and small one.

The true value of those currencies are probably in the 20 to 40% higher range than the now pegged currency value level.

When the GCC will reval, (some countries might do more, some less), the Iraqi situation will change to a landscape where more pressure is on them to raise their value of their currency(Iraq Dinar) so all in all, what is happening in the neighbouring countries is a positive move for us.

-- March 27, 2007 8:25 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Can Iran hold up, or will it give in.

Britain's PM claims that the sailors have to b released quick, or that the affair will raise to another level.

Brits say they were in Iraqi waters, and I have a strong tendency to believe them, the Brits will on top of that if this is not resolved quickly put forward proof of location, probably a video tape of a radar scope or something similar.

This would set the Iranians in a dilemma, if this shows that THEY trespassed into Iraqi waters, and took the sailors, it is nothing but a kidnap raid.

Of course, and the world knows this, the Iranians will not be embarrassed for one second, but will come up with some a quick justification.

"They sowed the wind, and will reap the whirlwind"

-- March 27, 2007 9:02 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I thought I would pop in a say hello. Boy, Roger and Carole are at it again. I am traveling on business to Sacremento and I am still here for the rest of the week.

I will post once I return home.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 27, 2007 9:38 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

There you go again filling your mind with dellusions.

Do you expect your nasty innuendos and comments to go unchallenged or reacted to?

Of course you do, because you consider yourself superior and above reproach, as demonstrated time and again here.

You just don't like me because I challenge your motives and demeanors towards others here who hold somethings sacred, like Sara.

You trample and cut to the quick and then pull your "nicey nicey" routine, to somehow give you license to do and say whatever you want regardless of others feelings.

It is a big question mark to me why Sara has such allegiance to you, when you repeatedly mock her in your (purported) jestful way.

It appears that you have a great friend in Sara and others here. But from your behavior it also appears that you have placed very little value on those relationships.

I get involved because I get upset that they let you get away with it. But that is where I need to let it go.

In the meantime, I see right through your techniques and I suggest you save your verbage for those who swallow it( hook line and sinker).

I understand that the best defense is a good offense.
Good try! But it won't work where I am concerned.

You have plenty of admirers here, so why is it so important to you how I feel?

You have alot of head knowledge, no one can or should dispute that.

Combine that with some heart, respect and commonsense, and I may be impressed someday.

In the meantime, I will glean, along with the rest, from all of your knowledge in all of the areas that we are all interested in. You really do a great job in that area.

Take Care,

Carole

-- March 27, 2007 11:30 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole...

Never mind, it 's no use anyway.

All,

Iran again.

It's getting a bit hotter, read today in Jewish publications, some good info they had sniffed out from the Russian intelligence.

IN THIS MOMENT OF TIME, THE BUILDUP OF OUR NAVAL FORCES IN THE GULF REGION HAS REACHED THE SAME LEVEL OF STRENGTH AS MOMENTS BEFORE THE IRAQ INVASION IN MAR. 2003.

According to the Russian observation, (hey they've got satellites too), there is a "flurry" of activities going on with both naval and ground forces in the direction of the borders of Iran.

The Russian assessment is that our forces are building up to a fast and decisive strike, involving air, naval AND ground forces.

-- March 28, 2007 12:49 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

I'm an hour and a half away from Sac as I sit.

Would be fun touching base.

Tomorrow (Wed)I will be all oily and dirty by digging into the guts of a vehicle, but can go next day.

How long do you plan to stay?

Any chance of meeting up?

-- March 28, 2007 1:02 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Iran again,

Seems like the stove have been turned to full heat. The pressure cooker is on, the pressure is building.

War games and exercises by US and British forces have begun in the biggest scale since the Iraq invasion, in the waters surrounding Iran, in the Gulf region.

-- March 28, 2007 3:37 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

All:

If Roger's sources are right we are getting ready for a bigger than Iran showdown!

Russia will defend their interests in Iran, AT ALL COSTS!And their interests are deep, wide and dirty where the US and Israel are concerned.

The stage appears set for the predicted and prophetic Armagedon or at least some adjunct activity relative to it.

Of course, this may be something else stirring, but all the adjectives are in place like never before in modern history or for sure in the last 4 or 5 generations.

At this point the Dinar investment is up for grabs.

Dang... so close, but yet so far....Oh well, we never really miss what we never had! Sour grapes rationalization! Hope I'm wrong :)

Roger:

Toooo Shay!!

Carole

-- March 28, 2007 6:55 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(892)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 892 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/ 3/ 28 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 11 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1273 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 33.045.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 33.045.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- March 28, 2007 7:50 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

All:

Some lessons from history:(Hal Lindsey Report Mar. 23)

Around 1933 when Hilter was preparing for war, ( a war that had an asgenda to take over the world), he first seized control over the media. He created super agencies that censored and monitored by way of licensing all of the medoa outlets, so that the world was blinded to it's activities until it was too late.(Mein Kemf)

This week President Valdamir Putin set a decree, creating a new super agency, by combining 2 already existing media agencies to regulate Russian media by way of licensing broadcasters,newspapers and overseeing editorial content.

He claims that his motives for doing this is to answer the West's concerns over the deaths of journalists in recent days.

But taking a lesson from history, it is more than likely that whatever Putin plans for Russia's future, he wants to make sure that the world doesn't find out.

As in Hitler's time when jounalists refuted German politics or activites, they were eliminated by untimely deaths, or by being carted off to concertration camps.

Sound familiar?

Another interesting bit of information, I came across today..( the Hal Lindsey Report)

Western intelligence agencies report that Russia, while consistently opposing UN sanctions against Iran for it's nuclear activites, has stopped their supplying of nuclear products to Iran due to their much deliquent payments to Russia.

However, this week, Russian Security Council Chief Igor Ivanoff, stated to the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, that this sort of pressure on Iran should be released and they should not be diverted in any way from continuing their rightful nulcear agenda.

-- March 28, 2007 8:11 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

US Captures 2 Men Responsible For 900 Iraqi Deaths
From a discouraged Reuters:

U.S. says caught Iraq car bombers blamed for 900 dead
Tue Mar 27, 2007

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces captured two leaders of a major car bomb cell responsible for attacks that killed around 900 Iraqis, mostly in the Shi’ite district of Sadr City in Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Tuesday.

It said in two separate statements that the two men were caught during operations in Adhamiya, a mainly Sunni Arab area in northern Baghdad, on March 21.

“It is estimated that since November, the car bombs from this cell have killed approximately 900 innocent Iraqi citizens,” one of the statements said.

It said another 1,950 had been wounded….

U.S. military spokesman Major Steven Lamb said the two men were part of the same cell but he had no information on whether they were linked to al Qaeda or another insurgent group…

The first of the two suspects was captured when U.S. forces noticed his vehicle weaving in and out of traffic and his driver ignored signals to stop.

The second was detained around seven hours later after U.S. forces received “actionable intelligence” that led them to stop a passing vehicle, the statement said.

===

The Democrats had better get on the stick and end this surge before it brings peace to Iraq.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Tuesday, March 27th, 2007.

Comments:

1) wardmama4

USA! USA! USA!

Well there goes 2 more dangerous thugs who will now go to Club Gitmo and accuse us of torture and all kinds of horrible actions - which the anti-war mongers will eat up.

2) sheehanjihad

Dont worry all…Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha will be demanding their release because their capture was racist and unconstitutional.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/us-forces-capture-2-men-responsible-for-900-iraqi-deaths

-- March 28, 2007 12:47 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

New York Times Caught Printing Another Phony Story
From the Marine Corps Times:

War story told by former sailor disputed
Deployment to Iraq not in personnel record; paper issues correction

By Robert Hodierne - Staff writer
Sunday Mar 25, 2007

The March 18 Sunday New York Times Magazine cover story was a gripping account of the emotional problems some female veterans suffer as results of their war experiences, sexual assaults or both.

One of the women featured in the story was a former builder constructionman Amorita Randall, 27, who served six years as a Seabee. Randall told the Times that while in the Navy, she was raped twice — in 2002 while she was stationed in Mississippi, and again in Guam in 2004. She told the Times that she served in Iraq in 2004, which the Times reported as fact but which it now appears was not the case.

The story was written by Sara Corbett, a contract writer for the magazine. Here’s how Corbett presented it: “Her experience in Iraq, she said, included one notable combat incident, in which her Humvee was hit by an I.E.D., killing the soldier who was driving and leaving her with a brain injury. ‘I don’t remember as all of it.. I don’t know if I passed out or what, but it was pretty gruesome.’ “

“According to the Navy, however, no after-action report exists to back up Randall’s claims of combat exposure or injury.

Reached by phone at her home in Grand Junction, Colo., Randall declined to talk but gave the phone to her fiancé, Gregory Lund.

“This lady was sexually assaulted twice in the Navy and no one was ever punished for it,” he said. While the Navy says it can find no rape complaint, Lund says she told her doctors about the assaults.

“She went through a lot.” Lund said. But he admits he doesn’t know for sure if Randall was ever in Iraq.

The editor of the magazine, Gerry Marzorati, said he now suspects Randall was never in Iraq.

The magazine did not call the Navy to check Randall’s Iraq story sooner, Marzorati said, because they believed that checking rank, years of service and time in Iraq “would be a perfunctory thing.”

On Sunday, The Times published a correction to the March 18 cover story. In it, the Times states that “it is now clear that Ms. Randall did not serve in Iraq, but may have become convinced she did.”

The correction also noted that since the article was published last week, Randall herself asked a member of her unit as to whether she served in Iraq. According to The Times, the sailor told Randall that she had not been deployed there.

===

I hesitated to post about this, since it is hardly news when the New York Times gets caught foisting a phony story upon its unsuspecting readers.

And it’s certainly not news when one of these people with horror stories about Iraq (or Vietnam) turns out to have imagined it all.

But this story is so emblematic of both patterns it can’t be ignored.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Tuesday, March 27th, 2007.

Related Articles:

- Is Cpl. Cloy Richards Another Fake Anti-War Veteran?
- New York Times Posts Video Of Dying US Soldier
- Pretend US Army Ranger Jesse Macbeth Is In Custody
- New York Times Stock Value Continues To Plummet
- An Iraqi “Veteran” Peace Protester - And His Medals
- New York Times Betrays Another National Security Secret
- Jesse Adam MacBeth Was Born Jesse Adam Al-Zaid
- Fake “Ranger” Jesse MacBeth Is Wanted For Assault
- Jesse MacBeth: “I’m Proud Of My Battle Buddies”
- Fake “Ranger” Jesse MacBeth’s Criminal Background
- The NY Times Admits To Lying About NSA Programs
- The New York Times Defends Zarqawi’s Terrorist Skills
- More Katrina Victim Lies From The New York Times
- Times Admits To Lying About Abu Ghraib Prisoner
- Did The NY Times Promote A Bogus Abu Ghraib Victim?
- Times Celebrates Taliban Spokesman Now At Yale
- About That New York Times “Missile” Photograph Caption
- New York Times Says Publishing US Secrets Is A Duty
- “Read An American Newspaper” - And Not The NY Times
- Cindy Sheehan’s Marine Jimmy Massey Is A Big Liar
- Cindy Sheehan’s “Lawyer” Is Also A Fake Vietnam Vet

Comments:

1) SircleMemphis

QUOTE “…The magazine did not call the Navy to check Randall’s Iraq story sooner, Marzorati said, because they believed that checking rank, years of service and time in Iraq “would be a perfunctory thing.”

Ah yes. We wouldn’t want them to be subject to anything “perfunctory” (such as the facts) when they obviously had a deadline to get this important and accurate account into the mainstream.

2) wardmama4

I am glad to see that the majority (McBeth, Wright, Massey) of ‘anti-war’ IVAW - are fake. The bad news is that leftists, moonbats, anti-war mongers, dems, bds sufferers, and (sadly) a lot of America does not care if it is a LIE. They believe it and run with it.

3) CorranH96

Oh great, we have a woman that is delusional and claims she was raped twice; we need Nifong on the case!

4) Odie44

The best is, the NYT dolt reporter is claiming “she may have believed she was in Iraq…” priceless.

This women clearly has psychological issues, one expert deemed her issue “personality disorder” - yet the libs at NYT will try to make a buck, to denounce our troops while taking advantage of sick people acting like military “heroes”, to validate their bs. Literally…

5) Media_man

euroconservative, Good point. How did this fatbody pass the physical requirements? (See picture at url below.) Seems like pigs would fly before this load could do a single pullup. Don’t they have to run 1.5 miles in under 12 minutes? This one doesn’t look as though she could make it up a flight of stairs. I don’t suppose the eagle eyed NYT reporter never thought to pose that question for fear of being insensitive.

6) CorranH96

To get out of boot camp based on her age when she joined (presumably less that 21 since she had been a Seabee for 6 years [27-6=21]) she would have needed to have done a 1.5 mile run in 14:45 to 15:15 depending on what her age accurately was for the United States Navy.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navfitness/blfemale17-19.h tm
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navfitness/blfemale20-24.h tm

7) DEZ

Raped?
Another of her fantasies perhaps.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/new-york-times-caught-printing-another-phony-story

-- March 28, 2007 1:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

It would be good to meet you. I will be in Sac until Friday morning. I am here on business. I have a meeting tomorrow. I am not sure when that will be done. We will be traveling to Napa sometime tomorrow as well.

Friday, I have to be at the airport by 10:00am. I am not sure how it would work out this time. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 28, 2007 2:00 PM ∞

---

Sara Madigid wrote:

Iraqi Stock Exchange joining International Federation of Bourses (27/03/07)

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

It is expected that Iraqi market for securities will witness important developments during the coming period, when it is hoped that it will join the International Federation of Bourses, as well as completing rules and procedures of circulation for the non-Iraqi, Arabs and foreigners, after the government agreed to that, and authorized the concerned bodies to prepare instructions in this regard.

Also, the market continued to take measures to complete the project of electronic transaction and central depository, since it means achieving connectivity with Arab and international stock exchanges and guarantees the continuity of mutual investment and stock circulation.

http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1544.htm

-- March 28, 2007 2:43 PM ∞

---

Sara Madigid wrote:

Interesting.. coupled with Rob N's post above..

Rob N. wrote:
All:

The Iraqi Bourse is active again
After the decision of allowing Arabs and foreigners to circulate in the Iraqi bourse, activity started to crawl back into various sectors of the stock exchange, and especially banks and industry; the main indicators rose and the number of companies whose shares are being circulated increased, following a stage of decline in the bourse during the months of January and February.

The number of transactions carried out in the first session during the month of March reached 361 deal, while the volume of circulation rose to one million and 321 thousand dinars, and the number of shares traded around was about 709 thousand shares; the number of companies that have been circulating their shares rose to 38 companies from among the companies enlisted in seven sectors, and which amount to 93 companies with a nominal capital of 774 billion dinars.

It is hoped that indicators will continue escalating during the sessions of March so that the bourse's activity would be back to its former era, especially that electronic exchange will enter the Iraqi bourse in April after setting up devices and equipments and training the cadres for this developed type of circulation.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#129472

-- March 28, 2007 2:53 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An Iraqi-American "partnership" to move the Iraqi economy

Jabr added in a press conference in Baghdad attended by the Iraqi Minister of Industry, Fawzi Hariri, and Deputy of the Under Secretary of the American Minister of Defense for economic transfers, Brinkli Powell, that "expanding and increasing the production capacity of these plants will develop the Iraqi economy and contribute in solving the crisis of unemployment in Iraq".

Jabr Summarized the details of the agreement which was signed between the Iraqi Ministries of Industry and Finance and the American side, saying that the Ministry of Finance will provide initial facilitated loans, through government banks, that reach a total value of six million dollars to help ten plants belonging to the Ministry of Industry for the rehabilitation of their production lines to expand the productive capacity of these plants.

Jabr said that the American role in this process would be "attracting investors who showed their willingness to buy the produced goods at good prices and profitable manner; this has encouraged Iraqi government banks to provide loans to these plants".

He added: "the problem that was facing the process of expanding the production capacity of these plants was finding markets for their products".

Jabr said that the loans provided by the banks will be "facilitated interest rate debt service to no more than four 14 %".

Iraqi Minister of Industry, Fawzi Hariri, said that the agreement would cover "factories and companies which are mostly working at the present time but their production capacity range between 15 to 25%; our ambition is to upgrade their capacities to 80 % of the production and more, and develop them in a modern way suiting the twenty-first century and the sophisticated technology".

He said that such a step "in spite of being modest, it is considered a first step and a successful beginning of an integrated project that will take a year".

Brinkli said that the agreement seeks to "provide ways for cooperation between the industrial sectors in Iraq and the international community, and finding ways of cooperation between Iraqi businessmen and their counterparts in the international community and the United States".

(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 28, 2007 5:00 PM ∞

---

Dean wrote:

Some interesting facts:

Jesus was spoken of in the very first book of the Bible. (genesis)

This isn't the exact wording, but basicly, God said he would send someone, (born from the woman's seed)(Jesus) that would crush the head of the serpent,(The one(satan) that deceived Adam & Eve)

Fast forward. (Jesus)

Fast forward again....The Jewish people are still waiting for this peson to appear on the world seen as of March 2007.( born of the woman's seed) they do not believe that person was Jesus. So they wait........

However, according to the New Testiment(the Jesus Bible) the person that they accept will be the anti-chist. (satan) in the flesh. He will deceive the whole world with great wonders when he comes, and nobody will be allowed to buy or sell, unless they accept the mark of the beast.

The mark of the beast is probably some kind of bar code banking system where your bank account number is implanted in your hand or forhead and can be scanned by a scanner.

Fast Forward again...So after the anti-christ arrives on the world seen....fast forward some more.....Jesus comes back, the second coming, and crushes the Anti-christ.

Exactly as fortold in the very first book of the Bible. Exactly.

Amazing isn't it?

-- March 28, 2007 11:39 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Napa will be a bit out of the way, Friday meeting myself with tax accountant, lets meet at the roast. We tried.

Carole,

Almost right, Hitler wrote Mein Kampf after the butchered coup attempt in Munich when he had to sit in jail for some time, Rudolf Hess was his ,then closest advisor.

The book had been on the shelf for years when he was elected as Reichskansler, in Germany in -33.

The power take over was not immediate, but it went fairly quick.

A probable set up, a fire of the German Reichstag, was blamed on communists, and an emergency decree that Hitler could act on Marshall law was quickly passed. (It was never cancelled)

He didn't get control over the German military until a settlement was reached.

The military hated the brown shirts, the SA, and by this time they were starting to be a thorn in Hitlers side as well, they were the organised street gang that was fostered in his party.

The SS (Gestapo) was a more clean looking organisation( how wrong they were, but ok) so they accepted them as a substitute for the SA.

The SA leadership was murdered, and with that the army for the first time swore their oath not only to Germany but to Hitler in name.

Hitlers last obstacle Hindenburg died of old age around that time also, Hitler took his title as well, and Hitler was now not only the Reichskansler, but the Reich Fuhrer.

So now he was "der Fuhrer".

....and now Hitler had completely dictatorial power.

Economic summit in Amman, Jordan the 4th of Apr, boring agendas , lunch, group photos, and a banquet.

Hardly a place to do anything that looks like a reval, but more a place to discuss micro and macro economy with theorists.

Very little hard data coming out of Iraq regarding their plans and economic future.

I can assume that finances as well as military actions are part of the security plan, the crackdown, and are somewhat less frequently announced.

On occasion the President of CBI have a press conference, but the translation of it, is just bla bla bla.

Seems like he is reading off a list of the most boring agendas they possibly can find, in order to make sure the journalists, either don't get it, or fall asleep.

He's been saying the same basic sentences over and over every time he is quoted.

"We are working towards a comprehensive and well managed banking system that will....the goals of the department is to bring a balanced and positive finance market ....therefore aggressively counter inflation with any possible available means".

Have not heard anything about the 15 Brits kidnapped by the Iranians. Nothing of significance about that today.

We got another Dinar, JiHaaaaa, 1273, Well I take it.

It's a very long long way to even ONE CENT.

The value of their currency have to increase by 12.73 times (12.73 Dinars to ONE Cent.)

They can do that, and more, easily.

Carole,

Hitlers first book , lesser known, dealing with muscle bone and ligaments was not a success,.....Mein Kramp.

-- March 29, 2007 12:51 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Maybe an investment in the Iraqi stock market would be more quickly in the payout department, they have moved up a bit over 12% this year alone.

However, check thoroughly if you are investing there, so this increase number doesn't only reflects the parity with the raising Dinar.

The Dinar increase and the stock value increase seems to be suspiciously linked with almost the same numbers, and almost the same increase curve.

-- March 29, 2007 1:15 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Investing in the Iraqi
Stock market right now is ok for foreigners, but as long as they have not set it up with the international electronic network, you have to still have a representative in Baghdad that can do it for you. That includes photo ID, some signatures and a couple of other hurdles e-mailed to Baghdad.

Once they are connected to the "web" you can buy or sell from your living room, or via brokers here in the US.

This will make it so much more easy for the stock to get investors from over seas, and presumably this will be a big boost to the stock market, (read, boost to the Iraqi industry)

-- March 29, 2007 1:24 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

"Welcome to the Bank of Americas customer service office."

"We are very pleased that you just opened up an account with us."

"Will you just sit down for a minute and wait your turn for the tattoo artist to permanently tattoo your new account number on your fore head."

-- March 29, 2007 1:31 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Dean,

Don't know who you are, but...yes it is truly the most amazing work of historical and literary art.

God kept it so clear and simple and us "dumbos" (mankind)have so complicated it. Like we can't believe something unless it is so diverse and multifaceted and complex, disectable, etc etc...

The mystery of it all is that it is so simple.

And yet the simplicity is what makes it so fair and equitable.

"....the cross is foolishness to them that perish..." I can soooooo relate to that. My condition about 38 years ago!

Carole

-- March 29, 2007 1:47 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger.. on the sailors..

Iran says it will release female sailor
By DAVID STRINGER, Associated Press Writer Mar 28, 2007

LONDON - Iran said a female British sailor seized with 14 other crew members would be released Wednesday or Thursday, softening Tehran's position by suggesting their boats' alleged entry into Iranian waters may have been a mistake.

Iranian state TV also said it would soon broadcast video showing the 15 British sailors and marines who were captured last week. British diplomats said Iran had previously promised not to parade the captives in front of television cameras.

Britain said it was freezing most contacts with Iran until it freed all the crew members, and the British military released what it said was proof its boats were within Iraqi territorial waters when they were seized.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki discounted the possibility of an escalation in the crisis, suggesting the British vessels may have made a mistake.

"This is a violation that just happened. It could be natural. They did not resist," he told The Associated Press.

"Today or tomorrow, the lady will be released," Mottaki said Wednesday on the sidelines of an Arab summit in the Saudi capital, referring to sailor Faye Turney, 26, the only woman among the 15.

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the Britons were being treated well.

"They are in completely good health. Rest assured that they have been treated with humanitarian and moral behavior," Hosseini told the AP.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070328/ap_on_re_eu/british_seized_iran

-- March 29, 2007 2:02 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

50-48: Senate Backs Troop Withdrawal From Iraq

Author: Anne Flaherty
Source: Yahoo
Date: March 28, 2007

Question: On the Amendment (Cochran Amd. No. 643 )
Vote Number: 116 Vote Date: March 27, 2007, 05:06 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2 Vote Result: Amendment Rejected
Amendment Number: S.Amdt. 643 to H.R. 1591
Statement of Purpose: To strike language that would tie the hands of the Commander-in-Chief by imposing an arbitrary timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, thereby undermining the position of American Armed Forces and jeopardizing the successful conclusion of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Vote Counts:

YEAs 48
NAYs 50
Not Voting 2

===

Alphabetical by Senator Name Akaka (D-HI), Nay
Alexander (R-TN), Yea
Allard (R-CO), Yea
Baucus (D-MT), Nay
Bayh (D-IN), Nay
Bennett (R-UT), Yea
Biden (D-DE), Nay
Bingaman (D-NM), Nay
Bond (R-MO), Yea
Boxer (D-CA), Nay
Brown (D-OH), Nay
Brownback (R-KS), Yea
Bunning (R-KY), Yea
Burr (R-NC), Yea
Byrd (D-WV), Nay
Cantwell (D-WA), Nay
Cardin (D-MD), Nay
Carper (D-DE), Nay
Casey (D-PA), Nay
Chambliss (R-GA), Yea
Clinton (D-NY), Nay
Coburn (R-OK), Yea
Cochran (R-MS), Yea
Coleman (R-MN), Yea
Collins (R-ME), Yea
Conrad (D-ND), Nay
Corker (R-TN), Yea
Cornyn (R-TX), Yea
Craig (R-ID), Yea
Crapo (R-ID), Yea
DeMint (R-SC), Yea
Dodd (D-CT), Nay
Dole (R-NC), Yea
Domenici (R-NM), Yea
Dorgan (D-ND), Nay
Durbin (D-IL), Nay
Ensign (R-NV), Yea
Enzi (R-WY), Not Voting
Feingold (D-WI), Nay
Feinstein (D-CA), Nay
Graham (R-SC), Yea
Grassley (R-IA), Yea
Gregg (R-NH), Yea
Hagel (R-NE), Nay
Harkin (D-IA), Nay
Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Inouye (D-HI), Nay
Isakson (R-GA), Yea
Johnson (D-SD), Not Voting
Kennedy (D-MA), Nay
Kerry (D-MA), Nay
Klobuchar (D-MN), Nay
Kohl (D-WI), Nay
Kyl (R-AZ), Yea
Landrieu (D-LA), Nay
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay
Leahy (D-VT), Nay
Levin (D-MI), Nay
Lieberman (ID-CT), Yea
Lincoln (D-AR), Nay
Lott (R-MS), Yea
Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Martinez (R-FL), Yea
McCain (R-AZ), Yea
McCaskill (D-MO), Nay
McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Menendez (D-NJ), Nay
Mikulski (D-MD), Nay
Murkowski (R-AK), Yea
Murray (D-WA), Nay
Nelson (D-FL), Nay
Nelson (D-NE), Nay
Obama (D-IL), Nay
Pryor (D-AR), Yea
Reed (D-RI), Nay
Reid (D-NV), Nay
Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Rockefeller (D-WV), Nay
Salazar (D-CO), Nay
Sanders (I-VT), Nay
Schumer (D-NY), Nay
Sessions (R-AL), Yea
Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Smith (R-OR), Nay
Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Specter (R-PA), Yea
Stabenow (D-MI), Nay
Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Sununu (R-NH), Yea
Tester (D-MT), Nay
Thomas (R-WY), Yea
Thune (R-SD), Yea
Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Warner (R-VA), Yea
Webb (D-VA), Nay
Whitehouse (D-RI), Nay
Wyden (D-OR), Nay
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/challenges.php?id=841818&PHPSESSID=e7c71dcdffd2e1d1e4746ad44111bb42

-- March 29, 2007 2:06 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

With the Libs touting polls as though they were among the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai.. one must wonder.. will they cover this poll which shows Hillary is FIFTH place with only 8.7% of this poll of their own constituents?
===
Behind Kucinich: Will MSM Cover Hillary's Fifth-Place Finish in Dean Org Poll?
Posted by Mark Finkelstein

At the end of his 2004 campaign, Howard Dean started Democracy for America, billed as a grassroots Democratic political action committee "dedicated to supporting fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates at all levels of government."

Last week, DFA staged an online Dem presidential candidate preference poll. As a proud DFA member [meaning that I joined the email list], I just received the results of the poll. Hillary's advisers might want to dust off Hirohito's famous statement at the end of WWII to the effect that the situation "has not progressed entirely as we would have wished." Because Hillary finished in fifth place with 8.7%, behind Dennis Kucinich and barely one point ahead of Bill Richardson. Obama finished first with 28%, John Edwards a close second at 25%.

Now it's true that this is an unscientific poll, and that DFA surely attracts people from the liberal wing of the Dem party. But then again, isn't the conventional wisdom that Dem primary voters come from that same liberal wing?

Was DFA Executive Director Tom Hughes mortified by the results? He buried the mention of Hillary's embarrassingly bad performance in the eighth paragraph of his email! Then again, Hillary can take some comfort from the results: she's beating the pants off Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and someone named Mike Gravel!

So now the question is, will the MSM cover or bury Hillary's poll flop?

Poll results:

Barack Obama 28.1%
John Edwards 24.6%
Other 12.4%
Dennis Kucinich 10.3%
Hillary Clinton 8.7%
Bill Richardson 7.6%
Undecided 4.9%
Joseph Biden 1.9%
Christopher Dodd 0.5%
Mike Gravel 0.3%

http://newsbusters.org/node/11601

-- March 29, 2007 2:14 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

No news is good news, they say..
or maybe it just isn't reported that way.
Why is that?

===

CNN E-Mail Ignores the Past Week's Strong Stock Market Performance
Posted by Tom Blumer on March 24, 2007

From a CNN e-mail I received shortly after the close of Friday's stock markets (this was the entire message):

"Wall Street fights off mortgage-risk-induced woes to end the week higher, with small gains Friday."

Anyone reading this e-mail would have thought that this was a net ho-hum week on The Street. After all, the e-mail merely said that the week ended "higher."

"Higher"? More like "way, way higher" -- in fact, the best single-week point gain in four years:

So how many busy people who got CNN's e-mail didn't hear the real news anywhere else, and therefore think that Wall Street didn't do anything notable this past week? Once again, the Formerly Mainstream Media figures out a way to hit the mute button on a piece of good economic news. If I visited the CNN newsroom's business section yesterday, I half-expect that I would have found a "mission accomplished" banner hanging in a prominent place.
http://newsbusters.org/node/11618

-- March 29, 2007 2:25 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

on the sailors, ok so Iran have softened up, well they have no choice, their behaviour is like Saddams, when he held a lot of westerners, hostage, before the first Gulf war.

I remember so well Saddam laughing and he had this little boy there, Saddam asked -"Did you get your cereal with milk today?"

The boy was so scared he just nodded.

For Hillary, well well well, she is doing downright rotten seems like, might as well.

She's an embarrassment for the Dems anyway, not that I think much can embarrass them in the first place.

-- March 29, 2007 3:18 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Re Christ and anti-Christ.

When a direct opposite is confronted with, a cancellation of forces will follow,

As Christ and Anti-Christ will meet, same phenomenon as matter and anti-matter will happen, both will cancel each other out with a Big Bang.

Then a state of equilibrium will start, a state where in neither matter nor spirit will have any effect what so ever.

The new state of existence is now called -"It doesn't matter".

-- March 29, 2007 3:29 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sure enough, a reval has to be by it's nature a secret until it is done.

The GCC have the problem that they have to circulate their issues in between them in order for them to come to a decision, and they are acting in one block, with the common goal to get ONE currency later on.

So, a healthy policy of secrecy with regards to revaluation of their individual members currency have a very hard time being implemented.

It's almost any and all's knowledge by now that they are upping the currency.

Today the Kuwaiti finance minister told that they might get into severe measures against currency speculation.

You get into all kind of troubles if you announce an RV in before hand my friend.

-- March 29, 2007 3:41 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(893)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 893 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/ 3/ 29 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1273 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1271 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 90.030.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 25.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 90.030.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 25.000.000 -----

-- March 29, 2007 5:13 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Faye Turney, the captured female British sailor, has appeared in a video shown on Iranian TV. In it she apologises to the Iranian people for trespassing in their waters. The video also shows a letter she has written to her family, in which she says she has written an apology to the Iranian people.

In the video she looks to be extremely unhappy, stressed, scared and under duress. Admittedly no-one in her position would be jumping through hoops, but considering how well she said the Iranians are treating her, I thought she would be a little more relaxed.

Or perhaps there was a gun pointed at her head to make her say those things, and appear so jumpy?

Anyway, Iran now says this issue can be quickly resolved if the British apologise. And there is absolutely no chance of that happening.

-- March 29, 2007 5:55 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Faye Turney, the captured female British sailor, has appeared in a video shown on Iranian TV. In it she apologises to the Iranian people for trespassing in their waters. The video also shows a letter she has written to her family, in which she says she has written an apology to the Iranian people.

In the video she looks to be extremely unhappy, stressed, scared and under duress. Admittedly no-one in her position would be jumping through hoops, but considering how well she said the Iranians are treating her, I thought she would be a little more relaxed.

Or perhaps there was a gun pointed at her head to make her say those things, and appear so jumpy?

Anyway, Iran now says this issue can be quickly resolved if the British apologise. And there is absolutely no chance of that happening.

-- March 29, 2007 5:58 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Source BBC.oc.uk.

Iran offers UK access to sailors

The captured sailors have been shown on Iranian television

Iranian TV footage
Iran has offered to let UK officials visit the 15 Royal Navy personnel who were captured in the Gulf on Friday.
Iran's foreign minister also said the only woman being held, Faye Turney, who has been interviewed on Iranian state television, could be released.

But he said the stand-off would be resolved only if the UK stated that the sailors and marines had been in Iranian waters last Friday, which it denies.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has held talks with Iran on the issue.

His spokesman said the detention was one of the issues discussed during a meeting with Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki at a summit of Arab leaders in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.

I am very concerned about these pictures and any indication of pressure or coercion

Margaret Beckett, Foreign Secretary

The European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he had spoken briefly to Mr Mottaki at the summit and reiterated the EU's call for an end to the "illegal" detention.

The Foreign Office said it was waiting for further details on possible consular access, and that no official offer had yet been made by Iran.

Letter shown

In the Iranian TV interview, Leading Seaman Turney, 26, said the group had been seized in the Gulf because "obviously we trespassed" in Iranian waters.

She said her captors had been friendly and the 15 personnel, who were all based on HMS Cornwall in the Gulf, were unharmed.

Extract from letter

The video showed a letter, said to have been written by Leading Seaman Turney, who is from Shrewsbury, to her parents in which she admitted that the navy personnel had "apparently" crossed into Iranian waters.

The pictures also featured the 14 servicemen seized along with Leading Seaman Turney.

Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "I am very concerned about these pictures and any indication of pressure or coercion of our personnel who were carrying out a routine operation in accordance with international law and under a United Nations Resolution."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said it was "completely unacceptable to parade our people in this way".

Former RAF pilot John Nichol, who was put on television by the Iraqis after being shot down in the first Gulf War, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he had "no doubt" Leading Seaman Turney had been told what to say.

"It is a very difficult position - and she's in an unenviable position where she has to try to placate the people that have captured her and try to keep the whole group safe," he said.

GPS evidence

Iran has not disclosed where the service personnel are being held but the BBC has been told they are at a military base in Tehran.

UK VERSION OF EVENTS

1 Crew boards merchant ship 1.7NM inside Iraqi waters
2 HMS Cornwall was south-east of this, and inside Iraqi waters
3 Iran tells UK that merchant ship was at a different point, still within Iraqi waters
4 After UK points this out, Iran provides alternative position, now within Iranian waters

UK version in more detail

Tony Blair has said it is time for the UK to "ratchet up" pressure on Iran.

Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Charles Style, has produced data which he said proved the boarding party was 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi waters.

The Ministry of Defence also released a photograph of a handheld global positioning satellite device in HMS Cornwall's Lynx helicopter as it flew over the merchant vessel which was searched by the group before they were seized.

Ed Owen, who was an advisor to Jack Straw during his time as foreign secretary, told BBC Radio Five Live he thought Iran had deliberately engineered the incident.

"There are people in the Iranian regime who believe that the way to address what they regard as the dangers of the West, as well as expanding Iranian influence, is to confront the West," he said.

The Iranian embassy in London said the Britons had been 0.5 km inside Iranian territorial waters.

-- March 29, 2007 6:56 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger.. and all;

In the early days of the Church, they were busy with being persecuted - crucified, used as human torches, thrown to lions, used in gladitorial games, etc. They didn't have a lot of time to figure out doctrinal differences. Life.. and doctrines.. were pretty basic. The big question of the day was defining for those about to use them as human torches or throw them alive to lions or use them in gladitorial games.. just who this Jesus they were living and dying for actually was (as this was central to the message they had been given and to their very lives.) So the big questions of the time were to do with Who Jesus said He was - and collecting the Bible into a form where all the churches had all the writings about Him from His apostles - because the Roman authorities would burn any copies of the New Testament that they found.

Those early Christians had a fervent love for Jesus Christ.. even to their (often grusome) deaths. But it is doubtful they could have given the same kind of dogmatic endtime prophetic belief system which was just posted. Certainly, they would not have been looking at the Scriptures about a "mark" as being part of your banking card number. Actually, they would not have seen ANY of the Scriptures spoken of by Carole or Dean quite in the light that they set them today (their writings tell us that, in general, they believed NERO was likely the antiChrist because of his persecution of them and electronic banking was not in place, so there was no chance they would have seen the mark as to do with bank cards, etc). Yet, their hearts were true toward the Lord and no one said they were heretics going to hell for not following today's current end time theme. Today, to differ from this scheme many in the Christian Church now profess is tantamount to heresy.

The current viewpoint was popularized by a commentator called C. I. Scofield in his notes alongside the Bible which he published in 1909. The Scofield Reference Bible brought the private thoughts of one man into vogue about how to understand the prophetic passages and view the end of all time... and this is traceable to within the last 100 years of history. Before that, there was another belief which was the generally accepted one, and I personally do not think that Christians who did not believe today's system over the last 1900 years are all heretics because they did not believe the way many Christians do today.

As one man wrote about his experience while he was in this "camp" or view of eschatology (eschatology is the teachings about the endtime things), "My unifying element in theology -- whether systematic or biblical -- was eschatology, by which standard all of us tested the orthodoxy of others. For example, when we applied for a ministry in a church or Bible college, the first thing that was settled was our eschatology. If this was "wrong," the application was voided. Any new Christian we met was regarded with great suspicion, if he was not of our theological "camp" concerning eschatology, we would have little to do with him. Our "camp" could split eschatological hairs with seeming erudition but sadly we knew little of the "weightier matters of the law." We were thoroughly programmed to deprecate others while we played the ostrich to evidence which threatened our theological position. While suffering from monomania, we accused others of bending Scripture to justify their system."

As Daniel R. Morse - former professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; now pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tn.. put it, "The issue before us is not a few minor disagreements between those who hold basically the same position, but whether their position provides us with God's good news and plan for history, or instead, the opinions of a man imposed upon the Bible. What is at stake is the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and the sinner's assurance that he is living according to God's gracious plan for history. Ultimately, the question is not what has the Church believed throughout the centuries, but what does God say in His Word?"

The response when I have written from the Bible documents themselves is always one of receiving God's Gracious words which bring life to the hearers. You called my exposition "brilliant" not because of the offense taken by Carole, but because God's Word gives light without condemnation. Similarly, it is unfortunate that this domatic eschatological viewpoint has so dominated the Church that it blinds those who adhere to that system as to what God is doing which is positive. They always see all negative developments in the world as justifying their view that "the end is near." To even suggest that they look realistically at the fact that Jesus has NOT ended the Space-Time Continuum for over 2,000 years and that it may continue for yet another 2,000 is tantamount to heresy.. but I ask you to consider if this is the real case and these Scriptures about an "AntiChrist" are not for now, but later. The immediate screaming will be that I deny the Lord CAN come at any minute.. I do not deny this. Indeed, those going about their business on 911 in the World Trade Centers should have been ready for the Lord's return because, for them, it came on that day...

Setting aside for the moment their eschatological construct of a soon coming AntiChrist, I ask you to consider the words of the Bible concerning Iraq.. which speak of a time which occurs upon the earth where GOD causes the judgement of Babylon (Iraq) and the cutting off of the ruler of Iraq because he has "destroyed his land and slain his people" (Saddam slew his own people and was convicted and executed for it). God says that the leader of Iraq's sons would be slaughtered (Saddam's sons Uday and Qusay died) and then it says his nephews would even be cut off. QUOTE:

Isa 14:20 You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land and slain your people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
Isa 14:21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.
Isa 14:22 "For I will rise up against them," says the LORD of hosts, "And cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew," says the LORD.
Isa 14:23 "I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction," says the LORD of hosts.

Note here that many of Saddam's nephews were his top cabinet posts and they were cut off from ruling or having any governmental positions, then went on to fight in the insurgency. Examples - CNN - Sept 05 - "Iraq's criminal court convicted one of Saddam Hussein's nephews on charges of bomb-making and supporting the insurgency and sentenced him to life in prison, the Ministry of Justice announced Monday. Aymen Sabawi, son of a half-brother of Saddam, was convicted for active support of the insurgency as well as the possession and manufacture of bombs." http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/09/19/iraq.main/index.html AND - CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Oct 2005 - "Iraqi police arrested a nephew of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad Wednesday, charging that he served as a top financier of Iraq's insurgency, senior Iraqi security officials said. Yasir Sabhawi Ibrahim, son of Saddam's half brother Sabhawi Ibrahim Hasan al-Tikriti, was arrested in a Baghdad apartment, several days after Syrian authorities forced him to return to Iraq, the officials told The Associated Press in Cairo in a telephone interview." http://www.cabalofdoom.com/archives/2005/10/iraq_arrests_sa.html AND May 2006 - "Saddam Nephew Arrested in Beirut - Bashar Sabawi al-Tikriti, the nephew of Saddam Hussein, has been arrested in Lebanon. Although Lebanese authorities have not commented on the exact nature of the charges against him, it is likely that Bashar Sabawi was arrested for helping to fund terrorism in Iraq. In 2005 the U.S. State Department blocked the assets of Bashar Sabawi al-Tikriti and 5 other nephews of Saddam Hussein on suspicion of funding terrorism in Iraq. http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/178292.php

This passage says that his own children are disinherited from ever being rulers there again, and today, we see the Saddam descendents disinherited from Iraq and a democracy set up. The force of the Lord against that land was such that God swept it like a man does dirt with a broom.. bringing destruction which removed the evil from that land. He broke these evil people and trod them underfoot.. and then the terrible burdens Saddam put on the people were removed and his yoke taken from the people's shoulders (vs 25, below.)

God moved, using the US as His instrument, to do what He did to Saddam and the nation of Iraq. But this is not only for the land of Iraq, but God has purposed to remove this yoke from off the shoulders of all people in all lands and to bring liberty to those who are oppressed by the terrorists in all lands... if the Lord has purposed this, who shall stop it and if His hand is stretched out, who will turn it back? Will the Democrats stop God's plan - they who are moved against the hand of God to stop His work from being accomplished in the earth and seek the defeat of God's plan? No.

Isa 14:24 The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass; and as I have purposed, so it shall stand:
Isa 14:25 That I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My mountains tread him underfoot: then his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden be removed from off their shoulders.
Isa 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
Isa 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"

The reason for the intense deception against winning the war in Iraq is not just political expediency. There is a plan to overthrow the hand of God in the matter and what He has stretched out His arm to do upon the whole earth. That Hand has moved not only to remove Saddam and slaughter his wicked children Uday and Qusay, but to set free all upon the earth so that the yoke of bondage is removed from off the shoulders of all people. The US will have to fight this battle against radical terrorist Islam because God will have those people free and His Hand is stretched out upon all the nations to free them. It is not a time of the AntiChrist's return, but a time of God dealing with the yoke of bondage upon so many in the world and their cries for mercy have come before His throne. Even if the myopic Church in America continues to sit in its holy huddle, expecting the return of Christ and rapture to remove them from all evil in the world and defeat their enemies supernaturally... God will continue in His plan to set free all upon the earth from their yokes of bondage under this false religion.

The vision I was given and shared on an earlier page of this blog seems inevitable. While President Bush remains in the Whitehouse, there is safety, but once he leaves office.. if the US moves to retreat from the battle God has given them to fight, the enemy will pursue them to their own soil, but doing so as the sly snake... not openly. They will lull the US into a false sense of security and complacency, seeming to make friends and appearing to further the goals of peace which the Democrats have promised the American people that they can have - only to plan and then execute a huge coordinated nuclear strike upon many American cities - a strike aimed to destroy the entire nation that it cannot rise up again. It is better to fight now the battle the Lord places before the nation rather than wait - expecting a rapture and the return of AntiChrist - and do nothing to help the oppressed of the world whom God wills America to help. The fate of so many lives within the US hang in the balance as to which plan will be done.. I wish it would be seen by all.

A saucy and impertinent "Good Morning America" co-anchor, Chris Cuomo, was speaking to Senator McCain the other day and Cuomo quoted a congressional colleague who called the Arizona Senator’s position on Iraq "arrogant and self delusional." Do remember that when the cities of the US sit in radioactive rubble.. that they called those of us who stood for the truth and tried to prevent the coming devastation "arrogant and delusional," won't you? The exhange is very interesting, and so worth reproducing here:

Chris Cuomo: "And a few minutes ago, Senator McCain joined us to talk about that landmark Senate vote on Iraq. So, Senator McCain, thank you for joining us this morning. So, you lost the vote of what you were calling the ‘Date Certain to Surrender Act.’ Interestingly, your friend Senator Hagel calls the position you were putting forward arrogant and self delusional. How big a blow is this vote to you and your campaign?"

Senator John McCain: "Those who voted yesterday give us no alternative after we, quote, ‘withdraw’ the troops, or surrender, depending on how you look at it. And I know what’s going to happen, and that is, the area will deteriorate into chaos and we will see them follow us home. And that’s what they say, not what I say."

Cuomo: "Well, you've been saying that more recently, Senator. You’ve been saying we're seeing progress in Iraq. Difficult to make a statement like that when, just today, we're getting reports of in one, one place, Tal Afar, 100 people dead in just the last day, the same town the President used last year as an example of freedom taking hold. Do you have to be looking at Iraq through rose colored glasses to see progress?"

McCain: "No, I think you look at facts on the ground. And the facts on the ground are that there’s pedestrian malls in Baghdad. There are neighborhoods that are calm, Anbar province, the sheikhs are cooperating with us and violence is down there. Large parts of the country are under control. The Maliki government is moving forward with legislation on oil revenues and de-Baathification that will be helpful. The Iraqi military are fighting side by side with us. Is it tough? Is difficult? Is it still very dangerous? Of course. But significant progress is being made and that will become clearer and clearer as we move forward."

Cuomo: "Do you believe that your position on the war in Iraq may be behind why you’re having trouble fund-raising? The gap in the polls with Mr. Giuliani?"

McCain: "I have no idea, nor do I care. Nor can I let it effect me. Any political ambition of mine pales in significance to the sacrifice that’s already been made by these brave Americans. What I’m worried about is losing this war and then they’ll follow us home and then we’ll have a lot more to worry about than politics."

Cuomo: "But you should care because you’re running for President so the polls must be something to keep an eye on, no?"

McCain: "No, I shouldn’t. No, I shouldn’t care about that aspect of it because this is a far greater issue than anyone’s political ambitions. I would far– I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war. And I know what’s right. My life and my experience and my knowledge and my background, I know about war. I’ve seen the face of war. And I know that we are making progress there and I know the consequences of failure."

Cuomo: "That is a very frightening prospect and when you say you know what’s going to happen if you leave, something we talk about very rarely, hopefully you can address, I know where you are on who will leave, where are you on who should stay, Senator? With all the work that’s going to need to be done? All the rebuilding, all the bases, all the man power that will be needed in Iraq for many years to come, if you’re President, do you keep Americans on the ground there?"

McCain: "Sure, but the key to it, Chris, of course, is casualties. We’ve had Americans on the ground in South Korea for 50 years, but it’s peaceful there. And I would remind you that Iraq is, if we could get things under control, a very wealthy country, oil rich country so that they could then take up these expenses and even maybe repay us. The key to it is whether we can get the area secure and we are making progress. We’ve got a new strategy. Our American soldiers and Marines are out there living with the Iraqi military, embedded in these areas. Many neighborhoods are calm. Is it still very dangerous? Of course, we still only got two of the five brigades on the ground there that are going to be there. I believe we are going to succeed and I have seen signs of it and I’m very proud of the men and women who are serving and I think it’s not appropriate of us to tell them that they are coming home 18 months from now. If you really want ‘em home, bring them home now."

===end of quote== http://newsbusters.org/node/11680 ===

Note that Cuomo says that the prospect of bringing the terrorists back to the US is very frightening and something we talk about very rarely. I will repeat that.. the prospect of bringing the terrorists back onto US soil is SOMETHING THE MEDIA TALKS ABOUT VERY RARELY. The very lives of the American public are at stake.. and yet.. they don't talk about it. Why make the public uneasy or frightened? They might vote Republican to defend their lives in that case, mightn't they? And we can't have that. We must have a "man of peace" in the Whitehouse and HE will create for us the peace we demand because all the power to start or end wars rests with the people and their representatives. Or does it? (Look UP.. HE determines it, people.. like it or not.. God, not the President, nor the people, not the representatives in government.. but GOD determines if you can have peace or not. GOD.)

As Senator McCain said, "the area will deteriorate into chaos and we will see them follow us home. And THAT'S WHAT THEY SAY, not what I say." (my emphasis) The truth is there to be seen.. if you listen to what the enemy says they will do. But if America will not listen.. if America cannot see the hand of God from Scripture, then America ought to wake up to the consequences of this failure as stated by their enemies before many of their cities lie in ruins of radioactive dust. I am with him when he says, What I’m worried about is losing this war and then they’ll follow us home and then we’ll have a lot more to worry about than politics."

He is right. This is "a far greater issue than anyone’s political ambitions." It is not politics, it is war. And if America doesn't stop playing politics and start engaging in the war, the consequences to the nation will be devastating. As Senator McCain said, I know about war. I’ve seen the face of war. And I know that we are making progress there and I know the consequences of failure." If the people of America do not see the consequences of failure.. because the MSM is a watchdog with no bark, muzzling anything contrary to their own political opinion even if the price to pay is countless American lives.. And if talk of the prospect of bringing the terrorists back to the US remains something we talk about very rarely ... so muzzling the real concerns of this day.. then the error of not engaging in those issues and caring about them will be irrepairable, devastating and widespread. Remember this for when you are in the situation.. you were warned and took no heed to it, America.

This is not a fight America CAN retreat from. The US will fight it there.. or here, but they will fight it - until the yoke is departed from off their shoulders.. and the purpose upon all the earth is accomplished. Freedom will reign.. eventually. But it may take a very nasty wake up call which claims the lives of countless good American people before America gets serious about the call God has placed upon her to make that statue of Liberty more than a quaint symbol for their nation alone. America will have to fight the enemy which has so many in its bonds. There is no retreat. There are many that thirst for the promise of freedom America holds out and God will give it to them. If America doesn't get with Plan A, the casualties from Plan B will be motivation enough to fight this strong enemy.

I had hoped, however, that the American people were more intelligent and attuned to the Spirit, so that Plan A with its far fewer casualties would be their choice.. But they will have error and not truth, based on lies forged beforehand and instituted in their churches a hundred years ago. So sit in your holy huddles and expect the AntiChrist instead of fighting the battles God wishes you to today, dear Church.. do not let your slumbering eyelids behold the horrors the enemy inflicts, but listen to the Democrat's calls to pullout, retreat and leave others to their fate.. but remember that as you sow, so shall you reap. You leave them to great horrors.. expect to see great horrors with none to help upon you in your own land. And that will happen very soon. Remember, it is deserved. You did it to Vietnam and now do it to Iraq.. you will in time reap it upon your own nation. The principle cannot be altered.. you sow.. you reap. And when you reap.. it will be with a nuclear whirlwind.

Hos 8:7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:

His will be done.

Sara.

-- March 29, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Aren't you being a little presumptuous to state that because some beleive that we could be in the generation of the rising up of the Anti-Christ, that they sit idilly not defending what God wishes us to partake in for His name sake?
Have you never heard of Focus on the Family, or American Centers for Law and Justice, or Family Research Council, Billy Graham or ever attended an Evangelical Church?

I am sorry for you that your experiences have led to your conclusions.

While I agree with you that becoming preoccupied with the "end times doctrines" is not the wisest thing to do
(unless of course it is God's calling to someone to learn and teach these things), and there are probably hosts of believers whose every breath is predicated on "this could be the Day"; however your judgements casted on the situation is out of touch and unrealistic.

Perhaps you speak from your own experiences, but to draw universal conclusions in regards to the issue is wrong.

You have taken a few expressions and comments and expanded them to places, I'm sure they were never intended to go.

My experience has demonstrated that those who believe we are in the end times are working more furious and faster to spread the Word ( The Great Commission)to all the world, sensing that we are in the 11th hour, not sitting in some "huddle" as you ascribe.

Spend a little more time with Spirit-filled evangelicals and less time with Wiccans and I am 100% convinced you will change your mind and have much more peace and benevolence towards your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Carole

-- March 29, 2007 3:55 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Dean,
Finally someone who has some understanding. I'm with you brother.
What most don't get is that the term "anti-christ" is mis-understood a little, and should be more understood as "instead of-christ". He will not be recognizable as the horned devil most see in their mind, but he will imposter himself and claim to be the Christ. His ministers have been preparing his way. Where? Within the church itself. His deception will be so powerful that it will be unlike anything this world has ever known. Yes those who claim to be Jews (but are not, and do lie) will receive this imposter as the messiah, as will the whole world, save the elect. This is what had been taught for centuries as the great hour of temptation. Those who overcome this temptation by their knowledge of the truth, and endure in the faith until the end will be saved. He will bring the peace that the world has been searching for, he will be the Jews messiah, the muslims hidden imam, and the pretender christians Jesus of their rapture come to take them away. He will seem to have all the solutions, and his deception will spiritually slay multitudes. Your thoughts on the bar-code or chip in the forehead, or right hand, would not deceive anyone. I think he would be much more clever than that. Just as Gods elect will be sealed with the knowledge of the truth in their foreheads, it will also be with the mark of anti-christ. It will not be a chip or bar-code implanted, but will be the believing of the lie in their mind, and doing the work of this lie is having the mark in the right hand. This is the darkest time in history, and the theif (anti-christ) will come in the night, and you are also correct that the true Christ Jesus of Nazareth will return as a new day, ending this present time. The brightness of His comming will expose the lie instantly, as we will all be changed instantly at the sound of the last trump, and those who were deceived by the lie will know it and weep. Be carefull all, of someones who wants you to worship them when they get the dinar revalued to 3 to 1. How many of us on this board would do it?

-- March 29, 2007 5:38 PM ∞

---

Dean wrote:

Carol, Sarah, Valerio:

From the time I was a child, I was taught that everyone had a place in the church. Some were called to preach, some to teach, some to sing in the choir, etc...
I also believe some where called to be "watchmen" for the church. If God did not want watchmen, there would be no book of Revelation, Daniel and others.
Jesus is coming, these are the last days. Get Ready!

-- March 29, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

---

Dean wrote:

Carol, Sarah, Valerio:

From the time I was a child, I was taught that everyone had a place in the church. Some were called to preach, some to teach, some to sing in the choir, etc...

I also believe some where called to be "watchmen" for the church.

Why so many Christians bash watchmen, I don't know. I don't get it.

If God did not want watchmen, there would be no book of Revelation, Daniel and others.

The Bible says God would return the Jewish people to their homeland in the last days. That happened in 1948.

These are the last days spoken of in the Bible.

Jesus is coming! Be ready!

-- March 29, 2007 11:16 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Sara!
Remember! Several months back when I told ya about Carole's personality and what you could expect from her???
I read her like a book...Damn! those courses on personalities really do work...I have to call my old Interrogation Instructors..

-- March 29, 2007 11:31 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Carl.. and Dean. :)

Carole, I find it interesting when the reply to a Biblical exposition is personal attack.
It means you lost the argument/debate and can think of nothing else but shoot the messenger.
As for my being friends with "publicans and sinners".. Jesus was, too.
If we all did as you say, we would live in monasteries and never talk to anyone else who wasn't a nun or monk.

1Co 5:9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.
1Co 5:10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

There, had to make them fit into some kind of sinner category that I can company with Biblically..
take your pick from the list. (No offense to anyone is intended by that quote, but maybe it will satisfy Carole that talking to Non-Christians is allowed.. )
You would have us all out of the world and never rubbing shoulders with anyone non-Christian.
The Scriptures don't teach this.
And:

Tit 1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Constant suspicions about people could show a heart of impurity.
I think someone once said that when you accuse someone else,
you point out with one finger, but the others are all pointing back at you.

Valerio.. interesting exposition. :)

Sara.

-- March 30, 2007 12:16 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

ARTICLE – MARCH 2, 2007
Why We Analyze News, Trends, Problems and Conditions From a Biblical Perspective
The world’s best and brightest minds struggle to solve humanity’s problems, but to no avail. Here’s why.
BY BRUCE A. RITTER
The rising tide of illegal immigration. The volatile Middle East. The nuclear aspirations of rogue nations. Deteriorating standards in education. Incurable diseases, and potential pandemics. Escalating crime. Drug abuse. Child abuse. Government corruption and abuse of power. Sex-slave trafficking. The growing threat of terrorism. Widespread polarization within government and among the citizenry.

Source: MCT
The world is filled with problems.
Politicians within nations jockey for position, tearing down even supposed colleagues to achieve the highest seat of power. “Diplomats” among nations promise, cajole and compromise to maintain the status quo on the world stage—and intimidate and threaten to gain the upper hand.
Anti-Americanism is becoming more blatant, and a widening rift between Britain and the United States is becoming more pronounced. The war in Iraq has evolved into a bottomless pit from which escape is fleeting. Iran remains adamant in developing nuclear technology, while North Korea has expressed willingness for dialogue…at least for now.
In the West, the growing gap between rich and poor is causing the middle class to shrink. While America has more millionaires than ever, middle and working class citizens struggle to stay afloat in a rising sea of debt.
Meanwhile, a cacophony of competing opinions and solutions abound, with opposing sides presenting convincing arguments. But who is right, and how can you know?
Which Experts Should You Believe?
Take global warming, for example, a controversial subject upon which scientists disagree. The scientific community that today warns against global warming also warned in the 1970s that another ice age was on its way.
Yet glaciers are retreating. Arctic sea ice is disappearing during summer months. Permafrost (permanently frozen soil) in Canada, Alaska and Siberia is thawing at an alarming rate. Sea levels are rising. Hurricanes and tropical storms are increasing in number and intensity. Few experts dispute that signs exist identifying that the earth is growing warmer.
But what is the CAUSE? Is humanity at fault? Is it merely that the earth is progressing through a natural cycle of cooling down and warming up, as others assert? Or are both responsible to some degree?
Now let’s consider abortion. Even its mere mention stirs vehement feelings from both sides of the ideological aisle. Thirty-four years have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade—yet debate continues, with no end in sight: Does life begin at birth or conception? Is it a fetus or an unborn child? Is abortion a matter of personal choice, or is it murder? Can there even be agreement on any of these things?
Even the names of the opposing sides of the issue are not agreed upon. Is one side called pro-choice or pro-abortion? Is the other side pro-life or anti-abortion?
Some think abortion should be on demand, at any stage of pregnancy, and that even if underage children are involved, parents need not be notified. Others, who see abortion as murder, pure and simple, rationalize that executing abortion specialists is acceptable, believing the ends justify the means.
Along a sliver of middle ground are those who are personally opposed to abortion, yet feel it should remain legal. Even here disagreement abounds:
“It depends on when you abort—at what stage of the pregnancy.”
“It depends on why you abort—was the pregnancy due to incest? Rape? Will it endanger the life of the mother?” A January 2006 CBS News poll found that 33% of Americans said abortions should be permitted only in cases of these three situations.
Yet a recent CNN poll shows that 64% of adults nationwide would oppose measures to repeal Roe v. Wade.
And then there is the theory of evolution versus traditional creationism.
The creationist who believes the earth and mankind were created 6,000 years ago must face a towering question: How can Adam, the first man, have been created six millennia ago when dinosaurs predated him by millions of years?
The evolutionist who believes the universe came into existence on its own and that life evolved also faces a towering question: How did something—either organic or inorganic—come from nothing?
Again, where is any agreement? More important, is any on the horizon?
Third World Conditions
Again, planet earth is filled with problems, and these are most apparent in developing nations.
Communist North Korea is tumbling toward disaster as millions there are starving. Society has degenerated so far that reports are coming from the Chinese-North Korean border of human meat being illegally sold in North Korean markets!
In regions throughout Africa, people exist in the depths of abject poverty. Many have never eaten fresh, green leafy vegetables—not by choice, but due to lack of supply. Some people eat meals every other day just to survive.
The Lord’s Resistance Army is wreaking havoc in Northern Uganda. In Sudan’s Darfur region, the rising death toll and the growing number of the displaced and destitute is a harsh, undeniable reality—yet amazingly, no single leader is being held responsible.
Zimbabwe is experiencing its own level of economic chaos and extreme poverty, with inflation at 1,100% and a loaf of bread selling for $895 (Zimbabwean dollars)!
And South Africa—having been freed from the decades-long injustice of apartheid—is now hostage to heinous acts of crime, earning the title “Rape Capital of the World.” How long will it take for this First World nation to disintegrate into another Third World nightmare?
Across the continent the rate of AIDS and HIV infections is escalating. Traditional Christianity has long tried to step in to “save souls” in Africa, but ultimately offers only empty promises and false hope.
For instance, a religious publishing organization recently announced it would raise funds to collect and ship four million Bibles to the millions of HIV-infected Southern Africans. According to a press release, “Today more than 35 percent of the South African population is infected with the HIV virus. Every day, thousands upon thousands die as a result of this deadly disease. And many more victims are going to their graves without the hope found in Jesus Christ.”
The organization’s president said, “This is a great tragedy. The Southern African church is completely committed to soul-winning. Yet God’s people there lack the basic tool they need to accomplish this goal: Bibles.”
While supplying people with God’s Word is commendable, Jesus Christ said, “No man can come to Me, except the Father, which has sent Me draw him” (John 6:44) and “No man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father” (vs. 65).
Traditional Christianity is ignorant of the understanding that God is NOT trying to save all humanity now. While the Creator has a Master Plan of Salvation for every human being—past, present and future—He is NOT at this time trying to “win souls for the kingdom” among the masses. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus preached the gospel—literally “good news”—of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15). That kingdom is a soon-coming government that will establish universal peace and prosperity for all around the world (Isa. 9:6-7). God is calling only a few at this time to qualify for ruling and teaching positions in His government. But the vast majority of mankind will be called later.
This foundational understanding is plainly taught in the Bible—yet is not taught from the world’s pulpits or in its Sunday school classrooms.
Troubles Permeate the West
While the countries of the Third World are a study in ongoing misery and pain, the nations of the West are not immune to serious troubles and ills.
The United States, the superpower that was once a confident world leader, is slowly succumbing to the increasing backlash of anti-Americanism. Meanwhile, a united Europe is lining up to take America’s place as world leader. Yet Russia and China have their eyes on the same mantle. Bible prophecy reveals that a Eurasian power will arise and become a counterweight to European interests.
On the national scene, ghettos spread like cancer, decimating neighborhoods and destroying young lives. Theft, robbery, murder, drug abuse, drug trafficking, illegitimate births and third-generation welfare households are a way of life.
People blame the prison system for failing to rehabilitate young prisoners. People blame a conspiracy of the government and corporations, which presumably allow illegal substances to be brought into certain neighborhoods. People blame the police for not arriving at crime scenes fast enough—and for being abusive to criminals who resist arrest. People blame hardworking immigrants who legally come to America and open small businesses in pursuit of a better future. And people blame the schools for not properly educating their children.
Yet few blame themselves for committing the crimes that sent them to prison in the first place, or hold themselves responsible for rehabilitating their own lives. Few find fault in themselves for trafficking poisons that destroy families and ruin lives. Fewer still learn from the example of immigrants and start their own businesses. Even fewer spend the time to diligently teach their children—reading to them from the day they are born and helping them with their homework night after night instead of treating school as a babysitter.
Our modern age is a study in extremes. An intelligent, goal-driven woman can aspire to be an astronaut—earning engineering degrees, joining the U.S. Navy and logging over 1,500 hours of flight in more than 30 different aircraft, achieving the rank of captain, submitting herself to intense astronautic training and being given the opportunity to journey into space—only later to be arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap a female competitor in a strange love triangle. This real-life news account stands as an example of how people can be successful with physical endeavors, yet fail at managing their thoughts, emotions, desires and conduct. Few, it seems, know how to manage their lives.
One in six people on earth access the Internet, a marvelous tool for sharing ideas, research, communication, operating businesses and other worthwhile pursuits. Yet users are only a web address away from every perversity this degenerating world has to offer.
Illicit conduct once done in secret is now made public for one billion (and rising) Internet users to see. A contestant on the television program American Idol learned this firsthand when her nude photos, presumably taken in “private,” were posted to the “web” and splashed across the television screen via cable news. And then there was a former head of the ACLU in Virginia. Federal authorities arrested him for possessing a home video library of child pornography, which showed little girls being violently assaulted.
The Bible foretold thousands of years in advance that certain key nations—the U.S., Britain, Canada and others linked together by an ancient past and prophetic future—would degenerate into cesspools of immorality covered by religious and moral hypocrisy. However, as Ezekiel 8 shows, the mask of hypocrisy is being pulled off, showing the world that the West’s moral high ground has turned to quicksand.
In the various lifestyles of “civilization,” keeping one’s virginity is considered antiquated. “Hooking up”—which can range from kissing to intercourse and everything in between—has become the norm. A generation of young people is now more likely to have sex with strangers than hold hands with a loved one while taking a walk!
Fewer couples are getting married. The two-parent nuclear family has become a minority. In the wake of widespread divorce (at least 50% of all U.S. marriages end this way), families headed by unwed couples, and same-sex households adopting children, many ask, “What defines a family?”
Professing Christianity claims to know the answer—claims to speak for God—but is utterly void of biblical understanding. There is a PURPOSE for marriage, a REASON for God confining sex to the marriage bed. Science cannot reveal it. Man’s religions do not have the answers.
Unique Analysis
The REAL TRUTH (realtruth.org) is unlike any other magazine. It analyzes world news, trends, problems and conditions from a biblical perspective, because all the troubles and ills plaguing humanity—the CAUSES that have produced horrific symptoms—are spiritual in nature.
Here’s one example. All wars, acts of terrorism and violent crimes have one common denominator, explained in the book of James.
Notice: “From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not. You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts” (4:1-3). As simple as it might seem, every act of violence, from a one-on-one skirmish to a full-scale war, is motivated by this carnal desire.
Even mainstream Christianity is confused about the depths of human nature, missing what the Bible actually reveals. The apostle Paul states, “the carnal mind is enmity [hostile] against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7).
The news media can report trends in the U.S. and Britain, news of the rising violence in the Middle East, deteriorating conditions in Africa, and events occurring in Europe, Russia and Asia. News media pundits can offer convincing, yet conflicting, opinions.
But The REAL TRUTH explains why the family unit is being torn apart, and what this means—why the disagreeing Arab nations seemingly only agree when it comes to opposing the state of Israel—why “road maps” for peace and other humanly-devised plans go awry—why science cannot answer life’s greatest questions, such as WHY WERE YOU BORN—and how humanity has been deceived by religion. This publication answers these and many other fundamental questions—and how man’s problems will ultimately be solved.
All from a biblical point of view.

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-- March 30, 2007 2:28 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Hi All,

I have been following the biblical discussions and tried to post an article I ran accross. It was picked up by the dinar administrator as spam. I wrote an e-mail to get his approval to post it. I thought the article interesting and would appreciate discussion on it from each person's perspective of biblical teaching.

I am not sure what I think about it. I just found it interesting.

I hope everyone is well and good things are happening to each and every one.

God is Good.

Laura

-- March 30, 2007 2:37 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

chelsedave,

I'm upset about the Iranians arrogance in this matter.

The letter the female British Sailor wrote is clearly coached into being what it is.

You have control over anyone you hold as prisoner, both British and American airmen was in front of the camera in different conflicts, saying "they are sorry for their own country's criminal act".

It is so wrong keeping these people, and it is so wrong using them for Iran's own agenda.

Iran believe they have to have confrontation in order to show strength.

If they continue doing what they're doing they WILL see strength.

I just hope they are released, they were kidnapped, nothing else, the raiding party went into Iraqi waters, no doubt, and now Iran is making stories that will fit the crime.

I sincerely are hoping for a quick end of this crisis, it was so completely unnecessary to begin with.

-- March 30, 2007 4:09 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

So Iran have an out house , dry toilet or sour free place in Basra they call it their Embassy.

First the capitol in Iraq is Baghdad, and if you want to have an embassy to represent your country, you pay all the respect to the governing power in the nation you are going to be represented in, and put your Embassy in their Capitol close to the government of that country.

Anyhow, Iran is pretty upset right now because this shit house came under British fire.

Go figure that one out.

-- March 30, 2007 4:47 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Middle age wars in Europe was a time when it was accepted to take hostages.

The warring class was Knights, and common foot soldiers.

The common foot soldier was not worth much and could be killed as well as let go, but the Knights, often from wealthy families, would pay handsomely for his return.

An English army was during this time in France, Allemagne, and had a battle that the English king won big.

By shear luck it had it that the battle field had a little bit of a bottleneck in it, and while the /french had all the horses, shining armor and a lot of expensive hardware, the English army won a devastating victory.

When the French pressed on, it became so packed, that they had no where to go, and ended up in a sack, where they were hacked down.

When the battle was over, the English King was in a hurry to proceed his advance, and the historians wrote that there was a big whining and outcry amongst the troops that they had to kill off the rest of the French Knights, instead of getting the usual ransom.

It was usual up until about the 1600s that you offered a party of men as ransom before you entered a town for negotiations in war time.

Ransoms for men in bondage, arrest, prisoners or war booty was looked down upon after that.

Especially as criminals, pirates and outlaws continued this practice.

Honorable men didn't do this , only criminals did.

And so it has been since long time.

The first war we had outside of the British conflicts that was periodical at the beginning of our countries history, was with Tunisia.

Those guys in Tunisia had an idea that their countries income was to depend on hostage taking of seafarers.

The us paid ransom for a while, but the budget for ransoms to Tunisia was about 20% of our state budget, this just couldn't continue. So then Tunisia took a big batch of US sailors, and as usually offered their high ransom for safe return.

The just instituted Marine Corps, went ashore in Tripoli, and took care of the situation.

Criminals are the only hostage takers, there are.

Criminals take a bank, something gets wrong and now they are stuck with hostages.

Criminal kidnap people, Lindbergh's kid, was originally a ransom kidnapping.

In the depression era the "Gangster" took hostages, and had them released if he got the money, if not, well sorry.

All criminal activity.

States that have gone criminal do hostage taking.

A man or woman deprived of his/her freedom and incarcerated in order to gain an advantage, monetary or political, is a criminal state.

Iran, got it's "Religious Revolution" in the late -70 and started immediately with the American Embassy, they were held hostages 444 days.

In 2004 a couple of Brits were hostage in Iran for a couple of days, and now, Iran sent out a raiding party, into Iraqi waters, outside of their own country and took 15 British sailors, that was doing their duty checking for smugglers.

No matter how much you hold up a flag, show their currency, show their borders, their ethnic and cultural identity, and claim that this is a country sovereign and independent, it is still a bunch of criminals doing criminal things.

I'm sure in their dreams they have religious ideas about things, but as much as any hostage being taken in any middle east country, it is nothing but a bunch of hoodlum low life criminal activity, no more no less.

-- March 30, 2007 5:19 AM ∞

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dale wrote:

Valerio, if someone is going to worship someone or something for money, i'd say they are in deep shit any way.
The end of days sure does make for good reading. maybe they should make a movie about it all.

-- March 30, 2007 6:45 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Laura,

I'm glad you were allowed to post your article. My only comment is that "we live in a fallen world". Scripture points out that as we come to the end of the Church age the width and depth of sin will run rampant( I beleive Satan knows his time is running short). On the other side, scipture is clear that the Holy Spirit's power is released over all the world.
While you will never hear or read about it in MSM, conversions to Christ are unprecedented at this time.

Sara: OK you win--you are spiritually superior to most here--and proven to be unapproachable and unchallengable!Rots a ruck!

Roger and Carl: Your comments were predictable and anticipated.You passed my tests too!! Aren't we all remarkable??

Carole

-- March 30, 2007 7:06 AM ∞

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Paul wrote:

Thursday, March 29th 2007

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the third and fourth reviews of Iraq's performance under its economic program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement. The IMF arrangement is being treated as precautionary by the Iraqi authorities, and no purchase is planned.
The Stand-By Arrangement in an amount equivalent to SDR 475.36 million (about $714.7 million) was approved on Dec. 23, 2005. In completing the latest reviews, the Executive Board also approved the authorities' request for a six-month extension of the arrangement through Sept. 28. Additionally, the Board also approved the authorities request for a waiver of the non-observance of a structural performance criterion.

Following the Executive Board's discussion of Iraq, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair Takatoshi Kato said:

"Iraq is entering a crucial period in its economic recovery. Despite very difficult political and security circumstances, the Iraqi authorities have taken important measures to keep their economic program on track. The maintenance of fiscal discipline, as well as the tightening of monetary policy and the appreciation of the dinar, are commendable. The increase of official domestic fuel prices and the enactment by the Council of Representatives (CoR) of a law liberalizing the import of fuel products are important steps. The amendments to the pension law were submitted to the CoR; we look forward to their early passage into law. The government's approval of a new oil and gas law augurs well for the future of the oil sector. Progress is also being made in financial sector reform.

"Inflation, however, remains high. While this is to an important extent due to the prevailing difficult security situation and supply disruptions, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) may need to take further steps in order to prevent high inflation from becoming entrenched and to de-dollarize the economy. Fiscal policy should be supportive by keeping current spending, including the wage and pension bill, in check. At the same time, it is important to increase government investment, especially in the oil sector. The government also needs to reduce supply bottlenecks, especially of fuel products. To that end, actions are needed to facilitate the importing of fuel products by the private sector. The pace of structural reforms needs to be increased. Efforts to modernize the chart of accounts and the budget classification need to be stepped up, and the Financial Management Information System should be implemented rapidly. It is important to complete the census of public sector employees by mid-year. While the restructuring effort on the two largest banks is commendable, efforts should be made to restructure the four other state-owned banks. The modernization of the payments system needs to be expanded to cover all banks."

"The CBI's efforts to implement the recommendations of the Interim Safeguards assessment report and the Ernst and Young 2005 audit report are encouraging. The Ministry of Finance is strongly encouraged to recapitalize the CBI as soon as possible.

"Progress in settling arrears with private creditors is commendable. However, further progress is needed towards resolving non-Paris Club official claims," Kato concluded.

-- March 30, 2007 8:55 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Paul,

What a great article you found.

In other words--good, but not good enough.

In my view, they have prepared the side dishes, but the main course is still in the oven. Now the question is will they be able to present the full meal by the deadline ( about 8 months)?

To accomplish the demands of the IMF will require a few firm criterium:

1.The IMF must NEVER imply or give any further. extensions.

2. Other creditors must follow the same--no extensions or wiggle room. Debt forgiveness excluded. ( I doubt you will see much more of this anyway). Very few countries associated with the IMF have experienced debt forgiveness like Iraq. Very few, countires have experienced debt forgiveness outside of the IMF, except for the Palestinians.

3. US must remain a mainstay, as militarily, politically and economically for many years to come and as a gatekeeper thereafter until eternity!

4. In order for #3 to be accomplished, the Democratic Party or the likes of it can never be in power in the US.

Considering all this, what do you think the chances are for Iraq to reach the pinnacles of all of their ambitions, hopes and dreams?

Now I am just factoring in all the human elements of recovery.

Outside that realm is the religious war whereby Fundamental Islamics can not be appeased by social, economic and military might and stature. There ultimate goal and victory lies in martydom for the cause of Allah, which is to destroy Israel, US and anyone who does not convert to the edicts of Islam.

I fear that this element alone will be the driving force to keep Iraq from being able to rise to International parity with other countries.

My conjecture is that any world power could settle in to helping Iraq become what it aspires to be. Russia, China, ro the US.

Fortunately it is the United States. BUT unless we bolster up the "know how and do it" to get the corruption and insurgency not only under control but eliminated, we sell out to the Iraqi people.

Democracy is a fragile implementation, fringing on anararchy when not firmly held in place. There are no firm holds on the IRAQ govt. in many areas.

So, hopefully, not being misunderstood, theoretically, in these areas China and Russia could and more importantly do a better job for the Iraqi people. Of course there would be more violence and bloodshed BUT for a shorter time.

The problem with my assertion os that if CHina or Russia were the saving nation for Iraq, they would almost be back to square one.

If we had a strong UN, now would be the time to mobilze 100,000 international troops and get the job done. But we know that will never happen.

No, America is their only hope! assuming that we can deliver all of the elements required.

Carole

-- March 30, 2007 11:02 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

One last post, Carole:

Mat 10:25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

It is expected that we should suffer the same kinds of reproaches that fell on our Lord Jesus Christ as we seek to walk in His footsteps.
It was said of Jesus:

"He was numbered with the transgressors." --Isaiah 53:12

If His condescension was such that He was numbered with transgressors, why should His disciples be any different?
Spurgeon wrote on this passage today and said some instructive words of wisdom.

Quote: "Why did Jesus allow Himself to be enrolled amongst sinners? This wonderful condescension was justified by many powerful reasons. In such a character He could the better become their advocate. In some trials there is an identification of the counsellor with the client, nor can they be looked upon in the eye of the law as apart from one another. Now, when the sinner is brought to the bar, Jesus appears there Himself. He stands to answer the accusation. He points to His side, His hands, His feet, and challenges Justice to bring anything against the sinners whom He represents; He pleads His blood, and pleads so triumphantly, being numbered with them and having a part with them, that the Judge proclaims, "Let them go their way; deliver them from going down into the pit, for He has found a ransom." Our Lord Jesus was numbered with the transgressors in order that they might feel their hearts drawn towards Him. Who can be afraid of one who is written in the same list with us? Surely we may come boldly to Him, and confess our guilt. He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us. Was He not put down in the transgressor's list that we might be written in the red roll of the saints? He was holy, and written among the holy; we were guilty, and numbered among the guilty; He transfers His name from yonder list to this black indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and His people. All our estate of misery and sin Jesus has taken; and all that Jesus has comes to us. His righteousness, His blood, and everything that He hath He gives us as our dowry. This can give to believers great joy to know that our union is with Him who was numbered among the transgressors."

If JESUS was numbered among the transgressors and sat with publicans and sinners, it is no wonder that His people do not stand far apart from them and look down upon them, but go amongst them, too. If "He who is numbered with us cannot condemn us." then acting as He did, we will not condemn transgressors, but seek them out and be salt and light and joy to those who are ordained to the light.

2Co 2:15 For we are to God the sweet fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
2Co 2:16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2Co 2:17 For we are not as so many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

If we sit amongst those who listen to His voice and do not hate Jesus Christ we will be to them a sweet aroma of life to life, a blessing to their lives and not a curse. And, perhaps, part of what God will do to bring them back home.

Sara.

PS Roger - ever had to do those Science class experiments where you dissected a frog.. or sheep eyes/guts? Well, now that I have thoroughly grossed you out with the fornication Scriptures etc in my dissection, I hope you will forgive me on it. Carole appears to have conceded the point and allowed us to have our friendship without calling us names or wicked anymore and attacking my care for you. Not sure it was worth having to defend our friendship and maybe I should have left her to continue her attacks rather than play dissection of sheep guts.. but, as your posts have shown, you don't like it either... so, sighhh.. there you go. (((Roger))) Hope you will forgive me for any offense I may have caused. Remember that Jesus never had a problem with the regular people and common folk.. just the religious. Remember, too.. it was those religious folks with all their rules and not the regular folks who crucified Him. So I ask you take no offense toward Jesus, either. And Carole.. if you take offense, you will have to do twenty laps around heaven, I promise you.. so just don't go there when none is intended. Sara.

-- March 30, 2007 11:03 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Coalition Forces Detain Iraq Bomb Suspect
U.S. and Iraqi Forces Detain Suspect Linked to Sophisticated Roadside Bombs
By BUSHRA JUHI

BAGHDAD Mar 30, 2007 (AP)— U.S. and Iraqi forces detained a suspect linked to networks bringing sophisticated roadside bombs into Iraq during a raid Friday in the main Shiite district in Baghdad.

The suspect, who was detained by U.S. and Iraqi forces during a raid in the Shiite militia stronghold of Sadr City, was believed to be tied to networks bringing the weapons known as explosively formed projectiles, or EFPs, into Iraq, the military said.

It did not name the suspect or the groups he was accused of having ties to, but the U.S. military has asserted in recent months that Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Quds force have been providing Shiite militias with weapons and parts for sophisticated armor-piercing bombs. The EFPs are responsible for the deaths of more than 170 American and coalition soldiers since mid-2004, the military says.

The capture and detention of the British service personnel has put Iraq in a difficult position as it tries to secure Baghdad with the help of U.S.-led coalition forces while maintaining ties with its neighbors, including U.S. rivals Iran and Syria.

The Iraqi government called on the sides to keep the tensions from spilling over its border after the U.S. detained five Iranians in January in northern Iraq, accusing them of being part of an Iranian Revolutionary Guard force that provides funds, weapons and training to Shiite militias in Iraq. Tehran had insisted that the five detained Iranians were engaged exclusively in consular work.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2994482&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

-- March 30, 2007 11:54 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

World Bank to loan Iraq power plant $124 million
(Reuters) 30 March 2007

WASHINGTON - The World Bank on Thursday approved $124 million in credit for an electricity reconstruction project in Iraq.

The project aims to increase generating capacity at the Hartha power station in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, the World Bank said in a statement.

‘The project will double the output of the Hartha power station from 400 megawatts to 800 megawatts, providing additional generating capacity to the national grid and benefiting household and industrial consumers,’ Tjaadra Storm van Leeuwen, the project’s Task Team Leader said.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $150 million.

This is the second power rehabilitation project in Iraq to be funded by the World Bank.

The lender approved $40 million in credit in December 2006 for the repair of two hydroelectric power stations in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2007/March/focusoniraq_March200.xml§ion=focusoniraq

-- March 30, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

US Senate Defies Bush, Ties Iraq War Funds to Withdrawal
Friday , 30 March 2007

Fresh battlelines were drawn Friday as the Democratic-led US Congress and the Republican White House faced off again over Iraq after both chambers approved a timetable for withdrawing US troops.

With the Pentagon saying its money to continue the war is likely to run out in just a few weeks' time, the Senate on Thursday approved a fresh infusion of cash, but tied the money to a timetable for withdrawing US troops.

The White House on Thursday again condemned the vote, and blamed the absence of an emergency Iraq spending bill for a Pentagon decision this week to reallocate funds from other defense areas to the war-torn country.

"This re-programming of funds is only necessary because Congress has failed to act in a timely manner on the president's emergency funding request," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

"This again underscores the need to get the show on the road, get the bill to the president. He will veto it and then we'll take it from there."

"I'll veto a bill that restricts our commanders on the ground in Iraq," Bush said after meeting Thursday with Republican congressional allies.

So far neither side has shown a willingness to back down in the impasse, but neither side wants to be perceived as the party responsible for denying troops in Iraq the materiel and supplies they need.

The bill prevailed in part because of key Republican defections, including longtime Iraq war critic Senator Chuck Hagel and Senator Gordon Smith. Independent Democrat Joseph Lieberman voted against the bill.

Measures on early troop withdrawal have now squeaked by in both chambers by razor-thin margins, but Democrats concede that they are unlikely to muster the two-thirds vote to override a presidential veto.

Republicans could have "filibustered" Tuesday's vote, by refusing to end debate and call the question. They did so earlier this month on a non-binding resolution criticizing Bush's January decision to send extra troops to Iraq.

But minority leader Mitch McConnell said he decided it would be far more expeditious to let the bill pass, then allow the president to veto it.

"This bill is the document of our defeat. The president knows this. That's why he's said for weeks that he isn't going to sign it," the Republican leader said. "No bill has deserved the veto pen more than this one."

http://www.turkishweekly.net/news.php?id=43857

-- March 30, 2007 11:59 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq: We Ain't Losing
By Bob Parks on Mar 28, 07

A few weeks ago in a column, I threw out a hypothetical.

In war, the traditional way of gauging who is winning or not is, unfortunately, a count of battlefield casualties. It seems logical, the last man standing wins. But as I’ve always had problems with the media and their portrayal of things in the Middle East, I asked one simple question: how many of the enemy have we killed?

We have everyone from activists to actors to congressmen and women to pundits all telling us how many of our servicemen and women have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. People keep score in blogs and even on the sides of their homes, yet we never hear the one number that may put at ease, for some, the sacrifice made by our sons and daughters.

How many of the enemy have we killed? A simple question.

The beauty of being an online columnist is that when you throw a question out there, sometimes someone who knows something about the topic contacts you and gives you the answer, which I’m happy to pass on to you.

Larry Schweikart, Professor of History at the University of Dayton sent me the following:

Last August, President Bush invited me and a few other military historians to spend an hour with him in the Oval Office. When I brought up this “enemy dead” issue, he shook his head and said, “I’m afraid since Vietnam and the ‘body counts’ we really can’t even use this as a measuring stick [as far as the public was concerned].” It was a sad commentary on how out of whack things got---especially if you think (as I do) that not all Muslims are terrorists. That means there are a finite number, and we have to be getting pretty close to the bottom of the barrel.

Since then, I’ve updated the numbers with refinements and calculate that a low estimate of 30,000 terrorists have been killed since 9/11, and an upperbound number of 60,000. On top of that, between 120 and 240,000 terrorists have been wounded. This is where it gets tricky. Likely because their medicine isn’t as good as ours, they have a higher death rate among wounded, which probably means that instead of 1 out of 8 dying of wounds, it’s more like 3 out of 8, and that number is in my first set of stats. In addition, we have captured close to 50,000 terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq since 9/11, and since the beginning of hostilities in Iraq, using traditional desertion rates, I figure at least another 10,000 jihadists have put away the old IED and gone home.

So, a low estimate is that we have removed from the order of battle about 210,000 on the low end to 360,000 on the high end. This is an entire generation of jihadists, and will, if nothing else, significantly feminize Muslim society.

So those who wish to tell our nation, and the world, that we are losing the war on terror are living a lie. Those who wish to use our soldiers for political gain are no better than those shooting at them on the ground.

Number don’t lie. People do.

http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=7673_0_1_0_M

-- March 30, 2007 12:03 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

So, a low estimate is that we have removed from the order of battle about 210,000 on the low end to 360,000 on the high end. This is an entire generation of jihadists

If we round estimates for ease.. taking US casualties as approx 3,000 and the enemy we have removed from the battle as being 300,000 jihadists.. that makes it so that.. for every American solider who has died in combat, 100 jihadists have died, correct? One hundred of them to one of ours..

100:1

Killing 100 of theirs to every one of ours is not a bad count.. is it?
If we have to count the dead as the viability of the fight (according to the MSM),
we are winning by this count, are we not?

Sara.

-- March 30, 2007 12:51 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I bring this up because it is not esoteric and something which will never affect your life or those you love..
but because, as ALBERT EINSTEIN said, QUOTE:

Albert Einstein quote: “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.”

===

European Bees Also Taking a Nosedive - Perhaps GM Crops?
March 29, 2007 · Filed under Agriculture & Food, Environment & Wildlife by Craig Mackintosh

We’ve had significant interest in our recent posts on Colony Collapse Disorder in the U.S. (here, and here). The latter of the two stories intimated that European bees are also being affected. Spiegel have just released an article giving more info on this mysterious phenomenon - now hitting Germany’s bees hard - and experts are concerned that GM crops may be the root of the problem. QUOTE:

A mysterious decimation of bee populations has German beekeepers worried, while a similar phenomenon in the United States is gradually assuming catastrophic proportions. The consequences for agriculture and the economy could be enormous.

… The problem, says Haefeker, has a number of causes, one being the varroa mite, introduced from Asia, and another is the widespread practice in agriculture of spraying wildflowers with herbicides and practicing monoculture. Another possible cause, according to Haefeker, is the controversial and growing use of genetic engineering in agriculture.

As far back as 2005, Haefeker ended an article he contributed to the journal Der Kritischer Agrarbericht (Critical Agricultural Report) with an Albert Einstein quote: “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.”

Mysterious events in recent months have suddenly made Einstein’s apocalyptic vision seem all the more topical. For unknown reasons, bee populations throughout Germany are disappearing — something that is so far only harming beekeepers. But the situation is different in the United States, where bees are dying in such dramatic numbers that the economic consequences could soon be dire. No one knows what is causing the bees to perish, but some experts believe that the large-scale use of genetically modified plants in the US could be a factor.

… Since last November, the US has seen a decline in bee populations so dramatic that it eclipses all previous incidences of mass mortality. Beekeepers on the east coast of the United States complain that they have lost more than 70 percent of their stock since late last year, while the west coast has seen a decline of up to 60 percent.

… It is particularly worrisome, she said, that the bees’ death is accompanied by a set of symptoms “which does not seem to match anything in the literature.”

… Walter Haefeker, the German beekeeping official, speculates that “besides a number of other factors,” the fact that genetically modified, insect-resistant plants are now used in 40 percent of cornfields in the United States could be playing a role. The figure is much lower in Germany — only 0.06 percent — and most of that occurs in the eastern states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg. Haefeker recently sent a researcher at the CCD Working Group some data from a bee study that he has long felt shows a possible connection between genetic engineering and diseases in bees.

The study in question is a small research project conducted at the University of Jena from 2001 to 2004. The researchers examined the effects of pollen from a genetically modified maize variant called “Bt corn” on bees. A gene from a soil bacterium had been inserted into the corn that enabled the plant to produce an agent that is toxic to insect pests. The study concluded that there was no evidence of a “toxic effect of Bt corn on healthy honeybee populations.” But when, by sheer chance, the bees used in the experiments were infested with a parasite, something eerie happened. According to the Jena study, a “significantly stronger decline in the number of bees” occurred among the insects that had been fed a highly concentrated Bt poison feed.

According to Hans-Hinrich Kaatz, a professor at the University of Halle in eastern Germany and the director of the study, the bacterial toxin in the genetically modified corn may have “altered the surface of the bee’s intestines, sufficiently weakening the bees to allow the parasites to gain entry — or perhaps it was the other way around. We don’t know.”
Is it not possible that while there is no lethal effect directly to the new bees, there might be some sublethal effect, such as immune suppression, acting as a slow killer?

The planting of transgenic corn and soybean has increased exponentially, according to statistics from farm states. Tens of millions of acres of transgenic crops are allowing Bt genes to move off crop fields.

A quick and easy way to get an approximate answer would be to make a comparison of colony losses of bees from regions where no genetically modified crops are grown, and to put test hives in areas where modern farming practices are so distant from the hives that the foraging worker bees would have no exposure to them.

Given that nearly every bite of food that we eat has a pollinator, the seriousness of this emerging problem could dwarf all previous food disruptions. - San Francisco Chronicle

http://www.celsias.com/blog/2007/03/29/european-bees-taking-a-nosedive/

Genetic devastation occurs in one generation in insects, three in humans due to our more complex DNA. If the bees don't all die off, with catastrophic effect, (which is a REAL concern) the disease may end up causing human colony collapse within a short period of time. This means HUMAN intestines would become weakened by eating GM food so that parasites could then infest HUMAN bodies in the same manner they have done when they killed off these bees. Food for thought next time you reach for a (likely GM modified) corn chip.

Sara.

-- March 30, 2007 3:12 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Dale,
They have made many such movies.
The problem is they can't make an accurate picture.
Laura,
The article you posted is very true in that there is a new age to come, and it is what is called the Kingdom of Christ. This is the day of the Lord, our sabath. A millenial reign of Jesus Christ, and his own will reign with him as teachers, priests and bishops in a perfectly governed world where there is righteousness and justice. Who will be the ones being taught, and reigned over in this kingdom? Where they will be taught in truth through the administration of Jesus himself, without the distractions, and deceptions that are now present, and at the end of this millenial kingdom the deceiver will be loosed again for short time to test them, and then the judgement of God. Who are the subjects of His kingdom? It's easy! Everyone ever born! Second Chance? No not at all! They never had a chance. Think about the amount of confusion in the world, and the power that tradition has over people. Have you ever tried to change someones mind against the traditions taught them since they were born? It's almost impossible, except that God give it to someone to have an ear, or eyes to see, and draw them. This truth infuriates the so called church, because they think they have sacrificed to be good, so those bad ones better be burning, even though they will be the most greatful for the opportunity to learn truth in the millenium. There has always been, and will remain, a remnant that keep oil in their lamps, and when the darkness falls they will trim their lamps that they will be able to have light so that they will not stumble in the darkness. I'm not talking about the kind of oil we get in Iraqi

-- March 30, 2007 3:53 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

On the subject of Bible Prophecy,

Glen Beck is going to discuss the current Iran situation in light of prophecy tonight

Should be interesting

-- March 30, 2007 6:25 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

I am not the least bit offended! Why would I be? And if you meant to offend, I missed it!

What I have observed is your mastery of manipulating scripture to prove or expand your points of view.

You have done so with Scofield commentaries and now Spurgeon. And of course, when challenged by anyone, they go right into the heap of the "ungodly".

I can't say that is really surprises or bothers me. You have not coined these positions, they have been around for a very long time.

BUT my heart skips a beat and my breath is taken away when you parallel your behavior and intentions with Jesus.

You have mistakenly posed Jesus as being soft on sin.

I have checked with those who are much more knowledgeable in the original translations, and they confirm that there is absolutely not one reference that would give Jesus the attribute of being soft or a "mammby pammby" toward sin.

Of course he walked among sinners, for there was never one born without sin.

But He was very clear that to be a follower of His and to enjoy fellowship with Him, one was commanded by Him..."to go and sin no more...." to put down their nets and follow Him"....to leave behind their worldy goods....etc etc.

He was always very clear about the conditions necessary to be a disciple or follower.

AND HE WAS "PICKY" TOO!

But somehow you dismiss this part of His Holy character, for reasons very suspect to me.

I have studied the scriptures for decades and have read from the same commentaries that you do. Enough to know that you are so very off the mark in very many areas.

I vowed years ago not to get into scripture pissing contests, as no good ever comes from it, especially in mixed audiences.

So here you have the advantage.

You have quoted alot of scripture and put your own frame of the truth on it in many areas.

Most here are not learned in the scriptures and that is to your advantage also. But is it profitable? I think not!

My only and best consolation is that we are told that scripture( no matter what motives or purposes injected and projected) it will never return void!

I have not meant to offend you but to throw some ice water on you! Because I think you are spiritually "stuck".

Perhaps, no I am sure, this was not the place to do it!

I will quote a friend of yours:

I can assume that you will see this as another personal attack on you, even though this is probably one of the most helpful posts you have ever had.

Open up your mind spirit and heart, so that along with being unapproachable and unchallengable, you won't also fall prey to being unteachable.

Carole

-- March 30, 2007 10:04 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am still in Sacramento. My flight was cancelled because of bad whether in the midwest. I am suppose to leave in the morning and routed through Salt Lake and finally Dallas/Ft. Worth. Pray my flights are uneventful.

I think I will throw caution to the wind and offer my own eschatological point of view. From reading the previous posts on the subject I tend to lean toward the major point of view regarding final things is a premillennial bent.

A preacher by the name of Darby introduced this misinterpretation of apocolyptic literature such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation. Granted 7 out 10 Christian denominations in the United States actively teach Darby's doctrine.

There are many anti-christs in the world. Anyone who rails against Christ Jesus is a anti-christ. There is not or there will not be just one person called the Anti-Christ rising in power.

This is the most inconsistent aspect to permillennial teaching. During World War II many thought Adolf Hitler was the Anti-Christ. Some believe Ronald Reagan to be it. Others believed Pope John Paul II to be the Anti-Christ. This variant in beliefs as to who the Anti-Christ is to be indicates the falicy of the doctrine itself.

What about Christ's Millennial reign upon the earth. The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John during his exile on Patmos. By its nature apocalyptic literature is quite symbolic. John uses language in such a manner to disgiuse the message what he is writing. Regardless of whether you believe he wrote the book during the reigns of Nero, Vespasian, or Domition we can agree that a great persecution is the reason the book is written.

Therefore, what Darby considered literal is meant to be taken symbolically. An event described in the book of Revelation there is a historical answer relevant to those the Apostle John is writing to.

The trumpets, bowls, and seals represent a very real persecution of those seven churches of Asia. The message of Revelation is hope in Christ overcomes any persecution brought on by the Romans. I think chapters 21 and 22 make that abundantly clear. Revelation 2:10 sums up what I have attempted to communicate: "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

John's audience was to be faitful even to the point of death. A death inflicted by the state. Darby's doctrine of helicopters, nuclear weapons, and a final battle for Israel where Jesus will set up an eartly kingdom is a total misinterpretation of this precious book in the word of God.

Let us follow what the bible intimates. Jesus will return seperating the sheep and the goats. Judging accordingly in the great white throne judgement. After this judgement it is to eternal life or eternal damnation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 30, 2007 10:47 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

New policy at Central Bank auction to sell more dollars

Iraqi Central Bank initiated a new policy to sell more dollars and obtain dinars to cover items from the national budget, which is in Iraqi dinars for the first time since 2003, sending demand for dollar higher in Thursday's auction.

Demand for the dollar increased in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Thursday, reaching $90.030 million compared with $33.045 million on Wednesday.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $10.630 million in cash and $79.400 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,273 dinars per dollar, unchanged since yesterday.

Fourteen banks participated in Thursday's auction and offered to sell $25 million. The Iraqi Central Bank bought the entire amount at 1,271 per Iraqi dinar.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the hike in demand for the dollar in today's session was partly due to the high foreign transfers by governmental departments and partly because of a new policy to encourage the sale of more dollars and to obtain dinars to cover items from the Iraqi national budget, announced this year in dinars."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 30, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

McCain: Progress is being made in Iraq
3/28/2007

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special CorrespondentTue Mar 27, 11:10 PM ET

Republican presidential contender John McCain (news, bio, voting record) said Tuesday, "we are starting to turn things around" in the Iraq war, as he broke off campaigning in Florida to vote against a proposed troop withdrawal timeline.

In a speech on the Senate floor, the Arizona Republican said President Bush's decision to dispatch additional troops last winter "is working far better than even the most optimistic supporter had predicted. Progress is tangible in many key areas despite the fact that only 40 percent of the planned forces are in Iraq," he added.

McCain spoke on a day in which two nearly simultaneous attacks outside Baghdad killed at least 48 Iraqis, and he said he did not want to paint an overly optimistic picture. He added, "I have been critical of the conduct of this war since 2003, and very much regret that only now, four years into the conflict, are we beginning to implement the kind of strategy that was necessary from the start."

Aides said it was the first time he had systematically addressed recent events in Iraq, and he had decided to do so on the Senate floor in the run-up to a pivotal vote.

The assessment also came at a politically pivotal time, as McCain, once the presumed Republican front-runner, attempts to halt a reversal in the polls that has jolted his presidential hopes.

A heavy majority of Americans opposes the war in Iraq and doesn't approve of Bush's handling of the conflict. Yet the most ardent Republicans still approve it, and the presidential rivals are vying for the support of hard-core GOP voters.

"What we cannot do, and for the sake of America's vital national security interests, we must not do, is give up just at the moment we are starting to turn things around in Iraq," McCain said.

Using a color-coded map of Iraq as a prop, McCain said Iraqi army battalions have arrived for duty as called for, many at or above 75 percent of their programmed levels, bomb attacks and murders are down since the new policy was implemented and the number of civilians killed in Baghdad dropped from 1,222 in December to 494 in February.

He said U.S. forces have moved out of large bases to take up positions in small outposts as part of a shift in strategy. "Contrary to predictions, this has not increased U.S. casualties. And, not surprisingly, our presence has resulted in a dramatic increase in actionable intelligence about terrorists," he said.

McCain said the debate in the Senate had an Alice in Wonderland quality to it, with critics of the war attempting to "micromanage a conflict based on what the conditions were three months ago — not what the reality is today."

The day's events marked the first time McCain has broken off campaigning to cast a Senate vote on the war. He attended a Florida fundraiser earlier in the day, and arranged to return to the state for the evening.

McCain: Progress is being made in Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 30, 2007 11:01 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Putin calls for curbs on US role

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

Moscow, 30 March 2007 (Associated Press)
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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has sent a letter to a summit of Arab leaders, the Kremlin said yesterday, calling for a time limit for US military presence in Iraq and issuing what sounded like a veiled criticism of US foreign policy.

Putin said in the letter that Russia highly values “the Arab world’s contribution to building a just multipolar world order and political and diplomatic settlement of crises.” Russia has repeatedly pushed for a multipolar world — a term underlining its opposition to the unipolar world of US domination.

In what sounded like a veiled criticism of the US, Putin complained in the letter against a “policy of unilateral use of force and a desire to monopolise conflict settlement”.

He also criticised those seeking to “provoke a confrontation between civilisations and faiths”. Putin also openly assailed what he described as US over-reliance on force.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 30, 2007 11:04 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Why You Should Care About the World Bank and Iraq
by Bank Information Center

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

30 March 2007 (Just)
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Reports that a World Bank staffer was shot at an Iraqi checkpoint surfaced in late February. The Bank apparently suppressed the news for several days, presumably in an effort to quell concerns about Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's recent push to re-open a World Bank office in Baghdad. What should the Bank be doing in Iraq? Following is an overview of current Bank involvement in the country, and some reasons why you should be concerned.

What the Bank is doing in Iraq

The World Bank's stated mission for Iraq is to "help Iraq build efficient, inclusive, transparent, and accountable institutions for stability, good governance, and sustainable economic prosperity." Activities are guided by a 2006-7 Interim Strategy Note (ISN) and based on four pillars: restoring basic service delivery, enabling private sector development, strengthening social safety nets, and improving public sector governance. The Bank is currently providing both lending and technical advice to the country. It also administers one part of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq: the World Bank Iraq Trust Fund (the UN's Development Group Trust Fund is the other part).

* Lending: The ISN provides a framework for up to $500 million in IDA resources. Another $500 million in IBRD resources may also be available, contingent upon improvements in creditworthiness. The Bank's website lists three active IDA projects with commitments totaling almost $300 million. The IFC, the Bank's private-sector arm, is supporting four private investments in the country totaling $297 million, including a SME-based project involving a Jordanian bank and a Commercial Bank project involving the National Bank of Kuwait (which is also, incidentally, part of a consortium managing the Iraq Trade Bank).

* Analytical & Advisory Services: The Bank is also providing policy reform papers on key issues and sectors, and organizing policy dialogues. Examples of Iraq reform paper topics include: economic reform, investment climate, and state-owned enterprises. One WB policy reform paper (United Nations and World Bank Joint Needs Assessment: Investment Climate (October 2003)) urges Iraq to quickly develop institutions and laws in favor of private and foreign investment. The Bank is also the lead adviser to the IMF's Iraq program on sectoral strategies including, inter alia, the oil sector.

* Iraq Trust Fund: Through the World Bank Iraq Trust Fund, the Bank finances at least 15 active and completed projects totaling over $400 million, primarily in the Water/Sanitation, Transportation, and Education sectors.

* Office: Bank activities in Iraq have been directed through an office in Amman, Jordan since shortly after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Country Director Joseph Saba is based in Washington, DC. However, Paul Wolfowitz has recently made moves to beef up the Bank's presence in the country, negotiating a contract with a new resident country director to be based in Baghdad's "Green Zone".

So what's the big deal?

1. The Bank's rush to re-engage is premature

Some argue that by preparing an ISN and approving lending to the country, the Bank is going against its own conditions for engagement, as outlined in the 1998 "Framework for World Bank Involvement in Post-Conflict Countries" and Operational Policy (OP) 2.30: Development Cooperation and Conflict. The OP states that an Interim-Strategy Note (ISN) may be prepared to guide short to medium-term operations when "active conflict has diminished sufficiently for Bank staff to be able to travel to the area for the purpose of identifying and supervising Bank-supported countries" and "there is a reasonable expectation of continued stability or of a sustainable &cease fire."

Active violence continues, there is no reasonable expectation of stability and World Bank staff cannot travel safely in the country. Sectarian violence is not only ongoing, it has intensified since the Bank prepared the ISN in 2005. And as the February shooting shows, staff is clearly not safe operating in the country. "In the simplest financial terms, there is no functioning banking system, the government does not control its territory and it cannot guarantee loan repayment. Any emergency or social funding in Iraq should come from donors' grants, not loans," Bea Edwards of the Government Accountability Project recently commented. Without stability and security, how can World Bank lending be properly implemented or supervised?

2. If I want your opinion, I'll give it to you&

Wolfowitz has the power to re-appoint a resident country director for the Baghdad office, regardless of staff and management concerns. But should he? Word is that Middle East Vice-President Christiaan Poortman resigned after a falling-out with Bank management over the issue. German ED Eckhard Deutscher has also publicly raised concerns. "Mr. Wolfowitz says he was simply following staff advice 'for a modest, incremental upgrading of our presence' in Iraq and that the plans have board approval, but current and former officials say he and his staff were the driving force for change," Greg Hitt wrote in the Wall Street Journal last year. At the very least, recent developments highlight ongoing tensions between Wolfowitz's team and the Bank's Board. Many are wondering if these tensions will in turn hamper the President's ability to successfully raise funds during the upcoming IDA-15 replenishment.

3. Wolfowitz's conflict of interest

In addition to exacerbating tensions within the institution, many see Wolfowitz's actions as confirming longstanding fears that the President will use his role to promote US geopolitical interests. His rush to establish an office might very well be interpreted as a move to instill greater confidence in other donors involved in reconstruction efforts in Iraq. Some might even go so far as to suggest the move might be laying the groundwork for ushering US private-sector interests back into the country. How can an architect of the Iraq war be truly objective in guiding the country's reconstruction?

4. No 'development cancer' in post-conflict environments?

Paul Wolfowitz has made the fight against corruption a defining theme of his presidency thus far; the Governance and Anti-Corruption Strategy (GAC) is expected to be finalized at next month's Spring Meetings. Yet the GAC's ambitious list of expectations and conditions for tackling corruption in borrowing countries and Bank projects seems oddly matched with lending to Iraq. Numerous reports have highlighted the level of corruption in the country. The Bank apparently grants special exceptions for countries in conflict. But what is appropriate? Many have criticized the GAC's spotty treatment of corruption in post-conflict environments. Given the astounding amount of debt previously incurred by corrupt regimes, and current calls to cancel these "odious" debts, how can the Bank reasonably turn a blind eye to corruption in post-conflict situations? Wolfowitz and the Bank must walk the talk with respect to corruption and Iraq.

5. Iraq: Open for business!

IMF lending and debt relief to Iraq is in part contingent upon the country's development of a petroleum law. Stipulated in an agreement signed before the election of the new government, and without meaningful public scrutiny, the law is currently being debated by the Iraqi Parliament. It will establish a Federal Oil and Gas Council, staffed in part by Big Oil executives. "The new law would grant the council virtually all power to develop policies and plans for undeveloped oil fields and to review and change all exploration and production contracts," Juan Gonzalez reported in the Daily News on Feb 21. Conveniently, it would seem, these companies will be some of the very same US and British companies formerly excluded from Iraq's oil industry due to US sanctions against the country; the Iraqi National Oil Company won't have any advantage over these foreign companies. "Since most of Iraq's 73 proven petroleum fields have yet to be developed, the new council would instantly become a world energy powerhouse," Gonzalez wrote. Contracts with international companies will likely be similar to controversial production-sharing agreements, which could prolong and exacerbate poor governance by allowing investors in the oil and gas sector to effectively bypass the weak or absent legal and regulatory frameworks.

What's the Bank's role in all of this? The institution is advising the IMF in the development of the oil sector strategy. More broadly, the Bank is advising Iraq on attracting foreign direct investment through quickly developing investor friendly laws and institutions and also advising on reforming state-owned enterprises. In addition, the Bank is participating in meetings with the IMF, Iraq Minister of Finance, and the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC) on Iraq's oil sector. The ITIC is a business lobby group comprised of: BP, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Total. A third workshop with ITIC on Iraq petroleum fiscal issues is scheduled for this Spring.

6. Post-conflict engagement: the Bank's new bread-and-butter?

Why aren't other post-conflict countries receiving the same attention from the World Bank? Comparing World Bank assistance across post-conflict countries is at times like comparing apples and oranges, but here's some food for thought:

* Iraq. Conflict status: ongoing sectarian violence. World Bank lending: Three IDA projects since 2005 totaling $300 million and four IFC projects totaling $297million. No lending 1973-2005.

* Afghanistan. Conflict status: ongoing unrest.* World Bank lending: Since 2002, 30 IDA/IBRD projects totaling $1.29 billion. No lending 1979-2002.

* Ivory Coast. Conflict status: peace process underway, disarmament started.* World Bank lending: Four IDA/IBRD projects since 2002 totaling $235 million.

* Sierra Leone. Conflict status: conflict ended in 2002.* World Bank lending: Fourteen IDA/IBRD projects approved since 2002, totaling $303 million.

* Liberia. Conflict status: civil war ended in 2003, peace agreement signed.* World Bank lending: Since 2005, 4 IDA/IBRD projects have been approved, totaling $46.5 million. No lending 1985-2005

* Central African Republic. Conflict status: fragile.* Since 1999, 4 IDA/IBD projects have been approved totaling $127 million. No new lending 1994-99 or 2001-05.

* Haiti. Conflict status: free and fair elections in 2006.* World Bank lending: Nine IDA/IBRD projects since 2005, totaling $165 million. No lending 1996-2005.

Source: "Semi-Annual Monitoring Report on Conflict-Affected Countries, December 2005-May 2006". The World Bank.

Moving forward...

The World Bank's involvement in Iraq provides critical fuel for analyzing the institution's engagement in post-conflict situations. As intrastate violence has increased, so the Bank has stepped up its involvement in virtually all aspects of "peacebuilding". Do privatization and conditionality in post-conflict lending really enhance prospects for peace? What is the proper role for the Bank? The World Bank, governments, and civil society must actively engage with these and other questions in the years to come.

The IFIs must tread carefully in resource-rich countries. Iraq's oil may in fact be a "resource curse", given the correlation between abundant mineral wealth (in Iraq's case, oil) and negative economic and political consequences. An even more central concern is whether the liberalization and privatization of Iraq's economy will alleviate or exacerbate the conflict, given the country's current inability to successfully distribute resources and profits. The IFIs must provide thoughtful development assistance, not use their influence to drum up business in a barely stable post-conflict environment. And the main beneficiaries must be Iraqis, not international consulting firms, international oil companies, the IMF or World Bank.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 30, 2007 11:06 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Finance & Banking

Iraq Reforms Needed To Free Up Cash

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30 March 2007 (The New York Sun)
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America is requesting billions of dollars to help train Iraqis to spend the money they already have.

That was the message this week in testimony before the House Foreign Relations Committee from the State Department's senior Iraq coordinator to explain why Iraq would need $4 billion to help spend the $12.5 billion the Iraqi government already has in its accounts.

Speaking before the House Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, David Satterfield said building what accountants call "budget execution capacity" was a top priority now for his provincial reconstruction teams.

"Why couldn't Iraq spend these monies? Why couldn't the oil [minister] spend the $3.5 billion in his capital investment budget? Only some 6% was actually spent," he said. "The answer is not corruption. It's not politics. It's not security. It is literally the lack of mechanisms, the lack of the experience and capacity to spend funds which exist in Iraqi hands."

Current and former American financial advisers to the Iraqi government explain that the problem of budget execution has persisted for the Iraqis since June 2004, when the Coalition Provisional Authority officially disbanded and turned over the country's coffers to an interim government led by Iyad Allawi.

Hit hardest in the Iraqi government is the ministry of oil and the ministry of defense. While salaries of employees and soldiers are often paid on time, capital investments like new wells and new bases are not being made. The inability of Iraq's military to spend money on new investments worried one military consultant who yesterday said that it could prevent necessary spending for the maintenance of bases, equipment, and vehicles the American military is giving Iraqis as part of its efforts to rebuild the Iraqi military. "There needs to be a certain amount of money spent each year on just the maintenance of this stuff," this official said. "If they don't have the capacity to spend this money, then it will turn into junk."

One problem, according to a former Treasury official, is that there is no electronic system to count expenses and income for the individual ministries, local police stations, and even the military. "Every ministry has been functioning with a sturdy pencil, with handwritten paper records. I wish there was even carbon triplicates," this former official said. "They take a great big white sheet of butcher paper and draw lines and columns."

The lack of an electronic system has facilitated corruption, such as the over-billing of dummy contractors — a practice that has been the target of some prosecutions in Iraq. Less dramatically, it has slowed progress, causing orders to spend money to take days to process through the finance ministry. To this day, most Iraqi salaries are paid in cash that is delivered to local offices from the banks.

A consulting company, Bearing Point, has had a contract since 2004 to develop an electronic financial management system for Iraq's government, but it has been slow going. To this day, most of Iraq's provincial government offices are not connected to ministry of finance. The hope is that when this system is established, Iraq will have the banking infrastructure for automated teller machines.

Another problem facing the Iraqis is that there are hardly any accountants. Part of the American reconstruction effort will go to training procurement officers, accountants, and budget experts to be attached to local police stations and military units.

The former staff director for what is now the House Foreign Relations Committee, Hillel Weinberg, said Congress began quietly to ask questions about the accounting systems in 2005. He said, "Budget execution is extremely difficult. What everyone says about Iraq, is that people have a difficult time making decisions. It used to come from the top. One of the problems, their structure, the infrastructure, how you do this is lacking. It is not something that we have been able to get a handle on."

Lawmakers in the House at least appear to be losing patience. Rep. Gary Ackerman, a Democrat from New York, on Tuesday chastised the Iraqis for spending only 20% of the $6 billion they had budgeted last year for reconstruction projects. "The United States has invested $2 billion in Iraq's oil infrastructure, an important investment, I'm sure. But for reconstruction to be successful, we can't want it to succeed more than do the Iraqis," Mr. Ackerman said.

Mr. Ackerman voted Friday for a supplemental budget bill that gave the Bush administration most of the $4 billion it requested for Iraq reconstruction. But that bill, like the Senate's this week, contains a timeline for withdrawal certain to draw the president's veto. The maneuvering will mean that Congress will have to draw up another supplemental funding bill sometime when they return from spring recess after April 15, the date when the military will run out of money for the Iraq war and be forced to make cuts in training and vehicle maintenance.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 30, 2007 11:13 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Live and let live, some will tell you how to think, whats sinful and what is not.

Some are so darn rightful in their views they will tell you how to think.

Those are the psychotic idiots, that are so wrapped up in the rightness in their cause they can kill for it.

May it be a Carole or a Jihadist, doesn't matter, it is just a matter for the world to understand them.

They die as suicide bombers and scream out the word God or Allah, when they are killing.

When they talk with you, they talk down to you, as you don't understand in the first place.

They have found the path to God and it's wonderful path, and as they have fount one path, they are so stupid believing that this path is the only existing path in the forest.

All other paths in their eyes ARE leading to HELL.

They make sure they mark THEIR path, as "THE ONLY" path, and are praying to God and begging you to walk THEIR path.

They don't understand that you are going to the same destination, but have chosen a path that will lead YOU.

Your path will take you there, but your path has to be walked alone.

No one can walk it for you.

So Sara, walk your path, and while the animals in the forest will scream and show it's teeth, don't worry.

When you walk your path, you will find all kind of people walking their path, some might share the path for a while, some are on a parallel path and some are out of sight.

You will find all kinds of animals there, and occasional demons too.

Those with shades of darkness, confusion and bitterness.

They are just lost, but say they're not.

Some claim to be your friend say they are going where you are going, and want the same goal as you, but they would like noting better than take you off your path.

Those are the clever ones, they read from the book.

They say the end of the path is not where you think it is, and if you continue on your path, you will perish in pain.

Sara, those people telling you that your path is leading to hell, and their path is the right way....have they been there.

Of course not, they just want reassurance that the road THEY are taking is the right one, and feel strength in numbers.

Numbers will not help anyone, the destiny has to be reached by each one of us alone.

You might find friends there when you arrive, you might see friends on the path, but the travel is yours and yours alone.

-- March 31, 2007 2:06 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Two very interesting articles.

The first one with Wolfowitz and the WB was almost predicted.

The article is very critical of Wolfowitz, and probably an effort to undermine him in one way or the other.

The WB had "runned " Iraq from an office in Washington DC by more or less a dispatcher, that had four other countries and Iraq as his designated countries.

What a way, run the Iraqi future economy from an office in Washington DC, runned by a man that is not on site, and probably have more problem with his daily commute than anything else.

Just to make him picture anything that has to do with Iraq would have been to ask for too much.

Wolfowitz came into the WB, and started to heat up the Iraq affair as there was no economic progress at all.

Iraq completely dependent on WB and IMF, and the affairs was dispatched from an office cubicle over here was a bit too much for Wolfowitz, and he started to be a bit loud, and got people to start working with Iraq.

The 30 year old veteran , chief of WB for Middle East (working from his office also) resigned.

So Wolfowitz got a delegation to actually WORK IN IRAQ WITH THE IRAQIS.

An idea so far fetched,(WHAT, ARE WE ACTUALLY GOING TO WORK THERE WITH THIS???) that some in the ranks protested and wrote this article.

So as a result the Iraqis have done more financial progress this last 5 months then ever, since the invasion.

Second article, they have got the money, but don't have the knowledge of spending it.

This is a more interesting thing in that they of course know how to spend it, but there is nothing there to spend it on.

Therefore nothing will get done because there is nothing there.

Unless they spend to get it there.

But as there is nothing there, they can't spend on it.

Well, that is the old catch 22, humorous when looking at it, but or the Iraqis it's another story.

True as it says, they have been fed for years that orders comes from above, and have a hard time coming up with a decision, we have seen that numerous times, and are anxiously awaiting the HCL law, for one thing.

The problem would be again security, and it's effect. No one wants to go there and open up a consultant office in a safe abut boring job, for the fear of being killed or taken hostage.

Iraq need very much the middle class, the working grunt, the paper pushers and the bean counters, to facilitate their state.

To just have the money doesn't make any difference, if you can't spend it on anything other than throwing it out the window.

Then the window deal is better than just sitting on it, the money have to get into circulation and with it projects like jobs.

The actual competence level of the ordinary Iraqi could probably be considered very low, and projects like digging, shuffling, building and so on could probably be arranged without too much problem.

Anything to get the Iraqi man a shovel rather than an AK.

Last year much of the budget was not spent, but I do believe that last year was the "lost year" that had special circumstances to it.

So to sum it up, in order to get it going, it seems like outside competency has to be imported.

What better alternative is there other than getting the HCL worked trough all it's bogged down parliamentary slobber goo, marsh land, and let start the process with letting oil companies take the lead.

This will first enable the Iraqis to sell oil, get more money and employ thousands of Iraqis in the field.

This will take the insurgency man off the streets, and into a well paid job, that will in turn result in an environment that will rise the demand on goods, and it's under laying infrastructure.

I think the whole point is, they've got to start somewhere, get ONE ball rolling and the others will follow.

As it is right now, they're just sitting and looking at a gigantic colossus, with their mouth open and tongue hanging.

They need that Sergeant type foreman pulling the rope to the steam whistle at the factory, screaming, ok that's it end of brake, get to work.

I think they're still in chock over the fact that they themselves are the destiny to their own future, and subconsciously are expecting someone to give them an order.

-- March 31, 2007 2:46 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Letter to Iran,

Dear Sirs,

As unfortunately circumstances have been put forth, and our navigational system proven to be about 2 miles out of range, we hereby apologise and promise to correct our systems so they again will work with precision of plus/minus ONE foot.

To ensure that our systems are in working order I have ordered about 150 cruise missiles and 50 nuclear tipped ballistic missiles to be test fired at targets of our choice in Iran.

This for a definite proof of systems accuracy, where you yourself can assess and evaluate if the Global Positioning System is adequate and not off, more than 2 miles as you are claiming.

The missiles are already flying, this for a quick and resolute assessment on your part, and to once and for all settle the question whether we do or don't have a clue where we are at any given time.

Yours Sincerely

Tony Blair

-- March 31, 2007 3:00 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Putin is a fun guy.

Assuming you have ONE superpower in the world.

That happens to be the US.

One power will in itself make a one polar world if you express it that way.

Putin wants Russia to be more powerful, so what better way is there if not trying to take down the existing power , as it is too big for Russia to deal with.

So he says that he wants a multipolar world, well, you don't even have to read between the lines to see what he is actually saying, -"We don't want the US".

Russia is a funny phenomenon, still in the grips of it's old ways, the apparatchnik is slow to dismantle, if at all.

They could have turned Russia into a Casino or WalMart long ago, but still they have bad roads, and everybody lives in "housing projects" thousands per housing complex, where very few can afford even a simple small economy car with a stick, and no A?C.

Doctors and lawyers make about $200/MONTH.

Here is this ex-KGB agent wishing something for the world, what exactly is so much better with his vision, as he can't point out anything that is wanted, from his neck of the woods.

-- March 31, 2007 3:21 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Bush have said 20 times that he will veto anything that put a time limit on our presence in the Middle East, so I don't know why they bother to do these voting sessions.

It's a waste of money as there will be no effect, no result, coming out of motions like that.

I guess it is a statement, like bell bottom jeans, and beehive hair once was.

-- March 31, 2007 3:27 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

It's called Monday morning quarterback when you in the aftermath claim that it was easy to predict.

See, the sun came up today also....what did I say????

Point on the exact spot where the next fish will jump.

It's not so easy to slap yourself on the chest then.

Am I still in your daily thoughts??? You seem to have been able to let go pretty much, and even had a Dinar analysis here some posts ago, well done.

-- March 31, 2007 3:48 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Betcha Carl is a better Monday morning quarter back than me!! I'm 100 pounds when soaking wet!

Daily thoughts? Only when I am in yours!

Oh Yes, how nice of you to patronize my Dinar comments! I can sleep well now! Thank you.

Carole

-- March 31, 2007 4:58 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Like A Scent In The Air That Reflects
Something or some is near, so do little tidbits of actions from individuals give you a indication of which way things are leaning...
Remember! I told you...some middle eastern leaders would go the the other side just to save their butt...if they thought the pressure was getting to great from their people...a news release today, stated, abdullah Prince of the Saudi's as come forth in a statement at the Arab Summit...With the position..."No Middle Eastern Country should allow a foreign flag to fly over another middle eastern country, nor should they be allowed to make decision that will affect the entire region", He also has canceled his State Dinner at the White House for next month...it seems he is starting to become "P-Kettle warm on our turning Iraq into a democracy...and toward US Policy"

WAS THE TAKING OF THE BRITISH SOLDIERS THE SECOND TRY TO ABDUCT BY THE IRANIANS?
It is now revealed the Iranians attempted to capture some American and Iraqi Soldiers back in Sept 06, along the Iranian Border...It seems the Iranians ventured into the Iraqi side with a Iranian Officer...the joint Iraqi and American patrol approached him, and as the discussion took place they became surrounded by a platoon of Iranian Soldiers who had been hidden upon on high points...when the Iranian officer, told them if they attempted to leave they would be shot...the Americans said "Kiss Our Ass" and the gun battle started...there were casualties..but details are not known...

-- March 31, 2007 5:07 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

To all:

Russia has been and will continue to be a major player in support of middle east efforts to destroy Israel and the US.

They have been and will continue to use the middle east to do their "dirty work" in accomplishing their agenda.

Putin is not an international character to underestimate. If it is astute to attach the word "evil" to an international figure, he would fit into that category.

I have always believed that the dismantling of the SOviet Union, was a smoke screen. It was their way of avoiding international accountability.

Iran's arrogance and agressive agendas prevail becuase they know they got "big brother" (Russia) all around them to fight their battles for them.

Putin is about to take the Russian people back about 20-30 years. I don't know if he can accomplish that.

They have had a good enough taste of Western ideals and culture. While life intrinsiclly has not really had the positive effect they had hoped for---at least now they have the hope to accomplish self realization.

Putin will attempt to draw the shades. This could cause a revolution. A much needed revolution.

-- March 31, 2007 5:32 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

To all:

Russia has been and will continue to be a major player in support of middle east efforts to destroy Israel and the US.

They have been and will continue to use the middle east to do their "dirty work" in accomplishing their agenda.

Putin is not an international character to underestimate. If it is astute to attach the word "evil" to an international figure, he would fit into that category.

I have always believed that the dismantling of the SOviet Union, was a smoke screen. It was their way of avoiding international accountability.

Iran's arrogance and agressive agendas prevail becuase they know they got "big brother" (Russia) all around them to fight their battles for them.

Putin is about to take the Russian people back about 20-30 years. I don't know if he can accomplish that.

They have had a good enough taste of Western ideals and culture. While life intrinsiclly has not really had the positive effect they had hoped for---at least now they have the hope to accomplish self realization.

Putin will attempt to draw the shades. This could cause a revolution. A much needed revolution.

-- March 31, 2007 5:33 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

I just said it was very well done, no more no less, and of course you have to come up with a snidy comment.

One more time, don't put more into it than there is.

You were talking Dinars for the very first time in a well thought out form, well done.

All,

Did listen in on a tape from Dr Dinar, "Iraqfanclub".

Don't know if this was wasted time or not, didn't give anything, except one guy that had a friend that had a business relationship with Kellogg's, that are in Iraq.

He told this man, of course under anonymity, and with the understanding that he was under contract to not say anything (?) but there was going to be a reval, between the 1st and the 5th of Apr.

When asked about how much, again he couldn't tell but answered only with "You will be pleased"

Furthermore it was claimed that because of the Dollars falling value, the Dinar will after the reval be pegged to the Euro instead.

Well at least we can store this one in the rumor department, as for all of us, we wish it would come true.

Interesting though.

Then they had another person , a "secret contact" in Iraq, that was so darn secret that they had a voice distortion on the phone, in order to not reveal the identity.

Well they did a very good job of the voice distortion, so good in fact that not only his voice was distorted but all his words was just a blubber.

They had some panic to try to accommodate the callers identity, and at the same time tried to figure out one damn single word of what he was saying.

Callers started to cut in....-"What's he saying???"

Rest of the call was pretty much callers asking the ordinary questions. Nothing we have not been over a hundred times here.

All in all, waste of time, but it at least gave another date to look forward to.

These commercial Dinar sales pitches are pretty funny, if they start having sales meetings with hooded men talking through microphones with voice distortion.

-- March 31, 2007 5:46 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

Read about the firefight, it happened the 7th of Nov last year, and the Iranians got some hostages, Iraqi soldiers. Have not heard how this played out though, if the have released the Iraqis or not.

As of the Saudis, would you put a bet on the Saudis, ... they have like China, always done what's good for them, not necessarily what's good for the world.

The endless bashing of our policy in our left wing press, Putins stand, the insurgency, Iran's stand, and Saudis stand, together with the falling Dollar, seems to me that in fact the US political purchase power have fallen.

I think that when there is a peace accord, and a victory parade, it looks more like one decisive action, and a show of power, but a long holding action, that we have done in Iraq, is in the eyes of the world not a fight for the right thing.

It may very well be a fight for the right thing, and it may very well be the right thing to do, but the looks of it, is actually boring for the news hungry media.

Adding a complete chaos in the Middle East, nations that have not even begun to get the idea about ruling themselves, and stick a microphone under the nose of an Arab, on his way to his car, with his women tucked in the back seat, going to another prayer, and ask him an opinion, in the name of free speech, and he will voice his wholehearted opinion about occupation, and ruled by other countries, and meddling in our affairs and so on.

Taken the fact that he himself is ruled by either a Dictator or a religious mafia, and his own country have one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, and that his country's human rights records is one of the poorest in the book, has nothing to do with it.

Oh no, he knows his rights, but have no clue of how to implement them to include others not of his faith.

-- March 31, 2007 6:06 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

When will we hear church bells in Saudi Arabia???

Not allowed, against the law???

Oh I see, but we have to treat these guys with respect, right?

I say, treat them with as much respect as they have earned.

-- March 31, 2007 6:13 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Yes unfortunately the curtain is once again falling over Russia.

One could think that at least ONE day those people could have a life that make sense.

I would say that the Russians got sick and tired of the Soviets, let them go, and was hoping for something new.

The "old school" was not to give up as easily, in just a short time after the fall of the Soviet, they tried a coup.

They all ended up in a big building, where even tank rounds was fired on them.

They were captured, and here was the biggest mistake you can ever do, you let them lose again.

These people are now back in another form, same agenda but another clothing.

Jeltsin, the president at the time, did his biggest blunder.

These people worked themselves back to powerful positions and have by now taken over the Russian Federation, running it like yesterday's good old business as usual.

-- March 31, 2007 6:30 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

About "soaking wet" can you expand on that.....

-- March 31, 2007 6:34 AM ∞

---

steven wrote:

I am sick and tired of all these none Iraq dinar postings, if you must waffle on about JC and big G go on another site, or at least state at the top that it is nothing to do with the Iraq dinar, but then if it is not about the Iraq dinar, why is it here, NAFF off somewhere else, it seems a lot of you from the US spend way to much time on the BOG with word of the day bog paper, lots of BIG words, OHHH am I a clever Pleb or what!!!

-- March 31, 2007 10:01 AM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

To All...

WASHINGTON, March 23 (Reuters) - Iraq promised to make tackling high inflation one of its priorities and said it will gradually keep raising domestic prices of fuel products to curb a thriving black market, according to a letter by Iraq's top finance officials to the IMF published on Friday.

"Inflation has risen to an unacceptable level," the letter, signed by Iraq's central banker Sinan al-Shabibi and Finance Minister Bayan Jabor, told the International Monetary Fund.

Racing inflation of almost 77 percent in August, fell back to 52 percent from September to November, and increased again to almost 65 percent in December. It has caused added hardships among a population struggling with conflict since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Domestic fuel prices have also been driven up with the phasing out of fuel subsidies under a $715 million IMF economic program, which was recently extended by the government to September.

Excluding fuel and transportation, the inflation rate was stable in a range of 30 to 35 percent.

"To curb inflation the CBI (central bank of Iraq) will continue its tight monetary policy stance and allow the exchange rate to appreciate gradually, assuming the inflationary situation warrants a continuation of this policy," the Iraqis said.

The Iraqis said they were committed to facilitate private sector imports of petroleum products, following a new oil law aimed at bringing private firms, both Iraqi and foreign, into oil products distribution.

The oil law illustrated that Iraq was getting closer to setting up a framework for foreign companies to invest in the country's oil production, crucial for rebuilding the economy. "We will make available to the private sector storage facilities and pump stations," the finance officials wrote, adding: "We also plan to organize a conference to promote the import of petroleum products by local and international companies."

Iraq has the world's third-largest proven oil reserves but its refineries have suffered from a decade of sanctions and now greater violence.

Smugglers believed to be funding insurgents siphon off fuel, causing shortages that force people to queue for hours for subsidized fuel at state outlets.

The government said it also planned to significantly boost budget spending on oil and non-oil investments this year that would be overseen by the prime minister's office.

The letter said negotiations with China are underway to resolve outstanding foreign debt with non-Paris Club lenders, while contacts have been made with key creditors from Gulf Arab states.

The Gulf countries are owed about $40 billion by Iraq, with the bulk of the debt owed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which have been urged by the United States to follow the lead of the Paris Club of creditors, which agreed in 2004 to cancel 80 percent of Iraq's debt in three steps over four years.

"A number of non-Paris Club bilateral creditors have indicated a desire to securitize their claims," the letter said. "We will facilitate the development of a Special Proposed Vehicle in order to encourage the conclusion of bilateral agreements with non-Paris Club creditors," it added.

Mattuk

-- March 31, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

To all...old news maybe..

VIENNA, March 7 (Reuters) - Austrian oil company OMV (OMVV.VI: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday it was in talks with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional government about possible oil and gas exploration and production in the country.

"We are currently in the process of evaluating the basic conditions (in Iraq) -- the geology, the infrastructure and the legal situation," said OMV spokesman Thomas Huemer.

"Evaluating the legal situation also involves talking to the Kurdish regional government and the Iraqi one."

Huemer said the talks had started a few months ago, but no decision to enter the market had been made by OMV.

Iraq has the world's third largest proven oil reserves but has been hampered in developing them by decades of sanctions under Saddam Hussein and nearly four years of violence since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003.

Following months of wrangling, Iraq's cabinet at the end of February endorsed a draft oil law crucial to regulating how wealth from the country's vast oil reserves will be shared by its ethnic and sectarian groups.

The endorsement removed a key hurdle to bringing in billions of dollars in foreign investment. Iraq's political leaders pledged to push the legislation through parliament by the end of May.

Mattuk

-- March 31, 2007 11:06 AM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

To all, some more...Roger, Lewis Hamilton is a young British Formula One racing car driver for Mclaren. He came third in Australia in the first race of the season..in his rookie year.

This does concern the dinar...

WASHINGTON, March 23 (Reuters) - Iraq promised to make tackling high inflation one of its priorities and said it will gradually keep raising domestic prices of fuel products to curb a thriving black market, according to a letter by Iraq's top finance officials to the IMF published on Friday.

"Inflation has risen to an unacceptable level," the letter, signed by Iraq's central banker Sinan al-Shabibi and Finance Minister Bayan Jabor, told the International Monetary Fund.

Racing inflation of almost 77 percent in August, fell back to 52 percent from September to November, and increased again to almost 65 percent in December. It has caused added hardships among a population struggling with conflict since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Domestic fuel prices have also been driven up with the phasing out of fuel subsidies under a $715 million IMF economic program, which was recently extended by the government to September.

Excluding fuel and transportation, the inflation rate was stable in a range of 30 to 35 percent.

"To curb inflation the CBI (central bank of Iraq) will continue its tight monetary policy stance and allow the exchange rate to appreciate gradually, assuming the inflationary situation warrants a continuation of this policy," the Iraqis said.

The Iraqis said they were committed to facilitate private sector imports of petroleum products, following a new oil law aimed at bringing private firms, both Iraqi and foreign, into oil products distribution.

The oil law illustrated that Iraq was getting closer to setting up a framework for foreign companies to invest in the country's oil production, crucial for rebuilding the economy. "We will make available to the private sector storage facilities and pump stations," the finance officials wrote, adding: "We also plan to organize a conference to promote the import of petroleum products by local and international companies."

Iraq has the world's third-largest proven oil reserves but its refineries have suffered from a decade of sanctions and now greater violence.

Smugglers believed to be funding insurgents siphon off fuel, causing shortages that force people to queue for hours for subsidized fuel at state outlets.

The government said it also planned to significantly boost budget spending on oil and non-oil investments this year that would be overseen by the prime minister's office.

The letter said negotiations with China are underway to resolve outstanding foreign debt with non-Paris Club lenders, while contacts have been made with key creditors from Gulf Arab states.

The Gulf countries are owed about $40 billion by Iraq, with the bulk of the debt owed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which have been urged by the United States to follow the lead of the Paris Club of creditors, which agreed in 2004 to cancel 80 percent of Iraq's debt in three steps over four years.

"A number of non-Paris Club bilateral creditors have indicated a desire to securitize their claims," the letter said. "We will facilitate the development of a Special Proposed Vehicle in order to encourage the conclusion of bilateral agreements with non-Paris Club creditors," it added.

matt uk

-- March 31, 2007 11:21 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi,
For info on any and all things in Iraq goto, www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com as this site has it all

-- March 31, 2007 1:31 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Really good site, one figure jumped out, the Iraqi reconstruction markets value.

100 Billion in Dollars worth.

That's with a B.

It's all up for grabs, and that is not the oil market, this is infrastructure, education, security/police, electricity and roads and what nots.

Except what is the Iraqi Govt owned industry, this development money is not including the oil developments, those are set aside especially for the HCL and the big oil boys to get in and invest.

So this 100 Billion Dollar market is an up for grabs by contractors.

1. Iraq's own mega big running budget.

2. Investment on Iraqi infrastructure for a worth of 100 Billions. ($)

3. HCL with the opportunity for Big Oil, investing Billions upon Billions in the Iraqi oil production, and selling oil by the barrel.

4. The investment law enacted, with the Iraqi Stock market opening up enabling the private industry to get finances to expand and raise it's output.

My conclusion is, that if there is an RV tonight, I will wait to cash in until all of this have kicked in, as this is set up as the biggest development market in the world right now.

A booming Las Vegas, with building cranes everywhere, is peanuts compared with the size of this.

The size is gigantic.

Top it off with a lot of international support grants, and programs, debt reduction and military local spending, and you have something that will look like a very rich place after some time.

There is only oooone problem...they have to have a goat barbie first, kill a couple of neighbours, debate endlessly the interpretation of streetlights in relation to Muhammad's scripts, and ask an Imam to issue fatwas that streetlights are ok, if they are not lit during prayers.

We've got to deal with the important stuff first of course.

-- April 1, 2007 2:03 AM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

Rob N

Finance & Banking

Iraq Reforms Needed To Free Up Cash

America is requesting billions of dollars to help train Iraqis to spend the money they already have.
Iraq would need $4 billion to help spend the $12.5 billion the Iraqi government already has in its accounts.

Thanks again for the articles you post the reason i come here!!!

What a slap in the face !!!!

I will tell you I think that if I had $billion to tell me how to spend four Billion .....uummmm thinking I would be ok for some reason......lol

-- April 1, 2007 4:29 AM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

Roger wrote:

Letter to Iran,

Thanks for the laugh, needed it ....but I fear all too true ....

-- April 1, 2007 4:32 AM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

all
Steven wrote:

Hi,
For info on any and all things in Iraq goto, www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com as this site has it all

-- March 31, 2007 1:31 PM ∞

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Really good site, one figure jumped out, the Iraqi reconstruction markets value.

100 Billion in Dollars worth.

That's with a B.

I think we all need to jump in a read disect this very quickly ...time to pirchase may be gone ....or already gone .....

no affiliation with any dinar traders for full disclosure......

Hope the roast is June 15th

-- April 1, 2007 4:49 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(894)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 894 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/4/ 1 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1273 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1271 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 42.800.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 19.600.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 42.800.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 19.600.000 -----

-- April 1, 2007 7:55 AM ∞

---

gimp wrote:

I recently purchased a million dinar in 10k notes from one of the our news and dinar source providers. my question is that what I received the paper did not feel the same as our money[not that I guess it has to] and the bills themselves seem to have a sheen to them that also I am not personally familiar with this but then I am not an expert I am curious is this the standard or is there a cause for alarm and has anyone else ventured to ask this same question

-- April 1, 2007 9:19 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

"soaking wet"....just and expression, I believe to express a skinny person's weight. Water weighs, I guess. It has been an expression used, especially by my husband, towards me for years.

I thought it was a pretty universal understanding...maybe not!

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Steven,

FIT IN!!

You will find: Intelligence, stupidity, humor, absurdity,angels, demons, resourcefulness, stagnation, compliance, rebellion, etc...

There is room here for everyone----including
you :)

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 10:46 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Steven,

The Dinar issue is the least substantial disucssion, unless of course you have some inside information that will dismiss the possiblity of us all being a bunch of fools for making such a poor investment!

Heaven and earth will continue to be shaken and unstable in the Middle East---ACCEPT---THE DINAR.

It is the only thing that never really changes! :)

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 10:54 AM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

Chris, you missed a golden opportunity, it is April 1 after all, you shoulda posted this instead of the real deal.

Announcement No.(894)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 894 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/4/ 1 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 280 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 278 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 42.800.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 19.600.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 42.800.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 19.600.000 -----

-- April 1, 2007 2:43 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Carole: Don't blame the Russians too much. If they are sending aid to Iran in support of insurgents in Iraq, it would be because we did the same thing to them in Afghanastan. It stinks for us, but for all my displeasure about it, turn around is fair play. We were far more blatant, we sent trainers over to train Afghan militants like Binladen and armed them. Anyway, Russia is just playing the game we taught them. We just have to figure out how to beat them at our game. Think basketball in the 1980s.

-- April 1, 2007 2:59 PM ∞

---

Pat wrote:

Hey Gimp , I think you are just fine . Did you check the #s on the bills ? I'm sure they are all different. Don't let the 7 and the backward 7 and the 7 with 2 ridges and the 7 with 3 ridges mess you up. The real ones ( onlt ones I have seen )do have a little sheen to them , but are a little coarse feeling . Also I have yet to here from any one who has received fake dinar. I looked let me tell you.

Carol ,
If I may , how long you been in love with Roger ????

-- April 1, 2007 5:01 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Pat:

A total of about 30 seconds, in the 8 months since I have met him! :) You are funny!

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 5:32 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Pat;

Very observent.
Someone who is so obsessed with another is likely secretly in love with them.
They say love and hate are only flip sides of the same coin, to.

-- April 1, 2007 7:14 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Turtle,

Stand back about 100 years and tell me if you still think we are reaping what we have sowed concerning Russia.

I think not!

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 7:50 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Annon:

I'm interested...just exactly ...who are "they" ???

And once identified, what qualifies "they" to make such ascertions?

If you take the time to tally the posts from both Roger and myself concerning mention of eachother, you will find they are pretty much equal.

I can guarantee you with confidence that Roger is about as much in love with me secretly and I am with him. And that is 100% NO!
Only a fool would not see that.

However, if you must entertain yourself with such folly----go for it!! It does get pretty boring around here at times!

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 8:43 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Annon:

You are also assuming that I hate Roger. You are wrong, I don't hate anyone on this board.

Carole

-- April 1, 2007 8:50 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi All,

Read this, http://www.export.gov/iraq/pdf/usaid_banking_conference_agenda_0407.pdf

Plus, Sebastian River Holding's Inc., purchases 100 million Iraq dinars, Company says chance of dinar equaling dollar 'feasible'

From, Iraqupdates.com

I have been reading here for the last year and a half, and have gleened much info from you all, facts and rumers, all good stuff, you know people who know people, so some of it must be good.

None Dinar.
Over 1,000 FREE tv channels, for a one off payment of $67!!! goto,
www.secret-satellite.com
All the info is on the site

-- April 1, 2007 9:45 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

IMF is not putting pressure on monetary policy

Iraqi Central Bank governor, Sinan Shabibi, denied that the strict monetary policy, pursued by the Central Bank, being a result of pressure by the International Monetary Fund; he pointed out that the policy falls within the framework of the Central’s monetary reforms currently taking place in Iraq.

Shabibi explained that the strict policy of the Central was adopted as a result of the hard conditions experienced by the Iraqi economy, and the hyper-inflation which is causing substantial damage to the monetary economy that is affectin the value of the contracts; this has negatively affected the estimates related to the budget. He pointed out that the policy of “the Central” aimed at achieving price stability by using its monetary tools, like raising the dinar exchange rate against foreign currencies and increasing interest rates, that would lead to a reasonable indicators of inflation which has become a threat to the country's economy and development.

Shabibi linked the success of this policy to the stability extent of the consumer price through liquidity management.

He praised the State budget of the current year, in terms of its allocations, disbursement and its dimensions of development and investment; at the same time, he warned of the economic imbalances that will accompany the spending of the budget.

Shabibi emphasized the need for a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the budget, particularly its investment side, pointing out to the need for the ministries to abide by the financial ceiling allotted to them in the budget. In the area of economic reforms, Shabibi called to activate the productive sectors and increase their growth rates, to meet local market demand, provided that it does not result in an imbalance in the economy.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 1, 2007 10:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N wrote:

All:

New policy at Central Bank auction to sell more dollars

Iraqi Central Bank initiated a new policy to sell more dollars and obtain dinars to cover items from the national budget, which is in Iraqi dinars for the first time since 2003, sending demand for dollar higher in Thursday's auction.

Demand for the dollar increased in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Thursday, reaching $90.030 million compared with $33.045 million on Wednesday.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $10.630 million in cash and $79.400 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,273 dinars per dollar, unchanged since yesterday.

Fourteen banks participated in Thursday's auction and offered to sell $25 million. The Iraqi Central Bank bought the entire amount at 1,271 per Iraqi dinar.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the hike in demand for the dollar in today's session was partly due to the high foreign transfers by governmental departments and partly because of a new policy to encourage the sale of more dollars and to obtain dinars to cover items from the Iraqi national budget, announced this year in dinars."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

Source: Voice of Iraq
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 1, 2007 10:09 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's Shia militia 'stood down'
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani says the Shia militia known as the Mehdi Army has stopped its activities on the orders of its leader, Moqtada Sadr.

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

01 April 2007 (BBC News)
Print article Send to friend
The president described this as a new phenomenon, and a positive response to the new Iraqi-US security plan.

He was speaking after receiving the new US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, who expressed hope for progress towards stability and prosperity.

But it came as officials said a bombing last week was the deadliest ever.

The interior ministry raised the death toll from Tuesday's truck bomb in a market in the town of Talafar to 152, making it the deadliest single attack of the insurgency.

Spokesman Brig Abdul Kareem Khalaf explained the delay in raising the death toll, saying 100 homes had been destroyed in the main blast.

"It took us a while to recover all the bodies from underneath the rubble of the homes... what did they achieve by using two tonnes of explosive to kill and wound 500 in a residential area?"

However the figure of 152 was disputed by the mayor of the town, and dismissed by the US, which said the official count was still 83 dead.

The bomb attacks sparked a series of reprisals, apparently by Shia policemen, in which dozens of Sunni men were taken from their homes and shot dead.

Reuters agency said vehicle and suicide bombings - which are generally blamed on Sunni extremists - had killed 400 people in Shia areas across the country in the past week.

Analysts say the bombing campaign has continued largely unabated since the Iraqi government, backed by US troops, launched a security crackdown in Baghdad in February.

Reprisals by Shia militias on Sunnis, however, have reportedly fallen off since the crackdown was imposed.

The Mehdi Army is one of the groups blamed for such attacks. It has been described by the US as the greatest threat to security in Iraq.

"People now are co-operating with government forces against terrorism as part of the security plan," Mr Talabani said.

"Not to mention the fact that the Mehdi Army has become inactive.

"Apparently the instructions of brother Moqtada Sadr have been effective, whereby there are no longer complaints by brother Sunni Arabs about attacks against them like before."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 1, 2007 10:15 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi military spokesman calls areas outside Baghdad 'breeding grounds for violence" as militants flee crackdown
By BASSEM MROUE

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01 April 2007 (AP Worldstream)
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An Iraqi military spokesman said Sunday that militants fleeing a security crackdown in Baghdad have made areas outside the capital "breeding grounds for violence" after a week of deadly bombings and sectarian attacks.

The most recent strike occurred at 12:15 p.m. Sunday when a bomb struck a popular market in Tuz Khormato, 210 kilometers (130 miles) north of Baghdad, killing three people and wounding four. It was the second attack in the city in as many days after two Iraqis seeking work were killed in a car bombing on Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi promised the recent attacks would not derail the neighborhood-to-neighborhood sweep that began in Baghdad on Feb. 14.

"We are not going back. We have achieved progress and we are going to continue this progress. We need the cooperation of the Iraq people with the Iraqi security forces. Iraqi people should give more tips about ammunition and weapons caches."

He acknowledged an increase in violence outside Baghdad even as the death toll is down in the capital but said the security crackdown was providing an example of how to fight it.

"The fact that the violence decreased in Baghdad, the terrorists went to the surrounding areas and these areas are breeding grounds for violence ... tribal leaders are carrying operations against them," he said. "The terrorist elements are backed into a corner and we are going to continue to carry out these operations."

U.S. military spokesman Rear Adm. Mark Fox also expressed confidence in the security sweep, saying half of the U.S. troop reinforcements are in place, but he warned it would not be easy to pacify the capital and asked for patience.

"The effort to exert security in Iraq will take time," Fox said at a joint news conference with al-Moussawi. "Our job will not be accomplished within days or weeks."

"We are going to see more violence in the coming weeks and months," he added.

The comments came after a week in which more than 500 Iraqis were killed in sectarian violence, most in a series of high-profile suicide bombings.

The Iraqi Interior Ministry on Saturday raised the death toll in one of those _ Tuesday's suicide truck bombing against a Shiite market in Tal Afar that was blamed on al-Qaida to 152, which would make it the deadliest single strike since the war started four years ago. That bombing was followed by a shooting rampage against Sunnis that left at least 45 people dead.

Other bombings struck Shiite targets in Hillah and a Baghdad neighborhood as suspected Sunni insurgents continued to defy the security crackdown.

Further underscoring security concerns, Fox said two suicide vests were found unexploded Saturday in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, less than a week after a rocket attack killed two Americans in the vast central area. Fox said the matter was under investigation, and al-Moussawi declined to comment on where the vests were found.

Kurdish lawmakers, meanwhile, struck back against criticism over the Iraqi government's decision to endorse plans to relocate thousands of Arabs who were moved to the northern city of Kirkuk as part of Saddam Hussein's campaign to force ethnic Kurds out of the oil-rich city, in an effort to undo one of the former dictator's most enduring and hated policies.

The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, raised the death toll in Tuesday's suicide truck bombing of a Shiite market in Tal Afar to 152, which The contentious decision on Kirkuk was confirmed Saturday by Iraq's Sunni Justice Minister Hashim al-Shebli on Saturday as he told The Associated Press he was resigning. Almost immediately, opposition politicians said they feared it would harden the violent divisions among Iraq's fractious ethnic and religious groups and possibly lead to an Iraq divided among Kurds, Sunni Arabs and Shiites.

The plan was virtually certain to anger neighboring Turkey, which fears a northward migration of Iraqi Kurds _ and an exodus of Sunni Arabs _ will inflame its own restive Kurdish minority.

The Kurds warned that derailing the decision, which could pave the way for a referendum on the city's fate as required by the constitution, "will put Iraq's unity at risk.".

"Those who are putting sticks in the wheel of the political process are those who are calling for derailing this article," Saad al-Barzanchi, a Kudish lawmaker with Kurdish parliamentary block that holds 53 seats. "This is not a negotiable matter.To those who want to derail it ... we say:this is an alarm bell and threatens Iraq's unity."

In other violence Sunday, two top Sunni officials escaped an assassination attempt in one Baghdad's most restive neighorhoods.

Omar Abdul-Sattar of the National Accordance Front, the biggest Sunni parliamentary block with 44 seats, and Omar al-Jubouri, an aide to Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, were targeted by a roadside bomb when their convoy was passing through Yarmouk in western Baghdad, police said. Nobody was killed in the attack, but it came amid a recent rise in violence by suspected Sunni insurgents against members of the minority Islamic sect who are affiliated with the political process.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 1, 2007 10:18 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

As you can tell, I am back from my trip. Flew from Sacremento to Salt Lake City. The snow capped mountains are are breath taking. If you have not been to Salt Lake, make the trip. You will not be sorry.

After some time today, I thought I would post several articles of interest.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 1, 2007 10:29 PM ∞

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AKADJJAM wrote:

To ALL

source
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/02/26/iraq.main/index.html

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq's government has agreed on a plan to divide the country's oil wealth and open the industry to international investment, a move seen as necessary to a political settlement of the nearly four-year-old war, ministers announced Monday.

"This law will guarantee for Iraqis -- not just now, but for future generations, too -- complete national control over this natural wealth," Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.

The draft law still faces a vote in Iraq's parliament, but the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad hailed Monday's agreement as a step toward a national settlement of the country's divisions.

Iraq's Constitution, adopted in 2005, declares that oil and gas reserves are "owned by all the people of Iraq."

But nearly all of that oil is concentrated in the Kurdish north and Shiite south, raising fears in the Sunni Arab provinces of northwestern and central Iraq -- the heart of the insurgency that has raged since 2003 -- that Sunni Iraqis would be shut out of the country's wealth.

"This law affirms ... all the revenues will be shared at the federal level and redistributed equitably among all Iraqis," Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih told CNN.

Deciding how to distribute the proceeds of the country's oil industry was a key political benchmark laid out by U.S. officials trying to broker a settlement of the country's political differences.

"This is the first time since 2003 that all major Iraqi communities have come together on a defining piece of legislation," said Zalmay Khalilzad, the outgoing U.S. ambassador in Baghdad. "This law is a major pillar of a national compact among Iraqis."

-- April 1, 2007 11:22 PM ∞

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pat wrote:

To Steven and ALL
Do me a favor , go to KEYWORD on your computer and type in : Sebastion River Holding's . Read the first thing that comes up. Any body else who went to the web site Steven posted should do the same and see what is going on with the "company" that just bought 100,000,000 in dinar. I found it quite interesting to say the very least.

Good night Carole.

-- April 2, 2007 12:06 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Iraq needs competent people.

Saddam scared away a lot of intelligentsia, competence and intellect from Iraq, and they ended up as refugees, political or economical, doesn't matter, they still left.

After the Invasion and the turn over of Iraq to the Iraqis,, one of the biggest hurdles, is Iraqi competence.

Doctors, scientists, and a long line of competent people can't make any kind of living in Iraq, and are leaving.

Efforts are made by the Iraqi Govt to stem the exodus, by not issuing passports to key professionals, but this doesn't matter, they leave anyway, they can't live on a Buck a day, so they say -"screw it" and leave.

The private sector, vulnerable in security, have not taken off, and few real jobs are available.

Few competent business people are left that know how to make business prosper, so simpler type, car wash, delivery, small retail, loading dock handler, etc, is the type of jobs most people can be offered.

The real heavy weight specialised private sector industry is just not there in significant volume.

The jobs that is sought after is in the public sector, those are the ones that is comparable high wage, and secure.

Now the Iraqis have found themselves in a dilemma, as the prices are continuously going up, they are temped to counter this with compensating their buying power with increasing the wages according to the price index.

A sure track to hyperinflation.

If that policy is accepted, that means that more dinars have to be issued for each of the consumer goods they desires, and thus are doing the direct opposite the raise in the exchange value of the Dinar is doing.

Bailing out the boat, and not plugging the hole. As the water is bailed out, new water fills the boat.

I sincerely hope that the Iraqis in any kind of power over the finances in Iraq can see that this small and almost ridiculous raise of the dinar have not bailed them out, but only postponed their inflation or dampened it just a little bit.

If you need to raise the exchange factor in the currency, you need to do it in such a way that it actually counts.

If Iraq are in a dilemma with trying to calculate their wages, and price index, and at the same time are doing a very very small increase of the currency's value, while the currency itself is doping big horse bronco jump in inflation, the apparent increase is not helping, it is only a show for the eyes, not an increase that will actually DO anything for the economy other than please the eye of someone.

The economy will still act and react the same, the difference between 1277 per Dollar and 1276 per Dollar will not do anything.

If you at the same time are desperately crunching the numbers and are trying to figure out the wages, and price index, in order to try to establish a point where the anti inflation measures will take effect, you can crunch numbers until the day you die, and nothing will match up.

It will be an inflation.

You can compare it with a person rowing over the Atlantic ocean.

He needs to get across the waters, and he rows one or two rowing strokes, takes out his GPS, maps, and calculators and wonder if it did anything, well perhaps not, well lets try another rowing stroke then, and he continues to repeat this over and over.

By the nightfall, the first day, he can still hear traffic in Manhattan, he's not going anywhere.

The competent people that have left Iraq, will not come back until they can make a decent living, besides, the longer they stay in any given location, the deeper rooted they are where they are, and the chances of them coming back at all will become slimmer and slimmer.

This will leave Iraq with the task of starting from square one with competence.

If the powers of Iraq would get the idea that they need ONE HUGE and drastic revaluation of their currency, and not dink around with fractions of fractions of a cent in their experiments, the matter would in one instant change from that of a follower and being effect of the market, to that of a creator and the cause of the market.

When Iraq is a market where the professionals can live, make money and have a future, the competence will start making their presence known, and will bring about the current situation.

If Iraq continues with this dinky small exchange rate in a level that is obsolete for the country's current situation, Iraq will continue to be the heaven for public servants, and the car washes, street sweepers and the corner magazine stand will be the only possible future for the Iraqi man in the private sector.

Then there will be a huge class of poor, uneducated people, no competence, and suppressed infrastructure.

The Iraqis will continue to try to combat inflation, and he will not win.

They badly need an RV, a real one, not a fraction of a fraction of something.

-- April 2, 2007 2:23 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

"doping big horse bronco jump "...????

Couldn't have said it better.

-- April 2, 2007 2:30 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

If the raise in the Dinars value is about 15% for the five months period of Nov until now, but each MONTH have showed bigger inflation numbers than 15%,then the "compensator factor" for each month would be the same as taking 15% divide it by 5 (months) and you will get a 3% value.

So one month the inflation was 43% and you compensate it with 3%.

Next month it is 28% and you compensate it with 3%.

Next month it is 37% and again you compensate it with 3%.

So by dinking around with ridiculously small amount of value increase, each month, believing the inflation will be handled, it's like having rabbits and tell them to not have bunnies.

It's sure to come.

-- April 2, 2007 2:46 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Rob N,

Thanks for the good postings, I have been in SLC on numerous occasions, was stationed there with a company for 3.5 years, West Valley.

It's sure a nice place to be in, except the Parley"s summit in a snowstorm.

-- April 2, 2007 2:52 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Pat:

Just heard about this conference tonight at the home of some friends.

This could be the start of something very big.

I also was told of their neighbors, husband and wife, who just returned from a 2 year tour in Iraq. The husband has a "top security" clearance.

Their story goes: the MSM has denied the international audience of the real state of the situation there.

American presence is welcomed. and Americans are held in high esteem. Iraqis are experiencing fincial success as never before. While it is not what we would call "financial success" here in the US. It is something to them that they have never experienced before. And the greatest of all is the future of further progress. They are a people full of hope and ambition.

They are very worried about the politics in this country ( democrats in office) and see it as a severe threat to their future.

Also, this couple states that the DInar can not be bought in Iraq. To take Dinar out of the country is a major crime against the govt.

Anybody else heard this?

Plus, my RE friend has just bought another 100 million.
And has put his bet on a April 5th peg!

Interesting? huh?

goodnight to you too, Pat.

Carole

-- April 2, 2007 2:59 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(895)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 895 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/4/ 1 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 67.915.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 85.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 67.915.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 85.000 -----

-- April 2, 2007 5:11 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Anthony R,

I didn't post anything bogus because I understand the sensitive nerves when it comes to RV. Other forums were braced for and expecting it.

Not long ago we had one who claimed that the RV had happened. I think it was bored college students on Christmas break. Still, the joke was not well received. Others may have weighed in on this already. I still have some catch up to do on this board.

-- April 2, 2007 5:17 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Concerning Sebastian River Holdings I found a significant article on http://biz.yahoo.com about their purchase of hundred million dinar.

Press Release Source: Sebastian River Holding's, Inc.

Sebastian River Holding's Inc. Announces Its First Foreign Currency Investment; 100,000,000 Iraq Dinar
Wednesday March 28, 2:15 pm ET

SEBASTIAN, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sebastian River Holding's Inc. (Pink Sheets: SBRV - News), today announced that the company has joined the United States and has invested in the Iraq economy, by purchasing 100,000,000 Iraq Dinar.
ADVERTISEMENT


The company feels that this investment will increase dramatically in the near future. As of today 1,000,000 Iraq Dinar is equal to $784.93 USD, according to the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Since it is nearly impossible to purchase directly from CBI, 1,000,000 Iraq Dinar is being sold as high as $1340 USD here in the United States.

Iraq news sources, state that a revalue of the Iraq currency is in the near future. Prior to war with Iraq, the Iraq Dinar was valued as high as $3.20 USD per Dinar. This means 1,000,000 Dinar was worth as high as $3,200,000 USD back when all was well between the US and Iraq.

"We are on our way to become large investors in foreign currency," stated Daniel Duffy, President/CEO of Sebastian River Holding's Inc. "Since Iraq has the largest natural gas reserve in the world and is the 2nd largest proven oil reserves in the world, with over 100,000,000,000 barrels of oil, the company feels that the Dinar reaching 1 Dinar per US dollar is feasible. If the rate goes 1 Dinar for 1 US Dollar, this would give Sebastian River Holding's Inc. a profit of well over $99,000,000 from this one investment."

Sebastian River Holding's Inc. will soon announce other foreign currency investments and updates on the two acquisitions of Pelican Capital Mortgage Lending, Inc. and TCI Electronics, Inc.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The broadest investment plan together with imposing the law

Cabinet allocated 11 billion dollars, the equivalent of 25% of the budget in 2007 to an unprecedented investment plan in Iraq. Economists consider this step synonymous with the plan of imposing the law which aims at achieving stability in Iraq, in a way that contributes to the comprehensive construction and economic progress that restores Iraq to the ranks of advanced countries.

Although reliable sources confirmed that the number of projects planned to be completed this year are 1200 project divided between large, medium and small, but the advisor of the Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdullah Albandar, said that: this number may doubled several times on the figure mentioned in case the sides implementing those projects committed to the schedule of completing them.

Albandar said that: Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki directed the ministries of Finance and Planning to take interest in the sectors of oil and electricity to ease the burdens on the Iraqi people, through the construction of oil refineries, power plants, sanitation as well and other infrastructure projects.

The Parliament is expected to discuss, during the next few days, the oil and gas law that would contribute to develop the oil sector through the entry of international investment companies in this area, which will help in developing the Iraqi economy.

Albandar added that Mr. Maliki has been making every effort to make 2007 a years of building and security, pointing out that he had decided to grant a period of six months to ministries and provinces for the implementation of 25% of the projects to be carried out, and in case this was not done, the amounts will be transferred to other provinces or ministries.

Adviser of the Prime Minister said that the investment plan for the current year will succeed to reduce the rate of unemployment which is now 40% in case the invested amount of $ 11 billion is used quickly, accurately and far from routine; it would increase the citizens’ incomes and open the door to new investments. The minister stressed the government's support for all projects that serve the public interest. Albandar hoped to find a firm investment ground and capacity for the implementation of the investment budget which the State has allocated to it 25% of the general budget, saying that the government is serious in establishing security which is a prerequisite for investment promotion.

On the other hand, the United States is preparing to deploy new ten teams in the field of reconstruction in Baghdad, Al-Anbar and Babil next week, according to the announcement by the American Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, praised yesterday the officials of those teams which will each consist of a diplomat, a military, an expert from the American Agency for International Assistance U.S.Aid and an interpreter. Rice said: there is nothing more important than our current efforts to help Iraqis to provide security for their people.

She added: but we know that security is not just a question of military police, but is also a question of economic development and governance. Those in charge of the reconstruction teams, who are all professional diplomats and volunteers, said they want to establish personal relationships with Iraqis in spite of the tragic security situation.

Source: Iraq Directory
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 11:02 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Congress will fund Iraq war if Bush uses veto, Obama says

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

SIOUX CITY, Iowa, 02 April 2007 (Associated Press)
Print article Send to friend
If President Bush vetoes an Iraq war spending bill as promised, Congress quickly will provide the money without the withdrawal timeline the White House objects to because no lawmaker "wants to play chicken with our troops," Sen. Barack Obama said Sunday.

"My expectation is that we will continue to try to ratchet up the pressure on the president to change course," the Democratic presidential candidate said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I don't think that we will see a majority of the Senate vote to cut off funding at this stage."

Obama has made his opposition to the war a centerpiece of his campaign and has used it to differentiate himself from rival Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq.

In the interview, Obama pointed to a speech he gave five months before the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. In that address, Obama warned of grave consequences if the United States went into Iraq.

Obama noted on Sunday that the speech came about the same time the Senate was considering the use of force authorization.

"I think that it's important for voters to get a sense of how the next president will make decisions in a foreign policy arena," said Obama, who is in his first term as a senator.

"There are a number of senators who have acknowledged they got bad information or might have made a different decision. What I've tried to suggest is the speech I gave five months before we went to war shows how I think about the problem," he said.

Clinton has refused to repudiate her vote but has criticized the conduct of the war, saying "if we knew then what we know now" she never would have voted as she did.

Given that Bush is determined to veto a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, Congress has little realistic choice but to approve money for the war, Obama said.

"I think that nobody wants to play chicken with our troops on the ground," said Obama. "I do think a majority of the Senate has now expressed the belief that we need to change course in Iraq.

"Obviously we're constrained by the fact that a commander in chief who also has veto power has the option of ignoring that position," Obama said.

The Senate last week approved a bill providing $123 billion to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would order Bush to begin withdrawing troops within 120 days of passage while setting a non-binding goal of ending combat operations by March 31, 2008.

The House's version, passed March 23, would require that combat troops come home from Iraq before September 2008 — or earlier if the Baghdad government did not meet certain requirements.

The Senate is on vacation now for a week and the House for two weeks, so it will take time for a compromise to pass both chambers and get to the White House. If Bush vetoes the measure, the new bill that Obama describes would have to be written and put to votes.

The senator said it is up to war opponents to be vocal about their position.

"If the president vetoes this, the American people have to continue to put pressure on their representatives so that at some point we may be able to get a veto-proof majority for moving this war in a different direction," the senator said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 11:04 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Analysis: Iraq oil union has storied past
By BEN LANDO

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

WASHINGTON, 02 April 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
Hassan Jumaa Awad wants Iraq's oil to stay under state control, and the unionists, who have long worked the rigs, to be supported in developing the national resource. But this is no request from the president of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions.

It's a demand.

"Since we are working to make progress in production, we need a real participation in all the laws that are related to the oil policy," Awad told United Press International, speaking on his mobile phone from the southern port city of Basra. "We are the sons of this sector and we have the management and technical capability and we have the knowledge on all the oil fields."

The IFOU represents more than 26,000 workers organized under various unions in the oil-rich southern and northern areas of Iraq. Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, together they've operated Iraq's oil sector before, during and after Saddam Hussein. Their rights to officially unionize are still denied under a 1978 Saddam law, one of a few of the former president's laws the U.S. occupation and the Iraqi Parliament upheld.

Iraq's oil production is still around 2 million barrels per day, down from the 2.6 million bpd before the war, but far below its potential since most of its 115 billion barrels of reserves are untapped. Investment in the world's third-largest oil market is hampered by conditions past and present, and an unknown future.

Saddam pushed certain oilfields too hard while neglecting maintenance and new technologies. The sector was hit with war starting in 2003, and now regular sabotage and a shortage of electricity.

Kurdish and central government negotiators reached a deal last month on the framework for a law governing Iraq's oil. Details on ownership rights and revenue sharing are still far from finalized. The Iraq National Oil Co. would restart but compete with foreign oil companies, who could win contracts giving them partial ownership of the respective fields.

INOC "should have full privileges," Awad said, "and we don't agree on the production partnership."

Iraq's oil has been nationalized for four decades. Iraqis view it with a pride of ownership, something the law would reduce if the contract language allowing for foreign ownership stands.

"We think that to reserve sovereignty of Iraq is to be able to control the oil wealth," Awad said, and foreign investment should be limited to technical assistance. "I wish if the foreign companies were to come into Iraq, that they help us," Awad said. "Not to suck the blood of the Iraqi people."

The unions were kept in the dark, as were most members of Iraq's parliament, until the draft law was leaked to the media. Even then it was still out the reach of most of Iraq's citizens.

"The discussion over the oil law was held very tightly between the Bush administration and key representatives of the most influential parts of Iraq's decision making authority," said Antonia Juhasz, an analyst with Oil Change International and author of "The Bush Agenda: Invading the World, One Economy at a Time."

"They are one of the only groups of concerned citizens in Iraq who's had real access to information about the oil law," Juhasz said of the IFOU. "They're able to represent opposition in a way that just isn't possible for a vast majority, almost of all of regular Iraqis."

Oil unions led large strikes in the 1940s and 1950s. In the past four years, Iraqi oil workers stopped work when they weren't being paid or when a foreign subcontractor was hired to replace them. They only threatened to strike after the Coalition Provisional Authority ordered wages decreased. The Iraq Oil Ministry balked. This prompted other unions, like dock workers in Umm Qasr and Zubair, to edge out foreign corporations given contracts.

The IFOU could shut down Iraq's production if the draft hydrocarbons law stands. With oil revenue funding 93 percent of the federal budget, that's a large bargaining chip.

Oil workers could also whip up a critical mass of dissent in their communities.

"For the time being, people are busy with their day-to-day lives and security," said Mohamed Zine, regional manger of Middle East at the global energy analyst IHS. "I think it's easy in Iraq if you say that foreign companies are stealing Iraqi oil, this message is easy to spread."

The oil workers' popular support crosses sectarian lines.

Greg Muttitt of the London-based social and environmental justice group Platform said sectarian conflict seen in Baghdad politics and violence throughout the country was absent from a December meeting of unionists in Amman, Jordan.

"There were Kurds, Sunni Arabs and Shiite Arabs present. The central versus regional issue barely came up," Muttitt said. "Yet all agreed in their strong opposition to privatization and production sharing.

"The central versus regional discussion has been most prominent because the debate so far has only taken place between the political elites, which are sectarianized," he said. "I don't think that's at all representative of how ordinary Iraqis think."

Awad points to the aftermath of the invasion, when production dropped to nearly nothing and the oil workers went right back to their black gold trenches.

"Sectarian strife was never an issue that the workers knew, or know in the current situation," Awad said. "They work. They produce. They don't pay attention to violence or sectarianism."

--

(Hiba Dawood in New York and Adil Matloob in London contributed to this story.)
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 11:07 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Love/Hate T-shirt, will fit lady weighing 100 pounds "soaking wet." ;)

http://accordionguy.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2006/4/12/1881414.html

Annon

-- April 2, 2007 2:03 PM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

To all....

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will lead a delegation of ministers and lawmakers to Japan and South Korea next week to drum up support for reconstruction, a government official said on Monday.

The official said the visit would last from April 8-13.

"He will discuss reconstruction," said the official, without saying if Maliki would seek funds.

Iraq, which sits on the world's third largest crude oil reserves, is struggling to rebuild its shattered economy after four years of war following the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Japan is dependent on the Middle East for nearly all its crude oil.

Japan withdrew its 600 troops from Iraq last year but about 200 air force personnel have remained in Kuwait, from where they airlift supplies to the U.S. military in Iraq.

South Korea's UI Energy Co. Ltd. last month won a $260 million (132 million pound) deal to build power stations in Iraq.

Matt uk

-- April 2, 2007 2:08 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Latest noozz poll:

NOOZZ POLL



CURRENT POLL

Do you think that the newly drafted Iraqi oil law will pass parliament before late May, as the government is hoping?

Yes 93
70%
Don't know 12
9%
No 27
20%

(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 2:50 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

I'd like to contribute this article, for those of you who wish to enjoy your investments in the future, I think this article sums up the Middle east situation. . . .thanks. . .P.H.

It could happen again........ this should be required reading for all American liberals who claim to be true patriots.

Historical Significance written by Raymond S. Kraft

(THIS IS HISTORY THAT HAS BEEN LEFT OUT OF OUR TEXTBOOKS. MOST OF YOU ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THAT NEARLY EVERY FAMILY IN AMERICA WAS GROSSLY AFFECTED BY W.W.II. MOST OF YOU DON'T REMEMBER THE RATIONING OF MEAT, SHOES, GASOLINE, AND SUGAR. NO TIRES FOR OUR AUTOMOBILES, AND A SPEED LIMIT OF
35 MILES AN HOUR ON THE ROAD. NOT TO MENTION, NO NEW AUTOMOBILES. READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT HOW WE WOULD REACT TO BEING TAKEN OVER BY FOREIGNERS IN
2007.)



Sixty-three years ago, Nazi Germany had overrun almost all of Europe and hammered England to the verge of bankruptcy and defeat, and had sunk more than four hundred British ships in their convoys between England and America for food and war materials. At that time the US was in an isolationist, pacifist mood, and most Americans wanted nothing to do with the European or the Asian war.

Then along came Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and in outrage Congress unanimously declared war on Japan, and the following day on Germany, which had not yet attacked us. It was a dicey thing. We had few allies.

France was not an ally, as the Vichy government of France quickly aligned

itself with its German occupiers. Germany was certainly not an ally, as Hitler was intent on setting up a Thousand Year Reich in Europe. Japan was not an ally, as it was well on its way to owning and controlling all of Asia. Together, Japan and Germany had long-range plans of invading Canada and Mexico, as launching pads to get into the United States over our northern and southern borders, after they finished gaining control of Asia and Europe. America's only allies then were England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and Russia. That was about it. All of Europe, from Norway to Italy, except Russia in the East, was already under the Nazi heel.

America was certainly not prepared for war. America had drastically downgraded most of its military forces after W.W.I and throughout the depression, so that at the outbreak of WW2, army units were training with

broomsticks because they didn't have guns, and cars with "tank" painted on the doors because they didn't have real tanks. And a huge chunk of our navy had just been sunk or damaged at Pearl Harbor.

Britain had already gone bankrupt, saved only by the donation of $600 million in gold bullion in the Bank of England that was actually the property of Belgium, given by Belgium to England to carry on the war when

Belgium was overrun by Hitler (a little known fact). Actually, Belgium surrendered on one day, because it was unable to oppose the German invasion, and the Germans bombed Brussels into rubble the next day just to prove they could. Britain had already been holding out for two years in the face of

staggering losses and the near decimation of its air force in the Battle of Britain, and was saved from being overrun by Germany only because Hitler made the mistake of thinking the Brits were a relatively minor threat that could be dealt with later, and first turning his attention to Russia, at a time when England was on the verge of collapse, in the late summer of 1940.

Ironically, Russia saved America's butt by putting up a desperate fight for two years, until the US got geared up to begin hammering away at Germany.

Russia lost something like 24 million people in the sieges of Stalingrad and Moscow alone... 90% of them from cold and starvation, mostly civilians, but also more than a 1,000,000 soldiers.

Had Russia surrendered, Hitler would have been able to focus his entire war effort against the Brits, then America. And the Nazis could possibly have won the war.

All of this is to illustrate that turning points in history are often dicey things. And now, we find ourselves at another one of those key moments in history.

There is a very dangerous minority in Islam that either has, or wants and

May soon have, the ability to deliver small nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, almost anywhere in the world.

The Jihad's, the militant Muslims, are basically Nazis in Kaffiyahs -- they believe that Islam, a radically conservative form of Wahhabi Islam, should own and control the Middle East first, then Europe, then the world. And that all who do not bow to their will of thinking should be killed, enslaved, or subjugated.

They want to finish the Holocaust, destroy Israel, and purge the world of

Jews. This is their mantra.

There is also a civil war raging in the Middle East -- for the most part not a hot war, but a war of ideas. Islam is having its Inquisition and its Reformation, but it is not known yet which will win -- the Inquisitors, or the Reformationists.

If the Inquisition wins, then the Wahhabis, the Jihadis, will control the

Middle East, the OPEC oil, and the US, European, and Asian economies. the techno-industrial economies will be at the mercy of OPEC -- not an OPEC dominated by the educated, rational Saudis of today, but an OPEC dominated by the Jihadis. You want gas in your car? You want heating oil next winter? You want the dollar to be worth anything? You better hope the Jihad, the Muslim Inquisition, loses, and the Islamic Reformation wins.

If the Reformation movement wins, that is, the moderate Muslims who believe that Islam can respect and tolerate other religions, and live in peace with the rest of the world, and move out of the 10th century into the 21st, then the troubles in the Middle East will eventually fade away, and a moderate and prosperous Middle East will emerge.

We have to help the Reformation win, and to do that we have to fight the Inquisition, i.e., the Wahhabi movement, the Jihad, Al Qaeda and the Islamic terrorist movements. We have to do it somewhere. And we can't do it everywhere at once. We have created a focal point for the battle at a time and place of our choosing........in Iraq.

Not in New York, not in London, or Paris or Berlin, but in Iraq, where we

are doing two important things.

(1) We deposed Saddam Hussein. Whether Saddam Hussein was directly involved in 9/11 or not, it is undisputed that Saddam has been actively supporting the terrorist movement for decades. Saddam is a terrorist. Saddam is, or was, a weapon of mass destruction, who is responsible for the deaths of probably more than a million Iraqis and two million Iranians.

(2) We created a battle, a confrontation, a flash point, with Islamic terrorism in Iraq. We have focused the battle. We are killing bad people, and the ones we get there we won't have to get here. We also have a good

shot at creating a democratic, peaceful Iraq, which will be a catalyst for democratic change in the rest of the Middle East, and an outpost for a stabilizing American military presence in the Middle East for as long as it is needed.

World War II, the war with the German and Japanese Nazis, really began with a "whimper" in 1928. It did not begin with Pearl Harbor. It began with the Japanese invasion of China. It was a war for fourteen years before America joined it. It officially ended in 1945 -- a 17 year war -- and was followed by another decade of US occupation in Germany and Japan to get those countries reconstructed and running on their own again ... a 27 year war.

World War II cost the United States an amount equal to approximately a full year's GDP -- adjusted for inflation, equal to about $12 trillion dollars. W.W.II cost America more than 400,000 killed in action, and nearly
100,000 still missing in action.

The Iraq war has, so far, cost the US about $160 billion, which is roughly what 9/11 cost New York. It has also cost about 3,200 American lives, which is roughly the 3,000 lives that the Jihad snuffed on 9/11. But the cost of not fighting and winning W.W.II would have been unimaginably greater -- a world dominated by German and Japanese Nazism.

This is not 60 minute TV shows, and 2 hour movies in which everything comes out okay. The real world is not like that. It is messy, uncertain, and sometimes bloody and ugly. Always has been, and probably always will be.

The bottom line is that we will have to deal with Islamic terrorism until we defeat it, whenever that is. It will not go away if we ignore it.

If the US can create a reasonably democratic and stable Iraq, then we have an "England" in the Middle East, a platform, from which we can work to help modernize and moderate the Middle East. The history of the world is the clash between the forces of relative civility and civilization, and the barbarians clamoring at the gates. The Iraq war is merely another battle in this ancient and never ending war. And now, for the first time ever, the barbarians are about to get nuclear weapons. Unless somebody prevents them.

We have four options:

1. We can defeat the Jihad now, before it gets nuclear weapons.

2. We can fight the Jihad later, after it gets nuclear weapons
(which may be as early as next year, if Iran's progress on nuclear weapons is what Iran claims it is).

3. We can surrender to the Jihad and accept its dominance in the Middle East, now, in Europe in the next few years or decades, and ultimately in America.

4. Or, we can stand down now, and pick up the fight later when the Jihad is more widespread and better armed, perhaps after the Jihad has dominated France and Germany and maybe most of the rest of Europe. It will, of course, be more dangerous, more expensive, and much bloodier.

If you oppose this war, I hope you like the idea that your children, or grandchildren, may live in an Islamic America under the Mullahs and the Sharia, an America that resembles Iran today.

The history of the world is the history of civilizational clashes, cultural clashes. All wars are about ideas, ideas about what society and civilization should be like, and the most determined always win.

Those who are willing to be the most ruthless always win. The pacifists always lose, because the anti-pacifists kill them.

Remember, perspective is every thing, and America's schools teach too little history for perspective to be clear, especially in the young American mind.

The Cold war lasted from about 1947 at least until the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Forty-two years. Europe spent the first half of the 19th century fighting Napoleon, and from 1870 to 1945 fighting Germany.

World War II began in 1928, lasted 17 years, plus a ten year occupation and the US still has troops in Germany and Japan. World War II resulted in the death of more than 50 million people, maybe more than 100 million people,

depending on which estimates you accept.

The US has taken more than 3,000 killed in action in Iraq. The US took more than 4,000 killed in action on the morning of June 6, 1944, the first day of the Normandy Invasion to rid Europe of Nazi Imperialism. In W.W.II the US

averaged 2,000 KIA a week -- for four years. Most of the individual battles of W.W.II lost more Americans than the entire Iraq war has done so far.

But the stakes are at least as high ... A world dominated by representative governments with civil rights, human rights, and personal freedoms... or a world dominated by a radical Islamic Wahhabi movement, by the Jihad, under the Mullahs and the Sharia (Islamic law).

It's difficult to understand why the American left does not grasp this. They favor human rights, civil rights, liberty and freedom, but evidently

not for Iraqis. "Peace Activists" always seem to demonstrate here in America, where it's safe. Why don't we see Peace Activist demonstrating in Iran, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, North Korea, in the places that really need peace activism the most?

The liberal mentality is supposed to favor human rights, civil rights, democracy, multiculturalism, diversity, etc., but if the Jihad wins, wherever the Jihad wins, it is the end of civil rights, human rights, democracy, multiculturalism, diversity, etc. Americans who oppose the liberation of Iraq are coming down on the side of their own worst enemy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Raymond S. Kraft is a writer living in Northern California. Please consider passing along copies of this article to students in high school,

college and university as it contains information about the American past

that is very meaningful today -- history about America that very likely is completely unknown by them (and their instructors, too). By being denied

the facts of our history, they are at a decided disadvantage when it comes to reasoning and thinking through the issues of today. They are prime targets for misinformation campaigns beamed at enlisting them in causes and beliefs that are special interest agenda driven.

-- April 2, 2007 3:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Enclosed, is a subsequent press relase from Sebastian River Holding's Inc.

March 30, 2007 03:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Sebastian River Holding's, Inc. Adds an Additional 35,000,000 Iraq Dinar to Its Portfolio, On Track to Reach Company’s Goal of 1 Billion Dinar
SEBASTIAN, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sebastian River Holding's Inc. (Pink Sheets: SBRV) today announced that the company has added an additional 35,000,000 Iraq Dinar to its foreign currency portfolio. This purchase gives Sebastian River Holding’s Inc. a total of 135,000,000 Iraq Dinar in its foreign currency portfolio. The Company’s goal is to acquire, a total of 1 billion Iraq Dinar to its portfolio.

The company feels that this investment will increase dramatically in the near future. As of today 1,000,000 Iraq Dinar is equal to $786.78 USD, according to the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Since it is nearly impossible to purchase directly from CBI, 1,000,000 Iraq Dinar is being sold as high as $1340 USD here in the United States.

Iraq news sources state that a revalue of the Iraq currency is in the near future. Prior to war with Iraq, the Iraq Dinar was valued as high as $3.20 USD per Dinar. This means 1,000,000 Dinar was worth as high as $3,200,000 USD back when all was well between the US and Iraq.

“We are building our portfolio in foreign currency,” stated Daniel Duffy, President/CEO of Sebastian River Holding’s Inc. “We are going to continue to purchase the currencies that we feel will increase the most in value, in the shortest period of time. The Company feels confident that its holdings in foreign currency will dramatically increase in the near future and allow Sebastian River Holdings to have Earnings Per Share (EPS) of well over $3.00 EPS from just one of our holdings being revalued.”

Besides Sebastian River Holding’s Inc. acquiring profitable private companies, the Company will continue to add foreign currency to its asset base. The Company feels that the Foreign Currency division is going to be one of the most profitable divisions. The company has a team of due diligence experts, which do a vast array of investigations before the Company invests in anything from businesses to foreign currency.
(http://home.businesswire.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 3:36 PM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD LOOK AT THIS SEBASTIAN RIVER HOLDING COMPANY VERY CLOSE, SEEMS THE CEO HAS BEEN IMPLICATED IN STOCK FRAUD BEFORE, NOT THAT THIS IS ANYWAY LINKED TO A FRAUD, BUT WHEN SOMETHING LOOKS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT USUSALLY IS. . . P.H.

-- April 2, 2007 6:02 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Pan:

I took your suggestion after reading your post. I found some uncomplimentary comments regarding the CEO Daniel Duffy and his partners.

If he indeed bought that much Dinar so beit. If this is a scam, I guess we will see the stock symbol change. Thanks for your heads up post, it is really appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 2, 2007 10:41 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Pan:

Thank you for sharing the article.

It will take another 911 or Pearl Harbor to silence the left.

I happen to believe BinLaden when he states that 911 was a pratice shot at the US.

I know that we talk about Radical Islamists. But I still see Muslims as all in the same as far as those who know and are dedicated to the Quran.

I have done alot of reading lately and it only gets grimmer and grimmer. All are ignoring the fact that the Arab nations only and non -able solution for peace in the Middle East is the annihalation of Israel and throw in the US too.

The 12 major nations ( Arab) while some are at odds and war with eachother could and will find commonality becuase of their religion.

In other words " the enemy of my enemy is my friend".

We see that Hamas and Hezbolah have buried their swords to each other, where there had been extreme secetarian hatred toward each other in the past.

Hamas supported Hezbolah during the recent event in Lebonan, and humanitarian money (billions) given to Palestine for their rebuilding, has mysteriously become unaccounted for, while 60 tons of ammuniton shows up for Hezbolah.

The peace keepers at the Syrian borders are humilliated and threatened everyday. Looking for refuge in Israel or from the Israeli armies. They know that their days are numbered and those who do not cooperate witht he illegal activites of Hezbollah disappear.

The Western world has turned a blind eye to this. And even our President has unrealistic hopes for peace in the Middle east.

-- April 3, 2007 12:33 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

oops!
hit post button too soon!

Anyway, last week while Condi Rice was meeting with Palestinian leader Mahkmud Abbas ( probably spelled wrong), children in most schools were being required to watch a film about a 4 year old little girl watching her mother arm herself as a suicide bomber.

It shows the little girl, crying herself to sleep waiting for her mommy to tuck her in bed at night.

She awakes to find out that her mommy has performed the ultimate loyalty to Allah and from this point the little girl avows to follow her mother, indicating she would continue to honor to Allah.

The Palestinian government has the gall to demand a place at the peace table, while their government continues to fufill the proclamation of Yasser Arafat, that all families should have at least one child dedicated to be a martyr( suicide bomber).

The Palestinian News Watch reported this.

So, Pan, while this reporter has done a remarkable job of paralleling the pre and post war era of WWll, the scope of his works does not encompass the massive implications presented to the civilized world today.

The Muslim agenda is very much advanced in Eurpoe, and the left organizations here are ushering in legal room for them to advance their "muscle" here.

It may not take suitcase bombs to establish their might here, but the ACLU winning Supreme Court favor on their behalf.

The future for the "free-world" looks horrfying UNLESS the United States and as many allies as possible takes a fresh courageous look at the situation and becomes as determined to win as it was in the WWll era and willing to fight a good long battle at all costs.

We have zeroed in on one very small nation, Iraq. This may be a good start but only the tip of the iceberg.

The truth of the matter is that as long as Israel is allowed to exist there will never be peace in the middle east. Even the new UN Sec. is putting tremendous pressure on the US to deal harshly with Israel, to allow the Paestinians ( millions) to take up residence in Israel again.

How ridiculous this! That is equivalent to us dedicating a US state to Osama, where he can bring in all his cronies. How safe would we all be then? Same situation for Israel if they allow Palestinians residency in their country.

Sharon sold out Israel! They will ultimately have to fight the world to remain in existence.

AH! biblically speaking, yesterday's prophecies are todays headlines!(Hal Lindsy report-paraphrased)

Carole

-- April 3, 2007 1:13 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Some stuff off the wire.

Northern Sunni provinces seem to have more and more trust in the Iraqi gov.

A long and hard negotiation with the biggest insurgency groups have apparently started to pan out.

The call is to get rid of Al Qaida cells, and to have integration in the political process.

This seem to have resulted in a lot of foreign fighters death and reportedly some Al Qaeda cells do no longer have a safe house or a safe heaven to withdraw to.

Claims that many of the cells, are roughing it in orchards or caves have been starting to appear.

So perhaps things are turning after all.

-- April 3, 2007 2:35 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Good news an 11 Bil Dollar development program right out of the budget, not bad at all.

Seems like the Iraqi oil workers are rising the demand for a union, well it's part of the progress I guess.

-- April 3, 2007 2:39 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Will a war with Iran be "another' war?

If we are fighting the root causes of terrorism, it will be one of the best blows we can do, and a continuation and perhaps a conclusion to THIS war, it might simmer for some time after that, but the most aggressive known Islamic fascist state would be taken out, and I would say....THAT would be a victory in the war on terrorism.

That battle would probably be the zenith in the war on Islamic terrorism.

So where do we stand on it.

Well, in Jerusalem, they seem to have a line straight into Russian intelligence gatherings.

As it seems, the Russians have concluded that we (US and British forces) are just about ready to hit at any time now, they have concluded from their observations that we are about ready, or just about ready to wrap up all the preparation work for a hit against Iran.

They even have an estimated time frame, of the beginning of the possible hostilities to begin between 4AM to 4PM on the 6th of April.

Iranians are accusing the US of flying in Iranian airspace.

We're probably flying around there already, doing reconnaissance. So it is most probable that they are telling the truth.

The Iranian Islamic Minister of something, claimed today that there would probably be a war where Israel is trying to do a "suicide attack".

Israel might very well attack, but they are not known for suicide tactics, that is real in the world of Islamic fascists only.

If an Israeli pilot can help it, he will return and land, so he can attack again.

Don't know if Israel will participate in this or not, Hezbollah will, if the hostilities begin, do everything possible to bring Israel into the conflict.

The Hezbollah took a beating pretty good in last years war, but consider themselves being the victors of the conflict, and if they start again, will probably try the same tactic, as they think it was so successful.

Got Israel bogged down for weeks.

Don't be surprised if the Israelis are doing something else this time, they learn quick, and have for sure studied the battle last year over and over.

The main sequence of this battle will however not be in Israel, but in Iran.

Question if the 15 hostages taken will delay something, or will it speed something up?

Either way , holding hostages will not benefit Iran.

Noticed how last time, there was a lot of rhetoric, and the powers going to war tried to "sell" the idea to the public.

This time around there is very little selling, and the fact that we are up in combat strength and completely prepared at any moment now, have gone almost unnoticed by the MSM.

Media news are telling us that we are "stretched thin" and that we cant fight another war right now.

Most probably a misinformation campaign.

A situation in Iraq where a massive troop build up was announced, perfect, the fact that the insurgency in Iraq has started to peter out is in the nature of MSM not good news, and not reported upon that much, but hey, we got the troops built up over there.

Don't be surprised if you wake up one morning and it has started.

It didn't come out of the blue, it was just another preparedness for it this time.

It's the same war, just another battle.

Nostradamus was right in this one, this is the prediction of the rise of the Blue Turban, the battle and the fall of the Islamic force.

-- April 3, 2007 3:30 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Anonymous,

Don't get the 100 pound wet woman worked up too much.

It's like wrestling with a pig in the mud, after a while you realize that this will continue, as the pig enjoys it.

-- April 3, 2007 3:39 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(896)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 896 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/4/ 3 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 10 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 31.780.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 280.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 31.780.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 280.000 -----

-- April 3, 2007 5:11 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Roger,

Last time I heard that line about the pig enjoying the mud it was in reference to lawyers

-- April 3, 2007 5:16 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

Thanks, per earlier reports, the budget for this fiscal year starting the 1st of Apr was supposed to be based on 1260, they are already in to the budget a couple of days but have not moved down to the predicted range.

Watch paint getting dry, you have the option of watching gloss, semi-gloss or matte, surface texture.

-- April 3, 2007 5:20 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

As long as the pig enjoys it, it'll keep the pig happy.

Throw a stick to a dog with a one track mind and you can keep him running for the stick forever.

Even brings the stick back, barks, and demand to throw it again.

-- April 3, 2007 5:28 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Point to the moon, and the dog will look at your finger.

-- April 3, 2007 5:32 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

WHO'S STUCK IN WHO'S HEAD?????

Hey! Maybe we can get the T-shirts, 2 for the price of one!!!

I need a small and we need to get a x- large for you, cause I imagine you with a huge pot beer belly, and of course one big enough to get over your head!! LOL

Why do you have to keep stirring the pot?

Annon: let's hear some of your curbside cut-rate Freudian analysis on this one!

Carole

-- April 3, 2007 9:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Stepping Back in Ramadi
ON Point | Corporal Paul Robbins Jr | March 27, 2007
Since arriving to the city of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, in September of 2006, the Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, (from Camp Lejeune, N.C.) have had a three part mission for their task in supporting the ongoing Operation Iraqi Freedom. That mission is to neutralize the insurgency, support and train Iraqi Security Forces, and conduct civil military operations to improve the quality of life for residents in the city.

In the more than six months since their arrival the mission has not been altered, but the lead effort in neutralizing insurgency and civil military work has changed. Local police of the Western Ramadi District and Iraqi Army soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Division, have stepped forward to shoulder a majority of security and civil military responsibility in the city.

Conducting food drops to local mosques, re-supplying medical facilities in the area and leading security operations throughout the city, Iraqi Security Forces have assumed their responsibilities with renewed zeal.

“We are one country and this is our job,” said 2nd Lt. Adnan Fasel Taher, executive officer of 2nd Company, 2-1-7. “Not just to fight terrorists, but to help our people.”

Civil Military Operations

In recent weeks, Iraqi Security Forces have conducted two combined re-supply operations to central Ramadi’s main medical facilities. The combined forces delivered more than $90,000 worth of medicines and surgical support equipment to the Ramadi General Hospital and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to relieve shortages.

The delivery of supplies, provided by Iraq’s Ministry of Health, was part of the security forces’ continued cooperation to aid and relieve the citizens of Ramadi. Individually, Army and Police forces continue to conduct food relief operations in various neighborhoods.

Units stationed in certain areas provide deliveries of flour, rice, beans and cooking oil to local mosques for distribution to the neediest citizens of the city. The two forces generally conduct at least one food relief operation per week, on average.

To date, the citizens of Ramadi have received 50 tons of rice, 15 tons of beans, 50 tons of flour, and four thousand liters of cooking oil from food relief operations.

Security Operations

Down nearly every street in Ramadi there are boots on the ground to patrol the area, but nowadays those boots rarely belong to the Marines. While the Marines of 1/6 still provide security from posts in their numerous security stations and conduct combined patrols, it is the Iraqi soldiers and police who have become a common sight to Ramadi citizens.

Whether it is Iraqi soldiers in humvees rolling down the larger streets, policemen in pick-up trucks cutting through the alleyways, or a combination of policemen and soldiers on foot in local neighborhoods, Iraqi Security Forces have kept up a strong presence in the city.

“Due to the cooperation of the local police and the Iraqi Army, the increased presence has greatly increased the security situation in the city,” said 1st Lt. Brett V. Taylor, 27-year-old operations advisor to the Iraqi Army’s 2-1-7.

That cooperation was highlighted in a recent security conference held at Camp Hurricane Point, March 16. Commanders of eight local police stations met with officers of the 2-1-7 and local Coalition Forces to discuss the current security situation in Ramadi.

Led by Brig. Gen. Khalil, the Ramadi District Police Chief, and hosted by Lt. Col. William M. Jurney, 1/6’s battalion commander, the conference began with a buffet style lunch of local cuisine to encourage camaraderie amongst the commanders.

As the officers dined on kabob (ground lamb meat and vegetables with bread) and dolma (vegetables and fruit, stuffed with rice and meat), they were given an opportunity to discuss their individual situation, face to face, with their counterparts.

Brought together by a common goal, the mixed group of Iraqi Army and local police commanders found it easy to be sociable during the occasion.

“They were all united by their desire for freedom….and the single purpose of their mission,” said Maj. Daniel R. Zappa, 34-year-old executive officer for 1/6.

Following the lunch, the commanders gathered around a conference table to discuss the overall security situation in Ramadi.

The improvements in the city were lauded in the beginning, with commanders citing the amount of operations conducted, the number of insurgents detained and the amount of weapons caches found in the last six months.

“The mothers and sisters of Ramadi have hope because of our operations,” said Khalil.

Operations were continued during the meeting, as the commanders geared their discussion towards future plans and problematic areas.

Citing certain districts that require immediate attention, Khalil and his fellow commanders put into planning an operation to sweep and clear a populated area in central Ramadi known to be frequented by insurgents. As each commander stepped forward to volunteer forces for the sweep, the number of policemen involved grew to more than 500 by the end of the meeting.

The movement for the operation was also handled easily, with many of the commanders sharing similar ideas on the execution and goals of the mission.

“I am very proud,” said Khalil. “These commanders are models for all other officers in Ramadi.”

With the plans being finalized and the pledged support of so many police, the commanders look forward to their upcoming operations.

“I am confident in our upcoming operations and I hope we get our desired results,” said Khalil.

Marines Get it Started

Although most of the recent success in Ramadi can be attributed to the recent rise in Iraqi police forces, assistance of the local populace and cooperation of the Iraqi Army, the starting point of successful security operations in the city traces back to the Marines of 1/6.

From the very beginning of the deployment, the Marines in Ramadi have focused on integrating their Iraqi counterparts while continuing to put pressure on insurgents in an urban environment.

To accomplish this, the battalion spear-headed a tactic that has become widely used in Ramadi and abroad.

“We were the first to move in force, establish an observation post in a key area of the city and turn it into a joint security station,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Luis H. Hernandez, 48-year-old operations chief for 1/6.

The tactic serves two purposes in the city. The installation of observation posts throughout key areas of the city isolates and protects the population of the city from insurgents, and the integration of Iraqi Security Forces at each station brings Iraqi forces into the neighborhoods.

Since their arrival, the Marines have emplaced numerous new security stations throughout their area of responsibility. In recent weeks, several new stations were built to respond to changes in insurgent activity and to assist combined operations with Iraqi Security Forces.

“The main reason for these new (stations) was to secure a permanent security position in the neighborhoods and further decrease the enemy’s freedom of movement,” said Hernandez, a native of Coral Gables, Fla.

With the construction of the newest stations and the continued operations from the many others, the Marines and their Iraqi counterparts have made their area of operations a dangerous place for insurgents. Maintaining a significant presence in every part of their battle space, the combined force has severely limited insurgent operations in the city.

Corporal Paul Robbins Jr. is a U.S. Marine Corps combat correspondent attached to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He has been a part of the battalion and operating in Ar Ramadi since September 2006.
(http://www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 3, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Indonesia floats Muslim solution to Iraq
Tue Apr 3, 2007 10:26AM EDT

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BOGOR, Indonesia (Reuters) - Muslim nations should ultimately replace coalition forces in Iraq after a period of national reconciliation, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told a meeting of Islamic clerics on Tuesday.

Yudhoyono, who is keen to see Indonesia take a bigger role in global issues and in particular in the Middle East, first floated his proposals on Iraq at a joint news conference with U.S. President George W. Bush last November in Bogor.

"The spiral effect of violence has dreadfully eroded the national tradition of religious tolerance and mutual respect. This is not the natural state of affairs between the Sunnis and Shi'ites of Iraq," he said in a speech to about 20 clerics from around the world gathering at the Bogor presidential palace to discuss Iraq.

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"The first and most vital track in this proposed solution is the launching and unrelenting pursuit of reconciliation," added Yudhoyono, a former general who spent years training in U.S. military bases.

"Once the national reconciliation is achieved, the second track is the withdrawal of the coalition forces replaced by a new coalition of forces comprising of like-minded Muslim countries," said Indonesia's first directly elected president.

Yudhoyono also joined Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in January in backing a new Muslim initiative to resolve turbulence and violence in the Middle East.

Since Yudhoyono outlined his Iraq proposal on Bush's second visit to Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, there has been little evidence of it gaining much traction Under the Bush administration's new Iraq policy announced earlier this year, the Pentagon has increased force levels in Iraq by about 30,000 troops in an attempt to regain control of security and reduce sectarian violence.

But opposition Democrats who hold the majority in the U.S. congress are seeking to withdraw all combat troops from Iraq in the near future.

Some Bush policies, especially in the Middle East, are deeply unpopular in Indonesia, where 85 percent of the population follows Islam. Jakarta has consistently criticized the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
(http://www.reuters.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 3, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

pat wrote:

Pan and all

That is what I was saying early on. Keyword search the Sebastain River Holding's and see what the first thing that comes up says. They are a Scam CO. and are adding to the bull on the dinar . Is it all a scam or not. The way I se it is I bought my dinar at the exchange rate. Either way I can not loose. I just might not win !

-- April 3, 2007 12:35 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Pat:

It is not the Dinar itself that is a scam, it is Sebastian River Holding's Inc. that appears to be the scam.

Based upon Pan's post, I am curious whether this company has truly bought 135,000,000 million Dinar. If they have, is it in hopes of laundering money. All of this of course is speculation.

Anyone considering investing in Sebastian River Holding's Inc. should be weary before doing so. Concerning the Dinar, I still believe the currency is a valid investment.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 3, 2007 2:34 PM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Hi All,
This might be a good time for an RV.

Iraq Banking and Finance Conference
April 4- 5, 2007
Intercontinental Hotel, Amman, Jordan

Banking in Iraq: The 21
st Century Challenge

ANNOTATED AGENDA

Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Participant arrivals and pre-registration
7:00 p.m. Welcome reception (Hotel Intercontinental)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
8:00 – 9:00 Registration
9:00 – 9:30
Official Opening

Welcome addresses from Iraqi and U.S. officials
9:30 – 10:00 Opening Address
Overview of Banking in Iraq: Developments and Challenges
Speaker:
Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq
10:00 – 10:30 Keynote Presentation

Global Banking Developments and their Implications for Transition
Economies
10:45 – 11:15 Tea/Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:45 Plenary Session 1
The Role of the Central Bank in Implementing Monetary Policy
12:45 – 1:00 DISCUSSION
12:45 – 1:45 pm
PRESS BRIEFINGS (By invitation only)
Select invitees will gather in Room # …. Intercontinental Hotel for briefings with the Press Corps.
Details to be provided under separate cover
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2.00 – 3.00 Plenary Session 2
Prudential Regulation and Supervision of the Iraqi Banking System;
Risk Management Systems within the Commercial Banks; Effect of the
New Secured Transactions Law, etc.
3:00 – 3:15 Tea/Coffee Break
3:15 – 3:30 GROUP PHOTO
- 2 -
3:30 – 4:30 Plenary Session 3
Private Banks in Iraq – Current Status a nd Future Growth
4:30 – 5:30 Breakout Session 1
The Development of New Bank Products and Services (Including
Deposit Products); Islamic Banking Products; Bank Profitability and
Return on Assets Criteria.
Breakout Session 2
The Improvement of International and Domestic Wire Transfer Systems,
Check Processing, Clearing and Banking MIS Systems
7:30 – 9:00 pm Reception
Thursday, April 5, 2007
9:00 - 10:30 Plenary Session 4
State-Owned Banking Sector in Iraq - Developments
10:30 – 10:45 Tea/Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:15 Plenary Session 5
Banking and the Growth of the Private Sector: Building a Vibrant SME
Lending Industry: The Role of Loan Guarantees
12:15 - 1:15 Plenary Session 6
Strategy for the Microfinance Industry in Iraq – Outreach and Growth
1:15 – 2:15 Lunch
2.15 – 3:30 Breakout session 3
How to Support the Development of a Financial Services Training
Center
Breakout session 4
Bringing International Financial Standards to Iraqi Bank Financial
Statements/Annual Reports
3:30 – 4:00 CONCLUDING DISCUSSION
4:00 – 4:30
Closing Session
http://www.export.gov/iraq/pdf/usaid...genda_0407.pdf

-- April 3, 2007 5:33 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

to all:
So much for the "Brits" military.

I doubt seriously that a US Marine would have allowed themselves to be taken captive without a fight, or any kind of a resistance as we have confirmed about the the Brits who have been taken hostage.

The sentiments in England continue to avoid "offending " their Muslim countrymen. This mindset is what I beleive has filtered down to the military.

Blair and Bush are a contradiction to the apparent worldview of " keep the Muslims happy and don't offend at all costs". Starting with the Pope and his nauseating response to pressure from the Muslims.

As I posted yesterday, it is coming to America and is well rooted here already through our judicial system.

With the new "thought" hate crime bill that is doomed to eventually pass ( a personal agenda of Nanci Pelosi), many of us on this blog would not only be "edited" but face prosecution.

Try to remember that the Demos won, not so much because of the will of the people, but because the Conservatives lost momentum from some very detrimental news 2 days before the election and didn't show up in the numbers needed to assure defeat. And so we are now and will be for a long time living with those ramifications.

If we don't turn this around in 2008-------"say goodnight Gracie"-----

Carole

-- April 3, 2007 8:52 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

I will wait to see what the navy guys have to say about it, one min you are on a small boat and along comes another with a TV camera crew on board, I meen Kin ell who brings a TV crew to a stick up, there is much more to it than we know of at this moment in time, and apart from that, you can stop slaging off the Brits.

Have a look for a guy selling dinars and you send money, and he sends back account for you with acc number in Iraq, dont know how, so if some of you in the US can sus it out and see whats what, he go's by Retireondinar I have lost him he was on my fav's, gone. have a look as I know you guys are good at digging in and finding the low down on it, cheers, Steve.

-- April 3, 2007 10:20 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Electronic circulation in the Iraqi securities market

Iraqi securities market announced that it registered the companies which are registered in the market in the International Numbering Agency. The Executive Director of the market, Taha Ahmad Abdul Salam, said that: “one of the important steps done by the Iraqi securities market, for the purpose of implementing the electronic circulation, is the registration in the International Numbering Agency which will enable international investors from trading through more than one intermediary”.

He added that:”this step will eliminate the problem of delays in issuing the shares certificates, which the local the market and investors suffer from with the possibility of delivering the value of the shares on the day following the transaction session without any delay from the clearing bank”.

Source: Iraq Directory
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 3, 2007 11:44 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steven:

The gentleman you are looking for operates from Doylestown, PA in the U.S. His name is Charles Burt. You may visit his website: http://www.retireondinar.com/

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 3, 2007 11:51 PM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

The Dj busts in the room ...blasting music, dancing...singing ......shuts off the music and says...

WHAT THE BLODDY HELL?

Whew!!!! Taking a small ...no huge breath and counting to ten....

Chelseadave, Steven, mattuk got your back ...!!!

Carole wrote:

To all:
So much for the "Brits" military.

I doubt seriously that a US Marine would have allowed themselves to be taken captive without a fight, or any kind of a resistance as we have confirmed about the the Brits who have been taken hostage.

The sentiments in England continue to avoid "offending " their Muslim countrymen. This mindset is what I believe has filtered down to the military.

Carole,

It is very, very, very, evident that you have never experienced a night out in the UK, let alone a night in downtown London....or in the country as far as that goes…
Get a Brit pissed… there’s a fight …get a Brit piss drunk and there’s a winning bet at that he’ll even fight his best friend over nothing …IKNOW I HAVE DONE BUISSNESS WITH PISS DRUNK BRITS…no fun!!!.....lol
However great people none the least …..And all bets are off when a machine gun and a TV camera are in your face… Carole, the Brit soldiers and our soldiers are the same ….one unit….one fight ……one fighting force…something happened there that they gave up …
Scenario
What if ten boats pulled up and you we’re severely outnumbered …. Would you fight or die ….

Point is we do not have all the facts and I promise as I know the brits I bet it was more like 100 on the 15 of them to give up with no fight … When a gun is at your head the world looks little different…when there’s 50 guns at your head it’s a lot different!!!

The Brits love to fight…..LOL

-- April 4, 2007 12:18 AM ∞

---

akadjjam wrote:

paul , read that too .... Think we're all holding on .....

-- April 4, 2007 2:07 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

An ordinary ship inspection in Iraqi waters of a ship flying the colors of India. I doubt that the inspection crew was even armed with anything more than a side arm.

The facts in this case is so obvious, this was nothing more than an Iranian raiding party.

If the statement that the Brits was trespassing, well in that case, why didn't they also hold the Indian crew from the ship, as they was apparently also over the border.

As for Caroles statement that Brits are pacifists yielding to pressure and non fighters.

Don't worry she have never had a clue, never will, throw her a stick and she will go fetch it forever, that's her game.

Snidy comments, and an attitude of knowing best, accusing others for all things, may it be big heads or potbellies.

For others on this blog that have not been here that long, Carole had an idea of suing me one time on all kinds of things, like loosing her sleep , her lessening ability in bed with her husband and all kinds of rubbish, because she had an idea I was the cause of her miseries.

She has a psychotic personality that she has displayed in waves on this blog.

She is never responsible for anything, and she continuously covertly attacks, or undermine anything.

Her responses is "ha ha" with some smart answer. Her efforts to actually get into issues always end up with her putting the foot in her mouth.

To claim that Brits are of lesser fighting quality is another one of those.

Ancient, past and recent history have a completely different account of the Brits.

There was no giving up even if Hitler had them almost starving, bombing them and sinking their merchant fleet.

Britain could probably have an honorable peace, armistice or secession of hostilities, at that time, but the choice was differently.

At the beginning of the Iraq war, Britain was pushing almost in certain respects more for the war than we did, PM Blair was definitely more on the TV, pushing for it, more so than Bush, and Bush was frequently on.

Britain have successfully held the south of Iraq, and handled the southern section with courage and professionalism.

The cold war, no quarters was given, British subs came limping back to their Scottish bases, with dents and dings, the paint found looked very much to be standard issued Russian Navy paint.

British SAS units took back an Embassy under siege by terrorists in less than a minute.

British ships, armor, and aircraft is second to none, and have always been in the technological forefront.

The Brits have been able to pull off some incredible things, almost looked like a stunt, when they took back the Falkland from the Argentinian army.

Look on the map and see where Argentina, Falkland, and the British Island are located, and you can understand how hard that was, and they almost made it look easy.

US and the Brits have aligned themselves with each other from the WW1 and onward, and are each others most dependable partner.

As it comes to British self awareness, self respect and patriotism for their country, well look at Albert hall when they are doing the pops, and you will see as many Union Jacks waiving, as you see the Stars and Stripes here the 4th.

You have to live the life the British way, in order to understand it. It's left hand traffic, pubs, and tea. The way you interact with each other, and the courtesy you are getting back.

This is a country, that have built empires, is our legal, moral and social foundation, we speak their language, well we try anyway, and in need, we look for each other.

Our communications, trade routes, traveling, financial and economic ties are well established long since, and is an integrated part of both of us.

We are each others partner, because we have the very same foundation of our principles, we are free people and want to keep it that way.

Free to talk, congregate, print, free to have, free to worship, free to be what you are. Choose your own representatives, vote for what you like, or don't vote for what you don't like. Have choices, and the system that gives the freedom of having it.

We base our rights on a constitution, and the Brits base it on common law, made by the Brits for the Brits.

They both say and guarantee the same thing.

That is our common denominator, our common rationale and our common goal.

To come out of the blue, insinuating that the Brits are less than us, shows just that the originator of that statement is living in it's own bubble, and if it is beyond the line of sight, it must be "something else, other than us".

The level of reasoning is about the same as a Manchester United fan, or a Green Bay Packer fan, that lives for those teams only, consider anything outside of that sphere being flatfoots, backwards, and inhibited people.

15 Brits held hostages IS very much our problem, it's not something that warrants an idle, boring and uneducated comment, about "those guys' as being something else.

-"Couldn't you have used your Tornadoes, in an air strike against the boats'????

-"Hey that British chick, wasn't she on Iranian TV , sounded like she is on their side, wonder if she's got a period, I bet she doesn't shave her legs, wonder if she's got any tattoo's...."

-"Hey why couldn't the Brits..."

I strongly believe that our forces (British and US), are going to take care of the Iranian menace. The build up is finished, and the hit could come at any time.

That will take care of the enemy, Iran, THAT is our enemy, just to clarify that point, for those that believe it is our allies with lose and questionable fighting spirit.

-- April 4, 2007 3:44 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(897)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 897 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/4/ 4 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 90.470.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 90.470.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 4, 2007 5:05 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris,

Seems like we're in a holding mode. Perhaps it's the Iranian affair that has to be dealt with first.

Iran again,

They're definitely up to something over there.

Bahrain, is reporting that the hotel business is up 90% due to arriving US military forces.

A patriot missile defence system is installed to protect the Emirate.

The Bahrain Chief of air defence claims that they have installed a new warning system, and have taking measures to protect against nuclear, chemical and biological agents.

It's also reported that reporters normally assigned to war coverage, is arriving in droves to Bahrain.

USS Nimitz is leaving today for the Gulf from San Diego, the carrier is suppose to relieve another carrier, but if hostilities starts, all will probably stay.

Russians are telling that they know the operations codename as 'BITE".

Their intelligence places the hit at Apr 6th at 4am.

From their latest satellite study, they don't think that this hit will involve ground troops, but will be a cruise missile and ballistic missile hit, possibly with tactical nuclear heads in order to take out "hard targets" as underground nuclear facilities, that normal explosive warheads can not take out.

Possible a take out of the leadership or at least part of the leadership in Iran might be the target as well, according to the Russian analysis.

They further speculate that a large portion of Iranian warships, and elite Iranian Islamic revolutionary army units may also be targeted, together with a suppression of the Iranians air capability.

The Russian speculation is that the hit will set back the Iranian development of nuclear materiel for 5 perhaps 7 years.

If tactical nuclear warheads are dropped, , much of the leadership taken out, and much of the Iranian Islamic revolutionary guard is taken out, this will weaken their position sufficiently for a power take over of more moderate forces.

The current regime will come out as losers, and the cause of destruction in the eyes of the Iranians, according to the Russian speculation.

The leak and the distribution of this data is probably an effort to warn Iran, from the side of the Russians. The Russians have numerous nuclear scientist working in the Iran project, and Russian lives may also be at stake.

The information is most probably in the hands of the iranians now, (well we can read it also, so the time and date is probably not going to be what has been advertized)

The military analysts in Moscow that forwarded the information have close ties with Putin, and it is very likely that a long and careful assessment of the release of the data has been made.

Investors and development people in Bahrain is now asked to leave.

So Bahrain will be the HQ for the Iranian blow.

Will be interesting to see how this will pan out.

-- April 4, 2007 6:09 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Oh boy are they setting this up or what....Two additional strike groups are supporting the already existing armada.

The Boxer and Bataan strike group have already arrived and are ready.

-- April 4, 2007 6:15 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

It will be good for the Dinar investment, probably everyone and his brother will duck, when things comes to blow, possible the Iranians will try to target the international zone or the "Green Zone" as it has come to be named, in an effort to hit the "imperialistic satanistic forces".

It is possible to assume that any hostility towards Iraq will most probably be in our benefit, in that when any country is attacked, historically the country unite.

People have an ability to close the ranks when the common interest is at risk. Any squabble about lesser things have an evaporative quality when news of an attack have happened.

The Iranian are probably itching in sending their missiles into Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait or any other location where they believe there will be US forces, but this will only unite and anger the citizens of that country.

A country that is attacked, it's glorious nuclear powers destroyed, and a leadership that has been a pain in the ass for the Iranians, and for the rest of the world for years, and left alone to it's own problems after a hit, will have great internal turmoil, and the future of the Islamist regime will most probably come to an end, in one form or the other, may it be folk up rising, parliamentary or abdication.

Most probably, some kind of coup would happen, as it is hard to imagine that those people would leave power on their own.

Bargain chip -"Ok you and the other Generalissimos, get rid of those Islamist Radicals, and we wont invade."

-- April 4, 2007 6:37 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Pelosi in Syria.

Critics say that this is an unwarranted and unnecessary move. Something that is not in line with the policy of the US and it's allies, and to go there now is a slap in the face of our administration.

Imagine this conversation before she left.

-"Pelosi, you are the perfect person to go to Syria, we can criticize you and that will be a perfect cover, as you are of the Democratic side of the congress."

We need you to go to Syria and deliver a message to those punks, that if they make ONE move when the Iranian conflict starts we will pulverize that area of the desert and make sure it will be inhabitable for 1500 years".

-- April 4, 2007 6:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq has lost $8 billion to corruption since 2003

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

Baghdad, 04 April 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq has lost some $8 billion to administrative and financial corruption since the 2003 US-led invasion which toppled the Saddam Hussein regime, an anti-corruption panel said on Tuesday. "The estimated value of the wasted sum because of administrative and financial corruption is eight billion dollars," Radi al-Radhi, the head of the country's anti-corruption committee, said in a statement e-mailed to news organizations.

He blamed the Constitution for some of the funds lost, saying a clause in the Iraqi law blocked the launching of legal action against government employees. "Article 136 B stipulates that no civil servant should be sent for trial before the consent of his minister," the statement quoted Radhi as saying. The article was obstructing investigations into the "lost money."

The official said that efforts were being made to abolish the clause from the Constitution and clear the way for action against employees accused of fraud and corruption.

Radhi also revealed his panel was investigating around 180 employees of the Oil Ministry in the southern port city of Basra following reports of corruption, but it was not known whether they will face trial.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil flowing to Jordan within months
Difficulties facing liberalization of the energy sector

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

04 April 2007 (Iraq Directory)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi Minister of State for National Security Affairs, Shirwan Alwaeli, said that an agreement was concluded with companies operating under the private sector to protect the roads linking between Iraq and Jordan, with the aim of raising the volume of trade exchange, and start transferring the expected amount of Iraqi oil to Jordan. Alwaeli said that the current security situation deferred supplying Jordan with the oil agreed at between the two countries, of 10 thousand barrels, accounting for 10% of Jordan’s consumption of crude oil per day, but efforts are being made to protect the road between Amman and Baghdad.

Alwaeli announced that Iraq is about to operate a railroad with Syria and establish another one with Iran. Iraq has sent a technical delegation to Jordan last year to study the economic feasibility of the designs and preparations to start the project, and announced later the completion of all the studies and designs necessary.

The Iraqi minister said it is likely that Iraqi planes parking as "scrap" in Amman International Airport since the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990 will be sold. Jordan announced in December 2005 the exemption of Iraq from the fees of parking for the entire period during which the aircraft remained in its territory, which is estimated at about four million dinars.

Divergent views of experts in the energy sector and economists on the ability of the Jordanian government to liberalize this sector, as it announced earlier.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance Ziyad frez, said that the government had reached the point of the tie in supporting fuels, following a series of measures it took within the strategies it adopted to support citizens rather than goods.

Workers in the energy sector said that the government needs to follow practicle procedures in the process of liberalization of the sector, according to studied methods to maximize the Treasury when granted licenses for the importation of oil, in order to avoid the experience of the telecommunications sector, which has cost the Treasury huge sums of money.

Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Wealth, Muhammad Bataineh, said that the liberalization of the energy sector requires several operations precede decision-making, both at the port, stores or logistical aspects and transport fleet, but some of them are not ready yet, and this undermines the capacity of completing the liberalization of this sector.

The government announced its intention earlier in the formation of a body to regulate the energy sector with the task of monitoring the market pricing policies.

And according to the statements of government officials, the liberalization of the energy sector will be at the beginning of next year, but speculation about the seriousness of these statements are subjected to the actions actually taken, according to the president of gas stations Adnan Urabi.

Economist, Hani Al Khalili, demanded the government to keep their hands on the sector while ensuring the stability of the situation, especially since world prices are subject to change without logical reasons and are being biased to speculations.

On his part, economist, Mazin Marji, explained that the government had passed tough decisions on the population, to increase fuel prices, or taxation, as it breached previous promises it made to reduce fuel prices if global prices retreated, but it did not.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 9:28 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Maliki, Bush discuss Iraq developments via closed-circuit TV

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

Baghdad, 04 April 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki discussed with U.S. President George W. Bush general developments in Iraq via a closed-circuit TV, a statement by Maliki's office read on Tuesday.

"The prime minister stressed his keenness to resume political reforms and drafting laws that will help bring about national reconciliation, security and stability in the country," read the statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

The U.S. president expressed support for Iraq's political process and efforts to sustain democracy for the benefit of all Iraqis, the statement added.

Bush and Maliki also agreed on the need to continue backing the Operation Fardh al-Qanoon security plan until “victory over all outlaws is attained,” the statement read.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

15 Arab, Asian and U.S. firms invited to drill in Iraq
Oil
(Reuters) - Iraq has issued invitations for 15 Arab, Asian and American firms to drill 100 oil wells in the country’s south as part of efforts to boost production, the oil ministry spokesman said yesterday. Asim Jihad said the invitations, issued at the end of March, would close at the end of May. The state-run South Oil Company will review the offers, he said.
He said among the companies invited were Syrian, Iranian and Chinese firms.“We want to drill 50 wells in Maysan (province) and 50 in Basra. It will take from one year to three years,” he said. “These new wells will give us between 50,000 to 60,000 bpd.” Iraq has the world’s third-largest proven oil reserves and needs billions of dollars to revive its oil sector. Most of Iraq’s proven oil reserves are in the Shia south or the Kurdish north.
Iraq’s cabinet has endorsed a draft oil law regulating how wealth from the vast oil reserves will be shared by its ethnic and sectarian groups.The world’s top oil companies have been manoeuvring for years to win a stake in Iraq’s prized oilfields such as Bin Umar, Majnoon, Nassiriyah, West Qurna and Ratawi – all located in the south of the country. The oil law which is still awaiting parliament’s ratification has given the regions the right to negotiate with international firms on developing oilfields.
(http://iraqnewsmonitor.blogspot.com/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 11:00 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Iranian President Says They Will Release 15 British Sailors and Marines
By NASSER KARIMI

TEHRAN, Iran, April, 4, 2007 — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced Wednesday that his government would release the detained 15 British sailors and marines promptly.

He said the sailors would be taken to Tehran airport at the end of the press conference that he was addressing.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=3006706&page=1

-- April 4, 2007 11:45 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Carole,

So not content with making snidey comments to Sara and Roger at every opportunity, you now want to slag off the brave troops of your closest allies, and at the same time offend every Brit who reads this blog.

You say that US marines would not have been taken without a fight. Well whoopee!!! I think if you look at the facts so far available, you would begin to realise that would mean 15 coffins on their way back to America. And that would just give the Dems more ammo. As it is we have 15 troops alive who will hopefully soon be free to kick some Iranian arse.

Have you ever heard the phrase 'Discretion is the better part of valour'? Think about it!!!

If you really want to talk about the proffesionalism of our respective troops, I have things I could say. But to be honest I don't want to sink to your level.

We are at war and we are meant to be on the same side. In war, shit happens!

One other phrase for you Carole;

'Engage brain before putting mouth in gear'

Akadjjam and Roger,

Thanks

-- April 4, 2007 12:34 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

First of all, the thing that you dislike the most is when you think I talk about you in the 3rd person. So why do you do it?

Secondly, if you haven't noticed for the last 8 months, all I have done is "mirror" your behavior with so called snide remarks.

A technique used to unveil a person's inner self esteem status. You react in a radical way when I mirror your behavior, and thus, to me anyway, as one who has some self esteem issues.

A sort of ego-maniac with an inferiority complex.

Once I discovered this, perhaps I was wrong to keep playing on it.... but asi es las vida! Handle it!

Secondly, concerning the Brits. Would you like me to give you a discourse on the British attitude towards the Jews? It would not be pretty!

Most recently, in their support of Muslims, they have decided to take any mention of the Halocoust out of their school books
(academic year 2006-2007).

I have other data ( again -not pretty) if you don't want to look it up yourself.

Then, I have the memory of multiple statements of my father who fought in WWll who described the "LIMMEES"
as a bunch of drunken fools who were the first to run....because according to his account they were poorly trained.

My father was a tank driver in the African arena and Italian arena from 1941-1944.

Finally, your attempt to go back to the posts about "suing you"... anyone can go back and read those posts.

I beleive I was responding to Sara's or Laura"s post about someone who won a law suit against anOther who was defaming them on the I-net. In a jestful way, I asked if I could then sue you and went on to claim multiple possible causes of action. IT WAS A JOKE, ROGER!
YOU KNOW HUMOR?
Besides, if you really thought I was serious, doesn't seem to have stopped you.

Soooooo, what ever your agenda is now, why don't you get off it and start acting your age.

Turn the page Roger, your rhetoric is getting old!

Carole

-- April 4, 2007 1:05 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Chelse:

There is not one diplomat that would agree with you that the Iranians ever had an agenda to kill the 15.

I have read reports that there was a British war craft in the same waters who stood by and watched the event with no response.

Blair is as much under fire for his involving Brit. troops in Iraq as Bush.

My bet is when his term is up, as he leaves so will all the Brit troops.

Sorry if you or anyone feels offended. I have had my share of darts to dodge too, but I guess in your eyes that doesn't count. But who's counting??? Not me!

Besides if you can't take the heat--get out of the kitchen.

Carole

-- April 4, 2007 1:17 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Carole,

I never said the Iranians had an agenda to kill the 15 hostages. I was replying to your comment that where you said 'I doubt seriously that a US Marine would have allowed themselves to be taken captive without a fight'.

As I said, I think when all the details are made available, you will probably find that had your Marines fought in the same scenario, you will probably have had 15 body bags on the way back to the US.

Again in your last post to Roger you are slagging off British troops and their training.

I don't have time right now, but seeing you really seem to want to drag me down to your level, I will tell you a story about your oh so brilliantly trained troops. I presume certain things are not put out in your media to avoid embarresment, but they get shown in our media.

We recently were treated to cockpit footage from US planes who opened fire on a clearly marked friendly military convoy without waiting for confirmation if there were any 'friendlies' in the area.

I guess the fact that only one Brit was killed was fortunate,as it could have been worse.

The pilots had already done one sweep and seen the orange markings on top of the vehicles that identified them as friendly, but thought they looked a bit like missiles so opened fire anyway. There are many other stories of Brits being killed by 'friendly fire'during the two Gulf wars but I won't go into them.

Like I said, in war, shit happens!!!!!

So until you get your facts right please stop telling us how brilliant your troops are, and how poorly trained and cowardly you think our troops are.

Remember, 'engage brain before putting mouth in gear'

All,

Sorry to American friends on this blog for bringing that up, but I am not prepared to stand and let Carole sprout out all her BS slagging off Brits and Brit troops without defending the troops of my nation.

-- April 4, 2007 2:08 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

You mentioned sometime ago about me changing the flavor of this blog by posting articles instead of engaging in discussion.

It is my opinion, your continued bickering with various members on this blog has indeed changed the flavor. Many of your remarks I have read could be considered inflamatory and offensive.
Personal attacks are never warranted and they accentuate existent character flaws. Remember, you cannot remove the log or beam your neighbor's eye without removing from your eye first.

Please post something constructive that is beneficial to the entire group.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 2:14 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,
Well what do you know, Botched raid by US led to the hostage crisis.
Goto,
news.independent.co.uk/world

Its very true, shit happens.

-- April 4, 2007 4:34 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Will the following have a positive or negative effect on the New Iraqi Dinar?

Kuwait slashes 'repo' after warning dinar speculators
Published Date: April 02, 2007

KUWAIT: Kuwait's central bank cut its repurchase rate by 12.5 basis points yesterday after warning speculators against betting on a revaluation of the oil exporter's dollar-pegged dinar currency. The move, four days after the bank said it may act against currency speculators, takes the repo rate to 5.75 per cent, making it cheaper for Kuwaiti banks to borrow money for one week from the central bank. That would put more dinars on the market, easing upward pressure on the exchange rate. It also raises the risk of inflation, a factor that prompted Kuwait, which has a tenth of the world's oil reserves, to revalue its currency last year.

"It's a catch-22 situation for Kuwait," said Steve Brice, regional head of research at Standard Chartered in Dubai, adding that concerns about inflation appeared to have prevented the central bank from making a bolder move. "12.5 basis points is an extremely small move, and the international financial community is likely to look at this as a weak response," he said. A central bank official said the bank had changed the repo, but declined to give reasons. The dinar weakened 0.28985/90 a dollar soon after the announcement and had recovered 0.28915/35 by 1106 GMT.

The repo cut could be the first of several measures to curb speculation, said Rafeek KP, assistant vice president, treasury, at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. "It will reduce the pressure on the dinar. They may have to take other measures to reduce speculation, which has been quite intense," he said. Investors had been buying dinar forwards after Kuwaiti officials said they may revalue the dinar, which, like other Gulf Arab currencies, is pegged to the US dollar.

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and four other Gulf Arab oil producers pegged their currencies to the dollar to prepare for monetary union in 2010. Markets began betting on a currency revaluation last year as the dollar fell around 10 per cent against the euro, making some Gulf imports more expensive and pushing up inflation. Speculation grew after Oman said it would not make the 2010 deadline for a single currency, and reached fever pitch in January when the United Arab Emirates raised the prospect of a region-wide revaluation after a meeting of Gulf central bankers in Saudi Arabia this week.

Kuwait is seen as the most likely candidate for a revaluation, a Reuters poll of analysts showed last month. On Wednesday, Kuwait's central bank warned it "may take measures so that there will be no benefit from such speculative behaviour", and said it was not satisfied with an increase in the volume of dinar purchases. Kuwait allowed its currency to appreciate 1 per cent within a 3.5 per cent trading band against the dollar in May, citing rising euro and other non-dollar import costs. Kuwait's annual inflation rate rose to 4.3 per cent in 2006, Standard Chartered estimated in a March research report. That would be its highest rate in at least five years. The bank forecast Kuwait's inflation would fall to 3.2 per cent in 2007. - Reuters
(http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NzQ0NDc5NTA3)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 5:56 PM ∞

---

frank wrote:

check this site out
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/16008

-- April 4, 2007 8:04 PM ∞

---

Blake wrote:

Rob,
Carol's comments hasn't caused you to respond. Why do you want her to respond according to your requests? Which are not appropriate. She has every right to respond to the continuous attacks and belittlements toward her.
I have been reading this B&B for a long time and rarely respond, but I felt it time now since there seems to be a Carol Bashing going on.

It is easy and safe to post someone else's thoughts and articles. It takes guts to enter into the diverse conversations involved here.

Two things concern me: do we not have concensus here that we can all agree to disagree on some points

why is not the dinar administrator editing the horrendous character asassinations going on toward Carol?

It was remarked by the Administrator some time ago that he was aware of those who used several different names when posting to try to give support to a certain point of view towards a subject or a person. I think this is what we are seeing now.

Carol: I see you try to walk away from the negative remarks toward you, but then you are quickly drawn back into the mess by reacting to the attacks. I can't say that I blame you, but you could spare yourself alot of grief and anxiety and a whole hell of alot of wasted time on people who are not worth it, in my view.

For your information, my uncle must have been in the same tank with your father. Has the same to say about the British during
World War ll.

Worse than that, they brought us the Beatles, and life in the United States hasn't been right since.

-- April 4, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Blake:

You charge me with Carole bashing. My comments today were not of a hostile or inflamatory nature.

I appreciate Carole's contribution to the blog. In my world incessant bickering does not make for a pleasant environment. I would like to see Carole curb her emotions and focus on why we are here to discuss the Dinar.

As to my posting of articles, I think those articles are relavent to what we are doing here. I simply asked Carole to do two things: (1) Remove the mote in your own eye, before attempting to remove said mote from your neighbors eye. (2) post something constructive. I think we can all agree everyone on the blong can do these two items and make this spot a good environment to discuss the Iraqi Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 4, 2007 9:44 PM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

Come on Fellas:

Let's don't gang up on Carole. She is a little contraversial on some subjects but she calls it the way that she sees it and I appreciate her stating her viewpoint even if I disagree, but we will all have to agree that she is a great contributor to this Blog.

Roger, my chosen one, please be a little more tolorent with Carole as she has offered a small olive branch on several occasions.

-- April 4, 2007 11:07 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Neil,

Well, I try but she for sure get the best of me on occasion, the Olive branch offered...well that is the apparent picture pinted, But it has never turned into anything that really come to mean anything.

-- April 5, 2007 2:27 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Good news, the Iranians are releasing the hostages, well first they just have to make a spectacle, press conference, give medals to the raiding party, and blame the Brits for some things or the other.

Either way, they are being released according to the news posted, well great.

We've got to take care of this Iranian menace.

-- April 5, 2007 2:33 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

About the bank meeting in Amman,

I'm not really sure what to make out of it. I am aware that on other blogs thy are making a big deal out of it, and this might be the thing needed before the revaluation.

I'm not so sure about that, I have read the schedule and the agendas brought up, and to me it doesn't seem to be anything else other than an excuse to get out of
Baghdad for a couple of days to get drunk in Jordan.

Really nothing on the agenda excites me too much, just another boooooring meeting where boooring bank details are discussed, while the delegates are talking with each other, drinking something and excusing themselves while they go out side the conference room, doing calls, arranging for the party that night.

-- April 5, 2007 2:42 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Old and new systems, cultures and workable ways.

This might seem a bit out of line but bear with me.

Snow left on the ground will after some time be one solid clump of ice.

Glaciers all started up as snowfall.

A tree, animal or other organic matter once having a life of it's own and a body, made of very specific substance will after some time , if it is covered in mud, have the same substance as the mud.

So, the dinosaur bone, we're digging up is not bone at all, it is a piece of stone.

As in a snowflake, from the time it is formed, there will be a surface migration of atoms, from it's location to a location with less surface tension. When the atoms are neatly packed in a form where the surface tension is as low as it can get, it will have transformed into ONE crystal, where atoms are neatly lined up together.

That's how we get glaciers and that's how we get fossils.

You can say that glaciers and fossils are two states in where the individual particles have arranged themselves out of completely chaos to reach the optimum stage where the influence on each individual particle have reached a state in where each individual particle have the optimum bonding and the most efficient possible state of existence with the individual particles they are interacting with.

If an atom has a certain quality, it then gives that this is the natural law that is followed by each atom, and in concert with all of them, the compound you are getting is based on the individual atoms quality and ability.

Diamonds ou of carbon etc.

They are at peace with each other so to say.

Very much in the same way does a society seem to adjust to it's individual membership, while they are shuffling around internally in the compound they represent.

The US at its birth, and today, is so completely different, but we know how to shuffle along in the compound with the rules given. Same basic rules.

As time goes, something that in the beginning looked like chaos, seem to change into order.

Continental Europe during the middle ages was nothing more than a rat filled disease cesspool of illiteracy, hierarchy rule, poverty, cold, dirty, easily spooked by omens, sea monsters, and other superstitions.

The wars, unfortunates, and different disasters in one way or the other, that was part of the development of this civilization was part of the shuffling process, where the pieces was relocating, like the atoms, sitting in surface tension, moves to a location where the forces are at status quo.

Europe today is a sprawling civilization, still not the perfect crystal, but with the internal surface tensions well worked out.

Hardly any problem no more to go across a border, same currency, laws that are made in unison with each others interest, you can work where you want without visas, and passport is not really needed anymore when you travel internally in Europe.

The US have made this long development, and are also reaching a state where you know who to call if in trouble, you can expect the IRS to be there, and you expect to get your 7/11morning coffee on your way to work.

Solid pieces well working states of existence, where the individual pieces don't have to fear death for infractions when shuffling around.

The Islamic states, now there is a different story.

Given the rules and condition of the engagement with each other, the individual shuffling will at the end not end up in one solid crystal, as the rules imposed on each individual particle moving around will eventually only give one end solution.

So when that society have been around for so long time, and the individual shuffling, never get to ONE efficient solid crystal, but end up in an endless mud, or soggy milk shake of some sort, then it is very plausible to assume that the rules imposed will give just that, clan rule, tribes rule, soggy milk shake or soggy mud, call it what ever, but the end result will always have that particular outcome, all the time.

This is not the individuals fault, they are trying very hard to follow the rules and regulations set. When the praying time goes out, then they do just that.

So, this piece of civilization is right now having a new set of rules set upon their society, and are right in the very beginning of it.

So they are at a stage where they are like snow, eventually the shuffling and the individual movements will end up in a homogeneous piece of crystal where the individual tensions will be minimized as much as possible , but right now, there is nothing but surface tension, pulling the particles criss cross, in a never ending dance across the surface of their existence.

In that, we can read chaos if we look on each individual particle pulling in all kinds of directions, but the main force is towards a unified existence.

The Dinar, to get there, is a casualty of the war for equilibrium.

While we from our point of view can see a big unified ice crystal, with straight lines, and transparent view throughout the whole crystal, the Iraqis can see their small region, and it is full of nooks and crannies, hills and valleys, and the periphery is so much less then the view in a crystal.

Give all this time, an RV might happen, or it might not, but the forces at large has to do it's work.

If an RV happens, we cash out, and don't think twice about the societies down there, the slow and hard process of lining up the dots, setting up the lines, crossing all the T's and building all the bridges will continue.

We have in a very short time, squeezed some snow, made a snow man, and told the Iraqis to make something out of this.

Let time take care of itself and after a while a crystal will appear.

-- April 5, 2007 3:51 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

About the possible reval of some of the GCC's members currency.

Your question, will a reval on one or more of the neighbouring currencies be positive or negative with regards to the value of the Iraqi Dinar?

I say it will be positive.

A currency like the Iraqi Dinar (or any other currency for that matter) is not only valued for its internal strength but also how it compares with other currencies.

If the Iraqis , as they claim, wants to get back with their dinar in a standing where they were before Saddam and the invasion, and be back to Dinars value in par with the neighbouring countries, well so much better for us, if the neighbouring countries are raising the stakes.

Just by the fact that they are raising the value of their currency, will put so much more pressure on the Iraqis to raise the value of their currency.

A revaluation of a currency in let's say Chile, would not put any pressure of significance on Iraq, but border countries where daily business are conducted, will put a real and pronounced pressure on the Iraqis to raise their currency.

It's good business for us.

-- April 5, 2007 4:10 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Don't have a clue where the American tank driver draws his conclusions from, if he were in Africa.

The Brits was in the eastern Africa, Egypt and thereabouts.

The Americans made a landing on the western borders of Africa, with the help of the British fleet.

The Americans first encounter with the Germans was a complete fiasco, in fact it was such a disaster that a lot of American units got completely wiped out.

The battle was in Kasserine Pass, where the German Panther and Tiger tanks was lighting up the American inferior built tanks like Zippos.

The British fought a very big battle at El Alamein, and put Rommel on the run from their side.

The Brits had a year before Pearl Harbor made a "Pearl Harbor like" attack at Turin, and sunk almost the complete Italian fleet,(closely studied by the Japanese) and had by this time sea superiority on the Mediterranean sea.

The Brits had in Bletchley Park cracked the German code, and knew when and where the German supply ships where going.

Mysteriously there was always a British sub waiting for the ship, Rommel got strangled with less and less supplies.

The Germans fell back mostly because the Brits had figure out how to strangled them.

Technologically the Germans was much more advanced.

In that environment the American corps got beat the shit out of them by the Germans, and started calling the Brits "Limeys".

American made historic documentaries seems to be very biased in that the Americans won the war FOR the Europeans.

During the war effort it was fought side by side, and that's how we won.

That's the only way we can win.

I wish we can set aside this old stuff, and concentrate on the problem at hand, the Iranians.

The Iranian fascists wants us dead, simple as that. It's part of their religious conviction, and thus the fascists in Iran are true fanatics.

-- April 5, 2007 4:43 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Your personal analyses of me is amusing, "an ego maniac with inferiority complex"

UHU.....

You claim that you're now mirroring me, to study me and have found very deep faults with me while you're doing this.

UHU.....

You're having a fresh layer of aluminum foil under your wig to protect you from the x-ray beams I'm transmitting to your brain....

UHU.....

Yes Carole, whatever you say.

-- April 5, 2007 4:54 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

I'm a bit puzzled by the article about 15 companies invited to drill in Iraq.

The cabinet have apparently endorsed a law of some sort, but I don't get it, if this is the passing of the much debated HCL law, I don't think so, because that's something that Bush is very eager to have passed, and it would for sure be more in the news than this, if that happens.

Just confused as to what it is...perhaps some one, other than the Iraqi Parliament are also getting tired of this long bickering, and have decided to go at it, without them.

Getting a head start so to say.

-- April 5, 2007 5:07 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(898)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 898 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/4/ 5 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 82.670.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 82.670.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 5, 2007 5:09 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Just scanned the conversation about Iran. I won't have time to read as I have access issues where I am going but could this hostage taking event be nothing more than an effort to raise oil prices so Iran can continue to fund terror?

Nothing else makes any sense to me

Take then hostage
Idict them
Pardon them
Call it a gift to the Brits

We're dealing with no ordinary lunatic, far from garden variety.

-- April 5, 2007 5:13 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris,

The Iranians in their ruling fascist faction, is as fanatic lunatics as they come.

Same level on the Dinar, but hey look at this, they're selling off the Dollar as they can get their hands on it.

This is building up nicely, if they are continuing this 80-90 million Dollar/day, they will have bought up a big bunch of their Dinars in a timely fashion.

This to me are building up to either reval or an accelerated value increase of the Dinar.

Either way, they have to do something that will make a real difference very soon.

They cant continue to dink around with either no value increase, or very little value increase, while the inflation is eating them alive.

The ONLY known remedy in a hyperinflation is a drastic raise of the currency's value.

This small almost invisible raises, followed by a couple of days worth no raises, will not do anything for their inflation situation.

-- April 5, 2007 5:26 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

If the Iranians had an idea that they could jack up the oil prices during this hostage taking, and thus finance their terrorism, their idea didn't work.

During the hostage crisis, the oil dipped about 2 bucks a barrel.

-- April 5, 2007 5:45 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Blake,

The Beatles was great, the American explosive scene from the -50's, had lost a lot of poop.

Presley went into the military and was gone, Buddy Holly got killed, and Jerry Lee, was messing with his 14 year old relative, and was laying low for a while.

The scene was ready for a change, the big ones was stuff like Fabian, and others like him, that was completely forgettable.

I'm glad things have not been the same since The Beatles came along.

They were very talented, and I'm sure the songs that group produced, still today is in the mind of most adults.

It's probably the only group that produced so much music that most people can hum along to at least 15 or 20 of their songs.

Of course the -60's took another turn, but I doubt that was The Beatles fault, they went along on the bandwagon as all of us did.

Peace brother! Feel the vibes...Tune in, Turn on, Drop out....

-- April 5, 2007 6:35 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Neil and Blake,
Thank you for your seemingly sympathetic expressions. But, truly, I don't feel "bashed". And even if I did, I'm not the type that when the game doesn't go my way, I pick up my marbles and go home.

There is more testosterone on this site than estrogen, and that explains alot of the way things go here.

You should see me at a poker table----especially when I'm winning. Iget accused of things like being a card shark and with having favor with the dealer( the funniest of them all).

My profession has awarded me the skill of observing human behavior. Mix that with a very full life of experiences, and I am relatively capable of handling most situations.

I know my limits though, and for sure my weaknesses.

Lately, I have been very much involved on this site because I have been laid up and have way too much time on my hands. Here soon, I'll be back on my feet and hopefully will regain my more productive life.

Anyway, you both bring up some valid general concerns, but I doubt you will get any more answers than I have gotten. There are a few missing pieces to this blog puzzle....

Carole

-- April 5, 2007 7:29 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Good lesson in metamorphics.

Humans are differentiated from other species in that we have a central nervous system far superior to any other species on this planet.

God's design was that He generally gives us on an average of 70 years to go from a snowflake to a glacier. And we are differentiated metamorphically speaking, because we have a free will.
So if we choose not to ever become a glacier we won't.

Carole

-- April 5, 2007 7:41 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
Good post on the the British Forces...England has always produced warriors...they are a strong fighting force...and I am proud to have them along side us in the battle...I am glad they got away from the red coats during battle thou...especially now that we are standing beside them...the color red makes too good of a target...as they learned from us..

-- April 5, 2007 9:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The Central Bank enhances banks’ liquidity

The Iraqi Central Bank said that its new monetary policy will enhance the ability of banks to manage short-term liquidity.

A statement of the Bank said that this policy addresses according to the intermediate variables, including the quality of growth in the amount of cash offers, the ability to manage liquidity and the tools of the monetary policy desired by it, pointing out that the new mechanism would include working with the currency and securities markets to create an effective system of payment that grants banks the trust to meet their payment obligations at reasonable cost, and the most costly in the provision of liquidity is the use of additional reserves such as money in treasuries and balances in excess of the legal reserve requirements.

The statement confirmed that the margins of the difference between interest rates on deposits and loans can be reduced by allowing the banks to reduce the possession of the proceeds resulting from surplus requirements that have no interests, explaining that the ability of banks depend on reducing excess requirements through reliable media in the management of liquidity.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 9:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Govt. tends to continue political reforms

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

Baghdad, 05 April 2007 (Al-Sabaah)
Print article Send to friend
Prime Minister Noori Maliki renewed his desire to continue the reforms at political field by issuing package of projects to strength reconciliation and stability at his summit by closed television circle with the US President George Bush, while Vise Iraqi President Tareq Hashemi said that suggested solution in Iraq is approval series of plans facing political, economic, security and legislative problems.

Statement of Prime Minister's office added that the two Presidents held meting to discuss general situations in Iraq, and the US President stressed his support to national reconciliation Govt. and PM's role at develop political process and strength democracy to serve Iraqis' interests.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 9:45 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi currency carries risk: Online dinar dealers under fire from consumers
By Mc Nelly Torres

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

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 05 April 2007 (Sun-Sentinel)
Print article Send to friend
Ellen Whitmore never takes a risk. She watches her expenses closely and describes herself as a conservative investor.

But last November, Whitmore, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, did something out of character while surfing the Internet: She made an impulse purchase after a pop-up window claimed that buying Iraqi currency was a good investment. She has since learned the hard way, as financial experts and consumer watchdogs warn, that investing in foreign currency with online companies could be a risky proposition.

"It sounded very legitimate," said Whitmore, who never received the 2 million Iraqi dinars she purchased for $1,480 through the Web site of Illinois-based United World Exchange, www.usdinar.com.

Whitmore, a part-time volunteer with a local nonprofit organization, is one of a growing number of consumers who have filed complaints against United World Exchange with the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and the Illinois attorney general's office. In recent weeks, the number of complaints has doubled to about 190 as consumers around the nation, including six in South Florida, have filed complaints claiming fraud.

Lucy Jodlowska, manager of investigations at the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, said the bureau has notified the U.S. Department of Treasury, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, but she wouldn't say if the federal agencies are probing the business. The BBB of Chicago is currently handling all the complaints against United World Exchange. "We have received 29 consumer complaints and we are looking into it," said Robyn Ziegler, a spokesperson with the Illinois attorney general's office. Ziegler would not confirm or deny whether the state agency is investigating.

Repeated calls to United World Exchange were not returned.

Earlier this year, the BBB began warning consumers about investments in Iraqi dinar, including United World Exchange. New complaints originating from a similar company in San Diego, known as B & G Currency Trading, show the companies have shared ownership between two individuals, Samir Altaeh and Joseph Beaudry. Another company, DinarMerchant, has also been linked to United World Exchange, the BBB reported.

Al Polizzi, a spokesman with the BBB in West Palm Beach, said both Altaeh and Beaudry are listed as the owners or principals for both companies in San Diego and Chicago. "It appears the company started in San Diego and later moved to Chicago," he said.

Consumers, among them civilian contractors and military personnel stationed in Iraq, filing complaints against the companies, claimed they never received the Iraqi currency and that both companies failed to return money when consumers demanded refunds.

United World Exchange's Web site, where Tuesday's exchange for 1 million dinars was $776.40, claims Iraqi currency is a good investment.

But experts said trading in foreign currency is complex and sophisticated. Investing in currency is a risky business, they said, because the value of the currency depreciates quickly. Also, most dealers and U.S. banks won't buy Iraqi dinar.

Alex Merk, whose Palo Alto, Calif.-based Merk Investments manages clients' hard-currency investments, said foreign currency trade is not well regulated.

"Unless you are a collector or if you are going to Iraq, I don't see why people would buy Iraqi currency," Merk said. "If you are traveling to a country, you are better off exchanging dollars there."

Mc Nelly Torres can be reached at mntorres@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4208 or 561-243-6600, ext. 4208.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Explosion strikes oil pipeline in southern Iraq

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

05 April 2007 (AP Worldstream)
Print article Send to friend
A bomb struck an oil pipeline Thursday, cutting off supplies and causing a huge fire in southern Iraq near the border with Kuwait, an official said.

The pipeline carries oil from surrounding fields to storage tanks in Basra for export to the Gulf region, according to the official with the South Oil Co. But he said the tanks were full and export supplies had not yet been affected.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media, said the explosion occurred about midnight and the fire raged for hours before it was extinguished in the afternoon. He said oil had stopped flowing from the fields to the storage tanks but supplies were sufficient and exports were not affected.

The attack occurred just north of Safwan near the border with Kuwait, the official said, adding he expected the fire to be extinguished later Thursday. The Oil Ministry in Baghdad could not immediately be reached for comment.

Iraq exports about 2 million barrels of oil a day of which about 1.6 million barrels are exported through the port of Basra and come 300,000 are being pumped from the northern city of Kirkuk to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

Oil production has plummeted since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003 as the oil pipelines have faced repeated insurgent sabotage, attacks on maintenance crews, alleged corruption, theft and mismanagement.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Hi All,

Event : 2200 Economic Iraqi bank in a conference on finance
05.04.07
Amman / commoners hailed

Starting with more than "200" Iraqi and Arab bank yesterday, Wednesday, in the Jordanian capital of Amman to the first Conference of the work of the banking and finance in Iraq, which will continue for two days. He said Bljit Vohra Executive Director of the draft prosperity sponsor of the Conference with the Assyrian International Bank for Investment and a number of banks and companies that this conference is the first of its kind for the Iraqi banks will participate in Arab banks in Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and other foreign countries such as the United States and Japan, adding that the bankers will discuss the motives of banking and the challenges of the twenty-first century, he said, pointing out that : "they will discuss during the conference how to develop banking work in Iraq and the Central Bank's role in the implementation of monetary policy, Vohra, explained : "The conference will discuss the current situation of the private banks and the future development and how payment systems and information management, noting that the conference would workshops to discuss within the banking and the management of banks.

For his part, the representative of the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Dr. Saleh appearance "There are three main points in order to enable the Iraqi banking sector to perform activities on the financial environment according to the wholesome Monetary Authority has taken upon itself the achievement of the first tasks of the (liberalization of the financial sector, particularly the liberalization of interest rates and the removal of any form of fiscal restraint, open to foreign banks to work in Iraq, whether branches or independent companies or partnerships with private banks, the shift from banking oversight to control the automatic preventive control, the freedom of foreign transfers without any restrictions on the states and according to the liberation of the current account of the balance of payments and in accordance with Article VIII of the International Monetary Fund) .

Meanwhile, the deputy chairman of the economic development of American Mike Harvey that the movement of banking in Iraq will witness significant development, and quality leap through the development of economic sectors including the private sector and increased investment after the approval of the Iraqi Parliament.

Harvey said in a speech during the conference "that the programs carried out in Iraq during the past years had been important on the economic level, where he was one of the most prominent of these programs support the social protection network, which provides financial support to more than a million Iraqi families, and Harvey added :" We join Iraq to the World WTO is a real commitment of the Iraqi government to transform the economy to become compatible with the global economy. "

And what was achieved during the 2006 Harvey said : "We have been sending experts and advisors in the field of economy to Iraq to provide support to the Iraqi government in the economic transformation was during this period of the opening programs for investment banking work and to the modernization and development of the banking system in Iraq.

-- April 5, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Higher demand for dollar as more banks participate in daily auction
By Dergham Mohammed Ali

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

Baghdad, 05 April 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Demand for the dollar increased in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Wednesday with the participation of 18 banks, reaching $90.470 million compared with $31.780 million on Tuesday.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $12.370 million in cash and $78.100 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,272 dinars per dollar, unchanged since Monday.

None of the 18 banks, the largest number in months, that participated in Wednesday's auction offered to sell dollars.

Abdul-Razzaq al-Abaiji, an economist, told VOI "the hike in demand for the dollar in today's auction was partly due to the large number of banks that participated in today's session and partly to the stable exchange rate for the third session running now."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Forces conduct raid in Baghdad
Thursday, 05 April 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070404-10
April 4, 2007

Iraqi Forces conduct raid in Baghdad
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army forces conducted an early-morning operation on April 4 in
Baghdad, capturing 10 suspects believed to be involved in a major terrorist cell.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces simultaneously raided
several residences in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad and captured their
primary targets including the leader of the cell.

Coalition and Iraqi Forces encountered enemy-fire upon entry into one of the
structures. Well aimed fire allowed Iraqi Security forces to kill one insurgent and wound
another during the exchange.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be responsible for attacks on
Coalition and Iraqi Forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. The suspects were also linked to
manufacturing and storing vehicle borne improvised explosive devices in a separate
facility.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11138&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 10:01 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Roger!
Check your email..

-- April 5, 2007 10:56 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob,

All of my family, including myself bought dinar from USdinar.com. Last purchases from them was around Oct.2006 and then we went to Safedinar.

We all got our dinars and they are U.S. registered. However, one of my friends on his last purchase with USdinar.com waited almost 8 weeks for the delivery of his dinars. And was not getting the call backs from them as we had previously experienced. It was pretty scarry for him.

My question is: how do we know that we got authentic dinar? It all looks real and has all of the criteria for real dinar.

My RE friend has recently purchased another 100mil dinar from safedinar.com and got his dinar in a few days.

All of us here on this site are convinced that dinar investing has a tremendous potential( actually, I am about the least convinced). But generally speaking we all think we are in a pretty fgood place. However, on our vacation , I had the opporotunity to meet several people that trade currency on a full time basis, and no one had more than about a 5k investment in the dinar. They tried to explain to me why it is not a good trade so far, and will probably never be, but I am a little hard headed and so, their rationale made little or no sense to me. I also, have a memory deficit :) so I can't remember the detail of theri explanation. But I do remember one of the guys asking me "don;t you think we would all be heavily invested if we thought there was the potential you are hoping for--we all do this for a living?"

I left a little discouraged, but I figured what is done is done! Why get too concerned at this point. Then I got home and found out that my mega millionaire RE friend purchased another 100K and I figure he must know something!

It is a very perplexing situation.

Carole

-- April 5, 2007 11:27 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Washington Post Pounds Pelosi’s Syria Trip as 'Foolish' and 'Ludicrous'
Posted by Noel Sheppard on April 5, 2007

Better strap yourself in for this one, sports fans, for the Washington Post ran an editorial Thursday harshly criticizing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) and the “foolish shuttle diplomacy” she exhibited on her controversial trip to Syria this week.

Entitled “Pratfall in Damascus,” the piece pounded Pelosi early and often (emphasis added throughout), QUOTE:

HOUSE SPEAKER Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad.

===

Shocked? Well, the Post's editorial staff was just getting warmed up. Check those seatbelts again:

After a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Ms. Pelosi announced that she had delivered a message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that "Israel was ready to engage in peace talks" with Syria. What's more, she added, Mr. Assad was ready to "resume the peace process" as well. Having announced this seeming diplomatic breakthrough, Ms. Pelosi suggested that her Kissingerian shuttle diplomacy was just getting started. "We expressed our interest in using our good offices in promoting peace between Israel and Syria," she said.

Only one problem: The Israeli prime minister entrusted Ms. Pelosi with no such message. "What was communicated to the U.S. House Speaker does not contain any change in the policies of Israel," said a statement quickly issued by the prime minister's office. In fact, Mr. Olmert told Ms. Pelosi that "a number of Senate and House members who recently visited Damascus received the impression that despite the declarations of Bashar Assad, there is no change in the position of his country regarding a possible peace process with Israel." In other words, Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda.

The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish.

===end of quote==

Bravo. If only more of the sycophant media would recognize how dangerous – and, conceivably un-Constitutional – Pelosi’s actions were.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11839
Pratfall in Damascus:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306.html

-- April 5, 2007 2:51 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

ABC Highlights Safety Improvements in Baghdad
Posted by Brad Wilmouth on April 3, 2007

Tuesday's World News with Charles Gibson highlighted signs of improvement in parts of Baghdad in the aftermath of the U.S. troop surge. ABC's Gibson introduced the story relaying that correspondent Terry McCarthy, after traveling to several Baghdad neighborhoods, "has found definite improvement." Among other developments, McCarthy reported on families feeling safe enough to take their children to the city's largest amusement park: "People feel safe to bring their kids here and have fun on a Friday afternoon. For us, it's really great to see people in Baghdad having fun."

McCarthy introduced his story recounting that although there are still daily bombings in Baghdad, "a small area of relative calm is starting to grow," relaying his visit to several neighborhoods where residents reported that "life is slowly coming back to normal." (Transcript follows)

Among other areas, McCarthy discussed the once-infamous Haifa Street that is no longer as dangerous as it once was, where men at a tea shop asked McCarthy's crew to film them "to show things are getting better." After mentioning positive developments in other neighborhoods, the ABC correspondent pointed out the increased number of families visiting the amusement park in the Zawra area. McCarthy: "People feel safe to bring their kids here and have fun on a Friday afternoon. For us, it's really great to see people in Baghdad having fun." After wondering if the relative safety would continue, he concluded: "For the time being, though, people here are happy to enjoy a life that looks almost normal."

Below is a complete transcript (see url):

http://newsbusters.org/node/11805

-- April 5, 2007 2:55 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Exclusive: Iran Nuclear Bomb Could Be Possible by 2009
April 02, 2007

Brian Ross and Christopher Isham Report:

Iran has more than tripled its ability to produce enriched uranium in the last three months, adding some 1,000 centrifuges which are used to separate radioactive particles from the raw material.

The development means Iran could have enough material for a nuclear bomb by 2009, sources familiar with the dramatic upgrade tell ABC News.

The sources say the unexpected expansion is taking place at Iran's nuclear enrichment plant outside the city of Natanz, in a hardened facility 70 feet underground.

A spokesperson for the United Nation's International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, declined to comment citing the "extreme sensitivity" of the situation with Iran.
Iran has already declared its above-ground operations at Natanz have some 320 centrifuges.

The addition of 1,000 new centrifuges, which are not yet operational, means Iran is expanding its enrichment program at a pace much faster than U.S. intelligence experts had predicted.

"If they continue at this pace, and they get the centrifuges to work and actually enrich uranium on a distinct basis," said David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security, "then you're looking at them having, potentially having enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon in 2009."

Previous predictions by U.S. intelligence had cited 2015 as the earliest date Iran could develop a weapon.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has publicly predicted his country would have 3,000 centrifuges installed by this May, but few in the West gave his claim much credence, until now.

"I think we have all been caught off guard. Ahmadinejad said they would have these 3,000 installed by the end of May, and it appears they may actually do it," Albright said.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/04/exclusive_iran_.html

-- April 5, 2007 2:57 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq: No link between UK troops, Iranian captives
Apr. 5, 2007 By YANIV SALAMA

Events concerning Iranian officials that occurred prior to the release of the 15 British sailors released by Iran "are not linked in any way" said Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's chief diplomat, France's Le Monde reported Thursday.

According to the report, the release of the captured crew had "nothing to do with" that of Jalal Sharafi, who disappeared in Iraq two months ago, nor with the arrest on January 11 of the five Iranian diplomats, who the West claimed were members of Iran's revolutionary guard.

Baghdad, London, Teheran and Washington all say that it was a simple coincidence the report said, and that there "were no negotiations, and no arrangements made."

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173879254988&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

-- April 5, 2007 3:15 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Ipod saves Soldier's Life

Photos sent to me by my friend Danny with this caption:

My wife’s uncle works in a military hospital and told me about this. Its pretty amazing. A soldier from the 3rd Infantry Division was on a street patrol in Iraq (Tikrit I believe) and as he rounded the corner of a building an armed (AK-47) insurgent came from the other side.

The two of them were within just a few feet of each other when they opened fire. The insurgent was killed and the soldier was hit in the left chest where his IPod was in his jacket pocket. It slowed the bullet down enough that it did not completely penetrate his body armor. Fortunately, he suffered no wound.

I thought it was a great story so I posted them here.

http://upload7.postimage.org/565951/photo_hosting.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiki/445618364/in/pool-appleusers/

-- April 5, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Conflicting information can be quite confusing. It is my personal belief concerning the currency traders you met that their perspective may be based upon what they read and see in the MSM.

I am sure you have heard it said: "if you tell a lie often enough eventually it is believed." Since the Iraq war began we have been told that our activities there are pointless.

Outside of polls being construded in such a way to evoke a certain response, it appears the majority of Americans believe the lie told by the Dems and the MSM. I am not surprised those currency traders you met cannot see the forest for the trees.

Let us look at all the money that our government has spent in Iraq in an effort to rebuild the country. We were successful in WWII in reconstructing Japan. The United States isn't the only country spending money there.

Other monetary sources are pouring into the country through the World Bank and loans all in an effort to help Iraq become prosperous. Iraq has inherent value, if it did not like Afghanistan not one American red dime would be spent there.

Its inherent value is its resources. Namely, oil and natural gas. Other industries will thrive in Iraq too, like its farming community. The U.S is also pumping money into that industry to.

Sadly, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed are the modern versions of what Tokyo Rose was during the Korean War. I think your RE friend is right to invest in the Iraqi Dinar. Is it a high risk venture? Yes. In my investments, I attempt to follow the money. Those currency traders you met are blinded by the defeatest propaganda coming forth from the Dems. You realize, the Dems do not have a better solution. I know this because they have not offered one.

I think at the end of our journey, you will be surprised at what the investment in the Dinar will have achieved. I hope I am at the pig roast to hear your sigh of relief that you invested in the first place.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 5, 2007 5:54 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob,

Thanks for your encouraging insights. I feel better.

The reality is that I have invested in the dinar ( and at the time knew nothing about what I was doing, just going along with what my daughters and husbands were doing). So, of course, I would like to see a return on those invetments, but if not, se la vi, what's done is done.

I am blessed in the way that my life is very good and financially stable with or without the dinar RV. But most of my friends and family and some very dear ones on ths site stand a very good chance at financial stability if the dinar hits, that they might otherwise not have. For this reason, I hope and pray that you and others are right.

Thanks again,

Carole

-- April 5, 2007 11:19 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Hi, took a couple of days off?? Welcome to the insanity, one of your articles you posted is of great concern.

The Iranians capability to centrifuge nuclear material.

Let me please go back to basics for a while to point out the severity of this.

Ok, in order to make a big bang, they need Uranium 235.

Its a rare Isotope found in Uranium ore.

Mostly they are getting Uranium 238 out of Uranium ore, a heavier form of Uranium and slightly more stable, but impossible to split unless they mix in U235.

For exact details, everyone is free to go down to the local library and read about the exact process on how to enrich Uranium, so I am only going to do a simple form here.

Uranium ore is chemically and mechanically/chemically washed and processed to reach as high grade as possible.

It will then be in a mustard or yellowish gooey form called "Yellow cake".

To get out the pure Uranium 238 and Uranium 235, you need at this time to treat each individual Uranium atom, so you now need to make the stew into gas form.

So for those that knows a little bit about moonshine products made out in the woods, you will have an idea on how a still works.

You make a brew, as strong and fast as you can.

Alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water, and you bring up the brew in temperature just under the waters boiling point.

The alcohol will evaporate, the alcohol steam is funneled into a pipe that are cooled down, making the alcohol condensate and drip down in a catch.

Thus you have separated water and alcohol.

You do something very similar with the Yellow cake, except you do one more step with it, while it is still in gas form.

Remember the Uranium have different number of particles in it, depending on what isotope of Uranium it is.

If it has a different number of particles in it, that means they have different weight.

One atom of U238 have more particles in it than one atom of U235.

For two elements that close together, the weight difference is so small, that normal gravity experienced on the surface of this earth will not do much in separating the two elements, while in gas form, so you introduce artificial gravity, and spin the stuff.

This is the centrifuges, the last (main) process in order to get pure U235.

The stuff needed to make nuclear warheads, not available in WalMart.

The amount each centrifuge can distill out is very small, almost ridiculous small, but the way around that is to have a very large number of centrifuges.

The amount of centrifuges the Iranians would set onto production is a straight relationship to when in time they will have their own first nuclear warhead.

I am a bit surprised of how advanced their program is at this time, the amount of centrifuges planned and the close future this project is to a completion of full production.

They seem to have stepped up and have even surprised intelligence gatherers in the west of how far they have come.

Where they stand now, they have very little time left until they are able to blow something up of their liking.

Sara, from your article, I got shook a bit, seeing what capabilities they really have.

A nuclear weapon in the hands of Islamic fascists, means trouble for the world in one way or the other, because they are not only going to sit on it for the bragging rights, they WILL use it.

-- April 6, 2007 1:22 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

3000 centrifuges by the end of May. Dear friends what that tells us, is that the Iranians have full industrial production of nuclear warhead grade Uranium in a few weeks from now.

That again is only a few weeks from now, if it didn't sink in the first time.

They still may have some experimenting to do, to get the warheads to function properly, and probably need to blow one up first in a cave somewhere just to test it.

Probably they are manufacturing warheads from already known designs, procured by that criminal in Pakistan that gladly sold nuke tech to any rogue nation, in the name of Allah.

Designs though are pretty easy available, but some of the designs that are out there are fakes, and planted out there.

One university professor from Stanford university, did as a spoof, a series of articles, very well designed articles, explaining all details in such a fashion that the whole subject looked very believable, and that making nuclear weapons was basically a peanut.

His articles was under the headline of -"How to make a nuclear bomb using kitchen stuff".

It just wouldn't work, he knew it, but the result of this article was amazing.

25 years AFTER he wrote that article, his whole article word by word, (with the original authors name deleted) was part of instruction books found in captured Al Qaeda manuals in Afghanistan.

So the Iranians would need to work out a functioning war head, and test it, when they test it, we will know that they are ready.

The N.Korean test, was deemed a "dud' or "fizz bomb" by authors in the west, because of the very low yield from the explosion.

This is not so, the test is only a determination if the designed warhead will work or not, and the need to use a lot of hard worked, man hours centrifuging material in a test head is probably closely considered.

They probably are conserving as much fuel as possible for their "real' warheads.

They're getting there, fast, much faster then first thought, so watch out for this development, it will play a more and more central role, not only in the region, but in US, UK and UN , because the matter hurries now, and Iran will most probably delay, delay and put more and more obstacles in the way until they have the bomb.

Unless we take them out, if we don't, Israel will, because they must do so.

The center piece of the Middle East will focus more and more on Iran, as the outcome of this is only two.

1. Do nothing and be a victim.

2. Take them out, and survive.

-- April 6, 2007 1:56 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Paul,

Thanks, got to read all that booooring talk the bank guys are giving out, but found a really nice gem in it.

It's so darn convoluted in other talk that it's hard to spot, but check out this line:

...."liberalization of the fiscal sector, particularly the liberalization of interest rates and the removal of any form of fiscal restraint open to any foreign banks to work in Iraq..."

Translation sucks but hey, look at it.

They are saying that the Dinar and any other currency can be freely traded.

They are aiming for the Dinar to go on the Forex,,, yahoo.

If that happens in the very near future that means that they are right on target.

This is something that has to take place when they are opening up their sock exchange very soon, money for bought and sold stocks in Iraq must flow freely, and this can't happen unless you let loose the currency without any restrictions.

Now, they are aiming for the Dinar to go on the Forex, but that doesn't mean that they will do it right away.

There is a difference in letting the currency flow freely, and still have it pegged, and let it flow freely and have it set it's own valued by free trade on the Forex.

Either way, this is great news, and the future for the Dinar suddenly looks so much better.

-- April 6, 2007 2:29 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Well, Tokyo Rose was a WW2 phenomenon, not a Korean War thing, but never mind, got the point regarding Pelosi.

Either she is doing a great job in doing an undercover assignment in Syria, doing all this things to distract the media from her real presence there, or she is just outright dumb.

I doubt that if she is set up to do some other governmental assignments one of her cover stories was to start negotiating without Israels consent, on Israels behalf.

While the rest of the world are rolling their eyes, the US have proved to the world that we sent our best.

She seems to be an embarrassment, but the problem is when you are trying to explain it to a person like Pelosi, in her head it's for the common good of mankind, and she knows for sure how to do things of that sort.

She fits right in with Kennedy, Kerry , Feinstein and the other extreme left Clan members.

-- April 6, 2007 2:44 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

Yes, if these terrorists get nuclear weapons, they WILL use them. It isn't only for show and tell or to pretend they are "big boys" now. THEY are at war, even if a bunch of people in the US are denying the threat they present or the existence of any war with them, or are seeking to appease them and make them their friends. And don't forget that these terrorists think that they can "usher in" their Messiah by bringing about chaos in the world.. so what better way to do that than to use nuclear weapons..?? Those weapons sure do cause a lot of havoc.. and who would their logical targets be.. hmmm??

As that article which panhandler posted said, the whole reason for going to war in Iraq was to stop this kind of thing. QUOTE:

"there is a very dangerous minority in Islam that either has, or wants and may soon have, the ability to deliver small nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons almost anywhere in the world, unless they are prevented from doing so.

The bottom line here is that we will have to deal with Islamic terrorism until we defeat it (or are defeated by it), whenever that is. It will not go away on its own. The history of the world is the clash between the forces of relative civility and civilization, and the barbarians clamoring at the gates. The Iraq war is merely another battle in this ancient and never-ending war. Now, for the first time ever, the barbarians are about to get nuclear weapons unless WE prevent them."

==end of quote==

That is it in a nutshell. It was true of our reasoning for going into Iraq.. and now we are faced with another threat just next door in Iran. As you can see from this article.. it will be happening very soon. I found it ironically humorous they said in the article that they were all caught off guard.. this threat is not for 2015, 8 years away.. but only a year and a half away, 2009. If they can miss by SIX YEARS.. how sure can we be the terrorist's preparations aren't a LOT closer to fruition than they now expect? Our reliance on opinions of people in the intelligence community appears to be misplaced.. is it a major enough misplaced confidence that it will lead to a sudden nuclear catastrophe wakeup call? (Gosh, we were.. again.. "caught off guard"??)

If they use the nuclear arms against the US using sleeper cels and suicide bombers armed with suitcase nukes, the US itself wouldn't be defeated.. the nation would just finally wake up to the enemy at the gates and the inevitability of their destruction unless they fight. The survivors would then talk about how to survive and brass tacks of actually winning this war. And that is something they are trying very hard NOT to discuss or even see as a possibility now.

Sara.

-- April 6, 2007 2:55 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Yes, it seems like there just HAVE to be a catastrophy for people to wake up.

Not long after the catastrophy, the reasons behind and the clear aggressor is identified.

Then the forces in our society that endlessly work on the idea that we ourselves are our own enemy, will continue day after day after day, in their message campaign.

What is, isn't, what must be done, is immoral, who is behind, is innocent, who did it, didn't. What is done, is a quagmire, and the future is bleak.

One day the person oblivious to his surroundings, the gray mass that rather watch a hoop game or get drunk , will be talked into the opinion that we're doing something wrong.

Then when he is voting, he will do what is the best for us all, and get rid of the "Washington Warmongers", and go back to his hoop game, while popping his beer.

A 9/11, a Pearl Harbor, a London Subway bombing and everybody is again aligned, only to the day after start listening to these endless whining crowd of "peace now" people mixing in their socialist agenda, and oil conspiracy plans.

Well hey, it's intelligence in high gear.

If:

1. Terrorists are emanating from countries in the Middle East.

2. We are hitting countries and terrorist sponsoring countries in the Middle East.

3. Countries in the Middle east have oil.

That doesn't mean that we are conspiring, doing harm to ourselves blaming terrorists in the Middle East and the whole thing is a ruse to get control over oil.

When it's too simple, it gets complicated in a hurry.

I'm concerned right now that the imminent threat from Iran must be brought up with care and consideration , because the powers that have tried to do something against the terrorists, have gotten so much flak that just the mentioning of another war would probably be considered out of line, or improper or just another quagmire.

Those people just want peace, being able to do their children thing, the Mall shopping, and have their interest in the dinner casserole, the perfect world, and the reasons they are being stirred up in their senses about war, well then they do what is easy for them, they blame and complain about their own government as it would be their fault in the first place.

IT's about as smart as going into the gas station, blaming the clerk for the gas prices, but that's what they are doing.

IF the Iranians blow a bomb in the US or Israel, then they wake up and are warriors for at least two weeks.

If we go after them first, then we are the aggressor, the ones at fault, and doing the immoral thing.

I rather go after them first, save a couple of cities both here and in Israel, and live with the wining crowd, they will always whine anyway, so who cares.

-- April 6, 2007 4:20 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

I have been watching the Rosie O'Donald crowded...you know the Jane Fonda's...Tim & Susan...etc;;; regarding their views on Iraq and how evil the United States is...I now know why these individuals are movie stars...they have the inability to separate reality vs fiction...I saw Jane Fonda recently in an interview about Iraq and Iran...I swear...I found myself actually feeling sorry for her...she could not put together anything in response to the questions that made any sense toward her position at all...finally she got so frustrated with the reporter that she walked off and refused to talk with him any longer...I guess he didn't kiss her behind enough..

-- April 6, 2007 7:32 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi official says economic and political plan will be launched soon
The Associated PressPublished: April 5, 2007

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BAGHDAD: Iraq and the international community plan to launch a five-year program to integrate the country into the regional and global economies, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said Thursday.

He spoke to reporters after meeting with Ibrahim Gambari, the U.N. chairman of the Iraq Compact, a five-year plan that requires the Iraqi government to enact key political and economic reforms as it moves to financial self-sufficiency and economic integration.

Saleh said Gambari would meet key officials, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and decide on when to launch the project.

"We are in the final stages and this initiative will be officially launched in the near future and Mr. Gambari's presence among us is an indication to the importance that the United Nations gives to this project," Saleh said.

Gambari said "there is a lot of work to be done and so little time" to get started "so the people of Iraq could benefit from this double commitment of the Iraqi government and the international community."

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Tone shifts in Britain after 15 sailors return home
Europe investigating claims of war crimes in Somalia fighting
Britain asks Palestinians about missing BBC reporter
Last month, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hosted a conference at U.N. headquarters for nearly 100 envoys and urged international support for the Iraq Compact

It was established by the United Nations and the Iraqi government shortly after al-Maliki took office in June 2006. Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi unveiled the economic and political reform package during a meeting at the United Nations last month. It was to be formally adopted by April 30.

Saleh called the plan "a roadmap for Iraq to reach the coast of security and stability."
(http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/05/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-UN.php)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq security sweep to be extended to Mosul
4/5/2007

The move aims to stem a rise in violence in provincial areas. Near Kirkuk, gunmen kill 11 laborers.
By Laura King
Times Staff Writer

April 5, 2007

BAGHDAD — Assailants opened fire on a minivan carrying power plant workers near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Wednesday, killing 11 of them in the second lethal assault on laborers in the area in five days.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Iraqi officials said a 7-week-old security crackdown in the capital, helped along by an infusion of American troops, would be extended to the northern city of Mosul and other outlying areas, but provided few details.

In a sign of opposition to the sweep, a U.S.-Iraqi security center in Sadr City, a Shiite Muslim stronghold in Baghdad, came under attack by mortars and a suicide car bomb. Two security officers and two civilians were hurt.

The car bomber was halted by blast barriers at the front gate and detonated his payload about 350 yards from the center's main building. A mortar round struck inside the compound about the same time.

The security center, like others around Baghdad, was set up as part of the U.S.-Iraqi crackdown launched Feb. 13 to stem sectarian violence in the capital.

In Wednesday's attack near Kirkuk, gunmen surrounded the minivan carrying workers in the mainly Sunni Muslim area of Hawija, south of the city, then opened fire. Seven laborers were killed instantly and four died later, officials said.

Eight workers, four from the same family, were killed in a similar assault Saturday in the same district, which until now has been lightly policed. Those workers were employed at an Iraqi military base.

Power plant workers said they would go on strike in protest of poor security in the area.

Kirkuk, an oil-rich city that ethnic Kurds hope to make part of their semiautonomous region in northern Iraq, has been the scene of escalating violence over the last week, including a truck bombing near a girls school Monday that killed at least 15 people, including a U.S. soldier.

The Iraqi government is embroiled in angry debate over a plan to relocate and compensate thousands of ethnic Arabs who were sent to the city by the late leader Saddam Hussein as part of a program to dilute Kurdish dominance.

U.S. and Iraqi officials have acknowledged that one unwanted effect of the security crackdown in Baghdad has been an upswing in attacks in provincial cities and towns, with more than 500 Iraqis killed nationwide last week. The move to extend the crackdown to Mosul appeared aimed at reversing that trend.

"This operation is still ramping up," Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, a U.S. military spokesman, told reporters in Baghdad.

In Mosul, a senior police official, Gen. Wathiq Hamdani, escaped assassination when a roadside bomb went off near his convoy. Five police officers were injured.

"There are many terrorist groups that are using Mosul as a safe haven," Iraqi government spokesman Ali Dabbagh said at a joint news conference with Caldwell in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone.

Caldwell said the third of five more U.S. brigades being deployed in Iraq under President Bush's "surge" strategy had arrived in Iraq and was taking up positions in Baghdad. He declined to specify which units would be transferred to Mosul once in place.

Last month, a U.S. Stryker battalion was diverted from Baghdad to neighboring Diyala to give the military more mobility, firepower and troop strength in the strife-torn province. Two additional Marine battalions are expected to deploy in troubled Al Anbar province when they arrive in Iraq.

This month, Dabbagh said, Iraqi forces will assume security control in the southern province of Maysan, which has seen fighting between rival Shiite Muslim militias in recent months.

One rough indicator of sectarian violence in the capital is the number of unidentified bodies found daily. Ten were discovered in Baghdad on Wednesday; before the security sweep, the count was 40 to 50 most days.

U.S. officials said Wednesday that sectarian violence in Baghdad had decreased about one-fourth since the start of the crackdown, but acknowledged that the nationwide effects of the increase in troop strength had not yet been fully felt.

"When you look at the country at large, you have seen … not a great reduction that we had wanted to see thus far," Caldwell said.

In politics, the movement of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr said it dismissed two legislators belonging to its parliamentary faction. The two were fired reportedly because they had held unauthorized meetings with U.S. officials. The Sadr movement has generally cooperated with the security sweep.

Movement spokesman Abu Ferras Mutarri accused the two lawmakers, former Transportation Minister Salam Maliki and Qusai Abdul-Wahab, of "violating our principles." Maliki denied that he had been fired.

A mass kidnapping was reported, this one near the Shiite holy city of Karbala. Officials said that two days earlier, assailants had seized at least 19 shepherds, along with their flock of sheep.

In similar abductions in recent months, the usual pattern has been for the male hostages to turn up dead within a few days. The motive is usually sectarian.

Iraq security sweep to be extended to Mosul - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

And Iraq's big oil contracts go to ...
Companies from China, India and other Asian nations are seen getting the first contracts. But don't write off Big Oil just yet.
By Steve Hargreaves

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

NEW YORK, 06 April 2007 (CNNMoney.com)
Print article Send to friend
Despite claims by some critics that the Bush administration invaded Iraq to take control of its oil, the first contracts with major oil firms from Iraq's new government are likely to go not to U.S. companies, but rather to companies from China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

While Iraqi lawmakers struggle to pass an agreement on exactly who will award the contracts and how the revenue will be shared, experts say a draft version that passed the cabinet earlier this year will likely uphold agreements previously signed by those countries under Saddam Hussein's government.

"The Chinese could announce something within the next few months" if all goes well with the oil law, said James Placke, a senior associate at Cambridge Energy Research Associates who specializes in the Middle East.

The Asian firms are at an advantage for several reasons.

First, less constrained by Western sanctions during the Hussein regime, they've been operating in Iraq and know the country's oilfields, said Falah Aljibury, an energy analyst who has advised several Iraqi oil ministers as well as other OPEC nations.

Aljibury said the first contracts likely awarded will be to the Chinese in the south central part of Iraq, the Vietnamese in the south, the Indians along the Kuwaiti border, and the Indonesians in the western desert.

The contracts under consideration are small.

Aljibury said the Chinese agreement is to produce about 70,000 barrels of oil a day, while the Vietnamese one is for about 60,000.

It's hard to put a dollar amount on what those contracts might be worth, as security costs, drilling conditions and the exact terms to be offered by Baghdad are unknown, said Christopher Ruppel, a senior geopolitical analyst with the consulting firm John S. Herold.

But the barrel amount is tiny even by Iraq's depressed post-war production of around 2 million barrels a day.

And the country is thought to be able to ramp up production to over 3 million barrels a day with fairly little effort, providing the security situation improves. Rosy estimates even have Iraq producing 6 million barrels a day in the long term, which would make it the world's No. 4 producer behind Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

But the Asian firms are also well positioned to grab further contracts.

Having avoided military entanglements in the region, they may curry more favor with the Iraqi people.

"They have no involvement with the secular or ethnic people," said Aljibury. "The conditions favor them."

Given its rapidly growing thirst for oil, combined with its feeling of isolation from world oil markets, China is sometimes viewed as more cavalierthan Western oil firms when it comes to putting capital and people at risk. That could lead them to sign contracts in violent Iraq sooner than Western firms.

"The Chinese seem to be willing to go places where other companies can't find workers to go," said Adam Sieminski, chief energy economist at Deutsche Bank.

But none of this suggests Western firms like ExxonMobil (Charts), Chevron (Charts), BP (Charts) and Royal Dutch Shell (Charts) will be completely cut out of the action.

First, their technical prowess is world renowned.

"I have not heard anything from any Iraqi ministers against U.S. oil companies," said Aljibury. "In fact, I have heard the opposite. They are the best in field exploration and development. They want them."

Second, Iraq's oil contract game has just begun.

According to a letter supplied by John S. Herold's Ruppel, memorandums of understanding have been signed with all the oil majors for several years. And Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani has said the country plans to tender for major oil projects in the second half of 2007.

Steve Kretzmann, executive director of Oil Change International, an industry watchdog group, criticized the draft oil law for allowing long-term oil contracts to be awarded to foreign oil firms, a practice he said was unique in the Middle East.

"Giving out a few crumbs to the Chinese and Indians is one thing," said Kretzmann, who noted the draft law was seen by both the Bush administration and the International Monetary Fund before it was given to Iraq's parliament. "But the real prize are the contracts that award long-term rights. I think the [Western oil companies] are biding their time."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

12,000 more Guard troops may be going to Iraq
Deployment order planned to lessen ‘surge’s’ strain on stretched-thin Army

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

WASHINGTON, 06 April 2007 (MSNBC News Services)
Print article Send to friend
Coming on the heels of a controversial “surge” of 21,000 U.S. troops that has stretched the Army thin, the Defense Department is preparing to send an additional 12,000 National Guard combat forces to Iraq and Afghanistan, defense officials told NBC News on Thursday.

The troops will come from four Guard combat brigades in different states, the officials told NBC News’ chief Pentagon correspondent, Jim Miklaszewski. They said papers ordering the deployment, which would run for one year beginning in early 2008, were awaiting Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ signature.

The deployment is sure to ignite a firestorm on Capitol Hill, where Democrats in Congress are maneuvering to scale back the U.S. commitment in Iraq. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is pushing a proposal to end most spending on the war in 2008, limiting it to targeted operations against al-Qaida, training for Iraqi troops and protection for U.S. forces.

“I think this was all concealed until we got through the election,” said retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, a military analyst for NBC News. “There’s no way to sustain the current rate of deployments without calling up probably nine National Guard brigades in the coming year for involuntary second tours.”

Gates did not mention the Guard deployment in a news conference Thursday at the Pentagon. Earlier this year, he revised Pentagon regulations to authorize more frequent Guard deployments to take some of the burden off the Army.

Surge timetable could be extended

Gates indicated Thursday that defense planners expected the U.S. military commitment to last well beyond the timetable of early next year that was put forth in the Pentagon’s arguments to send more than 20,000 regular Army troops to help quiet sectarian violence. That so-called surge of troops created intense opposition among Democrats and some Republicans in Congress early in the year.

“The truth is, I think people don’t know right now how long this will last,” he said. “The thinking of those involved in the process was that it would be a period of months, not a period of years or a year and a half or something like that."

In a radio interview Wednesday, Gates warned that limiting the administration could lead to “ethnic cleansing.”

“What we do know is if Baghdad is in flames and the whole city is engulfed in violence, the prospects for a political solution are almost non-existent,” he said in an interview with syndicated radio host Laura Ingraham.

Army under heavy pressure

The grinding pace of the war is clearly wearing down the Army.

Three Army combat brigades have just been ordered back into Iraq less than a year after they left, and two brigades that were headed for Iraq were unable to take their customary four weeks of desert training at Fort Irwin, Calif.

Defense officials said the quick turnaround could hurt overall readiness by leaving those troops unprepared for other missions.

“When you only have one year or less between deployments, instead of the two that you would like to have, you then do not train to what we call full spectrum,” said Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Crescent Petroleum holds meetings with Iraqi Oil Ministry officials

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

United Arab Emirates, 06 April 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
Crescent Petroleum and representatives of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil have held technical coordination meetings in Amman, Jordan, this past week for implementation of their joint study of an exploration area in the region near the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border in Southern Iraq.

The meetings follow on from a technical cooperation agreement MOU that was signed between the Iraqi Oil Exploration Company and Crescent Petroleum in September 2005.

Technical experts from Crescent Petroleum, the Iraqi Oil Exploration Company, the Southern Oil Company and the Geophysical Service Centre in Amman held meetings over several days to finalise the technical programme and scope of work. The agreed curriculum of the initial study is to take ten months and will include a re-examination of the methods for seismic measurement presently available in the region and the preparation of geological studies of the current environment and new exploration areas.

"Crescent Petroleum is the only international oil company that has had a continued presence in Iraq over many years and we have had an ongoing relationship of cooperation with the Ministry," said Abdulla Al Qadi, Director of Upstream Operations for Crescent Petroleum, who led the company delegation for the Amman meetings. "We are proud to work with the Iraqi Oil Ministry in order to enhance the skills being applied to this study to apply new approaches on exploration methods, all of which will ultimately add value to the organization and hopefully benefit the Iraqi petroleum sector as a whole."

Crescent Petroleum, headquartered in Sharjah in the UAE, has already conducted in-depth studies for other regions in Iraq, including a detailed study and development plan for the Rattawi Field, for which they have been in discussions with the Ministry over several years.

In addition, the company has carried out training programmes for Ministry employees and its related companies, to foster an environment for the learning and sharing of technical skills while strengthening cooperation between both sides.

Crescent Petroleum is the Middle East's oldest private oil & gas company and has operated successfully around the region for over thirty-five years, including in the UAE, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen and other locations.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Enclosed, is a link to the Oil Draft Law as it now stands.

http://www.iraqrevenuewatch.org/documents/oil_law_english_20070306.pdf

If someone has already posted the draft law, I guessed I missed it.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 11:48 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger:

In reading your responses to Sara, I totally agree with your reactions and ascertions.

It seems that you too have had some change in heart about how we should move ahead with the middle east stuff.

It is understandable, I vascillate daily on all of the issues. It is unnerving to those of us standing by and wacthing and trying to determine which and what approach to support next. It is like trying to hit a moving target.

Usually in most situations, if you stand back and take a look, the lens focuses better and clearer. Not in this Middle east situation!!

The more you stand back, the more the picture losses perspective and can drive you crazy.

Some days, knowledge is the answer, some days commonsense, some days a temporary coma would be the only solution to sanity.

Most days it is a mixed bag with no apparent stable viable lasting solution in sight. To the point that you almost wonder if that isn't the game!

Anyway, for once I am in concurrence with your thinking-------WOW the end of the world must be near!!

"Olivito"

-- April 6, 2007 12:26 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

All: Well, I finally got my plane tickets to Houston today, will have some processing to do next week, but will be back on the way to Iraq by the end of the week. . . probably will take me a few days to get set up in an office and to get my computer up and running, but I'll try and keep all of you up to date on newsworthy events as I hear of them. . . I'm gonna have to get with my Iraqi interpeter from Balad who has family working for one of the banks and see if I can find out any real information on the dinar situation. . . Happy Easter and God bless all of you. . . .P.H. . .p.s. my e-mail address is mugle13906@hotmail.com if anyone has questions for me. . .P.H.

-- April 6, 2007 2:58 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Pan:

Happy Easter to you too. Please be safe and looking forward to hearing news you scoop out from Iraq.

Have a safe trip.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 3:02 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US, Iraqi forces sweep into troubled Shiite city south of Baghdad before dawn
By BUSHRA JUHI

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

06 April 2007 (AP Worldstream)
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Iraqi forces backed by American soldiers swept into a troubled, predominantly Shiite city south of Baghdad before dawn Friday, and the U.S. military said as many as six militia fighters had been killed.

Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl, a U.S. military spokesman, said between three and six militia fighters had been killed, eight were wounded and five detained. There were no reports of civilian casualties in the assault on Diwaniyah, code-named "Operation Black Eagle," he said.

Residents reported heavy fighting between the U.S. and Iraqi forces and gunmen of the Mahdi Army militia.

Dr. Hameed Jaafi, the director of Diwaniyah Health Directorate, said an American helicopter fire on a house in the Askari neighborhood, seriously wounding 12 people at the start of the early morning assault. Initial U.S. military accounts of the fighting did not include airstrikes.

A top spokesman for radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr denied that Mahdi Army militiamen were involved in the clashes.

"There is no exchange of fire. There is only an unprovoked attack by invading American troops. The aim is to weaken a protest called for by Sheik Muqtada on Monday," Haider al-Natiq, spokesman of the Baghdad Bureau of al-Sadr's political movement, said in an interview with al-Arabiya television.

Al-Sadr has called for a massive demonstration in the Shiite holy city of Najaf on Monday, the fourth anniversary of Baghdad's capture by U.S. forces.

The powerful cleric, who reportedly ordered his militia to disarm and stay off the streets during the Baghdad security crackdown, now in its eight week, has nevertheless issued a series of sharp anti-American statements, demanding the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

There have been increasing reports that gunmen associated with the militia have resumed operations in the capital and never ceased in outlying regions.

Dozens of people have been killed in Diwaniyah over the past weeks and the attacks have been blamed by residents on the Mahdi Army. Many women, accused by the hard-line and fundamentalist militiamen of violating their interpretation of Islamic morality, are among the dead. Also targeted have been police, residents who work for coalition forces at a nearby Polish army base, journalists and the wealthy, who have been kidnapped for ransom then killed.

The military said the assault on the city, 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Baghdad, was led by Iraqi soldiers of the 8th army division backed by U.S. paratroopers of the 25th Infantry Division.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 6, 2007 5:21 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Pan,

I can only assume that you must being feeling good! That is great. Can't remember what you do in Iraq, but please be careful and keep us posted on how you are doing. How long will you be there?

Carole

-- April 6, 2007 9:22 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Panhandler,

Hope you have a pleasant trip going over to the sandbox.

Any effort to find out something about the Dinar is very appreciated.

The daily barrage of new programs planned to be implemented in Iraq is so confusing, that sometimes I wonder if this is just a lot of wishes, and no more.

Investment programs, rebuild programs, economic programs, endlessly announced, throwing million and billion figures around, but no report on much of actual progress.

Pan, we could use some eyes and boots over there, anything you can snap up, dont be shy of telling us.

Wish you a happy journey.

Roger

-- April 6, 2007 11:27 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

If you send an email to irr@hqda.army.mil and ask to be on the list for free weekly updates from Baghdad Iraq.

You not only get upto date info on Iraq, you can ask them anything you want know, ie, like the projets the US Army Corp og Enginers have done, and the one,s due to start, I think they have completed over 5,000 projects.

I have just watched a program on, Inside Iraq, on SKY NEWS, and it was all the same crap, bombs and body bags sell copy, nothing at all about any of the 5,000 progects done, I have just sent them an Email, telling them just how I felt, as a lage % of the plebs watching will belive what they see, and that they should show a more positive out look on Iraq, as things are moveing forward, haveing a look over Iraq on Googal Earth, is good as there are high definition pics, so you can only imageion how good the Milatary ones are.

Rob, your listing are good as it saves a lot of time for me to keep upto date, when I do not have hours to dig around for the info, Good Man.

Thanks
Steven

-- April 7, 2007 1:30 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Rob N.

The HCL in it's draft form, from 15 Feb, will most probably have changes in it in it's final passing as a law.

As the draft stands now, they disagree on it.

Most probably it will be very similar though.

Anyone is welcome to try to invent a new screwdriver, but in the end, in order to work, it can only look in a certain way.

-- April 7, 2007 2:46 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

No I don't think that the end of the world is here, nor am I for a carpet bombing of Iran, or destruction of people.

I do however strongly believe that Iran is about to reap what they have sowed.

And unfortunately, in war, things get broken.

-- April 7, 2007 5:01 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Pan:
Tried to reach you several times by phone when I've been in PC. Thought we might have a pre-roast drink or two at your favorite watering hole...
Glad! to see you are recovered and able to bring in the bacon again..Keep your head down and ears open for the clicking you hear may not be a cricket..

-- April 7, 2007 6:05 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Carl: If you're still here, try again 678-230-1096. . . we've still got time for a few. . .

Carole: Thanx for the wishes, I'm a Logistics Coordinator, I deal with convoys bringing building materials into Iraq from Turkey and Kuwait. . .

Roger: Thanx for the wishes. . . I'll do my best to keep you and everyone posted. . .Thanx . . . P.H.

-- April 7, 2007 7:02 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

If it did become necessary, I think the tactical nuclear strategy you gave April 4th on this blog would be the likeliest strategy - to avoid civilian casualties. As you said, quote:

"From their latest satellite study, they don't think that this hit will involve ground troops, but will be a cruise missile and ballistic missile hit, possibly with tactical nuclear heads in order to take out "hard targets" as underground nuclear facilities, that normal explosive warheads can not take out.

If tactical nuclear warheads are dropped, , much of the leadership taken out, and much of the Iranian Islamic revolutionary guard is taken out, this will weaken their position sufficiently for a power take over of more moderate forces."

Sara.

-- April 7, 2007 10:42 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

All the best PH, you are in our prayers.
Thanks for all you do to help in the war effort..
and for keeping in touch with us all here, too.

Sara.

-- April 7, 2007 10:46 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

I think the problem with the CRA (Carole's Repository of Answers), much like the IRA (Irwin's Repository of Answers), is that both Carole and her fellow Catholic brother Irwin tend to think in more violent terms concerning political solutions to problems. You just have to recognise these kinds of people and their solutions as a reality in our world. It also makes you wonder if Carole is Irish..

Sara.

-- April 7, 2007 11:52 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

This looks like good progress..

World powers to meet Iraq neighbours again in May
Sunday, April 8, 2007

The Iraqi Government has agreed to a new meeting between its neighbours and world powers in Egypt next month in a bid to help stabilise the country, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has said.

"The Iraqi Government agreed to hold the next ministerial meeting of Iraq neighbouring countries, plus the G5 (UN Security Council veto-wielding permanent members) and G8 (most industrialised nations) in Egypt, most probably in Sharm el-Sheikh on May 3 and 4," Mr Zebari told a Baghdad news conference.

The aim of the meeting is to engage Iraq's neighbours constructively in restoring security to the war-torn country, follow-up on an initial meeting in Baghdad last month and reduce regional tension.

Mr Zebari said Egypt would also host another international meeting, either back-to-back or separately, to sign documents in which the international community has pledged to support Iraq in exchange for certain economic reforms.

"The aim of the compact meeting is to finalise, or to sign the documents that the international community pledged support for Iraq in exchange of certain economic reforms," Mr Zebari said.

Last month the United Nations hosted a conference on the International Compact with Iraq (ICI), a joint initiative of the world body and the World Bank established last July.

At that event, Vice President Adel Abdel Mahdi laid out a five-year economic revival plan before nearly 90 countries which will review Iraq's progress in carrying out reforms in exchange for international aid and debt relief.

Mr Zebari said Baghdad, Cairo and Istanbul have all been considered as possible venues for the ministerial meeting, but that his Government has decided to opt for Egypt.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1892122.htm

-- April 7, 2007 2:24 PM ∞

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Mary Lou wrote:

A friend of mine sent this. I am in full agreement with her and have received her permission to post this. I would encourage all of you, who are in agrement, to forward to your email friends-and to contact your representative. "We The People" have a right to have our representatives-that we have elected-to act in a responsible way and in our best interests. This does not appear to be the case in this instance.

_______________________________________________________________

To the entire Democratic Party...and particularly, regarding Nancy Pelosi:

This memo is addressed to the entire Democratic leadership. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, is going to cost the party the Presidential election, among other things, with her dictator-like approach to things. She will take that ENTIRE reputation away from President Bush and attach it to herself and, to the whole Democratic party if she is not reigned in! She's certainly losing me...AND several other Democrats I am in regular conversation with.

I am a Democrat/Independent voter. Was Democrat, then became Independent because I was uncertain of the Democratic leadership, previously, but still usually voted Democrat. I was elated when Nancy Pelosi became the Speaker of the House...thinking NOW it would be run by someone...and, by a party that actually had some common sense!

WRONG!!!!!!! She is rapidly making a total fool of herself with her egoist approach to authority and with her ridiculous rantings and ravings around the world with absolutely NO diplomacy and absolutely NO authority to do so! She certainly wasn't appointed to do this by the citizens of this country. And, all the while..she is behaving as though she, personally, owns the entire U.S!!!!!!!! I am an female executive who negotiates with people daily and am known to be very good at it. I truly believed that Nancy Pelosi would be, as well. But she is NOT and she is an embarrassment to women executives all over this nation...not to mention both men and women policiticians who have tried to bring some sanity into our politics and policies and some true and much-needed graciousness to our country's image. There's no diplomacy or graciousness within the Bush administration...and now, we're seeing there's none in HER image and behaviour, either! Our citizens deserve better.

By backing her and supporting her behavior, the Democrats are committing political suicide!
She is rapidly losing ground for herself...and most importantly, for the whole Democratic party. I am ashamed for her behaviour and for the image it portrays to the world about our country. She is behaving worse than Bush...and that is saying something! She CERTAINLY does not speak for me...nor, for many others in this nation who want to be supportive of the Democratic party, with all our hearts.

She needs to back that ego down and start acting like an elected official...not like a derailed train going down her own track without regard for any damage she may incur!

And another thing...I may not agree with Bush, or this war, but I am SICK of the Democratic Party using our soldiers' backing, support and welfare like this was some kind of chess game! As long as our soldiers are over there...shut up with the rhetoric already!!!!!!!!!! Certainly...talk about future plans of withdrawal, but there is a sane and proper way to do that!! And...don't you dare withdraw or curtail their equipment and financial support or you will see an uprising in this country against the Democratic party like you've never seen before...from Democrat voters...AND, by Independents... not to MENTION any remaining Republican voters who may have been swayed by managing this sensibly. What stupid behavior...I thought you were all supposed to be "democratic" politicians.

I am supremely disappointed in the actions and behaviors since Democrats have had some decent power for a change. What a useless waste of an opportunity to have some believability in this nation and around the world. Trust me...you are making fools of the yourselves and of the entire Democratic Party...in the U.S.A., and around the world...with Nancy Pelosi leading the way as "Head Jester!"

Shame on you!!!!!!!!!!!

Disgusted "quickly changing" Democrat and "used-to-be" Believer

-- April 7, 2007 5:21 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Not Catholic or Irish NOR stupid!

Do you have an explanation for us as to why you and Roger mispell the same words, make same grammatical errors and punctuation errors??????

I could care less what your "gig" is. I just find it hard to believe that I am the only one that has ever picked up on this.

I do not purport violence as solutions, but how do you suggest the international community deal with nations, like Iran who use their own women and children as human shields?

You sputter the same enigmas as the Democrats!

Happy Easter to you too!

Carole

-- April 7, 2007 5:41 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Laura,

Great letter! I am sure she represents millions.

Your recommendation for letters to be written to our Representatives is a good one. But I would change the "We the People" to "We the People who voted" have a right.........

Hope you agree!

Carole

-- April 7, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

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Mary Lou wrote:

Carol-please note-Laura did not post this :-)

-- April 7, 2007 9:25 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Resurrection morning is a special day for all followers of Christ. Though He by the Jewish people and the Roman Government met death on a cruel cross he became a propitiation for our sins.

The word of God is crystal clear that Jesus Christ's tomb is empty. In Matthew 28:5 amd 6: "Fear not ye. for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

To Carole and Sara and others who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior I wish you a blessed Resurrection morning. To those who are not followers of Christ. Resurrection morning offers you a hope all the Dinar in the world cannot give.

Blessings to all,

Rob N.

-- April 7, 2007 9:27 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Mary Lou,

Oops! Sorry! I swear I saw Laura's name---senior moment:)

Carole

-- April 7, 2007 10:09 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob N.

Thank You! It is truly our Holiday!

I am still in awe and can't stop being grateful!Blessed Day and life too!

Carole

-- April 7, 2007 10:23 PM ∞

---

Mattuk wrote:

To All....

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said on Sunday it would not discuss its "obvious right" to master the nuclear fuel cycle but was open to talks that could reassure the West that its atomic plans were not aimed at producing bombs.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini also told a weekly news conference the Islamic Republic's military was "totally prepared to defend the country and Iran is totally prepared for any possible military strike".

The United States, which believes Iran is trying to build an atomic bomb, has said it wants a diplomatic solution to end the row over Tehran's nuclear ambitions but has not ruled out military action if that route fails.
Photo

Hosseini said Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana had been in contact to try to resolve the dispute, which has prompted the United Nations to slap two rounds of sanctions on Iran.

But he said Iran would not discuss what Tehran calls its right under international treaty to enrich uranium, a process which can be used to make fuel for power stations, or material for warheads if enriched to a high enough level.

"The talks should have a purpose and Iran's obvious right will not be discussed. We want talks without preconditions to remove ambiguities and to assure the other parties there will be no diversion (to military uses)," Hosseini said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says there are still gaps in its knowledge about Iran's atomic plans that need to be filled before it can confirm those plans are peaceful.

Solana led four months of talks with Larijani last year to try to persuade Iran to heed calls to halt enrichment work in return for incentives offered by the six world powers -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.But the talks collapsed, prompting the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on Iran in December, followed by further measures last month. Iran, the world's fourth largest oil exporter, insists it will not suspend its nuclear work.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, accompanied by senior officials and journalists, will visit the Natanz enrichment plant on Monday, the day on which he has said Iran will announce "good news" about its atomic plans.

Asked what he might announce, Hosseini said: "If you wait 24 hours, you will all find out."

matt uk

-- April 8, 2007 6:38 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(899)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 899 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/4/ 8 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 49.825.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 49.825.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 8, 2007 7:28 AM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

All,

As people with an interest in the dinar, would it not be better for us for the Democrats to lose the next election?

In which case I would suggest you do not forward Mary-Lou's letter, but instead continue to let Pelosi make a fool of herself and the Dem's.

Happy Easter.

-- April 8, 2007 8:15 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

It was a joke.. since Roger sees you as supporting carpet bombing civilians. Tongue in cheek humor.. can't stand the heat?

You say "I do not purport violence as solutions" but it was my impression (though I was not on the blog at the time) that you once advocated making Iran a sea of glass using nukes (which means killing innocent civilians) and never took back your words on that score. So, to answer you I have gone back to your own postings... which I was making the butt of the joke because you were reiterating it and saying that Roger was finally agreeing with you. You wrote, QUOTE:

"I may sound absurd myself, but a misguided nuclear war head to wipe out the entire region of Iran. SYria, Turkey, Iraq, JOrdan,Saudia Arabia, and a few more incidentals, might be the only sensible hope of eradicating a problem that otherwise has no solution.

As a Christian, I have truly looked forward to the rapture of the church, for my own personal gain. NOw I realize that only the return of CHrist is ever going to make things right. It is very true, above all this world is and has been in one big spiritual war.

The Bible is very clear on who will win in the end, but getting to that point is what we are in the middle of right now."

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#125401

For me, I see this unloving attitude as stemming from your misguided endtime theological position which makes it easy for you to pass off the destruction of an entire region of the world. Note how you tied the thought of wiping out the entire region immediately to your endtime theological position. It is almost like you justify such unloving and murderous thoughts by saying we are all going to die soon when Jesus comes back soon anyway. EXPECTING horrific things and then using that to justify horrific acts in the world against innocents is a dangerous viewpoint (not to mention unbiblical and not held by the church until recently - Darby, as I mentioned - but I won't get into that here.)

Roger objected at that point saying: "we are upset , dont like it, and object to the inhumane way they are looking at things. Coming from that, and going to...."lets nuke the hell out of them all." Well, Carole, perhaps it's time for some soul searching yourself. If that's what you want to be, thats what you are."

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#125404

So I think you two got off to a wrong start, but it was based on a statement by you that you thought nukes should "wipe out the entire region of Iran. SYria, Turkey, Iraq, JOrdan,Saudia Arabia, and a few more" - a statment even I find too radical to conscience, hence the joke about the CRA being like the IRA. It was done tongue in cheek and only semi-seriously as a response to your post in the last while where you just justified your viewpoint to Roger and said that HE was finally coming around to YOUR position... to which he replied that he would never go so far as you did (and never retracted) in your statements.

You ask what I think is sensible as a solution? I liked Roger's recent post about tactical nuclear strikes, which minimize civilian casualties while taking out the nuclear threat Iran is posing. As for my being Roger.. I find that equally as absurd as proposing to nuke the entire Middle Eastern region to get rid of the threat of posed by the minority radicals within it. God has a lot of His people there, too, you know.

Sara.

-- April 8, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Did you read subsequent postings folowing the one you reference? Read down the page more......

In the posting of the one you referenced, I alluded to the fact that my reasoning was absurd....also, my reaction was based on Carl or Roger suggesting that I read up on The Kurds, Sunni's and Shites ( since I had no knowledge at that time of what that all meant).

It was after hour after hour of reading and research
I remember feeling in my own realization of the whole process thinking...there is no hope for this part of the world short of starting over...and hence from that line of reasoning came my admittedly "absurd" comment.

If you also read, others understood my posting, and I went on to explain that I was certainly not for destroying human lives,etc.

As you read down, I discussed how conscience played no effect to those who destroyed the 3000 innocent lives on 911....and so on....

Roger quickly jumped the gun( as I now see after all these months he is prone to do)and categorized me as a Nazi. And thus the discourse for debate was essentially over between Roger and myself, because he took it to a personal level and we were in a whole "nother ball game". I knew then that a discussion of opposing reasons from that point on was never going to happen with Roger.

When I was in college, I was part of several debate teams ( UCLA) and as soon as any team or team memeber took the formal contest of debating skills to a personal level, the session was over and that team or memeber automatically lost and in some instances was disqualified from the event.

From that point on I just followed Roger's lead. If he wanted to keep it personal...he got what he bargained for. Many times he led in a very intelligent innovating discussion and to a point I could jump in, but before long, he would turn it personal again.

I think I posted once that so much was lost for everyone here because bringing together, to the marketplace of ideas, was impeded by Roger's continual turning on me in a personal way.

Roger has alot of knowledge, there is no doubt about that. But it seems to me that he lacks the ability to intellectualize his information, because he continually adds emotional considerations.

Early on, I told everyone, that I was an abstract thinker and communicator. I also stated that my style was satirical in nature. Something I now realize is difficult if not impossible to disclose on a blog.

Some got it----most didn't.

Through it all, I can say that I like several things about this character-Roger!

First and foremost, I like his "ZIP". I detest whimps! Roger is certainly not a whimp!

We share relentless efforts to be heard! Sometimes he's the gas and I'm the match and vice versa.

You state that we got off to a bad start....

Several times he has attempted to "start over" and so have I...... but we are who we are and ultimately one of us ends up being either the gas or the match! :)

It has been and probably will continue to be a very interesting experience for me!

Thanks for jumping in and giving your take on it. I know you as others would love to see peace and harmony between Roger and me....but we are who we are and it is what it is......and I kind of like it that way! Let's let the chips fall where they will....

Carole

PS; I had never considered going to the pig roast before, but I recently told my husband, if I am still alive and well enough to go, I probably will......cause I want Roger to give me a piggy back ride!!!! And thus, peace will be made....I hope!

-- April 8, 2007 1:20 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Carole. :)

I appreciated your take on the situation, which I had only gotten second hand.. then I went back and read on the blog those posts which started the gas and match routine. I now understand your nature better including your being "satirical in nature" which is almost impossible to bring into a blog, as you pointed out. I now see it is likely that I was mistaking your satire for something you never intended. Sorry on that account, truly. I enjoy impersonal and lively debate, but was a late-comer to this one as I was not on the blog at that time and only heard the subsequent exchanges and hadn't the time or inclination to backread at the time.

I do hope the pig roast will end up being soon.. as the article I posted recently speaks of a May conference to finish up the Iraqi Compact agreements. It says, quote: "The aim of the compact meeting is to finalise, or to sign the documents that the international community pledged support for Iraq in exchange of certain economic reforms," Mr Zebari said. (end of quote)

I hope the "economic reforms" includes, perhaps, a revaluation of the currency to kickstart the Iraqi compact and economy? If so, the roast should be soon and it would be nice if by that time there were a cessation of hostility between the two of you as personal attacks are never nice to be a witness to for any of us on this blog.

Sara.

-- April 8, 2007 3:49 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ninth Chlorine Truck Bomb Attack Kills 27 In Ramadi
From a buoyed Associated Press: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070406/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_070406112441

Chlorine truck bomber kills 27 in Ramadi
By BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press Writer

A suicide bomber driving a truck loaded with TNT and toxic chlorine gas crashed into a police checkpoint in western Ramadi on Friday, killing at least 27 people and wounding dozens, police in the Anbar provincial capital said.

In the deep south of the country, the Basra police commander said the type of roadside bomb used in an attack that killed four British soldiers on Thursday had not been seen in the region previously. Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Moussawi’s description of the deadly weapon indicated it was a feared Iranian-designed explosively formed penetrator.

Two more of the bombs were discovered planted along routes heavily traveled by U.S. and British diplomats in Basra. Weeks earlier, the American military had claimed Iran was supplying Shiite militia fighters in Iraq with the powerful weapons, known as EFPs. They hurl a molten, fist-sized copper slug capable of piercing armored vehicles.

The bombing in Anbar province marked the ninth use of suicide chlorine bombs in the sprawling, mainly desert territory that has been a stronghold of the Sunni insurgency.

Recently, however, many Anbar tribes have switched allegiance, with large numbers of military-age men joining the police force and Iraqi army in a bid to expel al-Qaida in Iraq fighters. Suicide bombings are an al-Qaida trademark.

Police Maj. Mohammed Mahmoud al Nattah, member of the Anbar Salvation council, told state-run Iraqiya television the bomber hit a residential complex and dozens of wounded were taken to the Ramadi hospital.

Police opened fire as the suicide car bomber sped toward a checkpoint, three miles west of the city, according to police Col. Tariq al-Dulaimi. Nearby buildings were heavily damaged and police were searching the rubble for more victims…

===

However it is a good sign when even the Associated Press has to note that some of the local tribes are turning against the terrorists and joining the police force and Iraqi army.

Of course the AP had to bury that in their lengthy litany of recent “insurgent” attacks.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert April 6th 2007.

Comments:

1) BigOil

My brother just returned from Ramadi. He showed me a picture of a pile of chlorine cylinders (they were full) laying next to the bed of a truck. The litter pile of cylinders was the result of the dumping he had just witnessed from the back of the truck.

Apparently the Iraqis need to grow some brain cells and establish some order before they can secure their country. We can help them by killing insurgents and repairing infrastructure, but ultimately they will have to do the heavy lifting.

2) doingwhatican

Chlorine, chemical attack, WMD.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/9th-chlorine-gas-attack-kills-27-in-ramadi

-- April 8, 2007 8:48 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Baathist Terrorists Criticize Bin Laden And Al-Qaeda
From a dismayed Al Jazeera: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A6EC4EAB-854C-4D2F-A922-754648CDED8D.htm

Sunni group condemns Iraq al-Qaeda

An influential Iraqi Sunni armed group has called on al-Qaeda in Iraq to “review” its behaviour in the country.

The Islamic Army in Iraq, believed to be the largest group of former Baathists and army officers fighting Iraqi and US forces, called on Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader, to take more responsibility for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“Killing Sunnis has become a legitimate target for them, especially rich ones. Either they pay them what they want or they kill them,” a statement from the group said.

“They would kill any critic or whoever tries to show them their mistakes.”

The group said it had dealt with al-Qaeda with “patience and wisdom” to keep a united “resistance front”.

“But this was not fruitful,” the group said.

Sunni Arab officials have also urged what they call “the real resistance” to disown al-Qaeda and engage in talks with the government to end violence which has driven the country closer to an all-out civil war.

“We also call … on every Qaeda member in the Land of Mesopotamia to review themselves and their positions … and for those who committed wrongful acts to repent quickly,” the statement said…

===

Funny how there has been no mention of this by our watchdog media.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on April 7th, 2007.

Comments:
1) mathews

Maybe these islamo-fascists should “review” their own behaviour before the surge kills them all.

2) SinCity

This seems like just another data point that the surge is a solid strategy. The surge hasn’t even begun yet and they are already distancing themselves from AQ and their ilk. Of course, the MSM will never report this.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/baathist-terrorists-criticize-bin-laden-and-al-qaeda

-- April 8, 2007 8:59 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Prostitution Ring Run By US Muslim Aids Al-Qaeda
From MEMRI:

Murder Investigation Leads to Prostitution Network – Whose Profits Supported Al-Qaeda

The investigator for the case of the murder of a German national in Sharja, U.A.E. has revealed the existence of a prostitution network whose profits were used to support al-Qaeda.

The network was headed by an American Muslim, Shahid King Bullis, who confessed to killing the German national and to running the prostitution network.

Investigators have found material including instructions for manufacturing poisons.

Bullis’s cellphone was found to contain photos of him in bed with very young girls.

Source: Al-Rafidayn, April 4, 2007

===

This story has it all.

Related Articles:

- Sexual Relations In The Lands Of Islamic Sharia Law
- The Everyday Unreported Brutalizing Of Women In Iraq
- “Temporary Marriages” Are Spreading In Muslim World

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on April 5th, 2007.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/prostitution-ring-run-by-us-muslim-aids-al-qaeda

-- April 8, 2007 9:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi stock market to turn into electronic trading in four months

Amman - Chairman of the Governors Board of the Iraqi stock market, Taleb Tabtabai, revealed Thursday that the Baghdad bourse intended to shift into 'electronic trading' after four months.

'The Iraqi stock exchange will transfer from paper trading to electronic trading after four months,' Tabtabai told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Jordan evaluating the Iraqi banking sector.

'However, we are not going to list all firms at the same time because we have to assume vigilance as we shift into a new experiment in order to avoid committing mistakes,' he added.

The present Iraqi stock exchange, which is run in accordance with the open market economy rules, was established after a US-led world military coalition invaded Iraq and toppled the totalitarian regime of former president Saddam Hussein.

About 100 firms are listed on the Iraqi stock market, which holds two 2-hour trading sessions a week. Last year, turnover at the Iraqi stock exchange reached 146 billion Iraqi dinars (115 million dollars) in 93 trading sessions.

Tabtabai said the board of governors intended to choose the Iraqi Settlements Bank to channel the investments of foreigners who wanted to trade Iraqi stocks, now that the new national investment law had been approved by the president and was published in the official gazette.

'We are receiving an increasing number of applications by foreigners who deem the investment in Iraqi stocks profitable,' he said.

'The Baghdad bourse is one of the rare Iraqi institutions that is currently operating in a transparent and efficient manner,' he added.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 8, 2007 11:03 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Ok at the pig roast, I will oblige to your wishes and ride you like a pig.......

You should know that my grammar, punctuations and misspelling is a handicap from English being my 4th language. I do believe I'm decently good on the spelling though, as I check against the "spell check" before i post.

Ok, that was the grammar, spelling and punctuation Carole, anything else????

All,
The famous Pig Roast, is an event where we would celebrate that the Dinars made us wealthy.

That must almost without exception mean that an overnight reval must take place.

There are different possible scenarios on how the Dinar might develop, and thus how it will affect the different investors.

If a ONE TIME big shot takes place, and the Dinar goes overnight into very decent numbers, making us millionaires overnight, the Pig Roast is a given, and will involve a rush of investors that will do the cash out.

Now it will get a little bit trickier if the Dinar will have a ten year slow development and by the end of ten years, it will be in the 12 cents range.

Some might cash in at different times, and that will make the celebration point arbitrary.

If 25% of us are really happy, have turned their life around by cashing in at 5 cents, but 75% of us are sitting on the Dinars and are waiting out a better deal, the remaining 75% of the investors would have a hard time mustering up any kind of celebration feeling, and would not see a good point in going to a celebration party.

There's another point also.

For someone with a comparable small investment, let's say a couple of million Dinars or so, their best strategy would be to wait longer, as the nest egg they have will have to pay out really good before they can consider cashing in.

On the other hand, a person that has comparable big holding of Dinars, can set a lower point of Dinar value, and still get a very big chunk of return on the investment, and be very happy cashing in at an earlier time.

Lets say, for example, the make break point is to get ONE million Dollars.

A person holding one million Dinars, will have to wait until the Dollar/Dinar is 1:1.

To reach the same goal, a person holding 100 mil Dinars, he can cash in at 1 cent, and have his million Dollar.

If a reval happens, but it is very small, some will hold, and some will sell, depending on the size of the reval, but all in all there will be a big portion of us holding and a big portion of us cashing in.

The point I'm trying to get to, is that it will be very hard to establish a common celebration point for a whole group, but when it comes to the Pig Roast, I guess we have to just try to find some kind of common ground.

We are individual investors, but the Pig Roast have to be negotiated as a group.

How about we set an arbitrary number, for the Dinar to reach, and that is the celebration mark for the Pig Roast.

I say, 10 cents is the make break point.

Some may have somewhat less, but I do believe that most of us have at least 10 million Dinars, or at least thereabout.

At that point anyone that have over ten million Dinars is a Dollar millionaire.

Now I could use a bit of input from you all, on this, perhaps another suggestion in Dinar value when it is time to celebrate.

I do however believe that we must, in order to get a celebration point, set an arbitrary value, otherwise we will go about our business all by ourselves and never have a Pig Roast.

As individual investors, we all have probably an already thought out plan, and a time to cash in. That time schedule is most probably very unique to each individual and may not follow the majority of investors, but still I would like to see that individual at the Pig Roast.

So dear folks on the blog....

Celebrate when we cash in?
Partial cash in, and hold the rest?
Celebrate at a set Dinar value?

Help me out here and we can set some criteria on when the Pig Roast is to take place.

-- April 9, 2007 12:32 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The "Fat Boy" Al Sad'r have now come out with a proclamation that the Shiite's and the militia involved with him, should press on, and do everything they can to get the "US occupiers" out of there.

Well it's easy to get us out, get a grip yourself on the country, don't run militias and/or criminal gangs, take control over your own country, and don't follow idiots like Sad'r.

We will be happy to leave Iraq knowing that we are handing it over to competent and trustworthy people and institutions.

We already did it once, far far too early, and are holding the fort against exactly, people like you, Mr Sad'r.

Your presence, influence and existence, is the exact reason for our presence and existence in Iraq mr Sad'r.

When people like you, mr Sad'r go away, we will go away.

-- April 9, 2007 12:50 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Reval,

The pressure on the Dinar have come to such a point that most probably we are looking at a reval of the currency.

If you install a Fiat currency (Fiat currency, when you arbitrary establish a value on the currency) like the Iraqi Dinar, you got to be darn good in establishing it's inherited value, it's true value, otherwise you are getting into trouble pretty quick.

The Iraq currency IS in trouble, it will not hold it's own, and the inflation is boom and thunder.

When the Iraqi Dinar was introduced, they mistakenly exchanged Saddam Dinars with New Iraqi Dinars on a 1 to 1 basis (except the "Swiss Dinar").

They figured that this is a value as good as any, and just kept the exchange rate where it was before the invasion, and just exchanged the Dinars with Saddams picture on it, with newer ones.

Problem is, Fiat currency never show it's real strength, or value until it is freely traded.

So here, the hyper inflation kicks in, and they go straight to the first page in their economic books.

Hm...page one, -"if a country's economy shows strong inflation, it is because the currency is undervalued".

-"Ah, hey Ali Baba, we have inflation because the currency isn't really strong enough."

Uh...ok, so we have to increase the value of the currency, lets do a couple of percent per month".

So a couple of months goes by, but the inflation is huge, and the per the book the counter measure is the right one.

Well dear Iraqis, the Dinar is WAY, WAY, WAY undervalued to start up with.

AS this is a Fiat currency, the real value is not known, but a couple of months of experimentation with a very slow increase, shows that the measures was completely OUT OF RANGE, for the currency to have any effect.

So a HUGE increase, in order to get into a range where the measures will take effect is the next step.

It has to be the next step, I would say that the previous experiment, made us all glad, it made the Dinar valued a bit more, and it made us have a close look at the daily increase and count our daily profit, but it didn't have any affect on what they tried to accomplish.

The fault lies most probably in the first arbitrary established value of the Dinar when the old Dinar was exchanged, it seems like that value have got some kind of foot hold as a frame of reference with any other consideration of the value of the current Dinar.

Currency don't work that way, but as long as they are arbitrary trying to establish the value of their currency with pegs, they will constantly run into guess work. There just is no way around it.

Currency have it's own intricate value, but if it is held artificially, the difference between the true value and the artificial value will always be a guess work.

You can establish simple things, like if it is in par with it's value, over or undervalued, very much over or very much undervalued, with the tendencies of the economy. That's about it, but how much over or undervalued WILL always be a guess.

Ok, so the tendency here is hyper inflation.

So, lets rise the value of the currency slowly and gradually.

Nothing happened.

Ok the conclusion at this point would be that the currency is very much undervalued, and the currency needs to be raised up dramatically.

It looks more and more that the Iraqis are running out of options, and MUST revalue the Dinar in order to put an end to hyper inflation.

Any economy will have a running inflation, but it should be a couple of % per YEAR, this is a normal event, but an inflation you measure in 20, 30, 40 % per MONTH, is an issue.

I think there will be a reval, not only because the projected value of future oil production, future projects, and future govt spending, but as an urgent measure to stem the heavy inflation.

The Iraqis are with the backs to the wall now on this issue, there are no other means left, other than get the economy going with a dramatic increase in the value of the Dinar.

-- April 9, 2007 2:02 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The Dinar is bought up in record numbers, and there is a reason for that.

Any shareholder of a company that is going with strength buys up stocks in that company.

Anyone knowing that there will be a development in a certain area of the land, will buy up land over there.

Anyone or anybody, that knows that some item will have future value buys up those items.

Those Star Wars plastic items you got for free at a premier in some movie some time ago, they are no longer free, but command a hefty price.

Just by the fact that the Dinar is made very rare, hard to get hold of, and is bought up with millions and millions every day in Iraq, tells me that this is a set up for a reval.

They are buying it with Dollar, a currency that is the world currency, even though the Dollar have slided slightly lately, the inherent value of a Dollar is so much more than a Dinar, but that's what they are doing, letting the Dollar go in huge numbers, to replace it with Dinars.

Some banks and dealers with establish line still have Dinars, but reports about the hard to get Iraqi Dinar is increasing as the time goes by.

Ever heard that the US is buying up as many Dollars as possible? No, they're happy as is.

Any other country that is buying up their own currency in such a record number as the Iraq Central Bank is doing....no, have not heard of it.

So of all places on this planet, Iraq is the only one buying up their currency with 50 90 70 million Dollars worth a DAY.

A hyperinflation and a record pace setting in buy up of their own currency is telling me that they are not setting up for a slow increase of the currency, but that there will be some drastic steps , and I think it has to come pretty soon.

-- April 9, 2007 2:22 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Iran again,

The destructive force of a nuclear bomb is greater than the blast effect.

Only two times in history have the nuclear bomb been used in anger, one in Hiroshima, where a Uranium bomb was dropped, and one in Nagasaki where a Plutonium bomb was dropped.

The blast affect is in itself very big compared with conventional explosives, and the scale used is a comparison with the commonly military used TNT.

Kiloton Megaton etc. Kilo = 1000, so a 20 kiloton explosion is comparable with 20 000 kilos of TNT.

The long term effects on exposed humans or any other living organism for that matter, is of great consequence.

This earth would have been uninhabitable by the type of life forms we have, would we not have a big magnetic field all around the earth.

Space is a hostile environment for living forms, in that high level of radiation is present, mostly in the form of high speed particles, or ionized gas.

The mass of those particles are very very small, but the speed is great, an electron here, or a positron there, in a constant rainfall( if we can call anything in space a fall) emanating from the sun.

Around earth these particles are encountering our magnetic field, and will either yield around earth, or be cached and routed into the south or north pole and we will have a visual space opera, Aurora Borealis.

Inside this magnetic field, living organisms with a very delicate structure did evolve.

A big mighty Elephant a Whale, a fast bird or a smart humanoid, are all build up fundamentally the same.

Cells walls that are only ONE cell thick, cell membrane that are just a couple of molecules thick, and most vulnerable of them all, our DNA.

Our DNA is the control board of how to build up the cell structure in order to get a shape of a whale or a bird.

The DNA is built up of individual molecules, in a long chain.

A fast speeding particle, will easily penetrate cell walls, and make a small hole in it, and easily knock out a DNA chain, mess it up and make the DNA build something else that it was not intended for, mostly it starts to reproduce what we call cancer cells, mutants.

Blobs of nothing, and once they start reproducing, they will reproduce other cells making them do the same, another way of saying that the cancer is spreading.

The recently killed Russian agent, poisoned by a radioactive substance introduced into his body, bled to death, more or less.

The radiation was so intense that the particle stream from the source was more or less making his body cells be like a collection of sifts.

You can take a membrane very thin one, and hold water into it, and it will not leak.

Take the same membrane and let it undergo radiation, and redo the water test, and you will see that there are holes enough to let the water molecules sift through the membrane, it will become wet underneath, or even drip, or in severe cases, a steady flow of water straight through the membrane, as it was not there.

Our cells are a bunch of bags, wet bags, and if we radiate a few of them we can reproduce them, but too many of them and we will have enough radiation in us to be concerned about cancer, a bit more and we will start to leak quite a bit, (radiation sickness) and the chances of surviving is getting more and more slim in proportion to the degree we were exposed to radiation.

During the cold war the nuclear option was the only one considered real, a "neutron bomb" was developed, that highlighted the radiation but had only a modest blast affect.

The idea was to stem armadas of Russian tanks, we knew their tactics, in mass formations, and a blast would make the Russian tank crew a victim of radiation sickness. He would die or be ill, either way, he would not be part of the battle.

The way this bomb works shows very much the hidden effects of a nuclear bomb.

A tank or a shield of some sort is very effective against particle radiation, but on another energy level, the electromagnetic radiation, ( Gamma radiation) is a high energy no particle, electromagnetic radiation only.

The penetration of those wavelengths are very great, (very close to X-ray wavelengths), and those can do a second hand activation of a piece of matter or a compound. Those wavelengths will penetrate tanks, houses, and all kind of barriers to great depth.

If you take a piece of matter, a bolt or a nut, doesn't matter, but it under a strong gamma ray , the bolt or nut will now get a high level of energy, that it will get rid of in time.

When that piece of matter is getting rid of it's newly found energy, it is leaking away the energy received.

The particle itself is now radioactive, and may emit either particles, or electromagnetic wavelengths, doing harm to a human body.

Imagine you have ONE particle of high radioactive content, sitting somewhere in your body, constantly radiating, emitting, and bombarding the surrounding cells with it's radiation.

That experience was what the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki did experienced.

The death toll is still in question, because the immediate death toll and the prolonged death toll have been estimated only, but at least as many died after the blast as during the blast.

Death is not immediate, if you make a "Dirty Bomb".

A nuclear bomb that goes off will have both an immediate blast effect and radioactive after effect.

A "Dirty bomb" have a very small blast effect, as this is not a nuclear reaction that is doing the blast, but an ordinary chemical agent, like TNT, is doing it.

However, if a bomb of that sort is blowing a cloud of radioactive particles you will have about the same after effect as a nuclear bomb.

THAT the Iranians could do now, without having to split atoms.

Then issue with the Iranian bomb is a hurrying issue, and in this particular case I hope for the survival of as many people as possible, and because of that, that a war with Iran comes quick.

I never thought I would wish for a war, but for the greatest good for the greatest number, the Iranian threat must be dealt with.

The Iranians wants to kill as many as possible, preferably wipe out Israel, and as many as possible in the US.

Iran have sponsored terrorism since day one, and have already a perfect delivery system, terrorists, they don't need bombers or submarines.

A bomb going off will make that area inhabitable for some time, great cleaning efforts have to be made, each particle that was part of the blast history has to be removed, an almost impossible task, even though there are detectors that will detect them.

The effects of that blast will be felt long long after Iran's own regime has been toppled, and it's just not worth negotiating with fascists, never has, never will be worth it, because they are never worth their words.

Those nukes ARE in the wrong hands, indeed they are.

-- April 9, 2007 4:34 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

A reshuffle long promised by Malaki in order to get a more efficient regime have been postponed.

The parties that submitted their candidates did it in a confusing way.

So because of inefficency, the move to be more efficient have been stopped.

-- April 9, 2007 5:16 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

CBI exchange rate stills shows the Sunday numbers. They usually update by now

I saw something that indicated that they may keep the rate the same till Wed. I'll keep watching.

-- April 9, 2007 5:52 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Either they are up to something, or they are celebrating one of their frequent holidays.

Just got to watch and see what's going on, It's not unusual that they have kept the same page there for a couple of days in the past, so perhaps this is nothing more than another goat barbie.

Then again, I can't recall that they should have any celebrations today, yesterday was one of the holidays, I believe, either yesterday or the day before was the 4th anniversary of Saddam's fall.

Naa something is going on. Hope they RV the thing and we can get this over with, I need to ride at the Pig Roast.

-- April 9, 2007 6:34 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hold on, they keep it over Monday also due to weekend in New York, they have enough dealings there to influence the activity in Baghdad, when we have holiday they need to follow suit.

It's not a goat barbie, it's because of Easter egg hunts.

-- April 9, 2007 6:38 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,
What has to happen for the dinar to go on the Forex?

Would that mean an automatic RV? and would it have to be a 1:1?

Pig Roast: You ride me??? Okay, first place I'll head for is the truough, where I will dump your "azz.

I say set the pig roast for when Dinar hits $.50 cents.

I say you and I make up our losses by selling tickets on a bet of which one of us "gets the last word". One thousand dinar for anyone to place a bet!

You game??

Carole

-- April 9, 2007 7:47 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Thanks for your reconsideration........now...... on with the show! :)

Carole

-- April 9, 2007 7:49 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Roger,

Good analysis on Iran. That regime is dangerous compared to North Korea and little "ding dong ill"

Iran's "Demon-jahd" wants war to bring back the 12 imam. Dangerous fruitcake.

My first cash in point is no lower than $.30. I second Carole's $.50.

I have a suspicion that the CBI is going to do this in steps. Question is where will they start? Lot's of conjecture. I've seen guesses at

1NID: $.05 -.10
1 NID: $.30
1 NID: $.78-.79
1 NID: $1

I'm hoping for $.79 but think $.30 may be more realistic. In any case, I still think it will be steps.

-- April 9, 2007 8:36 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

BTW,

If the CBI is watching, my first cash in point is 1:1

-- April 9, 2007 8:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi instability curtails foreign bank presence

Foreign banks are waiting until security stabilises in Iraq before entering or expanding a limited presence in the country's banking market, bankers said on Friday.

Iraqi bankers and US officials agreed at a US-funded banking conference on Iraq that four years after the US-led invasion of the country in 2003, the private banking sector, which comprises 25 licensed banks, was still underdeveloped.

Foreign investment that would have squeezed out weaker banks and helped create larger more competitive banks has also been limited after banking laws in 2003 opened the door to outside capital, bankers said.

"Unfortunately foreign banks have yet not committed themselves to Iraq in terms of investing, training and putting systems," said Hussain Al Uzri, chairman of Trade Bank of Iraq.

Under former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussain, Iraqi banks were cut off from the outside world, perpetuating an antiquated banking system with rudimentary investment and retail products.

Since 2003 some Arab and international banks such as HSBC, National Bank of Kuwait, Jordan's Capital Bank and Qatar National Bank have bought shares in local banks.

But foreign investment has been limited to seven banks, with no new investment since 2005, said David Munro, senior official in IZDIHAR, a USAID-funded outfit to promote a market economy, and organisers of the Iraq Banking conference.

Munro said security was a main concern even for banks granted preliminary approval for licences such as Bank Melli Iran, the Commercial Bank of Kuwait and Jordan's Arab Bank.

"A lot of them are poised waiting to see the way the wind is blowing... We need obviously some time where there is relative stability before people start coming," Munro said.

Lebanese Bank Audi and Byblos Bank are slated to open soon in Kurdistan, northern Iraq, where security is better than in Baghdad.

In a country where private lending by small family run banks is just four per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), there are plentiful opportunities, Munro added.

"There is huge pent-up demand for credit in Iraq... and once there is a measure of stability, then I think there will be demand for credit, and those banks that are willing to make loans and know how to make loans will benefit enormously by being able to go into the market."

The principal shortcoming remained the failure of banks to function as financial intermediaries to attract deposits and lend funds to creditworthy firms, the US aid official added.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

A decline in prices of commodities in the market
Dr. Majid Al-Soori, expert at the Iraqi Central Bank, expected the decrease in prices as a result to the procedure taken by the Central Bank in raising the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar, and the matter requires a period of time estimated at the end of the current year. Al-Soori drew attention that the insistence of traders on current prices is quite normal because the merchant looks back to the first exchange rate which makes him adheres to the current prices but reality will tempt them to lower their prices after the new supply of goods arrive.

He said: citizen can contribute in this equation through consumer awareness and waiting for the decline of prices and postpone part of his requirements and needs that are not urgent.

Prices at Baghdad markets are relatively stable for all goods and materials except transport fees despite the recent rise in price of fuel.

A number of shops owners in Baghdad said that the security plan has contributed greatly to the ease in the arrival of goods to the warehouses from the neighboring countries, despite the high amounts of transport fees, but traders mentioned that it is important for the Secretariat of Baghdad and the concerned authorities to work on the organization of the movement in the main markets in Baghdad, and seek to overcome the obstacles facing them represented in the works of cleaning and lift some barriers that hinder the vehicles transporting materials and goods, in addition to calling for the creation of alternative markets for those in the hot spots and provide security in other markets where terrorist operations continue.

Hashim Al Saeedy, trader at Alshorjah market, said that there is a good purchase movement these days because of the security plan which facilitated the arrival of people to the market as prices stayed as they are, despite the rise in fuel prices.

He added: we expect a growing turnout of citizens to purchase household electrical goods after the application of the new salary grading, which is hoped to raise the rates of governmental employees’ salaries.

On his part, Wisam Alzeidi, foodstuffs trader, at Jameelah market said that there is a growing buying and selling movement since the beginning of Baghdad security plan, which has greatly facilitated the arrival of traders from Iraq's various governorates to buy from Jameelah market, which is a center for the sale of bulk food.

Alzeidi added: prices are fixed, and there is no increase; and the news which refers to a rise in prices due to high fuel prices is nothing but rumors far away from the truth. In fact, some of the articles witnessed a decrease in their prices for because of the ease of shipment from the border to stores in the markets of Baghdad.

AlZeidi pointed out to the large movement of sale of materials and foodstuffs entering from Iran, Jordan and Syria, and that the prices of all materials are fixed and stable due to the stability of the dollar, which insures the merchant that there won’t be any coups at the dollar as it was before...

Abdul-Hasan Thamir, an economic researcher, said that the prices of materials and goods cannot stand any rise due to the stability of the salaries of governmental employees and the dollar’s exchange rates in Baghdad, through the "good" policy of the Central Bank to reduce the impact of inflation .. Therefore, prices remained stable.

Thamir added: the non-interference by government bodies in the work of merchants and the selling and buying operation increased the selling and buying movement without pressure.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Increased diplomacy ahead of meeting
By Basil Adas

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

Baghdad, 09 April 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq will intensify diplomacy ahead of a new meeting with Iran, Syria and the United States on May 3 and 4.

The meeting will include representatives of Iraq's immediate neighbours as well as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

The role of Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has become increasingly difficult - reaching out for agreements between Syria and Iran on one hand and the Americans on the other.

Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqi Foreign Minister, told Gulf News: "Our role will be intensified in the coming days to create greater understandings between Syrians and Iranians and the Americans.

"The [success of] international conference for Iraq's future depends on the success of Iraqi role in achieving broader and deeper rapprochement between Iran, Syria and the United States. We are about to announce a positive progress in this regard."

Zebari went on to say: "The committee, in addition to the refugees and energy committees, will be established within a week."

It is rumoured that some Syrian, Iranian and American problems could intercept the efforts of establishing a joint security committee for Iraq.

'No blocks'

Zebari denied the existence of any problems concerning the establishment of the security committee among Iraq, Syria, Iran and the United States.

"Our correspondences with the concerned countries show that there are great reactions from Syria and Iran to form this security committee. Yet Iraqi contacts with Americans, regarding the fate of the five Iranian detainees, would not succeed to release them," he said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Japan Lends Iraq 102.8 Billion Yen for Oil Facilities (Update2)

By Hector Forster and Shigeru Sato

April 9 (Bloomberg) -- Japan, which imports almost all its oil, agreed today to give 102.8 billion yen ($862 million) in loans to Iraq for reconstruction of the war-torn nation's oil pipelines and facilities such as power lines.

The 40-year loan will be given at 0.75 percent interest, according to a statement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The financing agreement came as Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki visited Tokyo to meet with Trade Minister Akira Amari and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

``We'd like to continue to help Iraq reconstruct its country,'' Abe told al-Maliki at the meeting. Al-Maliki said he appreciates Japan's contribution to the Middle Eastern nation over the past years.

The Iraqi prime minister's talks with Amari ``focused on the development of Iraq's power supply infrastructure,'' said Shin Hosaka, director of the trade ministry's oil and gas division.

Iraq expects to increase spending on power infrastructure to $2 billion a year from the current $1.3 billion, Hosaka quoted al-Maliki as saying.

Al-Maliki also met with Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma. He thanked Kyuma for Japan's decision to extend its military support mission to Iraq by two years, a ministry official said. Japan, which pulled its 600 ground troops from the country last July, has an air unit based in Kuwait that transports supplies to Iraq.

Iraq is accelerating efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and political unrest as well as deepen economic reforms, al- Maliki said during his talks with Aso.

Iraq's Oil Output

Japan last October agreed to lend Iraq $3.5 billion to finance three projects in southern Iraq: redevelopment and upgrading of a refinery in Basra, improvements to oil export infrastructure and a project to produce liquefied petroleum gas.

Iraqi oil output declined 10,000 barrels to 2 million barrels a day, according to a Bloomberg News survey of oil companies, producers and analysts on April 3. Exports averaged 1.56 million barrels a day in March, down 10,000 barrels a day from February.

Japan imported 290,973 kiloliters of crude oil from Iraq in February, according to the latest trade ministry report. Japan's total oil imports for that month were 18.7 million kiloliters.

Japan will lend 50 billion yen for upgrading oil export facilities and 32.6 billion yen will go toward rebuilding the power sector, today's statement showed. About 18 billion yen will be for the repair and redevelopment of a fertilizer plant and 2 billion yen will go toward upgrading an oil refinery in Basra.

Holding Talks

Japan's government is supporting overseas oil development to secure energy assets after state-controlled Inpex Holdings Inc. had its share in Iran's Azadegan oilfield slashed to 10 percent from 75 percent. AOC Holdings Inc. said on Oct. 3 it will extend a cooperation agreement with Iraq for research work on developing its oil fields.

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., the country's second- biggest oil explorer, said last month it's holding talks with the Iraqi oil ministry about extending its own research agreement on four fields.

Japan Petroleum, known as Japex, signed a memorandum of understanding in March 2005 with Iraq to evaluate four oilfields there: near Baghdad and in the Western Desert, the northeast and the south.

AOC and Japex are pursuing their projects with the aim of winning oilfield development contracts in Iraq. Dependent on imports for almost all its energy, Japan is competing for overseas oil and gas projects with China and India.
(http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aX3Z1Bl1TTKI)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 10:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Popular
Levin: Senate will pay for Iraq war
POSTED: 7:57 a.m. EDT, April 9, 2007
Story Highlights• Pressure Iraqis, not U.S. troops, Senate Armed Services chairman says
• GOP's Specter calls for more talks between White House, Congress
• Kyl: Iraqis listening; plans need time to work
Adjust font size:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate will not stop paying for the Iraq war or relent from insisting that President Bush keep pressing the Baghdad government for a negotiated end to the violence, a top Democrat said Sunday.

Michigan Sen. Carl Levin, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, took issue with an effort by Majority Leader Harry Reid to limit war spending after March 2008 as a way to end U.S. involvement.

"We're not going to vote to cut funding, period," Levin said. "But what we should do, and we're going to do, is continue to press this president to put some pressure on the Iraqi leaders to reach a political settlement."

Bush has asked Congress for more than $100 billion to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan this year. The House and Senate have approved the money, but their bills seek to wind down the war by including timelines for troops to come home -- something Bush will not accept.

The Senate bill would require a U.S. troop exit to begin within 120 days, with a completion goal of March 31, 2008. The House bill would order all combat troops out by September 1, 2008.

Democratic leaders have not negotiated a final version to send the president. Bush has made clear he will veto it, which will start the process all over.

"We're going to fund the troops. We always have," Levin said. He added, "We're very strong in supporting the troops, but we're also strong on putting pressure on the Iraqi leaders to live up to their own commitments without that political settlement on their part, there is no military solution."

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pennsylvania, said "there have not been sufficient efforts at discussions" between lawmakers and White House. "We cannot leave the troops unfunded in the field. That just can't be done. And Congress is not in a position to micromanage the war. But we do not have any good alternative. Right now, you can't see the end of the tunnel, let alone a light at the end of the tunnel."

Specter said he was not prepared "to withdraw funding at this time. But my patience, like many others, is growing very thin." (Watch why top House Republican supports troop surge )

Reid, D-Nevada, said last week that if Bush rejects the Democrats' legislation, he would join with Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wisconsin, one of the party's most liberal members who has long called to end the war by denying funding for it. Reid's latest proposal would give the president one year to get troops out, ending funding for combat operations after March 31, 2008.

"We can keep the benchmarks part of the bill without saying that the troops must begin to come back within four months," Levin said. "If that doesn't work and the president vetoes because of that, and he will, then that part of it is removed, because we're going to fund the troops.

"And what we will leave will be benchmarks, for instance, which would require the president to certify to the American people if the Iraqis are meeting the benchmarks for political settlement, which they, the Iraqi leaders, have set for themselves," he said.

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, said it is unacceptable to set a goal and timetable for withdrawing the troops. He said lawmakers who support that are basing it on a false notion that the Iraqis are not listening to the United States.

"I was over there about a month ago. We saw the reaction of the Iraqis. They are cooperating with us. So that's old news that they're not cooperating. That's one of the reasons this new surge strategy is working," he said.

Kyl said withholding money from troops with the aim of sending a message to Iraqis that they must do better would be self-defeating.

"You're also sending a message to our troops and to our enemies, who know that all they have to do is wait the conflict out. This is not the way to try to micromanage a war from the U.S. Senate," he said.

Levin and Kyl were interviewed on "This Week" on ABC and Specter appeared on "Late Edition" on CNN.
(www.cnn.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 10:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

April 7, 2007
HP-342

Statement by Deputy Secretary Kimmitt on
the Announcement of the Signing of the
International Compact with Iraq

Washington--Treasury Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt issued the following statement today on the Government of Iraq and the United Nations' announcement that the International Compact with Iraq will be signed in Sharm el-Sheikh on May 3.

"I welcome and applaud this important step and look forward to attending the signing ceremony as a member of the U.S. delegation headed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. I commend the Iraqi authorities for their sustained commitment to the Compact. Iraq, together with the United Nations and the World Bank, has worked diligently since July 2006 to prepare the ambitious economic reform framework outlined in the Compact. The signing ceremony concludes several months of hard work and provides a concrete path of reform to financial self sufficiency. In exchange, the international community will provide continuing political and economic support to help Iraq achieve sustainable, broad-based economic growth. Iraq's leaders have already developed an impressive track record on economic reform under the Compact framework, including Cabinet approval of a hydrocarbons law, fuel import liberalization, and passage of a prudent, transparent and fully financed 2007 budget. The United States fully supports this initiative, as demonstrated by the President's recent request to Congress to approve additional funding for Iraq to help realize the objectives of the Compact."

The Compact is an initiative launched by the UN and Iraq to help Iraq realize its vision of a stable and prosperous nation underpinned by a self-sustaining economy. The Compact embodies commitments by Iraq on a plan to achieve economic self-sufficiency in return for international support. Iraq presented the final Compact documents to the international community at the UN on March 16, 2007. Deputy Secretary Kimmitt serves as the President's Special Envoy for the International Compact with Iraq.

Additional information on the Compact can be found at: www.iraqcompact.org.
(http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/hp342.htm)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 11:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

14 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN RAIDS
Monday, 09 April 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

Apr. 9, 2007
Release A070409a

14 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured 14 suspected terrorists during operations Monday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitators and members of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells.

While conducting a raid targeting foreign fighter facilitators northwest of Bayji, Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists.

During two operations in Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces captured seven suspected terrorists with alleged ties to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq.

Northwest of Karmah, two suspected terrorists were detained with links to a VBIED cell. According to intelligence reports, this cell is allegedly responsible for planning attacks against Iraqi police and Coalition Forces.

“Coalition Forces continue systematic operations to hunt down terrorists no matter where they may hide,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11290&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 11:07 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

SENIOR AL-QAEDA LEADER CAPTURED IN BAGHDAD RAID
Sunday, 08 April 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

April 8, 2007
Release A070408a

SENIOR AL-QAEDA LEADER CAPTURED IN BAGHDAD RAID

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces captured a senior al-Qaeda leader and two others during raid Sunday morning in Baghdad.

Coalition Forces identified the man as the gatekeeper to the al-Qaeda emir of Baghdad. He has alleged ties to several senior al-Qaeda members and is reportedly linked to a number of mass casualty vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the Baghdad area.

He was detained along with another known al-Qaeda VBIED cell leader and one other suspect.

“This is a significant step in our efforts to disrupt the VBIED network and their devastating attacks against the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11246&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 11:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The Russian Look-Oil request political support to Iraqi oil deal
The Russian Look-Oil request political support to Iraqi oil deal
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [09/04/2007]


Look-Oil company, the largest oil producer in Russia, entered a partnership agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, and said that it depends on its support in preparing for the rehabilitation of a giant oil deal in Iraq.

Look-Oil and the ministry said in a statement that the agreement is the first of its kind in Russia, and it aims to support Look-Oil projects abroad and defend the interests of the company through diplomatic means and facilitate meetings of the company abroad.

In its turn, Look-Oil would consult with the ministry in energy-related issues.

The Russian news agency Interfax reported that head of the company, Wajid Ali Kabeerov, said at the signing ceremony which foreign media journalists were prevent from from attending it, "our company is entering new areas which do not enjoy political stability. We will need the support of the ministry in Iraq, particularly".

The head of the company said last month that his company is optimistic about the prospects for reviving a deal since the era of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to develop the giant Iraqi field of West Qurna after the government approved the new Iraqi oil law.

The deal, worth four billion dollars, to develop the West Qurna field may face problems due to its cancellation by the government of Saddam just before his overthrown in 2003.

However, the new oil law still needs to be approved by the Iraqi Parliament, which aims to establish the general framework of the work of foreign companies that invest in Iraq after decades of sanctions in the era of Saddam and the years of violence since the invasion, led by the United States.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3598)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 11:10 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil exports rise in March to the highest level in 2007
Iraq's oil exports rise in March to the highest level in 2007
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [07/04/2007]


Transport sources said on Monday that Iraqi oil exports rose in March to hit the highest level since September 2006 because of the increasing shipments from Basrah which is the main port on the Gulf for the export of Iraqi crude oil.

According to data gathered by Reuters, the exports have increased from 1.49 to 1.62 million barrels a day in February, and this was the highest level since last September when exports hit 1.64 million barrels per day.

Spokesman of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Assim Jihad, said on the fifth of March that the total exports in March was less than what was desired by Iraq which was seeking to increase its exports to 1.7 million barrels a day during that month.

The total figure for the exports in March was 2360061 barrels exported from the Iraqi port of Khor Al-Amaih on the Gulf.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3574)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 11:11 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Correction... sorry.

iPod tells soldier he was shot - the real story

I talked to the soldier this afternoon and here’s the story firsthand:

The armor stopped the bullet.

The iPod was how he found out he was shot. This is the real story.

He said he got into the fight with the insurgent and afterwards he did not know he was even shot. He said he returned to his bunk after the patrol, put on his earbuds and began to clean his weapon.

He said: “you get into a ritual out there.”

No music came on. He dug around in the pockets where he kept the iPod and pulled out the twisted hunk of metal that is in the pictures. He said that was how he found out that he had been shot during the fight. He was happy that his armor worked.

He said the upgraded armor he was wearing could stop the AK-47 round. It was not the newest armor that is in Iraq now, but it was an upgrade. This was his second iPod that he had brought to Iraq. The first had been damaged earlier and the store would not replace it, even with the additional warranty he purchased.

The pictures are what happens when an AK-47 bullet hits an iPod.

He’s talked to Apple and is happy that they sent him another iPod. He’s gone through two already. If any others send him iPods he’ll put them in care packages back to friends in his unit who don’t have them.

**Updated**

Due to the popularity of the pictures, me and my friend Danny with help of members of his family, worked our butts off to reach the soldier to get the facts and update people on the validity of the story. At the time of the posting it was a “friend of friend” story. I got emails from a co-worker, who got them from a family member, who worked with his mother - a big game of telephone. In less than twelve hours from that posting the photos began to sweep the Internet. I hope this post moves up the line as fast.

http://havanalion.com/2007/04/08/ipod-tells-soldier-he-was-shot-the-real-story/

-- April 9, 2007 12:46 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger, Rob, Chris or anyone!

You all know that I am not Dinar savy so my question should be considered with that in mind.

Question: When companies start to buy back their own stock, it usually means company very strong and have knowledge of something big coming ( MERGERS,SPLITS,ETC).

Well if the CBI is buying back as much of their own currency as they can and not selling any dinars....can this have the same meaning?

Carole

-- April 9, 2007 12:53 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran: Nuclear program stepped up
April 9, 2007

Story Highlights
• Iran has reached "industrial level" nuclear production, Ahmadinejad says
• Iranian president says program to be used for "expansion of peace and stability"
• Iran could reconsider Non-Proliferation Treaty membership, chief negotiator warns
• U.S. State Department spokesman says Iran is defying international community

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday the country's nuclear fuel production program had reached "industrial" levels, setting Tehran on a fresh collision course with Western governments over its atomic ambitions.

A U.S. State Department spokesman said the announcement was "another signal Iran is in defiance of the international community." Iran has already faced United Nations sanctions over its refusal to back down from developing nuclear fuel.

"Iran has succeeded in development to attain production at an industrial level," said Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, addressing an audience at the Natanz nuclear facility as part of a ceremony marking the anniversary of the start of uranium enrichment at the plant.

"With great pride, I announce that as of today, our dear country, Iran, is among the countries of the world that produces the industrial level of nuclear fuel."

Ahmadinejad vowed the fuel would be used for energy, "and for the expansion of peace and stability."

He added that the goal of "progress" for Iran was "irreversible."

Iran has repeatedly said uranium enrichment, which the United Nations has demanded it stop, is its right and will not be abandoned. The 15-member Security Council voted unanimously last month to pass Resolution 1747.

The U.S. and other nations contend that Iran is using the project to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.

Germany's Foreign Ministry, which currently holds the EU presidency, said the move showed Iran was "definitively going in the wrong direction," The Associated Press reported.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani told reporters that "Today, with the nuclear fuel cycle complete, we are ready to begin real negotiations with the aim of reaching an understanding. We are ready to negotiate and reach an agreement with Western countries in order to remove their worries about nuclear Iran without putting an end to our scientific development."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/04/09/iran.ahmadinejad/index.html

Negotiate, but without any hope of putting an end to their nuclear plans..

That sounds like they are taking a page book from the politics of the Democrats with the Whitehouse.

The Democrats also wish "negotiations" where the other side has no options but to allow all their demands.

Sara.

-- April 9, 2007 2:38 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

We all know how very peaceful Iran will be with nuclear weapons..
forget that silly comment about wiping Israel off the map,
he wasn't serious.. was he?
Like with Saddam.. just keep passing those UN resolutions..
see how effective they are in curbing nuclear ambitions?
I am sure the US would have done better to just let Saddam go..
he would not have used his nukes, either.
Let's all just join hands and sing kumbaya.. for a peaceful world.

Sara.

-- April 9, 2007 2:47 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Based upon my experience a company buying back its own stock is a good sign and can mean a healthy forcast of future growth and increased revenue. Buying back one's stock would not indicate a looming split or accquisition.

Iraq purchasing large sums of Dinar with U.S. Dollars may be occuring to meet certian criteria established to achieve an acceptable level of liquidity.

Liquidity is defined as "Available cash or the capacity to obtain it on demand" or "a large position in cash or in assets that are easily convertible to cash. High liquidity produces flexibility for a firm or an investor in a low-risk position, but it also tends to decrease profitability."

I included those definitions to clarify what I think the Iraqi purpose is for purchasing large sums of its own currency. In my opinion, it is an aim to further stablize the New Iraqi Dinar.

Does a further stabilized currency mean a coming revaluation? It could mean that. Without getting everyone's hopes up I will limit my comments to the further stabilization of the Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 3:11 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

GCC revaluation watch
Brad Setser | Apr 03, 2007
The US housing boom is – rather clearly – over. The Federal Reserve is – at least in the eyes of the market – more likely to cut than to raise US policy rates. The dollar is rather weak, at least against most European currencies (though not v. the Chinese RMB or most Asian currencies). The large US trade deficit suggests that further falls in the dollar are likely. The fact that emerging market central banks need to spend so much propping the dollar up tells the same story.

The Gulf’s petro-construction boom is still going strong. GCC economies are booming. Big, new projects are in the pipeline. All the sheiks with a bit of desert on the southern shore of the Gulf want to be Dubai, or, if not Dubai, a more credible rival. Abu Dhabi – the sheikdom in the UAE with the really big bucks – is a prime case in the point. More and more of the dollars from the Gulf’s oil are being converted into local currency and spent (or invested); fewer are being stashed abroad. The Gulf’s contribution to the global savings glut should shrink this year, at least if oil doesn't rise about $65. Inflation in the Gulf economies is either high or rising. Real interest rates are either low or negative.

The last thing the Gulf states need, therefore, is lower nominal interest rates and a weaker currency. No wonder more and more voices in the Gulf are starting to question the region’s tight peg to the dollar.

Mikka Pineda of RGEMonitor has even found a Saudi bank hinting at a revaluation.

... the SAR will likely head for a sizeable nominal effective depreciation, particularly if the Asian savers (particularly China) decided to revalue and Saudi Arabia maintained its current peg unchanged. …. This imbalance could exert further pressure on GCC central bankers to synchronize a one-off revaluation round in 2007, a policy option that had already surfaced repeatedly during the past couple of months.

The Saudis have been, up until now, the Gulf state most wed to the peg. Some things seem to be changing.

Will the Gulf states’ central bankers agree to a coordinated policy shift – a revaluation, if not a new basket peg —when they meet this week? I certainly don’t know. Local analysts think probably not. But a revaluation presumably is on the agenda in a way that it wasn’t before. The Gulf states don’t want or need an (even) weaker currency. Yet barring a collapse in the price of oil (hardly something the GCC wants), further falls in the dollar are almost certainly necessary to reduce the US trade deficit.

Having the needed real appreciation in the Gulf (and especially in Saudi Arabia) come entirely from a rise in inflation isn’t optimal, at least not in my view.

On the other hand, expectations of a revaluation create problems of their own. Kuwait has signaled for some time that it is worried by rising inflation, and wouldn’t mind a stronger currency. Yet Kuwait’s central bank is also now warning against speculating on the dinar’s revaluation. Apparently, hot money was coming in – and Kuwait was attracting net private capital inflows, not just big inflows of foreign exchange from $60 plus oil. If there are expectations of revaluation, GCC interest rates can fall below US rates (see China). But that is the last thing a region that already has very low and often negative real interest rates needs …

Interesting.

UPDATE: GCC watcher extraordinaire Mikka Pineda notes that Kuwait and the UAE did cut their policy rates to try to deter speculation, even with high inflation (very high for the UAE). But the UAE at least quickly reversed course ... it sure looks like China isn't the only economy struggling to reconcile its desired exchange rate policy with its desired monetary policy stance.

UPDATE 2: The meeting only lasted a day, not the two planned ... and the GCC central bank governors agreed to keep their dollar pegs for the "time being." Nothing sounds very settled.
(http://www.rgemonitor.com/blog/setser/187233)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 9, 2007 5:45 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

I doubt that the fact that there are no new postings since Sunday mean anything really...

I just assume they are doing thier normal thing and taking days off without explanation as they have done a lot of times this year.

My monopoly money is still just as valuable as its always been for all practical uses. If I had a fire place I could use it to light it up on a cold night. Since I don't they just stay there collecting dust.

-- April 9, 2007 6:29 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Hero's tale is 'too positive' for the BBC
By Chris Hastings, Arts and Media Editor, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:56pm BST 07/04/2007

Amid the deaths and the grim daily struggle bravely borne by Britain's forces in southern Iraq, one tale of heroism stands out.

Private Johnson Beharry's courage in rescuing an ambushed foot patrol then, in a second act, saving his vehicle's crew despite his own terrible injuries earned him a Victoria Cross.

For the BBC, however, his story is "too positive" about the conflict.

The corporation has cancelled the commission for a 90-minute drama about Britain's youngest surviving Victoria Cross hero because it feared it would alienate members of the audience opposed to the war in Iraq.

The BBC's retreat from the project, which had the working title Victoria Cross, has sparked accusations of cowardice and will reignite the debate about the broadcaster's alleged lack of patriotism.

"The BBC... felt it couldn't show anything with a degree of positivity about the conflict."

"It needed to tell stories about Iraq which reflected the fact that some members of the audience didn't approve of what was going on. Obviously a story about Johnson Beharry could never do that. You couldn't have a scene where he suddenly turned around and denounced the war because he just wouldn't do that."

"The film is now on hold and it will only make it to the screen if another broadcaster picks it up."

A spokesman for the BBC admitted that it had abandoned the VC project but refused to elaborate.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/08/wiraq308.xml

-- April 9, 2007 10:16 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Sounds like you are having one of those "how to deal with perposterous thinking".

I find myself dealing with those moments and thoughts more and more these days.

Doesn't it appear that there is a missing link in the rationalization of world leaders? Like they know sometthing we don't or aren't suppose to?

You know just about the time I want to give full support and allegiance to our president, I am haunted with the realization that he is a trilateralist and an oil man. SOme days I count that as credit to him and other days( when I don 't see him taking an international lead to stop Iran in their tracks) I think it is a discredit to him and my trust goes to sub-zero!

I also wanted you to know that I have written to Bill O'rielly and Sean Hannity concerning a golden opporotunity to help Californian conservatives take a well deserved chunk out of Diane Feinstein ( our US representative who has caused havoc in California with her liberal agenda that has grossly impacted economic and social values in this state.

The story goes ( and I have never seen it in the MSM) that she gave a company owned by her husband special priveliges and government contracts for incredible financial gain. I don't have all of the details, but whatever it was, it was serious enough for her to step down from some supreme committee, to avoid investigation.

I heard this on Rush Limbaugh. And I have never heard it again.
Rush stated that this was a bigger than big story that the MSM was ignoring.

Have you heard anything. I am upset because Conservatives have very little, if any leverage in California. And something like this, if exposed and worthy of investigating, and more yet help to get her the heck out of this state. And if so behind bars!

SO, my hope is that Bill O'Reilly and Hannity will throw a few crumbs to the conservatives in Ca. by shaking the bushes and bringing this out in the open.

Carole

-- April 9, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob:

Thanks for your response. I have since read on other sites (Iraqinvestors.com) that some are looking at this as the most ominious sign for an RV soon----like this week!

Carole

-- April 9, 2007 10:58 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Thanks for a very good report on the Iranian capabilities.

So, it happened, last word was that the Iranians will have industrial strength in uranium enrichment, by the end of May, and they are announcing today that they have it now.

Clock is ticking.

I'm in doubt that the long and tedious process of UN sanctions, articles and statements that necessarily have to go through, is too long of a time before the Iranians will do something.

Before the next scheduled UN security meeting takes place, is less of a consequence, they historically gradually increase the pressure, and let a couple of months, maybe a half year go, to let the offending party respond.

They (the UN) do an increasingly strong worded resolution, in a very timely fashion.

The UN is not a governing body, (a mistake most radicals or Socialists conveniently forget continuously, and hold the UN's demands as the governing ruling law), but all delegates, have to clear each issue with his own government in each country.

It's a must that the Iranian nuclear program is taken out quickly, it's just a matter of time now.

The Iranians make the bombs they need, and use them, or we take them out first, and deal with the consequences of that, afterwards.

If we go after them first, there will be a lot of screaming and accusations of 'bullying" and such crap, but I rather live with that, than have a lot of people dead in some cities around the globe.

Rob N,

Re buying back Dinars, well said. I would say that they are going to RV, but that's my opinion only.

The report about stabilizing prices in Baghdad, might indicate that they are very happy with the Dinar as is, (I'm not) but they are there, and they decide, so there is not much you can do either way, other than watch.

Anthony R,

Monopoly money, well...you have had a 15% increase in the value of them since Nov, so it did you some good.

In general I agree though, the Dinar is slow to move.

There has been two teasers, the first in the time just after they were issued, where the value increased about 20-25%, then it was sitting still for years, until when it finally moved just a little bit more starting in November.

The rest is endless speculation, and sideline comments from investors on different forums.

Some of them have picked up an astonishing knowledge in the field, I went around on RolClub and IraqInvestors forum, and was amazed on how deeply some were researching.

However, any hint, any line with a double meaning , any possible angle is mostly construed in such a way that the Dinar will revalue about tomorrow to 3 Dollars or thereabouts.

Rest of the posters are cheering that statement with small animated dolls that are clapping their hands above the head.

Well, the enthusiasm is not lacking, but an reality of it isn't really there.

I can guess that an investor that has been in this game for years, learn the tricks of the trade quite a bit, but in reality the investment so far, up until this writing moment, has been about in par with most other "normal" investments.

40% over 4 years makes up until this point 10% per year.

You could have done about the same investing in funds, so as an investment so far, well not bad, not good, it's doing ok.

The bonus with Dinars is that they might revalue with a tremendously huge increase in value overnight, stocks, bonds and basket funds very seldom works that way.

Currency do.

Ok, it seems like the party in the Florida Keys, will happen in the vicinity of 30 or 50 cents, more bids?

-- April 10, 2007 12:10 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The Russian intelligence, is still on the track that an attack on Iran is imminent. They claim that they estimate a number of 450 cruise missiles is on stand by right now, not counting ballistic missiles, and air power.

The Russians, being closely involved know what, where and how much of the Iranian nuclear processing plants needs to be taken out in order to stop Iran in it's nuclear ambition.

They think that at least 30 of the different plants needs to be taken out, and some of them, they again points out, must by reason of being underground, be taken out with tactical nuclear warheads.

The Russians further don't think that the Brits held hostage for some time would make any difference, except a god excuse to hit at that moment, and with their release the point is remote.

The force is already ready, and they think that the addition of USS Nimitz is not necessary, but if it arrives before the hostilities starts, the force will be even more strengthen.

The announcement today by the Iranians, that from this day on, their nuclear production ability is with full production capability, will inevitably get the Israelis to take preparatory steps.

For all intents and purposes, time has run out for them.

Israel now don't have a choice, other than either they, or the US and British forces will hit.

Israel from this point on in order to survive, must take out the threat.

The political pressure on the British and US from the Israelis is clearly visible, they know that Israel MUST do it, if not the Brits and the US forces do it.

Probably from a political viewpoint, it is better than Israel don't get involved and let the forces in place do it.

As most probably, nuclear tactics must be used, just the fact that Israel would drop it on Iran, would infuriate and make any handling of the Middle East very difficult.

Even if it is a tactical warhead dropped in a remote industrial complex, and not a mass destructive warhead dropped on populated cities. The fact that Israel did it, will complicate things in a hurry.

Israeli war planners must probably be completely satisfied with any proposed US/British war plans, and will probably demand a backup plan, or double hits before they can step aside.

Even if all this questions poses dilemma after dilemma, any of those solutions are the better ones, compared with a destroyed Israel and/or destroyed US or British cities.

I really hope sincerely that they get this done and over with as soon as possible.

Having Iran with its fascist regime, is like having an armed escapee criminal in your neck of the woods, he is still not caught, and they ask us all to stay inside while the hunt goes on.

-- April 10, 2007 2:35 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Don't believe anything that comes out of Russia right now. They will defend Iran against the world, if need be. Unless you are getting your information from some underground espionage Russian source,any info is srtictly as a decoy or sabatoge.

Russia will be a might to contend with and will bring parts of eastern europe, parts of Latin america and possibly even china, if necessary to defend their interests in the middle east particularly, Iran.

If there is going to be a true military confrontation it will be between the 2 world powers--US vs Russia,

both will be camufloged under other countries.

US/israel; Russia/Iran

It has been a long time coming, and unless some international intervention takes place soon, or God brings a miracle we are about to witness what has been dreaded for generations!

Carole

-- April 10, 2007 3:04 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

WHERE IS CONDI RICE WITH HER PHD IN RUSSIAN STUDIES?????

Hope she is whispering loud and clear in Bush's ear!!

Carole

-- April 10, 2007 3:08 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Picked up on two places but never got it confirmed, that CBI will be closed until Wednesday.

We will see if Chris is posting a business day or if it is another day off in CBI.

If the bank is not opened today, something is afoot.

It should not be another holiday, but rumors are whirling around pretty much regarding RV on other forums.

The Sebastian Holding that some of you wrote about some time ago here on this blog, the CEO claims that he knows that this weekend/bank closure is because of an RV.

Some claim he is a scammer....oh well.

Well, there is so many that has come up with a date, and reliable sources, but in the end, they disappear after the date, when nothing happened, never to be heard of again.

Anyhow, just to get this one into perspective, file this one in thee RUMOR department.

According to this CEO, this weekend the CBI is holding a secret session to discuss the implementations of an
RV, and it will be announced after this weekend.

(Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger here, besides, a rumor on occasion is a lively event)

The amount was not known, but probably the RV will be very modest, a cent or two, just to flush out the cookie jar Dinars that many non serious investors are holding.

Then according to the rumor, the Dinar would go up to about a buck.

......an RV might be happening, I think so, but on this rumor, well....as I say, we'll see....

The strategy seems to be just about right.

First a very small RV, then a lot of Dinars will be back on the market. And can be continued to be bought up.

But from there to ONE BUCK....na, that's very bad strategy.

I would do a series of RV's each one with a falling Dinar after each RV, that will shake out much of the Dinars sitting in cookie jars, and safety boxes.

We will see, anyhow, according to the rumors out now, first the CBI is closed until Wed, then a small RV.

If it happens, the only promise I will make is to repaint my Mercedes.

-- April 10, 2007 3:26 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Well of course, there is a reason why the Russians are releasing intelligence data.

Their data gathering, I don't doubt, they have about as good cameras in the sky as we have, so if they say the stuff is there, that I do believe, occasional articles in western wires are also telling us that the stuff are assembled, plus Bush himself tells on TV that he is sending over the carriers, so all in all, the Russians are not saying that the stuff is not there, they are releasing an account of what they see.

Now, the reason for that is obscure and perhaps they are miscalculating a lot of things.

One of the biggest blunders you can do in intelligence work is to openly give out what you know, and the Russians are doing that right now.

Perhaps they are not telling us ALL that they know, who knows, they might have secretly installed a brand new anti missile or anti aircraft system that is so new that we don't know about it, and are really teasing the west to go for it.

If they have, I'm pretty sure we outsmarted the Russians in one way or the other.

The Soviets was continuously outsmarted all along the way, during the cold war.

Some of the declassified actions we did was to bug their phone system with pickup coils, anywhere they had a phone line in the water.

One famous one was set in the Berings Sea, we had our wire drawn all across the Atlantic , by passed Island north of it, and had the wire plugged in in a listening station in Greenland.

The Russians never found out until afterwards why their subs was always detected, and this despite they had no stalking submarine hanging after them at all times.

Well we bugged the entire Atlantic ocean with microphones, in a grid system, and could follow anything, that system is today decommissioned to civilian oceanographers, mapping whale migration.

One of the biggest non nuclear explosions happened in Russia, during the cold war, when smuggled data programs from the west was used in their handling of pipelines, storage and transportation for their natural gas.

We put a virus on the program, set for destruction of the system.

Known not working concepts of weapons was leaked, constantly making the Russians spend countless Rubles and development time on counter measures.

The whole "Star War" concept announced on TV by Reagan, was essentially a fake.

The Russian war doctrine was closely studied , because Iraq had developed this system for it's forces.

When we cut through their defense system with such an ease, and had a sprinter type deployment into Baghdad, by passing all the Russian designed defense systems, there was a big debate, on TV in Russia, where the Russians claimed that if their defence system was so easy to defeat, the US would have a really easy time defeating Russia, as the main Russian defense system followed the same doctrine.

Russia today is a poor nation, they are doing ok, but have nowhere close to any resources of being a threat as in the old days.

They are sitting on the fence trying to be something they were in the past, this is bringing them isolation and stagnation.

No I'm not afraid of the Russians, those times are over, it is however discouraging to see that this Putin character is still thinking in terms of "Grand Ol Russia" while their market is not expanding as much as the rest of the world.

The difference is that now a Russian can buy Chinese made cheap things there as well as here, and they have Ipods, TV's and Dvds but they still live in apartment complexes, and can't hardly afford to buy new clothes, as the income is in the 100 Dollar a month range. (Doctors are doing 200)

Corruption learned from the old days are rampant, you cant get a permit, stamp, or similar thing, unless you pay someone something.

In order to talk to a person, you always have three persons first that you have to go "through' and all of them demands something in their hands.

Lines are not straight, it's a wheeling and dealing place.

There are no freeways as you see in the us, Britain, or German Autobahn, but poorly maintained roads.

If you break down, you better know how to fix it yourself.

Get into a town and look for a hotel, gas station, or similar, and you will get lost.

Don't believe they have a 7/11 in every corner where you can get your morning coffee.

Crimes are abundant, alcoholism also. Kids without parents, because of abuse, economics and alcoholism is staggering, and the state run orphanages, have bare walls.

On the other side, the education level is way up high, but even if a big portion of the population is university educated, the opportunities are slim to none.

No Carole, it might very well be that you in some sights of yours have seen it all come together, where the Armageddon will be between Russia and the West, and maybe even can refer it to some scriptures.

I don't see it that way, I feel pity over the Russians fate, they are essentially very hard working people with a lot of talent, but have the unfortunate of getting crappy governments, From the Tsar and up until now.

Given the same circumstances as we have, they will be doing exceptionally well.

They deserve better than be incorporated in one more of this Armageddon scenarios.

-- April 10, 2007 4:17 AM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Shame but CBI open today and no RV.

-- April 10, 2007 4:49 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Chelseadave,

Well, rumors are just that, but they make you look an extra time though.

-- April 10, 2007 5:03 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(900)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 900 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/4/ 10 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 59.505.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 59.505.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 10, 2007 5:08 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Sara,

That's typical of the BBC. During the week of the 4th anniversary of the fall of Saddam, they had extended reports from Iraq every night of the week in their news programmes. I watched them all week and did not see one shred of positive news reported. Every bit of it was doom and gloom. The BBC would never let the truth get in the way of political correctness.

But then I think we know on both sides of the pond, not to believe everything, or should I say anything, you see, hear or read in the media.

I do have to say in their defence though, that the BBC have been responsible for some excellent broadcasting over the years (and a fair amount of crap if truth be told). But in the field of nature documentaries, I believe that they have been second to none over recent years.

-- April 10, 2007 5:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

International Relations

Iraqi PM rejects US troop withdrawal timetable
US helicopter comes under fire in Baghdad while Four US soldiers killed in Iraq as violence continues.

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

TOKYO, 10 April 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Tuesday rejected demands by the US Congress for a timetable to pull out US troops, saying the withdrawal should be based on the reality on the ground.

Maliki said his government was working to improve security to make it possible for US and other foreign troops to leave.

"We see no need for a withdrawal timetable because we are working as fast as we can," Maliki told a news conference on a visit to Tokyo.

"We feel what will govern the departure of the multinational forces are the achievements and victories we manage to obtain on the ground and not a timetable," he said.

The US Democratic Party has pushed for a withdrawal date since seizing control of Congress from President George W. Bush's Republicans on the back of voter anger over the Iraq war.

The House of Representatives and Senate have passed bills with different pullout deadlines -- August 31, 2008, and March 31, 2008, respectively -- but Bush has vowed to veto any date.

US helicopter comes under fire in Baghdad

A US military helicopter came under small arms fire in Baghdad on Tuesday but returned safely to its base, a military spokeswoman said.

"We had an incident. A helicopter took small arms fire but returned safely to the base," Lieutenant Colonel Josslyn Aberle said.

"It did not go down. The pilot had control all the time. It happened somewhere in Baghdad. We are still gathering details."

Since January 20, at least 10 US helicopters -- including two operated by private security firms -- have come down in Iraq, most of them to hostile fire.

Four US soldiers killed in Iraq

Another four US soldiers have died in violence in Iraq, the military said on Tuesday, bringing to 32 the number of American troops killed in the country this month alone.

Two roadside bomb blasts killed three soldiers and wounded another while they were on patrol Monday in southeastern Baghdad where a massive security crackdown is underway to quell daily bloodshed.

The military announced that a fourth soldier died while conducting combat operations on Monday in the restive province of Al-Anbar, a known hotbed for Sunni insurgents and Al-Qaeda militants west of Baghdad.

The latest fatalities brought to 3,280 the number of American military losses since the March 2003 invasion, according to a count based on Pentagon figures.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 10, 2007 11:07 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Security

US, Iraqi forces capture 150 suspects in 2-week operation north of Baghdad

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

10 April 2007 (AP Worldstream)
Print article Send to friend
U.S. and Iraqi troops captured more than 150 suspected insurgents in a nearly two-week operation north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

The effort took place in two villages _ Mujamma and Ad Dawr _ near Tikrit, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, the military said in a statement.

Rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, automatic machine guns, sniper rifles and anti-tank mines were also seized, it said.

The statement said the goal of the operation was to "root out known insurgents who have been using the town as a safe haven and orchestrating acts of terror against the town's people and security forces."

Suspects were believed to have been involved in an attack on the Ad Dawr police headquarters in February, which killed 12 policemen, the U.S. said.

More than 500 American paratroopers took part in the operation, it said.

Authorities provided food, fuel and medical care to residents during the operation, it said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 10, 2007 11:08 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, chelseadave and Carole, on the "how to deal with perposterous thinking" replies on the BBC and negativity media. I haven't followed the California issue you brought up, Carole, sorry.

Also, you are welcome, Roger, for the stuff I posted on Iran. It does look a bit dire out there. It is even harder today to hide behind peacenik signs when the enemy is about to have a suitcase nuke in his hands. Shortly Iran will have the bomb and they can move it to that easily transportable form very quickly. (As Carole pointed out, perhaps the Russians will show them how. If not, they have others who will.) The borders here are porous, and those who keep their heads in the sand and say there is no threat to the US homeland (after all, they likely don't speak English and we wouldn't let them into the country) are fooling themselves.

Sure, Iran's President said he wished Israel wiped off the face of the earth recently.. but he also said that the US would be destroyed shortly, too. Remember that threat?

Iranian leader: Wipe out Israel
Thursday, October 27, 2005

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

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

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

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

He also threatened the US with "harm and pain".. An Associated Press article on March 8, 2006 url here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060308/ap_on_re_mi_ea/nuclear_agency_iran

Iran Threatens U.S. With ‘Harm and Pain’
By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer March 8, 2006

VIENNA, Austria - Iran threatened the United States with "harm and pain" Wednesday for its role in hauling Tehran before the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program.

"The United States has the power to cause harm and pain," said an statement delivered by the Iranian delegation and later repeated to reporters by top nuclear negotiator Javad Vaidi.

"But the United States is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if that is the path that the U.S. wishes to choose, let the ball roll."

The statement did not elaborate on what Iran meant by "harm and pain," and Iranian officials were not immediately available to comment.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/iran-threatens-harm-and-pain-for-us

I do wonder what he was thinking when he spoke those words, don't you? In light of these recent developments, I think it is prudent to take the enemy's words about their intentions quite seriously. I continue to read in the MSM news that no such threat to the US exists.. but I am unconvinced as this man's sworn aim is the destruction of both Israel and the US.. and he is about to go nuclear. Can we really afford to think he is bluffing about his intent? If we get that wrong.. we say.. ooops.. sorry about that mushroom cloud over the city.. right?

And when you look at what his friends say when he visits them.. you have to wonder where they get the inspiration for their remarks:

Hugo Chavez To Iran: “Let’s Finish Off The US Empire”
From his fans at the Associated Press: http://times-news.com/feeds/apcontent/apstories/apstorysection

Hugo Chavez Receives Iran’s Highest Honor
By NASSER KARIMI July 31, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran awarded Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez its highest state medal on Sunday for supporting Tehran in its nuclear standoff with the international community, while Chavez urged the world to rise up and defeat the U.S., state-run media in both countries reported.

The leftist Venezuelan leader also condemned Israel for what he called the "terrorism" and "madness" of its attacks in Lebanon, Venezuelan state television reported.

"Let’s save the human race, let’s finish off the U.S. empire," Chavez said. "This (task) must be assumed with strength by the majority of the peoples of the world."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presented Chavez with the Islamic Republic Medal in a ceremony at Tehran University. The award was to show Iran’s gratitude for his "support for Iran’s stance on the international scene, especially its opposition to a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency," Iranian state-run television said.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/hugo-chavez-in-iran-lets-finish-off-the-us-empire

These are merely the statments of people who are just shooting off their mouths? Just loose cannons.. ?? One of which now is about to have nukes. And the MSM says nothing to worry about there.. right? No threat there? Are we really going to discount their stated intents and remain that gullible? It is a big risk, they are not dealing with tiddly winks here.. but nuclear ambitions.

Sara.

-- April 10, 2007 11:08 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Comments on the Iraqi Oil and Gas Bill
By Sabri Abdel Razek Kazem

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

10 April 2007 (Al-Hayat)
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The least that can be said about the Iraqi oil and gas bill is that it is incomplete; some of its paragraphs contradict the prevailing laws. It also cancels all gains achieved by Iraq in this area. Furthermore, the draft increases competition and enmity between the regions and diminishes the Iraqi bargaining power at the conclusion of agreements with the foreign party.

The Constitution provides that Iraqi oil belongs to the Iraqi people; therefore, a single central authority must draw up oil policies, conclude agreements, follow up on the signed contracts, develop the fields and manage the reserves. This requires one efficient technical party capable of ensuring the interests of Iraq. These characteristics can only be found in the Iraqi National Oil Company (INOC).

The new law is incomplete, because it did not touch upon the types of oil and gas reserves. This causes discrepancy in the wording of contracts with foreign agencies; therefore, it is necessary to underline certain points in this bill:

First - The necessity of forming technical committees to classify oil and gas reserves as follows:

(A) Producing fields whose reserves have not been harmed. A foreign partner is unnecessary in this case. Therefore, the management of reserves and oil production, such as in Rumaila, Bay Hassan and Jambur oil fields, will be left to the INOC.

(B) Producing oil fields whose reserves have been partially damaged, such as the Kirkuk and North Rumaila fields. This requires authorizing some specialized international companies to work out studies, determine the best ways to repair the damage and determine the future optimal level of production. In this case, we can resort to the production-sharing formula, while the foreign party does not participate in profits, unless the output goes past the decided optimal level. This agreement was applied in Algeria in the Hassi Messaoud oil field.

(C) Previous discoveries with companies that prepared development plans and others, like Majnoon, Fakah and Abu Ghurab oil fields. In this case, these companies would require carrying out development processes, especially as the agreements were signed with them under better conditions.

(D) The fields where oil has, or has not, been discovered through drilling and need further exploration, such as two- and three-dimensional seismic surveys, as well as exploratory and evaluative wells. In this case, exploration- and production-sharing contracts can be used. These contracts must also include an exploratory period of two years or more. The contracts stipulate that the foreign party carries out the required explorations, like seismic surveys and drilling wells to reach the size of proven reserves. This will be followed by a development and productive plan, to be presented by the foreign party, based on the optimum way to exploit the reserves.

Second - Forming technical and economic committees to choose the contracting formulas for each type of reserves, on the condition of calculating the increase in revenues for Iraq by determining the amount of oil allocated to cover the costs, but the coverage period should be no less than six years. The amount of oil and the foreign party's proportion of profits must be linked to a factor that compares the total received by the foreign party to its total expenditure.

Whenever this ratio increases the amount of oil allocated to cover the costs decreases, as well as the ratio of royalty in profits. The return on capital for the foreign party must range from 14 to 16% based on the cost and the risk factor.

Third - The reference to the level of proceeds of oil in the draft law violates the State's ownership of oil, because the proceeds are paid by the foreign partner to the State in return for waiving its right to invest in its natural wealth. This was used in the anachronistic concession agreements that prevailed at the beginning of the last century.

Does the law allow such agreements? Has Iraq given up its sovereignty over its oil?

Even if we assume that this is true, why is the royalty rate standing at 12.5%? That is while it must be no less than 22% and the tax on the profit from oil should not be less than 85%; that is, the State's share of the net cash flow during the contract period must be 88%.

Fourth - Granting the provinces the authority to negotiate and contract foreign parties and referring them to the Supreme Federal Council diminishes the bargaining power of the Iraqi side and causes problems between some provinces across which oil and gas fields extend.

Most of the East Baghdad oil field's reserves exist in Baghdad, and the field extends to the Salah Eddin province, which means that the expected output in Baghdad is higher than that of Salah Eddin. Will the foreign companies accept different conditions in the two provinces? Developing this joint field through the unified joint development method will lead to difference of views between the various parts of Iraq on the level of production in each of them.

Fifth - The law did not address the newly discovered oil's use of pipelines, reservoirs, pumps and the existing export outlets, which cost a huge amount of money in the past.

Sixth - The law did not underline that the Central government does not abide by the conditions contracted with the provinces. These conditions are opposed by the central parties, such as Oil and Gas Federal Chamber or the Council of Representatives. The foreign party is not entitled to file a suit or demand compensation from the central government in return for the cancellation of such a contract.

Seventh - Whatever the type and wording of the agreement, there are four basic things that must be underscored: a technical central committee must agree on a development plan, the future productive track must be based on the principle of optimum exploitation of the discovered reserves, the contractual terms must aim at boosting the State's proceeds and asserting the Iraqi government's ownership of oil.

Eighth - Attempts to control part of Iraq's oil began before the coalition forces entered Iraq in 2003, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a seminar on the future of the oil sector after Saddam Hussein, and it invited a number of Iraqi experts and politicians to this seminar. The British 'Independent' newspaper said on October 10, 2005 that the Iraqis pledged to provide favorable conditions for American and Western companies that will participate in the development and production of Iraqi oil. These conditions provide revenues on capital ranging from 40 to 60%. It is incumbent upon the Iraqi Parliament not to ratify and approve such contracts with these unfair conditions.

Ninth - The issuance of this law coincided with a campaign to have it passed, represented in the views of some experts, who saw that "there is no future for the Iraqi oil market; therefore, the oil has no value as long as it is not produced". This opinion is incorrect, as the expectations of the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that the global oil production will increase from 82 million barrels per day (bpd) to 114 million bpd by 2020, while supply will maintain 12 million bpd. This indicates that supply falls short of demand and the market will witness a scarcity of oil in the coming years. Oil exports from the US, China and India will be increased within this period, which may lead to competition between these blocs to secure their oil and gas needs.

In light of the foregoing, it would be better to postpone the issuance of this law and highlight the Iraqi people's need of fuels to restore Iraq's sovereignty. This will give the Iraqis the freedom to enact an oil and gas law that safeguards the national interest in the short and long terms.

Until then, the National Oil Company is supposed to be supported and, at the same time, the companies that already have contracts with the government must be spurred to complete the development of fields they have already discovered. These companies include Brazilian 'Petrobras' to develop the Majnoon field and 'Total' to develop the Fakah and Abu Ghurab fields.

* Mr. Sabri Abdel Razek Kazem is an Iraqi oil expert
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 10, 2007 11:11 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi officials to hold talks with Riyadh soon
By Mariam Al Hakeem

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

RIYADH, 10 April 2007 (Gulf News)
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq will cooperate in security issues as senior Iraqi officials will arrive in Riyadh soon to discuss this matter, Saudi interior minister said in remarks published yesterday.

"Our brothers in Iraq, particularly the interior minister, underlined their keenness to deal with this matter. Soon Iraqi officials will arrive [in Riyadh] to discuss establishing channels of contacts between the two countries," Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz said after opening the fourth forum of the Saudi Association for Media and Communication.

Prince Nayef was quoted earlier this week as saying that the Iraqi authorities promised to cooperate with the kingdom in handing over any of Al Qaida suspects involved in terror attacks in Saudi Arabia. But he believed that the lack of security in Iraq and the inability of the concerned authorities to reach the suspects are the reasons that no suspects were yet handed over to the kingdom.

Security barrier

The Saudi-Iraqi borders have witnessed a number of infiltrations over the past few years during which Saudi authorities were able to arrest 682 Iraqi infiltrators and smugglers in the first half of 2005.

In a move to maintain security and stop infiltrators from both sides as well as others crossing the Saudi borders to Iraq from other countries, Saudi Arabia announced it would construct a security barrier along its border with Iraq.

Reports said that Saudi expenses for securing its borders with Iraq rose to four billion riyals(Dh4 billion) by August 2005 as opposed to 1.8 billion riyals at the end of 2004.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 10, 2007 11:13 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Iraqi trade minister discusses moves on debt cancellation at Arab summit

Iraqi Trade Minister Dr Abd-al-Falah Hasan al-Sudani has stressed that the most important achievement at the economic level of the Riyadh summit, which was held in Saudi Arabia last month, was to convene meetings for the cancellation of Iraqi debts to a number of Arab countries
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 10, 2007 11:14 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Have we forgotten?

Iran has 40,000 human 'time bombs'
'Martyrdom' movement recruits suicide attackers against U.S.

An Iranian movement says it now has recruited 40,000 human "time bombs" to carry out suicide attacks against Americans in Iraq and Israel.

The movement -- called the World Islamic Organization's Headquarters for Remembering the Shahids [Martyrs] -- says the volunteers want to carry out "martyrdom operations to liberate Islamic lands," according to a report broadcast by Al-Arabiya TV and translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute, or MEMRI.

Last year, Insight Online magazine reported the movement, which at the time claimed 10,000 recruits, was signing up members on the internet.

"We are first and foremost Muslims and it is our duty to defend our brothers and sisters throughout the world," she says. "We don't need permission from anybody. This has to do with our religious duty and responsibilities. This is our choice, and we have no fear. We adhere to the legacy of our late leader, Imam Khomeini."

The group does not distinquish between men and women or between Sunnis and Shiites, the reporter says over chants of "We all sacrifice for the sake of Islam."

"Our goal is to achieve martyrdom by way of true jihad."

The reporter says that while the government occasionally expresses reservations about the movement, it has allowed the use of government buildings for the movement's training.

Rajai says movement members are "prepared to report for duty anywhere, any time."

"We believe in combining ideology and action," he says. "Our movement is not a symbolic one. Our goal is well known. When the time comes, martyrdom will be inevitable."

"We are not afraid of the American fleets or the British weapons in Iraq," he says. "We vow to become time bombs in the event of every aggression on our land."

The reporter concludes: "Thus, they await death with happiness and joy. In their view, martyrdom for the sake of Allah is the sweetest thing."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45148

-- April 10, 2007 11:22 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Do we remember?

Al-Qaida nukes already in U.S.
Terrorists, bombs smuggled across Mexico border by MS-13 gangsters
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: July 11, 2005

WASHINGTON – As London recovers from the latest deadly al-Qaida attack that killed at least 50, top U.S. government officials are contemplating what they consider to be an inevitable and much bigger assault on America – one likely to kill millions, destroy the economy and fundamentally alter the course of history, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.

According to captured al-Qaida leaders and documents, the plan is called the "American Hiroshima" and involves the multiple detonation of nuclear weapons already smuggled into the U.S. over the Mexican border with the help of the MS-13 street gang and other organized crime groups.

Al-Qaida has obtained at least 40 nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union – including suitcase nukes, nuclear mines, artillery shells and even some missile warheads. In addition, documents captured in Afghanistan show al-Qaida had plans to assemble its own nuclear weapons with fissile material it purchased on the black market.

The plans for the devastating nuclear attack on the U.S. have been under development for more than a decade. It is designed as a final deadly blow of defeat to the U.S., which is seen by al-Qaida and its allies as "the Great Satan."

At least half the nuclear weapons in the al-Qaida arsenal were obtained for cash from the Chechen terrorist allies.

But the most disturbing news is that high level U.S. officials now believe at least some of those weapons have been smuggled into the U.S. for use in the near future in major cities as part of this "American Hiroshima" plan, according to an upcoming book, "The al-Qaida Connection: International Terrorism, Organized Crime and the Coming Apocalypse," by Paul L. Williams, a former FBI consultant.

According to Williams, former CIA Director George Tenet informed President Bush one month after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that at least two suitcase nukes had reached al-Qaida operatives in the U.S.

"Each suitcase weighed between 50 and 80 kilograms (approximately 110 to 176 pounds) and contained enough fissionable plutonium and uranium to produce an explosive yield in excess of two kilotons," wrote Williams. "One suitcase bore the serial number 9999 and the Russian manufacturing date of 1988. The design of the weapons, Tenet told the president, is simple. The plutonium and uranium are kept in separate compartments that are linked to a triggering mechanism that can be activated by a clock or a call from the cell phone."

According to Williams' sources, thousands of al-Qaida sleeper agents have now been forward deployed into the U.S. to carry out their individual roles in the coming "American Hiroshima" plan.

Bin Laden's goal, according to the book, is to kill at least 4 million Americans, 2 million of whom must be children. Only then, bin Laden has said, would the crimes committed by America on the Arab and Muslim world be avenged.

The future plan, according to captured al-Qaida agents and documents, suggests the attacks will take place simultaneously in major cities throughout the country – including New York, Boston, Washington, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45203

-- April 10, 2007 11:26 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Nothing is happening that we did not expect!!!!
Sadr is simply doing his thing from Iran instead of Baghdad...
Things are going to get hotter before it is finished...
But then again we on this blog already expected as much...sit tight!!

-- April 10, 2007 4:30 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

A decline in prices of commodities in the market
Dr. Majid Al-Soori, expert at the Iraqi Central Bank, expected the decrease in prices as a result to the procedure taken by the Central Bank in raising the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar, and the matter requires a period of time estimated at the end of the current year. Al-Soori drew attention that the insistence of traders on current prices is quite normal because the merchant looks back to the first exchange rate which makes him adheres to the current prices but reality will tempt them to lower their prices after the new supply of goods arrive.

He said: citizen can contribute in this equation through consumer awareness and waiting for the decline of prices and postpone part of his requirements and needs that are not urgent.

Prices at Baghdad markets are relatively stable for all goods and materials except transport fees despite the recent rise in price of fuel.

A number of shops owners in Baghdad said that the security plan has contributed greatly to the ease in the arrival of goods to the warehouses from the neighboring countries, despite the high amounts of transport fees, but traders mentioned that it is important for the Secretariat of Baghdad and the concerned authorities to work on the organization of the movement in the main markets in Baghdad, and seek to overcome the obstacles facing them represented in the works of cleaning and lift some barriers that hinder the vehicles transporting materials and goods, in addition to calling for the creation of alternative markets for those in the hot spots and provide security in other markets where terrorist operations continue.

Hashim Al Saeedy, trader at Alshorjah market, said that there is a good purchase movement these days because of the security plan which facilitated the arrival of people to the market as prices stayed as they are, despite the rise in fuel prices.

He added: we expect a growing turnout of citizens to purchase household electrical goods after the application of the new salary grading, which is hoped to raise the rates of governmental employees’ salaries.

On his part, Wisam Alzeidi, foodstuffs trader, at Jameelah market said that there is a growing buying and selling movement since the beginning of Baghdad security plan, which has greatly facilitated the arrival of traders from Iraq's various governorates to buy from Jameelah market, which is a center for the sale of bulk food.

Alzeidi added: prices are fixed, and there is no increase; and the news which refers to a rise in prices due to high fuel prices is nothing but rumors far away from the truth. In fact, some of the articles witnessed a decrease in their prices for because of the ease of shipment from the border to stores in the markets of Baghdad.

AlZeidi pointed out to the large movement of sale of materials and foodstuffs entering from Iran, Jordan and Syria, and that the prices of all materials are fixed and stable due to the stability of the dollar, which insures the merchant that there won’t be any coups at the dollar as it was before...

Abdul-Hasan Thamir, an economic researcher, said that the prices of materials and goods cannot stand any rise due to the stability of the salaries of governmental employees and the dollar’s exchange rates in Baghdad, through the "good" policy of the Central Bank to reduce the impact of inflation .. Therefore, prices remained stable.

Thamir added: the non-interference by government bodies in the work of merchants and the selling and buying operation increased the selling and buying movement without pressure.

v

-- April 10, 2007 7:01 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Hate to say I told ya so, but.... they really did just want to take a couple of extra days off for the heck of it. Now back to business as usual.

No Reval in site.

-- April 10, 2007 8:31 PM ∞

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akadjjam wrote:

Those lazy Bastards!!!!.... lol uuuuummmm actually ....

Get to work before my beach front lot in the Caymans is sold!!!1....lol

-- April 11, 2007 4:52 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(901)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 901 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/4/ 11 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 73.395.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 73.395.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 11, 2007 5:50 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Japan lends to help rebuild Iraq
4/10/2007

Japan has pledged more than 100bn yen to rebuild Iraq's economy, shattered by four years of violence.

Tokyo said it would provide 102.8bn yen ($862m; £437m) in loans to repair Iraqi oil pipelines, export facilities and power supply infrastructure.

A further 57.7bn yen for water and electricity projects was also agreed on Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's four-day trip to Japan.

Japan depends on the Middle East for nearly all of its crude oil.

Investment

Mr Maliki also met with Emperor Akihoto and thanked Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma for Japan's efforts in support of Iraq.

He urged Japanese companies to return and make investments in the war-torn country. Following positive talks with business leaders, he was upbeat about the prospect of co-operation.

His visit to Tokyo comes two weeks after Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashimi was in Japan and said US-led coalition forces should not be withdrawn until Iraq's army is fully trained and ready to take over security.

Tokyo backed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and provided troops for a non-combat, humanitarian mission in the southern city of Samawah.

It withdrew its ground forces last July, but last month Japan's Cabinet approved a two-year extension of the country's air mission in Iraq after its expiry date lapses in a few months.

Japan lends to help rebuild Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 11, 2007 9:39 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Guns fall silent in Iraqi city

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

Maher Al-Jasem in Anbar, Iraq, 11 April 2007 (Aljazeera)
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The guns in the city of Hiyt in Iraq's western province of Anbar have finally fallen silent, thanks to the efforts of local administrators and security forces.

In mid March, a well-equipped contingent of Iraqi police entered the town, situated 180km west of the capital Baghdad, and immediately began a recruitment drive for local volunteers to take charge of security.

Hiyt, which in the past four years has been the scene of anti-US attacks, air strikes and internal strife, has not had an effective police force since its security headquarters was blown up in December 2004.

Recruitment drive

When Iraqi police returned to the city on March 15, the first order of business was to impose a day-long curfew as they patrolled the streets.

When calls went out for new recruits, several hundred young men registered at their neighbourhood precincts.

A Hiyt emergency battalion to combat al-Qaeda was also established and is currently training nearly 500 volunteers.

Many of the volunteers who signed up for the new police force belong to the villages surrounding Hiyt, with a large portion belonging to the Majlis Inqaz Al Anbar (The Council for the Protection of Al Anbar), an organisation established by Abdul Satar Abu Risha, a tribal chief.

The council is known to have engaged against al-Qaeda forces in recent weeks.

Ahmed Mohamed, a Hiyt resident, said: "We said so early since April 2003 that we want police and army from the citizens of the city, we didn't want strangers from the south and US troops to control us or to move in side districts".

Security measures

Districts are no longer controlled by US troops but by Iraqi police, in some cases supported by Iraqi army units.

Since their March 15 return, police commanders divided the city into several sectors separated by heavy barbed wire and large concrete walls.

A police source told Al Jazeera that the security measures were to curb the movement of cars for a period of 30 days and to tighten control of the movement of peoples from one sector to the next.

The new security steps seem to be paying off.

By the end of March, police had arrested several men suspected of belonging to "extremist" groups.

Rehabilitation

The improved security conditions allowed the establishment of the first local elections overseen by Iraqis in the city.

On April 4, 21 members of local tribes were elected to a new municipal council.

Suburbs in Hiyt are no longer controlled by
US soldiers but by Iraqi police units

The council is to manage the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the town, and it has announced that it would expedite the rebuilding of mobile phone services.

A telecommunications tower built for such services was destroyed by armed groups in September 2005.

The council has also seen to the reopening of schools for girls, which had been closed down by the al-Qaeda-led Islamic State of Iraq, the self-styled Islamist government set up by the group.

Anbar University is also expected to reopen in the near future, the council told residents.

Internet cafes, which have been targeted throughout most of Iraq, quickly took advantage of the new security environment and reopened.

Enfranchising tribes

But there is also a strong political movement at work in Hiyt.

Hoping to dissuade young men from taking up arms or joining extremist groups, the police have instituted a series of steps to recruit evenly from each tribe in the city.

Tribal elders and sheikhs are required to submit lists of men they volunteer for the new police force.

Hiyt's new police force is also expected to be reinforced by 1000 new cadets who are currently undergoing training in Habbaniya, a former Iraqi air force base now administered by US forces.

"No more military operations," said a man on his way to market.

"Now people in the city have started to forget the sounds of mortars and explosions."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 11, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Energy - Oil & Gas

Invitations to strengthen the Oil Federal Council

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

11 April 2007 (Iraq Directory)
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Experts specialized in the oil sector and academics confirmed, at a symposium held in the city of Amarah in southern Iraq, that the bill of oil and gas which is currently being discussed by the parliament for approval “needs a review and adjustments” that are considered “essential”. They pointed out that there is a need “to ensure that the controversial draft law, will include compensations to the governorates producing oil and gas, with Missan at the top, for the environmental damage caused by oil and gas exploration, and for agricultural land use in oil production”.

The symposium came out with other recommendations demanding not to work by the sharing-production contracts and stick to the risk and service contracts only on condition that any contract cannot be carried out only after gaining the consent of the oil and gas Federal Council. The seminar also proposed adding supplement 3 to supplement 2, and make it from the jurisdictions of the National Oil Company exclusively; also, the contracts with oil companies must ensure the implementation of oil investment projects and give priority to extraction and production from the border fields, especially the ones common with the neighboring countries, giving priority to contracts that ensure marketing.

Oil expert, Jassim Raheem Al-Ithari, said that “the law should be presented for broad discussion before it is approved”, noting that “articles 111 and 112 of the Constitution did not refer to the other national wealth other than oil and gas. Also the constitutional articles especially article 112, did not refer to the exploited fields that require resolving the controversy about them”.

The Symposium recommended the adoption of Amman symposium recommendations held recently on the law; the legal expert in the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Jabbar Alsaidi, pointed out to “the importance of enhancing anIraqi oil law, re-establishing the National Oil Company and amend articles 111 and 112 of the Constitution, to pave the way for some of the parties to sign contracts without referring to Baghdad”.

He explained that the Cabinet “authorized” some bodies described by “regional” to negotiate and sign contracts just like the Ministry of Oil and the National Oil Company.

The Symposium stressed “the need for the parliament to ratify all contracts and the nomination of a supreme body to resolve the arising disputes“, suggesting “their settlement through the Federal Court”.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 11, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

IRAQI PRIME MINISTER VISITS SOUTH KOREA

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SEOUL, 11 April 2007 (Asia Pulse)
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Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal Al-Maliki was to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday for a summit with President Roh Moo-hyun, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.

After his arrival in Seoul in the afternoon, Al-Maliki was to hold a dinner with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to discuss ways to expedite Korean companies' inroads into Iraq's reconstruction sector, the office said.

On Thursday, Al-Maliki will hold a summit with Roh to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of natural resources, energy and construction, the office said.

"The South Korean government's aid in Iraq's reconstruction efforts and ways to help Korean enterprises seeking to advance into the Iraqi market will also be on the agenda during the Iraqi leader's official visit," a Cheong Wa Dae official said.

Al-Maliki, to be accompanied by the country's ministers in charge of petroleum, power generation, industrial policy and urban planning, will also tour South Korea's key industrial facilities before leaving the country on Friday, it noted.

He will be the highest-ranking Iraqi official to visit South Korea since the inauguration of the Iraqi interim government last May. Iraq reopened its embassy in Seoul on November 30 last year and resumed the South Korea-Iraq economic cooperation committee meeting in February.

In the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, South Korea operates the Zaytun division, deployed in 2004 to help with reconstruction efforts. Currently, the division has 2,300 soldiers and is the third-largest force in the coalition in Iraq after the United States and Britain.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 11, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Fierce Fighting Breaks Out in Baghdad
Associated Press | April 11, 2007
BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi soldiers fought a daylong battle with insurgents in a violent area of central Baghdad on Tuesday, leaving four Iraqi soldiers dead and 16 U.S. soldiers wounded, the military said.

The U.S. and Iraqi forces came under fire by insurgents early Tuesday in the predominantly Sunni Fadhil neighborhood - a criminal stronghold in the center of the capital.

Video: Fierce Fighting Day After Peaceful Protests
A U.S. helicopter was hit by ground fire after it strafed the insurgents, but it returned safely to its base, the military said in a statement.
Two Iraqi soldiers and a child were also wounded.

The military statement said U.S. and Iraqi forces were continuing to "locate, identify, and engage and kill three insurgents targeting coalition and Iraqi security forces in the area." Earlier, a woman with explosives hidden beneath her black abaya detonated them Tuesday in a crowd of about 200 police recruits northeast of Baghdad, killing at least 16 people, police and hospital officials said.

The woman walked into the crowd at the main gate of the Muqdadiyah police station and blew herself up, according to a police officer at the scene who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

At least 16 people were killed and 33 wounded in the mostly Sunni Muslim city about 60 miles northeast of Baghdad, said Dr. Abdul Salam al-Jibour at Muqdadiyah General Hospital.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Iraqi army forces were engaged in fierce fighting with gunmen in two Sunni-dominated neighborhoods of the capital, Fadhil and Sheik Omar, police and witnesses said.

An American helicopter in the battle came under ground fire but was not shot down, a senior U.S. military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because U.S. officials were still investigating.

Police said six people, including an Iraqi soldier, were killed and 21 wounded. Repeated artillery fire rang out across Baghdad at midday, but the target was unclear.

A parked car bomb exploded at a checkpoint near Baghdad University, killing at least six people and wounding 11, police said. The bomb was packed into a yellow taxi cab near campus, and all of those hurt were civilians, police said.

A Katyusha rocket hit a basketball court at a boys school in eastern Baghdad, killing a 6-year-old boy and wounding 17 others - 15 students and two teachers, police said.

The U.S. military announced the deaths Monday of four U.S. soldiers - three killed by a roadside bomb and a secondary explosion in southeastern Baghdad and another killed in combat in western Anbar province.

The unit with the three dead soldiers had been conducting raids against militants in the area, and had recently captured five suspects, it said.

The fourth soldier was killed during combat operations in Iraq's western Anbar province, another statement said.

At least 3,285 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the war in 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, on a four-day trip to Japan, said there was no need to set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from his country.

"We see no need for a withdrawal timetable. We are working as fast as we can," al-Maliki said. "To demand the departure of the troops is a democratic right and a right we respect. What governs the departure at the end of the day is how confident we are in the handover process."

What counts, he added, are "achievements on the ground."

His comments came a day after tens of thousands of Iraqis took to the streets of two Shiite holy cities, demanding that U.S. forces leave the country. The massive rally, called for by rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, marked the fourth anniversary of the fall of Baghdad.

Al-Sadr, who remains in seclusion and did not attend, ordered up the march as a show of strength not only to Washington but to Iraq's establishment Shiite ayatollahs as well.

He issued a statement Sunday urging his Mahdi Army militia to redouble efforts to expel U.S. forces and for the police and army to join the struggle against "your archenemy."

While he was in Japan, al-Maliki's office issued a statement saying he would travel to Egypt on April 20 for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa.

It would be al-Maliki's first visit to Egypt - the Arab world's most populous nation.

Also Tuesday, the U.S. military said it captured more than 150 suspected insurgents in a nearly two-week operation north of Baghdad. Rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, automatic machine guns, sniper rifles and anti-tank mines were also seized, it said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 11, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

McCain: Iraq War "Necessary And Just"
LEXINGTON, Va., April 11, 2007

(CBS/AP) Republican presidential contender John McCain said Wednesday the four-year war in Iraq is "necessary and just" and accused anti-war Democrats of being reckless.

The decorated war hero staunchly backed the commander in chief's recent troop increase and said Bush is right to veto legislation that places conditions on the war.

"In Iraq, only our enemies were cheering" when House Democrats enthusiastically passed legislation setting a timetable for a troop withdrawal, the Arizona Republican said, "A defeat for the United States is a cause for mourning, not celebrating."

Political analysts point out that McCain is appealing to conservative voters whose support for the war is much stronger than that of the general public.

McCain focused on Democratic critics, saying their pullout policy was politically expedient but strategically disastrous.

Democrats, including the party's presidential candidates, were acting in "giddy anticipation of the next election" instead of in the country's best interests, McCain said.

"Lets put aside for a moment the small politics of the day," he said. "The judgment of history should be the approval we seek, not the temporary favor of the latest public opinion poll."

Calling the war "necessary and just," McCain said those like him who support Bush's troop increase chose the "hard road" but "right road."

"Democrats, who deny our soldiers the means to prevent an American defeat, have chosen another road," he said, referring to the standoff between Democrats in control of Congress and Bush over war funding. "It may appear to be the easier course of action, but it is a much more reckless one, and it does them no credit even if it gives them an advantage in the next election."

Predicting severe consequences of failure, McCain called "this frustrating war" in Iraq a significant part of the larger battle against terrorism. The former Vietnam prisoner of war also alluded to his own military service, saying: "I know the pain war causes."

And, the senator insisted that Bush's troop increase showed "glimmers of progress." The latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll showed that a majority of Americans say going to war in Iraq was a mistake and half call it a hopeless cause. But among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/11/politics/main2670426.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_2670426

-- April 11, 2007 12:40 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Nice to hear the other side of the story, for once.

===
Haditha prosecution said to be fraught with problems
By: MARK WALKER - Staff Writer

NORTH COUNTY ---- The U.S. government's prosecution against eight Camp Pendleton Marines in the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in the Iraqi city of Haditha in 2005 is fraught with problems, according to sources with intimate knowledge of the case.

The difficulties include conflicting statements from Iraqis whose testimony led to the charges and an incomplete forensic reconstruction of the events on Nov. 19, 2005, that have resulted in prosecutors' delaying the start of hearings against some of the accused, the sources said.

Also at issue are interrogations of suspects conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Iraq during which agents allegedly refused to provide attorneys for some of those who asked for them and refused the men bathroom breaks, the sources contend.

"It's a mess," one source said of the investigation that prompted a worldwide outcry when the first came to light ---- one of two Iraqi civilian-killing cases involving Camp Pendleton Marines.

An examination of where the Haditha case stands was cobbled together by the North County Times through multiple interviews and corroborations by people familiar with evidence gathered since the investigation began last spring.

The first court action in the case was to begin this month. Those hearings have been postponed, however, and the tentative schedule now calls for Chessani's hearing to begin May 30.

When the Haditha case reaches court, defense attorneys are expected to challenge the Naval Criminal Investigative Service's reconstruction of the Haditha events and ask agents why they refused to provide attorneys for suspects who asked for them. The service is a Navy agency made up of civilian law enforcement agents.

Some of the interrogations that took place in Iraq before the regiment returned to Camp Pendleton in April took place over as long as 12 hours, according to one knowledgeable source, and the suspects were not allowed to take bathroom breaks. Instead, they were given bottles to use to relief themselves, the source said.

The treatment of the suspects was so bad that at least two officers who were not a direct part of the investigation complained to their superiors, the source said.

Unlike the Hamdania case, where the victim's body was exhumed and examined by a forensic pathologist at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, there were no exhumations of victims in Haditha and therefore no forensic medical reports.

Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, and attorneys for the other men charged with homicide contend that while the civilian deaths were regrettable, the Marines' actions were within the military's rules of engagement.

Wuterich told the CBS news magazine "60 Minutes" last month that he was following what he understood to be the rules of engagement when he ordered his men to assault the homes where most of the civilians died.

In the wake of that broadcast there has been an outpouring of support for Wuterich, his lead attorney Neal Puckett said Tuesday.

A 'political scapegoat'

Jack Zimmerman, a Texas attorney hired to represent Lance Cpl. Stephen Tatum, said Tuesday that he was just finishing his reading of the thousand of pages of investigative documents generated by the government.

"Based upon that information, we remain confident that Lance Cpl. Tatum responded the way he should have responded," Zimmerman said.

Brian Rooney, a Michigan attorney helping represent Lt. Col. Chessani, announced Tuesday that a defense fund had been established for their client, whom he contends is a "political scapegoat."

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/04/11/news/top_stories/1_22_254_10_07.txt

-- April 11, 2007 2:03 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

I just thought this worth mentioning a few times more.. just for emphasis:

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

among Republicans, roughly three in four say the United States made the right decision in going to war and call the cause worthy.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/11/politics/main2670426.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_2670426

THAT IS SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT...

75%

75%

75%

75%

Just thought I would emphasize it because you are not going to see it in the whiny and cowardly MSM press.

They will more likely bury it.

Sara.

-- April 11, 2007 3:44 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Appreciated your post on Russia.

In the 50's&60's the same conditions were described as you are describing the living conditions and socioeconmic conditions of the people in the Soviet Union. However, we must not confuse their over-all wealth
with how they wish to distribute wealth and benefits to their citizens.

Their people are starving and working day and night in the factories, and yet they have enough money to build nuclear warheads and give billions to I ran and other countries, etc etc.

Alcoholism has and will continue to be a big problem, because it serves as social and emotional outlets for those held hostage to a communist regime.

Some things changed a bit for a short while, but over-all nothing significant as evidenced by your current findings.

I wished more than ever, that you are right on your assumptions of Russia being innocent of any international plot to further their agenda of demise of the US and for them to stake claim again as The World Power. But I have very serious doubts.

Russia excels in world deception as masters. Like I said before, I feel it in my bones. And yes, scripture is very clear about Russia's role prophetically.

This is one time, I will bow down and kiss your feet if you are right and I am wrong!

Carole

-- April 11, 2007 4:55 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

LOL......are you okay????

Carole

-- April 11, 2007 4:58 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

Just a little ticked at the incredible bias out there against fair and honest reporting... like this report where anywhere from 5,000 to half a million of Sadr's supporters showed up for a rally and the MSM used it to say the Iraqis all hate America..

===
NYT Hypes 'Huge' Death-to-America Protest In Iraq; Military Offered Lower Estimate
Posted by Tim Graham on April 11, 2007

Tuesday’s New York Times played up the big Monday rally against America in Najaf. The online headline hyped: “Huge Protest In Iraq Demands America Withdraw.” The front page of Tuesday’s Times was milder: “Protest In Iraq, Called By Cleric, Demands U.S. Go,” and that “Thousands Support Sadr.”

Reporter Edward Wong began: “Tens of thousands of protesters loyal to Moktada al-Sadr, the Shiite cleric, took to the streets of the holy city of Najaf on Monday in an extraordinarily disciplined rally to demand an end to the American military presence in Iraq, burning American flags and chanting ‘Death to America!’”

Redstate.com reported the U.S. military estimated a crowd of 5,000 to 7,000, but media accounts routinely stated “tens of thousands” rallied, which would imply at least two tens, or 20,000 protesters. Wong mentioned the various estimates in paragraph 20, but disagreed with the military estimate:

Estimates of the crowd’s size varied wildly. A police commander in Najaf, Brig. Gen. Abdul Karim al-Mayahi, said there were at least half a million people. Colonel Garver said that military reports had estimates of 5,000 to 7,000. Residents and other Iraqi officials said there were tens of thousands, and television images of the rally seemed to support their estimates.

Did Wong check out the aerial photo before laying out such a wild range of estimates?

Comments:

1) TE Says:

Wong alleges: "Television images of the rally seemed to support their estimates." "Seemed" to whom? Wong, alone, of course. Claiming that something "seems" or "appears" without identifying the people to whom something "seems" or "appears" is a favorite technique of the useful idiots of America's press corps. Anytime such fools claim that something "seems" or "appears" but do not identify any person to whom such thing "seems" that means such condition "seems" or "appears" only to the writer of such claim who doesn't have the guts to say so or is attempting to portray his own views as the views of the "consensus" without any evidence to support such a claim.

2) Ten7s Says:

The MSM hypes the size and completely misses the story. This was a political rally to show his political power not a military rally. This shows some progress toward stability. Just a short while ago this was al-Sadr's -something-or-other- "Army" now its al-Sadr's "Rally". That's a big difference.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11966

-- April 11, 2007 6:57 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

And if the poll numbers mean anything I think they should look at the fact that the approval rating for Congress is only 40%... that is less than half or SIXTY PERCENT - 60% - disapproval. And another recent poll by Gallup puts their approval rating at only 33%. That means 67% DISAPPROVE of Congress. Yet, you never see that brought out.

===

CNN’s Miles O’Brien: Democrat-Run Congress 'Riding Pretty High' at 40%
Posted by Matthew Balan on April 11, 2007

The mainstream media often uses polls to give a biased impression, and CNN’s Miles O’Brien used a recent AP/IPSOS poll to paint a rosy picture of the Democrat-controlled Congress. O’Brien reported on Tuesday that the Democrats were "riding pretty high" with a 40 percent approval rating. For some comparison, in September 2005, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer characterized a 40 percent approval rating for President Bush as "a low point," and used the figure to reenforce his report on the President’s "political troubles."

It’s interesting to note that another recent poll by Gallup puts the current approval rating of Congress at 33%.

Comments:

1) Smartypants Says:

If the Republicans still held Congress, rest assured that a 40% congressional approval rating would not be described as "Riding High" by anyone in the mainstream media. When President Bush's approval level was hovering around 40%, I do not recall the media portraying it in a positive light at all.

http://newsbusters.org/node/11974

-- April 11, 2007 7:08 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

But perhaps there is an object lesson here as to what happens when the news becomes a biased source none of us dare to trust?

===
The Tribune Company Sale: An Object Lesson in the Price of Biased Reporting?
Posted by Tom Blumer on April 8, 2007

OVERVIEW: I believe that the sale of The Tribune Company last week to investor Sam Zell is an unrecognized low-water mark in the newspaper publishing business. In fact, after subtracting the value of the Tribune's non-newspaper properties from the deal, what little value remains indicates that the value of having access to a newspaper's readers is a mind-boggling 70% less than it was a mere seven years ago.

Is it possible that Tribune Company investors are paying the price of many years of relentless misreporting and biased reporting at its newspapers, especially those it acquired when it bought Times Mirror in 2000? While the numbers presented here of necessity involve a fair amount of approximation, it's hard to avoid concluding that the answer is "yes."

A chart of The Tribune Company's stock performance during the past eight years shows that it has clearly been an underperformer...

===

Comments:

1) Pragmatic-Man Says:

Sulzberger, take note. Brush up on your Poe. Bias has consequences, and the media has been undergoing a slow bleed of readership for quite a while now. Seemingly irreversible trends.

I wonder if history will ever attribute the oncoming decline and fall of the liberal media establishment, to George Bush. After all, it is their absolutely blind hatred of our President that has led them into such dire "times".

I know, I know, the media has always been liberal and biased, even back to the first two world wars. But has the MsM not fallen so far left as to have missed the last rope before going over the falls?

2) Gat New York Says:

He initially said that he was not focused on content because he believed in professional journalists doing their job. Therein lies a lot of interpretation. One thing is for sure. The days of these newspapers being the house organ for the Democratic Party are numbered.

3) Unsane Says:

I feel the same way about the San Antonio Express News (stopped reading it in 2001) and the Houston Comical. Even the old Stars and Stripes has fallen by the wayside. I bought one in Korea after arriving there and never bought another, due to its unfortunate position of being beholden to the garbage put out by AP and other wire services.

They can make ALL the excuses they want (younger readers don't have the attention span anymore! The Internet is our doom! blah blah blah), but I promise you if they have better content, and less biased reporting, they wouldn't be in the world of hurt they are in right now.

4) MidAmerica Says:

Newspapers are being used as suicide bombers for the Left. A dying technology that is going to take down as many from the Right as they can before they flame out.

5) Scout Finch Says:

This has all the makings of a turning point in history. Of course, MSM will present it as another media conglomerate purchase, blah blah blah....as the blood of its editors and 'journalists' flows. But it's possible that the blatant bias and official position as Democratic Party House Organ may be the undoing of many major newspapers across America.

Nothing quite like sunshine and fresh air!!!

6) Andrew H. Says:

Most organizations are as strong in the market as their employees cause it to be--hire goofballs and you're not going to survive. If they (in this case, reporters) can't do a quality job, you're going to lose sales.

Hiring people who have come out of liberal colleges--who didn't have the intelligence to discern what lib professors choke down their throats--you've hired a follower with a liberal bias--you've hired one who can't think on their own--or won't. Hiring anyone with a democratic background is knowing you're hiring someone who has been as much of a follower too. Not seeing the party for what it is tells me a lot about him or her--and to actually spend money on their tripe is to waste it.

If the Tribune was to hire good reporters they would make money and not lose it. It's as simple as that.

7) StockJockey Says:

As a Chicagoan, Zell must know what most Chicagoans know; traditionally the Tribune was read primarily by Republican suburbanites and the Sun-Times by the Democratic city-dwellers. The Trib was well known to be a conservative, serious, sober paper, while the Sun-Times was roudly considered (for good reason) a sensationalist rag. The Trib alientated their constituency at precisely the time when other altenatives became readily available.

It seems that Zell's plan is to keep the paper and pay off the debt with sales of the other assets. If, among his priorities is making the flagship paper a success again, then a significant change should be in store for the tone and content of the Chicago Tribune. I believe a return to the previous status quo of many, many years, of having two different editorial viewpoints would be welcomed locally at least among the traditional readers of the Trib.

I've got my fingers crossed that there will be a worthwhile local paper to read again. C'mon Sammy, give the people what they want!

http://newsbusters.org/node/11913

-- April 11, 2007 7:44 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

News media: Scoreboard for terrorists

-- April 11, 2007 7:52 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Maliki: Iraq's resources enable it to be as Japan

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

Baghdad, 11 April 2007 (Al-Sabaah)

Prime Minister Noori Maliki likened Iraq's experience at its effort toward progress to Japan's one which became after the war second economic power in the world, he added that Iraq owns abilities which enable it to develop as it owns natural resources help it to achieve economic leap.

Maliki highlighted at press conference in Tokyo on many matters as reconstruction, building political process on national reconciliation, providing basic services and improve armed forces after years of neediness which Iraqi people suffered during it because policies of interred regime.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/16378

-- April 11, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi,

All,have a read on,
www.isx-aman.com

-- April 11, 2007 11:01 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(902)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 902 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/4/ 12 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 64.310.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 64.310.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 12, 2007 5:12 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Don Imus!
Head on a stick this morning...
Two measuring sticks used in MSM and Major Corporations to major racism...
Don Imus has made a career of using disparging remarks about all groups, political affiliations, and races..
He does it with a tongue in check attitude...
While I am not a Don Imus Fan or regular watcher...I am familiar with his MSNBC Program...
The only difference between the Black Comedians using the word HOES and Don Imus is .....Don did not use the F word like spreading grass seed as the comedians do and have done for years...WITHOUT ANY REBUTTAL from the so call Black Leaders or Corporations who use them at their conferences..
You see the Sharpton's and Jessie Jackson's in this world jumping into the pile, while ignoring the verses used in Rap Records...Black comedian stand up acts...etc...
Imus said it was a bad choice of words...there was no vicious intent behind the words...
I just heard Robert Johnson founder of Black Entertainment say that IT IS PERFECTLY ALL RIGHT for Black Entertainers to use the word HOES in their material because they are ARTIST...
I BELIEVE HE JUST MADE MY POINT...

-- April 12, 2007 8:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq cleric's group threatens government pull-out
4/11/2007

Reuters - Wednesday, April 11

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The political movement of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric and militia leader Moqtada al-Sadr threatened on Wednesday to pull out of the government to press their demand for a timetable for a U.S. troop withdrawal.

The movement holds several ministries and a quarter of the parliamentary seats in Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shi'ite Alliance. It said in a statement the government was "ignoring the will of the people".
"Therefore, the Sadr movement is studying the option of pulling out of the Iraqi government," the statement said.

Tens of thousands of Iraqis answered a call by Sadr to rally in the holy Shi'ite city of Najaf on Monday to demand the withdrawal of some 140,000 U.S.-led forces from Iraq.

U.S. President George W. Bush said on Tuesday setting timetables for a troop withdrawal would undermine a U.S.-Iraqi security crackdown in Baghdad, which he said was beginning to show signs of progress in curbing sectarian violence.

Maliki told reporters during a visit to Tokyo he also saw no need to set a timetable. He said his government was working to build up Iraq's security forces as quickly as possible so U.S.-led forces could leave.

"The Sadr movement rejects the statements by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who clings to the presence of the U.S. forces despite the will of the Iraqi people," the Sadrists said.

It also criticised the government's handling of the Baghdad crackdown, which the movement has previously said it supports, and complained about a lack of basic services.

The Sadrists ended a two-month boycott of parliament in January after pulling out in protest over the timetable issue and a meeting between Maliki and Bush. They returned after a deal was brokered.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 12, 2007 9:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi group 'splits' from al-Qaeda

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

12 April 2007 (Aljazeera)
Print article Send to friend
One of Iraq's main armed groups has confirmed a split with al-Qaeda, according to a spokesman for the dissenting organisation.

Ibrahim al-Shammari told Al Jazeera on Thursday that the Islamic Army in Iraq had decided to disunite from al-Qaeda in Iraq after its members were threatened.

"In the beginning, we were dealing with Tawhid and Jihad organisation, which turned into al-Qaeda in Iraq," he said, his identity obscured for security reasons.

"Specifically after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi died, the gap between us [and al-Qaeda] widened, because [they] started to target our members.

Different goals

Al-Shammari said al-Qaeda in Iraq was in pursuit of a different agenda to that of the Islamic Army in Iraq.

"They killed about 30 of our people, and we definitely don't recognise their establishment of an Islamic state - we consider it invalid."

The Islamic Army in Iraq is one of several nationalist groups which opposes hitting Iraqi civilians, but it has carried out high-profile attacks against multinational forces.

Al-Shammari said they would be willing to deal with the Americans if certain conditions are met.

"We, the Islamic Army in Iraq, are ready to negotiate, but only with the US congress.

"They are the representatives of the American people, and the Iraqi resistance represents the Iraqi people. We are ready to establish a dialogue with them, not with the arrogant US administration."

Al-Shammari said no talks have taken place so far with US officials and that Washington must recognise Iraqi armed groups as the only genuine representatives of the Iraqi people before such a meeting can be considered.

Main danger

Al-Shammari said that his group didn't consider US forces to be the main danger in Iraq.

"There are two occupations: Iranian and American, and the Iranian one is more dangerous than American because Iran considers Iraq as a part of their country."

The Islamic Army in Iraq's statement comes after Iraq's president said the presidential office was in contact with five insurgent groups.

Jalal Talabani said on Wednesday that the contacts mark an attempt to bring the groups into the mainstream political process.

Talabani did not reveal their identity, but said they had initially developed contacts with the "British, then the Iraqi government and then the presidency."

Talabani's statement coincided with an announcement by the US defence secretary that troop rotations in Iraq would be extended by three months.

On Wednesday, Robert Gates, highlighting an increase from the current one-year deployments, said: "Effective immediately, active army units now in the central command area [Iraq and Afghanistan] and those headed there will deploy for not more than 15 months."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 12, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Turkey vows $3.5 bln trade volume with Iraq, despite tension

State Minister for Foreign Trade Kursad Tuzmen yesterday said that the government aims to raise bilateral trade with Iraq to $3.5 billion, while playing down concerns over possible implications of Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani's harsh rhetoric on an international Iraq fair scheduled May 23-27 in Gaziantep.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 12, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Any thoughts on why the exchange rate seems to be stalled at 1272? From what I remember, 1260 is the rate of exchange the Iraqi budget is based upon. What happened to 1260?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 12, 2007 11:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shell awaiting visibility on the Iraqi oil law
Shell awaiting visibility on the Iraqi oil law
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [12/04/2007]


Chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell Company said on Thursday that the oil company will invest in Iraq only if they are fully confident of the legal framework that governs the oil and gas projects.

Iraqi government had adopted last February a draft law on Iraq's oil, which would facilitate investment to foreign companies and it is important for the organization of dividing the huge oil wealth among the sects and ethnic groups.

However, Jeron van der Veir, Head Shell said that his company is still studying the law and it needs to make sure that it would not be facing a different legal framework before it ventures with its funds.

He told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Paris, "You must not only think in the legal system existing now, but you must be confident that it will continue in order to invest there".

He also prefers to negotiate with Baghdad and not with local governments on oil contracts, saying that it would be "perfectly logical" to conduct negotiations with the central government.

He went on to say that the security situation in Iraq must be stabilized well before the flow of investments.
(www.iraqidirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 12, 2007 12:10 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Apr. 12 - A suicide attack rocked a restaurant inside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Thursday and dozens of people were wounded.

A Reuters witness said the blast took place at the cashier's register in the cafe at a time when many members of parliament were having lunch.

The parliament building is located in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad.

Militants have rarely managed to penetrate the various checkpoints and carry out attacks. Recently, the U.S. military said two suicide vests had been found inside the zone, a sprawling area that comprises many government buildings and the U.S. embassy.

-- April 12, 2007 3:17 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

(Updates with MOU between South Korea and Iraq, details)

By Angela Moon

SEOUL, April 12 (Reuters) - Iraq hopes to raise oil production by nearly 1 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, achieving its long-held target of 3 million bpd by restoring northern exports, its oil minister said on Thursday.

Iraq has struggled to overcome the sabotage and outdated infrastructure that has hobbled its production since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, largely due to unrelenting attacks on a key pipeline that runs north through Turkey.

It has regularly fallen short of production and export targets aimed at restoring pre-war levels.

"Iraq wishes to exceed producing 3 million barrels a day in 2007 -- this is achievable by repairing the northern pipeline that connects to the Mediterranean," Hussain al-Shahristani told Reuters after a meeting with South Korean energy officials.

Iraq produced 1.97 million bpd in March, up from 1.89 million bpd in February, a Reuters survey shows, but Shahristani said last December that 2006 production averaged 2.3 million bpd.

Despite the weak production figures, exports climbed last month to 1.62 million bpd, the highest since last September, on increased shipments from the southern Basra oil terminal, shipping sources said. Shahristani said the country was targeting oil production of more than 4 million bpd in 2011.

Shahristani was in Seoul to sign a cooperation deal with South Korea's energy minister Kim Young-joo on broadening opportunities for South Koreans to secure oilfields in Iraq, anxious to inject new investment into the ailing industry.

MOU

In 1997, state-owned Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) and Iraq's oil ministry under Saddam Hussein signed a preliminary deal to develop the Halfaya oilfield, estimated to hold up to 3.8 billion barrels of reserves and produce 250,000 bpd.

The South Korean energy ministry said the deal was never followed through due to United Nations financial sanctions against Iraq. But Iraq will "positively consider" involving South Korea in the field once oil legislation is in place, according a memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides on Thursday.

Iraq issued invitations for 15 Arab, Asian and American firms to drill 100 oil wells in the country's south as part of efforts to boost production, the oil ministry said earlier this month.

The OPEC member has the world's third-largest proven oil reserves and needs billions of dollars to revive its oil sector, which is crucial for rebuilding its shattered economy.

In February Iraq's cabinet endorsed a draft oil law regulating how wealth from the country's vast oil reserves will be shared by its ethnic and sectarian groups.
The oil law, which is awaiting parliament's ratification, has given the regions the right to negotiate with international firms on developing oilfields.

"It is achievable to pass the law within two months since all political parties are in favour," Shahristani said.

The law will also restructure the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC) as an independent holding firm and establish a Federal Council as a forum for national oil policy.

The world's top oil companies have been manoeuvring for years to win a stake in Iraq's prized oilfields such as Bin Umar, Majnoon, Nassiriyah, West Qurna and Ratawi, all located in the south of the country.

-- April 12, 2007 3:25 PM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Rob N.,

12 Apr 2007 12:06:00
Currency
CBI fixes IQD rate until Monday
Baghdad (NINA)- The Central Bank of Iraq has decided to fix Iraqi Dinar’s exchange rate against the US Dollar until the end of working hours next Sunday. The Bank will adopt a selling rate at IQD1272 and a purchase rate at IQD1270 per Dollar, according to a CBI source. The abovementioned rates hav

-- April 12, 2007 3:39 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Terror laws to target books, DVDs
Friday Apr 13 05:00 AEST

Books and movies that "advocate" terrorism are to be outlawed under new Federal laws to be unveiled today.

Material deemed likely to glorify terrorism will be pulled from the shelves and banned from entering the country in the "zero-tolerance approach", Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said yesterday.

The existing Classification Act states material can only be removed from sale if it is believed to "promote, incite or instruct in matters of crime or violence".

Ruddock and the state attorney-generals will today discuss an amended law, which makes it illegal to sell material that "advocates" a terrorist act.

"We are not going to allow material to be out there saying terrorism is a good idea," Ruddock told The Daily Telegraph yesterday. "This is a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.

"Terrorism acts are a specific and highly dangerous threat to Australian society. Material that advocates people undertake such acts should not be available for this reason alone."

According to the Telegraph, Sydney cleric Sheik Feiz Mohammed's Death Series DVDs could be banned under the new laws.

In the films, Sheik Mohammed calls for Muslim children to be recruited as "holy warriors".

Ruddock said the new laws would aim at removing the material from circulation, and not at punishing the creators.

He told the newspaper that to be convicted of incitement of terrorism offences required a "very high standard of proof".

"The classification scheme targets the material, not the person who creates it. Sometimes it's hard to identify the right person, or they are outside our jurisdiction.

"This proposal is intended to get inflammatory material inciting terrorism out of circulation without having to conduct a criminal prosecution."

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=260853

-- April 12, 2007 6:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

South Korea, Iraq sign deal on oil-field development

South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iraq Thursday to cooperate in the development of oil fields in the Middle Eastern country, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said Thursday
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 13, 2007 9:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Latest News
Basrah East Co. - Has been lately awarded one of the biggest refurbishment projects of gas plants in Iraq, which hopefully, after completion will boost the LPG production of the South gas plants to 3000 tons / day, which in turn will assist in solving LPG shortage.

The project will involve rehabilitation work at three main sites for the South Gas Company, as described below: -

North Rumaila NGL Project

The project is for the full rehabilitation & restoration of the North Rumaila Natural Gas Liquids (NR NGL) facility located at north of Basrah city to support the production of 3000 metric tons per day of LPG for the country of Iraq.

Khor Az Zubair NGL/LPG central plant

The project is for the full rehabilitation & restoration of the Khor Az Zubair NGL/LPG facility located at south of Basrah City to support the production of 3000 metric tons of LPG for the country of Iraq.

Um Qasr LPG Bulk Storage

The project is for the full rehabilitation & restoration of the LPG Bulk Storage Facility located at Um Qasr south of Basrah city to support the production of 3000 metric tons of LPG for the country of Iraq.
(http://www.basraheast.com/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 13, 2007 9:30 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Qaida-linked group claims Iraq blast
By BUSHRA JUHI, Associated Press Writer Ap 13, 2007

BAGHDAD - An insurgent umbrella group that includes al-Qaida in Iraq claimed Friday one of its "knights" carried out the parliament suicide bombing in Baghdad's Green Zone, and the U.S. military revised the death toll sharply downward to one dead.

Iraqi officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was incomplete, said the bomber was believed to have been a bodyguard for a Sunni lawmaker who was not among the casualties. The officials did not name the lawmaker.

In a statement Friday, the U.S. military said "after further research and consultation with government of Iraq officials" it had determined that only one civilian had been killed in the attack and 22 were wounded.

Parliament officials said the victim was Mohammed Awad, a moderate Sunni lawmaker. Seven of the wounded were members of parliament, the officials said.

Iraqi lawmakers, meanwhile, gathered Friday in a rare — and defiant — session of parliament on the Muslim day of prayer. A red and white bouquet sat in Awad's place in the parliament chamber. Empty seats outnumbered people, though, as lawmakers took the podium one after another to denounce the bombing. One MP had his arm in sling and a woman lawmaker wore a neck brace.

"The more they (terrorists) act, the more solid we become. When they take from us one martyr, we will offer more martyrs," Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi said. "The more they target our unity, the stronger our unity becomes."

Iraqi parliament speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani said Friday's session was "a clear message to all the terrorists and all those who dare try to stop this (political) process, that we will sacrifice in order for it to continue."

"We feel today that we are stronger that yesterday," he said. "The parliament, government and the people are all the same — they are all in the same ship which, if it sinks, will make everyone sink."

U.S. forces captured 14 suspected al-Qaida in Iraq members in raids early Friday, the military said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- April 13, 2007 12:13 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

General Sees Iran's Hand in Iraq Fight
By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer
Friday, April 13, 2007

WASHINGTON, (AP) -- The U.S. suspects Iran is providing weapons and other military support to both sides of the sectarian conflict in Iraq — not just to the Shiites who have historic ties to the Iranians, the No. 2 American commander in Iraq said Friday.

"We're working now to determine whether they are in fact not only providing support to Shiite groups, but also Sunni insurgent groups," said Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, referring to the Quds force, an elite unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Odierno spoke to reporters at the Pentagon from his headquarters outside Baghdad.

"We don't have any specific proof of that yet, but there's been some indications that that could in fact be the case," he added in a question-and-answer session via satellite video. He did not get more specific about such support.

Odierno was asked why Iran would help the Sunni extremists of Iraq, since both Iran and Iraq are predominantly Shiite.

"I think it's mainly because they want to continue to create chaos in Iraq," he replied. "They do not want this government potentially to succeed. But additionally, I think they want to try to tie down coalition forces here. And it's clear that they are attempting to affect what's going on inside of Iraq on a daily basis."

Odierno ticked off a list of indicators of recent progress in stabilizing Iraq, including a drop in sectarian murders in Baghdad, a return of some displaced families to the capital, improvement in the performance of Iraqi soldiers and police, and the capture of more insurgent and extremist group leaders.

But he also acknowledged setbacks, including Thursday's bombing of a bridge in Baghdad and a suicide attack in the Iraqi parliament building.

At the White House, visiting Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told reporters that the government is taking the steps and measures necessary to stop threats inside the Green Zone. He said if U.S. troops left Iraq too early, it would be a "great gift" to those responsible for the latest attack within the Green Zone.

"Definitely it will make a vacuum of power in Iraq, which is not desirable by anyone," he said.

In a speech to the Heritage Foundation in Chicago on Friday, Vice President Dick Cheney lambasted the Democratic-controlled Congress for insisting on a war funding bill that includes a timetable for beginning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. He called it an "unwise and perilous endeavor" by the Democrats.

"It is impossible to argue that an unconditional timetable for retreat could serve the security interests of the United States or our friends in the region," Cheney said. "Instead, it sends a message to our enemies that the calendar is their friend, that all they have to do is wait us out — wait for the date certain, and then claim victory the day after."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/04/13/national/w140733D25.DTL

-- April 13, 2007 8:06 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, referring to Iran's view of the Iraqi government in the article above, (my last post) said, quote, "They do not want this government potentially to succeed." It isn't only Iran which wishes the defeat of the Iraqi government... there are others already more than willing to concede defeat and surrender of the war effort from their armchairs over here. John Gibson asks the rather brilliant question.. then what? Do these defeatists actually think the terrorists will cease in their jihad? Or are these defeatists closet Islamic Jihadis, cheering on their comrades in arms from behind their pens of discouragement? Sound impossible.. ?? Well, some thought the idea of American Communists in the Cold War was unlikely, too.. as some thought that Nazi Americans in WWII was not reasonable to suppose.. it just makes you wonder at what could possibly be their motives, is all. (As in.. "He who is not against us, is for us".. perhaps? - Luk 9:50)

===

Why Is N.Y. Times Convinced We've Already Lost Iraq War?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
By John Gibson, Fox News

I thought I needed to get a translation from Arabic to read today's New York Times editorial. I'll save you the tortured reasoning that gets us to the last line, but here is The New York Times editorial conclusion today: "There is no possible triumph in Iraq, and very little hope left."

For starters, if there were no possible triumph in Iraq there would be no hope left, not just very little hope left. But aside from that, you have to wonder what it feels like to be one of the many American soldiers who are getting ready to deploy to see that editorial. Fortunately, not many read The New York Times.

And by the way, I don't expect The Times or any other media to mindlessly cheer continuing a war that has been lost. I don't think we would go on wasting lives, money and time on a war that has been lost.

Who thinks the situation with the American surge in Iraq has been lost? Aside from The Times, most responsible figures — including prominent Democrats — are withholding final judgments, even if they are highly skeptical.

Bill Maher says the war is lost. The New York Times says the war is lost. Tim Russert has several times asked panelists on "Meet the Press," "When are Republicans going to tell Bush, 'Mr. President, the war is lost'?"

But many, many others believe the consequences of actually losing are far too great to be in a huge rush to lose. John McCain questioned Democrats who applauded the passage of the anti-war vote, asking: What were they cheering for? A defeat, a surrender?

The problem with The Times and Bill Maher is that their hate for George W. Bush has clouded their vision. If he's for it, they must be against it. If he warns of the dire consequences of losing this war, they react with an instant declaration that we have lost and are defeated.

What does The New York Times think will happen if its wish comes true and we really do lose? The New York Times should be afraid, and think more about what it is going to say we should do then except curse Bush.

Losing is not something to hold a parade for, even if the parade is schedule for Times Square.

That's My Word.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,265760,00.html

What does The New York Times think will happen if its wish comes true and we really do lose?
In the event their wish comes true, maybe they are planning a big party with their Jihadi friends..
since they are obviously both on the same side and rooting for the same goal - Luk 9:50.

-- April 13, 2007 8:30 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

I believe it was posted 1.5 years ago on this blog, that the Iranian President made the statement...WE WILL NOT ALLOW DEMOCRACY TO STAND IN IRAQ..so what you see happening is Iran's attempt to carry through with that goal in mind. They have not made any attempt to keep it a secret or denied that they do not want American Style Democracy or Influence next door to them...
It is amazing to me...that some of our leaders and entertainment figures such as Rosie are so dumbfounded to the fact that Iran REALLY is involved in stopping the Iraqi Government from becoming stronger...

It seems to me.... the more secure the situation becomes in IRAQ....the more rabid our MSM becomes in projecting that we are loosing...

I have become ashamed of our congressional leaders and think some should be arrested for treason..WE ARE AT WAR...MOST OF THE PUBLIC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT...AND THAT IS WEAK LINK..AND MAY BE OUR DOWN FALL...The trip by Pelosi and other senate leaders was nothing but an attempt to weaken the influence of President Bush in the middle east...They are doing their best to take over the presidency with a LAME DUCK STRATEGY before the next presidential election...

-- April 14, 2007 6:35 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Carl.
I suppose my frustration concerning those exact ideas was showing in the last few posts.
But I think President Bush must be a somewhat frustrated with the Democrats trying to undermine his lawful authority, too..
As they are attempting to set up their own unlawful authority in the place of the legitimate powers lawfully designated to his office.
As this article from bloomberg says:

While Democrats control both houses of Congress, they don't have enough votes to override a Bush veto.

So why don't they just admit they are without the ability to implement their viewpoint and get on with funding the troops and quit stalling what is legitimately within the power and hands of the President.. whether they like it or not.. ? The majority did put him in power and the majority ARE RULING through his veto. Or is that not apparent to them so that they believe that true governmental power must be overthrown by an illegitimate hijacking of Presidential power by the dissenters from the Congressional branch of the government.. ?

Since that apparently is their view, I would hope the American people would note it.. and not vote for these usurpers who wish to usurp the true and lawful powers designated and upheld by the laws of the United States. Oh.. didn't the Congresspersons once swear to uphold those very laws when they took office, by the way? I believe that not upholding those laws makes them guilty of treason.. and that is not even mentioning their blatant disregard of support for the troops.

Sara.

===

Bush Says Delay Over Iraq Funding Will Strain Troops
By Holly Rosenkrantz

April 14 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush, looking ahead to a meeting with lawmakers next week about a standoff on emergency funds for Iraq, said the inability to resolve differences on the issue is putting an unnecessary strain on the military.

``Our troops are waiting for the funds,'' Bush said in his weekly radio address. ``The longer Congress delays, the worse the impact on the men and women of the armed forces will be.''

Bush on April 18 will meet with congressional leaders at the White House to try to break the impasse over $100 billion in emergency funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the meantime, the Department of Defense plans to notify lawmakers that it is transferring $1.6 billion from other military accounts to make up for the shortfall caused by the delay on the spending measures.

The Republican Bush administration and the Democratic- controlled Congress are at loggerheads over paying for the Iraq war. The Senate and the House of Representatives have passed similar supplemental funding measures for the war, setting limits for the U.S. presence there. Both bills must be reconciled before the legislation is sent to the White House.

Bush has said he will veto any war-funding legislation that contains timetables for withdrawing the troops.

Funding Differences

``I recognize that Republicans and Democrats in Washington have differences over the best course in Iraq,'' Bush said. ``But our troops should not be trapped in the middle. They have been waiting for the money long enough. Congress must now pass a clean bill'' without ``artificial time lines for withdrawal.''

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Democrats are committed to providing necessary funds to U.S. forces while also demanding a new strategy for the conflict. While Democrats control both houses of Congress, they don't have enough votes to override a Bush veto.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin of Michigan said earlier this week that if Bush follows through on the veto threat, Democrats probably will strip the timetable from the spending measure while keeping demands for the Iraqis to meet benchmarks for quelling sectarian violence.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a.xuy9cVlfrY&refer=worldwide

-- April 14, 2007 2:19 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

British forces kill eight gunmen in southern Iraq
By Aref Mohammed | April 14, 2007

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - British forces killed eight gunmen laying landmines in the volatile southern Iraqi city of Basra, close to where four British soldiers were blown up earlier this month, the military said on Saturday.

British military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Stratford-Wright said eight militiamen were killed when two roadside bomb teams were attacked by British forces while laying devices on the western outskirts of Basra on Friday night.

"Precision guided ground to ground missiles, tank fire and 105mm light gun were employed. Those who were attacked ... were seen laying their devices beside the road in the path of our vehicles. We even have video recording of them doing so."

"It is not possible to directly link those killed last night with last week's roadside bombs. However, these militiamen were intent upon launching exactly the same type of attack in the same area," Stratford-Wright said.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/04/14/british_forces_kill_eight_gunmen_in_southern_iraq/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News

-- April 14, 2007 2:21 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Corps Commander Highlights Progress in Iraq
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
Apr 13, 2007

Blackanthem Military News, WASHINGTON, D.C. – With more than half of the U.S. surge troops in Baghdad, there has been steady progress in the Baghdad security plan, a top U.S. commander in Iraq said today.

Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, spoke to Pentagon reporters via a video hook-up from the Iraqi capital. He said there has been progress in the security situation in Baghdad, but that "real success is based on sustaining progress over the long term, with eventually Iraqis alone providing security to their people."

Three of the five promised U.S. brigades are in place in the city, he said. An additional three Iraqi brigade headquarters and 11 additional battalions have moved into Baghdad in support of the operation.

Twenty-six joint security stations in Baghdad are manned by Iraqi army, Iraqi police and coalition forces, as are more than 21 combat outposts. "This continuous presence is making the Iraqi people feel safer and has greatly increased the amount of information provided to the Iraqi army, police and coalition forces by the public," Odierno said.

Sectarian murders have dropped in Baghdad, and some displaced families are returning to the city, the general said. In addition, coalition and Iraqi forces have doubled the number of arms caches found since the beginning of the operation two months ago.

"Just yesterday, in the Mansour district of Baghdad, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry, Strykers and the 6th Iraqi Army uncovered a cache which was a key logistics node for multiple (improvised explosive device) cells in western Baghdad," Odierno said.

Security forces allow citizens to return to a more normal existence, Odierno said.

"Across Baghdad, markets are being hardened with checkpoints and barriers, and merchants have returned to sell their produce," he said. "And Iraqis are busy shopping in the markets of Rusafa and Dura, and there are more projects such as these ... that will occur in the near future."

Positive changes are not limited to Baghdad, he said, they are also happening in Anbar province, where coalition and Iraqi security forces are working with local tribal leaders.

"The people of al Anbar are fighting back and winning," Odierno said. "They've effectively turned back the tide of al Qaeda, but there will be counterattacks by al Qaeda."

The general said there were nine attacks last week in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province. "During the same week a year ago, there were over 84 attacks," he said.

Odierno said he also sees promise in the northern part of Iraq. Coalition forces there have set up 33 U.S. police transition teams to build law enforcement capability in that region. Oil is flowing out of the Bayji refinery thanks to Iraqi security force efforts to protect distribution tankers.

Progress continues in the country's south, as well. "In the south, Operation Black Eagle in Diwaniyah, conducted by joint Iraqi and coalition forces, uncovered a headquarters of a rogue element of Jaysh al-Mahdi, with a major weapons cache including materials for IED-making," he said.

Even the demonstrations called by radical cleric Muqtada al Sadr on April 9 to protest the U.S. presence in Iraq are a good sign, Odierno said.

"This demonstration took place without incident," he said. "It is worth mentioning three points related to this demonstration. First, the government of Iraq allowed the demonstration to take place, unthinkable under the former regime. Second, the demonstrators waved Iraqi flags rather than black flags or pictures of ayatollahs. And third, the demonstrators numbered no more than 15,000, rather than the one million its organizers called for."

Odierno said challenges definitely remain. Al Qaeda continues to try and set Shiia against Sunni; Shiia militias continue to try to usurp power from the legitimate government; and Iran continues to train and arm Iraqi insurgent groups.

"We continue to see indications of Iranian influence in Iraq, including providing arms, training and safe haven to terrorists targeting Iraqis and coalition forces," he said. "In the past two weeks, we've found caches with 60 mm mortars, (rocket-propelled grenades), hand grenades, C4 explosive, 170 mm rockets. And in one particular cache, we found over 120 Iranian explosively formed projectiles."

http://www.blackanthem.com/News/International_21/Corps_Commander_Highlights_Progress_in_Iraq5809.shtml

-- April 14, 2007 2:31 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq Targets 3 Million Bpd 2007 Oil Production -Oilmin

Iraq hopes to raise oil production by nearly 1 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, achieving its long-held target of 3 million bpd by restoring northern exports, its oil minister said on Thursday.

Iraq has struggled to overcome the sabotage and outdated infrastructure that has hobbled its production since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, largely due to unrelenting attacks on a key pipeline that runs north through Turkey.

It has regularly fallen short of production and export targets aimed at restoring pre-war levels.

"Iraq wishes to exceed producing 3 million barrels a day in 2007 -- this is achievable by repairing the northern pipeline that connects to the Mediterranean," Hussain al Shahristani told Reuters after a meeting with South Korean energy officials.

Iraq produced 1.97 million bpd in March, up from 1.89 million bpd in February, a Reuters survey shows, but Shahristani said last December that 2006 production averaged 2.3 million bpd.

Despite the weak production figures, exports climbed last month to 1.62 million bpd, the highest since last September, on increased shipments from the southern Basra oil terminal, shipping sources said.

Shahristani said the country was targeting oil production of more than 4 million bpd in 2011.

Shahristani was in Seoul to sign a cooperation deal with South Korea's energy minister Kim Young-joo on broadening opportunities for South Koreans to secure oilfields in Iraq, anxious to inject new investment into the ailing industry.

In 1997, state-owned Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) and Iraq's oil ministry under Saddam Hussein signed a preliminary deal to develop the Halfaya oilfield, estimated to hold up to 3.8 billion barrels of reserves and produce 250,000 bpd.

The South Korean energy ministry said the deal was never followed through due to United Nations financial sanctions against Iraq. But Iraq will "positively consider" involving South Korea in the field once oil legislation is in place, according a memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides on Thursday.

Iraq issued invitations for 15 Arab, Asian and American firms to drill 100 oil wells in the country's south as part of efforts to boost production, the oil ministry said earlier this month.

The OPEC member has the world's third-largest proven oil reserves and needs billions of dollars to revive its oil sector, which is crucial for rebuilding its shattered economy.

In February Iraq's cabinet endorsed a draft oil law regulating how wealth from the country's vast oil reserves will be shared by its ethnic and sectarian groups.

The oil law, which is awaiting parliament's ratification, has given the regions the right to negotiate with international firms on developing oilfields.

"It is achievable to pass the law within two months since all political parties are in favor," Shahristani said.

The law will also restructure the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC) as an independent holding firm and establish a Federal Council as a forum for national oil policy.

The world's top oil companies have been maneuvering for years to win a stake in Iraq's prized oilfields such as Bin Umar, Majnoon, Nassiriyah, West Qurna and Ratawi, all located in the south of the country.

Source: Reuters
Links of Interest:

US Department of State

CIA World Fact Book

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Energy Information Administration

Coalition Provisional Authority

US Treasury - Financial Management Services

2006 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT - IRAQ

New Iraqi Dinar



View Latest News On Iraq














Dinar Trade is not an investment company. No information on this site should be construed as investment advice.
All Content Copyright © 2004-2006 Dinar Trade.com

-- April 14, 2007 2:46 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

I so very much agree with you about the acts of Treason being committed daily by government elected officials.

There is something intrinsically wrong with our government who apparently ignore the rule of law ,repeatedly.

Bush, baffles me! He has nothing to lose by being strong, and if need be, bully these dissidents that sit in our Congress.

We don't have suicide bombers on our streets, like they do in Iraq, but we do share the common weaknesses of disloyalty and Treasonous acts.

I wonder if those who are in the Iraqi parliament get life time pensions, like our's do????

Excuse me, I have to take a double dose of my blood pressure medicine!

This country has lost all sense of right and wrong and worse yet, the ability to deal with the political atrocites that have become common place.

And just as concerning are the masses ( you and me too!) just sit by and watch it happen.

I suggest on April 16th, all those who have any sense at all mail empty tax returns with a note that says "no more till you fix this screwed up mess!!!"

I know that someone will ask if I am going to do that? The answer is "no"! Because I don't want to go to jail, which would eventually be a good possibility. But I would hold back my return, if I was one of 20 million!!

Gosh, those of us from the 50's and 60's have sure lost our "zip"! And we obviously did not pass on that "zip" to our children!

Well, as a nation we have and continue to thumb our nose at God, who established this nation. We have told Him to go away------and He has!!! And the blessings and protection and discernment He has given our trusted leaders through the last 200+ years has gone too!

We are toast, Sara! At this point praying for mercy and forgivenss is our only option, in my opinion.

Carole

-- April 14, 2007 10:01 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

TIM BITTS!!!

WHERE ARE YOU????????????????

Carole

-- April 14, 2007 10:05 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Carole.. :)
Well.. the Iraqi government may be changing shortly..
a whole new ballgame if that occurs.
I believe that without the Sadr element in parliament..
the current Maliki administration collapses.. ?
Maybe the US will take over for a while til new elections can be held?
Sara.

===

Split from Iraq govt inevitable, says Sadr party
Web posted at: 4/15/2007
Source ::: REUTERS

baghdad • The political movement of Shi'ite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr was on the verge of withdrawing from the Iraqi government because of Baghdad's close ties to Washington, a senior official in the movement said yesterday.

Abdul Mehdi Al Muteyri said Sadr's movement, which has six ministers in cabinet including those for health and agriculture, would not remain in a government which he said constantly defended the US occupation.

"Our withdrawal from the government is now inevitable and might take place in a matter of days," he said. "If there is no change from the government and its policy of appeasement for the occupation, then we will go ahead," Muteyri said.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Gulf%2C+Middle+East+%26+Africa&month=April2007&file=World_News200704152330.xml

-- April 15, 2007 3:32 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(903)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 903 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/4/ 15 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 80.675.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 80.675.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- April 15, 2007 7:26 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

A little bird told me the Sadrists only have 30 seats so the Parliament will continue without them.. so that is good. Maybe they need to have the Sadrists removed to get the legislation moving forward - after all, the Sadrists seem to be opposed to measures the US would wish to go forward JUST based on the fact the US is the proposer, not based on the merits of the legislation itself. How can they get to the business at hand for the good of the country if they have a prejudice against anything proposed which would have US backing? The law should be impartial and consider on merit alone.. that is why the statue of Liberty has a blindfold on her eyes.. no matter who proposes it, it should be considered upon merit.

Sara.

-- April 15, 2007 1:49 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Chris for the latest numbers.. appreciate it. :)

Sara.

-- April 15, 2007 1:50 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Cheney predicts Democrats will approve Iraq funds
Reuters
Sunday, April 15, 2007

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vice President Dick Cheney predicted in an interview aired on Sunday that Democrats in the end would provide the money needed by U.S. troops in Iraq after some political sparring with President George W. Bush.

"I don't think that the majority of the Democrats in Congress want to leave America's fighting forces in harm's way without the resources they need to defend themselves," Cheney said on the CBS program "Face the Nation."

Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on "Fox News Sunday" the Democrats would provide the money for the troops in some other fashion minus deadlines if they fail to override Bush's veto.

"We will hopefully send him something strong in the area of benchmarks ... putting pressure on the president to put pressure on the Iraqis," Levin said.

"Those benchmarks would hopefully have some teeth telling the Iraqis that the open-ended commitment is over and they must meet their own benchmarks that they set for themselves to reach a political settlement" such as the sharing of power and resources.

Cheney agreed with Levin that the Democrats "will not leave the troops in the field without the resources they need to be able to carry out their mission."

When asked about opinion polls that show the majority of Americans want a timetable for withdrawal, Cheney said: "There is also a majority that I think would prefer to have us win."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/15/AR2007041500335.html

-- April 15, 2007 2:04 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

Hmmm, thought they were locked in with no auction until Monday???

-- April 15, 2007 3:57 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Iran shivers when Iraq is getting established.

So, Iran's little "Fat Boy" Al Sad'r' that is Iran's messenger running boy, have elected to withdraw his delegation in the Iraqi Parliament.

But first Al Sad'r have to show what kind of caliber man he is, and one of his ministers, ( or ex ministers) body guard smuggle a suicide vest into the Parliaments cafeteria and blow himself up, in the hope of trying to get as many others with him as possible.

Who needs enemies with friends like that.

So, Sad'rs delegation is out of the parliament, good, very good.

When people are bombed as one group, they come together very nicely, and wont break, despite the bombing, in fact they get closer and more in tuned with each other. They have a very real reality of the threat, and who is targeted.

Finland have had a short life, only since the turn of the last century, and it was under Russian and Swedish rule for hundreds of years before that.

At the time of the Russian revolution there was fighting in Russia between the "reds" and the "whites".

Finland during that time had a similar track, with "red' and "white" forces fighting each other.

Difference is that while the Red won in Russia, the White won in Finland.

Despite that Finland had a very strong communist movement, in the late 30's when the Russians tried to annihilate Finland again, but this time into the Soviet block, the Russian propaganda was telling their troops, that this will be a cake run, a milk run, the Finish people would stand there ready with flowers when the Russian came marching in.

The Finns, closed ranks completely, the Communist Party lined up 100% with their government, and the whole country was one unity.

The threat came from the outside. Every time this happens, differences in the group will be less important.

The Finns lost the 1939 "Winter War", but on very good terms, they lost some land, and they still was an independent nation, not governed by Stalin.

The Russians got completely whipped and the reason for the peace talk was the fact that the Finns had completely exhausted the Russians.

The estimated loss, the Russians had was in the figure of ONE million men, while the estimated loss of the Finns was in the vicinity of 25.000.

This could never had been pulled off if the Finns would have a 5th column in their ranks, or a Trojan horse filled with unloyal Finns parked in their backyard.

I do believe that this mark in time, when the Iraqi parliament did an unprecedented showing, some with bandages around them, all condemning the bombing, all knowing that Sad'r had a name in this, will be a benchmark for the Iraqi parliament.

They know now, that time for bickering with Sad'r is over, and they have fresh wounds to show for it.

They know now that Iran's arm into the Iraqi parliament is Sad'r, and his followers, and if he pulls out his ministers, very good, ....don't come back.

The bombing was in itself not good, but as a unifying act for the rest of the parliament, well Al Sad'r couldn't have done it much better.

So where does this leave us with the dinar and the other developments over there.

This will probably speed up things in Iraq, decisions like the HCL most and for all.

Big Oil is interested in a ratified law, and insurance that their investment will have solid ground on their contracts, and bigger oil companies are most probably not interested in signing contracts with a local sheik, or sub government of some province.

They want the real deal, and have their central government as a guarantee for their contract.

The Iraqis have adapted the 15th of Feb draft as the running workhorse, and are promising contracts already now.

They will not get the really big ones, but most probably this will attract smaller companies from India, China and so on.

This might very well be a good sign, as these companies get their foot in, they will start the "oil rush" , knowing that the more they get established, the more foot hold they get, and it would be a shame to see a lucrative contract for a large oilfield pass by, just because a Pakistani company was more daring and invested there earlier, getting the good contracts.

As to CBI holding out until next Sunday, if this mean anything or not....don't know, your speculation is as good as mine.

It is not unusual for the CBI to let things just be where they are for long periods of time, and even though this might be seen as a sign for a reval in many speculators book, well it might, and it might not.

Depending on what you read into it I guess.

When it comes to the dealings of CBI, I think tea leaves is the best prognosticator.

-- April 16, 2007 2:29 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(904)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 904 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/4/ 16 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 68.670.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 68.670.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- April 16, 2007 4:52 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris,

Well last call is that this will stand until Sunday, so....ok, 1272 until then.

-- April 16, 2007 5:33 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Targets 3 Million Bpd 2007 Oil Production -Oilmin

Iraq hopes to raise oil production by nearly 1 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, achieving its long-held target of 3 million bpd by restoring northern exports, its oil minister said on Thursday.

Iraq has struggled to overcome the sabotage and outdated infrastructure that has hobbled its production since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, largely due to unrelenting attacks on a key pipeline that runs north through Turkey.

It has regularly fallen short of production and export targets aimed at restoring pre-war levels.

"Iraq wishes to exceed producing 3 million barrels a day in 2007 -- this is achievable by repairing the northern pipeline that connects to the Mediterranean," Hussain al Shahristani told Reuters after a meeting with South Korean energy officials.

Iraq produced 1.97 million bpd in March, up from 1.89 million bpd in February, a Reuters survey shows, but Shahristani said last December that 2006 production averaged 2.3 million bpd.

Despite the weak production figures, exports climbed last month to 1.62 million bpd, the highest since last September, on increased shipments from the southern Basra oil terminal, shipping sources said.

Shahristani said the country was targeting oil production of more than 4 million bpd in 2011.

Shahristani was in Seoul to sign a cooperation deal with South Korea's energy minister Kim Young-joo on broadening opportunities for South Koreans to secure oilfields in Iraq, anxious to inject new investment into the ailing industry.

In 1997, state-owned Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) and Iraq's oil ministry under Saddam Hussein signed a preliminary deal to develop the Halfaya oilfield, estimated to hold up to 3.8 billion barrels of reserves and produce 250,000 bpd.

The South Korean energy ministry said the deal was never followed through due to United Nations financial sanctions against Iraq. But Iraq will "positively consider" involving South Korea in the field once oil legislation is in place, according a memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides on Thursday.

Iraq issued invitations for 15 Arab, Asian and American firms to drill 100 oil wells in the country's south as part of efforts to boost production, the oil ministry said earlier this month.

The OPEC member has the world's third-largest proven oil reserves and needs billions of dollars to revive its oil sector, which is crucial for rebuilding its shattered economy.

In February Iraq's cabinet endorsed a draft oil law regulating how wealth from the country's vast oil reserves will be shared by its ethnic and sectarian groups.

The oil law, which is awaiting parliament's ratification, has given the regions the right to negotiate with international firms on developing oilfields.

"It is achievable to pass the law within two months since all political parties are in favor," Shahristani said.

The law will also restructure the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC) as an independent holding firm and establish a Federal Council as a forum for national oil policy.

The world's top oil companies have been maneuvering for years to win a stake in Iraq's prized oilfields such as Bin Umar, Majnoon, Nassiriyah, West Qurna and Ratawi, all located in the south of the country.

Source: Reuters
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 9:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

BP eyes role in Iraq, awaits oil law, security

Energy giant BP is interested in working on a range of oil and gas projects in Iraq, but is waiting for the country's parliament to pass an oil law and for security to improve before increasing its role, a senior BP executive said on Monday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Energy - Oil & Gas

S. Korea signs MOU with Iraq on oil field development

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

SEOUL, 16 April 2007 (Yonhap news agency)
Print article Send to friend
South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iraq Thursday to cooperate in the development of oil fields in the Middle Eastern country, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said Thursday.

The agreement, reached at a ministerial meeting in Seoul, calls on Baghdad to support bids by South Korean firms to develop oil fields and to facilitate the exchange of information and personnel between state-run petroleum companies.

The deal is expected to open the way for South Korean firms to play a role in Iraq's oil development. Other oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have closed policies about allowing foreign companies to develop oil in their respective territories.

Iraq ranks third after Saudi Arabia and Iran in terms of established oil reserves. It is estimated to have 115 billion barrels of oil or 9.7 percent of the world total.

Because of internal instability, the country produces 2 million barrels of crude per day, making it the 14th largest oil producer. South Korean imports reached 15.4 million barrels last year, or less than 2 percent of its annual needs.

The MOU outlines the creation of a high-level natural resources cooperation committee that can help maintain government-to-government dialogue channels.

In the three-way talks with Iraq's Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani and Minister of Industry Fawzi Hariri, Kim Young-ju expressed South Korea's continued interest the Halfaya oil field in southern Iraq that is estimated to contain up to 3.8 billion barrels of oil.

The commerce, industry and energy minister said the Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) had signed a production sharing agreement (PSA) with Iraq's oil ministry in 1997, but the deal was scrapped because of unforeseen international developments that had nothing to do with the will of the KNOC or the government.

Hussain al-Shahristani said, without going into details, that Baghdad plans to look favorably on the future participation of South Korean companies at Halfaya.

The ministry, meanwhile, said the comprehensive MOU is noteworthy because most oil development pacts are signed for individual projects.

"South Korea's effort to help rebuild Iraq seems to have had a positive impact," said Lee Seung-woo, an official at the ministry's oil development team. He speculated that the dispatch of the 2,300-strong "Zaytun" unit to the northern Iraqi city of Irbil to help with reconstruction may have played a role in the new deal. South Korea has dispatched the third-largest contingent of troops to Iraq after the United States and Britain. Zaytun, which means "olive" in Arabic, has been stationed in Irbil since 2004.

In addition to oil development, Hariri asked for South Korea's participation in the rebuilding of various economic infrastructure, petrochemical facilities and oil pipelines that have been damaged by war and internal fighting.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

USAID inaugurates conference for Iraq's banking sector

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

16 April 2007 (Iraq Development Program)
Print article Send to friend
Official at the U.S. Agency for International Development announced that the organization has set a two-day conference in Jordan to discuss the future of the banking sector in Iraq.

The conference highlighted the challenges and issues facing and curbing the Iraqi banks from functioning or developing appropriately, and the ways to move forward the Iraqi bank sector to step into the world's latest technologies adopted in the sector thus form more solid base for Iraq's economy, the official said.

To boost the Iraqi banks' functions and improvement, the official added that the USAID has allied with the Iraqi Company for Bank Guarantees, which is already achieving its objectives of providing cash-flow based loan guarantees to small and medium enterprises in Iraq.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Paulson Wants IMF to Step Up Monitoring of Currency Exchange Rates
Saturday, April 14, 2007

E-MAIL STORY PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION
WASHINGTON — The International Monetary Fund must do a better job monitoring countries' currency policies, the Bush administration said Saturday, a demand reflecting U.S. frustration with China's slow pace of financial reform.

While seeking new ways to pressure Beijing, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson also advocated "bold action" to overhaul the IMF. The organization founded 62 years ago to foster economic stability "no longer looks like the economic world in which we live," he said.

Paulson spoke at the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank, which were overshadowed by controversy surrounding the bank's president, Paul Wolfowitz, and his involvement in a huge pay raise awarded to a close female friend.

A demonstration that bank employees planned to urge his resignation failed to materialize. But protesters from aid advocacy groups and other organizations marched in a park outside the bank headquarters and called for his ouster. Wolfowitz, a former deputy defense secretary and one of the architects of the administration's Iraq war strategy, has said he made a mistake and has apologized for his role in Shaha Riza's promotion.

(Story continues below)

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The executive board of the 185-nation bank, whose mission is to fight poverty and improve living standards for the poor, is looking into the matter. The White House says President Bush has confidence in Wolfowitz and Paulson has called him a dedicated public servant.

Some African officials attending the meetings also expressed support, saying Wolfowitz has made the continent a greater priority at the bank.

"We have seen visionary leadership, steadfast progress under Mr. Wolfowitz," said Liberia's finance minister, Antoinette Sayeh.

Finance ministers from Latin America and Europe endorsed Paulson's position on currency surveillance at a meeting of the IMF's policy-steering committee.

"Let us be clear: exercising firm surveillance over members' exchange rate policies is a core function of the institution," Paulson said.

He said the IMF is working on revising its guidelines on foreign exchange monitoring. Any changes, he added, should clarify the IMF's role but not create new obligations for members.

"This should enable firmer surveillance in areas where market forces are not the prevailing paradigm, such as insufficiently flexible exchange rate regimes, or areas where macroeconomic policies and performance are poor even if the exchange rate freely floats," Paulson said.

Paulson advocated greater exchange rate flexibility in emerging Asian economies, especially China.

Critics of administration policies contend the White House must take a tougher approach against unfair practices such as China's currency system, which keeps the yuan artificially low against the dollar, giving Chinese companies price advantages over U.S. producers.

The U.S. trade deficit with China declined by 13.3 percent to $18.4 billion in February, the smallest gap since last May. Still, it is 25 percent above the pace set at the beginning of 2006, when the imbalance for the entire year was $232.5 billion. That was the largest deficit the U.S. has ever recorded with a single country.

The United States and other industrialized nations have called on China to do more to introduce flexibility into its currency system.

Perhaps miffed by the continued pressure on currency reform, China sent deputies instead of the finance minister and central bank chief to the weekend meetings.

Ministers from Argentina, the Netherlands and Russia supported changes in currency surveillance provided they do not impose new burdens.

Argentina's finance minister, Felisa Miceli, speaking on behalf of some South American countries, said "if surveillance rather than lending will turn out to be the most prominent role of the fund, then its governance structure should extend more to the logic of its regulatory role and less to that than a club of creditors."

She said changes in the governance structure so far — allowing a greater voice for South Korea, China, Turkey and Mexico — amount to a "cosmetic change that could eventually be marketed as a milestone in improving the fund's 'legitimacy."'

Miceli said it would be self-defeating for the fund to give more votes to a few emerging economy countries that no longer need IMF loans "at the expense of other developing countries that remain to be potential borrowers.

Also Saturday, Paulson said prospects for the U.S. economy, the world's largest, are good, although activity has slowed. Growth is projected to slow to 2.2 percent this year; Paulson said it should rebound to 3 percent by year's end.
(www.foxnews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Vows to Stay in Job Despite Ethics Probe
Sunday, April 15, 2007

E-MAIL STORY PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION
AP

Paul Wolfowitz
WASHINGTON — Embattled World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz said Sunday he will stay on the job, carrying out the bank's mission to reduce poverty around the world.

"The bank has important work to do and I will continue to do it," he said at a news conference ending a meeting of the steering committee for the bank and the International Monetary Fund.

There have been calls for Wolfowitz to resign as the head of the 185-nation lending organization over his involvement in a huge pay increase awarded to a close female friend.

The steering committee said the issue was "of great concern to us all" and called on the bank's board to complete its work of looking into the matter.

"We have to ensure that the bank can effectively carry out its mandate and maintain its credibility and reputation as well as the motivation of its staff," the committee said.

In answering questions about whether he should step down, Wolfowitz referred several times to the committee's communique and said he did not want any comments he made to get in the way of the board's work.

(Story continues below)

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RelatedStories
Documents May Give Wolfowitz New Lifeline in World Bank Scandal World Bank Launches Internal Probe to Root Out Leakers Paul Wolfowitz's World Bank Frustration World Bank Anticorruption Drive Blunted as China Threatens to Halt Loans Wolfowitz May Not Survive World Bank Scandal Involving Girlfriend's Promotion, Pay Hike "I believe in the mission of this organization, I intend to carry it out, I have had many expressions of support," he said.

Critics have asked how he could continue leading the World Bank's fight against corruption since it emerged that he secured a $193,590 (euro143,060) job for his companion, Shaha Riza, at the U.S. State Department soon after he joined the World Bank in 2005.

In an e-mail to bank staff Saturday night, some of whom have called for his resignation, Wolfowitz said he had remained largely silent as the bank's board of directors considered his future.

"I feel, however, that this has left a vacuum, which has largely been filled by misleading information" and conceded the 109 pages of documents about the controversy released by the board are "a lot to wade through for significant facts so I would like to call your attention to a number of them."

He attached excerpts that referred to his offer, when he became president of the bank two years ago, to refrain from dealings with Riza, who then worked in the bank's Middle East department. But The Washington Post said he did not include his lawyer's subsequent clarification that the recusal offer did not include a ban on "professional contact." A posting on the bank's Web site Saturday included a link to the package of documents.

One of the architects of President George W. Bush's Iraq war strategy, Wolfowitz has been working behind the scenes at weekend meetings of finance ministers and central bankers to drum up support to stay in his post.

The White House has said Bush has confidence in Wolfowitz.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the United States welcomed and supported an updated version of the bank's anti-corruption strategy developed under Wolfowitz's leadership. Since taking over, Wolfowitz has made anti-corruption efforts a priority, prompting concern from some of the board's European members that he was overemphasizing the issue.

As Wolfowitz entered the meeting room, he received a pat on the back from Rodrigo de Rato, the head of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank's sister institution.

The United States, Britain and France, whose governments have a major role in bank operations, said it was important to await the outcome of the board investigation into Wolfowitz's actions.

British development minister Hilary Benn said Saturday, however, that "this whole business has damaged the bank and should not have happened" and was drawing attention away from the bank's agenda.

"This weekend ought to be about the bank's contribution to fighting poverty, and I'm looking forward to discussing how we can increase aid, tackle climate change and get clean water to 1 billion human beings," said Benn.

Wolfowitz and Development Committee Chairman Agustin Carstens, Mexico's finance minister, talked about the need for wealthy governments to deliver on promises to increase spending on development aid.

"The donors are now unfortunately in a position of not fulfilling their promises," Wolfowitz said.

Large donor countries are meeting throughout this year to decide how much money they will give to the International Development Association, which gives interest-free loans and grants to poor countries.

Last week, Wolfowitz told reporters donors would need to give at least $28 billion (euro20.7 billion) if they are to fulfill promises to compensate IDA for income lost because of debt relief granted to poor countries.
(www.foxnews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 9:45 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Oil Law Turns Back the Clock to 1951
U.S. Supported Legislation Pressures Iraq to Transform Oil Industry
By SANDRA HERNANDEZ 04/13/2007 2:38 PM ET
QASSEM ZEIN/AFP/Getty
NAJAF, IRAQ: A general view of the new oil refinery built near the Shiite shrine city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, 07 October 2006.

The supplementary spending bill passed by Congress last month contained one of the most telling pieces of Iraq-related legislation since the U.S. invasion, and it wasn't the August 31, 2008, deadline for withdrawing U.S. troops. It was an obscure and little-understood bill called the Iraqi Hydrocarbons Law, and it could dramatically undermine the economic and political progress of Iraq.

The Hydrocarbons Law contains two fundamental provisions, the first governing how Iraq will distribute revenues from its 115 billion barrels of oil reserves--the second-largest after Saudi Arabia's. The second provision will allow regional governments to negotiate production contracts with foreign oil companies.

Should Iraq's parliament pass the oil law, it will effectively return the country's oil industry to the conditions of pre-1951 Iraq. Yet it is under extreme pressure to do just that.

The spending bill makes the oil law one of many "benchmarks" tying Iraqi political progress with continued American military support. That means that if Iraq's parliament fails to pass the Hydrocarbons bill, then the U.S. could in theory withdraw troops before the 2008 deadline. At the very least, it might cease to provide protection to Iraqi parliament members.

Iraq nationalized its oil industry in 1951, taking control of the country's oil reserves away from international oil companies (IOCs) and putting them in the hands of the Iraqi government, and later a state-owned Iraqi oil company. Henceforth, IOCs could only work as contractors for the state. Nationalization gave Iraq a bigger cut of its oil profits and greater control over all aspects of the oil industry, from drilling to exploration to refining. Today, this arrangement prevails in Arab oil producers like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Iraqi oil law undoes all of this.

Approved by the Iraqi council of ministers in March, the law permits regional governments to enter into contracts of up to 20 years for production, and up to 12 years for exploration in 65 sites around the country. That would leave Iraq’s National Oil Company in direct control of less than one-fifth of the country’s 80 oil fields.

The length of such contracts would allow foreign oil companies to sit on Iraq's oil for years until the security situation improves, delaying the revival of Iraq's devastated economy.

What is more, the law focuses on exploration and expansion of Iraq's industry--that is, new drilling--rather bringing existing oil fields back online. Iraq’s oil infrastructure has been crippled by acts of sabotage since the start of the war; what it needs most right now is investment to bring production technology up-to-date.

A New York Times editorial praised the oil law for “equitably distributing oil revenues,” while The Nation's Chris Parenti (sub.req.) noted lamely that a proposal for distributing revenue son a per-capita basis might help de-escalate sectarian conflict.

In fact, by devolving negotiating power to regional governments, the law promotes competition for foreign oil contracts, potentially exacerbating sectarian tensions. In effect, the law looks at oil as "a prize to be divided rather than a resource to support public investment and development", said Kamil Mahdi, an expert in Middle East economics at the University of Exeter, in remarks at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs this week.

One contract with the Kurdish Regional Government would give foreign companies a 40 percent cut of profits, said Mahdi. Clearly, it makes little sense to discuss equitable distribution of oil revenues within the country if such a large chunk will be going to non-Iraqis.

Government ministers and Iraqi oil unions, which represent tens of thousands of workers, have denounced the law, but it remains to be seen whether parliament will overcome enormous outside pressure to pass it.

The oil law has raised nary an eyebrow in Washington. One exception was Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), who called it “a concerted effort to ensure that American oil companies are granted access to Iraqi oil fields” and called on Congress to remove it from the spending bill’s list of performance benchmarks. Otherwise, lawmakers have hailed the oil law’s passage by Iraq’s Council of Ministers as a milestone for sectarian cooperation.

Besides opening Iraq’s doors to oil companies, the law might also benefit American interests by undermining Iraqi membership in OPEC. By putting so much of the oil sector under foreign control, the law would make it extremely difficult for Iraq to implement OPEC quotas. “It’s an anti-OPEC policy,” said Mahdi.

The future of Iraq’s oil is not a zero-sum game. Foreign oil companies have a constructive role to play in the sector, just as they do in neighboring Arab countries. But only a drastically revised law can make that possible.
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 12:03 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

For those of us who believe private enterprise is the best way to benefit the Iraqi people rather than the Communist idea of BIG government taking all the revenues for themselves (in the past, corrupt Saddam and his crony government friends..) this article saying the Iraqi Hydrocarbons law will take BACK the oil industry from the Saddam-era Nationalization and allow private enterprise into the sector to quickly explore and develop the lands and thus add to the Iraqi currency's worth is a smart move.

Since the ordinary Iraqi saw NONE of the benefit under Saddam, but it went to build his palaces and support his opulent lifestyle and those of his cronies, with these worthwhile incentives to develop (fat enough that businesses with the expertise will risk life and limb in a foreign land), the Iraqi people will see far MORE benefit under this policy than they ever did under Saddam. It will enrich their nation and make them have a decent standard of living. If they get greedy in trying to retain all benefit to themselves and not allow in any "foreigners" with the expertise to develop their resources, they would effectively kill the fatted goose who could lay them a golden egg. Without the incentives and "foreigners" with the expertise, their resources would languish. I am here reposting RobN's post, which I revised a little.. note I added what is in italics after the ... in the title to reflect this version of the events:

===

Iraq Oil Law Turns Back the Clock to 1951...
and removes Saddam's NATIONALIZATION of oil reserves which enriched only Saddam's government.
U.S. Supported Legislation Pressures Iraq to Transform Oil Industry
By SANDRA HERNANDEZ 04/13/2007

The supplementary spending bill passed by Congress last month contained one of the most telling pieces of Iraq-related legislation since the U.S. invasion, and it wasn't the August 31, 2008, deadline for withdrawing U.S. troops. It was an obscure and little-understood bill called the Iraqi Hydrocarbons Law, and it could dramatically effect the economic and political progress of Iraq.

The Hydrocarbons Law contains two fundamental provisions, the first governing how Iraq will distribute revenues from its 115 billion barrels of oil reserves--the second-largest after Saudi Arabia's. The second provision will allow regional governments to negotiate production contracts with foreign oil companies.

Should Iraq's parliament pass the oil law, it will effectively return the country's oil industry to the conditions of pre-1951 Iraq. The spending bill makes the oil law one of many "benchmarks" tying Iraqi political progress with continued American military support. That means that if Iraq's parliament fails to pass the Hydrocarbons bill, then the U.S. could in theory withdraw troops before the 2008 deadline. At the very least, it might cease to provide protection to Iraqi parliament members.

Iraq nationalized its oil industry in 1951, taking control of the country's oil reserves away from international oil companies (IOCs) and putting them in the hands of the Iraqi government, and later a state-owned Iraqi oil company. Henceforth, IOCs could only work as contractors for the state. Nationalization gave Iraq a bigger cut of its oil profits and greater control over all aspects of the oil industry, from drilling to exploration to refining. The Iraqi oil law undoes all of this.

Approved by the Iraqi council of ministers in March, the law permits regional governments to enter into contracts of up to 20 years for production, and up to 12 years for exploration in 65 sites around the country. That would leave Iraq’s National Oil Company in direct control of less than one-fifth of the country’s 80 oil fields.

The law focuses on exploration and expansion of Iraq's industry -- that is, new drilling -- rather bringing existing oil fields back online. A New York Times editorial praised the oil law for “equitably distributing oil revenues." In fact, by devolving negotiating power to regional governments, the law promotes competition for foreign oil contracts.

In Washington, most lawmakers have hailed the oil law’s passage by Iraq’s Council of Ministers as a milestone for sectarian cooperation. Besides opening Iraq’s doors to oil companies, the law might also benefit American interests by undermining Iraqi membership in OPEC. By putting so much of the oil sector under foreign control, the law would make it extremely difficult for Iraq to implement OPEC quotas. “It’s an anti-OPEC policy,” said Mahdi.

http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/2347/Iraq_Oil_Law_Turns_Back_the_Clock_to_1951

-- April 16, 2007 1:12 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Dana Gas signs northern Iraq deal
Dana Gas signs northern Iraq deal
Arabian Business - [16/04/2007]


The UAE's Dana Gas has signed an agreement with Iraq's Kurdish regional government (KRG) to evaluate the development of the region's gas reserves, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

The deal may eventually lead to the semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq exporting gas to neighbouring countries.

Dana Gas also won a service contract from the regional authority for the rapid installation of processing and transmission facilities at the Khor Mor field to begin supplying gas for power generation by January 2008.

Dana Gas' initial investment commitment will be around $400 million. It marks the first entry of a Middle East company into the Iraqi energy sector since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003.

Dana Gas and the government will draw up plans for a large gas-fed industrial complex, to be named Kurdistan Gas City, which may include petrochemical, metals and other heavy industry plants.

"This is a high level broad agreement whereby we work together with the regional government to develop the long-term plans for overall gas development and optimal utilisation," Dana Gas Business Development Director Majid Jafar told Reuters.

"There is an immediate need for power generation as a priority, there is also a strong desire to use this valuable resource to encourage industrial and broader economic development and job creation, and longer term there is also the possibility for potential exports, most likely by pipeline."

The Kurdish region has disagreed with some members of Iraq's central government over production sharing agreements (PSAs) it signed with oil companies such as Norway's DNO long before Iraq's cabinet endorsed a draft oil law in February.

The companies were exposed to the risk the contracts would be revised under the new law, which is still awaiting parliament's ratification.

Jafar said he was confident that the region was a sound investment prospect. Dana Gas' deal, as a service contract rather than a PSA, was unlikely to attract controversy, he said.

Dana Gas plans initial production of 150 million-200 million cubic feet per day (cfd) from the Khor Mor field, which was never fully developed and was shut after the first Gulf War in 1991. It will build about 180 km (111.8 miles) of pipelines for the gas with larger capacity to handle future increases in production and any additional discoveries.

The United Arab Emirates company aims to eventually double output from Khor Mor to 300 million cfd, depending on reserves that it finds in place. The UAE's largest publicly-traded energy company by market value will also make an appraisal study of the Chemchemal gas field.

An industry source estimated possible reserves at both fields of between 3 trillion to 4 trillion cubic feet, but said reserves could be much larger.

The gas will initially supply two power plants under construction near the cities of Arbil and Sulaimaniya.

"The Kurdistan region is in urgent need of natural gas as fuel for electricity generation projects that are long overdue and will benefit not only the people of the Kurdistan region but contribute to affordable electricity for the whole of Iraq," the prime minister of Iraq's Kurdistan region, Nechirvan Barzani, said in the statement.

Use of domestic gas for the region's power plants will save the region up to $1.5 billion as it substitutes the use of liquid fuels in generators currently used.

Dana Gas will be able to develop the project quickly as it will install a gas splitter it had already built and earmarked for another project.

That probably gave it an advantage over competitors for the service contract, who would have taken two years to build the infrastructure needed for gas production and processing, industry sources said.

Dana's investment could be the first of many by UAE companies in the Kurdish region.

"I know that other UAE companies from other economic sectors are looking at investing," Jafar said.

Dana Gas is the UAE's largest private-sector energy company by market value.

Dana's $1 billion acquisition of Centurion Energy in January made it one of Egypt's largest gas producers and was part of the UAE company's strategy to expand exploration and production of gas throughout the Middle East.

Dana will work with its affiliate Crescent Petroleum in the Kurdish region.

Crescent, which is a major shareholder in Dana, has other projects in Iraq.

Earlier in April, Crescent said it would work with Iraqi officials to study an oil exploration area in the country's south near the Kuwaiti border.

Crescent has also drawn up a development plan for Iraq's giant southern Ratawi field.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 1:27 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Chevron confirmed as key sponsor of Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit
Chevron confirmed as key sponsor of Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit
Al Bawaba - [15/04/2007]


Chevron has confirmed its role as a sponsor of the forthcoming Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit, which will take place on 28-30 May 2007.

The summit has been organised to bring together key Iraq Government decision makers in the energy sector and international operators seeking partnership opportunities in both the upstream and downstream industry.

The summit will welcome representation from the Iraqi Ministries of Oil, Industry & Minerals and Electricity, as well as the Iraq Energy Council, Investment Promotion Agency and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministries for Natural Resources, Industry and Electricity. It will also host many of the state companies operating under the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and senior representatives from the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO).

This historic landmark event will be the first of its kind for the most important sectors of the Iraqi economy.

Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading energy companies. With approximately 56,000 employees, Chevron subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries around the world, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas, and refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products. Chevron has been a partner in the Middle East for over seven decades with major operations currently in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

With the world’s second largest proven oil reserves, Iraq is well positioned to be a major contributor to global energy markets. International companies have the unique opportunity to help Iraq rebuild and develop its energy resources for the benefit of the Iraqi people. With the recent developments around a national hydrocarbon law, the timing of the summit could not be better.

For more information about Chevron, please visit:www.chevron.com
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 1:29 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Home | News Archive | Newsletter | | عربي


The Times: Turkish deal could pave way for Shell's return to Iraq after 35 years
The Times: Turkish deal could pave way for Shell's return to Iraq after 35 years
The New Anatolian - [15/04/2007]


Shell is poised to become the first oil and gas major to agree terms to reenter Iraq following reports that it has struck a deal with Turkey’s state oil company, TPAO, to extract gas in the war-torn country, the Times said.
The report went on to say that, “The Anglo-Dutch giant is expected to work in partnership with TPAO to build a pipeline from the Kirkuk field near Kurdistan to Ceyhan on the Mediterranean, according to reports.
A spokesman for the Turkish Energy Ministry said: “An agreement has been reached which has to be ratified by the administration in Baghdad.”
Shell refused to rule out an agreement with TPAO but insisted there was still no legal framework in place in Baghdad to allow any contracts to be issued to foreign companies.
Ian Bromilow, Shell’s chairman for Iraq, told The Times: “We have discussions but the contents of those discussions are really quite confidential.”
“It is still very, very unclear what will happen in the sense that there is no petroleum law in place and the issue of security,” Bromilow said.
Iraq has some of the biggest oil and gas reserves in the world and speculation about Shell’s involvement has mounted in recent weeks.
The oil major has long expressed an interest in returning to the country after being forced out when the industry was nationalised in 1972, and signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a plan for Iraq’s gas infrastructure in 2005. Last month industry in-siders claimed Shell managers met Iraqi officials in Oman to discuss investment terms for any future deals.
The Iraqi Parliament is due to debate a draft Petroleum Law soon. Ratification would open the doors to billions of pounds of foreign investment.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 1:33 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Will Asian firms win oil deals in Iraq?
Will Asian firms win oil deals in Iraq?
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [13/04/2007]


Despite the accusations directed by some observers to the administration of President George Bush that he launched war against Iraq with the aim of controlling its oil resources, a number of Asian oil companies, especially from China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia, may win the first foreign contracts of investment in Iraq's oil sector.

While the Iraqi Parliament is still making further consultations on the new oil law, which would regulate the working conditions of foreign oil companies in Iraq as well as how to distribute the proceeds of oil exports, the Iraqi government intends to continue working with those companies from Asian States, which had won previous deals during the rule of the late President Saddam Hussein.

James Black, a large contributor to the "Cambridge" Institution for energy research and specialized in Middle East affairs, said: "The Chinese may announce new contracts with Iraq in the next few months", if the current progress in consultations on the new oil law continues.

Oil expert, Falah al-Jabouri, who worked as an adviser to a number of oil ministers of Iraq and a number of "OPEC" countries, said : "Asian companies have many additional advantages against Western companies, such as: these companies did not pay any attention, in the past, to Western sanctions on Iraq, and they know Iraqi oilfields very well".

Al-Jabouri hinted that the Chinese may win the first contracts, under the new oil law, in the central southern Iraq while Vietnamese may gain the right to work south of the country, and the Indians along the lines with Kuwait, as for the Indonesians, they may win the right to work in the desert west of Baghdad.

The Iraqi oil expert, pointed out that the initial contracts with Asian companies will be relatively limited, explaining that the offer from the Chinese company, includes the extraction of 70 thousand barrels of oil per day, while the Vietnamese company will extract 60 thousand barrels per day.

The Energy Committee in the Iraqi Parliament will hold a symposium on the "controversial" draft law on oil and gas, in the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, under the slogan "scientific and technical reading in the light of national interests of Iraq".

The symposium will be chaired by Sheikh Khalid al-Attiyah, first deputy chairman of the Iraqi parliament, and attended by a number of Iraqi political figures, including: Dr. Barham Salih, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Hussein Shahrastani, oil minister and Ali Baban, Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, as well as the oil minister in "Kurdistan" region, in addition to a number of the Iraqi parliament’s members, and a group of experts in the field of oil.

The symposium aims to discuss the draft law of oil and gas and the new strategic and technical dimensions of this law which will organize the work of the Iraqi oil sector, before submitting it to the Iraqi parliament for discussion and ratification.

Iraqi media quoted Sheikh Khaled al-Attiyah, as saying that the holding of this seminar outside Iraq, "is to provide a suitable atmosphere for the discussion of the bill, away from the political tensions at home, and ensure more open atmosphere of learning all minute details that could be raised during the symposium, as well as to enable a number of dignitaries who can not travel to Iraq because of the security situation from attending the seminar".

The Presidential Council had referred the Iraqi oil and gas law, which was approved by the government of Maliki, to the parliament for discussion and voting on it, and that created angry reactions by some political blocs which saw in it "a waste of national wealth which will be captive to foreign investments to certain States, and deprive companies in some countries from participation, because of their countries’ political stands".

Other political blocs condemned their Ministers voting for the Law, which was considered "a personal opinion," that does not express the point of view of these blocks.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 1:34 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Opportunities for the private sector to invest in industry
Companies and huge bodies on sale
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [13/04/2007]


Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals, Fawzi Hariri, said that the government decided within its plan for economic development to grant the right of investment for local and foreign capitals in “projects and industrial companies” for periods ranging between 10 and 20 years. He added that the resolution is “the first step of this type” on the road of “joint cooperation” between the Ministry and the local and foreign investors.

He went on to say that “the policy of our government is clear; it tends to support the industry, the private sector and the transition from the socialist monopolistic economy to the free market economy and this requires the support of institutions and establishments”. This is the first time when Iraqi authorities declare placing major companies on the market to local and foreign investors since the fall of the regime in 2003.

He stressed that the Ministry is preparing a phased plan until late 2007 to determine the extent of participation of the limited-term investment for the Iraqis and foreigners, pointing out that the investor will be responsible for developing the employees’ abilities of the companies concerned through training courses. Hariri expressed optimism about the “turnout of foreign investors whom I met during my visit to the United States and Britain”.

The details of the projects offered for investment will be put forth on the web site of the Ministry. He said that “the companies placed on the market will receive bids for 45 days and then will need another 30 days to study them before making a decision, hoping that the process will not take more time than late June and early July”.

Hariri ensured that staff will remain in their positions after the entry of investors, pointing out to “a complete coordination between the project’s management and the city council where its headquarters will be”. Hariri mentioned a number of companies to be put up for investment, such as the cement plant in Kirkuk, where the volume of investment required is $ 100 million, and its employs are 1200 people, while Al-Qaaem plant requires about $ 50 million and its employs are 900 people.

He went on to say that the cement factory in Sinjar requires investments of between $ 30 and 50 million (800 people), while Al-Muthanna plant requires about $ 90 million (1500 people). The Minister also put up “the Company of Glass and ceramics” in Anbar with its three parts for investment, and estimated the funds required by $ 50 million.

The Petrochemical Company in Basrah, where 4000 employees work, needs the investment of about $ 120 million, emphasizing that it does not produce more than 20% of its main energy. There is also the Company of Iron and Steel in Basrah, which is dependent on the work of more than 6000 employees, and the estimated volume of investments required are between 180 and 220 million dollars; the Paper Factory in Maysan, where 1600 people work, is put forth to invest at around $ 100 million.

The minister pointed out to a “study for the opening of assembly plants to the State cars, like buses, ambulances and firefighters” confirming that preparations for the import of their parts is being made, estimating the need of these plants to invest $ 15 million. Hariri concluded that the transition from the socialist to the free market economy was one of the concerns of the ministry since the formation of the recent government.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 1:44 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

While I greatly appreciated your supportive post.. and can see you also feel the same frustration as I do.. yet, I would not, out of frustration, transgress the Law of God. Jesus gave His followers a command to pay to the government their due taxes and so help me God I will pay them to the last farthing (penny) all that owe. I would not cease to do so if millions of others decided to stop paying as it is my conviction that God commanded us to pay "Caesar" (the governmental powers) their levied tax. The passage I refer to appears in three gospels. Here is one:

Luk 20:20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.
Luk 20:21 Then they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth:
Luk 20:22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
Luk 20:23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test Me?
Luk 20:24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?" They answered and said, "Caesar's."
Luk 20:25 And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
Luk 20:26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.

If God (Jesus) said to pay the corrupt Roman governmental power of His time (who had killed all the children under two in Bethlehem, if you remember) due taxes, we are to do so with this power, even despite any quarrel we may have with them. I think of the first Christians paying Nero taxes when Nero used the money to prop up his evil regime which threw Christians to lions, burnt them at the stake and used them to light his fancy parties as torches.. if they paid their taxes to Caesar, then I think that this governmental treachery is no reason to withhold the rightfully due tax. Such are my convictions.. though I appreciated your words of support concerning my being upset at those who are acting in a way unbecoming those called to the high calling of an American governmental official. To whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48).

Sara.

-- April 16, 2007 4:15 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq security strategy: So far, so good

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By HAMEED AL-MALIKI / The Institute for War & Peace Reporting

.
BAGHDAD, Iraq — It has been nearly two months since the Iraqi government and coalition forces launched a new security operation to curb the daily violence in Baghdad.

During that time, more than 90,000 U.S. and Iraqi forces have been deployed in the capital specifically for this operation.

So how do we Iraqis evaluate the effectiveness of the effort so far?

Most residents of the capital, I believe, would agree that the security plan is beginning to show positive results. The number of unidentified murder victims found on the streets, which had been as high as 100 a day, has fallen considerably. Car bombs and suicide bombings have also dropped significantly.

Families who had fled the city because of sectarian violence are beginning to return. Students are going back to their classes; weapons caches are being found and destroyed and many terrorist suspects have been arrested.

It feels as though some degree of security is gradually returning to the capital’s tense neighborhoods.

Under the plan, Baghdad has been divided into operational sectors, limiting the ability of militias, terrorists and criminal gangs to move or transport weapons and ammunition. Checkpoints operated by joint Iraqi-American units also provide a system of checks and balances, restricting possible abuse of power and miscommunication with the local population.

The joint Iraqi-American security forces are acting in a professional and flexible manner. Whenever and wherever they face problems and challenges, their plans are adapted accordingly. The military commanders are also reaching out to the local communities and establishing ties and communication channels to improve the security.

The relative success has prompted the military and political leadership to expand the scope of operations to cover Baghdad’s suburbs and neighboring towns, and to extend the timeframe of operations to the end of the year. This new development has been welcomed by most Iraqis.

The political and security efforts have had a positive impact on various aspects of life in Baghdad — a rise in the value of the Iraqi dinar against foreign currency and an upturn in trade at the Iraqi stock exchange market.

The Baghdad municipality also seems to be more active in cleaning the streets, clearing up refuse and planting trees and flowers in public squares.

All this is not to say that violence and brutal killings don’t continue to occur on a daily basis. But for the first time in a long time, there is a sense that someone cares about providing security and basic services to the average Iraqi. That in and of itself could go a long way in eventually dampening the insurgence.

Still, one overarching question remains: Will the combined Iraqi and U.S. “surge” be maintained in the face of continued violence and growing political pressure, both here in Iraq and in the United States, demanding the withdrawal of American forces?

Hameed al-Maliki is a political commentator in Iraq who wrote this article for The Institute for War & Peace Reporting, a nonprofit organization that trains journalists in areas of conflict.
.

-- April 16, 2007 6:44 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I have posted several articles today because I believe despite the continued security issues and Al-Sadr withdrawing from the Iraqi Government Iraq is on the verge of progressing into a prosperous nation.

I have posted a couple of articles highlighting both Shell's and BP's desire to develop the Iraqi oil fields. There are other oil companies from Russia, China, India, and Vietnam looking to invest in those same oil fields. The U.S. has invested significant dollars in Iraq. Foreign investment will continue to increase in Iraq.

The CBI, IMF, and the World Bank must adopt an agressive monetary exchange rate. A powerful Dinar would substantialy quell the insurgent element faster than the military solution only. Next, a powerful dinar would incent the Iraqi people to unify and diminish the differences between ethnic groups.

The coalition forces miliatry operations coupled with an aggressive exchange rate may be the combination to faciliate peace and prosperity in Iraq. The current exchange of 1272 is not really going to help the average iraqi citizen.

Going back to an earlier comment. I believe we will eventually see along with the military operation a stronger Dinar. The return on our investment has a potential to be monumental. Waiting on the CBI, IMF, and the World Bank is an arduous process, but one we will all be rewarded for.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 16, 2007 11:09 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

World Bank and it's long arm IMF, may be at the end of it's world dominance.

For a long time, WB was the gold standard in ethical financial policy, the rulers of the earth, and the yard stick to compare to.

The formation of the bank was done in the international spirit that followed WW2, where the Democracies all over the world, set up institutions like the UN and true globalization was in it's first stages.

Member countries backed up the WB with gold deposits, that the WB is now sitting on, in reality the ownership of the membership countries, but the physical location is the basement of the WB.

The WB have had a long track record of not being able to do what it was originally intended for, helping developing countries, but the WB acted just like any Bank where the Banks own interest is the primary interest.

Wolfowitz the Bank president, and one of the financial architects of the Iraq affair, it's invasion and economical and financial aftermath, is also one of the architects of the WB effort to fight corruption, and have established anti corruption clauses in their management rules.

Wolfowotz himself being under the gun for his own corruption accusations, giving his girlfriend a favourable post close to him, for very good salary, is heavily fired upon.

Corruption is where you find it. Not where you say it is.

The track record of the WB is far from it's intended purpose, countries in need have been treated in such a way that they are more depressed after the financial treatment from the WB than it was before.

The WB have, what can be called financial "head hunters" going to different undeveloped countries, offering financial advice, and set up financial plans for the payback.

Thus the developing countries can see how they can get Dams, Roads, and all kind of infrastructure built for it's own development.

Problem is, the WB head hunters have almost always come up with the plan that will break the lending undeveloped country, almost making sure they will falter in the loan, and making sure they are set in a lower status, like making sure the country have points on their record, and a low credit score.

Only via WB can you get your score in a better standing, as WB is setting the score.

Middle developed countries, like Brazil and Argentina, and other countries in similar development stage, have seen through the scam, and are paying off the loan faster, and are looking into another financial world set up other than the WB.

The ambition of the WB is to be the world's financial arbitrator, and controller of the worlds currency exchange, an ambition that is neither possible or doable.

As the trust for the WB is faltering, and their loan business is eating them alive, their own lending capability has dropped from 100 Bill Dollars in 2003 to about 13 Billion right now.

A sign of very bad business in deed.

The membership countries involved in the WB are hostile against the banks actions. Meetings and articles are frequent regarding the WB, its policies and it's purposes.

From a more socialistic view, the big WB meetings are almost always accompanied by hordes of protesters.

Probably the WB is either going through a crisis, or a reshuffle in the leadership, or the WB will be reorganized into something that will be more in par with the membership countries original intention.

The good ol days of the WB seems to be over though, where the WB sent their "economic experts" ( head hunters) to a small nation, made them take loans they could not afford, and micromanaged that countries internal economy by a desk manager sitting in Washington DC.

The Iraqis seem so far go along with anything the WB is telling them, and the WB even put a couple of "experts" on the ground in Baghdad, as this is one of Wolfowitz pet projects.

The international GoldStandard , the WB and its IMF will not however have the same Platinum shine as it had in the past, doubts about it's existence have emerged in strength, and trust in the system have fallen radically, so with regards to the Iraqi Dinar, there might come a day when the Iraqis can themselves say,"This is what we are going to do".

As it seems more like the WB actual actions have been geared more into a power trip rather than be an unbiased help institution for countries around the world, it is easy to assume that their hand in Iraq is not for the best of the Iraqi economy or future.

If actually sound and rational decisions would have been taken, the Dinar would have been fixed long ago, but it is held there, and as long it is held there, the Iraqi economy is in dire need of more help...from the WB.

-- April 17, 2007 1:08 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(905)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 905 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/4/ 17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 69.065.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 69.065.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- April 17, 2007 5:13 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sunni factions in Iraq split with al-Qaida group
4/16/2007

By Sudarsan Raghavan
The Washington Post

BAGHDAD — Key Sunni militant groups are severing their association with al-Qaida in Iraq, a Sunni group that claims allegiance to the organization led by Osama bin Laden. The split could help isolate a primary foe of the United States in Iraq but could also further splinter the Sunni insurgency and make it even harder to control, according to insurgent leaders and Iraqi and U.S. officials.

In the Sunni heartland of Anbar and other provinces, Sunni groups are accusing al-Qaida in Iraq of killing, kidnapping and torturing dozens of their fighters, clerics and followers. One leading Sunni extremist organization, the Islamic Army, says al-Qaida has killed more than 30 fighters from different armed factions in recent weeks.

The weekend before last, the Islamic Army posted on insurgent Web sites a nine-page letter urging bin Laden to stop those killing in his name. "It is not enough to disown those actions," the letter said, "but it is imperative to correct the path."

The Sunni insurgency in Iraq has long been fractious, in part because secular nationalists, tribal leaders and former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party and army have rejected al-Qaida's tactics, particularly beheadings. But the emerging rift represents the Sunni groups' most decisive effort since the 2003 invasion to distance themselves from al-Qaida in Iraq.

"They have realized that those people are not working for Iraq's interests," said Alaa Makki, a Sunni member of parliament with close ties to the insurgents. "They realized that their operations might destroy Iraq altogether."

The emerging confrontation between the Sunni groups and al-Qaida in Iraq is the latest addition to a dizzying mosaic of battle lines. U.S. troops and Iraqi security forces are fighting al-Qaida fighters, Sunni groups and Shiite militias. Shiite militias are combating Sunni insurgents and al-Qaida. In the south, the Shiite militias fight each other for control. In the west, Sunni tribal leaders are suspicious of Sunni parties inside the government. And in the north, tensions are rising between the Kurds and neighboring Turkey. Oil-rich Kirkuk itself is a flash point as Arabs and Turkmens clash with the Kurds over the city's future.

Insurgent leaders, in interviews in person or by telephone, offered different explanations for their split. Many said their link to the al-Qaida groups was tainting their image as a nationalist resistance force. Others said they no longer wanted to be tools of the foreign fighters who lead al-Qaida. Their war, they insist, is against only the U.S. forces, to pressure them to depart Iraq.

"We do not want to kill the Sunni people nor displace the innocent Shia, and what the al-Qaida organization is doing is contradictory to Islam," said Abu Marwan, a religious leader of the Mujaheddin Army in Baqouba, northeast of Baghdad. "We will strike whoever violates the boundaries of God, whether al-Qaida or the Americans."

What the split means for the United States and its efforts to pacify Iraq remains unknown. On one hand, al-Qaida in Iraq appears to be losing legitimacy and support. But it remains a potent, well-financed force, attracting fighters from Afghanistan to Morocco as well as growing numbers of Iraqis, say U.S. military officials and analysts. In some areas, Sunni insurgents are still partnering with al-Qaida. And as long as the Sunni groups remain fragmented and politically alienated, the prospects for stability are slim.

In recent months, U.S. military commanders have sought to take advantage of the rift. Sunni tribal leaders in Anbar are now working with U.S. troops to fight al-Qaida. Zalmay Khalilzad, who was the U.S. ambassador here until last month, and Iraqi government officials said they have had talks with some insurgent groups in an attempt to isolate al-Qaida in Iraq.

"Al-Qaida has killed more Iraqi Sunnis in Anbar province during the past month than the soldiers of the American occupation have killed within three months. People are tired of the torture," said Abu Mohammad al-Salmani, an Islamic Army commander, who said the group had written the letter to bin Laden. "We cannot keep silent anymore."

The letter accuses the al-Qaida group of "killing innocent people with gases like chlorine," referring to recent chlorine-bomb attacks in Baghdad and Anbar. In some areas, it said, the al-Qaida fighters were imposing "Taliban-like" Islamic codes, referring to edicts by the strict former rulers of Afghanistan.

Khalid Awad, a commander of the Jamiat Brigades, another insurgent group in Anbar, said: "We must confess that if it was not for al-Qaida, neither Iraq nor Afghanistan would have been occupied. For al-Qaida has awakened the American ogre against the Islamic nation after the September 11th events, and it is still causing disasters."

About three months ago, al-Qaida fighters began targeting insurgent leaders. Gunfights have taken place in Baghdad neighborhoods such as Abu Ghraib and northern cities such as Taji. In Diyala province, al-Qaida killed or kidnapped several Sunni insurgent leaders and religious and academic figures, officials said.

Now, local insurgent groups have united to fight them, erecting checkpoints and patrolling Baqouba and nearby towns, said Abu Jasim, a leader of the Mujaheddin Army. More than 100 al-Qaida fighters were captured in the towns of Buhriz and Tahrir, the core areas controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq in Diyala, he said.

"Frankly speaking, we don't want an inner Sunni-Sunni fight, and we do not want to have a military collision with al-Qaida, like what the tribes did, although we have all the right to do so," said Salmani, the Islamic Army commander, referring to the decision of tribal leaders in Anbar to side with the Americans.

But the pressure from al-Qaida fighters is growing. They have posted statements in mosques and on the Web warning they will target any Sunni group that defies them. On March 27, they allegedly killed the nephew of Harith al-Dari, the most prominent Sunni cleric in Iraq.

Last Monday, gunmen killed an Islamic Army leader south of Samarra, said Capt. Zuhair al-Badri in Samarra. The previous night, two other fighters were killed. Islamic Army leaders immediately blamed al-Qaida, saying the attack was in retaliation for the letter to bin Laden.

Many of the insurgent groups, however, are reluctant to unite. Abu Aja Naemi, a commander of the 1920 Revolution Brigades based in Duluiyah, north of Baghdad, recalled a meeting among various groups to discuss forming an umbrella organization. The idea fell through, he said, over concerns about turf.

Naemi's own group has splintered in recent weeks, leading to the emergence of a faction of mostly Palestinian fighters calling itself Hamas, after the radical Palestinian organization. Naemi said that for now, the new group was still allied with the 1920 Revolution Brigades and serving as part of its military wing.

The Sunni groups are also divided over entering the political process, said Makki, the member of parliament. His Iraqi Islamic Party is serving as a liaison between the Shiite-led government and the Sunni insurgents, including, he said, the Islamic Army, the 1920 Revolution Brigades and other main groups.

"But mind you, not all of the subgroups of those groups are willing to go in this direction," Makki said.

Hasan Suneid, a Shiite member of parliament and close aide of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, described another major stumbling block. The insurgents, he said, are "trying to negotiate demands that are strategic to their interests." They want a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawals, a revision of the Iraqi constitution and a balance of Shiites and Sunnis in government ministries.

"If they maintain their independence from each other and each one has its different strategy, there will be chaos on the ground and chaos at the [negotiating] table," said Tariq al-Hashimi, the Sunni vice president and leader of the Iraqi Islamic Party.

Saleh al-Mutlaq, another Sunni member of parliament with close links to the insurgent groups, said many were not serious about talking with the government.

"If they do not unite, they will be weakened," Mutlaq said.

"Then al-Qaida will manage to make their Islamic state in Iraq, and it will be a sad day for the country and the world."

Sunni factions in Iraq split with al-Qaida group - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 17, 2007 10:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Cleric's allies quit Cabinet
4/16/2007

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 3 minutes ago

Cabinet ministers loyal to the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr resigned on Monday to protest the prime minister's refusal to set a timetable for an American withdrawal, raising the prospect that the Mahdi Army militia could return to the streets of Baghdad.

The number of bodies found dumped in Baghdad increased sharply on Sunday to 30 — from as low as five in recent days — in a possible sign of the militia's resurgence, even ahead of the six resignations.

The bodies, most of them tortured before they were shot execution-style, are widely believed to be the victims of Shiite death squads associated with the Mahdi Army. Al-Sadr had ordered his fighters hide their weapons and stay off the streets shortly before the U.S. troop surge and security crackdown began on Feb. 14.

The departure of the six ministers, while unlikely to topple Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, deals a significant blow to the U.S.-backed leader, who relied on support from the Sadrists to gain office.

Earlier in the day, Nassar al-Rubaie, head of the Sadrist bloc, declared that the ministers would "give the six Cabinet seats to the government, with the hope that they will be given to independents who represent the will of the people."

The White House said al-Sadr's decision to pull out his ministers does not mean that al-Maliki loses his majority.

"I'd remind you that Iraq's system of government is a parliamentary democracy and it's different from our system. So coalitions and those types of parliamentary democracies can come and go," said Dana Perino, a White House spokeswoman.

Al-Sadr, who has tremendous influence among Iraq's majority Shiites, has been upset about recent arrests of his Mahdi Army fighters in the U.S.-led Baghdad security crackdown. He and his followers have also criticized al-Maliki for failing to back calls for a timetable for U.S. troops to leave the country.

The prime minister issued a statement later Monday saying "the withdrawal of multinational forces is linked to our armed forces' readiness to take over the security command in all provinces."

At least 13 Iraqi soldiers were killed Monday when more than a dozen gunmen hiding in the back of a truck ambushed their military checkpoint near the northern city of Mosul, police said. Another four soldiers were wounded, said police Brig. Saeed Ahmed al-Jibouri, director of Ninevah police.

"When the driver approached the checkpoint and reduced speed, preparing to stop for a routine search, all of a sudden more than a dozen gunmen ambushed the checkpoint members and showered them with gunfire," another security official said on condition of anonymity out of safety concerns.

Meanwhile, thousands upset about inadequate city services marched peacefully through the streets of Iraq's second largest city on Monday, demanding the provincial governor's resignation. Residents have complained of inadequate electricity, garbage disposal and water supplies in Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad.

In Ramadi, U.S. forces mistakenly killed three Iraqi police officers Monday during a raid targeting al-Qaida in Iraq members, the military said.

The U.S. military issued a statement saying its troops "coordinated their operation and no Iraqi police were known to be in the area." The Americans came under fire and responded, killing three men later identified as Iraqi police officers, the statement said. Another policeman was wounded.

Two explosions rocked central Baghdad midmorning — apparently the sound of mortar shells slamming into a schoolyard at Baghdad University, along the Tigris river.

No casualties were reported, but the blasts left residents skittish a day after cars, minibuses and roadside bombs exploded in Shiite Muslim enclaves across the city, killing at least 45 people in sectarian violence that defied the Baghdad security crackdown.

One week ago, al-Sadr mobilized tens of thousands of Iraqis for a peaceful demonstration in two Shiite holy cities, on the fourth anniversary of Baghdad's fall. At the rally, many participants called for a timetable for a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.

Al-Rubaie said the Sadrists' withdrawal from the Cabinet was because the prime minister did not respond to demands made at last week's demonstration.

He also relayed a demand by al-Sadr's movement, that all detainees held by "occupation forces" be transferred to Iraqi authorities "because this is part of sovereignty."

Al-Sadr's followers hold six positions in the 37-member Cabinet, and 30 seats in the 275-member parliament. Monday's order would affect only the Cabinet members.

"We will have a major role in working on a timetable in parliament. This will be our message to the government," al-Rubaie said. "Setting a timetable for the withdrawal will be done in parliament."

Other legislators said the withdrawal was likely to further destabilize al-Maliki's already shaky hold on power.

"The withdrawal will affect the performance of the government, and will weaken it," said Abdul-Karim al-Ouneizi, a Shiite legislator from the Dawa Party-Iraq Organization. Al-Ouneizi is from a different branch of the party al-Maliki heads.

One of the six who resigned, Saad Taha al-Hashimi, Iraq's minister of state for provincial affairs, said the Sadrists would remain influential.

"The movement, as it always has, will remain in society and the government to offer what is best and to push forward the political process," al-Hashimi said.

The trial of Saddam Hussein's cohorts accused in the mass killings of Kurds held a brief session Monday, then adjourned until May 6, to allow lawyers more time to prepare closing statements.

Saddam's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid — also known as "Chemical Ali" — is among six defendants currently on trial for Operation Anfal, in which more than 100,000 Kurds were killed in the 1980s.

Cleric's allies quit Cabinet - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 17, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

April 7, 2007
HP-342

Statement by Deputy Secretary Kimmitt on
the Announcement of the Signing of the
International Compact with Iraq

Washington--Treasury Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt issued the following statement today on the Government of Iraq and the United Nations' announcement that the International Compact with Iraq will be signed in Sharm el-Sheikh on May 3.

"I welcome and applaud this important step and look forward to attending the signing ceremony as a member of the U.S. delegation headed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. I commend the Iraqi authorities for their sustained commitment to the Compact. Iraq, together with the United Nations and the World Bank, has worked diligently since July 2006 to prepare the ambitious economic reform framework outlined in the Compact. The signing ceremony concludes several months of hard work and provides a concrete path of reform to financial self sufficiency. In exchange, the international community will provide continuing political and economic support to help Iraq achieve sustainable, broad-based economic growth. Iraq's leaders have already developed an impressive track record on economic reform under the Compact framework, including Cabinet approval of a hydrocarbons law, fuel import liberalization, and passage of a prudent, transparent and fully financed 2007 budget. The United States fully supports this initiative, as demonstrated by the President's recent request to Congress to approve additional funding for Iraq to help realize the objectives of the Compact."

The Compact is an initiative launched by the UN and Iraq to help Iraq realize its vision of a stable and prosperous nation underpinned by a self-sustaining economy. The Compact embodies commitments by Iraq on a plan to achieve economic self-sufficiency in return for international support. Iraq presented the final Compact documents to the international community at the UN on March 16, 2007. Deputy Secretary Kimmitt serves as the President's Special Envoy for the International Compact with Iraq.

Additional information on the Compact can be found at: www.iraqcompact.org.
(http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/hp342.htm)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 17, 2007 10:11 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Now the Saudis tool up for war



The White House line that Iraq’s extremists are all backed by Iran is a myth, writes robert fox
T his weekend, buyers from across the Gulf states and the Middle East will descend on a huge arms fair in Dubai. Sheikhs, emirs, princes and kings will be buying anything from specialised sniper ammunition by the ton, to the highest-tech surveillance gear and even the odd British Aerospace gunboat or Eurofighter.

The Arab world will use the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), to tool up for a coming confrontation with Iran, and to arm Sunni insurgents to fight Iran's allies in Iraq, the Shia militias.

Even the Bush administration will now admit, under its collective breath of course, that Iraq is in the throes of a full-blown civil war between armed groups of its Sunni and Shia Arab communities, triggered a year ago by the destruction of the al-Laskar mosque in Samara, a revered Shia shrine.



‘The growth of Saudi and Jordanian support for the militants is one of the most worrying developments’
What the American authorities are reluctant to admit, however, is that there are signs that the Sunnis of Saudi Arabia and their allies - including Jordan - have been equipping and training Sunni extremists in Iraq for some time now. Critically, not all the weaponry and munitions have been used against the militants' Shia and Kurdish Iraqi enemies. Some of them - including lethal roadside bombs - have been aimed at US forces.

"The growth of the official and unofficial Saudi and Jordanian support for the militants is one of the most worrying developments," a senior British officer has told me privately after a visit to Iraq.

The Bush administration has kept mum about this while it tries to concentrate the minds of America and the world on their new public enemy number one, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the region's chief sponsor of terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

British strategic advisers to the Pentagon and the National Security Council report that, undeterred by their unfinished business in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Bush and Vice-President Cheney are now intent on opening up a third front against Iran. Their argument runs that Saddam Hussein was bad and al-Qaeda even worse, but the threat to world peace now comes from Ahmadinejad. He must be stopped before he gets a nuclear weapon and uses it against Israel.

In Baghdad this week US forces have displayed 'shaped charge' roadside bomb kits - also known as EFPs (explosively formed penetrators) - which have killed 170 American service personnel in Iraq. This figure is surprisingly precise, in contrast to much of the rest of the American presentation: the officers and intelligence analysts would not give their names, and could not substantiate their claim that the deployment of the EFPs was sanctioned "at the highest level" of the Ahmadinejad regime.

It was also reported this week that a consignment of Steyr Mannlicher HS50 sniper rifles sold by Austria to the Iranian police force had ended up in the hands of Shia militias in Iraq. This was reported by the Daily Telegraph, but no one followed it up. The



Bush and Cheney are ramping up the case for an attack on Iran, just as they did before invading Iraq
innuendos – if not the facts – are clear: Bush and Cheney are ramping up the case for an attack on Iran, just as they did before invading Iraq.

David Kay, whose Iraq Survey Group torpedoed the claims about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, says: "If you want to avoid the perception that you've cooked the books you come out and make the charges publicly" - and, he might have added, you name your sources and define the quality of your information. Something the Bush administration has failed to do.

The Americans have also been coy about the threat to their helicopters. At least six are now admitted to have been downed by hostile fire, and the number could be as high as 50, including a Chinook loaded with dozens of troops. Who is doing this and how, the Americans will not say - for obvious security reasons. But the chances are that at least some of the helicopters have been downed by those Sunni extremist pals of Saudi Arabia and Jordan - which hardly helps the case for war against Iran.
(http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?menuID=1&subID=1147&p=2)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 17, 2007 10:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush and Democrats head for showdown on Iraq
By Guy Dinmore

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

Washington, 17 April 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
President George W. Bush yesterday set the stage for his confrontation over Iraq with the Democratic leadership in Congress this week, reiterating that he would not accept their legislation tying a troop withdrawal timetable to his request for $100bn in additional war spending.

Harry Reid, Senate majority leader, said the president should start listening to the people who had lost confidence in his administration. The Democrats would go ahead and present the legislation in spite of the threat of veto, he said.

Joined at the White House by relatives of serving and killed soldiers, Mr Bush also invoked the US people: "Congress's failure to fund our troops will mean that the readiness of our forces will suffer. This is unacceptable to me. It's unacceptable to you. And it's unacceptable to the vast majority of the American people."

Opinion polls show the president does not enjoy strong support over the issue, however. A CBS poll last week showed that 57 per cent of respondents wanted a timetable for withdrawal sometime in 2008. A majority said Congress should allow war funding for only a limited amount of time and a plurality said Congress, not the president, should have the final say on troop levels.

Mr Bush is to meet Mr Reid and Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House, tomorrow, to discuss the legislation, 10 weeks after he requested the supplementary budget.

He said he was "willing to discuss any way foward that does not hamstring our troops, set an artificial timetable for withdrawal and spend billions on projects not related to the war".

Mr Reid also gave no ground. Declaring that Mr Bush's "surge" strategy was not working, he said: "Vice-President [Dick] Cheney and President Bush refuse to listen or acknowledge the other voices. They're isolated in their thinking and are failing our troops and our country."

Senator Carl Levin, Democratic chairman of the armed services committee, repeated that if Mr Bush blocked legislation, then Democrats would go for a "second-best approach" that would tie US support for the Iraqi government to performance benchmarks.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 17, 2007 10:20 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq PM says govt not weakened by Sadr pullout
By Kawther Abdul-Ameer and Mussab Al-Khairalla
Reuters Tuesday, April 17, 2007

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Tuesday the withdrawal of ministers loyal to Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr had not weakened his government, and he would name technocrats to replace them soon.

In the biggest cabinet shake-up since Maliki took office a year ago, six Sadrist ministers quit on Monday in protest at his refusal to set a timetable for a U.S. troop withdrawal.

"The withdrawal (of the Sadrist bloc) does not mean the government is witnessing weakness," Maliki told reporters after a cabinet session in his first public remarks on the walkout.

Sadr's ministers did not hold key portfolios. On Monday he reiterated U.S. troops would go only when Iraqis were ready to take over security.

The Sadrists, who form the single biggest parliamentary bloc in the ruling Shi'ite Alliance, urged Maliki to appoint non-partisan independents, a suggestion he welcomed.

"In the near future, the names of the ministers will be announced ... from the independents, technocrats and those who believe in a new Iraq," Maliki said.

He said the appointment of technocrats would help the government "escape from (sectarian) quotas."

Maliki's administration is dominated by sectarian parties drawn from the country's Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish groups.

Iraqis have long complained that the sectarian make-up of the national unity government has forced Maliki to tread too carefully to keep his various constituencies happy, and turned ministries into the fiefdoms of political blocs.

Speaking to reporters in the Jordanian capital Amman, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates suggested Maliki might now be able to bring in replacements who "advance the reconciliation process" between Iraq's deeply divided communities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/17/AR2007041700358.html

-- April 17, 2007 5:21 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara of course you are right, and it easy for me to say I will do something when I know the scenario will never happen.

But wouldn't it be a kick to see the look on the faces of COngressmen and the administration when they opened up 20 million empty returns?
Carole

-- April 17, 2007 6:09 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Well, according to the daily bulletins, Iraq is on the threshold of a big economic swing.

The opening of the ISX, the compact, the HCL, and a long line of other reports adding one positive thing to the other.

Then other reports make it seems like the whole Middle East is going to fall apart more or less, outlining the complex Sunni, Shiite and Kurd alliances, their sponsors and their purposes.

In the middle of it all are our soldiers, free target for any and all that can take a potshot at them.

Malaki, ...I don't like him, but he is the only one over there that holds any cards right now, with a parliament that is in a better shape now, then when AlSad'rs men were there arguing about everything.

Two steps forward, one back, ....oopps, three back, then good news, two steps forward, and then someone blows something or someone up....three stapes back, the whole clan for the victims are now into revenge, three steps back, a good financial report, and we can do one step forward...

It's not easy down there.

If you can't read and write, and your idea about right and wrong stems from a nut screaming from a Mosque Tower, and have all the modern weapons available in the streets, in your closet and in your garage, you know you can cause something very bad for someone very quick.

Then being very very right about your religious conviction, to the point where you can be the judge, jury and executioner in one, based on your religious principles belief only, makes you very very righteous.

I wonder how long time it will take them to figure out that they are killing themselves.

In western eyes it is so far and remote the concept that someone with a different idea about life, is something that is different to the degree that his/her life is less important.

We had one clan feud here in the late 1800's the famous Hatfield/McCoy feud, in the Appalachian mountains.

Now imagine that type of thinking, and extend it to
1. People out of state,
2. People with different religious conviction.
3. People with other accent than you.
4. People of another race.
5. People outside your family.
6. People from another country.
7. People from another social class.
8. People that knows more than you.
9. People from Arkansas.
10. People that drives a Peugeot.

Imagine that you think that they are all so different from you, that their death is less meaningful, and rightly justified, and it's in fact a good thing to kill them.

That's seem to be their developed state down there in this moment of time.

We will probably not be old enough to see a completely changed Middle East in our lifetime, as the changes taking place is so slow.

The backbone of social security, and economic welfare is in a country's production.

I'm endlessly reading about all these programs, these new laws, these meetings, signed by ministers and international pohbah's, but so far the economical development have not even left the flight strip yet.

It's been 4 years since we walked in and sprinkled
Democracy Pixels.

Either the people down there are so dumb they don't know what is up or down, or we are so dumb not realizing they are so dumb, but it is so politically incorrect saying to them, "hey dummies, get your act together, get some results now" so nothing gets ever done.

4 years.

Happy anniversary.

Toss into the mix a parliament that have shown very low results in accomplishing anything, a prime minister that have questionable solidarity's, and the political base that does not even see the guys in Baghdad as anything else other than puppies for the US, that don't understand the importance of killing the neighbours, and we can ask us if we are looking at an imminent RV?

The good news is, the different programs seem to line up for something to happen.

The bad news is, on the ground not much difference, the security situation is measured in the number of bodies found murdered, less is good.

It's been a fixed scenario for a very long time.

Good news,-" meeting between bla and bla...new document signed"

Bad news, "Sorry for your killed driver and I'm sorry for your destroyed car but let's not worry about that, let's have a goat barbie first".

-- April 18, 2007 2:59 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(906)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 906 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/4/ 18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 86.385.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 86.385.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- April 18, 2007 4:44 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
Waiting on the Iraqi's to bring themselves into some type of viable leadership is a lot like one of our summer southern evenings over looking the lake...
Sitting in a triple bench porch swing with your legs dangling, lazily moving back and forth, slapping at what we call our "state birds" as the spray doesn't work to well on them....sipping a spiked homemade lemonade or minted tea with a little hooch..and waiting...watching...really don't know what you are watching for or even waiting to show up...but something tells you if you swing long enough your gonna see movement out there in the distance...what type will classify as a UFO sighting until it gets closer...but until then you wait.....and watch....hoping that it happens before you have to get up for another lemonade...

-- April 18, 2007 6:29 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Carl,

Didn't know you lived in subsidised housing.

Sorry man. After RV we will simply need to buy you your own place.

Just kidding!

You forgot about the Gnats

-- April 18, 2007 7:07 AM ∞

---

dale wrote:

carol.
I tried that no taxes in the mail deal. oh, i told em I owed em, but didnt send it it. funny how quikly they remind you when you don't pay. i dont recall them reminding me when i was owed a refund & forgot to file. funny how that works huh.

-- April 18, 2007 7:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An Urgent Need to Reconsider the Economic Laws

Unadim Kana, deputy chairman of the Economic Committee of the House of Representatives unveiled the intention to hold intensive meetings with a number of academics, economists and businessmen in order to get acquainted with the real need for appropriate economic laws

The ongoing process of economic transformation in the country in order to draft laws formula developed and approved in Parliament.

We explained in an interview with the ((morning)) that there was an urgent need to review all the laws of an economic nature in effect, reconsider or modify to make them consistent with the process of transition from a totalitarian central economic system into a market economy.

He said in this context : that the priority in legislation headed to the issuance of the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, which is a cover and an impregnable wall of the laws and provide other economic investment in all aspects of life except insurance companies, banks, oil and gas.

He attributed the non-activation of the investment and the reluctance of Arab and foreign investors to enter the arena of investments in Iraq to the consequences of the security situation. In that regard, affirmed the need for Iraq to 300 billion dollars over the next ten years for reconstruction according to statistics and studies prepared by the United Nations. Unadim Kana, and stressed the need to create the best investment environment and the activation of the private sector and the departure of total reliance on government spending, pointing out the importance of benefiting from the experiences of many countries in the the investment proved successful significantly.

With regard to the investment budget for 2007, described by observers Balanfjarih identified Vice Chairman of the Economic Committee in the House of Representatives three real obstacles to implementation ((the first parameters of the security and the second financial and administrative corruption that affects organs of the State and the third case of marginalization of the left and scientific expertise because of the obvious signs of partisan and sectarian received shadows on the political scene, governmental and ministerial)), calling in this direction to the adoption of professionalism and efficiency in the selection of technical and administrative positions in all organs of the State. Stressing the need for the return of competencies and minds abroad outside of the country because of such precursors. He called for completion of the routine, which he described Balmmelh and impeding the progress of the implementation of investment projects and to give wider powers of the ministries and departments concerned and not restrict them to the Council of Ministers with the emphasis on accountability and follow-up of negligence hand, and to honor the artists on the other.

With respect to the oil and gas, described this law Balmahm and influential in the economic process for the adoption of the entire budget on oil imports, or 95%, pointing to the existence of loopholes by saying excessive powers specific to the regions and the oil-producing provinces which raise the sensitivity of the other governorates non-oil producing anticipated action amendments anticipated some of the paragraphs of the law.

He referred in this regard to the need to use the expertise and competencies of the Iraqi workforce in the oil sector to take advantage of the views and observations of professional effort to pass a law to Aitakata with the national interest to make Iraq will be able to raise the productivity and efficiency of the extraction of oil and gas and we praised advocating monetary policy by the Central Bank of Iraq seeking to reducing inflation. He pointed out that this policy will bear fruit in future. He called for patience and understanding of the nature of this policy, which will be reflected positively on its own terms the Iraqi economy. Stressing that the economic committee in the House of Representatives working to support and encourage this policy, which seeks to restore the health and strength of the Iraqi dinar and the elimination of the dollarization phenomenon and to make the Iraqi dinar an actor in cash transactions that govern markets. He alluded to the existence of other economic laws are being talked about in the near future will be the way to legislation is the law of insurance companies, banks and the Banking Act and the Regulation of the private sector.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:24 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Iraq plans to control whole nation by end 2007: Maliki

Reuters
Wednesday, April 18, 2007; 5:33 AM

AMARA, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq plans to take security control of all its provinces from foreign forces before the end of the year, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said in a speech read out by a senior official on Wednesday.

Maliki is under growing pressure from powerful anti-American Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to set a timetable for the withdrawal of 146,000 U.S. troops from Iraq.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by National Security Adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie at a ceremony marking the handover of southern Maysan province from British forces to Iraqi control, Maliki said three provinces in the autonomous Kurdistan region would follow next.

"Maysan ... will be followed by the three Kurdistan provinces, a month from now," Maliki said.

"After that Kerbala and Wasit (provinces). Then it will be province by province until we achieve (this transfer) before the end of the year."

The transfer of Maysan means four of the country's 18 provinces are now under Iraq's security control.

Sadr withdrew six ministers from his political movement from Maliki's government on Monday to press his demand for a timetable for the pullout of American troops.

Maliki has repeatedly said U.S. troops would leave Iraq only when Iraqi forces were ready to take over security.

Iraq plans to control whole nation by end 2007: Maliki - washingtonpost.com

-- April 18, 2007 9:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Good News?

Iraq oil law to go to parliament, Kurds wary
By Simon Webb Reuters - Wednesday, April 18DUBAI (Reuters) - Iraq's cabinet will present a much awaited oil law to parliament next week, the country's oil minister said on Wednesday, but the Kurdish region rejected aspects of the emerging legislation.

(Advertisement)

An oil law is vital for Iraq to attract investment from foreign firms to boost its oil output and rebuild its economy, but disputes that have dogged the lenthgy law-writing process continue to simmer between regional and central governments.

"It will be ready next week to be presented to parliament," Hussain al-Shahristani told reporters in the United Arab Emirates. Around 60 Iraqi parliamentarians and experts met in Dubai to discuss the law that will give its regions rights to negotiate with global firms on developing oilfields.

Shahristani said he expected parliament to make no major amendments of the law, though some minor changes were possible.

He said that all political blocs in parliament had agreed to try to pass the law before the end of May, but the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) said on Wednesday it would not sign up to some aspects of the law.

Ashti Hawrami, minister of natural resources in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq told Reuters that annexes to the draft oil law that aim to wrest oilfields from regional governments and place them in the hands of a newly formed state-oil company were unconstitutional.

"The annexes as they are written now will not be accepted by the KRG," Hawrami said. "If I don't get the lion's share of fields (in the region) then it's a bad law. If the law dilutes regional control then it is unconstitutional."

"This law has to be in harmony with the constitution and if it isn't then it must be thrown in the trash," Hawrami said.

Shahristani said the Kurdish regional government should have made its objections clear before the draft law was approved by the cabinet in February, although he admitted the appendices had not been studied in detail before the law was passed.

"Nobody is totally happy with this draft but this has been agreed to. This is the draft that had been accepted," he said.

FOREIGN FIRMS

Shahristani said the draft law would be presented in a bundle that would include the oil and gas law, a law outlining the functions of the ministry of oil, another for Iraq National Oil Company and a fourth for oil revenue management.

The future role of foreign oil companies in Iraq has caused controversy but Shahristani said such concern was unfounded.

"The oil wealth of Iraq will remain under total control of Iraq. Under no circumstances will Iraq relinquish control over its natural resources," he said.

Former oil minister Thamir Ghadban said Iraq would have to look at different types of contracts with foreign oil companies to encourage investment, but added he did not think it needed to sign the sort of production sharing agreements the KRG had entered into with several foreign firms.

In February Iraq's cabinet endorsed the draft law, which is awaiting parliament's ratification, regulating how wealth from the country's vast oil reserves will be shared by its ethnic and sectarian groups.

The OPEC member has the world's third-largest proven oil reserves and needs billions of dollars to revive the sector after years of sanctions and war.

Shahristani said that model contracts would not be included in the draft law annexes. The federal council for oil and gas would develop those contracts later.

All major and minor oil companies around the world had shown interest in the future development of Iraq's oil and gas fields, he said. "We are talking about a huge potential here in terms of fields ready for development."

Shahristani said Iraq hoped to begin developing a large gas field in the western desert close to Syria in the second half of this year.

(Additional reporting by Summer Said)
(http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20070418/twl-uk-iraq-oil-law-20a4dd5.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Energy - Oil & Gas

A plan for constructing an oil refinery in Iraq

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

18 April 2007 (Iraq Directory)
Print article Send to friend
The Kuwaiti Gulf Company for Petroleum Investment (Petro-Gulf) said on Saturday that it intends to assist in building an oil refinery at an investment of $ 130 million in northern Iraq with two others partners.

According to a statement published on the Kuwaiti bourse web site on the Internet, the Company said that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Turkish group Chokorova to build a refinery with the capacity of 20 thousand barrels a day within other oil projects.

The statement also mentioned that the other partner is the Company of Taqat which is a contributor in Petro-Gulf Company.

The statement added that the refinery is expected to be ready for operation within a year and a half.

Petro-Gulf Company, which works in the oil fields business such as drilling operations and engineering operations of the upstream and downstream activities, will own 10% in the refinery project.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq raises price of oil to United States in May

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

18 April 2007 (Iraq Directory)
Print article Send to friend
An oil industry source said on Wednesday that Iraq is raising the official selling price for Basrah light crude, shipment of May, to American customers by 3.60 dollars per barrel.

Under the increase imposed by the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), American buyers will pay the price of West Texas intermediate crude minus $ 3.30 per barrel for Basrah light crude in May, up from minus $ 6.90 in April.

The decision followed a similar increase from Saudi Arabia to American clients.

The price of Basrah light crude in May increased to European buyers by 85 cents to the average immediate price of Brent, Fortes and Osberg crude minus $ 4.85 per barrel compared with minus $ 5.70 in April.

Asian buyers will bear an increase of 20 cents on May shipments; they will pay the average price of Oman and Dubai crude minus $ 2.35 a barrel, up from minus $ 2.55 per barrel in April shipments, according to the source.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

World Bank, the Republic of Iraq Sign Agreement to Finance the Emergency Electricity Reconstruction Project

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

18 April 2007 (The World Bank Group)
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The World Bank, represented by Daniela Gressani, Regional Vice president, Middle East and North Africa, and the Government of Iraq, represented by Minister of Finance Baker Solagh Jabr Al-Zubiedi, signed a credit agreement today to finance the Emergency Electricity Reconstruction Project. The credit amount is US$124 million.

The project's objective is to restore the base load generating capacity of Units 2 and 3 of the Hartha Power Station to 400 MW. The project will also help lay the groundwork for improved power system planning by building the capacity of the Ministry of Electricity to prepare, implement, and operate current and future projects.

“We are delighted to sign this project agreement today. This is an important project that addresses one of the constraints to the Iraq economy by supporting electricity services. We hope that this project is implemented and delivered without delays in order to help Iraq provide a reliable supply of electricity to the entire population”, stated Daniela Gressani.

The project was approved on March 29, 2007 by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.The overall project cost is estimated at US$150 million. The World Bank's credit of US$124 million is on standard IDA (International Development Association) terms with no interest, 35-year maturity, a 10-year grace period, and 0.75 percent service charge. The credit is accompanied by counterpart financing from the Government of Iraq of US$20 million and through parallel funding of US$6 from the World Bank-administered Iraq Trust Fund on grant terms.

“We are grateful to the World Bank for the support it is providing. This is the 4th IDA project that we sign with the World Bank and we look forward to the implementation of this project which will help our people in addressing a major constraint in their daily lives” concluded Mr. Al-Zubiedi at the signing ceremony.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Pace: Surge Success Seen by Summer
Military.com | By Christian Lowe | April 18, 2007
The Pentagon's top general said Tuesday he expects commanders to have some idea whether the troop increase to secure Baghdad is working by the end of the summer.
Despite the fact that all five Army brigades deployed for the surge won't be fully in place until June, Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Peter Pace, said by August commanders "should have a flavor of what's going on" with the security situation the troop increase is supposed to bring about.

"After having everybody there two or three months, we ought to have a pretty good sense of 'how goes it?' " Pace told reporters during an April 17 interview in Washington.

Despite a three-brigade increase in forces to secure Baghdad and curtail sectarian violence already, violence has remained steady, with a high-profile bombing in the Iraqi parliament casting a shadow over the security push.

Though sectarian killings have decreased in some areas, elements of al Qaeda have purportedly stepped into the gap, detonating suicide bombs and laying roadside ambushes seemingly unabated.

Pace said the multi-faceted security plan envisioned by coalition commander, Gen. David Petraeus, could begin to bear fruit on the military and political front first, with economic revitalization following close behind.

"We also ought to have a feeling for the other two very important parts of this surge, which is a surge in political action by the Iraqi government the potential for a surge in economics" by the end of summer, Pace said. "Clearly the economics would follow the security and governance."

Despite a requirement to issue a 90-day progress report on Iraq that provides U.S. lawmakers with a wide range of information, including statistics on attacks against U.S. forces, sectarian killings and Iraqi army readiness levels, Pace believes a much more "simple, straightforward" calculation should be made to measure success or failure of the U.S. security plan.

"Do [the Iraqis] feel better about today than they did yesterday?" Pace explained. "And do they think tomorrow is going to be better than today."

"When the answer to both those questions is 'yes' then the impact of the military, governance and economics will have had the impact" commanders intended, he added.

The JCS chairman also waded into the controversy over a White House initiative to create a so-called "War Czar" to oversee war policy and Middle East security strategy. The position is being created to relieve National Security Advisor Steve Hadley from the Iraq oversight role and free him up to concentrate on the myriad other strategic threats confronting the United States, Pace said.

"This person would do, on a daily basis for the president, for the national security council, what Steve would do himself if he could focus solely on Iraq and Afghanistan," Pace explained. "That makes good sense to me."

Pace said he had spoken to retired Marine Gen. John "Jack" Sheehan to see if he was interested in the job, confirming that the White House was considering the former general as a candidate for the Iraq war czar. The Washington Post reported April 11 that three top former generals had rejected the call, including Army Gen. Jack Keane - who helped devise the current "surge" strategy - and former NATO commander, Air Force Gen. Joe Ralston.

"I think it's a very helpful position to have that somebody can sift through the implementation of the decisions that are being made and to be able to say 'this is on track, this is not, we need to make some adjustments here,' " Pace said.
(http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,132646,00.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Whether a RV is looming or the Iraqi currency goes to the foriegn exchange market; what is the process for the the international banking community to begin accepting Dinars for exchange into USD and/or Euros?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

A friend of mine that was over in the sand box with me also bought some Afghan money and it open'd at .2 today. I hope this is a sign of things to come.

Paul

-- April 18, 2007 12:48 PM ∞

---

Franko wrote:

Is that 20 cents to the dollar??? SWEET!!! Bummer I did not pick up any while I was there latter part of 05, but got a good amount of dinars YESSSSSS Hope soon. Good luck to all of us

Franko

-- April 18, 2007 1:13 PM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Sorry, that is suppose to be .02 which is still substantial.

-- April 18, 2007 1:59 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

MP Calls for Iraqi Resistance to Unite
Mutlak Calls for Common Political Program; Talks "Underway"
Posted 3 hr. 53 min. ago
Photo by Khalil Mazraawi/AFP.
Salih al-Mutlak, leader of the opposition National Dialogue Front, July 2006
A prominent Iraqi opposition figure has called on the “Iraqi resistance” to agree on a common political vision for the future of Iraq.

Salih al-Mutlak, member of parliament and head of the Sunni-based National Dialogue Front, said that “the time has come for the national resistance to unify its negotiating position with the occupiers and formulate a political project for the future,” al-Jazeera Net reports in Arabic.

Mutlak hoped that a political project “would fill the political vacuum in the event of a sudden withdrawal of the United States from Iraq.”

Preliminary talks on a “comprehensive political program of the resistance” have already begun, Iraqi sources close to the armed groups told al-Jazeera.

The report that armed groups have already begun talks about a common political program follows the news last week that major armed groups in Iraq have announced the establishment of an office to coordinate their activities against the Islamic State of Iraq.
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 3:04 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

PM: "We Are Talking to Armed Groups"
Al Jazeera Confirms Talabani's List
04/17/2007 2:41 PM ET
Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty.
Nuri al-Maliki in Japan on April 10. The Iraqi prime minister revealed that his government is conducting discussions with armed groups in the country, Al-Jazeera Net reports in Arabic.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, did not name the groups, but indicated that they included groups connected to the old regime, in the framework of reconciliation in order to stop the violence in the country.

Maliki said in a press conference in Baghdad that there is an opportunity for reconciliation through the conference on Iraq which will be convened in the Egyptian town of Sharm al-Shaykh this next month.

In remarks last Wednesday, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani revealed that the Iraqi government had contacts with five armed groups, which he did not identify.

However, a security source confirmed that the five groups are: the Islamic Army, the 1920 Brigades, the Jaysh al Rashidin, the Fatih Brigades, and the General Command of the Armed Forces, al-Jazeera Net reports.

Given the often fragmented nature of the Iraqi government, it is not known at this time if Maliki and Talibani are referring to the same negotiations, or different talks in parallel.
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 3:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

SUSPECTED CHLORINE-BOMB TERRORISTS DETAINED
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

April 18, 2007
Release A070418b

SUSPECTED CHLORINE-BOMB TERRORISTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – One terrorist was killed and eight suspected terrorists linked to al-Qaeda foreign fighters and improvised explosive device networks were detained Wednesday in two separate Coalition Forces raids.

One armed terrorist was killed and Coalition Forces detained five suspected terrorists west of Taji. The suspected terrorists are believed to be tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network known to use chlorine in its attacks. They are also allegedly involved in facilitating foreign terrorist movements.

“This capture disrupts a threat to the people of Iraq as well as Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson “Terrorists continue to disregard the safety of all Iraqis, and we will persist in dismantling their networks that undermine the security of the Iraqi people.”

In Mosul, three suspected terrorists with ties to the al-Qaeda in Iraq network were detained.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11508&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2007 3:07 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

The Afghani currency have been in the same range forever, last year we talked about it on the blog, wondering why the Afghani currency was worth 2 cants, while the Iraqi was worth so much less.

I think we concluded the deal by establishing that the Afghanis have assets the Iraqis dont have,... goatmilk and poppy.

Nevermind the oil.

The Afghani currency is worth a lot more than the Iraqi currency, strange, considering that they have almost nothing in Afghanistan, mats sold, weaved by 10 year old girs in sweat shops maybe.

-- April 18, 2007 11:16 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(907)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 907 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/4/ 19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1272 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 81.190.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 81.190.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- April 19, 2007 4:58 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

The individual banks have their own discretion whether they wants to deal in any foreign currency.

However, still today the World Bank and IMF are setting the tone, and their criteria is looked upon as the norm, when Iraq is a full fledged member in IMF, (should be pretty soon) and have full filled all their criteria, they are in the international financial community, and can trade at will on with their currency.

Part of the WB's aspiration is to control world currencies exchange rates( they can't) and be world arbitrators in financial matters on a global scale.(Good luck)

Part of IMF's rules are that the participating countries can not use their currency exchange in an unfair manner, to get unfair competitiveness over other members.

So this leads to a very interesting point, before Iraq will become full fledged member, the Iraqis can technically do an RV, thus they have not broken any agreement, then as member, put the Dinar on the Forex, and let it continue to RV by itself, as the oil will sputter out from their oil wells.

The proven oil reserves in Iraq have lately been questioned to be in number far far too conservative, some optimistic estimates place the figure to double the official number.

There is no question about it, Iraq is filthy rich.

They can for a long future in time sustain a production level of 6 mill barr/day.

Oil will be more and more sought after, and the current prices will not stay.

Perhaps it will not be too far into the future where the price is 100 Dollars a barrel, but lets say that during a 10 years period it will hold 80 dollars per barrel.

6 mill barrels/day times 80 bucks per barrel, whoa that alone is a daily gross production of 240 mill Dollars/day, or a yearly income of 87 bill 600 mill Dollars, over 10 years it is over 8trill Dollars.

Per capita this is very high numbers, and ten years from now, the oil prices will most probably be higher than 80 bucks/barrel, so you do the math.

The problem is....those idiots don't UNDERSTAND, the simple fact that they are filthy rich beyond belief, can have any Mercedes, or schooling they wish for.

They are running around in their pyjamas, screaming like apes, and behave like something from medieval times, killing each other for reasons they don't even understand themselves.

The only thing that stops our investment from being successful, and their own splendid future from being accomplished is that those idiots are making the streets unsafe, killing each other, and being completely mesmerized by the fact that they are holding a gun in their hands. They're on a mental power trip, figuring that this is the freedom they now have.

Freedom to shoot each other.

No Rob N, the Dinar is a safe investment as so far as the backing of it in oil value is, but not in the backing of the country's political future.

The regime is sitting very loose, and it's future, I would say only future is to get the pumps going.

Something the Iraqi Government don't really understand either, they have to bicker for months, years, over things that will effectively stop themselves from being wealthy, and in the meanwhile, the population have to kill each other.

Every day there is a new militia group emerging with names that only rivals the late 60's name like very bad garage bands tried to get, one name is more fantastic than the other, you hear about them once, and then they are gone.

No, they are filthy filthy rich, the problem is, they don't know it.

-- April 19, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

MY HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!
"GOD" has appointed Democratic Leader Reid to declare the "THE IRAQI WAR IS LOST"
He has based that on the consensus taken between Pelosi, Hillary, Kerry, Uncle Teddy, Slick Edwards, and of course himself... he wants the American people to know this was done without prejudice to the President...and was in no way intended to reflect on the leadership of the Republican Party...as above all else the security of the USA stands far more important to them than the "God Save The Queen..Democratic Party" of course the Queen he was referring to was Senator Barney Franks (Dem).

-- April 19, 2007 4:34 PM ∞

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pat wrote:

huh ??????????????????/" God " did what ?????

-- April 19, 2007 7:22 PM ∞

---

pat wrote:

huh ??????????????????

-- April 19, 2007 7:23 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Pat...
See for yourself...go to www.drudgereport.com
The chosen ones have rendered their decree from the Hill...

-- April 19, 2007 8:37 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Yes, to confirm your statement about Iraqi Oil wealth www.noozz.com has the story.

Iraqi oil reserves could be twice as large, report says

Iraq's oil reserves could be nearly twice as large as previously estimated, containing more than 200 billion barrels, a new analysis of the war-torn country's oil resources says.

Our investment has the opportunity if the country can come together. Gates' impromptu trip to Iraq is to emphasize to Malaki our impatience at the slow movement toward reconciliation.

Is Malaki strong enough and forward thinking enough to bring reconciliation? We will have to wait and see.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 19, 2007 8:48 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

54 States reduce its debts on Iraq

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

19 April 2007 (Iraq Directory)
Print article Send to friend
The Ministry of Finance said that the number of countries that have reduced their debt on Iraq hit 54 states, and the government is continuing its efforts to reduce the remaining debt and hopes to reduce some of its debt to the rate of 100%, while the Adviser of the Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Kamal Al-Basri, said the Paris Club settlement stipulated stopping the State’s subsidy to a number of sectors and activities in order to drop 80% of Iraq's debt.

The Ministry of Finance noted that the follow-up efforts of the Ministry will continue in order to cancel the debts of Iraq once and for all to promote the economic reality of the country and ensure a decent life for all its citizens; the Ministry was working to repatriate funds, especially those funds and real estates stolen by the former regime and his followers and smuggled outside the country, as well as following-up Iraq's dues for loans granted to some countries where the Iraqi Fund for Foreign Development is following-up Iraq’s debts and their benefits according to time periods.

Adviser of the Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said that there is a plan to compensate the current ration card with cash and provide a competitive market for supply materials; the plan will be implemented in three provinces: Dahuk, Samawah and Hillah, where the amount of compensation will be $ 10 per person, since the volume of the State’s expenditure, the big deficit in its budget and the total amount of the government’s subsidy has become a major burden on the State’s budget and its economic growth.

As for the oil and gas law, he said that the structure of law consists of the Oil Ministry, the Federal Council and the Provinces Body, and these three official quarters are under the control of the Cabinet; the law gives the State the central planning and putting the oil policy of the country while it leaves the provinces the freedom of implementing and applying those plans and policies. He continued that Iraq needs 200 billion dollars for reconstruction, and this amount can only be provided after 20 years if the National Oil Company were able to maintain the production of three million barrels per day.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 19, 2007 9:03 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

It is decreed..
But.. is it TRUE? ;)
And if it is not...
does that not make them..
LIARS?
And those who believe them...
suckers?
You know.. like the sales pitches on TV late nite..
the "miracle cures" that are sold..
like that?
You know they say..
that there is one born every minute...
did we just have that baby boom reach the voting age?
They think they are so sophisticated..
that they would never believe a lie,
don't they?
Pride goes before a fall..
as the saying goes.
I think there is no remedy for stupidity,
but to learn from terrible and costly mistakes..
(a fall).
Just ask Neville Chamberlain...
And as you know..
History tends to repeat itself.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWappeasement.htm

Sara.

-- April 19, 2007 11:38 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

On the subject of oil,

I ran into a NID investor a few years ago who had an oil background.

He said that there is a computer that calculates the amount of oil in the ground. Two exist. One in the US and one outside.

He believed that once that computer is used to calculate the amount of oil in Iraq, that we would find out that Iraq has the largest oil reserves in the world. So, a complete survey has not yet been done.

-- April 20, 2007 8:07 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

HOW MANY OF YOU OR A COACH
Would love to have Harry Reid on their team???

-- April 20, 2007 9:10 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

UNFORTUNATELY HE IS ON OUR TEAM!!!
Can we trade him to the French for a cheap bottle of wine...I believe we would get the better of the deal...after all he all ready knows the French Procedure for surrendering and this should be a trait that is appealing to them...

-- April 20, 2007 9:13 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Power move at the World Bank
By Robert Scheer

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

20 April 2007 (San Francisco Chronicle)
Print article Send to friend
AT LEAST they can't blame Paul Wolfowitz on the Jews anymore. That's the good news in the scandal; his lover and neoconservative political soul mate, Shaha Ali Riza, the World Bank official who received a lucrative transfer to the State Department at Wolfowitz's direction, is an Arab Muslim. She is one in a group of Arab exiles, the most prominent being Ahmed Chalabi, who clearly had as much of a role as the oft-mentioned Israel lobby in driving the United States to war. Throw in the Christian right's fierce support for the invasion and responsibility for this debacle is now proved to be quite ecumenical.

The bad news is that the decadent cronyism and malignant imperial stance of the Bush administration has been extended to one of the world's leading international institutions, where Wolfowitz may hang on as president because of Bush's continued strong support.

The Riza-Wolfowitz affair was an open secret in Washington for years, even before the couple became officially involved in the run-up to the war in Iraq, during which she seems to have played a major role in influencing former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's top deputy. Back in the spring of 2003, a division of the Defense Department headed by Wolfowitz's neoconservative crony, Douglas Feith, ordered defense contractor Science Applications International Corporation to pay Riza to figure out how Iraq should be governed after the invasion. When Wolfowitz followed her to the World Bank two years later, there was an obvious conflict of interest. So Wolfowitz got his lover reassigned, with a $60,000 pay increase, to the U.S. State Department.

As opposed to the scores of allegedly gay Arabic-speaking translators forced out of public service because of the threat that their private life might be used to blackmail them, Wolfowitz was an acceptable heterosexual philanderer. It is not clear whether the Bush administration's security checks defined the lovers appointed to high position as adulterers or merely unmarried fornicators, as there is no available evidence as to Wolfowitz's legal marital status. We do know that Wolfowitz and his wife of more than 30 years separated abruptly amid rumors of his extramarital affairs, just prior to his being appointed to the second highest position in the Pentagon. Surely this marital instability, a potential security risk, would have shown up in his background check.

The unanswered question in all this is: Has anyone told the president? As recently as last week, a White House spokesperson reiterated Bush's "full confidence" in the troubled bureaucrat, stating that the president believes Wolfowitz "has done a very good job at the World Bank." Maybe, compared to the Iraq debacle, but not in the eyes of World Bank staffers, who depicted a leadership in distress even before the scandal blew up. Indeed, the long-rumored disarray in Wolfowitz's personal life only seems to have surfaced recently, with the news of an exorbitant bonus for his lover, precisely because there is so much dissatisfaction at the bank. The call for Wolfowitz's dismissal has been raised most forcefully by the bank's officially recognized staff association.

Hypocrisy seems to be the staff's main charge against Wolfowitz, who arrived two years ago blasting the institution's coddling of "corruption" and demanding a cut in aid funds to nations, such as Kenya, that didn't meet his high standards. Meanwhile, he was playing loose with the bank's rules and the truth. As the ever arrogant Wolfowitz said in a speech to the bank's staff 14 months before his own corruption scandal broke: "There has to be a lot of teething problems to go from a world where for 50 years the word corruption wasn't uttered in this institution to actually doing something about it."

At the core of the complaint is a charge that has followed Wolfowitz since his days at the Pentagon -- that he distorts the evidence to suit his whims. In this case, he first claimed that he had nothing to do with feathering his lover's nest at the State Department, insisting that the deal was worked out with the approval of the World Bank's ethics committee and directors. But he now concedes that is false.

Documents released by the bank show that Wolfowitz personally negotiated the gift to his lover of a tax-free salary of $193,590, including a whopping $60,000 raise, making her more highly paid after-tax than her boss, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, makes before taxes. Still, that's peanuts compared to the well more than $400,000 that Wolfowitz earns at the World Bank. Not too shabby for a guy who succeeds by failing, to the woe of U.S. taxpayers, not to mention dead U.S. soldiers and many more Iraqis.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 20, 2007 9:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am not understanding why the Afghan currency is opening at .02. The country is void of any natural resources like oil and gas

Once the Iraqi currency is either revalued or introduced onto the forex market I am sure its value will dwarf that of the Afghan currency.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 20, 2007 10:05 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

I went to :
http://money.wn.com/?amount=1&c1=AFA&c2=USD&s1=AFA&s2=USD

And the Afghani money does appear to be at about the two cents range.. HOWEVER, since I personally know someone who was invested in the Afghani money and he cashed his out and bought a very nice quarter million dollar home with the proceeds a year or two back.. I am questioning if this is a recent development. I do NOT think this is a new currency to hit the exchange.. someone is talking old news here. I checked Yahoo currency converter but they don't have that currency listed so I could not find any history for it. Bit busy these days, so haven't time to search further.. if anyone wishes to take it further go ahead, but I thought I would mention I don't think this is a current peg, as I know people who benefitted from this currency and that was a year or two back now.

Carl - NO HE ISN'T ON "OUR" TEAM. If we just review what happened in the 60s, you would see which team he is on. In the 60s we had a generation of people who didn't wish to fight in Vietnam. 'Hell no.. we won't go'.. was their motto. They survived while the good men who were willing to die to preserve freedom went to war, and many of those very good men died. Perhaps the cowards who lived outnumber us now, just due to the fact they were cowards and so they saved their own skins at all costs. Carole mentioned she was wondering what happened to the backbone the US once had. Well.. it went into battle and sacrificed their lives.. thinking that those left behind would understand and continue to fight the good fight. But such people as this, who are the ideological decendents of the "tuned out, drug taking" hippie crowd of yesteryear are now surrendering as that crowd would have done in the 60s if they had been in power and had they been given half a chance. "Give peace a chance" they sang in those days, and now, they want to surrender, just like their ideological parents did. These folks were never on the team.. and those who listen to them today are just ideological hippie dropout followers. History repeats itself.

Not only does History repeat itself.. but the consequences can be long lasting. Changes in the mentality of the populace, as the Russians found when they embraced Communism and were plunged into decades of poverty.. can be very long lasting on the decendents of such "visionaries". They aren't our team.. they are the same dropout hippie team from before.. the same viewpoint.. now under a new, revised banner. It is like a pig.. it was taken from wallowing in the mud and given a bath, scrubbed clean and purfumed.. they put a nice ribbon on it, but.. when it sees the mud.. it returns to it as its natural habitat. Those of us who stand amazed, looking at the pig wallowing in the mire.. ought to remember that pigs are naturally born that way, and no manner of veneer of good manners can possibly make a pig into a man.. or a coward in heart into a man whose heart is noble, brave, self-sacrificing and good.

2Pe 2:22 But it is happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

When they realized they had no reputation for goodness themselves, these ideological slaves of the hippie "tune out and love in" crowd decided the ONLY way to win this ideological war was to tarnish the reputations of those whose hearts were true. If you notice the snarling they have done against the President, to the point of pathological insanity, you would see their only strategy is to denegrate others to attempt to raise their piggish selves higher and closer to the same level. In this deception, they may have succeeded with many foolish people. The American public, perhaps, can be fooled by wolves.. disguised in sheep's clothing. Perhaps the public has lost their discernment as that lost generation of hippies once lost theirs. We will see in the coming election who they listen to.. and what the fate of this nation will be.. for generations to come.

Sara.

PS I was thinking about the American Pie lyrics..

"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

And I added:

The war was fought, but no victory,
because they were without Jesus, you see.
They didn't pray to God's Holy Host..
they fell instead for Satan's roast..
and gave up all that we held dear
when they decided instead to fear.

They gave it all no second shot,
they just decided that death was bought.
And giving up once again,
the new generation will fall again.
The day will come when they will say
that this was when they had to play,
but instead they just went on their way..

And they gave up singin..

"bye-bye, miss american pie."
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, "this’ll be the day that I die.
"this’ll be the day that I die."

Once again.. this is the day the music died.

-- April 20, 2007 1:08 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Another indication that the peaceniks 60's ideology is still around:

Washington Post Pronounces Alberto Gonzales “Dead”
From an overjoyed Washington Post:

Maybe Gonzales Won’t Recall His Painful Day on the Hill
By Dana Milbank
Friday, April 20, 2007; A02

Alberto Gonzales’s tenure as attorney general was pronounced dead at 3:02 p.m. yesterday by Tom Coburn, M.D.

The good doctor, who also happens to be a Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made this clinical judgment after watching Gonzales suffer through four hours of painful testimony. The Oklahoman listed the cause of death as management failure and other complications of the Justice Department’s firing of eight federal prosecutors.

“It was handled incompetently. The communication was atrocious,” Coburn told the beleaguered attorney general. “You ought to suffer the consequences that these others have suffered, and I believe that the best way to put this behind us is your resignation.”

The hearing was billed as Gonzales’s chance to explain the contradictions, omissions and falsehoods in his response to the firings. But instead of contrition, the attorney general treated the committee to a mixture of arrogance, combativeness and amnesia…

Gonzales had weeks to prepare for yesterday’s hearing. But the man who sat at the witness table sounded like the sort of person who forgets where he parked his car.

Explaining his role in the botched firing of federal prosecutors, Gonzales uttered the phrase “I don’t recall” and its variants (”I have no recollection,” “I have no memory”) 64 times. Along the way, his answer became so routine that a Marine in the crowd put down his poster protesting the Iraq war and replaced it with a running “I don’t recall” tally…

For much of the very long day, the attorney general responded like a child caught in a lie. He shifted his feet under the table, balled his hands into fists and occasionally pointed at his questioners. He defended his actions: “The decision stands.” He denied responsibility: “This was a process that was ongoing that I did not have transparency into.” He blamed the victims: “Poor judgment . . . poor management.” He blamed his subordinates: “When there are attacks against the department, you’re attacking the career professionals.”

Mostly, though, he retreated to memory loss. He was asked about the firing of the Arkansas U.S. attorney. “I have no recollection about that.” The Nevada prosecutor? “I just don’t recall the reason.” The western Michigan U.S. attorney? “I don’t recall.”

The audience included demonstrators from the liberal group Code Pink, about 15 people in orange prison jumpsuits with the name “Gonzales” on them, pink tiaras proclaiming “Justice,” a black hood and a large Gonzales mask. When Gonzales took his place early after a lunch break, the demonstrators taunted him until he and his party retreated backstage. When the hearing ended, the activists treated the nation’s top law enforcement official to a version of “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye).”

Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) did little to quiet the demonstrators and their occasional shouts of “Resign!” and “Stop lying!”

Even Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the lone member of the committee to attempt a defense of Gonzales, twice called the matter “poorly handled.”

Specter, scolding the witness for “not being candid,” pointed out: “I know you’ve been preparing for this hearing.”

“I prepare for every hearing, senator,” Gonzales replied, acidly.

Specter glared at the witness and hectored him about his past misstatements. “I don’t think you’re going to win a debate about your preparation, frankly,” he said. This, too, delighted the orange-jumpsuit crowd.

“I apologize,” the attorney general said. The water in Gonzales’s drinking glass was still sloshing from his pounding on the witness table.

===end of quote==

Never mind that Mr. Gonzales (like him or not) did not do a single illegal act. And, therefore, Congress has absolutely no jurisdiction whatsoever over his office or actions.

Mr. Gonzales doesn’t have to answer their questions. And he was probably right not to remember — to avoid their obvious attempts to lay perjury traps. But who would remember these kind of unimportant details in any exactitude anyway?

(Q: How many times did Hillary Clinton “not remember” when queried by a House Committee over her illegal Whitewater activities? A: 50 times in less than 40 paragraphs of sworn testimony.)

Is this the US Congress or the French Revolution’s Committee of Public Safety?

Is this the United States or the Stalinist Soviet Union?

Or are these hearings a modern day Star Chamber? Only without the Star Chamber’s quiet dignity, since Cindy Sheehan and her Code Pink cohorts and pretend Marines were once again permitted to demonstrate continuously in the audience.

What an absolute disgrace. And what a perfect an example of the kind of “government” the Framers so carefully sought to avoid.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Friday, April 20th, 2007.

Comments:

1) she_angst

“Is this the Stalinist Soviet Union or the United States?”

Well if it was the “Stalinist Soviet Union” at least we could count on Leib Guards to haul Snag and the pinkers out to a ditch and have them shot.

‘Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!’

2) wardmama4

RW - yes, at least what ‘debacle’ Gonzales oversaw did not lead to the deaths of people.

Gonzales’ response to the next Congresscritter who says ‘Resign’ should be - ‘Only after Harry Reid resigns for turning on the Troops, yesterday’

3) Voice of Reason

I hope the American public takes a long hard look at what passes as responsible prioritizing of the taxpayers money and legislative time.

This was a witch hunt to get the guy who has consistently whooped their lefty asses…..Rove and now that they have come up with an empty sack on Gonzo I would be surprised if they take this any further.

But bright they ain’t…..
VoR

4) Gila Monster

It appears that our Senators need to attend a high school level refresher course in American Government, (and our Representatives also). All of them seem to have forgotten how our three branches of government are supposed to work as decreed in our US Constitution.

The Senate has neither the prerogative nor the right to question how the Executive branch handled the firings of 8 US Attorneys. US Attorneys serve at the discretion of the President and he is solely responsible for their employment or dismissal.

The Senate can hold all the hearings they want but they have no legal bearing on the Executive branch. Allowing Gonzales to testify at the hearing was strictly a courtesy extended by the President.

And why does the MSM perpetuate the myth that Congress or Senate hearings have some all powerful meaning in our government? Where is that mystical hearing power in the Constitution? Hearings are nothing more than soapboxes for egotistical representatives to grandstand before the MSM, nothing more.

IMHO, the solution for most of this insanity is term limits for all representatives in the Congress and Senate.

5) Retired_Chief

Man! If I were the Atty General, I would’ve gotten up after the second outburst from the peanut gallery and not come back until they were all removed from the premises, after all he didn’t have to answer a single question.

The second outburst because I would expect the first one to be quashed by the presiding officer over the hearing…

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/washington-post-pronounces-alberto-gonzales-dead

-- April 20, 2007 4:08 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

And I do believe we should note that Harry Reid contradicted himself in his statement yesterday:

Harry Reid (D-Al Qaeda) Declares Iraq War “Lost”
From an elated Reuters:

Top Senate Democrat to Bush: Iraq war is lost
Thu Apr 19, 2007
By Susan Cornwell

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on Thursday he told President George W. Bush the Iraq war was lost and the recent U.S. troop increase had accomplished nothing…

“This is the message I took to the president,” Reid said at a news conference.

“Now I believe myself … that this war is lost, and that the surge is not accomplishing anything, as indicated by the extreme violence in Iraq yesterday,” said Reid, of Nevada.

“I know I was like the odd guy out yesterday at the White House, but at least I told him what he needed to hear, not what he wanted to hear,” he added…

In their meeting, Bush and congressional Democrats failed to settle their fight over funding for the Iraq war, as lawmakers pressed Bush to accept a troop withdrawal timetable.

The White House and its Republican allies call such timetables “surrender dates” and say Bush will reject them. The president accuses Democrats of trying to micromanage the war, and has vowed to veto any bill that includes a pullout date.

Reid said his message for Bush was to recall a turning point in the Vietnam War, in the mid 1960s, when Reid said President Lyndon Johnson decided to send thousands more troops to Vietnam despite knowing the conflict was not winnable.

“The (Iraq) war can only be won diplomatically, politically and economically, and the president needs to come to that realization,” Reid said.

Bush is adding 30,000 troops to the war effort, mostly in Baghdad, although not all have arrived. Washington has 146,000 troops in Iraq and more than 3,200 U.S. soldiers have lost their lives there.

Reid said he did not think more U.S. troops could help. “I think it’s failed, I say that without any question,” he said of the troop increase.

===end of quote==

Has the United States, in all of its history, ever had such a highly placed traitor?

Fortunately his wishing the war lost doesn’t make it so. Note he said:

The (Iraq) war can only be won diplomatically, politically and economically, and the president needs to come to that realization…

Which is it, Senator Reid? Is the war lost or not?

Does “Pinky” have some kind of attention deficit disorder where he can’t even remember what he just so grandly pronounced?

Or is logic, like patriotism, anathama to the man?

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Thursday, April 19th, 2007.

====

My two bits worth... I think it was said to me best recently when I heard a young man say with laughter.. "You mean the US has lost to IRAQ? IRAQ has defeated the world superpower?" Makes you think, doesn't it? If the US lost.. who did they lose TO? And what will our new masters who won do in the future to assert their newfound role of "winner"?

Comments:

1) sheehanjihad

That squinty eyed weasel needs to be punched in the gob. How anyone can embrace the traitorous actions of the leading democrats is beyond me. How the population accepts it is appalling…and they are softening the sucker punch of total surrender when the white house is breached by a democrat. We are not going to get out of this unscathed….and the democrats are totally responsible for the next attack. They should pay for it too.

2) rhahn

This is laughable. We could fight a war against any nation on earth conventionally and would not “lose”. Do any of us, as US citizens, think there is ANY viable non-nuclear threat against us from ANY nation on earth? Who else has stealth bombers and fighters? Aircraft carriers? AWAC radar support and satellite technology? Who else has the greatest battle hardened fighting force on the planet? Huh? Huh? Every foreign leader knows that their summer homes can be obliterated at our leisure without warning. That’s why they all love us so.

The war is lost? The war has not even started yet. Unfortuntely, the real war will not start until the US is attacked in a manner that gets ALL of us off our asses. How foolish of me to think that 9/11 was enough to mobilize us. I am embarrased.

3) retire05

Well, that proves it. Seeing those two (Syrian Nan and Realestate Reid) together proves that if you take an I.Q. test in Washington and you fail, you go straight to the Democratic side of the aisle.

These two make me want to demand redress.

4) Wolfpack

The success of the war came down to just one day, no not yesterday has Reid would have you believe, no it was the day the dems took control of congress. Ever since then, they have ratcheted up the rhetoric until it has come to this point, they have to declare the war a loss to get any press time. Maybe Americans are smarter then I think and they will see this for the nonsense that it is. This kind of talk didn’t exist in America during WWII or Korea. The liberals have forever ruined this country. Who will they be accountable to after the next terrorist attack? They will undoubtedly blame Bush.

5) SG

Of course the other side is pouncing on this.

From Iran’s Press TV: US has lost war in Iraq: US Democrat Thu, 19 Apr 2007

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=6705§ionid=3510202

6) doingwhatican

There is something egregiously immoral about saying this when soldiers are in the midst of the conflict and this same person is playing politics with funding.

Statements like his cost Americans lives and he seems to revel in it. Reid is invested in the defeat of America, so can we now question his patriotism? Who the hell does he think he is….Walter Cronkite?

I can remember when treason was a crime. Hang the milquetoast b.astard.

The peace in Iraq may be lost but the war sure isn’t.

Bush and Cheney damn well better jump all over this.

7) Old Grouch

It’s called “aid and comfort to the enemy”. It’s no longer a crime, if you’re a Rat. Vietnam was lost when we pulled our troops out and the Dhimmos refused to provide the promised aid to ARVN forces after. Deja Moo.

8) The Redneck

Anyone else notice that the language Iran’s Press-TV uses – "Bush’s troop surge”, for example, or “insurgency” – is the same language the MSM use?

9) Phil Byler

Don’t pull punches. Reid is a low life defeatist and a scumbag traitor. I am fed up with not saying that crap such as what Reid just served up isn’t unpatriotic and isn’t treasonous. It is; and the treasonous part should be prosecuted.

10) Liberals Make Great Speedbumps

How the party of defeat continues to spread their traitorous rhetoric unchallenged absolutely boggles the mind. I truly like President Bush and do believe that he is a good man that truly wants to do the right thing. However, his unwillingness to dig in his heels and call a spade a spade and a traitor a traitor has made me question whether my faith in him is misplaced sometimes.

Iraq has the potential to become another Vietnam and all I see in D.C. is a bunch of career politicians falling all over themselves to facilitate that happening.

11) Discipula

In an attempt to describe the traitorous nature of Harry Reid, et al, my son told his little brother, “He’s like a terrorist that shaved and put on a suit.”

12) BigOil

So Reid decided to be the first appeasocrat to come out of the closet and openly side with the enemy. Next we get to watch the parade of liberals fall in line behind this traitor.

13) sheehanjihad

Iran knows that the democrats are afraid……all of the democrats fear any conflict…after all, they have tried to defeat the Bush administration by shamelessly siding with the enemy in the war we are in right now. So they are stuck when it comes to protecting this country in the coming years when they are in total control. Iran knows it. Iran is counting on it. Iran is in league with our own media and leading democrats….just not openly.

Iran is taking the democrat’s lead….and seeing our own congressional leaders leaving our troops hang out to dry, abandon our armed forces by cutting their funding, weaken our own ability to fight a two front conflict by eroding the defense budget, God, it’s like Carter all over again…but Iran isnt waiting….they are salivating at this golden opportunity that democratic control is sending them……no wonder they worship Allah…..the democrats are living examples of Islam…..power regardless of lives….and the only thing our democratic leaders dont do in public is use a prayer rug…..they worship a checkbook instead…..and sell the country to anyone who will make them keep their idea of power.

Iran is enjoying this windfall given to them by our liberal democrats…and pandering republicans.

14) artboyusa

“American soldiers! This is Harry Reid! The war is lost! Come over to our lines and you will be well-treated! You will be given blankets and hot food. Why shed your blood for war criminal Bush and his Jew paymasters? Think of your families! Save yourselves! The war is lost!”

We used to hang people for less than this weasel’s done.

15) Lurkin_no_mo

The one good thing I can say is that if this war is truly lost, why are our soldiers still willing to fight it? Why do they keep reenlisting and returning to Iraq?

Because they see the good they are creating along with the Iraqi people everyday. Since there is no draft all these guys and gals are voluteers, the first time in our history we have fought a prolonged war with an all volunteer force. And these incredible men and women continue to reenlist and go back to Iraq. Hoo-ahs to all of them.

“Ya know that war agains Muslim extemists? What if we win it?” Paraphrasing President Ronald Reagan.
…and if the Iranians want nukes, I say “Let’s give them to them”.

16) Old Grouch

I don’t know any generals, mostly just enlisted and mid-level officers, so I can’t comment on Lurkin’s post for that. But the boots on the ground types tell me we are making progress. and what we see in the msm isn’t at all what they see. Surprise, surprise. There are bad places and no end of troublemakers, but all the soldiers I know say the same thing: It is worth it. Maybe that’s why they re-enlist.

17) Lurkin_no_mo

One of the positives of a prolonged war (for the military) is the war fighters rise to the top as the peace time generals prove time and again they don’t have the intelligence, stamina, or leadership abilities to lead soldiers in combat.

Lincoln faced this problem, as well as Roosevelt. We just need to find our Grants, Shermans, Eisenhowers, and Pattons. Given time, they’ll emerge. I believe we’re starting to see the beginning of what “right” looks like with Petraus, if the left doesn’t hang him for his personnel beliefs on homosexuality.
How long do you think Patton would’ve lasted in WWII with our current media? In fact, it was stories by the media that eventually did get Patton relieved of his Army.

18) wardmama4

I just emailed Senator Harry Reid and asked that he make a public apology to the Troops (he claims [gag] to support) or tender his resignation. I then sent an email to Minority Leader John Boehner asking that he push within the Senate for the same thing - then I wrote the White House and asked the President to insist on an apology. It may be the only thing we get.

We all need to do this - I am relieved to see so many conservative websites posting responses on this issue -but we need to let Senator Reid specifically and those who can force him to do something, know exactly how we feel.

Do it - or this behavior will continue to escalate and get worse...

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/harry-reid-d-al-qaeda-declares-iraq-war-lost

===

Carl - What would be your comments on the Iran aspect as covered in this post, please?

Sara.

-- April 20, 2007 5:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Afghan Insurgent Arrested in Muqdadiya
Joint Operation Captures Five Gunmen, Including Foreigner
Posted 4 hr. 0 min. ago
Muqdadiya, Apr 20, (VOI) - A joint force of Iraqi and U.S. troops launched a security crackdown in Muqdadiya district, 45 km north of Baaquba, where they arrested five gunmen including an Afghan, an official security source said on Friday.

"A joint force from Iraqi and U.S. troops waged a security operation on Friday in Muqdadiya district," the source, who asked not to be named, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

"The operation ended with the arrest of five armed men, including an Afghan," he added.

Amounts of weapons and ammunitions were also confiscated during the operation which targeted a number of neighbors in the district, he added.

The source said, "Captives were sent to an Iraqi army base for interrogation."
Baaquba is the capital city of Diala province and is located 57 km west of Baghdad.
(www,iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 20, 2007 5:28 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq may hold twice as much oil
by Ed Crooks
Global Research, April 20, 2007
Financial Times - 2007-04-15

Iraq could hold almost twice as much oil in its reserves as had been thought, according to the most comprehensive independent study of its resources since the US-led invasion in 2003.

The potential presence of a further 100bn barrels in the western desert highlights the opportunity for Iraq to be one of the world’s biggest oil suppliers, and its attractions for international oil companies – if the conflict in the country can be resolved.

If confirmed, it would raise Iraq from the world’s third largest source of oil reserves with 116bn barrels to second place, behind Saudi Arabia and overtaking Iran.

The study from IHS, a consultancy, also estimates that Iraq’s production could be increased from its current rate of less than 2m barrels a day to 4m b/d within five years, if international investment begins to flow.

That would put Iraq in the top five oil-producing countries in the world, at current rates.

The IHS study is based on data collected in Iraq both before and after the invasion, showing the oilfields’ reserves and production history.

Its estimate is based on analysis of geological surveys.

Production costs in Iraq are low, particularly compared to the more complex offshore developments.

IHS estimates that they are less than $2 a barrel.

But the development of the industry depends on an improvement in the security environment, which remains very difficult.

Ron Mobed of IHS said: “Obviously the security situation is very bad, but when you look at the sub-surface opportunity, there isn’t anywhere else like this. Geologically, it’s right up there, a gold star opportunity.”

Of Iraq’s 78 oilfields identified as commercial by the government, only 27 are currently producing. A further 25 are not yet developed but close to production, and 26 are not yet developed and far from production.

Iraq’s government has estimated that it would need $20bn-$25bn of investment from foreign companies to get production up to its full potential.

Production methods have advanced greatly in the past two decades, and methods such as horizontal drilling have yet to be deployed in Iraq. The introduction of modern technology by foreign companies has the potential to deliver steep increases in oil recovery.

Almost all the leading international oil companies and many smaller ones have expressed an interest in working in Iraq.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=CRO20070420&articleId=5446

-- April 20, 2007 7:16 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Steve
All
The old ones are the best ones, Why are all the main roads leading into major French citys tree lined, So invading armys can march in the shade, LOL

The Grand Aytollah Ali Sistani has forbidden the killing of Muslims in Iraq and has urged the government to disarm all militia in the country,
from, www.iraqupdates.com.

The god squad might like to have a read on, www.gnmagazine.org/middleeast
If you walk about with your sign saying the end of the world is nigh, you will be right someday, I am NOT takeing the pi-- or winding you up, it is just my way of making light of most situations.
Yea thou I enter the vallay of death, I shall fear no evil as I am entering it at mach 2 with wings full of hellfire misils.
And as always, GOOO dinar
Thanks.

-- April 20, 2007 9:44 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Sara!
Did not understand the question? Please break it down for me...and I will respond..

-- April 21, 2007 12:14 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Steve;

Though, "The Grand Aytollah Ali Sistani has forbidden the killing of Muslims in Iraq"... I think some of them might not be listening, judging by the daily news.

As for your reference to the "godsquad", I went to your given url and clicked on the "The literature above is published by: The United Church of God, an International Association" on the bottom then clicked on ABOUT.. then READ MORE (about their beliefs http://www.ucg.org/about/fundamentalbeliefs.htm ) where I found it is an offshoot of the Herbert W. Armstrong worldwide Church of God.. (ABOUT page says, "Many of the current ministers and members of the United Church of God were once members of the Worldwide Church of God, a nonprofit corporation under the leadership of Herbert W. Armstrong until his death in 1986.")

Herbert W. Armstrong is, according to my book "Kingdom of the Cults" (Walter Martin) - "Mr. Armstrong is an offshoot of an offshoot of an offshoot of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. His theology insists upon observance of the Seventh-day Sabbath, abstinence from certain articles of food as unclean, a general Adventist system of prophetic interpretation (albeit with his own peculiar modifications), his extreme legalism and the observance of feasts and new moons..." so I checked that page and they do say they believe these doctrines still on that page and when they state:

Doctrinal distinctives of the Church include the observance of a seventh-day Sabbath, a modern application of the ancient Hebrew Holy Day seasons (which Jesus also kept and which the Church believes are a literal representation of God's plan for humanity) and a firm belief that Jesus Christ will return to earth to institute a benevolent, world-encircling Kingdom of God. We believe that those meats that are designated "unclean" by God in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 are not to be eaten. We believe in the commanded observance of the seven annual Holy Days given to ancient Israel by God and kept by Jesus Christ, the apostles and the New Testament Church. We believe in observing the New Testament Passover on the night of the 14th of Abib, the anniversary of the death of our Savior."

Though Armstrong was characterized as a cult due to his denial of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, this offshoot affirms his resurrection, which is good. Armstrong believed (like Mormonism) that man can become God.. and I see none of that heresy spoken of nor denied on that page. But the strangest teaching I have never seen before met my eyes on that page.. about "practically" everyone being raised again to life.. when it says, "We believe that after Jesus Christ has ruled on this earth for 1,000 years, there will be a resurrection to physical life of the vast majority of all people who have ever lived. We believe that after these people have had an opportunity to live a physical life, if they become converted, they too will receive eternal life. We also believe that those who reject God's offer of salvation will reap eternal death." Can't say I have ever seen that teaching in the Bible, nor in the references they cite.. but, hey, those who major on the "endtimes" in the future can add anything into the Bible. Made me wonder, though.. how they got around the Scripture:

Heb 9:27 It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Maybe they stuck that teaching into where the comma is?

I found it interesting that they are pacifists, "We believe that Christians are forbidden by the commandments of God from taking human life, directly or indirectly, and that bearing arms is contrary to this fundamental belief. Therefore, we believe that Christians should not voluntarily become engaged in military service."

As for your reference to the end of the WORLD, I think this group you referred to do indeed believe in a very soon end to this one, radically so as they state: "We believe in the personal, visible, premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ to rule the nations on earth as King of kings and to continue His priestly office as Lord of lords. At that time, He will sit upon the throne of David. During His thousand-year reign upon the earth, He will restore all things and establish the Kingdom of God forever." So if you are one of them, I cannot quite see why you made light saying that if people "walk about with your sign saying the end of the world is nigh, you will be right someday." Seems to me if this is your belief system you are among that crowd expecting a very soon premillennial return of Jesus Christ and end of this world, so mocking such belief is just a little off.

Sara.

PS Ok, Carl.. will do that, just a minute. Sorry to have been obscure.

-- April 21, 2007 12:39 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

I was referring to the reference made in the comments of that post, quote:

Iran knows that the democrats are afraid……all of the democrats fear any conflict…after all, they have tried to defeat the Bush administration by shamelessly siding with the enemy in the war we are in right now. So they are stuck when it comes to protecting this country in the coming years when they are in total control. Iran knows it. Iran is counting on it. Iran is in league with our own media and leading democrats….just not openly.

Iran is taking the democrat’s lead….and seeing our own congressional leaders leaving our troops hang out to dry, abandon our armed forces by cutting their funding, weaken our own ability to fight a two front conflict by eroding the defense budget, God, it’s like Carter all over again…but Iran isnt waiting….they are salivating at this golden opportunity that democratic control is sending them……no wonder they worship Allah…..the democrats are living examples of Islam…..power regardless of lives….and the only thing our democratic leaders dont do in public is use a prayer rug…..they worship a checkbook instead…..and sell the country to anyone who will make them keep their idea of power.

Iran is enjoying this windfall given to them by our liberal democrats…and pandering republicans.

===end of quote==

This is what I was referring to as I was wondering what you thought of that assessment and if you think the Iranians are seeking to use the Democrat's political strategies to their own advantage as this poster asserts? Is the strategy of Iran in extending their Persian Empire only so far as taking over Iraq as you have stated.. or do you think their ambitions extend to reach the United States, as this poster says when he states, "Iran is counting on it"?

Sara.

-- April 21, 2007 12:55 AM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Hello All,

Hope all is well with all of you.

Sara,

I believe Iran will continue to subvertly fight in Iraq as long as they have cover that they have not started a war. Iran is wanting the USA or Israel to attack them, in my opinion, so that they can have an excuse to fight a holy war and use their human suicide bombers in the name of Allah.

However, based on the news posted here, it looks like Saudia Arabia is going to get involved in this fight. They are arming themselves to the teeth! Supposely, to fight a war against the Iranians. This observation in it's self, might make america pause and think, as to right time to withdraw our troops or pull back to those bases!

In addition, having said this, I still believe that when our nation is at war, the USA Congress and the people of our country need to support the President of the United States.

I concur with many of you that Senator Reid is totally out of line in saying the Iraq war is lost!.

I believe he and others have aided and given comfort to the enemy.

Problem is, our justice department and all their attorney's are having their problems too. Makes one wonder--- if the democrats knew they could be charged with treason!.

Well, these are just my observations. Oh and Sara, check out a new website I ran across called Muslimbridges.org/content/view/238/81/

Talk about what's in a muslim's mind about their docrine. It might be interesting to post this website to this blog-- to see what others think about how a muslim perceives his world view and religious teaching.

Take Care All-

Laura

-- April 21, 2007 2:45 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I appreciate your thoughts on the war, Laura.. particularly the role Saudi Arabia may play in the near future.
Good food for thought, thank you. :)

I also found interesting that site, Laura.

It says that the passage they base their teachings on about Jesus having prophecied about Muhammed are in the "Gospel of Barabas".. a book that does not appear in the New Testament. Since the New Testament canon of Scripture is closed, it is obvious that it is among those books (perhaps even amongst those which were contemporary with the early Church fathers) which the Church did not feel were worthy to be included in the New Testament. There were many such writings the Church Fathers had to sift through and pray about in setting the canon of Holy Scripture for the Church. The Christian Church has throughout history felt that the Lord set the canon at that time, ending it with the admonition in Revelations that those who add to the Words of the Book will be adding to themselves the misery of experiencing every plague mankind can suffer on earth in hell eternally (probably sequentially, but I am not sure since time does not exist there). It is a warning I take very seriously, as the Words of God Himself.. so I cannot agree to this prophecy as being from the Lord Jesus. Any additional "gospels" or "books" which are unearthed now, thousands of years after Christ, cannot be true Scripture, but only among the books which were written by people who lived at that time, just as many, many books today are written. Such books may be interesting or good books (some today are, too), but they are not inpired by God, the Infallible Words of the Almighty Himself. We believe the canon was closed to any additions after the canon was set and the last book of the Bible is Revelation, whose last chapter ends with these words:

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify to you these things in the churches.
Rev 22:18 I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

In that article which speaks of the non-canon book of Barabas, apart from the fact that the entire is not acknowledged by the Christian Church as inspired by God, the article also speaks of an allusion in the Bible itself saying that Jesus spoke of Muhammed before Muhammed appeared using the word we use to refer to the Holy Spirit. QUOTE: Footnotes: John 14: 15-16, John 15: 26-27, John 16:5-8. All three sections have references of the "Comforter". The original word used in Greek language is 'Parqaleeta', however you may find it referenced in some Bibles as the 'Comforter', other Bibles use 'Spirit of Truth", and other Bibles use 'Holy Spirit'. The actual meaning of the original Latin word 'Parqaleeta' is 'one whom people praise exceedingly.' The sense of the word is applicable to the word 'Muhammed' in Arabic.

Taking a word in the Bible which we use to name God's Holy Spirit Himself and applying it to a person who is a mere man and died and stayed dead as all human beings do, that is, Muhammed.. is.. I find the connection untenable. ONLY Jesus died and rose from the grave, giving His words an inspiration and power that no other man has. Only He has proven by His ressurection from the grave that He has power over the grave for Himself and those who follow Him. As Jesus said in the Holy canon of Scripture:

Joh 10:27-28 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Only Jesus can give eternal life to those who follow Him. This is a claim no other man has ever backed up with his actions by rising from the grave itself after having been certifiably dead for three days. (Note that the Romans were not in the habit of letting people who were alive to be brought down off their crosses of crucifixion. I tend to think that as executioners, they did do their job.. and there is ample evidence from secular and non-secular sources that Jesus was taken and crucified, to death.)

I am aware that Islam teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross but someone else took his place. I find that highly unlikely because the Roman character was not very lenient so as to condemn a man to death and then put in his place a substitute. Even secular history records that Jesus lived and was crucified by Roman authority, not just the gospel writers. Therefore, I find their mere denial of the fact without any corroborating evidence also untenable. Instead, I find it compelling and logical to believe the words of Jesus as recorded by His faithful followers and believed on by the early Church Fathers and passed down to us as certified and infallible words from God (the canon of Holy Writ). I believe Jesus' promise when He said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give to them eternal life,... what provable hope can any mere man who lived and died put in place of this promise Jesus made? Jesus alone rose from the dead and proved that He has power to give reality to that promise He made.. who else can say the same?

Sara.

-- April 21, 2007 1:11 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq raid nabs al-Qaida smuggler

BAGHDAD April 21 (UPI) -- Iraqi forces reportedly captured a reputed al-Qaida commander in a raid in Nineveh Province, the Multi National Forces headquarters announced Saturday.

The identity of the high-value prisoner was not released but he was described as a mid-level al-Qaida member involved in smuggling insurgents into Iraq from Syria.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/04/21/iraq_raid_nabs_alqaida_smuggler/

-- April 21, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Security plan on track, Maliki tells Nelson on unheralded visit to Iraq
Sameer Yacoub
April 22, 2007

IRAQ Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told visiting Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson yesterday the Baghdad security plan was going in the right direction despite challenges.

Dr Nelson's unannounced visit to the Iraqi capital came a day after US Defence Secretary Robert Gates wound up a two-day trip to check on the progress of the latest strategy to combat violence in Baghdad.

"The security plan currently in action is going in the right direction despite the challenges," Mr Maliki said in his talks with Dr Nelson in the Iraqi leader's office in the capital's heavily fortified Green Zone.

A statement from Mr Maliki's office said Dr Nelson pledged Australia's "full support" for the Iraqi Government, particularly in developing the country's dilapidated infrastructure.

"Our country is intent to play a bigger role in the reconstruction drive that is currently on in Iraq," the statement quoted Dr Nelson as saying.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/security-plan-on-track-maliki-tells-nelson-on-unheralded-visit-toiraq/2007/04/21/1176697164221.html

-- April 21, 2007 3:54 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

The Book of Revelation is the only book in the bible that says one is to be blessed when reading it, hearing it and taking it to heart. (Rev:1:3)

And yet many see it as an optional non-relevant part of scripture.

It is as much the living Word of God as any of the other pages between Genesis to Revelation.

( just my 2 cents!) :)

Carole

-- April 21, 2007 5:57 PM ∞

---

time for a new scratch pad wrote:

hey start a new pad please

-- April 21, 2007 10:32 PM ∞

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R U KIDDING wrote:

heck, this pad is just getting warmed up.

-- April 21, 2007 11:08 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

I am in agreement with your scriptural thoughts. I am wondering however, what the origin of the book of Barabas is. Is this book in the Catholic Canon?

I am thinking like you Sara on this one that Barabas writing was discarded as not worthy of inclusion in the Canon of Scripture.

I thought the website and it's links very interesting as a muslin attempt to reach out to others. It is revealing how a muslim thinks about his faith.

Laura

-- April 21, 2007 11:21 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

We have already discussed the large amount of oil the Iraqis possess. Here is another article confirming Iraq's potential wealth.

New Findings Peg Iraq's Oil Reserves At 200 billion Barrels

April 20, 2007 11:02 a.m. EST

Susheela Hegde - All Headline News Staff Writer
Washington, D.C (AHN) - Iraq may have untapped oil reserves of over 100 billion barrels on top of a known reserve base of 116 billion barrels, making Iraq the world's potential top oil producer, says an IHS Inc. report. According to IHS's rankings, Iraq ranks third in known oil reserves, behind Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The consulting firm in a comprehensive report released Wednesday said the untapped oil reserves mainly lie in the western part of the country.

Describing the oil reserves a "gold star opportunity," president and chief operating officer of IHS Ron Mobed told reporters the security situations need to improve drastically to let the country exploit the potential. "Obviously the security side is a big question," Mobed remarked.

According to the IHS report Iraq's two main oilfields, at Kirkuk in the north of the country and Rumaila in the south, were operating below capacity due to damage caused by the war and previous sanction regimes.

Iraqi's highest oil production was in 1979 at an average of 3 million barrels a day. The country could not realize its target of pumping 3.5 million barrels a day set back in mid-2006. So now the daily output stands at two million barrels per day, down from three million barrels in early 2003. "It could rise to four million barrels by 2012 if the conflict subsides and new investments in oil infrastructure are made," the IHS report said. It also said the output could be raised to six million barrels in the future.

IHS said its experts conducted a field-by-field analysis of Iraqi oil prospects and the finding would be released next month in full detail.
(http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007105676z)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 21, 2007 11:44 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Since tomorrow is Sunday, I am anxiously awaiting whether the Dinar exchange rate will move off of 1272.

The potential for the country is great but It seems Malaki continues to drag his feet on national reconciliation. I am sure Gates made it clear to Malaki of the U.S. willingness to help, but movement on the Iraqi's has not been forth coming quickly enough.

I am not sure what will motivate Malaki to speedily move his country toward unity instead of ethnic divisions. Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev understood the dynamics surrounding their relationship. I do not think Malaki grasps the full impact of the stage he performs on wtih Geroge W. Bush.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 21, 2007 11:56 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Politics

Cautious optimism after the fall of an illegitimate Iraqi order
By Fouad Ajami

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

20 April 2007 (The Daily Star)
Print article Send to friend
"For 35 years the sun did not shine here," said a man on the grounds of the great Shiite shrine of Al-Kadhimiyya, on the outskirts of Baghdad. I had come to the shrine at night, in the company of the Shiite politician Ahmed Chalabi. We had driven in an armed convoy, and our presence had drawn a crowd. The place was bathed with light, framed by multiple minarets - a huge rectangular structure, its beauty and dereliction side by side. The tile work was exquisite, there were deep Persian carpets everywhere, the gifts of benefactors, rulers and merchants, drawn from the world of Shiism.

It was a cool spring night, and beguilingly tranquil. (There were the echoes of a firefight across the river, from the Sunni neighborhood of Al-Adhamiyya, but it was background noise and oddly easy to ignore.) A keeper of the shrine had been showing us the place, and he was proud of its doors made of teak from Burma - a kind of wood, he said, that resisted rain, wind and sun. It was to that description that the quiet man on the edge of this gathering had offered the thought that the sun had not risen during the long night of Baathist despotism.

A traveler who moves between Baghdad and Washington is struck by the gloomy despair in Washington and the cautious sense of optimism in Baghdad. Baghdad has not been prettified; its streets remain a sore to the eye, its government still hunkered down in the Green Zone, and violence is never far. But the sense of deliverance and the hopes invested in the new American security plan are palpable. I crisscrossed the city - always with armed protection - making my way to Sunni and Shiite politicians and clerics alike. The Sunni and Shiite versions of political things - of reality itself - remain at odds. But there can be discerned, through the acrimony, the emergence of a fragile consensus.

Some months back, the Bush administration had called into question both the intentions and capabilities of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. But this modest and earnest man, born in 1950, a child of the Shiite mainstream in the Middle Euphrates, has come into his own. He had not been a figure of the American regency in Baghdad. Steeped entirely in the Arabic language and culture, he had a been a stranger to the Americans; fate cast him on the scene when the Americans pushed aside Maliki's colleague in the Daawa Party, Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari.

There had been rumors that the Americans could strike again in their search for a leader who would give the American presence better cover. There had been steady talk that the old CIA standby, former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, could make his way back to power. Allawi himself had fed these speculations, but this is fantasy. Allawi circles Arab capitals and is rarely at home in his country. Maliki meanwhile has settled into his role.

In retrospect, the defining moment for Maliki had been those early hours of last December 30, when Saddam Hussein was sent to the gallows. He had not flinched, the decision was his, and he assumed it. Beyond the sound and fury of the controversy that greeted the execution, Maliki had taken the execution as a warrant for a new accommodation with the Sunni political class. A lifelong opponent of the Baath, he had come to the judgment that the back of the apparatus of the old regime had been broken, and that the time had come for an olive branch to those ready to accept the new political rules.

When I called on Maliki at his residence, a law offering pensions to the former officers of the Iraqi Army had been readied and was soon put into effect. That decision had been supported by the head of the de-Baathification Commission, Ahmed Chalabi. A proposal for a deeper reversal of the de-Baathification process was in the works, and would be announced days later by Maliki and President Jalal Talabani. This was in truth former US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad's doing, his attempt to bury the entire de-Baathification effort as his tenure drew to a close.

This was more than the political traffic in the Shiite community could bear. Few were ready to accept the return of old Baathists to government service. The victims of the old terror were appalled at a piece of this legislation, giving them a period of only three months to bring charges against their former tormentors. This had not been Maliki's choice - for his animus toward the Baath has been the driving force of his political life. It was known that he trusted that the religious hierarchy in Najaf, and the forces within the Shiite alliance, would rein in this drive toward rehabilitating the remnants of the old regime.

Power and experience have clearly changed Maliki as he makes his way between the Shiite coalition that sustains him on the one hand, and the American presence on the other. By all accounts, he is increasingly independent of the diehards in his own coalition - another dividend of the high-profile executions of Saddam Hussein and three of the tyrant's principal lieutenants. He is surrounded by old associates drawn from the Daawa Party, but keeps his own counsel.

There is a built-in tension between a prime minister keen to press for his own prerogatives and an American military presence that underpins the security of this new order. Maliki does not have the access to American military arms he would like; he does not have control over an Iraqi special forces brigade that the Americans had trained and nurtured. His police forces remain poorly equipped. The levers of power are not fully his, and he knows it. Not a student of American ways - he spent his years of exile mostly in Syria - he is fully aware of the American exhaustion with Iraq as leading American politicians have come his way often.

The nightmare of this government is that of a precipitous American withdrawal. Six months ago, the British quit the southern city of Amara, the capital of Maysan Province. It had been, by Iraqi accounts, a precipitous British decision, and the forces of Moqtada al-Sadr had rushed into the void; they had looted the barracks and overpowered the police. Amara haunts the Iraqis in the circle of power - the prospect of Americans leaving this government to fend for itself.

In the long scheme of history, the Shiite Arabs had never governed - and Maliki and the coalition arrayed around him know their isolation in the region. This Iraqi state of which they had become the principal inheritors will have to make its way in a hostile regional landscape. Set aside Turkey's Islamist government, with its avowedly Sunni mindset and its sense of itself as a claimant to an older Ottoman tradition; the Arab order of power is yet to make room for this Iraqi state. Maliki's first trip beyond Iraq's borders had been to Saudi Arabia. He had meant that visit as a message that Iraq's "Arab identity" will trump all other orientations. It had been a message that the Arab world's Shiite stepchildren were ready to come into the fold. But a huge historical contest had erupted in Baghdad, the seat of the Abbasid caliphate had fallen to new Shiite inheritors, and the custodians of Arab power were not yet ready for this new history.

For one, the "Sunni street" - the Islamists, the pan-Arabists who hid their anti-Shiite animus underneath a secular cover, the intellectual class that had been invested in the ideology of the Baath Party - remained unalterably opposed to this new Iraq. The Shiites could offer the Arab rulers the promise that their new state would refrain from regional adventures, but it would not be easy for these rulers to come to this accommodation.

A worldly Shiite cleric, the legislator Humam Hamoudi who had headed the constitutional drafting committee, told me that he had laid out to interlocutors from the House of Saud the case that this new Iraqi state would be a better neighbor than the Sunni-based state of Saddam Hussein had been. "We would not be given to military adventures beyond our borders, what wealth we have at our disposal would have to go to repairing our homeland, for you we would be easier to fend off for we are Shiites and would be cognizant and respectful of the differences between us," Hamoudi had said. "You had a fellow Sunni in Baghdad for more than three decades, and look what terrible harvest, what wreckage, he left behind." This sort of appeal is yet to be heard, for this change in Baghdad is a break with a long millennium of Sunni Arab primacy.

The blunt truth of this new phase in the fight for Iraq is that the Sunnis have lost the battle for Baghdad. The great flight from Baghdad to Jordan, to Syria, to other Arab destinations, has been the flight of Baghdad's Sunni middle class. It is they who had the means of escape, and the savings.

Whole mixed districts in the city - Rasafa, Karkh - have been emptied of their Sunni populations. Even the old Sunni neighborhood of Al-Adhamiyya is embattled and besieged. What remains for the Sunnis are the western outskirts. This was the tragic logic of the campaign of terror waged by the Baathists and the jihadists against the Shiites; this was what played out in the terrible year that followed the attack on the Askariyya shrine of Samarra in February 2006. Possessed of an old notion of their own dominion, and of Shiite passivity and quiescence, the Sunni Arabs waged a war they were destined to lose.

No one knows with any precision the sectarian composition of today's Baghdad, but there are estimates that the Sunnis may now account for 15 percent of the city's population. Behind closed doors, Sunni leaders speak of the great calamity that befell their community. They admit to a great disappointment in the Arab states that fed the flames but could never alter the contest on the ground in Iraq. No Arab cavalry had ridden, or was ever going to ride, to the rescue of the Sunnis of Iraq.

A cultured member of the (Sunni) Association of Muslim Scholars in Baghdad, a younger man of deep moderation, likened the dilemma of his community to that of the Palestinian Arabs since 1948. "They waited for deliverance that never came," he said. "Like them, we placed our hopes in Arab leaders who have their own concerns. We fell for those Arab satellite channels; we believed that Arab brigades would turn up in Anbar and Baghdad. We made room for Al-Qaeda only to have them turn on us in Anbar." There had once been a Sunni maxim in Iraq, "for us ruling and power, for you self-flagellation," that branded the Shiites as a people of sorrow and quietism. Now the ground has shifted, and among the Sunnis there is a widespread sentiment of disinheritance and loss.

The Mehdi Army, more precisely the underclass of Sadr City, had won the fight for Baghdad. This Shiite underclass had been hurled into the city from its ancestral lands in the Marshes and the Middle Euphrates. In a cruel twist of irony, Baathist terror had driven these people into the slums of Baghdad. The Baathist tyranny had cut down the palm trees in the south, burned the reed beds of the Marshes. Then the campaign of terror that Sunni society sheltered and abetted in the aftermath of the despot's fall gave the Mehdi Army its cause and its power.

"The Mehdi Army protected us and our lands, our homes, and our honor," said a tribal Shiite notable in a meeting in Baghdad, acknowledging that it was perhaps time for the boys of Moqtada al-Sadr to step aside in favor of the government forces. He laid bare, as he spoke, the terrible complications of this country; six of his sisters, he said, were married to Sunnis, countless nephews of his were Sunni. Violence had hacked away at this pluralism; no one could be certain when, and if, the place could mend.

In their grief, the Sunni Arabs have fallen back on the most unexpected of hopes; having warred against the Americans, they now see them as redeemers. "This government is an American creation," a powerful Sunni legislator, Saleh al-Mutlaq, said. "It is up to the Americans to replace it, change the Constitution that was imposed on us, replace this incompetent, sectarian government with a government of national unity, a cabinet of technocrats." Shrewd and alert to the ways of the world (he has a Ph.D. in soil science from a university in the United Kingdom), Mutlaq gave voice to a wider Sunni conviction that this order in Baghdad is but an American puppet. America and Iran may be at odds in the region, but the Sunni Arabs see an American-Persian conspiracy that had robbed them of their patrimony.

They had made their own bed, the Sunni Arabs, but old habits of dominion die hard, and save but for a few, there is precious little acknowledgment of the wages of the terror that the Shiites had been subjected to in the years that followed the American invasion. As matters stand, the Sunni Arabs are in desperate need of leaders who can call off the violence, cut a favorable deal for their community, and distance that community form the temptations and the ruin of the insurgency. It is late in the hour, but there is still eagerness in the Maliki government to conciliate the Sunnis, if only to give the country a chance at normalcy.

The Shiites have come into their own, but there still hovers over them their old history of dispossession; there still trails shadows of doubt about their hold on power, about conspiracies hatched against them in neighboring Arab lands.

The Americans have given birth to this new Shiite primacy, but there lingers a fear, in the inner circles of the Shiite coalition, that the Americans have in mind a Sunni-based army, of the Pakistani and Turkish mold, that would upend the democratic, majoritarian bases of power on which Shiite primacy rests. They are keenly aware, these new Shiite men of power in Baghdad, that the Pax Americana in the region is based on an alliance of long standing with the Sunni regimes. They are under no illusions about their own access to Washington when compared with that of leaders in Cairo, Riyadh, Amman and the smaller principalities of the Gulf. This suspicion is in the nature of things; it is the way of once marginal men who had come into an unexpected triumph.

In truth, it is not only the Arab order of power that remains ill at ease with the rise of the Shiites of Iraq. The (Shiite) genie that came out of the bottle was not fully to America's liking. Indeed, the United States' strategy in Iraq had tried to sidestep the history that America itself had given birth to. There had been the disastrous regency of Paul Bremer. It had been followed by the attempt to create a national security state under Iyad Allawi. Then there had come the strategy of the American envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, that aimed to bring the Sunni leadership into the political process and wean them away from the terror and the insurgency.

Khalilzad had become, in his own sense of himself, something of a high commissioner in Iraq, and his strategy had ended in failure; the Sunni leaders never broke with the insurgency. Their sobriety of late has been a function of the defeat their cause has suffered on the ground; all the inducements had not worked.

We are now in a new, and fourth, phase of this American presence. We should not try to "cheat" in the region, conceal what we had done, or apologize for it, by floating an Arab-Israeli peace process to the liking of the "Sunni street."

The Arabs have an unerring feel for the ways of strangers who venture into their lands. Deep down, the Sunni Arabs know what the fight for Baghdad is all about - oil wealth and power, the balance between the Sunni edifice of material and moral power and the claims of the Shiite stepchildren. To this fight, Iran is a newcomer, an outlier. This is an old Arab account, the fight between the order of merchants and rulers and establishment jurists on the one side, and the righteous (Shiite) oppositionists on the other. How apt it is that the struggle that had been fought on the plains of Kerbala in southern Iraq so long ago has now returned, full circle, to Iraq.

For our part, the US can't give full credence to the Sunni representations of things. We can cushion the Sunni defeat but can't reverse it. Our soldiers have not waged wars in Afghanistan and Iraq against Sunni extremists to fall for the fear of some imagined "Shiite crescent" peddled by Sunni rulers and preachers. To that atavistic fight between Sunni and Shiite, we ought to remain decent and discerning arbiters. To be sure, in Iraq itself we can't give a blank check to Shiite maximalism. On its own, mainstream Shiism is eager to rein in its own diehards and self-anointed avengers.

There is a growing Shiite unease with the Mehdi Army - and with the venality and incompetence of the Sadrists, represented in the Cabinet until a few days ago - and an increasing faith that the government and its instruments of order are the surer bet. The crackdown on the Mehdi Army that the new American commander, General David Petraeus, has launched has the backing of the ruling Shiite coalition. Iraqi police and army units have taken to the field against elements of the Mehdi Army. Recently, in the southern city of Diwaniyya, American and Iraqi forces together battled the forces of Moqtada al-Sadr. To the extent that the Shiites now see Iraq as their own country, their tolerance for mayhem and chaos has receded. Sadr may damn the American occupiers, but ordinary Shiite men and women know that the liberty that came their way had been a gift of the Americans.

The young men of little education - earnest displaced villagers with the ways of the countryside showing through their features and dialect and shiny suits - who guarded me through Baghdad, spoke of old terrors, and of the joy and dignity of this new order. Children and nephews and younger brothers of men lost to the terror of the Baath, they are done with the old servitude. They behold the Americans keeping the peace of their troubled land with undisguised gratitude. It hasn't been always brilliant, this campaign waged in Iraq. But its mistakes can never smother its honor, and no apology for it is due the Arab autocrats who had averted their gaze from Iraq's long night of terror under the Baath.

One can never reconcile the beneficiaries of illegitimate, abnormal power to the end of their dominion. But this current realignment in Iraq carries with it a gift for the possible redemption of modern Islam among the Arabs. Hitherto Sunni Islam had taken its hegemony for granted and extremist strands within it have shown a refusal to accept "the other." Conversely, Shiite history has been distorted by weakness and exclusion and by a concomitant abdication of responsibility.

A Shiite-led state in Iraq - with a strong Kurdish presence in it and a big niche for the Sunnis - can go a long way toward changing the region's terrible habits and expectations of authority and command. The Sunnis would still be hegemonic in the Arab councils of power beyond Iraq, but their monopoly would yield to the pluralism and complexity of that region.

"Watch your adjectives" is the admonition given American officers by Petraeus. In Baghdad, Americans and Iraqis alike know that this big endeavor has entered its final, decisive phase. Iraq has surprised and disappointed us before, but as both the Iraqis and we watch our adjectives there can be discerned the shape of a new country, a rough balance of forces commensurate with the demography of the place and with the outcome of a war that its erstwhile Sunni rulers had launched and lost. We made this history and should now make our peace with it.

Fouad Ajami, a 2006 recipient of the Bradley Prize, teaches at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Affairs in Washington DC. He is the author of "The Foreigner's Gift: The Americans, the Arabs, and the Iraqis in Iraq" (Free Press, 2006). THE DAILY STAR
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 22, 2007 12:02 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Steve
All,
For all the Holidays in Iraq, and for the rest of the world as well, www.qppstudio.net/bankholidays2007/iraq.htm
The next one in Iraq is, May 1st Labour Day, Good a time as any for an RV

-- April 22, 2007 12:50 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Steve,
All,
Has the Iraq Dinar been RVd
goto, www.wnnetwork.com
On the left, Currency Market
On Right, Currency Converter
10,000 dinars = $7.8678

From I cant remember.

-- April 22, 2007 2:21 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

From, Investors Iraq Forum

Steve

-- April 22, 2007 2:23 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Iran have their own problems, and probably no way out of it.

Socialist thinking, is when everything is supposed to be equally shared in a "fair" way.

Iran's government is largely basing it's support on the lower classes, and have promised them to be helped, but they have very little means of doing so.

Despite their oil production, and relatively high oil export, the country's resources are held, and distributed by the Mullahs (reigning government) in Tehran, on a micromanagement basis.

Almost everything in Iran is subsidized, Gasoline is the cheapest in the world for the consumers, with the result that people buy up this very cheap gasoline, and smuggle it to Iraq, Turkey etc., and sell it for profit.

Inflation have this year alone reached 24% and the pay rises the government are giving is a mere 5%a year, so the Iranians are getting a lowering of their purchasing power steadily as time goes by.

Iran have been so diligently concerned about their lower classes, that Iran is the ONLY country that have government subsidies in prices for imported goods.

The nuclear ambition is a big project for the Iranians, and eats huge amount of funding, while their own oilfields are in desperate need of repair and upgrade.

Their oil production is falling, not because the oil can't be sold, or that the price is wrong, or because of controlled quotas, but because their oil production equipment is decaying.

An external quota, set as member of the OPEC can't be met, and they are falling behind more and more.

The support they need from their lower classes, the poor in the nation, is wearing thin, as the promised changes never seem to take place.

So where can Iran shuffle the blame for their own inadequacy, well off course, Israel and the US, by explaining that Iran is in a war, or pre-war mode, the blame is quickly explained as not of their own making, but that the population would by now be bathing in Honey and driving their Mercedes, had it not been for those pesky nations like Israel and the Us.

As of now, Iran's economic future, not counting the current political situation, but only looking at the economic future prospect, a doomed country with no where to turn.

Shops, doing simple manufacturing, are closing their doors, to a dwindling internal market. Production of their own products are getting more and more expensive for every day that passes by, and as producers can get their hands on imported goods cheaper than they can produce it at home, the shop closure is pretty rampant.

Cars, air conditioners, kitchen knick knacks, or whatever is produced, is dwindling, with that the import from Iran into Iraq is one of the healthy lifelines, but not enough to sustain an internal Iranian economy, as in order to do so, functional middle class, (the working Joe) must exist.

The deep dependency Iran have developed to it's own oil, is it's only real sufficient lifeline to continue it's existence, but as the Middle East goes, corruption is part of the game, where you have to grease the wheels in order for them to turn.

However, ordinary corruption grease system, commonplace in the Middle East, is of very small proportions compared with the Iranians complete rape of the whole oil income, coupled with the neglect in the re financing of that sector.

The Ayatollahs of Iran work the economical system very much like Saddam worked his Central Bank, with other words, there is no Central Bank worthy of it's name, it is more or less a place where the Mullahs are keeping and safeguarding their money, (Saddam considered ANY money in the government vaults, as HIS, and he made the decision of how to spend it, may it be palaces or weapons)

The Iranian currency, hardly exchangeable anywhere, is in Dire Straits, with hyperinflation on it's heels.

Would Iran TODAY, scrap it's nuclear ambition, reinvest in their oilfields, and re-instate the Iran's Central Bank with sound and safe financial policies, still it would take some time to get the nose up and above the waterline, for a breath of fresh air, but it would be a possibility.

Hardly likely, the financial policies set forth in Iran is based on a word for word interpretation of the Koran that is geared as sound economics in a society that was medieval.

Medieval economic policies today is not suited, geared or adaptable in a current global economy.

It's like the Saber tooth Tiger and the Mastodon, once evolved to suit the conditions it was existing in, but once the conditions changed, they could not adapt, and thus became extinguished.

Iran is trying to adapt historic Islamic economy, into a global economy, it will not fit.

So admitting that the economy will not fit, is for them an admission that Islam is at fault, and this will not happen.

Operational and functioning economic systems outside of the Iranians borders, are not based on Islam, it's faith, or it's principles, so what Iran(s rulers) is trying to say, is that there is nothing wrong with the way they're doing things, it is something very wrong with the world outside of Iran's borders, and mainly then Israel, and the US, as being the root cause of capitalism, thus enforcing a non Islamic economic system onto the world.

A long line of world dominance conspiracy theories with this as a basis is constantly feed from places like Iran.

So being so spiritually pure in intentions and actions, Iran is trying to make the world mesh into their system.

With power or manipulation.

This is something that the world in general will not bow to, as Iran are more then willing to export their idea about how the world is suppose to spin, according to their view.

So the confrontation is set up, Iran is sitting in their country, telling the world that they are right in things, trying to impose their system, values and way to do things.

The surrounding universe do not agree, and wish the Iranian menace would go away in the same manner as the neighbours endlessly barking dog, mysteriously was found dead one day.

The economic power of Iran is very weak, the religious or ideological power of Iran is very limited, as their type of Islam is not shared with the majority of Muslims.

The only ideological or religious backers Iran have is Hezbollah, and some sympathies in the Iraqi Shiite population.

Russia's, Syria's, and the Chinese backing is not of a religious sort, but one of self interest of their own.

So the only power Iran really have left is the power of force, and what a force they found, the nuclear power, a big banger.

We've got to take out these fascist clowns pretty quick. We look at them as clowns, but in their view they are on a mission from God, and they are very right about their position as well, so this threat is not to be dismissed.

-- April 22, 2007 2:24 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steve,

10000 Dinars Divided into 7,8678 Yankee Dollars gives 1271.0033 Dinars.

It's a fraction off from the official 1272 figure, so no I cant see that this is an RV, it is just another way of writing the same thing.

-- April 22, 2007 2:32 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Steve,
All
OK Well it is 07/55 am best I get to bed.

-- April 22, 2007 2:56 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Findings Peg Iraq's Oil Reserves At 200 billion Barrels

April 20, 2007 11:02 a.m. EST

Susheela Hegde - All Headline News Staff Writer
Washington, D.C (AHN) - Iraq may have untapped oil reserves of over 100 billion barrels on top of a known reserve base of 116 billion barrels, making Iraq the world's potential top oil producer, says an IHS Inc. report. According to IHS's rankings, Iraq ranks third in known oil reserves, behind Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The consulting firm in a comprehensive report released Wednesday said the untapped oil reserves mainly lie in the western part of the country.

Describing the oil reserves a "gold star opportunity," president and chief operating officer of IHS Ron Mobed told reporters the security situations need to improve drastically to let the country exploit the potential. "Obviously the security side is a big question," Mobed remarked.

According to the IHS report Iraq's two main oilfields, at Kirkuk in the north of the country and Rumaila in the south, were operating below capacity due to damage caused by the war and previous sanction regimes.

Iraqi's highest oil production was in 1979 at an average of 3 million barrels a day. The country could not realize its target of pumping 3.5 million barrels a day set back in mid-2006. So now the daily output stands at two million barrels per day, down from three million barrels in early 2003. "It could rise to four million barrels by 2012 if the conflict subsides and new investments in oil infrastructure are made," the IHS report said. It also said the output could be raised to six million barrels in the future.

IHS said its experts conducted a field-by-field analysis of Iraqi oil prospects and the finding would be released next month in full detail.

-- April 22, 2007 5:37 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

Article of interest to you.. NYTimes writes that Russia is now telling its radio news media to portray the US as an enemy and half of the stories they write must now be "positive" about Russia.

QUOTES: "..opposition leaders could not be mentioned on the air and the United States was to be portrayed as an enemy, journalists employed by the network, Russian News Service, say they were told by the new managers, who are allies of the Kremlin."

".. the implementation of the “50 percent positive” rule at the Russian News Service leaves an increasingly small number of news outlets that are not managed by the Kremlin, directly or through the state national gas company, Gazprom, a major owner of media assets. The three national television networks are already state controlled..."

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/world/europe/22russia.html?ei=5065&en=d4929f91a6c5b2aa&ex=1177819200&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

-- April 22, 2007 6:37 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

THE DOLLAR IS IN TROUBLE...
Japan has announced they are considering dumping the dollar due to its weakness...Uncle Sam's currency is now worth 49 cents to 1 British lb....The Euro has climbed to the point where if it keeps going..it will very quickly reach a new high against the dollar...
Folk's our leaders have spent so much like drunken sailors...they have set the dollar on a nose dive that just may drive it into the ground....while today it is announced the democrats are set to send a Iraqi bill to President to be signed that as one of the largest Pork attachments ever seen...
That is the scary part....they know about our dollar collapse...yet they keep spending...spending....spending...its about time we the american citizen say enough is enough....I agree with Carol....we the citizens as a whole are going to have to stop sending in the tax money to get their attention...What else can we do????

-- April 23, 2007 6:21 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Steve,

All,
As we all know the US Dollar is going down like a lead lifeboat and the Government is doing naff all to stop it, do you think they are letting the $ go down to X and the dinar comes up to X then the dinar is valued to the $ and they can drag each other back up, jmo
Steve.

-- April 23, 2007 8:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to Upgrade its Oil Fleet

Iraq's oil ministry is poised to upgrade its fleet of tankers through deals with foreign companies, with the aim of improving its performance, the ministry's official spokesman said on Saturday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 23, 2007 9:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

CBI participates in first Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference
CBI, Commercial Bank International participated in the first Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference

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

23 April 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
The conference called 'Banking in Iraq: The 21st Century Challenge', which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, was organised by the US Agency for International Development (USAID)-IZDIHAR project, in association with USAID/Iraq Economic Governance II Program.

The conference which took stock of the developments in the Iraqi banking industry post April 2003, was a good opportunity for CBI to gain an excellent understanding of banks in Iraq, especially those in the private sector. The Bank also made use of its presence in Jordan by visiting some their Jordan-based clients in order to strengthen the relationship with them and had the chance to meet with potential clients.

The Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference also addressed issues facing the development of banking and explored the prospects and modalities of building a vibrant banking industry in Iraq. Among those who attended were representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Iraq, other Government of Iraq entities, regional regulators, Iraq private and state owned banks, regional and international banking groups, non-bank financial institutions, bank training organisations, international donors and selected international banking experts. This made it the ideal forum for CBI to approach some Iraqi banks, with a view to establishing new relationships with them.

Commenting on their participation in this important conference, Mr. Mohammad Saadeh, Head of Corporate Banking Group at CBI said:

'The Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference was an excellent forum for us to widen our global knowledge base on banking and banking practices in another country. We have had the opportunity to meet with some top banking officials in Iraqi banks and we hope that this will be the start of creating some fruitful business relationships for the future. The conference has been very eye-opening and incredibly informative. What we have learnt will go a long way towards helping CBI achieve greater expansion.'

CBI is a customer-centric bank that has made tremendous progress in the retail banking segment over the last year. The bank also offers securities and trading services and has a comprehensive real estate finance management subsidiary.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 23, 2007 9:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am in agreement the USD slide is our governments fault. This nation continues a policy of higher trade deficits with China. We import the majority of our textiles from Southeast Asia.

Durable goods is another sector where the U.S. continues to import instead of manufacture. Finally, we have reduced our economy to a service oriented economy, how can we not expect a slide in the dollar.

Unless we change our policy, I think we are in for a long ride downward. Steve, to answer your question, I do not think the downward trend of the dollar and the slow rise of the dinar will meet in the middle for a revaluation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 23, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The 909 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/4/ 23 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1268 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 70.905.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 70.905.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----
(www.cbiraq.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 23, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The Iraqi oil law is discussed in Dubai
The Iraqi oil law is discussed in Dubai
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [21/04/2007]


Some 60 Iraqi parliamentarians and oil experts arrived in Dubai on Tuesday to hold a meeting on the law of oil which Iraq intends to legislate for a long time.

An official working with the Iraqi Parliament said, "Members of the Iraqi Parliament will meet with technical experts to discuss the oil law in Dubai away from the political influences in Baghdad".

The official, who was speaking to journalists in Dubai, said that the meeting will be held on Wednesday. Some experts and professionals residing in third countries refused to travel to Iraq for security reasons. The official added that three Iraqi ministers at least will attend the meeting; one of them will be the Oil Minister, Hussein Shahrastani who arrived to Dubai earlier on Tuesday but refused to speak to reporters upon arrival.

In February the Iraqi Cabinet adopted a draft law to regulate the sharing of wealth from the vast oil reserves in the country among ethnic groups and creeds.

The oil law, which awaits parliamentary ratification, grants regions the right to negotiate with international companies to exploit the oil fields.

Shahrastani said earlier this month that it is possible to pass the law within two months because all political parties support it.

The law restores restructuring the Iraqi National Oil Company to become an independent holding company and maintains a federal forum for the oil policy on the national level.

Many major oil companies in the world have been trying for years to win a share in the distinctive Iraqi oilfields like: Bin Omar, Majnun, Nasiriyah, West Qurnah and Artawi, which are all in the south of the country.

Iraq says it aims to increase oil production to more than four million barrels a day in 2011. According to a survey conducted by Reuters Iraq produced 1.97 million barrels per day in March, up from 1.89 million barrels a day in February.

Shahrastani said last December that the average 2006 production was 2.3 million barrels a day.

Iraq which is a member of OPEC owns, for certain, the third largest oil reserves in the world and needs billions of dollars to revive this important sector in order to rebuild its faltering economy.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3655)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 23, 2007 10:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's oil can be extracted at a cost of two dollars a barrel
Iraq's oil can be extracted at a cost of two dollars a barrel
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [22/04/2007]


E.H.S consultative company said that oil could be extracted from Iraq's promising oil fields at a cost of less than two dollars a barrel and that the country's production could be doubled to four million barrels per day in five years, provided the improvement of the security situation.

The atlas prepared by the company on Iraq and expected to be issued on the 9th of next May estimated Iraqi oil reserves at 116 billion barrels, which falls in line with the estimates of the oil sector, and it says that there may be another hundred billion barrels under its western desert.

Head of E.H.S, Ron Mobed, said: “Iraq’s reserves represent a phenomenon; they can immediately be extracted from underground inexpensively after completing the infrastructure".

Iraq estimates that about $ 25 billion need to be spent on the collapsed infrastructure due to the sanctions which lasted for more than ten years in the era of Saddam Hussein and the continuing acts of violence which have bee going on for four years after the invasion led by the United States to the country.

This amount will be necessary to bring the level of production to four million barrels per day and beyond.

Moped said that these estimates may be conservative if the cost of capital will continue rising and that the security situation in Iraq must be improved so as to increase production capacity.

Major oil companies are trying to get a share of Iraq's reserves, which are the third largest reserves in the world, but are still waiting for the ratification of the Iraqi oil law which will be submitted to parliament next week, but the government of Kurdistan in the north, is objecting to some of its articles.

Moped said: "Iraq is moving very quickly towards encouraging foreign investment in comparison with the huge reserves in the region where free entry is almost non-existent to foreign companies”.

Iraq's oil production currently is about two million barrels per day, which is less than about three million barrels per day were produced at the end of Saddam's era and much less than 3.7 million barrels pumped in 1979 before the Iraq-Iran war. But Moped expressed confidence that the production will increase rapidly as soon as investments begin to flow. He continued: “doubling Iraq's production in five years does not seem farfetched. It is a matter of opening what has been closed and improve the rest".

E.H.S says that Iraq's production in the medium term may reach up to six million barrels a day.

Muhammad Zein, Regional Director of the company in the Middle East, said that sanctions and war have affected the main Iraqi oil fields, such as Kirkuk in the north and Rumaila in the south, and added: "There are some damages but they can be repaired".

Zein said that Kirkuk field is capable of producing over 600 thousand barrels per day, but currently it only pumps 350 thousand barrels per day, while Rumaila oilfields could produce one million barrels a day at least.

Most of Iraq's certain reserves exist in the Shiite south and Kurdish north, and this raised the fears of Sunnis in central and west of the country that agreements with the regional governments which are autonomous will deny them from the Iraqi oil wealth.

But Zein said that the center of the country also has rich fields such as the ones east of Baghdad.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3658)

-- April 23, 2007 10:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ministry plan to create ‘3 million’ jobs

By Ali shatab

Azzaman, April 14, 2007

The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled a three-year development plan under which it hopes to create ‘three million jobs’.

Agriculture Minister Nadhem al-Abadi said most of the new jobs will be created in the southern and central parts of the country.

Iraq is endowed with fertile land and two of the world’s largest rivers which bisect the country from north to south.

Nonetheless, it now has to import most of its food needs. The country’s food import bill is estimated at nearly $5 billion a year.

But Abadi said, “We hope the new plan will boost agricultural produce, particularly of main crops and to be able to meet 21 per cent of the country’s food needs.”

New technologies will be introduced and the use of fertilizers and pesticides to be expanded, he said.

Abadi said the ministry’s teams and technician were even engaged in providing their services in ‘restive areas’ where three million animals have been vaccinated.
(http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-04-14\kurd1.htm)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 23, 2007 10:50 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

My View of The Future..

Radical politicians for whom the only goal is the attainment of power at all costs have thought long and hard upon this. They faced the most popular President in history with credibility with the people who feared for their lives and were mobilizing to address a Global threat of the War on Terror. In its place, they must put forth a candidate who would be viable against such formidable an opponent. They thought...

And they came up with a strategy. First of all, they must use the influence they have in the media and the ear of the people to discount the man who took the largest popular vote in the history of America ever. They must call him all manner of names and say he is deceived, in denial, and only they have the "right" way to go. The people must believe this. It has taken a long time and much undermining of the people's confidence, but they can openly say these things they only planned to say before. News from this morning:

Reid: Bush in denial over war in Iraq
By DAVID ESPO, AP April 23, 2007

WASHINGTON - With a veto fight looming, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday that President Bush is in a state of denial over Iraq, "and the new Congress will show him the way" to a change in war policy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070423/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq

Having undermined the President's leadership and now calling into question with the public the entire strategy which was to protect the American people from the Global War on Terror, the strategy is now to find another person and cause which must replace the person whose reputation they have tarnished.. one of their own. To do that, they must shift attention from what got the President elected in the first place since that is the GOP's strong hand.. the protection of US lives.

Do they mention the threat the terrorists are to the nation and keep that before the public eye? No. Do they mention that the threat of nuclear catastrophe sits, by expert opinion, at least at 50% over the next ten years? No. Is it unreasonable to believe that there are top secret assessments which are hidden far from the light of the media which would support the President? No.

What we do see is that if anything which will strengthen the President's position before the public DOES come up, it is kept out of the left-leaning MSM papers, with the result that people judge just on what they see, not what they don't see. But occasionally, some news does leak out which might help the view the President advocates (and those with top clearance who know things we do not).. maybe we should take note? (Do note in this article that the Secretary of Defense thinks 50% is an underestimate.. hmmm.. wonder why?)

Nuclear terror: How likely is it?
50% chance of detonation within 10 years, says expert
Posted: April 20, 2007

WASHINGTON – How likely is it that terrorists will some day be successful at detonating a nuclear device in a major American city?

That was the question debated in an online forum sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations this week.

And while Harvard's Graham T. Allison and the CFR's Michael A. Levi may disagree over the likelihood of such an attack, they agreed it is a serious threat and much more needs to be done to avoid the disastrous consequences.

Levi, the skeptic, said: "Al-Qaida has grand ambitions and seeks mass casualties. And regardless of the probability of nuclear terrorism, the potential consequences of a successful attack should be enough to prompt us to more urgent action than we are currently taking."

Allison, author of the forthcoming book, "On Nuclear Terrorism," pointed out a growing consensus on the severity of the threat.

"In the hotly contested American presidential election in 2004, the two candidates agreed on only one fundamental point," he said. "In the first televised debate, they were asked, what is 'the single most serious threat to the national security to the United States?' President Bush, answering second, said: 'I agree with my opponent that the biggest threat facing this country is weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a terrorist network.'"

Allison cited other authorities, including former Sen. Sam Nunn, who is on record as saying the likelihood of a single nuclear bomb exploding in a single city is greater today than at the height of the Cold War.

Perhaps no one, however, has studied the issue more thoroughly than Allison. In his book, based on the current trend line, he concludes the chances of a nuclear terrorist attack in the next decade are greater than 50 percent. He said former Secretary of Defense William Perry believes that assessment underestimates the risk.

"From the technical side, Richard Garwin, a designer of the hydrogen bomb who Enrico Fermi once called, 'the only true genius I had ever met,' told Congress in March he estimated a '20 percent per year probability with American cities and European cities included' of 'a nuclear explosion -- not just a contamination, dirty bomb -- a nuclear explosion.'"

Discounting arguments that terrorists don't want to take chances with potential failure, Allison explains why the stakes are so high for terrorists to conduct a nuclear attack.

"[T]he effect of a nuclear terrorist attack would reverberate beyond U.S. shores," he says. "After a nuclear detonation, the immediate reaction would be to block all entry points to prevent another bomb from reaching its target. Vital markets for international products would disappear, and closely linked financial markets would crash. Researchers at RAND, a U.S. government-funded think tank, estimated that a nuclear explosion at the Port of Los Angeles would cause immediate costs worldwide of more than $1 trillion and that shutting down U.S. ports would cut world trade by 7.5 percent."

Even a so-called "dud" in nuclear terms would cause more destruction than the most dramatic conventional attack.

"If a terrorist's 10-kiloton nuclear warhead were to misfire (known to nuclear scientists as a 'fizzle') and produce a one-kiloton blast, bystanders near ground zero would not know the difference," explains Allison. "Such an explosion would torch anyone one-tenth of a mile from the epicenter, and topple buildings up to one-third of a mile out."

The largest and most recent study of the effects of nuclear detonations in major U.S. cities showed that, while millions will die, millions of others can be saved with some practical preparations and education.

The three-year study by researchers at the Center for Mass Destruction Defense at the University of Georgia found a concerted effort to teach civilians what to do in the event of a nuclear attack is the best – perhaps only – thing that could save an untold number of lives that will otherwise be needlessly lost.

"If a nuclear detonation were to occur in a downtown area, the picture would be bleak there," said Cham Dallas, director of the program and professor in the college of pharmacy. "But in urban areas farther from the detonation, there actually is quite a bit that we can do. In certain areas, it may be possible to turn the death rate from 90 percent in some burn populations to probably 20 or 30 percent – and those are very big differences – simply by being prepared well in advance."

The government's own National Planning Scenario projects even a small, improvised 10-kiloton nuclear bomb would likely kill hundreds of thousands in a medium-sized city. The carnage was estimated at 204,600 dead in Washington, D.C. – with another 90,800 injured or sickened. Another 24,580 would likely die of thyroid cancer later because the simple compound potassium iodide, which can prevent it, was not made available to civilians in advance of the disaster.

President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and the 9/11 commission have all concluded a nuclear terrorist attack is not only the nation's No. 1 nightmare but also something of an inevitability at some time in the future.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55292

Note they grant that MILLIONS will die.. not something you hear much talk about.. is it? While the Presidential debate was aced by President Bush being seen as the President who would protect the lives of MILLIONS of Americans.. and not one attack against America has been successful on his watch.. those seeking power must find another way to sway public opinion to their side instead. Discounting the President and his winning strategy which has kept the American people alive (and from a repeat of 911 or worse) has been the first step, then they moved on to saying prematurely that the war in Iraq is lost, (premature because the "surge" strategy isn't even fully deployed yet, as noted on the conservapedia Iraq War page under 'the Surge' strategy section: http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War ) now, they must put another debate in place of the GWOT which is of Global proportions.. and for it, they chose Global Warming and their candidate for President whose name is well known as a champion for protecting the American public from this ignominious (false) threat - Al Gore.

The former Vice President who ran against President Bush has name recognition and honor for his recent "Climate Change" initiatives. Even if he doesn't choose to try and use the Global Warming debate as the red herring to detract from the War in Iraq, he will draw many to his light by virtue of being seen as voting "against Bush and his 'failed' policies in Iraq". Playing on anti-war sentiment on one side and another supposed 'Global Threat' on the other, they may be able to keep the voting public off balance long enough to attain to the Whitehouse. Terrifying school children with tales of a sterile and dying planet, the Hollywood elite have showered their honors and praise on this guardian of the planet as a superman against the "terror" of death at the hands of the uncaring and greedy oil cartels and shameful use of carbon (which they can heavily tax for their own ends once in power). There are many who will march to that drumbeat and the unpopularity of being at war in Iraq will also help the public to be swayed.. and those who were Kerry supporters too will likely jump on Al Gore's bandwagon.. (They ought to sing, "Make the World.. go away" as their theme. Just trust them and all this nasty stuff will go away.. as Obama said.. he will end the war in Iraq.. and so will Al Gore. But the unfortunate reality is that it won't end the threat of terrorism or the GWOT.. It will just bring the terrorism back home.. something the MSM discounts as heretical to their campaign to get a Democrat into the Whitehouse at all costs.)

Gore campaign team assembles in secret
By Tim Shipman in Washington, Sunday Telegraph
21/04/2007

Picture caption: Al Gore is third favourite for the Democratic nomination

Friends of Al Gore have secretly started assembling a campaign team in preparation for the former American vice-president to make a fresh bid for the White House.

Two members of Mr Gore's staff from his unsuccessful attempt in 2000 say they have been approached to see if they would be available to work with him again.

Mr Gore, President Bill Clinton's deputy, has said he wants to concentrate on publicising the need to combat climate change, a case made in his film, An Inconvenient Truth, which won him an Oscar this year.

But, aware that he may step into the wide open race for the White House, former strategists are sounding out a shadow team that could run his campaign at short notice. In approaching former campaign staff, including political strategists and communications officials, they are making clear they are not acting on formal instructions from Mr Gore, 59, but have not been asked to stop.

"He hasn't asked them to do this, but nor has he told them not to."

In an interview on Thursday, which touched on the prospects for next year's presidential election, Mr Clinton commented: "You've got the prospect that Vice-President Gore might run."

The most recent opinion polls show Mr Gore as third favourite to take the Democratic nomination, on about 17 per cent support, only a whisker behind Barack Obama, 45, who is aiming to become the first black US president, and ahead of John Edwards, 53, the senator whose wife was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Vice-President Gore's allies believe that Hillary Clinton, 59, the frontrunner, is unable to win the presidency. The most recent poll shows a growing number of voters think negatively of her, in contrast to Mr Gore, who enjoys far greater popularity than when he lost the 2000 presidential race despite polling more votes nationally than the eventual winner, George W Bush.

The second aide approached by Vice-President Gore's allies said: "There is no love lost between Gore and Hillary. They don't think she can win and they're probably right. If Gore runs, he's got a really good chance of getting the nomination. And he has a good chance of pulling off the election, too."

Gore-watchers believe that a new book he is publishing next month on the state of US politics will keep his name in the public eye. Many of his supporters helped to run the unsuccessful presidential campaign of John Kerry in 2004. But since Sen Kerry abandoned his presidential aspirations this year, many of his leading advisers have yet to align themselves with any of the other candidates.

They were expected to join the campaign of Sen Edwards, who was Sen Kerry's running mate last time.

The former aide, who has himself signed up with Sen Edwards, said: "The question is: where have all the Kerry people gone? The answer for most of them is nowhere. Now ask yourself why."

Among the senior officials not yet committed is Michael Whouley, who was national field director for the successful Clinton-Gore 1992 presidential campaign, national campaign manager for Mr Gore when he stood for re-election as vice-president in 1996, and then a senior adviser to Mr Gore in 2000.

Considered one of the most talented Democratic "ground war" experts, he masterminded John Kerry's political resurrection in the New Hampshire presidential primary three years ago, putting him on course for the nomination. Last year, he oversaw the Democratic victory in the mid-term elections.

James Carville, President Clinton's former strategy chief, said "I think if people thought he could get us out of the mess we're in with Iraq, they wouldn't care how fat he is."

A poll of leading Democratic and Republican strategists found that one in four thought Mr Gore would emerge a strong contender. "He already has emerged - he just has to announce," a Democrat told the magazine Opinion Journal.

A Republican said: "Gore could be the toughest Democrat to beat."

At least eight websites are campaigning to "Draft Gore" into the election. More than 70,000 people have signed an online petition, and more than 120 groups of Gore supporters meet each month around the country to promote the case for a Gore presidency. One website offers the chance to download a song called Run Al, Run!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/22/wgore22.xml

Interesting how they call him "Vice President" when he isn't even the current VP.. but often call President Bush "Mr. Bush" in the MSM, isn't it? A very slick campaign strategy, they have positioned Al Gore as a champion for the planet and (former?) Vice President.. already running third in opinion polls before leaping into the race. They continue to use their others to undermine the President and his strategy for winning the war in Iraq (such as Reid), while seeking to bring in Al Gore into the race as soon as the limelight is ready for him to step onto the stage.

Meanwhile.. is the REAL threat really so far away and implausible as they would have us to believe? Is the threat REALLY not related to the terrorists but to the greenie agenda and Global Warming? Are we just rattling chains and scaring people unnecessarily?

Al-Qaeda ‘planning big British attack’
From The Sunday Times
April 22, 2007
Dipesh Gadher

AL-QAEDA leaders in Iraq are planning the first “large-scale” terrorist attacks on Britain and other western targets with the help of supporters in Iran, according to a leaked intelligence report.

Spy chiefs warn that one operative had said he was planning an attack on “a par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki” in an attempt to “shake the Roman throne”, a reference to the West.

The report, produced earlier this month and seen by The Sunday Times, appears to provide evidence that Al-Qaeda is active in Iran and has ambitions far beyond the improvised attacks it has been waging against British and American soldiers in Iraq.

There is no evidence of a formal relationship between Al-Qaeda, a Sunni group, and the Shi’ite regime of President Mah-moud Ahmadinejad, but experts suggest that Iran’s leaders may be turning a blind eye to the terrorist organisation’s activities.

The intelligence report also makes it clear that senior Al-Qaeda figures in the region have been in recent contact with operatives in Britain.

The report continues: “Recent reporting has described AQI’s Kurdish network in Iran planning what we believe may be a large-scale attack against a western target.

“A member of this network is reportedly involved in an operation which he believes requires AQ Core authorisation. He claims the operation will be on ‘a par with Hiroshima and Naga-saki’ and will ‘shake the Roman throne’. We assess that this operation is most likely to be a large-scale, mass casualty attack against the West.”

The report says there is “no indication” this attack would specifically target Britain...,

Analysts believe the reference to Hiroshima and Naga-saki, where more than 200,000 people died in nuclear attacks on Japan at the end of the second world war, is unlikely to be a literal boast.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1687360.ece

Hmmm.. who ELSE could they possibly be thinking of attacking if it isn't the British they are specifically targeting? No coverage of this over here in the MSM so we can rest assured it isn't (North) AMERICAN lives that at at stake, right? Our "watchdog" media would warn us about something like this about to happen, right? And, just like the threat of Iran getting a nuke which was years wrong.. we can trust the ANALYSTS to tell us if the threat is real or literal (unlikely to be a literal boast). Well, no problem.. we can trust them to know, can't we? After all, it is just your life at stake and if the US intelligence experts just showed us their intelligence is superb in how good they were at assesing threats concerning Iran getting the bomb (it was eight years from now.. now.. revised down to 2009, remember?) then these ANALYSTS just have to be correct. Right?

Exclusive: Iran Nuclear Bomb Could Be Possible by 2009
April 02, 2007

Brian Ross and Christopher Isham Report:

Iran has more than tripled its ability to produce enriched uranium in the last three months, adding some 1,000 centrifuges which are used to separate radioactive particles from the raw material.

The development means Iran could have enough material for a nuclear bomb by 2009, sources familiar with the dramatic upgrade tell ABC News.

The addition of 1,000 new centrifuges, which are not yet operational, means Iran is expanding its enrichment program at a pace much faster than U.S. intelligence experts had predicted.

Previous predictions by U.S. intelligence had cited 2015 as the earliest date Iran could develop a weapon.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has publicly predicted his country would have 3,000 centrifuges installed by this May, but few in the West gave his claim much credence, until now.

"I think we have all been caught off guard. Ahmadinejad said they would have these 3,000 installed by the end of May, and it appears they may actually do it," Albright said.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/04/exclusive_iran_.html

Taking the terrorists at their word about this new development.. a Hiroshima attack with nukes.. might be wise to do if all those experts missed last time by SIX YEARS?? I said at the time this was published: "I found it ironically humorous they said in this article that they were all caught off guard.. this threat is not for 2015, 8 years away.. but only a year and a half away, 2009. If they can miss by SIX YEARS.. how sure can we be the terrorist's preparations aren't a LOT closer to fruition than they now expect? Our reliance on opinions of people in the intelligence community appears to be misplaced.. is it a major enough misplaced confidence that it will lead to a sudden nuclear catastrophe wakeup call? (Gosh, we were.. again.. "caught off guard"??)"

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#129814

Suppose I am right and this strategy succeeds? The American public as a whole goes greenie and thinks the threat is Global Warming and not terrorists.. and wants defeat so badly in Iraq that they elect Al Gore. Then what? America Hiroshima, that is what. There won't be an attack against the US until President Bush leaves office. Not if the terrorists wish to protect Mecca from retaliatory strike. One thing the MSM has shown is.. they really do think President Bush is capable of such an act. They may call him crazy for it.. but I think it keeps the wolves at bay.. and that the terrorists will not carry out this plan for a Hiroshima attack (and a LITERAL attack which does justice to the reference to Hiroshima and Naga-saki, in spite of the "analysts" saying to the contrary) until the man with backbone leaves the Whitehouse. But I don't think Al Gore would bomb Mecca, do you? Had he been President, the Iraq War would never have been. And so, people wishing for yesteryear and to turn back the clock to a time when Al Gore could have won that election instead of Bush.. they will get their wish and get to see the world at war against terrorism with Al Gore at the helm of the world superpower. Since President Bush has implemented measures to protect the Homeland like the Patriot Act which have been so ridiculed by the Democrats, I think that Al Gore would repeal it and likely other measures which make the US safe from this happening under President Bush's watch.

And that's how I view the current power struggle on Parliament hill. A life and death struggle over power.. with (at the least, over one million) American civilian's lives in the balance. And one of those "statistics" could be your loved one.. or you. So, why are we playing with fire by believing the word of those who are not going to protect the US at all cost but are only seeking political power at all cost?

Makes you wonder..

Sara.

-- April 23, 2007 1:13 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

Just thinking out loud here, but.... I am thinking... recent gains like the one yesterday in the value of the Dinar vs. the value of the Dollar is most likely the dollar devalueing than the dinar appreciating.

-- April 24, 2007 12:00 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

Check your E-mail please, we're running into a shortage of time on the pjt.

-- April 24, 2007 4:02 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
Since March 21 2005, I've been reading your posts, and you have always been quick to label others, but you never expose your interpretations.

God did instruct his people to not eat certain animals, organs, fish, birds, and insects. Why, because he wanted to keep something that taste good from them? Of coarse not, it was about being a strong, healthy, and wise nation capable of multiplying, conquering, and ruling. God said that these certain things were not created to be received for food for us. If you don't respect Gods wisdom in the matter you are simply not as healthy as you could be, and why our nation has the health issues it has today. If you want to be healthier, eat only the things Gods says is CLEAN, and you can't go wrong. The traditions of men you hold so dear teach that these things have been done away with, but not so, only the need for ritual sacrifices and atonement was done away with when Jesus became that once and for all. This is why God instructed (commanded) his people to keep the feast of passover forever and ever throughout all generations. The most precious holiday is not even kept by so called Christians, instead they roll eggs, and idolize rabbits in the ancient traditions of men in the worship Eostre the goddess of fertility calling it easter holiday. Moreover the word is only in the Holy Bible one single time, and if you look in the notes, the greek word translated easter was in reality the greek word for passover, and the word easter should not even be in the translation at all. People would rather have tradition than truth. If you really want to be a scholar you must keep in mind that the Holy Bible was not written in English, and one must often refer back to the original text to absorb the full interpretation. Sometimes what one thinks they know they err in ignorence, because they have not studied and meditated on the word of God instead of listening to their own traditions as Christ himself taught.

-- April 24, 2007 5:25 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

The evolvement of the Dinar have been more of a thrill for the investors than a thrill of the actual development of the Dinars value.

Signs on the scene have been interpreted, analyzed and turned inside out in every possible angle.

So far hopeful investors are looking at a higher value of the Dinar, all the signs are there, but the movement have been slow on the actual development of the country (Iraq) itself.

The Iraqi Compact right now debated, discussed ind implemented, is another one of these steps, the HCL seems to move along now to the point I start to believe that it will actually be ratified and implemented.

The 6 months extension of the IMF "Stand By Agreement", well, I don't really know what to make out of that, but the fact is, all the improvements we have seen as an absolute must, in order for the Iraqi currency to appreciate in value is the exact things that are put in place right now.

The very slow appreciation done so far on the currency, have really not made it "bite".

As Anthony R so correctly concluded, as the Dinar is monitored with the Dollar as the value in it is exchange, the Dollar will bring down any currency the Dollar is pegged to or is governed by.

The rise in value of the Dinar we have seen so far is compensation of the falling Dollar, and Iraq have not gained much or almost nothing in buying power, by appreciating the Dinar in small crumbs, slices and microscopic adjustments.

Depending on the world situation, Dollar, Stirling or Euro will go in different directions, it will fluctuate.

The Dollar is suffering right now, but the Euro and the Stirling in it's high orbit is causing damage to Britain and Europe.

The Euro and the Stirling is not high because a sudden realization of Britain's or European splendidness, and boiling economies, but they are high because they are seen as a substitute for Dollar, if the Dollar falls.

The demand for Euros, and Stirling will be the first choices, and those two currencies are the prime substitution, in a global economy.

The cycle will be roughly this...Dollar is falling, for a number of reasons.

Most countries are holding vast amount of Dollars in their currency reserve, so now, suddenly their reserves, are getting less and less worth.

A pressure is building in their own finance system to have the needed funds to cover for their governments needs, the tax bases, and their production exchange, as to be as profitable as possible, and to be as high as possible.

So a sell out of Dollars starts.

And a buy up of Stirling, and Euros starts.

Euros and Stirling, have, BECAUSE of a falling Dollar, been already appreciating, because of their acceptance as a global currency.

They didn't increase in value because suddenly the world like more FIAT's from Italy or more Scotch Whiskey, or any other product coming from those countries, but because they are another global currency.

So, this will get into a very interesting cycle, with an extreme outcome of a global recession or even depression. Most possibly the world economies will ride out this, but that is the extreme possibility.

At the outset, the Stirling and the Euro is then overvalued, and as the different countries wants to full fill their own internal needs, this is not important, as the current value only is looked upon, if other currencies are bought, and it will solve the internal problem of the country that is selling out the Dollar.

This will end in an even lower value of the Dollar, as everybody and his brother now wants to get rid of the bad currency, and get hold of the good currency.

This phase will last as long as the selling out happens, the Dollar value will be going down, down, down, while the Euro and Stirling will go up, up, up.

So the purchasing countries, that are now selling out the Dollar, and are purchasing the Euro and Stirling, will just by their act, themselves, full fill their prophecies, and get a higher valued currency in exchange for the Dollar.

This ride will continue until the sell out is done, and the market for Dollar is in such a low range that it is a world wide, non wanted currency, as a backing for the different countries currency reserve.

The interesting thing that will happen now is a reverse in the flow.

The Euro and the Stirling, started up overvalued, and got an even better boost from all the buying that have been going on.

If the powers in Europe and Britain did a very bad move during those times, they printed up even more of their currency to sell, to maximize their profit.

Then comes the backlash.

At the time, when the sell out of the Dollar and the buy up of the Stirling and the Euro is over, a lot of countries will now be sitting on a vast amount of overvalued currencies, that got boosted in value, only because they all wanted to buy it in huge numbers at the same time.

And the drop in the Euro and Stirling starts.

This has the potential to get ugly, as the actual value of their currency has to drop to it's real value.

It has to drop through the value that was created during the buying frenzy, and that is a huge amount of value, and it also have to drop through the pre condition of being overvalued at the onset of the buying frenzy.

At that time, suddenly, the Dollar is a very good currency, valued really low, and you can get a lot for it, and lo and behold, it is rising in value at this time.

The Dollar have it's own world economy, most import export is made in Dollar, oil is set in Dollar, and even though the Dollar might have to give way for other currencies, it will be the very dominant currency of the world.

In itself the Dollar is self sustained as a world currency, but it for sure doesn't help if we here in the US are living a life in completely debt, buy now, pay later, and have no savings.

When the whole society is geared towards a buy now, consume it, and pay later (if you can), it will destabilize the society in such a way that it will become very sensitive to market fluctuations.

There is no stability in the sense that the population goes into effect, when a plant is shutting down, a company relocates, a person gets sick, a military base is closing or similar (for a country) small scale events.

The society have very little stability, and recessions will affect huge numbers of people.

The mentality of buy now, pay later, have reached our government as well and we have a huge trade imbalance.

A weak Dollar, as we have now is very very beneficial for our own production, this is an opportunity we are dreaming of, our goods are now very cheap in the outer world, and are easily affordable by a lot of nations.

The problem is, we got rid of our production basis in the -70's, and we have very very little pots and pans, tools, coat hangers, and plastic toys, manufactured in the US.

By some reason we don't understand, they are soooo much cheaper in WalMart.

As the Dollar is down, anything we import is suddenly more expensive.

The individual savings here in the US is one of the lowest on earth, and it reflects our own governments actions as well.

The individual lawmakers, are themselves living the buy now, pay later concept, as everybody else is doing, and why should they be any different from anybody else, so the mentality goes into the government that way.

To go back to the low Dollar, the Euro and the Stirling.

It's a market swing, sometimes the global conditions are there that calls for the "perfect storm", and we have signs in that directions right now, but all storms eventually dissipate into nothing.

The Iraqi's, will they hang onto the Dollar, well the GCC are not in favour of it, not in the sense of Dollars in their oil contracts, that will stay, but only in the sense of their falling currency reserve.

They are not in favour of the Dollar, not in a political sense, or anything of that sort, but from a pure economical factor only. The latest decision is to still hang onto the Dollar until their anticipated 2010 common currency.

Once the Dollar is on the upswing, oh man, they will be in favour of it, don't you worry about that.

The Iraqis, are struggling right now to make their mess work, and are deeply involved with the US in doing so, but are suffering from a Dinar that just will not hang onto it's value, because the Dollar is dragging it down, so don't be surprised if they will at least diversify, their currency, and perhaps do a currency basket at least, during the time they are pegging their currency.

Until the Dinar is traded on the Forex, most possibly they are going to continue with this set up as they are doing now, but perhaps with a more aggressively exchange policy, as the last couple of months didn't really do much for the Dinar other than adjust it to the Dollar.

Me I'm hoping for a revaluation, but those hopes have been floundering around with investors for years now, but ...perhaps...I would like to think so anyway.

Perhaps it is like having a Lotto ticket, and dream of the future if you win.

It's nice to have the dreams also, kind of comforting in a way.

-- April 24, 2007 5:29 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Valerio,

I must ask you, I eat meat, fish, and love Turkey, what exactly does that make me?

This thing about "clean food", can you expand on that please, what exactly constitute "clean food".

On your own body, right now, you have creatures walking around in the number of millions, anyone has. (After a shower you of course have less, but you still have them in very very high numbers)

Any veggie, have micro organisms by the millions.

Any given square yard of earth have more life in it than the total number of people on this earth.

If you like Yogurt, you better like to eat fermented food, made by micro organisms, and on top of it all, they are good for you.

If "clean" means infected, that I can buy, because there are some micro organisms that are pretty nasty. You get to spray paint the toilet. Still we are pretty prepared to deal with stuff like that, with our own bodily responses.

I must admit I'm not into eating insects, but that is a socially motivated thing.

I like crustaceans, hummer crayfish, they sure have a lot of legs.

If I would have been brought up in a society where fried grasshoppers was a delicatessen, I would probably not object to it.

It's for sure a great source of protein, a super pill if I may say so. I heard that worms have one of the highest protein concentrations there are.

The body is designed for both veggies and meat, and as far as bodily functions both works just as well.

I'm getting hungry quicker after I have eaten veggies, it's more calories in meat. Meat is more high octane if you put it that way.

You can do a laboratory test, and compare fish, cow, pig, turkey or whatever, and you will not find any difference in cleanliness in any of them.

They are built up by the same basic components all of them.

You will get difference in texture, taste and so on, well...I can buy it , that one might be more polluted with stuff that is not good for us, if the fish was hatched in a fishery half a mile down stream from the city sour systems outlet.

Our bodies works like a Carbon Oxygen machine, with a slow burn rate, in all essential the same as a gasoline engine, with the only difference that on occasion I would benefit from a catalytic converter to treat my exhaust gasses.

So to continue with the analogy, when you eat, that is the same as taking the car to the gas station, you fuel it up, and away you go.

If you get carbon, you can burn it. That's the science or religion or philosophy of it, that's all there is.

Now, our digestive system can't do what plants are doing.

They sit in ONE spot, and convert minerals straight into their body, on a very long timescale.

It would be nice to get a rock, and munch it down, but the digestion would be far far to slow, for the energy we need to operate in the manner that we call the human race, so we have to go VIA plants.

We let the plants do the mineral collection for us. We don't have the time for that stuff. Plants have nothing else to do.

Animals can also eat plants, so lucky us, here we got a double whammy.

We eat either the plants themselves, or the other animals that eats the plants.

Now, by doing this, we get minerals, and fuel (coal) in a digestible way, we can get it to the furthest points in out body quicker than eating a chunk of coal from a coalmine, and thus we can proceed to be a hectic and speedily moving person.

When you have eaten (fueled up), you have given the body what it needs to survive, and thrive.

Give a Muslim bacon in a form he wouldn't recognise as bacon, and you will see that he functions as well as any other human, with that fuel.

There is nothing "clean" about food (fuel) they are all living cells in one form or the other.

Intestines are more easily digested than meat, and that's why the lions are going for the guts, the first thing they do.

Almost anything, except the hide, and the skeleton of an animal can be eaten. It's just a matter of taste and preference, but that one is more unclean than another is not true. Once the current digested food the animal currently have in their intestines are rinsed out, you're good to go, lions don't even bother with that, but then again, I don't have to smell lions breath all day long.

Valerio, wouldn't you agree with me that it is a religious, or a social based statement that some of the food is approved and some is not, by religious authority, God, Gods or Holy Decree or whatever, rather than the true factual cycle of the food chain?

Your statement regarding food is based on what is socially acceptable within the religion of your choice.

If you still don't think so, then you really have to give a detailed and believable account what exactly constitute "clean food".

-- April 24, 2007 6:48 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

This is the BIG one. This is it.

In late May, all the big guns in the Iraqi oil ministry will be in Dubai, having an oil summit.

Not only will all the Iraqi officials be there that have anything to do with oil, but ALL THE BIG GUN oil companies, from all over the world, where private consultations are promised with each and any of them.

Count on hi volume business talks, contract signings, and a lot of grease money to get the best deals.

Shell, BP, Exxon, Mitsubishi, Honeywell, Lukoil, on and on, a long list with the biggest around.

If not Iraq has the HCL passed by that time, they have no doing over there, have nothing to negotiate with and the come together would be meaningless, so I can foresee a rapid passing of the HCL in the close future.

Oil contracts being made and a reconstruction of existing oil fields, together with new construction in exploratory fields.

This is it my friends, the key to a higher valued Dinar.

Follow the money, follow the oil.

-- April 24, 2007 8:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Arabs Urge Al-Maliki To Include Sunni Insurgents In Reconciliation Efforts
4/22/2007

Arabs Urge Al-Maliki To Include Sunni Insurgents In Reconciliation Efforts

(RTTNews) - Arab leaders Sunday, called upon Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to step up reconciliation efforts to include Sunni insurgents in return for Arab support.

Al-Maliki, in his official visit to Egypt as prime minister, has sought support from Cairo in a bid to contain Iraq's deadly sectarian violence.

"Egypt stands by Iraq to achieve peace, security and stability and stresses the need to achieve national reconciliation between all sects of the Iraqi society," Egypt Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif was quoted by AP after talks with al-Maliki.

Unidentified Arab diplomats, said al-Maliki was told in no uncertain terms that Arabs will link their support to a package of demands before they give substantial help to his beleaguered government.

At last month's summit of Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia, Sunni-led governments of Arab states had adopted a tough posture on Iraq and demanded the Shiite-led government change its constitution and its military to include more Sunnis and end persecution of former members of Saddam Hussein's regime.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Turkey-Iraq discusses oil trade

Turkey and Iraq discussed the current oil trade between the two countries during an Iraqi delegation visit to Ankara last week, State Minister Kursat Tuzmen announced.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 910 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/4/ 24 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1268 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 83.140.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 83.140.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----
(www.cbiraq.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 11:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

UN Panel Says CPA is Mismanaging Iraq’s Oil Revenues
In criticism reminiscent of US charges against Saddam's handling of Iraq's oil revenues, a UN-mandated oversight panel says the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority has mishandled billions in Iraqi funds.
By Chris Shumway

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

24 April 2007 (The NewStandard)
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A UN-mandated oversight panel says the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is mismanaging billions of dollars in Iraqi oil revenues.

The International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB), which was set up by the UN to monitor the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI), issued the criticism on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The Fund holds proceeds from the sale of Iraqi oil, as well as assets seized from Saddam Hussein's regime and money transferred from the sanctions-era Oil for Food Program.

According to Reuters, the Monitoring Board said the Coalition Provisional Authority falsely stated that it had awarded contracts for equipment to meter Iraq's oil production. The absence of such equipment makes it possible for smugglers to gain access to oil supplies, said the IAMB.

The IAMB also accused the CPA of delaying action for three months on a request by the Board that it turn over US audits of sole-source contracts awarded to Halliburton last year without competitive bidding, according to Reuters.

The IAMB includes representatives from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development.

The Financial Times reports that the US-based accounting firm KPMG, which is currently auditing the development fund on behalf of the Monitoring Board, says the Coalition's poor management has left the Fund "open to fraudulent acts."

KPMG is not expected to complete its audit until July 14, two weeks after the Coalition Provisional Authority is formally dissolved, according to Reuters. But in a preliminary report, a copy of which the Financial Times has obtained, KPMG criticized the coalition's handling of the DFI and said the audit has been delayed in part by "resistance" from CPA staff.

The Development Fund for Iraq was created by the UN last May and is managed by the CPA's Program Review Board (PRB), a panel appointed by and subordinate to the Coalition's civilian administrator, Paul Bremer. Spread sheets on the CPA's own web site indicate that the PRB has already spent $11.2 billion from the Fund, an amount that far exceeds the $3.2 billion in US taxpayer funds awarded thus far by the CPA for Iraqi reconstruction projects.

The PRB has also committed $4 billion to additional projects, leaving only $4.4 billion in the fund, which is to be formally turned over to Iraq's interim government on June 30. The UN Security Council resolution setting the terms for Iraqi sovereignty states that the interim government is obligated to honor all contracts awarded by the CPA.

The KPMG report obtained by Financial Times reads, "The CPA does not have effective controls over the ministries' spending of their individually allocated budgets, whether the funds are direct from the CPA or via the ministry of finance."

Some of KMPG's harshest criticism was directed at the State Organization for Marketing Oil (SOMO), an agency charged with selling Iraq's oil, the Financial Times reports. KMPG's report says SOMO's only record of transactions was "an independent database, derived from verbal confirmations gained by Somo staff."

An Iraqi minister, speaking to the Financial Times, said he and many of his colleagues who will take office on June 30 feel "let down by how the CPA has controlled resources."

An adviser to a former member of the Iraqi Governing Council told the Financial Times that he feared auditors would never be able to complete a thorough review of the CPA's handling of Iraq's money. "If the auditors don't finish by June 30, they never will, because the CPA staff are going home," the adviser said. "I lament the lack of transparency and lack of involvement by Iraqis."

Ironically, the US has frequently complained about the UN's management of funds in the Oil for Food program while Saddam Hussein was in power.

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Share this article with the world using these popular services! The CPA would not discuss the KPMG report with the Financial Times, stating only that it "has been and will continue to discharge its responsibilities under the Iraqi Development Fund."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 12:00 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Training the Iraqi Army and the Order of Battle
Facts do not support the claim that the U.S. military has abandoned the training of the Iraqi Security Forces

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

24 April 2007 (Bill Roggio)
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Source: Bill Roggio
Iraq's regional training facilities.
In the conventional template of reporting on Iraq, glossy, controversial headlines often fail to reflect the reality of the situation on the ground. Take the latest reporting by McClatchy Newspapers' Nancy A. Youssef concerning the purported shift of U.S. military power away from training Iraqi Security Forces and back toward stability operations. The Detroit Free Press titles the article "U.S. plan backs off training of Iraqis," with a subtitle of "Policy shift entrusts security to American troop buildup." The Kansas City Star leads with "In a reversal, U.S. reliance on Iraqi army is fading," and subtitles with "Training troops is no longer a priority, changing the role of American forces." Forget the fact that Youssef provides no evidence within the article to back up such bold assertions. She relies on vague or nonexistent quotes from unnamed Pentagon and Washington officials, as well as Defense Secretary Robert Gates' failure to mention training last Thursday, to support her unfounded claim. In fact, many of the named officials in her article refute her assertion.

The fact is that the U.S. and Iraqi government continue to push the training of additional Iraqi combat and support troops, and are funding a dramatic growth in the capabilities in the Iraqi Security Forces. The Congress' failure to pass the Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) Supplemental Budget is the only thing holding up the growth and training of the Iraqi military. In the FY07 budget, Congress has inserted the demand for a date for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, a demand which has prompted President Bush to insist he will veto the legislation.

The decrease in the training of the Iraqi Security Forces Youssef is detecting is the first effect of delaying the FY07 supplemental budget. The money to train the Iraqi units has dried up. While about 75 percent of the expansion of the Iraqi Security Forces is funded by the Iraqi government, this money is focused on equipping and training new combat units, including upgrading units to armored and mechanized divisions. The funds to train and equip over 33,000 Iraqi Army logistics, sustainment, maintenance, and support personnel comes from the U.S. FY07 supplemental budget.

Currently, the Iraqi Army has about 13,000 support personnel to sustain a 138,000 man force. The expansion of support personnel by 33,000 troops by the end of 2007 would provide the bare minimum support necessary for independent operations. The money to train the support units cannot be legally reappropriated from U.S. budgets to fund a foreign military equipment/training program, so the programs has stopped. This weakness in current Iraqi Security Forces structure is the focus of U.S. training in the "Year of Logistics."

It is highly unusual for U.S. generals to weigh in on disputes between the executive and legislative branches. The cut in funding for the training programming has caused U.S. generals to mention the situation no less than four times since the delay in the FY07 Supplemental Budget became a critical issue. "At the current moment, because of this lack of funding, MNSTC-I is unable to continue at the pace they were in the developmental process of the Iraqi security forces," Major General William Caldwell said in a recent press briefing. "It is starting to have some impact today, and will only have more of an impact over time."

Youssef's article also fails to note some very real and significant changes which are occurring with the structure and development of the Iraqi Army. The Army is expanding from 10 to 12 divisions. The current Iraqi Army has nine light infantry divisions and one mechanized division. This will expand to 12 divisions, with one armored division and two additional mechanized divisions, which will significantly increase the Army's mobility and striking power. To augment these new heavy divisions and to accelerate the motorization of the light infantry divisions, the Iraqi government is in the process of purchasing somewhere between 600 to 800 U.S. made M60 tanks and over 4,000 assorted armored personnel carriers.

In order to man these divisions, the Iraqi Army is using existing units as incubators. The 4th Iraqi Army Division is creating a 4th Brigade and the 7th Division is creating a 4th Brigade as well, both will help form the nucleus of a new Iraqi division. Over 6,000 recruits are being raised in the Kirkuk region--they will likely form the nucleus of the 11th Division, and another 5,000 troops are being raised in Basra.

Unfortunately, the expansion of the Iraqi Army by two divisions will force the service to poach trained cadres from existing units. This will result in a short term decrease in combat effectiveness for the cannibalized units, causing some to fall from an "in the lead" status to a lower level that requires Coalition partnering until they can increase their skill sets. When this happens, it will undoubtedly will be used to show the Iraqi Army is failing in its mission to take over security.

The U.S. military and Iraqi Ministry of Defense continue to raise troops and are in the process of an intensive training Program. Brigadier General Terry Wolff, the commander of the Military Assistant Training Team, highlighted this in a briefing in early March. "And you asked about replenishing the forces that were here as part of Baghdad security. Well, many of the young soldiers are going through basic training right now, and there are about 7,000 that are in basic training... Additionally, there are three training battalions in this force, and the training battalions are putting and are preparing soldiers for those units I described in the prime minister's initiative... So all total, about 15,000 soldiers training. You know, we've been as low as 6,000 at different cycles, based on whether we've got basic training running heavily or not, up to 15,000 is the highest I've seen.

The training isn't stopping with the foot soldiers, mechanized troops and supply and logistics soldiers. Multinational Forces Iraq established the 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Squadron at the New Al Muthana Air Base on April 22. The 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group is training the nucleus of the nascent Iraqi Air Force. And an Iraqi Military Intelligence Academy has recently been established to "prepare Iraqi security force graduates for counter-insurgency tactical and urban military intelligence operations."

Unlike what some would claim, training for the Iraqi Security Forces could only be higher if the FY07 supplemental budget submitted in February was not delayed for political reasons. The proponents of this delay claim that they want to bring the troops home sooner but, the delay in standing up their replacements (the Iraqi Security Forces) caused by Congress' actions has had the opposite effect of delaying the eventual reductions and the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

To put it bluntly, the facts do not support Nancy Youssef's highly provocative and patently false claim that the U.S. military has abandoned the training of the Iraqi Security Forces in order to fight al Qaeda and the insurgency. We've established the Iraqi Security Forces Order of Battle to document the progress and setbacks in the development of the Iraqi Army, police and other services, and there are no indications the training has been curtailed, other than what is being restricted by the U.S. Congress' failure to pass the supplemental funding bill. Youssef should do her homework before making such provocative and inaccurate statements.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 12:03 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Mobi-Tel, the first 3G network in Iraq, signed a three year exclusive contract for SMS Hubbing services with Monty Mobile

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Lebanon, 24 April 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
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Mobi-Tel, the first 3G network in Iraq to provide its SMS/MMS 2way services, will open up to more than 518 new operators through Monty Mobile's hub in the coming 6 months, and subscribers will be able to send and receive SMS/MMS all over the world.

Mobi-Tel is on its way to becoming the leader 3G operator in the region with more subscribers and higher revenues. Mobi-Tel believes that subscribers have the right to decide on the destination of their messages with Monty Mobile's SMS/MMS Highway.

Dr. Habbal, Mobi-Tel's Chief Commercial Officer, believes in the strategy of Monty Mobile, which consists on removing all boundaries to SMS and MMS destinations in this day and age.

"We can no longer decide on the limits of our network coverage, it is our duty to open up more countries and more continents, and give subscribers the right to choose any destination around the globe", said Mr. Mountasser Hachem, Monty Mobile's CEO.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 12:04 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

The Old Testament had certain restrictive laws about what you can and cannot eat. Things not to be eaten were things like pork or squid or octopus or shark, creatures which were scavengers or which ate the flesh of other animals (carnivores), in general. The grass and seed eating animals were "clean" (deer, cows, chickens, turkeys), and could be raised and eaten. Apart from the spiritual aspects involved, there were good dietary reasons for making the predators "unclean" (lions, tigers, bears, cats, dogs, etc), because living in the Middle East without refrigeration meant that those observing these rules had less chance of dying of food poisioning (predator meats contain worse bacteria than the grass eaters.) Pork, when spoiled, can kill, whereas deer or cow meat left the same amount of time would only sicken (hamburger poisioning.) In the New Testament, this legalistic requirement changed by the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as I attempt to explain below to Valerio.

Valerio;

I do not endorse the Church taking up the celebrating of pagan holidays, or adoring bunnies at "Easter".. however, you must understand that the point the Bible makes about observing feasts and special days as a form of legalism which Christ delivered us from:

Gal 4:9-11 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Observing days and months and seasons and years.. in a legalistic way, is not right. When you say, "God instructed (commanded) his people to keep the feast of passover forever and ever throughout all generations. The most precious holiday is not even kept by so called Christians..." This is one of these observances of certain days of which the legal observance of it has passed away under Christ, according to this Scripture. Here, the Apostle is dismayed that the church is into legalism and afraid that he has bestowed upon them in vain His labors to explain the gospel of Christ which is by faith and not by works or observances.

Matthew Henry commented on this passage in this way:

#1-7 The apostle deals plainly with those who urged the law of Moses together with the gospel of Christ, and endeavoured to bring believers under its bondage. They could not fully understand the meaning of the law as given by Moses. They were tied to many burdensome rites and observances, by which they were taught and kept subject like a child under tutors and governors. We learn the happier state of Christians under the gospel dispensation. From these verses see the wonders of Divine love and mercy; particularly of God the Father, in sending his Son into the world to redeem and save us; of the Son of God, in submitting so low, and suffering so much for us; and of the Holy Spirit, in condescending to dwell in the hearts of believers, for such gracious purposes. Also, the advantages Christians enjoy under the gospel. Although by nature children of wrath and disobedience, they become by grace children of love, and partake of the nature of the children of God; for he will have all his children resemble him. Among men the eldest son is heir; but all God's children shall have the inheritance of eldest sons. May the temper and conduct of sons ever show our adoption; and may the Holy Spirit witness with our spirits that we are children and heirs of God.

==end quote==

It is this kind of observing of certain days (here, you speak of the feast of the passover) which is spoken against in the Scripture as having passed away as a legalistic requirement under Christ. The Apostles did not observe such days, nor did the early Church. There was no observation of any legalistic requirements.. be it the observing of "days and months and seasons and years" or of the abstaining from certain kinds of meats.

Heb 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited those that have been occupied with them.

The heart is established in the Grace of God.. not by eating or not eating of "unclean" meats. Such observances are not a legalistic requirement upon the Church. You are not less holy before God if you eat a ham sandwich. While I can agree with you from a health viewpoint that with the nitrates, additives, preservatives and so on that they use to preserve and make pig meat tasty, and taking into account the fact that a pig is an animal that naturally eats some of the most disgusting things.. it might not be the wisest choice of what to eat.. yet I would not say a person is going against God's Holy Word and displeasing Him to eat a ham and pineapple pizza or a burger with bacon strips and melted cheese on top. And I know an instance where the only food a person could find to eat in a time of war and famine was a little pork - and I say that God would not disown nor dispise them because they made it into a stew with a few herbs. The legalism which says you may NOT ever eat unclean meats is not from the New Testament and the revelation through Jesus Christ. Jesus taught us that God is not concerned with that which has to do with the belly.. but with the heart.

Mat 15:3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mat 15:9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
Mat 15:10 And He called the multitude to Himself, and said to them, Hear, and understand:
Mat 15:11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man."
Mat 15:17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?
Mat 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
Mat 15:20 These are the things which defile a man

Jesus here said that that those things which go into the mouth (including ham or pork stew).. THESE DO NOT DEFILE A MAN. Therefore, saying some 'unclean' meats defile a person is wrong to teach.. and goes against the teachings of Christ. Jesus here taught that God looks at the heart and it is those things which can be defiling, NOT what goes into the mouth. So it is not wise to make a legalistic requirement not to eat certain meats when God says they do not defile a man but that God looks upon the heart matters instead. We are free from the legalism of the Old Testament through Jesus Christ, and the Liberty God has given us we will not yeild, nor allow ourselves to be brought into bondage.. (Gal 2:4, 4:31).

Col 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--
Col 2:21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
Col 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

An outward religious observance of the will in obstaining from certain meats or observing certain feast days is not what God wishes of men.. but clean hearts which purely seek God and act from the heart out of true goodness. This is something no observance of days or obstaining from "unclean" meats can give, and so God had to send His Son into the world to make possible a change of heart which is not outward but inward. As Jesus said:

Joh 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

That is the goal.. not the observance of feasts or what to eat or not eat.

Sara.

-- April 24, 2007 1:29 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush: Democrats Can Send Political Statement, But Expect Veto
Tuesday, April 24, 2007

WASHINGTON — President Bush, unswayed by the latest moves in Congress to forward a bill that will set timetables for combat troop withdrawal from Iraq, on Tuesday repeated his promise veto on the supplemental spending bill.

"I'm disappointed that the Democratic leadership has chosen this course," Bush told reporters before leaving for New York City for an education policy event and a private fundraiser to benefit the Republican National Committee.

"They chose to make a political statement," he said. "That's their right but it is wrong for our troops and it's wrong for our country. To accept the bill proposed by the Democratic leadership would be to accept a policy that directly contradicts the judgment of our military commanders."

Bush said he would then work to pass a "clean bill" free of timetables and other restrictions that would be "handcuffing our commanders, spending billions of dollars unrelated to the war and forcing our nation to withdraw on the enemy's terms."

The remarks, given just before stepping aboard Marine One, are the latest pushback in an entrenched battle between the White House and the Democratic-controlled Congress over provisions in the $124 billion emergency war spending bill.

Democratic Conferees Keep Timeline in Iraq War-Spending Bill Raw Data: Sen. Reid's Iraq Comments Reid Blasts Bush on Iraq, Declares That Congressional Democrats Will 'Show the Way' Democrats Mull Next Step After Expected Veto of Iraq War Spending Bill Bush Defends Iraq War; Republicans Blast Harry Reid for Saying Fight Is 'Lost' Late Monday, House and Senate Democrats settled differences between their two versions of the bill. Both chambers are expected to pass the compromise through party-line votes later this week.

The agreement — known as the conference committee report — would provide money to sustain military operations in Iraq, but would also require troops to begin to withdraw by Oct. 1 with a completion goal six months later. Democrats intend to send the bill to the president on Monday.

Firing back at the president, Democrats called Bush's policy unaccountable and destined for failure.

"The response that the president gave when he heard of the bill was the response of a president whose administration is in disarray. For the first time, the president will have to face up, will have to be accountable for this war in Iraq," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference.

"Mr. President, we sincerely hope that you change your mind, that you understand that this is a responsible bill to change policy and move in a new direction — a successful direction for our efforts internationally to defeat terrorism. Sign this bill," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer alongside Pelosi and other top Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released a statement calling Bush's plan "a failed policy that has our troops mired in an open-ended civil war that risks our security at home."

"The president apparently remains in a dangerous state of denial about the situation on the ground in Iraq and its impact on our security at home," Reid said, repeating a phrase he used a day before. "Although the president rightly stated that the American people voted against failure in Iraq last November, they also clearly voted against a policy that is leading us to failure — and that's what the president's stay-the-course strategy does."

With scant Republican support for the timetable provisions and heavy criticism of the domestic spending items, Democrats will not be able to overcome the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto. Democrats then would be forced to rework the bill into something that could pass both chambers.

Republican opposition began ramping up Tuesday. Radio ads were expected to begin running that would attack Reid, D-Nev., in the words of an Iraq veteran.

According to a transcript, an Iraq veteran identified as Capt. Trip Bellard says, "Senator Reid's remarks undercut the morale of our soldiers and undermine our troops on the ground."

And GOP party officials on Tuesday hoped to use words from one of the chief withdrawal proponents, Rep. Jack Murtha, D-Pa., against the Democratic cause. The RNC distributed a clip of Murtha being interviewed on a cable news show answering a question about how to respond to Bush saying that Congress "shouldn't be micromanaging the war."

"That's our job," Murtha said, adding that the White House has been unaccountable with contractors and spending in Iraq. "It's time for [Bush] to get a redeployment plan. If he doesn't do that, we're going to have the disaster he predicts. ... I think the surge has failed."

The conference committee agreement also quickly drew angry opposition from a leading Republican House member, who issued a warning to Democratic leaders for not listening to military commanders as they write war policy.

"I just don't think that it's a good idea for us here in the Congress to try to manage the conduct of the war," Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla., told his colleagues during a meeting Monday. Young also is seasoned in military appropriations.

In the 2003 run-up to the war, Young said administration officials dismissed a top Army officer's estimate that securing Iraq would probably require several hundred thousand troops.

Although Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, is in Washington this week to lobby lawmakers to give his plans a chance, Democratic leaders are standing firm — for now — on their timetable policy.

"Here is the bottom line," Reid said in a speech in which he quoted a retired Army general who opposes Bush's policy. "Americans must come to grips with the fact that our military alone cannot establish a democracy."

Reid also accused Bush of acting like President Lyndon Johnson, who ordered troop escalations to save his political legacy even though the policy ultimately failed. Reid, who last week said the war is "lost," rejiggered the phrase on Monday. "The time for patience is long past," he said.

As outlined by Democratic officials, the emerging legislation would require U.S. forces to begin withdrawing before Oct. 1 if Bush cannot certify that the Iraqi government is making progress in disarming militias, reducing sectarian violence and forging political compromises.

Another provision in the measure would withhold about $850 million in foreign aid from the Iraqis if the government does not meet those standards.

The Pentagon would be required to adhere to certain standards for the training and equipping of units sent to Iraq, and for their rest at home between deployments. Bush could waive the guidelines if necessary. Democrats assume he would, but they want him on record as doing so.

Under the nonbinding timeline, all combat troops would be withdrawn by April 1, 2008.

After that date, U.S. forces would have a redefined and restricted mission of protecting U.S. personnel and facilities, engaging in counterterrorism activities against Al Qaeda and other similar organizations, and training and equipping Iraqi forces.

Democrats jettisoned some of the domestic spending that Bush has held up to ridicule, including funds for spinach growers and peanut farmers. Reid, Pelosi and others decided to include money to help farmers hit by natural disasters as well as the victims of Hurricane Katrina, although Democrats charge that the non-war-related items in the bill are ones that Republicans neglected to deal with in the previous Congress.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(www.foxnews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 2:21 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

CBI participates in first Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference

CBI, Commercial Bank International participated in the first Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference which took place in Amman, Jordan.

The conference called 'Banking in Iraq: The 21st Century Challenge', which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, was organised by the US Agency for International Development (USAID)-IZDIHAR project, in association with USAID/Iraq Economic Governance II Program.

The conference which took stock of the developments in the Iraqi banking industry post April 2003, was a good opportunity for CBI to gain an excellent understanding of banks in Iraq, especially those in the private sector. The Bank also made use of its presence in Jordan by visiting some their Jordan-based clients in order to strengthen the relationship with them and had the chance to meet with potential clients.

The Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference also addressed issues facing the development of banking and explored the prospects and modalities of building a vibrant banking industry in Iraq. Among those who attended were representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Iraq, other Government of Iraq entities, regional regulators, Iraq private and state owned banks, regional and international banking groups, non-bank financial institutions, bank training organisations, international donors and selected international banking experts. This made it the ideal forum for CBI to approach some Iraqi banks, with a view to establishing new relationships with them.

Commenting on their participation in this important conference, Mr. Mohammad Saadeh, Head of Corporate Banking Group at CBI said: 'The Iraqi Banking and Finance Conference was an excellent forum for us to widen our global knowledge base on banking and banking practices in another country. We have had the opportunity to meet with some top banking officials in Iraqi banks and we hope that this will be the start of creating some fruitful business relationships for the future. The conference has been very eye-opening and incredibly informative. What we have learnt will go a long way towards helping CBI achieve greater expansion.'

CBI is a customer-centric bank that has made tremendous progress in the retail banking segment over the last year. The bank also offers securities and trading services and has a comprehensive real estate finance management subsidiary.
Links of Interest:

US Department of State

CIA World Fact Book

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Energy Information Administration

Coalition Provisional Authority

US Treasury - Financial Management Services

2006 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT - IRAQ

New Iraqi Dinar



View Latest News On Iraq

-- April 24, 2007 2:27 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Stability in Iraq has continued at a snails pace for sometime. Regardless of the potential wealth of Iraq, Malaki does not seem motivated to push reconciliation because of ethnic ties.

I am not sure how long the President can stave off Democrats and their requirements of a timetable for withdrawal.

Secretaries Gates, Rice, and President Bush must pressure Malaki to make vast improvement in ethnic reconciliation. Without security stability, the big oil companies will delay investment. Without that investment a weak Dinar will continue to be weak.

What about your thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2007 2:57 PM ∞

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akadjjam wrote:

All:

Afghanistan Afghanis currently trading at

1.00 USD

=

49.0070 AFN
United States Dollars Afghanistan Afghanis
1 USD = 49.0070 AFN 1 AFN = 0.0204052 USD

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

-- April 24, 2007 3:30 PM ∞

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akadjjam wrote:

Amazing huh?

-- April 24, 2007 3:35 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

I don't know why you felt you needed to explain legalism. I understand perfectly the things that are plan to see. The unclean foods were not conditionally unclean for reasons of climate or refrigeration, they were unclean because God didn't create them to be received for food and it was not in the intrest of good health to eat. They still are not to this day. It has nothing to do with defiling a mans heart, never said that did I? The disciples never eat unhealthy food, neither did Christ, and After the reserection I beleive they were still without refrigeration for nearly 2 thousand years. Theres no bonus points in heaven for eating only clean foods, and we know it has nothing to do with making it there, but it has everything to do with good health now in the flesh, which over generations effects the productivity of a nation. God said to keep the passover forever and ever. You can try to explain why its not true all you want, but when God says forever and ever thats what it is. Its not a matter of salvation, rites, or legalism. Also don't forget about the blessings that comes to the children of the King when they honor and obey him. Jesus said he came not to change even a jot or tittle of the law, and he didn't. The true law remains, you just have to learn what the law really is, and it should be in your heart.

-- April 24, 2007 4:54 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Afghani to USD:
Conversion Table: AFA to USD (Interbank rate)

http://www.oanda.com/convert/fxhistory

04/24/2007 0.019970

About two cents.

Sara.

-- April 24, 2007 5:20 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Valerio;

I am glad you admit that there is no bonus points in heaven for eating only clean foods and that you "know it has nothing to do with making it there" as that is the issue I felt was most important.. that, as a religious reason for abstaining from "unclean" foods, this has nothing to do with your standing before God, or righteousness. You admit to this, which I appreciate.. but then go into how valuable it is to "good health now in the flesh, which over generations effects the productivity of a nation." I presume, like the vegetarians, any restrictive dietary concerns, even those you base on what you feel are good religious reasoning, are fine for you to observe personally.. but I would not feel it wise to impose that concern for the "productivity of the nation." In other words, you are admitting it is a religious conviction you hold which is non-binding nor saving and which you are not mandated by God to impose upon others. This is important to point out because it is a mark of the false teachers who are to arise in the end times:

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Since you admit it is not a question of COMMANDING anything, but only a non-binding religious conviction about the physical health benefits of the food, you have relieved me of this concern.

Second part.. you said, "God said to keep the passover forever and ever. You can try to explain why its not true..." I never said that command was not given or true. However, I was pointing out that the religious observance, which you point out is not followed by the Christian Church, was due to the passing away of ceremonial rites as regarding days and months and seasons and years. If you remember, the Passover was the time when the angel of death passed over the people due to the blood which was placed on the doorposts and lintel (crossbeam over the door opening). It was a foreshadowing of Christ dying on the cross. His blood now covers our lives and sins in the same way that the blood of those lambs did the doorposts and lintels of those homes in Egypt during the passover. Jesus' blood saves us from the "angel of death" as it did those people in Egypt. Because of Jesus' death, we will live eternally and not suffer what Revelation calls "the second death," hell. We are preserved from eternal death by the blood of Jesus as they were preserved by the blood of lambs from the angel of physical death.

Because Jesus' blood covers our sins, we do not need the blood of a lamb to be sacrificed anymore and the passover is gone. In its place, the Christian Church now celebrates the Lord's supper.. which is the New Testament Passover. In it, we drink symbolically the fruit of the vine as a picture of Christ's blood instead of the lamb's and eat the bread as a picture of His body broken on the cross, even as they ate unleavened bread. The rite of the Passover is moved from an observance which is set in time (days and months and seasons and years) to a symbolic rememberance of the true Passover Lamb who was sacrificed by the giving of His life for mankind which is remembered in the Lord's Supper. The Passover is not what the Christian Church has practiced because Christianity teaches that the Passover is to be celebrated.. but its form, like the sacrifice, has been changed by the coming of Jesus Christ. No longer do we sacrifice a lamb's blood.. now only the blood of Jesus is sufficient. We celebrate the Passover feast symbolically every time we have the Lord's supper and remember the true Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. And we will continue to celebrate the Lord's Supper for all eternity, even in the Lord's Presence. Therefore, the new passover is kept forever, and it is true and has been observed by the Church since the Lamb Himself instituted its remembrance. Jesus is the Lamb:

Joh 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world."

Luk 22:14 And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.
Luk 22:15 Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;
Luk 22:16 For I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
Luk 22:19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
Luk 22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you."

Jesus knew He would eat the Passover (Lord's supper) with them again after His death.. one day, in the Kingdom of God. It is an eternal observation, the new Passover in His blood.

Sara.

-- April 24, 2007 6:24 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Sorry for the long-winded religious explanation, folks.. on to Dinar:

Rob N;

You say Maliki does not seem to be motivated to push reconciliation because of ethnic ties. I don't know if that is the real problem.. but hopefully they will resolve whatever differences they have very soon. I suppose they must to survive as a country, and that they are motivated to have a country and not be turned over to the terrorists by constantly delaying until they are slaughtered by them because the US withdraws. They must understand that there is an end to US patience.

I agree with you that Maliki needs to be pressured into this in order to get the stability which is necessary for investment. I think giving him until the end of June and threatening that if he does not do this he will be replaced is that pressure. And.. it may take until June until that pressure comes into play enough to cause the Revaluation.

Don't forget these quotes (taken from previous posts above);

Iraq PM Fears Loss Of US Support If No Oil Law By Jun 30-Aides
3/13/2007

BAGHDAD (AP)--Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fears the U.S. will withdraw support for his government - effectively ousting him - if parliament doesn't pass a draft oil law by the end of June, close associates of the Iraqi leader told The Associated Press Tuesday.

AND

Iraqi leader fears ouster over oil money
By STEVEN R. HURST - AP
03/15/07

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fears the Americans will torpedo his government if parliament does not pass a law to fairly divvy up the country's oil wealth among Iraqis by the end of June, close associates of the leader told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

http://www.buffalonews.com/260/story/32561.html

Any sooner they accomplish this necessary political step will be welcome, but definitely there is an end to the patience the US will have with the Maliki Administration and the US will look for others who can deliver a fresh cooperative process if Maliki doesn't deliver the necessary benchmark for proof of progress Congress has endorsed by the end of June.

Sara.

-- April 24, 2007 6:50 PM ∞

---

paul wrote:

Hi All,

Here's one woman who is telling it like it is...in her opinion!
Written by a housewife from New Jersey and sounds like it! This is one pissed off lady.

"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet?...Well, I don't. I don't care at all.

I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.

I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia .

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.

I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.

I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.

I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care

When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured: I don't care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank: I don't care.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts: I don't care.

And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and -you guessed it -I don't care ! ! ! ! !

If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your e-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!

If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great country! And may I add:

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."
Ronald Reagan

I have another quote that I would like to add AND.......I hope you forward all this
"If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." also by..
Ronald Reagan

One last thought for the day:
In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England 's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America , he said:
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in... And how many want out."
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET BOTH OF THEM.
AMEN!

-- April 24, 2007 11:03 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Sara,
Read this slow.
Eating only what was created to be received has nothing to do with religion for the Christian. It is merely listening to the wisdom of the creater for the benefit of health. You would not believe how much our nations diet is filled with the things God advised not to eat. We know the value of nutrition to not only the body, but also to the mind, and even more to the developing minds of our children. This is what I refer to when relating health to the productivity of a nation. Children given better nutients are brighter students, and healthy fit parents are better workers, and the impact of nutrition and heath goes on and on even to the economics of a nation. Once again, not religious reasoning, but rather the wisdom to accept the council of he who created and set all things in order.
You quote 1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
This is speaking of things that were created to be received, and has nothing to do with the unclean meats that were never created to be received as food for humans.
Now if you want to eat that which is unclean for food, thats quite alright with me, I don't judge you, and if you have a portion of the unclean with every meal, it don't offend me. You probably won't be around long. But I still advise, if you want to feel good while your here, and your not in a hurry to pass on, and you don't care to partake in the ills that plague our nation such as high blood pressure, heart desease, diabeties, cancers, alzhimers, birth defects, etc., the sooner you begin listening to the council of God the better off you and your children after you will be.
I don't announce my abstainance from what God says is unclean to anyone, but people find out, and truthfully I tell you it is my Christian brothers who are offended and Judge me in it the most. I don't know if they fear I'm getting some bonus points , or what, but I tell them it truely has nothing to do with religion and like you they just can't accept that.

-- April 25, 2007 1:43 AM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Paul,
I really appreciated that post, Thank you and amen.

I caught a replay of the movie "flight 93" yesterday on HBO, and it brought that horrible day back fresh in my mind agian. And how blessed we are to have had a president to bravely stand at the center of Yankee stadium shortly afterward showing the world that we're not affraid. A predsident who avowed that we would find those responsible, and bring them to justice, and we shall not be moved from that resolve. Our president is a direct descendant of the greatest American and father of our country George Washington, without whom we would never had come to exist as the nation we now are. I believe our George will also have success in this effort as his great father had, as the bullets of the enemy couldn't seem to find him though he was present in the midst of the battles. I sincerely pray to God that he grant us his blessing in this cause also.

-- April 25, 2007 2:34 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Been away for a short vacation

Guess I didn't miss much

Announcement No.(911)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 911 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/4/ 25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1268 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 63.975.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 63.975.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- April 25, 2007 6:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Urges Investment in Iraq

Security should not be an obstacle to investing in Iraq because many parts of the country are not engulfed in violence, a senior U.S. official said Monday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 25, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi politicians say government is failing

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

BAGHDAD, 25 April 2007 (CNN)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi politicians -- frustrated by violence throughout the country and the glacial pace of parliamentary lawmaking -- say the nearly one-year-old government is failing.

Iraqi lawmakers told CNN the government's impotence and inability to bring peace to the chaotic environment is basically structural, and not the product of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish legislator, was quoted in the USA Today newspaper as describing al-Maliki as weak, but in an interview with CNN, he said, "It's not Maliki, it's the whole government."

That government, he said, is failing on many fronts, such as providing security, fostering reconciliation and offering public services. (Watch patrol in 'no man's land' help dying woman)

He believes Iraq, not the U.S. government, should set deadlines for goals, and the government must "deliver" them or resign.

Hasan al-Shimmari, a Shiite member of the United Iraqi Alliance's Fadhila party, said the government is weak because the political process and the government's structure are "based on partisan allocation of ministries."

"The Maliki government should be strengthened by correcting the political process and allocating ministries democratically," he said.

Hasan al-Sneid, a UIA parliament member who is close to al-Maliki, blamed political forces and parliament for problems, but he praised al-Maliki's efforts to foster reconciliation among Sunnis and Shiites.

Another legislator pointed to Baghdad's two-month-old security plan as evidence of the government's inefficiency.

The plan is "not working," according to Maysoon al-Damalouji, a secular Sunni lawmaker.

She said many people believed that services would be restored to neighborhoods "cleansed" by U.S. and Iraqi troops. However, once troops leave a cleansed region, militias move back in and take revenge on people who have cooperated with the troops.

Al-Damalouji believes that the essential problem is the division of parties by sectarian affiliation.

Suicide bombers kill 9 U.S. soldiers

Nine U.S. paratroopers were killed Monday when a pair of suicide bombers attacked a small U.S. patrol base in Diyala province, the U.S. military said. (Watch how Diyala province is becoming a major battleground)

It was the deadliest attack on U.S. ground forces in Iraq since December 2005.

U.S. military officials said initial reports indicate insurgents used two 30-ton dump trucks full of explosives to attack what they call a combat outpost. The massive blast resulted in the northern and western walls of the compound collapsing. Remains of several troops were recovered from the rubble.

An additional 20 U.S. soldiers were wounded in the attack.

The direct assault is a departure from the usual tactics of the insurgents, who in the past have been more inclined to use hit-and-run sniper attacks, or launch mortars from a distance.

The Islamic State of Iraq, the insurgent umbrella group that includes al Qaeda in Iraq, claimed responsibility for the attack in a posting on an Islamist Web site.

The same insurgent group claimed responsibility for the suicide attack at Iraq's parliament complex two weeks ago.

The insurgents said that the U.S. confirmation of the Diyala attack "is a rare confession by the Americans about an operation against their soldiers" and that "God guided the soldiers of ISI to a new method of explosion."

The Diyala region is emerging as a major battleground in the Iraq war, along with Baghdad and Anbar province, with insurgents shifting their operations into the area.

The Diyala attack has jolted the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where all the dead and wounded soldiers are based, according to the U.S. military.

A Fort Bragg spokesman, Maj. Tom Earnhardt, said the Diyala attack is "the worst incident we've had in the whole global war on terrorism."

Other developments

At least 15 people were killed and 25 were wounded Tuesday in a suicide truck bombing north of Ramadi, police in the Anbar provincial capital said. The bomber struck a police patrol, killing at least four officers. Women and children were among those wounded, police said.
President Bush said Tuesday he will veto a war spending bill that sets a deadline for U.S. troop withdrawals to begin. The House of Representatives and Senate agreed Monday on a bill that requires a pullout of troops to begin by October 1. (Full story)
Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets of Baghdad on Monday to protest a concrete wall surrounding Adhamiya, a Sunni neighborhood in Baghdad. The U.S. and Iraqi militaries said the wall is a temporary structure to prevent insurgent attacks. But many Baghdad residents fear walls will exacerbate the sectarian divide fueling the insurgency in the Iraqi capital. (Watch why the wall is controversial)
CNN's Yousif Bassil, Arwa Damon, Jomana Karadsheh, Octavia Nasr, Jomana Karadsheh and Brian Todd contributed to this report.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 25, 2007 10:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq oil law no closer to completion

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

BAGHDAD, 25 April 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq's oil minister said a draft law governing its oil would head to Parliament this week, but major roadblocks still need to be overcome.

More than 60 current and former Iraqi oil officials met in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, last week to talk frankly about the hydrocarbons law. Instead, what was revealed was negotiations are a long way from concluding.

The Iraqi Cabinet in February approved a draft hydrocarbons law framework, which lays out how Iraq's 115 billion barrels of oil and 111 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves will be governed, explored and produced. That law, along with numerous accompanying laws and annexes, are to be approved by Parliament by May 31.

While tense talks in Dubai highlighted difference of opinions on the oil regime, Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said it will head to Parliament soon.

The framework means nothing without the annex -- a disputed list of who controls which oil fields. There has been no agreement on revenue sharing either, both how exactly the money will be collected and redistributed, and how much.

Petroleum Intelligence Weekly reports the Kurdistan Regional Government said the Kurdish bloc in Parliament will reject the law if the annex stands as is. The KRG will move forward unilaterally on development if the law isn't passed by the end of May, which is looking increasingly likely.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 25, 2007 10:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Moscow backs Lukoil Iraq project

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

25 April 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
The Russian government is throwing its full support behind Lukoil's ambition to become the first big international energy group to develop a major Iraqi oil field following the 2003 US invasion.

Vagit Alekperov, Lukoil's chief executive, said in an interview on Tuesday: "The Russian government supports us, the foreign ministry supports us, the president of the federation supports us. They support the idea of putting those Iraqi fields [into production] as soon as possible. In all these areas we have the support of the Russian government."

He added that Lukoil would be able to develop the West Qurna field two to three times more quickly than any other company. "We are ready to move really fast," he said. "The situation in South Iraq is pretty stable and we have no problem starting operations right after the passage of the hydrocarbon law and once we have the necessary approvals," he said. Iraq's parliament aims to pass the law by the end of next month.

West Qurna is believed to hold as many as 11bn-15bn barrels of recoverable oil reserves and has a potential to produce as many as 1m barrels a day, making it one of the world's biggest fields.

International energy companies such as ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and BP have been waiting for the security situation in Iraq to improve before developing fields, and analysts believe the situation in the Shia-dominated region close to the southern port of Basra where West Qurna is located is far from predictable.

But at least one US company would benefit if Iraq's oil ministry assigned the development of West Qurna to Lukoil. In 2004 ConocoPhillips, the US's third largest energy group, formed a strategic partnership with Lukoil in which the US company gradually expanded its stake to just shy of 20 per cent. At the time of the announcement, the companies noted the eventually development of West Qurna as one of their motives for the deal.

Lukoil has spent more than a decade angling for West QurnaIn spite of United Nations sanctions, the company signed a deal with Saddam Hussein, Iraq's deposed president, in 1997 to develop the field. But in 2002, shortly before the US invasion, Baghdad rescinded the deal, saying it was angered by Lukoil's attempts to get assurances from the opposition that it would keep the contract in case Mr Hussein's regime fell.

In the past two years Lukoil has spent $20m to train 1000-2000 Iraqi oil field engineers in Russian fields, put another 100 through Russian universities and provide equipment for Iraq's oil industry.

Gaining access to West Qurna is especially important for Lukoil because the Russian government is consolidating its power over Russian oil and gas fields by shifting the ownership of country's biggest fields to its state companies, Gazprom and Rosneft.

"We believe our homebase is Russia," Mr Alekperov said, but he added: "At the same time we will be taking new efforts outside the Russian federation."

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesman said: "Defending the interests of Russian companies abroad as a whole is a matter of importance for the government ... and it is also an important priority for the president. As far as Lukoil is concerned, it is a major company that is expanding its reach in many countries of the world... The intentions of the company to expand its presence in Iraq is supported in Russia."

Additional reporting by Catherine Belton in Moscow
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 25, 2007 10:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. says killed senior al Qaeda in Iraq figure Wed Apr 25, 6:50 AM ET

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Wednesday it had killed a senior al Qaeda in Iraq figure who it accused of leading a cell which sent children as young as 12 on suicide car bomb missions.

ADVERTISEMENT

U.S. forces killed Muhammed Abdullah Abbas al-Issawi, described as a security emir for al Qaeda in Iraq in the western Anbar province, during a firefight with insurgents last Friday.

A U.S. military statement said Issawi, also known as Abu Abd al-Sattar, was linked to a recent surge in the use of poisonous chlorine gas in vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), or car and truck bomb attacks.

"Intelligence reports also indicate that this VBIED cell used 12 to 13-year-old children as VBIED drivers," it said.

Major General Michael Barbero, deputy director for regional operations in the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, told reporters in Washington last month that insurgents in Iraq had used children in two separate suicide attacks in March.

Such reports could not be independently confirmed.

The military statement said Issawi, who had links to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq who was killed in a U.S. air strike in June 2006, was one of two insurgents killed in the firefight in western Iraq. A third was detained.

U.S. forces said suicide vests and weapons including hand grenades were also found.

Volatile Anbar is a stronghold of the Sunni Arab insurgency against U.S.-led and Iraqi forces. Militants from Sunni Arab al Qaeda and local Sunni tribes are also engaged in a bitter power struggle in Anbar.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070425/ts_nm/iraq_qaeda_emir_dc_1)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 25, 2007 10:30 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Paul. I appreciated your posting that.

And thanks, Chris.. welcome back and thanks again for your posting the exchange rate.

Rob N, your posts are always welcome food for thought. Just yesterday I mentioned that if the Maliki government cannot their necessary political milestones for progress implemented by the end of June, then that governmental structure will be ended and there will be another fresh start. It seems, from this last post about the concern that the Maliki government is failing.. that there may indeed be a need for a fresh start with a new leader. If Maliki cannot deliver the necessary progress for the country to move forward, I do think he should stand aside so that someone else who can bring results can do the job which must be done.

Sara.

-- April 25, 2007 11:48 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Valerio;

Thanks for your prayer. The nation needs it.

As for the part from you or anonymous about unclean foods not being fit for man to consume... I was just wondering where in the Bible that verse saying that exists? Because, even if it was in a vision and for illustrative purposes only, God once commanded the apostle Peter to actually eat unclean things.. and if it were completely forbidden, why would God choose to do that?

Act 10:9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
Act 10:10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance
Act 10:11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
Act 10:12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
Act 10:13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
Act 10:14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
Act 10:15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
Act 10:16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

As I said, where is the verse which proves your position that unclean things must never be eaten from the Bible? Here, God says He can cleanse even unclean things.. and further, if we pray to God for His blessings over our food, it is to be received from God's hand and will be used to bless our bodies. I don't think you could say a person will become ill from eating freshly baked and blessed clams like at an ocean clambake which is roasted in the sand in covered pits on the Oregon coast. I still think that the reason that Scripture refers to those who command to abstain from meats includes all those who say they are not to be "received with thanksgiving":

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Ti 4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
1Ti 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
1Ti 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
1Ti 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

This says expressly that EVERY creature (living animal, meat) is good and NOTHING is to be refused.. but to thank God for the food and that it will be made clean (sanctified) by the Word of God and prayer. I therefore categorically reject your pronouncement or 'curse' upon those who would eat meat which you consider unclean which says that all such people will have all manner of evil diseases and health problems because God here says He will sanctify (make clean) EVERY creature of God and not one of them are to be refused but that all are to be received with thanksgiving. May God be judge between us and you in this regard concerning this pronouncement you make which comes forth judgementally and as a curse toward those who do not so believe as you do. Such words do not come from God's Spirit, nor from His Love, but judgementalism and legalism. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Sara.

-- April 25, 2007 12:32 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

The last thing the Middle East's main players want is US troops to leave Iraq

Across the region, ordinary people want the Americans out. But from Israel to al-Qaida, political groups and states have other ideas

Hussein Agha
Wednesday April 25, 2007
The Guardian

Overt political debate in the Middle East is hostile to the American occupation of Iraq and dominated by calls for it to end sooner rather than later. No less a figure than King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, arguably the United States' closest Arab ally, has declared the occupation of Iraq "illegal" and "illegitimate". Real intentions, however, are different. States and local political groups might not admit it - because of public opinion - but they do not want to see the back of the Americans. Not yet.

For this there is a simple reason: while the US can no longer successfully manipulate regional actors to carry out its plans, regional actors have learned to use the US presence to promote their own objectives. Quietly and against the deeply held wishes of their populations, they have managed to keep the Americans engaged with the hope of some elusive victory.

The so-called axis of moderate Arab states - comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan - dreads an early US withdrawal. First, because it would be widely interpreted as an American defeat, which would weaken these pro-American regimes while both energising and radicalising their populations.

Second, if the US leaves, the emergence of a Shia regime in Iraq - in itself an offensive prospect to them - would only be a matter of time. Facing Arab antipathy, this regime would be likely to look eastward and forge close ties with its Iranian co-religionists. In the view of most Arabs, this would present a formidable challenge, setting in motion a series of dangerous events - an Iranian-Iraqi alliance; political and material support from Arab countries being offered to disgruntled Iraqi Sunni groups; retaliation by Iraqi forces; and the threat of broader regional involvement.

Third, a US departure risks triggering Iraq's partition. As some Arabs see it, the occupation is what holds the country together. So long as coalition forces are deployed, a full-blown breakup can be avoided.

In contrast, with the Americans gone, the odds of partition would increase dramatically, presenting a threat to the integrity and security of regional states. Exacerbating dormant, and in some cases not so dormant, secessionist tendencies would be one concern. Perhaps more worrying would be the ensuing challenge to the legitimacy of the fundamental tenets of nationhood, state, and national borders.

Paradoxically, the competing axis of so-called rogue states made up of Syria and Iran also wants the US to stay. So long as America remains mired in Iraq's quicksand, they think, it will be difficult for it to embark on a similar adventure nearby. This is true not only politically - the quagmire standing as a stark reminder of the invasion's failure - but also militarily: US capabilities will remain stretched for as long as the occupation continues.

Moreover, American forces in Iraq present relatively soft targets for retaliation in case Iran or Syria is attacked. In short, whether or not Syria and Iran are correct in their calculations, the occupation of Iraq is seen as the most effective insurance policy against a possible US attack against them.

For Turkey, America's presence ensures that the national aspirations of Iraq's Kurds will not metamorphose into a fully fledged independent state, a strict red line for Ankara, which has its own irredentist Kurdish problem. By containing Kurdish ambitions, the US diminishes the probability of a costly and uncertain Turkish military campaign to thwart them. Nor is Turkey attracted to the prospect of an Iraqi Shia state allied to Iran and tolerant of Kurdish aspirations - an outcome it hopes the occupation will make less likely.

For Israel too, an American withdrawal could spell disaster. Already, nothing has dented Israeli deterrence more than America's performance in Iraq - an inspiration to Israel's Arab foes that even the mightiest can be brought to heel. An early withdrawal, coming in the wake of last summer's Lebanon war, could put Israel in a dangerous position, handing a victory to Iran - the latest putative threat to Israel's existence - and providing a boost to Syria which may be considering military options to recover the Golan Heights.

There are risks for the smaller Gulf states too. With their large Shia communities and heavy dependence on American protection, they would be threatened by an early US departure from Iraq. In Bahrain, home to an unhappy Shia majority, the fallout could be imminent.

Inside Iraq, this is a period of consolidation for most political groups. They are building up their political and military capabilities, cultivating and forging alliances, clarifying political objectives and preparing for impending challenges. It is not the moment for all-out confrontation. No group has the confidence or capacity decisively to confront rivals within its own community or across communal lines. Equally, no party is genuinely interested in a serious process of national reconciliation when they feel they can improve their position later on. A continued American presence is consistent with both concerns - it can keep clashes manageable and be used to postpone the need for serious political engagement.

Shias in government would like the US to stay long enough for them to tighten their grip on the levers of state power and build a loyal military. Those Shias who are not in power would like them to stay long enough to avoid a premature showdown with their rivals. Militant Shia groups can simultaneously blame the occupation forces for their community's plight and attack them to mobilise further support. Pro-Iranian Shias, meanwhile, retaliate against anti-Iranian US moves with attacks on Americans in Iraq.

Al-Qaida and its affiliates arguably benefit most from the occupation. They established themselves, brought in recruits, sustained operations against the Americans and expanded. The last thing they want is for the Americans to leave and deny them targets and motivation for new members. Other Sunni armed groups need the Americans for similar reasons and for protection against Shias. For Sunni politicians, the occupation prevents a total Shia takeover of state institutions and helps increase their influence.

Of all ethnic groups, the Kurds have made best use of the Americans. Protected by the US from their powerful and ruthless historical foes, Arab and Turk, they have built quasi-independent institutions and prospered amid relative security. They have no reason to want this situation to end.

In common with neighbouring states, Iraqi Shias, Sunnis and Kurds are united in being able to use the Americans' presence to pursue separate and often conflicting political agendas. The grand disconnect in the region is between the political sentiments of ordinary people, which are overwhelmingly for an end to occupation, and the political calculations of leaders, which emphasise the benefits of using the Americans and consequently of extending their stay - at least for the time being.

In this grim picture, the Americans appear the least sure and most confused. With unattainable objectives, wobbly plans, changing tactics, shifting alliances and ever-increasing casualties, it is not clear any longer what they want or how they are going to achieve it. By setting themselves up to be manipulated, they give credence to an old Arab saying: the magic has taken over the magician.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2064703,00.html

-- April 25, 2007 1:21 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Iraq Slams U.N. Human Rights Report
By THOMAS WAGNER, Associated Press Writer
5:05 AM PDT, April 25, 2007

BAGHDAD -- The United Nations released a human rights report Wednesday saying sectarian violence continued to kill a large number of Iraqi civilians in Sunni Arab and Shiite neighborhoods of Iraq's capital despite the new Baghdad security plan. The Iraqi government called the assessment "inaccurate" and "unbalanced" and warned it put the U.N.'s credibility at stake.

The criticism came after the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq decided to exclude the usual civilian casualty figures in the 30-page report, saying the government had failed to provide them.

"The Iraqi government announced its deep reservations about the report that is inaccurate in presenting information, it lacks credibility in many of its points. Also, It lacks balance in presenting the situation of the human rights situation in Iraq," the government said in a statement.

"The publication of this unbalanced report ... puts the credibility of the U.N. office in Iraq on stake and it aggravates the humanitarian crisis in Iraq instead of solving it."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-un-report,1,7753253.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=true

-- April 25, 2007 1:25 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bush, Cheney attack Dems' motives on Iraq
Vice president lashes out at Senate leader's 'defeatism'
Carl Hulse and Jeff Zeleny, New York Times

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

(04-25) 04:00 PDT Washington -- President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney aggressively challenged the motives of congressional Democrats on Tuesday, as the House and Senate prepared to consider a war spending bill that would order troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq later this year.

In separate appearances that served as a prelude to an inevitable veto showdown, Bush and Cheney accused Democrats of political opportunism.. "Instead of fashioning a bill I could sign, the Democratic leaders chose to further delay funding our troops, and they chose to make a political statement," Bush said Tuesday morning. "That's their right. But it is wrong for our troops, and it's wrong for our country."

Cheney was even tougher, "What's most troubling about Sen. Reid's comments yesterday is his defeatism," said Cheney. "And the timetable legislation that he is now pursuing would guarantee defeat. Maybe it is a political calculation."

Under the legislation before Congress, the United States would establish benchmarks for the Iraqi government to meet to show progress in securing the country. If the president determines the Iraqis are complying, he would be directed to begin removing troops by Oct. 1, with a goal of having most combat forces out within six months. If the president concludes the Iraqis are not making progress on the benchmarks, the pullout would begin earlier, by July.

While Republicans have argued strongly against the Democratic-sponsored Iraq spending plan, they have put forth little resistance to the actual legislation, saying they are simply waiting for the president's veto so lawmakers can try again to come up with a war spending bill.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/04/25/MNGRQPENM11.DTL&type=politics

-- April 25, 2007 1:33 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Giuliani warns of 'new 9/11' if Dems win
By: Roger Simon
Updated: April 25, 2007 01:28 PM EST

MANCHESTER, N.H. —- Rudy Giuliani said if a Democrat is elected president in 2008, America will be at risk for another terrorist attack on the scale of Sept. 11, 2001.

But if a Republican is elected, he said, especially if it is him, terrorist attacks can be anticipated and stopped.

“If any Republican is elected president —- and I think obviously I would be the best at this —- we will remain on offense and will anticipate what [the terrorists] will do and try to stop them before they do it,” Giuliani said.

The former New York City mayor, currently leading in all national polls for the Republican nomination for president, said Tuesday night that America would ultimately defeat terrorism no matter which party gains the White House.

“But the question is how long will it take and how many casualties will we have?” Giuliani said. “If we are on defense [with a Democratic president], we will have more losses and it will go on longer.”

“I listen a little to the Democrats and if one of them gets elected, we are going on defense,” Giuliani continued. “We will wave the white flag on Iraq. We will cut back on the Patriot Act, electronic surveillance, interrogation and we will be back to our pre-Sept. 11 attitude of defense.”

He added: “The Democrats do not understand the full nature and scope of the terrorist war against us.”

After his speech to the Rockingham County Lincoln Day Dinner, I asked him about his statements and Giuliani said flatly: “America will be safer with a Republican president.”

Giuliani, whose past positions on abortion, gun control and gay rights have made him anathema to some in his party, believes his tough stance on national defense and his post-Sept. 11 reputation as a fighter of terrorism will be his trump card with doubting Republicans.

“This war ends when they stop coming here to kill us!” Giuliani said in his speech. “Never, ever again will this country ever be on defense waiting for [terrorists] to attack us if I have anything to say about it. And make no mistake, the Democrats want to put us back on defense!”

Giuliani said terrorists “hate us and not because of anything bad we have done; it has nothing to do with Israel and Palestine. They hate us for the freedoms we have and the freedoms we want to share with the world.”

Giuliani continued: “The freedoms we have are in conflict with the perverted, maniacal interpretation of their religion.” He said Americans would fight for “freedom for women, the freedom of elections, freedom of religion and the freedom of our economy.”

Addressing the terrorists directly, Giuliani said: “We are not giving that up, and you are not going to take it from us!”

The crowd thundered its approval.

Giuliani also said that America had been naive about terrorism in the past and had missed obvious signals.

“They were at war with us before we realized it, going back to ’90s with all the Americans killed by the PLO and Hezbollah and Hamas,” he said. “They came here and killed us in 1993 [with the first attack on New York’s World Trade Center, in which six people died], and we didn’t get it. We didn’t get it that this was a war. Then Sept. 11, 2001, happened, and we got it.”

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0407/3684.html

Let's hope he is right and the American people really did get it on 911... so we don't need a repeat or something worse to truly "get it." I am still quite skeptical the majority of the American people are that sustainably brave.. or smart. We'll see in the next election.

Sara.

-- April 25, 2007 3:30 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
You quote Peters vision in Acts 10:10-16 to say that men may consume anything they want as food without consequence, because the lord cleansed the unclean foods. That's not what the vision meant at all. It would appear to be out of context of the subject matter. The truth is very simple to see. If you had continued to read on to verse 28 you would have learned the meaning of the vision from Peter himself. Acts 10:28- And he said to them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Did Peter say " God hath showed me in a vision that we may now eat swine, mice, and all manner of unclean beast and fowl"? No!
You also quote from 1 Ti 4:1-5. It begins speaking of the latter times (end times)where some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to deceptive spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy. This is the falling away from Christianity into the seductions of the doctrine of Satan. I hardly think this is refering to a Christian advising another to follow the advise of God regarding healthy eating. Verse 4:3; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving to them which believe and know the truth. Meats means food, food that God created to be received. The word "received" in this verse is the Greek word #3336 METALEPIS. It means to partake as in of the use of food, to eat, to metabolize if you will. We know what foods were created to be eaten by the word of God as written in Lev. chapter 11, and Deut 14:3-20.
1 Ti 4:4- For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: In this verse the word "creature" is greek word #2938 KTIS-MAH. This word means; thing founded, transformed by devine power to a moral newness of soul. The word "nothing" in the Greek word #3762 OUDEIS. This word means; no one, nothing. The word "refused in the Greek is #574 APOBLAYTOS. It means; thrown away, rejected, despised. Now the word "received" in this verse is not the same as in the previous verse, and it has nothing to do with food or eating. It is the Greek word #2930 LAMBANO, and it means; to take, took, lay hold, as in possess or claim, and in no place in the Bible is it translated in the sense of consuming as in food. So in verse 4 it is clear by looking into the original text that Paul is no longer speaking of food, animals, insects, fish, or fowl, but is saying that all things founded of God are good, and not to be despised, or rejected if taken with thanksgiving: For they are sanctified by the word of God, and prayer. Eating unclean things was never founded of God, nor is it sanctified anywhere in his word. Let me remind you again that the Bible was not written in English, but it was translated to English, and it is often necessary to go back to the original text to lend to a better understanding, especially when a contradiction seems to exist, because I assure you the word of God is complete, and it is perfectly infallable. Men err in their understanding, because they seek to justify their own lusts, their own will, and their own traditions.
Remember the old adage; You are what you eat? It is widely known that contaminates in what we eat, drink, and breath, are the main enemies of the body. So if you have a poor diet, don't exercise, smoke, drink to much, and you get sick as a result, I don't call that a curse.

-- April 26, 2007 4:41 AM ∞

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i think wrote:

the way to the clean food discussion isle is that way>>>>>>

-- April 26, 2007 5:28 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(912)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 912 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/4/ 26 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 36.575.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 36.575.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- April 26, 2007 6:07 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

As I said, I think that if President Bush is believed to be "mad", the terrorists, too, will be convinced that if they should attack the US, they might have retaliation against them and their Mecca and Medina, wiping those locations off the face of the map. Irrational, "mad" people can do such things, can't they? And a "mad" person just might do so.. particularly with the clamor of the relatives of a million or more people's deaths.. where their collective grief calls out for an act of war in the aftermath of an American Hiroshima. Since destruction of these holy locations appears to be the ONLY thing that could possibly deter the terrorists (killing them, their families or taking their wealth does not phase them).. it is an effective deterrent to an American Hiroshima as long as President Bush remains in office.

In this article, a man "bored to tears with the war in Iraq" and thinking that "the military action there was wrong", seeking to "damage" President Bush called him "a madman".. an assessment which the MSM press seems to agree with. And, I am very certain.. fortunately, so do the terrorists. I believe that in this the terrorists are wise not to underestimate that threat to what they hold dear... a definite factor in creating an effective deterrent which has kept the Homeland from a devastating attack by the enemy:

Leaked record of Iraq meeting brands George Bush as 'madman'
23rd April 2007

A leaked secret record of a highly sensitive meeting on Iraq between Tony Blair and George Bush showed the US president as a 'madman', a court heard yesterday.

Civil servant David Keogh is said to have wanted to use the "damning" four-page document against the American Government - leaking it in the run-up to US elections.

Yesterday in transcripts of his interviews with police, O'Connor, told how Keogh, who worked in the Government's security-controlled undergound cabinet communications centre, beneath Ministry of Defence buildings, had passed him the document so it could be used "in the political arena".

Detectives asked him what Keogh's views of Mr Bush were.

He said: "I know he doesn't like President Bush. That became quite apparent when we talked... Something along the lines of 'The man's a madman', was said."

He said he thought Keogh's motivation in revealing what was said between Mr Blair and Mr Bush was to embarrass the Americans, saying: "I think it was to have a go at, not our government, but at the other government."

Keogh, who admits disclosing the document to O'Connor, told police he was "bored to tears with the war in Iraq" and thought the military action there was wrong.

Keogh and O'Connor deny charges of making damaging disclosures under the Official Secrets Act.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=450249&in_page_id=1770

==

I believe that if the next President is not "mad" enough to counter the threat of terrorism, so that that person would never be capable of such "mad" retaliation.. the terrorists will not be deterred from unleashing their Hiroshima Plan.

The other thing we hear much is about the American death toll in Iraq. Both respecting and honoring those who have paid that cost, we must acknowledge the reality that we are at war. This war's purpose truly is to protect the Homeland from terrorist attack. And, when you look at the Bush Administration's effort to make the Homeland safe from terror, the cost in lives to America has been, historically and militarily, very small. Some statistics taken from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_toll

60,000,000–72,000,000 - World War II (1939–1945), (see World War II casualties)
15,000,000–66,000,000 - World War I (1914–1918) (see World War I casualties) note that the larger number includes Spanish flu deaths
2,500,000–3,500,000 - Korean War (1950–1953)
2,300,000–3,800,000 - Vietnam War (entire war 1945–1975)
5,000,000–9,000,000 - Russian Civil War (1917–1921)
3,500,000–6,000,000 - Napoleonic Wars (1804–1815) (see Napoleonic Wars casualties)
2,000,000–4,000,000 - French Wars of Religion (1562–1598)
1,500,000–2,000,000 - Afghan Civil War (1979 -)
1,000,000 - Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988)
970,000 - American Civil War (including 350,000 from disease) (1861–1865)
100,000 - Gulf War (1991)
7,000–24,000 - War of 1812 (1812-1815) note that the larger number includes deaths from disease and other non-combat casualties
20,000 - 49,600 U.S. Invasion of Afghanistan (2001 – 2002)

==

If we can agree that we are involved in a WAR which was thrust upon us on 911 (again, thanks for that post, paul).. so that we felt we had to act preemptively, it is is a war which we cannot simply ignore or "disengage" from and end by withdrawing from Iraq. It didn't start there, it began on 911... and it won't end there if the troops are withdrawn from that location. The enemy will just regroup and, after a time, they will change where the forefront of the fight is.. shifting it from Iraq to here.

Also, if we admit that the STATED aims of the enemy combatants are not just having to do with the forefront of the war, Iraq, but that their intent is to take over the entire world with their ideology, and that they threaten to harm the US and her allies with nuclear weapons and WMD no matter whether we stay in Iraq or go - then the casualties being less than 3,500 over the course of four years is not very high, militarily. It is not a rout of the American and coalition forces, it is not a defeat.. it is the liberation of a country and preemptive protection of the Homeland and in human costs this conflict's casualties have been historically very low to America. War is never pleasant, but to expect no casualties at all is foolish and unrealistic. This is not an unncessary war, nor are the casualties frivilous. Those who say it is may be able to prevail in foising that opinion upon the public, but because they are working in a fantasyland which does not acknowledge the reality of the changes in ideology within the real world, but only reflects a desire to return to the past akin to a person longing for a return to his childhood when it was all safe and Mommy and Daddy took care of everything... (seeking to live in an infantile state of delusion that the world is safe when it is not..) the result of such a direction would be that we would see a million or more Americans killed in short order under their Administration when the threat of an American Hiroshima is realized. As Presidential candidate Giuliani stated, we will then see another attack like 911, because they will not take the multi-pronged defensive posture necessary to protect the Homeland from this very REAL threat.

The problem is.. the American public are losing faith in seeing this current conflict as a very important part of protecting us from the danger of terrorism and they appear to refuse to believe the terrorists at their word:

ABC News/Washington Post Poll Finds New Highs Against War, Lows for Bush
By GARY LANGER

April 16, 2007 — A bare majority of Americans for the first time believe the United States will lose the war in Iraq, and a new high — two-thirds — say the war was not worth fighting. 53 percent say the United States "is losing" the war, as well as the 51 percent who think it "will lose." In December 2005 only 27 percent foresaw losing the war.

In another gauge, ABC/Post polls have asked three times if Americans were "hopeful" about the situation in Iraq. In March 2003, during the main fighting, it was 80 percent. In May 2004, 62 percent. Today, hopefulness about Iraq is down to 51 percent.

Yet the public divides on setting a deadline for withdrawal. Moreover, in a shift, most Americans in this ABC News/Washington Post poll now reject Bush's argument that winning in Iraq is necessary to win the broader war against terrorism. Yet, given pro and con arguments (avoiding further casualties vs. potentially encouraging Iraqi insurgents), a pullout deadline is not widely popular.

There are now customary deep divisions among partisan and ideological groups. Just 12 percent of Democrats, 15 percent of blacks (the most loyal Democratic group) and 16 percent of liberals approve of Bush's job performance. By contrast, 71 percent of Republicans and 58 percent of conservatives remain by his side. In the political middle, 30 percent of moderates and 32 percent of independents approve.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3046823&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

It is this rejection of President Bush's argument that winning in Iraq is necessary to win the broader war against terrorism which is the most serious change in mentality, since it is wrong and endangers our collective security. Since the pendulum of public opinion appears to be swinging toward denial of the facts and realities of where the world is actually at and instead concentrates upon an infantile desire to end the war and have no more casualties in it, I believe it very possible the American public could be pursuaded to vote (in the next election) a Democrat into the Presidency.. perhaps Al Gore. The problem this does not address is how a "dove" and anti-war advocate can manage a country at war or how that person could compose a posture that would be taken as a serious threat to that which the terrorists hold dear and strong enough in measures to protect the Homeland. Sticking the country's head in the sand like an ostrich after pulling out of Iraq is unlikely to pacify the enemy, but much more likely to embolden his efforts at having "beat" the world's superpower, as that commentary yesterday noted (under the reaction of Israel to a US withdraw where it says such a withdrawl is, quote, "an inspiration to Israel's Arab foes that even the mightiest can be brought to heel." in the article "The last thing the Middle East's main players want is US troops to leave Iraq," above.)

There is nothing in this world quite like letting a schoolyard bully win the fight to make him more docile and friendly, is there? Is that how it worked in the schools you attended? Let the bully have full reign to do whatever he wishes to.. and you can expect a docile lamb who won't harm anyone.. right? He may not come to school the very next day after you hand him victory on a platter and begin beating everyone up in earnest.. but you can hardly say he now presents a more docile and peaceful countenance toward you and your fellow students. Such will be life if we hand to the terrorists a great victory in Iraq and challenge them to take on the world as the "schoolyard" bully over us all. Such a move would be a prolonging of the war for a lot longer in the years to come. It will take time to overcome such a false move.. and the casualties will be much higher than if we had addressed the threat and not backed down. MUCH.. higher.

And make no mistake, that "bullying" of the world is understood to be the goal and what the terrorists are after - understood even by the regular practicing Muslims in the Middle East who do not believe the US is seeking to protect itself from terrorist attack.

Muslims believe U.S. goal to weaken Islam: poll
Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:29PM EDT
By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than 70 percent of Egyptians, Pakistanis, Indonesians and Moroccans believe the United States is trying to weaken and divide the Islamic world, a poll released on Tuesday showed.

The survey by WorldPublicOpinion.org also showed more than 40 percent thought that was the primary goal of the U.S.-led war on terrorism, while only 12 percent believed Washington's aim was to protect the United States from attack.

"While U.S. leaders may frame the conflict as a war on terrorism, people in the Islamic world clearly perceive the U.S. as being at war with Islam," Steven Kull, editor at the Washington-based group, said in a statement.

The face-to-face survey, of between 1,000 and 1,200 people in each country from December to February, also found about 30 percent approved of attacks on U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf.

But 60 percent said suicide bombings were never justified and 67 percent believed Islam was opposed to attacks against civilians.

"Attitudes toward al Qaeda are complex. On average, only three in ten view Osama bin Laden positively. Many respondents express mixed feelings about bin Laden and his followers and many others decline to answer," WorldPublicOpinion.org said.

More than half believed al Qaeda's goals included achieving a strict application of Sharia law in every Islamic country, with more than 70 percent agreeing with that aim.

More than 50 percent believed the militant Islamist group was pushing the United States to remove its bases and military forces from all Islamic countries and 63 percent agreed with that goal.

But the poll found uncertainty about whether al Qaeda was responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001. Some 20 percent believed the U.S. government was behind the attacks.

"On average less than one in four believes al Qaeda was responsible for September 11th attacks. Pakistanis are the most skeptical -- only 3 percent think al Qaeda did it," said WorldPublicOpinion.org.

"There is no consensus about who is responsible for the attacks on New York and Washington; the most common answer is 'don't know'."

More than half those surveyed believed the United States was trying to spread Christianity in the Middle East, while nearly 60 percent thought one of Washington's goals was to maintain control over the oil resources of the Middle East.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2332112320070424?feedType=RSS

If a full SEVENTY PERCENT of the populace of the Islamic people surveyed believe that the goals of the terrorists in "achieving a strict application of Sharia law in every Islamic country" is something that they agree with.. and the Al Qaeda has openly stated it wishes to IMPOSE Islam upon every country in the world.. upon all people, by mandate from their view of the Koran.. then perhaps there is not much hope that "moderate" Islamic voices will speak out against terrorism, since they endorse the terrorist goal of imposing Sharia law upon us all. And a good 30% of them endorse the terrorists attacking American forces in support of the terrorists and their aims. So maybe we should acknowledge that the help we are receiving for OUR goal of remaining free from the imposition of their religion and its laws is not because the majority within the Islamic religion wish us to be free from their restrictive religious laws, but we should acknowledge that the allies of our aim of freedom are doing it for quite other motives (see the article yesterday), reasons which agree with their own political aims, and not for any altruistic or "moderate" religious reasons. Let's live in reality and not think there is an ally in the public view of the Islamic world when 70 percent of them agree with the terrorists that the world SHOULD be ruled by Sharia law and endorse the terrorists working toward that aim and hurting our troops in the pursuit of that goal. Instead of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.. they agree with the terrrorist aims of death to further the terrorist cause, imposition of the removal of liberty (Sharia law), and the pursuit of the imposition of religious Islam upon all as the road to peace and happiness in the world. We should at least note this as the reality if polls of public opinion mean anything.

Sara.

-- April 26, 2007 7:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq, Int''l Compact meets next week

The United States will continue to work with other countries on debt relief for Iraq as the International Compact with Iraq prepares to meet next week, State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said on Wednesday.

The government of Iraq and the United Nations co-chair the International Compact.

During a regular State Department briefing, Casey noted that debt relief has been part of the effort to help Iraq move forward since 2004.

"The Paris Club made a decision to ask for 80 percent as a minimum level of debt forgiveness for Iraq among its members, and that is something that a number of countries have already acted upon," Casey said. "But it is certainly an issue that we continue to discuss with many countries in the Paris Club, and certainly something that we do want to see people live up to that Paris Club commitment on." The Saudis have made some announcements in that regard, "and we are very pleased to see that," Casey said. "And we will certainly be continuing to work with other countries as we move closer to next week's compact date, as well as beyond that, to see that they carry out those agreements." The compact is not simply a debt relief agreement, but is designed to provide a variety of different kinds of support "in part in response to the Iraqis' own ability to meet the commitments they have set out for themselves in terms of economic reform," he said. "But obviously one of the many components of helping to improve the lives of Iraqis and helping them develop a stable democratic society is the ability to move forward economically, to provide jobs for people, to give opportunities to the people in Iraq, and to have a fully functioning and developed economy. And the compact and the agreements that are reached under it are part of that effort." David Satterfield, senior adviser to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the U.S. coordinator for Iraq, has been traveling in the Middle East this week talking with not only Iraqi officials "but friends and neighbors, and certainly is doing so now as we move toward next week's meeting not only of the compact, but of the neighbors group as well," Casey said, referring to the Iraq neighbor's conference scheduled to take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Satterfield is urging officials to do all they can "to help support the Iraqi government, and again, not only on those sorts of economic issues that are related to the compact, but also on some of the broader political questions," which is part of the agenda of the neighbors conference in Egypt next week, Casey said.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 26, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

i think;

I think so, too. Enough on the meats discussion. However, I must answer Valerio so please tolerate just this one more post and then I shall request we take further discussion off the board as I know it can be tedious to those not interested.

Valerio;

I understand the Scripture, Valerio, about the purpose of the vision and made that clear by my post when I said that although it was "in a vision and for illustrative purposes only", yet I did note that "if it were completely forbidden, why would God choose to do that"? If you wish to address that point, do email me at saraand-at-fastmail.fm on it.

As for your exposition which tries to say that the passage is not discussing food or meat which we eat but has to do with something spiritual instead, a cursory reading of it shows that when it says For EVERY creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Taken in context, those words do indeed refer to food and meat.. the EVERY CREATURE is referring to eating those creatures as food with thanksgiving, as is plainly taught when you read the verses themselves in context:

1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Ti 4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
1Ti 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
1Ti 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
1Ti 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Verse three speaks of those commanding to abstain from meats which are meant to be RECEIVED and you admit, quote, "Meats means food, food that God created to be received. The word "received" in this verse is the Greek word #3336 METALEPIS. It means to partake as in of the use of food, to eat, to metabolize if you will." So we are talking in this passage about eating food, meats. Then, in the very next verse, you cleverly try to change it and make it into something spiritual and not at all to do with metabolizing meat. To say that the Bible goes from talking about metabolizing meat to speaking about spiritual "creatures" and not physical ones and that the word "received" is nothing to do with eating is to change the context of the verses. Let me refute this core argument from the Greek itself, showing that the plain and obvious reading of the passage is the correct one.

You take the word creature in the above passage and say that "In this verse the word "creature" is greek word #2938 KTIS-MAH. This word means; thing founded, transformed by devine power to a moral newness of soul." Therefore, you believe that this cannot mean creature in the sense I took it to mean (and is plain in the context that edible animal is what is meant, relating to the previous verse about metabolizing food). I checked the Vines Expository Dictionary which defines that Greek word this way: "KTISMA has the concrete sense, the created things, the creature." And it quotes this passage as containing it:

Rev 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
Rev 8:9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

I find it hard to believe that the creatures in this passage are any different than those creatures in the 1 Timothy passage which are to be received with thanksgiving and prayer. These "creatures" which are IN THE SEA are of course things like squid and octopus, whales and fish and sharks.. etc. This passage, using the exact same word for creature, is referring to animals of the deep and not to "things transformed spiritually by the divine power to a moral newness of soul," as you stated, above.

Also, when you say of the word "received" that it is the Greek word #2930 LAMBANO, and it means; "to take, took, lay hold, as in possess or claim, and in no place in the Bible is it translated in the sense of consuming as in food." The Vines Expository dictionary says that the word denotes "to take or to receive literally" and it is the exact same word given when Judas took food from Jesus' hand in this passage:

Joh 13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Obviously, it is translated here as receiving and consuming food, contrary to your saying that "in no place in the Bible is it translated in the sense of consuming as in food." Your attempt, therefore, to change the plain sense and meaning of the passage to fit your own doctrinal inclinations does not hold up to scrutiny, even examining it using the underlying Greek text.

When the Bible says "every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." - the creatures spoken of in this passage is the same word which is spoken of for the creatures in the sea which died in Revelation 8, and the reception of these creatures was just like Judas received the sop of food from the hand of Jesus, for ingestion, just as the previous verse which you agree had to do with metabolizing food was. The context of metabolizing food is, therefore, for the entire passage, and this passage plainly states that EVERY creature of God is good to eat and NOTHING to be refused.. including those creatures you would view as unclean, because this passage teaches that they are made clean or sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

If you wish to contend your point further, please address me at my email box.

Sara.

-- April 26, 2007 9:42 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Arabs, Iraqis at odds before summit

Arab countries are demanding that Iraq do more to reach out to disgruntled Sunni Arabs before pledging any substantial aid to the troubled country, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press before a key U.S.-backed
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 26, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

PS Valerio;

I submit to you that God could not have commanded mankind to eat all living things when Noah and his family came off the ark, unless it had been allowed for mankind.. and this includes even the "unclean" creatures.

Gen 9:3 Every moving thing that lives shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
Gen 9:4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall you not eat.

The command of God here was that mankind may eat every moving thing that lives... except not to eat those creatures with their blood.

Therefore, the teaching that mankind may never eat "unclean" foods because God never would never say we could goes against this clear Scripture showing God telling mankind that they can.

Subsequent events which added the commands about clean and unclean foods were to the people of God, not to the whole earth, and even those were superceded under the dispensation of the gospel of Grace. Please write me your thoughts on this on email when you get a minute.

Sara.

-- April 26, 2007 10:57 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Deputy premier says government faces big challenges
By Haydar al-Kaabi

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

Najaf, 26 April 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said on Thursday that the Iraqi government is facing big challenges, noting that the government was in continuous contact with the prime minister and political blocs to improve the government's performance.

Speaking at a press conference in Najaf after meeting top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Saleh said "The government is in need of activating its role and fostering security capabilities."

"We do not play down the challenges that we are facing and it is important to review the government's performance with other parties to guarantee actual participation in decision making and in responsibility," the Kurdish official said.

Saleh pointed out that he discussed with al-Sistani the political and security conditions in Iraq, noting that "we always emphasize the role of the Shiite cleric in supporting Iraq's stability and in unifying Iraq's front in the face of terrorism."

Responding to a questing from a correspondent from the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on Sistani's stance regarding the deteriorating security plan in Baghdad, the deputy prime minister said "We have talked about the security conditions and Baghdad, as well as other cities in Iraq, are witnessing aggressive attacks by armed groups, a matter that highlights the need to boost Iraqi forces' capabilities and to support the security plan."

The official also highlighted the need to support the ongoing political process in the country.

Barham Saleh had arrived in Najaf earlier to meet Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Najaf is the most important Shiite sacred city, as it hosts the shrine of the first Shiite imam, Ali, cousin of the Prophet Muhammed. It is located about 160 km southwest of Baghdad.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 26, 2007 11:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Baghdad security wall divides US and Iraqis

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

Baghdad, 26 April 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi opinion hardened yesterday against a US plan to wall in a Baghdad district, with more street protests and Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki making clear his opposition to the project.

Al Maliki is on a tour of Iraq's Arab neighbours, and in his absence Iraqi and US commanders have defended the building of a five-km barrier around the east Baghdad Sunni enclave of Al Adhamiyah.

Following Al Maliki's orders, officials have modified the US plan to enclose the enclave with high concrete walls, and are using barbed wire and cement barriers instead, an Iraqi military spokesman said.

"We said before coming here that it must stop and other measures be taken to protect people living in Al Adhamiyah. We will go back to Baghdad and follow up the issue," Al Maliki said in Kuwait. President Jalal Talabani also expressed reservations. "I do not agree with such barriers. I don't believe this is something good," he said in a statement.

Bitter complaints

Residents have complained bitterly that the walls, up to 3.5 metres tall, would isolate them from other communities and sharpen sectarian tensions. "We have sought other substitutes such as barbed wire, sand walls and small concrete barriers," Brigadier-General Qassem Moussawi, spokesman for a US-backed security crackdown in Baghdad, said. "We immediately started implementing the order of the prime minister three days ago."

US military spokesman Rear Admiral Mark Fox said on Monday that "local concerns" would be taken into account and that it was up to the Iraqis to make modifications to barriers. But neither Fox nor US Ambassador Ryan Crocker at a separate news conference would say if work would stop. "These are not walling off neighbourhoods. These are intended to be barriers against suicide bombers to safeguard people," US Middle East commander Admiral William Fallon said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 26, 2007 11:33 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

GOP Pledges to Uphold Bush Iraq Veto
By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2007

WASHINGTON, (AP) -- Senate Republicans promised Thursday to uphold President Bush's veto on a bill that would order troops home from Iraq. Democrats said they would pass it anyway.

The Senate vote comes a day after the House passed the measure by a 218-208 vote. The $124.2 billion bill requires troop withdrawals to begin Oct. 1, or sooner if the Iraqi government does not meet certain benchmarks.

The withdrawal dates in the bill "would be the day that al-Qaida would declare victory . . . and much the world would agree," said Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

Democrats said the bill was on track to arrive on the president's desk on Tuesday.

Asked at a Pentagon news conference Thursday about the impact on the effort in Iraq if that legislation passed, Petraeus said, "I have tried to stay clear of the political minefields of various legislative proposals."

Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., said Democrats were still considering what to do after Bush's veto. He said one option would be funding the war through September as Bush wants but setting benchmarks that the Iraqi government must meet.

"I think everything that passes will have some sort of condition (placed) on it," he said. Ultimately, Murtha added, the 2008 military budget considered by Congress in June "is where you'll see the real battle," he said.

The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has said the Army has enough bookkeeping flexibility to pay for operations in Iraq well into July. Lawmakers and Capitol Hill staff aides view mid- to late May as the deadline for completing the war spending bill to avoid hardships.

House Minority Whip Roy Blunt told reporters Wednesday that Republicans would be open to legislation that would condition foreign aid for Iraq on the government's ability to meet certain standards, such as reaching a political compromise on sharing oil revenues.

"I think that discussion is the discussion we need to have. ... We have for months now favored that kind of inclusion in a bill that may be very important at resolving this impasse that we're in," Blunt said.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/04/26/national/w075525D42.DTL&type=politics

-- April 26, 2007 1:51 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq Slams U.N. Human Rights Report
By THOMAS WAGNER, Associated Press Writer
April 25, 2007

BAGHDAD -- The United Nations released a human rights report Wednesday saying sectarian violence continued to kill a large number of Iraqi civilians in Sunni Arab and Shiite neighborhoods of Iraq's capital despite the new Baghdad security plan. The Iraqi government called the assessment "inaccurate" and "unbalanced" and warned it put the U.N.'s credibility at stake.

"The Iraqi government announced its deep reservations about the report that is inaccurate in presenting information, it lacks credibility in many of its points. Also, It lacks balance in presenting the situation of the human rights situation in Iraq," the government said in a statement.

"The publication of this unbalanced report ... puts the credibility of the U.N. office in Iraq on stake and it aggravates the humanitarian crisis in Iraq instead of solving it."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-un-report,1,7753253.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=true

-- April 26, 2007 2:08 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Top general in Iraq asks Congress for more time
Anna Badkhen, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2007

Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, came to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to convince lawmakers that additional U.S. forces dispatched to Baghdad have helped reduce sectarian bloodshed, and that Congress must allow more time to bring security to Iraq.

Petraeus, who oversees Washington's latest effort to provide security in Baghdad, said Wednesday that the Baghdad security plan has helped reduce sectarian killings by about one-third since the beginning of the year.

"That is an important development, because sectarian murders can be a cancer in a neighborhood," he told reporters hours before the legislators were scheduled to vote on a war funding package that includes a timetable for withdrawing most U.S. troops from Iraq.

Reducing sectarian killings in Baghdad "is an area where there has been progress," he said.

Petraeus called progress in the volatile western Anbar province "breathtaking" and said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is "doing his best" at leading the country. But a report released by the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq said violence is on the rise.

The last U.N. report, in January, the Iraqi government disputed. On Wednesday, it criticized the latest report as inaccurate and unbalanced. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad also characterized it as inaccurate and not credible.

Petraeus acknowledged Wednesday that "the ability of al Qaeda to conduct horrific, sensational attacks obviously has represented a setback and is an area in which we're focusing considerable attention."

Democratic lawmakers who attended the meeting said Petraeus has said al Qaeda was only part of the problem, and told them that he could not give a complete assessment of the security situation until September.

"This briefing reinforced our view that the solution in Iraq is a political solution," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. "It was clear from what everybody said, I think, that in order for there to be a solution in Iraq, it has to be a politically forged solution by the Iraqis themselves."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/04/26/MNGK2PFJT41.DTL&type=politics

-- April 26, 2007 2:12 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Beck: Iraq Withdrawal Would Be ‘America’s Most Shameful Act Of Immorality Since Slavery’
CNN Headline News anchor Glenn Beck said that if America withdraws from Iraq, it “would be America’s most shameful act of immorality since slavery,” adding that Democrat Congressional war opponents are “just plain stupid” and “can’t see the future.” Beck claimed that if U.S. forces pull out, a “genocide” will take place that makes Darfur “look like a picnic.” “The blood of the Iraqi children will be on all of our hands,” Beck said.

TRANSCRIPT:

GLENN BECK

Will Withdrawal in Iraq Lead to Genocide?

Aired April 24, 2007 - 19:00:00 ET

GLENN BECK, HOST (voice-over): Tonight, showdown on Capitol Hill.

SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV), MAJORITY LEADER: Winning this war is no longer the job of the American military.

BECK: Is this war fatigue or Bush fatigue?

And where`s George Clooney? Wouldn`t an early withdrawal from Iraq turn Iraq into another Darfur?

BECK: I have a theory why everybody is sick about hearing about the Iraq war, including me. And here it is.

It is because the solution is easy to people like you and me. Either you think that we should have never gone there in the first place and we should get out immediately, or you`re like me and you think we should finally start fighting this with everything we`ve got. And you`re tired of hearing about it because you know the morons in Washington, D.C., will never apply either of those solutions.

Well, here`s the point tonight. If we withdraw from Iraq right now, it will be our country`s biggest moral scar since the Civil War. And here`s how I got there.

There is a showdown looming on Capitol Hill right now. It`s the Iraq spending bill. It`s about to hit the president`s desk. Now he wants more money for the war, and the Democratic leaders will surely give it to him, only in exchange for troop withdrawal that would begin October 1.

Here is what Harry Reid had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REID: Seventy percent of Iraqi children are suffering from trauma- like nightmares, bed wetting, stuttering and fear that some say could paralyze an entire generation that we`ve been counting on to harvest the seeds of democracy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BECK: This is unbelievable. I want to get back to this statement in particular here a second. But first, let many ask Harry this. This is why we`re pulling out?

Harry, you and all the other Democrats listen to me clearly. You`re setting this deadline, I believe, for three reasons. This is what you intended to do all along, which makes some of your earlier anti-timetable statements to the American people a big sack of crap. Statements like this, quote, "As far as setting a time line, that`s not a wise decision because it only empowers those who don`t want us there." Who said that? Look, it`s your picture, Harry Reid, January, 2005. Harry, you were either lying to us then or you`re lying to us now.

Second reason, you know the president is going to veto this bill. So you`re trying to throw a bone to some of your anti-war base and say, "Hey, look, we were just -- we`re just like you, you know, liberal hippy communists. We tried, but the president is a big, bad man and he won`t let us."

And three, the Democrats in Congress, I believe many of them, are just plain stupid. They can`t see the future. It`s a combination of all three. Meanwhile, they`re not only playing with the lives of our troops, but they are playing with the lives of the Iraqi people.

It is immoral for us to do what we`re doing right now, to abandon these people and let them get slaughtered after we started it. If we did that now, this would be America`s most shameful act of immorality since slavery. The blood of the Iraqi children will be on all of our hands.

Harry Reid, the Iraqi children are not wetting their pants because of us and the American soldiers. They are wetting their pants and having nightmares because of the lack of American soldiers protecting them.

Let me ask George Clooney. George, where are you? Forget about Darfur. It`s going to look like a picnic compared to what happens in Baghdad. You know what? Start drawing up the ads right now with the little Iraqi children holding a blood soaked teddy bear. Have the death toll numbers start to control, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000. Why? Because we left a vacuum there, and we abandoned these people.

I have never been more afraid for my country than I am when I see a Democrat say we should pull out. Am I the only one who sees an Iraqi genocide right around the corner? Am I the only one who sees that we would be responsible for it?

You know what? After 9/11, on my radio program, I said America, have no fear. The only thing that can defeat us is us. Well, the last thing I wanted was to be proven right, and that`s exactly what will happen if we leave Iraq and abandon those people now.

Here is what I know tonight. I know that if we pull out of Iraq before the job is done, like the Democrats want us to do, not only will it lead to genocide, but it will cause massive instability in the region and create a vacuum which will be filled by Iran.

We will not have a friend in the region for the rest of eternity, because no one can count on us, and those who did count on us will have been slaughtered. And the rest of the world, our enemies, will know exactly how to defeat us every single time.

Here`s what I don`t know. How do we, we the people who promised each other that we would learn the lessons from Vietnam and not let our politicians but our generals fight the war, how do we sleep at night? How are we doing it, knowing that genocide is around the congress?

Joining me now is Van Hipp, chairman of the American Defense International and former deputy assistant secretary of the Army.

Van, please tell me I`m wrong.

VAN HIPP, CHAIRMAN, FORMER DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY: Unfortunately, Glenn, I believe you`re right. And I tell you, if we surrender now, I believe you will see a humanitarian catastrophe much like or even worse than the situation in Darfur right now, where there are five million people displaced internally in that country.

And the death count -- and the estimate right now beginning in a few months, they could be looking at 100,000 deaths a month.

BECK: Van, how could you possibly solve it if we leave? There`s no going back. There`s no going back. How could you possibly solve it when we can`t get Russia and China to send in peacekeeping troops to Darfur?

HIPP: Absolutely. And Ahmadinejad in Iran now they`ve got to be smiling when they see this so-called supplemental emergency bill funding coming in, because they would go into this eastern part of Iraq, and it would be -- it would be a catastrophe. What would happen to the Sunnis who would then be displaced?

And you`re right, they won`t even let in 3,000 humanitarian workers from the United Nations in Sudan right now, let alone the peacekeeping force of 17,000 people.

BECK: It is -- it is so frustrating to see somebody like Harry Reid, who I mean, I should have respect for Harry Reid, and I don`t. Somebody like Harry Reid to stand up and say the children are having nightmares.

It is not because of the American soldiers; it is because Sunnis are being shot by Shias and Shias are shooting Sunnis. It is a sectarian war, and it is only going to get worse. That`s why they`re wetting the bed at night, not because of us but a lack of what we`re doing. Am I wrong?

HIPP: Unfortunately, you`re right. And here`s what`s so sad, Glenn. I`ve talked to our troops. I`ve talked to our troops on the ground, and let me tell you, they want to come home, but guess what? They want to come home the right way, not under a white flag of surrender. And that`s what - - that`s the message that`s being communicated to our troops that we`re going to cut off our soldier`s supply lines.

BECK: Van, I thank you very much for your time, sir. I appreciate it. I wish -- you know what? I want to get somebody on here that I actually respect, that will say to me I`m wrong. I don`t want to be right on this, America.

Republican strategist Karen Hanretty.

Karen, let me go to Harry Reid. The hypocrisy of his statements of we can`t have a timeline and now we`ve got to have one. Beyond that, he says the war is lost. John McCain has said in the past that it`s immoral and I agree with him, immoral to send troops into something you know they`re going to lose.

How does anyone on either side of the aisle justify what`s happening right now and how do they sleep at night?

KAREN HANRETTY, REPUBLICAN STRATEGY: Yes, I`m surprised Harry Reid doesn`t wet his pants when he goes to bed, knowing full well that he is participating through policy in something that, if you believe everything he says, and if he believes everything he says, is fundamentally immoral.

John McCain showed great courage last year during -- when the surge was announced when he said if we know that this is a lost cause, and it`s immoral for us to send men and women into harm`s way to die.

If Harry Reid really believes we lost, he needs to do two things. He needs to justify to the American people why we should spend a dime more on this operation, rather than simply sending plane tickets to these men and women so they can get home. And then he needs to explain exactly how it is that what he`s doing is justified.

I mean, look, at the end of the day, I think that it`s almost like analogous to -- you`re going to talk about this later in your show -- a custody battle. We`ve got Republicans and Democrats who have lost sight of what is in the best interest of America, what is in the best interest of freedom. And they are fighting over custody of the military and fighting over custody of the votes for the 2008 election. And it`s destroying America.

BECK: It is so beyond destroying America. Listen to me, America, please listen to me. If you are somebody on the other side of the aisle and you say this is wrong and we`ve lost it and we should get out, then please, please take that stand and pull these guys back. We have family members over there. It is immoral to shed one more drop of blood for something like this.

And if you`re on the other side, then please stand up with everything you`re got. Karen, tell me. You`re a Republican. Why is the president not coming out guns a-blazing and say, "We`re going in, and we are going to crush these people who are causing this kind of mayhem"?

HANRETTY: I don`t know the answer to that, Glenn. I wish I did. I tell you, two things that need to happen.

First of all, and I`m going to give Harry Reid credit for this. You know, he recently criticized President Bush, saying, "Well, every time I go out there and say something, he just sends his attack dog, Dick Cheney."

President Bush should not be sending the vice president to attack the Democratic leadership. President Bush should show leadership himself, go out there and demand -- privately first, and if that doesn`t work, publicly that Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and the leadership of the Democratic Party come sit down with him and they have got to reach some sort of resolution.

We are going to continue to fight full force or we are going to withdraw, and the American people, they can deal with either course of action.

BECK: Yes, they can.

HANRETTY: The further we drag this out, the less people will care, I think.

BECK: We don`t believe -- we don`t believe that either side actually cares about it anymore.

HANRETTY: No.

BECK: I want a bull horn moment from George Bush. Karen, thank you very much.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0704/24/gb.01.html

-- April 26, 2007 2:53 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

We all want what is best for America, we just have different ideas on the best way to attain our goals.

The troops are coming home, it is just a matter of time until the proper pressure or legislation is invoked to make it happen.

Our theme now needs to be "what happens to the dinar with the American troops gone"?

I believe that the country will be divided into three regions with Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, each comprising a region with a loose central government. The oil monies will be divided equally between the three regions or will be divided on a per-capita basis. History has proven that these tribes will never get along so the only logical thing to do is to separate them.

We do not know who the enemy is until he commits an aggressive act and it is not fair to put a soldier in a war zone without a known enemy to fight. We are in the middle of a civil war and we do not have a dog in that fight.

Mr. Bush has already lost the Congress and Senate to the Democrats with his stubborn stance in Iraq and the Presidency is about to go to the Democrats and then nothing that we think will matter.

The American people may be stupid but when the majority want something, they need to be heard.

This is not necessarily my viewpoint but an analysis of the handwriting on the wall.

-- April 26, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

Neil wrote the last one.

-- April 26, 2007 11:02 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

For Your Health - AND Your Brain

While I do not believe that eating properly cooked "unclean" meats is harmful to the human body, I do believe that we are facing problems with the food supply which harm our bodies. The Bible says that "the Love of money is the root of all evil." If someone could find a way to make you buy their food product over another person's food product, I believe if they can legally do it, they will. And that is the problem. They have.

Also, if they found something they could add to our food which would give them a market share above others AND further could add it without any labelling, they would be set. You would wish to eat their product above the competition's products AND you would have no idea why. This is what has happened.

Here is a backgrounder on certain substances we are exposed to in our diets which we just cannot get away from completely called EXCITOTOXINS. If you live off a tropical fruit diet.. you might not have this problem.. but if you are a typical person from the West.. this is for your consideration. I want you to note that these toxic substances are allowed into the diet without any labelling. (There is no, "By the way, this substance contains 60% excitotoxins" on the label.) When you read the words "natural flavoring" or "natural coloring", for instance, that "substance" you are looking at on the label can be up to 60% excitotoxin. Yes, you read that right, over HALF of a flavoring or coloring may actually be an excitotoxic substance.. and they don't have to label it for you, by law. Now that, I believe.. is a very big problem. And I believe that it is fueling many of the health problems in the country. Here is my backgrounder on it for your consideration:

Excitotoxins.. its in your food..

How to live without a lot of diseases and disorders, and improve your health :)

Your body uses chemicals to communicate between its cells. Different kinds of cells use different kinds of chemicals to communicate. Some of these chemical messengers are toxic to your body. The group of substances which are named as "excitotoxins" are some the chemical messengers that your body uses to communicate with itself. They are very powerful, and control many different functions in your brain and body. Having these chemical messengers in the body is good, in the right quantities. But having them in excess can be deadly.

A certain kind of seashell uses a strong enough dose of these chemical messengers as a STING and if you were to be bit by it, your message communication would be overwhelmed and short circuit. The messages would be mixed up so the body didn't know what to do and it would die. For instance, if the messengers to your limbs which signal the limbs to move were increased by this "sting" (or other sudden increase in these chemical messengers), your limbs would become mixed up and the body would not know what to do, so you would go into a seizure. Also, if the message senders which continue your brain activity were overloaded with an overdose of these chemical messengers, when they ran out of energy they would self destruct (Explode).

Men found that they could ISOLATE these chemical messengers your body uses and put them as an additive in your food, exciting or adding to your chemical messagers. This means that the chemical your brain uses to TASTE the food is suddenly EXTREMELY abundant and you say, "MMMMmmmm, this tastes good!". The extra chemical messengers enhance the taste of any food they are put into without altering the taste of the food itself. It won't make the food MORE salty (or sweet), but you will taste the food's saltiness (or sweetness) MUCH MORE with the additive in than without it, because the chemical messenger which fires the neuron receptors for TASTE is present in a great quantity. The obvious benefit to the manufacturer is that people will BUY MORE from them because their product TASTES SO MUCH BETTER than their competitor. Soon, everyone began adding excitotoxins to our food supply and in greater and greater quantities, vying for a market share where TASTE is where the dollars are. But what does it do to our HEALTH?

The brain uses chemical signals to talk to other parts of the body. These "taste enhancers" which are in are food such as Aspartate and MSG (monosodium glutamate), are excitotoxins in our food which serve no other purpose than to make food taste good. These "excitotoxins" excite the body, and as their name implies they are also toxic. They would kill your cells even in very small amounts if the cells did not have the mechanisms to deal with the toxins (in normal quantities, not in a metabolically huge overload).

Your body uses a very small amount of Glutamate (The G in MSG) to communicate between many of the cells in your nervous system and inside your brain. When Glutamate (MSG), common on many foods, is ingested it stimulates the nerves on the tongue and makes to food taste extremely good. However it is an excitotoxin, an additive which is not normally present in the food and therefore it is overabundant and it then continues to excite the cells and overloads them with toxic glutamate until each cell has exhausted its energy supply trying to get rid of it and the cell self destructs and dies. These excitotoxins go throughout the body and even into the brain damaging the glucose receptors on certain parts of the brain. This means that these excitotoxins actually destroy the brain cells and the nervous system by overloading them. This causes nerve and brain damage throughout the body. (Read that last sentence slowly three times, please.)

How is it made?:

Vegetables unsuitable for sale are taken and boiled in a vat of sulfuric acid, then they are PH neutralized with caustic soda (used in the making of soap).

The resulting brown chemical sludge is taken, dried and crushed. This is glutamate (MSG), Aspartate and cystoic acid (cystoic acid is converted to cystein in the body, a carcinogen). These chemicals are then added to all kind of foods, even though they produce brain damage in animals. And, they do not have to label that you are eating these chemicals in the food supply, they are completely invisible. These chemicals are so powerful they can add flavor to the lowest grade foods, making them taste delicious. They are in junk food, frozen dinners, fast food, pops, ketchup, salad dressings, barbaque sauce and just about everything else. Because they don't want it to be noticed they have come up with many names to hide it in foods. Here are some common names of words used to label these dangerous excitotoxins. Foods containing these words ALWAYS have excitotoxins in them: MSG, Nutrasweet, Monosodium Glutamate, Monopatassium Glutamate, Glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Hydrolized Vegtable Protein, Hydrolized plant protein, Autolyzed Plant Protein, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Texured Protein, Yeast Extract, Yeast Food, Yeast Nutrient, Autolyzed Yeast.

These words are used when up to 60% (you read that right, more than HALF the substance) is excitotoxins: Annatto, Anything enriched or vitamin enriched, Barley Malt, Bouillion, Broth, Caramel Flavoring, Carmel coloring, Carrageenan, Citric Acid (when processed from corn), corn syrup, corn syrup or corn syrup solids, corn starch, dough conditioners, Dry Milk Solids, Fermented Anything, Flavors or Flavoring, Flowing Agents, Gums, Lipolyzed butter fat, most low or no fat items, Malt Extract or Flavoring, Malted Barley (flavor), Maltodextrin, Milk Powder, Modified Food Starch, Natural Chicken, Pectin, Protease, Protease enzymes, Protein fortified anything, Protein Fortified Milk, Reaction Flavours, Syrup, Soy Protein, Soy Protein Isolate or Concentrate, spice(s), stock, Ultra-pasteurized anything, Whey Protein Isolate or Concentrate, Whey Protein or Whey, Yeast Nutrients, Beef Broth, Chicken Broth.

There are many others but that gives you a few. Remember, Glutamate fools your brain into thinking it tastes good when you are in fact eating something that without the excitotoxin would taste bland or even revolting.

Neurologists have done many experiments feeding and injecting animals with these excitotoxins, and many have developed various mental problems, and neurologists have concluded that there is strong evidence to link excitotoxins in the diet with:

Parkinson's disease
Huntington's disease
Lou Gehrigs disease (ALS)
Alzheimer's disease
hypoxic brain damage
hypoglycemic brain damage
dyslexia
autism
schizophrenia
cerebral palsy
hyperactivity
brain malformation in newborns
diabetes
sleeping disorders
short term memory loss
Drastically lowered IQ in animals

Also problems in:
behavior
speech cognition
disorientation
visual perception
stunted growth
obesity (regardless of calories)
reproductive difficulties
hormone disorders
strokes, seizures
migrane headaches
uncontrollable anger

It can also cause:
Nausea, diarrehea, vomiting, swelling, pain or numbness of hands, feet, jaw, chronic bronchitis-like symptoms, allergy reactions, dry cough, hoarseness or sore throat, Irregular heart beat or blood pressure, racing heart, pain in joints or bones, heavy weak feeling in arms and legs, depression or mood change, bipolar disorders, SAD, Flushing or tingling in face/chest, pressure behind eyes, irritable bowels or colitis, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, IBS, Gagging reflex or difficulty swallowing, Attention deficit disorder, anxiety attacks, rage disorders, panic attacks, Balance problems, dizziness, mini-strokes, fibromyalgia, MS, tenderness in localized areas, neck, back etc, chronic post nasal drip, Skin rash, itching, hives, ADD, ADHD, Blurred Vision or difficulty breathing, bloated face, dark circles under eyes, strained eyes, asthma, chronic fatigue or sleepiness, extreme thirst or dry mouth, excessive perspiring or shuddering and chills, Difficulty concentrating and poor memory.

It may seem a very large list, but, you see, this attacks the BRAIN, and the brain oversees everything in the body. When an area of the brain is harmed, it causes many effects in the body. This list is actually not exhaustive, there are more. These are just those they have documented in scientific studies..

The average American consumes about 1/4 to 1/2 oz daily of excitotoxins, and some as high as 4 oz daily. Humans are many times more sensitive than the animals that the experiments were performed on. In one experiment Rodents that were fed MSG exibited hyperactivity and had trouble getting out of the simplest maze, and were unable to learn some of the more complicated tricks that the Rodents on a "normal" diet were. In essence they were brain damaged by the excitotoxins. Products that say "No MSG added!" often contain lots of MSG. The manufacturing of excitotoxins is a multibillion dollar industry. I highly recommend reading "EXCITOTOXINS The Taste that Kills" by neurologist Russell L. Blaylock. The book explains in detail the animal experiments, how the human brain works, and how chemicals interact with the body along with the history of MSG and the multibillion dollar industry that has arisen from it. It is well worth reading.

Reference: http://www.aspartame.ca/msg%20names.htm Hidden Names & Symptoms of MSG Poisoning

Sara.

-- April 27, 2007 7:55 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bush vows veto of Iraq funding bill
Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:52 PM BST
By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush pledged on Friday to veto legislation that includes a timetable for pulling U.S. troops from Iraq.

"I'm sorry it's come to this," Bush told reporters. "I'm sorry that ... the issue evolved the way it has. But nevertheless, it is what it is, and it will be vetoed."

The renewed veto threat put the two sides on a collision course with no compromise in sight yet.

At a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Camp David, Bush said the Democrats' bill would tie the hands of U.S. generals and said he would veto a second bill if it were to include a pullout timetable.

"So if they want to try again that which I have said was unacceptable, then of course I'll veto it. But I hope it doesn't come to that. I believe we can work a way forward. And I think we can come to our senses and make sure that we get the money to the troops in a timely fashion," he said.

He said he would invite congressional leaders to the White House after he vetoes the legislation to discuss a way forward. Democrats promised to get him the bill early next week.

The eight Democratic contenders in the November 2008 election agreed at their first debate on Thursday on the need to quickly pull U.S. troops out of Iraq.

"This war is a disaster. We must end this war," said one Democratic candidate, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

But in the Republican field, Arizona Sen. John McCain is arguing that Bush's troop buildup needs time to bring enough stability to Baghdad to allow Iraqi political leaders to try to work out their differences.

On Thursday in South Carolina, he called the pullout timetable "a date certain for surrender."

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyid=2007-04-27T175406Z_01_N27369275_RTRUKOC_0_UK-IRAQ-USA.xml&src=rss

-- April 27, 2007 2:39 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

The eight Democratic contenders in the November 2008 election agreed at their first debate on Thursday on the need to quickly pull U.S. troops out of Iraq.

Not ONE Democrat who won't pull out, hey?
Disgraceful the way they want to lose as fast as they can..
Hope the RV changes all this and gives a fighting chance to the Iraqis..
Yesterday's Glenn Beck transcript about the ensuing bloodbath..
with 100,000 Iraqis dying a month in the event of a pullout..
I don't wish to see.

Sara.

-- April 27, 2007 2:50 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Truth which should be heard. May God and history judge this matter such:

Statement by Senator Lieberman on Iraq Withdrawal Provision in Supplemental Appropriations Bill
April 26, 2007

WASHINGTON - Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) today addressed the Iraq withdrawal provision in the supplemental appropriations bill on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Below is the full text of Senator Lieberman's speech, as prepared for delivery:

"Mr. President, the supplemental appropriations bill we are debating today contains language that would have Congress take control of the direction of our military strategy in Iraq.

Earlier this week the Senate Majority Leader spoke at the Woodrow Wilson Center and laid out the case for why he believes we must do this—why the bill now before this chamber, in his view, offers a viable alternative strategy for Iraq.

I have great respect for my friend from Nevada. I believe he has offered this proposal in good faith, and therefore want to take it up in good faith, and examine its arguments and ideas carefully and in depth, for this is a very serious discussion for our country.

In his speech Monday, the Majority Leader described the several steps that this new strategy for Iraq would entail. Its first step, he said, is to "transition the U.S. mission away from policing a civil war—to training and equipping Iraqi security forces, protecting U.S. forces, and conducting targeted counter-terror operations."

I ask my colleagues to take a step back for a moment and consider this plan.

When we say that U.S. troops shouldn't be "policing a civil war," that their operations should be restricted to this narrow list of missions, what does this actually mean?

To begin with, it means that our troops will not be allowed to protect the Iraqi people from the insurgents and militias who are trying to terrorize and kill them. Instead of restoring basic security, which General Petraeus has argued should be the central focus of any counterinsurgency campaign, it means our soldiers would instead be ordered, by force of this proposed law, not to stop the sectarian violence happening all around them—no matter how vicious or horrific it becomes.

In short, it means telling our troops to deliberately and consciously turn their backs on ethnic cleansing, to turn their backs on the slaughter of innocent civilians—men, women, and children singled out and killed on the basis of their religion alone. It means turning our backs on the policies that led us to intervene in the civil war in Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the principles that today lead many of us to call for intervention in Darfur.

This makes no moral sense at all.

It also makes no strategic or military sense either.

Al Qaeda's own leaders have repeatedly said that one of the ways they intend to achieve victory in Iraq is to provoke civil war. They are trying to kill as many people as possible today, precisely in the hope of igniting sectarian violence, because they know that this is their best way to collapse Iraq's political center, overthrow Iraq's elected government, radicalize its population, and create a failed state in the heart of the Middle East that they can use as a base.

That is why Al Qaeda blew up the Golden Mosque in Samarra last year. And that is why we are seeing mass casualty suicide bombings by Al Qaeda in Baghdad now.

The sectarian violence that the Majority Leader says he wants to order American troops to stop policing, in other words, is the very same sectarian violence that Al Qaeda hopes to ride to victory. The suggestion that we can draw a bright legislative line between stopping terrorists in Iraq and stopping civil war in Iraq flies in the face of this reality.

I do not know how to say it more plainly: it is Al Qaeda that is trying to cause a full-fledged civil war in Iraq.

The Majority Leader said on Monday that he believes U.S. troops will still be able to conduct "targeted counter-terror operations" under his plan. Even if we stop trying to protect civilians in Iraq, in other words, we can still go after the bad guys.

But again, I ask my colleagues, how would this translate into military reality on the ground? How would we find these terrorists, who do not gather on conventional military bases or fight in conventional formations?

By definition, targeted counterterrorism requires our forces to know where, when, and against whom to strike—and that in turn requires accurate, actionable, real-time intelligence.

This is the kind of intelligence that can only come from ordinary Iraqis, the sea of people among whom the terrorists hide. And that, in turn, requires interacting with the Iraqi people on a close, personal, daily basis. It requires winning individual Iraqis to our side, gaining their trust, convincing them that they can count on us to keep them safe from the terrorists if they share valuable information about them. This is no great secret. This is at the heart of the new strategy that General Petraeus and his troops are carrying out.

And yet, if we pass this legislation, according to the Majority Leader, U.S. forces will no longer be permitted to patrol Iraq's neighborhoods or protect Iraqi civilians. They won't, in his words, be "interjecting themselves between warring factions" or "trying to sort friend from foe."

Therefore, I ask the supporters of this legislation: How, exactly, are U.S. forces to gather intelligence about where, when, and against whom to strike, after you have ordered them walled off from the Iraqi population? How, exactly, are U.S. forces to carry out targeted counter-terror operations, after you have ordered them cut off from the very source of intelligence that drives these operations?

This is precisely why the congressional micromanagement of life-and-death decisions about how, where, and when our troops can fight is such a bad idea, especially on a complex and changing battlefield.

In sum, you can't have it both ways. You can't withdraw combat troops from Iraq and still fight Al Qaeda there. If you believe there is no hope of winning in Iraq, or that the costs of victory there are not worth it, then you should be for complete withdrawal as soon as possible.

There is another irony here as well.

For most of the past four years, under Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, the United States did not try to establish basic security in Iraq. Rather than deploying enough troops necessary to protect the Iraqi people, the focus of our military has been on training and equipping Iraqi forces, protecting our own forces, and conducting targeted sweeps and raids—in other words, the very same missions proposed by the proponents of the legislation before us.

That strategy failed—and we know why it failed. It failed because we didn't have enough troops to ensure security, which in turn created an opening for Al Qaeda and its allies to exploit. They stepped into this security vacuum and, through horrific violence, created a climate of fear and insecurity in which political and economic progress became impossible.

For years, many members of Congress recognized this. We talked about this. We called for more troops, and a new strategy, and—for that matter—a new secretary of defense.

And yet, now, just as President Bush has come around—just as he has recognized the mistakes his administration has made, and the need to focus on basic security in Iraq, and to install a new secretary of defense and a new commander in Iraq—now his critics in Congress have changed their minds and decided that the old, failed strategy wasn't so bad after all.

What is going on here? What has changed so that the strategy that we criticized and rejected in 2006 suddenly makes sense in 2007?

The second element in the plan outlined by the Majority Leader on Monday is "the phased redeployment of our troops no later than October 1, 2007."

Let us be absolutely clear what this means. This legislation would impose a binding deadline for U.S. troops to begin retreating from Iraq. This withdrawal would happen regardless of conditions on the ground, regardless of the recommendations of General Petraeus, in short regardless of reality on October 1, 2007.

As far as I can tell, none of the supporters of withdrawal have attempted to explain why October 1 is the magic date—what strategic or military significance this holds. Why not September 1? Or January 1? This is a date as arbitrary as it is inflexible—a deadline for defeat.

How do proponents of this deadline defend it? On Monday, Senator Reid gave several reasons. First, he said, a date for withdrawal puts "pressure on the Iraqis to make the desperately needed political compromises."

But will it? According to the legislation now before us, the withdrawal will happen regardless of what the Iraqi government does.

How, then, if you are an Iraqi government official, does this give you any incentive to make the right choices?

On the contrary, there is compelling reason to think a legislatively directed withdrawal of American troops will have exactly the opposite effect than its Senate sponsors intend.

This, in fact, is exactly what the most recent National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq predicted. A withdrawal of U.S. troops in the months ahead, it said, would "almost certainly lead to a significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian conflict, intensify Sunni resistance, and have adverse effects on national reconciliation."

Second, the Majority Leader said that withdrawing our troops, and again I quote, will "reduce the specter of the U.S. occupation which gives fuel to the insurgency."

My colleague from Nevada, in other words, is suggesting that the insurgency is being provoked by the very presence of American troops. By diminishing that presence, then, he believes the insurgency will diminish.

But I ask my colleagues—where is the evidence to support this theory? Since 2003, and before General Petraeus took command, U.S. forces were ordered on several occasions to pull back from Iraqi cities and regions, including Mosul and Fallujah and Tel'Afar and Baghdad. And what happened in these places? Did they stabilize when American troops left? Did the insurgency go away?

On the contrary—in each of these places where U.S. forces pulled back, Al Qaeda rushed in. Rather than becoming islands of peace, they became safe havens for terrorists, islands of fear and violence.

So I ask advocates of withdrawal: on what evidence, on what data, have you concluded that pulling U.S. troops out will weaken the insurgency, when every single experience we have had since 2003 suggests that this legislation will strengthen it?

Consider the words of Sheikh Abdul Sattar, one of the leading Sunni tribal leaders in Anbar province who is now fighting on our side against Al Qaeda. This is what he told the New York Times when asked last month what would happen if U.S. troops withdraw. "In my personal opinion, and in the opinion of most of the wise men of Anbar," he said, "if the American forces leave right now, there will be civil war and the area will fall into total chaos."

This is a man whose father was killed by Al Qaeda, who is risking his life every day to work with us—a man who was described by one Army officer as "the most effective local leader in Ramadi I believe the coalition has worked with... in Anbar [since] 2003."

In his remarks earlier this week, the Majority Leader observed that there is "a large and growing population of millions—who sit precariously on the fence. They will either condemn or contribute to terrorism in the years ahead. We must convince them of the goodness of America and Americans. We must win them over."

On this, I completely agree with my friend from Nevada. My question to him, however, and to the supporters of this legislation, is this: how does the strategy you propose in this bill possibly help win over this population of millions in Iraq, who sit precariously on the fence?

What message, I ask, does this legislation announce to those people in Iraq? How will they respond when we tell them that we will no longer make any effort to protect them against insurgents and death squads? How will they respond when we declare that we will be withdrawing our forces—regardless of whether they make progress in the next six months towards political reconciliation? Where will their hopes for a better life be when we withdraw the troops that are the necessary precondition for the security and stability they yearn for?

Do my friends really believe that this is the way to convince Iraqis, and the world, of the goodness of America and Americans? Does anyone in this chamber really believe that, by announcing a date certain for withdrawal, we will empower Iraqi moderates, or enable Iraq's reconstruction, or open more schools for their children, or more hospitals for their families, or freedom for everyone?

Mr. President, with all due respect, this is fantasy.

The third step the Majority Leader proposes is to impose "tangible, measurable, and achievable benchmarks on the Iraqi government."

I am all for such benchmarks. In fact, Senator McCain and I were among the first to propose legislation to apply such benchmarks on the Iraqi government.

But I don't see how this plan will encourage Iraqis to meet these or any other benchmarks, given its ironclad commitment to abandon them—regardless of how they behave.

We should of course be making every effort to encourage reconciliation in Iraq and the development of a decent political order that Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds can agree on.

But even if today that political solution was found, we cannot rationally think that our terrorist enemies like Al Qaeda in Iraq will simply vanish.

Al Qaeda is not mass murdering civilians on the streets of Baghdad because it wants a more equitable distribution of oil revenues. Its aim in Iraq is not to get a seat at the political table.

It wants to blow up the table—along with everyone seated at it. Al Qaeda wants to destroy any prospect for democracy in Iraq, and it will not be negotiated or reasoned out of existence. It must be fought and defeated through force of arms. And there can be no withdrawal, no redeployment from this reality.

The fourth step that the Majority Leader proposed on Monday is a "diplomatic, economic, and political offensive... starting with a regional conference working toward a long-term framework for stability in the region."

I understand why we are tempted by these ideas. All of us are aware of the justified frustration, fatigue, and disappointment of the American people. And all of us would like to believe that there is a quick and easy solution to the challenges we face in Iraq.

But none of this gives us an excuse to paper over hard truths. We delude ourselves if we think we can wave a legislative wand and suddenly our troops in the field will be able to distinguish between Al Qaeda terrorism and sectarian violence, or that Iraqis will suddenly settle their political differences because our troops are leaving, or that sweet reason alone will suddenly convince Iran and Syria to stop destabilizing Iraq.

Mr. President, what we need now is a sober assessment of the progress we have made and a recognition of the challenges we face. There are still many uncertainties before us, many complexities. Barely half of the new troops that General Petraeus has requested have even arrived in Iraq, and, as we heard from him yesterday, it will still be months before we will know just how effective his new strategy is.

In following General Petraeus' path, there is no guarantee of success—but there is hope, and a new plan, for success.

The plan embedded in this legislation, on the other hand, contains no such hope. It is a strategy of catchphrases and bromides, rather than military realities in Iraq. It does not learn from the many mistakes we have made in Iraq. Rather, it promises to repeat them.

Let me be absolutely clear: In my opinion, Iraq is not yet lost—but if we follow this plan, it will be. And so, I fear, much of our hope for stability in the Middle East and security from terrorism here at home.

I yield the floor."

http://lieberman.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=273146

Let me be absolutely clear: In my opinion, Iraq is not yet lost—but if we follow this plan, it will be. And so, I fear, much of our hope for stability in the Middle East and security from terrorism here at home.

and security from terrorism here at home.
and security from terrorism here at home.
and security from terrorism here at home.

Truth.. which should be heard. But will it?

Why do I hear the same voice as in the Garden of Eden from these Democrats which all agree to withdraw and leave the Iraqis defenseless? "Withdraw," says the voice, "and you will not die." This utterance is the sound I hear which is being said to the Iraqi people (they won't die if the US withdraws.. do you believe them? Glenn Beck's article stated yesterday the death toll will be 100,000 a month..) Also, "you will not die" is also being said to the United States by these men and women who are Democrats. (No terrorism at home will result, no insecurity will follow this move). Will the people of the United States believe them, as Eve once did?

Sara.

-- April 27, 2007 3:33 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Even way back in Genesis Noah took 7 of the "clean" animals, and 2 of the "unclean" animals, but man always thinks he is smarter than God and always presents an argument as to why he can do things his own way.

More often than not man will not listen to good council, and I doubt they will listen to the good council of Lieberman either, for they are blinded by their own agenda.

-- April 27, 2007 5:47 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Neil:

I sincerely believe you are wrong. The U.S. has spent billions of dollars in Iraq already. The President will not acquiesce to the Democrats.

I ask you to remember Vietnam the Democrats belly ached about that war to. They called it a lost cause. The Democrats lost that war for America and suffered politically.

Since they are not in a position to override a Presidential veto I think they will finally cave and give the President the requested appropriations.

If the Democrats are the cause of the U.S. loosing the war on terror, they will feel it politically for a generation. President Bush must hold fast, he will when the battle with the Democrats.

Concerning Iraq, in my opinion the country will eventually unify and it appears oil and natural gas will be the factors that do it. Malaki must transcend ethinc kinsmanship and place the well being of all Iraqis over one group. In time, either Malaki or another Iraqi leader will do just that.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 27, 2007 7:55 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Steve,

Valerio, you were told to take this none Iraq'i rubbish to PM
It seems YOU think you are smarter, by comeing back, with YOUR argument as you seem to think it is right, WHO KIN cares, NAFF OFF

-- April 27, 2007 7:56 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Steven,
Sorry dude! I have taken the discussion off the board, but I had to answer back to what was posted on the board. I was brief, as I always try to be staight to the point. It was off topic, but you know, all the news and info on Iraq is nice to know, and I read it like you, but weather we do or not bares very little if any impact on the value of the dinar. The info is possibly of benefit to those who are pondering investing in it, or selling what they have. For those of us who are simply awaiting the day to cash in, the board was much more interesting when it was always graced with rumors of inside info on next weeks revalue, predictions, personal stories, spirited discussions, but now it's like watching senate hearings on TV. Some of the prior discussions on this board were very educational, artistic, humorous, and stimulating to the mind and soul. I guess this is primarily due to the fact that we all have finaly given up on that instantanious victory, and have bunkered down for the long fight. Most of the visionaries and philosophers have left us, and we are left with only reporters. Even the great thinker Roger is beginning to move on. I think all the "Iraqi dinar only" guys ought to go write "Iraqi dinar" a million times, while the rest of us talk about what we are going to do with the money. Now that would be fun.
Peace

-- April 28, 2007 1:08 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Valerio,

Thanks for putting your brave words to my own thoughts.

This site used to be provocative and very interesting. Now it is inundated with "re-posted" articles. It is helpful to some who do not read for themselves, for what ever reason.

I am sure that Rob and Sara mean well, but I have suggested ( not taken very well when I did) that hey reference articles rather than rewrite them.

You are right, the Dinar epic is old stuff recycled and very boring. But the characters around the subject
have been the glue that binds.

I can't say that I relished the squabbles with Roger( understatement), but at least it was not in a state of rigamortus, as we see now.

We lost perhaps the greatest contributor to this site when Tim Bitts went bye bye.

Oh well, I look in everyday,and when I see the litany of articles posted, which I just read for myself on other sites, I just move on.

Who knows maybe we have said it all and there is no more to say about the Dinar and the dark side of the world that produces it.

Good to see you are alive and well.

Carole

-- April 28, 2007 6:55 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

I must say,
I missed all the discussion on clean verses unclean food.

For those in Christ all things are legal, but not all things are expedient.

Having said that: if you can read Dr. J Rubin's book The Makers Diet, and still eat shrimp and other shell fish or pork, then I would strongly suggest you get an MRI of your skull, because your brain has atrophied!!

Carole

-- April 28, 2007 7:30 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Steven;

Your post did prompt Valerio to email me, finally.
Since you posted, Valerio wrote me and the discussion appears to be off board now.
Thanks. :)

Valerio;

Your thoughts on Liberman and those he spoke to not listening to reason are interesting. Whether they will hear him or not does matter in eternity. Even the godless have to answer one day before the throne of God for their deeds, and being culpable and responsible for the deaths of 100,000 Iraqis a month, not to mention the American casualties back home in an American Hiroshima, will one day be a very grave concern to them, though they do not think so now and likely discount it as you say. Judging from the eternal, Mr. Liberman speaking out against this delivers his soul from the consequences of being lumped together with them. He has no blood on his hands because he spoke out and acts in accordance with those (correct) beliefs. Those who do not speak out against it and vote to withdraw will be held accountable in all eternity for the consequences of their actions and inactions.. for the lives it will eventually cost... and that is the judgement which they should be afraid about. The Bible says not to be afraid of those who can, at most, kill the body (the terrorists) but have no power over the soul.. but to fear God who can take the soul and put it into hell (and determine what punishments will be experienced in hell by the recipient.) Belief or lack of belief in the objective reality of hell will be no bar to them experiencing it. For those who don't think there is a God or hell, learning that those are realities one day will be a very sad occasion.. not to mention their lack of sober reflection about what to do in life which should have kept that day in mind and acted more circumspectly in the light of it.

Carole;

Glad to see you around and posting.. even if all you can do is complain. Anything new to do with the Dinar from you?

Oh, Valerio, I haven't given up on the rumors.. in fact, I think there are some of the most interesting ones pointing toward a soon RV out there now than ever before, based on the news. HERE:

Iraqi PM instructs debt settlement

POL-IRAQ-MALIKI-DEBTS
Iraqi PM instructs debt settlement

BAGHDAD, April 27 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki instructed here Friday that all Iraq's debts to regional and international organizations be paid off.

Al-Maliki's Office quoted him as stressing in a release that Iraq should restore its key role on the regional, Arab and international arenas.

The Iraqi prime minister told all Iraqi cabinet ministers that the way should be paved for Iraq's active involvement in all Arab and international bodies and organizations which it had split away from during the former ruling regime, it added.

Iraq needs to get back to all political, economic, cultural, artistic, sports and other activities regionally and internationally, the office quoted al-Maliki as requesting.

However, the release failed to mention the size of Iraq's debts or creditors or even Iraqi cabinet ministries which are to pay off Iraq's debts.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=976870

===

And this post from Darock on IIF:

From the website below it shows How much Debt that Iraq owes. The are different sources that range from $100 billion to $200 billion. We will use the world banks Estimates at 127 billion.

http://www.jubileeiraq.org/debt_today.htm

IRAQ DEBT(USD)

$127,000,000,000 EST.

ON AVG. Countires Forgave 80%

$127,000,000,000-$15,000,000,000 (Kuwaits Debt) EST. X 80% Debt Forgiveness=$86,600,000,000 EST.

Original Debt

$127,000,000,000 EST.

DEBT Forgivness EST.(80%)

$86,600,000,000 EST.

Kuwaits Debt EST.

$15,000,000,000 EST.

$127,000,000,000 - $86,600,000,000 + $15,000,000,000 = $55,400,000,000

DEBT LEFT TO PAY

$55,400,000,000

So if Maiki is saying that they are going to pay off the rest of their debt, how are they going to this on a 1270 exchange rate????

Disclaimer all these numbers are Estimates!!!
http://www.investorsiraq.com/showthread.php?p=349693#post349693

===end of post==

We don't know if these numbers are accurate, of course, but taking it at face value, paying $55B X 1270 (Chris' last rate post) is quite a awful LOT of dinar. I personally just cannot see that happening without a significant RV. So the reason the board may be slow is others may be into such juicy rumors and since that is something this board doesn't take seriously, it isn't discussed here.

Sara.

-- April 28, 2007 7:59 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

By the way, if you have a minute to spare.. this is an absolutely excellent presentation:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170

From:

Scientists Demand Changes to ‘The Great Global Warming Swindle’ DVD
Posted by Noel Sheppard on April 26, 2007

This is really hysterical: a group of scientists has sent a letter to the producer of the British documentary “The Great Global Warming Swindle” (video available here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170 ) demanding that changes be made to the film before the DVD version is released.

Yet, despite the egregious errors and factual misstatements made by soon-to-be-Dr. Al Gore in his schlockumentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” no such call occurred when it was released on DVD.

Why the double standard?

Regardless of the obvious hypocrisy, the Associated Press reported (emphasis added throughout):

An open letter sent Tuesday by 38 scientists, including the former heads of Britain's academy of sciences and Britain's weather office, called on producer Wag TV to remove what it called "major misrepresentations" from the film before the DVD release -- a demand its director said was tantamount to censorship.

Bob Ward, the former spokesman for the Royal Society, Britain's academy of science, and one of the letter's signatories, said director Mark Durkin made a "long catalog of fundamental and profound mistakes" -- including the claim that volcanoes produce more carbon dioxide than humans, and that the Earth's atmosphere was warmer during the Middle Ages than it is today.

===end quote==

Pay particular attention to this next paragraph, for the irony is so delicious, it should be served with a fine Cabernet:

"Free speech does not extend to misleading the public by making factually inaccurate statements," he said. "Somebody has to stand up for the public interest here."

==end quote==

Done laughing yet? After all, folks like Gore are making a fortune doing exactly that as they mislead the entire world. And, of course, members of the media are guilty of making factually inaccurate statements on this and many issues on a daily basis with little outrage.

Once again, why the double standard?

Fortunately, “Swindle’s” director will not be bullied:

Durkin called the letter "loathsome."

"This is a contemptible, weasel-worded attempt to gag scientific criticism, and it won't work," he said. "I don't believe they're interested in quality control when it comes to the reporting of science -- so long as it's on their side."

==end quote==

Exactly.

http://newsbusters.org/node/12324

-- April 28, 2007 8:41 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole wrote:

For those in Christ all things are legal, but not all things are expedient.

==end quote==

I quite agree with you, Carole. The fact that all things are lawful (or legal) is important to note in the rush to say that it is not expedient or good (for the body). Since the world has very many people in it who do eat those meats in abundance, and God says they may, I will not say they are unlawful when the Bible does not forbid their use to mankind. I believe such forbiddance is a mark of a cult and adds a work to salvation if it must be religiously observed to be "right" with God. Salvation by Grace alone through faith alone, is the gospel. In context, I had been speaking of the Armstrong Worldwide Church of God, whose tenants include this observance as a religious dogma when the point came up. Perhaps the discussion can best be summed up:

Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteems any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 But if your brother be grieved with your meat, you now do not walk charitably. Do not destroy him with your meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

I therefore thought it wiser to move the discussion off board.
(With apologies to those who thought we had moved the discussion off board.)

Sara.

-- April 28, 2007 9:05 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

I totally agree with you on every point.

BTW I have been studying some data on the "Emergent Church" with respect to "postmodernism" theology.

Have you any thoughts or information on this?

Why move it off the board? This place is so boring while we wait for the 100th layer of paint to dry re: the dinar.

Carole

-- April 28, 2007 2:31 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

My RE friend pretty much concurs with Roger"s last post about " this is it".

Big international meeting in May must be proceded with an RV for there to be any meeting at all.

June 5th is the day we should all be buying air fair for the pig roast!

I am only passing this on -- do I believe it? No!

Do I hope it is true--- of course!

But given the history of that whole part of the world, I think it is more likely for some catechlismic event will take place to thwart any possibility of any international meeting where finally some kind of significant progress can be made. In fact we may actually be closer to experiencing the " hell freezes over" event humans have been refering to for centuries! :}

Carole

"Complaining" huh? You are a good one to talk!

-- April 28, 2007 2:44 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Democrat debate 'victory for Iraqi insurgents'
Terrorists say anti-war statements moment of glory for global 'resistance movements'
Posted: April 27, 2007
By Aaron Klein

TEL AVIV – Democratic presidential hopefuls flashing their anti-war credentials at a national debate by stating they would immediately withdraw from Iraq, encouraged Palestinian terrorist leaders here, who labeled the debate a victory for Iraqi insurgents and "resistance movements" throughout the world.

The debate was widely covered today by the Palestinian and pan-Arab media.

"We see Hillary (Clinton) and other candidates are competing on who will withdraw from Iraq and who is guilty of supporting the Iraqi invasion. This is a moment of glory for the revolutionary movements in the Arab world in general and for the Iraqi resistance movement specifically," said Abu Jihad, one of the overall leaders of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror organization.

I think democrats will do good if they will withdraw as soon as they are in power," he said.

"The (Democrat) debate showed that like in Vietnam the American people needed these thousands of soldiers killed to see that invading other people will always result in a failure.

Abu Aziz said it was "very good" there are "voices like Hillary and others who are now attacking the Iraq invasion."

"I think the more Americans receive the bodies of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, the more the conservatives in the U.S. will be sentenced to be thrown in the garbage," he said.

Islamic Jihad and the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades took joint responsibility for every suicide bombing in Israel the past two years. Both terrorist groups regularly carry out shootings and rocket attacks against Jewish civilian population centers.

At the televised primary debate last night, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who together with Clinton and others voted to authorize the Iraq war, apologized for his earlier support and said he wanted to see a withdrawal.

In November, WND conducted a series of exclusive interviews in which prominent Middle East terrorist leaders said they hoped Americans would sweep the Democrats into power because of the party's position on withdrawing from Iraq.

The terrorists told WND an electoral win for the Democrats would prove to them Americans are "tired." They rejected statements from some prominent Democrats in the U.S. that a withdrawal from Iraq would end the insurgency, explaining an evacuation would prove resistance works and would compel jihadists to continue fighting until America is destroyed.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55424

Hmmm.. the terrorists explained a withdrawl like the Democrats want:

"would prove resistance works and would compel jihadists to continue fighting until America is destroyed"

It would COMPEL them to continue to fight.. until when?

until America is destroyed

Anyone taking notes on this or taking them at their word yet?

Sara.

-- April 28, 2007 6:37 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(913)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 913 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/4/ 29 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1270 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1268 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 51.530.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 51.530.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- April 29, 2007 7:15 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Hey, the food stuff seems to simmer along time.

Bacon ....mmmmm.

About the Dinar,

Sara, thanks for the post from DaRock, I have seen him posting pretty frequently at the "other"forum, he is quite a guy when it comes to digging up very obscured important info.

However, the analyses he is coming up with is a bit on the wish list side of things.

I wish as well as everybody else that an RV would take place, but the amount of debt with one value of the Dinars , and paying off the debt with another higher value of the Dinar is not a very smart way to go, because if you owe someone 100 bucks, in Dollars, and you have a very small value of the Dollar compared with other currencies, then reevaluate your currency in order to be worth much more, then pay off your debt, you have lost a lot of money that way.

Now, if the Iraqi loans are set in Dollars, and they do an RV, then they will gain a lot.

Then your own buying power have increased proportionally to how much you have increased the value on your money.

I'm not sure in what currency the debts are set in when it comes to Iraq. Iraq have a lot of smaller loans with different loan givers. A lot of the loans are from neighbouring countries, and I can assume that lot of their loans are in either Iraqi Dinars, or in the neighbouring country's currency.

As to the big oil conference by the end of May, the Dinar doesn't necessarily have to RV, before that, but the HCL have to be passed, otherwise they will invite a lot of companies, but have no legal framework to offer them when it comes to contracts, and the big ones, they want a solid contract, not a "maybe", "we will see" or 'we're doing the best we can".

I have such a hard time seeing this big conference taking place, with all the Iraqi ministers, eager to do contracts, and having all the big guys that really matters invited.

This, and the HCL not done, what will the Iraqis say or do to the big oil guys,..."Uh!, it would be nice if we can ...in the future...maybe sometime...do some contracts...uh! when we have all our Hydro Carbon Laws in place....but by all means, in the meanwhile please have a Buffet....it's on us.."

If there is an RV taking place, it can happen before or after the summit, but not after the big oil, have set their foot in Iraq, and started hiring people.

If the Iraqis will leave the Dinar in this range, the big oil will have very very cheap labour, and I'm not so sure the Iraqis are willing to be cheap helpers in their own country with their own oil.

Then again, what is logic and reason have never happened in Iraq anyway, so again, we'll see.

When it comes to a country's debt, assets and currency in circulation, ...I'm aware that on the "other" site, a big deal is set into trying to calculate Iraq's debt, reserve, and currency, and out of those numbers trying to figure out when a revalue will take place.

It doesn't work that way.

If you have 300.000 dollars in debt on your house, have 250.000 payed on the house, have 10.000 in you bank account, and 350 bucks in your wallet, and are making 45.000 a year, and revalue your currency.

You will then be in the interesting position that you have 300.000 owed on your house, you have still 250.000 Dollars payed on it, you still have 10.000 Dollars in your bank account, and there is no difference in the 350 bucks in your wallet.

You will however be richer if you go to India.

Money is worth what you say it is worth, that's all.

May it be traders, on the Forex that are willing to buy the currency for so much or so much, they have now set the value of the currency.

If CBI comes out saying it is worth 25 cents to the Dollar, it will then be worth 25 cents, because they say so.

All we have to do is agree, not protest, don't care, or whatever, but it is only worth as much as we say it is.

If 5 millions of us, read the newspaper, and read the currency exchange , and say -"Oh that is what it is", then we have agreed.

If the debt is in Dollar, then they are good to RV, if it is in Dinars, then it doesn't matter, if it is in any other currency other than Dinars, then they do a good deal by RV the Dinar.

If they are importing, (like the whole Iraq is doing, then they are doing good by RVing, if they are looking for investors, into Iraq, then they would do good to keep it low, until they are in, that will lure the investors with the Iraqi internal very low prices, and when the production starts happening, then RV the Dinar.

Looking for clues in the Daily action is not a good idea, as the true numbers of Iraq's status will not reveal itself there, as only SOME Dollar revenues are auctioned off.

It's this endless guessing game.

There are no hard evidence that they are going to RV, but all the signs are there.

Other than some officials wish for the Dinar to get back to it's former value, I have still to this day not seen one fact that says that the Dinar will revalue.

It's a lot of assumptions on our side as investors.

Especially on the "other" blog site, it is almost hilarious, any statement, document or any far flung data, is immediately analyzed as to when the RV will happen.

The fact that it may never RV is never discussed, it is so hard agreed upon that it will RV that it is assumed in the discussion that it will.

It might or it might not, and I do believe it will, but as I say, that's a wish, at best.

My way of looking at it, well I see the signs, see the opportunity for it to get off the ground, and can argue to next Friday why it should happen.

Seems like we're always coming back to the good ol, ....we'll see.

In the meanwhile...bacon mmmmm.

-- April 29, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

DALE wrote:

All,
What,if any other currencies have been Rv'd in recent history. Not being educated in these matters of world currencies I have not a clue. I just wonder if this is something all of us invested in NID have made up to justify our investment to ourselves. when I bought mine in 04 I figured it was going to be a slow 20 year process. Although long & slow, it would be perfect timing for fishing the rest of my life starting starting at age 54.
as Roger said "The fact that it may never RV is never discussed,"
I Guess I am looking for the reason that we all assume that the RV is going to happen. So much that everyone is looking for that date to mark on the calendar.
Any thoughts back welcome as long as it doesn't include food or another bible lesson.

-- April 29, 2007 11:46 AM ∞

---

ram wrote:

All,
I totally agree with Dale,This site should be a little more focused on the reason were here,DINAR
not a bible lesson or personal bickering. I prefer information exchange and enlighting information
Thanks,stay groovy !

-- April 29, 2007 1:04 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Dale;

Remember when the first Gulf war happened? The Iraqis under Saddam tried to take over Kuwait. They came very close to doing just that. But they were repelled by the timely intervention of the USA. When the US "invaded" Kuwait to repel Saddam's forces, the money (currency) of Kuwait went to zero in short order. Those who believed the US would restore order bought this "worthless" currency and when the US pulled out, the currency was put back on the market at a good rate. Those who had speculated on the currency being worth something someday made oodles of cash, and are now living the good life. This is often given as an example of what could happen with the Dinar. I tried to find the charts on the forex showing this, but they only go back so far and this event is not recorded in the history that I could find. If anyone could find it, it would be interesting, so please post it. But most sites only have a history going back a few years.

Roger - I have tried making Chicken Cordon Bleu without (nitrate free, organically raised, black forest) ham.. it lacks something...

And I agree with your interesting commentary where you said that even if they pass the HCL law, that does not mean there will be an automatic RV. But I think the passing of the HCL law will be taken as an indicator that a revaluation is closer.

Sara.

-- April 29, 2007 4:14 PM ∞

---

DALE wrote:

SARA,
Thanks for the reply, I am aware of the KWD & its short fall & rise. I was hoping there were some other examples. I also was curiouse if there was a formal RV for the KWD or did it just straighten itself out in very short order. If there was not a formal meeting of the minds that said ok we are now making the KWD worth as much as it was pre Saddam invasion, then that really is not an example of a RV. but more of an example of a currancy adjusting it self. That make sense????

-- April 29, 2007 5:47 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Dale;

Makes sense to me.
But I haven't seen the information on it that you seek in that great a detail on Kuwait, sorry.
Just anecdotal from those who made the profit, no urls or hard facts..
and a few Dinar sites which quote the event.
Perhaps this venture is more a question of logic..
than a catalog of past precedent.

Sara.

-- April 29, 2007 8:12 PM ∞

---

Oxford Boy wrote:

To those who are too uneducated and ignorant to see the connections between religion and the war, and the RV of the Dinar, some of us quiet watchers enjoy the thoughtful commentary, by Sara, who is brilliant and connects the dots for the unwashed. Be grateful for the diamond in your midst.

-- April 29, 2007 8:35 PM ∞

---

Franko wrote:

Whats up with the cbiraq.org website????

-- April 30, 2007 8:20 AM ∞

---

BigT wrote:

Is today the day???
Check out www.safedinar.com
Did it happen?
I can't get to Central bank of iraq either - - --

-- April 30, 2007 8:29 AM ∞

---

Franko wrote:

I checked out that site,very interesting......

-- April 30, 2007 9:08 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Hi All,

Notice to the Press
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 27, 2007

Special Briefing on International Compact with Iraq and Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighbors of Iraq, Monday, April 30, 2007

Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State and Coordinator for Iraq David Satterfield and Department of Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa Ahmed Saeed will hold an on the record, on camera press briefing on Monday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m. in the State Department's Press Briefing Room.

The briefers will discuss the upcoming launch of the International Compact with Iraq, an initiative co-chaired by the United Nations and Iraq to help Iraq build a stable and prosperous nation and a self-sustaining economy, as well as the Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighbors of Iraq. The Neighbors Ministerial is an important demonstration of the Iraqi government's desire to pursue national reconciliation as it reaches out to all of Iraq's neighbors. It is also an opportunity for Iraq's neighbors and the wider international community to demonstrate their support for Iraq, including through the commitment of political, financial and other resources. Both will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on May 3 and May 4 respectively.

Media representatives wishing to attend this briefing should arrive at the 23rd Street Entrance no later than 2:45 p.m. and present one of the following IDs: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center), (2) a photo ID issued by the employing media organization, or (3) a letter on official letterhead from their news organization verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo ID (driver's license or passport).

-- April 30, 2007 9:10 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

I am having trouble pulling up the CBI site...I keep getting a domain web site called Big Daddy's advertising Dinar sales...anyone else having this problem?

Roger!
I leave in the AM for SC...will keep you informed...

-- April 30, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi cabinet approves oil draft law

(MENAFN) The Iraqi Prime Minister said that the Iraqi Cabinet accepted a draft law which states how Iraq's oil profits will be shared, it will also outline terms of how foreign oil agencies will be able to operate in the country, Iraq Development Program reported.

Under the terms of the new draft law, the Iraqi National Oil Company (INOC) will be independently functional and joined with oil companies around the country.

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister stated that the oil sector's profits will be put in a central account and distributed according to population and that the draft law will be put into action by the end of this month.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Big T:

What am I suppose to be looking for on the safedinar site?I see a Dinar exchange rate of 1269.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

big t wrote:

Click here to view other graphs »

0.19 Dinars to the
US Dollar ($5.263158)
$5,263,157.89 per million Dinar
* As of 4/30/2007 9:00:02 AM as per
Central Bank of Iraq website

This is what safe dinar says when I go there - - -

-- April 30, 2007 10:08 AM ∞

---

Franko wrote:

Rob When I looked at it this morning safe dinar had an exchange rate of .19 dinars to the dollar. Then the site went down for awhile and came back up with 1269.

-- April 30, 2007 10:13 AM ∞

---

Todd wrote:

Hey, the IIF site is down too...

-- April 30, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Invites Russian Companies to Invest in Oil

Iraqi Minister of Oil, Husein Shahristani, met with Russian ambassador Vladimir Gamov to deliver an invitation to Russian oil companies to invest in Iraq in light of the prospective oil and gas law that is now being reviewed in parliament, reported Qatari daily newspaper Al-Sarq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am trying www.safedinar.com and it is down again. What is going on this morning?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 10:33 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Analysis: Fight rages over Iraq oil law

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

30 April 2007 (United Press International)
Print article Send to friend
Discussions turned contentious among the more than 60 Iraqi oil officials reviewing Iraq's draft hydrocarbons bill last week in the United Arab Emirates.

But the dispute highlighted the need for further negotiations on the proposed law that was stalled in talks for nearly eight months, then pushed through Iraq's Cabinet without most key provisions.

Tariq Shafiq, one of three authors of the law, said he attended the Dubai summit "reluctantly," at the request of Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani.

"I thought it would help," Shafiq said, hoping all Iraqi sides in the debate over its oil law would meet and iron out their differences. "Apparently it did not."

Petroleum Intelligence Weekly reports talks in Dubai led to "heated exchanges."

Instead, the voices of those who disagree with the law or, like Shafiq, oppose what it has become since the initial draft and how it was kept from the public, were not given part of the platform.

"Had there been genuine interest in having consensus," Shafiq said, "the two differing parties should have sat -- not publicly in front of the television -- to discuss with an open heart how you can reach a compromise. But this apparently was not their aim."

Most of the law, which is better referred to as a regime, or a set of interworking laws, has yet to be finalized. But the main sticking points have the central government and Kurdistan Regional Government at loggerheads still.

Although the Bush administration, led by former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and now U.N. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, praised passage of the framework law when Iraq's Cabinet approved it late February, it doesn't quite qualify as one of the benchmarks he has set for success in Iraq.

"To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis," Bush said in a national address Jan. 10. But neither the KRG nor the central government has agreed on the percentage of oil revenue to be shared. The KRG wants an automatic mechanism to redistribute the funds, while the central government wants it collected to the central bank, to be doled out by the Iraqi finance minister.

Before any more development of the oil sector, struggling to produce 2 million barrels per day, both sides must agree on which of the 116 billion barrels worth of fields will be under the control of the central government -- most likely via the reconstituted Iraq National Oil Co. -- and which fields the regions and governorates will control. The Iraqi constitution, passed in 2005, was written vaguely to garner enough support, but fueled the current disagreement over control of oil reserves, the world's third-largest.

Shahristani told reporters on the sidelines of the Dubai meeting that Parliament would take up the law this week -- which didn't happen -- while Ashti Hawrami, the KRG's oil minister, vowed Kurdish parliamentarians would veto it as written.

Negotiations continue on other aspects, such as the contract models allowed to sign with much-needed investors and the exact roles the federal oil and gas council, Iraq Oil Minister and INOC will play.

All this is supposed to be done by May 31, a deadline set by a Bush administration that needs a progress marker for Iraq, a fragile Iraqi central government that is falling apart and the KRG that is ready to continue development in its semi-autonomous and relatively peaceful northern region.

"I just don't see that. It's just too much," said Frank A. Verrastro, director and senior fellow of the energy program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a centrist Washington think tank. The framework is important, he said, but it has no value standing alone.

He said at least in Dubai they realized there are "significant issues" to resolve still.

There are many who oppose the law. Iraq's oil unions have threatened to shutdown production if foreign companies are allowed too much control. Many political and sectarian blocs also feel that way. And Sunnis, a minority group without oil land and the power wielded while Saddam Hussein reigned, fear they'll wind up without if the central government is weak.

"If the law does not state a precise formula for that distribution, then the law is fairly meaningless," said Thomas Mowle, an associate political science professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy who served in the Strategy, Plans, and Assessment Division, Headquarters Multinational Force-Iraq, Baghdad, from August to December 2004.

"If the law includes the distribution of revenue from future oil projects, then the Kurds are likely to reject it as unconstitutional," he said. "If the law does not include such revenue, then it will accomplish little toward national reconciliation."

Shafiq said "the majority of the oil technocrats are against" the law as written. He said the eight months negotiators took after the drafters were finished was too long. And it was kept secret from the public and parliamentarians, which then added to the politicization.

"The weak thing about their procedure is they never published the draft," Shafiq said. "They should have had teams to explain this to unions, to intellectuals, to nongovernmental organizations, to the parliamentarians, and then get the gist of their reactions before they start finalizing a draft."

And then, with the Bush administration needing results, officials leaned on negotiators to pass something. Out came the framework. Khalilzad announced its passage, and the KRG sent out a news release.

"That was a big mistake," Shafiq said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

big t wrote:

Safe dinar has issued an explanation / apology -

"To our valued customers:

Early this morning the Central Bank of Iraq Website (where we retrieve current exchange rate information) crashed. This crash apparently affected the alert that was sent out to our customers. As far as we can determine, the exchange rate did change this morning from:

1270 Dinars to the Dollar ($787.40 per million Dinar)

To

1269 Dinars to the Dollar ($788.02 per million Dinar)

We apologize for any confusion and inconvenience that this may have caused and we appreciate your continued patronage.

Sincerely,
Bryan Canavan
President
SafeDinar.com"

-- April 30, 2007 11:28 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

Thanks for the article. The one.. "Iraqi cabinet approves oil draft law" which says: (MENAFN) The Iraqi Prime Minister said that the Iraqi Cabinet accepted a draft law which states how Iraq's oil profits will be shared, it will also outline terms of how foreign oil agencies will be able to operate in the country, Iraq Development Program reported.

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister stated that the oil sector's profits will be put in a central account and distributed according to population and that the draft law will be put into action by the end of this month.
(www.dinartrade.com)
==

This appears to be the CABINET and not the Parliament, right?

We are still waiting on the Parliamentary approval, though it is anticipated by the end of the month? (RE: the last post you made where they are fighting over the law in the Parliament?)

Oxford boy - thank you that you find my commentary thoughtful - complimentary. :)

Sara.

-- April 30, 2007 11:35 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Yes, the cabinet passage not parliament.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 12:31 PM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Just a quick note from the mud pit... My connections here on base are now charging $900-$930 per million. A little over a month ago they were still selling at $750. Take it for what it's worth but I was surprised by the large jump in price. I've been told you can still buy it cheaper in Kuwait if you have the right connections but I have not been able to confirm that since my friends there relocated.

-- April 30, 2007 1:35 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq Conference Aims to Relieve Debt, Improve Security
Updated Apr.30,2007 23:03 KST

International efforts to stabilize Iraq continue later this week when regional and international leaders meet in Egypt to discuss how Iraq's neighbors and the international community can help bring peace to the war-torn country.

The meetings will be two-fold. On Thursday, the Iraqi government, in conjunction with the United Nations, will launch an initiative known as the Iraq Compact, which will deal with mostly economic issues. On Friday, foreign ministers and other high level officials will discuss Iraq's internal security and efforts to unify the country's political factions.

Iraq's Ambassador to Washington, Samir Sumaida'ie tells VOA that Baghdad hopes to elicit broad support from the international community.

"Of course we want everybody's help in this," he said. "We want people to be engaged positively, to give support to the Iraqi government, public support, political support, financial support, if possible."

Iraq hopes some of its major creditors will write off billions of dollars in debt dating back to the Saddam Hussein regime. Some countries, such as Kuwait, which Saddam invaded in 1990, have been reluctant, saying Iraq is an oil-rich nation that can afford to repay. But an announcement of significant debt relief is expected at the conference.

The Sharm El-Sheikh meetings are really two separate conferences.

The first day will launch the Iraq Compact initiative. Iraq and the United Nations conceived the initiative more than a year ago. It lays out economic and political tasks, with deadlines, for the Iraqi government. If achieved, they would lead to specific supports from the international community.

The second day will bring together regional foreign ministers and the five permanent Security Council members to discuss Iraq's internal security and political reconciliation. the U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey says Washington hopes to see active engagement from all participants.

The Ambassador says Iraq does not expect a miracle from the conference, but rather a real commitment of support from its neighbors as it works toward peace and stability.

VOA News
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200704/200704300057.html

-- April 30, 2007 2:05 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Oxford Boy:
Amen and Amen! Don't be so quiet! You can probably add alot to this discussion.

You will undoubtledly invite a lot of controversy by some, but "suck-in" and go for it..... proclaiming and contending for the truth....

I know you must realize that there is a Truth War going on....on this planet!

Carole

-- April 30, 2007 2:12 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iranian chief negotiator arrives in Baghdad

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

Baghdad, 30 April 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
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Iranian chief negotiator Ali Larijani arrived on Sunday in Baghdad after Iran confirmed its participation in the two upcoming conferences, on Iraq's neighboring countries and the international pact with Iraq, to be hosted by the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh from May 3-4, 2007, an Iraqi government source said.

"Larijani is expected to meet Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari to discuss Iran's participation in both conferences later on Sunday," the source, who asked not to be named, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

Earlier, the Iraqi government said in a statement that Iran confirmed its participation in the two upcoming conferences on Iraq.

"Iraq received this confirmation during a phone call between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad on Sunday," according to the Iraqi government's statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

Iranian Foreign Minsiter Manuchehr Motaki had said earlier on Sunday that his country would determine whether it would attend an international conference in Egypt next month to discuss the situation in Iraq.

The Iraq's neighboring countries conference will be also attended by the five permanent UN Security Council members to discuss ways to stem the violence in Iraq.

Earlier on Sunday Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari discussed preparations for the conferences in a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Abul-Gheit.

"The two ministers took up arrangements to convene the Iraq's neighboring countries and the International Pact with Iraq conferences in the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh," VOI quoted an Iraqi foreign ministry statement as saying.

Zibari briefed Abul-Gheit on the outcome of his recent talks in Iran and Turkey on their participation in the meetings, added the statement.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 3:13 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Energy - Oil & Gas

Iraqi Oil Min Warns Companies Against Deals Bypassing Central Govt
By Hassan Hafidh

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

27 April 2007 (Dow Jones)
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Iraq's Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani Thursday warned international oil companies from signing oil contracts that bypass the federal government in Baghdad and the Oil Ministry, in a clear reference to deals signed by the Kurdistan Regional Government with a number of foreign firms.

"Foreign companies shouldn't sign any contract that isn't through the federal government (in Baghdad) and the oil ministry," al-Shahristani said in a statement handed to reporters.

"Any contract that is signed without the knowledge of the federal government is illegal," the minister said.
"The ministry warns companies against violating the Iraqi laws and they would be responsible of such behavior," the minister said.

Al-Shahristani didn't say specifically in his statement that he meant contracts signed recently by the KRG with some companies, but it was clear he meant them, for no other party other than the Kurds has signed contracts with foreign companies.

Last week, while Iraqi top officials, parliamentarians, technocrats and experts were holding a seminar in Dubai to discuss an oil and gas law that regulates foreign investment in the war-hit oil sector, Dana Gas (DANA.AD) of the United Arab Emirates signed a strategic alliance with Iraq's KRG along with its affiliate Crescent Petroleum to review the region's gas resources.

Al-Shahristani mentioned neither the Dana-KRG alliance nor a number of contracts signed over the past years by the KRG with some foreign companies such as DNO AS (DNO.OS).

According to Iraq's draft oil law, all contracts signed in the past should be reviewed to guarantee they are in line with it.

Al-Shahristani said in the statement that he had told representatives from OAO Lukoil (LKOH.RS) in Vienna last month that their contract with the former Iraqi government of president Saddam Hussein needed to be reviewed. He also told them that he had documents that prove that Saddam's government had canceled the contract.

Lukoil, Russia's top-producing oil company, struck an agreement with the former Iraqi leader in 1997 to drill at the West Qurna field, which is among the most promising in Iraq, with an estimated reserves capacity of 4 billion barrels of oil. Saddam severed the contract in 2002, however.

The minister made his remarks while meeting the Russian ambassador to Iraq Thursday, the statement said.

Russia's resistance to the 2003 U.S. overthrow of Saddam's government then complicated relations with the new U.S.-backed Iraqi government, while continuing hostilities in Iraq made Lukoil's attempts to begin developing the field even more difficult.

Al-Shahristani said that according to the current Iraqi law, all contracts should be signed by the federal government until the new oil and gas law is issued.

The draft law should be presented to the parliament this week for approval, the minister told reporters in Dubai earlier this month.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 3:14 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Challenges of the economic situation

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

30 April 2007 (Iraq Directory)
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Minister of Finance, Professor Baqir Jabr al-Zubaydi, headed an Iraqi delegation to attend the meeting of Governors of the World Bank held in Washington. Minister of Finance gave a speech at the beginning of the meeting in which he thanked the International Monetary Fund for hosting the Iraqi delegation, explaining the latest developments in Iraqi economy, and the reasons for not achieving the implementation ratios of the 2006 budget, which amounted to 50% due to the security situation which impaired the Iraqi and foreign companies to enter into contracts processing, as well as the lack of flexibility in the instructions of executing the contracts that were inherited from the former regime.

The funds of 2006 budget has been released in the month of July of that same year, which means that ministries did not take enough time to implement their budgets, in addition to the lack of expertise and lack of Cadres elites capable of implementing projects, which lead to delays in the implementation; therefore, the Economic Committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Barham Ahmed Salih, took measures to accelerate the implementation of the budget and encourage units expenditure on implementation, and that is why funds were launched as soon as the 2007 budget was ratified at the end of the second month; the budget of 2007 stated in article 14 that the ministries who will not implement 25% of their budgets until July 2007 their allocations will be transferred to other ministries capable of implementation.

The Ministry of Finance has recently held a meeting for nine of the service ministries and was attended by 80% of the staff of the Ministry of Finance to discuss the implementation of those ministries for their projects, and the Minister of Communications have surprised us that his ministry has implemented 90% of its budget for 2007; at the end of his speech, the Minister of Finance said that the rates of implementation for the current year will be much better than the ones of the previous year.

As for writing off the Iraqi debt, the Minister of Finance said that there are good signs from Saudi Arabia to discuss the Iraqi debt extinguishment, stressing that the ratio of debt reduction to 80% instead of 100% is unacceptable to Iraqis because these debts and their interests were used to support Saddam's war with Iran, and this is our point of discord which is very important for us and the Iraqi citizen.

Sinan Shabibi, governor of the Iraqi Central Bank and one of the members of the Iraqi delegation, said that there are good developments such as the inflation rate, which is currently 23%, stressing that there is a difference in the level of interaction with the debts of Iraq and asked the International Monetary Fund to exempt Iraq from its debts and encourage as well as help Iraq and the Fund to complete their programs in Iraq.

Chief of Staff of the IMF, Mr. Khan, expressed his optimism of the good economic policy in Iraq and praised Iraq of having a record of achievements, confirming the need to reduce economic inflation and implement the budget as well as raise its rates, especially the investment budget for the oil sector to increase production rates, pointing out that Iraq will need the Convention (SBA) from September 2007 to December 2008 in order to enjoy the exemptions provided by the Paris Club Convention after the first agreement had been finished and Iraq had implemented all its requirements.

The IMF suggested to hold a brief meeting in Amman at the end of this month and another meeting in mid-May to discuss article IV of the Convention; and to complete the current program, the IMF promised to announce the economic developments in Iraq in Sharm el-Sheikh meeting, where it will support Iraq's economic confident steps despite all the challenges faced by Iraqi and that its economic policy is working smoothly with the Fund which reported this to the World Bank.

The meeting was attended by Sinan Shabibi, governor of the Iraqi Central Bank, the advisor to the Vice-President, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, advisor of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and senior officials from the International Monetary Fund.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 3:17 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

reconstruction in Iraq falls short of goals: audit by Jim Mannion
13 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A US-led effort to rebuild Iraq continues to come up short in delivering essential services even though most of the 21 billion dollars provided by the United States has now been spent, an audit made public Monday found.

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The audit also found that seven of eight completed projects visited by inspectors had not been properly kept up, "posing a threat to the condition and durability of the buildings and equipment turned over to the Iraqis."

The quarterly report to Congress by the special inspector for Iraq, Stuart Bowen, also warned of growing opportunities for corruption, and said Iraq's prime minister's office has used a 1971 law to block 48 corruption probes involving 110 people.

As in previous reports, Bowen pointed to the poor security conditions in Iraq as a major stumbling block for reconstruction efforts.

"The volatile security environment, coupled with the limitations of the law enforcement and judicial systems, has continued to hinder the progress of reconstruction projects across all sectors," his report said.

"Persistent attacks on US-funded infrastructure projects and sustainment challenges could jeopardize the completion of projects by their planned end-dates of mid- to late-2008."

Of 21 billion dollars provided by the United States in 2003 for Iraq's reconstruction, 98 percent has been obligated and 84 percent has now been spent with most of the remaining projects expected to be completed by the end of the year, the report said.

But in key areas, the reconstruction effort has fallen well short of even current targets, many of which have been revised downward over the years.

Average daily power generation during the quarter was only 3,832 megawatts (MW) -- below pre-war levels of 4,500 MW and well below the US goal of 6,000 MWs. Demand, on the other hand, averaged 8,533 MW a day.

Baghdad averaged only 6.5 hours of power a day during the last week of March, a decrease from the same period last year, the report said.

"This quarter, insufficient supplies of fuel and water to generation facilities led to a loss of nearly 1,500 MW in production per day," the report said. "As new generation projects come online, the issue of fuel and water supply grows more critical."

Oil exports were up during the quarter to 1.44 million barrels a day from 1.3 million barrels the same period a year ago, but production was down, according to the report.

"Iraq has missed its quarterly production target every quarter since 2004," the report said.

Crude oil production averaged 1.95 million barrels a day. That was down from 2.17 million barrels a day the previous quarter but up slightly from the same period the previous year.

US water projects have provided capacity to supply drinking water to 5.6 million people, a slight increase from last quarter but well short of a target of 8.4 million.

The report noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross said "both the quantity and the quality of drinking water in Iraq remain insufficient despite limited improvement."

The report said US funded projects also are adding potential capacity to the sewage system but "measuring how much additional sewage is actually treated remains difficult."

"Although the United States has made progress on reconstruction activities in the education sector, continuing security issues prevent many Iraqis from using the facilities," the report said.

"According to statistics from Iraq's Ministry of Education, only 30 percent of Iraq's 3.5 million students are actually attending classes," the report said.

On the healthcare front, 20 hospitals have been built or refurbished with US funds, according to the report. But little progress has been made in building a planned network of 142 primary health care centers (PHCs).

"Of the 15 PHCs completed to date, eight are currently open to the public," the report said. Four health care centers were blown up during the quarter.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070430/pl_afp/usiraqreconstruction_070430214343)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq using Saddam-era law to block corruption probes: audit 1 hour, 54 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The office of Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has used a Saddam Hussein-era law to halt dozens of corruption-related probes of government ministries, a US auditor's report said Monday.

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The report by the special inspector general for Iraq, Stuart Bowen, said Iraq's Commission on Public Integrity (CPI) estimates the cost of corruption at around five billion dollars a year.

The real cost of corruption is difficult to measure, the report added, warning that "opportunities for corruption have increased."

"The Prime Minister's Office has ordered CPI not to refer to any investigative court any case involving a minister or former minister without prior approval of the Prime Minister," Bowen's quarterly report to Congress said.

In doing so, the prime minister has invoked a law originally enacted in 1971 that requires that the minister of an affected agency's give permission for a corruption case to go to trial.

The law was originally intended to be applied after an investigation by an investigative judge, but is now being used to stop investigations before an investigative judge has decided whether to bring a case to trial, the report said.

The law, Article 136B of the Iraqi Criminal Procedure Code, had been suspended by the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority that ran Iraq before the restoration of sovereignty. It was reinstated by the prime minister, the report said.

A review of corruption-related cases by the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office "showed that ministers have stopped prosecution and investigations on 48 cases involving 102 individuals under Article 136B."

The report added that some observers believe that the law was "a necessary check to an anticorruption effort that has become politicized."

However, it said the head of the US embassy's Office of Accountability and Transparency believes that the ministers' power to halt investigations, as well as the lack of security for investigators, "are hindering efforts to combat corruption in Iraq."
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070430/wl_mideast_afp/usiraqauditcorruption_070430200721)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 30, 2007 6:03 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

The Kuwait Dinar experience was quite different, than the one we are experiencing now.

The Kuwait Dinar experienced more a dip then a full fledged fall and climb.

Saddams Iraqi Army was in Kuwait a very short time.

Kuwait had a big financial reserved placed outside of Kuwait in different funds, accounts and other investments, thus there was not much Saddam could steal when he was in Kuwait other then fridges, cars and silverware.

The Kuwait Dinar actually hit bottom AFTER the liberation of that country.

The Kuwait Dinar became almost worthless at the time Saddams Army blew up the oil wells, and the public could see square miles after square miles of burning oil wells.

While this might look very dramatic, the extinguishing efforts was completed well before schedule, and there is nothing really much to repair, a well head is comparable easy to fix, just bolt on another one, connect it to a pipeline and open up the well, and voila, you have a producing oil field again.

In about a year, the Kuwaiti oil wells was up and running. This pretty much coincide with the restoration of the Kuwaiti Dinar, that went straight back to it's former value.

There was no IMF demanding an audit, a budget and granting loans, meddling in their internal affairs like in Iraq right now. There was no monetary board coming out declaring a revaluation or any type of manipulation of the Kuwaiti Dinar, it just followed the value of the country's oil production.

This is interesting, as Iraq is right now dealing with all their oil issues, laws, contracts, and future planning of their resources.

Iraq could very well follow the path of Kuwait....no RV, but a rapid rise in the value of their currency as their oil production is rising higher and higher.

Either way, if there is an RV coming, I'll take it, but if there is no one in the plans, then we have to wait and follow the oil production, and that will be the key to our investment profit.

0.19 to the Dollar, well I was rich for twenty minutes, my heart took a double jump when I read through my e-mail.

For those that have in the past made a purchase with SafeDinar, you will come automatically on their mailing alert list on the CBI's announcement of the Iraqi Dinars exchange rate.

I don't believe that SafeDinar was trying to do a sales push, as they only report what the CBI is saying.

Maybe CBI did just a mistake, but it is interesting why they would slip up with that number.

If you would do a mistake, you can do any number, like 13 Dollars and 48 cents, or 500 Dollars or what ever.

A mistake means that any arbitrary number could have been released but the number that is predicted by many economists, as the true value of the Dinar, in the 10 to 20 cents range happened to come up.

The chances of someone doing an honest mistake, sneezed when they printed the exchange rate, and it happened to be just those numbers, are very slim.

Naa, it might be that someone jumped the gun, someone screamed, "stop" because they have still one more unresolved issue to deal with before they can revalue the currency. The site went down, and then they re posted the last exchange rate.

At least I can wish.

-- May 1, 2007 2:42 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Turtle,

I am aware that the banking system in Iraq is not that developed, but one thing makes me wonder, why do you need a dealer to buy Iraqi Dinars in Iraq?

To me it would be most logical to walk into a bank, plunk your Dollar on the desk, and walk out with your Dinars, purchased at the set spot price, not counting administrative fees.

We can walk into a bank in the US, Kuwait, Jordan etc, and buy Iraqi Dinars.

Why could you not just walk into a bank in Iraq itself and do the same thing?

Must be a reason we're not aware of here.

The only restriction I'm aware of is that you can not take out Dinars from Iraq.

-- May 1, 2007 2:55 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The CBI site is still not working.

-- May 1, 2007 3:12 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

And still not working!

-- May 1, 2007 5:08 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I read on another forum: "VN Bank posted last week that they were going to be down April 26 - May 1 or 2nd."

So I do think it was planned..

But I do like the way you are thinking Roger.. a glitch of just jumping the gun on a true revalue.

Hopeful. :)

Sara.

-- May 1, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Demand for dollar up, exchange rate down in Iraqi daily auction

Demand for the dollar was up in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Monday, reaching $68.210 million compared with $51.530 million on Sunday, while the dollar exchange rate went down.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $13.670 million in cash and $54.540 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,269 dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday.

Seventeen banks that participated in Monday's auction offered to sell one million dollars. The bank bought them all at an exchange rate of 1,267 dinars per dollar.

Abdul-Razzaq al-Abaiji, an economist, told VOI "the decline in the exchange rate has encouraged traders to make higher offers in foreign transfers."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 1, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Al Qaeda in Iraq leader killed: Interior Ministry
By Mussab Al-Khairalla

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

BAGHDAD, 01 May 2007 (Reuters)
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The leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, was killed on Tuesday in an internal fight between insurgents north of Baghdad, the Interior Ministry spokesman said.

Brigadier-General Abdul Kareem Khalaf told Reuters "we have definite intelligence reports that al Masri was killed today."

Another source in the ministry also said Masri had been killed. Khalaf said the battle happened near a bridge in the small town of al-Nibayi, north of Baghdad.

Both Khalaf and the other source in the ministry said the authorities did not have Masri's body.

The U.S. military said it could not confirm the reports.

"I hope that it is true, but we want to be very careful to make sure," said Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Garver, a spokesman for the U.S. military in Iraq.

There has been increasing friction between Sunni Islamist al Qaeda and other Sunni Arab insurgent groups, particularly over al Qaeda's indiscriminate killing of civilians in Iraq.

Masri, who is also known as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, assumed the leadership of al Qaeda in Iraq after Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in a U.S. air strike in June 2006.

U.S. and Iraqi officials accuse al Qaeda of trying to tip Iraq into full-scale civil war between Iraq's majority Shi'ites and minority Sunni Arabs with a campaign of spectacular car bombs attacks that have killed thousands.

Iraqi officials also blame al Qaeda for destroying a holy Shi'ite shrine in Samarra a year ago, an act that unleashed a surge in sectarian bloodletting.

The U.S. military commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, said last week that al Qaeda was now "probably public enemy number one" in Iraq.

Masri, an Egyptian, has been described by the U.S. military as a former close Zarqawi associate who trained in Afghanistan and formed al Qaeda's first cell in Baghdad.

The United States has a $5 million bounty on Masri's head.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 1, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An Army colonel's gamble pays off in Iraq
Updated 55m ago | Comments 164 | Recommend 41 E-mail | Save | Print | Reprints & Permissions |


Enlarge U.S. Army

Col. Sean MacFarland, left, in Ramadi, embraced the opportunity to try something different. He was told to "fix Ramadi, but don't destroy it. Don't do a Fallujah."

WAR IN IRAQ

Ramadi's success: An Army colonel's gamble



Life in Iraq: Blast walls of Baghdad becoming oases of art | Index: A weekly status report



Iraq: Where things stand: Poll: Iraqis see hope drain away | Democracy's support sinks



Violence: Saddam ammo caches deadly | Homemade 'speed bumps' deadly on roads



Battle for Baghdad: 'The most dangerous spot I could find' | Photos: Baghdad's neighborhoods



American casualties: Toll reaches 3,000 | Contractors: AP: 800 killed, 3,000 wounded | Deadly blast | A look at troops who lost their lives | Graphic

By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
FRIEDBERG, Germany — When U.S. strategy in Iraq called for pulling American forces back to large, heavily protected bases last year, Army Col. Sean MacFarland was moving in the opposite direction. He built small, more vulnerable combat outposts in Ramadi's most dangerous neighborhoods — places where al-Qaeda had taken root.
"I was going the wrong way down a one-way street," MacFarland says.

CASUALTIES: U.S. April death toll in Iraq passes 100

Soon after, MacFarland started negotiating with a group of Sunni sheiks, some of whom have had mixed loyalties in the war. His superiors initially were wary, fearful the plan could backfire, he says. He forged ahead anyway.

Today, with violence down in Ramadi and the surrounding Anbar province west of Baghdad, MacFarland's tactics have led to one of Iraq's rare success stories. Al-Qaeda's presence has diminished as Iraqis have begun to reclaim their neighborhoods. And Army officials are examining how MacFarland's approach might help the military make progress in other parts of the violence-racked country.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Iraq | US military | Army | Sunni | Fallujah | Ramadi | US Army | Rishawi | Sean Macfarland
Pentagon officials say the encouraging episode in Ramadi is a poignant reflection of shifting leadership tactics within the U.S. military, which is trying to develop a generation of officers who can think creatively and are as comfortable dealing with tribal sheiks as they are with tank formations on a conventional battlefield.

"You can't take a conventional approach to an unconventional situation," says Col. Ralph Baker, a former brigade commander in Iraq who is assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.

The Army is training its officers to be more collaborative with non-military types and to be able to work with relief groups and local reporters, says Col. Steve Mains, director of the Center for Army Lessons Learned, an office based at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., that analyzes battlefield tactics and distributes its findings across the Army.

As shown by MacFarland, 48, such a pragmatic style can run counter to the traditional image of a hard-charging, swagger stick-carrying Army commander epitomized by Hollywood's version of Gen. George Patton. It's also an adjustment for a fighting force that has been armed and organized for conventional wars.

"There are big changes coming," Mains says. "It's not like we turned into a debating party. … It's just the way we try to draw in other people to get the other viewpoint." The military's new counterinsurgency manual makes clear that firepower is only part of the equation.

Mains acknowledges that in the current Army, "not every brigade or battalion commander has gotten that." He says MacFarland, whose brigade returned to its home base here in Germany in February, "really understood this is an argument between us and the insurgents."

Last week, the Army sent a team here to interview MacFarland and other key leaders in the brigade to examine what they accomplished in their 14-month tour in Iraq.

"A lot of ideas are out there," says Col. Eric Jenkins, who headed the team from the Center for Army Lessons Learned. "Everybody's looking for solutions."

MacFarland said he was willing to try just about anything to win over the population and reduce violence in Ramadi. "You name it, I tried it," he says.

'I had a lot of flexibility'

MacFarland grew up amid dairy farms in Upstate New York. He exudes confidence but little swagger, he doesn't sport a traditional buzz cut, and he speaks softly — not exactly the stereotypical Army leader on the battlefield.

MacFarland attended Catholic schools as a youth. He graduated from West Point in 1981 and later received a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech as well as two graduate degrees from military schools.

When most of his 1st Brigade was ordered from Tal Afar in northern Iraq to Ramadi in late May 2006, "I was given very broad guidance," MacFarland says. "Fix Ramadi, but don't destroy it. Don't do a Fallujah," he recalls, referring to the 2004 offensive in which U.S. Marines and Army soldiers fought block by block to expel insurgents from that Sunni stronghold. The operation leveled large parts of the city and angered many Sunni Muslims there and across Iraq.

In Ramadi, MacFarland embraced the freedom and accepted risk.

"I had a lot of flexibility, so I ran with it," he says.

He lacked the number of troops required for a large offensive. The combat outposts allowed him to secure Ramadi "a chunk at a time," he says, adding that he pursued the sheiks because of their "leverage" over the population.

The brigade, which commanded about 5,500 soldiers and Marines, immediately began building combat outposts in Ramadi.

"We did it where al-Qaeda was strongest," MacFarland says. The outposts housed U.S. troops, Iraqi security forces and civil affairs teams.

It was a risky strategy that put U.S. soldiers in daily battles with insurgents.

The brigade lost 95 soldiers; another 600 suffered wounds over the course of its tour in Iraq.

Taking troops out of heavily fortified bases as MacFarland did often produces results but increases risk, says Hy Rothstein, a retired Special Forces officer who teaches at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.

MacFarland put a battalion under Lt. Col. V.J. Tedesco in the southern part of the city, where al-Qaeda fighters were concentrated.

Before the battalion arrived, that part of the city "was largely off-limits to coalition forces," Tedesco said at a briefing for the Army Lessons Learned team last week.

His battalion lost 25 tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and trucks to roadside bombs as they began patrolling and setting up bases.

"We just absorbed IEDs," Tedesco said, referring to roadside bombs.

MacFarland's brigade didn't wait until a neighborhood was entirely secure before launching construction projects, recruiting police and trying to establish a government. Lt. Col. John Tien, commander of 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor, says the brigade was "aggressive" about pushing ahead on projects as soldiers were establishing security.

RECONSTRUCTION: U.S.-funded projects falter in Iraq

By the time the unit returned to Germany, the brigade had built 18 combat outposts in and around Ramadi.

The combat outposts helped reduce violence last summer, but the brigade wasn't close to winning over the population, an essential part of defeating an insurgency.

Anbar province, population 1.2 million, is a vast tract of desert dotted by cities and villages, stretching from outside Baghdad to the Syrian border. It's a region of very religious Sunnis governed largely by sheiks, imams and tribal law. Ramadi's population is 300,000.

MacFarland says he soon realized the key was to win over the tribal leaders, or sheiks.

"The prize in the counterinsurgency fight is not terrain," he says. "It's the people. When you've secured the people, you have won the war. The sheiks lead the people."

But the sheiks were sitting on the fence.

They were not sympathetic to al-Qaeda, but they tolerated its members, MacFarland says.

The sheiks' outlook had been shaped by watching an earlier clash between Iraqi nationalists — primarily former members of Saddam Hussein's ruling Baath Party — and hard-core al-Qaeda operatives who were a mix of foreign fighters and Iraqis. Al-Qaeda beat the nationalists. That rattled the sheiks.

"Al-Qaeda just mopped up the floor with those guys," he says.

"We get there in late May and early June 2006, and the tribes are on the sidelines. They'd seen the insurgents take a beating. After watching that, they're like, 'Let's see which way this is going to go.' "

'Are you with us?'

MacFarland's brigade initially struggled to build an Iraqi police force, a critical step in establishing order in the city.

"We said to the sheiks, 'What's it going to take to get you guys off the fence?' " MacFarland says.

The sheiks said their main concern was protecting their own tribes and families.

The brigade made an offer: If the tribal leaders encouraged their members to join the police, the Army would build police stations in the tribal areas and let the recruits protect their own tribes and families. They wouldn't have to leave their neighborhoods.

"We said, 'How about if we recruit them to join the police and they go right back into their tribal areas?' " MacFarland recalls.

Some tribes agreed.

The number of police recruits in Ramadi jumped from about 30 a month to 100 in June 2006 and about 300 in July. More than 3,000 new recruits had joined the police by the time MacFarland's brigade left in February.

Trying to blunt police recruitment, al-Qaeda fighters simultaneously attacked one of the new Ramadi police stations with a car bomb in August 2006, killing several Iraqi police, and assassinated the leader of the Abu Ali Jassim tribe.

They hid the sheik's body, denying him a proper Muslim burial, and his remains were not found until four days later. Members of the tribe were outraged.

A couple of weeks later, one of the brigade's officers went to visit Sheik Abdul Sattar al-Rishawi, a local tribal leader. The officer was shocked to see a gathering of 20-30 sheiks jammed into al-Rishawi's home. Al-Rishawi was asked what was going on.

"We are forming an alliance against al-Qaeda," the sheik replied, according to MacFarland. "Are you with us?"

MacFarland was. Now he needed to convince his bosses.

Officials at MacFarland's higher headquarters, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force based near Fallujah, were worried. The U.S. military was supposed to be supporting Iraq's government. A tribal alliance could pose a threat to Anbar Gov. Maamoun Sami Rashid al-Awani.

Al-Awani's government wasn't popular and had been thinned by threats and assassinations. Still, U.S. policy was to back Iraqi government institutions.

The tribal leaders didn't like al-Awani and wanted him replaced. MacFarland said the sheiks agreed to back off their demand that al-Awani step down.

There were other concerns. Al-Rishawi and his colleagues were second-tier sheiks. Most of Anbar's senior tribal leaders, some of whom amassed considerable wealth in a variety of businesses, had decamped to Jordan because of the growing violence after the U.S.-led invasion.

The Marine headquarters in Anbar was in contact with the tribal leaders in Jordan and was concerned that an alliance involving the U.S. military and junior leaders — the ones who remained in Ramadi — would jeopardize that relationship.

MacFarland says he saw it differently. The contacts in Jordan had yielded little. "Maybe there is a power struggle between the sheiks in Jordan and the sheiks in Anbar," MacFarland says. "But let's back the sheiks in Anbar. Let's pick a horse and back it."

He says the results were immediate when a sheik pledged to support the alliance with the U.S. Army, an agreement some of the sheiks involved would grandly name The Awakening. "Once a tribal leader flips, attacks on American forces in that area stop almost overnight," MacFarland says.

Marine headquarters officers also raised concerns about the backgrounds of some of the tribal leaders involved in The Awakening. Anbar's desolate roads and stretches of empty desert have long been home to smugglers.

"I've read the reports" on al-Rishawi, MacFarland says. "You don't get to be a sheik by being a nice guy. These guys are ruthless characters. … That doesn't mean they can't be reliable partners."

More than 200 sheiks in alliance

Despite its concerns, the Marine headquarters allowed MacFarland to pursue his work with the tribes and ultimately supported it.

The alliance grew to more than 50 sheiks by the time the brigade left Iraq, spreading throughout the province. Police recruiting continued to increase. The tribes began attacking al-Qaeda leaders who were on U.S. target lists, according to brigade documents.

More than 200 sheiks are now part of the alliance. They plan to form a political party.

Military analysts say there are no textbook guides for what MacFarland did. Battling a counterinsurgency demands leaders "who understand that this is a different kind of war than the Army and Marine Corps have trained for," says Andrew Krepinevich, a counterinsurgency expert at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington. "The big difference is in the leadership."

Some military analysts question whether the Army has made enough institutional changes to prepare officers for the demands of a counterinsurgency effort, even if some leaders such as MacFarland do well in such situations.

"This type of warfare is so much (more) fundamentally different than what the U.S. armed forces stand for," says Rothstein, the instructor at Naval Postgraduate School. "On the margin there will be some people who get it, but whether the entire institution is going to make a 180-degree turn is doubtful."

From MacFarland's standpoint, it was less about leadership style and more about necessity.

"Maybe I was a bit of a drowning man in Ramadi," he says. "I was reaching for anything that would help me float. And that was the tribes."
(http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-04-30-ramadi-colonel_N.htm?csp=34)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 1, 2007 10:34 AM ∞

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RAM wrote:

Rob,
Just want to thank you for your continuing information.
Most excellant

-- May 1, 2007 9:22 PM ∞

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DALE wrote:

You guys ever see the movie Airplane???
Remember the guy unplugging the runway lights at a critical point in the emergency landing. Then he plugs them back in & says "Just kidding". I bet there was some wise guy at the back doing the same thing to all of us NID speculators.
ha ha very funny.

-- May 1, 2007 9:54 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

CBI back up - Bummer!!!

Announcement No.(915)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 915 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/5/ 2 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1268 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1266 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 78.750.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 78.750.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- May 2, 2007 5:10 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq sends U.S.-backed oil law to parliament
By Ahmed Rasheed
Reuters
Wednesday, May 2, 2007; 7:20 AM

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi government has sent a draft oil law to parliament, the oil minister said on Wednesday, a major step towards meeting one of the political benchmarks Washington has set for Baghdad.

The announcement by Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani came on the eve of a conference in Egypt where foreign ministers from industrialized powers and the region will discuss how to stabilize Iraq and seek reforms in return for reconstruction.

The draft is crucial to regulating how wealth from Iraq's oil reserves would be shared by its sectarian and ethnic groups.

It was passed by cabinet in February and hailed at the time by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki as a pillar of Iraqi unity. But a dispute between the central government and autonomous, oil-rich Kurdistan over control of the world's third largest oil reserves has delayed its submission.

Speaking to reporters in Saudi Arabia, Shahristani said he hoped the bill would pass by the end of May.

"It has been sent to parliament now. There has been agreement among the political parties to work together to enact it by the end of the month," Shahristani said.

"The KRG (Kurdish regional government) is not opposed to the draft law ... they are very happy with the draft law."

There was no immediate comment from Kurdish officials, who have said annexes in the draft are unconstitutional because they wrest oilfields from regional governments and place them under a new state-oil company.

U.S. President George W. Bush, who on Tuesday vetoed legislation by the Democrat-controlled Congress that would have set dates for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq, is pressing Maliki to push power-sharing agreements to help ease violence.

Haider al-Ibadi, a lawmaker and head of the economic and investment commission in parliament, told Reuters parliament had not received the draft yet. He expected cabinet would meet tomorrow to send the draft to parliament.

The political benchmarks will be high on the agenda on Thursday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where 60 countries are expected to endorse the International Compact for Iraq, a five-year plan that grants foreign support in exchange for reforms.

On Friday, foreign ministers will meet with Iraq's leaders to discuss ways to stabilize the country.

Iraq's mainly Sunni neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, are concerned Maliki is not committed to national reconciliation and that violence will spill across Iraq's borders.

"Iraq's neighbors have everything at stake here," U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Wednesday en route to the conference.

"Iraq is at the centre of either a stable Middle East or an unstable Middle East. We should therefore all align our policies in ways that contribute to stability."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/02/AR2007050200484.html

-- May 2, 2007 11:51 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi oil reserves may surpass those of Saudi Arabia, oil minister says

Explorations and surveys done in the past four years show that Iraqi oil reserves may exceed those of Saudi Arabi, said Oil Minister Husain al-Shahristani.

Speaking at Babylon University in the southern city of Hilla, the minister said Iraq has 115 billion barrels of proven reserves already explored and perhaps more than that number of reserves yet to be explored.

Saudi Arabia possesses 25 percent of the world’s proven petroleum reserves and its proven reserves are estimated at 262 billion.

Shahristani did not say whether the surveys conducted so far have substantially increased the country’s current proven reserves which still fall below those of Iran which has emerged as the world’s second largest after Saudi Arabia.

But he said 78 oil fields were discovered most of them of the “gigantic or large” size.

He said the National Oil Company has already reserved 25 massive fields for development.

He said the European Union was interested in Iraqi gas reserves believed to be the world’s tenth largest.

The EU was even keen to construct a gas pipeline network through Syria, Jordan and even Egypt to the terminals on the Mediterranean, he added.

Source:Azzaman

-- May 2, 2007 12:36 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Al Jazeera Reporter Guilty Of Faking Torture Video
From the terrorists’ mouthpiece Al Jazeera:

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/9A253F88-E8A2-404E-B54E-4670F86D421A.htm
Al Jazeera journalist sentenced
May 2, 2007

An al Jazeera journalist has been sentenced to six months in prison in absentia by an Egyptian court after producing a film highlighting police torture.

The state security criminal court found Howayda Taha guilty of “harming Egypt’s national interest” and ordered her on Wednesday to pay a fine of 30,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,200).

She had been accused of planning to broadcast fabricated images.

Taha, who was making a documentary on torture in Egyptian police stations, described the decision as “an unjust, vindictive ruling by the government’s judiciary“.

She can appeal against the verdict.

In January, she was briefly arrested and her 50 videotapes confiscated at Cairo airport.

Taha, an Egyptian citizen, is currently in Qatar, where al Jazeera’s headquarters are situated.

Taha disputed the court’s ruling and said that she had obtained the necessary work licences from the Egyptian authorities.

She said: “All the security services concerned were aware of the work I was doing.”

Officials from al Jazeera declined to comment on the case.

Rights groups have accused the court of violating internationally recognised fair trial norms, and said that Egypt was guilty of harassing the media.

===end of quote==

Only Al Jazeera and two other non-Western media outlets have bothered to cover this development. And for the most part our watchdog media has completely ignored this story.

And why not? It’s about one of their own staging a video about police tortures.

This article and the other two fail to mention that the producers involved have confessed to creating "re-enactments" of the alleged crimes.

Pieces of the Al Jazeera video can now be found all over YouTube, where they are treated as actual documentation of the real tortures:

The culprits at Al Jazeera defended their actions by saying ”re-enactments” are used all the time.

Unfortunately, they are undoubtedly right.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/al-jazeera-reporter-guilty-of-faking-torture-video

-- May 2, 2007 4:40 PM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Roger: My dealers are actually a couple of vendors on base. They provide me with anything I need that I cannot get via normal channels - ie furniture, food, etc. When I could not get desks and chairs through the military, I got some through those guys. When I need lamb or steaks for grilling and the PX doesn't have any, we go through those guys. Dinar... Well, going ot the bank could be very hazerdous to my health so I'll continue to use my Iraqi sources. I'm on the northern edge of Baghdad. There are no banks on base and the military is pushing the Eagle Card so getting $$$ is difficult enough. There are banks up north in Kurdistan that you can walk in, open accounts, etc. There should be some in the IZ but I've only passed through there once on a touch and go - never stepped off the Blackhawk. I've been told there are banks in Kuwait that will allow you to open accounts in dinar. So far, no one has been able to tell me where.

-- May 2, 2007 5:17 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(916)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 916 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/5/ 3 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1267 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1265 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 100.640.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 100.640.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- May 3, 2007 5:07 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

ICI meeting to discuss improving Iraqi economy Thursday

The International Compact on Iraq (ICI) meeting, to kick off here later Thursday with the participation of 18 member states and organizations, will discuss boosting economy and investment in Iraq.

Kuwait's delegation to the meeting is headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

The ICI is a five-point plan aimed at supporting Iraq's economy and was initiated in June 2006 between Baghdad and the United Nations (UN) with the support of the World Bank.

The compact that will be launched in Sharm El-Sheikh today has rallied unprecedented international support and presents a new partnership with the international community based on Iraq's vision and a commitment on both sides within a dynamic frame of national consensus and international support.

Moreover, the ICI is considered a national compact for the reconstruction of Iraq and paves the way for self-sustainability and prosperity of a society in which democracy prevailed.

Goals of the ICI are to guarantee Iraq's commitment to basic social and economic reforms, improvement in resource management, strengthening state institutions, developing the private sector, restructuring the financial sector, boosting safety and security, and establishing an institutional framework based on the sovereignty of law.

Iraq's commitment to the above would be, in turn, paralleled by initiatives by donor countries.

The ICI also aims to arrive at a national Iraqi vision that achieves the aspirations of the people and roots principles of democracy in a safe and stable country were people enjoyed equal rights and responsibilities.

Furthermore, the meeting will specify the goals that must be accomplished by Iraq within the next five years, and participating countries are expected to make a number of pledges in this regard.

The UN has placed reforms in Iraq's politics, economy, security, counter-corruption, and management as a condition for aiding the country and supplying it with the necessary expertise, as well as reducing its debts.

The ICI, which precedes Friday's extended meeting of Iraq's neighbors, will grant international financial, political, and technical support for Iraq in return for the aforementioned reforms.

The meeting will also specify the type of international aid required by Iraq to help it in its reform efforts.

The 18 ICI members include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the US, Britain, Spain, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Korea, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

-- May 3, 2007 1:27 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Meeting of Int'l Compact with Iraq opens in Egypt's resort
www.chinaview.cn 2007-05-03 15:21:22

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, May 3 (Xinhua) -- A ministerial meeting of the International Compact with Iraq was opened in this Egyptian Red Sea resort on Thursday morning, with attendance of some 60 nations and 12 regional and international organizations.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/03/content_6055554.htm

-- May 3, 2007 1:34 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Soldiers in Iraq find school under construction rigged with explosives

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- The U.S. military on Thursday said American soldiers a few days ago discovered that a girl's school under construction north of Baghdad was an explosives-rigged "death trap."

Soldiers were able to clear the scene, but Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, U.S. military spokesman, said the "sophisticated" and "premeditated" effort to place munitions at the Huda Girls' School in Tarmiya was chilling.

The location is north of Baghdad in Salaheddin province. The building was found on Saturday.

If the explosives had been detonated, Caldwell said in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer taped for the "Situation Room," it would have been "an incredibly ugly, dirty kind of vicious killing." (Posted 2:36 p.m.)

'Road map' for Iraqi progress launched at Egyptian summit

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (CNN) -- A five-year "road map" to help bring security and prosperity to Iraq was launched here Thursday at an international conference attended by representatives from dozens of countries and groups, including some at the foreign-minister level.

The International Compact with Iraq, a blueprint with benchmarks and goals that involve Iraqi reforms and international lending efforts, was approved at the meeting, held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.

"Essentially, the compact represents a road map for the next five years aimed at helping Iraq to achieve its long-term goals of economic prosperity, political stability and lasting security," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. "Much work will be needed to keep Iraq on track, but I am confident that the people and government are up to the challenge." (Posted 12:51 p.m.)

Al-Maliki called for foreign debt forgiveness

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (CNN) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Thursday called for Iraq's foreign debts to be forgiven, saying that would be a crucial factor in helping the war-wracked country get off the ground.

Al-Maliki spoke at the start of the international conference in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh that is focused on developing ways to support Iraq.

"We are aware that security and economic growth are two interconnected issues. Therefore we cannot talk about stability without economic progress that all social demographics can benefit from, which can ultimately ensure fair distribution of wealth among the people. It also improves job opportunities among the unemployed," al-Maliki said.

More than 50 countries were in Sharm el-Sheikh to formally launch the International Compact with Iraq, which the United Nations characterizes as a "five-year peace and development plan." (Posted 10:45 a.m.)

U.S. military arrests 2 with suspected Iran links

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- The U.S. military said two people with suspected links to Iran were seized on Thursday in Baghdad's Sadr City in a coalition raid.

"The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training," according to a military statement.

Eleven other suspected insurgents were arrested overnight in northern Iraq raids "targeting a foreign fighter facilitation network and improvised explosive device networks."

The arrests were made north of Karma and in Mosul. (Posted 9:20 a.m.)

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/03/thursday/index.html

-- May 3, 2007 7:00 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Is having more troops in Iraq helping?
You judge...

===

Al-Qaida ousted from one Iraqi district
Source: Associated Press
URL Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070503/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_shadow_state
Published: May 3, 2007
Author: TODD PITMAN

Across the walls of the villas they seized in the name of their shadow government, black-masked al-Qaida militants spray-painted the words: "Property of the Islamic State of Iraq."

They manned checkpoints and buried an elaborate network of bombs in the streets. They issued austere edicts ordering women not to work. They filmed themselves attacking Americans and slaughtered those who did not believe in their cause.

For months, al-Qaida turned a part of one Baqouba neighborhood into an insurgent fiefdom that American and Iraqi forces were too undermanned to tackle — a startling example of the terror group's ability to thrive openly in some places outside Baghdad even as U.S.-led forces struggle to regain control in the capital.

U.S. forces took back the entire Tahrir neighborhood during a weeklong operation that wrapped up Sunday in Baqouba, a city 35 miles northeast of Baghdad that al-Qaida declared last year the capital of its self-styled Islamic caliphate.

Though the operation was a success — it forced the guerrillas to either flee or melt into the population — soldiers say the extremists are likely to pop up anywhere else that's short on American firepower.

Indeed, even as the Tahrir operation took place, insurgents stepped up attacks on a new police post in the adjacent Old Baqouba district — which was also cleared recently — pounding it daily and killing Baqouba's police chief in a suicide car bombing.

Insurgent teams, meanwhile, have tried to infiltrate back into Tahrir, U.S. Capt. Huber Parsons said Tuesday.

When U.S. forces began pouring into the embattled district last week, residents said it was the first time they'd seen significant numbers of coalition troops since last fall. U.S. troops set up a combat outpost in northern Tahrir several months ago.

But to the south, residents recounted watching helplessly as masked fighters came and went freely in past months, piling weapons into the back of vehicles and taking over the homes of Shiites who had either fled or been killed.

"We were terrorized," said one man. "We wondered, Where is the government? Why have they forgotten us? Why does nobody come here to help?"

Baqouba has been wracked by violence for years. But insecurity has skyrocketed since late last year, partly because Sunni militants fleeing Baghdad's security crackdown have sought refuge here.

An estimated 60,000 people have fled the city of 300,000, most of them Shiites driven out by Sunni hit squads. Meanwhile, vital government subsidized food and fuel shipments, which normally flow in from Baghdad, ceased arriving because of political corruption in the capital, said Col. David W. Sutherland, whose 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, is responsible for security in Diyala province.

"In an insurgency, if you don't have faith in the government or security forces ... you turn to those who will offer you a better way," Sutherland said. "The terrorists were able to drive a wedge between the government and the people. But we're reversing that."

The battle for Baqouba picked up in mid-March.

U.S. commanders rushed in Stryker infantry battalion which helped clear, and eventually calm, the southern district of Buhriz, once the city's most violent area. While American forces fought there and in Old Baqouba, they watched neighboring Tahrir spin out of control.

Parsons said video from an unmanned aerial drone last month showed suspected al-Qaida militants searching vehicles at a checkpoint. They held back from destroying it, choosing to "track them to see where they were going, where they lived," Parsons said.

Then, for eight days in early April, al-Qaida battled fellow insurgents from the nationalist 1920 Revolution Brigades, who residents said were trying to resist the terror group's bid for control. The nationalist fighters ran out of ammunition and fled.

With the district firmly in al-Qaida's hands, local leaders and sheiks called on American and Iraqi soldiers for help.

U.S. forces first sent road-clearing teams into southern Tahrir April 22. Insurgents fired mortars and popped out of windows with rocket launchers, destroying three de-mining robots. Tanks and infantry blasted surrounding buildings, killing more than a dozen attackers.

The next day, Parsons moved three of his platoons into central Tahrir on foot. All three came under fire. The day ended with a 30-minute firefight at dusk in which rounds ripped through palm groves. Apache helicopters shot Hellfire missiles at a house insurgents had fled to, lighting the sky in thunderous blasts.

Fighting eased afterward. Soon, previously empty streets were teeming with crowds of people who shook soldiers' hands as they passed.

Residents recounted watching groups of masked men dig into roads with jackhammers in recent weeks, planting bombs and stringing copper wire to trigger them from houses and schools.

The militants mostly kept to themselves, but they distributed puritanical leaflets commanding women to cover themselves in black from head to toe, and stay home from work. They ordered tea shops shut and warned men not to smoke water-pipes.

"No one dared ask them why," said one father. Those who did drew unwanted scrutiny — and a possible death sentence, he said.

Families told of Shiites who went shopping and never returned. One man said his brother had been kept and beaten in a makeshift prison with two dozen others.

At night, masked men stormed homes, robbing and carrying out extra-judicial killings. "Nobody knew whether they were al-Qaida or the police or just common criminals," said a baker named Ali. "It was total lawlessness."

Like other residents interviewed, Ali declined to give his full name in fear of reprisals from insurgents.

Insurgents blocked roads with concrete barriers taken from coalition forces. One checkpoint was so permanent that U.S. troops found a schedule naming those who manned it daily.

In some empty homes, guerrillas knocked small holes in the walls to use them as sniper positions. Below some, bullet casings littered the floor.

Half a dozen of houses containing weapon stashes, as well as one booby-trapped villa with a 155mm artillery shell rigged to blow behind its front door, were leveled. Many stashes were pointed out by residents.

One cache of rocket launchers and Kalashnikovs was found simply leaning against a wall in the back room of an abandoned home, along with handcuffs, ski masks, radio handsets and a video camera. A tape inside it showed a "Husky" American bomb disposal vehicle trying to de-mine a road in Baqouba.

Parsons eyes widened when he saw it: the driver and the vehicle work with his Stryker unit.

On the video, machine-gun fire erupted amid cries of "Allahu Akbar," God is Great, targeting the vehicle and a de-mining robot.

The footage cut abruptly to an unrelated, final scene: A closeup of a blood-splattered corpse whose blindfold had been pulled from his face. The man looked Iraqi and appeared to have been tortured.

Soldiers said they believed al-Qaida operatives had lived in Tahrir, using homes there as a kind of rear base. In the living room of one home residents said served as a medical aid station for wounded fighters were empty beds, neck braces and x-rays scattered across the floor.

Although insurgents claimed many houses in the name of the Islamic State of Iraq, they tried to erase their work with splotches of white paint two months ago — realizing the proclamations might be too conspicuous. On some gates and walls, the paint was too thin to cover the black Arabic lettering.

Parsons assured each family that U.S. troops and police would stay behind to keep insurgents out after he left, and establish a new police station.

Al-Qaida "had months and months to run rampant because we didn't have the forces available to come in here until now," Parsons said. "They controlled this neighborhood, but they don't anymore."

-- May 3, 2007 7:20 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

News You Won't Hear: Terrorism Is Down Almost Everywhere
Posted by Matthew Sheffield on May 1, 2007

Good news is no news, at least when it comes to the war on terrorism.

On Monday evening, the State Department released its annual Country Reports on Terrorism showing a number of interesting findings, including steep declines in terrorist attacks and murders in many regions of the globe. That has not been the lede story in America's liberal media, however. Instead, they've chosen to focus their attentions on how terrorism has increased in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

That's not entirely unjustified. Both of those countries have significant amounts of American troops in them (although I doubt that the left-wing French or German press, say, is covering this any differently). What has been unacceptable, however, is the American press's complete ignoring of the rest of the State Department's numbers.

Instead of saying that terrorism has increased markedly in Iraq (the truth), the media are extrapolating beyond that to claim that, as Reuters puts it, "U.S. sees sharp rise in global terrorism deaths."

Once you get past the lede of these Reuters and Associated Press pieces, you'll discover the small detail that the increase in terrorism was almost entirely due to Iraq. Nowhere in either piece do you learn the fact that aside from the Middle East (which does not include Afghanistan according to State), the number of terrorist attacks worldwide is down from a year ago by over 300 incidents. The number of deaths from terrorism was only up 14 percent.

In other words, the Bush administration's idea that making Iraq the "central front in the war on terror" seems to be working. According to the State report, terrorism in South Asia is down by 10 percent from a year ago. In Europe, it's down 18 percent. In Central and South America, terrorism-related deaths are down 54 percent.

These aren't the kinds of facts you'll hear on the evening news or read in your local newspaper. But they're all in the report. I crunched the numbers (see link below for OpenDocument data file, requires free OpenOffice suite) based on the raw data provided by State Department's National Counterterrorism Center.

Sadly, most Americans will never know these facts. I guess they're what you might call inconvenient truths.

N.B. Get your own numbers to crunch at the NCTC's Worldwide Incidents Tracking System here. (url below)

http://newsbusters.org/node/12431

-- May 3, 2007 7:33 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Only on Slogger
Price Check: Baghdad Neighborhoods
Kerosene Shortages; Significant Increase in Cooking Gas Prices
04/29/2007 09:00 AM ET


Neighborhood Kerosene Cooking gas Marlboros Bread
(1,270 ID = 1 USD) one liter one bottle one pack one loaf

Sadr City 700 14,000 2,000 100

Harthiya Not Available 18,000 2,000 150

Kadhimiya 700 15,000 2,250 100

Washash 800 15,000 2,000 83

'Alawi 1000 15,000 2,000 83

Zayyona 800 15,000 2,250 125

Baghdad al-Jadida 700 14,000 2,000 125

Adhamiya Not Available 15,000 2,250 125

Mansour Not Available 18,000 2,000 125

al-'Amil 900 18,000 2000 125

Ghazaliya Not Available 18,000 Forbidden 100

Sha'ab 900 12,000 2,000 83

Hayy 'Ur 900 15,000 2,000 83

Karrada No Kerosene 18,000 2,250 125
Yarmouk No Kerosene 15,000 2,000 125

Prices around the city for kerosene and cooking gas are climbing in most neighborhoods, but at different rates. Sources in many of the Western Baghdad (al-Karkh) districts report more significant increases in these two commodities

In many neighborhoods, sources report that Kerosene is completely unavailable, mostly in the Western half of the city.

Meanwhile, smokers get a break with an approximately 10% drop in the price of a pack of Marlboros in most, but not all, neighborhoods.

The most dramatic movement in prices is sharp increases in cooking gas and kerosene in Western Baghdad. In Harthiya, the price of cooking gas jumped 5,000ID per liter up from 13,000 to 18,000, and in Washash, kerosene jumped to 800 ID per liter, up from 450 at last report. Cooking gas in Washash climbed by 2,000 ID.

In Ghazaliya, still under the control of Sunni extremists, Kerosene is unavailable, and the price of cooking gas also spiked by 5,000 ID.

In Kadhimiya, cooking gas jumped 2,000 ID, with other commodities staying stable.

Kerosene is also unavailable in Karrada.

In Mansour, cooking gas also climbed by 2000 ID per bottle.

In Hay al-'Amil, described earlier by an IraqSlogger source as one of the most restive areas in Baghdad, prices climbed across the board, with Kerosene spiking by 300 ID to 900, cooking gas jumping 5,000 ID to 18,000, and Marlboros reaching the city's most common price of 2,000 ID per pack, while

The 'Alawi district bucked the West Baghdad trend: Sources say that cooking gas dropped in price to 15,000, down from 18,000 at last check.

The price of cigarettes came down in Harthiya, following a nearly citywide downward trend, dropping 250 ID to 2,000. Indeed, this is the trend for a pack of Marlboros in almost all neighborhoods, except Kadhimiya and Zayyona, where Marlboros held steady at 2,250, and Adhamiya, where Marlboros climbed from 2,000 to 2,250. Cigarettes are still forbidden in Ghazaliya.

In other parts of the city, prices climbed, but not by nearly as much:

In Sadr City, cooking gas climbed 1,000 ID per liter to 14,000, and kerosene even dropped 100 ID, while other neighborhoods experience shortages and price increases.

Baghdad al-Jadida saw kerosene prices climbing by 200 ID, and cooking gas increasing by 1,000 ID. In nearby Zayyona, prices held stable, with the exception of a 100 ID increase in Kerosene.

While most areas outside of Western Baghdad saw less sharp price increases in kerosene and cooking gas, Hay 'Ur bucked the trend for located in Baghdad’s Eastern areas: Kerosene is also unavailable, while cooking gas climbed by 3,000 ID to 18,000.

-- May 3, 2007 8:04 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

cornish boy;

Can't they revalue and give these people a decent standard of living?
Make their money worth something so they can buy kerosene and other things?
Revive their economy and give them hope?
Why are they playing political games?
Monetize the oil for the people's sake..?

Sara.

-- May 3, 2007 11:29 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Malaki seems comfortable with asking the world community to forgive Iraq's debts, but is unable to help colalition forces secure the country.

To no one's surprise Malaki seems closer to Iran than the U.S would like to admit. I am not sure whether he has the fortitude to help Iraq move beyond secterian violence to peace and prosperity.

Why is the Iraqi parliment taking off the entire months of July and August? I guess they need another goat barbie.

I will not be posting much the rest of this week, I am in Manattan this week on business. I will not be home until next week. I will post more once I return.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 3, 2007 11:32 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Rob. :)
Appreciate your post/thoughts.
Have a good trip.
Catch you when you get back.

Maybe if the Iraqis are in hock up to their eyeballs with 62 BILLION in debt, they don't think they can monetize anything...?

No immediate debt relief offered to Iraq
Saudis, Kuwait, Russia make no moves toward forgiveness at conference

Updated: May 3, 2007
SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt - Saudi Arabia said it is still negotiating with Iraq over writing off billions of dollars owed it by the war-torn country, and major creditors Kuwait and Russia failed to offer immediate debt relief — a key goal of an ambitious blueprint launched Thursday to stabilize Iraq.

The absence of major commitments to reduce Iraq’s burdensome debt was a disappointment at a major regional conference in the Egyptian resort aimed at showing support for Iraq — and a sign that some, particularly Sunni Arab nations, are still keeping their distance from Iraq’s Shiite-led government.

The Paris Club of affluent lender nations has already written off $100 billion of Iraq’s debt — most from former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s war against Iran in the 1990s.

But the government still owes a huge amount. Iraq’s finance minister put the total remaining at roughly $50 billion, but the numbers vary and in some cases are still not resolved — with some estimates as high as $62 billion.

Iraq’s al-Maliki opened the conference urging “all our friends ... to forgive our debts and allow us to launch our reconstruction and development.”

But the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia — a major lender — made no immediate public pledge. Saud al-Faisal said only that his country was in talks with Iraq “to have an appropriate solution to debts in line with rules of the Paris Club,” which calls for forgiving at least 80 percent of Iraq’s debts.

Before the conference, al-Faisal had confirmed that the kingdom would forgive 80 percent of Iraq’s debt, raising expectations of an official announcement Thursday.

U.N. officials said the problem is that Saudi Arabia and Iraq never kept records and haven’t agreed on the size of the debt. Iraq’s finance minister puts the debt at $17 billion while the Saudis have estimated it at between $15 billion and $18 billion.

Kuwait is owed $15 billion, but its democratically elected parliament is refusing to consider any debt relief to Iraq — and the country’s deputy prime minister didn’t mention the issue. There was also no mention of writing off the $13 billion Russia is owed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18479731/

-- May 3, 2007 11:51 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Roger!
Back from trip at 11PM...check your email..

-- May 4, 2007 12:06 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

thank you sara four your comment it is sad the iraqi government is still keeping its people down i think a rv would sort a lot of things out.

-- May 4, 2007 8:01 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

May 4, 2007
NEWS
Awene

AS I SEE IT

Worcester Telegram - By Gary L. Gienger

I returned home to Upton last month from a five-day business trip to Kurdish northern Iraq. Having seen it myself, I have good news for the people of Massachusetts. Despite the vacillation, hopes and best efforts of our national Democratic politicians, we have won the war in the north.

The first indication that all security in Iraq is not the chaos that Americans have been told is that there are commercial flights.

I flew Austrian Airlines from Vienna into Erbil. No airline would risk a multi-million dollar aircraft, crew and passengers if it were not relatively sure of security.

My flight was loaded with women and children, apparently visiting grandparents and family. Since no parent would needlessly endanger his or her child and since these parents have access to local knowledge about the situation on the ground, they obviously see no significant risk in visiting northern Iraq.

Soon after landing, I learned that a memorial, commemorating the sacrifices made by the Coalition Forces in freeing Iraq, is being planned. Given what we have heard from our national press, that there was no coalition and that we are universally hated, especially in Iraq, how could this be true?

The Kurdish economy is flourishing. Construction is everywhere in Erbil, with more construction equipment than I have ever seen. They are building a new international airport, governmental buildings, private villas and thousands of apartments. Executives of a private American company that is just finishing 1,000 apartments said that they move freely around Erbil with no security.

Anticipating the question of cynics, I report that, no, the name of that company is not Haliburton. We helped a German restaurant mark the first anniversary of its opening. The marketplaces, which I walked, were crowded with people and goods. Many shops were selling expensive items like gold jewelry. Schools are open and functioning and Kurdistan University is expanding. As a leading indicator, the Western hotels are full of business people.

The Kurdish business people I met, including those associated with the ruling Barzani family, are openly pro-American and pro-American business. At times, these executives wore lapel pins having crossed Kurdistani and American flags. English is relatively common, as many of the top Kurdish business people worked in the English-speaking business world during what they call their diaspora.

During our meetings with the minister of communications and his technical staff, we were told that the Kurdish Regional Government has just enhanced the laws to encourage foreign investment; we were given the distinct impression that American investment is preferred.

Far from wanting American troops to leave, I was told that the Kurds want us to establish a permanent base in their territory.

I cannot imagine why any American president, remembering his oath to protect our country, would not want a permanent airbase in the middle of the Middle East, especially with Iran issuing threats from right next door.

Those who review the history of the Kurds will not be surprised that they see our presence as liberating. These people revolted against Saddam Hussein and were punished with chemical weapons and with the leveling of hundreds of their villages. In one occurrence, the Barzani tribal group had 8,000 men vanish into Saddam’s mass graves. And, these are just the more recent atrocities to which they have been subjected.

Private organizations and groups are arriving to help. I met a doctor who is a member of a group training nurses to better assist in providing care and in keeping patient records. I heard that the Pennsylvania Amish, from the area in which the schoolchildren murders took place, were there promoting forgiveness. This seems to be an important need if this region is to move beyond its past.

On the negative side, there are thousands of armed guards throughout the Kurdish area and we did once hear five shots. Given the culture, these shots could have been celebratory. I did not go to investigate!

There are also non-military challenges. The agricultural sector of the economy has been destroyed. Saddam, the United Nations and the United States have given food to the citizens for so long that they do not know how to produce it. This is particularly sad, since this area is said to have once been the breadbasket of the Middle East.

No doubt, much remains to be done. That said, the bottom line is this: Rather than agreeing with Sen. Harry Reid and U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern that the war is lost, all the signs are that — at least in the Kurdish north — it is won.

That does not mean that we cannot, through political idiocy, throw victory away. Nor does it mean that there will be no bad days or that we cannot lose the peace.

But, if we stick to our commitments to these people, people who have historically suffered much, we will have friends who live in the middle of the Middle East. And, we should expect that Kurdish success will positively impact the region, creating a nightmare for those who view us as enemies.

Most important, these friends remember who helped them. They already have demonstrated that as they plan a memorial.

They do not intend to forget the sacrifices our troops made to give them this chance. And, neither should we.

Gary L. Gienger lives in Upton.

-- May 4, 2007 8:58 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq's Neighbors Call for Sunni Inclusion at Iraqi Conference
Friday, May 04, 2007

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt — Iraq's neighbors negotiated a declaration Friday that would pledge support for Iraq's embattled Shiite-led government in return for more inclusion of Sunni Arabs in the political process.

A draft copy of the six-page declaration said the summit participants would agree to support Iraq's government as long as it ensured the "basic right of all Iraqi citizens to participate peacefully in the political process through the country's political system."

The declaration of support came one day after participants agreed on an ambitious blueprint to stabilize Iraq.

The International Compact with Iraq sets benchmarks to achieve a stable, united, democratic Iraq within five years. It defines international help for Iraq — including debt relief — but also sets tough commitments on the Baghdad government, particularly carrying out reforms aimed at giving Iraq's Sunni Arabs a greater role in the political process.

But Saudi Arabia said it was still negotiating with Iraq over writing off billions of dollars it is owed, and major creditors Kuwait and Russia failed to offer immediate debt relief — a key goal of the blueprint.

The absence of major commitments to reduce Iraq's debt was a sign that some, particularly Sunni Arab, nations are still keeping their distance from Iraq's government.

Still, the Iraqi government, the United Nations and many of the more than 60 countries and international organizations gathered here hailed the launch of the blueprint as a milestone.

It was an initiative of Iraq's first elected government, launched soon after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006 and strongly backed by the United Nations.

The debt issue loomed large over the meeting's unfinished business.

The Paris Club of affluent lender nations has already written off $100 billion of Iraq's debt — most from former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's war against Iran in the 1990s.

But the government still owes a huge amount. Iraq's finance minister put the total remaining at roughly $50 billion, but the numbers vary and in some cases are still not resolved — with some estimates as high as $62 billion.

Iraq's al-Maliki opened the conference urging "all our friends ... to forgive our debts and allow us to launch our reconstruction and development."

But the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia — a major lender — made no immediate public pledge. Saud al-Faisal said only that his country was in talks with Iraq "to have an appropriate solution to debts in line with rules of the Paris Club," which calls for forgiving at least 80 percent of Iraq's debts.

Before the conference, al-Faisal had confirmed that the kingdom would forgive 80 percent of Iraq's debt, raising expectations of an official announcement Thursday.

U.N. officials said the problem is that Saudi Arabia and Iraq never kept records and have not agreed on the size of the debt. Iraq's finance minister puts the debt at $17 billion, while the Saudis have estimated it at between $15 billion and $18 billion.

Kuwait is owed $15 billion, but its democratically elected parliament is refusing to consider any debt relief to Iraq — and the country's deputy prime minister did not mention the issue. There was also no mention of writing off the $13 billion Russia is owed.

China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, whose country is owed $8 billion, said Beijing "is ready to substantially reduce and forgive the debts owed by Iraq" and will forgive all government debts. He gave no figures.

Bulgaria, owed $4 billion, said it was finalizing "technical talks" with Iraq and then would consider a "realistic solution."

New grants and soft loans also came in.

British Prime Minister Margaret Beckett promised some $400 million. Other pledges from South Korea, Australia, Denmark and Spain totaled about $280 million.

In New York, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. said the international community has been slow to live up to aid pledges in the past.

Zalmay Khalilzad, who until recently was the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, said most countries have not come through on $13.5 billion in pledges made at a 2003 donor's conference in Madrid.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,270013,00.html

-- May 4, 2007 11:51 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. Target Iranian-Made Weapons in Iraq
By THOMAS WAGNER 05.04.07, 7:13 AM ET

U.S.-led forces raided Baghdad's main Shiite district on Friday and detained 16 alleged militants on suspicion of smuggling a powerful weapon from Iran into Iraq that can pierce armored vehicles, the military said.

The military also announced the discovery in recent months of several weapons caches south of Baghdad that included four of the Iranian-made weapons, known as explosively formed penetrators, or EFP.

Coalition forces detained 16 suspected militants during the raids in Sadr City, the Baghdad slum that is home to Shiite militias allied with radical anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The military said the raids targeted a cell known for facilitating the transport of weapons and EFPs from Iran to Iraq and for bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.

Intelligence reports also indicate the cell has ties to a kidnapping network that carries out attacks within Iraq, the statement said.

The military said U.S. forces in the last six months have found and destroyed four caches of weapons around Mahmoudiya, a mostly Shiite enclave surrounded by Sunni-dominated areas about 20 miles south of Baghdad. Sectarian violence and attacks by militias and insurgents on American and Iraqi forces are common in the area.

The caches included four EFPs, components to make EFPs, seven Iranian-style rockets and an Iranian-style mortar, a statement said. It said such weapons often are smuggled into Baghdad for use there.

On Friday, the U.S. military identified two more top al-Qaida aides killed during an operation earlier this week targeting a senior spokesman for the terror network.

On Thursday, the military announced that U.S.-led forces killed al-Qaida propagandist Muharib Abdul-Latif al-Jubouri early Tuesday west of Taji, near a U.S. air base 12 miles north of Baghdad. Al-Jubouri was one of five militants killed in the operation, but he was not identified until Wednesday after DNA testing.

The military on Friday identified two of the other slain militants as al-Jubouri's spiritual guide Sabah Hilal al-Shihawi, also known as Sabah al-Alwani and Abu Nuri; and a foreign fighter Abu Ammar al-Masri, who is said was helping with insurgent activity and infrastructure support for al-Qaida.

Both militants had been positively identified by associates at the site, and photos also had been used to identify al-Shihawi, according to the statement.

Military spokesman U.S. Maj. Gen. William Caldwell said Thursday that al-Jubouri was identified with photos and DNA testing but only one body had been removed from the battlefield.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/05/04/ap3685700.html

-- May 4, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Chris,

Great letter. WHo is this guy?

Sure wished he could go on a MSN station and proclaim his experience!

Thanks for sharing.

Carole

-- May 4, 2007 7:35 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Has this world gone nuts?

Putting Iraq on a five year plan makes no sense at all!

They can not establish consistency on any issue for more than 5 weeks!

As far as I can see it, Dale was on the right track! Dinar investment is somebody's sick joke!

Roger, do you still have any hope for this thing--or do we have to settle for credence in a 5 yr. plan?

Carole

-- May 4, 2007 7:53 PM ∞

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DALE wrote:

Carol,
I don't think the Dinar investment in it self is a sick joke. I was referring to the CBI posting of the exchange rate of .19 to 1 that was briefly on their site. I have always believed this to be a solid investment. I am just thinking it is not going to happen over night. More like several years.

-- May 4, 2007 9:54 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Personally, Carole, I think that the prospects for Iraq's economy are getting better. They did have the ICI signed and a plan put in place. Also, the parliament is now getting to the HCL (Oil) law.. and say they will pass it by the end of May. Progress is slow but steady, and that is what wins the race.. the tortoise, not the hare. Remember, all along I have said JUNE.. and that is still what appears most likely and logical today.

Sara.

QUOTE:

Iraq sends U.S.-backed oil law to parliament
By Ahmed Rasheed - Reuters
Wednesday, May 2, 2007

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi government has sent a draft oil law to parliament, the oil minister said on Wednesday, a major step towards meeting one of the political benchmarks Washington has set for Baghdad.

The announcement by Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani came on the eve of a conference in Egypt where foreign ministers from industrialized powers and the region will discuss how to stabilize Iraq and seek reforms in return for reconstruction.

The draft is crucial to regulating how wealth from Iraq's oil reserves would be shared by its sectarian and ethnic groups.

It was passed by cabinet in February and hailed at the time by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki as a pillar of Iraqi unity. But a dispute between the central government and autonomous, oil-rich Kurdistan over control of the world's third largest oil reserves has delayed its submission.

Speaking to reporters in Saudi Arabia, Shahristani said he hoped the bill would pass by the end of May.

"It has been sent to parliament now. There has been agreement among the political parties to work together to enact it by the end of the month," Shahristani said.

"The KRG (Kurdish regional government) is not opposed to the draft law ... they are very happy with the draft law."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/02/AR2007050200484.html

-- May 5, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I thought this worth noting..
As a person who believes an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure...
I thought the comments worth the read:

CBS Producer Praises Speech Attacking 'Fear'-based 'American Foreign Policy'
Posted by Ken Shepherd on May 3, 2007

It's commencement speech time again at colleges and universities across America. Goshen College is one of the few to have already graduated its class of 2007, and CBS producer Greg Kandra took notice. Kandra plugged a speech by the Rev. Joy Carroll Wallis* at Goshen College:

Fear: it’s become the foundation for American foreign policy. We are directly and constantly encouraged to be afraid. Afraid of attack, afraid of immigration, afraid of pandemic diseases, afraid of poverty, and it makes us want to build walls.

But as James Wolfensohn, former President of the World Bank, once said, “There are no walls.” What he meant was that building walls cannot protect us from all the critical forces and threats of the world from environmental degradation, pandemic disease, random violence and threats of terrorism

And Micah, the prophet, reminds us that we will never have peace or security — ploughshares and pruning hooks — we will not reduce violence and war until more people have their own vines and fig trees. There is no peace without justice, and our security is deeply connected to the security of others.

Comments:

1) Prester John Says:

Better fear than stupidity.

2) PeskyDane Says:

Fanatics turning planes into cruise missiles. Each carrying 48,000 gallons of kerosine. No, nothing to fear.

3) JPniner Says:

Operating as if this didn't happen and shouldn't be addressed, Ostrich politics, is the politics of fear as far as I'm concerned.

I swear a Donkey has always been a good mascot for the Dems, however an Ostrich is becoming more and more applicable. How about a hybrid of the two?

4) PeskyDane Says:

...building walls cannot protect us...

The sheer stupidity of this statement is not born out by history. Yes, a fortified city will eventually fall to a determined army. However, it was the 10,000 castles of 13th century Europe that saved them from the Mongols. When their scouts reported on the fortifications of the german states, Subutai and Batu Kahn decided they simply did not have the years left to spend 3 months taking them all down one by one. The death of Ogedei Kahn served as a convenient pretense to fold back onto their overextended and stretched out supply lines. Walls work. If that were not the case, the libtards would not be so hell-bent against building them on our southern border.

5) acumen Says:

Before the CBS edit:

Fear: it’s become the foundation for American journalism. We are directly and constantly encouraged to be afraid. Afraid of conservatives, afraid of Christianity, afraid of Wal Mart, afraid of global warming, afraid of tax cuts and it makes us want to elect democrat(ic)s.

http://newsbusters.org/node/12500

-- May 5, 2007 10:27 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I thought it worth noting that the Russians tried to use the debt forgiveness to get access to the Iraqi oil fields.. thought Carole might have a thought on it?

Iraq Rejects Russian Offer Waiving Debt for Oil Stake
Friday, May 4, 2007
Reuters

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt -- Iraq, struggling to rebuild its war-shattered economy, has declared unacceptable an offer from Russia to forgive the debt it is owed by Baghdad in return for access to a major Iraqi oil field.

Iraq's creditors are all keen to gain access to its oil wealth, but the nation could not agree to such a link, Iraqi Finance Minister Bayan Jabor said Thursday at an international conference on Iraqi stability and reconstruction in Sharm el-Sheik.

"The Russians... want investment in the Rumaila oil field in return for eliminating the debt," Jabor said.

Moscow has forgiven Iraq much of the debt it owes, but not the entirety.

The world's top oil companies have been maneuvering to win a stake in oil fields in Iraq, which holds the world's third biggest reserves.

They are awaiting passage of its oil law, expected within weeks, but would also require a fundamental return of law and order.

The North and South Rumaila oil fields in the south make up the bulk of Iraq's crude exports, which run at about 1.5 million barrels per day.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/05/04/043.html

-- May 5, 2007 10:34 AM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Carole,

Like Dale, I also believe it will probably be a few years until we see the dinar where we all want it to be. Of course I hope Sara is correct with her hopes for a June RV. But even if there is a June RV, and depending on the level of the RV, the dinar may still have much further to go to reach it's true potential. As Iraq slowly begins to flourish, and oil exports grow, there is only one direction the dinar will go.
The return we may some day see for our investment is phenomenal.
The way I see it, if it is going to mean waiting a few years to secure the financial future for my children, then it is well worth the wait.
Have patience and keep faith with he dinar Carole, and I am sure that one day we will all be seriously minted.

-- May 5, 2007 8:43 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

I can't seem to find the article I referred to several weeks ago from the Jersualem Post concerning Iraq being several months behind in repayment of debt to Russia. There was some conflict in the Russian parliament over this defaulted debt.

If Iraq will not accept the terms the Russians are offering for debt resolution, and are still in arrears for payment, what are they going to do to apy their debt? It will be interesting to see the next move, which I think will come from Russia.

Carole

-- May 5, 2007 11:20 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

America! Why have you abandoned us?
By Gerd Schroeder
An open letter to the American People

My fellow Americans; what have the American Fighting men and women done to cause you to abandon them in a foreign land, surrounded by sinister people that are bent on killing them and all Americans? Do we believe that these people, who think nothing of killing men, women, and children of their own race, culture, and religion, will hesitate a moment if given the chance to destroy us, our families, and our freedoms?

And they know that Congress has cut off spending for our troops.

Where is the sort of overwhelming swell of outrage of the American people that caused the rather benign "Dubai Ports deal" to be killed in less than a month? Why have the halls of Congress and the Whitehouse not been overwhelmed by citizens outraged over the abandonment of our fighting men and women? Is the silence a sign that shock jocks, and dead playmates are more important to American than our soldiers?

While politicians on both sides of the political spectrum have quibbled about timelines, a date for withdrawal from Iraq, and $24 billion in pork to buy votes, the American Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have been all but forgotten. The American people's silence is morale-crushing and a betrayal. For whatever purpose we believe our soldiers have gone to war, surely abandonment in a hostile, foreign land was not it.

Over 200,000 American Warriors, deployed around the world in austere and hellish conditions, are always in the crosshairs of evil people bent on killing them. Over 3350 have freely, and honorably, given their lives; over 24,300 have been wounded and maimed for us, for our families, and for our freedoms in this war. They sacrifice, not for money, education, and world travel - as some have suggested. They sacrifice their lives for their oaths to us. Their oaths are not to the President, Congress, or a military commander. Their oaths are to us. To the American People.

This is the oath of the American enlisted Soldier, Marine, Airman, and Sailor:

"I, (your son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, neighbor, and friend), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

The oath of an officer is similar:

"I, (your son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, neighbor, and friend), (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."

The Warrior Ethos:

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

The following are four examples out of tens of thousands of warriors fulfilling their oaths to you.

I will always place the mission first.

"Mission First" meant more than mere words to Sgt. Christian P. Engeldrum. The 39-yearold firefighter from Bronx, N.Y., served on active duty in the Army from 1986 to 1991 and was in Operation Desert Storm. He returned to New York, trading his Army uniform for a policeman's. Several years later, he became a New York City firefighter. He was awarded a N.Y. Fire Department citation for bravery on July 15, 2000, for successfully rescuing two people in a fire on West 110th St. in Manhattan.

September 11, 2001 was a turning point in his life. On that day, he and fellow firefighters from Ladder 61 in the Bronx responded to the World Trade Center attacks. For the next few months he assisted in the recovery effort, digging through the rubble.

Sgt. Engeldrum then rejoined the Army, serving with the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, of the New York Army National Guard. "He loved his country, he loved being a firefighter and he was 100% Soldier," said one of his fellow firefighters.

Sgt. Engeldrum is the first New York firefighter to die in Iraq since the U.S.-led war began. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "I join all New Yorkers in mourning his loss and pray that his family finds comfort in the innumerable ways he touched so many lives." Sgt Engeldrum is survived by his wife Sharon and two sons Royce, 16 and Sean, 18.

I will never accept defeat.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to

Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, United States Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith's extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division "Rock of the Marne," and the United States Army.

I will never quit.

Army Capt. David Rozelle, 31, lost part of his right leg below the knee in a June 2003 land mine explosion near Hit, Iraq. But Rozelle was not about to quit. While going through an oftentimes, painful recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he spearheaded the effort to put together a team of other amputees from the medical center for the Army Ten-Miler race in October 2004. Dubbed the "Missing (Parts) In Action team-Some Assembly Required"-the team included troops from each of the military services. Rozelle ran the 10-mile race in just 1 hour, 38 minutes-just 16 months after the loss of his lower leg in what most would term a "debilitating" injury. In addition to running the race, he returned to the Ski Slopes in Colorado at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.

But Rozelle was not just interested in his own recovery. He wanted to help other injured Soldiers. Rozelle sees sports as a healing tool for Soldiers like himself. He is working to establish an amputee support group at his duty station, Fort Carson, CO, where he knows of other Soldiers with prosthetics. The group will not only focus on networking Soldiers with prosthetics, but getting them involved in outdoor sports as well. "I want to give Soldiers someone to talk to who has made it through what they're facing, let them ask questions, and have them see me walking,'' he said. But most incredible of all, Rozelle wanted to remain on active duty and return to Iraq. And, the Army granted him his wish. He was the commanding officer of Regimental Headquarters Troop, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, a unit that deployed to Iraq in early March 2005. While Rozelle's story is compelling, it is not unique. He is just one of many Soldiers who demonstrates daily their commitment to live by the ideals contained in the Warrior Ethos, "I will never quit" and "I will never accept defeat."

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major. Ron Riling was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in Al Rammadi Iraq on April 6, 2004. He said he was honored to be awarded the Silver Star, but he‘d gladly give it back if it would bring back the 12 Marines who lost their lives that day in Rammadi. Riling said the decision to enter the fray was an easy one. "The colonel looked at me and said ‘Sgt Major, let's go" Riling quickly organized his forces and rushed to help. They immediately came under fire from every direction. The Marine squad has been pinned down by snipers and was in terrible shape. The squad leader was dead, and three of the seven Marines were seriously wounded. Riling absorbed the Marines into his team and they fought their way out, taking with them all their dead and wounded.

These are our Soldiers

Are the actions above of someone just after money for an education? Of a person seeking a poor paying job? Of a person trying to defraud the American people of their money? If this is what we think, then America is truly in dire straits. We know that this is not how the majority of good Americans view their Soldiers. But then why the lack of strong, decisive action in defense of the American Soldier?

Soldiers like these, and thousands of others like them, have been forsaken by the American people, who are failing to engage the elected officials of this government. By our silence we allow our elected government to play games with Soldiers' lives for personal gain, ego, and selfishness. During the month that this funding cutoff debate debate has gone on, over 100 brave men have lost their lives in Iraq alone, protecting the American people.

Stories like these number in the thousands. Each story is a sacrifice for our families and us. It is imperative that the American People understand their power, and responsibility in compelling the passage of this measure by the elected officials of this country. Without our intercession, on behalf of our military, the funds that the troops need will not arrive in time. Soldiers will suffer and die needlessly.

The bill that came out of conference, passed by the Congress, and has been vetoed by the President is an embarrassment to this country. It is a slap in the face to all the military families that have consecrated their loved ones to us to preserve our freedom.

Perhaps some have waved off the critical nature of this impasse, and think that in the end, and in time, the Congress and President will come together. This is a dangerous assumption. Heavy pressure from the American People on all 535 members of Congress and the President is the only way to shake them from their power-induced stupor.

Does America deserve the sacrifice the U.S. Military makes for them? The people's inaction is an indictment of leadership in the White House and Congress; but more disheartening, it is an indictment of the American People in their abandoning the military in time of war. A blanket of shame has covered this great land, its leaders, and people. Americans should hang their heads in shame, for a moment, and then overwhelm the government of this country in protest supporting the troops in time of war.

Gerd Schroeder is a Major in the United States Army. His views are his own. He does not speak for the US Army or Department of Defense.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/05/america_why_have_you_abandoned_1.html

-- May 6, 2007 12:58 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

OOPS!! Sorry for the confusion. The article I referenced from Jerusalem Post was concerning the relationship and debt btwn Russia and Iran, not Iraq.

Now to relook at your question:

I believe that Iraq's snubbing their nose at Russia's offer for debt reduction in exchange for becoming a player in the oil fields, will just further their commitment to Iran.

The Magog will prevail till the end----well, almost to the end!

Carole

-- May 6, 2007 6:04 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Chelse, and dale,

Thanks for your words of encouragement.

My husband and I have been looking and contemplating some property in New Port Beach, California, as well as a beautiful yacht. Sure would make the contemplating a sure thing if the Dinar would RV!! :}

Carole

-- May 6, 2007 6:11 AM ∞

---

hris wrote:

Announcement No.(917)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 917 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/5/6 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1267 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1265 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 90.580.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 90.580.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- May 6, 2007 7:39 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Concerning the abandonment of the troops by the ordinary populace, quote:

"Why the lack of strong, decisive action in defense of the American Soldier? Soldiers like these, and thousands of others like them, have been forsaken by the American people, who are failing to engage the elected officials of this government. By our silence we allow our elected government to play games with Soldiers' lives for personal gain, ego, and selfishness. It is imperative that the American People understand their power, and responsibility in compelling the passage of this measure by the elected officials of this country. Without our intercession, on behalf of our military, the funds that the troops need will not arrive in time. Soldiers will suffer and die needlessly. "

==end of quote==

Why?

Because:

Jer 5:21 'Hear this now, O foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes and see not; and who have ears and hear not:

Jer 5:22 'Do you not fear Me?' says the Lord. 'Will you not tremble at My presence, who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it: and though its waves toss themselves, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.

Jer 5:23 But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; they have revolted and departed.

.Jer 5:24 They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season: he reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest."

Jer 5:25 Your iniquities have turned these things away, and your sins have withheld good things from you. .

Jer 5:26 'For among My people are found wicked men: they lie in wait as one who sets snares; they set a trap; they catch men. .

Jer 5:27 As a cage is full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit: therefore they have become great and grown rich.

Jer 5:28 They have grown fat, they are sleek: yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked: they do not plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless; yet they prosper; and the right of the needy they do not defend.

.Jer 5:29 'Shall I not punish them for these things?' says the Lord. 'Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?'

Jer 5:30 An astonishing and horrible thing is committed in the land: ;

Jer 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end thereof?

===

Isa 2:5 O .. come and let us walk In the light of the Lord.

Isa 2:6 Therefore You have forsaken Your people... because they are filled with eastern ways; They are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they are pleased with the children of foreigners.

Isa 2:7 Their land is also full of silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is also full of horses, and there is no end to their chariots.

Isa 2:8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made::

Isa 2:9 The common people bow down, and the great man humbles himself: therefore do not forgive them.

===

Sara.

-- May 6, 2007 9:14 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi economists forecast positive implications for Iraqi economy

Baghdad, May 5, (VOI) - A number of Iraqi economists on Saturday gave
their forecasts about the implications of the resolutions adopted by
the Sharm al-Sheikh conferences, held last Thursday and Friday, for
the Iraqi economy. Positive impacts for the Iraqi economy, a boost to
Iraq's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and
potential benefits for the Iraqi people were predicted by many
economic experts.
Some economists indicated that in order for the conferences to yield
benefits for the Iraqi people, high-quality governmental performance
in banking activities and investment projects has to be ensured first.

Samir Zedan, an economic expert who works for the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) in Iraq told the indep endent news
agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) today, "The huge reduction of Iraqi debts
will ease the burden on the Iraqi economy. This will consequently
return Iraq to its normal position in the international community and
boost its active participation in WTO, considering its economic
potential and resources."
According to Zedan, the reduction of debts will also help Iraq import
raw material, which he said will help bring deactivated industries
back to life and turn Iraq from an oil-producing country to a
multi-resource country that has an industrial base.
Zahid Jihad, a media and economic expert, said "The reduction of
Iraq's debts by many countries, led by Saudi Arabia, will enormously
benefit the Iraqi people if it is accompanied by a distinguished
technocratic governmental performance."

According to Jihad, the activities of Iraqi banks are currently
suspended because of such debts. Creditors have the right to halt all
financial transactions by Iraqi state banks t hat have branches
outside Iraqi, including the banks of al-Rafideen (The Two Rivers, in
reference to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), al-Rasheed and the
central Bank of Iraq.
Citing Malaysia and South Korea as examples, Jihad indicated that the
Iraqi government should pursue a wise policy by activating the banking
sectors and rebuilding the country.

Jihad explained that the next task will be assigned to the private
sector, which he said was compelled to move its capital to neighboring
countries to benefit from their openness to the world economy. "After
the cancellation of debts and activation of the banking sector,
openness to the world economy will also be attainable from within
Iraq," Jihad added.

Economic and industrial expert Abdul Razzaq Al-Abayachi told VOI, "The
cancellation or reduction of debts will rid Iraq of bills that were
not its fault and which hinder the wheel of sustainable development."
The International Compact for Iraq Confe rence, hosted by the Egyptian
Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Sheikh on Thursday, produced a document
bearing its name, which specified all forms of assistance to be
provided by the international community to help Iraq reconstruct its
economic and military institutions. Iraq's Neighboring Countries'
Conference, held on Friday with the participation of Egypt, Bahrain,
representatives from the G8, the UN Security Council's five permanent
members, the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Conference
(OIC) and the Arab League, also vowed to back the Iraqi government.

During the conference, some of Iraq's debts were canceled by a number
of creditor countries, while others were reduced. A $5 billion grant
was also awarded to Iraq.
Links of Interest:

US Department of State

CIA World Fact Book

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Energy Information Administration

Coalition Provisional Authority

US Treasury - Financial Management Services

2006 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT - IRAQ

New Iraqi Dinar



View Latest News On Iraq

-- May 6, 2007 1:51 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Samir Sumaida’ie, Ambassador of Iraq to the United States
Published May 4th, 2007 in Iraq

For a highly informative briefing on Iraqi/US relations I recommend the CSIS symposium hosted by Anthony Cordesman, with Mr. Sumaida’ie as principal speaker. There is video, audio-podcast and a PDF transcript available at the Center for Strategic and International Studies website.

If the Pelosis and Reids could squeeze into their busy schedule of despot-courting just a few minutes to meet with Iraqi leaders they might learn something.

Below I’ll quote just the ambassador’s brief remarks — there is an extensive Q&A following…

AMBASSADOR SAMIR SUMAIDAIE: Thank you very much. I’d like to thank you, Dr. Cordesman, for this introduction and thank you for arranging this meeting. I’ll go straight into my comments.

There is a heartfelt debate going on in this country about what to do about Iraq. People feel that this intervention in Iraq is not producing any successes to speak of. It’s bogged down. It’s a big drain on American resources and it’s going nowhere and are wondering when this is all coming to an end. It’s a legitimate question. It’s a legitimate worry. And we understand, of course, why Americans generally feel so disappointed and so exasperated with the situation in Iraq.

But in my many speaking engagements around the country, I find the American public – especially those with an interest in international affairs – to be quite willing to listen. They ask the right questions and when they are informed, they generally are very supportive. What I’d like to do in my brief remarks today is to put the Iraqi situation in its context – in a context that helps the American public, the American decision makers to look at it not as a problem, or not just as a problem, but also as an opportunity and see the longer-term ramifications of various decisions and policy approaches.

Iraq has not always been a problem. Everybody knows Iraq, Mesopotamia, is the birthplace of civilization. It is where most people agree the wheel was invented, the week was invented as a unit of time, beer was first brewed, the first ever law was written, the first ever library was – public library was established and the first ever cooking recipe was written. Iraq has a very long tradition and a long civilization.

And in its modern incarnation it came up as a modern state in the ‘20s of last century and myself was born into a middle-class family and my parents took care that I had a good education. People in Baghdad were very neighborly, very peaceful. Violence was far from people’s minds. People tended their gardens and looked after their own and corruption was almost unheard of. People who – when rumor was going around that someone was involved in corruption he was shunned and this is how we grew up. There was no discrimination and no prejudice as to Sunni, Shi’a, Kurd, Christian, Muslim, Jew. Many people forget that Baghdad in the ‘30s of the last century was largely a Jewish city. It was – about 25 percent to 30 percent of its population was Jewish. The first Parliament in Iraq had more Jewish members than Christian members.

So Iraq, and Baghdad in particular, was a cosmopolitan country which was coming up – coming up very well. Up until the ‘50s when the first coups d’etat – military coups took place, Iraq was a very promising country. When the Ba’athists came in 1968, Iraq had foreign reserves of $35 billion. Its GDP was on a par with Spain. Its education was working, health system was working. And it was a very promising country with people looking forward to the future. The Iraqi dinar was equivalent to 3.3 American dollars.
When finally, in 2003 – after two wars and a long period of sanctions – Saddam was removed, the economy had collapsed completely. One dollar became equal to about 3,000 Iraqi dinar. And instead of having a surplus and a reserve, Iraq was in the red to the tune of $300 (billion) or $350 billion. That is the transformation. That’s the transformation that Saddam and his misrule and his henchmen with systematic looting, systematic destruction, wreaked on the country.

But the figures belie a deeper reality of destruction – destruction in social values, destruction in social fabric. And the corruption that took root, the government institutions that became totally dysfunctional, I think it is true to say that the state, as a state, had collapsed from the inside during the period of the sanctions. And the sanctions were almost as responsible for the destruction of the state and the social fabric as the misrule and the crimes of Saddam Hussein.

So enter the United States in 2003 – maybe without sufficient thinking about how to manage the situation. Saddam – Saddam’s regime collapsed, as it was expected to, but there was period of lawlessness and a period of lack of control, which we’re still paying for until now. The police and the army were disbanded and there was absolutely no impediment to mob rule. Saddam had very thoughtfully released thousands upon thousands of hardened criminals into the streets before the Americans intervened.

So in that environment, the average person – average civilian – was really in trouble. Nevertheless, Iraqis rallied. Most Iraqis were delighted to get rid of Saddam. They were grateful for the Americans to rid them of Saddam. But they were looking forward to a better future. We’re hoping that the Americans will help them put their country together and build their institutions.

But in this vacuum, two things happened. Regional powers found an opportunity to step in establish spheres of influence. And of course, insurgents and criminals – organized crime – all kinds of bad people found an opportunity to organize themselves. And with help and support – tangible, significant help from outside, they succeeded in doing that. We must remember that Saddam experienced a failure early in his political career. And the Ba’ath party, it was – came to power in 1963 as was removed in the same year. It came to power in February, it was removed in November of the same year, only to come back in 1968. So they vowed that if ever they are removed, they would have enough resources to come back. And they set aside for many years five percent of the oil revenue as a fund to help them to come back.

Like any good, disciplined mafia, they disbursed these funds through many legitimate businesses internationally. And the equity, which in controlled by Saddam’s family and his supporters, is in the tens of billions of dollars. So they’re not exactly short of cash. Saddam, before being removed, sent his son to the central bank to load up nearly $2 billion in cash. Three truckloads were loaded up and moved out. We managed to retrieve something like $500 million – just pocket change compared to what they have.

So what the point I am making here is that we have the Saddamists with determination to come back to power and the necessary resources. They are supported, aided and abetted by regional powers who were less than pleased by the intervention of the United States and the presence of the United States’ troops next to them. And we had a vacuum which allowed all these things to get established. So we have this formidable challenge. But the Iraqi people rose up the challenge despite the onslaught, and it has been a horrendous onslaught. To date, there have been about 1,000 suicide bombers who have attacked Iraq. You tell me any country on the face of Earth which can withstand 1,000 suicide bombers going into markets, going next to schools, going wherever there is a crowd and blowing themselves up. It is remarkable how resilient the Iraqis are. And until now – yesterday there was an attack on Parliament. Today there was a meeting of defiance in the – in Parliament. People questioned whether in going to vote in the elections or going to their jobs every day – they are in every action saying to the terrorists, “We are not going to be cowed.”

I have lost many dear friends in this battle, and I don’t know any other Iraqi who has worked with me who has not. Last month, our vice-president was here and we were sitting in the Oval Office with President Bush, and I know that he had shrapnel in his – by his toe from the attack a month before to assassinate him. This is what we are going through. But I detected no weakening. I detected no change in resolve in Dr. al-Abdul Mehdi’s (sp) attitude or anybody else. Iraqis are still determined to go on. However, the extent of the damage in Iraq that has accumulated because of all these factors that I have enumerated and the viciousness and sheer scale of the onslaught upon them means that this is going to be a long-drawn battle. But this is not only a battle in Iraq by Iraqis. It’s an international battle. This is a confrontation between forces going well beyond Iraq, well beyond Iraqi borders. Most of the suicide bombers I mentioned a while ago are not Iraqi. They’re coming to us from North Africa, they’re coming to us from Yemen, from Sudan, even from Europe.

So we have been thrust into this situation by the intervention of the United States, for which we are grateful – let me make that absolutely clear. But to get after – out of it, we cannot do it on our own. Yet the debate in this country is – seems to be always framed in “When can we have the troops back? Is it next month or is it the month after?” I say that it should not be framed in these terms. I say that it should be framed in terms of this confrontation, with this international alliance of dark forces. Are we – by we, I mean here both Americans and Iraqis – and all those who believe in democracy, all those who value the values of open society – are we going to come out as defeated, or are we going to come out on top? That’s the fundamental principle that we have to keep in our minds. And we have to do – we all have to do whatever it takes to ensure that Iraq does not fall into the hands of al Qaeda or the Saddamists or an alliance of both, or an alliance between them and other extremists Islamist movement – or become dismembered between all these and between a regional power. That would be a catastrophe not only for Iraq, it would be a catastrophe for the region, it would be, I insist, a catastrophe for the United States and its long-term interests.

I believe everything that needs to be done has to be done. We Iraqis have not been sitting idle. We’ve made considerable achievements under fire. We continue to do so and we will continue to do so. Many people talk about sectarian violence and that there is a civil war. There is a war, indeed, but it’s not a civil war. It’s a war conducted – carried out by extremists on innocent civilians. Extremist Sunnis are killing innocent Shi’a. Extremist Shi’as are killing innocent Sunnis. But there is no animosity between ordinary Sunnis and Shi’as. They live quite happily together. They work quite happily together. And I – as an Iraqi, I know that in my own experience and the experience of all the Iraqis I know, there is no hatred. We are not the Balkans.

People try to Balkanize Iraq, but Iraq cannot be Balkanized. We cannot – the Iraqis don’t warm up to solutions in (inaudible) about dividing the country in order to keep it together. This would not work. We have big pockets of Shi’a communities within Sunni areas, and we have big pockets of Sunni areas within Shi’a areas. We have – in urban society, we have about 30 percent of mixed marriages. What do we do? Run the borders through bedrooms? It wouldn’t work. In Iraq, it would not work. So to those who are seeking simple solutions, I say forget it. We Iraqis will find our own solutions. We Iraqis will reach the accommodations that will work for us. Help us to beat off the terrorists, and help us to rebuild our institutions which were destroyed over years of misrule, sanctions and then later mismanagement. Then we will shoulder our responsibilities. We believe we can do it, but we believe we can do it only with your help. Thank you very much.

(Applause.)

http://seekerblog.com/archives/20070504/samir-sumaidaie-ambassador-of-iraq-to-the-united-states/

-- May 6, 2007 3:00 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Last article was posted by me

-- May 6, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

EXCELLENT article, Chris.
Wonderfully written.. we honor that commitment and resolve.
May God bless the Democracy of Iraq and her sons and daughters,
and all her allies in this fight.
Quote:

"So what the point I am making here is that we have the Saddamists with determination to come back to power and the necessary resources. They are supported, aided and abetted by regional powers who were less than pleased by the intervention of the United States and the presence of the United States’ troops next to them."

==end quote==

"Less than pleased?".. then they should not have hit the giant (the US) on his toe with a sledgehammer on 911, if they didn't want the US 'next to them' in the region. Actions have consequences.. they forced the United States to go to an offensive posture.

Giuliani praises 'great president'
By THOMAS BEAUMONT
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
May 5, 2007

Cedar Rapids, Ia. - Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani said in Iowa on Friday that President Bush's response to terrorism will ensure his legacy is that of a great president.

"He will be, I believe, a president who will be viewed by history for this one decision as being a great president," the former New York mayor told about 100 Cedar Rapids-area Republicans during a quick campaign stop in eastern Iowa. "He decided in a flash to put our country on offense against terrorism."

The former mayor, closely associated with the 2001 attacks in New York City, stresses the issue as one of two pillars to his candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination.

"The very best way to deal with it, which I understand ... is for America to be on offense against terrorism and never, ever, ever go back to being on defense," Giuliani said during a 45-minute forum at a heavy equipment dealership on Cedar Rapids' north side.

Giuliani was the only candidate of the 10 at the nationally televised debate to say that it would be acceptable to keep in place Roe vs. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing abortion.

The moment underscored Giuliani's support for abortion rights, which is a deal-breaker for some conservative Iowa Republicans, who make up a healthy portion of caucus activists in the state.

Unlike his more socially conservative rivals, Giuliani stresses his commitment to reducing government spending as the policy companion to fighting terrorism.

A number of the questions from the Cedar Rapids audience of business owners, farmers and political activists focused on taxes and the economy.

Giuliani proposed making permanent the tax cuts enacted under Bush, repealing the estate tax and keeping flat the capital gains tax rate.

But the candidate's two biggest applause lines came when he reminded the group of his association with Sept. 11, 2001, and Bush's performance in its aftermath.

"He reversed years of being on defense," Giuliani said of the president. "He reversed it immediately. He put us immediately on offense, and we have been safe as a result of that. And he deserves credit for that," he said, sparking applause.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070505/NEWS09/705050352/-1/ENT05

Is it logical to think that if someone reverses this decision...
(the one which "we have been safe as a result".. going on offense, that decision..)
we might not be safe?

Sara.

-- May 6, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Isa 2:9 The common people bow down, and the great man humbles himself: therefore do not forgive them.

===

I suppose that if someone repents before costing the lives of American troops and stops playing politics with their lives (or allowing politics to be played with their lives), that God would forgive them. It is only those who stubbornly go on in evil (sin) that continue to reap their folly back upon them. However, God's mercy is great, but not to be trifled with, because.. Psalm 90:11 Who knows the power of Your anger? even according to Your fear, so is Your wrath.

God doesn't play games with life and death situations.. and must not be underestimated.

Sara.

-- May 6, 2007 6:40 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

I do not believe for even one split second that one red cent will ever be cut from the funds which support our troops.

I would now like to talk a little philosophy and I know up-front that at least 50% of you will disagree but this war is not about the troops. We hired them to carry out the desires of the U.S. and we are commited to giving them every possible advantage and protection but if the situation changes, we do not continue to support the war because the troops are there.

This war was authorized to go in and destroy the weapons of mass destruction and when there were none to be found the name of the mission was changed to Liberate Iraq or something. I submit that the situation changed and we should have admitted that we made a mistake and paid them a portion of what we have already spent to rebuild, and we should have come home.

There were no terrorist there at the time we invaded but there are plenty now and if we pull out, I don't believe that the terrorists will follow us home.

If we pull out, surely it will not be to come home and bury our heads in the sand and pray that noone bothers us again. Hopefully it will be to regroup and refortify and get ready for a real enemy life Russia or China.

I do not like anything about the Democrats except that the Iraq was a mistake and the American people have recognized it and maybe we on this blog should also.

-- May 6, 2007 11:18 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Neil,

I am sure some of the reguler posters will tell you were to look to find that there was WMD, Saddam did not kill the kurds with OLD SPICE sunshine, I'm sure there was 5 tons of yellow cake found, I am shocked and stuned that there are still people who do not know the truth about the WMD, come on guys tell Neil were to look.
Thanks Steve.

-- May 7, 2007 12:24 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(918)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 918 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/5/7 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1265 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 89.140.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 89.140.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 7, 2007 5:06 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq intends to automate its general banking sector

Director-General of “Rafidein Bank”, Abdul Hussein Al-Yasiri, said that implementing the restructuring of the banking sector will begin soon, by the adoption of a comprehensive electronic system and mechanisms to keep pace with new developments.

He pointed out to the establishment of special training centers of the sector, in addition to external courses and preparation of studies to evaluate the annual performance, using research centers and specialists.

He stressed that human resource development is a human long-term investment, leading to upgrade the performance of the banking sector, in addition to the importance of opening branches and offices to provide better banking services for the citizen, in all available areas, pointing out that “Rafidain” (founded in 1941) in about to implement a comprehensive process of development, includes linking all its branches with new techniques that enhance its competitiveness with foreign banks which are expected to open branches in Iraq.

He explained that the role of the banking sector in economic development lies in its ability to mobilize savings and invest them in economic sectors, expanding monetary credit and long-term finance to projects serving the overall development; he added that the investment in this area is the most important factor in the development of the stock market.

He pointed to the success of the Central Bank in raising the price of the dinar against the dollar, pointing out that the prices of goods and services remains high, which are reflected negatively on the cost of production.

He explained that the process of controlling interest rates have become vested to the banks since 2004, after being confined to the “Central”, and raising interest rates would cut down the lending rates.

-- May 7, 2007 8:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Admiral Fallon Sees Progress in Iraq, Urges Government Unity
5/4/2007

Developments in Anbar province could set tone for nationwide cooperation

By Vince Crawley
USINFO Staff Writer

Washington -- The U.S. and Iraqi troop surge in Baghdad, Iraq, and Anbar province is making progress, but success requires political unity by Iraq’s government and quick results in economic programs, says the senior U.S. commander for the region.

In particular, conditions in the once turbulent Anbar province might set the tone for the future of Iraq, Admiral William Fallon told Congress. Sunni leaders north of Baghdad largely have halted violent opposition to the new Iraqi government and instead are seeking constructive political influence, he said. Fallon, the new chief of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), testified May 3 before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“We have good indications that they are having success on the ground in expanding the areas of stability and security,” Fallon said. “But we need the parallel effort, as you would indicate, to make the political decisions to move forward.”

Along with the security mission in Iraq, Fallon said, he is giving equal importance to coordinating other U.S. government agencies assisting in the economic and political development of Iraq. This effort includes provincial reconstruction teams, which pool military and other U.S. government resources to focus on local and regional development projects.

“We need actions right now that are going to show results in the very near term over the next six months, say, that can be a direct follow-on to the security push,” he said.

Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin expressed impatience with Iraqi forces and the Iraqi government. “Iraqi military units were promised extra pay and short three-month Bagdad deployment to gain their acquiescence to the mission, while American Army units are being extended for 15-month tours,” Levin told Fallon. “Baghdad is burning while the Iraqi politicians avoid responsibility for their country’s future.”

Commanders report that violence between Sunni and Shiite communities appears to have subsided. But al-Qaida and foreign insurgents have tried to undermine reconciliation with a relentless series of spectacular and deadly suicide attacks.

“The Shi’a have not responded in a major retaliatory way to these attacks,” Fallon said. He credited the leadership of Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki with preventing the Shiite community from retaliating. But U.S. officials have stressed that Maliki and other elected Iraqi officials must quickly demonstrate their ability to put aside partisan and sectarian differences and create a unified government.

“Success in Iraq is going to be greatly dependent [on] -- and I believe not possible without -- the firm commitment and demonstration by the political leadership … that they are acting in the interests of the entire population,” Fallon said.

Success also depends on getting support from other countries in the region, Fallon said.

Fallon said he was pleased that two regional conferences have just started in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, that will bring together all of Iraq’s neighboring countries as well as other members of the world community with a stake in the success of Iraq. (See related article.)

Fallon also said there has been a “dramatic shift” in Anbar province compared to six months ago, and that this move away from violence “is indicative of what could happen in this country.” Although the Baghdad surge has received most public attention, there also has been a surge of U.S. Marines in Anbar to build upon successes that began late in 2006.

“It looks like in Anbar there are people who [were] very clearly fighting us who have now stopped doing that and have gone over to the other side,” Fallon said. “These are disaffected, unhappy, disenfranchised Sunni who were the beneficiaries of certain things under the Saddam [Hussein] regime who, when they lost all this, saw that their best interests were served by fighting the coalition and fighting the government.”

The Sunnis of Anbar province were favored under the government of the late dictator and opposed the creation of a more inclusive government for fear they would be oppressed by Shiites, who make up the majority of Iraq’s population.

“After several years of this [armed opposition], it’s very clear that they have realized this is a mistake. And so they’ve opted to come over and help the Coalition and the government,” Fallon said of the Sunni leadership.

“I think the reason is self-interest. Frankly, they see that their future, a future with al-Qaida, is a loser, and they have a much better chance of now working and trying to influence this government to be more representative of them, and that’s why they’re doing it.”

As a result, the major towns and cities from the Syrian border to the Euphrates toward Baghdad are largely in the hands of the Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces, Fallon said.

(USINFO is produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

U.S. Admiral Fallon Sees Progress in Iraq, Urges Government Unity - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

International Relations

Iraq wins promise from Arab nations to stop militants but suspicions remain

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

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt, 06 May 2007 (Asharq Alawsat)
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Iraq emerged from a vital conference with a promise from Arab countries to stop foreign militants from joining the bloody insurgency. But Baghdad didn't get the debt relief it wanted and its Sunni Arab neighbors demanded that Iraq's Shiite-led government enact tough political reforms.

The two-day gathering of top diplomats from the region, the United States and around the world was the warmest yet between Iraq and Arab countries, but suspicions remained between the two sides. "We will see the extent of the seriousness and commitment among these nations to what they signed today," Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters Friday. "If these promises are not kept, we will watch it, and there will be no reason to hold any further conferences."

Baghdad also did not achieve another goal, progress in easing tensions between the United States and Iran, whose disputes Iraqis say are fueling the chaos in their country.

Despite urging from the Iraqis, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki did not hold talks, and only exchanged wary pleasantries over lunch.

But Rice met with another regional rival of the U.S., Syria. She held a half hour of talks Thursday with its foreign minister, urging Damascus to do more to control its notoriously porous border with Iraq. "Every one has an agenda, and it has damaged the situation in Iraq," al-Maliki said of differences between the U.S., Iran and Syria. "We had hoped for a dialogue. Squabble anywhere else in the world, but not on Iraqi soil."

The United States accuses Iran of arming militants in Iraq and says Syria is allowing Sunni insurgents to enter the war-torn country. Both countries deny the accusations, and Mottaki on Friday said the U.S. military presence in Iraq was the cause of the bloodshed.

Al-Maliki's government has long pressed its neighbors to do more to stop fighters from inflitrating from their territory, and the Shiites who dominate his coalition accuse Arab countries of being biased toward Iraq's Sunni Arab minority.

Arab governments, in turn, blame Shiite discrimination against Sunnis for fueling the insurgency and fear Shiite power will boost the power of mainly Shiite Iran in the region. They demand al-Maliki enact reforms to give Sunni Arabs a greater role, including amending the constitution, bringing more Sunnis into the military and governent and ending the purge of former members of Saddam Hussein's ousted Sunni-led Baath Party.

In a declaration released at the end of the conference Friday, both Iraq and its neighbors repeated promises to meet the demands of the other side. The declaration called for all states to "prevent the use by terrorists of their territory" and bar their transit.

Iraq promised to "continue constructive steps" on reviewing the constitution and the debaathification program.

Iraq says its huge Saddam-era debt, amounting by some estimates to over $60 billion (¤44.2 billion), is too big a burden at a time when it is trying to rebuild. But other top creditors, including Kuwait, Russia and China, also did not announce immediate debt relief.

In his speech to the conference Friday, al-Faisal called on Iraqis "to rise to the level of their historic and moral responsibility" and enact the political reforms. Al-Maliki sought to convince his neighbors his government was serious in reform, saying reconciliation "is not some passing political slogan for us, it's a strategic vision." But he added a warning not to side with Iraq's Sunnis.

"We ask our brothers and friends to respect the religious, sectarian and ethnical diversity of the Iraqi people," he said. "We will not allow any component of the Iraqi people to turn to foreign powers against another component." But al-Maliki faces strong obstacles at home to the reforms. His Shiite allies in parliament have resisted a draft law for ending the debaathification program and oppose changing the constitution to accomodate Sunnis.

Friday's declaration also calls on Iraq to disarm Shiite militias, a provision that brought a rebuke Friday from the Sadr movement, a former ally of al-Malliki which leads one of the most feared militias. "If the government disarms the people, how can the people defend themselves from extremists and Saddamists," Sheik Abdul Hadi Al-Mohamadawi, a top Sadrist said in a Friday prayer sermon in the Iraqi city of Kufa. "The government should not run after conferences ... either in Saudi Arabia or Sharm el-Sheik."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Lower demand for dollar in daily auction
By Dergham Mohammed Ali

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

Baghdad, 07 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
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Demand for the dollar was down in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Sunday, reaching $90.580 million compared with $100.640 million on Thursday.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $18.155 million in cash and $72.425 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,267 dinars per dollar, one tick lower than Thursday.

Seventeen banks participated in Sunday's auction and offered to sell one million dollars. The Iraqi Central Bank bought the entire amount at 1,265 per Iraqi dinar.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the decline in today's demand for the dollar was reasonable as bids remianed high compared to the average offeres in a session over the last two months."

He added, "bids in cash were largset over the two months reflecting an active local market after the rescess in April due to the blasts that ripped the main wholeslae market of Shurja in central Baghdad."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 10:30 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi FM urges Qatari government to stop al-Jazeera's "anti-Iraq campaign"

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

Baghdad, 07 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
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Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari urged the Qatari government on Sunday to intervene to stop what he called "al-Jazeera news channel's campaign against the government and people of Iraq."

"Zibari sent a message today to his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Jassem Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani urging him to intervene to stop al-Jazeera's campaign against the Iraqi government and people by hosting terrorist leaders who offend Iraq's national figures," read an Iraqi foreign ministry statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

The Doha-based news channel al-Jazeera recently hosted Sheikh Jawad al-Khalsi, a Shiite cleric who has strong ties with the Sunni Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS). Khalsi has severely criticized top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and other Shiite leaders.

"The majority of Iraqis believe that the material televised by al-Jazeera TV about Iraq is interference in the country's internal affairs and nourishes, to a great extent, incitation of terrorism," Zibari said in his statement.

"The Iraqi government is aware that al-Jazeera is a private company but Iraq relies on the Qatari foreign minister's wisdom and stature to deal with this affair by demanding al-Jazeera to avoid provoking the Iraqi people's sentiments and respect the media code of ethics," Zibari added.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 10:31 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Investors awaiting Iraq new oil law
A draft oil law is soon to be passed by Iraq's Parliament while the dispute between the government and oil-rich Kurdish region worsens.
Press TV - [04/05/2007]


A draft oil law is soon to be passed by Iraq's Parliament while the dispute between the government and oil-rich Kurdish region worsens.

The foreign investment climate is already heavy with outspread violence, but this oil dispute between Iraq's central government and autonomous Kurdistan will decide control of the world's third largest oil reserves.

On weekend, the two sides will meet and hopefully an agreement may reconcile to some extent Iraq's warring sects and ethnic groups.

A new oil law is vital to securing foreign investment to boost Iraq's oil output, stuck at around 2 million barrels a day, and rebuild its shattered economy.

"Lack of security is already keeping out the international oil companies and the added public objections to the oil law will make the situation even worse," said Muhammed-Ali Zainy from the London-based Center for Global Energy Studies.

"Who would dare come to Iraq to develop and explore when they know there is widespread resentment towards them, the oil law and the constitution?"

A senior Western oil executive said major oil companies will not jump to invest in Iraq until they see a stable government, security on the ground and legislative clarity.

For political reasons, however, companies from China, Russia and India might be willing to sign oilfield contracts, he said.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3718)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 10:38 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq wants Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in its oil projects
Iraq wants IOC in its oil projects
Business Standard - [04/05/2007]


Iraq has invited Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest oil refiner, to set up refineries in the war-torn country, and also participate in other downstream projects, a government statement said.

Petroleum Minister Murli Deora, who is currently on a visit to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to participate in the Second Ministerial Energy Round Table of Asian Oil Producing and Major Asian Oil Importing Countries, met Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain Al-Shahristani and discussed ONGC Videsh’s (OVL) participation in Iraq’s upstream sector. OVL and Reliance Industries have evinced interest in entering Iraq’s oil exploration sector.

OVL, Reliance and Algeria’s Sonatrach were in talks with the Saddam Hussein regime before the US took over Iraq in 2000. The UN sanctions that came in after 2000 prevented further talks from talking place.

Iraq has proven oil reserves of 112 billion barrels which makes it the world’s second largest, behind Saudi Arabia.

Deora also met Iranian Oil Minister Seyed Kazem Vaziri Hamaneh and Pakistani Petroleum Minister Amanullah Khan Jadoon to discuss the 10-year old Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project.

Deora was recently in Iran to discuss the pipeline project as well. The $7 billion pipeline has come under US scrutiny with the US asking both India and Pakistan not to go ahead with the pipeline as it claims Iran is making nuclear weapons.

Deora also discussed the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contract with the Iranian minister. In June 2005, India had signed a sale-purchase agreement with Tehran for import of 5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) of LNG by end 2009. The contract, signed between the National Iranian Gas Export Company (NIGEC) and a consortium of GAIl, Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum, was has not yet been approved by Iran’s Supreme Economic Council.

Under the 2005 contract, India was to buy the LNG at $3.25 per million British thermal units (mBtu).

Iran is now demanding more for the LNG after a sharp rise in global oil prices. The price of LNG is linked to crude oil prices, which rose to $75 a barrel in 2006.

Deora said in January this year said India was willing to pay a higher price for extra LNG quantities from Iran if it honoured the existing contract for 5 mtpa. Under contract allows India the option of buying an additional 2.5 mtpa over the contracted 5 mtpa.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3716)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 10:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Neil, going into Iraq was not a mistake, as Steven said.

Read this page and go over the WMD references and The Duelfer Report references carefully:

http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War

Then let me know what you think about whether we went on a wild goose chase or not.

Sara.

-- May 7, 2007 10:50 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Neil, note this, taken from that page:

When former weapons inspector Kay reported to Congress in January that the United States had found "no stockpiles" of forbidden weapons in Iraq, his conclusions made front-page news, as did Duelfer's similarly worded conclusion in his report. But when Kay detailed what the ISG had found in testimony before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, few took notice.

Both Duelfer and Kay found Iraq had "a clandestine network of laboratories and safe houses with equipment that was suitable to continuing its prohibited chemical- and biological-weapons [BW] programs," the official said. "They found a prison laboratory where we suspect they tested biological weapons on human subjects." "Reference strains" of a wide variety of biological-weapons agents were found beneath the sink in the home of a prominent Iraqi BW scientist. "We thought it was a big deal," a senior administration official said. "But it has been written off [by the press] as a sort of 'starter set.'" They found equipment for "uranium-enrichment centrifuges" whose only plausible use was as part of a clandestine nuclear-weapons program. In all these cases, "Iraqi scientists had been told before the war not to declare their activities to the U.N. inspectors," the official said.

In testimony before Congress on March 30, Duelfer revealed the ISG had found evidence of a "crash program" to construct new plants capable of making chemical- and biological-warfare agents. The ISG also found a previously undeclared program to build a "high-speed rail gun," a device apparently designed for testing nuclear-weapons materials. That came in addition to 500 tons of natural uranium stockpiled at Iraq's main declared nuclear site south of Baghdad.

==end quote==

Also notice that according to the Duelfer report, Saddams top priority was ending the sanctions, and then a full resumption of operational WMD programs.

He was in continual violation of the UN sanctions, think we should have just gone on trusting him? As the Washington Post quote on that page states:

"While the United Nations turned a blind eye, Saddam cheated and committed mass murder in an effort to achieve his goals. To suggest that "containment" could have been sustained without dire results verges on the delusional. There is a very pertinent lesson in the Duelfer report; too bad no one told the headline writers."

Even if the majority of the American people wish to believe the MSM and cling to that delusion, I will not join them in believing in that lie or acknowledge it as if it were truth. The US was indeed under threat, and the War in Iraq was necessary to secure her from WMD in the future. Note that the New York Times reported, "Experts say that at the time, Mr. Hussein’s scientists were on the verge of building an atom bomb, as little as a year away." Then read the parts about Tierney's translation of the Saddam tapes.. "He was discussing his intent to use chemical weapons against the United States and use proxies so it could not be traced back to Iraq." The US citizenry may not see concrete proof of a LACK of attack, and necessity to do this to protect her borders, but it is so nonetheless.

Sara.

-- May 7, 2007 11:11 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Neil;

I will go so far as to say that there are literally MILLIONS of Americans alive today that would not be if President Bush had not acted to remove this threat. And, that if the American people do elect a Democrat in their staggering delusional state, the American Hiroshima attack which will result will be smaller than would have happened if the President had not acted to preserve the lives of the people of the United States. God counts THOSE lives who were not killed, and He will one day reward and honor President Bush for preserving the lives of the people of America as he did - and President Bush has done so amidst continuing opposition and persecution which is as unrelenting as it is undeserved. He will be brought to honor and this calamity will not happen under his watch, for he acted prudently, wisely and with discretion for the good and preservation of his people.

Sara.

-- May 7, 2007 11:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Neil:

What can I say of your continued railings against this war and the President George W. Bush. Your remarks indicate your willingness to entertain the lies and deceit of both the Dems and the MSM.

I suggest you take the information Sara has provided and review it for yourself. It appears to me, we have already lost you to the dark side.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 7, 2007 11:35 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Neil, I agree withyou that the wAR IS NOT ABOUT THE TROOPS. No was is!
The left hide behind 2 things:

A false front that they are really worried about the troops, and a absolute lie that they are trying to carry out the " will of the people", by pulling out of Iraq.

We must do both continually regroup concerning our strategies in the Iraq war AND be ready to defend ourselves against Russia and China.

For now, China will not distrub the massive amounts of revenues brought in by our trade agreement. Can you buy anything any more that doesn't say" made in China"?

China will eventually deal with the issues in Tiawan and of course they are the pivotal power in N. Korea.

Russia will continue to undermine the US in any scenario around the world by covertly selling arms, providing intelliegence etc. to the enemy.

It should not be ex[ected that the average American understand the details of this war. We just have to have the confidence in our Pres. that there must be something worth being so relentless for.

Carole

-- May 7, 2007 6:47 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

Stephen:

I would be delighted for someone on this Blog to show me where the WMLs were found.

What I have seen so far, is about the same amount of WMDs that you would find in the Arms Room of a National Guard Armory.

I am not saying WMDs never existed but I am saying that they have not been found. Just today I say George Tenet (CIA) being interviewed and he stated that WMDs were never found. All the democratic presidential candidates stated in the debate that no WMDs existed when we invaded.

Mr. Bush no longer makes a case that there were WMDs at the time of the invasion. If you have proof of WMDs, please let us in on it and I believe that we can get Mr. Bush out of the hole he is currently in.

Yes, I am a little disgusted with Mr. Bush. He has almost single-handedly taken my beloved Republican Party to its knees. When 70% of the people disagree with what the President is doing, then it is time to at least consider a different course of action.

The latest polls show that Barrack Obama with 2-years of experience will beat any of the top three Republican candidates by a substantial margin. There is still time to turn things around and keep the Republicans in office but not with this staunch "stay the course" mentality.

When I thought Mr. Bush was pursueing terrorists, I was one of his strongest supporters but I know believe he has gotten us into a quagmire and is too stubborn to admit it.

-- May 7, 2007 11:23 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Hi Neil,

If you read the site Sara put up for you on May 7th 10.50 AM.
And since when did the National Guard stock Z drill weapons?
Will someone remind neil of the X Iraqi Air Force Pilot who wrote a book about Saddam and his Nukes.
Steve.

-- May 8, 2007 12:01 AM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Hi Neil,

All the info was on a site, but got took off after one day???

Steve.

-- May 8, 2007 12:04 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(919)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 918 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/5/8 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1264 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 87.865.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 87.865.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 8, 2007 5:11 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Is something happening??? 5 of the last 6 auctions we have seen small moves.

Prior to this we were stuck at 1270 for 5 auctions and stuck at 1272 for a whopping 14 auctions and nearly a 3 week period.

Myself, I think its a rapidly declining dollar moreso than an appreciating Dinar.

My reasoning??? Well, every day on the radio I hear the price of oil is down X amount on the barrell today, but at the same time our prices at the pump just keep climbing.

If not for a declining dollar, why would the prices at the pump climb while the price of oil dropped?

I hope I am wrong, I really would like to see the Dinar take off so I could dust off my stash, but just don't see it happening for a long long while.

-- May 8, 2007 5:22 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Anthony R:

I do not believe the slide in the dollar is the single factor in the slow rise of the Dinar or increased prices at the pump.

Since the Dinar is not tightly pegged to the dollar, its slow rise is the result of World Bank, IMF, and internal Iraqi monetary policies.

Oil prices are controled by futures. Most petrol stations are independant operations seperate and apart from the oil companies. These operations buy fuel based upon futures prices. If these businesses bought oil at a higher futures price, we will still see an increase in pump prices regardless of an increase in supply.

This is my two cents.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Russia: Motivation Behind Attendance at Conference for Stabilization of Iraq Examined

At the international conference on the stabilization of Iraq which convened Friday at the Egyptian resort of Sharm al-Shaykh, most of the heads of over 50 delegations came to accomplish their own objectives.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Cheney to seek help on Iraq, Iran
US Vice President aims to convince Iraq's neighbors to back four-month US-led crackdown.
By Olivier Knox

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

WASHINGTON, 08 May 2007 (Middle East Online)
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US Vice President Dick Cheney heads Tuesday to the Middle East, seeking help from sometimes wary US allies for stabilizing Iraq and hoping to enlist them to counter Iran's growing regional influence.

But Cheney -- who will visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan -- will leave the diplomatic heavy lifting on the Arab-Israeli peace process to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a top aide said Monday.

"I'm not sure that getting another cook in that kitchen makes much sense," a senior Cheney aide told reporters in a pre-trip briefing held on condition that he not be named.

"So my sense is that the division of labor on this was really the vice president would be focused on Iraq and some of the other security challenges that we have in the region," the aide said.

Instead, Cheney will aim to convince Iraq's mostly Sunni neighbors to back the four-month US-led crackdown and convince their fellows in Iraq to end support for the insurgency and embrace the country's shaky political process.

"These are some of the, I think, the most respected and most influential leaders in that part of the world," the aide said. "You're in a situation where you want to be firing on all pistons and using every tool we have."

The US vice president, a potent force in an increasingly weak White House, will be the senior-most official from Washington to visit Riyadh since King Abdullah railed against the "illegitimate foreign occupation" of Iraq.

Asked about such tensions -- King Abdullah recently refused to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki -- the Cheney aide said Riyadh's other actions, including significant Iraqi debt forgiveness, spoke louder than words.

"I think on the whole, Saudi leadership is a very good thing given the strength and enduring nature of our relationship with the Saudis and the amount of work and cooperation we've done over the years," the aide said.

The US-Saudi alliance may also prove critical amid mounting tensions between rising powers Saudi Arabia and Iran on Iraq and Lebanon though the aide declined to characterize the struggle for influence as a "proxy war."

"On the sort of notion of a proxy war, I mean, it's clearly important to avoid any kind of inflammation of those tensions to that extent," the Cheney aide said.

"I don't think I wouldn't buy that premise yet, but there's no doubting that those kinds of tensions exist and may be becoming more acute," the aide said.

Cheney's visit will seek to rally support in the region for confronting Iraq diplomatically over its nuclear program, which Washington charges is cover for an atomic weapons quest, an accusation Tehran denies.

The aide said the United States and its allies were considering a third UN Security Council resolution to punish Iran for refusing to halt sensitive nuclear activities and that support in the region would be "very helpful."

The vice president was to leave Washington on Tuesday, and kick off his visit in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Cheney will meet with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and Jordan's King Abdullah II, according to a statement released last week by his office.

"The vice president also will meet with US military commanders and speak with US troops stationed in the Persian Gulf region," it said.

The trip will be Cheney's second major foray overseas this year. He traveled to Japan, Guam, Australia, Oman, Pakistan and Afghanistan in late February.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:12 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Discounting Experts from the Iraqi Oil Law
By Karim al-Shamma'

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

06 May 2007 (Al-Hayat)
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The Iraqi oil law was subjected to unprecedented criticism, questioning and objections. The last burst came from a plenary of experts and specialists who participated in the Amman oil experts seminar in Jordan on February 17 to discuss the pros and cons of the law.

Due to the extensive debate surrounding the issue, I decided to limit myself here to reviewing observations on the prevailing conditions that accompanied this law and the reasons that lead to these conditions.

The need for any given law normally stems from constitutional articles defining the law in question. Since a large number of these articles have been shrouded in vagueness, marred by contradictions, and even dominated by a rather outlandish logic that sought to discredit the intentions of the central government, the oil law sought to destabilize and undercut the natural role of the central government and, in some instances, contained proposals in favor of a part like Kurdistan over central Iraq in any future disputes between the interests of the two.

The law also sanctions contracts independently signed by Kurdistan with a number of oil companies in 1992 and guarantees the protection of these agreements against any revisions or substantial future amendments.

Three expert and competent teams deeply involved in the Iraqi oil affairs were initially tasked with preparing the first draft of the law. The aim of these experts was to resolve the constitutional conflicts arising from the mentioned articles, the practical operational requirements of the oil industry, and the need to protect Iraq's oil wealth.

This draft, however, was embroiled in the political arena and brought under the mercy of the wrangling and maneuvering of giant partisan entities, and just like what took place on the drafting of the resolution, pressures were applied and sides were taken, leading to considerable changes in key and central aspects of the decision-making process, which strangely enough took place while excluding the three-party team tasked with preparing the draft law, forcing one of these experts to publicly denounce the outcome of the first draft and the subsequent withdrawal of a second.

Since the law was mainly concerned with managing what is widely believed to be the region's second largest oil wealth, it progressed under the continued US interference and pressure represented by its various symbols of authority, the least of which came from the US envoy to Iraq as evident in the scores of public statements.

The progress toward the ratification of the law, particularly during recent weeks, was marred by unrelenting pressures on all sides aimed at accelerating the legislative process, which led to reducing the time allowed to debate the bill in the cabinet prior its approval to a few hours.

It was also remarkable that all this took place behind closed doors, as nothing related to the law was made available to the public, which would have engaged Non Governmental Organizations in these discussions.

What was even more dangerous was the exclusion of a broad cadre of oil experts who were behind the renaissance witnessed by the oil industry since the 1950s, which earned them the admiration and respect of the international oil circles for more than 40 years, preventing them from having any role in enriching the draft project with their observations and proposals.

Therefore, it would be reasonable to ask: why have more than 100 oil experts - each having spent at least 30, and sometimes even 40, years serving the oil industry in Iraq - been eliminated?

Despite these observations, I fully support Iraq's need for a law that adequately regulates the Iraqi energy sector and rescues it from the state of neglect and deterioration that has been ailing the Iraqi oil sector since the 1980s, and which can protect such wealth from technical abuse and economical pillaging.

The achievement of such patriotic goals calls for deliberation, transparency, and the all-inclusive participation of everyone.

Law number 80, passed in 1960, saved Iraq's oil resources from the greed and the exploitation of international oil monopolies, and was among the most important achievements of the July 14 Revolution. Therefore, we must prevent the return of these monopolies from between the nets of the occupation.

* Karim al-Shamma' is an oil expert
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:15 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

GOP: Patience on Iraq is Limited
Associated Press | May 08, 2007
WASHINGTON - Senate Republican Whip Trent Lott said Monday that President Bush's new strategy in Iraq has until about fall before GOP members will need to see results.

Lott's comment put a fine point on what Senate Republican stalwarts have been discussing quietly for weeks. It also echoed remarks made this weekend by House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, indicating the GOP's limited patience on the war.

"I do think this fall we have to see some significant changes on the ground, in Baghdad and other surrounding areas," Lott, R-Miss., told reporters.

Lott declined to say what he thinks should happen if Congress does not see improvement in the security situation by then. But he said lawmakers have time before they must decide.

Bush announced in January that he planned to send to Iraq 21,500 more combat troops, plus several thousand more support troops, in an attempt to tamp down violence in Baghdad and the western Anbar province. Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, said he could give a better assessment in September of whether the strategy is working.

Republicans have agreed to uphold Bush's veto of $124.2 billion legislation that would have funded the war but called for troops to start coming home this fall. Without the two-thirds majority support needed to override Bush's veto, Democrats this week were redrafting the bill.

White House officials have sought to play down the expectations of the September review as merely a progress report, but many Republicans have latched onto the date as a critical juncture. War funding for this fiscal year, while still under negotiation, is expected to run out Sept. 30.

"Obviously, his (Petraeus') response or developments will make a difference in the next fiscal year," said Lott.

Lott said he generally agreed with Boehner, who told "Fox News Sunday" that, "By the time we get to September or October, members are going to want to know how well this is working, and if it isn't, what's Plan B."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Biz Expo Draws 700 Companies, 40 Nations
Fourth Annual Expo Once Again Hosted in Jordan Because Iraq Too Dangerous
Posted 20 hr. 36 min. ago
Photo by Khalil Mazraawi/AFP.
Jordanian policemen stand guard in front of a "Rebuild Iraq 2007" banner during the fourth international reconstruction fair to help rebuild the war-battered country, in Amman 07 May 2007.
Mayada Dawood

Amman, May 7, (VOI)- The fourth International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition, organized by the International Fairs & Promotions group, opened on Monday in al-Abdali project in Amman. "The main aim of organizing this exhibition is to contribute to rebuild Iraq through facilitating meetings between Iraq businessmen, companies and international companies," said Jordanian Industry and Trade Minister Salem Khazalah during a joint press conference held today in Amman.

"Jordan is seeking to be an economic gate for Iraq," said Khazalah noting that the intensive participation of exhibitors from 40 Arab and foreign countries in the event would indicate a desire to establish a real partnership with Iraqi businessmen and traders for rebuilding Iraq.

Jordan hosted the first conference for rebuilding Iraq on August 4 in 2003, organized by the Iraq-U.S. Chamber of Commerce titled "Rebuilding Iraq...Opportunities and Challenges". The second exhibition was in April 2005, while the third one held on May 8-11 2006. The Jordanian minister toured the pavilions of the participant companies whose number reached 700 coming from more than 40 states.

The minister pointed out in the press conference that was also attended by Head of Iraqi parliament's Investment Committee Younadem Kena and Iraqi Deputy Industry Minister Mohammad Abdallah Al-Ani, that this vast participation shows the world's interest in rebuilding the country.

"The large number of companies participating in the exhibition proves that exhibitions play an important role in attracting companies to invest in the country," he continued. "Those who oppose the new Iraq are trying to envision a black picture for this country which is incorrect," Iraqi lawmaker and Head of the parliament's investment committee Younadem Kena said in the press conference.

"We do not say that everything is fine: but more than 60 percent of Iraq's territory are safe and ready for investment and reconstruction," he added.

"Jordan has been Iraq' way to communicate with the world since 1980s till now," the Iraqi official also said, noting that such exhibitions would make Iraqis able to communicate with the world and with the international companies.

He urged foreign companies to invest in Iraq.

The Iraqi parliament approved last December the investment law, which allows both Iraqis and foreigners to invest in the country.

"This free system allows 4,000 companies registered in Iraq's Kurdistan region to enter into the Iraqi market, in addition to other companies in the south," the Iraqi official highlighted.
(http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/2667/Iraq_Biz_Expo_Draws_700_Companies_40_Nations)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:21 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to submit constitution reform draft next week By Waleed Ibrahim
1 hour, 4 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Members of a committee set up to reform Iraq's constitution said on Tuesday they hoped to submit recommendations to parliament next week, a major step towards meeting a political benchmark Washington has set for Baghdad.

ADVERTISEMENT



The announcement comes amid growing U.S. impatience at Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's progress in implementing power-sharing agreements the United States says are key to reining in sectarian violence in Iraq.

Leaders from the Sunni Arab minority have in recent days renewed threats to quit Maliki's government because they believe Sunni concerns are not being addressed.

Dominant under Saddam Hussein -- ousted by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion -- Sunni Arabs saw the majority Shi'ites sweep to power in elections and have been demanding reforms as a condition for staying in government, including overhauling a constitution they fear will split Iraq into Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish federations to the disadvantage of Sunnis.

Washington, which says Sunni Arab participation in government is key to taming the Sunni-led insurgency, has stepped up pressure on Maliki to reach power-sharing agreements by September.

Under Iraq's first post-Saddam constitution, a committee charged with drafting constitutional reform proposals must submit its recommendations to parliament no later than four months after it began work.

The 31-seat committee, which includes Shi'ites, Sunni Arabs and ethnic Kurds, started work on November 15, 2006. Because parliament recessed in January and February, the deadline falls on May 15, committee members said on Tuesday.

"May 15 is a deadline and we must deliver the reform drafts to the parliament by this date," Hasan al-Senaid, a committee member from the ruling Shi'ite Alliance, told Reuters.

"There are still some disputes between groups and they are all under discussion. We are trying to solve these disputes this week," Senaid said. Another committee member confirmed they hoped to submit the recommendations by next week.

Iraq's constitution was ratified in 2005. Shi'ites and Kurds voted overwhelmingly in favor while Sunni Arabs opposed it.

Among the most controversial articles are a law that allows provinces to win autonomy from Baghdad and form federal regions, the Arab identity of Iraq and rolling back a ban on former members of Saddam's Baath party from public office.

Sunnis fear federalism will allow ethnic Kurds in the north and Shi'ites in the south, where Iraq's oil reserves lie, to break away into their own states, sealing political doom for the Sunni Arabs.

Non-Arab Kurds, who were persecuted under Saddam's pan-Arab policies, have resisted wording on the Arab identity of Iraq.

Parliament, where Shi'ites have a majority, must approve any constitutional amendment by an absolute majority before a referendum takes place.

If rejected by a two-thirds majority in three of Iraq's 18 provinces, the constitutional amendment is automatically defeated, thus giving minority Kurds de facto veto power.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070508/wl_nm/iraq_constitution_dc_1)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 8, 2007 10:24 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Steven;

Neil obviously didn't read the material on WMD on the page I referenced ( http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War ) as it does reference what you said when it says:

"Saddam's General says they had WMD" - As FrontPageMagazine.com reported in its article "Symposium: Iraq, WMDs and Troubling Revelations" on May 29th 2006 - "Just recently, Saddam Hussein's former southern regional commander, Gen. Al-Tikriti, gave the first videotaped testimony confirming that Iraq had WMDs up to the American invasion in 2003 and that Russia helped remove them prior to the war. His testimony confirms numerous other sources that have pointed to Russia's secret alliance with Iraq and the co-ordinated moving of WMDs before the American liberation." [38]

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=22645

Obviously, he either never read this, or discounts it out of hand. Above is the url reference cited [38], in case anyone is interested.

Sara.

-- May 8, 2007 11:18 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi oil law could be passed within a month
By Steve Negus, Iraq Correspondent

Published: May 3 2007 03:00 | Last updated: May 3 2007 03:00

Iraq's oil minister declared yesterday that a long-awaited draft law governing development of the world's second-largest oil reserves had been referred to parliament and could be passed within a month.

Hussein Shahristani did not specify, however, how a potentially divisive conflict with Kurdish regional officials over the control of oilfields had been resolved, and government pronouncements on the progress of the law have in the past proved premature.

The announcement came on the eve of the start of a two-day meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh which could see Iraq receive billions of dollars in debt relief and international assistance in exchange for commitments to reform.

Iraq has been under heavy pressure, especially from the US, to pass the oil law before the beginning of the summer. It is a vital part of a legislative package aimed at reconciling Iraqi factions, which US officials say will influence their evaluation of success in stabilising the country.

"It has been sent to parliament now. There has been agreement among the political parties to work together to enact it by the end of the month," Mr Shahristani said.

Kurdish officials could not be reached for comment.

Last week, the KRG issued a statement rejecting annexes to the oil law, which it said would grant Iraq's national oil company control over 93 per cent of the country's proven reserves.

Disputes between the KRG and the ministry over division of authority between Baghdad and regional governments have slowed the progress of the law for nearly a year. The cabinet approved a draft in February, ending months of deadlock between the Kurds and Baghdad over the right to sign contracts with inter-national oil companies, only to see the new dispute arise over the annexes.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers and other officials from Iraq, the US, Britain, the United Nations and Iraq's neighbours including Iran and Syria began arriving in Sharm el Sheikh last night for a conference on stabilising and assisting Iraq.

The conference combines two diplomatic tracks - the UN-sponsored International Compact with Iraq that aims to win Baghdad inter-national assistance, and a series of meetings intended to gain support from Iraq's neighbours in ending political violence.

Iraq's Sunni Arab neighbours, to whom Baghdad owes tens of billions of dollars in loans taken out under the regime of former president Saddam Hussein, have recently expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of Iraq's Shia-led government in reaching out to the country's Sunni Arab minority.

The deputy US Treasury secretary Robert Kimmitt nonetheless told reporters yesterday that the conference would bring "billions of dollars both of new assistance and in debt relief", although he declined to provide specific figures.

-- May 8, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

I am going to make one last stab at getting my point-of-view over. My points are getting redundent but I will conclude with this:

We did not find the WMDs that we expected to find.

There was an old score to settle which had been festering for some 12 years.

The terrorists came from Saudia Arabia.

There were only a few formal terrorists in Iraq in 2003. There was the normal fighting among the tribes which had existed for 1000 years.

Mr. Bush declared victory aboard the aircraft carrier in 2003.

What progress has been made since 2003?

Iraq was pumping 3 1/2 million barrols of oil in 2003 and now some 2 million.

During the past 4 years we have spent numerous billions of dollars to rebuild and improve Iraq and I am seeing minimal improvement and rampant graft, theft and corruption. There is more unrest and killings than 4 years ago and it is certainly no safer.

I would like to see Iraq get on its feet and the economy start booming and the dinar RV with us making a sizable profit but I am not seeing all the reasons for our staying in Iraq or the good things that many of you are seeing happening.

Sara-you scared the hell out of me with that statement about the millions of Americans that would now be dead except for our efforts in Iraq.

-- May 8, 2007 2:05 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thank you for your comments, Neil.

My replies to your points are as follows.

Neil wrote:

I am going to make one last stab at getting my point-of-view over. My points are getting redundent but I will conclude with this:

We did not find the WMDs that we expected to find.

My reply:

We announced before we went into Iraq that we were doing so. This is the equivalent of telling a drug kingpin that you are about to do a bust of his place.. in a month. Do you REALLY think he will keep his drug machine running for you to come and find? No? Well, neither did Saddam Hussein. I was very skeptical that they would be able to find any WMD at the time when they decided to invade. I DID, however, expect it to keep the Homeland safe. It has. It was the right thing to do.. and I reiterate, millions would be dead now in the US if such action had not been taken.

Neil wrote:

There was an old score to settle which had been festering for some 12 years.

The terrorists came from Saudia Arabia.

There were only a few formal terrorists in Iraq in 2003. There was the normal fighting among the tribes which had existed for 1000 years.

My reply:

You speak of an old score to settle. This "problem" has been around for years, that is true. Just like the drug growing operation I alluded to, we knew there were "dealers" in this commodity (terrorism) long before 911. They had even attacked American interests. What made it imperative to deal with them now was that this was about to become a domesticated problem. They keep their "drugs" over there, ok. But import that problem to here, we have to deal with that threat.. and did. Those who came from Saudi Arabia were part of a cadre of people with a certain mentality. That mentality was not about to go away no matter what the US did - the US was and still is the "Great Satan" to them. The counterparts to the 911 attacks all rejoiced and yelled that their "god" was great on the news when they saw the towers fall. Those people were emboldened by the success of the 911 attacks. They never went away, and they would have hit the US by now had not the Bush Administration taken proactive action.

When you say there were "only a few" of them before.. really? Then where did these 911 terrorists come from? They were the only ones on the planet? What about the terrorist training camps? Ever read anything on that at all? You think those "graduates" from those camps would have continued to be insignificant or would have remained unemployed? And what exactly is "normal fighting"? It was a growing problem and had grown to the point of being an actual threat on 911. It wasn't going away. It is delusional to think it would have gone away with only more talk and diplomacy as the UN had been doing and Saddam had been flaunting for years. The Al-Qaeda was around then, they were not created since 911, and those who can be radicalized and bent to their aims would still have lived on earth in this space-time continuum we now are experiencing. They just would have had other targets..

As I referenced from that page, Saddam was talking about using WMD on Washington, and doing it by proxies so it was not traced back to Iraq. Experts have said that Saddam would have had a nuclear bomb within a year. What exactly do you think he was going to do with it? We were under dire threat.. it was only a matter of time. I think we bought time, not increased the threat or number of terrorists they radicalized. It would have been 911 they used to incite these people to radical extremist terrorism, not Iraq, that is all. It was inevitable anyway. And the offensive posture the US has taken DOES make a big difference and will continue to do so in the future, so long as it is sustained. But if a person/Democrat is elected which undoes those reforms and protections of the Bush Administration, the threat will emerge again and the populace of the US will again be put at risk.

You stated, "Mr. Bush declared victory aboard the aircraft carrier in 2003."

You referred here to President Bush's address, but out of context, as noted on that site I gave you, QUOTE:

After the decapitation of the Ba'athist leadership from the military under its command in April 2003, President Bush said in his address:

- Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. (Applause.) And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country. [2]

Other comments from President Bush's May 1, 2003 speech [10] show that the context of these victory comments include warnings to Americans of an ongoing struggle to establish Iraqi democracy and counter the threat of terrorism. Quotes, "We have difficult work to do in Iraq. We're bringing order to parts of that country that remain dangerous. We're pursuing and finding leaders of the old regime, who will be held to account for their crimes. We're helping to rebuild Iraq, where the dictator built palaces for himself, instead of hospitals and schools. And we will stand with the new leaders of Iraq as they establish a government of, by, and for the Iraqi people. The transition from dictatorship to democracy will take time, but it is worth every effort. Our coalition will stay until our work is done. Then we will leave, and we will leave behind a free Iraq. Our mission continues. Al Qaeda is wounded, not destroyed. The scattered cells of the terrorist network still operate in many nations, and we know from daily intelligence that they continue to plot against free people. The proliferation of deadly weapons remains a serious danger. The enemies of freedom are not idle, and neither are we. Our government has taken unprecedented measures to defend the homeland. And we will continue to hunt down the enemy before he can strike. The war on terror is not over; yet it is not endless. We do not know the day of final victory, but we have seen the turning of the tide. No act of the terrorists will change our purpose, or weaken our resolve, or alter their fate. Their cause is lost. Free nations will press on to victory." [11]

You said, "What progress has been made since 2003?"

You aren't about to see any if all you read is the MSM.. or listen to the terrorists. Their agenda is not ours and they will cast it in the light of defeat because it corresponds with their aims. Have you never heard or read even ONE speech by President Bush on Iraq? Do his words go in one ear and out the other? Do you never read the posts on this blog? Have you ever read what the fighting men and women say of what they are doing over there? THEY are not discouraged.. why are you? Who are you listening to? Maybe you should stop hearing the MSM party line exclusively and look at what has been and is being accomplished in Iraq. You parrot the MSM dismal line of, quote:

Iraq was pumping 3 1/2 million barrols of oil in 2003 and now some 2 million.

During the past 4 years we have spent numerous billions of dollars to rebuild and improve Iraq and I am seeing minimal improvement and rampant graft, theft and corruption. There is more unrest and killings than 4 years ago and it is certainly no safer.

I would like to see Iraq get on its feet and the economy start booming and the dinar RV with us making a sizable profit but I am not seeing all the reasons for our staying in Iraq or the good things that many of you are seeing happening.

==end quote==

But have you noticed that the Iraqi people are free and have elected a government? You say it is no safer.. you think living under Saddam was a piece of cake.. and "safer"? What about all those grave sites.. remember them.. of the dead Iraqis Saddam tortured? You think they would prefer their former state? As for progress, QUOTE:

April 20, 2007, Malaki said, "I think it is important to let the world know that things in our country are improving dramatically. Our unemployment rate has gone from nearly 70 percent to now under 30 percent. Our most recent growth rate was 3 percent and we have seen, in particular as a result of the recent Baghdad program, a dramatic drop in so-called sectarian violence. What is particularly encouraging to me is the changes we have seen in our security forces and the trust from our people once again. We are finally seeing individual citizens provide information to our forces, which has changed the situation dramatically in rooting out those who are determined to ruin our country."

Malaki stressed three key goals. National Reconciliation, Economic Development and Expanded Security as the way forward. "In spite of much information to the contrary, we are seeing a return to the Iraq we all once knew when we considered ourselves all Iraqis and not belonging to a particular sect or group," he said. "Recently we have brought back large numbers of former members of the Ba'ath Party who were not involved in any problems in the past and this has significantly helped to bring our people together. Economic development is taking place at a good rate. Part of the reason we are here is to encourage even more investment into our country. The monthly income of our people has gone from about $20 a month to now over $200. The dramatic rise in electrical use is one good sign that the economy is taking off. The stores are full." Describing the current military situation as "moving from sectarian to outside interference," Malaki stressed that the so called Baghdad Plan was working. "We are seeing a dramatic drop in the sectarian conflicts and see our major challenge as that from the outside including Al Quaida and remainders of the Ba'athist groups," he said. "In the end we will be able to take care of ourselves. Meanwhile, we need the help of our friends to stand against those who want to harm us." [28]

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said in a recent interview, that the increase of nearly 30,000 U.S. troops in the country had achieved "modest progress" but had also had setbacks such as a rise in suicide bombings and other problems. Petraeus also stated that he was uncertain whether his counterinsurgency strategy would be ultimately succeed, but he stated "We have certainly pulled [Baghdad] neighborhoods back from the brink." Assessing the first two months of the U.S. and Iraqi plan to pacify the capital, senior American commanders -- including Petraeus; Adm. William Fallon, head of U.S. forces in the Middle East; Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of military operations in Iraq; and top regional commanders -- see mixed results. Critical now, they said in interviews last week, is for Iraqi leaders to forge the political compromises needed for long-term stability. The deployment of additional troops in Baghdad is only 60 percent complete, and a major concern shared by U.S. military leaders is whether al-Maliki's government is capable of solidifying gains in security as well as making the crucial political compromises needed to achieve peace. [29]

===

YES, it is a challenge.. NO, I don't think changing tactics and pulling out of Iraq will work to protect the US. I think it would be suicide to try.

You said, "Sara-you scared the hell out of me with that statement about the millions of Americans that would now be dead except for our efforts in Iraq."

I'm Glad.. I wish the MSM had a dose of such reality, considering many of them are breathing only because of the foresight and actions of the Bush Administration. They also daily continue to live out their lives in safety under his leadership yet manage to bite the hand that feeds and protects them daily. They will find a far different fate if their aims to install a Democrat or one who reverses the leadership direction of President Bush prevails (such as Ron Paul, a Republican who also will pull out of Iraq and change the posture of the US toward terrorism).

Sara.

-- May 8, 2007 3:46 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

We did not find the WMDs that we expected to find.

Didn't we? Oh yeah... The media says we didn't so guess we didn't. There are news reports out there that contradict that fact but those get ignored. There have been findings that have not been reported. There have even been WMD rounds used in IEDs. I'll ask a question that I asked before, how much has to be found before it is declared WMDs? I can tell you for certain that there is still research going on and drums of substance that have never been tested. Did I ever mention that I am based on Chemical Ali's base (Al Taji)? Trust me, there is a lot you have not been told.

There was an old score to settle which had been festering for some 12 years.

True... Can't say this makes it wrong though.

The terrorists came from Saudia Arabia.

Aye... True. However the money to fund them has been traced to Africa, Europe, and all over the Middle East (including Saudi). Is it just coincidence that these are the same places all the "Oil for Food" funds were going? is it coincidence that Sadaam promised an attack on the US would occur something like a month before?

There were only a few formal terrorists in Iraq in 2003. There was the normal fighting among the tribes which had existed for 1000 years.

Whoever told you this had bad intel. But let's say it is true. It is an absolute fact that while there are more terrorists in Iraq today, there are far fewer in other parts of the world. In fact, pure plain undeniable statistics show that attacks around the world have declined steadily since 2003. So, if the overall plan is a war on terror, then we are succeeding in drawing them to the battle field of our choosing - ie outside US soil.

Mr. Bush declared victory aboard the aircraft carrier in 2003.

The conflict to oust Saddaam did in fact end though a new conflict was beginning.

What progress has been made since 2003?

Tricky point here. Around August 2005 we were quickly squashing Al-Qaeda and the insurgency. Then, politics stepped in. I rank this among those bad decisions by Bush. Rules of engagement were changed to protect us from losses and to be more politically correct. In essence, this became a media driven war. How I measure progress is not by media but by what I see and hear. Specifically, when I first arrived in spring of 2005, mortar attacks on my base were regular. The soldiers were a bit nervous about convoying out but not too bad. By August 2005, we were getting mortared a couple times a month - they were not brave enough to strike at our bases (mine lies about 20 miles from where Zarqawi was killed so it is not a nice neighborhood). Soldiers attitudes were very light and they were not concerned too much about convoys. Then the politics kicked in and we skip ahead to October 2006. Things are a wreck. We have drawn our troops out of most cities and only a couple glimmers of hope were showing. Politics had never touched Anbar much os it was steadily improving. Also, a Stryker unit up north had managed to bring Mosul under control by setting up a presence inside the city and taking the battle to the insurgents. Their reward was to be relocated to Taji where their tour was extended and they were now running patrols into Baghdad. This begins the ship in policy by the Bush administration and is about the time that I predicted something major was coming into alignment and should take off around the beginning the the year. All the major players are here and it kicked off as predicted. So where are we now? Soldiers get a little nervous about convoys but not too bad. My base gets mortared a couple times a month and most of the munitions are duds again. Most of our losses are coming from inside Baghdad where we have men on foot taking the war to the insurgents. We have not left Sadr City but Al-Sadr's call for attacks has caused... I would say not much. I have friends on foot going house to house every day. There are some key people being taken down that have not been released to the press. The enemy is now trying very hard to get high profile attacks and appears to be struggling. Text Messaging while driving and Paris Hilton took top billing over insurgent sucesses through most of this week. I don't know if I can call that improvement but once you accept that the media is trying to sabotage any chance of US success... Well, what you are not hearing often out weighs what you are.

Iraq was pumping 3 1/2 million barrols of oil in 2003 and now some 2 million.

True. Can't argue that one. However... What about that Iraq economy as a whole. Kinda scary that they aren't relying on the oil yet and the economy is booming anyway. Just think what it will be like when that oil does start flowing.

During the past 4 years we have spent numerous billions of dollars to rebuild and improve Iraq and I am seeing minimal improvement and rampant graft, theft and corruption. There is more unrest and killings than 4 years ago and it is certainly no safer.

No safer is true. More theft and corruption? That isn't controlled by one family and a handful of people in the UN you mean? Again, I will concede that politics has pressed some dumb moves. I can add complaints here and a few stories that are so pathetic that you cannot help but laugh. However, the current offensive is working and things are definitely changing inside and around Baghdad as well as in the north and south of Iraq.

I would like to see Iraq get on its feet and the economy start booming and the dinar RV with us making a sizable profit but I am not seeing all the reasons for our staying in Iraq or the good things that many of you are seeing happening.

A couple months ago, I was quite pessimistic. Down right nervous actually. I don't know if it will be an overnight dream fulfilled but I feel a lot better about that dinar now than I did in late 2006. As for staying in Iraq. I am seeing both sides of it every day. I cannot lie. I absolutely hate this war. But, I hear the guys talking and they aren't hating it anymore. There is a sense of what they are doing accomplishing something and that is a big change from 6 months ago. HUGE.... I am very happy with a lot of things Patreus is doing so I just wish the US could pull together for 1-2 years. If that happened, I really do not think we could fail here. As long as politics has a chance of intervening again... I'll admit being nervous.

All that said.... I feel quite positive about it right now. Go Dinar!!

-- May 8, 2007 6:38 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Turtle:
Its good to see ya post...glad to see you have kept your head down..

-- May 8, 2007 8:54 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

Sara and Turtle:

I appreciate your going to the time and effort to make the comprehensive reply to my remarks.

You both make a good case for our efforts in Iraq and I, too, want us to succeed there and maybe I haven't looked hard enough for something good so in the future, I will temper my comments and look harder for something positive.

Sara-I still contend that you will make mincemeat of anyone who contests your viewpoint.

-- May 8, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

I think, regardless of if we succeed or not, the Dinar investment is a good one long term if it is not swapped in the future.

I don't think its a matter of weeks.

I don't think its a matter of months.

I don't even think its a matter of years.

I think its a matter of decades.

If the currency doesn't get swapped, in 40 to 50 years it will be respectable.

Problem for me is I will be in my 70s or 80s if I am alive at all, and currently have no kids to reap the rewards of the bloody money.

-- May 8, 2007 11:05 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

H Neil,

If you send an email to, irr@hqda.army.mil and ask to be on the list for free weekly updates, then you will see what is being done.
Or send me an email then I will send them unto you to read, then you will be able to sign on for the updates from the info on them.

swpsteve@aol.com

Have a nice day, Steve.

-- May 9, 2007 1:48 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

CBI still showing yesterday's exchange rate

-- May 9, 2007 6:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's neighbors weigh next steps after regional conference
5/7/2007

By Howard LaFranchi, Staff writer of The Christian Science MonitorMon May 7, 4:00 AM ET

Commitments to help Iraq with security and economic needs and to sponsor a conference on reconciliation are among the signs of a grudging acceptance by Sunni Arab neighbors of the Shiite-led government of Nouri al-Maliki.

That, and an apparent policy switch by the United States to try to draw Iraq's neighbors – including Syria and Iran – into an energized diplomatic process, may be the biggest accomplishments of the conference at this Red Sea resort last week, analysts say.

One gauge to watch: Does Vice President Dick Cheney build on results of Sharm el-Sheik as he tours the Middle East this week, or will a more muscular approach suggest ongoing conflict over diplomacy's role in dealing with Iraq?

More important still will be the response of the Maliki government in using any momentum from the meeting to press ahead on long-awaited political reforms and reconciliation. Sen. Olympia Snowe (news, bio, voting record) (R) or Maine, accompanying other US lawmakers in Baghdad over the weekend, said she did not feel a sense of urgency from her Iraqi counterparts.

Last week, Iraq's neighbors went beyond the usual communiqué and verbal support by agreeing to set up working groups on border security, refugees, and energy supply. The Arab League also agreed to organize a meeting to help bridge Iraq's sectarian divides, though no date was set.

None of this means that Mr. Maliki's government is out of the woods, or that the conference was the kind of turning point in Iraq's relations with its neighbors that occurred with Bosnia or Afghanistan, for example. Suspicions remain high among the region's Sunni leaders, many of whom made clear that they are still waiting to see better treatment of Iraq's populations, especially minority Sunnis.

The best hope may be that the two-day conference was a "first step" toward bringing Iraq's neighbors on board to stabilize it, analysts say. But some wonder if Maliki's weakness and the troubled US surge could stymie progress.

"Its unlikely that one short meeting can make much of a difference," says James Dobbins, director of security studies at the Rand Corp. in Arlington, Va., and a former US diplomat. "On the other hand, the Bush administration's recognition, at long last, that all neighboring states need to be engaged and involved in stabilizing Iraq is the beginning of wisdom, and perhaps the start of a concerted effort to do so."

The US is emphasizing its concern by dispatching Mr. Cheney to the region on the heels of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit. Cheney leaves Tuesday for visits to Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates – and, of particular interest, Saudi Arabia.

Long a pillar of US support, Saudi Arabia under King Abdullah has been charting a more independent foreign policy spurred by alarm at the rise of Iranian influence. Earlier this year, the king was instrumental in fashioning a Palestinian power-sharing accord that includes Hamas, before going on to declare the US action in Iraq an "illegal foreign occupation." He then snubbed Maliki just days before the conference, refusing to see him on his visit to the Saudi kingdom.

Driving the uncharacteristic actions in part is fear of a leadership vacuum, experts say. "In this case [at the Sharm el-Sheik meeting], there was a weakened US administration and an even weaker Iraqi one meeting with skeptical and alarmed regional powers, none of whom have great confidence in the wisdom or capacity of either government," says Mr. Dobbins.

But others say that may have driven home the realization that the US won't be in Iraq forever.

"It's useful to have people in the area see we're at the beginning of the endgame, that the US isn't likely to be there all that much longer," says David Newton, a former US ambassador to Iraq. Pointing to the Saudis, he adds, "they realize there's more pressure on them now to start dealing with the situation."

But diplomats with experience in conflict resolution say the international community has a long way to go before doing for Iraq what was accomplished in other recent cases.

"The Sharm el-Sheik meeting is a long way from the much more successful effort to engage Afghanistan's neighbors," which took the form of the Bonn Conference at the end of 2001, says Rand's Dobbins. He notes that the Bonn meetings, in which he participated, lasted 11 days, with the participants working together behind closed doors, allowing informal consultations. The main participants – including Iran and the US – also came with "largely coincident agendas."

Today, the US and Iran are both key players regarding Iraq, but their relations are much more antagonistic than in 2001.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle lies with the Iraqis. "[T]he fact remains that everything is conditional on the performance of the Iraqi government, and that's not very encouraging," says Ambassador Newton, now at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

At Sharm el-Sheik, Mr. Maliki said Iraq is making progress. "Any rational observer ... would agree that our capabilities to confront terrorism are growing day by day at the level of the Army, the people, and the police," he said.

But, Newton says, echoing others, "There's really no evidence the central government is able to do anything."

Iraq's neighbors weigh next steps after regional conference - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to submit constitution reform draft next week
5/8/2007

By Waleed Ibrahim

BAGHDAD, May 8 (Reuters) - Members of a committee set up to reform Iraq's constitution said on Tuesday they hoped to submit recommendations to parliament next week, a major step towards meeting a political benchmark Washington has set for Baghdad.

The announcement comes amid growing U.S. impatience at Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's progress in implementing power-sharing agreements the United States says are key to reining in sectarian violence in Iraq.

Leaders from the Sunni Arab minority have in recent days renewed threats to quit Maliki's government because they believe Sunni concerns are not being addressed.

Dominant under Saddam Hussein -- ousted by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion -- Sunni Arabs saw the majority Shi'ites sweep to power in elections and have been demanding reforms as a condition for staying in government, including overhauling a constitution they fear will split Iraq into Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish federations to the disadvantage of Sunnis.

Washington, which says Sunni Arab participation in government is key to taming the Sunni-led insurgency, has stepped up pressure on Maliki to reach power-sharing agreements by September.

Under Iraq's first post-Saddam constitution, a committee charged with drafting constitutional reform proposals must submit its recommendations to parliament no later than four months after it began work.

The 31-seat committee, which includes Shi'ites, Sunni Arabs and ethnic Kurds, started work on Nov. 15, 2006. Because parliament recessed in January and February, the deadline falls on May 15, committee members said on Tuesday.

"May 15 is a deadline and we must deliver the reform drafts to the parliament by this date," Hasan al-Senaid, a committee member from the ruling Shi'ite Alliance, told Reuters.

"There are still some disputes between groups and they are all under discussion. We are trying to solve these disputes this week," Senaid said. Another committee member confirmed they hoped to submit the recommendations by next week.

Iraq's constitution was ratified in 2005. Shi'ites and Kurds voted overwhelmingly in favour while Sunni Arabs opposed it.

Among the most controversial articles are a law that allows provinces to win autonomy from Baghdad and form federal regions, the Arab identity of Iraq and rolling back a ban on former members of Saddam's Baath party from public office.

Sunnis fear federalism will allow ethnic Kurds in the north and Shi'ites in the south, where Iraq's oil reserves lie, to break away into their own states, sealing political doom for the Sunni Arabs.

Non-Arab Kurds, who were persecuted under Saddam's pan-Arab policies, have resisted wording on the Arab identity of Iraq.

Parliament, where Shi'ites have a majority, must approve any constitutional amendment by an absolute majority before a referendum takes place.

If rejected by a two-thirds majority in three of Iraq's 18 provinces, the constitutional amendment is automatically defeated, thus giving minority Kurds de facto veto power.

Iraq to submit constitution reform draft next week - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 9:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

McCain: Progress in Iraq may turn opinions on war
5/8/2007

If Americans see improved conditions, it is not too late for support to rally, the Republican says.
By THOMAS BEAUMONT
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

Muscatine, Ia. - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said in Iowa on Monday that the decline in public opinion about the Iraq war had not yet reached the point of no return.

"I hope not," McCain said in a Des Moines Register interview, asked whether the public had given up hope on success in Iraq.

"I think the American people have to be shown some progress," the Arizona senator added. "But look, it's long, hard and difficult - I understand. Because of the mismanagement of the previous four years, it's going to be very difficult."

McCain, the GOP candidate most closely associated with President Bush's strategy to add troops in Iraq, pointed during a town hall event in Muscatine to recent improvements in security in some areas of Iraq.

"Things are safer in Al Anbar province, which used to be the most dangerous place in all of Iraq," McCain told more than 100 people at a midday event in Muscatine.

He also noted that not all of the more than 20,000 additional U.S. forces scheduled to be deployed had arrived in Iraq.

But Americans probably will not judge as significant the reduction of insurgent attacks on U.S. forces in some places when attacks by terrorists linked to al-Qaida are continuing to kill U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians weekly.

"I think it's very hard for them to" distinguish one form of violence in Iraq from another, McCain said in the interview.

McCain was campaigning in eastern Iowa during his second trip to the leadoff caucus state since formally launching his candidacy last month. He also made stops in the Quad Cities and North Liberty on Monday and was scheduled to headline campaign events in Council Bluffs and Fort Dodge today.

April was the bloodiest month of 2007 for U.S. forces in Iraq, with 104 deaths reported. Eight deaths on Sunday brought to 22 the number killed in the first six days of May, 17 of them in roadside bombings, according to news reports.

McCain cautioned an audience in Davenport that the terrorist bombings are likely to continue in Iraq, despite the new U.S. strategy.

"The hardest thing to stop in warfare is a suicide bomber," McCain told about 200 Iowa Republicans during the morning appearance. "So you are going to see this spectacular car bombing or the suicide bomber for a long time before this thing is over."

Approval of Bush's handling of the Iraq military situation has dropped steadily over the past three years to the point where today fewer than one-third of Americans support his performance, according to national polls. However, more than half of Americans who identify themselves as Republican say they support Bush's execution of the war.

McCain has been an outspoken critic of the administration's handling of the war, especially former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's performance. He had, however, long called for more troops in Iraq and became an early supporter of Bush's plan to increase the U.S. force's numbers there this year.

A Gallup poll taken last month indicated that about two-thirds of Americans said McCain was a reliable source of accurate information about the conditions in Iraq. The rating was about the same as those given Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Muscatine Republican Ian O'Connor said he was inclined to support McCain in the January caucuses but worried that the senator's staunch support for Bush's strategy could hurt his candidacy.

"It's pretty controversial, but I agree with McCain that to leave now would leave Iraq in chaos," said O'Connor, an Iowa State University junior. "But a lot of people have made up their mind that they're against it, and probably won't change their mind."
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Cheney Visits Iraq
Associated Press | May 09, 2007
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Vice President Dick Cheney sought to encourage reconciliation among rival Iraqi factions on Wednesday in an unannounced visit to Baghdad, emphasizing that the current U.S. military buildup alone is not enough to end the conflict.

Cheney made Iraq the first stop of a weeklong trip to the Middle East aimed at redoubling efforts to end divisive infighting among Iraq's ethnic factions.

He got a firsthand briefing on conditions from Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and the new U.S. ambassador here, Ryan Crocker.

In what was to be a full daylong meeting, Cheney was to meet with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, as well as with Iraq's Kurdish president and its Sunni and Shiite vice presidents.

Aides said Cheney's mission was both to get a sense of the situation on the ground in Iraq and to deliver a message that more work is needed on the political front to overcome divisions and delays.

That included a renewed request that the Iraqi parliament not take a two-month vacation as many lawmakers here have urged.

Cocker told reporters traveling with Cheney that urging the parliament to stay in session through these difficult times was clearly on the vice president's agenda.

"For the Iraqi parliament to take a two-month vacation in the middle of summer is impossible to understand," said Crocker, who traveled with Cheney from Washington.

Cheney's message with Iraqi leaders, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters, was to be: "We've all got challenges together. We've got to pull together. We've got to get this work done. It's game time."

The official spoke on condition of anonymity since Cheney had yet to begin his series of meetings.

In addition to meeting separately and jointly with Iraq's top leaders, the vice president also was to meet with leaders of other influential factions and political organizations.

Cheney was to have lunch with al-Maliki and Iraqi officials and then have dinner with them at the U.S. Embassy.

Cheney's public schedule called for him to stop first at the United Arab Emirates, but he came first to Iraq instead. He was later to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.

It is his second visit to Iraq as vice president. The first was in December 2005.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Neil;

Thank you. :)

You say that we made a good case for the ongoing efforts in Iraq and maybe you haven't looked hard enough for something good. It does take digging to see good or truth, unfortunately. If you just go along on the surface of the news, the negativity and deception are so prevalent that people do not see the real issues or anything positive. As turtle commented, this engagement could be won within a year or two.. IF the American people only had the stomach for it. And it is a very important battle to win, perhaps key to the future security of America. The MSM has tried to make the people to identify with the grief and suffering of those who have experienced loss as a result of this war, even though historically this monumental battle which has preserved literally millions of American lives has had very slight casualties in American servicemen and women. While I totally sympathize with the losses, I cannot let go of the GOAL of this, which is the preservation of American lives in the homeland from attack and moving the battlefront to Iraq from America (post 911).

If President Bush had remained idle and sought only to "contain" Saddam - knowing now that Saddam was a year from the bomb and had plans to attack Washington with WMD and ensure it was not traced back to Iraq - containment would have failed. The 3,500 lives which have been laid down have ensured life to so many.. and that sacrifice is unheralded and deprecated in the media. I noted that they won't even allow the coverage of the real heroes in Iraq.

Hero's tale is 'too positive' for the BBC
By Chris Hastings, 07/04/2007

Amid the deaths and the grim daily struggle bravely borne by Britain's forces in southern Iraq, one tale of heroism stands out.

Private Johnson Beharry's courage in rescuing an ambushed foot patrol then, in a second act, saving his vehicle's crew despite his own terrible injuries earned him a Victoria Cross.

For the BBC, however, his story is "too positive" about the conflict.

The corporation has cancelled the commission for a 90-minute drama about Britain's youngest surviving Victoria Cross hero because it feared it would alienate members of the audience opposed to the war in Iraq.

"The BBC... felt it couldn't show anything with a degree of positivity about the conflict."

"It needed to tell stories about Iraq which reflected the fact that some members of the audience didn't approve of what was going on.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#129890

With this kind of bias and negativity in the news, I do not find your statement suprising when you say you haven't seen any good coverage of the war in Iraq.

I have tried to post some of the stories of bravery and heroism which the MSM ignores, such as this post here:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#130250

The MSM also tries to say that the sacrifices are in vain.
IF they are successful in foisting their biased leftwing peacenik mentality upon the populace, the price to pay for retreat will be very high. Because they do not believe that war is ever necessary, by putting the US into a posture of never being willing or able to fight, they condemn her to being victimized in the same way as the Virginia Tech institute was. Their posture of waiting for attack to happen and playing political talking games with unrepentant terrorists will get a lot of us killed.. perhaps one day very soon. Let us hope that many others will stop and consider that they are only hearing one side of the news concerning Iraq before their direction becomes our collective fate.

Sara.

-- May 9, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

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Study: Insurgencies like Iraq's usually fail in 10 years
Updated 44m ago | Comments 3 | Recommend 1 E-mail | Save | Print | Reprints & Permissions |


Enlarge By Todd Pitman, AP

U.S. and Iraqi soldiers walk past a house where an insurgent weapons cache was found and destroyed. For months, al-Qaeda turned a part of one Baqouba, Iraq, neighborhood into an insurgent fiefdom that American forces were too undermanned to tackle. It has since been taken back.

HISTORY AS A GUIDE

A review of post-World War II insurgencies conducted for the Pentagon indicates that the insurgents win 41% of such conflicts. Some outcomes:

Successful insurgencies (loser in parentheses):

• Vietnam (France, U.S.)
• Algeria (France)
• Afghanistan (Soviet Union)

Unsuccessful insurgencies (winner in parentheses):

• Malaysia (government and Britain)
• Greece (government)

Source: The Dupuy Institute




WAR IN IRAQ

Ramadi's success: An Army colonel's gamble



Life in Iraq: Blast walls of Baghdad becoming oases of art | Index: A weekly status report



Iraq: Where things stand: Poll: Iraqis see hope drain away | Democracy's support sinks



Violence: Saddam ammo caches deadly | Homemade 'speed bumps' deadly on roads



Battle for Baghdad: 'The most dangerous spot I could find' | Photos: Baghdad's neighborhoods



American casualties: Toll reaches 3,000 | Contractors: AP: 800 killed, 3,000 wounded | Deadly blast | A look at troops who lost their lives | Graphic

By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Insurgencies, such as the one the United States is fighting in Iraq, last an average of more than 10 years, according to a study commissioned by the Defense Department.
For the United States, the good news is that rebels lose more often than they win. Chances for stopping an insurgency improve after 10 years, the study shows.

Stopping the violence in Iraq will take years, Pentagon leaders have said. However, there have been few efforts to analyze and quantify insurgencies in order to draw conclusions about Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The violence in Iraq is going to go on a minimum for at least three or four more years and in reality another five plus years," said Christopher Lawrence, director of The Dupuy Institute, which is conducting the study.

The Iraq war is in its fifth year.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Iraq | Afghanistan | Vietnam | Department of Defense | Insurgencies
The Annandale, Va.-based Dupuy Institute is under a Defense Department contract to study insurgencies to help give commanders more information about what works and what doesn't. The study is due to be completed in September.

The military recently produced a new counterinsurgency manual that establishes doctrine for waging a counterinsurgency.

According to the manual, defeating an insurgency requires:

•An understanding of local society;

•Good intelligence about the enemy;

•Establishing security and a rule of law;

•Establishing a long-term commitment.

The new doctrine points out the limits to using overwhelming firepower, which could anger civilians, and the need to find political solutions to win over the population.

The manual says counterinsurgency is much more complex than other forms of warfare, requiring the coordination of political, military and economic efforts.

As part of the study, the institute built a database of 63 post-World War II insurgencies, including Vietnam, the French in Algeria and the Soviets in Afghanistan.

The United States experience in Vietnam soured the U.S. military on insurgencies, Lawrence said. The prevailing military doctrine after Vietnam emphasized building conventional capabilities to counter the Soviet threat. "The subject (of counterinsurgencies) has not been seriously analyzed by the Army since the 1960s," Lawrence said.

Not all insurgencies are quagmires, the report shows. Insurgents only win in 41% of the conflicts in the database, Lawrence said. The remainder were victories for the counterinsurgents, were inconclusive or are still going on.

One of the most successful counterinsurgencies was the British victory over communist insurgents in Malaysia during the 1950s.

Col. Timothy Reese, director of the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., cautions against reading too much into it.

Each conflict is unique, and the differences are as important as the similarities, Reese said.

"War cannot be reduced to a formula," Reese said. "War is an art as much as it is a science."
(http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-05-08-insurgency-report_N.htm?csp=34)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq takes steps to settle YTL 2 bln debt with Turkish CB
Iraq takes steps to settle YTL 2 bln debt with Turkish CB
Today's Zaman - [09/05/2007]


The Iraqi government has taken a constructive step in efforts to settle its YTL 2 billion ($1.5 billion) in debt to Turkey's Central Bank, nominating US accounting and consulting firm Ernst & Young to negotiate its amount outstanding with the Turkish Treasury. As the central bank's biggest partner, the Treasury is dealing with the collection problem in the name of the bank and has also enlisted the help of the UN towards this goal.

The debt began accumulating before the US invaded Iraq in 1991. In accordance with commercial agreements between the two countries before the first Gulf war, the Turkish Central Bank was proceeding with payments to Turkish exporters and contractors that do business in Iraq. The funds expended were later collected from the Iraqi government. The system was working smoothly until it broke down after the US invaded Iraq 16 years ago. Iraq has been unable to pay the remaining debt since then due to internal disorder created after the war.

The central bank’s latest activity report for 2006 once more included the amount owing from Iraq in its “bad and irrecoverable debts” item. Of the bank’s YTL 2 billion in receivables, YTL 1.83 billion stems from notes, while the remainder originates from uncollected loans that resulted from the central bank providing funds for Enka Construction for the Bekhme Dam project that the Iraqi government couldn’t cover. The amount of this loan was YTL 130.12 million.

The Iraqis’ debt to the Turkish Central Bank is equal to 31 percent of the bank’s annual expenditures. The central bank’s spending climbed to YTL 6.25 billion in 2006, a 52.6 percent increase from YTL 4.1 billion in 2005. Interest payments, as an item of expenditure, were YTL 3.63 billion, whereas non-interest expenditures were YTL 2.24 billion.

Payroll expenses amounted to YTL 270 million, and the other spending was YTL 107.42 million. Although the bank is making allowances to hedge the risk for bad debts, it has not made any provision for receivables from Iraq since 2002, when it adopted international accounting standards.

Iraq owes $900 million to BOTAق,

The state-owned Turkish Pipeline Company (BOTAق) is also owed a significant sum by Iraq, totaling as much as $900 million. This debt stems from transportation costs through the Kirkuk-Yumurtal‎k oil pipeline.

BOTAق officials say they are waiting for the Iraqi government to settle its debt with the government since there is no appropriate authority to deal with the problem. They claim that the current situation of BOTAق, which is in serious financial trouble due to uncollected receivables from its domestic customers, the biggest of which is the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, will be alleviated if they can obtain the money owing from Iraq.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3734)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Report: Iraq could produce more oil
Report: Iraq could produce more oil
Business Week - [09/05/2007]


Oil production in Iraq could double to 4 million barrels a day if violence ends and facilities are modernized, a Colorado energy consulting company says in a forthcoming report.

Ron Mobed, president and chief operating officer of IHS Energy, said Tuesday the study is the first detailed overview of Iraq's oil reserves and production potential since the war began.

The report, expected to be released in the next few weeks, used experts in Iraq to develop its field-by-field analysis, Mobed said. IHS is based in suburban Englewood.

IHS found that Iraq has oil reserves of up to 116 billion barrels, validating previous estimates, Mobed said. It also found there could be up to 100 billion barrels more in the country's western region, which is the epicenter of the country's Sunni Arab dominated insurgency.

The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated the country's additional reserves at 45 billion barrels.

The western region currently has little to no oil and gas production, contributing to fears among Anbar residents that they will be left with little more than date groves and sand while the Kurds and Shiite regions of the north and south divide the vast oil wealth.

The IHS estimate on the potential reserves in that region are based on four wells drilled in the area in 2002 and 2003 by Syria's national oil company in conjunction with Iraqis. It also factored in research on the area's geological structures and formations.

Mobed acknowledged it wasn't a firm figure.

"There's going to be a big error bar on this," he said.

Not counting Canada and Venezuela's vast bitumen deposits, Iraq currently has the world's third largest oil reserves.

But years of neglect have resulted in shut-ins in oil fields, significantly reducing their output. That reduction has been magnified by repeated insurgent attacks on the country's vast oil infrastructure, including pipelines and refineries.

If companies felt safe sending workers to Iraq and investing money there, Iraq could again match or exceed production levels it had before the first Gulf war, Mobed said.

Before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, the country was producing 2.5 million to 3 million barrels per day, a level that has since tapered off to about 2 million barrels per day.

The report will not deal with the political problems in Iraq or speculate on when the situation may improve, Mobed said.

"When the time comes for people to feel sufficiently comfortable to make investments there, that's when the clock starts on achieving those production numbers," he said.

The IHS report said most of the current production comes from the south because facilities in the north are subject to sabotage attacks.

Discounting such attacks, however, most of the oil exports are generally routed through the south -- where pipeline capacity is much greater -- and loaded on to tankers. The northern route, which links the fields of Kirkuk to Ceyhan, in Turkey, has a significantly smaller capacity.

The map-based report, originally set to be released Wednesday, was delayed so new information could be added. Mobed said that wouldn't change production estimates included in an overview released to the public.

A version of the report that does not include the production estimates will be sold to energy companies.

The report is being completed as the Iraqi government works on legislation that is expected to allow energy companies to sign contracts to explore the country's untapped oil reserves.

Because of the war, major Western firms still expected to wait five years or more before actually beginning large-scale production.

Some analysts think China, hungry for energy to fuel its rapidly growing economy, will be more willing to take security risks to develop Iraq's oil.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3733)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Digger leapt into burning turret to help mates
By Doug Conway in Talil
May 09, 2007 12:00
Article from: AAP

THE Australian army's anonymous new hero in Iraq is a raw, young infantryman who leapt into a blazing armoured vehicle to provide cover for his wounded mates.

Australia's commander in southern Iraq says he is humbled by the freshly qualified gunner's "incredible" courage and professionalism.

He was in a 50-vehicle convoy hit by light arms fire and rocket propelled grenades in two different villages as it returned to base at Tallil two weeks ago.

But worse was to come 15km from home when his light armoured vehicle was hit by a remotely controlled roadside bomb.

The vehicle's driver suffered a broken ankle and burnt legs and is recovering in Darwin. The commander and another crewman suffered concussion and minor injuries, but have since returned to duty.

As the vehicle exploded into flames and careered off the road into a swamp, the gunner helped his wounded mates onto stretchers before leaping back to his turret to provide covering fire.

In doing so he faced danger from the flames as well as two further explosions from remotely detonated bombs and the possibility of enemy fire.

He returned with his patrol undeterred the following day to recover the damaged vehicle and exchanged shots in a firestorm with insurgents.

"These guys all acted instinctively in a disciplined manner and knew exactly what to do.
They stepped up to the plate. They did things that I would have expected from more experienced soldiers.
There was no grandstanding, nothing like that, just thorough, professional behaviour and it humbles me."

Captain Tony Copley, commander of the second vehicle who raced out to try to extinguish the fire in the first, said: "It was a very courageous thing for him to jump back into a vehicle which had just been hit and was on fire. I can't say enough about him."

His action helped ensure that US helicopters were on the scene quickly to evacuate the wounded.
"It was just 18 minutes from flash to dash," said Lt-Col Rawlins. "That's phenomenal.

"I have nothing but respect for them (the American pilots) because they landed those helicopters on the road next to the vehicle that was cooking and could have taken fire themselves."

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21703400-5005941,00.html

While fully appreciating the bravery and sacrifice of this unnamed Australian soldier.. :)

Note the last.. it is likely the only coverage of the un-PC bravery under fire of American troops you will see.. on an Australian site today.

God Bless and protect the fighting forces.. American, Coalition and Iraqi.. fighting for Democratic Iraq and against terrorism.

Sara.

-- May 9, 2007 10:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Anthony R.

I must disagree with your assessment that our investment will take decades to come to fruition. Iraq does not have that long. In contrast, if Iraq is still in chaos decades (40 to 50 yrs from now) the country is lost.

We will find an Iraq ruled by an extreme form of Islam and being led by some Ayatollah; translation an Islamic Theocracy. Anything with a western perspective (Books, Movies, and Music) will be banned from the country. Moderates meaning the pro western Islamists will be pushed to the political and religious fringes.

Oil will be reserved for them and their Iranian counterparts. No, if it takes decades the west will find itself in a worse predicament where Israel is further threatened. We must deal with this problem now regardless of the many who find themselves on the side of the Dems and the MSM.

In my opinion, our continued problems in Iraq could have been avoided by what Nazi Germany did to England, Blitzkrieg. In contrast, we persue a policy of strategic airstrikes. This President failed to consult history before declaring war. That policy is a failure. President George W. Bush when decarling war on Iraq, should have totally decimated the country. Everything should have been destroyed from the outset. Once Iraq had been leveled, then we help the country rebuild from the ground up.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 9, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

All;

MOST Americans skim the surface of negativity and imbibe the MSM mantra coverage as accurate. In light of this, unsuprisingly, today's polling results say the Bush Administration's arguments have gotten "limited traction" and most disbelieve the arguments for continuation of the war. Since they almost never hear the other side in any of the coverage they view in the MSM news, "Most Americans don't believe that the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq is the key to preventing a full-scale civil war there or protecting the United States from new terrorist attacks, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds."

The survey states that the mentality of most Americans has been so influenced by negativity that, "Most Americans expect things to get worse in Iraq and the region in any case."... even though Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the No. 2 U.S. commander, said he could only assess if the war strategy was working in September. "We're certainly going to need to give it an honest assessment of whether it's working," Odierno told USA TODAY. "We owe it to the American people." Thanks, turtle, for your super post and for your boots-on-the-ground assessment that the new strategy in Iraq is working.. something we don't hear over here any day.

Smack right in the middle of the page is another link stating.. "STUDY: Insurgencies such as Iraq's often fail after 10 years" - such discouragement that we could ever prevail in winning, don't you think? "Often" fail, do they? Are they normally fought by the superpower of the world? Might we have an "edge" over that statistic? And is "often" necessarily "always"? The mentality communicated by the media is that this is a hopeless battle which we should not be in - a mentality that, ominously, they have successfully communicated to the populace, one of whom states, "We lost the war when we went there," says Judy Champion, 58, a nurse from Indianapolis who was among those surveyed. "I don't think there is a 'win' situation there. Every time we lose another soldier it's just more loss."

All loss.. no win, it will fail within ten years anyway, so why are we there? These same people today would be howling over the deaths of millions of Americans at the hands of Saddam and his proxies had the Bush Administration not acted as they did. All loss.. no gain.. the coverage is so dismally poor of the real problems and issues that "Only 22% of Americans accept the administration's argument that U.S. forces in Iraq are preventing new terror attacks on the United States" and only "a third of Americans accept the administration's argument the U.S. deployment would prevent a civil war." Without any firm belief in the goal of protecting the Homeland through the Iraq battlefront in this war against terrorism or the goal of helping Iraq not to fall into a civil war, support for the war has dipped downward.

When 911 was fresh in our minds, we had purpose and resolve, but the media chipped away at it day by day until even the pleas for help from the needy people that were liberated in Iraq are largely going unheeded. While the Administration speaks - "At the White House, spokeswoman Dana Perino warned of dire consequences if U.S. troops leave before Iraq is stable, including "the likely collapse of the fragile young Iraqi democracy, the killing of countless innocent civilians, and a safe haven for al-Qaeda" attacks aimed at Americans and others." - the poll states starkly that "half say a civil war will or won't happen regardless of the troop presence," and "only 22% of Americans accept the administration's argument that U.S. forces in Iraq are preventing new terror attacks on the United States."

So many lives, American and Iraqi, are in the balance.. we cannot afford the populace to think this battle unworthwhile, and yet the MSM daily attacks the position it is worth fighting with the same resolve and vigor of the terrorists.. and to the same end, our end.

Sara.
(May 9, 2007 article from which I got these quotes found here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-05-08-iraq-poll_N.htm )

-- May 9, 2007 11:20 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(921)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 921 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/5/10 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1263 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1261 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.475.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.475.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- May 10, 2007 5:08 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

S Korea help rebuild Iraq with 100m-dollar loan, push joint oil development

South Korea will provide US$100m in soft loans to Iraq to help rebuild the war-torn country and push for the joint development of crude oil, the government said Wednesday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq workers stall strike for Oil Ministry

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

BASRA, 10 May 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq's government will respond to oil workers who have delayed a strike that could take 1.6 million barrels per day from the market.

In a news release Tuesday, the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions said it would stop work Thursday in opposition of the proposed hydrocarbons law, as well as other worker conditions.

Michael Eisenscher, national coordinator of U.S. Labor Against the War, said the workers postponed the strike until Monday "because they had a conversation with somebody at the Oil Ministry who said they wanted to respond to workers demands and needed time to prepare a response."

USLAW is a coalition of labor unions in regular communication with Iraqi workers, including organizing a tour of the United States for Iraqi labor leaders in June.

The IFOU boasts more than 26,000 members, mostly in the southern region where most of Iraq's 2 million bpd are produced and all of the 1.6 million bpd are exported.

The vast majority of that goes through the port of Basra.

"If the port were to close down, that's one way of bottling it up," Eisenscher said, as well as utilizing "critical workers in the pipeline area or refineries."

The unions have struck before, successfully fighting wage decreases and privatization. "It's an issue of such import to them that I can't imagine they wouldn't have tremendous support for workers," Eisenscher said.

The unions oppose language that they deem offers too much of Iraq's 115 billion barrels of proven reserves to foreign companies.

"Since we are working to make progress in production, we need a real participation in all the laws that are related to the oil policy," IFOU President Hassan Jumaa Awad told United Press International in March. "We are the sons of this sector, and we have the management and technical capability and we have the knowledge on all the oil fields."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

-- May 10, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Interview: Iraq Kurd leader on oil law
By BEN LANDO

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

WASHINGTON, 10 May 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
To Iraq's Kurdish leadership, the issue of how to apportion the third-largest pools of oil in the world is "a make-or-break deal" for the country as a whole, a top official told United Press International.
"The oil issue for us is a red line. It will signify our participation in Iraq or not," Qubad Talabani, son of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and the Kurdistan Regional Government's representative to the United States, said in an interview from his Washington office.

The KRG and the central Iraqi government reached a deal in February on the hydrocarbons framework -- though not on other key companion bills -- and a self-imposed deadline of late May seemed possible to meet.

But the Iraqi Oil Ministry, at a meeting it set up last month in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, with other Iraqi oil experts and politicians, unveiled the annexes to the hydrocarbons law -- its list distributing control of oil fields between central and KRG control -- and a law re-establishing the Iraq National Oil Co., which Kurdish leadership automatically rejected.

"This sets us back to square one, a point that's unacceptable to us. We're trying to modernize Iraq, build a new Iraq, built on new foundations, new policies. The symbol of this new Iraq will be how it manages its oil infrastructure," Talabani said. "And if people want to revert back to Saddam-era policies of a state-controlled oil sector with no accountability, with no accountability to the Parliament or the people of the country, with no oversight except from by one or two, then I'm sorry, that is not the Iraq that the Kurds bought into. That is not the Iraq that the Kurds would want to be part of."

"If a centralized oil regime is imposed on us, we will not participate in the state of Iraq," Talabani said. "And we have to make it absolutely clear to our friends in Washington, to our brothers in Baghdad, this is a make-or-break deal for Iraq."

He said Iraq needs to embrace the free market and break free from the nationalized mindset. Numerous oil and Iraqi experts as well as key Iraq oil union leaders have told UPI that Iraqis see nationalized oil with pride. And opponents of the oil law also say it gives too much to foreign companies.

The Kurds, however, have little to show from the Saddam Hussein era, aside from persecution, death and little investment in its economy or oil sector. They gained autonomy in 1991 and, governing an autonomous three-province region now, are prospering. Airplanes fly internationally from the airport in Irbil, Iraqi Kurdistan's capital. Violence in the region is relatively nil compared with the rest of the country, though the first major attack in more than four years killed 14 people in Irbil Wednesday. Despite lacking the law, the KRG has signed multiple deals with foreign companies to develop its oil and natural-gas sector.

Iraq only produces about 2 million barrels per day. With investment -- domestic or foreign -- Iraq's 115 billion barrels in reserves could handle much higher output.

Many of the arguments over the law are related to the 2005 constitution. It was written vaguely to garner support. Now there is a dispute as to which oil fields are to be governed by the central government and which by the regions.

Tariq Shafiq, an Iraq oil expert now living in Amman, Jordan, and drafter of the original law last summer, said the Iraq National Oil Co. should be independent of the Oil Ministry, and regions could choose the company's board of directors. (Shafiq has since come out against the law, saying it has been altered too much in negotiations.) He said Iraq needs a central strategy for the best management of the country's oil.

Talabani said the KRG favors an INOC limited in scope and open to foreign investment, and says the current law gives INOC control over 93 percent of Iraq's oil. "This will hamper needed investment," he said.

"It's only by bringing in the biggest and the best from the international community, to partner with, not to steal, but to partner with the Iraqi government, can we develop Iraq's oil accordingly," Talabani said. "And there's a worrying unwillingness to act under a free-market-style concept here. It won't go through. It won't go through the Parliament this way. There will be too many people opposed to it."

Other bills needing to be passed include a reorganization of the Oil Ministry and the revenue-sharing law. Talabani said there were lingering fears Kurds will again be deprived of funds and investment.

"We want to create an automatic payment mechanism where it doesn't rely on the goodwill of the finance minister or the oil minister for the regions to get their fair share," he said.

"Trust is lacking in Iraq, and unfortunately it's been Iraq's miserable history that has created this system, this society that mistrusts each other, which is why something as critical as oil can be a trust-building measure," Talabani said. "By putting in place mechanisms and institutions that can ensure that I will not get robbed again, that my resources will not be used against me again, will eventually over time build my trust."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Leadership, Iraqi Style
David Axe | May 10, 2007
After three years of training by coalition forces - and nonstop combat with insurgents - Iraqi army and police units are battle-hardened, highly motivated and skilled in battlefield drills. "At the tactical level ... we're doing quite well," says Lieutenant General Martin Dempsey, a senior official in the coalition training organization. "They're fighting, dying, being wounded, being moved around country." He says 5,300 Iraqi soldiers from outside of Baghdad have been brought in for the "surge."

That last point - their ability to deploy - is a sure sign that Iraqi army units are improving. "Battalions disintegrated last year when we tried to move them around. Now we have them ready to move," says Major General William Caldwell, top commander in Iraq.

"That was not even possible six months ago," Dempsey points out.

Even the troubled Iraqi police - suspected by many of having been infiltrated by extremist militias - are apparently getting much better. Police trainer Brigadier General David Phillips says the police "are much more professional" now that systems are in place to punish corruption.

Despite these improvements, leadership remains a major failing for Iraqi forces - both at the national level and at the level of non-commissioned officers on the battlefield. Iraq's highest military leaders, including government ministers, and police and army officers still need babysitting by U.S. and other coalition mentors. "The higher up in echelons in command you go, the more vulnerabilities in leadership become evident," Dempsey says.

"Most of the senior leaders are from old regime - and old habits die hard," he adds. "There was a tendency to dramatically oversimplify things … not much attention to detail."

That's a problem Dempsey is working hard to remedy. "We've run numerous command and control exercises - the ministers [of the Interior and Defense Departments] themselves participate. Now they appreciate the details."

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Daniel Speckhard says that ongoing "surge" operations in Baghdad have forced the ministers to learn quickly. In the past, he says, ministry leaders focused solely on strictly military solutions to security problems. That's changing: recently the government formed defense planning committees focused on using diplomacy, reconstruction and other "soft power" functions to resolve conflict.

Still, Speckhard is skeptical. "It's too early to draw conclusions that there are encouraging signs" of long-term improvement.

Plus, the relentless demands of day-to-day combat have prevented the slow, steady training necessary to build up an experienced NCO corps, according to Dempsey. "They would like to have a U.S.-style NCO corps, but they realize it's a long way off."

The Iraqi army NCO Corps is growing, but there is a shortage of NCOs in the training establishment because every soldier is needed at the front - and this has a detrimental effect on the security force's ability to sustain improvements in training and development. Dempsey says the coalition's plan for training Iraqi NCOs is evolving to ensure that enough non-coms remain in the training base.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Moderates Seek to Break Iraq Impasse
Associated Press | May 10, 2007
WASHINGTON - As Democratic leaders feud with the White House on Iraq war spending, lawmakers from both parties are working quietly to break the impasse.

So far, no luck.

Of the dozen or so members in Congress attempting to strike a bipartisan compromise on the war, few have come forward with concrete plans - perhaps out of reluctance to champion a proposal until they know it can succeed. None of the proposals put in plain view have picked up steam.

"We'll see what happens," said Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Ala. "A lot of us are coming together across the aisle. We're under the radar now, but we're meeting."

In the meantime, House members will vote Thursday on a new Iraq bill hotly contested by the White House, opposed by nearly all Republicans and unlikely to survive in the Senate.

The bill would provide the military with $42.8 billion to keep operations going through July, buy equipment and train Iraqi and Afghan security forces. Congress would decide shortly before its August recess whether to release an additional $52.8 billion for war spending through September.

"The president refuses to listen to the American people who want this war to end," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

House Democratic leaders say the legislation once again has united Democrats in challenging Bush on the war. While this may be true, it has not attracted enough Republicans to override a second veto and has raised doubts among Senate Democrats.

"Enough is enough," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio. "It is time to get a clean bill to the president's desk and really support our troops."

Three Republicans - Reps. Frank Wolf of Virginia, Michael McCaul of Texas and Mark Udall of Colorado - circulated a letter Wednesday urging their colleagues to co-sponsor legislation that would put in place recommendations from the independent Iraq Study Group.

One of the 79 suggestions from the bipartisan group in December was reducing U.S. "political, military or economic support" for Iraq if the Baghdad government could not make substantial progress toward providing for the country's security. The report suggested an urgent diplomatic attempt to stabilize Iraq and allow the withdrawal of most U.S. combat troops by early 2008.

"When the country is together, we are strong and can respond to our problems effectively," the three House Republicans wrote. "The more we are divided, the harder this becomes."

At the White House, 11 moderate House Republicans met with the president and top aides Tuesday. Several participants at the meeting, disclosed Wednesday, described a remarkably blunt discussion in which lawmakers told the president that the war was unsustainable without public support and that it was having a corrosive effect on GOP political fortunes.

"We asked them what's Plan B," said Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia. "We let them know that the status quo is not acceptable." Davis said the president responded that if he began discussing a new strategy, his current one never would have a chance to succeed.

Several GOP senators sought to find their own solution.

Last week, Sen. John Warner, R-Va., raised hopes when he said he had an idea that had enough support to override a veto. Warner said his proposal would pressure the Iraqi government to take more initiative on political and security reforms. He declined to offer more specifics.

On Wednesday, Warner said he was reassessing in light of the new House proposal.

Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and John Sununu, R-N.H., said they are open to considering conditions on foreign aid to Iraq if the Baghdad government fails to meet certain benchmarks.

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he agrees that withholding reconstruction money is a good idea. But he thinks the president should be the one to do it based on a White House review of progress reports.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Air strike in Sadr City, three secret cell terrorists killed
Thursday, 10 May 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

May 10, 2007
Release A070510a

Air strike in Sadr City, three secret cell terrorists killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained four suspected terrorists Thursday morning during raids in Sadr City.

The individuals targeted during the raid are suspected members of a secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.

Upon arrival at the targeted area, ground forces received small arms fire from two separate buildings. Coalition Forces, using appropriate self-defense measures, returned fire and engaged the armed terrorists.

Despite efforts to subdue the armed terrorists, Coalition Forces continued to receive enemy fire. Using appropriate escalation of force to react to the perceived threat, Coalition Forces called for close air support, killing three armed terrorists.

During the course of the morning’s operations, Coalition Forces targeted a concentration of buildings associated with the terrorist network, detaining four suspected terrorists during the raids. Three Iraqi civilians were also injured during the operation. The three injured individuals received medical attention on scene from Coalition Forces.

Intelligence reports also indicate the secret cell has ties to a kidnapping network that conducts attacks within Iraq.

“Coalition forces strike at the terrorists where they hide, not waiting for them to inflict violence on the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The Iraqi people continue to reject the methods of the terrorists and choose instead a stable, peaceful Iraq.”
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11824&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

One terrorist killed, bomb making materials destroyed
Thursday, 10 May 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

May 10, 2007
Release A070510b

ONE TERRORIST KILLED, BOMB MATERIALS DESTROYED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained two suspected terrorists during early-morning raids in Anbar Province while targeting a chemical bomb network and smuggling operations.

Building on information from recent operations, Coalition Forces targeted a location north of Karmah that was allegedly part of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network that uses chlorine in its attacks. As Coalition Forces approached the building, an armed terrorist emerged and engaged ground forces with small arms fire. Coalition Forces used appropriate self-defense measures to react to the hostile threat and killed the armed terrorist.

Coalition Forces set up a cordon around the targeted building and the bomb making material inside were safely destroyed.

In another operation, Coalition Forces detained two individuals for suspected ties to a smuggling activities supporting al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“As long as the al-Qaeda network plans and executes deadly attacks against Iraqis and those trying to protect them, we will seek them out and disrupt their activities,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11830&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

I have a link (http://www.state.gov) that use to take me to the state department website which I found on Invest in Iraq web portal. It was a presidential order or something to that affect, stating that it was encouraged for people to buy Iraqi dinars. I have just recently tried to access that link. It does take me to the state department web site, but I can't find the order or article that use to be there. I do get a message from the web site that "This page has been moved" but I can't find it anywhere's else on the site as if it has be "removed" instead of just "moved". Can anyone shed some light on this or I would like to hear some of your thoughts.

Paul
Waiting on the RV!

-- May 10, 2007 10:30 AM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

Been some good posts lately, Hi to all,thought this was a interesting read about iraqi's oil..

April 10, 2007

The line of ships at the Al Basra Oil Terminal (ABOT) stretches south to the horizon, patiently waiting in the searing heat of the Northern Arabian Gulf as four giant supertankers load up. Close by, two more tankers fill up at the smaller Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT). Guarding both terminals are dozens of heavily-armed U.S. Navy troops and Iraqi Marines who live on the platforms.

These two offshore terminals, a maze of pipes and precarious metal walkways, deliver some 1.6 million barrels of crude oil, at least 85 percent of Iraq's output, to buyers from all over the world. If the southern oil fields are the heart of Iraq's economy, its main arteries are three 40-plus inch pipelines that stretch some 52 miles from Iraq's wells to the ports.

Heavily armed soldiers spend their days at the oil terminals scanning the horizon looking for suicide bombers and stray fishing dhows (boats). Meanwhile, right under their noses, smugglers are suspected to be diverting an estimated billions of dollars worth of crude onto tankers because the oil metering system that is supposed monitor how much crude flows into and out of ABOT and KAAOT - has not worked since the March 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Officials blame the four-year delay in repairing the relatively simple system on "security problems." Others point to the failed efforts of the two U.S. companies hired to repair the southern oil fields, fix the two terminals, and the meters: Halliburton of Houston, Texas, and Parsons of Pasadena, California.

The Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) is scheduled to publish a report this spring that is expected criticize the companies' failure to complete the work.

Smuggled Three Ways

Oil smuggling is believed to be occurring in three different ways in Iraq:

1. Iraqi crude. At ABOT, officials at Iraq's state-owned South Oil Company (SOC) that extracts the crude, and at the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) that pipes the crude to the terminals, would have to know about smuggling, even if they were not benefiting from the scheme.

Buyers from Brazil to India, from Thailand to the United States, purchase crude from Iraq at ABOT. The tanker operators would also have to be part of smuggling schemes. They would sign receipts for a lower quantity than they actually receive, and pay the extra directly to the smugglers. The most likely collaborators are either Iraqi or U.S. officials who supervise the production and delivery. Or both.

2. Imported fuel. Iraq spends a small fortune to buy fuel from neighboring countries including Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Much of this fuel goes to local drivers at a subsidized rate, and constitutes possibly the single most expensive item in the national budget after government salaries. In 2005 Iraq spent $4.2 billion of its $24.2 billion gross domestic product (GDP) on imported oil; the bill for 2006 is expected to exceed $5 billion. Smugglers siphon off a significant amount of the government subsidized fuel to sell back overseas at full price: The Ministry of Oil estimates the value at $800 million.

3. Theft of locally-produced gasoline. Iraqi gasoline is stolen from refineries or illegal taps on pipelines and resold within the country or smuggled abroad. Another $800 million worth of black market fuels is sold within Iraq, in places from Penjwin in the far north, to Abu al-Khasib in the south. (see next box)

The U.S. military believes that the money from these operations funds insurgent operations, although evidence suggests that some also goes to straightforward petty corruption.

In mid-March 2007, the U.S. military launched "Operation Honest Hands" which brought the Beiji refinery under control of the 82nd Airborne Division. The U.S. government paid to install video cameras, digital weighing machines for the trucks, and "sophisticated data-sifting methods" to identify senior Iraqi officials with ties to black-market oil rings, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Two senior officials have been arrested so far: Ibrahim Muslit, who ran the Beiji refinery's oil-distribution operation and allegedly allowed 33 tankers in a single day to receive fuel without any paperwork. Ahmed Ibrahim Hamad, a senior transportation official at the refinery who allegedly tried to help smuggle out seven tankers of heavy fuel oil.

Soldiers are also checking up on trucks and gasoline stations in the neighborhood around the refinery to try and catch smugglers in the act.

Rumors are rife among suspicious Iraqis about the failure to measure the oil flow. "Iraq is the victim of the biggest robbery of its oil production in modern history," blazed a March 2006 headline in Azzaman, Iraq's most widely read newspaper. A May 2006 study of oil production and export figures by Platt's Oilgram News, an industry magazine, showed that up to $3 billion a year is unaccounted for.

"Iraqi oil is regularly smuggled out of the country in many different ways," an oil merchant in Amman told the Nation (U.S.) magazine last month. "Emir al-Hakim [the head of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq] is spending all his time in Basra selling oil as if it were his own. People there call him Uday al-Hakim, meaning he is behaving the same way Uday Saddam Hussein was acting. Other merchants like myself have to work through him with the big deals or smuggle small quantities on our own. The petroleum is now divided among political parties in power."

The Resource Curse

The smuggling and black market operations bear striking parallels to Saddam Hussein's tactics for circumventing the UN embargo. Saddam was accused of selling some $5.7 billion worth of petroleum products on the black market over the six years of the Oil-for-Food program while United Nations inspectors turned a blind eye. Today, his successors stand accused of similar abuses.

Iraq sits on 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the third largest in the world (behind Saudi Arabia and Canada). From a society that once used its oil revenue to create a social welfare state that provided education, health care and social services, the country has plummeted into the ranks of the poorest countries of the world.

Economists call this the "resource curse." Those blessed with non-renewable resources often benefit the least, because a few wealthy people control the resources, or war prevents almost anyone from the benefiting.

Iraq's main revenue source – earnings from the export sales of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas – is currently managed by the Development Fund for Iraq. DFI's May 21, 2003 document, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483, assigns this money to benefit the Iraqi people. The resolution replaces the previous United Nations-run Oil-for-Food scheme that lasted from 1997 until the March 2003 invasion.

Almost four years after the DFI was created, officially logged crude sales have generated more than $80 billion. The U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) managed the DFI from the immediate aftermath of Saddam's removal until June 28, 2004, when the CPA was disbanded. During those 14 months, the CPA spent $19.6 billion of Iraq's DFI funds. The three succeeding governments have been officially in charge of the DFI revenues, although the influence of the U.S. military and political advisors has remained significant throughout. In the 32 months after the CPA left, the three governments spent $47 billion more.

Three Kinds of Gasoline

A ten-foot-high hill of empty jerry cans is all that remains of a recent unauthorized gasoline delivery. The green plastic containers sit by the side of a road leading out of the town of Penjwin, high up in the Kurdish mountains, a stone's throw from the border of Iran. A little further down the road that winds through some of the most heavily mined countryside in Iraq, boys and men openly hawk smuggled gasoline.

A smiling boy runs up to drivers who slow and stop. He quickly produces a funnel and up-ends full jerry cans into their gas tanks. This is Iraqi's unofficial version of a gas station or petrol pump.

Authorities are well aware of the smuggling, but there is nothing they can do. "They bring it over the border from Iran," says a police officer pointing east to the mountain pass just a couple of miles away. He continues to direct traffic nearby and asks not to be named,

The official price of gasoline in Iraq today is about 300 dinar a liter for regular and 350 dinar for diesel (about $1 a gallon). Official gasoline supplies are in short supply and heavily rationed. Drivers often queue for more than a day for a meager allotment. This situation is in stark contrast to Saddam Hussein's Iraq where new cars were rationed to wealthy or well- connected individuals, and subsidized gasoline sold for five cents a gallon.

Today at many busy street corners in Iraq, black market fuel is readily available. In northern Iraq, for example, three kinds of gasoline are available to buyers: a plastic 20 liter jerry can of the cheapest transparent Iraqi gasoline retails for 12,000 dinar. It comes from the northern Iraqi refinery of Beiji. Better quality yellowish Iraqi gasoline retails for 15,000 dinar and comes from the Baghdad refinery of Daura. The best stuff, pale red Iranian gasoline, has been trucked over the mountain and sells for 17,000 dinar for a smaller 16 liter jerry can.
This is two to three times the official price, and five times more expensive than in Kuwait or Saudi Arabia.

Paradoxically, while Iraqis have to buy smuggled gasoline from Iran, some of their own reserves are being trafficked in the opposite direction, from Iraq to Iran.

Some 600 miles to the south of Penjwin, in the riverside town of Abu al-Khasib, near Basra, a small flotilla of fishing boats sets sail every morning. The boats, filled with fuel supplied by the Iraqi government at the specially subsidized price of just 10,000 dinar a ton (about $7.50), return every night, empty of fish, but stocked with cash. The source of their wealth is Iranian vessels that deliver freight to the harbor of Abu Floos, where prices are almost 100 times higher.

Ironically, Colonel Najim Abdulla, the commander of coast guard patrols in Basra, told a reporter that his force is denied enough fuel to pursue the scofflaws. "I can't chase smugglers who are well aware of our shortages," he said.

Halliburton & Parsons

U.S. contractors have played a key role in the repair and upgrading of Iraq's oil infrastructure and expected the industry to pay for reconstruction. In January 2004, under project Restore Iraqi Oil II (RIO II), the Bush administration contracted with Halliburton to fix southern Iraq's oil fields and with Parsons to handle the northern fields. The two companies were supposed to be supervised by yet another contractor, New Jersey-based Foster Wheeler. (The first RIO contract was the infamous, secret no-bid contract issued to Halliburton before the invasion of Iraq. Although RIO II was competitively bid, Sheryl Tappan, a former Bechtel employee wrote a book criticizing the award as unfair.)

Halliburton and Parsons have long histories in Iraq, going back more than 40 years. Brown & Root, which is now part of Halliburton , began work in Iraq in 1961, while Parsons dipped into Iraq's oil sector in the 1950s. Foster Wheeler dates its work in Iraq to the 1930s.

These companies have a lot of experience at the terminals where the black market now thrives. Indeed, Halliburton built the ABOT terminal, then known as Mina al-Bakr, in the early1970s. After it was damaged during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, Halliburton repaired the terminal, before it was bombed yet again during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

The Khor al-Amaya oil terminal also saw a similar cycle of destruction and rebuilding. Built with Halliburton 's help in 1973, it was heavily damaged by Iranian commandos during the Iran-Iraq war, then again during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and most recently in May 2006 by a major fire that destroyed 70 percent of its facilities. During the sanctions, Ingersoll Dresser Pump Company, a Halliburton subsidiary, had a secret contract to sell Iraq spare parts, compressors, and firefighting equipment for the refurbishment.

( Halliburton also a long history near the Turkish port of Ceyhan, from where Iraq sells oil produced at Kirkuk in northern Iraq. Halliburton runs the nearby U.S. military base at Incirlik, which was the staging ground for Operation Northern Watch that provided air protection for the Kurds during the 1990s.)

Measuring the Oil

With billions of dollars to spend and extensive experience with oil infrastructure and Iraqi ports, Haliburton and Parsons seem unable to deal with the routine problem of broken meters at the Southern Iraq terminals.

The kinds of meters they were supposed to repair or replace at ABOT are commonly found at hundreds of similar sites around the world. Because they are custom-built, shipped, then assembled and calibrated on site, the process can take up to a year. But the probelm has persisted for four years.

After the 2003 invasion, the meters appear to have been turned off and there have since been no reliable estimates of how much crude has been shipped from the southern oil fields. (The northern oil fields in Kirkuk, which supply the Beiji refinery in Iraq and export crude to the Turkish port of Adana, has reliable metering but little oil to measure since insurgent attacks largely shut down the facility.)

Oil Meters

Three kinds of meters are used around the world today: positive displacement meters, turbine meters and ultrasonic meters. A displacement meter measures the rate at which compartments of known volume are filled with the liquid or gas; a turbine meter is simply a pipe with a spinner that measures the volume that passes through it; while an ultrasonic meter uses sound frequencies to measure flow rates. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Before the 1991 Gulf War, ten turbine meters were installed on ABOT's platform A, while ABOT's platform B got 16 positive displacement meters. In January 2007, the U.S. government installed ultrasonic meters to verify the older meters.
In the late 1990s, the United Nations hired Saybolt International, a Dutch company, to make sure that Saddam Hussein was only selling crude under the Oil-for-Food program. However CorpWatch interviews indicate that the inspectors could not rely on the meters at the time because they were not calibrated. Instead Saybolt relied on a simple and effective way of determining how much was being shipped: It measured the amount of crude loaded into the tankers.

Lieutenant Aaron Bergman, the U.S. Navy officer in charge of Mobile Security Squadron 7 at ABOT, says export authorities have "guesstimated" how much is being sold, with a back-of-the-envelope formula: Every centimeter a tanker lowers into the water equals 6,000 barrels of oil cargo.

"So you can imagine," he said earlier this month to Stars & Stripes, a newspaper serving the U.S. military, the numbers could be off, "A couple of inches could equal 180,000 barrels of fuel."

"I would say probably between 200,000 and 500,000 barrels a day is probably unaccounted for in Iraq," Mikel Morris, who worked for the Iraq Reconstruction Management Organization (IRMO) at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, told KTVT, a Texas television station.

Neither US officials nor contractors have provided good reasons why, four years into the US occupation, the meters have not been calibrated, repaired, or replaced. One excuse is that the job of calibration requires special devices to assess the current meters and security issues make importing these devises problematic. Yet that and other security-related explanations fall apart given that the oil terminals are under 24 hour high security guard, lie more than 50 miles off-shore, and are accessible only by helicopter or ship.

There are two possible explanations: that the project has been delayed by bureaucracy or that vested interests benefiting from the lack of oil metering (such as smugglers or corrupt officials) have prevented the project from moving forward.

Skyrocketing Costs

The RIO II project, which includes the meter repair work, has come under much criticism, although specific details are scarce.

For example, the Bush administration issued Halliburton the RIO II order in January 2004 and gave detailed task orders in June. But despite not starting work until November 2004, the company charged the government millions of dollars for engineers who sat idle. Halliburton 's $296 million bill included at least 55 percent overhead. (In an estimate due later this month, SIGIR may predicts even higher overhead costs.)

A Parsons joint venture (with Worley of Australia), was also issued a contract in January 2004, given detailed task orders in June, and started work in July 2004. It has also been accused of charging high overhead costs while idle, although not as much as Halliburton . SIGIR estimate pegs its overhead at 43 percent.

In addition, in a series of scathing internal reports uncovered by Congressman Henry Waxman, supervisors Foster Wheeler criticized Halliburton 's cost. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a "cure" notice on January 29, 2005, ordering Halliburton to do a better job or else. After Halliburton did improve its cost controls, the military turned over the southern oil work to Parsons in mid 2005.

When Parsons took over the contracts, two years after the invasion, it hired a Saudi Arabian sub-contractor, Alaa for Industry, to help repair or replace the meters.

The turbine meters were shipped to Kuwait for repairs but do not appear to have been fixed in a timely manner, although some have been fixed and re-installed earlier this year. Unofficial sources suggest that the Kuwaiti bureaucracy delayed the repair work: "The real reason for the hindrance to work at the ABOT is because Kuwait has a vested interest in minimizing Iraqi oil exports," an anonymous source who worked on the project told CorpWatch. His claim could not be verified.

In mid-September 2006, the Iraqi oil ministry abruptly announced that it would pull the plug on the oil metering project, making future monitoring even less certain.

Asim Jihad, the oil ministry spokesman, told Al Hayat: "The American company had failed in keeping its promise to finish installing these meters; also, refusing to reveal the exact cost, except for saying that it is executing it within the American grant to Iraq and the sum of that grant is unknown to us too. This relieves the ministry from its obligation to it. Besides, many international companies presented good offers to implement the project in a record time due to its importance."

The oil ministry then invited British Petroleum and Shell to plan a comprehensive national metering project that would cover not only the oil terminals, but also the productions wells and the even the refineries.

A SIGIR team traveled to ABOT in November 2006 to check on progress. Its unpublished report suggests that the work was less than half complete.

Suddenly, in December 2006, a high-level U.S. team traveled out to ABOT to inspect the meters. In a little-noticed announcement issued on a Saturday just before Christmas, John Sickman, the resident oil expert at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, said the meters had been fixed and were working fine.

"The measurement using the existing turbine meters and displacement meters at the offshore terminal at ABOT is transparent and the measurement devices are more than adequate," Sickman was quoted in the press release. "Furthermore, the crude oil vessels have measurement and quality samplers."

Indeed this is how the Dutch company Saybolt measured oil export under the United Nations Oil for Food program. The problem even today, according to experts consulted by CorpWatch, is that the meters have yet to be calibrated, so the data are basically useless.

Even if the meters are working properly, smuggling could still occur. "It's easy to steal crude if you knew what you were doing," Don Deaver, a petroleum metering expert who worked for Exxon for 33 years, told CorpWatch. "If you meaure too low or too high, someone will lose and some will one gain. It's why you need professionals who understand how the meters work to make sure that nothing is being lost or stolen."

U.S. government officials claim that little is being stolen. SGS (a British consultancy) "is providing independent third party loading certifications onsite for the customers. This, coupled with the recent installation of ultrasonic meter provides more than redundant measurement capability," said Sickman in December.

Days after the press release, in early January 2007, Parsons began work on the meters under a $57.8 million U.S. government-funded contract supervised by Major Dale Winger of the Joint Contracting Command in Basra. Almost as soon as work started, Winger was replaced by Lieutenant Commander Brian Schorn. When CorpWatch reached Schorn, he said he was not up to speed on what work had been done, and referred questions to his "front-office" in Baghdad at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Parsons Iraq Joint Venture spokesman Don Lassus also refused to comment to CorpWatch. The contract with the military does not permit the release of "any unclassified information," he said, without prior approval of the military.

Today no government officials have been able to establish conclusively whether oil is being smuggled or not. Even the future of the oil metering remains unclear. The latest report issued by SIGIR in January 2007 notes that repair and rehabilitation work at ABOT is scheduled to be finished by May 2007, but "it is unclear whether this project will be completed because of de-obligation requirements" that is to say that the funding could be cut.

This is the second in a series on the failure of reconstruction in Iraq. The first article, on healthcare in Iraq, may be read here: http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=14290 To contact the author, e-mail pratap@corpwatch.org

:: Article nr. 32030 sent on 11-apr-2007 06:33 ECT

www.uruknet.info?p=32030

:: The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Uruknet .

source: google news

-- May 10, 2007 1:41 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I must admit my own disappointment with the movement of Malaki's movement toward reconciliation. I think both the Vice President and Secretary Gates made a good decision in giving the PM of Iraq indication that the American committment is not unconditional.

It is ludicrous for the Iraqi Parliment to take a two month recess in the middle of chaos. What are they thinking?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 10, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Anyone hear much about the Vietnamese Dong.

-- May 10, 2007 10:13 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Anonymous:

Yes, I have considered investing in the Dong. Their economy is poised to boom within the next decade or so. Dell Computers I think is opening a factory in Vietnam. There are some positives to investing in the Dong.

In contrast, their government is a communist regime and it keeps a tight control on the advancement of the currency. In fact, their policy has been to keep the Dong devalued. It will be decades before the Dong could be viable self sustaining currency.

Whether to invest depends upon your long range goals. Keep us posted on your investment.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Solution to insurgency is 'Made in Iraq'
5/10/2007

By Damien McElroy in Irbil

Last Updated: 2:11am BST 10/05/2007

If the American charged with reviving Iraq's economy has his way, "Made in Iraq" will soon become a coveted label in Western fashion shops.

High-quality clothes and leather goods, all made in factories in some of the most dangerous areas of Iraq, will soon arrive in shops across the world, according to Paul Brinkley.

Mr Brinkley, the US deputy under-secretary of defence responsible for "business transformation" in Iraq, said: "We've brought international retailers who are interested in the products Iraq makes. Iraqi-made leather and clothing will appear in Western retail outlets very soon."

Next week he hopes to announce a substantial order from abroad for hand-made carpets produced by seven workshops in and around Baghdad.

Many of the women on the factory's payroll are some of Iraq's most vulnerable - widows or divorcees - who have no hope of finding alternative income.

Mr Brinkley's mission is to scour the country for state-owned companies to turn around. Speaking in the Kurdish city of Irbil, he said that his plans ranged from putting Iraqi goods, such as leather jackets, on Western shop shelves to restarting production in the moribund goliaths of Saddam Hussein's old heavy industry plants.

A task force of American business consultants, recruited by Mr Brinkley, is touring Iraq, visiting mothballed ceramic works, cement factories, engineering plants and shopping centres.

Some are in the most dangerous parts of the country.

By soaking up the unemployed in insurgent-dominated cities, America hopes to erode support for terrorism. Mr Brinkley believes that reviving the economy is as critical as the military campaign against insurgents.

But it took five armoured Humvees and a detachment of US troops to protect three of Mr Brinkley's consultants when they toured a dairy in Abu Ghraib, the town outside Baghdad that is home to the notorious prison.

Many of Iraq's factories were crippled by the administration of Paul Bremer, the post-invasion ruler installed by the Pentagon. He starved the state-owned firms of capital, believing that industries could quickly be privatised after Saddam's fall.

But Saddam ran nationalised industries as a social welfare programme. Instead of producing high-quality goods for sale, companies were subsidised by the regime to provide jobs for the masses. Virtually none of the over-manned and inefficient enterprises was commercially viable.

After Saddam fell and Mr Bremer ended the subsidies, some 300,000 workers lost their jobs. Many are thought to have joined the ranks of the insurgents.

Today, the Pentagon has dumped Mr Bremer's approach and accepts that state-owned firms will be pillars of Iraq's economy. But Mr Brinkley insists that they must become viable.

"The good thing is very few of these businesses completely disappeared," said Mr Brinkley. "The majority still exist at some level. We want to work with those that are left to stimulate potentially profitable parts of the business."

He hopes that renovated factories will trigger a "cascade effect", boosting the entire economy. "These idle plants are the engine of the Iraqi economy," he said.

Information appearing on telegraph.co.uk is the copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited and must not be reproduced in any medium without licence. For the full copyright statement see Copyright

Solution to insurgency is 'Made in Iraq' - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush Seeks Compromise on Iraq Benchmarks
5/10/2007

By William Branigin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, May 10, 2007; 3:08 PM

President Bush said today he accepts the idea of including benchmarks for progress in Iraq as part of an emergency war spending bill, but he rejected what he called a "piecemeal" funding approach now under consideration in the House and vowed to veto it if it reaches his desk.

In a news conference at the Pentagon after receiving a briefing from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Bush leveled sharp criticism at congressional Democrats, accusing them of seeking political gain from the war-funding bill, and he warned them not to "hamstring" U.S. commanders in the field or include "pork" projects in the supplemental appropriations bill. Yet he also expressed a desire to find "common ground" with Congress.

Bush said he would miss British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who announced today that he is stepping down in late June, clearing the way for his likely replacement by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown. He said he looks forward to working with Brown and with the newly elected president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, both of whom he described as "engaging" political leaders.

After Bush last week carried out his threat to veto a $124 billion war-funding bill that contained a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, the House failed to override the veto and began working on a new formula that provides interim funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for two months.

The proposal by House Democrats would give Bush half the money he has requested for the war effort, with a vote in July on whether to approve the rest based on the Iraqi government's progress in meeting political and economic benchmarks. A vote on the proposal is expected in the House tonight.

Bush today warned lawmakers not to send him such bill, urging them to provide full funding without timetables or restrictions.

"Time's running out, because the longer we wait the more strain we're going to put on the military," he said in the news conference at the Pentagon.

"My message to the members of Congress is, whatever your beliefs may be, let's make sure our troops get funded," he said. "And let's make sure politicians don't tell our commanders how to conduct operations. Let's don't hamstring our people in the field. That's my message."

He said that in September, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the joint chiefs plan to "make recommendations about troop levels based upon the conditions on the ground," taking into account the views of the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus.

That approach, Bush said, "stands in stark contrast to members of Congress who say, we're going to determine troop levels based upon politics or the latest opinion poll or how we can get our members elected."

He added, "The idea that the House of Representatives put forward is one that we will fund our troops by piecemeal." He said Gates feels strongly that this is "a bad idea" because it would delay certain procurements and military contracts.

"There's a lot of uncertainty in funding when it comes to two-month cycles," Bush said. "So we reject that idea. It won't work."

He also accused lawmakers of being "ready to fully fund unrelated domestic spending items and only one-half of the money requested for our troops."

"They got it wrong," he said. "They ought to provide 100 percent of the money for people who wear the uniform, and leave these special pork projects out of the bill. So I'll veto the bill if it's this haphazard, piecemeal funding."

However, Bush continued, "One message I have heard from people from both parties is that the idea of benchmarks makes sense. And I agree. It makes sense to have benchmarks as a part of our discussion on how to go forward. And so I've empowered Josh Bolten to find common ground on benchmarks. And he will continue to have dialogue with both Republicans and Democrats." He referred to Joshua B. Bolten, the White House chief of staff and one of his designated negotiators on a new war funding bill.

Bush did not specify what sort of benchmarks he would accept or how they would be tied to appropriations for the war in Iraq. Earlier in his remarks, he noted that Iraqi leaders had informed representatives at an international conference last week that they were determined to meet "a series of benchmarks they have set for political progress."

Bush said, "These benchmarks include adoption of a national oil law and preparations for provincial elections and progress on a new de-Baathification policy and a review of the Iraqi constitution."

His comments on benchmarks came after moderate House Republicans bluntly warned Bush this week that his Iraq war policy is risking the future of the Republican Party and that he cannot count on GOP support for many more months, The Washington Post reported today.

Bush said Vice President Cheney, who stopped in Iraq yesterday as part of a Middle East tour, conveyed the message to Iraqi political leaders "that they have got to speed up their clock." He said Iraqis "must understand that we are very serious when it comes to them passing a law that enables this country to more likely reconcile."

Bush also said that the level of sectarian violence in Baghdad, which he called an important indicator for the success of U.S. strategy, "has dropped substantially."

At the same time, however, "al-Qaeda is responding with their own surge," he said. "Al-Qaeda is ratcheting up its campaign of high-profile attacks, including deadly suicide bombings carried out by foreign terrorists."

He cautioned that U.S. forces currently are seeing "high levels of violence" because they are "entering areas where terrorists and militia once had sanctuary." As this occurs, he said, "our troops will face more fighting and increased risks in the weeks and months ahead." Asked if he were concerned that Blair's resignation would affect British policy on Iraq significantly, Bush said he was confident that his friend's likely successor, Brown, understands what would happen if the United States and its allies fail in Iraq.

Hailing Blair as "a long-term thinker" and "a man who's kept his word," Bush said, "I'm going to miss him. He's a remarkable person, and I consider him a good friend."

He said he has met Brown and "found him to be an open and engaging person" as well as "an easy-to-talk-to, good thinker."

Pressed what he thought Brown would do on Iraq, Bush said, "Look, you've got to believe he understands the consequences of failure."

He added, "The interesting thing about the Iraq debate, by the way, is I don't hear a lot of discussions about what happens if we fail. I hear a lot of discussions about, maybe we can make good political progress based upon this issue, or, let's just make sure that we constantly achieve -- make political hay based upon Iraq. I hear a lot of that."

"But there needs to be a serious discussion about what happens if we create a vacuum into which radical movements flow," he said. "I am deeply concerned about what would happen in the Middle East should America's credibility be diminished as a result of us not keeping our word, as a result of us abandoning millions of people who are anxious to live in a stable, secure, free society."

Bush said he also worries that "failure in Iraq" would embolden al-Qaeda and Iran.

Asked if he were "recruiting" Sarkozy, France's pro-American president-elect, to be part of the coalition in Iraq, Bush said, "First of all, presidents don't recruit. The people elect a leader with whom I will work."

He said he has met Sarkozy and "found him to be a very engaging, energetic, smart, capable person," adding, "We will have our differences and we will have our agreements, and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Bush Seeks Compromise on Iraq Benchmarks - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi government rejecting U.S.-funded projects
By Matt Kelley

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

WASHINGTON, 11 May 2007 (USA Today)
Print article Send to friend
The Iraqi government is refusing to accept most of the U.S.-funded reconstruction projects completed so far, a government investigator told Congress Thursday.

Iraqi officials had formally taken ownership of only 18% of finished projects when the inspector general's office reported on the issue in July. Joseph McDermott, the inspector general's top auditor, told a House Appropriations subcommittee that few projects have been accepted since then, although he didn't give specifics.

"One of the problems we're having is that the Iraqi government is not accepting the projects we're building for them," McDermott said.

Members of the House panel said they were stunned.

"You would think we would not pay for contracts unless we knew this was something the Iraqi government wanted and would maintain," said the panel's chairman, Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa.

McDermott said part of the problem is there are no formal agreements between the governments of Iraq and the United States on how to transfer control of completed projects. The July 2006 report on the issue from McDermott's office recommended that such agreements be drafted and signed.

Iraq's Finance Ministry is the lead agency for taking ownership of government facilities. Bayan Jabr, who took over as finance minister last year after a controversial term as interior minister, hasn't finalized any policy on receiving U.S.-funded infrastructure, McDermott said.

The July report found that Iraq had accepted only 579 of more than 3,200 completed projects by the middle of last year, with the rest being operated with U.S. or Iraqi funding. Projects include prisons, electrical generating stations, water treatment plants and hospitals paid for from nearly $21 billion in reconstruction funding Congress approved in 2003 and 2004.

McDermott testified his office had been told some completed projects are sitting idle but had not seen that firsthand.

The inspector general's office also found problems with maintaining and operating completed projects. Investigators found that Iraqi staff were using the wrong fuel in electricity generating stations and ignoring an oxygen delivery system in a new hospital, for example, McDermott said.

Several reports from the inspector general's office say the Iraqi government hasn't budgeted enough money to operate and maintain all of the new infrastructure. A lumbering bureaucracy, widespread corruption and inexperienced officials also threaten the successful operation of these projects, the office concluded in its latest quarterly report on April 30.

"The Iraqi government has not been willing, as far as we can tell, to maintain these projects," he said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq officials to push for U.S. support By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer
47 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Worried Congress' support for Iraq is deteriorating rapidly, Baghdad dispatched senior officials to Capitol Hill this week to warn members one-on-one that pulling out U.S. troops would have disastrous consequences.

ADVERTISEMENT

The lobbying push targeted Republicans and Democrats alike, but focused primarily on those considered influential on the war debate. On Thursday, hours before the House voted to limit funds for the war, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh met with more than 30 House Republicans and more than a half-dozen senators, including Sens. Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record), D-Nev., John Warner (news, bio, voting record), R-Va., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

"He understands that American patience is waning," said Sen. Norm Coleman (news, bio, voting record), after eating lunch with Saleh, Iraqi Ambassador Samir Shakir al-Sumaidaie and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (news, bio, voting record).

But the lobbying by the Iraqis isn't the only pressure-point being applied in Washington.

Clinton said Friday she considered it "promising" that several Republican House members went to the White House and told President Bush they believe the continuing war is adversely affecting the party.

She said the GOP lawmakers told Bush pointblank that "he has to change course in Iraq." But she also said she didn't think that Bush was ready to reverse course.

"I think we're going to go back and forth on this for a while longer," Clinton said in an interview Friday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program with Joe Scarborough.

"It is clear that whatever the mission used to be, it is either accomplished or over," she said. "If there are remaining American interests, then let's spell them out."

Baghdad's ability to sell members like Coleman, R-Minn., and Chambliss, R-Ga., on the war effort is critical if the Iraqi government wants U.S. troops to stay. Coleman in recent months has become deeply skeptical of the president's decision to send additional troops to Iraq and says patience on the war in general is limited.

Coleman, Chambliss and Sen. John Sununu (news, bio, voting record), R-N.H., who met separately with Saleh, will be up for re-election next year — facing voters who have grown tired of a war in its fifth year and that has killed more than 3,380 troops. While Republicans have been reluctant to intervene, many say President Bush has until September to tell if the troop buildup in Iraq is working before they demand another approach.

With the clock ticking, Saleh — a Kurdish politician highly regarded by U.S. officials and who speaks impeccable English — said he came to Capitol Hill to convey the "imperative of success" in Iraq.

"Iraq is a central battleground in this historic conflict" against terrorism, he said in a brief interview after meeting with Reid, the Senate majority leader.

His trip came on the heels of a visit by Mowaffak al-Rubaie, the national security adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, along with three other senior advisers, according to the Iraqi embassy. The New York Times first reported al-Rubaie's visit on Tuesday.

The timing of these meetings is no mistake. This month, Congress is expected to send Bush legislation that funds the war in Iraq but requires the Baghdad government meet certain political and security reforms. In question is what consequences the Iraqis should face if they fail. Democrats want U.S. troops to leave, Republicans say they don't want to force redeployments, but some say they would be open to withholding more than $5 billion in foreign aid.

The House voted 221-205 Thursday for a stronger measure that would fund the war only through July, giving Congress the option of cutting off money after that. The bill is unlikely to survive in the Senate, although it indicates the war's unpopularity among members and their frustration with the lack of progress in the Iraqi parliament.

The most recent irritant among U.S. lawmakers was a report that Iraqi officials would break for two months this summer.

"Our armed forces are up to 150,000 troops; we're over $600 billion appropriated for this, lost 3,300 lives, 25,000 wounded fellow citizens. ... And the Iraqi answer? We're taking a summer off. Goin' fishing," said Rep. Rahm Emanuel (news, bio, voting record), D-Ill.

Saleh said he expects the vacation to be shortened by at least a month, although nothing had been decided. He added that Iraqis value being independent and do "not take kindly of (U.S. officials) telling us when to recess."

Democrats seemed to consider these meetings with Iraqi officials as beneficial — if only to convey their frustration to Iraqi officials in person.

Reid's spokesman Jim Manley said the senator told Saleh that "U.S. patience, blood and treasure were not unlimited and that the Congress would be taking a more decisive role in the coming weeks and months."

"Salih understood the point, and said he would deliver the message to the Iraqi cabinet," Manley added.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070511/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq_163)
Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US House votes to handcuff Bush on war funds
Bush gets $43 billion in war funds, but must show progress before collecting another $53 billion.
By Stephen Collinson
WASHINGTON, 11 May 2007 (Middle East Online)

US lawmakers Thursday voted to fund Iraq combat in installments of just a few months, defying President George W. Bush's veto vow in the latest tussle of a political feud over control of the war.

The House of Representatives voted by 221 votes to 205 to release 43 billion dollars in emergency war funds, but told Bush he must show progress in Iraq in July, before collecting another 53 billion dollars in financing.

The legislation now moves to the more closely divided Senate, where the split financing component appears unlikely to survive, lining up an intense round of legislative bartering over the bill Bush will be asked to sign.

Bush did make an apparently conciliatory step by saying that Democratic demands that the Iraqi government meet certain political and security benchmarks made sense.

But he didn't endorse his rivals' call for robust penalties should the fragile Baghdad administration fall short.

House Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said: "one can only describe today's proceedings as grossly negligent."

Vice President Dick Cheney, who just visited Iraq, told Fox News however that the benchmarks wrangle was simply "Washington talk" and noted Iraqis surely felt more pressured to act by raging violence than threats from Congress.

September is emerging as a possible make-or-break point for US Iraq strategy, as General David Petraeus, American commander in the country, is expected to outline results of the surge.

Bush said he reminded his guests "we ought to give David Petraeus a chance ... why don't wait and see what happens? ... let's stop playing politics."

Democrats are striving to satisfy their restive anti-war support base and further their drive to bring troops home from Iraq, yet they also must find a funding bill that the president will sign.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17297

-- May 11, 2007 10:15 AM ∞

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Dale wrote:

Rob N.
That was me asking about the Dong. I see the Dinar in the same light. I am it for the long haul. Be it ten or twenty years. So the Dong will fit right in with my patient waiting game. I saw on some other blog a guy picked it up for like 75.00 per million. I have 5 million Dinar I am thinking of adding another five to that, as well as picking up 5 to ten million of the Dong. I realize this is off track from the dinar talk, but this sight seems to have some pretty level headed people that at least to me seem pretty smart. That's why I wanted to bounce the Dong around in here.
thanks, Dale

-- May 11, 2007 12:59 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Dale:

I have been considering a purchase of Vietnamese Dong for quite sometime. I have seen prices at $115.00 per million.

In my opinion, there are both positive and negative differences between the Dong and Dinar that are worth noting. Both the Dong and Dinar have a potential of being great economic partners to the U.S. Vietnam is poised to be the next Asian Tiger. Likewise, Iraq has natural resources which rivial any country in the region or world. Unfortunately, Vietnam is controlled by a communist government that has traditionally devlaued its own currency. We know Iraq would like to have its currency return to its former glory.

Iraq has the U.S. pumping in billions of dollars, where Vietnam does not enjoy that luxury. In my opinion, the Dinar will either revalue or released to forex decades before the Dong.

In the short term the Dinar looks like a better investment. I think there is money to be made in a long term(10 to 20 yers) investment in the Dong.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 2:20 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Rob,

It is incomprehensible to several of us how you can think it is acceptable to overtake and dominate this blog with a mantra of articles.

-- May 11, 2007 2:37 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob;

I appreciate your posts very much and just today I gleaned some highly interesting and pertinent information from one of them. Please keep on posting and don't let anyone discourage you from doing so.

Sara.

PS The one I found interesting was this one which said:

Several reports from the inspector general's office say the Iraqi government hasn't budgeted enough money to operate and maintain all of the new infrastructure. A lumbering bureaucracy, widespread corruption and inexperienced officials also threaten the successful operation of these projects, the office concluded in its latest quarterly report on April 30.

"The Iraqi government has not been willing, as far as we can tell, to maintain these projects," he said.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17295

WHY haven't they budgeted enough money to operate their infrastructure?
Is it because they EXPECT a RV to fund it?
Or are we to conclude they are all incompetent, as this article demands?

Again, thanks for the post! :)
I appreciate it, even if no one else does.
Please keep on posting just the same.

Sara.

-- May 11, 2007 3:17 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Anonymous:

Wow! You credit me with too much power. I am attempting to ascertain whether you are serious or baiting me.

It is apparent you are being melodramic in your observation that I have driven everyone away. I have seen posts today by Sara, Dale, and yourself. I have also seen a recent post by Turtle. These posts alone disapproves your assertion I have driven everyone away.

My intent on posting articles is to provide the readers of this blog with timely information about Iraq. My reasoning suggests readers find having timely articles related to their investment a valuable resource. I certainly find those articles helpful. A nicety about a blog is a readers ability to skip that portion a person wishes not to read.

I am curious, why do you choose to be known as Anonymous? Why are you wasting blog space criticizing me instead of starting your own topic of discussion? Do you have anything to contribute?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 3:26 PM ∞

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Paul wrote:

7(Voice of Iraq) - 11-05-2007

quantum leap to the Iraqi shares after the adoption of electronic trading on the Stock Exchange
- 11/05/07//BAGHDAD - Adel Mahdi life-11 / 05 / 07 / /

.Investors on the Stock Exchange is expected to deposit the Iraqi «Iraq market for securities» during the coming period a circulation count adopted since it was established nearly 15 years after the arrival of equipment, hardware and electronic systems, which contracted with the company around «or mother VX» Swedish specialized, that had already undertaken similar projects in more than thirty Arab and international bourse.

.The President of the Board of Trustees of the Stock Exchange student Tabatabai told «life» that the transition from manual trading system to electronic trading is a quantum leap in performance distinct «Iraq market for securities», where is expected to witness the next stage in order for investment activity as consistent with the desire and aspiration of more than a million citizens are active in the sector shares.

he added that the introduction of electronic circulation coincides with the decision «body securities» allowed by non-Iraqis circulation in the Iraqi Stock Exchange, starting the first of June next (June), according to the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006 which everyone looks to the activated form, which helps to overcome all obstacles that prevent expansion of the Arab and foreign investment in Iraq. ».Pointing out that the circulation of non-Iraqis in equities and bonds in the bourse Iraqi «is a step in the right direction that achieves a rise in stock prices, after a slump in the value significantly in the last year».

.He explained that the number of meetings circulation of two currently in the week, to ten morning and afternoon sessions, in addition to doubling the volume of circulation rocketed, will have a large return for the investment sector in Iraq. وتوقّع .Tabatabai and expect that the outcome of this qualitative leap of shares in the bourse, the Iraqi economic value different from previous phases, as in other countries.

.The AOCS «IBM» American computer under the supervision of the company «or mother VX» Swedish engineers and training for all staff and stockbrokers Iraqis in the Jordanian capital, Amman, on electronic trading and the central depository, in addition to the completion of the internal linkage with the offices of such intermediaries, room equipped with electronic circulation in the bourse. according to the latest global designs.
http://www.google.com/translate?u=ht...&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- May 11, 2007 3:42 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Anonymous:

Article by Paul. I have not driven him away.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Thank you for the encouragement. I am not going to let Anonymous keep me from posting relevant information.

I am not convinced the Iraqi leadership are bumbling nincompoops; but they are inexperienced. The idea of an revaluation is always appealing. I guess inexperience explains why parliment would vote for a two month recess in the middle of a war. Its doubtful the Vice President's visit will offset those plans.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 4:58 PM ∞

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Dale wrote:

Anonymous:
Maybe you should run off, try some other places where people gather to talk about this stuff. Only other places I have found are filled with bozos, yoyos, & bimbos. People getting all giddy about the smallest of thing, swearing the Rv is the next day. After reading thousands of post to find one small piece of what you might think relavent, you will see this place is not so bad, Rob N. & all. You will soon find your way back here.
Personally I find alot of Rob N's post informative & interesting if not relavent. I say cheers Rob n. Thanks for all the info.

Dale

-- May 11, 2007 5:53 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob N;

I have been trying to find the url to this transcript, without luck. It is excellent and says that they will not be taking the two month recess, among other things. It is an interview by a Mr. Cooper of Iraq's national security adviser, Mowaffak Al-Rubaie. The original poster of this article (A, on another site) states that Dr. Rubaie has been in Washington most of this week, attempting to have Democratic lawmakers back away from their calls for timetables and for withdrawals, without much success.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COOPER: Lawmakers here want Iraq to meet benchmarks, things like security, oil revenue sharing, political reform. Are there any benchmarks that you would accept?

MOWAFFAK AL-RUBAIE, IRAQI NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Well, we have accepted all the benchmarks not being imposed by the United States government. But we have imposed these. And we have chosen to -- these benchmarks on our government.

And I can tell you, the hydrocarbons law is going to be ratified soon, God willing. And, also, the budget is going to be executed well before its time. And there is a very, very serious discussion going on, on the de-Baathification and replacing with it with the accountability and justice law.

There are a lot of serious discussion going on for the constitutional reform and constitutional review. So, things are happening. And we need to walk this last mile of this long marathon. And we need the helping hand. We need the United States' support to be with us, because it's pivotal.

COOPER: But, Dr. Al-Rubaie, as you well know, there are a lot of people who are going to be listening to you who simply don't believe what you're saying. You say we're in the last mile. This time last year, you said that most U.S. troops could return home by the end of 2007.

You also said that the Iraqi security forces could take over more responsibility for the security in Baghdad, that the U.S. troops could go out outside of Baghdad, that U.S. -- that Iraqi troops knew Baghdad better.

Clearly, that didn't work in the past. Those statements turned out not to have been accurate. Why should Americans believe you now?

AL-RUBAIE: Well, I'm not asking anybody to believe or disbelieve.

But I'm telling the truth from the -- from reality on the ground. And this is -- a lot -- a number of people, a large number of people, they don't -- do not understand the nature of the fight, the nature of this war.

This is an ideological war. This is a -- a long-term war. This is a war on a global scale. This is a war, if it gets out of control, it will spill over to Europe and America in no time. And it will disturb the oil flow in the Gulf.

This is a war we cannot afford not to -- not -- but to fight it. And I think it -- it's wrong to pull out. And it's -- you need to give it its time. And this enemy is not a simple enemy. This is a very sophisticated, amorphous enemy. It changes its shape, its form, its tactics always. And it can hit and it can attack anywhere and everywhere.

COOPER: You're also saying that Iraq needs time, that this is a long-term thing. You have also told the lawmakers in Washington that Iraq needs help with creating an air force and even a Navy.

That -- many Americans who hear that just think, at a certain point, the clock runs out, that it has been many years so far, and there have been many promises and many -- you know, for years, we have been hearing that the Iraqi security forces were accelerating the improvements of the Iraqi security forces.

And, yet, we don't see changes on the ground. We don't see that improvement. Are you frustrated?

(CROSSTALK)

AL-RUBAIE: Well, the achievements, a lot, I can tell you, over the last four years.

And what happened in Iraq is not something minor and simple, like a coup d'etat or a revolution. What happened is a hurricane. What happened is a huge, major shift, from the old order of 1,000 years of persecution, of dictatorship, of religious supremacy, of prosecuting minorities, to a completely new order, which is called democracy, human rights, accountability, and transparency, and all this.

This paradigm shift needs some time. You cannot -- it needs strategic patience. And it needs time. You cannot fit this major shift and the strategic objectives in the election cycle of Washington. You cannot do that.

(CROSSTALK)

COOPER: How come is it that the insurgents, that the -- whether it's al Qaeda terrorists or whether it is sectarian groups who use violence to achieve their objectives, they don't seem to need more time to become more efficient. They don't seem to need more time to learn military training.

They seem to be doing pretty well with the enthusiasm that they have now. How come Iraqi troops, government troops, need so much time, when the insurgents seem to have whatever the training that they need?

AL-RUBAIE: I think we made a remarkable progress over the last three years.

In June 2004, we had only one battalion in the Iraqi army. Now we have 11 divisions. And, in June 2004, we did not have policemen. We did not have national police, local police, an intelligence service. We didn't have anything.

Now we have Iraqi security forces, several hundreds of thousands of them. And what we need, we need some refinements, some tuning. We need some training. And we need some equipment and logistical support. We need to build the system within the Iraqi security forces.

In a very short period of time, we're going to be self-reliant.

And we're building our self-reliance strategy. And I think it's not it's not going to be long before we reach to the self-reliance stage.

COOPER: You -- clearly, you believe this is an important time for your country. You believe that Iraqis need more time to show progress, that America must give Iraq more time.

How is it possible that the Iraqi parliament was considering taking a two-month vacation this summer? Does that send the right message to U.S. troops, who are dying on the streets of Baghdad?

(CROSSTALK)

AL-RUBAIE: This is the annual recess of the -- of 10 months' work. But, even that, the government managed to apply some pressure on the council of representative, and they're canceling July recess. And they probably will take August only. And we are even working on August to -- for them to take only one week in August.

COOPER: Just one more question.

Back in early 2006, in December -- or, actually, the end of 2006, in December, when you were calling for U.S. troops to pull back outside Baghdad, to have U.S. -- to have Iraqi troops take the lead inside Baghdad, you said that the concern was that Iraqi troops would become too dependent on American troops.

You said -- quote -- "We will develop what I call dependency syndrome on coalition forever and forever and ever."

That's precisely what Democrats are now saying is happening. And that's why they say a withdrawal, or a timetable, or strong benchmarks with teeth are essential, or else the Iraqi forces are just going to be dependent.

Why do you no longer -- are you no longer concerned about dependency?

AL-RUBAIE: No, I don't think we're concerned about dependency, for a very simple reason, because we have a very clear path to -- for progressive -- and assuming responsibility more and more, by the day, and taking...

(CROSSTALK)

COOPER: But what changed? What changed, because you were concerned about dependency last year? Why not now?

(CROSSTALK)

AL-RUBAIE: Take, for example, in Baghdad.

Last year, Baghdad was under the command of an American general called General Thurman. And now Baghdad is under the command-and- control of general -- an Iraqi general called General Abboud. And he is commanding and leading and controlling 2.5 Iraqi army division and 11 or 13 Iraqi police, national police, brigades.

So, now Baghdad is under the command and control of an Iraqi command.

And there's a huge shift. There's a sea shift from last -- last year to this year.

COOPER: But, I mean, to Americans, it seems like the sea shift is more U.S. troops in Baghdad now, in these joint units out in neighborhoods. If Iraq is -- if Iraqi troops are so much in command, why are there now more American troops in Baghdad?

AL-RUBAIE: Well, we need -- we need the upsurge -- we needed the upsurge, and we need the upsurge to clear some areas of these neighborhoods and to hold them and to build them. And that's why it will always be shortage of troops. But, when we have this upsurge, let's the best use of it. And let's clear these areas and hold it and build it.

COOPER: Dr. Al-Rubaie, appreciate your perspective. Thank you, sir.

AL-RUBAIE: Thank you very much, Anderson.

-- May 11, 2007 6:04 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Some time back, someone posted a request for the Presidential Order sanctioning investment in the New Iraqi Dinar.

Presidential Order 13303: Allows US Citizens to invest in the New Iraq . Under this Order and the Coalition Provisional Government Order 39, a US citizen has the same rights to investments as an Iraqi citizen

IRAQ (PRWEB) March 2, 2004 -- Investment in the new Iraq is guaranteed under the Presidential Order 13303 removing sanctions on investment in Iraq . The new order allows for a restructuring of the banking system in Iraq . US citizens are allowed to invest in Currency, Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate and Business in Iraq .

Iraq has a new currency to replace Iraq ’s two currencies, one of which was easily counterfeited and mostly circulated in a single denomination. Banks issue only the new currency and government employees paid in cash will receive their salaries in the new currency. Until January 15, 2004 the old and new currencies will circulate freely at a fixed exchange rate. Exchange between the old and new currencies is conducted at now charge at multiple exchange points around the country.

The other financial market structures are strong:

95 percent of all pre-war bank customers have service and first-time customers are opening accounts daily. Iraqi banks are making loans to finance businesses. The central bank is fully independent. Iraq has one of the world’s most growth-oriented investment and banking laws.

The new Iraqi dinar which is printed bu De La Rue company in the US and Great Britian, is valued at just 2 tenths of one cent today. The US treasury has a strong dinar policy and is working with the CPA (Coalition Provisional Authority) to reinstate a strong decentralized banking system in Iraq . By December 2004 there will be six Western Banks in Iraq and six Iraqi Banks outside Iraq in operation. In March Three banks were given licence to operate in Iraq, National Bank of Kuwait, HSBC Bank and Charter bank of England .
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 11, 2007 6:05 PM ∞

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Nelly B wrote:

Rob N:

Your postings are valued and appreciated. you obviously take a lot of time and effort to share relevant and interesting news and comments.

I for one do not think it is for the sake of taking over the blog. For the record, I see you as one of the most level-headed and realistic people here, in relation to your views and break-downs of articles relating to the Dinar and Iraq.

Thanks back at you.

Nelly B.

-- May 11, 2007 6:10 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob N, you forgot Carl's post where he just said that he appreciated turtle's post. I think he may be busy lately, many are. As I read this today I was thinking of Carl and how this may fit into his unique perspective about Iran and so, since I thought this interesting to him, and hopefully to you and the rest of the board, I thought I would post it.

Note the last paragraph which ends: "Iraq will achieve political equilibrium. Civil wars do end. The losers lose and have to knuckle under. As my Congressional source says, "every civil war is a political struggle. The center of this struggle is for control of the Shiite community. Wherever the Shiites go, is where Iraq will go. So, the quicker we back the winning side, the quicker the war ends..."

Sara.

Plan B For Iraq: Winning Dirty
May 11, 2007 By Mort Kondracke

Without prejudging whether President Bush's "surge" policy will work, the administration and its critics ought to be seriously thinking about a Plan B, the "80 percent solution" - also known as "winning dirty." Right now, the administration is committed to building a unified, reconciled, multisectarian Iraq - "winning clean." Most Democrats say that's what they want, too. But it may not be possible.

The 80 percent alternative involves accepting rule by Shiites and Kurds, allowing them to violently suppress Sunni resistance and making sure that Shiites friendly to the United States emerge victorious.

No one has publicly advocated this Plan B, and I know of only one Member of Congress who backs it - and he wants to stay anonymous. But he argues persuasively that it's the best alternative available if Bush's surge fails. Winning will be dirty because it will allow the Shiite-dominated Iraqi military and some Shiite militias to decimate the Sunni insurgency. There likely will be ethnic cleansing, atrocities against civilians and massive refugee flows.

On the other hand, as Bush's critics point out, bloody civil war is the reality in Iraq right now. U.S. troops are standing in the middle of it and so far cannot stop either Shiites from killing Sunnis or Sunnis from killing Shiites.

Winning dirty would involve taking sides in the civil war - backing the Shiite-dominated elected government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and ensuring that he and his allies prevail over both the Sunni insurgency and his Shiite adversary Muqtada al-Sadr, who's now Iran's candidate to rule Iraq.

Shiites make up 60 percent of the Iraqi population, so Shiite domination of the government is inevitable and a democratic outcome. The United States also has good relations with Iraq's Kurdish minority, 20 percent of the population, and would want to cement it by semipermanently stationing U.S. troops in Northern Iraq to ward off the possibility of a Turkish invasion.

Ever since the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Sunnis - representing 20 percent of the population - have been the core of armed resistance to the U.S. and the Iraqi government. The insurgency consists mainly of ex-Saddam supporters and Sunni nationalists, both eager to return to power, and of jihadists anxious to sow chaos, humiliate the United States and create a safe zone for al-Qaida operations throughout the Middle East.

Bush wants to establish Iraq as a model representative democracy for the Middle East, but that's proved impossible so far - partly because of the Sunni insurgencies, partly because of Shiites' reluctance to compromise with their former oppressors and partly because al-Qaida succeeded in triggering a civil war.

Bush's troop surge - along with Gen. David Petraeus' shift of military strategy - is designed to suppress the civil war long enough for Iraqi military forces to be able to maintain even handed order on their own and for Sunni, Kurdish and Shiite politicians to agree to share power and resources. The new strategy deserves a chance, but so far civilian casualties are not down, progress on political reconciliation is glacial, and U.S. casualties have increased significantly.

As a result, political patience in the United States is running down. If Petraeus cannot show dramatic progress by September, Republicans worried about re-election are likely to demand a U.S. withdrawal, joining Democrats who have demanded it for years.

Prudence calls for preparation of a Plan B. The withdrawal policy advocated by most Democrats virtually guarantees catastrophic ethnic cleansing - but without any guarantee that a government friendly to the United States would emerge. Almost certainly, Shiites will dominate Iraq because they outnumber Sunnis three to one. But the United States would get no credit for helping the Shiites win. In fact, America's credibility would suffer because it abandoned its mission. And, there is no guarantee that al-Sadr - currently residing in Iran and resting his militias - would not emerge as the victor in a power struggle with al-Maliki's Dawa Party and the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, led by Abdul Aziz al-Hakim.

Iran formerly backed the SCIRI and its Badr Brigades but recently switched allegiances - foolishly, my Congressional source contends - to al-Sadr, who's regarded by other Shiites as young, volatile and unreliable. Under a win dirty strategy, the United States would have to back al-Maliki and the Badr Brigades in their eventual showdown with al-Sadr. It also would have to help Jordan and Saudi Arabia care for a surge in Sunni refugees, possibly 1 million to 2 million joining an equal number who already have fled.

Sunnis will suffer under a winning dirty strategy, no question, but so far they've refused to accept that they're a minority. They will have to do so eventually, one way or another. And, eventually, Iraq will achieve political equilibrium. Civil wars do end. The losers lose and have to knuckle under. As my Congressional source says, "every civil war is a political struggle. The center of this struggle is for control of the Shiite community. Wherever the Shiites go, is where Iraq will go. So, the quicker we back the winning side, the quicker the war ends. ... Winning dirty isn't attractive, but it sure beats losing."

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/05/plan_b_for_iraq_winning_dirty.html

-- May 11, 2007 6:27 PM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

For the record.. I agree with dale, keep up the good work Rob.N. I appreciate your articles and probably, so do the vast majority of you who regularly read this blog...someone anonymous spouting there negative views is bound to happen, so many other sites thrive on it..To all you other people who read and contribute positively to this blog...thank you, its most appreciated.
Matt in the uk

-- May 12, 2007 3:57 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq's top Shi'ite party changes platform
12/05/2007
By Mariam Karouny

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's biggest Shi'ite party on Saturday pledged its allegiance to the country's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in a move that would distance it from Shi'ite Iran where it was formed.

The Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) said it had introduced significant policy changes and changed its name to the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC) -- dropping the word "Revolution".

Party officials told Reuters on Friday that the changes were aimed at giving the party more of an Iraqi flavour and to reflect the changing situation in the country since the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

They said the party had been close to Sistani for some time, but a two-day conference on Baghdad that ended on Friday had formalised relations with the influential cleric.

"We cherish the great role played by the religious establishment headed by Grand Ayatollah Sayed Ali al-Sistani ... in preserving the unity of Iraq and the blood of Iraqis and in helping them building a political system based on the constitution and law," said Rida Jawad al-Takki, a senior group member, who read out the party's decisions to reporters.

The party pledged to follow the guidance of the Shi'ite establishment, he said.

Sistani, a reclusive figure who lives in the Iraqi holy Shi'ite city of Najaf, is the spiritual leader of Iraq's majority Shi'ites. He rarely makes public statements but his utterances are closely monitored by his followers.

Officials said the party, which was formed in Iran in the 1980s to oppose Saddam, had previously taken its guidance from the religious establishment of Welayat al Faqih, led by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran.

Islamic experts say the authority of the Faqih, who "surpasses all others in knowledge" of Islamic law and justice, is not limited to his home country, but extends to all Shi'ites who pledge obedience and believe in the Faqih.

The Faqih has the final word on matters related to Islam from political, social and religious issues.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/latest/tm_headline=iraq-s-top-shi-ite-party-changes-platform&method=full&objectid=19092898&siteid=89520-name_page.html

-- May 12, 2007 1:46 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Hmmm... I thought this worth reproducing in its entirety for the board to comment on, if inclined.

Sara.

WP: Ft Dix Plot "Shatters" Terrorist Stereotypes
From those celbrantss of the gorgeous mosaic at the Washington Post:

PICTURE CAPTION - Rrahim Duka, 2nd right, relative of three brothers arrested over the Fort Dix plot gestures as he reacts to the arrest of his cousins on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, in the remote Macedonian village of Debar. Six men described by federal prosecutors as ‘Islamic militants’ have been arrested on charges they plotted to attack the Fort Dix Army base and ‘kill as many soldiers as possible,’ federal authorities said Tuesday.

The Terrorists Next Door?
- Plot Suspects Lived Quietly in Suburb
By Anthony Faiola and Dale Russakoff
Thursday, May 10, 2007

CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 9 — From the front porch of her two-story home on Mimosa Drive, Susan DeFrancesco looked out on the neighborhood she calls “a little United Nations.” Pointing from one house to the next, she said: “They’re Asian; that family’s from Poland. They’re from Canada. She’s from India. “

Living among those varied families for the past seven years were the Dukas, a three-generational clan of ethnic Albanians. Their Muslim religious garb, repeated minor run-ins with the law, and a brood of up to 20 children, grandchildren and other relatives made them unusual, but hardly unwelcome.

“You don’t want to single out a family because of where they’re from or what they believe,” DeFrancesco said.

On Tuesday morning, it suddenly looked different when three of the Duka brothers — young, bearded men in their 20s who had spent most of their lives in New Jersey — were among the six men indicted in an alleged terrorist plot to attack nearby Fort Dix with assault weapons.

For this bedroom community in the shadow of the Philadelphia skyline, they would become the accused jihadists next door — their arrest immediately shattering assumptions both here and beyond about who Islamic militants are.

Experts have warned that the next big terrorist threat will come from homegrown extremists, unaffiliated with al Qaeda but harboring resentments fostered by materials easily available from the Internet. In fact, the few who have shown themselves thus far prove that there is no stereotype.

Most of the men arrested Tuesday were European rather than Middle Eastern. They hail from one of the most pro-American and secular parts of the Muslim world — the ethnic Albanian regions of Macedonia, where gratitude for U.S. assistance in Kosovo during the 1990s still runs high.

They live in a garden-variety subdivision like those on the outskirts of cities from Washington, D.C., to Seattle — once-homogeneous communities now quickly becoming ethnically and racially mixed. Their children play soccer and video games with the neighbors’ kids; they hawked their roofing business at Friday prayers.

Had they not offered up an alleged jihadist video to be duplicated at a nearby Circuit City, they might never have been spotted…

As a reporter approached the Duka house on Wednesday evening, two young mothers across the street yelled out, “Don’t go over there and talk to them — you don’t know what they’ll do.”

Then Zurata Duka, the mother of the three arrested brothers, proclaimed their innocence, asking why neighbors now run from her.

“My sons got caught saying nothing — there is no proof, no words from them in that affidavit, only the other three,” she said. Wearing a headscarf and long robe, she threw her arms out, gesturing at her sons’ pickup truck. “Look, it’s their roofing truck. They’re hard workers. If they were really terrorists, would they take that tape to Circuit City?”

A teenager who declined to give his name but said he was their younger brother declared: “I’m with my brothers 24-7. They never talked like terrorists.” …

In their daily lives, according to dozens of interviews with neighbors, authorities and acquaintances, the six arrested men largely blended into the cultural patchwork of southern New Jersey, a region emblematic of the changing face of suburban America.

In the Cherry Hill School District, children now speak 62 native languages, compared with 53 in 1998. White children made up 92 percent of the school district in 1980 — compared with 76 percent today.

Within 10 miles of Cherry Hill, two mosques have sprung up over the past 15 years. One is the South Jersey Islamic Center in Palmyra, about 11 miles northwest of Cherry Hill, where the Duka brothers — whose brother-in-law, Mohamad Ibrahim Shmewer, was also arrested Tuesday — regularly worshiped on Friday evenings.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie said in an interview that it was inside the South Jersey Islamic Center that the Duka brothers met and recruited Serdar Tatar, 23, a Turkish-born legal U.S. resident raised in the south Jersey area…

The Dukas were living in America illegally, having entered two decades ago on now-expired visas. In almost every way, they were products of typical U.S. suburban life. Shain, 26, and Eljvir, 24, attended Cherry Hill West High School and often played soccer in their front yard.

They were also no strangers to the police. Tatar and the Dukas were habitual offenders, stopped dozens of times a year for speeding, illegal passing and driving without a license. Dritan Duka pleaded guilty in 2000 to possession of drug paraphernalia and Shain Duka to possession of marijuana — low-level charges that at the time did not trigger immigration background checks.

Only one brother had a driver’s license, and only briefly. But they drove anyway and were ticketed regularly by Cherry Hill police — including four citations in one five-week period for Dritan Duka. The three had their driving privileges suspended — meaning they could not even apply for a license — 54 times in less than a decade…

The six men are scheduled for a bail hearing on Friday. But for Cherry Hill, the question is whether the town will sustain the tolerance that is a hallmark of community pride…

===end of quote===

The subtitle for this article on the Washington Post’s feed is: "Six indictees in Fort Dix terror plot shatter assumptions about radical Islamic militants."

Sure it does.

And isn’t it funny how the article fails to make any mention of the fact that these people were brought here as refugees by the US government.

I guess that’s not relevant to the story at all.

And, as always, it’s a question of which paper do you read?

From those enablers of terrorism at Reuters:

Suspected NJ plotters called quiet, different
Wed May 9, 2007
By Jon Hurdle

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey (Reuters) - Whether they were anti-social and inconsiderate or just absorbed with their own lives, the Duka brothers and their extended family were certainly different, neighbors said on Wednesday.

The three Yugoslav-born, ethnic Albanians, who were charged along with three accomplices with plotting to kill soldiers at a New Jersey army base, largely kept to themselves in this modest suburban community some 20 miles east of Philadelphia…

The Duka brothers, who ran a roofing business, and one of the other plotters were ethnic Albanians motivated by the idea of holy war against the United States, rather than by any nationalist cause, said James Jatras, director of the American Council for Kosovo, a nonprofit group.

However, Jatras said, “there is a definite al Qaeda link” with the Kosovo Liberation Army with which at least one of the plotters was associated…

==end of quote==

It sure sounds like they fit all the “stereotypes” about terrorists to me.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert May 10th, 2007.

Comments:
1) kucharsk

Quote: A teenager who declined to give his name but said he was their younger brother declared: “I’m with my brothers 24-7. They never talked like terrorists.” … (end quote)

Isn’t that the whole point of being a sleeper cell?

Just as I doubt Mohammed Atta went around telling people he was going to make America pay and asking strangers “so how big a mess do you think it would make if someone flew a plane into the World Trade Center,” I doubt Tim McVeigh wandered around telling people the federal government would “pay soon” for Waco, either.

The press keeps (intentionally) missing the point that the only way we will ever find out about any of these people is either when they
either:

1) Succeed in their plan and cause untold destruction
2) Make a stupid mistake and get caught while still in the planning process

The same goes true for the Chos, Klebolds and Harrisses of the world, too, no matter how much psychologists would like to profess otherwise.

2) Gila Monster

Quote: Experts have warned that the next big terrorist threat will come from homegrown extremists, unaffiliated with al Qaeda but harboring resentments fostered by materials easily available from the Internet. In fact, the few who have shown themselves thus far prove that there is no stereotype. (end quote)

I’m no “expert” but I can give you a profile, they’re all Mooselimbs..!!!

Just where the hell was ICE in all this? Nearly twenty year old expired visas and apparently, no attempts were made to round up the three law breakers by ICE? ?? Another pointed reminder to our government to expedite sane immigration reform and a much needed overhaul of ICE and DHS.

Quote: William Kushina, a Cherry Hill Police Department spokesman, said the department could do nothing about serial unlicensed driving except continue to issue tickets and suspend privileges. “You can’t physically restrain a person from driving,” he said. (end quote)

One thing you can do is give them jail time. 52 incidents between the three and not one received any jail time? What kind of police force is this…Mayberry PD…is Barney Fife the chief..?? What a bunch of maroons..!!

3) Old Grouch

And what IS the threshold for an immigration background check ? Hijacking a plane and crashing into a tall building ? Paris Hilton goes to jail for driving on a suspended license, and while she doesn’t appear to have many connected neurons, far less of a threat.

4) AuntieAM

Three of them had been living here illegally for 23 years, according to a Fox News article. They had entered illegally (along with Latin Americans) via Brownsville Texas. Even Rush didn’t mention that. So not all of them were “brought here” by the government. Some of them slid in across our almost nonexistant southern borders. How many more? Meanwhile congress yaps about amnesty…

5) WB

It is obvious that we are not going to do ANYTHING to defend ourselves or our borders until we get hit again…and this next time it will be far worse than it was in 2001.

Of course, when that happens, it will once again be Bush’s fault–I’ve never known a liberal to take responsibility for his or her actions or decisions–not once. It’s always someone else’s fault.

The rest of the world needs to get it through their head–IMMIGRATION IS NOT A RIGHT, IT IS A PRIVILEDGE…plain and simple. If you are not here legally, you are ILLEGAL and do not have the rights of a US CITIZEN.

We need to drastically reduce immigration into this country until we can put together a worthwhile system that actually protects us. Of course we won’t…sometimes I wonder why I even keep working emergency response for terrorism preparedness. Our response and capabilities are almost all a joke–but I’m not the one laughing…….

6) oki

Quote: “If they were really terrorists, would they take that tape to Circuit City?””

Err, they would if they were stupid. Of course, given the evidence of their past actions they obviously were highly intelligent, productive members of society.

7) BelchSpeak

The story shattered my stereotypes completely. Now I no longer think just Arabic Muslims are terrorists. Its all of them. Thanks WaPo!

8) 1stTN

America keeps getting ‘wake up’ calls but we just keep watching this nation slide further into the abyss.

Here’s a big deal: an attack on Ft. Dix, Iraq style, right after Cho’s excellent adventure and noooooobody says ‘enough’. Meanwhile, my taxes pay for the ‘assimiliation’ of these poor refugees who just want jobs Americans won’t do. Yeah. Right.

9) DW

The Washington Post’s article reminds me of the Toronto Star’s “no common denominator” article on the 17 Muslims arrested for trying to blow up the CN Tower in Toronto and behead the Prime Minister.
Speaking of which…

Experts have warned that the next big terrorist threat will come from homegrown extremists…
“Homegrown” can be added to the list of words that offend Muslims. I recall that Muslims in Canada were (complaining) about that term being used -because it made their darling little jihadists sounds like plants or something.

10) Odie44

I have to agree with most of the posts here - I never thought only radical Arab Muslims were terrorists - I tend to cast that net over all radical Muslims and Islamasists, whether here, Malaysia, Somalia, Phillipines, etc.

I am sure CAIR is in full spin/trial lawyer mode right now.

And I think the fact they went to Circuit City not only shows how dumb these guys are - but more dangerously - how brazen they are, knowing American groups like CAIR “have their back” in trumpeting the bogus “we are all peaceful Muslims” in America.

Will the Reps seize this moment to finally get strong immigration reform, with teeth and will the Reps denounce the perception of the Dems - that terrorism is a boogeyman myth?

I know one has been on the offense - Rudy - and quite frankly whether or not he supports precedence in Roe v Wade should hopefully take a back seat. As he asked 3 days ago on Laura Ingrahms show - “will you ask me about terrorism the next time I come here” after 10 minutes of abortion and 2 minutes on immigration questions. (the link is up at HotAir - he explains his stance on the”sanctuary issue” for NYC…)

Rudy/Huckabee for Me!!!

11) DW

From the AP via CNEWS:

Fort Dix terror suspect had bomb recipes in car
By DAVID PORTER

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - One of the six Muslim men suspected of plotting to massacre U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix had bomb recipes in his car and referred to Osama bin Laden as “Uncle Benny,” a former co-worker said Thursday.

“He also, at times, would say things that you would think that, ‘This guy can’t be all there,’ but I dismissed them as jokes,” the former co-worker, Bob Watts, told ABC’s “Good Morning America.”…

Full article here:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2007/05/10/4169120-ap.html

12) RightWinger

The press was in full spin mode to show no connection to Al-Qaeda and that they were a bunch of angry idiots. Here’s how the main New Jersey, “The Star Ledger” started off today’s front page news.

”The plan, like a number of other recent terror plots described by authorities, was hatched at home by seeming amateurs. None of the suspects had any terrorism training. They prepared halfheartedly for an apparent half-baked mission by playing paintball in the Poconos, and had no connections with any actual radical group.

But the alleged plot to attack Fort Dix is increasingly the stuff of nightmares for those responsible for the nation’s security. They worry that potentially dangerous schemes dreamed up by unknown groups may fly under the radar of law enforcement.

The amateurish planning attributed to the six men from South Jersey and Philadelphia who were arrested Monday night does not comfort most experts.”

Yet the article did not stop there with these assertions. There were more. For example.

“”We’re not dealing with the degree of planning and level of capabilities that we see with al Qaeda,” she said. “They are inspired by al Qaeda, but it’s kind of Keystone Kops — involving groups that tend not to be terribly organized or really committed to the mission.”

Spin the whole thing as something that could be dangerous, but nothing really to worry about because these guys are all idiots. Same details left out. Some were here illegally, some had previous records of causing trouble, their ties to Kosovo, etc. They can’t mention that stuff because then they open up other issues that require more spinning.

Also, not that is surprising, but the press here is pursuing the Circuit City employee who ratted out the terrorists. They don’t give a damn that if his identity comes out he is potentially a marked man by the other angry militants in the community, not to mention the lawsuits that CAIR will probably be soon bringing.

13) sheehanjihad

These guys werent professional terrorists…..they had to kill a couple of hundred innocent people to gain that title. Keystone cops? Idiots? No. They are muslims bent on the destruction of westerners. Killing is what they adhere to. It doesnt take an amateur to plan an attack on a group of people.

But, I am glad that now we dont have to be constrained with profiling only arab muslims. Now, we can profile every muslim!! Seems to me that so far, muslim fanatics are the only folks who are bent on bombing things….oh, just for the lurker who keeps reminding us of OK City, and that kind of thing…..I will hasten to remind them that almost every last citizen of the United States of America openly condemned that act….and demanded justice for the criminals that pulled it off.

Unlike any muslims anywhere. Not a peep. Nothing. Scared, arent you? I would be too if I was trapped in a religion who makes belonging to the Cosa Nostra look like a picnic. You couldnt leave that organization standing up either. So, stay silent muslim population, all you “good” muslims…..stay silent, and bear the burden of your brethren, because until you speak out, point out, and make them get out…you are part of their jihad too. they count on you….you have yet to let them down.

14) Old Grouch

And if they are not ‘directly connected to al-Qaeda’ then they are not terrorists ? The ‘Rats' think that’s the only problem we face ? Capture bin Laden (with a full rights U.S. trial, of course) and everything will be hunky-dory ?

UBL is irrelevant at this point. He got the radicals charged up, trained a few more and now sits back and laughs. Not that we shouldn’t turn him into a grease spot on a cave wall if the opportunity presents, but the real threat can come from any of the mooslimes. With a few wannabe’s thrown in as well.

Freedom of religion does not give one the right to advocate the overthrow of the government, (nor to attempt it) just as freedom of speech does not give one the right to yell “Fire” in a crowded theater. The ACLU may scream bloody murder, but we need to monitor these ‘mosques’ to see just what they are yelling.

If the ACLU doesn’t like it, it’s probably a good idea.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/wp-ft-dix-plot-shatters-terrorist-stereotypes

-- May 12, 2007 3:03 PM ∞

---

John wrote:

Hello all,

Back in the summer of 2004 I was over in Bahrain (in the gulf) serving in the Navy. I got 2,025,000 dinars, came home and through them in a drawer. All notes wer the new issue note, all in 25,000 dinar bills. Been a long time sense I even looked to see if they went up. Looks like I have made 500 on my 980 dollars investment so far. Are the 25,000 notes still good? Just wondering. I plan on checking back in a day or so and throwing the bills back in the drawer for a few more years.

-- May 12, 2007 3:16 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

Sara:

Your article on "Plan B" was terrific. This is what I have been advocating all along. Come up with a plan, even if it includes daraconian measures, that will stop the insurgency in Iraq.

I see yolking the Shiites and the Kurds together and snuff out the Sunnis who seem to be the root of the problem. Instill an Iraqi First attitude in the people and be willing to kill anyone who is interfering with the process. I truly believe that the Sunnis have to go either by conversion, death, or desertion.

This current procedure has gone on for 4 years with little or no progress and it has to stop. The Republican Party is on a suicide mission and are going to have to take drastic measures to alter the course.

The American people are by and large sensible people and if they see a positive course of action, they will respond sensibly to it. This plan B may be the answer.

If we continue to plod along trying to be politically correct in what we do and trying to get Iraq on its feet using our benelovent methods, I do not believe that we will ever suceed but if we take the bull by the horns and use dirty methods to achieve our goals, then I think we can succeed.

I swore that I was going to ease into the background and try not be controvercial but this "Plan B" was exactly what I think we need, Shiites and Kurds take the reins and suppress any resistence and bring peace to Iraq and let those International Companies in and get the economy booming and enhance the value of our
Dinar.

I have had a few off-blog E-mails with Stephen. He is a great fella with a few years accrued to him from the UK who has a wealth of knowledge of Iraq. Treat him like a legitimate contributor as he is worthy of it.

-- May 12, 2007 11:34 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Neil, for your thoughts.
I don't think anyone was treating Stephen without respect and I have liked his contributions to the blog.

You recognise that the Winning Dirty strategy is from the left, not the GOP or right end of the spectrum of political views. In reading commentary from the left and right on it, I think that LEFT WINGER I quoted whose policy of "Winning Dirty" is being discussed a lot everywhere ... QUOTE: "Kondracke, the “left-leaning” counterpart to Weekly Standard editor Fred Barnes on Fox News’ The Beltway Boys, acknowledges that his “Winning Dirty” policy will lead to ethnic cleansing.. "
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/10/kondracke-winning-dirty-iraq/

Kondracke is certainly stirring up the political process and the possibility of the "Winning Dirty" strategy is bound to bring to bear some pressure on the Iraqis to get things done in a timely manner. I think many think like the Iraqi statesman (quoted recently, but I can't find the reference) where he said that the Iraqis need a little arm twisting.. and this helps with that aim. I think arm twisting or pressure to get the benchmarks met is high on the agenda for Congress... but, on the other hand, Dick Cheney said to Fox News after just finishing his visit to Iraq, that 'the benchmarks wrangle was simply "Washington talk",' and he noted Iraqis surely felt more pressured to act by raging violence than threats from Congress.
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17297

Congress certainly differs with Dick Cheney in that they think there must be MORE pressure than just the violence in Iraq. I think if the point the leftwing is trying to get across is that they have to create credible threats from Congress to accomplish the "benchmarks" that have been set.. either of these leftwing proposals (of "pull out" or "Winning Dirty") has to accomplish that same aim. I think the Iraqis will certainly feel under pressure to accomplish peaceful and meaningful benchmarks rather than have the US "pull out".. or move to a compromise position of allowing the troops to remain and not having the US "lose" as found in the "Win Dirty" scenerio... wouldn't you?

Two articles today may contribute toward this Plan B view.. one, that the Iraq parliament has now voted for a timetable of US withdrawl.. AND, two, that the Al-Qaeda is planning a militant Islamic state within Iraq once the US forces withdraw.. Plan B does avoid the US losing as well as preventing the terrorists from taking over the region. I do not know if it is the plan, perhaps there is a more peaceful one in the works which will not require so many civilian Sunni lives (ethnic cleansing).

The two articles I refer to are:

Majority of Iraq Lawmakers Seek Timetable for U.S. Exit
By KIRK SEMPLE
Published: May 12, 2007

BAGHDAD, May 11 — A majority of Iraq’s Parliament members have signed a petition for a timetable governing a withdrawal of American troops, several legislators said Friday.

The withdrawal would depend on the growth and maturity of the Iraqi security forces, to ensure that the departure would not create a security vacuum and accelerate the sectarian conflict, the petition’s sponsors said.

“The troop withdrawal would move in parallel with the buildup of Iraqi troops, but their stay should not be for a long time,” said Saleh al-Igili, a member of the parliamentary bloc allied with the anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr, which sponsored the petition.

Officials with Mr. Sadr’s bloc said 144 of Parliament’s 275 members — including Sunnis, Shiites and at least one Kurd — had signed. The document is being developed into a draft bill by Parliament’s legal and foreign relations committees, said Bahaa al-Araji, a member of the Sadr bloc and head of the legal committee.

The petition formalizes a widely held sentiment among many legislators — and among Iraqis in general — that American troops should withdraw as soon as possible, though not before Iraqi forces are prepared to assume control of the country’s security.

Even Mr. Sadr has cautioned against an immediate withdrawal, although he has been in the vanguard of Iraqi leaders demanding an American departure, and last month withdrew his six ministers from the cabinet in protest over Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki’s resistance to timetables.

The petition echoes elements of the debate in Washington over troop withdrawals from Iraq. Like the petitioners, many Democratic lawmakers have demanded a timetable for a withdrawal, over the opposition of President Bush and Mr. Maliki, though the president has accepted the idea of nonbinding benchmarks.

But in another respect the petition brings the majority of Iraqi legislators into agreement with the Bush administration: both argue that an American withdrawal should depend on the readiness of Iraqi troops.

Mr. Araji said the legislative committees drafting a bill had asked the interior and defense ministers for an estimated timeline for the development of effective Iraq security forces.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/12/world/middleeast/12iraq.html?ex=1179633600&en=44e77119cc48f66e&ei= 5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS

AND:

Al-Qaeda planning militant Islamic state within Iraq
Uzi Mahnaimi, Tel Aviv
May 13, 2007

A RADICAL plan by Al-Qaeda to take over the Sunni heartland of Iraq and turn it into a militant Islamic state once American troops have withdrawn is causing alarm among US intelligence officials.

A power struggle has emerged between the self-styled Islamic State of Iraq, an organisation with ambitions to become a state which has been set up by Al-Qaeda, and more moderate Sunni groups. They are battling for the long-term control of central and western areas which they believe could break away from Kurdish and Shi’ite-dominated provinces once the coalition forces depart.

According to an analysis compiled by US intelligence agencies, the Islamic State has ambitions to create a terrorist enclave in the Iraqi provinces of Baghdad, Anbar, Diyala, Salah al-Din, Nineveh and parts of Babil.

“Al-Qaeda are on the way to establish their first stronghold in the Middle East,” warned an American official. “If they succeed, it will be a catastrophe and an imminent danger to Saudi Arabia and Jordan.”

The US conviction that the Islamic State could seize power is based on its use of classic Al-Qaeda tactics and its adoption last October of a draft constitution. This was entitled Notifying Mankind of the Birth of the Islamic State and was posted on a website based in Britain. The group named 10 ministers under its emir, Abu Amer Al-Baghdadi. They included a war minister, Abu Hamza Al-Muhajer who is also known as Abu Ayub al-Masri and is Al-Qaeda’s commander in Iraq.

The Islamic State’s ruthlessness, combined with extreme religious fundamentalism, marks it out from other Sunni factions.

The Islamic State is spearheading the insurgency against US forces and troops loyal to Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister. In recent months it has been responsible for chlorine gas bombs and numerous suicide attacks on civilian targets.

It is also behind the deadliest roadside bombs that have racked up American casualties this year, although US military sources are now confident that in recent weeks they have gained the upper hand with raids aimed at both the Islamic State’s leadership and its bomb-making factories. “The mood is positive but not foolishly so,” said a Pentagon source last week. “The marines are confident they’ve pushed the bad guys out. There is an element of propaganda about the all-powerful Al-Qaeda.”

The Islamic State’s brutal targeting of fellow Sunnis has made it unpopular among some who see Al-Qaeda as foreign influenced and too ready to attack Iraqis as well as US forces.

According to American diplomats, one of the topics of the visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday by Dick Cheney, the US vice-president, was Al-Qaeda’s power in Iraq.

Five US soldiers were killed and three were missing after their unit was attacked in a Sunni insurgent stronghold south of Baghdad yesterday.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21721994-2703,00.html

Sara.

-- May 13, 2007 1:04 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(922)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 922 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/5/13 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1262 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1260 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 77.335.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 77.335.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- May 13, 2007 7:51 AM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

So at last we have reached the 1260 dinars to the dollar mark. If I remember correctly this is the level that the budget is set to. Can anyone remind me when the budget is due please?

Now I am not too clued up when it comes to economics, but wouldn't it be a sensible move for the Iraqis to RV soon after the budget.

Please someone correct me if I am talking bollocks and explain why, but the way I see it, it would be a logical thing for them to do.

Cheers.

-- May 13, 2007 4:22 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Silly me!!!
I forgot. Since when did they do anything logically?

-- May 13, 2007 4:32 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Plan B has one major failing. The only people over here that appear to have large scale common sense ar the Kurds. There aren't enough to put them in power and taking the Sunnis out of the equation takes any ounce of power they have away from them leaving the Shia in sole control. So... Plan A.5: Offer a handshake and kill everyone who chooses a rifle instead. Anyone who gets stuck in the middle, we just have to appologize later.

True story of one "success". A certain small base kept getting mortared. A certain US Army group had choppers sly over the area that the mortars were coming from and drop leaflets promising returned fire if it happened again. Within days they were mortared again from the same area. This time artillery answered in a very not nice way. The next day a badly beaten individual was dropped out of a car a short distance from the base with a note attached ot his body describing all of his offenses and asking them to not fire the artillery again. Mortars ceased.

Plan C: Win hearts and minds or appeal to their sense of self preservation while preserving the balance of power.

-- May 13, 2007 6:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I wanted to wish Carole and the other mothers on this blog a happy Mothers day. I hope today has been the best one yet.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 13, 2007 7:01 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

Turtle:

Plan "C" sounds great and I believe that everyone is in favor of it, but it is the plan that we have been following for 4 years.

If I thought the Republican Party could survive the business as usual approach, I would say let's continue to pursue it but the Party is about to go under, and the sooner Mr. Bush recognizes that, the better chance he has of avoiding the calamedy that will take place in November of 2008.

-- May 13, 2007 11:14 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Hello everyone,

I too am wishing all the mothers here a Happy Mother's Day.

I have been reading you're all's blogs and concur with Sara's defense of the war with Saddam. Syria has those WMD's as they were trucked and also taken by air plane to Syria before the war began. Read Sadaam's Secrets by General Georges Sada. This war, in my opinion was a necessary war. However, it was a war mishandled in the amount of troops needed for occupation to maintain security and also fiscally, america has not monitored tax payer money sufficiently to keep our dollars from corruption.

Corruption is not just an Iraqi problem, we have the same fiscal unaccountability when dealing with Hurricane Katrina. Many people committed fraud and the government did not account for these monies. Accountability is a government deficient when it comes to tax payer money.

Having acknowledged america's mistakes, america has to move on and secure this country's freedom from terrorism. This must happen as America has security interest in Iraq, i.e., a friend to help fight terrorism and Iraq is a source of oil for America.

In addition, some believe, america went to war with Iraq for oil and, I for one believe that President Bush did consider the oil wealth of this country and the potential benefits of buying oil for our vital interests in America.

I think the other item that may have motivated George Bush is Saddam's plan to kill his family and himself.

Of course, the formal declaration of why america went to war is Saddam's weapons of mass destruction. I believe this reason to be true too--given Saddam's history of covering up his wanting to develop an atomic bomb. All of the above reasons are reasonable explainations for why we went to war with Iraq.

America needs to now finish the job in Iraq and stablize this country. I also do not believe for one moment that America is going to leave the region--due to oil, a vital security interest.

Also, another security interest is the issue of Iran's atomic bomb development. The question is now, how will the world deal with Iran?.

To our troops, in Iraq, thank you for your service to our country.

Laura

-- May 14, 2007 1:52 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(923)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 923 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/5/14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1261 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 77.380.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 77.380.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- May 14, 2007 7:40 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's harsh realities and opportunities
By John Dizard

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

14 May 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
The American involvement in Iraq is just reaching the top of the roller coaster before starting on the downslope. The differences over timing are measured in months, and not many months at that.

So what is the likely future of Iraq? And, since this is the Financial Times, is there any money to be made or lost from that future?

There are a lot of people with opinions about Iraq, but few who actually know what is going on. One of those is Ali Allawi, whom I met in Baghdad when he was defence minister, and who subsequently was finance minister, and a key figure in the renegotiation of Iraq's sovereign debt. That remains one of the few well executed postwar operations in Iraq.

Presently, Mr Allawi lives most of the time in London, and is the chairman of a company that has partnered in the development of Progas, a Karachi-based liquefied petroleum gas importer and distributor. Dr. Allawi, 60, was educated at MIT and Harvard Business School, and spent his early career at the World Bank. His family is at the centre of the Iraqi elite, in particular of the Shia community. They had left Iraq after the rise of the Ba'ath party and Saddam.

He has just published a book, The Occupation of Iraq, which I recommend to anyone interested in an unvarnished account of the first phase of this war and what followed. He remains, formally, an adviser to Prime Minister Al-Maliki, but, as he says, "I am dormant as an adviser".

I asked Mr Allawi how the situation has developed since he finished the book.

"The symbolic significance of the so-called national unity government is that it keeps the hope alive that some basic agreement can be reached in key issues. What is holding it together is the presence of the US in force. Now this is a quixotic venture that has reached the end of its useful life.

"The current administrative structure is incapable of managing the state or reconstruction."

A key problem, is what Mr Allawi calls the "human resources gap". There just are not many people who know what they are doing. "The government doesn't recognise that they have [this gap]. There are all sorts of people descending on Baghdad from the Iraqi diaspora, not just carpetbaggers and ne'er do wells, but mainly looking for jobs. If you bring in people who pretend to manage and cover up mismanagement with oil money, then you get policies that beggar belief."

What comes next?

"We haven't yet reached the exhaustion point [with the war] in Iraq, but I don't think we are far from the bottom. The only way it can go further down is if there is overt support for the insurgency, as a state policy [of neighbouring countries]."

What follows an American pullback? "That will strengthen the central government's control over the army and security forces, but it will be a sectarian central government that will drive the Sunni into far greater hostility." But that fight will have its limits. "That kind of army will not be able to conquer Sunni territory, like Mosul. In time it will be seen on both sides that the state cannot control the Sunni parts, and it will be seen on the part of the insurgents and their backers that attempting to take back control of the state is futile."

Mr Allawi believes that outsiders could have a role in negotiating and securing an eventual peace. "If there is an Iraqi political settlement, it could take the form of a treaty that not only binds the local contenders, but the region, maybe one in which the distribution of oil revenues is insulated from a capricious central government."

For portfolio investors, Mr Allawi believes the rescheduled foreign debt is secure. "The commercial debt renegotiation was a good deal for Iraq," which any successor governments will want to keep in place. "The total amount of remaining debt to the Gulf states is not as much as originally believed. Net of interest, it is in the $20bn-$25bn range. If that is renegotiated on similar terms, stretched over many years, that is not a significant drain." The 2028 issue, currently trading in the 64-65 range, yields about 10 per cent, or 520 off the US Treasury curve. That's a little lower yield than Ecuador, but, I would agree with Mr Allawi, good value.

As for commercial interests, Mr Allawi says: "I think that if you are in a fast-moving consumer goods business, for example, Iraq has a lot of opportunities. There is a lot of cash there, and a lot of resources."

I can vouch for the cash-richness of the country, and for the size and skills of a diaspora that is just over the horizon. Disastrous as Iraq's situation seems now, we're probably within a year of its worst moment, and post-conflict recoveries can be remarkably quick.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 14, 2007 9:13 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iran: Will Talk with U.S. About Iraq

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

TEHRAN, Iran, 14 May 2007 (Associated Press)
Print article Send to friend
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Sunday that Tehran has agreed to a formal request from the U.S. to talk about security in Iraq during meetings in Baghdad, the country's official news agency reported.

The report said Iran had received the request through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which often acts as an intermediary for the U.S. in the country.

There was no immediate comment or confirmation of the request from Washington.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari had said last week that he expected such Iranian-U.S. talks to happen in Baghdad soon.

During a meeting on Iraq's future in Baghdad two months ago, mid-level U.S. and Iranian officials did meet briefly and discuss Iran. Mid-level officials also met briefly at last weekend's Iraq summit at an Egyptian resort.

"Iran has agreed to this (negotiation) after consultation with Iraqi officials, in order to lessen the pain of the Iraqi people, support the Iraqi government and establish security and peace in Iraq," the agency quoted Mohammad Ali Hosseini, spokesman of Iran's foreign ministry, as saying.

The report said the negotiations will be held in Baghdad.

"Time and level of negotiation team will be decided by the end of the week," Hosseini was quoted as saying.

Hosseini said last week that Iran was willing, under the right conditions, to improve its chilly relations with the U.S. despite having passed up the opportunity for high-level, direct talks at the second Iraq conference.

Both nations had sounded interested in meeting at the summit, but the only direct contact came in a casual chat between two lower-ranking officials.

U.S. officials said before the conference that any meeting with the Iranians would be limited to the subject of Iraq, where the U.S. accuses Iran of undermining the fragile government and exporting particularly lethal roadside bombs, a charge that Iran denies.

Washington also accuses Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons program, but Tehran insists that the program is only intended for peaceful purposes such as generating electricity.

On Friday, Vice President Dick Cheney, on an aircraft carrier about 150 miles from the Iranian coast, warned Iran that the U.S. and its allies would prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons and dominating the region.

In response to Cheney's comments, Hosseini on Sunday accused Washington of spreading fear in the Middle East.

"The U.S. is pursuing the creation of crisis, panic, fear and insecurity in the region, which we strongly oppose," he said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 14, 2007 9:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

'Reform Iraq's oil law to attract investments'
'Reform Iraq's oil law to attract investments'
Gulf Daily News - [12/05/2007]


Iraq's draft oil law has gaping holes that must be filled before multinationals will invest their capital or technology, one of its authors said yesterday.

Tariq Shafiq, together with two other oil experts, spent months last year drawing up the rules Baghdad hopes will lure major oil companies that have waited for years to tap the world's third-biggest oil reserves.

The law, which parliament could pass by the end of this month, has been threatened by Kurds in the north who say they are not getting their fair share.

"Technically, the law leaves much to be desired," said Shafiq, a founder of the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC) in 1964. He left Iraq a few years later and returned in 2003.

"Why would a respectable major oil company go to Iraq? If they get a contract, what would they use it for? They can't operate under the current circumstances and this is neither in the interest of the companies nor the country." The biggest problem is the federal versus the regional government of Kurdistan and, even after months of wrangling, the legislation before parliament can offer no protection to a company that has only secured a regional deal.

"There are many procedural things that can go wrong - and that will cost time, effort and money," said Shafiq, who directs oil consultancy Petrolog & Associates.

Backed by Washington, the law is vital to securing the billions of dollars needed to boost Iraq's oil output - now stuck at two million barrels a day - and rebuild its economy.

But some of Iraq's legislators still resent the British, US and French companies that controlled their oil industry for half a century through the Iraq Petroleum Company.

From the time it struck oil at the huge Kirkuk field in 1927 until nationalism forced it out in 1972, IPC - made up of BP, Exxon,Mobil, Shell, CFP (Total) and Partex - was in charge.

Shafiq said Baghdad should not let foreign companies regain the upper hand.

"We learned our lessons from the concession era before nationalisation in the 1970s. We lost a lot of money and market share," he said.

The draft law calls for a newly-created INOC to control the country's coveted, already-producing oilfields and creates a federal oil and gas council, which will be the ultimate policy-setter.

Shafiq said the oil and gas council, which would draw representation from across the regions, would lack the required managerial competence to run an industry battered by years of chronic mismanagement, wars and sanctions.

"The decision-making process has got to be corrected," he said. "You can't ensure capable management and decision-making from them."
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3758)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 14, 2007 9:20 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Iraq plans to revalue currency (07/07/06)

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

Iraq is considering redenominating the dinar, printing new banknotes to remove inflation-generated zeros from its currency, the finance minister said yesterday.
http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1297.htm



Senior government and central bank officials have said the proposal has been under consideration for some time to make one new dinar equal to 1,000 current dinars, a move that would bring the currency closer to parity with the US dollar.
Asked about such a suggestion in an interview on Arabiya television, Finance Minister Bayan Jabor said: "This is the ministry's suggestion to the central bank. We think in the long term it will be for the benefit of Iraq."

Jabor said surveys indicated popular support for the move.

The oil-rich nation's currency was once worth more than $3, he recalled, before the ruinous wars and international sanctions during the rule of Saddam Hussein.

There are currently about 1,450 dinars to the dollar, a rate that has been relatively stable since shortly after the US invasion in 2003. At that time new banknotes were issued by the US occupiers to remove Saddam's image.

Other nations that have been through rampant inflation have followed a similar course, notably Russia in the 1990s.

Until the 1980s, many prices in Iraq commonly also used the fils. One dinar equals 1,000 fils. The smallest denomination note today is 250 dinars.

Source: Gulf Daily News

I found this on another site, one of the bozos yoyos & bimbo sites I made reference to. thought it might be of some interest. If this is the case, my 5 mil NID turns into 5,000. With that, my dreams of fishing the rest of my days goes out the window.
Any thoughts???
Dale

-- May 14, 2007 10:20 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yes, Dale... I have a few.
How will Iraq manage to trade and do economic deals with the major oil companies with their currency worth so little?
How will their economy survive amidst the world currencies at that rate?

Sara.
PS You don't expect to find RV news published ahead of the event, do you?
Has it ever been so?
Why not?

-- May 14, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

8 killed in Haditha called insurgents
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
URL Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20070513-9999-7m13haditha.html Published: May 13, 2007
Author: Rick Rogers
Post Date: 2007-05-13
If true, it could help 3 accused Marines

Eight of the 24 people whom Marines are accused of killing in Haditha, Iraq, were described yesterday as insurgents by a defense attorney and a Marine liaison officer during a pretrial hearing.

Randy Stone Defense attorney Charles Gittins said the eight were identified by human and electronic intelligence. They were not mentioned by name.

The eight were among five men ordered from a car and shot to death and four men killed in a home cleared by Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, said Gittins, who is representing Capt. Randy Stone at a pretrial hearing at Camp Pendleton. Stone is charged with failing to investigate and properly report the killings.

Last week, Capt. Jeffrey Dinsmore, the intelligence officer for the battalion, testified that “it's fairly well established through the (unmanned aerial vehicle) coverage that there were insurgents in those homes,” referring to the homes where civilians were killed.

Gittins' comments outside court were supported by Maj. Dana Hyatt, a Marine liaison officer in Haditha, who testified yesterday under a grant of immunity that four men that Marines killed inside one of three houses that the Marines cleared were insurgents. If proved, the developments could complicate the prosecution of three Marines charged with murder in the November 2005 incident.

“Obviously this will make a difference,” said Tom Umberg, a former military defense counsel, prosecutor and judge. “It's a fact favorable to the defense. I think it adds a new dynamic to what the Marines did. It may affect whether their actions were reasonable.” ...

Comments:

1) This is a very positive development.

2) Last week, Capt. Jeffrey Dinsmore, the intelligence officer for the battalion, testified that “it's fairly well established through the (unmanned aerial vehicle) coverage that there were insurgents in those homes,” referring to the homes where civilians were killed.

Remember this, from Newsmax:

Newsmax Claims US Video Clears Marines In Haditha | Sweetness & Light http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/newsmax-claims-us-videos-clear-marines-in-haditha

3) I must say that Phil Brennan's reporting on Haditha has been superb and spot- on. Brennan is a former Marine and was able to develop sources "close to the investigation" very early on.

4) Just to add a little to this post...

From the San Diego Union- Tribune:

The eight [Iraqis identified as insurgents] were among five men ordered from a car and shot to death and four men killed in a home ….

From the North County Times:

Relatives of four men... got no payment because those men were believed to be insurgents, Marine Maj. Dana Hyatt testified Saturday.

LCpl. Justin Sharratt and SSgt. Frank Wuterich are charged with killing the four men mentioned above.

According to an Iraqi, Yousif Ayed, here’s what happened: “The Americans gathered my four brothers and took them inside my father’s bedroom, to a closet. They killed them in the closet.”

Incredibly, the NCIS agents and Marine prosecutors fell for this-- even though Ayed, like the other Haditha “witnesses” was not there when it happened. Additionally, the initial Corps investigation determined that Ayed was lying or mistaken. The closet wasn’t big enough to hold one person, let alone four.

The media, naturally, bought Ayed’s story as well. The Washington Post published a diagram of the incident based on his tall tale.

I’ve redrawn the Post’s diagram, and supplied new captions, to give a more accurate picture of what happened.

(See url below for picture)
RedRover posted on 2007-05-13

http://sweetness-light-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=63

-- May 14, 2007 10:59 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq Mission Wins Support in Japan
By HIROKO TABUCHI - AP
May 14, 2007

TOKYO -- A panel of Japanese lawmakers approved a two-year extension on Monday of the country's air force mission in Iraq, brushing off criticism...

Japan backed the U.S.-led Iraq invasion and provided troops for a non-combat, humanitarian mission in the southern city of Samawah beginning in 2004. Tokyo withdrew its ground troops in July 2006 and has since expanded its Kuwait-based operations to airlift U.N. and coalition personnel and supplies into Baghdad.

"The next several years are an extremely important period for nation building for Iraq," Abe told the panel. "We need to demonstrate that we are committed in the long-term."

In October, the panel also approved a one-year extension for its Indian Ocean naval mission supporting U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan.

Japan's constitution bans the use of military force as a means of settling international disputes, and special legislation is needed for Japanese soldiers to participate in peacekeeping and other missions abroad.

Abe and his supporters argue that Japan needs to take more responsibility in maintaining global peace and security.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-japan-iraq,0,7055354.story?coll=sns-ap-world-headlines

-- May 14, 2007 11:05 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

al-Qaida Says It Has Missing U.S. Troops
May 13, 2007
By THOMAS WAGNER

BAGHDAD (AP) - Thousands of U.S. soldiers searched Sunday for three Americans who were missing after their patrol came under attack in an explosion that killed four of their comrades and an Iraqi army translator. Two bombings - one in northern Iraq and another at a market in Baghdad - killed at least 62 Iraqis.

The Islamic State in Iraq, an al-Qaida front group, said it had captured several soldiers in the attack, but offered no proof to back up its claim, posted on an Islamic Web site.

The search for the missing Americans began after insurgents attacked a patrol of seven U.S. soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter before dawn Saturday near Mahmoudiya.

The U.S. military said Saturday that five people were dead and three were missing.

On Sunday, U.S. spokesman Maj. Gen. William Caldwell confirmed that the Iraqi interpreter was among the dead - and that all the missing were Americans. He said about 4,000 U.S. troops were involved in the search.

"Everybody is fully engaged, the commanders are intimately focused on this, every asset we have from national assets to tactical assets ... are being used ... to locate these three missing soldiers," Caldwell said.

With violence on the rise, Caldwell also announced that an additional 3,000 forces have been sent to Diyala province, scene of heavy fighting.

Last week, the top U.S. commander in the north, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, said the U.S. didn't have enough troops to restore order in Diyala but more had been promised.

"There is a recognition clearly that up in Diyala there has been an uptick in the violence," Caldwell said at a news conference in Baghdad.

http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20070513/D8P3HJ400.html

-- May 14, 2007 11:10 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

FBI, security officials warn of growing threat from Islamic extremists 'next door'
Updated May 14, 2007
By Richard Willing, USA TODAY

Plots by American-based Islamic terrorists with no direct ties to international terror networks form a large and growing threat to the American homeland, FBI and other security officials say.

"The trend we're seeing is that we are uncovering more instances of people here who have been radicalized … where there is not a direct thumbprint of al-Qaeda," says John Miller, the FBI's assistant director for public affairs.

Justice Department records show that the FBI and other federal and local agencies have led prosecutions of a dozen such alleged plots since the Sept. 11 attacks on New York City and Washington. The latest began last Tuesday, when five New Jersey Muslim men were charged with plotting to kill soldiers at the Army's Fort Dix, N.J., compound. A sixth man was charged with helping the group obtain illegal firearms.

The government has won terrorism convictions in seven cases. Others are ongoing.

The focus on American-based terror cells is a shift from post 9/11 thinking, when intelligence and security officials expected attacks to come from "sleeper cells" of al-Qaeda agents who, like the Washington and New York City attackers, had filtered into the USA from abroad.

"That was my intuition at the time," says George Tenet in an interview. Tenet was CIA director from 1997 to 2004 and just released a book, At the Center of the Storm, about his tenure. Tenet says the lesson is "don't get fixed on a particular face (because) there may be multiple kinds of faces."

Pasquale D'Amuro, the FBI's counterterrorism chief in 2002 and 2003, says the alleged New Jersey plot appears to be such a case. The six men arrested, he notes, were born in the former Yugoslavia, Jordan and Turkey and had lived in the USA without incident. One was a citizen, two were legal residents and three were here illegally. They had lived here at least six years, neighbors told the Associated Press.

"If they look like the neighbors next door, it's because that's what they are," says D'Amuro, CEO of Giuliani Security and Safety in New York.

"That they would come here, be welcomed and then want to attack us — that's what people have a hard time understanding."

In some cases, such as that of six Yemeni-Americans in Lackawanna, N.Y., the accused plotters had undergone training at terrorist camps overseas but had not focused on an American target. In others, such as the New Jersey plot, the government alleges that plotters had identified targets and were trying to purchase arms.

In six cases, accused plotters sought out undercover agents or informers posing as al-Qaeda representatives. In two cases, alleged plotters are accused of swearing allegiance to al-Qaeda in ceremonies staged by the phony Islamists. In eight cases, the accused plotters were native-born Americans, including about a dozen who were converts to Islam.

Intelligence analysts say the lack of an al-Qaeda-led terror strike here may signal that the group is waiting until it can mount an attack that will equal the 9/11 strikes in casualties and publicity value.

====Sidebar===

RECENT U.S. TERROR CASES

The cases in which American citizens living in the USA have been convicted of conspiring to aid al- Qaeda or the Taliban or related charges:

•Lackawanna, N.Y., 2003: Six American-born Yemeni-Americans.

•Columbus, Ohio, 2003: One naturalized citizen born in Kashmir.

•Portland, Ore., 2003: Three naturalized American citizens born in Saudi Arabia and Palestine. Three American-born converts to Islam.

•New York City, 2004: One naturalized American born in Pakistan.

•Seattle, 2004: One American-born convert to Islam.

•Arlington, Va., 2005: One American-born Muslim, three naturalized American citizens born in South Korea, Pakistan and Eritrea, and four American-born Muslim converts.

•New York City, 2006-07: One naturalized citizen born in Morocco and two American-born Muslim converts.

Source: USA TODAY research

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-05-13-homegrown-bottomstrip_N.htm?csp=34

-- May 14, 2007 11:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dale:

There are many reasons why I do not believe a zero lop will occur.

1) To much time and effort has gone into building the confidence of the Iraqi people related to the Dinar itself. Today Iraqi's are not hoarding American dollars

2) A zero lop would lessen the buying power of the Iraqi people. What the Iraqi's need is an increase in buying power. Any decrease in buying power would signal the Dinar as being a worthless currency. Iraqi's would begin hoarding dollars once again.

3) The U.S. has spent billions on the war effort and on reconstruction. A change in the Dinar would lessen the already large investment made by the U.S.

4) Iraq would experience a loss of other outside investment. Any loans negotiated prior to a zero lop would have to be renegotiated. A zero lop could increase the size of the overall Iraqi debt.

5) A zero lop would necessitate a change in the current Dinar and cost the GoI millions.

I am sure there are other reasons I am not thinking of in this quick reply. If others think of additional reasons, please post them.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 14, 2007 1:56 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Neil: Actually, that's not true. About a year and a half ago the decision was made to "force the Iraqis to take control of Iraq". Our troops were pulled out of the cities and the majority put on bases outside the cities to provide "support" roles with occassional tageted attacks. The took our presence off the streets and created distance between our soldiers and the Iraqi populace. We took far fewer casualties but we lost a LOT of ground to the insurgents who gladly took control of the streets that we left open. That plan failed miserably. Then about a year ago, a Stryker Brigade in Mosul was given the green light to use the tactics the Marines have been using out West all along. Without the Syrian influence to contend with, they made quick work of securing the city. Their reward was to be transferred to Baghdad to see if they could do the same here. Their tour was extended and they made magnificent press in the US. Those were some of my boys for a while. They did not have enough troops and often complained that they were being held back from doing what needed to be done. Exit Genereal Casey and enter General Patreus (the man who wrote the manual on counter-insurgency). Now, we are putting soldier back on the streets doing foot patrols in Baghdad in joint task forces with Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police. The JSS sites you guys keep hearing about have had some nice success in creating a presence and establishing a place for locals to inform on the "bad guys". The outcome has been a lot of tips leading to the capture of some high end targets. The great things is, we are having these successes and the squeeze has not even started yet. Believe me there is more to come and this is DEFINITELY NOT more of the "same". Of course, the last 4 years have been a constant evolution and multiple "changes in course". That garbage of us having a static course of action over the past 4 years is a farse. The mistakes were not puttingenough troops on the ground from day 1 and allowing politics to dictate policy so frequently. There is a lot more I could og into about the evolution and shifts in rules of engagement,etc. However, lets just say that from the persepctve of everyone here, there has been a drastic shift in policy over the past 6 months. The implementaion has not been an overnight affair but the shift was being beginning, I would argue, as early as last October. The next 2-3 months will deliver a few more suprises if things go as they appear.

I do not think we would or could afford to deliver this country into the hands of any one group. Give it to the Shia who are tight with Iran and Syria while spurning the Sunni and our main allies Jordan and Saudi? I don't see it. I think Patreus has a plan in the works. As it forms, I think the result will start gaining speed in the right direction. With a couple more brigades, we take control of Baghdad. Once in control, we can maintian with a quarter of that man power. Now, we have 3/4s of that manpower to move out into the smaller vilages where we can quickly take control and begin maintaining those with minimal manpower. On the national scale, we can slowly choke off the insurgents safe havens. In this process, the IA and IP has been gaining experience and getting better (per my friends in the field). We continue to train new recruits. Keep politics out for a while and you can see a good chance of a positive snowball forming.

Of course, that is all my perspective and if the Democrats get their way, we will never know.

-- May 14, 2007 2:30 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dale:

I would like to add two more to my list.

6) The Central Bank of Iraq continues to buyback its own currency in an attempt to limit the supply in circulation. Preparing for a likely revaluation.

7) A zero lop would create unnecessary redundancy in Dinar denominations. Why would an average Iraqi need two pieces of paper currency valued the same, but appearing so different?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 14, 2007 4:52 PM ∞

---

johnny wrote:

Please stop rehashing old news, you sound stupid. Look at the dates, it old news. Doesn't anybody know when they're being b.s. Sarah love the articles but try and keep them short. Love ya.. Johnny Casino
P.s. There is no God! Believe in what you want but quit spreading your beliefs.

-- May 14, 2007 6:27 PM ∞

---

DinarAdmin wrote:

Posts to the blog from Lisbon Portugal which appear encoded messages (or gibberish)
have been removed and such postings will not be tolerated in the future.
They appeared to originate from:
DSL.telepac.pt
81.193.194.5

-- May 14, 2007 6:31 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

johnny;

What if you are wrong and there is a God?

Some think there are aliens even though we have never seen any.

How come people can believe in many things they have not seen, but God is not among them? Is evidence for God so lacking?

Or is it a prejudice against belief in Him that binds people to a certainty that He CANNOT exist?

Can you completely disprove God COULD exist? By what means? What proof do you offer?

I cannot see the wind, but I can see its effects.

I cannot see God, but He appears to exist by how He affects this world. The world is FULL of religions.. why? They are all deceived and only you atheists are correct? The vast MAJORITY believe in God, but they are all idiots and only the enlightened few atheists know the truth?

Love ya, too.. just jogging your mind on it a bit.

Sara.

===QUOTABLE QUOTES, an atheist versus... ===

Let's compare quotes:

Maher: "Pretty much all religion...is childish, destructive nonsense."

John Adams: "The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity...I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God."

Which one of these men do you consider to have more credibility?

===

Perhaps I forgot to elaborate.

President John Adams - Founding Father of the most successful nation on earth.

Bill Maher - entertainer, socialist, ___________ fill in the blank.

-- May 14, 2007 6:44 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Saddam Hussein Was Paying Al-Jazeera TV
From Sotaliraq, via Memri:

Saddam Regime Provided Funding To Al-Jazeera TV

(Document picture at url below)

A recently surfaced letter dated September 24, 2002 refers to a decision by the Iraqi Council of Ministers under Saddam authorizing the Ministry of Culture and Information to make a monthly payment of €50,000 to Al-Jazeera TV.

===end quote==

How much was he giving CNN?

BTW, €50,000 is $67,700 at the current rate of exchange.

So Al-Jazeera sold itself pretty cheap.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Monday, May 14th, 2007.
http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/saddam-hussein-was-paying-al-jazeera-tv

-- May 14, 2007 7:05 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

When I pull into the gas station these days to fill up my vehicle, it's running around $90. It wasn't that long ago that the same amount would be around $65. Each day more people are added to the population, which increases the need for goods and services, including the crude oil for the many related products it brings. Thousands of new vehicles are manufactured each and every day, as well as airplanes, trains, and ships. This added demand for oil without the supply being increased means the higher prices we are seeing now. The rising demand is outrunning the supply sources. These are the simple fundamentals that are truely behind our intrest in this war, and the dinar. Anyone ship anything USPS today? Costs have gone up a bunch! What about your grocery bill? Have we notice any price increases lately? The prices of neccessities are rising across the board due to the rising energy and fuel costs. Imagine the oil reserves of Iraq falling into the wrong hands. It wouldn't be long until we would see the price of our fill-ups in the $200-$300 range. What would that do to the economic condition of this country of ours, as well as the others around the world? Where would most of this money be going? The oil exporting countries would be collecting all our money until none was left. There are many in Islaam that would love to see this happen, and thats what their fighting for in a sense. This is their victory and our demise. They would have warehouses stacked to the ceiling with our money, and the monies of the world, while the peoples of the world will be wishing they could find a couple bucks to buy some food with. Would the American people really like to leave Iraq and it's oil reserves to it own fate? Would the Dems like to be in power so much they would sacrifice their countrymen, even to the point of economic devestation? (YES THEY WOULD- I was watching news coverage of Hillary speaking here last week at a big Dem. ralley when an elderly gentleman was answering the reporter if the Dems. would be able to get behind a woman candidate, and he answered that they didn't care who it is as long as it's a democrate.) No they don't care what the platform stands for, or what the candidate stands for, or what their ideas are, or what their moral values are. They don't care!
On the other hand if we are successfull in Iraq, you will see capitalism at it's best. Iraq's oil output will go from 2mil bbl a day, to 10-12 mil bbl a day in no time, keeping our nations, and the world economies secured for the next fifty years. While we're filling up for $45-$65 again, they will still be screaming how the war was a mistake that cost the American tax payer to much.
People need to incourage their congressmen and women to get behind our efforts in Iraq at all costs, and quit talking about timetables. The effort is truley worth it.

Sara,
Bill Maher is an idiot. It is unreasonable how this guy gets a platform, a microphone, and an audience. Thats my fill for the blank.

-- May 15, 2007 1:21 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Valerio;

I was thinking more of the Bible term... from this verse:

Psa 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."

AND:

Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes...

And what is it they say? That they have to "find" themselves.. look inside to find their strength?

Pro 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Whereas we look to God for our strength and help, not within ourselves:

Psa 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Sara.

-- May 15, 2007 2:32 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Announcement No.(924)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 924 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/5/15 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1261 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 52.135.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 52.135.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.000.000 -----

-- May 15, 2007 5:05 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Fool, Idiot, Same difference

-- May 15, 2007 5:43 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Valerio;

About Atheists -

Sorry to appear to you to be nitpicky, but idiot relates to subnormal intelligence.
I have found that most atheists are highly intelligent.. only foolish.
It is not meant as a derogatory term when I say foolish..
idiot is a derogatory term.
From the Dictionary definitions at dictionary.reference.com online:

idiot

- c.1300, "person so mentally deficient as to be incapable of ordinary reasoning,"
- a person of subnormal intelligence
- a person with very low intelligence
- one affected with idiocy; especially : a mentally retarded person having a mental age not exceeding three years and requiring complete custodial care
- an utterly foolish or senseless person

fool

- a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
- a person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid: 'to make a fool of someone'.
- One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.
- One who acts unwisely on a given occasion:
- One who has been tricked or made to appear ridiculous; a dupe
- c.1275, from O.Fr. fol "madman, insane person," also an adj. meaning "mad, insane," from L. follis "bellows, leather bag," in V.L. used with a sense of "windbag, empty-headed person" (see follicle). Cf. also Skt. vatula- "insane," lit. "windy, inflated with wind."
- The word has in mod.Eng. a much stronger sense than it had at an earlier period; it has now an implication of insulting contempt which does not in the same degree belong to any of its synonyms, or to the derivative foolish."

I was meaning the archaic useage (because I quoted Old Testament usage, which is archaic usage of the word) of one who "acts unwisely on a given occasion," which does not imply insulting contempt.. but more like the modern hacker use of the word:

- As used by hackers, specifically describes a person who habitually reasons from obviously or demonstrably incorrect premises and cannot be persuaded by evidence to do otherwise.

I was using the term as the Bible does, not to insult (God is NOT insulting people when He calls them fools), but as a term showing that they lack sense and judgement because they are unwise to attempt life without the correct understanding of life that is needed by mankind.

Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Here God says that "fools" (not a derogatory term) dispise wisdom and instruction from God. I believe that by rejecting God they are indeed "made to appear ridiculous; a dupe" in the final say of life, at the Judgement Seat of God after death. Because "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" and they reject that knowledge, they are ultimately proven to have no wisdom at all. They are like those who profess themselves to be wise, but are made fools instead:

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools..

I note that one definition is "a person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid," - and it is a very grave thing and terrible that they are indeed pawns of a greater intelligence than they can see.. only not God's intelligence - and it is this which "deceives" or blinds them into acting stupidly or in an insane manner concerning their eternal souls.

I know it seemed nitpicky but since I meant no insult by the term (as the Bible does not use it that way, either), I stuck with the verbiage the Bible itself uses. The very best definition was the hacker definition given on the page, "As used by hackers, specifically describes a person who habitually reasons from obviously or demonstrably incorrect premises and cannot be persuaded by evidence to do otherwise."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fool

Having often spoken to atheists and warned them that they are incurring the wrath of Almighty God and ought not to do so... only to be rebuffed by people like this man I quoted who has said that believing in God is like believing in Santa Claus or the toothfairy and dismisses Him as a fable because God is not visible and will not deign to perform parlor tricks on command like a magician to satisfy a skeptic's whim or curiosity... is to completely disregard that He can (has the power to) and will one day throw their eternal souls into hell (whether they like it or not). As Jesus Christ put it:

Luk 12:4 And I say to you my friends, Do not be afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Luk 12:5 But I will forewarn you Whom you shall fear: Fear Him, which after He has killed has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, Fear Him.

To NOT fear the power of God who has the power to cast a soul into hell is foolish, and to deny the reality and power of God over the souls of mankind is indeed reasoning from so obviously and demonstrably incorrect premises, that the vast majority of humanity wonders at the degree of foolish gullibility such people show (dupes). They do indeed profess themselves to be wise.. but the vast majority of mankind see instantly that they are instead 'fools' - no matter if they are educated and articulate or if they are subnormal in IQ.

So I do not mean to insult their intelligence by saying they are fools (the Bible is not doing so, either), nor am I saying they are "a mentally retarded person having a mental age not exceeding three years and requiring complete custodial care." I am saying they are reasoning from obviously and demonstrably incorrect premises which they have been deceived into believing and that doing so will damn their souls to perdition unless they repent (change their minds, turn from their incorrect understanding and ask God's forgiveness for offenses given). This is a much more serious assertion than merely insulting someone's intelligence, you know. But I have found (like the hacker definition, above), that oftentimes such cases are so hardened in their folly that they "cannot be persuaded by evidence to do otherwise." And what is so "obviously or demonstrably incorrect premises" to you and I.. can fall on deaf ears with these persons who continue to "profess themselves to be wise." (Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools... )

And since true wisdom from God does not rely on intelligence (IQ) but relies instead on acceptance of the correct premises (God's existence being foundational as one), it pleases God to choose the foolish among mankind to set at nothing those who think themselves wise (but are NOT, being without God).

1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1Co 1:26 For you see ... how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are:
1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in His presence.

So we see God chooses that which is suprising - God overthrows mighty Goliath with little David and his sling.. to prove the power is not in men's greatness, but in God alone. Indeed, He says that purposefully He rejects those who are wise in their own eyes.. that not many wise men according to the people of this earth are chosen to be His. Quote: "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called"... and the purpose is that God might "confound" them so that no one can boast themselves proudly in His Presence. No man, no matter how brilliant or wise, will stand in the Presence of Almighty God and by force of their wisdom, or nobility or greatness of deed or esteemed place in this world.. boast how smart they are before Him.

Pro 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

And:

Rom 3:19 .. we know that whatever things the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

EVERY mouth will be stopped one day and all will stand before God fully convicted of their own personal guilt. NO ONE will boast themselves wise in that day.. nor can they deliver their soul from the judgement God will pronounce upon their souls.

It is humbling to be among such a great family of God and realize that so many who are greater (according to this world's wisdom) have missed the play of what life is about entirely. Einstein was a very brilliant man.. but his personal life shows evidence of a great deal of folly and foolish behavior. He did not act as wisely as he should.

I will leave it at that, for it is a terrible thing IF such a great mind was in the final analysis lost from the eternal world to the abyss. I hope not and leave the judgement of great minds such as his... and the 'wise' in this world - such as these atheist people who do not profess the faith - in the fully righteous but compassionate and merciful hands of Almighty God.

Rom 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth...

Sara.

-- May 15, 2007 8:11 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

EU pledges support for helping Iraq with reform plan

The European Union on Monday pledged support for the implementation of an ambitious international plan aimed at helping Iraq's economy, saying the pact was central for developing relations between Iraq and its partner countries.

EU foreign ministers said the recent launch of the International Compact for Iraq was 'encouraging and hopefully will contribute to an improvement of the situation in Iraq.'

The broad-based contract with the country commits the international community to substantial aid in exchange for a promise of unity in Iraq within five years.

EU ministers commended Iraq for 'the ambitious commitments it has made' in the plan to promote reforms in politics, security, economics and social affairs.

'The implementation of these commitments will be central in developing co-operation between Iraq and all its international partners,' ministers said after a meeting in Brussels.

Countries worldwide, but in particular states in the region, 'have a responsibility to support and promote the difficult process of national reconciliation and stabilization in Iraq, and to prevent outside interference that could undermine it,' they said.

The International Compact for Iraq includes debt reduction and aid packages but also requires the Iraqi government to take stronger steps to end sectarian violence and move toward political reconciliation between rivalling Shiites and Sunnis.

EU ministers also called for 'effective' follow-up action to the Iraq conference in Egypt earlier this month, including work in the areas of security, refugees and energy.

The Sharm el-Sheikh meeting brought together top diplomats from 21 countries, including Iraq's neighbouring states, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and members of the G8 club of wealthy nations.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 15, 2007 9:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

British troops have held secret talks with Sunni rebels: Iraq president

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

15 May 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
British military officers in Iraq have been party to secret talks with Sunni insurgent leaders there, Iraq's president said in an interview published Tuesday.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph while in London, Jalal Talabani added that Sunni rebels were shifting their perceptions to view Shiite-dominated Iran as more of a threat than foreign forces.

"There are resistance movements that are now meeting with the prime minister, with me, with British military officers and the ambassador for reconciliation talks," Talabani told the paper.

"The biggest step forward would be to have the full participation of all the main groups in Iraq ... We need national unity. We must convince the Sunni Arabs they are a real partner."

Talabani reiterated comments made at Cambridge University last week when he said coalition troops would have to stay in Iraq until the end of next year, at which point they would be able to leave.

He also said Sunni insurgents felt more threatened by Iran than by coalition troops.

"There is a big change in the mentality of the Sunni Arab," he said.

"They are now considering Iran is the danger and no longer considering America the danger."

Talabani also linked Iran's battles against internal dissent with attacks against British forces in southern Iraq.

"When there are some attacks (in Iran) they think it is British-backed activities, so they (the Iranians) do some limited things in Basra," he said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 15, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Demand for dollar stable, exchange rate down in Iraqi daily auction
By Dergham Mohamed Ali

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

Baghdad, 15 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Demand for the dollar was stable in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Monday, reaching $77.380 million compared with $77.335 million on Sunday, while the dollar exchange rate went down.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $10.490 million in cash and $66.890 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,261 dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday.

Sixteen banks participated in Monday's auction and offered to sell two million dollars. The Iraqi Central Bank bought the entire amount at 1,259 per Iraqi dinar.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the systematic decline in the exchange rate has encouraged traders to make reasonable offers to buy and sell dollars to the Central Bank in today's auction."
The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 15, 2007 9:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq "has become new epicenter for 'holy war' against West," says terror expert
The Associated PressPublished: May 15, 2007

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LONDON: Iraq has become the new epicenter for al-Qaida cells waging "holy war" against the West, one of the world's pre-eminent terror experts said Tuesday.

If the U.S.-led coalition forces pulled out of Iraq now, attacks in Europe would increase and troops would have to go back in two to three years, said Rohan Gunaratna, the head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

"The epicenter has shifted from Afghanistan to Iraq," he told a conference of business leaders on how to prepare for terror threats.

Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who replaced Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in the al-Qaida chain of command, has been building a support base in Europe, he said. Al-Masri, an Egyptian militant, was endorsed by Osama bin Laden after Zarqawi was killed in Iraq last June by a U.S. airstrike.

Al-Masri is believed to have joined the "jihad" or "holy war" in the 1980s and has close ties with Ayman al-Zawahri, al-Qaida's No. 2 leader. That means al-Qaida in Iraq is likely to be drawn closer to the mainstream al-Qaida leadership than under Zarqawi, a Jordanian who ran his operation in Iraq with great autonomy until his death.

Today in Africa & Middle East

Inspectors cite big gain by Iran on nuclear fuel

Hamas ambush kills eight as Gaza violence worsens

Iraq "has become new epicenter for 'holy war' against West," says terror expert

Gunaratna warned that Iraq was on the way to becoming an al-Qaida "Disneyland," just like Afghanistan had been.

He said most Al-Qaida cells, including north African cells, had people in Iraq. The associated groups, who had got training, funding and ideology, as well as homegrown radicalized groups, presented a real risk, he said.

"They believe the Western influence is affecting the way they live," he said.

(http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/15/europe/EU-GEN-Britain-Terror.php)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 15, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

EU pledges support for helping Iraq with reform plan

The European Union on Monday pledged support for the implementation of an ambitious international plan aimed at helping Iraq's economy, saying the pact was central for developing relations between Iraq and its partner countries.

EU foreign ministers said the recent launch of the International Compact for Iraq was 'encouraging and hopefully will contribute to an improvement of the situation in Iraq.'

The broad-based contract with the country commits the international community to substantial aid in exchange for a promise of unity in Iraq within five years.

EU ministers commended Iraq for 'the ambitious commitments it has made' in the plan to promote reforms in politics, security, economics and social affairs.

'The implementation of these commitments will be central in developing co-operation between Iraq and all its international partners,' ministers said after a meeting in Brussels.

Countries worldwide, but in particular states in the region, 'have a responsibility to support and promote the difficult process of national reconciliation and stabilization in Iraq, and to prevent outside interference that could undermine it,' they said.

The International Compact for Iraq includes debt reduction and aid packages but also requires the Iraqi government to take stronger steps to end sectarian violence and move toward political reconciliation between rivalling Shiites and Sunnis.

EU ministers also called for 'effective' follow-up action to the Iraq conference in Egypt earlier this month, including work in the areas of security, refugees and energy.

The Sharm el-Sheikh meeting brought together top diplomats from 21 countries, including Iraq's neighbouring states, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and members of the G8 club of wealthy nations.

Source: M & C
Links of Interest:

US Department of State

CIA World Fact Book

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Energy Information Administration

Coalition Provisional Authority

US Treasury - Financial Management Services

2006 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT - IRAQ

New Iraqi Dinar



View Latest News On Iraq

-- May 15, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Iraq to push for Indian refineries during visit

Mon May 14, 2007 3:33PM BST

NEW DELHI, May 14 (Reuters) - Iraq will press Indian firms to set up refineries there during a four-day visit to India by Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani later this month, an Iraqi official said on Monday.

"We will invite India to establish refineries in Iraq ... the capacity of our refineries is very limited," said Muayad Hussain, Iraq's charge d'affaires in India.

Shahristani is due in India from 24-27 May.

Iraq has a refining capacity of 603,000 barrels per day. It produces 477,000 bpd of refined products and consumption stands at 514,000 bpd, according to the OPEC Web site.

During a visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh earlier this month, Indian Oil Minister Murli Deora met Shahristani. The participation of Indian state explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC.BO: Quote, Profile, Research and other firms in Iraq's oil sector was raised.

The Iraqi minister invited Indian Oil Corp. (IOC.BO: Quote, Profile, Research and Engineers India Ltd. (ENGI.BO: Quote, Profile, Research to consider entering the downstream sector.

Hussain said in New Delhi that the exploration of the Tuba oil field in southern Iraq could also feature in talks between the two countries.

ONGC, India's Reliance Industries Ltd. (RELI.BO: Quote, Profile, Research and Algeria's Sonatrach tried in 2000 to secure Tuba.

Iraq is expected to enact an oil law by May-end that would allow its various regions to negotiate oilfield contracts with foreign investors. Baghdad 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.

Decades of war, sanctions, under-investment and now widespread violence and sabotage have left it critically short of fuel. It has to import nearly half of all its gasoline.

Iraq has eight refineries, none of which were damaged during the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Oil officials say that Iraq's refineries are operating at only 50-75 percent of capacity, forcing Baghdad to import most of its fuel.

Source Reuters uk

-- May 15, 2007 11:30 AM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Profits and loss

The big oil companies expect to profit from Iraq's oil reserves using laws they helped create. But what is the human cost?
Ewa Jasiewicz

May 15, 2007 2:30 PM |

Today, shareholders are converging in London and The Hague for Shell's annual general meeting. As investors hobnob in the Champagne Suite of the Hammersmith Novotel, those working in the oilfields that the company seeks to control are ready to strike over an oil law that Shell has helped to craft.

The focus is the culmination of four years campaigning by the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions (IFOU). Demands range from bread and butter issues such as land allocation, unpaid wages, holidays, health and safety and full-time status for temporary workers, to wider political issues which have been the founding bedrock of the union: protection of Iraq's oil wealth from foreign companies and a say in the future of the oil industry. Shell is one of the companies that the union has cautioned against entering Iraq "under the guise of so-called production sharing agreements".

Yet Shell has had a say and a proposed stake in the future of Iraq's oil industry for as long as the union has been organising. Whereas the demands of the union have been ignored, Shell, through doors blown open by the war and occupation, has accessed government decision makers and lobbyists on a regular basis.

Shell has been positioning itself to sign long-term exclusive contracts with the Iraqi government for the past four years. Ever since Shell misled investors over its reserves to the tune of 4bn barrels, it has been seeking replacement reserves. With 115bn barrels of proven reserves, occupied Iraq is where the prize still ultimately lies.

February saw the Iraqi cabinet approve a controversial hydrocarbon law. The law will grant foreign companies the dominant role in developing Iraq's reserves. If approved by parliament, foreign companies will have access to the largest reserves open to private control on the planet.

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Iran (first and second in the world oil-wealth stakes) do not have production-sharing agreements, the type of contract that the oil law proposes. They use technical service agreements, or buyback contracts, that leave decision-making powers including development, rates of production and extraction, to the state. Private oil companies there act as contractors rather than controllers.

The current Iraqi oil law will allow foreign companies to control production, with potentially unlimited profits in Iraq's undeveloped fields - accounting for two-thirds of Iraq's known reserves. This is to be done by production-sharing agreements - defined by critics as a form of privatisation by stealth. Under production-sharing agreements, foreign companies will put capital upfront to explore for oil and shoulder the risk if none is to be found or it is difficult to extract.

Iraq, however, is home to some of the easiest oil to access. Known as "low hanging fruit" by the industry, extraction costs range from $1-$1.50 per barrel. Under terms to be agreed by contract, the state would then relinquish a fixed percentage of profit to oil companies for a period of up to 30 years. The terms and conditions agreed in 2007 - under conditions of war and occupation - could last a generation until 2037, with virtually no opportunity to renegotiate.

Companies like Shell would expect concessions to offset the risks of working in a dangerous country like Iraq. Risk, as with all capital ventures, presents opportunity. The risk represented by massacres in Haditha and Fallujah, the car bombings and terror on the streets of Baghdad, military air raids, sieges, walls of separation, kidnappings and assassinations all figures into the balance sheets of companies like Shell.

Shell was a key player in moulding the current oil law. Shell representatives, along with those of eight other oil majors, the US and UK governments and the International Monetary Fund, saw the law just weeks after it was written in July 2006. It would be eight months before the law would be presented to Iraqi MPs. Shell commented upon and influenced the law throughout its drafting process.

Since July 2006, the British government has worked earnestly to influence the law, repeatedly consulting with Shell on the type of contracts it would like to obtain. Through the oil industry lobby organisation International Taxation and Investment Centre, Shell - along with six other major oil companies - has been pressuring the Iraqi government to grant long-term contracts that would give them exclusive rights to extract Iraq's oil. The British government, through the Foreign Office, has been helping, delivering a report strongly advocating production-sharing agreements to the Iraqi government.

Shell's involvement in shaping domestic economic policy in Iraq stretches back to March 2003. Just days before the bombing of Baghdad, senior Shell managers met at 10 Downing Street to insist that Iraq's oil should benefit not just US companies, but European companies too. A month later, 100 workers activists from the Southern Oil Company formed the Southern Oil Company Union, with the explicit aim of securing workers rights and defending Iraq's oil from privatisation. American companies were shown the door by the union when they tried to work in the fields. The Union faced down British soldiers in protests over three months of unpaid wages and won. Membership leapt from 100 to 3,000.

From February to September 2003, former Shell CEO Philip Carroll worked with the coalition provisional authority on plans to restructure the Iraqi oil industry. Meanwhile, Iraqi oil workers embarked on a reconstruction effort - rebuilding drilling rigs, pipelines and refining and port equipment.

Union leaders also deconstructed Bremer's order 30 wage table - arguing that Iraqi oil workers needed more than the occupation set minimum wage of 69,000 Iraqi Dinar (approximately £30 per month). After threatening to shut down exports, the union succeeded in eliminating the last two categories of the wage table and won a new minimum rate in the oil sector of 102,000ID (£45) per month. Membership and confidence swelled.

In 2004, Shell hired a Dubai-based exploration and production executive to act as its "country chairman" for Iraq - the most senior overseas post in the business. To assist the new chairman, Shell sought an Iraq lobbyist, advertising for "a person of Iraqi extraction with strong family connections and an insight into the network of families of significance within Iraq". In the same year, workplace elections were held in the Maysan, Basra and Dhi Qar provinces, creating the General Union of Oil Employees (GUOE). Candidates with strong connections and credentials among the workforce were chosen to lead in nine oil and gas companies. The establishment of the GUOE significantly strengthened networks of influence and organisation for working people in the southern oil sector and their communities. Union membership now stands at 26,000 across four governorates in the south.

So the view of a black goldrush that may have glittered from The Hague and London just got hazier. The organisational strength of the IFOU could be a major spanner in the works of Shell's lobbying and legal mechanisms. The IFOU has repeatedly warned companies like Shell to keep out of Iraq's oil fields. Union president Hassan Jumaa recently said of the strike: "The federation calls on all unions in the world to support our demands and to put pressure on governments and the oil companies not to enter the Iraqi oil fields."

Questions will be asked both inside Shell's AGM and outside, through a peaceful protest, about the ethics of its policies in Iraq. Likewise, through the efforts of Iraqi unions, the debate in Iraq will expand on who really does have the right to control Iraq's oil. Who will decide the fate of the resource that accounts for 95% of government revenue? And who should have a say in the future of Iraq's economy - Shell or the people of Iraq?

SOURCE: The Guardian Newspaper uk

-- May 15, 2007 11:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Mattuk:

Thank you for the above article. It is definitely thought provoking. While we all are awaiting a revaluation. A peaceful and prosperous Iraq must have an oil law that benefits them in both the short term and long term.

If the current law under consideration in parliment is not beneficial to the Iraqi's members should not ratify it. Instead, they should craft a compromise bill giving the central government more control over natural resources.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 15, 2007 2:15 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Mattuk;

Yes, thanks for the article.

You know, I wouldn't put my neck at risk in Iraq to develop their oil fields, even if I DID have the expertise like Shell Oil has to do the job right.. UNLESS someone gave me a very sweet deal. They act like all this involves is stopping some "greedy oil company." That sure is simplistic thinking. This is BUSINESS, people, not politics. Do those who think this way REALLY think that Iraq will develop those fields all by herself? She hasn't the expertise to do so. And it would take a fair amount of incentives (more than drilling in the Gulf of Mexico or Texas where you don't have to worry about insurgents, etc.) to get me to consider bestowing my vast knowledge, expertise and equipment on them.

REMEMBER, if Iraq does this oil development wrong, they can wreck the formation and destroy literally BILLIONS in revenue. If extraction is not correctly executed, the "piggy bank" of Iraq will be diminished to the point of making them a banana republic. They really should not risk going with someone who does not have demonstrable ability in the area. It is foolish to say those with what Iraq NEEDS to be prosperous should GIVE AWAY their expertise on the cheap while putting their lives at risk.

Greedy Capitalists, hey? I am tired of the socialist/Communist hard liners in the media constantly whining against the oil companies making a deal where they get enough to offset the risk and expense of the venture and make a decent profit as well. Those armchair media critics complain, but they have no expertise in the area and are NOT putting their lives at risk (or trying to hire those who will do so, you think those people will come cheap?) And the fact is.. America is giving this opportunity to Iraq to develop and prosper.. it only fits that they would trust their own (American) companies to do a good job of it. Would you choose a Russian company instead? (HINT: They are not very competent.) I reiterate.. if those doing the wells do an incompetent job, Iraq will lose its only continuing source of income, oil. There is RISK involved in drilling.. they CAN indeed wreck the formation and destroy the potential of these wells. The risk is high, the incentive should be appropriate to safe completion of a very seriously important task.. one vital to the entire economic prosperity of the country.

Sara.

-- May 15, 2007 4:25 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

When you say, "If the current law under consideration in parliment is not beneficial to the Iraqi's members should not ratify it. Instead, they should craft a compromise bill giving the central government more control over natural resources."

You are merely endorsing GREED by those who want to take all the deal for Iraq and give NOTHING to the oil companies for their expertise. You NEVER hear the other side of it. It is ridiculous.. the greedy Iraqis may kill the goose who lays golden eggs if they listen to these greedy socialist media pundits saying to them that they deserve far more than they are getting. It is a BUSINESS deal.. and BOTH sides must be renumerated.. Iraq needs real expertise and those with the expertise are workmen worthy of their hire.

Luk 10:7 ... for the labourer is worthy of his hire.

Sara.

-- May 15, 2007 4:33 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

I am not proposing greed be exhibited by either the Iraqis or Shell Oil Company.

I do not think it prudent for Iraq whether under compunction or not to offer lucrative oil contracts to any company where the control of those oil fields are relinquished for 30 years or more. Frankly, this is not good business for Iraq.

Shell, BP, Chevron, Exxon-Mobil, and Luk Oil want a piece of the Iraqi pie. These companies are in line to make huge profits from oil cheaply obtained at $2 a barrel. Supply side economics forces these companies to retail it at a much larger sum.
While I agree Iraq does not currently possess the technology to extract its own oil. The Iraqi leadership should be driving all facets of this conversation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 15, 2007 5:05 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
Fool, idiot, stupid, Bill Maher is all of them. If it offends him sobeit, I couldn't care less if I offend him, or insult his intelligence. Sometimes you have to step on toes if you want someone to know your there.

-- May 15, 2007 5:10 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

(MENAFN) A founder of Iraq's National Oil Company (INOC) stated that Iraq's draft oil law has many mistakes that must be corrected before international companies are to invest in the country's capital or technology, Iraq Directory reported.

He went on to say that the draft law has importance in securing the billions of dollars necessary in increasing the country's oil output to the desirable level and further to rebuild Iraq's economy.

Iraq's new oil draft law is also looking for a newly established INOC to control the country's current oil fields and to set up a national federal oil and gas council. http://www.isx-data.com/news/

-- May 15, 2007 7:29 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Norwegian company to pump Iraqi oil
By Javier Blas at the Tawke oil field, Iraq, and Carola Hoyos in London

Published: May 15 2007 23:01 | Last updated: May 15 2007 23:01

The first crude oil pumped by a foreign company in Iraq in decades will flow into the global market next month.

DNO, a Norwegian oil company, will announce on Wednesday that it will begin producing a small amount of oil from the northern Iraqi region of Kurdistan, marking a symbolic return of foreign companies to Iraq after 35 years of state control.

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The company’s experience is being closely watched by larger competitors, eager for a slice of the world’s third-largest oil reserves, but deterred by security fears and the lack of a legal framework for Iraqi oil.

But DNO’s announcement could add strain to relations between Iraq’s Kurdish authorities and the central government in Baghdad. DNO’s contract is with the local administration in the relatively peaceful north of Iraq, rather than with Baghdad.

The sharing of oil resources has been a point of dispute between Iraq’s sectarian communities. The Kurdish authorities’ decision to sign separate contracts, which could bring them a direct income source and consolidate their power, has provoked fears of a break-up of Iraq.

DNO’s contract may have to be amended once the country’s hydrocarbons law is finally agreed. Passage of the law – which is critical to attracting foreign investment – through the Iraqi parliament has stalled over control of individual oil fields.

The Norwegian oil company will almost certainly have to deliver early output by truck, because Baghdad has not granted access to the export pipeline.

Helge Eide, DNO’s chief executive, said: “We are ready to pump. We never thought that we would be in a position to start producing oil from Kurdistan only two years after we commenced exploration.”

DNO, which is quoted on the Oslo stock exchange, discovered the Tawke oil field in late 2005, after signing a production sharing agreement in June 2004 with the Kurdish regional government, a semi-autonomous area of northern Iraq.

Ashti Hawrani, the Kurdish oil minister, said Kurdistan’s regional government would share revenue with the rest of the country.

Initial production from the Tawke field is expected to be 15,000 barrels a day. Iraq’s oil output, which was near 3m b/d before the US-led invasion, has dropped to about 2m b/d.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0a8fe236-030d-11dc-a023-000b5df10621,dwp_uuid=fc3334c0-2f7a-11da-8b51-00000e2511c8,_i_rssPage=fc3334c0-2f7a-11da-8b51-00000e2511c8.html

-- May 15, 2007 7:33 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Congress Approval Down to 29%; Bush Approval Steady at 33%
Source: GALLUP NEWS SERVICE
URL Source: http://www.galluppoll.com/content/Default.aspx?ci=27589
Published: May 15, 2007
Author: Joseph Carroll

PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll finds continued low levels of public support for both Congress and President George W. Bush. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Americans approve of Congress, down slightly from last month's reading of thirty three percent and this year's high point of thirty seven percent, while Bush's approval rating is holding steady at 33%. Both the ratings of Congress and the president are slightly lower than their respective 2007 averages. Approval ratings of Congress are higher among Democrats than Republicans, while Bush's ratings are much higher among Republicans.

Congressional Job Approval

According to the May 10-13, 2007, Gallup Poll, 64% of Americans disapprove and only 29% approve of the way Congress is handling its job. Congressional approval is down 4 percentage points since last month, and is 3 points lower than the 32% average measured during the first five months of the year. The high point for the congressional approval rating so far this year was the 37% approval measured in February. Although ratings are quite low, Americans have been more positive in their assessments of Congress this year than last year, when an average of just 25% approved of Congress.

Even though Democrats now control both houses of Congress, the poll shows that only 37% of Democrats approve of the job Congress is doing right now. These marks are, however, significantly better than those given to Congress by independents (24%) and Republicans (25%). Democrats have been more likely than Republicans to approve of Congress this year, whereas Republicans expressed a higher level of approval prior to the change of power experienced after the midterm congressional elections in November 2006...

Poster Comment:

Great site - such interesting numbers. And since the msm only touts President Bush and Rove's low numbers -

can we question their bias now?

wardmama4

-- May 15, 2007 9:54 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.S. says captors of three soldiers in Iraq isolated
Source: Reuters
URL Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSIBO24818520070515?feedType=RSS
Published: May 15, 2007
Author: Paul Tait and Ibon Villelabeitia

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces searching for three soldiers said on Tuesday suspected al Qaeda militants holding the men were trapped in an area of farmland near Baghdad.

Backed by helicopters and using sniffing dogs, thousands of American and Iraqi troops taking part in the massive hunt have isolated towns in the "Triangle of Death" south of the capital, where the captors are believed to be hiding, the military said.

-- May 15, 2007 10:01 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(925)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 925 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/5/16 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1260 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 56.830.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 56.830.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 16, 2007 6:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Quantum leap to shares after adopting the electronic trading on the Stock Exchange

Investors on the Stock Exchange expect that the "Iraqi market for securities» will say good-bye to the manual circulation, which has been adopted since its establishment for nearly 15 years, during the coming period after the arrival of equipments, hardware and electronic systems, which was contracted on with the Swedish specialized company "O.M.X" that had already undertaken similar projects in more than thirty Arab and international bourse.

Head of the Trustees Board of the Stock Exchange, Talib Al-Tabatabai, said that the transition from manual trading system to electronic trading is a quantum leap in the distinct performance of the "Iraq market for securities", and he expected that the next stage will witness the activation of investment activity as consistent with the desire and aspiration of more than one million citizens who are active in the shares' sector.

He added that the introduction of electronic circulation coincides with the decision of the "Securities Body"that allows non-Iraqis to circulate in the Iraqi Stock Exchange, starting on the first of next June, and according to the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006 which everyone looks forward to activate it, which helps to overcome all obstacles that prevent expansion of the Arab and foreign investment in Iraq. He pointed out that the circulation of non-Iraqis in equities and bonds in the Iraqi bourse is, "a step in the right direction to achieve a rise in stock prices, after the significant slump in their value last year".

He explained that increasing the number of circulation sessions from two in the week, to ten in the morning and afternoon, in addition to doubling the volume of circulation, will have a large return for the investment sector in Iraq. Al-Tabatabai expected that the outcome of this qualitative leap of shares in the bourse, will have a big economic value differs from the previous phases, as in other countries.

The American Company "IBM" for Computer under the supervision of the Swedish company "O.M.X", has trained Iraqi engineers and all staff of Iraqi stockbrokers in the Jordanian capital, Amman, on electronic trading and the central depository, in addition to the completion of the internal linkage with the offices of those intermediaries, and also equipped the special hall of electronic circulation in the bourse according to the latest global designs.

Source: Iraq Directory
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:17 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq makes progress on crucial constitution plan
5/15/2007

By Mariam Karouny
Reuters
Tuesday, May 15, 2007; 1:49 PM

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - An Iraqi committee agreed on Tuesday to send to parliament a plan to reform the constitution, an important step towards implementing national reconciliation laws that Washington says are critical to ending violence.

Once-dominant Sunni Arabs, who make up the backbone of the insurgency, have long demanded changes to a constitution they say concedes too much power to majority Shi'ites and ethnic Kurds, who were persecuted under Saddam Hussein.

U.S. President George W. Bush, under pressure to show tangible progress in the four-year-old war, has piled pressure on Iraqi leaders to agree power-sharing legislation.

Such laws, which include sharing Iraq's vast oil wealth and ending a ban on former members of Saddam's party from public office, are particularly aimed at assuaging Sunnis Arabs and bringing them firmly into the U.S.-backed political process.

Saleem al-Jubouri, from the Sunni Accordance Front, said the constitutional reform committee had agreed to pass its draft to parliament next Tuesday -- albeit with some passages unresolved.

He said this would allow it technically to meet a May 15 deadline set by the constitution.

"There is a preliminary report that has been approved by committee members," he told Reuters. "Members now have to consult their political parties on the proposals."

SOME ISSUES LEFT OPEN

But he said some thorny issues had been left open, for parliament to resolve. These included a Shi'ite-backed law that allows provinces to form federal regions, and wording on the Arab identity of Iraq, opposed by Kurds.

In another sign of political progress, Sunni Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said the presidential council would soon send to parliament a draft proposal to allow thousands of ex-Baath party members to return to public jobs, another Sunni demand.

The council comprises Hashemi, President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, and Shi'ite Vice President Adel Abdul al-Mahdi.

Hashemi's Accordance Front had warned it might quit Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government if Sunni grievances were ignored, but a visit by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney to Iraq last week appears to have softened the Sunnis' stance.

The bills are likely to face fierce debate in parliament.

Some lawmakers from the ruling Shi'ite community, who were oppressed during Saddam's rule, have expressed virulent opposition to seeing former Baathists take up government jobs.

Meanwhile non-Arab Kurds, also persecuted under Saddam's pan-Arab policies, have resisted wording on the Arab identity of Iraq.

But Sunni Arabs fear federalism will allow Kurds in the north and Shi'ites in the south, where Iraq's oil reserves lie, to break away into their own states. Sunni Arabs live mostly in central and western Iraq, which is poor in oil.

Pressure is growing in the United States to pull troops out of a war in which more than 3,300 U.S. soldiers have been killed. Some Republicans have suggested they will desert Bush unless he shows political and military progress by September.

(Additional reporting by Waleed Ibrahim)

Iraq makes progress on crucial constitution plan - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shi'ites battle for power in Iraq's Basra
5/15/2007

Reuters
Tuesday, May 15, 2007; 7:56 AM

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Basra, the richest city in Iraq and gateway to the Gulf, could erupt into all-out war between rival Shi'ite groups seeking control of its vast oil wealth as British forces prepare to draw down.

The power struggle between factions of the Shi'ite majority that has dominated Iraqi politics since the first post-war general elections in 2005 threatens to affect oil exports accounting for virtually all of Iraq's income.

In the latest development of a turf war that has all the ingredients of a gangster movie set in 1920s Chicago, rivals of the provincial governor fell one vote short of voting him out of office last month but have pledged to keep up the standoff.

Basra, Iraq's second largest city, is more or less free of the car bombs and the violence between Shi'ites and Sunni Arabs raging in central Iraq, but it has descended into a chaos of its own. Sporadic militia battles, endemic corruption and death threats now scar the once tranquil port.

"Everyone's trying to grab resources and make a quick profit without considering a long-term programme or attempting to establish a power base for the future," said Peter Harling, an analyst for the International Crisis Group who focuses on Iraq.

"The interesting thing about violence in Basra is that it's not related to the two big factors of violence elsewhere: fighting the occupation and sectarian violence," he said.

Residents fear that violence could be a sign of things to come, especially as British troops disengage from the south.

Britain, which has already turned over three southern provinces to Iraqi control, is poised to reduce its 7,000-strong force in Basra to about 5,500 by the beginning of June.

British troops have pulled out of three bases in and around Basra and are expected to leave a fourth base at a former presidential palace during the summer and move to their main compound at the international airport on the city's outskirts.

"The political battles are very worrying," student Ahmed Habib said. "If they don't resolve their differences quickly it could evolve into armed conflict."

Imad Khalil, a 32-year-old government employee agreed.

"These disagreements can very easily become violent because politicians rarely use dialogue instead of force."

"LUNG OF IRAQ"

Dubbed the "lung of Iraq" because it is an entry point for goods from wheat to cars, Basra was the port from where fictional Sinbad sailed off on his seven voyages.

But its strategic position on the Gulf also makes it a paradise for oil smugglers.

On Saturday, the New York Times cited a U.S. government accountability draft report that said as much as $15 million worth a day of Iraq's declared oil production was unaccounted for, possibly siphoned off through corruption or smuggling.

The power struggle involves militias and politicians loyal to young Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the Fadhila party and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC).

Locally powerful Fadhila, which controls key oil industry jobs in Basra, opposes the creation of a Shi'ite "super-region" espoused by SIIC, the dominant Shi'ite faction in Iraq.

Basra Governor Mohammed al-Waeli, from Fadhila, wants a Basra region of its own, independent from Najaf to the north, seat of the Shi'ite political establishment but bereft of oil.

"Federalism is a large factor behind the dispute," said one Fadhila official who declined to be identified. Waeli could not be reached for an interview despite several requests by Reuters.

One of Waeli's main opponents, former governor Hasan al-Rashid from SIIC's Badr Organization, said his allies had received death threats warning them against deposing Waeli.

"There are several points why we are opposed to him, including Basra's worsening security and his constant absence from the provincial council," Rashid told Reuters.

Some in Basra are worried that a British withdrawal would encourage groups to use force to control the oil fields. With sabotage halting exports in northern fields, the Basra terminal is essentially Iraq's only source of income at present.

Attacks by suspected militants against British forces are on the rise -- April was the deadliest month for British troops since the first month of the war -- but a spokeswoman for the British consulate in Basra played down fears of political warfare after the planned reduction in British forces.

"The most important question is not whether there'll be trouble in Basra but whether Iraqi security forces can handle it. We have seen the Iraqis are increasingly ready and willing to assume more responsibilities," she said.

Shi'ites battle for power in Iraq's Basra - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:21 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shi'ites battle for power in Iraq's Basra
5/15/2007

Reuters
Tuesday, May 15, 2007; 7:56 AM

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Basra, the richest city in Iraq and gateway to the Gulf, could erupt into all-out war between rival Shi'ite groups seeking control of its vast oil wealth as British forces prepare to draw down.

The power struggle between factions of the Shi'ite majority that has dominated Iraqi politics since the first post-war general elections in 2005 threatens to affect oil exports accounting for virtually all of Iraq's income.

In the latest development of a turf war that has all the ingredients of a gangster movie set in 1920s Chicago, rivals of the provincial governor fell one vote short of voting him out of office last month but have pledged to keep up the standoff.

Basra, Iraq's second largest city, is more or less free of the car bombs and the violence between Shi'ites and Sunni Arabs raging in central Iraq, but it has descended into a chaos of its own. Sporadic militia battles, endemic corruption and death threats now scar the once tranquil port.

"Everyone's trying to grab resources and make a quick profit without considering a long-term programme or attempting to establish a power base for the future," said Peter Harling, an analyst for the International Crisis Group who focuses on Iraq.

"The interesting thing about violence in Basra is that it's not related to the two big factors of violence elsewhere: fighting the occupation and sectarian violence," he said.

Residents fear that violence could be a sign of things to come, especially as British troops disengage from the south.

Britain, which has already turned over three southern provinces to Iraqi control, is poised to reduce its 7,000-strong force in Basra to about 5,500 by the beginning of June.

British troops have pulled out of three bases in and around Basra and are expected to leave a fourth base at a former presidential palace during the summer and move to their main compound at the international airport on the city's outskirts.

"The political battles are very worrying," student Ahmed Habib said. "If they don't resolve their differences quickly it could evolve into armed conflict."

Imad Khalil, a 32-year-old government employee agreed.

"These disagreements can very easily become violent because politicians rarely use dialogue instead of force."

"LUNG OF IRAQ"

Dubbed the "lung of Iraq" because it is an entry point for goods from wheat to cars, Basra was the port from where fictional Sinbad sailed off on his seven voyages.

But its strategic position on the Gulf also makes it a paradise for oil smugglers.

On Saturday, the New York Times cited a U.S. government accountability draft report that said as much as $15 million worth a day of Iraq's declared oil production was unaccounted for, possibly siphoned off through corruption or smuggling.

The power struggle involves militias and politicians loyal to young Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the Fadhila party and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC).

Locally powerful Fadhila, which controls key oil industry jobs in Basra, opposes the creation of a Shi'ite "super-region" espoused by SIIC, the dominant Shi'ite faction in Iraq.

Basra Governor Mohammed al-Waeli, from Fadhila, wants a Basra region of its own, independent from Najaf to the north, seat of the Shi'ite political establishment but bereft of oil.

"Federalism is a large factor behind the dispute," said one Fadhila official who declined to be identified. Waeli could not be reached for an interview despite several requests by Reuters.

One of Waeli's main opponents, former governor Hasan al-Rashid from SIIC's Badr Organization, said his allies had received death threats warning them against deposing Waeli.

"There are several points why we are opposed to him, including Basra's worsening security and his constant absence from the provincial council," Rashid told Reuters.

Some in Basra are worried that a British withdrawal would encourage groups to use force to control the oil fields. With sabotage halting exports in northern fields, the Basra terminal is essentially Iraq's only source of income at present.

Attacks by suspected militants against British forces are on the rise -- April was the deadliest month for British troops since the first month of the war -- but a spokeswoman for the British consulate in Basra played down fears of political warfare after the planned reduction in British forces.

"The most important question is not whether there'll be trouble in Basra but whether Iraqi security forces can handle it. We have seen the Iraqis are increasingly ready and willing to assume more responsibilities," she said.

Shi'ites battle for power in Iraq's Basra - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Norwegian company to pump Iraqi oil
By Javier Blas/Carola Hoyos

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

Tawke oil field, Iraq/London, 16 May 2007 (Financial Times)
Print article Send to friend
The first crude oil pumped by a foreign company in Iraq in decades will flow into the global market next month.

DNO, a Norwegian oil company, will announce on Wednesday that it will begin producing a small amount of oil from the northern Iraqi region of Kurdistan, marking a symbolic return of foreign companies to Iraq after 35 years of state control.

The company’s experience is being closely watched by larger competitors, eager for a slice of the world’s third-largest oil reserves, but deterred by security fears and the lack of a legal framework for Iraqi oil.

But DNO’s announcement could add strain to relations between Iraq’s Kurdish authorities and the central government in Baghdad. DNO’s contract is with the local administration in the relatively peaceful north of Iraq, rather than with Baghdad.

The sharing of oil resources has been a point of dispute between Iraq’s sectarian communities. The Kurdish authorities’ decision to sign separate contracts, which could bring them a direct income source and consolidate their power, has provoked fears of a break-up of Iraq.

DNO’s contract may have to be amended once the country’s hydrocarbons law is finally agreed. Passage of the law – which is critical to attracting foreign investment – through the Iraqi parliament has stalled over control of individual oil fields.

The Norwegian oil company will almost certainly have to deliver early output by truck, because Baghdad has not granted access to the export pipeline.

Helge Eide, DNO’s chief executive, said: “We are ready to pump. We never thought that we would be in a position to start producing oil from Kurdistan only two years after we commenced exploration.”

DNO, which is quoted on the Oslo stock exchange, discovered the Tawke oil field in late 2005, after signing a production sharing agreement in June 2004 with the Kurdish regional government, a semi-autonomous area of northern Iraq.

Ashti Hawrani, the Kurdish oil minister, said Kurdistan’s regional government would share revenue with the rest of the country.

Initial production from the Tawke field is expected to be 15,000 barrels a day. Iraq’s oil output, which was near 3m b/d before the US-led invasion, has dropped to about 2m b/d.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

What Bremer Got Wrong in Iraq
By Nir Rosen

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

16 May 2007 (The Washington Post)
Print article Send to friend
I arrived in Iraq before L. Paul Bremer arrived in May 2003 and stayed on long after his ignominious and furtive departure in June 2004 -- long enough to see the tragic consequences of his policies in Iraq. So I was disappointed by the indignant lack of repentance on full display in his Outlook article on Sunday.

In it, the former head of the Coalition Provisional Authority argues that he "was absolutely right to strip away the apparatus of a particularly odious tyranny," including the Baath Party and the Iraqi army. He complains about "critics who've never spent time in Iraq" and "don't understand its complexities." But Bremer himself never understood Iraq, knew no Arabic, had no experience in the Middle East and made no effort to educate himself -- as his statements clearly show.

Time and again, he refers to "the formerly ruling Sunnis," "rank-and-file Sunnis," "the old Sunni regime," "responsible Sunnis." This obsession with sects informed the U.S. approach to Iraq from day one of the occupation, but it was not how Iraqis saw themselves -- at least, not until very recently. Iraqis were not primarily Sunnis or Shiites; they were Iraqis first, and their sectarian identities did not become politicized until the Americans occupied their country, treating Sunnis as the bad guys and Shiites as the good guys. There were no blocs of "Sunni Iraqis" or "Shiite Iraqis" before the war, just like there was no "Sunni Triangle" or "Shiite South" until the Americans imposed ethnic and sectarian identities onto Iraq's regions.

Despite Bremer's assertions, Saddam Hussein's regime was not a Sunni regime; it was a dictatorship with many complex alliances in Iraqi society, including some with Shiites. If anything, the old tyranny was a Tikriti regime, led by relatives and clansmen from Hussein's hometown. Hussein punished Sunnis who became too prominent and suppressed Sunni Arab officers from Mosul and Baghdad in favor of more pliable officers from rural and tribal backgrounds. Local Sunni movements that were not pro-Hussein were repressed just as harshly as the Shiites.

Bremer was not alone in his blindness here. Just two weeks ago, I interviewed John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, about the crisis of Iraqi refugees, who now number more than 2 million. He displayed the same dismal approach to Iraq as Bremer. Bolton claimed that most of the refugees were Sunnis, fleeing because "they fear that Shiites are going to exact retribution for four or five decades of Baath rule."

Many Iraqis saw the Americans as new colonists, intent on dividing and conquering Iraq. That was precisely Bremer's approach. When he succumbed slightly to Iraqi demands for democracy and created Interim Governing Council, its members were selected by sectarian and ethnic quotas. Even the Communist Party member of the council was chosen not because he was secular but because he was a Shiite.

In Bremer's mind, the way to occupy Iraq was not to view it as a nation but as a group of minorities. So he pitted the minority that was not benefiting from the system against the minority that was, and then expected them both to be grateful to him. Bremer ruled Iraq as if it were already undergoing a civil war, helping the Shiites by punishing the Sunnis. He did not see his job as managing the country; he saw it as managing a civil war. So I accuse him of causing one.

Bremer claims that Hussein "modeled his regime after Adolf Hitler's" and compares the Baath Party to the Nazi Party. Set aside the desperation of the debater who reaches immediately for the Nazi analogy and remember that there is no mention of such "modeling" in any of the copious literature about Iraq. This ludicrous Nazi analogy permeates the entire article; it also permeated the proconsul's time in Baghdad, when Bremer imagined himself de-Nazifying postwar Germany, saving the Jews (the Shiites) from the Nazis (those evil Sunnis).

This thoughtless comparison is one of the main reasons why he performed so horribly in Iraq. (Remember, most Baath Party members were Shiites; so in Bremer's analogy, I suppose most of the Iraqi "Nazis" would be "Jews.")

Bremer claims that Iraqis hated their army at the time of the U.S. invasion. In fact, the army was the most nationalist institution in the country, one that predated the Baath Party. In electing not to fight U.S. forces, the army was expecting to be recognized by the occupation -- and indeed, until Bremer arrived, it appeared that many soldiers and officers were hoping to cooperate with the Americans.

Bremer is wrong to say that Shiites hated the Iraqi army. He treats Iraqis as if they were Hutus and Tutsis, claiming that "Shiite conscripts were regularly brutalized and abused by their Sunni officers." This is just not true. To be sure, Sunnis were overrepresented in the officer corps, and Shiites sometimes felt as if they faced a glass ceiling. But just as there were Shiite ministers under Hussein, there were also Shiite generals. At least a third of the famous deck of cards of Iraqi leaders most wanted by the Americans were Shiites.

Bremer also claims that the "Fallujah Brigade" was a recalled brigade from Hussein's former army. Again, simply not true. I was there. The brigade may have been led by a former Iraqi general, but enlistment was open to all volunteers in Fallujah, as I personally saw. The brigade was not a pre-existing unit that was merely recalled; rather, it was composed of a diverse group of former officers, soldiers, policemen and members of the resistance.

Bremer also exaggerates the numbers of casualties in the 1991 uprisings against Hussein. While the Baathist regime was brutal and killed tens of thousands, there is no evidence that Hussein killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, as Bremer claims. But there is growing evidence that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been killed since Bremer first came to power in Baghdad.

Some have indeed pilloried Bremer for his individual errors, such as disbanding the army. But these blunders are not the reasons why most Iraqis hate the American occupation and support violent resistance to it. The main grievance most Iraqis have with America is simply the occupation itself -- an occupation that lingers on years after Bremer waved goodbye.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Jordan for bigger role for Iraq's Sunnis

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

Amman, 16 May 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Pro-US ally Jordan's King Abdullah on Monday urged US Vice President Dick Cheney to support a greater political role for Iraq's Sunnis to restore stability and curb Iran's growing influence, officials said.

They said Cheney was told by the monarch during a meeting in the Red Sea port of Aqaba that Washington should pursue more vigorously the benchmarks on Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government on national reconciliation, that include dismantling Shi'ite militias and giving Sunnis a greater say.

"His Majesty stressed that the only way to end the infighting is reconciliation between all components of the Iraqi people and participation of all groups in the political process," the monarch was quoted by a palace official as telling Cheney.

Jordan and its Arab allies Egypt and Saudi Arabia have become increasingly exasperated with Washington's policies in Iraq after the US led invasion in 2003 which they say has inadvertently increase Shi'ite Iran's influence in the country.

"The increase in violence lately is disrupting efforts to restore stability and increases tensions in the region," the monarch was quoted as telling Cheney.

Cheney said on Monday that he generally got good responses from Arab allies in his appeal for more help in stabilizing Iraq. He also said he recognizes that advancing the Israel-Palestinian peace process is a related issue that also must be addressed.

"You don't get to pick and choose," the vice president told reporters aboard his plane as he returned from the weeklong tour of the Middle East.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

FOUR TERRORISTS KILLED, 30 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN OVERNIGHT RAIDS
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

May 16, 2007
Press Release A070516a

FOUR TERRORISTS KILLED, 30 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN OVERNIGHT RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed four terrorists and detained 30 suspected terrorists during operations May 15 and 16 targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership network.

Late Tuesday night, Coalition Forces raided three buildings north of Karmah associated with an individual known to facilitate financial deals for al-Qaeda senior leaders. While Coalition Forces searched the buildings, a truck with its lights off approached the cordon around the targeted building. After issuing multiple visual warnings, Coalition Forces fired warning shots, but the vehicle continued to approach the checkpoint. Coalition Forces engaged the truck with disabling shots, stopping it. One individual got out of the truck and moved to retrieve items from the back of the vehicle, and Coalition Forces took appropriate self-defensive measures in response to the hostile threat, engaging the vehicle and killing four men. Meanwhile, Coalition Forces in the buildings detained 17 suspected terrorists.

An operation in Anbar province targeted individuals allegedly tied to an al-Qaeda senior leader responsible for vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks and attacks on Iraqi infrastructure. Coalition Forces detained seven suspected terrorists in two connected raids there Wednesday morning.

During overnight operations in Mosul, Coalition Forces detained one individual suspected of associating with a known anti-Iraqi forces facilitator with ties to al-Qaeda, and three suspected terrorists tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership. Enemy forces left on the scene fired on Coalition Forces as they departed the objective.

Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists Wednesday morning in a raid along the Tigris River near Tarmiyah targeting individuals with ties to a known al-Qaeda leader.

“We’re not waiting for al-Qaeda to strike, we’re taking the fight to them,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We’re putting pressure on them, hitting their networks over and over, and reducing their ability to operate.”
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11890&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

If you are invested in the Dinar, mark your calander. Today's auction is a milestone. The Iraqi budget is based upon an exchange rate of 1260 Dinars to 1 USD.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 16, 2007 9:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Chlorine bomb hits Iraq village
16 May 2007

At least 32 people have been killed and 50 injured in a suspected chlorine bomb in Iraq's Diyala province, police say.

The attack happened in an open-air market in the village of Abu Sayda at about 2000 (1600 GMT) on Tuesday.

A police spokesman in the provincial capital Baquba said doctors at a local hospital believed the nature of victims' burns suggested poison gas.

Use of chlorine bombs has become more common since the start of the year, says a BBC correspondent in Baghdad.

Last month a bomb using chlorine and high explosive killed 35 people in Ramadi, west of the capital.

Chlorine gas burns the skin on contact and can be fatal after a few breaths.

In February the United States military reported finding a bomb factory near Falluja, where chlorine car bombs were being constructed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6660585.stm

-- May 16, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

What We Got Right in Iraq
By L. Paul Bremer
Sunday, May 13, 2007

Once conventional wisdom congeals, even facts can't shake it loose. These days, everyone "knows" that the Coalition Provisional Authority made two disastrous decisions at the beginning of the U.S. occupation of Iraq: to vengefully drive members of the Baath Party from public life and to recklessly disband the Iraqi army. The most recent example is former CIA chief George J. Tenet, whose new memoir pillories me for those decisions (even though I don't recall his ever objecting to either call during our numerous conversations in my 14 months leading the CPA). Similar charges are unquestioningly repeated in books and articles. Looking for a neat, simple explanation for our current problems in Iraq, pundits argue that these two steps alienated the formerly ruling Sunnis, created a pool of angry rebels-in-waiting and sparked the insurgency that's raging today. The conventional wisdom is as firm here as it gets. It's also dead wrong.

Like most Americans, I am disappointed by the difficulties the nation has encountered after our quick 2003 victory over Saddam Hussein. But the U.S.-led coalition was absolutely right to strip away the apparatus of a particularly odious tyranny. Hussein modeled his regime after Adolf Hitler's, which controlled the German people with two main instruments: the Nazi Party and the Reich's security services. We had no choice but to rid Iraq of the country's equivalent organizations to give it any chance at a brighter future.

Here's how the decisions were made. Gen. Tommy R. Franks, the head of the military's U.S. Central Command, outlawed the Baath Party on April 16, 2003. The day before I left for Iraq in May, Undersecretary of Defense Douglas J. Feith presented me with a draft law that would purge top Baathists from the Iraqi government and told me that he planned to issue it immediately. Recognizing how important this step was, I asked Feith to hold off, among other reasons, so I could discuss it with Iraqi leaders and CPA advisers. A week later, after careful consultation, I issued this "de-Baathification" decree, as drafted by the Pentagon.

Our goal was to rid the Iraqi government of the small group of true believers at the top of the party, not to harass rank-and-file Sunnis. We were following in the footsteps of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower in postwar Germany. Like the Nazi Party, the Baath Party ran all aspects of Iraqi life. Every Iraqi neighborhood had a party cell. Baathists recruited children to spy on their parents, just as the Nazis had. Hussein even required members of his dreaded intelligence services to read "Mein Kampf."

Although Hussein and his cronies had been in power three times as long as Hitler had, the CPA decree was much less far-reaching than Eisenhower's de-Nazification law, which affected all but the lowest-ranking former Nazis. By contrast, our Iraqi law affected only about 1 percent of Baath Party members. We knew that many had joined out of opportunism or fear, and they weren't our targets.

Eisenhower had barred Nazis not just from holding government jobs but "from positions of importance in quasi-public and private enterprises." The Iraqi law merely prohibited these top party officials from holding government positions, leaving them free to find jobs elsewhere -- even outside Iraq (provided they were not facing criminal charges). Finally, the de-Baathification decree let us make exceptions, and scores of Baathists remained in their posts.

Our critics (usually people who have never visited Iraq) often allege that the de-Baathification decision left Iraqi ministries without effective leadership. Not so. Virtually all the old Baathist ministers had fled before the decree was issued. But we were generally impressed with the senior civil servants left running the ministries, who in turn were delighted to be free of the party hacks who had long overseen them. The net result: We stripped away the tyrant's ardent backers but gave responsible Sunnis a chance to join in building a new Iraq.

The decree was not only judicious but also popular. Four days after I issued it, Hamid Bayati, a leading Shiite politician, told us that the Shiites were "jubilant" because they had feared that the United States planned to leave unrepentant Baathists in senior government and security positions -- what he called "Saddamism without Saddam." Opinion polls during the occupation period repeatedly showed that an overwhelming majority of Iraqis, including many Sunnis, supported de-Baathification.

We then turned over the implementation of this carefully focused policy to Iraq's politicians. I was wrong here. The Iraqi leaders, many of them resentful of the old Sunni regime, broadened the decree's impact far beyond our original design. That led to such unintended results as the firing of several thousand teachers for being Baath Party members. We eventually fixed those excesses, but I should have made implementation the job of a judicial body, not a political one.

Still, the underlying policy of removing top Baath officials from government was right and necessary. This decision is still supported by most Iraqis; witness the difficulties that Iraq's elected government has had in making even modest revisions to the decree.

The war's critics have also comprehensively misunderstood the "disbanding" of Hussein's army, arguing that we kicked away a vital pillar that kept the country stable and created a pool of unemployed, angry men ripe for rebellion. But this fails to reckon with the true nature of Hussein's killing machine and the situation on the ground.

It's somewhat surprising at this late date to have to remind people of the old army's reign of terror. In the 1980s, it waged a genocidal war against Iraq's minority Kurds, killing hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and more than 5,000 people in a notorious chemical-weapons attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja. After the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Iraq's majority Shiites rose up against Hussein, whose army machine-gunned hundreds of thousands of men, women and children and threw their corpses into mass graves. It's no wonder that Shiites and Kurds, who together make up more than 80 percent of Iraq's population, hated Hussein's military.

Moreover, any thought of using the old army was undercut by conditions on the ground. Before the 2003 war, the army had consisted of about 315,000 miserable draftees, almost all Shiite, serving under a largely Sunni officer corps of about 80,000. The Shiite conscripts were regularly brutalized and abused by their Sunni officers. When the draftees saw which way the war was going, they deserted and, like their officers, went back home. But before the soldiers left, they looted the army's bases right down to the foundations.

So by the time I arrived in Iraq, there was no Iraqi army to disband. Some in the U.S. military and the CIA's Baghdad station suggested that we try to recall Hussein's army. We refused, for overwhelming practical, political and military reasons.

For starters, the draftees were hardly going to return voluntarily to the army they so loathed; we would have had to send U.S. troops into Shiite villages to force them back at gunpoint. And even if we could have assembled a few all-Sunni units, the looting would have meant they'd have no gear or bases.

Moreover, the political consequences of recalling the army would have been catastrophic. Kurdish leaders made it clear to me that recalling Hussein-era forces would make their region secede, which would have triggered a civil war and tempted Turkey and Iran to invade Iraq to prevent the establishment of an independent Kurdistan. Many Shiite leaders who were cooperating with the U.S.-led forces would have taken up arms against us if we'd called back the perpetrators of the southern killing fields of 1991.

Finally, neither the U.S.-led coalition nor the Iraqis could have relied on the allegiance of a recalled army. This lesson was driven home a year later, when the Marines unilaterally recalled a single brigade of Hussein's former army, without consulting with the Iraqi government or the CPA. This "Fallujah Brigade" quickly proved disloyal and had to be disbanded. Moreover, the Marines' action so rattled the Shiites and Kurds that it very nearly derailed the political process of returning sovereignty over the country to the Iraqi people -- further proof of the extreme danger of relying on Hussein's old army.

So, after full coordination within the U.S. government, including the military, I issued an order to build a new, all-volunteer army. Any member of the former army up to the rank of colonel was welcome to apply. By the time I left Iraq, more than 80 percent of the enlisted men and virtually all of the noncommissioned officers and officers in the new army were from the old army, as are most of the top officers today. We also started paying pensions to officers from the old army who could not join the new one -- stipends that the Iraqi government is still paying.

I'll admit that I've grown weary of being a punching bag over these decisions -- particularly from critics who've never spent time in Iraq, don't understand its complexities and can't explain what we should have done differently. These two sensible and moral calls did not create today's insurgency. Intelligence material we discovered after the war began showed that Hussein's security forces had long planned to wage such a revolt.

No doubt some members of the Baath Party and the old army have joined the insurgency. But they are not fighting because they weren't given a chance to earn a living. They're fighting because they want to topple a democratically elected government and reestablish a Baathist dictatorship. The true responsibility for today's bloodshed rests with these people and their al-Qaeda collaborators.

http://www.puk.org/web/htm/news/nws/news070512.html

-- May 16, 2007 10:17 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Musharraf calls for end to outside interference in Iraq
Published: 16/05/2007
By Shahid Hussain

Islamabad: Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf yesterday called for an end to "outside interference" in Iraq to control the mayhem in the country.

Inaugurating the 34th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers here, he proposed that if all warring factions were willing, a Muslim peacekeeping force under the United Nations could be deployed in Iraq.

"We have to stop all outside interference in Iraq ... the mass killings, the carnage that is taking place there has to stop."

If outside interference stopped, it would be possible to control the internal situation in Iraq, he said, stressing that a political solution "is dire necessity".

http://www.gulf-news.com/world/Pakistan/10125661.html

-- May 16, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hi all,

Long time no see.

I would like, if I may, take you back a bit in time, to get a better understanding of the current situation in Iraq, and how it is also inter twined with the Israel/Palestine conflict.

It's a web involving Britain, Hitler, Israel, Hussein, Gestapo and the influx of Jews into the early Palestine.

Britain was mandating Palestine, the area of Palestine was considered much larger then today's description of Palestine, the area was in modern time the area of Jordan, Israel, West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon.

The British holding those territories, as a war lot from Turkey, from WW1, had a lot of area to control, and the territories had no real government, but was more or less runned by British mandate.

The German Nazi movement, and a lot of anti semitism in Russia prompted many European Jewish people to emigrate to an enclave that was safe.

Palestine, under British rule.

At first this was of a lesser problem, but in the Arab circles there was a man, called Muhammad Amin ali-Sadyiam (hope I got the spelling right). He was a very prominent person, with a lot of authority in the Arabian quarters.

Muhammad Amin, opposed strongly on religious and political grounds the heavy influx of Jews into Palestine, and organised an uprising against the British, and Jews.

His uprising failed, but only after 400 Jews was killed, together with about 60 Brits, and 2000 Arabs.

He did however with his uprising, make the British put sharp quotas on the Jewish immigration into Palestine.

The Brits completely cut down the insurgency, and Muhammad Amin fled to the Lebanese territory together with his organisation.

Iraq at the time was ruled also by the Brits, but had a kingdom, a very young and weak king, that most Iraqis saw as a British vassal ( Most correctly observed).

Next time this Muhamad Amin show up is in Iraq, where he started to plan for a coup, and over throw of the King.

Muhamad, flew to Berlin and asked to see Hitler, he was received luke warmly, and Hitler referred the matter to his foreign minister Ribbentrop.

Muhanmmad Amin asked for economical and military help in overthrowing the Brits. This in return for all the oil the axis powers needed.

He got encouraged, but got vaguely formulated promises from the Germans.

Muhammad Amin returned to Iraq and started to build up his forces. He actually managed to get quite a formidable acquisition of weapons, artillery rifles and a lot more. He desperately needed airplanes though.

Muhamad attacked the Brits right at a point in time, where the Brits were heavily pressed in North Africa against Rommel.

The Brits in Iraq, had only a very small contingent of air crafts, mainly school aircraft of the old cloth and wire, bi planes type, for pilot training and lacked the modern air crafts, as they were desperately needed elsewhere.

The British base was surrounded and shelled with artillery. However, the Brits, did not give up that easily, they by improvisation and quick rebuild at the airfield converted all their air crafts to whatever they could do, drop bombs, strafing or air to air combat air crafts, and started to push back.

British reinforcements was very far away, and even if they were on the way, it would take considerable time to get there in numbers needed.

At that time, with victory close at hand, Muhammad Amin did a desperate call for Nazi help, he needed air crafts to deal with the British, and he needed them right away.

Hitler responded very quick, and sent him modern air crafts together with German crews to fly them, but he was also pressed, and could not send many at all, only about a dozen all in all.

The Brits destroyed all the German air crafts, after a short operational time, and the small number of Brits pressed a very big Arabian army back, until the Arabian army did a blunder that broke the camels back.

By confusion, two very big Arabian forces was sent in one direction, while another force, about as big, was sent in opposite direction, meeting each other half way. They made a mess on the Freeway so to say.

The road they were using was completely clogged up, and the Brits could do strafing of the columns about as easy as the Americans did on the fleeing Iraqis leaving Kuwait in the first Gulf war.

With the German support gone, his army shot to pieces, Muhammad Amin fled to Germany.

In Germany, he set up a MUSLIM SS CORPS. This may sound unbelievable, but is a historic fact.

The Muslim SS Corps was operating in it's sphere if interest, and did gruesome acts, and could probably be the embryo of modern terrorism in Muslim ranks.

Back in Iraq, the army officers supporting Muhammad Amin was arrested by the British.

Here the story takes another twist, one of the army officers, arrested, was sitting quite a long time jailed in British jails during the remainder of the WW2 conflict, and when he came out, he complained wildly and loudly about the unfair treatment he had.

One of the small boys, listen with big ears, later he will be known as the Butcher of Baghdad. Hussein.

Recently hanged for his crimes.

-- May 17, 2007 2:41 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

So what will happen when the Dinar now have reached 1260 to 1?

Most possibly nothing, well something may very well happen because of other reasons, but just by the fact that the Dinar have reached this number, this doesn't really mean anything.

It's a preset arbitrary number that the budget is based upon, that's all, and if they want to keep this number as an average, they better continue to rise the value of the Dinar.

The zero lop argument have been completely absent lately, except some recycled articles from the old finance minister that said something about it a year ago, and those articles have a tendency to pop up again and and again like a computer virus.

The possibility of Iraq following industrial and economical basic principles are far far better than places like China and Vietnam.

Iraq is on the right track, and thus this gives the Iraqi Dinars the very best chance for success, unlike China or Vietnam.

China's currency is very much undervalued, and many have put their hopes on that currency and bought up a bundle, same with the Vietnamese Dong.

China is producing highly and strongly, Vietnam have right now one of the best prospects of getting into the ranks of industrial nations, with it's oil and industrial investments pouring into the country.

However, both are Communist regimes, at least on paper, and that position, they will not let go voluntarily, but will stay as Communists as long as they can stay in power.

As overall rulers, a Communist regime do as they please, and so far, they have gotten away with murder, they have been holding down the Chinese currency way way under it's actual value for long time, and there is no indication that they will let it go into a value region where it is in par with it's real value.

So they do what is good for them, not what is good for the rest of the business community, China always have been on that route, and Vietnam being of the same political color, will most probably look at China as the blue print for their up and coming (and currently ongoing) economical upswing.

So if I have a choice of "risky investment" I take the Iraqi Dinar any time of the day.

-- May 17, 2007 3:13 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(926)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 926 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/5/17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1260 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 61.800.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 61.800.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 17, 2007 6:49 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Roger;

Glad to have you back to posting!! :)
Appreciate your posting.

Sara.

-- May 17, 2007 3:15 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Steve,
None dinar subject.
Roger, very good reading your comments on China and Vietnam, I would like to forward you some info on Vietnam, for your thoughts on Vietnam, contact me on,
swpsteve@aol.com for your email address to send the info, thank you Steve.

-- May 17, 2007 9:09 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Roger,
Where you been?
I appreciated that history lesson. It's amazing how we can now look back and recognize what brought us to this point in history. It's to bad we cannot all recognize, with the same clarity, where the events of today are taking us tomorrow.

-- May 18, 2007 3:47 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

The Central Bank starts applying the electronic payment system

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

The Iraqi Central Bank began applying the electronic payment system RTGS, with the accession of a number of Iraqi banks effectively.

A source in the Bank said that: the modern payments system would facilitate payment processes among banks and between them and the Central, as all banks have accounts in the Central Bank; reconciliations are done through moving these accounts also. He added that the Bank seeks to develop such a mechanism in future in a way that exceeds the scope of the banking sector, pointing out to linking the Ministry of Finance to this system, and added that the work on linking the Iraq market for securities, as well as remittances and bonds in the Central Bank. The source indicated that the Bank is working on establishing a system for clearing checks electronically and has good and concrete preparations to develop the Iraqi banking sector to cope with the international development.

Source: Iraq Directory

-- May 18, 2007 11:40 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Higher demand for dollar, exchange rate stable in daily auction

Demand for the dollar was higher in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Thursday, reaching $61.800 million compared with $56.830 million on Wednesday, while the dollar exchange rate was stable.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $16.770 million in cash and $45.030 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,260 dinars per dollar, the same as yesterday.

None of the 16 banks that participated in Thursday's auction offered to sell dollars.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the demand for the dollar was higher because this is the closing session of the week and the stable exchange rate has led to an increase in demand to buy dollars."

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

Source: Voice of Iraq

-- May 18, 2007 11:41 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi all i found this on anouther blog sit wot do you think?heres how it gows.sunshine222
Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 6

Lower Denoms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

ok guys.. here it goes..
my brother works in a bank in baghdad (sorry cant tell you the name of the bank for his job security). he said that there was a delivery of lower denoms (coins no notes) yesterday!!! he and his manager were the 2 employees that sorted and stock checked them. he saw

a quarter dinar coin
a half dinar coin,
a 1 dinar and
a 2 dinar coin!!!!

he asked his manager if he had knew a large change in the exchange rate was coming and his manager said in a sarcastic way, "what do you think?"
"when?" my brother asked. his manager replied "before the end of the next weekend, but i cannot say anymore", he asked the manager at what price it was revaluing at but he did not know the exact new exchage rate.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!! WE GONNA BE RICHHHHH!!!! HAHAHA SUCK IT UP ALL YOU NAYSAYERS!!
http://www.rolclub.com/rumors-predictions/

-- May 18, 2007 9:30 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

If I read that message board right CB, the weekend in question was back in March.

-- May 19, 2007 1:11 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Cornish boy;

Obviously the key to Iraq having economic growth is Foreign Investment. Since that rumor happened before that has been accomplished, there was no RV to accompany it, though, for all we know, those denominations are in place awaiting the Foreign Investment and subsequent development of Iraq. It is expected that foreign investment in Iraq will happen after the HCL law passes and that the laws will offer the normal guarantees which make companies dealing in overseas/Foreign Investment comfortable enough to expend the time and energy to help Iraq develop its industry.
Recent news post which is a case in point:

Iraqi Trade Chambers Federation demands the release of its blocked funds
Includes 611 thousand Iraqi traders
Translated by IRAQdirecotry.com - [17/05/2007]

Iraqi Trade Chambers Federation achieved advanced steps on the road to activate the role of the private sector in the reconstruction of Iraq within the framework of its attempt to make Iraqi traders take their role in the economic variables required in the country.

He said that the adopted laws and legislations does not suit the responsibility of the Federation and its branches in the new transformations in the country and that they need to be renew to expand the performance of the private sector, pointing out that the most important features of the market economy, which represents the economic program of the new Iraq, is how effective the private sector and its role in the leadership of economic transformations.

Jaafar Al-Hamadani addressed a very important issue which is the intellectual property law, and said: "If this law is ratified and succeeded, it would achieve all the economic and social changes”.

He stressed the need for Iraq to join the World Trade Organization and said: joining the Organization means to re-gain Iraq’s international role and entering the world market, since Iraq enjoys many advantages like possessing treasures and natural resources and being one of the rich nations in the world, pointing at the importance of openness to the world and to achieve the return of Iraq into the international arena.

He pointed out at the conclusion of the meeting to the promising future awaiting Iraq after the Investment Law was approved, which he described as the key to start the economic development in the country, and it will contribute to attracting foreign capital and modern technology, which contributes to the reconstruction of Iraq, pointing out that the advantages included in the law guarantee the rights of Iraqis in the partnership with international companies as well as contribute in the fight against unemployment through creating job opportunities.

http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3784

From this I hope you can see that the Iraqis are moving full steam ahead on the economic side, implementing the FI and HCL laws and seeking WTO status so that they can enter the world market and attract foreign capital and modern technology to reconstruct Iraq... giving Iraqis with leadership potential the ability to partner with international companies and create jobs and wealth. This is the road to the Revaluation.. not isolated (though perhaps related) events about denominations being distributed. Keep your eye on the ball of where the market economy and private sector component are and you will see where the prosperity for the fortunes of the people of Iraq and their currency lies. The government does not make money, they govern. To have Iraq prosperous, they need to empower their people through attracting partners in the international community who will help them to develop their country's resources.

Sara.

-- May 19, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

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pat wrote:

ya ,I too heard about the same story. It was changed a bit, but it was about 6 weeks ago or more. You know what sucks is you can't get good info (or trust it )because you got these people selling these dinars putting crap out there olny to cause false hope and line there pockets. Time will tell the truth, thats about all we can count on !

-- May 19, 2007 12:04 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sorry I have not been posting. I am in St. Louis, Mo. seeing family. I will be here until Sunday. Anyone on the board from St. Louis? I will be posting next week.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 19, 2007 1:32 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Rob N.
I am busy til next week, too, so I'm not posting much.
I appreciate your posts and am looking forward to hearing from you.
Have a blessed time with your family,

Sara.

-- May 19, 2007 2:36 PM ∞

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The oldest daughter wrote:

To Cornish boy
The rumor about the lower denoms was posted in Jan. Believe we have had a few weekends since then and I am not celebrating a RV.
Thanks...

-- May 20, 2007 2:49 AM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Tony Blair on Saturday paid his final visit as prime minister to Iraq, a country whose future may define the legacy of his decade in power.

He flew into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone to meet President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to discuss how to push for greater political reconciliation in a country fractured by sectarian violence.
Photo

A mortar, part of a pattern of daily bombardments, landed in the Green Zone as Blair arrived, witnesses said. But Blair's spokesman said: "No information suggest that this was other than usual business."

Blair's decision to join U.S. President George W. Bush and send British troops to topple Saddam Hussein in 2003 despite huge opposition at home was the defining moment of his rule.

Lingering resentment from the public and within the ruling Labour Party over Blair's steadfast support for Bush and the war ultimately forced him to cut short his third term. He will quit on June 27 and Chancellor Gordon Brown will take over.

Four years after the invasion, U.S. and British forces face daily attacks from insurgents, sectarian violence is undermining the state and officials within and outside Maliki's coalition admit stabilising Iraq is almost a "mission impossible."

But Blair believes there have been positive political developments and he wants to discuss a coherent plan with Maliki to see faster progress.

"We need to take advantage of the possible momentum in Iraqi politics to create the space for long-term security," Blair's official spokesman told reporters. "The key to that is reconciliation ensuring the needs of Iraqis of different communities are properly taken into account and a lasting political accommodation is reached between them."

BASRA

But for now, Blair's legacy remains tarnished by Iraq -- despite helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland and the success of military intervention in Kosovo and Sierra Leone.
Photo

What rankles is the perception that Blair took Britain to war over a lie -- that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. A poll for the Observer newspaper this year, showed 58 percent of Britons believed Iraq was Blair's biggest failure.

British forces initially seemed to have done well in Basra, a predominantly Shi'ite city in the south not plagued by the sectarian violence of Baghdad, nor prone to many strikes on foreign troops.

But security in Basra has deteriorated in the past few years as rival Shi'ite militias battle for control of the vast oil wealth in Iraq's richest city and the gateway to the Gulf.

Attacks on British forces have been rising and April 2007 was the deadliest month since the invasion. Britain is in the process of cutting its force in Basra to 5,500 from 7,000 and drawing back most troops to the international airport.

In a propaganda coup for militants, the army deemed it too dangerous to let Prince Harry, an army officer and third in line to the throne, risk active service in southern Iraq.

Blair is adamant invading Iraq was the right thing to do.

"We took a decision that we thought was very difficult. I thought then, and I think now, it was the right decision," he said in Washington this week.

Source: Reuters uk

-- May 20, 2007 7:58 AM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Sorry for the length of this article, I received it via e-mail so I do not have a link I could post. I thought it had some very interesting perspectives so I think many of you will enjoy reading it. Appears to be a summary of various articles released through a pay-to-read source. Anyway, it came from official channels so I assume it is fairly accurate.

The United States, Iran and the Iraq Negotiation Process

By George Friedman and Reva Bhalla

At long last, the United States and Iran nnounced May 13 that they will engage in direct public bilateral talks over Iraq. From Washington, it was the office of Vice President Dick Cheney and the National Security Council that broke the news. From Tehran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad confirmed that the two sides will meet in Baghdad in a few weeks, most likely at the ambassadorial level. That makes these talks as officially sanctioned as they can be.

Already there have been two brief public meetings -- albeit on the sidelines of two international conferences -- between senior officials from the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department in March in Baghdad and in May in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The upcoming meeting in Baghdad, however, will be the first official bilateral meeting. After months of intense back-channel discussions, both sides have made a critical decision to bring their private negotiations into the public sphere, which means Tehran and Washington must have reached some consensus on the general framework of the negotiations on how to stabilize Iraq.

Why Now?

The U.S. political situation illustrates why both sides are willing to come to the table right now. Both Iran and the United States are closely eyeing each other's busted flushes, and they understand that time is not on their respective sides.

From the U.S. perspective, it is no secret the Iraq war has soaked up an enormous amount of U.S. military bandwidth. With the 2008 presidential election fast approaching, the Bush administration is left with little time to put a plan in action that would demonstrate some progress toward stabilizing Iraq. It has also become painfully obvious that U.S. military force alone will not succeed in suppressing Sunni insurgents and the Shiite militias enough to allow the government in Baghdad to function -- and for Washington to develop a real exit strategy. But by defiantly sending more troops to Iraq against all odds, Bush is sending a clear signal to Iran that it is not in the Iranians' interest to wait out this administration, and that the United States is prepared to use its forces to block Iranian aspirations to dominate Iraq.

From the Iranian perspective, Tehran knows it is dealing with a weak U.S. president right now, and that the next U.S. president probably will have much greater freedom of action than Bush currently does. The Iranians learned that dealing with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter would have been preferable to dealing with his successor. If you know negotiations are inevitable, it is better to negotiate with the weak outgoing president than try to extract concessions from a strong president during an increasingly complicated situation. The Iranians also know that the intensely fractious nature of Iraq's Shiite bloc -- which Iran depends on to project its power -- makes it all the more difficult for Tehran to consolidate its gains the longer Iraq remains in chaos.

U.S. and Iranian Demands

And so the time has come for both Iran and the United States to show their cards by laying out their demands for public viewing.

U.S. demands for Iraq are fairly straightforward. Our understanding of what Washington wants from Tehran regarding Iraq rests on these key points:

1. The United States wants Iraq to be a unified and independent state. In other words, Washington knows a pro-U.S. regime in Baghdad is
impossible at this point, but Washington is not going to permit an Iranian-dominated state either.

2. The United States does not want jihadists operating in Iraq.

3. The United States wants to be able to withdraw from security operations, but not precipitously, thereby allaying Sunni Arab states' concerns.

Essentially, the United States is looking to Create an Iraqi government that, while dominated by the Shia, remains neutral to Iran, hostile to jihadists and accommodating to mainstream Sunnis.

Iranian Demands

Iran's answers to these demands were publicly outlined in a paper at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. The Saudi-owned, U.K.-based daily newspaper Al Hayat established the details of this paper in a May 5 article. The key points made in the presentation include the following:

1. Iran does not want an abrupt withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq for fear this would lead to reshuffling the cards and redistributing power. Instead, there should be a fixed timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. and British forces from Iraqi cities and relocation at bases and camps inside Iraq, provided the Iraqi forces have reached the point at which they can provide security. The Iranians also stated that they would extend all possible assistance so that foreign forces could exit "honorably" from Iraq.

The U.S. decision to surge more troops into Iraq forced Iran to think twice about placing its bets on a complete U.S. withdrawal. An abrupt withdrawal without a negotiated settlement leaves more problems than Tehran can manage in terms of containing Iraq's Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish factions, and Iran does not want to be left to pick up the pieces in a country that is already on the verge of shattering along sectarian lines.

It is important to note that Iran is not calling for a complete withdrawal from Iraq, and actually acknowledges that U.S. forces will be relocated at bases and camps inside the country. Though this acts as a blocker to Iranian ambitions, the presence of U.S. bases also provides Iran with a stabilizing force placating the Sunnis and Kurds. Moreover, the Iranians are sending assurances to the United States that they are willing to cooperate so the Iraq withdrawal does not look like another Vietnam scenario for the U.S. administration to deal with at home.

2. Iran is "strongly opposed to all attempts to partition Iraq or impose a federal system that allows for regional autonomy." No region should be allowed to monopolize the resources in its territory and deprive other regions of the revenues from these resources.

Iran is essentially saying that Tehran and Washington have a common desire to see a unified Iraq. The U.S. insistence on a unified Iraq takes into account Sunni concerns of being left with the largely oil-barren central region of the country. Iran is signaling that it is not interested in seeing Iraq get split up, even if such a scenario leaves Tehran with the second-best option of securing influence in a Shiite-dominated, oil-rich southern autonomous zone.

3. Iran wants a plan, involving the Kurds and Sunnis, drawn up to root out the transnational jihadist forces allied with al Qaeda in Iraq. Sunni tribes should also assume the responsibility of confronting jihadists, whether they are Iraqi citizens or are from other Arab and
Muslim countries.

In this demand, Iran and the United States share a common goal. The jihadists will use every attempt to sow sectarian strife in Iraq to prevent a political resolution from developing. The United States does not want to provide al Qaeda with a fertile base of operations, and Iran does not want its ideological nemesis gaining ground next door and working against Shiite interests.

4. Iran clearly states that the negotiations over Iraq cannot be separated from other regional issues and Tehran's nuclear file.

Stratfor has extensively discussed the nexus between Iran's nuclear agenda and its blueprint for Iraq. Iran is trying to link the nuclear issue to its dealings with the United States on Iraq as a sort of insurance policy. Iran does not want to reach an agreement on Iraq and then leave the nuclear issue to be dealt with down the road, when the United States is in a stronger position to take action against Tehran.

Iran basically is looking for a deal allowing it voluntarily to agree to freeze uranium enrichment in exchange for political concessions over Iraq, but without it having to dismantle its program. That would leave enough room to skirt sanctions and preserve the nuclear program for its long-term interests. Washington is not exactly amenable to this idea, which is what makes this a major sticking point. The United States already has made it clear that it is leaving the nuclear issue out of the Iraq discussions.

5. Iran wants a new regional formula that would make Iraq a region of influence for Tehran.

While it does not appear that Iran explicitly stated this in its presentation, a majority of participants at the conference got the message. Washington cannot afford to allow Iraq to develop into an Iranian satellite, but it is looking for assurances from Iran that a U.S. withdrawal will leave in place a neutral, albeit Shiite-dominated,
government in Iraq.

Iranian Offers

The Iranian paper outlined several key concessions it would offer the United States and Iraq's Sunni faction if its demands were met.

1. Iran would help the Iraqi government rein in the armed Shiite militias and incorporate them into the state security apparatus.

2. The de-Baathification law can be revised to allow for the rehiring of former Iraqi army personnel, the bulk of whom are tied to the Sunni
nationalist insurgency. However, Iran wants assurances that former Interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and other former Baathists will not be allowed to hold the position of prime minister when the time comes to replace current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

3. Iran would be willing to see fresh parliamentary elections, the formation of a new Cabinet and the amendment of the Iraqi Constitution to double the Sunni seats in parliament to 40 percent, with the Shia retaining 60 percent. Tehran has said nothing about what would be left for Kurdish political representation, however.

4. Iran has proposed the "fair" distribution of oil revenues in Iraq to satisfy all parties, especially those in "central Iraq," the Sunni-dominated, oil-deprived heart of the country.

Tehran's offers illustrate the Iranians' open acknowledgment that they are not going to be able to have their cake and eat it too. Instead, they are going to have to guarantee Iraqi neutrality by giving the Sunnis a much larger slice, leaving the Kurds to get screwed yet again.

Back in Washington, the Bush administration is looking at the Iranian withdrawal plan skeptically. Right now, the United States wants assurances that a withdrawal plan worked out with the Iranians does not simply leave a longer-term opportunity for Iran to gradually take control of Iraq once the major roadblocks are out of the way. In other words, the United States needs guarantees that, as it draws down its troop presence, the Iranians will not simply walk in. The Iranian proposal to expand Sunni representation is a direct response to these concerns, provided the relevant parties can actually deliver on their promises.

This is still highly questionable, though significant developments are already taking place that reveal the United States, Iran and various Iraqi players are making concrete moves to uphold their sides of the bargain. With Iran's blessing, the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) has announced it will undergo a process of "Iraqization" -- a largely symbolic demonstration that SCIRI will not operate simply as an Iranian proxy. Meanwhile, the Sunni tribes and clans in Anbar province are increasingly broadcasting their commitment and progress in combating transnational jihadists. And finally, numerous reports in the Arab media suggest the United States would be willing to heed the Iranian demand that the Iraqi military not have offensive capabilities allowing it to threaten its Persian neighbor.

The negotiations are moving, and it is becoming more and more apparent that a consensus is emerging between Tehran and Washington over how the Iraq project should turn out. With enough serious arrestors in play for this deal to fall through, it is now up to all players -- whether those players call Washington, Tehran, Riyadh or Baghdad home -- finally to put their money where their mouths are.

-- May 20, 2007 1:22 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thank you, turtle.
EXCELLENT post!! :) :) :)
I found this quote very instructive:

Quote:
The negotiations are moving, and it is becoming more and more apparent that a consensus is emerging between Tehran and Washington over how the Iraq project should turn out. With enough serious arrestors in play for this deal to fall through, it is now up to all players -- whether those players call Washington, Tehran, Riyadh or Baghdad home -- finally to put their money where their mouths are.

IF consensus can be reached.. and STABILITY is agreed upon..
a great deal of the problems will be taken care of.
Greater stability.. means the currency will be worth more.
It has always been the ONLY barrier to a good RV of the money.
Stability in Iraq has always been key.
When you talk to people about Dinar investing.. they say..
why invest in the currency, when the situation in Iraq is so unstable?
With more stability.. more worth to the currency.
This could be very significant.. and lucrative...
for the Iraqi people.. and for us investors in the Dinar. :)

Sara.

-- May 20, 2007 3:19 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Quote:
Pelosi Says Bush Has 'Tin Ear' on Iraq
The Associated Press
Sunday, May 20, 2007; 4:37 PM

WASHINGTON -- President Bush has a "tin ear" when it comes to Iraq and should compromise with majority Democrats on a war spending bill with a timetable for U.S. troops to leave, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

With hopes of getting a new bill to President Bush before the Memorial Day weekend, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday that Republicans "don't want a retreat date in there, a surrender date."

The White House and Congress failed to come up with a deal last week after exchanging offers and Bush's chief of staff said after a Capitol Hill meeting Friday that "timelines for withdrawal are just not the right way to go.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/20/AR2007052000561.html

Pelosi today accused President Bush of having a "tin ear."
But Pelosi, like the tin man, has no heart.
The strategy when the terrorists took hostages was not to negotiate with them.
The terrorists took many people over quite some time.. and still the US refused to negotiate.
They killed many, but.. eventually.. they got the message.
There was no use to taking hostages.. the US would not negotiate.

Pelosi and the other Iraq defeatist Democrats have taken the exact opposite strategy.
They are giving the terrorists hope they can prevail.
The Democrats daily squabble over Iraq and say "compromise"... infusing hope in the terrorists that the US will weaken and leave.
As they do so.. they embolden the terrorists to more and more terrorism against the US troops.
It is Pelosi and her people who are tin men and have no heart for the troops of America.
The terrorists know if they keep attacks on American soldiers in the news.. the Democrats have a better chance to make the US fail.
They might win.. if they just keep up the pressure.

So the Democrats.. and Ms. Pelosi.. are helping fuel a fire of targeting the troops.. because it may do something for the terrorist cause.
If, like the hostage taking, the US was firm in saying, " We will never give in and fight to the end."
then the terrorists would get that message and would have to back down in time, as they did on the hostage negotiating.

The blood of the US soliders is on the hands of those who dissent in the government during a time of war.
God will hold THEM responsible for emboldening the enemy to kill as many US troops as is possible.
I am sick of their playing political games with the lives of US troops.
It is not President Bush who has a "tin ear" - it is Pelosi and her kind who are tin men.. they are the ones with no heart for the lives of American servicemen and women..
and it both angers and saddens me.. the wasteful way they use the troops for their money and lust and power goals.

Sara.

-- May 20, 2007 7:19 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

15 Yanks killed in Iraq
New wave of violence includes insurgent bombing attacks
NEWS WIRE SERVICES
Monday, May 21st 2007, 4:00 AM

BAGHDAD - In escalation of violence in Iraq U.S. soldiers have died since Friday, including seven soldiers killed Saturday by insurgent bombing attacks, military officials said yesterday.

In Washington yesterday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on President Bush to compromise with majority Democrats on a war spending bill with a timetable for U.S. troops to leave.

With the eight killed on Friday, so far, at least 71 U.S. forces have died in Iraq this month - most of them from bombs, as the U.S. military pours thousands of extra troops into the capital.

Meanwhile, thousands of U.S. troops continued to search for three soldiers missing since an ambush south of Baghdad on May 12.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_report/2007/05/21/2007-05-21_15_yanks_killed_in_iraq.html

An escalation in violence.. why would that happen?

And then Pelosi says to President Bush to "compromise" and get the troops to leave Iraq,

which the terrorists also want. Anyone think that the two could be related?

Attacks on US troops.. and the Dems trying to get the US to withdraw.. same agenda, different players.

Which side are the Dems on? Obviously they line up with..

Sara.

-- May 21, 2007 9:00 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

U.S. Restarting Iraqi Factories
David Axe | May 21, 2007
Four years after the disastrous decision by the U.S.-led provisional authority to instantly privatize all Iraqi state-owned industries - a move that resulted in the failure of many factories and, consequently, 50-percent unemployment in much of the country - an American Defense Department task force is finally launching a concerted effort to re-open idle Iraqi plants.

The factory initiative, led by Deputy Under-Secretary of Defense for Business Transformation Paul Brinkley, is part of a renewed emphasis on reconstruction and other economic assistance that complements the "surge" of an additional 20,000 U.S. troops into Baghdad.

"The task force has performed over 60 detailed assessments to date," according to a press release from the group. "Major industrial operations in Iskandiriyah, Najaf, Baghdad and Ramadi have been re-started."

"We're turning on factories almost weekly," Brinkley reports. For the time being, they will remain state-owned. "Violence here has made it unreasonable to expect a free market to quickly emerge."

One short-term goal is to get more Iraqis working and dry up the pool of potential insurgents and militia members. "If you impose 50-percent unemployment in any country, there are going to be militia roaming around. Economic distress creates sympathy for violent activity."

Brinkley says that his bosses have seen "specific cases where employees of factories that had been shut down were being paid $300 to place IEDs," or Improvised Explosive Devices, the biggest killer of coalition troops in Iraq.

Using employment as a way of disabling militias was first attempted by Soldiers from the U.S. 101st Airborne Division in northern Iraq in 2003 and by British Soldiers in southern Iraq. In addition, a few private groups including U.S. nonprofit CHF International have quietly overseen small-scale employment schemes. But for U.S. forces in north-central Iraq from late 2003 until recently, combat operations have trumped reconstruction as a priority. Brinkley's group plus the expanded number of "Provincial Reconstruction Teams" represents a belated recognition by U.S. leaders that combat won't solve Iraq's most vexing problems.

Re-opening shuttered factories requires start-up funding, organizational expertise and commercial orders. The funding is coming from the Iraqi government, the expertise is Brinkley's and the initial orders are coming from coalition forces. Brinkley's team tours old facilities to identify the best candidates for re-opening. "A surprising number of these factories are in good condition," he reports. And despite years of idleness, Iraq's 500,000 former factory workers still represent what Brinkley describes as one of the "most highly skilled workforces in the Middle East."

A longer-term goal is to restore Iraqi industry's internal connections and its access to global markets, both necessary steps to ensure Iraq's eventual self-sustainability. Ironically, the country's economy is surprisingly diverse thanks to a decade of sanctions that limited imports and exports and forced Iraqi businesses to try meeting all of the country's needs on their own. The result today is an economy that, according to Brinkley, is capable of producing "anything an economy can consume except high-tech goods." The flip-side of the sanctions - and of the violence that has plagued the country since 2003 - is that Iraq's re-launched and surviving businesses are highly isolated.

To end that isolation, Brinkley's task force has escorted representatives of U.S. and other foreign firms on tours of Iraqi factories. "The appeal I make to them is simple," Brinkley says. "If you come to Iraq and see a factory making a good you consume, consider buying from the Iraqi factory."

"Supply agreements are now being negotiated for everything from construction materials to clothing to machine parts," Brinkley says, signaling Iraq's first baby steps towards economic adulthood.

But ending Iraqi factories' isolation from each other requires better security in Iraqi cities and on its dangerous highways - a mostly military mission that might be easier in coming months and years if Brinkley's task force succeeds in boosting factory employment. In that way, the military and economic efforts are intertwined.

The task force's work has the added benefit of educating senior Iraqi leaders in basic economic management - a phenomenon that U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard identified earlier this year while discussing the effect that the Baghdad surge was having on Iraqi government ministers. He said that the security plan had forced the ministers to improve their organizational skills. But he added that it was "too early" to tell if this represented sustainable progress at the highest levels of Iraqi government.

-- May 21, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Announcement No.(928)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 928 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/5/21 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1260 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 37.965.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 37.965.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----
(www.cbiraq.org)

-- May 21, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's Zebari urges Britain, U.S. to maintain troops
By James Grubel

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

21 May 2007 (Reuters)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq urged Washington and incoming British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday to stand firm against domestic political pressures and maintain troop numbers in Iraq despite ongoing militia and insurgent violence.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said progress was being made in Iraq since the latest security crackdown began in mid-February, but it was important there were no signs of weakness with coalition forces, including those from Australia.

He said Brown, who will take over from Tony Blair as prime minister in late June, had been a supporter of the military mission in Iraq and the Iraqi minister did not expect any significant changes under his leadership.

"We hope there wouldn't be any changes, or any dramatic changes. We understand the realities of British politics," Zebari told reporters at a joint news conference with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer in Canberra.

"The forthcoming Prime Minister Brown has also been supportive of Iraqi democracy, of the mission, and I believe it's very important there shouldn't be weaknesses within the coalition because these are crucial times."

His comments came after the latest violence in Iraq killed six U.S. soldiers and an interpreter. More than 3,400 U.S. soldiers have been killed since the U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein in 2003, including more than 70 so far in May.

Almost 150 British soldiers have also been killed since 2003.

Blair made his last visit to Iraq as prime minister on Saturday and said he had no regrets about his support for the invasion, despite huge opposition in Britain to the war and to his backing for U.S. President George W. Bush.

In the United States, Bush is also under growing pressure from the Democrat-controlled Congress to spell out a timetable to start withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq.

PRESSURES BUILD

Australia has about 1,500 troops in and around Iraq and the troop deployment will be a major issue at elections later in the year. The opposition centre-left Labor Party promises to withdraw frontline forces if it wins power.

Zebari, in Australia for talks with Downer and Prime Minister John Howard, said his country was making "steady and important progress" towards looking after its own security, but it needed strong political support.

"We all see the pressures building up in Washington, in London, in Europe, here," Zebari said. "But I think this is not the time to cut and run. This is the time to stand with the people whom you helped liberate and to assist."

Zebari's visit coincides with a likely Australian decision on the future of its wheat export system after an inquiry found monopoly exporter AWB had paid $222 million in bribes to the former regime of Saddam Hussein to secure sales.

Zebari said he had discussed Australian wheat exports at length with Trade Minister Warren Truss, and said Canberra would be treated fairly over future wheat deals. "There will be a fair access. Both the U.S. and you are our partners, our allies. Definitely our people will look at the merits of these contracts," Zebari said.

In February 2006 the Iraqi government suspended wheat imports from AWB while an Australian government-appointed inquiry looked into the kickbacks scandal.

The Iraqi Grain Board said the suspension was to be for the inquiry period. However, findings against AWB were handed down last November and buying has not resumed.

A year ago a specially-formed group, Wheat Australia, struck a single deal to supply Iraq with 350,000 tonnes of wheat, but since then Iraq has switched to buy U.S. and Canadian wheat.

The Australian government is due to decide on the future of its wheat export marketing arrangements on Tuesday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Security

U.S.: Iraqi ringleader dead

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

BAGHDAD, 21 May 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
The leader of an Iraqi insurgent group that killed five U.S. soldiers in an attack in Karbala has been killed by American troops, a military spokesman said.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell told CNN that Sheik Azhar al-Dulaymi was killed Friday in Baghdad.

"We've been pursuing this guy relentlessly," Caldwell told CNN. "Anybody who kidnaps an American soldier and murders them we're going to continue to hunt down."

In the Jan. 20 attack, insurgents "disguised as American soldiers, driving American vehicles, speaking English" attacked a military compound in Karbala, killing one U.S. soldier and kidnapping four others, who were killed later, Caldwell said.

The military did not say how Dulaymi died. He was reportedly hiding on a Sadr City roof when U.S. troops arrived to capture him and died en route to a medical facility.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

KRG vows to block oil law
By James Buckley

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

20 May 2007 (Arabian Business)
Print article Send to friend
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will block the draft hydrocarbons law in parliament, raising the stakes in a row with the Baghdad government over control of Iraq's oil reserves.

Ashti Hawrami, the KRG's minister of natural resources, criticised the Federal Government for attempting to give an ‘unaccountable' Iraq national oil company, INOC, almost 93% of Iraq's proven reserves. He said the annexes, which form part of the law, would wrest oilfields from regional powers.

"This will deter foreign oil companies from investing in the country's oil sector," said Eamad Mazouri, the KRG's general representative in the UAE. "Iraq has agreed on a federal state. You cannot have a federal government, while issuing centralised powers."

The threat to fight the bill in national parliament comes just days after the country's oil ministry warned regions against signing contracts until the law is passed. But the KRG said it will continue to negotiate production-sharing agreements with international investors.

"The oil industry does not fall under the exclusive powers of the federal government," added Mazouri. "We believe Baghdad is acting unreasonably in this regard."

The draft law, which the US sees as a key step towards reconciling Iraq's sectarian violence, is vital to boosting output and rebuilding its infrastructure. But the law cannot be passed without the KRG's support, which Baghdad will not have until the Constitution of Iraq is honoured.

At a recent conference in Dubai, officials from the Federal Government said that none of the oil fields to be given to INOC will be open to investment from outside Iraq.

"Iraq does not have the resources, expertise or technology to establish a national oil company," said Mazouri. "It will take years to build the company and Iraq needs oil revenues immediately to reinstate infrastructure and provide basic services to its people. The country needs foreign participation to move forward."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq hopeful of new oil law in May

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

21 May 2007 (Reuters)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq is still hopeful of agreeing on a draft oil law this month that would allow parliament to pass it soon, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said on Saturday.

"Negotiations are supposed to start fairly soon in Baghdad in order to go over the details of the appendexes to the law as well as the modalities for revenue distribution," Salih said on the sidelines of a conference in Jordan.

He said a Kurdish delegation was in Baghdad and he would be returning to Iraq on Sunday to start the negotiations.

Salih said those asking for talks want to ensure that the law includes checks and balances to the equitable distribution of revenue and want to debate the scope of activity and control of the Iraqi National Oil Company.

"Let's hope that this is done before the end of the month," he said, adding that a deal would mean the law would be sent to parliament for deliberation approval.

Describing the oil law as the single most important piece of legislation facing Iraq, Salih said it would shape the country's economy for a long time.

The law is meant to equitably distribute Iraq's oil wealth among Shi'ites, Sunni Arabs, and ethnic Kurds. Washington sees it as a critical law to ensure national reconciliation among Iraq's warring groups.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Brown won't pull UK troops out of Iraq: U.S. official By Sophie Walker
44 minutes ago

LONDON (Reuters) - Washington is confident British prime minister-in-waiting Gordon Brown will not pull British troops out of Iraq early, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official told reporters Washington had an "excellent level of discussion and dialogue" with the British government on future policy in Iraq.

Finance minister Brown was confirmed last week as Britain's next prime minister.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's resignation after a decade in power was forced in part by voter anger over his support for the U.S.-led war and British media has been buzzing with talk that Brown may speed up the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq to assuage the public.

"We have absolutely no such understanding. We believe there will be continuity within the UK government over the approach to Iraq and Afghanistan," the official said.

"No, I would not look at any precipitate, unilateral or sudden departure here. We do not believe we can afford to leave Iraq," the official said.

Brown has said there should be greater emphasis on political reconciliation and economic development so Iraqis feel they have more of a stake in their future.

He said he would consult the Iraqi government and people in the next few weeks and then suggest new ideas.

The U.S. official said Washington's discussions with members of the Sunni insurgency had not produced results and that more pressure should be brought to bear on Iran to stop funding and training members of violent Shi'ite groups.

"Is there something ... in (U.S.) insurgent reach-out that produces results? The answer is no. To date -- no," the official said.

"The problem with the many, many discussions ... has been that whenever (the individuals) have been challenged to demonstrate their credentials by a significant, meaningful reduction in violence, that test has largely or entirely failed."

The official said persuading Syria to curtail the flow through its borders of foreign suicide bombers was key, as was resisting Tehran's attempts to spread its influence in the region.

"What Iran is doing in Iraq is not confined to Iraq, in Iran's strategic view," he said, warning that Tehran would take a more aggressive stance in other issues such as its pursuit of a nuclear program "until someone pushes back."

He said support for further U.N. sanctions against Tehran was "ever increasing" and that Tehran had lost the support of China and Russia.

Iran has refused to bow to Western demands and flouted two U.N. resolutions calling on it to halt nuclear enrichment. Tehran insists its program aims only to yield electricity. The West suspects it of trying to build nuclear weapons.

Tehran rejects accusations of interference in Iraq. Syria blames the flow of bombers on the United States, saying it does not help control the porous border.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070521/wl_nm/britain_iraq_dc_1)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

White House rethinks Iraq recommendations
WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- The White House has indicated it will accept benchmarks for the Iraqi government as part of an Iraq war-funding bill being negotiated with the U.S. Congress.
The acceptance of the benchmarks is a sign President George Bush is taking a new look at the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group despite Friday's rejection of the latest proposal by Democratic leaders, the Washington Post reported Monday.

Proposals from the panel also included increased regional diplomacy in the Middle East. Next week, the United States will hold talks on Iraq with Iran, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has traveled to the region for diplomatic talks.

Bush was polite but dismissive of the group's recommendations in December. The panel was led by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former U.S. Rep. Lee H. Hamilton, D-Ind.

"They are coming our way," Hamilton told the newspaper.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress planned to introduce legislation that would make the study group's 79 recommendations the U.S. government's official policy, the Post reported.

"My sense among Republican senators is we know very well that the current course is not a sustainable course over a longer period of time," sponsor Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., told the Post.
(http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/05/21/white_house_rethinks_iraq_recommendations/2706/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Home | News Archive | Newsletter | | عربي


Multinational grab for Iraqi oil wealth
Multinational grab for Iraqi oil wealth
Malaysia Sun - [20/05/2007]


An Iraqi law could mean overseas companies will control their oil fields for over 20 years.

A British campaign group, Hands Off Iraqi Oil (HOIO), has singled out the role of Shell, which it said had been working closely with Britain and the U.S. to create a policy to allow multinational companies to take control of Iraq's oil.

A spokesman for HOIO claims there has been a revolving door between Shell and the Foreign Office, with four of the last five permanent heads of the Foreign Office going on to become directors of oil and gas companies, two of them at Shell.

HOIO says a lobby group, working on behalf of BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total and ENI, has been advised by the U.K. government on strategies for influencing the Iraqi government.

In March, an all-party group of British MPs expressed concern about involvement by the UK government in drafting Iraq’s new oil laws.

Meanwhile, The New York Times has reported that over between 100,000 and 300,000 barrels a day of Iraq’s oil production is unaccounted for and could have been siphoned off through corruption or smuggling.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3799)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 10:01 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

'Iraq's debts won't be written off unless it makes progress'
'Iraq's debts won't be written off unless it makes progress'
Deccan Herald - [20/05/2007]


US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said Iraq's main creditors, including Saudi Arabia, will not write off billions of dollars in debt unless it make progress on national reconciliation, economic reform, and improving security.

Iraq's main creditors, including Saudi Arabia, will not write off billions of dollars in debt or provide financial assistance to the war-torn country unless it make progress on national reconciliation, economic reform, and improving security, US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said.

The US envoy, who left Iraq in March after 21 months that saw a massive increase in violence in Baghdad, stressed that a new five-year compact to stabilize Iraq requires the government and the international community to deliver on commitments.

"The Iraqis have committed themselves to a set of decisions on the economic front, on the political and security front," he told The Associated Press in an interview. "In exchange for that, the international community has committed to assist Iraq."

"The assistance, including debt relief, is conditional on progress," Khalilzad said. "Iraqis cannot assume that they will get that assistance if they don't make progress on their commitments."

The debt issue is of paramount importance to Iraqi's struggling government as much of the country's infrastructure, which was already in disrepair under Saddam Hussein's regime, has yet to be rebuilt after the 2003 US-led invasion.

While hopes have repeatedly been voiced by some in the international community that Iraq would use proceeds from oil sales to finance the reconstruction, such efforts have faltered or failed _ in large part because security costs have eroded sizable portions of reconstruction budgets.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3798)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

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Three billion dollar airport in Karbala
Three billion dollar airport in Karbala
Translated by IRAQdirecotry.com - [19/05/2007]


Final approvals have been completed for the establishment of Karbala International Airport, as announced by the Board committee of reconstruction. Abdul Al al- Yasiri, head of the city council of Karbala, said that a Cypriot-British company specializing in building aircraft, made an offer to implement this project and a Kuwaiti investor indicated willingness to finance three billion dollars for it. The implementing company expressed its willingness to bring in the biggest planes in the world within one year of starting the project. But the Kuwaiti investor said that there will be 11 taxes imposed on the airport, and expressed willingness to provide the necessary amounts to the company implementing the insurance with the city council and enter as a partner only for one of these taxes.

Mr. Abdul Al al-Yasiri, head of Karbala City Council and Mr. Mohsin Al-Kinani, member of the Committee of Transport and Communications met the Adviser to the Prime Minister, Ali Saadawi, and reviewed the steps performed by the City Council in completing Karbala International Airport and the subsequent steps to find a financier to build the airport. Al-Yasiri demanded during the meeting that the central government allocate a sum for the completion of this project so they won't have to turn to investment companies, since this project is a vital one which will bring substantial profits to the province. Also, ideas about investment and how to transfer control of the airport were discussed during the meeting.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3796)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 10:10 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

China to Construct US$750m Power Plant in Iraq

A high-profile Iraqi delegation from the Ministry of Electricity is to sign an agreement in Beijing by which China will construct a power plant in Zubaidiya, south of Baghdad, reported Asharq Al-Awsat.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 21, 2007 5:29 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi oil exports up 10 percent over past year
AFP

May 21, 2007

BAGHDAD -- Iraqi oil exports have increased 10 percent over the last 12 months despite hundreds of acts of sabotage that killed nearly 200 ministry employees, oil minister Hussein Shahristani said Monday.

Between May 2006 and the end of April 2007 the ministry exported 560 million barrels of oil, earning about $31 billion, up from 505 million barrels worth $25.6 billion during the previous 12 months.

"We are still exporting from Basra port about 1.6 million barrels a day and this means production is at the highest levels," Shahristani said at a press conference.

"Because of the sabotage and terror acts, the oil pipelines are constantly being attacked. Therefore, we cannot maintain production through the northern pipeline into [Turkey's] Ceyhan port," he said.

If the northern pipe was open, daily exports would rise to 2 million barrels, he added.

But the spiraling chaos in the country continues to paralyze its most crucial industry. In the last 12 months, 198 ministry employees were killed in over 200 attacks on Iraq's oil infrastructure.

Shahristani ascribed the current fuel shortages in Baghdad to attacks on the bridges south of the city that have made it difficult to transport fuel there.

Despite immense reserves, which a recent report suggests are actually twice as large as current estimates of 116 billion barrels, persistent sabotage and corruption have prevented the sector from realizing its potential.

Between $5 million and $15 million worth of oil a day is unaccounted for in Iraq and could have been siphoned off through corruption or smuggling, The New York Times reported earlier this month.

Citing a draft of a US government report, the newspaper said the country has lost between 100,000 and 300,000 barrels a day of its declared oil production over the past four years.

The Financial Times cited a report Thursday by the IHS consultancy estimating Iraq's oil reserves to be twice as large as currently believed.

The report also said that with more international investment Iraq could double its current rate of production in five years to 4 million barrels of oil a day.

If the report is accurate, Iraq would have the second-largest reserves in the world after Saudi Arabia.

-- May 21, 2007 6:28 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

So now, the oil law.

We seem to come to a showdown of the powers in Iraq.

The big obstacle is the Kurds, willing to nay say any HCL law that will endanger their operations.

The Kurds, an autonomous region of Iraq, but not an independent country, is acting out an independent rule, that can harm them more then support their independent ways.

If the Kurds are signing contracts of their own, with independent oil companies, and are defending their actions, the Kurds are in effect on a collision course with the central regime, the Iraqi parliament and the intention of one country.

If the Kurds go at it, independently, this will eventually come to a show of power.

The Kurds will lose the showdown.

Either the Kurds have to fully agree that contracts with oil companies are to be signed with the Iraqi governments oil ministry, or drive home the independent state issue.

The Kurds are not in a position to be an independent state at this moment , and if they are pressing that issue they are heading right into both the US and the Iraqi Governments counter intention.

The Kurds as long as they are part of Iraq, must line up with the central government.

If the Kurds are doing a double play, pretend to be part of Iraq, but in reality counter anything that comes out of the Central Government of Iraq, they will not be doing themselves a favour, creating a situation that is neither needed or wanted, for either the Kurds nor Iraq.

The Kurds are separate as to their ethnic and cultural background, and have their own government, but in the backlash of Iraq's recent struggle, the central Government have been proven to be very weak.

The Iraqi situation will eventually be taken care of, wheels will be rolling and oil will be flowing again, but if the Kurdish objection to the recent oil law is based on what is good for the Kurds, and the time is chosen to do so when the central government is weak, then it's a no flyer.

Very much says, that the objection is based on what is good for the Kurds, as they have already bypassed the Central Government, and made deals over their heads, with foreign companies already working the Kurdish oilfields.

By national law, the Iraqi oil is the property of the Iraqi people, but the Kurds are saying that the oil in our sector is our oil, and we do what we like with our oil...and Baghdad should not stick it's nose into it...

That's a loser to start up with.

Negotiations will bring heated debates, and at the end, some concessions may be made to ease the Kurds, but in the long run, they have no ground for their claims.

The show of power will most probably not be a show of force, but a slower process where the engaged oil companies in Kurd territory will have to come crawling to Baghdad and sign the real contract, or lose their right to drill and pump.

The Kurds will insist it is a legal document, but the bottom line is, they went over the head of their government.

They know it, Baghdad knows it, and the Kurds will have to back off, maybe with a couple of face saving moves but eventually, if the Kurds are to stay within Iraq, they have to follow Iraqi law.

The other only option the Kurds have is to split , and be independent, a move that is a no option for any other involved party.

If that move comes, it will be resisted, thus war will finally come to the Kurdish area.

The Kurds having had US backing for a long time, during the Saddam Hussein era, and still today great backing, will walk on the toes of uncle Sam if they are starting to do serious independent moves, thus losing one of their most important allies.

Their borders are sided by Turkey in the north, Syria, and Iran to the sides, and rest of Iraq to the south.

Turkey, a long enemy of the Kurds, Syria and Iran...well not exactly the best people to go to bed with.

The Kurds are protected very well as they are right now, and could possibly not get a better situation, a US ally, part of Iraq, pretty self autonomous, Baghdad is not doing much to tell them what to eat drink or dress.

It's a calm region, with business booming....why mess it up.

The Kurds will come around eventually, but there will be some stubborn ethnic stances, loudly proclaiming a couple of things, some ultimatums, some tension some debate and a bit more, but all in all, they will come around

-- May 22, 2007 6:36 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq parliament falling into disarray
5/19/2007

By HAMZA HENDAWI, Associated Press WriterSat May 19, 3:58 PM ET

Iraq's parliament has been making headlines — for all the wrong reasons.

Voted into office as a symbol of a new, democratic Iraq, the 275-seat legislature is increasingly being viewed as irrelevant and ineffective by many Iraqis for its inability to tackle sectarian violence, soaring crime and a failing economy.

The disarray threatens passage of several crucial pieces of U.S.-backed legislation, including a bill for the fair distribution of oil revenues and another to promote national reconciliation — both of which are seen as key to ending sectarian violence in the country.

Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, a Sunni Arab Islamist and a former physician jailed by former dictator Saddam Hussein for his political activity, has taken much of the heat for what many see as his outrageous behavior.

Last week, al-Mashhadani slapped a fellow Sunni lawmaker in the face and called him "scum" at the end of a raucous session. The sitting had already been cut short when many lawmakers left the chamber to protest the speaker's claim that three-quarters of them were responsible for the sectarian killings and cleansing.

Some lawmakers accuse him of running the chamber like a Baghdad coffee shop, where patrons sip tea and coffee through seemingly endless and pointless chatter.

Last year, the 59-year-old speaker survived a campaign by Shiite and Kurdish politicians to remove him after he said Iraqis who killed American troops should be celebrated as heroes. He also issued a scathing attack against the defense minister, fellow Sunni Arab Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi, claiming he didn't know what was going on in the country.

"He talks too much," said Shiite lawmaker Reda Jawad Taqi.

The speaker's behavior appears increasingly erratic, but he has company in actions that disturb the public. Some lawmakers have tried to push through legislation granting them financial and other perks. Neither engenders confidence among Iraq's people.

Sessions frequently descend in to fiery but pointless shouting matches and name-calling.

"I get frustrated when I watch the speaker and his parliament on television," said Youssef al-Saadi, a 40-year-old Shiite employee at Baghdad's Mustansiriyah University. "They don't really care about our suffering. They only want to make money."

Widad al-Qaralousi, a 45-year-old Baghdad school principal, also spoke of disappointment.

"We were thrilled to be able to elect a parliament," she said. "But now, I am ashamed that this parliament represents me."

Perhaps most damaging are persistent suspicions that some Sunni Arab lawmakers are linked to insurgents fighting U.S. and Iraqi forces. There also are charges that some Shiite legislators are associated with militiamen blamed for much of the sectarian violence that has raged since the February 2006 bombing of a major Shiite shrine in the Sunni city of Samarra.

Detractors also blame parliament's perceived ineffectiveness in part on the sectarian formula used to divvy up top jobs from the president to cabinet ministers, arguing that party loyalties prevent lawmakers from assuming their role as overseers or a check on the government.

Reports that the chamber plans a two-month summer break have left some U.S. officials seething, asking why Iraqi lawmakers should close up shop while American troops are still fighting.

What's more, many of Iraq's heavyweight politicians rarely attend sessions. The list is long and includes former president Ghazi al-Yawer, former Shiite prime ministers Ayad Allawi and Ibrahim al-Jaafari, and senior Sunni statesman Adnan Pachachi.

"Everyone knows that parliament, like the Cabinet, is not doing great," said independent Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman. "It's weak and its members are isolated from the people."

Any attempt to replace al-Mashhadani, however, could turn into a major political crisis at a time when Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's embattled government is struggling with the much more pressing issue of security.

"The speaker, the prime minister and the president are part of one package," said Sunni Arab lawmaker Omar Abdul-Sattar. The nation's top three jobs are divvied up among parliament's three major blocs.

"If they want to replace brother al-Mashhadani, they must replace the other two as well," he said.

Al-Mashhadani, like Abdul-Sattar, belongs to the Iraqi Accordance Front, parliament's largest Sunni Arab bloc with 44 seats. Al-Maliki belongs to the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance, parliament's largest bloc with 115 seats. President Jalal Talabani is a member of the Kurdish bloc with 58 seats.

Even the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq casts a cloud on the parliament, whose three weekly sessions are held inside the U.S.-protected Green Zone, a large swath of land on the west bank of the Tigris. It also houses the Iraqi government and the U.S. and British embassies.

Last week, lawmakers voted to summon al-Maliki and his defense and interior ministers to testify on the security situation. Several lawmakers, however, said al-Maliki and his ministers were likely to deflect any criticism by claiming that security was in the hands of the Americans, not the government.

In jest, a lawmaker was heard suggesting that Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, should be summoned to testify before parliament, too.

Iraq parliament falling into disarray - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 9:57 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Second Life for Study Group
5/21/2007

Iraq Woes Lead To a Reappraisal

By Michael Abramowitz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, May 21, 2007; A01

After an initially tepid reception from policymakers, the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group are getting a second look from the White House and Congress, as officials continue to scour for bipartisan solutions to salvage the American engagement in Iraq.

With negotiations continuing this week on a new war funding bill, the administration is strongly signaling that it would accept the idea of requiring the Iraqi government to meet political benchmarks or else risk losing some assistance from the United States. That was one of the key proposals from the group headed by former secretary of state James A. Baker III and former Indiana congressman Lee H. Hamilton, but it was initially dismissed by the White House when first proposed last December.

The administration is also preparing for its first substantive discussions with Iran, to begin on Memorial Day, not long after its first high-level talks with Syria in more than two years. The Iraq Study Group had strongly urged such regional diplomacy aimed at fostering a political settlement and bringing down the sectarian violence in Baghdad.

"They are coming our way," Hamilton said in a recent interview.

The comeback of the Iraq Study Group's suggestions underscores the intense desire by some in Washington to fashion a workable long-term policy on Iraq. The months since the commission issued its report have seen increased polarization, with Democrats mostly united in their desire to end American involvement in the war and President Bush struggling to buy time for additional troops to pacify Baghdad.

The urgency may be felt most acutely on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties are planning to introduce legislation soon that would make the 79 Iraq Study Group recommendations official policy of the U.S. government. Among the sponsors are several Republicans who have traditionally supported the Bush administration on Iraq -- another sign of how GOP lawmakers may be looking for an exit strategy.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who is one of the sponsors, said he is looking to the study group's ideas as a way of ensuring a long-term American commitment to Iraq, albeit with a smaller troop presence. "My sense among Republican senators is we know very well that the current course is not a sustainable course over a longer period of time," he said. "If we drift into September, [the president] may not be able to find a bipartisan basis to support a long-term limited interest in Iraq."

Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.), who helped create the Baker-Hamilton commission, called the recommendations a "gift to the administration" and said they offer "a road map to success." Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), another mainstream Republican, said he thought the proposals were "gaining more support in the Congress because the situation in Iraq is not going as well as we had hoped."

Officials in Washington "don't know what to do," said Hamilton, a Democrat. "They don't have a framework. They are looking. They are searching. Something has to follow the surge [of U.S. troops to Iraq] -- they are interested in our proposals as a framework for policy."

Administration officials say they are already implementing many of the Baker-Hamilton ideas, though the president himself has tacitly admitted that some of the major elements remain undone. Bush has spoken frequently in recent weeks about his interest in the Iraq Study Group's proposal to shift the American military's role in Iraq from combat to training and support and reduce the number of U.S. troops, suggesting that is the direction he wants to go after violence in Baghdad is brought under control.

"I liked what James A. Baker and Lee Hamilton suggested," Bush said in East Grand Rapids, Mich., last month. "And that is to be in a position at some point in time where our troops are embedded with the Iraqi units -- in other words, there's Iraqi units providing security with a handful of U.S. troops -- helping them learn what it means to be a good military."

Such comments highlight an evolution in administration attitudes toward the study group, which delivered its recommendations to the White House along with a withering critique of administration Iraq policy.

Although the panel's 10 prominent Americans, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, did not call for a timetable of withdrawal, they said they believed combat brigades could be withdrawn by early 2008. Members also said they could live with Bush's "surge" plan but made it clear that they saw that as only a short-term solution.

The president spoke graciously about the study when it was first released, but the report enraged some conservatives inside and outside the administration as a recipe for defeat. Many officials involved with the study think the president was not happy with being given a blueprint for Iraq policy from a group of outsiders, let alone one led by his father's former close aide Baker.

Since then, however, the White House has appeared to be inching toward concepts in the report, most notably its more active diplomacy in the Middle East. Although the effort is clearly less than the full diplomatic "offensive" that was recommended, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has since traveled to the Middle East trying to restart the peace process, met for the first time with Syria's foreign minister and has been more assertive in trying to engage Iraq's neighbors, including Iran, to help quell the nation's sectarian violence.

Meanwhile, the idea of political benchmarks for the Iraqi government is emerging as a major point of discussion as the White House and congressional Democrats try to sort out their differences over funding the war. Borrowing from dates suggested by the Iraqi government itself, the Iraq Study Group laid out a series of milestones for political progress, such as passing a law to distribute oil revenues, holding provincial elections and allowing former Baathists back into the government.

The panel said American support for Iraq should be conditioned on the Iraqi government meeting the benchmarks. The White House has resisted such conditions in the past, but aides say the president is now willing to negotiate such a plan in the new Iraq funding bill.

"Any kind of reasonable benchmarks on the Iraqi government, I think, are going to have broad bipartisan support," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), a strong Bush ally, said yesterday on ABC's "This Week." On the same show, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) indicated that the kind of "accountability" the administration wants is insufficient.

"The administration is sort of being slowly compelled to adopt the bipartisan consensus that the Iraq Study Group presented them in December," said James F. Dobbins, a Rand Corp. analyst and former U.S. diplomat who served on one of the expert working groups advising the panel. "Eventually they are going to be pulled to it regarding troop reductions."

The trouble, he said, is that by coming around so late, the White House may have missed the last opportunity to rally Congress to support staying in Iraq under more limited circumstances -- rather than simply pulling out. "They are going to end up embracing all the provisions, without the benefit of bipartisanship," Dobbins said.

Second Life for Study Group - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Battling al Qaeda in Iraq
5/21/2007

Battling al Qaeda in Iraq
By MELIK KAYLAN
May 21, 2007; Page A17

DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq -- Saturday I witnessed a violent and dramatic illustration of how the Iraqi Army has, in places, begun to work effectively with tribesmen against determined al Qaeda insurgents.

The incident occurred some 50 miles north of Baghdad at a remote dusty village in Diyala province, which is now a kind of frontline between the two sides. We were there in the punishing noonday heat, with a rustic crowd on hand, to witness an emotional meeting between tribal chiefs in long robes and a lone, clean-shaven figure in a suit and tie -- Ahmed Chalabi. Mr. Chalabi, the elite Shiite politician and former exile, a controversial figure in the U.S., came to thank the elders for their courage and sacrifice.

One of many bridges targeted by terrorists in Iraq.
Until recently, Sunnis and Shiites had tilled the land together for miles around, intermarried and mutually inhabited a checkerboard of villages. A year ago, al Qaeda had forced its strategy of sectarian hatred on the area, purging the Shiites while executing Sunnis who resisted their authority. It remains one of Iraq's most volatile zones. Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, the sanguinary leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, had his headquarters in the area and was ultimately killed less than 20 miles away.

Suddenly hefty explosions shook the ground while automatic gunfire rent the air. We were under attack, and al Qaeda had chosen a perfect moment to ignite disaster. All their local opponents were there, plus Mr. Chalabi, a top Iraqi government figure known around the world.

Mr. Chalabi lives outside the security of the Baghdad's Green Zone, albeit in a well-defended series of cul-de-sacs. One of his official functions requires him to raise public support for Baghdad's security plan, so he likes to be mobile and takes risks to stay in touch with things. Abroad, he has been accused of everything from luring the U.S. and other allies into toppling Saddam to passing sensitive information to Iran. Among Iraqis he is highly respected.

At about 10 a.m. on Saturday, we had taken off across Baghdad in a convoy of a dozen white pickups and SUVs, some with mounted machine guns, on our way to Diyala. We passed through notorious neighborhoods: one infamous for kidnapping, another where street battles have been fought between Shiites and Palestinian gangs. Often there were miles of static cars queuing for gasoline. We passed by the old U.N. High Commission building, truck-bombed in 2003, now empty. We passed Saddam's giant, turquoise, egg-shaped "Monument to the Martyrs" of the Iran-Iraq war, a bright contrast to the faded saffron brick of Baghdad's peeling facades. Suddenly a sharp explosive sound went off nearby and Ali, the security chief shouted "go, go, go" into the intercom. Our convoy raced off.

Out in the country, cracked dry earth and chalky bare scrubland stretched away. An hour out, the convoy slowed almost to standstill and stayed that way. Never a good thing. Al Qaeda had blown up all the bridges linking Baghdad to Iran, and a mile or more of trucks waited to cross a makeshift mud-and-stone bridge across the Diyala river. A bulldozer helped us jump the queue by carving an improvised path. We passed some miles of mud-brick dwellings and arrived at a village square encircled by earthen ramparts with a T-55 tank, a cannon and a bunker embedded along it. We had arrived at the front line in the village of Dafaa. Nearby stood a long, low reception hall, and, just in front, a large tent with long tables for the tribal buffet lunch.

Mr. Chalabi entered the building followed by Al-Iraqiyya TV crews. An aging sheik, in black-checkered headdress and sheer ochre robe -- said to be the richest landowner -- came in and sat beside him. Much of his property lay fallow out in no man's land. He'd lost seven sons and grandsons to the conflict there. "We've had no support from the government since the fighting started," he said, "no one has visited us or asked what we need. We've been on our own fighting al Qaeda which gets money and arms from around the world. Only recently, the Iraqi Army has given us some soldiers and weapons, and that has helped very much, but we need more, much more help, money, arms, provisions. We ask that you pass this on to the government." Above his head hung a moonlit poster of the Shiite martyr Imam Ali on a white horse crossing a river. One sheik after another came in and repeated the same concerns.

Dafaa has perforce become an exclusively Shiite village, an international force of militant Sunnis having occupied the villages roundabout. They are led, according to locals, by Afghans who have forced farmers to give them their daughters in marriage and "made everyone look Afghani like them, with long beards." They decapitate doubters and float them down the river to Dafaa village. "No fish anymore," say the locals.

In wider Diyala province, wedged strategically between Iran and Baghdad, many of the Sunnis were in Saddam's security forces, and for a while the al Qaeda leader was a former Saddam army colonel, according to Mr. Chalabi. They consider themselves a last line of resistance to the Shiite continuum between Iran and Iraqi Shiites to the south, so they accommodate foreign Sunni fighters more readily than, say, the Sunni tribes in Anbar province who feel more secure.

In the last year, al Qaeda rolled up the front until Dafaa village lay exposed like an arrowhead surrounded on three sides. It served as the final redoubt protecting the last bridge open to vital goods from the north directly supplying Baghdad. Finally, some months ago, a small contingent of 15 Iraqi Army troops moved in with high-caliber armor and stabilized the front. "That's all it took," said the young lieutenant in charge as he showed us and the 20-foot earthen ramparts, "because we fight alongside the people." Listening to anecdotes and viewing bullet marks from snipers, we stood outlined on the ridge squinting across empty cracked fields. The nearest village shaded by date trees sat a mere 900 meters away. Our self-exposure proved foolhardy in short order.

As the buffet lunch got going, a soldier ran over and reported two pickups racing across no man's land towards us. He was told to report developments. He raced back saying that they seemed to be unloading mortars. This time, he was told to repel them. The opposition had no doubt seen all the ridge-top activity, the civilians, camera crews, berobed sheiks -- and responded briskly. The first high-explosive shell, later identified as launched from an 82mm heavy mortar, must have landed to the left of the village. It shook everything and blurred my sight. Our side opened fire with Kalashnikovs, perhaps some 30 fighters in all slithering up the slope, one standing on the skyline with a full machine gun while being fed the magazine-belt by his friend. The tank too thundered away. Then the APC cannon.

I lost my head somewhat and ran at the rampart to look over the top but was thankfully tackled and stopped. The visiting sheiks crowded into the community hall. Mr. Chalabi never ceased talking to the TV camera, demanding help for the village. The second shell landed closer and behind us and fine yellow earth-dust floated over us. The sheiks were herded outside as a direct hit would have killed them all. It seemed the enemy had hit the structure before, maybe even had its GPS coordinates. The chaos intensified, the fighters now ducking from incoming fire. It was frustrating not to see the full picture. Two U.S. choppers flew overhead toward the opposition. The third mortar detonated, quite close this time, perhaps some 30 yards to the left, behind shuddering mud-brick structures, making my clothing flicker in the blast and my breath drop out. The tank fired again. The sheiks ran around ascending their SUVs with help from villagers. I counted three shells in all but some say six landed. It was hard to tell in the confusion. Suddenly a shout rose up and the fighters danced up and down below the ridge and came running down to us laughing. They'd destroyed one of the targets, it seemed.

What about the other? "It's OK, it's OK," someone shouted to me, and everyone began firing into the air to the great anger of a visiting army officer. They could scarcely afford the ammunition. We later found out, though, that the combined sound of gunfire, added to by bodyguards, had impressed the attackers -- they apparently feared the presence of a much bigger force. They stopped, at least for now, which gave us the chance to leap into our vehicles, with Mr. Chalabi in his blue Parisian suit and poplin shirt pleading to the last in front of the cameras, before being bundled off to safety.

As we drove away from the village along the raised earth road, I looked back to see perhaps a hundred SUVs, a mile long, belting along behind carrying the elders. An Iraqi Army Humvee with mounted machine gun charged past us to the front. They'd been helping to guard the last bridge to Baghdad. But now, one felt, the villagers could guard it handily. They no longer felt isolated and forgotten by the world, as the television sets showed this night all over the Mideast.

Mr. Kaylan is an Istanbul-born writer based in New York.

Battling al Qaeda in Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 10:52 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq makes plans for quick U.S. pullout
By ROBERT H. REID

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

22 May 2007 (Associated Press)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq's military is drawing up plans to cope with any quick U.S. military pullout, the defense minister said Monday, as a senior American official warned that the Bush administration may reconsider its support if Iraqi leaders don't make major reforms by fall.

The U.S. official did not say what actions could be taken by the White House, but his comments reflected the administration's need to show results in Iraq — as an answer to pressure by the Democrats in Congress seeking to set timetables on the U.S. military presence.

Several mortar shells hit the U.S.-controlled Green Zone, one striking the Iraqi parliament building but causing no casualties — the latest in near daily barrages on the nerve center of the U.S. mission and Iraqi government that underline the country's tenuous security.

At least 58 Iraqis were killed by attacks or found dead across Iraq, including seven people ambushed on a bus northeast of Baghdad, police said. The dead included 24 men whose bullet-riddled bodies were found across Baghdad, apparent victims of sectarian death squads.

British troops clashed with Shiite Muslim gunmen in the southern city of Basra. Britain's military said one British soldier and a civilian driver were killed when a supply convoy was attacked in the center of the city, Iraq's second biggest.

Elsewhere, U.S. troops raided safe houses south of Baghdad but failed to find three soldiers missing since a May 12 ambush that left four other Americans and an Iraqi dead.

"We've (identified) some safe houses and we targeted a couple of those today and they were able to slip away from us. But we're going to come at things from a different angle," a U.S. spokesman, Maj. Webster Wright, said without elaborating.

U.S. officers said the search by thousands of U.S. and Iraqi soldiers may be forcing the kidnappers to move the three Americans frequently, preventing insurgents from posting pictures of their captives on the Internet.

"We choose to be cautiously optimistic," Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch told CNN. "We're pursuing all leads with a passion, but right now we believe our soldiers are still alive. Each day that passes when we don't see proof of life, it causes us concern."

With violence raging, pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government to demonstrate progress on key reforms or risk losing American support for the unpopular war.

On Monday, Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi told reporters Iraq's military was drawing up plans in case U.S.-led forces left the country quickly.

"The army plans on the basis of a worst case scenario so as not to allow any security vacuum," al-Obeidi said. "There are meetings with political leaders on how we can deal with a sudden pullout."

It was unclear whether al-Obeidi's comment referred to routine contingency planning or reflected a feeling among Iraqi leaders that the days of U.S. support may be numbered even though President Bush blocked an effort by Congress to set a withdrawal timetable.

A White House spokesman, Tony Fratto, said President Bush expressed confidence in al-Maliki during a telephone call Monday to the Iraqi leader.

He said the two talked about political progress in Iraq, and al-Maliki gave Bush updates on two key U.S. demands — legislation to share Iraq's oil wealth among its regions and ethnic groups and a reform of the constitution.

But two senior Iraqi officials told The Associated Press that Bush warned al-Maliki that Washington expected to see "tangible results quickly" on the oil bill and other legislation as the price for continued support.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't supposed to release the information.

In London, a senior U.S. official echoed that warning, saying the Bush administration wanted signs of progress by fall or it would be forced to reconsider its policy in Iraq.

The official, who briefed reporters on condition his name not be published, said the top American diplomat and military commander in Iraq would submit a report on Iraqi progress in September.

"If one looks at when critical progress is to be made, one would be best advised to look at this fall as a key point," the official said.

Senior Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman confirmed that U.S. pressure was mounting, especially on the oil bill, which was endorsed by the Iraqi Cabinet three months ago but has yet to come to the floor of parliament.

"The Americans are pressuring us to accept the oil law. Their pressure is very strong. They want to show Congress that they have done something so they want the law to be adopted this month. This interference is negative and will have consequences," Othman told AP.

Kurdish legislators oppose the formula for distributing oil revenues among the Iraqi communities, arguing for a greater say in how the money is disbursed.

Major Shiite and Kurdish parties oppose several proposed changes in the constitution, as well as Sunni Arab demands for a loosening of rules banning former Saddam Hussein supporters from government jobs.

Prospects for far-reaching agreements among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds were thrown into doubt over the weekend when the leader of the largest Shiite party, Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, was diagnosed with lung cancer at a hospital in Houston.

Al-Hakim, who left the U.S. for treatment in Iran, delivered a televised address Monday in which he said he was suffering from a "limited tumor" but expected to return to the country soon.

U.S. officials had been counting on al-Hakim to help push through reforms, and a lengthy absence could make it difficult to deliver Shiite support.

In other violence, the Iraqi newspaper Azzaman reported Monday that one of its reporters, Ali Khalil, 22, was kidnapped while leaving a relative's house in the increasingly volatile Baiyaa neighborhood of Baghdad and found dead several hours later. He is survived by his wife and week-old baby, the newspaper said.

The attack came three days after two Iraqi journalists working for ABC News were ambushed and killed on their way home from work. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said 104 journalists — not including Khalil — had been killed in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. About 80 percent of those were Iraqis, it said.

A roadside bomb exploded near a group of Iraqi soldiers patrolling the Sunni-dominated Adil neighborhood in western Baghdad, killing three and injuring two others.

In Muqdadiya, about 60 miles north of Baghdad, two gunmen killed two police officers as they walked by the police station.

Insurgents also fired mortar rounds into a bank in Baqouba while customers were lined up to collect their pensions, killing two people, police said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 10:53 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq could be headed for new leadership

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

WASHINGTON, 22 May 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
Some U.S. officials privately acknowledged that the Bush administration is facing increasing pressure to rearrange the government of Iraq.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one U.S. official has told The Los Angeles Times the days may be numbered for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

"As we get closer and closer to the fall, and the benchmarks are not met, there will be a growing appeal to the idea that if we can replace the top guy, we can get back on track," the official told the Times.

Publicly the Bush administration remained committed to Maliki even though his government has failed to complete important steps toward political reconciliation.

Congress will be pushing for another approach if no progress is made toward decreasing sectarian violence, bringing more minority Sunnis into the government and fairly dividing up Iraq's oil reserves, the paper said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Democrats step back from timelines on Iraq withdrawal
Democratic leaders keen not to be portrayed as unsupportive of troops locked in combat.
By Stephen Collinson

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

WASHINGTON, 22 May 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Democratic congressional leaders were Monday close to dropping their troop withdrawal timelines from an Iraq war budget, in a move which could ease a standoff with President George W. Bush.

Democratic leaders in the House and Senate were still hammering out details of the final bill with Bush aides, and plan to send legislation to the president this week after a weeks-long showdown over control of the war.

Several congressional sources reported privately that timelines, fiercely resisted by Bush, and the cause of his veto of a previous 124 billion dollar funding bill this month, would likely not be included.

However, the bill, intended to finance the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq until the end of September, would include some benchmarks to force Bush to report on the Iraqi government's progress on security and political issues, sources said.

Signs that Democrats were ready to for now agree to drop withdrawal timelines appeared to reflect a realization that Bush, as commander of chief, has control over foreign wars and foreign policy.

They were also gearing up for future fights, and not seen as keen to be portrayed as unsupportive of troops locked in combat.

"We have moved the ball forward," said one source, a Democratic staffer, on condition of anonymity.

"Whatever bill the president is going to sign is going to contain some kind of benchmarks."

Final drafting of the measure was yet to be completed, or presented to Democratic members of congress, many of whom are fiercely anti-war, the sources said.

Talks between top Democrats, senior Republicans and White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten, broke down in acrimony on Friday, after Democrats renewed their demand for timetables for troop withdrawals in the final legislation.

The White House said it had been prepared to discuss a congressional bill which linked failure to meet benchmarks by the Iraqi government with forfeiture of financial aid and increased reports by Bush to Congress on the war.

Once the Senate and the House of Representatives agree on a merged war budget, Democratic strategists will turn to frustrating Bush's war plans in several defense funding bills due before each chamber in the next few months.

Another confrontation is also looming in September, as General David Petraeus, commander of US forces in Iraq, is expected to report on the progress of Bush's strategy to add 28,000 troops to US forces in the country.

But former US senator John Edwards, running a populist campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, immediately hit out at signs Democrats were stepping away from withdrawal timetables.

"We need to stand our ground against this president," Edwards said in a statement.

"Congress should send him the same bill back to him again and again until he realizes he has no choice but to start bringing our troops home."

Democrats have been searching for a way to censure Bush over Iraq, while satisfying their anti-war political base and voters they believe handed them power in Congress last November in the hope they would bring troops home.

Latest congressional maneuvering on Iraq came as Bush expressed renewed confidence in Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and after another week of carnage for US troops in Iraq.

Bush called Maliki to mark a year since his inauguration, "reaffirmed his confidence in the prime minister and noted the courage he has shown during a challenging and difficult year," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto.

Maliki reaffirmed his commitment to reconcile the country's many warring factions while bringing increased security to the capital, according to a statement from his office.

At least 15 US servicemen were reported killed this weekend and 76 so far this month, putting May on track to be one of the bloodiest months in the four-year-old conflict.

The deaths bring the total US casualty toll since the March 2003 US-led invasion to 3,419, according to a count based on Pentagon figures.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 10:59 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

More Outposts Being Built for Surge
Stars and Stripes | May 21, 2007
American troops continue to build small, neighborhood outposts to support the troop “surge” in and around Baghdad, while the final extra Army brigade is poised to arrive in Iraq next month.

Units such as the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, have moved from larger foward operating bases to combat outposts. In the case of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, three new outposts named after soldiers from the unit killed in combat have replaced their home at Forward Operating Base Hammer. The combat outposts include Cleary, Cahill, and Cashe, in Wahida, Salman Pak, and Tuwaitha, respectively, officials said.

“To live with the populace and experience what they experience, you get a better appreciation for the area,” Maj. John Cushing, the battalion’s operations officer, was quoted as saying in a news release.

In one case, a combat outpost was built in a former government building and a set of greenhouses, officials said. The COPs, as the outposts are known, are being outfitted with showers and dining halls, among other amenities.

In another area of Baghdad, the eastern district of Sha’ab, officials are touting successes since February, when Iraqi police trucks with blood-stained beds looked “like they had just come from a butcher shop,” one officer said.

But now, the sectarian murders have largely ended, according to Capt. Will Canda, commander of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment.

The battalion patrols an area of the city that includes Sha’ab, Ur, and Sadr City. Some 20 percent of Baghdad’s population lives in the area, giving a ratio of one U.S. soldier for every 26,000 Iraqis, officials said.

While acknowledging there is still “a ways to go,” officials have said they’re confronting militias, failed local governments and breakdowns in public services.

That unit too operates from a combat outpost, this one named Callahan; it was formerly an upscale shopping center that had been abandoned.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 11:02 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Dems Set War Bill Without Iraq Timeline
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
Publication date: 2007-05-22
By DAVID ESPO

WASHINGTON - In grudging concessions to President Bush, Democrats intend to draft an Iraq war-funding bill without a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and shorn of at least some of the billions they want for domestic programs, officials said Monday.

While details remain subject to change, the measure is designed to close the books by Friday on a bruising struggle between Bush and the Democratic-controlled Congress over the war. It would provide funds for military operations in Iraq through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.

http://moaa.yellowbrix.com/pages/moaa/Story.nsp?story_id=106620855&ID=moaa&scategory=AP+Top+Headlines&navStoryId=106620134:106620135:106620397:106620855:106620145:106621040:106621094:&

-- May 22, 2007 11:21 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Boy among five tortured in Iraq
Baghdad, 22 May 2007 (Gulf News)

The US military said on Monday it has found a boy and four Iraqis inside a torture chamber in Garma, west of Baghdad.

The five had been kidnapped and tortured by militants and were found inside a padlocked room and had been beaten with chains, cables and hoses, the US military said.

"The boy stated the terrorists had hooked electrical wires to his tongue and shocked him," it said. It did not give the boy's age.

"The hostages indicated their captors were foreign fighters who spoke with different accents."

All five were from different tribes, the military said, but no other details were available.

They would receive medical treatment and then be handed over to tribal leaders.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17600

-- May 22, 2007 11:53 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Bush reaffirms confidence in Iraqi PM
22 May 2007 (Associated Press)

President Bush expressed confidence in Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday despite growing frustration in Congress about his government.

And the top military commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, said Iraqi government efforts "in the coming months will be critical to whether or not" the country succeeds.

Bush, at his ranch in Texas, called al-Maliki to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration.

"The president reaffirmed his confidence in the prime minister and noted the courage that he has shown in a challenging and difficult year," Bush spokesman Tony Fratto said.

The leaders discussed political progress in Iraq, and al-Maliki gave Bush updates on oil-sharing legislation and efforts to reform the country's constitution.

Fratto said it is hard to pin down when the Iraqi government will deliver on its promises of political reconciliation.

"Obviously we want the Iraqis and the Iraqi parliament to move as quickly as possible," Fratto said. "Progress on advancing these initiatives is not moving as quickly as anyone wants — and I think that includes Prime Minister Maliki and many members of parliament."

A week ago, Sen. Mitch McConnell (news, bio, voting record), the top Republican in the Senate, said senators in both parties are frustrated with the Iraqi government.

"I don't know what their problem is, but this country has made an enormous investment in giving the Iraqis a chance to have a normal government after all of these years of Saddam Hussein and his atrocities," said McConnell, R-Ky.

"And there's a growing sense of bipartisan frustration in the Senate over the lack of progress on the political side of the Iraqi government," he said. "I think benchmarks will be a part of the final package that we get to the president for signature on the troop funding bill."

The White House is negotiating with Democratic leaders in Congress over a war-spending bill for Iraq. Bush vetoed the first version because it set timetables for the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Monday released an open letter from Petraeus to the Iraqi people, in which he urged them to reject violence, turn in insurgents in their midst and work for reconciliation.

"We need your help if we are to quell the violence," he said in the letter. "Deny the enemy shelter, report any information you may have regarding his whereabouts, and be proud of and support your nation's security forces."

He asked them to understand that restrictions imposed on their freedom are designed to make their neighborhoods safer and promised that unpopular security barriers will come down as security improves.

"Now, more than ever, is the time for Iraqis to come together and embrace reconciliation over confrontation." he said. "It is time to choose peace."

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17614

-- May 22, 2007 11:59 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Announcement No.(929)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 929 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/5/22 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1260 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 42.600.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 42.600.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----
(www.cbiraq.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 22, 2007 12:06 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Back to business as usual... they hit the magic number of 1260, the projected budget value, now we are stuck in time again.

-- May 22, 2007 12:41 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Kuwait re-asserts its commitment to united GCC currency

ECO-LD KUWAIT-CBK-DINAR
Kuwait re-asserts its commitment to united GCC currency

KUWAIT, May 22 (KUNA) -- The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah on Tuesday renewed Kuwait's commitment to fully cooperate with other GCC member states in order to launch the united GCC currency.

Sheikh Salem, who was responding to questions on the overnight decision to un-peg the Dinar from the US currency, said the decision did not mean that Kuwait was backing down on its commitments towards the united GCC currency.

"We are persuaded that this project (united currency) should go to the end, " he said. He added there was no relation between un-pegging the Dinar from the US currency and the GCC united currency.

"These are two different issues," he said and pointed out that a 2003 decision to un-peg the KD from a basket of currencies and peg it solely to the greenback was taken in line with other GCC states, whose currencies were already pegged to the USD.

He said that keeping the KD pegged to the USD was "no longer in Kuwait's interest" so it was decided to peg it once again to a basket of major currencies.

He added that the constituents of the basket would change in line with Kuwait's trade relations with foreign countries.

He said the basket would depend on Kuwait's imports and financial relations.

He dismissed conflicting reports about impending revaluation or devaluation of the KD and said a new policy would be launched "linking the Dinar's exchange value with the basket of currencies as it was the case in the 28 years before the KD was pegged to the USD in 2003." In answer to a question on the individual rates of foreign currencies included in the basket, he said they were "secret rates, but the USD is their most important constituent." He said he was not certain about the date of the launch of the GCC united currency. "Would it be in 2010? Everyone hopes so although some (GCC) states might not be ready by then to meet the requirements of the united currency." He added that when technical, institutional and legislative requirements for the process (united currency) are ready, Kuwait will coordinate with other GCC member states to facilitate the launch of the united currency.

He said it was too early to predict whether or not the Dinar would be pegged to the USD once again after the launch of the united currency. He added that GCC member states would agree among themselves on the manner in which the value of the united currency would be set.

Turning to the issue of the expected impact on the Kuwaiti economy of the un-pegging of the Dinar from the USD, Sheikh Salem said the un-pegging decision would affect the national inflation rate, which was 4.1 percent in 2005 and 3.1 percent last year compared to inflation rates of one percent and 1,8 percent before the 2003 pegging process.

He stressed that central banks were always on the lookout for ways to restrain the inflation rates and indicated that if fiscal policies failed to restrain inflation, other means would be resorted to including monetary policies and allowing the Dinar's exchange value to be set by the free market.

In answer to a question by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on how long it would take the Dinar to regain its former strength with regard to other major currencies, Sheikh Salem said "God only knows" because this depended on the fluctuations of those currencies.

Sheikh Salem made the remarks on the sidelines of the two-day Eighth GCC Banking Conference, which opened here Tuesday and was jointly hosted by the National Bank of Kuwait and the CBK.(end) fk.

eh

-- May 22, 2007 2:39 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iran's secret plan for summer offensive to force US out of Iraq
Simon Tisdall
Tuesday May 22, 2007
The Guardian

Iran is secretly forging ties with al-Qaida elements and Sunni Arab militias in Iraq in preparation for a summer showdown with coalition forces intended to tip a wavering US Congress into voting for full military withdrawal, US officials say.

"Iran is fighting a proxy war in Iraq and it's a very dangerous course for them to be following. They are already committing daily acts of war against US and British forces," a senior US official in Baghdad warned. "They [Iran] are behind a lot of high-profile attacks meant to undermine US will and British will, such as the rocket attacks on Basra palace and the Green Zone [in Baghdad]. The attacks are directed by the Revolutionary Guard who are connected right to the top [of the Iranian government]."

The official said US commanders were bracing for a nationwide, Iranian-orchestrated summer offensive, linking al-Qaida and Sunni insurgents to Tehran's Shia militia allies, that Iran hoped would trigger a political mutiny in Washington and a US retreat. "We expect that al-Qaida and Iran will both attempt to increase the propaganda and increase the violence prior to Petraeus's report in September [when the US commander General David Petraeus will report to Congress on President George Bush's controversial, six-month security "surge" of 30,000 troop reinforcements]," the official said.

"Certainly it [the violence] is going to pick up from their side. There is significant latent capability in Iraq, especially Iranian-sponsored capability. They can turn it up whenever they want. You can see that from the pre-positioning that's been going on and the huge stockpiles of Iranian weapons that we've turned up in the last couple of months. The relationships between Iran and groups like al-Qaida are very fluid," the official said.

"It often comes down to individuals, and people constantly move around. For instance, the Sunni Arab so-called resistance groups use Salafi jihadist ideology for their own purposes. But the whole Iran- al-Qaida linkup is very sinister."

Iran has maintained close links to Iraq's Shia political parties and militias but has previously eschewed collaboration with al-Qaida and Sunni insurgents.

US officials now say they have firm evidence that Tehran has switched tack as it senses a chance of victory in Iraq.

In a parallel development, they say they also have proof that Iran has reversed its previous policy in Afghanistan and is now supporting and supplying the Taliban's campaign against US, British and other Nato forces.

Tehran's strategy to discredit the US surge and foment a decisive congressional revolt against Mr Bush is national in scope and not confined to the Shia south, its traditional sphere of influence, the senior official in Baghdad said. It included stepped-up coordination with Shia militias such as Moqtada al-Sadr's Jaish al-Mahdi as well as Syrian-backed Sunni Arab groups and al-Qaida in Mesopotamia, he added. Iran was also expanding contacts across the board with paramilitary forces and political groups, including Kurdish parties such as the PUK, a US ally.

"Their strategy takes into account all these various parties. Iran is playing all these different factions to maximise its future control and maximise US and British difficulties. Their co-conspirator is Syria which is allowing the takfirists [fundamentalist Salafi jihadis] to come across the border," the official said.

Any US decision to retaliate against Iran on its own territory could be taken only at the highest political level in Washington, the official said. But he indicated that American patience was wearing thin.

Warning that the US was "absolutely determined" to hit back hard wherever it was challenged by Iranian proxies or agents inside Iraq, he cited the case of five alleged members of the Revolutionary Guard's al-Quds force detained in Irbil in January. Despite strenuous protests from Tehran, which claims the men are diplomats, they have still not been released.

"Tehran is behaving like a racecourse gambler. They're betting on all the horses in the race, even on people they fundamentally don't trust," a senior administration official in Washington said. "They don't know what the outcome will be in Iraq. So they're hedging their bets."

The administration official also claimed that notwithstanding recent US and British overtures, Syria was still collaborating closely with Iran's strategy in Iraq.

"80% to 90%" of the foreign jihadis entering Iraq were doing so from Syrian territory, he said.

Despite recent diplomatic contacts, and an agreement to hold bilateral talks at ambassadorial level in Baghdad next week, US officials say there has been no let-up in hostile Iranian activities, including continuing support for violence, weapons smuggling and training.

"Iran is perpetuating the cycle of sectarian violence through support for extra-judicial killing and murder cells. They bring Iraqi militia members and insurgent groups into Iran for training and then help infiltrate them back into the country. We have plenty of evidence from a variety of sources. There's no argument about that. That's just a fact," the senior official in Baghdad said.

In trying to force an American retreat, Iran's hardline leadership also hoped to bring about a humiliating political and diplomatic defeat for the US that would reduce Washington's regional influence while increasing Tehran's own.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2085192,00.html

-- May 22, 2007 5:18 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Bush declassifies bin Laden intel
By Deb Riechmann, Associated Press Writer
May 22, 2007

WASHINGTON --President Bush declassified intelligence Tuesday asserting that Osama bin Laden ordered a top lieutenant in early 2005 to form a terrorist cell that would conduct attacks outside Iraq -- and that the United States should be the top target.

The information mirrored a classified bulletin from the Homeland Security Department in March 2005, reporting that bin Laden had enlisted Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, his senior operative in Iraq, to plan potential strikes in the U.S. The warning was described at the time as credible but not specific and did not prompt the administration to raise its national terror alert level.

The declassification of the intelligence came a day before Bush was scheduled to speak about terrorism at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Bush, who is battling Democrats in Congress over spending for the unpopular war in Iraq, will argue that the terrorist threat to America is real, said Frances Fragos Townsend, the White House homeland security adviser. She said Bush would talk about why Iraq is an important battleground in fighting terrorism abroad to prevent attacks on U.S. soil and highlight previously reported successes in foiling terrorist attacks.

The Bush White House has intermittently declassified and made public sensitive intelligence information to help rebut critics or defend programs or actions against possibly adverse decisions in the Congress or the courts. On a few occasions, the declassified materials were intended as proof that terrorists see Iraq as a critical staging ground for global operations.

Townsend, reading from notes, said the declassified intelligence showed that in January 2005, bin Laden tasked al-Zarqawi with organizing the cell. Al-Zarqawi, the former leader of al-Qaida's Iraq operations, was killed there in June 2006 by a U.S. airstrike.

"We know from the intelligence community that al-Zarqawi welcomed the tasking and claimed he already had some good proposals," Townsend said.

She said that in the spring of 2005, bin Laden instructed Hamza Rabia, a senior operative, to brief al-Zarqawi on al-Qaida planning to attack sites outside Iraq, including the United States. She did not disclose where in the United States those attacks were being plotted.

Around the same time, Abu Fajah al-Libi, a senior al-Qaida manager, suggested that bin Laden send Rabia to Iraq to actually help al-Zarqawi plan the external operations, Townsend said. It is unclear whether Rabia went to Iraq, she said.

She said the information was declassified because the intelligence community has tracked all leads from the information.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/05/22/bush_declassifies_al_qaida_intelligence/

-- May 22, 2007 9:17 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Finance Minister stressed that the country's currency reserves of 21 billion dollars ...States canceled $ 140 billion owed by Iraq

BAGHDAD - Adel Mahdi life-23/05/07

The Iraqi minister statement Jabr Zubaidi said that 45 state «debts are canceled on Iraq, with rates ranging between 100 and 80%», noting that the total hit 140 billion dollars ».He said that «a part of the framework agreement signed between the Iraqi government and the International Monetary Fund».

Zubaidi praised the role of Saudi «promised to write off 80% of their loans to Iraq, as well as China, which announced its rules« Paris Club », and the cancellation of 80% of its debt also».

The Iraqi minister in a joint press conference held with the Ministers of Planning and trade Baban farmer Abdul Sudanese and Central Bank Governor Sinan Shabibi, the Iraqi government «moved in the direction of the commercial debt of the companies, and reducing the proportion of 96% of Iraq's debts to companies». He pointed out that the remaining «payments Iraq owes to Arab and foreign companies, did not specify the date».

Also expected Zubaidi «reach a solution with Egypt regarding debts», referring to the «declaring its willingness to cancel debts on Iraq, and only funds Egyptian workers left behind in Iraqi banks», stressing deal with these funds «trust in the banks and ourselves back».

Turning to the Iraqi minister's budget in 2007, adding that «differ from the previous year's budget», noting that «a good budget implementation ministries other than unable to do so», stressing that the funds «will be removed from the ministries that have been unable to implement the budget and giving it to other ministries».

Baban revealed that more than 11 billion dollars, earmarked for investment amount is the largest in Iraq so far, representing government investment », adding that this amount« secure more jobs and enhances the activity of the Iraqi economy ».

The Sudanese to the difficulties faced by his ministry, especially in areas relating b «finance, import, transport and storage as well as financial difficulties and the problems of administrative corruption». He declared that the Ministry «imported 2 million tons of grain and other food items to meet the needs of the ration card».

With Shabibi said that this year «witnessed relatively stable inflation ranged between 40 and 45%», pointing to the bank's success in raising hard currency reserves reached 21 billion dollars ».He considered that the amount «well, and can provide a reassuring stability».

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- May 22, 2007 10:39 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

راقيةStart enlarged meeting between the delegation and the Iraqi government Kurdstan

(صوت العراق) - 22-05-2007(Voice of Iraq) - 22-05-2007
ارسل هذا الموضوع لصديقSend this topic to a friend

.Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, this morning, Mr. Najirfan Barzani, head of government territory Kurdstan.
.And then began an expanded presence of the ministers of oil and finance between the Iraqi delegation and the Iraqi government Kurdstan.
.It is noteworthy that the head of government territory Kurdstan who heads the delegation of political and administrative Kurdstan found several days ago in Baghdad to discuss a number of issues, including oil and natural wealth and permanent Iraqi constitution addition to a number of political and administrative matters.

Following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, head of the territorial government of Kurdstan, Mr. Najirfan Barzani told reporters that the delegation territory Kurdstan visiting Baghdad to coincide with the year before the formation of the Iraqi government headed by Maliki and congratulated the occasion. The added Mr. Barzani they Nigervan : "touched during their meeting with al-Maliki to the law and the distribution of oil revenues as well as a number of other issues. We have established joint committees to resolve outstanding issues ". The President of the territorial government expressed optimism resolving those issues.

.In his statements, through Mr. Barzani expressed Najirfan supporting the government of the territory Kurdstan Maliki government.

In another part of his statements, Mr. Barzani Nigervan Kurdstan doors that open to tourists coming from other parts of Iraq, especially with the start of the tourist season in Kurdstan, head of the territorial government rejected any obstacles illegal obstacle to that.

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- May 22, 2007 10:56 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thank you, cornish boy for contributing those very informative posts.. and Rob N, excellent posts, too.. as always. :)

Sara.

-- May 23, 2007 12:31 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The Dinar train is rolling again, 1259 to 1.

-- May 23, 2007 4:40 AM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

Iraqi officials hold talks on oil law in Baghdad
Mon May 21, 2007 5:24PM BST

By Mariam Karouny

BAGHDAD, May 21 (Reuters) - Iraqi officials are holding talks in Baghdad over a draft oil law, to overcome last-minute disagreements between the central government and the Kurdish region, officials said on Monday.

Iraq sits on the world's third-largest oil reserves and officials have been struggling since last year to finalise the draft law, which is vital for Iraq to attract investment from foreign firms to boost its oil output and rebuild its economy.

The cabinet approved the draft in February but it still needs to be passed by parliament.

The legislation is crucial to regulating how wealth from Iraq's oil reserves would be shared by its sectarian and ethnic groups.

Last month, Kurds from Iraq's oil-rich north threatened to block the law in parliament and clashed with the central government over some of its annexes, raising the prospect of more delays that dogged the lengthy drafting of the legislation.

Iraqi officials told Reuters that talks to iron out the disputes between Kurdish, Sunni Arab and Shi'ite officials began in the capital on Sunday after preliminary discussions in Kurdistan.

"We have started the talks. We hope we will overcome the problems," one official at the meeting said.

It was not clear how long the meetings will continue but Iraqi officials have said they hoped parliament will pass the draft by end of May. The threat to fight the bill in Iraq's national parliament came days after the Oil Ministry in Baghdad warned regions against signing contracts until the landmark law was passed.

The Kurds have objections over some annexes in the draft which would wrest oilfields from regional governments and place them under a new state oil company.

Iraq's Kurdistan regional government has signed several agreements with foreign companies, including a service contract last month with United Arab Emirate's Dana Gas (DANA.AD: Quote, Profile, Research.

A coalition of Kurdish political parties in Iraq's national parliament holds 53 seats in the 275-member legislature.

"Everybody is aware that we need to pass this law, it is for our interest," a senior oil industry official told Reuters.

"They all agree on the law itself but there are some details which need to be reviewed. I hope it will not take long this time," the offical said.
Source: Reuters uk

-- May 23, 2007 6:38 AM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

Iraq: Iraq to spend 1.5 billion dollars on weapons

BAGHDAD, Iraq, -- Iraq's defence ministry will buy new weapons worth more than 1.5 billion dollars (1.11 billion euros), including helicopters and US rifles, the minister announced on Monday.

The purchases will be made possible by a 26 percent increase in the country's defence budget, to 4.1 billion dollars (three billion euros) for the current fiscal year.

"The Iraqi government has signed a contract with the American government to set up a foreign weapons sales office to buy weapons that Iraq needs," Defence Minister Abdel Qader Jassim Mohammed said at a Baghdad press conference.

"This programme will help Iraq to buy modern weapons and to ensure arrival of these weapons when the ministry asks for them," he added.

Iraq has started importing American-made M-16 and M-4 rifles, which are slowly replacing the ubiquitous Soviet-designed AK-47 Kalashnikov among the Iraqi forces struggling to bring order to the country.

Mohammed is also looking to beef up the country's air force and navy with the purchase of 29 Soviet-designed M-17 helicopters, six reconnaissance planes, 10 patrol boats from Italy and 26 from the United States.

The gradual switchover from the AK-47 to the M-16 began earlier this month, when a graduating class of Iraqi military recruits became the first of 1,600 rookie soldiers to start receiving the weapons.

The M-16 fires a 5.56mm round, standard among most modern armies and lighter than the 7.62mm used in the rugged Kalashnikov.

Iraq is awash with Kalashnikovs looted from ousted dictator Saddam Hussein's defunct armed forces, smuggled from around the region by militants and imported by the United States to arm new Iraqi security units.

Many go missing from official stocks, but the new generation of US-made weapons will be issued to individual soldiers, whose photographs and biometric data will be recorded next to their guns' serial numbers to deter fraud.

Source: AFP

-- May 23, 2007 7:01 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Kuwait Bank: Dollar Still Affects RatesFont Scale: Posted 22 May 2007 @ 03:53 pm ESTIBTimes RSS Print E-Mail digg Del.icio.us
Although oil-rich Kuwait has abandoned pegging its currency to the U.S. dollar, the greenback will still make up a major part of the basket of currencies that will fix the dinar's exchange rate, the Central Bank governor said Tuesday.

Article Tags
currency kuwait
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More News Related to kuwait >>The state-owned Kuwait News Agency quoted the governor, Sheik Salem Abdul-Aziz Al Sabah, as saying the currencies included in the basket will represent foreign nations that trade most with Kuwait, and said the U.S. dollar will continue to figure prominently among them.

The percentage of each of these currencies will remain "'confidential,"' he said.

The Central Bank governor announced Sunday a decision to return to the pre-2003 policy of linking the dinar to a basket of currencies, saying pegging it to the falling dollar for more than four years had "'contributed to local inflation."'

Inflation peaked in 2005 at 4.1 percent, and reached 3.1 percent in 2006, KUNA quoted Sheik Salem as saying. Historically, it had hovered below 2 percent, he said.

Kuwait has been a major ally of Washington since the U.S.-led 1991 Gulf War that liberated it from a seven-month Iraqi occupation.

It's 2003 switch was to comply with requirements from a plan for a unified Gulf currency by the year 2010. The Central Bank governor reiterated his country's commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council monetary union plan, saying Kuwait will coordinate with its fellow GCC members when preparations for the new currency are in place.

Along with Kuwait, the loose economic and political alliance groups Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

(http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20070522/kuwait-currency.htm)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Kuwait unhooks dinar and dollar, signaling a possible trend

By Wanfeng Zhou, MarketWatch
Last Update: 6:38 PM ET May 21, 2007

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Central Bank of Kuwait's decision over the weekend to untie its currency from the U.S. dollar might signal a growing trend among global central banks, especially those with large foreign-exchange reserves, to more actively manage their currencies.
And such a shift is likely to put the U.S. dollar under increasing pressure, analysts said.
Kuwait on Sunday, in a move to combat inflation, abandoned its dinar's peg to the U.S. dollar in favor of a basket of international currencies. The dinar had been pegged against the dollar since 2003. The central bank has not announced the composition of its currency basket. Kuwait also announced it would revalue the dinar by 0.37% against the dollar.
Weakness in the U.S. dollar has pushed up inflation and hurt the domestic economy, the central bank said.
"The significant drop in the exchange rate of the American dollar against most other major currencies had a negative impact on the Kuwaiti economy over the past two years," Sheikh Salem Abdel Aziz Al Sabah, governor of the central bank, told the official Kuwait news agency.
"In the Middle East, it's a story of dollar-concentration risk," said Stephen Roach, chief economist of Morgan Stanley. Kuwait's just-announced decision "may well be the first step in a regional diversification strategy that attempts to temper such risks," he said.
Oil producers in the Gulf not only price their one commodity -- oil -- in dollars, but their currencies for the most part are also dollar-pegged, Roach said.
"As a result, their foreign exchange reserves are massively overweight dollars," he said. "The region worries increasingly about excessive exposure to a chronically weak dollar scenario as an unavoidable outgrowth of a prolonged U.S. current account adjustment."
Growing speculation that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates to spur the economy even as central banks elsewhere continue to tighten monetary policies pushed the dollar to an all-time low against the euro and a 26-year trough against the British pound last month.
Inflation in Kuwait stood at around 3% last year, consistently above the central bank's 2% target.
"Moreover, with the dollar's steady decline, the dinar has followed suit. This has made European imports more expensive, which is an important consideration for Kuwaitis," said Charmaine Buskas, economist at Moody's Economy.com.
"The Central Bank of Kuwait's decision shows a recognition that a dollar peg does not provide the flexibility small countries need in a global economy," she said.
Follow suit
The move by Kuwait sparked speculation other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Qatar, Oman and Bahrain -- will soon follow suit. However, these countries have promised to keep the dollar peg for now.
Some analysts say the U.A.E. and Qatar are the most likely candidate because both countries have by far the strongest price pressures in the Gulf region.
"With Kuwait's non-concerted move, the 2010 deadline for the launch of a single currency has become even more at risk," said Koceila Maames, Africa and Middle East economist at French bank Calyon. "What the other Gulf countries will do preliminary hinges on the fate of the ongoing monetary union process."
"If the next few weeks/months confirm further questioning of the monetary union project, the U.A.E. and Qatar will be the next candidates for revaluations, be it straight ones or through a peg to basket of currencies," the analyst said in a research note.
In the big picture, Moody's Buskas said the move by Kuwait suggested that "currencies pegged to the dollar will increasingly come under pressure as the dollar continues to adjust lower."
"Countries in the Middle East and throughout Asia will increasingly be forced to reconsider their pegs to the dollar," she said. "The trend to de-peg from the dollar and move to a basket will most likely affect other Asian countries, newly emboldened by China's recent decision to widen its yuan-dollar trading band to 0.5% from 0.3%."
This trend has been widely discussed "as a long-term dollar drag" and one likely to continue as central banks with large reserves "become more proactive in managing their currencies," she said.
Dollar negative
Kuwait's decision to drop its currency peg to the dollar had a muted impact on the currency market Monday.
"The market is temporarily distracted," said Brian Dolan, chief currency strategist at Forex.com, a division of Gain Capital. "Had a move like that come a month ago, you would have seen the dollar weaken much more significantly."
"It certainly represents further diversification away from the dollar," he said. "It'll reverberate once the dollar direction turns negative again."
The limited reaction in the market also reflected the fact that the dollar weighting in the dinar's basket peg will initially remain at a relatively high level, likely making up 75% to 80% of the new basket.
But the dollar's share will be reduced gradually, said analysts at BNP Paribas. Russia's move towards a currency basket, where the weighting of the euro is now dominant, can be used as an example, they said.
Global central banks' ongoing reserve diversification has been a main factor weighing on the U.S. currency and Treasury market in recent years. Many people argue because foreign central banks have played a vital role in financing U.S. borrowing by buying U.S. debt, a diminished appetite for dollar-denominated reserves could have a significantly negative impact on the dollar and the U.S. economy.
The news from Kuwait "cannot be seen as U.S.-dollar supportive," said Dennis Gartman of the Gartman Letter. "For if Kuwait, who owes the U.S. so much for having liberated it from Iraq's clutches in the war there during Bush senior's tenure in office, abandons the dollar, what then of the other currencies of the world still pegged to the dollar?"
Wanfeng Zhou is a markets reporter in New York.
(http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/kuwait-unhooks-dinar-dollar-signaling/story.aspx?guid=8A343040-AA8A-4D07-948A-0E0D58C1AF98&dist=SecMostMailed)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq lawmakers deadlocked over constitution reforms
5/22/2007

By Mariam Karouny

BAGHDAD, May 22 (Reuters) - An Iraqi parliamentary committee has failed to finalise an agreement on amending key articles in the constitution, one of the political benchmarks Washington says are important to end sectarian violence.

After six months of talks, the constitutional reform committee had been expected to present parliament with a final draft of their recommendations on Tuesday.

Committee members said they would ask political leaders to deal with sensitive issues such as sharing Iraq's oil wealth more equitably and ending a ban on former members of Saddam Hussein's party members holding public office.

"We have agreed on some articles but there are sensitive issues which need an agreement among the political leaders," said Saleem al-Jubouri, a member of the Accordance Front, the biggest Sunni political bloc in parliament.

The changes are aimed at bringing Sunni Arabs, who make up the backbone of the insurgency, more firmly into the political process.

U.S. President George W. Bush, under pressure to show tangible progress in the four-year-old war, has pushed Iraqi leaders to agree power-sharing legislation.

Jubouri said Sunni Arab and Shi'ite members of the committee disagreed with a Kurdish demand to allow regions to distribute oil income rather than the central government.

Some lawmakers from the ruling Shi'ite community, which was oppressed during Saddam's rule, are virulently opposed to former Baathists taking up government jobs.

Non-Arab Kurds, also persecuted under Saddam's pan-Arab policies, resist wording on the Arab identity of Iraq.

Sunni Arabs fear federalism will allow Kurds in the north and Shi'ites in the south, where Iraq's oil reserves lie, to break away into their own states. Sunni Arabs live mostly in central and western Iraq, which is poor in oil.

Jubouri said that one area of disagreement was the status of the ethnically mixed city of Kirkuk which sits atop one of the world's richest oilfields.

The current constitution says Iraq should hold a referendum on the final status of Kirkuk this year. While Kurds claim Kirkuk as part of Kurdistan, Arabs oppose this.

Another official in the committee said Arab members -- Shi'ites and Sunnis -- proposed making Kirkuk a separate region and dropping the idea of the referendum, which Kurds would anyway be likely to win.

"Of course the Kurds don't want this because they still want it to be part of their autonomous region," the official said. "Only political leaders can decide on this. These are very sensitive issues."

Iraq lawmakers deadlocked over constitution reforms - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

State - Run Iraqi Enterprises Offer Prospect of Stability, Growth

Economic expansion through the revitalization of domestic industrial capacity is a major factor for stability in Iraq, a senior defense official said May 18 during a call with "bloggers" and online journalists.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush wins Iraq showdown with Congress
Democrats lack sufficient votes to override presidential veto, accept bill they deemed ‘weak’ earlier.
By Stephen Collinson

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

WASHINGTON, 23 May 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Anti-war Democrats Tuesday shelved their crusade to condition Iraq war funding on troop withdrawals, but denied handing President George W. Bush a multi-billion dollar victory.

Instead of homecoming soldiers, party leaders reluctantly accepted the first congressionally approved political and security benchmarks for the Iraqi government, a plan ridiculed just last week by a top Democrat as "weak."

They vowed to renew their battle to end US involvement in the war through defense bills looming in the next few months and claimed their weeks-long constitutional showdown had boxed Bush in as never before.

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi presented the outline of the new funding bill, worth around 100 billion dollars, to her restive party caucus Tuesday, billing it as "another stage in the sequencing of ending this war."

Pelosi said September was now the real "moment of truth for this war" as several spending bills come up as well as a report on the progress of Bush's troop surge strategy by top war general, David Petraeus.

Some top Republicans have already said they will either need to see progress by then, or sweeping changes in US strategy in the war, which has killed more than 3,400 US soldiers.

Bush has vowed never to accept timelines for withdrawal, billed by Republicans as "surrender dates" and vetoed a previous 124-billion-dollar spending bill because it included such mechanisms.

The House was to vote, probably on Thursday, on a war funding package and companion legislation containing extra domestic spending and including hurricane relief funding and other spending hikes, included to placate liberal Democrats.

The Senate would then be asked to vote on the package as a whole, said Democratic Representative David Obey, who has been locked in talks with Republicans, top senators and the White House on the funding package.

Democrats, who control both chambers of Congress but lack sufficient votes to override a presidential veto, dismissed the notion that their reluctant dropping of withdrawal timelines handed Bush a hard-won victory.

"I don't think there's any way you could stretch, saying whatever we decide to do in this legislation is a defeat," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.

"For heaven's sakes, look where we've come. We have come a long, long ways."

Leaders said the budget language would mirror a Republican-backed amendment passed last week and accepted by the White House, which would require Bush to report to Congress on progress in Iraq in July and September.

The bill, framed by Republican Senator John Warner, also raises the prospect of the Iraqi government forfeiting non-military financial aid if it fails to reach a set of political and security benchmarks.

Though Reid ridiculed the bill last week as "weak," he said it would mark an important step toward ending the war.

"If that's all there is, it's a lot more than the president ever expected he'd have to agree to."

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell meanwhile said the chamber appeared ready to pass a bill "without a surrender date."

But there was immediate anger from the anti-war wing of the Democratic Party.

"I cannot support a bill that contains nothing more than toothless benchmarks and that allows the president to continue what may be the greatest foreign policy blunder in our nation's history," said Democratic Senator Russ Feingold.

Democratic leaders upped the ante in talks with the White House on Friday, again insisting on the need for a date for troop withdrawals to begin -- though offering Bush the power to waive the requirement.

But all along, they said they would get a bill funding the troops until the end of September to the president's desk before leaving on a week-long recess on Friday.

There was no immediate reaction from the White House, which earlier cited the need to keep ongoing negotiations under wraps.

At least 15 US servicemen were reported killed this weekend in Iraq, and 76 so far this month, bringing total US losses since the invasion to 3,419, according to a count based on Pentagon figures.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Halliburton eyes Iraq

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

23 May 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
Halliburton is in discussions with energy companies to enter Iraq, but will wait until security improves before bringing in its personnel, according to reports.

The US oil services firm says it wants to change negative perceptions about it in the marketplace, after its KBR unit, now separated from the company, received several big contracts from the US military in Iraq.

CEO Dave Lesar said setting up its corporate headquarters in Dubai would help, Gulf News reported.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to buy oil tankers
By Abed Battat

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

22 May 2007 (Azzaman)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq is planning to buy small oil tankers with specifications that will enable them to navigate easily through terminals on the Gulf and the Shat al-Arab Waterway.

Abdulkarim al-Saadi, director-general of Iraqi Tanker Company, said the company will soon invite foreign firms to take part in tenders to build the tankers.

Saadi did not say how many tankers Iraq intends to buy but made clear the need was urgent for small-capacity ships in order to meet the country’s growing needs for oil products.

Iraq currently imports more than half of its fuel needs estimated at 700,000 barrels a day as its refineries are working much below their capacity due to violence and attacks on pipelines.

The company had one of the largest crude oil transport fleets in the Middle East with 22 tankers.

But these were either sunk at terminals or got rusted as the company could use or repair them due to U.N. trade sanctions.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. envoy urges speeded reforms in Iraq 1 hour, 6 minutes ago

BAGHDAD - America's top diplomat in Iraq urged Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government to speed up reforms geared toward achieving national reconciliation, saying it was its duty to do so soon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ambassador Ryan Crocker listed the adoption of a draft law for the equitable distribution of oil wealth, another to integrate members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party in government departments, amending the constitution to satisfy Sunni Arab demands, and holding local elections as measures that the government had a "responsibility to tackle in the coming weeks."

"These are tasks that must be completed, and completed soon, to achieve national reconciliation," he said in an Arabic-language statement marking the first anniversary of al-Maliki's Shiite-dominated government.

"The first anniversary of a democratic government in Iraq is a victory for the people of Iraq. They've chosen their leaders and now it is the right of every citizen in a democratic society to expect measures and decisions from their elected representatives to serve the interests of Iraqis."

Crocker's statement provided the latest evidence that Washington had al-Maliki's government on notice that it must meet several policy benchmarks to secure continued U.S. support at a time when the Bush administration was under congressional pressure over its Iraq policies.

"The transition of any nation to a democratic system is considered a complex process ... It is easy to focus on the problems and challenges. Easy but wrong," said Crocker, who took over his job in March.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070523/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_crocker_1)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 23, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

thankyou sara.

-- May 23, 2007 11:57 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Posted 22 May 2007 @ 03:53 pm ESTIBTimes RSS Print E-Mail digg Del.icio.us
Although oil-rich Kuwait has abandoned pegging its currency to the U.S. dollar, the greenback will still make up a major part of the basket of currencies that will fix the dinar's exchange rate, the Central Bank governor said Tuesday.

Article Tags
currency kuwait
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China Widens Trading Limit for Yuan
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Fire Breaks Out a Kuwaiti Refinery
East Timor, Kuwait Join on Oil and Gas
More News Related to kuwait >>The state-owned Kuwait News Agency quoted the governor, Sheik Salem Abdul-Aziz Al Sabah, as saying the currencies included in the basket will represent foreign nations that trade most with Kuwait, and said the U.S. dollar will continue to figure prominently among them.

The percentage of each of these currencies will remain "'confidential,"' he said.

The Central Bank governor announced Sunday a decision to return to the pre-2003 policy of linking the dinar to a basket of currencies, saying pegging it to the falling dollar for more than four years had "'contributed to local inflation."'

Inflation peaked in 2005 at 4.1 percent, and reached 3.1 percent in 2006, KUNA quoted Sheik Salem as saying. Historically, it had hovered below 2 percent, he said.

Kuwait has been a major ally of Washington since the U.S.-led 1991 Gulf War that liberated it from a seven-month Iraqi occupation.

It's 2003 switch was to comply with requirements from a plan for a unified Gulf currency by the year 2010. The Central Bank governor reiterated his country's commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council monetary union plan, saying Kuwait will coordinate with its fellow GCC members when preparations for the new currency are in place.

Along with Kuwait, the loose economic and political alliance groups Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

-- May 23, 2007 12:08 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Kuwait unhooks dinar and dollar, signaling a possible trend

By Wanfeng Zhou, MarketWatch
Last Update: 6:38 PM ET May 21, 2007

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The Central Bank of Kuwait's decision over the weekend to untie its currency from the U.S. dollar might signal a growing trend among global central banks, especially those with large foreign-exchange reserves, to more actively manage their currencies.
And such a shift is likely to put the U.S. dollar under increasing pressure, analysts said.
Kuwait on Sunday, in a move to combat inflation, abandoned its dinar's peg to the U.S. dollar in favor of a basket of international currencies. The dinar had been pegged against the dollar since 2003. The central bank has not announced the composition of its currency basket. Kuwait also announced it would revalue the dinar by 0.37% against the dollar.
Weakness in the U.S. dollar has pushed up inflation and hurt the domestic economy, the central bank said.
"The significant drop in the exchange rate of the American dollar against most other major currencies had a negative impact on the Kuwaiti economy over the past two years," Sheikh Salem Abdel Aziz Al Sabah, governor of the central bank, told the official Kuwait news agency.
"In the Middle East, it's a story of dollar-concentration risk," said Stephen Roach, chief economist of Morgan Stanley. Kuwait's just-announced decision "may well be the first step in a regional diversification strategy that attempts to temper such risks," he said.
Oil producers in the Gulf not only price their one commodity -- oil -- in dollars, but their currencies for the most part are also dollar-pegged, Roach said.
"As a result, their foreign exchange reserves are massively overweight dollars," he said. "The region worries increasingly about excessive exposure to a chronically weak dollar scenario as an unavoidable outgrowth of a prolonged U.S. current account adjustment."
Growing speculation that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates to spur the economy even as central banks elsewhere continue to tighten monetary policies pushed the dollar to an all-time low against the euro and a 26-year trough against the British pound last month.
Inflation in Kuwait stood at around 3% last year, consistently above the central bank's 2% target.
"Moreover, with the dollar's steady decline, the dinar has followed suit. This has made European imports more expensive, which is an important consideration for Kuwaitis," said Charmaine Buskas, economist at Moody's Economy.com.
"The Central Bank of Kuwait's decision shows a recognition that a dollar peg does not provide the flexibility small countries need in a global economy," she said.
Follow suit
The move by Kuwait sparked speculation other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Qatar, Oman and Bahrain -- will soon follow suit. However, these countries have promised to keep the dollar peg for now.
Some analysts say the U.A.E. and Qatar are the most likely candidate because both countries have by far the strongest price pressures in the Gulf region.
"With Kuwait's non-concerted move, the 2010 deadline for the launch of a single currency has become even more at risk," said Koceila Maames, Africa and Middle East economist at French bank Calyon. "What the other Gulf countries will do preliminary hinges on the fate of the ongoing monetary union process."
"If the next few weeks/months confirm further questioning of the monetary union project, the U.A.E. and Qatar will be the next candidates for revaluations, be it straight ones or through a peg to basket of currencies," the analyst said in a research note.
In the big picture, Moody's Buskas said the move by Kuwait suggested that "currencies pegged to the dollar will increasingly come under pressure as the dollar continues to adjust lower."
"Countries in the Middle East and throughout Asia will increasingly be forced to reconsider their pegs to the dollar," she said. "The trend to de-peg from the dollar and move to a basket will most likely affect other Asian countries, newly emboldened by China's recent decision to widen its yuan-dollar trading band to 0.5% from 0.3%."
This trend has been widely discussed "as a long-term dollar drag" and one likely to continue as central banks with large reserves "become more proactive in managing their currencies," she said.
Dollar negative
Kuwait's decision to drop its currency peg to the dollar had a muted impact on the currency market Monday.
"The market is temporarily distracted," said Brian Dolan, chief currency strategist at Forex.com, a division of Gain Capital. "Had a move like that come a month ago, you would have seen the dollar weaken much more significantly."
"It certainly represents further diversification away from the dollar," he said. "It'll reverberate once the dollar direction turns negative again."
The limited reaction in the market also reflected the fact that the dollar weighting in the dinar's basket peg will initially remain at a relatively high level, likely making up 75% to 80% of the new basket.
But the dollar's share will be reduced gradually, said analysts at BNP Paribas. Russia's move towards a currency basket, where the weighting of the euro is now dominant, can be used as an example, they said.
Global central banks' ongoing reserve diversification has been a main factor weighing on the U.S. currency and Treasury market in recent years. Many people argue because foreign central banks have played a vital role in financing U.S. borrowing by buying U.S. debt, a diminished appetite for dollar-denominated reserves could have a significantly negative impact on the dollar and the U.S. economy.
The news from Kuwait "cannot be seen as U.S.-dollar supportive," said Dennis Gartman of the Gartman Letter. "For if Kuwait, who owes the U.S. so much for having liberated it from Iraq's clutches in the war there during Bush senior's tenure in office, abandons the dollar, what then of the other currencies of the world still pegged to the dollar?"
Wanfeng Zhou is a markets reporter in New York.

-- May 23, 2007 12:12 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iran Drawing Up Plans to Strike European Nuclear Sites, Analyst Says
Tuesday, May 22, 2007

LONDON — Iran is attempting to draw up plans to strike targets in Europe and has conducted reconnaissance of European nuclear power stations, a security analyst told a meeting at Britain's parliament Tuesday.

Claude Moniquet, president of the European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center, a private think-tank in Brussels, said his organization also had evidence Tehran has increased numbers of intelligence agents across Europe.

"We have serious signals that something is under preparation in Europe," Moniquet said. "Iranian intelligence is working extremely hard to prepare its people and to prepare actions."

The center, which he said deals directly with European intelligence agencies, believes Iranian operatives have carried out "reconnaissance of targets in European cities, including nuclear power stations," Moniquet said. He mentioned no other specific targets.

Preparations to target Europe's nuclear energy plants could be tied to the diplomatic standoff over Tehran's contested nuclear program, he told a meeting of lawmakers and analysts in London's House of Commons.

Iran appeared to be preparing to target "British citizens on the streets of London," Moniquet said. "Just as they kill British soldiers in the south of Iraq."

The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is due to submit a report on Tehran's program to the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday and is expected to reveal further Iranian advances in uranium enrichment.

In March, Tehran was given a 60-day deadline — which expires this week — to halt enrichment or face further punitive measures.

Talks are scheduled in Baghdad between U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and his Iranian counterpart on May 28, and will be among only a handful of direct U.S.-Iranian talks since the 1979 hostage crisis.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,274725,00.html

How serious would you think are "serious signals"?? And how imminent are "preparations to action" in the statement - "Iranian intelligence is working extremely hard to prepare its people and to prepare actions."

-- May 23, 2007 3:14 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Dollar is going down, but don't panic, this are historical swings, and they come and they go.

In the mid 70's the Dollar was way lower than now.

This was Carters time, funny man, one of the most low rated Presidents of all times, he recently came out swinging at Bush, trying to take his administration down saying this is the worst administration ever.

Lets take a look at Carter, he came after the Vietnam war, and had no war budgets to deal with.

He was a complete wimp with OPEC, when the OPEC tried a boycott on the US, he tried to talk them happy and the gasoline lines went on for years.

He failed to get the US on his feet after the war, and probably the majority of all our manufacturing went over our borders.

He completely failed to take measures that would keep the jobs, but instead saw "opportunities" in exporting our manufacturing base.

He, in a speech to the American people, told us that it is ok to be losers.

Carter was completely confused when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, assistance to the Soviet resistance started only after his presidency.

Carter didn't have a clue how to deal with Islamic Fascists, and when they took over Iran, he failed to back the Shah, the legitimate ruler.

In true Democratic ways he had an idea that he could actually deal and negotiate with the Islamic Revolution.

The Fascists took the Embassy workers as hostage, and again he didn't have a clue what kind of big stick he was carrying in his hand.

Again he bungled up the scene by trying to negotiate, years went by, and he didn't have a clue.

He screwed up the rescue mission and his trust in the American public was a 27%.

What exactly is he trying to tell us.????

He is trying to say, that -"if my own Presidency was so bad, well if someone else's is as bad or worse, then my Presidency must have been a really good one."

Many Great Men came from Georgia, Carter was not one of them.

As to the Dollar, well it is behaving pretty much as have been described earlier.

Kuwait is not dropping the Dollar, but is dropping the Dollar peg.

This has nothing to do with being allies, but pure self preservation.

The majority of the states selling off, or "diversifying" as they call it, will not get rid of ALL their Dollars, but in fact may keep the majority of their currency reserve in Dollar, but it is only logical that if one currency is going down in value , that currency is exchanged for another currency with higher value.

So even if small or moderately proportions of a country's currency reserve is sold for another currency, the total amount will still be very high.

Kuwait is in a very peculiar situation. Almost all it's export is in oil, and as oil is sold in Dollar, their economy will be very tightly bound to the Dollar.

How ever they turn it the influx of oil Dollars will continue, so it is not that they are sitting on a non renewable source, but instead have to get a handle on the flow, rather than their treasure chest.

Oil has inherent value, and actually part of why oil is so expensive for us right now, is not because suddenly there is a lack of it ( well we could build a couple of more refineries, but take that debate to the tree huggers) but actually because the Dollar itself as a currency is low in value.

As an example, lets say you have commodity and currencies, in a well balanced value to each other.

(Nothing is real, just taking numbers)

Country Blue. 10 Kronor = 1Dollar
Country Green 50 Drachma = 1 Dollar
Country Red, 20 Rubles = 1 Dollar.
Oil, = 50 Dollar Barrel

Ok, we have a set value of a Dollar to country Red, Blue Green and to oil.

If the Dollar goes down, but the value of oil stays the same to country Red , Blue, and Green, the oil will be more worth in Dollar, to compensate for the loss in the Dollar currency value.

The overall value of the oil didn't change, because the only change is the Dollar going down.

That means we pay more for the oil. It's our currency that is going down, not theirs. Oil value , and other currencies stayed the same.

So oil to country Red, Green and Blue, is in
THEIR currencies the same.

Other countries, like Britain, with it's Sterling or the EU commonwealth with it's Euros, that have a very high valued currency, will not pay much more for the oil.

Yes they pay more Dollars for it, but the Dollar has been slipping, so they can get so much more Dollar for their currency, to compensate for the increase in oil prices.

As we are paying more for our oil the Europeans are having a good time, with their economy.

We are using per capita so much more oil here than in EU, but that comes down to education. lifestyle and preferences.

About half of the cars in EU are Diesel cars, very very economical to drive.

A VW Polo Diesel can get 60 MPG and better, and a lot of other similar small economical diesels are on their market.

Here we have an idea that
1. If big is good.

Then,

2. Really big must be better...

Therefore...

3. Outrageously big, must be perfect.

So we're running around in big SUV's big enough to have a basket ball court in the back, and a rope ladder to get up to the door. Big 4 wheel drives, that sits parked in miles after miles of stop and go traffic on our freeways.

Thanks God, the peak of the SUV craze is over now, and small economical cars are on the way back.

We need oil, but right now we're fantastically good in waisting it on aerodynamic disasters, vehicles that looks like big square cubes.

The European style cars have developed from the fuel price over there, it is one of the most taxed commodities, and even if the base price of fuel is about the same, the pump price over there is 3, 4 even 5 times the price of the US pump price.

Dollar value will be one significant part of the high oil price, but as smokers go, if you want it, you'll find a way to pay for it.

One cheap safe and very non intrusive source is the nuclear power.

Those power plants could produce our hydrogen for the next generation of vehicles.

We would also be much less oil dependent if we would develop our nuclear energy more then we have.

Refineries, and nuclear power plants have been shut down very aggressively by the "green movement" , many times without no more than a bias opinion.

It's not that we're lacking in energy, we can produce a loot of it, we have reserves of oil on this planet to last us for a long time, and as time goes by, we will eventually be prepared to pay for the development of our own oil shale, in Colorado/Utah, a reserve about as big as the known oil in the Middle East, Canada is sitting on a similar reserve as well, and have already started to process it in Alberta.

So energy in all kind of forms are there, and last time I checked, there is no known big asteroid hitting us, these coming days.

My prediction is that this earth will take a couple of few more spins, and then some.

-- May 24, 2007 5:47 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Why would Iraq go for the 223, when it have AK47's?

I don't get it, the AK is more fit for urban warfare than the 223, because the bullets are more penetrating then a 223. A quality that is desirable if you are cleaning out room after room. Some special forces have the AK47's just because of this reason.

A 223 shoots flatter, but both have about the same effective range.

More success have been had from a 223 because of more sophisticated weapon platforms built, while the AK have been proven possible to be built by a village blacksmith.

So the AK's have the "sloppy" rap, while the 223 have the "special" micrometer, exact dial reputation, but given both calibers the same chance, the AK's will outperform the 223 in wall penetration.

The 223 is a small bullet whizzing along very quick, while the AK is a bigger heavier slower slug, hitting hard.

As an all around round, both rounds will do about the same.

It's just that if you are an up and coming country, I would rather try to get hold of weapons that are affordable, and would go for the AK. But I guess it's like the old Ford and
Chevy argument. Ask a GI what is best and he will tell you the 223.

With the whole Iraqi army educated by the US, it's (I guess) a natural thing that they would try to have and do what is successful, tried and proven.

Either way, we will be able to manufacture and sell to the Iraqis some of our stuff.

-- May 24, 2007 6:17 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

So where do we stand on our investment.

Checking back from the start of the "Dinar train" in Nov last year, the Dinar was 1475 to 1.

Now we're at 1259 to 1.

Profit so far: (Counting from the Nov move, those that bought earlier, in the very beginning have done better)

1 million Dinars before Nov, at 1475 was valued 677Dollars and 96 cents.

1 million in today's value of 1259 is 794 Dollars and 28 cents.

Difference of 116 Dollars and 32 Cents.

So:
1 million = 116.32 Dollars
5 million = 581.60 Dollars
10 million = 1163.20Dollars
20 millions= 2326.40Dollars
30 millions= 3489.60Dollars
40 millions= 4652.80Dollars

If you have an odd number of Dinars, take the amount you have, divide it by 1475, write it down, then divide your holdings into 1259, subtract the bigger amount from the smaller and you have your profit since Nov.

-- May 24, 2007 6:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Announcement No.(931)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 931 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/5/24 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 43.535.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 43.535.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

(www.cbiraq.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 9:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq still hopes to pass oil law in May

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Barham Salih, said on Saturday that Iraq still hopes for agreement based on the oil law draft this month, thus allowing the Parliament to pass it soon.

Salih said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Jordan that negotiations should begin soon in Baghdad to review details of the annexes of the law and the method of distributing oil income. He said that a Kurdish delegation is in Baghdad and that he will return to Iraq on Sunday to start negotiations.

Salih said that those who seek to hold talks want to ensure that the law includes restrictions and balances for a fair distribution of income and to discuss the scope of activity and control of the Iraqi National Oil Company. He said that they hope to complete this before the end of the month, adding that reaching an agreement would mean that the law can be passed to Parliament for approval.

Salih said that the law will shape the country's economy for a long period, describing it as the most important legislation that Iraq has to draft.

The law aims to distribute Iraq's oil wealth fairly among the Shiites, Sunni and Kurds. Washington thinks that the law is important to ensure national reconciliation in Iraq.

Source:Iraq Directory
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Strategists weigh alternatives for Iraq
5/23/2007

By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer 54 minutes ago

Mindful of long-term U.S. interests, military and diplomatic strategists seeking to salvage President Bush's latest Iraq war plan are beginning to think of alternatives while buying time for Iraqis to resolve their differences.

Pressure to show results is growing in the U.S., even as more troops arrive. Adding to the anxiety is the rising American death toll. The military announced Wednesday that gunbattles and roadside bombs killed seven soldiers and two Marines the day before, bringing the total death toll since the war began to around 3,430.

The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, in collaboration with new U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker, is putting the final touches on a document spelling out in new detail how they intend to implement Bush's strategy announced in January. Bush ordered an extra 21,500 combat troops to Iraq in hopes that more firepower in Baghdad would tamp down sectarian violence and enable rival factions to coalesce.

The Petraeus and Crocker plan, known in military parlance as a campaign plan, makes what one military officer in Baghdad called course corrections without changing the basic Bush strategy, which was built on the belief that political reconciliation in Baghdad could not happen until better security was established.

During the rocky tenure of Petraeus's predecessor, Gen. George Casey, a greater emphasis was placed on hastening the transition of security, political and economic responsibilities to the Shiite-led Iraqi government, which has battled a Sunni-led and al-Qaida-fueled insurgency.

Petraeus has focused more on identifying hardened sectarians in the political system and security forces and persuading Iraqi leaders to remove them. He plans to report to Washington in September on how the Bush strategy is working. One key question then will be whether to reduce U.S. troop levels, which the Pentagon says now stand at 147,000. About another 10,000 troops are scheduled to arrive over the coming month, mainly in the Baghdad area.

The implications of a U.S. failure are grim and extend beyond the politics of a war that, after more than four years of fighting, has drawn most Americans to the view that it was a mistake to begin. Senior civilian and military officials believe the United States has a long-term interest in assuring the stability of Iraq — not just to restore a society that collapsed after the U.S. invasion in 2003, but also to preserve wider U.S. interests.

Pressure on the administration to succeed in Iraq comes not only from the Democratic-led Congress — including some members of the president's own party — but also from the inescapable fact that the U.S. military — particularly the Army and the Marine Corps — are getting worn down by the unrelenting pace of fighting.

Deputy White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the Petraeus plan is not a new war strategy.

"These are the tactics designed to help make the (existing) strategy work," he said, adding that it "will be completed soon, in consultation with officials in Washington." The Washington Post, which was first to report on the plan in its Wednesday editions, said it is scheduled to be finished by the end of the month.

"The report is classified because we don't want to signal all of our intended plans to those trying to defeat the U.S., coalition and Iraqis who are trying to create a stable and secure Iraq, therefore, we're not going to discuss details.," Fratto said.

Frederick Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute think tank, who returned last week from a weeklong visit to Iraq, said in an interview that it was to be expected that Petraeus and Crocker would do a "soup-to-nuts reassessment" of the situation this spring, since they arrived after the strategy was already in place.

Kagan, who said he has not seen the campaign plan, said he sees little chance of — or reason to — switch strategies.

"I don't think there's another viable military option in Iraq at this point that differs dramatically from what we're doing," Kagan said.

U.S. officials say security is improving as thousands more U.S. troops arrive in Baghdad neighborhoods, but they acknowledge that more gains are needed and that the Iraqi government must move faster to fulfill its obligation to pass key legislation and take other actions, including eliminating sectarian death squads.

Adm. William Fallon, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, told a congressional panel May 3 that he has asked his staff to take a longer-term look at Iraq to consider what kind of relationship is possible.

"I envision that we will want to be — and we will be asked to be — in Iraq for some period of time," Fallon said. He referred to "an enduring presence" of U.S. forces in Iraq, not to fight insurgents but to train Iraqis and to support their developing ground, sea and air forces in ways that U.S. forces do elsewhere on the globe.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates spoke two weeks ago of U.S. forces remaining in Iraq "for a protracted period of time," with Iraqi government agreement, to provide logistical and other kinds of support.

But those kinds of long-term arrangements may not be possible unless the situation in Baghdad is fixed soon.

Strategists weigh alternatives for Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 9:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to auction oil, gas blocks once law passed
5/23/2007

NEW DELHI, May 23 (Reuters) - Iraq will auction 15 onshore oil and gas assets once its new hydrocarbons law is passed, a top oil ministry official said on Wednesday in India during a visit to drum up Indian interest in building new refineries.

"Iraq is preparing 15 fields and blocks for first round of auction after approval of the oil and gas law...tenders are under preparation," Fayadh Hassan Nima, director general at Iraq's oil ministry, told reporters.

Oil multinationals are waiting until the new hydrocarbon law, which will set rules for investment in Iraq, is passed by parliament before committing cash to the country.

International companies are eyeing its giant and largely underdeveloped oilfields.

Nima said he expected the law to be finalised within "two to three months".

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said earlier this month all parties had agreed to pass the law by the end of May.

The legislation is crucial to regulating how wealth from the oil is shared out by its sectarian and ethnic groups. It has faced last-minute disagreements from Kurds in the oil-rich north of the country, who say they are not getting their fair share.

Oil is the main source of the hard currency needed to rebuild Iraq's economy and the energy sector is struggling to recover from years of mismanagement and sanctions.

Nima said Iraq's current oil production capacity was 3 million barrels per day but it was producing 2 million bpd. In the next four years it plans to ramp up oil production to 4.5 million bpd and to 6 million bpd by 2016, he said.

India and Iraq will begin talks on Thursday on resuming work at an exploration block awarded to India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) in 2001, where force majeure was declared following the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Nima said.

"We are ready to start negotiations and start work. We are inviting them to come and see what is going on. Tomorrow we will start negotiations about plan of work," he said.

ONGC has a 100 percent participating interest in the onshore exploration Block 8.

NEW REFINERIES

Baghdad wants to build at least four new refineries to help it solve chronic fuel shortages and double its refining capacity to 1.5 million bpd in the next 10 years, Nima said.

It plans to build the 140,000 bpd Nahrain refinery, just south of Baghdad and the 70,000 bpd Kuya refinery in the north, as well as refineries of 100,000 bpd each at Kirkuk and at Missan near Amara.

Iraq has invited India to build the refineries at Kirkuk and Missan, Nima said.

Baghdad also plans to double the capacity of Daura refinery to 200,000 bpd, Basra from 100,000 bpd to 210,000 bpd and install new units, including a 30,000 bpd fluid catalytic cracker at Baiji refinery to upgrade the quality of products and enhance gasoline production, he said.

It will also build a refinery in Nassiriya, in the south of Iraq, for exports with a capacity of 300,000 bpd.

Iraq has eight oil refineries, none of which were damaged during the invasion. Oil officials say that the plants are operating at only 50 percent-75 percent of capacity, forcing Baghdad to import most of its fuel.

Iraq to auction oil, gas blocks once law passed - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 9:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Washington trying to get itself replaced by UN in Iraq - former Bush official

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

London, 24 May 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
The United States is putting together plans to secure greater involvement of the United Nations in Iraq so that it can reduce its own troop levels in the country, The Guardian newspaper reported on Wednesday. Citing a former senior US administration official, the daily said that the US plans also included efforts to increase the involvement of the UN Security Council, plus Japan and EU countries in Iraq , as well as a bigger role for Iraq's neighbors.

"The ... plan calls for moving on several fronts," the unidentified official, who is familiar with administration thinking, told the paper. "Firstly, there is the international plan to win political, economic and military support for the Iraqi government and state, not least by going to the UN and asking for a UN command and flag to supplant the US coalition command.

"Regionally, there is diplomacy aimed at mobilizing more Arab neighbors ... countries like Saudi Arabia should support [Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-] Maliki before he has no choice but to fully align with Iran.

"Internally, the plan is for US forces to help isolate [Islamic extremists], peel off Sunnis from the insurgency, contain hardcore elements of Moqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army, and halt Iranian and trans-Syrian infiltration of troops and material."

According to the official, the United States may also cut a deal with Sadr in an effort to secure an orderly transition of power.

General David Petraeus, commander of US forces in Iraq, is expected to report on the progress of US President George W. Bush's new Iraq security policy in September.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Demand for dollar up in Iraqi Central Bank daily auction
By Dergham Mohammed Ali

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

Baghdad, 24 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Demand for the dollar was up in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Wednesday, reaching $ 69.415 million compared with $42.600 million on Tuesday.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $6.955 million in cash and $62.460 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,259 dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday.

None of the 15 banks that participated in Wednesday's auction offered to sell dollars.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) "the decline in the exchange rate in today's auction encouraged traders to make bids for the dollar in foreign transfers, bringing up the overall demand size."

Al-Yasseri expected higher demand for the dollar in the Iraqi Central Bank's daily auction if the exchange rate goes down one tick only in the next sessions.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

EU Interested in Iraqi Natural Gas

A visiting European Union delegation said that EU countries are interested in importing Iraqi natural gas from the Ekas field in southern Iraq, said the spokesman for the Iraqi Oil Ministry, according to independent news agency voices of Iraq (VOI).

(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 12:27 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Fair focuses on trade opportunities in Iraq
Thursday, May 24, 2007
MUSTAFA OĞUZ
GAZİANTEP - Turkish Daily News

The Second Iraq International Fair, dubbed the �Gateway to Iraq�, bringing together businessmen from over 30 countries launched at the Gaziantep Middle East Exhibition Center yesterday. Over a thousand companies will present their products to an estimated 10,000 visitors until May 27.

The fair is organized at a time when Iraq desperately needs foreign investment and Turkey seeks new trade opportunities. �We will create free trade zones with Iraq. As a first step, we will negotiate a preferential trade agreement with Iraq in the days ahead, � said state minister Kürşad Tüzmen in his opening speech.

In need of reconstruction:

Iraq needs foreign companies to rebuild roads, bridges and airports, said the country's Housing and Reconstruction Minister Bayan Dizayee at the opening ceremony. Dizayee added that Iraq needed around three million apartments until 2010 and said this was beyond the capabilities of her ministry.

�The Iraqi Investment Law has passed and our ministry will provide every opportunity to investors,� she said. The Iraqi minister also said that Turkish construction companies have much experience in the Kurdish region of Iraq and asked for the help of �beloved Turkey� in the rebuilding process.

Turkey's trade booms:

After the war and the subsequent invasion of Iraq in 2003, investments in the country by Turkish construction companies amounted to $3 billion in the last three years. Turkey exports $2.7 million worth of goods to Iraq, mainly in construction, textile, food and automobile sectors. Transit trade between two countries has reached $1.5 billion.

A senior official from the Foreign Trade Directorate of Turkey (DTM), one of the organizers of the fair, told the Turkish Daily News that Turkey was one of the most competitive countries in the Iraqi market. �Turkish investors have much experience in the area,� said the official, on condition of anonymity. �They can communicate more easily with the locals and they have the advantage of geographic proximity.�

Oil law may upset Turkey:

However, officials contacted by the TDN also said that in a Tuesday meeting between Turkish businessmen and Iraqi ministers, hosted by Kürşad Tüzmen, the Iraqi side could not alleviate Turkish concerns over the proposed Iraqi Oil Law. The law is expected to get nod from the parliament soon, and some articles of the law call for the establishment of a �professional consulting mechanism� for the Iraqi Oil Ministry.

If those affiliated with international oil companies fulfill the consulting role, Turkish companies that have years of working experience in the region may be pushed out from the equation.

The fair is also an integral part of Turkish policy towards Iraq, strongly supporting the territorial integrity of the country. Participants' planes from Iraq departed only from Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, and not one allusion to the situation in northern Iraq was made in any of the opening speeches. �Merely 1.5 million people live in cities in northern Iraq, compared to 24 million of Iraqis in total. Northern Iraq is exaggerated. It is basically a safe transit point for the big Iraqi market,� said the official from DTM.

Source: Turkish daily news..google news

-- May 24, 2007 1:20 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Reading the articles posted by several of you and my own research continues to convince me all the pieces are in place for a peaceful and prosperous Iraq.In my view, we are still involved in a potentially lucrative investment.

It is a matter of putting those pieces together. Unfortunately, putting those pieces together has become an increasingly difficult task at best.

We are looking toward either a revaluation of the currency or its introduction to the forex market. Until one of these happen, we need to celebrate each little victory. One little victory is the war spending bill without a timetable to withdraw. Other little victories are the positive articles posted on this blog almost daily.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 24, 2007 2:47 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I agree with your post, and assessment, Rob N.
Thank you so much for your helpful postings.
It looks like Iraq may soon be on its own two economic feet, God willing. :)
It just needs a bit of investing from abroad, by measures such as opening itself up for FI and approving the oil laws -
in order to make it able to look the world in the eye and begin the accelerated rebuilding of their economy toward prosperity.

Sara.

-- May 24, 2007 4:29 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Congress passes raise in minimum wage:
Ted Kennedy says this is one of the proudest moments for this congress.
WOW! Does it suprise anyone that this guy would be so proud of this, I mean afterall the current min. wage is $5.15, and after the three increases it will be up to $7.25, and less than 4% of the work force is making less than $7.25 now, and thats probably counting those who work for tips. Someone pull this guys head out of the wine barrel! It sickens me that this is the dems idea of a great achievement. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against it, but I don't think it means that much in reality. The only people I ever knew personally who made min. wage was the 15 yr olds working at the ice cream stand, now the owner will either raise prices, or get more efficient with the help which means less jobs. No one believes the owner is going to take a pay cut without a fight do they?
If someone out there is making $5.15 an hour and your reading this I'm happy for you, your getting a raise. It's to bad our congress don't focus on the things that will improve business and create jobs, this is what increases pay. Good old compitition in the work force. Don't pay enough and you can't find workers, cause they already have jobs making more.

-- May 25, 2007 3:33 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

I agree with you, all the pieces are together, you have done some really admirable research, and letting us share it on a daily basis, and I thank you for that.

There is one nagging thing that I have seen in the development of Iraq though, it's the fact that there is always, and I mean always a but.

Schedules are without exception never met, deadlines pass, and projected things that would have happened, just don't happen.

Left on their own, nothing would ever have happened.

To move anything along, it takes pressure from the Bush administration, and even if the pressure is there, usually very important deadlines, or projects just don't get done.

The reports I'm reading about, is very very positive, the Minister of bla bla, tells us that this month, this year and this millennium we have so and so many billions projected for this and that project.

So and so many people will get jobs, and so and so many people will get water, electricity and food.

The whole Iraqi federation will with the next move be an oasis with grapes and dades.

The reports of x number of millions, or billions, given in aid, forgiven in debt, and what they have in their reserves, is just numbers tossed around, they might very well be real, and there is substance to it, but when it comes down to getting one dang single thing completed....they go for a goat barbie instead.

Remember this long expected HCL law was suppose to be done BEFORE Christmas.

Now they're HOPING it will be done this month...well it's just a couple of days left, so they better hurry up. I don't hold my breath.

If they screw up this HCL law passing, that means that they are screwed going to the oil summit in Dubai, as they have nothing to show for, and must post pone it.

The IMF "stand by" agreement is extended six months until Sep...why?... well they didn't get their ass in gear and completed it on time.

Their parliament takes more holidays than I can count, and they have successfully debated their country's flag, their own pay, and when their parliament was bombed a couple of months ago, and one member was killed, everybody resolutely stood up, denouncing violence, and praised their own unity, and was looking forward to lead the country into democracy and freedom....and then they ALL promptly took TEN DAYS OFF.

One thing I have learned Rob N., is that there is two completely different things what they say in their articles, interviews, and reports, and what they actually do.

One day the Dinar will go up in value, one day the HCL will be passed, one day the oilfields will be developed, one day Iraq will reap the benefit from their resources, but WHEN it will happen, is another story.

Progress involving a battle plan with strict deadlines have very little meaning to those people.

I sincerely hope that things will accelerate in Iraq, but things that are obvious for you and I, are not real for them.

For you and I, importance and priorities involves investment, construction, plans, goals, and a home run.

An Iraqi man, vast masses completely illiterate, have his priorities in, what way he needs to face, when he is taking a dump in order to not offend Mecca.

Different reality, for you and I, when we are faced with a problem, in what hole are we suppose to put this round peg????

The square or round hole????

Ok the round hole, let see,.. ok that worked.

Give the peg to an Iraqi man...he'll eat it.

-- May 25, 2007 3:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

The truth you speak through poignant sarcasm makes me laugh. I greatly appreciate your posts and agree with your perspective on Iraq. Kudos to you.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I saw in the paper this morning Iran's warning to Israel. According to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (mouth piece for the Ayatollah) warned Israel that nations in the region would take action against the Jewish state it it attacked Lebanon in the summer.

Carl, here is another example of Iran attempting to draw the U.S. into a military conflict. Your assessments about Iran in previous posts have been dead on.

Unfortunately, covert operations inside the country has yet to insight destablization. Question, what does a destablized Iran mean for the rest of the region?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

One year on, Iraq government tries new tack

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki nominated six new ministers on Thursday in a bid to end the sectarian infighting that paralysed his beleaguered government for its first year in office.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Debate Moves Into Next Phase
Associated Press | May 25, 2007
WASHINGTON - Democrats may have lost the first round with President Bush on ending the war in Iraq since taking over Congress in January, but they say their fight has just begun.

In the months ahead, lawmakers will vote repeatedly on whether U.S. troops should stay and whether Bush has the authority to continue the war. The Democratic strategy is intended to ratchet up pressure on the president, as well as on moderate Republicans who have grown tired of defending Bush administration policy in a deeply unpopular war.

"I feel a direction change in the air," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House panel that oversees military funding.

Democrats looked to the upcoming votes after losing a bruising battle with Bush on an emergency war spending bill. Lacking the two-thirds majority needed to overcome another presidential veto, Democrats dropped from the legislation a provision ordering troops home from Iraq beginning this fall.

Congress passed the revised $120 billion spending bill on Thursday, providing $95 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through September. The House voted 280-142 to pass the bill, followed by a 80-14 vote in the Senate.

Democratic leaders said they hoped to ready the bill for Bush's signature by this Memorial Day weekend.

Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama both voted against the bill.

"I fully support our troops" but the measure "fails to compel the president to give our troops a new strategy in Iraq," said Clinton, D-N.Y.

"Enough is enough," Obama, an Illinois senator, declared, adding that Bush should not get "a blank check to continue down this same, disastrous path."

Their votes continued a shift in position for the two presidential hopefuls, both of whom began the year shunning a deadline for a troop withdrawal.

Thursday's legislative action capped weeks of negotiations with the White House, which agreed to accept some $17 billion more than Bush had requested as long as there were no restrictions on the military campaign.

"If all funding bills are going to be this partisan and contentious, it will be a very long year," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said.

Democrats said they were successful in moving the war debate forward and would try again when Congress takes up spending bills for the 2008 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

"This debate will go on," vowed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"Senate Democrats will not stop our efforts to change the course of this war until either enough Republicans join with us to reject President Bush's failed policy or we get a new president," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said.

The Senate will go first when it considers a defense policy bill authorizing more than $600 billion in military spending. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, plans to offer an amendment that would order troop withdrawals to begin within 120 days.

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., said he would press to repeal the 2002 resolution authorizing combat in Iraq.

Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said Thursday that if the security situation in Iraq does not improve by mid-July, the president should consider adopting a new strategy there.

Video: Bush Says Summer Will Be Critical for Iraq

"It seems to me it's time for them (Iraqi troops) to ... step up," said Warner, R-Va.

The most critical votes on the war are likely to be cast in September when the House and Senate debate war funding for 2008. The House plans to consider one measure that would end combat by July 2008 and another intended to repeal Bush's authority to wage war in Iraq.

The September votes likely will come after Iraq war commander Gen. David Petraeus tells Congress whether Bush's troop buildup plan is working. Also due by September is an independent assessment of progress made by the Iraqi government.

"Those of us who oppose this war will be back again and again and again and again until this war has ended," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

The U.S. has spent more than $300 billion on Iraq military operations so far, according to the congressional Government Accountability Office.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gates: Iraq Violence Likely to Increase
Associated Press | May 25, 2007
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday he expects the insurgents and terrorists in Iraq to accelerate their bombings and other attacks this summer before Gen. David Petraeus reports to Washington on whether he thinks the new U.S. strategy for securing Baghdad is working.

At a Pentagon news conference, Gates indicated that he believed the insurgents would step up the violence as a way of influencing decisions in Washington about whether and when to reduce U.S. forces in Iraq.

Petraeus' report, due in September, will be his first comprehensive assessment of the Baghdad plan since he took command in February.

"We are dealing with a smart, agile, thinking enemy," Gates said. "They are technologically sophisticated and therefore they know what's going on in this country. We should be prepared for them to make a very strong effort to increase the level of violence in July and August. My hope is that anticipating it will allow us to thwart it."

The Petraeus report is seen as a potentially decisive moment in the war, possibly leading to decisions on whether to continue the current higher levels of U.S. forces on the ground or to begin a phased withdrawal.

Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appearing with Gates, said that attempts by the insurgents to target the events of September "would make sense from their standpoint," since they know that Washington can be influenced by changes in the level of violence in Iraq.

President Bush, in a White House news conference earlier Thursday, made a similar point. He acknowledged that the September reporting date gives the insurgents a U.S. decision-making juncture to try to influence through violence.

"It could make August a tough month, because, you see, what they're going to try to do is kill as many innocent people as they can to try to influence the debate here at home.," Bush said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shiite Cleric Appears in Iraq After Stay in Iran
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By MICHAEL R. GORDON and JON ELSEN
Published: May 25, 2007
KUFA, Iraq, May 25 — The powerful Iraqi cleric Moktada al- Sadr surfaced in his home base of Kufa in southern Iraq today, delivering a sermon in a local mosque after what American intelligence officials called a four-month sojourn in Iran.

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Qassem Zein/Agence France-Presse
Moktada al-Sadr delivering a sermon today in Kufa, Iraq.
The cleric, addressing a large crowd amid heavy security, called for American forces to leave Iraq and for the Iraqi government to make sure that the Americans leave as soon as possible. He called for and end to fighting between his own Mahdi Army and Iraqi forces and police, asking his followers to conduct peaceful demonstrations instead.

He also requested reconciliation between Shiites and Sunnis.

Mr. Sadr left for Iran after the Bush administration announced its new security push in January, and his militia immediately went underground, in an apparent effort to outwait the Americans and avoid a head-on clash. Members of his political party, however, say he never left.

Now, his return has the potential to profoundly influence politics and the security situation in Iraq, though American officials acknowledge that the political motivations for Mr. Sadr’s return and even the duration of his stay in Iraq remain unclear.

Mr. Sadr’s appearance came as the American military announced today that six more soldiers had died in Iraq, five on Thursday and one on Tuesday, according to Reuters. April was the worst month this year for the American military since the invasion, with 104 soldiers killed. About 90 have been killed in May so far.

The prevailing view among American officials familiar with intelligence reports about Mr. Sadr’s return is that the cleric’s aim at a minimum is to raise his political profile in Iraq and possibly strengthen his position in anticipation that provincial elections may be held next year. There have also been reports that his militia has been splintering during his absence, and he may also be trying to reinforce his influence over his supporters.

Some Americans also suggest that he may be trying to take advantage of the absence of one of his main Shiite rivals, Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, who has come to the United States for medical treatment. Mr. Hakim’s organization, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, has been vying for influence among Shiites with Mr. Sadr’s organization.

The broader question is whether Mr. Sadr plans to step up his oratory against the American-led coalition and try to mobilize pressure for an American withdrawal or seek a new political accommodation.

“He has a great deal of administrative and management work to do,” said Toby Dodge, a Middle East expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. “He has to reassert control over an increasingly wayward military organization.” Mr. Dodge, who recently spent a month in Iraq, added, “Clearly, he needs to make his mind up whether his military organization is a tool of rampant sectarianism or a tool of national reconciliation.”

According to American officials familiar with intelligence reports, Mr. Sadr slipped into Iraq almost a week ago and was recently at Kufa, his home base near Najaf. Mr. Sadr, 33, has had an antagonistic relationship with the United States. Much of his popularity stems from his vehemently anti-American speeches immediately after the invasion in 2003; his militia waged two major uprisings against American troops in 2004.

In April, six ministers from Mr. Sadr’s movement left the Maliki government, protesting the Iraqi government’s refusal to set a schedule for the withdrawal of American forces. But a substantial bloc of Sadr supporters remain in the Iraqi Parliament. Last month, Mr. Sadr issued a statement, read by a cousin in Parliament, that praised Iraqis who were resisting the American occupation as “honorable Iraqis” and denounced President Bush as “the greatest evil.”

Despite his efforts to present himself as an Iraqi nationalist, there have been reports that Mr. Sadr’s militia has begun to fracture while he has been away and that he was losing influence with some of his more militant followers.

“There clearly are divisions in the Sadrist movement, probably accentuated by Sadr’s continuing absence from Iraq,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in March.

Recently, Mr. Sadr has been taking a different tack. His supporters have met with Sunni Arab tribal leaders from Anbar Province who have been feuding with the insurgent group Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia. The meetings were billed as an effort to forge a nationalist movement to overcome sectarian tensions, and the message appeared calculated to appeal to war-weary Iraqis. Some political analysts saw it as an attempt to expand his political bloc, and his return may also be an effort to advance this agenda.

American officials presume that Mr. Sadr, in returning to Iraq, has been assured by the Maliki government that he will not be detained. The United States appears to be taking a wait-and-see attitude, hoping that he will be more flexible in practice than his fiery speeches would suggest. While some American officials expect him to rally support for an American departure from Iraq, others say they hope he may seek some sort of accommodation.

Still, not even American officials privy to classified intelligence on Mr. Sadr’s return pretend to be certain what he has in mind. “There is a range of speculation on what it might mean,” one Defense Department official said. “Some say he will reassert himself. Some are not so sure of that. I don’t believe the intelligence community has come to a firm assessment on the meaning of his return to Iraq.” One matter of speculation concerns how long Mr. Sadr intends to remain in Iraq. One theory is that he may make an appearance to impress his supporters, condemn the American occupation in a Friday sermon and then head back to Iran.

But another view is that Mr. Sadr will be watching the Americans as closely as they are monitoring him. This theory holds that he will continue to stay in southern Iraq and nurture his movement as long as he concludes that there is little chance that the American forces will move against him.

Michael Gordon reported from Washington and Jon Elsen from New York. Iraqi employees of The New York Times reported from Kufa and Najaf.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/25/world/middleeast/25cnd-Iraq.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Diyala sheiks meet to address concerns
Friday, 25 May 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For
RELEASE No. 20070524-04
May 24, 2007

Diyala sheiks meet to address concerns
Multinational Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – Approximately 45 local sheiks met with Diyala provincial leadership in Baqouba, Iraq, to discuss their tribe’s concerns, reconcile grievances and discover solutions to rid terrorism from the province, May 23.

Diyala governor, Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, addressed services the government could help provide; while Staff Maj. Gen. Ghanem Abass Ibraham al-Qureshy, the provincial director of police; and Staff Brig. Gen. Adul Hussein al-Tamimi, the new 5th Iraqi Army Division commander, discussed security plans for the province.

Also in attendance was Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, Multi-National Division-North operations officer; and Col. David W. Sutherland, senior Coalition Forces commander in Diyala, who spoke of reconciling tribal differences to achieve “strength through unity.”

After the key leaders spoke, the sheiks addressed three main concerns – the failure of the central government to focus on the problems of Diyala, the failure of the Provincial Council to effectively represent the people and the common goal of ridding the tribal lands of terrorists and foreign fighters.

Sheik Ahmed Azziz, Sistani’s representative in Diyala, continued to challenge the leaders to settle their differences and work with the legitimate government; while Ra’ad committed to continue meeting with different nahias throughout Diyala in an effort to create reconciliation at the lowest levels where it can be most easily enforced.

Ra’ad said his intent is to unite the provincial leadership with the local leadership in order to build reconciliation from the ground up.

After the meeting, the leaders gathered for a feast to continue their discussion and working to solve their grievances.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12001&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Credit Cards Come to Iraq
Credit Cards Come to Iraq
NPR - [25/05/2007]


Four years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, credit cards have come to the country.

At least one Iraqi bank is offering the service, unheard of during the Saddam era, to customers.

But Iraq is still very much a cash-based society. Many say the find the cards more useful when they're out of the country.

Iraqis refer to money as notebooks, because the bundles are so big. In Iraq, the U.S. dollar buys just over 1,200 Iraqi dinars, so going shopping and paying bills requires hauling around big stacks of local currency.

The banking system is no more sophisticated. Bank employees lug boxes stacked with 10,000 dinar notes to government offices to pay employee salaries.

"For people that we know, we can take some risk and give credit card. For people who have no history we start with pre-paid," said Zaid Mahdi, who is in charge of business development at the Trade Bank of Iraq. He says his bank has issued 15,000 credit cards so far.

The Trade Bank has had to start from scratch in a country embroiled in war.

"We have to know a client. Things are not like in the west. They just put your Social Security number and they know your credit history," Mahdi said. "We don't have that in Iraq yet."

There's a massive billboard on one street corner in downtown Baghdad with the word "VISA" emblazoned on it. This is a typical sight in most countries, but in Iraq the sign, more often than not, elicits blank stares.

Mahdi says the bank has only three ATM machines operating in all of Iraq. Progress in the banking is slow, he says, but it is moving forward, despite the uncertain security situation.

But it's more than just getting people to use credit cards.

"You know there are sometimes problems buying things in the first place," said Ahmed Fadhil, a 26-year-old dentist. "If you want to pay with your debit card … you have to list your address. Sometimes the lists do not have Iraq ..."
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3825)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 10:01 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger, I agree with you when you say.. QUOTE:

There is one nagging thing that I have seen in the development of Iraq though, it's the fact that there is always, and I mean always a but.
Schedules are without exception never met, deadlines pass, and projected things that would have happened, just don't happen.
Left on their own, nothing would ever have happened.
To move anything along, it takes pressure from the Bush administration, and even if the pressure is there, usually very important deadlines, or projects just don't get done.
Remember this long expected HCL law was suppose to be done BEFORE Christmas.

==end of quote===

Another unvarnished account of the squabbling...
will they be allowed to delay again??

Quote:
Iraq To Pass New Oil Law
25.05.2007 10:15

Iraq's new oil law should be passed in the next two months, the country's oil minister said on Friday, pushing back the timetable for passing the key legislation from a hoped-for end-May.

Hussain al-Shahristani is in India to drum up investment interest in Iraq's oil sector, but oil firms are waiting for the oil law to pass before deciding on putting their money into the country.

The legislation is crucial to regulating how wealth from Iraq's oil reserves would be shared by its sectarian and ethnic groups.

http://www.neftegaz.ru/english/lenta/show.php?id=70954

===
I agree with you Roger..
the Iraqis will delay forever, always promising ANOTHER carrot to the dumb donkey who follows their excuses.
Are their excuses truly valid reasons for delay..
or are they just a part of the perpetual stalling tactics of the enemy?

If you gave the Democrats and Republicans a deadline...
even with squabbling.. could they justify such delay?
Why should it be different for the Iraqis.. they are not grown men?
Are their disagreements greater than those here?
Enough to justify giving them an extension of the deadline...
to allow them the luxury AGAIN.. to delay?

With only PROMISES of future moving.. but no concrete move,
the delay is only a mirage on the desert sand..
pulling wool over our eyes again.. with nothing accomplished.
As you point out.. the last delay was at Christmas.. a "Christmas present"..
is this delay one to mock Memorial Day?

Hopefully the Powers That Be won't be fooled.. AGAIN,
nor take up the belief that their squabbling is truly due to Iraqi needs..
instead of what they truly are... prideful wishes, calcitrant pigishness,
inability to be diplomatic and proof of political incompetence.
One can see why the frustration and desire to replace Maliki has happened at all.

Sara.

-- May 25, 2007 11:27 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Fiery al-Sadr emerges from hiding in Iraq
- The radical cleric Hojatoleslam Moqtada al-Sadr speaks to supporters in Kufa, central Iraq, today
- With the Iraqi Government under mounting pressure to reach key political benchmarks, Moqtada al-Sadr appears to be as popular as ever - Deborah Haynes
Sam Knight and agencies
May 25, 2007

The powerful Shia cleric, Hojatoleslam Moqtada al-Sadr, resurfaced in Iraq today to give an angry, anti-American sermon and raise questions about the intentions he holds for his radical, sectarian movement.

Hojatoleslam al-Sadr's militia, the al-Mahdi Army, was identified by the Pentagon late last year as an even graver threat than al-Qaeda to the stability of Iraq because of its death squads and grip on various arms on the Iraqi Government. But during the joint US and Iraqi security crackdown this year, it has largely disappeared from view, with reports that it was splintering as it waited for the military operation to run its course.

At Friday prayers in Kufa, the 33-year-old cleric, whose face plasters walls in Shia neigbourhoods across Iraq, duly appeared and led his supporters in anti-American chants. “No, no for Satan. No, no for America. No, no for the occupation. No, no for Israel,” he called at the start of his speech.

The roughly 6,000 worshippers in the mosque echoed his chants and listened as he said that “the occupation forces should leave Iraq,” and condemned fighting between his al-Mahdi Army militia and Iraqi security forces, saying it “served the interests of the occupiers".

Iraq analysts say that the al-Mahdi Army, which maintains a bloc of 30 MPs in the Iraqi parliament, despite a rash of recent high-profile resignations, is feeling the strain of a division between the most radical fringes, which hope to deepen the country's sectarian conflict, and those who believe the movement should contribute to the Iraqi Government's plan for national reconciliation.

There is no clear reason why Hojatoleslam al-Sadr should have re-appeared now, other than re-assert control of his followers, although there is speculation that he is keen to take advantage of the illness of one of his chief rivals, Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, the leader of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq (SCIRI), who has recently been forced to go to Iran for lung cancer treatment.

Yesterday President Bush predicted further spectacular attacks designed to further weaken American support for the war, which is at an all-time low, over the summer. “It could be a bloody -- it could be a very difficult August,” he said.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article1840189.ece

NO CLEAR REASON??? His followers are splintering and cooperating toward a peaceful political process.. no reason?

And, is it coincidence that just as they again decide to DELAY the implementation of the oil law, Sadr appears..

No one sees these two things as having any connection..

Sadr's influence, and the oil law (which was GOING TO PASS at the end of May) suddenly being delayed.

Of course, no one thinks Sadr has that much influence over the politics of the nation.. or does he?

Isn't he reappearing to stop his splintered factions from COOPERATING.. with the political process.. OR with the oil law passage?

Whose purposes does a delay in the oil law and economic advancement serve? Certainly it doesn't hurt Sadr..

and it keeps the country from economic recovery and the help, peace and prosperity from being advanced.. for MONTHS.

Time Sadr now has to wage his self-declared war against "Satan" to oust the American forces. Nasty.

Hope the Powers That Be are on their toes.. and see the correct strategy to victory..

INCLUDING a completed oil law within the parameters given.

Hope they won't take their excuses..

and aren't hungry so as to follow yet another carrot on a stick.

Sara.

-- May 25, 2007 11:43 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 57 minutes ago

GENEVA - Iraqi membership in the World Trade Organization would send a powerful message that the country has emerged from decades of international exclusion under Saddam Hussein and is on the path to economic development, its trade minister said Friday.

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Abed Falah al-Sudani told ambassadors meeting in Geneva for first discussions on Iraq's bid to enter the 150-member commerce body that "joining the WTO is an important step toward integration into the global trading system and restores its position with the international community after decades of isolation from the world," according to a copy of the statement obtained by The Associated Press.

Iraq applied for membership almost three years ago, and a WTO negotiating group was established in December 2004. Membership is not expected for years to come.

"We were very pleased with this meeting," U.S. Ambassador Peter Allgeier told the AP. "We look forward to working with the (Iraqi) delegation to make this a successful process."

WTO ambassadors from the European Union, Japan and other countries also asked questions of Iraqi officials presenting a report of its progress in harmonizing its trading rules with international standards.

Trade officials stressed that the current security situation and political instability in Iraq means it is premature to talk about any timetable for accession. The first meeting focussed on political support for the Iraqi government, rather than the tough reforms it needs to make, officials said.

"As you know, there is much to be done," al-Sudani conceded.

But he noted that the Iraqi government was still able to generate economic growth over the last two years "despite the current circumstances Iraq is going through."

Since U.S.-led forces toppled Saddam's regime in 2003, Iraq has taken "rapid steps" to develop a market economy from a state-planned economy, boosting private enterprise, economic freedom, employment and free trade, al-Sudani said. He said Iraq was hoping to gain the WTO's assistance in the transition.

"Iraq's membership in the WTO sends a positive signal to the people of Iraq that they are welcomed back and that the world really cares about their welfare," al-Sudani said.

-- May 25, 2007 12:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am aware Iraq is not a full fledged member of the World Trade Organization, but I thought they were a partial memeber. Please correct me if my thinking is skewed.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 25, 2007 12:55 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Lawmakers predict shift in war policy
By Anne Flaherty, Associated Press Writer | May 25, 2007
WASHINGTON --Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell predicted a change, and said Bush would show the way.

"I think the handwriting is on the wall that we are going in a different direction in the fall and I think the president is going to lead it," he said.

McConnell said he expects Bush announce his intentions on his own timetable.

The legislation that cleared Congress late Thursday night marked the end of a struggle in which Bush rejected an earlier bill because it contained a troop withdrawal timetable.

The White House said it expected to receive the replacement measure Friday afternoon and that Bush would sign it -- privately, with no fanfare other than a written announcement -- as soon as it arrived from Capitol Hill.

"This effort shows what can happen when people work together," Bush said after a visit to wounded troops at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. "We've got a good bill that didn't have timetables or tell the military how to do its job, but also sent a clear signal to the Iraqis that there's expectations here in America ... about how to move forward."

McConnell also emphasized that the Iraqis need to make progress. "We've given the Iraqi government an opportunity here to have a normal country. And so far, they've been a great disappointment to members of the Senate on both sides," he said.

Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama both voted against the bill.

Sen. John McCain, a GOP presidential contender, said the two Democrats were embracing a "policy of surrender."

"This vote may win favor with MoveOn and liberal primary voters, but it's the equivalent of waving a white flag to al-Qaida," said McCain, R-Ariz.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/05/25/congress_bows_to_bush_oks_iraq_fund s/

-- May 25, 2007 4:29 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Bush signs Iraq war bill
May 26, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Friday signed into law a bill committing 100 billion dollars to the war in Iraq and handing him a political victory over Democrats looking to end the war.

"Congress voted yesterday to provide our troops with the funding and flexibility they need to protect our country, and I was pleased to sign the bill today," Bush said in a statement released by the White House.

"Rather than mandate arbitrary timetables for troop withdrawals or micromanage our military commanders, this legislation enables our servicemen and women to follow the judgment of commanders on the ground," he added.

He reiterated that the measure sets the stage for pressing the fragile government in Baghdad to make progress on national reconciliation.

"Iraqis need to demonstrate measurable progress on a series of benchmarks for improved security, political reconciliation, and governance," the statement said, referring to provisions in the bill.

Bush had earlier told reporters that the bill "sent a clear signal to the Iraqis that there's expectations here in America."

"I look forward to continuing to work with the prime minister and his government in meeting those expectations," he said, referring to Iraq's Nuri al-Maliki.

The compromise between Democrats and the White House contains the first political and security "benchmarks" the Iraqi government must meet or risk losing economic aid.

These include demands for a crackdown on militias, the need to train Iraqi troops, the launch of constitutional review processes, and ensuring fair distribution of Iraq's hydrocarbon riches.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070526/afp/070526010130top.html

-- May 25, 2007 11:14 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Report Says Iraq Problems Were Expected
By KATHERINE SHRADER
May 25, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Intelligence analysts predicted, in secret papers circulated within the government before the Iraq invasion, that al-Qaida would see U.S. military action as an opportunity to increase its operations and that Iran would try to shape a post-Saddam Iraq.

The top analysts in government also said that establishing a stable democracy in Iraq would be a "long, difficult and probably turbulent process."

Asked about the report at his Thursday news conference, in advance of its release, President Bush stood by his decision to topple the Iraqi regime. He said he firmly believes the world is better off without Saddam Hussein in power.

"Going into Iraq, we were warned about a lot of things, some of which happened, some of which didn't happen," he said. "Obviously, as I made a decision ... I weighed the risks and rewards of any decision."

Meanwhile, four Republican senators - Bond, John Warner of Virginia, Orrin Hatch of Utah and Richard Burr of North Carolina - wrote that the report exaggerates the importance of the pre-invasion assessments. They said the reports weren't based on intelligence information, but instead were speculation from experts in and out of government.

"They were no more authoritative than the many other educated opinions that were available in the same time frame," the Republicans wrote.

http://breakingnews.nypost.com/dynamic/stories/I/IRAQ_MISSED_WARNINGS?SITE=NYNYP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-05-25-19-49-

Can the Democrats ever get with the program and quit looking backward? It won't change anything beefing about the past.. except to make a very large deposit in the "as you sow, so shall you reap" mudslinging department..

Sara.

-- May 25, 2007 11:22 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi,

Just popping in to say hello.
Looks like same 'ole, same 'ole!!

Glad to see the site is still here-.

Carole

-- May 26, 2007 1:17 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

No, things have moved along, you're the same ole.

Rob N.

I am aware that that Iraq is an "honorary" member in IFF, and not full fledged member, but I am not aware that there is a gradient membership in WTO, there might be one, but I have always thought that when you're with WTO you're either in or out.

No doubt though, there are criteria to meet, layed out by the WTO, and no doubt that Iraq is working to full fill those criteria, but I'm not sure that you get some class of membership ahead of full member. I might be wrong on this, and are willing to be corrected, but think this is pretty close to the actual scenario.

Sara,

WEll your post about the HCL delay...

After long and hard translation of the banner stretching all across the ceiling over the speakers podium, in the Iraqi Parliament, a translation finally have arrived.

It says:

-"Why postpone anything until tomorrow, when you can postpone it until the day AFTER tomorrow."

Graffiti in the restroom of the Iraqi Parliament reads:

-"Give it 83%...go for the Bronze".

-- May 26, 2007 3:35 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

So our little fat boy Sad'r have come back from Iran. There is denies around that he was never in Iran, but given the IQ of that character, mixed in with the fact that he got his crowd chanting...-"Down with Satan, Down with the US, Down with Israel, end the US occupation"....and then once again proclaiming that he never was in Iran is an insult to intelligent people.

Those exact slogans are Iran's copy rights.

The Shiite militia splinting up in factions, was bad news for Iran, so they do the best they can, send in the clowns.

Iran will be the next battle, and Iran is doing everything they can to try to mess things up, but Iran is on a losing trend.

Islamist Revolutionaries, holding positions in Palestinian refuge camps in Lebanon have their nose around their neck right now, as the Lebanese Gov wont allow the Fascists to run around fighting their imaginary wars using Lebanon as a camp ground.

Today five Hercules airplanes landed in Lebanon supplying the Lebanese army in their struggle against the Fascists.

One shipment was from the US, but FOUR of the shipments was from other Arabian countries.

Seems like the Arabs themselves are starting a trend of being sick and tired of nutcases screaming Allah, blowing up anything and everything, killing anything and everything, for some religious cause.

So where is this crap located.

Well Iran is the centerpiece of the Islamist
Fascist movement, they have Syria, not as a religious ally, but more a political ally.

They have Hezbolla in Lebanon, and they have our little stupid clown Al Sad'r, that have backing in southern Iraq. Al Sad'r just completed Iran's "Chant school". It took him several months to spell through and learn how to say, "Down with the US, Death to Israel, and Down with Satan." , but he finally got it right, and was released by the Iranians to start a "movement" amongst the Shiite in Iraq.

Good luck.

I'm sure he will start something, and I'm sure he will see to that there will be more gun and bombs going off, but he is looking at his own death, and removal from the scene, the more active he gets.

So that is what Iran have in terms of their "forces".

That ain't much if you want to dominate the world, or at least the Middle East.

The vast majority of Arab countries are against Iran, and Iran's sympathies can only be had from Jihadist, that wants to do Martyrdom, get his virgins, and die for Allah.

Iran is getting desperate, and have probably figured out another battle against Israel already, and also as good reason for Iran to act in "self defense" warned Israel that if they resist or do any operation against the enemy operating from Lebanon, Iran will get really angry and do something.

So now we know that Israel has to lie very still while they are killing them, otherwise Iran will be angry.

The guys in Iran are nuts, imbeciles and are so far removed from reality that they cant see that the effect that will be caused onto themselves, if they carry out any of their threatened acts will be devastating for Iran.

It's probably just a matter of time, Iran will do something in Lebanon, against Israel, and that will start a whole chain of event where Iran finally will receive it's death blow.

What I am afraid of, and probably most statesmen, and military analysists in position, that have analyzed the situation to death, have not come up with any other conclusion other than a war with Iran is inevitable.

It's a hurrying matter on top of it all, they are in industrial strenght production of their nuclear weapons.

Just a matter of time.

-- May 26, 2007 4:18 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Turtle,

We need you, talk to us.

What do you see over there?

Iraq CBI President Mr Shibib, have made a statement that they are issuing new currency, and that they want to continue the monetary policy they are on.

Translation is very weak, can't make heads or tail of anything, ad that to the fact that Mr Shibib always speak in very general terms, and can't spell out one damn thing in clear text.

I am aware that they have lower denoms on hold, can you see any of those around? Is this what he is releasing, or is he releasing Dinars in circulation already as new print?

This may have some implications, if they are planing a lop or an RV.

The CBI have bought up Dinars like crazy since Nov, and have an unprecedented interest rate, battling inflation, and it seems like they are doing some good headway on that front.

With all this things happening right now in Iraq, HCL on the table, pensions debated, implementation of their big budget, and a steady rise in the value of the Dinar, implementation of their investment law, soon out of the IMF "stand by" agreement, and negotiations with WTO, I am curious what they are actually doing over there?

If they are reissuing new ordinary already in circulation currency, then this may be analyzed in one way.

If they are issuing (for me unheard of) higher denominations, then this mean something else.

If they are issuing lower ( have heard of those) denominations, this is another scenario.

What do you see Turtle, what does your dealers tell you? I bet that if there are other denominations out now, the Iraqis will know about it pretty fast.

I strongly doubt that any higher denominations are not issued, the two possible ways I can interpret this is that either they are issuing new Dinars in denominations already in circulation, but I suspect that what he is saying is that they are issuing lower denominations.

We need eyes on the ground.

Bring us the news Turtle.

-- May 26, 2007 5:44 AM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Well... I have ears on things in Baghdad and I can tell you that there are still pieces waiting to fall in place before the squeeze begins down there. Other than that... I have been up to my ears trying to setup up things for this increase in troops so I haven't had a chance to go to the Haji Shops lately. With this on the radar, I'll see if I can slide up there some time soon and see if I can talk to one of my buddies. That said, so far I haven't heard of any changes.

Side note: M4 and M16 vs AK. Couple reasons for switching to US models. First, head to head the accuracy of the US models are proving more lethal than the spray and pray AKs. True, they punch through walls but most of the walls here are made of concrete so even the AKs aren't doing much with it. Besides, if you want to punch a hole in something you call in the 50 Cal or airstrike. Second and most important, you kinda hit the answer yourself, anyone can build an AK which makes it impossible to track. US models are not impossible to build at home but part orders are trackable. Thus, the savings on AKs are quickly lost due to weapons being sold to insurgents and we cannot locate the guilty parties. The US models will be issued to an individual. That person's biometrics (finger prints and retinal scans) will be linked to the serial number. Now the Iraqi government has put their money where their mouth is in cutting down on corruption. One step but this is a big step on many fronts. Think about men in uniform brandishing AKs when everyone knows that M4 is the weapon they should be carrying. M16 shows up in a dead bad guy's hands... Well, now we know where he got it from and we can track trends.

-- May 26, 2007 7:05 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, turtle.
Glad to see progress on the issue of tracking guns. :)

I saw a good bit of progress military-wise, in the developing.
I thought I would share it with you.

PopSci INVENTION AWARD 2007 TO - A Chopper Shield
Firing massive Kevlar and steel nets at inbound rocket-propelled grenades could save helicopters in combat
By Rena Marie Pacella | May 2007

Name: RPG Net
Inventor: Richard Glasson
Cost to Develop: $10,000
Time: 2 years
Prototype | | | | | Product

Last January, a Black Hawk helicopter flying in rural Iraq burst into flames, killing all 13 soldiers on board. A few days later, a helicopter owned by a private security company crashed in Baghdad, killing five civilian contractors. Over the next few weeks, six more aircraft were shot down, leaving 11 more dead—one of the worst series of chopper disasters since the war began.

Although the Army won’t attribute any crash solely to an RPG—insurgents typically fire guns at the craft as well—the simple, unguided, shoulder-launched projectiles are widely believed to be the primary anti-chopper ordnance of the insurgency.

New Jersey inventor Richard Glasson thinks he can stop the attacks. He’s designed the first-ever anti-RPG system for aircraft: a volley of nets that catch the grenades before they hit. Glasson was inspired by Mark Bowden’s best seller Black Hawk Down, which recounts the 1993 killing of 18 U.S. soldiers in Somalia after an RPG brought down their chopper. “I couldn’t believe that such a low-tech weapon could take down a several-million-dollar aircraft,” he says. “That’s a spectacular outcome for a 40-year-old technology.”

Fourteen years later, still the only defense helicopters have against RPGs is avoidance: “either flying too high or too unpredictably to be targeted,” explains John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, a military think tank in Alexandria, Virginia. Other countermeasures, such as radar jammers and flares, are worthless against unguided weapons like RPGs.

Defense companies are working on systems that would fire projectiles at the grenades to destroy them. But that’s “like hitting a bullet with a bullet,” says Glasson, who is the chief engineer at Control Products, a company that designs sensors for aerospace and defense. (He’s worked on sensors that protect gearboxes from overheating on the president’s Marine One choppers and in jet engines on most commercial airliners.) So he devised a defense that, like its target, is surprisingly simple. Since RPGs are far slower than heat-seeking missiles and are easily knocked off course, he set out to build a system that would block or at least deflect the grenades before they reached the chopper.

The key is launching that barrier in time. An RPG will detonate four to six seconds after being fired (unless it hits a solid object—then it detonates on impact). In Glasson’s system, the chopper’s radar calculates the speed and trajectory of an incoming grenade within milliseconds. Half a second later, pods of launch tubes on the helicopter aim and fire between one and eight unguided yard-long rockets on an intercept course with the grenade. The rocket’s aim doesn’t have to be precise because each drags a braided steel-cable parachute woven with Kevlar. In the next second, these fast-opening chutes inflate to form a series of six-foot-wide bombproof nets, catching the grenade and dragging it to the ground.

“He might really be on to something here,” Pike says. Glasson won’t know for sure until he can test the nets on a real helicopter, and for that he needs the backing of the Pentagon or one of its big contractors. Two years ago, Pentagon officials told him that the agency was more interested in pursuing a laser-based defense system, which is years from realization, but Glasson hopes the recent spate of crashes will convince them to take another look at his idea. Retired chopper pilot Lt. Col. James Bullinger, an editor at Army Aviation magazine, thinks they will. “When it comes to saving lives,” Bullinger says, “they will spend the money on it.”

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/7bd4999bc5b82110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

Two years to production, but it holds out solid hope that there will be tangible progress on this front soon, too.

Sara.

-- May 26, 2007 9:09 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Top Mahdi Army militant killed in fighting with British in Basra
AP May 25, 2007

BAGHDAD: The leader of the Shiite Mahdi Army militia in the southern Iraqi city of Basra was killed Friday in a gunbattle with British soldiers, Iraqi police said.

Wissam al-Waili, 23, also known as Abu Qadir, was shot and killed along with his brother and two aides during the battle Friday afternoon, police said.

The Mahdi Army of radical Shiite Muqtada al-Sadr is fiercely opposed to the presence of U.S. and British troops in Iraq. However, the militia has lowered its profile since U.S.-led forces began a security crackdown in Baghdad in February.

The gunbattle Friday began about 4 p.m. when British forces attempted to arrest al-Waili after he left a mosque in Jumhoriyah a middle class, residential area in central Basra, police said. Al-Waili and his three companions opened fire and were killed in the subsequent gunbattle, police said.

British forces could not immediately be reached for comment.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/25/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Militant-Killed.php

-- May 26, 2007 9:23 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Spy agencies did their job, President Bush did his.

I see lots of press on the fact that the spy agencies in the US did predict in their assessment much of today's situation beforehand.
Today's news titles:
Spy agencies predicted Iraq problems...
US spies predicted Al-Qaeda rise in Iraq...
U.S. intelligence agencies predicted problems U.S. now facing in Iraq
U.S. intelligence predicted post-invasion terror in Iraq...
Spy agencies predicted Iraq problems...

I think that this shows that the intelligence community isn't so bad at what they do.
They are, after all, what the President relies on in making his decisions.
So I am glad they had an accurate assessment ahead of time and knew what they were in for.
Isn't that better than saying they had NO CLUE what might ensue if we went to war?
Wouldn't that have been a tragedy? How could we trust them now if they failed to warn correctly then?

However, the final say in taking those risks was President Bush's..
and he did the right thing removing Saddam Hussein.

If he had not.. we now know that, quote: The New York Times confirmed in their issue November 3, 2006, Saddam had complete plans for a Nuclear Weapon and was in the process of procuring parts when the US removed him. Quote: "nuclear experts who have viewed them say go beyond what is available elsewhere on the Internet and in other public forums. For instance, the papers give detailed information on how to build nuclear firing circuits and triggering explosives, as well as the radioactive cores of atom bombs. Experts say that at the time, Mr. Hussein’s scientists were on the verge of building an atom bomb, as little as a year away." [49]

And we know that Saddam was discussing using WMD (and what about the nukes in the last paragraph??) on Washington, DC, quote: In the article , "Saddam Translator: ABC Reinterpreted Tapes" dated Feb. 17th 2006, the FBI translator who supplied the 12 hours of Saddam Hussein audiotapes excerpted by ABC's "Nightline" says the network discarded his translations and went with a less threatening version of the Iraqi dictator's comments. In the "Nightline" version of the 1996 recording, Saddam predicts that Washington, D.C., would be hit by terrorists. But he adds that Iraq would have nothing to do with the attack. Tierney says, however, that what Saddam actually said was much more sinister. "He was discussing his intent to use chemical weapons against the United States and use proxies so it could not be traced back to Iraq," he told Hannity. In a passage not used by "Nightline," Tierney says Saddam declares: "Terrorism is coming. ... In the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction. What if we consider this technique, with smuggling?" [50]

President Bush's decision to take out Saddam means that this plan Saddam was discussing in these tapes here never came into execution. I believe that literally MILLIONS of Americans are alive today because Saddam was stopped before he had the ability to put his plan into play. We know he had ties to terrorists, including, quote:

In the article The proof that Saddam worked with bin Laden dated 27/04/2003 The Telegraph claimed to have found Iraqi intelligence documents in Baghdad which "provided evidence of a direct link between Osama bin Laden's al-Qa'eda terrorist network and Saddam Hussein's regime." It went on to state, "Papers found yesterday in the bombed headquarters of the Mukhabarat, Iraq's intelligence service, reveal that an al-Qa'eda envoy was invited clandestinely to Baghdad in March 1998. The documents show that the purpose of the meeting was to establish a relationship between Baghdad and al-Qa'eda based on their mutual hatred of America and Saudi Arabia. The meeting apparently went so well that it was extended by a week and ended with arrangements being discussed for bin Laden to visit Baghdad. Intriguingly, the Iraqis talk about sending back an oral message to bin Laden, perhaps aware of the risk of a written message being intercepted." The article ends, "The file contradicts the that there was no link between the Iraqi regime and al-Qa'eda." [61] Additional citations of the documentation are given by The Telegraph in their article titled, "'We'll pay all expenses to gain the knowledge from bin Laden and convey a message back" which is a quote from the documentation itself.[62] The intelligence documents are again cited by a Canadian eyewitness source in "Saddam, bin Laden link found: Canadian reporter" [63]

It is noteworthy that under President Clinton, reported in February of 1999, the article (still available to view on the net) titled, "Saddam link to Bin Laden" - Terror chief 'offered asylum' in Iraq? The article states, "Saddam Hussein's regime has opened talks with Osama bin Laden, bringing closer the threat of a terrorist attack using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, according to US intelligence sources and Iraqi opposition officials. The key meeting took place in the Afghan mountains near Kandahar in late December. News of the negotiations emerged in a week when the US attorney general, Janet Reno, warned the Senate that a terrorist attack involving weapons of mass destruction was a growing concern. "There's a threat, and it's real," Ms Reno said, adding that such weapons "are being considered for use." US embassies around the world are on heightened alert as a result of threats believed to emanate from followers of Bin Laden, who has been indicted by a US court for orchestrating the bombing last August of embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, in which 259 people died. US delegations in Africa and the Gulf have been shut down in recent weeks after credible threats were received. In this year's budget, President Clinton called for an additional $2 billion to spend on counter-terrorist measures... Ahmed Allawi, a senior member of the opposition Iraqi National Congress (INC), based in London, said he had heard reports of the December meeting which he believed to be accurate. "There is a long history of contacts between Mukhabarat [Iraqi secret service] and Osama bin Laden," he said. Mr Hijazi, formerly director of external operations for Iraqi intelligence offered Mr bin Laden asylum in Iraq, most likely in return for co-operation in launching attacks on US and Saudi targets." [64]

To say that the US should never have deposed Saddam when he posed such a threat is just plain irresponsible. These same detractors today would now be decrying the dead and dying in America and saying President Bush should have gone to war to prevent such devastating losses, had he refrained from engaging in the Iraq war. We also now know that since then Bin Laden has worked toward attacking the US on his own, without the assistance of Saddam. Quote:

Bin Laden was a threat to the United States at the time Saddam was in power and his efforts have been ongoing in terrorism since Saddam's regime was toppled. His plots have included targeting the United States as disclosed May 22, 2007 in the article "White House says bin Laden ordered Iraq plots" where it cites newly declassified intelligence which states, "Osama bin Laden ordered al Qaeda's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, to form a cell in 2005 to plot attacks outside of Iraq and make the United States his main target. Townsend said that in the spring of 2005 bin Laden also told Hamza Rabia, then al Qaeda's top operations man, to brief Zarqawi on the group's "external operations planning, including homeland plots (targeting the United States)." [65]

To ignore and deny the terrorist threats of Saddam or Bin Laden and downplay the Homeland Security threat we faced or now face is folly of the highest degree and irresponsible before political constituents and before God.

All quotes taken from (and url references can be clicked on at) http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War

Sara.

-- May 26, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq says Kurds want timely payment of oil revenue
5/25/2007

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Iraq's Kurdish region is demanding that a proposed oil and gas law should ensure timely payment of oil revenues to the Kurds, Iraq's oil minister said on Friday.

Iraqi Hussain al-Shahristani, on an official visit to India, said the Kurds have not questioned the right of central government to collect oil revenues but want to ensure they get their share of oil revenues on time.
"We are negotiating a mechanism for release of their portion of the budget to them because they say that the federal ministry of finance sometime delays release of the portion of the budget that's allocated to them," Shahristani told reporters in New Delhi.

He added that the oil revenues could not be retained and will be distributed through the federal budget.

"Among the first stage it was agreed among all Iraqis, including Kurdish Regions Government Authority, that oil revenue will be collected in a federal reserve and will be distributed from the federal budget throughout the budget so nobody can retain them," he said.

On the proposed law ensuring that around 80 percent of oil reserves will be managed by the Iraqi National Oil Company, he said the discovered fields in Iraq were a small fraction of the total potential.

"So there is a much larger possibility for oil companies to find new fields and work on it," Shahristani said.

"Once you have discovered and we know what there is and we know what technology is required, we shall manage to do it from our own resources.

"There is no need really to offer them (for competitive bidding)," he added.

Iraq says Kurds want timely payment of oil revenue - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 26, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Please elaborate on the varied scenarios offered in your post to Turtle concerning the Iraqi Currency.

To simplify the conversation, if new denominations are issued by the CBI, lower ones will not have as great of impact on the value of the 25000 dollar note.

Lager notes say a 50,000 note may have a negative impact on the Iraqi currency specifically the 25,000 note. Am I on the right track?

Any documentation about the adding and printing of the additionaly denominations would be of great help.

Sara, what is your prospective concerning the new denominations?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 26, 2007 8:54 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Further thoughts. With Iraq's current economic situation, lower denominations would mean the average Iraqi is carrying around more paper currency.

Lower paper currency denominations would lessen the need for the larger 25000 notes. Ideally, once a RV occured the GoI would take these large notes out of circulation.

Additional thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 26, 2007 9:16 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

About documentation of the existence of 14 denominations, well let me work on that, this was way back in -06 sometime that came up, and I saw a page about it, where it was stated that Iraq have printed 14 denominations.

About the documentation of what CBI President mr Shibibi recently said about the bank are issuing new currency, well if you have better luck than me, you're welcome.

He said it ok, but how he exactly said it, is a bit unclear.

This is where it came from:

http://www.almalafpress.net/index.php?d=126&id=35868

It's the translation part that is getting messy.

About impact of the 25000 Dinar note.

Any issued currency can in itself not have any impact on another note, as any additional issued note, will have it's denomination stated on it's face.

Lets say there is a 25000 Dinar note, and they issue two additional notes, a ONE dinar note, and a 50000 Dinar note.

Just by the fact that they issue other denominations doesn't mean that any other denomination will get lesser valued.

The only thing it will mean, (as in this example) is that you will need two 25000 notes for the value of ONE 50000 note, and you need 25000 one Dinar notes to get ONE 25000 Dinar note.

In case they offer other denominations, this has no bearing of the value of any existing denominations, but will only offer a more spread on their currency in circulation.

About the 25000 note, as far as I have read, Iraqis in general (working Joe) is not carrying that note too much, but are usually carrying smaller denominations, and as he are given such a small wages, his own living will pretty much ensure that whatever he is earning, will leave his hands pretty quick.

Yes, the 25000 Dinar note would be a very big note in case of a significant RV, and the imported gods will be very cheap, pressing prices very much down, resulting in lesser and lesser daily need for larger notes.

Also you are spot on with this, the CBI would do the Iraqi economy a favour to buy back as many as those as possible ensuring less and less Dinars floating around.

Amongst a country's production, stability, income/debt, and overall political/economical situation, a currency is also valued in comparison with the country's key financial players, but there is of course also one more way a currency can be valued, it can be valued in the availability of the currency.

If you are sitting on an island, you have cached ten fish, and there is only ten coins on the island, chances are pretty high that you will want to value each one of those fish with ONE coin.

If there is about a 1000 coins floating around on that same island, and you would haul in your ten fish, you're most probably want to ask more than one coin for each fish.

So by having a larger number of units in the currency, each unit will be worth less.

So by removing a lot of the currency, you are doing the same thing as a revaluation of the currency.

As the currency is getting higher and higher in value, prices will be pressed, and smaller denominations are getting easier to handle.

That is, if Iraq can get to that point, still the inflation is pretty high, even though they seem to have gotten quite a bit of a handle on it.

If Iraq is issuing smaller denominations, that means that they are doing one out of two things, either they are setting up for an RV or a zero lop.

In case they do one out of those, they will need smaller denominations.

I just can't see how Iraq will do any money out of a zero lop, if they revalue the currency, they will immediately enlarge the country's economy, and the value of their whole country.

They will do a bundle just by revaluing.

They will do no money by zero loping.

You have x amount of Iraqi Dinars, revalue them and suddenly, you have gained substantial amount of wealth, just by saying that it is now worth much more.

That x amount you have gained in value.

Zero lop, what you have and you have in all essential done nothing, except changed the face of the currency.

Your x amount of Dinars, is only transformed to a lesser amount on the face, but increased in value in accordance to how many zeroes you took off, so all in all, you will only be able to buy exactly the same from abroad as before.

CBI's policy stated in quite many issues, is to increase the value of the Dinar by making it stronger.

Zero lop will never make ANY currency stronger, and if it will not help the Iraqis doing so, IMO I think this is a counter productive way to go, and I doubt strongly that they are thinking of doing so.

What exactly mr Shibib said in that article, well, if you, or anyone else can make an honest effort of trying to decipher it, I would be more than glad.

Arabic automated translation sometimes just jumble up the sentences into something that makes no sense at all.

As I'm reading it, CBI is issuing new currency, but again, he might be talking about the old introduction of the NID.

Not that I know why he would suddenly bring that up, now, three years after the fact, but Mr Shibibs style of conversation is as a master in BS'ing, saying a lot without saying anything that really counts.

Good luck, let me know what you think he said.

-- May 27, 2007 3:07 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Found a link you were asking about, regarding 14 denominations.

I'm sure I've seen more about it, but this one is the only one I can find now, it was about a year ago, so it's a bit hard to recreate my activities back then, anyhow hope it helps.

http://www.cipe.org/regional/iraq/pdf/bttv_synopsis_ep6.pdf

-- May 27, 2007 3:33 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hmm, a bit old link, working on it....

Ok try this if the first wont work:

http://www.cipe.org/regional/mena/ir...nopsis ep6.pdf

-- May 27, 2007 3:51 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Or this one, if it doesn't work after this one...I give up.

http://www.cipe.org/regional/mena/ir...nopsis_ep6.pdf

-- May 27, 2007 4:00 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(932)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 932 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/5/27 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 104.855.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 104.855.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 27, 2007 9:01 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

hi all this is worth alook http://www.investorsiraq.com/showthread.php?t=42405&page=6

-- May 27, 2007 12:21 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.S. frees 42 held by Iraq insurgents
May 27, 2007

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. forces raided an al-Qaeda hide-out northeast of Baghdad on Sunday and freed 42 Iraqis imprisoned inside, including some who had been tortured and suffered broken bones, a senior U.S. military official said Sunday.

The raid was part of a 3-month-old security crackdown that included the deployment of 3,000 more U.S. troops to Diyala, a violent province north of the capital that has seen heavy fighting in recent weeks, said Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, the top U.S. military spokesman in Iraq.

Caldwell said Iraqis told U.S. forces about the hide-out: "The people in Diyala are speaking up against al-Qaeda."

He said the 42 freed Iraqis marked the largest number of captives ever found in a single al-Qaeda prison. Some of those freed were held for as long as four months and some had injuries from torture and were taken to medical facilities for treatment, he said.

Two American soldiers were killed when explosions hit their patrols this weekend — one in Diyala and one in western Baghdad, the military reported Sunday.

Also Sunday, U.S. and Iraqi troops raided Baghdad's Sadr City slum, targeting Shiite insurgent cells there for a second day and arresting a suspect believed involved in smuggling armor piercing bombs from Iran, the military said. The cell has also sent Iraqi militants to Iran for training, the statement said.

On Monday, Iranian and U.S. diplomats were scheduled to hold rare talks in Baghdad over how to end the violence in Iraq. U.S. officials accuse Shiite-ruled Iran of training, financing and arming militants here, in a bid to fan sectarian tensions. Iran denies that and blames the presence of U.S. forces here for the violence.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-05-27-military_N.htm?csp=34

-- May 27, 2007 2:37 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US army kills, nabs 25 terrorist in different parts of Iraq

BAGHDAD, May 26 (KUNA) -- The US army said Saturday its forces killed and arrested 25 terrorists, and managed to confiscate a large amount of weapons and explosives.

In a press release, the army said in a number of operations that targeted members of Al-Qaeda terrorist network in Iraq, two terrorists were killed and 23 others were arrested in scattered parts of Iraq.

The army said the operations led to discovering caches including weapons and material used in manufacturing explosives.

Earlier today, a joint US-Iraqi force stormed a hideout in the Baghdad suburb of Al-Sadr and nabbed a chief of a terrorist network involved in smuggling arms, armor piercing explosives and fighters from Iran into the country.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=987677

-- May 27, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

cornish boy,

Checked it out, a reval in the window of 1-1 and 1-5. All before the ISX would open, and this within a couple of days...eh, ok.

The Iraqis can of course do anything they wish to do, but the Dinar is hardly worth more than 10, maybe 15 cents, right now, but hey, if they want to give me 5 bucks for each Dinar, I will gladly oblige them.

cornish boy, Ive been into this about a year, and seem rumors of a very shortly coming up, pending RV, oh, I would say ...7 or 8 times, maybe more, lost count.

I dont mind rumors, they give some salt and pepper to the dish, but as salt and pepper goes, it's just taste, no substance.

Especially the "other forum" where any and all information is immediately construed as a prepareness of an RV. All the other participants immediately agrees, and paste the response with animated dolls that clap their hands.

The official statemets from Iraq have always taked about getting the Dinar stronger, to stabilize the Dinar, to increase it's value, to restore it's former value, and so on.

In any statement from any official source (Like CBI, IMF, WB or any officials from the CBI or the Iraqi Finance Ministry) are there even ONE statement that says "revaluation".

It may very well happen, but any source about that is mostly people that wants it to happen because of a biased opinion, based on their own investment.

I have invested, and I want it to happen.

So a lot of , ...-"a person that knows a very high ranking person in the bla bla ministry told him that by tomorrow night the Dinar will revalue to 10 Bucks...and it's stone hard information..the source is impeccable, and it is official tomorrow."

Again it may or may not happen, but this latest rumour is based on a person that knows a Senator that talked with VP Cheney, and according to them, the Dinar will revalue because the ISX will open to foreign investors in June.

Foreigner can already now invest in Iraq, the official opening is the electronic version of it, where you dont have to go in person to Iraq and buy shares, or via a representative in Iraq, doing it the old fashion way getting a certificate, that will be stamped, and mailed back to you. You can do it from your homecomputer, that's the difference.

A lot of people in this and other forums already have shares in Iraq, mainly Bank shares, in Investment, and Business Banks.

I dont hold my breath, but hey, I will start looking.

It doen't really matter if ten rumors was false.

They only need to be right ONCE.

-- May 28, 2007 2:28 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Anyone got a better headway on this statement from mr Shibib saying that they are issuing currencies?

-- May 28, 2007 2:35 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Your postings seems to confirm that AlSad'r entrance to the scene in Iraq is very badly timed from his perspective.

Well, he may not think so, but then again he is so stupid that he needs about two hours to watch the TV program "60 Minutes".

We're getting the bad guys, one by one, the Iraqi army is advancing, clan chiefs are cooperating, weapon catches, and weapon smuggling rings are broken up daily it seems.

It touched my heart when they were able to storm a hideout and release over 40 hostages.

Some with a lot of torture wounds.

That tells me that the people doing these acts must get off on a kick of daily torture of someone.

Insane criminals, are there any criminal that are sane in the first place?

AlSad'r will not be able to have the effect he think he will be able to get.

He will probably be able to stir something up, and have some instability arranged for a couple of months, but if he is not killed, he will not have the potential power to turn things around.

That guy is wanted on murder charges, and it beats me why he is not sitting in jail right now waiting for his trial to take place.

Another one of those, "different reality" between Iraq and an outside observer.

The whole darn Arab culture needs to wake up from their "different reality", stop defending it, and get real.

-- May 28, 2007 2:58 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(933)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 933 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/5/28 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 44.205.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 44.205.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 28, 2007 6:29 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

roger thank you four your response it most likely is pie in the sky but its nice to dream.

-- May 28, 2007 2:27 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Largest natural gas field in Iraq discovered

Spokesman of the Oil Ministry, Assim Jihad, revealed last Wednesday the existence of the largest natural gas field in Iraq extending from the border of Nineveh to the West of Al-Qaaem, with extensions to the Iraqi-Saudi border. Productivity is estimated at about an initial 100 thousand barrels per day.

Jihad said that the European Union is exceptionally interested in the Ukash gas field in Iraq because of its proximity to the European Union via the strategic gas pipeline project linking to Egypt, Jordan and Syria through Turkey.

Jihad pointed out that the Ministry of Oil held intensive talks with the European Union delegation in the past few days on the Ukash field.

Assim Jihad stressed that future investments in the Ukash field would make Iraq one of the largest producers of natural gas.

Source: Iraq Directory

-- May 28, 2007 2:28 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

TEHRAN, May 28 (Reuters) - Iran saw "positive" steps in rare face-to-face talks with the United States over Iraq on Monday, Iranian ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi-Qomi, who headed Tehran's delegation, told state television.

"Some problems have been raised and studied and I think this was a positive step ... In the political field, the two sides agreed to support and strengthen the Iraqi government, which was another positive item achieved in these talks," he said.

The envoy described the discussions as "frank and clear" and said Iran had raised issues it was concerned about.

U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said he had urged Iran to stop supporting militias in Iraq but also described the two nations' highest-profile meeting in almost 30 years as positive.

"The Iraqi government requested that such talks ... need to be continued. But the timing for more talks will be announced later after more consultations," the Iranian envoy said.

He said Tehran, Washington and Baghdad had all agreed to set up a committee to discuss security issues and which would aim to "solve Iraq's security problem". He did not say when such a committee would meet.

Kazemi-Qomi added that "the occupying forces have increased problems, pain and sorrow of the Iraqi nation."

The meeting did not touch on Iran's controversial nuclear programme, the most contentious issue in U.S.-Iranian relations.
Source: Reuters uk

-- May 28, 2007 2:41 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

664468Whats with this, Occupying Forces, name, I thougth we were invited, and are staying in Iraq untill the Iraqi Government asks us to leave, then we will go, as the US President has said many times, I think an occupying force, would not be as tolerent as we have been, with a lot of the arse holes over there.
We being very nice to them, they look on it as a weakness.
As the population in Iraq is 22 millish and Saddam had 500,000 thugs to keep the country under control, so it was allways going to be an uphill slog, I think the guys are doing a great job.
Steve.

-- May 28, 2007 6:59 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi Kurdish region to take charge of own security
AFP
May 28, 2007

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq -- Iraqi Kurdistan's autonomous government will take charge of security in its mountainous northern region this week in a transfer of command from the US-led coalition, officials said.

At a ceremony Wednesday in the regional capital Arbil the commanders of the peshmerga - former anti-Baghdad guerrillas and now staunch US allies - will be handed responsibility for three northern provinces.

"This week, the responsibility for security in the Kurdistan region will be officially transferred from multinational forces to the peshmerga affiliated with the regional government," said Jabar Yawar, a Kurdish military spokesman.

The peshmerga are former Kurdish rebels who have been incorporated into the Iraqi and Kurdish armed forces in the four years since a US-led invasion toppled Iraq's dictator Saddam Hussein.

Yawar said the decision was made during a meeting held in Baghdad between Kurdish regional president Massud Barzani, Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki, and senior US military leaders.

The US military confirmed the handover in an invitation to the event sent out to local media.

"The Kurdish Regional Government will hold a transfer of security ceremony, to highlight the return of the entire region from the coalition force to the government of Iraq," the invitation says.

While turning regional security responsibility over to mainly Kurdish forces, the agreement requires them to coordinate with Iraqi state and US-led forces, according to Kurdish officials.

The US statement said "the Kurdistan Regional Government was deemed ready to assume security responsibility in the region."

The decision comes at a time of growing tension between Iraq's Kurds, who are pursuing greater autonomy, and the country's neighbors, principally Turkey, who oppose anything resembling Kurdish independence.

Turkey has long accused Iraq's Kurds of sheltering fighters from the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and last week threatened to launch an operation in northern Iraq if local authorities fail to combat the group.

"Either you prevent illegal activities on your soil or if you are not powerful enough, the occupation forces there ... should prevent them," Turkey's foreign minister Abdullah Gul said.

"If they cannot do it either, then we, who are the ones to suffer, will do it," he warned.

Public pressure on the Turkish government to step up the fight against the PKK mounted after an alleged PKK member blew himself up at a busy shopping center in downtown Ankara May 22, killing six people and wounding 121.

The PKK, regarded as a terrorist group by Turkey and much of the international community, has fought for Kurdish self-rule in southeast Turkey since 1984 in a conflict that has claimed more than 37,000 lives.

Washington has warned Ankara against cross-border interference in northern Iraq, wary that such a move may destabilize a relatively peaceful region and fuel tensions between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds, both staunch US allies.

-- May 28, 2007 7:39 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Monday May 28, 2007

Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Auction price buying dinar /US $ ------ -----
10.86 Trillion taken out and still the Party has not started

1. "0" Dinar rate change today, it was 1259, it is now 1259

2. A (net) worth of dinars, IQD - 55,654,095,000 pulled out of circulation today 5/28/07.

3. 17 banks participating today

4. 152nd auction since the beginning of CBI's reval plan

5. 240 days into the CBI's reval plan. (Eight Months)

6. 10,864,580,463,000 dinars pulled from circulation !!

6A. Conservative ESTIMATE of Dinars still in circulation or controlled by the CBI 6,135,419,537,000

7. "0" Dinars back into circulation today

8. 218 dinar change since Oct 1st (baseline was 1477) 14.759% increase in value of the dinar since beginning of reval plan (Approximatly Oct 1st).

9. 0 point reduction in the rate so far this week. Was at 1259 at the end of last week, 1259 so far this week.

10. 10 point drop in the month of May. Ended at 1269 in April, now stands at 1259
In January we saw a 2.49% drop in the rate.
In February we saw a .928% drop in the rate.
In March we saw a .546% drop in the rate.
In April we saw a .3142% drop in the rate
__________________

Amount sold at auction price (US $) 44.205.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 44.205.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- May 28, 2007 8:10 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Cornish boy,

I've seen those calculations of Dinars bought up, then all added together and a sum is produced that is suppose to represent the amount of Dinars out of the market.

Na, there is more to it than that.

By adding and subtracting the amount bought and sold on the CBI auction, you will not get a net figure.

You have to go elsewhere to figure out the real finance standing the Iraqi Gov is in.

Periodical summary sheets, will be more spot on.

I have seen though, frequently in "the other forum" how someone on occasion is putting in a very hard work adding up the total amount of Dollars sold/Dinars bought up, and then coming to a conclusion of how much Dinars that is taken out of circulation.

It don't work that way.

The auction is mainly an instrument to legitimize their Dinars standing against it's approximate currency ( Dollar).

Iraq is getting Dollars mainly as oil vouchers, (those are in the oil business about the same as cash), from it's oil sales.

The oil income is state owned (at this time) and the ministry of Finance takes SOME (He my or may not use all, but not necessarily) of those vouchers, goes to CBI and says, -"hey get me Dinars." If the voucher is more than he is asking for in Dinars, the difference in Dollar goes straight in the vaults.

Then the CBI is doing an internal auction within it's state owned bank (with other words, they say what they want for it, and thus set the price).

That Dollar sold is not really going anywhere, (hey isn't it nice to BE the state), they now have printed Dinars shipped in by the plane loads, and wants to "legitimize" those Dinars.

What better way other than buying them for Dollar, this means that the Dinars now immediately have exchange value, even if the CBI is doing it internally and in a very manipulative way.

Who cares, we all agree to the rate they are telling us that they got. (lies, when they produce the rate they are TELLING the rate, but it looks nicer if they show that there was some measure of free choice in it, thus they have an internal "auction", making it look like there is a free market bidding on it.)

The crux of the matter in finding the numbers is not in the auction, because of all the income Iraq is getting, (read...oil sales, taxes are not up and running really effectively yet, and the taxman, with his briefcase and brown bagged sandwiches, would probably be the easiest and most preferred target out there)ok of all the income they are getting, not all goes straight to CBI auction.

CBI uses the auction to both get the finance ministry it's daily (weekly/monthly, whatever) Dinars for it's running expenses. Wages maintenance etc...( bribes, money under the table, corruption expenses and ordinary daily scams)

So if they got 10 million Dollars one day, 7 might go to the auction, and the 3 other millions might go to either reserves, future plans, part of the budget or payment to foreigners in Dollars for whatever their budget calls for.

The 7 millions that went to auction is transferred from Dollars into Dinars,(and the 7 million is still within the state bank system, adding to the state reserve) it might have been the whole or just a part of the request from the Finance Department.

2 millions of those might be used to cover for Dinars that they either hold or destroy. This might be the amount bought up from circulation.

So the Dollars going to the auction is not what it seems like, it's all show, and it's all under CBI control, from purchase, to selling to, final collection of the Dollar sold, to the distribution of the Dinar, to the whitewash at the end where everything was legitimized.

Pretty smart set up, but don't be mesmerized by any figures, the auction is a freak show on the side street.

It has The Bearded Lady, the Five Legged Man, the Sword Swallower, and the Fire Breather, flags are waiving, and the loudspeakers are blaring, and the big eyed crowd flocks to the "official exchange site".

It's all a show.

-- May 29, 2007 3:04 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Cornish boy,

May I clarify a point here.

If for example 44 million Dollars was sold in the last auction, and no offer for buying, that doesn't mean that the amount of Dinars taken out of circulation was 44 million Dollars worth, and zero Dinars was put back in circulation.

That 44 million is a sum the finance ministry have gathered, by hopefully avoiding too much oil corruption, and now are sitting on a paycheck.

They may or may not have gotten this money today last week or last month, but that is what they are coming to CBI with and are asking for daily expenses.

Lets say the Oil ministry (They have to go via the Finance Ministry,) have 100 million, they need 30 millions for the daily Iraqi grind.

Ok here comes 100 millions into CBI, they stash 56 millions, and do an auction on 44 millions, get 44 millions Dollars worth of Dinars (easily available by some mysterious reason), the finance ministry gets 30 millions for it's daily turnaround business, 14 million in Dinars could be destroyed or held (that is the amount withdrawn, but that doesn't show up on the auction sheet).

So out of the hundred millions that day, 56 was stashed, 44 was auctioned, and out of that 44 millions now in Dinars, 30 millions went to wages, and 14 millions was withdrawn.

The just auctioned off 44 million Dollars is still in the state banks, so all they did was to take out a bit of Dinars out of circulation and give a daily allowance to the finance ministry.

Everything in between is just Hokus Pokus.

Ok hope that clarified it a bit better.

-- May 29, 2007 3:32 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Very interesting perspective on the CBI auction facade. So are you implying that it is all a hoax? And if so, what's behind it? What's the motive? And the most important question- how does it affect us ( meaning those who have invested in their currency)?

Also, where do you get your information from to make such summations?

Is the CBI web weaved to decieve? And if so, why? I'd be interested to know if you have that figured out yet.

Carole

-- May 29, 2007 3:33 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

It's very interesting times right now, we all agree that there is a lot of things that is coming together so to say.

True, they will all do very good things, but I bet the Iraqi finance guys right now are sitting and scratching their heads daring to make a move or not.

The situation is this:

All the programs, are falling into place this time around, the coming months will see some really good financial things being either approved, implemented or started.

Here's the dilemma.

It will take an awful long time before any of those programs will start to generate really good results, years from now, and it will still be in progress.

As with a dear car, boat, property or house, once you are the occupants and owner of it, you really never stop creating on it.

Iraq has set up with the help of the whole world more or less, a very unique situation, where very big financed programs are to be implemented.

Problem is, if those programs are not producing right now, and money are a sure thing, but a future thing, will Iraq continue to slowly revaluate or will it do an overnight RV.

Well it's well known and often discussed fact that when the HCL is approved, it says clearly that at least 50% of the work force has to be Iraqis.

It's a lot of oil projects and a lot of work force in action once it is up and swinging, however, here it is again, there will be no bigger payout for a foreseeable future, the big money is locked into the future.

So, will the GoI let go on the demand of a stronger Dinar, let the oil companies in, hire the Iraqi work force and let him work for a very low pay, being payed in very low valued Iraqi Dinars, knowing that the economy is not holding up for a higher valued currency until the big money is flowing.

So it's the chicken or egg argument.

GoI can do a reval before the big oil rush is coming along, to ensure that the wages are good, but the product would not come until later, so it would be a reval with the future as a guarantee.

Or will GoI continue to do a slow and steady value increase, with perhaps a higher bump on occasion?

I would say, they can go either way, however, if they do a reval first, it can not be a significant revaluation, probably a very modest one, something that can easily be achieved by continue doing their daily auction and thus set the Dinar higher daily.

Just by the fact that a big work force will be employed, will in itself be another boost to their economy, and could possibly warrant a hike in the Dinar value.

Then if they can accomplish all that with a slow daily increase, they are actually a bit better off. The less big interruptions the better.

It's like being able to boil a frog, you cant toss a frog into boiling water, it will jump out.

Let the frog sit there and get gradually warmer and warmer, and soon enough you have a boiled frog.

Then it is a matter of perspective.

From most analysts the idea is pretty much a common agreement that the Dinar is right now undervalued to the degree that it's value are in itself hurting both Iraq economy as well as the Iraqi citizens with undue hardships.

This particular point may hopefully gradually have been hitting home in Iraq, (IMF, WB, Yuck) and perhaps there is a possibility that this particular point is finally addressed.

If they decide to address this point, it may very well be a very good opportunity to do so now.

To heck with dream figures, 3 to 1 or 5 to 1 and all that, at least so the currency would get in par with the rest of the world according to what it is worth, and a smaller revalue, they can call it "adjustment" I don't care, to 5, 10, 15 cents or there about could happen.

This alternative would get two things done immediately, first, their wages when the hiring is made, and the second, buying power, getting the Iraqi man at least a half a chance to survive.

Either way is a winner, but looking to it from a pure academic viewpoint, you could do it either way, looking at it from a humanitarian viewpoint, an RV would turn things around pretty quick in Iraq.

I admit it, I am biased as I am an investor, but I think that a better life for the Iraqi man as soon as possible will benefit my investment much better, he will win, and I will win.

It's such a precarious situation, why opt for him to suffer, and as long as he is suffering, my investment will grow very slow, and as long as he is suffering, he will continue to be desperate, and can easily blow something up for money.

So dear powers in charge.

Stop saying:
'We have to take care of the security situation first".

-- May 29, 2007 4:30 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Yes it's a Hoax, we never went to Iraq, it's all a Hollywood production, made by actors.

No Carole, it's not a hoax, that's not what I'm saying, what I'm trying to do is to simplify all the mumbo jumbo CBI is doing, and distill it to it's bare essentials.

All the Hokus Pokus is what makes it all "official".

No one is doubting that the Dinars value is as per what they got from their auction, right, that's official.

It's just what they're doing in order to get to it that is a lot of stamps, bids, auction, buy this, sell this, get a value, send it back approved bla bla, it's just a lot of boring mechanisms that some put so much weight into, but it all has to be there for the seal of approval.

If you have a statement you want to put down on paper, you can go to a court, or Public Notaries, put a 10 Dollar stamp on it, together with a paper seal, with official markings, and with a bit of luck some dignitaries signature on it as well. "register" the paper and you have a slam dunk.

By some reason or the other this statement you now have is very very "official", and have weight to it.

The statement you have is in itself not better or worse or different if you put it on paper, pay stamps, get signatures, and seals on it.

THATS the Hokus Pokus.

Hope you get the point.

-- May 29, 2007 4:56 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(934)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 934 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/5/29 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1259 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1257 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 24.415.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 400.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 24.415.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 400.000 -----

-- May 29, 2007 5:03 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris,

It's selling... 1259, same as yesterday , same ol.

-- May 29, 2007 5:41 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Thanks, I do get it! Sort of a ceremonial "red tape" exibition.Kind of reminds me of a "closing statement" from an escrow company on a realestate transaction.

At any rate, glad the hokus pokus is just that and not a hoax!

Thanks again,

Carole

-- May 29, 2007 6:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Largest natural gas field in Iraq discovered

Spokesman of the Oil Ministry, Assim Jihad, revealed last Wednesday the existence of the largest natural gas field in Iraq extending from the border of Nineveh to the West of Al-Qaaem, with extensions to the Iraqi-Saudi border. Productivity is estimated at about an initial 100 thousand barrels per day.

Jihad said that the European Union is exceptionally interested in the Ukash gas field in Iraq because of its proximity to the European Union via the strategic gas pipeline project linking to Egypt, Jordan and Syria through Turkey.

Jihad pointed out that the Ministry of Oil held intensive talks with the European Union delegation in the past few days on the Ukash field.

Assim Jihad stressed that future investments in the Ukash field would make Iraq one of the largest producers of natural gas.

Source: Iraq Directory
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 29, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iran, Iraq to tap oil fields

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

29 May 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
Iran is keen to develop untapped oil fields that it shares with neighbouring Iraq, reported Reuters citing Gholamhossein Nozari, the MD of the National Iranian Oil Company.

Nozari said the nations had already held two rounds of talks on the fields and that a 'general agreement' regarding their development had been reached. Iran would look to ramp up its investment to maximize returns.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 29, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Brown to change Iraq strategy?
By Muhannad al-Saadi

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

Basra, 29 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Many Iraqis believe there are indications that Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, who is to take over the British government on June 27, is not going to follow in his predecessor Tony Blair's footsteps.

In a recent speech, Brown said support for Iraq will be "economic and political," not referring to any military obligations, which mirrors a clear change of heart in the British strategy regarding Iraq.

Some political circles expect Brown to announce a quick pullout of British troops from Iraq to Kuwait or Amman by mid-2008 at the most.

"Brown made it clear in statements that he would resume the British strategy in Iraq and that the British forces' role is to provide training for the Iraqi security forces to be stronger," an official spokesman for the British embassy in Dubai told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) by telephone.

The spokesman quoted the new British premier as having pointed out that there was no timetable for withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, adding "anything the new prime minister would decide in the future would depend on circumstances on the ground."

Jaber Khalifa Jaber, a member of the Iraqi parliament for the al-Fadila (Virtue) Party, told VOI "the general orientation of the new British government under Brown refers to withdrawal of British forces from Basra."

"The British government's policies in Basra were vague. The British troops themselves have at times nourished acts of violence in Basra," said Jaber.

Majid al-Sari, the Iraqi defense minister's advisor for the southern area, told VOI the the British strategy in Iraq, Basra in particular, will actually change with the departure of Tony Blair.

"Next month will see the British forces handing security responsibilities over to Iraqi forces in Basra. Large-scale cuts in British troops will be in place that only two infantry and armory companies of 3500 men will remain in Basra," said Sari.

British troops in Basra numbered 7,100 three months ago. Some 1600 soldiers were pulled out during that period and 500 more are expected in the next few months, before August, in accordance with Blair's decision to cut British troops in Iraq.

The British press expected that a quick withdrawal from Iraq would give Brown an impetus in his bids to retrieve support for Labour Party. Brown then should also garner the support of Labour's left wing, which he would need to launch fresh radical policies that might help him stand his ground in general elections slated for 2009.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 29, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

According to another site I read (www.noozz.com)the Oil Law is scheduled to pass by the end of June.

Is this another false timetable given by the Iraqi's? We will see.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 29, 2007 11:13 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Mosul : the killing of three gunmen in west Mosul
29-05-2007(Voice of Iraq)
Special-f. A. Iraqi - Mosul (killing three gunmen in west Mosul)

The forces of the Iraqi Army killed three gunmen in al-Thawra west of Mosul also seized three sniper rifles in their possession, according Masrah by Lt. Ahmed softer official flags 2nd in the Iraqi army.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ar%7Cen&u=http://www.sotaliraq.com/iraq-news.php%3Fid%3D54711&prev=/language_tools

-- May 29, 2007 12:17 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

There is a lot of misinformation out there lately on the Dinar.
Everything from 5:1 to 1:1 to pennies, to double digit on the dollar.
And RV end of May, June, not til fall, etc.
HCL timetable is confusing, too, as to its completion.
Very confusing.
I guess only God knows, and He will reveal it in His time...
It'll happen.. when God is willing.

Sara.

-- May 29, 2007 12:23 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Though indicators are positive and they certainly appear to be progressing at a good rate on things..

==

Iraqi government to review draft capital market bill
28 May 2007 (MENAFN)

A representative of the General Institution of the Iraqi Securities Market said that during discussions the entity has re-elected a former official of the organization as Chairman of the Trustees Board and that the country's draft capital market bill is expected to be finalized through these measures, Iraq Directory reported.

He further stated that the issuance of Iraq's market bill the will stimulate stock market investment activity and will in return meet the needs of several Iraqi investors.

It is noteworthy that the most significant achievements of the establishment include opening up to investors, obtaining modern head offices, achievement of preparations for electronic trading, and permitting non-Iraqis to join the organization.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17793

-- May 29, 2007 12:30 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

There certainly appears to be a deadline.. whether they can make it is the question..

====

Iraq oil law in limbo as deadline looms
Oil law is key U.S. benchmark for Iraq progress
By Sharon Behn

WASHINGTON, 27 May 2007 (Washington Times) - Iraq's proposed oil law, a key U.S. benchmark for political progress, remains in sharp dispute one week before the government's self-imposed deadline for passage, and some say it could create more divisions in the fractured country.

The law, running 33 pages in its third and current draft, lays out terms for the control and management of Iraq's oil fields, with the goal of boosting production and revenues for the benefit of all Iraqis.

The Bush administration has pressed hard for passage in the hope that sectarian tensions fueling the violence in Iraq can be eased by ensuring that Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds will benefit fairly from the oil wealth.

But with negotiators rapidly approaching a deadline on Thursday, the factions remain deeply divided on the sharing of revenues, the extent of the role of international companies in the development of fields and the scope of a national oil company.

All the parties agree that Iraq needs outside capital and expertise to develop the potential of its oil fields.

Oil executives, who refused to talk on the record given the sensitivity of the talks in Baghdad, said the negotiations are more about the political future of Iraq than oil.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17729

I am also glad to see they all agree they need the expertise of others to develop..
I hope they choose the best expertise - they can't afford to have them drill and wreck their formations/oil potential.
Doing a poor job could be disastrous for their entire economy.

-- May 29, 2007 12:46 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

British official delegation in Baghdad for draft Iraqi oil and gas law
By Hadi al-Hadi
Baghdad, 28 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

A British official delegation met on Saturday in Baghdad with members of the Iraqi parliament's investment committee to explore causes that delayed passing the Iraqi oil and gas draft into law, a member of the House's investment committee said.

"The House's investment committee acquainted members of the British official delegation with the reasons behind delaying the enactment of the Iraqi oil and gas draft law," parliamentarian Nour al-Din al-Hiyali, from the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on the phone.

He added "the delay is due partly to the unresolved consultations about the constitutional amendments and partly to the ongoing talks between the central government and the local administration of Kurdistan region on the draft."

The parliament's investment committee member who did not unveil the names of the visiting delegation members said "both British and U.S. sides are keen on accelerating passing the draft law in its present wording."

The Iraqi oil and gas draft law was approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers in mid January and was referred to the parliament for enactment.

The present wording of the draft law gives Iraqi and foreign investors a free hand to build and operate oil refineries and gas installations in Iraq for a period of no less than 50 years and then they will be transferred to the Iraqi government.

There are differences among the major political blocs over passing the draft law as Sunni parties press for adjourning passing it till security prevails in the country while Kurds oppose the clauses concerning the relation between the central government and the Kurdish administration as the present draft wording gives more powers to the central government as to concluding investment contracts with foreign companies.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17770

Fifty years of a sweet deal in return for liberating their country from tyranny.. and they squabble over it?
How ungrateful..

Sara.

-- May 29, 2007 1:00 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Roger: I talked to one of my Iraqi friends today and he did not know anything. If there are any new low denominations, they are already commonly known enough that he did not understand what I meant by "upcoming changes". His response was that values change based on good days and bad days in Baghdad. Not exactly what I was looking for but he wasn't understanding what I meant when I asked if he knew of any changes coming up or lower denominations coming out. I asked if he knew of any plans to issue a completely new dinar and he did not know of anything like that. Not much, but it was all I was able to get on a lunch break detour. All we can do is hope Panhandler or Oakie have heard something. I have nothing and I'm now a short-timer for leaving theatre.

-- May 29, 2007 1:40 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

By Ahmed Rasheed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Gunmen in police uniforms kidnapped five Britons from a government building in Baghdad on Tuesday and the deaths of 10 U.S. soldiers were announced, making May the deadliest month this year for the U.S. military.

The gunmen seized the Britons from a Finance Ministry building in eastern Baghdad. A ministry employee who witnessed the kidnapping said three computer experts and several of their bodyguards were taken in the daylight raid.
Photo

The Foreign Office said five Britons were kidnapped. "Officials from the British embassy in Baghdad are in urgent contact with the Iraqi authorities to establish the facts and to try to secure a swift resolution," said a spokesman.

At least 38 people were killed when a bomb on a parked minibus exploded in central Baghdad on Tuesday and a car bomb exploded in a busy market in a southwestern Shi'ite district.

The U.S. military said 10 soldiers had been killed in Iraq in the past two days, taking the total for May to 114, the deadliest month for U.S. troops since November 2004 when 137 U.S. soldiers were killed.

Two were killed on Monday when their helicopter came down under enemy fire in Diyala province north of Baghdad. A force heading to the crash site was struck by roadside bombs that killed six soldiers.

Two other soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol in southern Baghdad.

-- May 29, 2007 1:44 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

You have to wonder...

President Bush, as part of his rationale for the Iraq War, said that Iraq was well on its way to becoming a place where Islamic extremism would not only be practiced, but exported.. with the US as a definite target. Now, they are indeed exporting guerilla fighters to neighboring countries and around the world, JUST AS HE PREDICTED.

We KNOW that Saddam had training camps for these people - all this confirms is that we did draw the battle lines more sharply and put the forefront in sharp relief (make it stand out) as being from that region, and from Iraq. Yet, they act like the Iraq War CREATED extremists.. do they think that those disposed to become extremists would be law abiding citizens except for our stirring them up in Iraq? All stirring up the bottom of the ocean does is bring the stingrays out of hiding, it doesn't create them. They are what they are.. their character and nature (along with the "sting" of terrorism) are inbuilt into what they were created to be. Sting rays, or snakes, don't turn into sheep and lambs by being left alone in the dark and murky depths of sand under a regime which sheltered and trained them (Saddam's Iraq).

Iraq Begins to Export Islamist Fighters: Report
Washington, 29 May 2007 (AFP)

The war in Iraq, which President George W. Bush said was necessary to combat Islamic extremism, is beginning to export guerilla fighters to neighboring countries and beyond, The New York Times reported on its website late Sunday.

Citing unnamed US, European and Middle Eastern government officials, the newspaper said some of the fighters appear to be spreading around the world in waves of Iraqi refugees crossing borders.

But others are dispatched from Iraq for specific missions, the report said.

Major General Achraf Rifi, general director of the Internal Security Forces in Lebanon, is quoted as saying in a recent interview that "if any country says it is safe from this, they are putting their heads in the sand."

Last week, the Lebanese Army found itself in a battle against a militant group, Fatah al Islam, whose ranks included as many as 50 veterans of the war in Iraq, according to General Rifi.

The group's leader, Shakir al-Abssi, was an associate of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia who was killed last summer, The Times said.

Militant leaders warn that the situation in Lebanon is indicative of the spread of fighters, the paper noted.

"You have 50 fighters from Iraq in Lebanon now, but with good caution I can say there are a hundred times that many, 5,000 or higher, who are just waiting for the right moment to act," Doctor Mohammad al-Massari, a Saudi dissident in Britain who runs the jihadist Internet forum Tajdeed.net, is quoted in the story as saying.

"The flow of fighters is already going back and forth, and the fight will be everywhere until the United States is willing to cease and desist."

In Saudi Arabia last month, officials said they had arrested 172 men who had plans to attack oil installations, public officials and military posts, and some of the men appeared to have trained in Iraq, according to the report.

Officials in Europe said in interviews that they are trying to monitor small numbers of Muslim men who have returned home after traveling for short periods to Iraq, where they were likely to have fought alongside insurgents.

One of them, an Iraqi-born Dutch citizen, Wesam al-Delaema, was accused by United States prosecutors of making repeated trips to Iraq from his home in the Netherlands to prepare instructional videos on making roadside bombs, charges he denies, the paper said.

In an April 17 report written for the United States government, Dennis Pluchinsky, a former senior intelligence analyst at the State Department, said battle-hardened militants from Iraq posed a greater threat to the West than extremists who trained in Afghanistan because Iraq had become a laboratory for urban guerrilla tactics, The Times noted.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/17810

"The flow of fighters is already going back and forth, and the fight will be everywhere until the United States is willing to cease and desist."

This is like saying that SS troops would never have come into being under Hitler if we just left him alone. It was only because the Allies fought against Hitler that his SS troops were trained and "battle hardened" and the remedy would be to "cease and desist" from fighting against Hitler because we all know how peaceloving and kind he is and he will simply stop his goal and desire for control and dominance of the world if we "cease and desist" from provoking him. Like modern Islamic extremism, it is putting your head in the sand to believe an ideology (religious or otherwise) which is bent on world domination will simply disappear if you stop engaging it on its home soil. Snakes and sting rays don't stop being snakes and sting rays and turn into lambs. Hitler didn't stop at taking Poland when the world let him have it, and this world domination theology won't stop if the world were to give them Iraq. They would just consolidate and move toward their goals with more wealth.. the oil fields of Iraq funding their world domination aims. And, note.. IRAN is about to get the bomb.. what on earth do you think they will do with it?

When Obama and other irresponsible persons say they will "end" the War in Iraq by pulling out, they are just saying they will give Hitler his Poland again. History repeats itself.. seems we never learn. And didn't it take MILLIONS of lives until that war ended? Again.. we will see a world war out of this yet, with the "American Hiroshima" being struck from the terrorists, likely from Iran's plan. The only way to end this war will be the impolite and politically incorrect thing.. just as WW2 was ended by the un-PC bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Such incongruous actions are not likely from a Clinton or Obama. God forbid either of them attains to the Whitehouse, or any defeatist who will give the terrorists their Poland (Iraq). Looks like a wild ride ahead if the world will not look at history and learn from it.

Sara.

-- May 29, 2007 1:50 PM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

"Rotana" of UAE negotiates for Iraq hotel management
May 29, 2007

"Rotana Hotels" Group in UAE said it is about to reach an agreement with prominent investors to manage hotels in Iraq , despite security and political risks. Executive Chairman of the Group, Salim Al-Zeer, did not deny the significant risks of the Iraqi market and said, "You must endure the risk, especially when it comes to a to a big and promising market such as the Iraqi one, and in an unprecedented leap of the hotel and tourism sector."
Source: edinarfinancial.net/news

-- May 29, 2007 1:51 PM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

Will American economy follow the Japanese economy with a twenty-year lag? Where does Dow Jones Industrial Average go from here?
Fred Day
May 28, 2007

The Japanese economy has suffered for the last twenty years from deflation and stagnation. The root cause of the same was excessive borrowing by the Japanese Government. Corporations and the public.

World second largest economy with massive trade surplus that was sure to become the economic superpower plunged into deep deflation. The Yen took a bungee jump and interest rates went to zero.

Remember these all happened when Japan had a strong trade surplus and a very favorable balance of payments. The stock market bubble, the bubble in real estate – all collapsed in late eighties. The Nikkei took a sharp fall of more than 80%. If the Dow Jones Industrial Average mirror Nikkei with a twenty-year lag, it can end up below 3000!

Is there a parallel between Japan in late eighties and US in 2007? Some economic think tanks believe it does except one thing. If the US economy is going follow the Japanese trail with a lag of twenty years, it will be much worse. The dollar can really crash because of massive trade deficit and balance of payments. The mild recession in Japan will translate in US as deep depression and the deflation will be extremely on the high side.

Some critics of this opinion say, Japan had its deflation, Germany had its economic downturn because of trade surplus. Well, it is almost saying, keeping liquid cash is stupidity. Only time will say, if that hypothesis that negates common sense is of any real sense.

Remember, in 2003, the same proponents of Iraq war was claiming fast victory after a ‘shock and awe’ to the feeble, malnourished Iraqi Army that suffered from UN sanctions for more tan a decade. The reality is not what it seems on the surface. The reality lies with geopolitical trends and economic common sense on the long run.

If American economy follows the Japanese trail, it will be catastrophic for the world economies for two reasons. First, the down turn in massive American economy will drag everyone else downwards. Second people will lose confidence in spend and borrowing theory. That will cause massive deflation and depression in world economies.
Source: indiadaily.com

-- May 29, 2007 2:03 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Found this today.. worth avoiding (if you drink pop) until further notice:

===

Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health
Expert links additive to cell damage
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Published: 27 May 2007

A new health scare erupted over soft drinks last night amid evidence they may cause serious cell damage. Research from a British university suggests a common preservative found in drinks such as Fanta and Pepsi Max has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA.

The problem - more usually associated with ageing and alcohol abuse - can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.

The findings could have serious consequences for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who consume fizzy drinks. They will also intensify the controversy about food additives, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children.

Concerns centre on the safety of E211, known as sodium benzoate, a preservative used for decades by the £74bn global carbonated drinks industry. Sodium benzoate derives from benzoic acid. It occurs naturally in berries, but is used in large quantities to prevent mould in soft drinks such as Sprite, Oasis and Dr Pepper. It is also added to pickles and sauces.

Sodium benzoate has already been the subject of concern about cancer because when mixed with the additive vitamin C in soft drinks, it causes benzene, a carcinogenic substance. A Food Standards Agency survey of benzene in drinks last year found high levels in four brands which were removed from sale.

Now, an expert in ageing at Sheffield University, who has been working on sodium benzoate since publishing a research paper in 1999, has decided to speak out about another danger. Professor Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology, tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells in his laboratory. What he found alarmed him: the benzoate was damaging an important area of DNA in the "power station" of cells known as the mitochondria.

He told The Independent on Sunday: "These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether.

"The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it - as happens in a number if diseased states - then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA - Parkinson's and quite a lot of neuro-degenerative diseases, but above all the whole process of ageing."

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) backs the use of sodium benzoate in the UK and it has been approved by the European Union but last night, MPs called for it to investigate urgently.

Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat chair of Parliament's all-party environment group said: "Many additives are relatively new and their long-term impact cannot be certain. This preservative clearly needs to be investigated further by the FSA."

A review of sodium benzoate by the World Health Organisation in 2000 concluded that it was safe, but it noted that the available science supporting its safety was "limited".

Professor Piper, whose work has been funded by a government research council, said tests conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration were out of date.

"The food industry will say these compounds have been tested and they are complete safe," he said. "By the criteria of modern safety testing, the safety tests were inadequate. Like all things, safety testing moves forward and you can conduct a much more rigorous safety test than you could 50 years ago."

He advised parents to think carefully about buying drinks with preservatives until the quantities in products were proved safe by new tests. "My concern is for children who are drinking large amounts," he said.

Coca-Cola and Britvic's Pepsi Max and Diet Pepsi all contain sodium benzoate. Their makers and the British Soft Drinks Association said they entrusted the safety of additives to the Government.

http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article2586652.ece

-- May 29, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sepah Bank to open Baghdad branch
Sepah Bank to open Baghdad branch
Press TV - [29/05/2007]


The Iranian Sepah Bank will soon open a branch in Baghdad, according to the counselor for economic affairs at the Iranian embassy in Iraq.

Speaking with IRNA on Saturday, Ali Heydari added that Iraq's Central Bank officials have visited the site and given the go-ahead for executive operations.

Referring to earlier reports of opening a branch of Bank Melli Iran (BMI) in Baghdad, Heydari said the bank is expected to officially begin operations by the end of the week.

"Independent foreign banks" is a new concept in war-torn Iraq and the country's Central Bank regulations stipulate that foreign banks should open an account and deposit at least 50 billion Iraqi dinars following an initial agreement.

Tejarat, Keshaverzi (Agriculture Bank) and Eqtesad-e Novin are among other Iranian banks that wish to open Iraqi branches.

The establishment of Iranian banks in Iraq will open new horizons for further bilateral economic relations.

Established in 1925, Sepah Bank is the country's oldest bank.

It is currently running three branches in Frankfurt, Paris and Rome.

(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3841)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 29, 2007 5:50 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Turtle,

Thanks, I appreciate you checked around.

I did some further research on the statement from the CBI President Shibib, (ok I admit I weent to the "other forum"), checking people that are more computer savy than I am, and it showed that the CBI Presidents statement had caused some confusion over there as well.

Some with an Arab speaking friend had analyzed the original text, and it shows up that the translation got confused when doing an automatic translation.

WAS and IS got mixed up and what mr Shibib was talking about was that they had issued new currency some time ago, he's just talking about the currency we are holding now.Thre currently used currency, the NID.

Thanks for checking Turtle, but this seems to be a false alarm, and your checking around confirm that this was in all essential nothing.

I try to avoid getting data from the "other forum" as in the past, and probably right now also, some of the e-mail addresses have been tracked to dealers, and they are pretty constantly bombarded with RV rumors, some blatant, some pretty geniously constructed.

Hey, youre leaving ...when do you leave?

-- May 29, 2007 8:18 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Thans Chris,

It actually lost in value, well I guess it can do that too.

-- May 30, 2007 5:38 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to Set Up National Oil Firm
Al Alam News - [30/05/2007]

The Iraqi parliament will vote in weeks on founding the state-owned National Iraqi Oil Company, former Iraqi Oil Minister said on Tuesday.

"The main goal of the new Iraqi oil and gas bill is founding a National Iraqi Oil Company which can regulate the oil and gas sectors which suffer from lack of coordination between several decision maker and administrative units" Ebrahim Bahr Al Uloum said in remarks to alalam TV.

He added that several Iraqi political groups see the oil and gas bill as a plan to distribute the income of oil exports, but insisted that the bill has 4 goals including reviving the National Iraqi Oil Company, setting a structure for the Oil Ministry, coordinating the government and oil producing provinces and specifying the position of foreign investors.

Bahr Al Uloum described the oil as the main income of Iraqi nation and emphasized that giving the exclusive managment right of the National Iraqi Oil Company as well as controlling foreign investments could ensure a just sharing of wealth from Iraq's oil reserves between the whole Iraqi nation.

Regarding to existing protests over the bill, the former minister said that the parliament can reform or even change the bill as needs necessitate.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3842)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 30, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Soldiers engage enemy, confiscate weapons, IEDs
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070530-01
May 30, 2007

Soldiers engage enemy, confiscate weapons, IEDs
2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI)
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

AZ-ZAIDON, Iraq – Coalition Soldiers detained two suspected insurgents, found a cache, and seized a local vehicle after a small-arms attack Today near Az-Zaidon, Iraq, west of Baghdad.

Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment ‘Wolverines’, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y., were conducting counter improvised explosive device operations along a main Iraqi highway when they spotted a possible IED.

When the Soldiers followed the IED’s command wire, they were led to a small shack, and a man ran from the building.

During the search for the man, the patrol encountered two local vehicles in the area. As Soldiers approached, they were engaged with small-arms fire. The troops returned fire and cleared a nearby house, where they found another IED prepared for use.

One insurgent was killed in the firefight and another was wounded.

The Soldiers continued to receive small-arms fire but searched the vehicles, where they found a G-3 assault rifle, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a suitcase full of falsified identification papers, six cell phones, a plastic bag with a cordless phone, and a box of loose ammunition and AK-47 magazines.

Another vehicle approached at a high rate of speed, and the Soldiers disabled it with rifle shots. Three men fled from the vehicle and the Soldiers found a 9mm pistol inside, but were unable to find the men.

Another pickup truck was searched, and the troops recovered a spool of copper wire and an empty spool as well as a rocket booster.
The pickup truck was taken to a coalition base for further investigation.

The patrol evacuated the wounded man for medical treatment.

(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12078&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 30, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Forces detain 15 suspected insurgents during central Iraq operations
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070530-04
May 30, 2007

Iraqi Forces detain 15 suspected insurgents during central Iraq operations
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Forces detained 15 suspected insurgents without incident during three operations in central Iraq May 26, 27 and 28. The operations disrupted insurgent networks launching attacks on innocent civilians and Coalition Forces.

During a raid May 26, Iraqi Army soldiers detained three suspected insurgents and destroyed one vehicle borne IED and several large weapons caches.

The Iraqi Army captured eight suspected insurgents during a raid May 27 seeking the two Soldiers who have been missing since May 13 when their convoy was attacked in Mahmoudiya.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained four individuals who are suspected of killing and torturing civilians, as well as forcing them out of their homes in the Baghdad area during a raid May 28.

Coalition Forces served as advisors during these operations. No Iraqi or Coalition Forces were injured during these operations.

(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12079&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 30, 2007 9:55 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

China Blasts U.S. Military Report
Associated Press | May 30, 2007
BEIJING - China's government reacted angrily in its first public comments on a U.S. Defense Department report on communist state's military buildup, accusing the Pentagon of fanning baseless fears of a Chinese threat.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry suggested that the Pentagon's report exaggerated China's military capabilities to justify higher U.S. defense spending and lend encouragement to Beijing's political rival, Taiwan.

"The U.S. Defense Department in this report exaggerated China's military strength and spending out of ulterior motives and continued to spread the 'China threat theory,'" Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said in a statement on the agency's Web site.

The unusually sharply worded statement said China is a "peace-loving country" and defended its military buildup as the prerogative of any sovereign country to protect its national security and territory.

On Sunday, an editorial in the People's Daily newspaper - the official mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party - charged that that the report threatened attempts to improve military and trade links with the U.S.

The Pentagon report, an annual assessment of Chinese military capabilities, said the People's Liberation Army has been acquiring better missiles, submarines and aircraft. It called on China to more fully explain the purpose of a military buildup to assuage concerns among some governments that it is a threat.

Beijing has worked carefully over the past decade to play down security concerns among Asian neighbors over China's growing strength. Meanwhile it has persisted in boosting military spending, chiefly to acquire capabilities to intimidate Taiwan - which broke off from China in a civil war - into unification and ward off any U.S. intervention should a conflict arise.

The Foreign Ministry statement called on the United States to desist from sending any "wrong signals" to independence forces on the rival island of Taiwan.

The Pentagon report said that despite Beijing's massive military buildup, it lacked the power for a successful attack against the island.

China does not yet have "the military capability to accomplish with confidence its political objectives on the island, particularly when confronted with the prospect of U.S. intervention," it said.

China announced in March it would boost military spending by 17.8 percent in 2007 to $45 billion, the biggest jump in more than a decade. But the Pentagon report estimated that real spending was two to three times higher.

(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 30, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sheehan 'Resigns' as War Protest Leader
Associated Press | May 30, 2007
FORT WORTH, Texas - Cindy Sheehan, the Soldier's mother who galvanized the anti-Iraq war movement with her monthlong protest outside President George W. Bush's Texas ranch, says she is done with being the public face of the movement.

"I've been wondering why I'm killing myself and wondering why the Democrats caved in to George Bush," Sheehan told The Associated Press by phone Tuesday while driving from her property, now called Camp Casey in honor of her son, in Crawford, Texas, to the airport, where she planned to return to her native California.

"I'm going home for awhile to try and be normal," she said.

In what she described as a "resignation letter," Sheehan wrote in her online diary on the "Daily Kos" liberal blog: "Good-bye America ... you are not the country that I love and I finally realized no matter how much I sacrifice, I can't make you be that country unless you want it.

VIDEO: War Activist Mom Quitting

"It's up to you now."

Sheehan began a grass roots peace movement in August 2005 when she set up camp outside the Bush ranch for 26 days, asking to talk with the president about the death of her son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan. Casey Sheehan was 24 when he was killed in an ambush in Baghdad.

Cindy Sheehan started her protest small, but it quickly drew national attention. Over the following two years, she drew huge crowds as she spoke at protest events, but she also drew a great deal of criticism.

"I have endured a lot of smear and hatred since Casey was killed and especially since I became the so-called `Face' of the American anti-war movement," Sheehan wrote in the diary.

On Memorial Day, the holiday on Monday honoring those who died in combat, she came to some "heartbreaking conclusions," she wrote.

When she had first taken on Bush, Sheehan was a darling of the liberal left. "However, when I started to hold the Democratic Party to the same standards that I held the Republican Party, support for my cause started to erode and the 'left' started labeling me with the same slurs that the right used," she wrote.

"I guess no one paid attention to me when I said that the issue of peace and people dying for no reason is not a matter of 'right or left', but 'right and wrong,'" the diary says.

Sheehan criticized "blind party loyalty" as a danger, no matter which side it involved, and said the current two-party system is "corrupt" and "rapidly descending into with nary a check or balance: a fascist corporate wasteland."

Sheehan said she had sacrificed a 29-year marriage and endured threats to put all her energy into stopping the war. What she found, she wrote, was a movement "that often puts personal egos above peace and human life."

But she said the most devastating conclusion she had reached "was that Casey did indeed die for nothing ... killed by his own country which is beholden to and run by a war machine that even controls what we think".

"Casey died for a country which cares more about who will be the next American Idol than how many people will be killed in the next few months while Democrats and Republicans play politics with human lives," she wrote. "It is so painful to me to know that I bought into this system for so many years and Casey paid the price for that allegiance. I failed my boy and that hurts the most."

"I am going to take whatever I have left and go home," Sheehan wrote.

"Camp Casey has served its purpose. It's for sale. Anyone want to buy five beautiful acres in Crawford, Texas?"

(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 30, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

It seems to me the real FULL story about Cindy Sheehan is being glossed over in the media.
Here's the real FULL story, with a few unvarnished comments as supplemental to view.
QUOTE:

Media Report Sheehan’s Peace Movement Exit, Not Her Democrat Party Departure
Posted by Noel Sheppard on May 29, 2007 - 11:03.

Well, sports fans, it appears the media have figured out a clever way to report the events surrounding antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan this weekend without insulting the political party they are shilling for.

Looking at the major media outlets that have begun to cover this story, the strategy appears to be to report Sheehan’s Daily Kos post from Monday, wherein she stated that she was resigning “as the ‘face’ of the American anti-war movement,” while totally ignoring her Saturday post when she defiantly declared, “I am leaving the Democratic Party.”

Pretty sneaky, wouldn’t you agree?

However, this certainly appears to be the modus operandi as demonstrated by the following articles on the subject published Tuesday which included absolutely no reference to her statements Saturday:

CNN: Anti-war mom Cindy Sheehan gives up her protest
Fox News: Cindy Sheehan Quits as 'Face' of Anti-War Movement
CBS/AP: Cindy Sheehan Calls It Quits
Yahoo/The Nation: It's Up To You Now
In reality, the Associated Press piece covered by CBS is the most disingenuous, as it early on referred to Sheehan’s disappointment with Thursday’s Congressional vote to fund the war in Iraq, quote:

"I've been wondering why I'm killing myself and wondering why the Democrats caved in to George Bush," Sheehan told The Associated Press by phone Tuesday while driving from her property in Crawford to the airport, where she planned to return to her native California.

(end quote)

It seems this would have been a perfect opportunity to share with readers just how disappointed Sheehan was in the Democrats by pointing out that just two days earlier she had decided to quit the Party.

I guess that would be too much like journalism.

That said, it’s going to be very interesting to see how this gets covered during the day, as CNBC just did a blurb about Sheehan’s statement Monday. Of course, there was no reference to her leaving the Democrats.

Color me unsurprised.

And, now that AP has a piece out there, it will be fascinating to watch which outlets cover it, or ignore it.

Stay tuned.

Comments:

1) Galvanic Says:

Most Dem elites were well-advised by their handlers not to get too close to Sheehan. Their 'spidey-sense' correctly discerned that she was a loose cannon. For instance, Hillary Clinton met privately with her, but would not be photographed with her.

Sheehan lost the bubble long ago, and I think her 'resignation' letter was a last desperate attempt to get some MSM attention just one last time.

2) MightyMouth Says:

Agree, you can't help but feel for her loss, but her delusional anti-american actions are inexcusable, even if they are the result of mental illness. Cindy snapped along time ago when her son died.

"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it."

3) goldenthroat Says:

Galvanic, I totally agree - this traitor's aura dimmed when she began schmoozing with world dictators. I think even some left wingers were beginning to be repulsed by her actions.

And what was she 'hired' to do that necessitated a 'resignation'? If she 'resigned', then was she getting paid? How did she finance all her junkets to visit Hugo Chavez and others?

THAT needs to be investigated - but don't expect it from the left-coast, bleeding-heart, 'do as we say, not as we do' liberal media.

And for her to blubber and boo-hoo that her marriage failed as a result of her actions and her children are now alienated from her - WELL, DUH! What did you expect to happen, Cindy? You have dishonored the memory of your son and their brother by acting the fool!

4) Galvanic Says:

You're probably right. Considering the impact her national/international campaign has had on her family, the inevitable realization that she was used as a poster child by people she trusted who have since abandoned her, may have left her emotionally adrift. Her son is KIA, her family has been alienated, and now, the Dems and liberals no longer sing her praises, or answer her phone calls. She now admits that her naivete has been replaced by cynicism (It's about time.), and she's had no impact at all. She's no more useful than an '06 election campaign banner.
Deeply wounded, she now declares her departure from the whole process with a self-assessment that she's done all she could, and now she's handing the baton off to us to carry to the finish line. Unfortunately for her, there don't seem to be any other members on the relay team to take the baton.

5) RJ Says:

The story Drudge is featuring from AT&T/Yahoo (AFP) takes the same tack, Noel. Far down in the article, Sheehan is said to be disillusioned by the Democrats, but nowhere is it hinted that she has said she will leave the party.

In the big picture, this distortion isn't major...but it is a good example of how the media shows it's inbred bias. If it instinctively protects the Democrats over such a small thing, how far would it go over larger events?

6) Airforce_5_O Says:

Cindy was about a great “face” for the peace movement as Monica was a great “face” for safe sex.

(rim shot)

- He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

7) Chris Norman Says:

I can't help but notice how critics of Sheehan pad their criticism with the sympathetic notion that she is being somehow "used" by the Left. I'm uncertain what that means exactly. If she is somehow being "used", then I think she was - and is - a more than willing - er - "victim". Maybe, at the start, I felt some sympathy for her as, I assume, a grieving mother. However, her words and actions made any sympathy I felt towards her drain away long ago. Like Ann Coulter said about the "Jersey Girls", I think she's reveling in all of this - whether she is being "used" or not. I do believe she has mental problems, and so the notoriety of camping out in a tent by a ditch or visting dictators makes her feel special. I just don't see how her being supposedly "used" by the left, is relevant or mitigating - except as some kind of innoculation against criticism that Conservatives are "mean" in condemning her actions.

8) Clear thinker Says:

Cindy could get a job working with Hugo Chavez. She could be the new Information Minister for his open and honest government.

9) QueenMum Says:

My sentiments exactly, Ct. It makes me sick to see those photos of her cozying up to the likes of Chavez. How long does she think she would have lasted camping out in his front yard, protesting his policies? A moonbat indeed.

10) TOE Says:

I'll bet 90% of the readers of this site knew the left would dump this useful idiot after they had their way with her.

11) Dad Gummit Says:

Well, well, well….. Cindy the She-hite wants to drop out of the “Peace” (read: “surrender-to-the-terrorists-and-let-them–rape-our-women-&-slit-all-our–throats-but-who-cares-as-long-as-we-get-a-democrat-in-the-whitehouse”) movement…. Looks like the Dim Rat candidates are having to distance themselves from Cindy. My take is that she is being dismissed. She served their purpose & they’re done with her. No more jet setting, wining, dining & rubbing shoulders with top elite & rich liberal snobs. If she were physically attractive they might keep her on a bit longer. She wouldn’t give up the limelight & high life on her own. Her backers cut her off & now she has to go back to work at the 7-11. She is going to sell her land in Crawford she uses for the “Peace” (read: “surrender-to-the-terrorists-and-let-them–rape-our-women-&-slit-all-our–throats-but-who-cares-as-long-as-we-get-a-democrat-in-the-whitehouse”) camp. I hope nobody buys it & they raise the appraised value of it and tax her off of it. Then name it the “George W. Bush Park”. Bet George Soros or Mikey Moore-on bought it for her anyway. They are letting her keep that as a payoff to shut up now and go away. Look for her to O.D. on sleeping pills in the near future….especially if she starts talking about who does what & what their real motivation is.

"Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

12) Gat New York Says:

" . . . what their real motivation is."

She should first look at herself and how she trampled all over the memory and spirit of her own son who she never agreed with.

13) daveinboca Says:

I think Cindy hit a number of what Gail Sheehy would call “passages”
all at once, a failing marriage was crushed by her son’s death and she rejected traditional spirituality to allow her unsophisticated anti-war sentiments to run away from her
own grief and pain. Sorry for the dimestore psych 101 take—-but she was
quickly parasitized by the loathesome America-Last crowd and
campus-based hate-America groups until she was posing with vicious
fascists like Chavez.

One more walk on the wild side for the post-feminist post-sanity Left.

14) bigtimer Says:

BtM...

She is lovingly embracing dictator's.... putting our President down on foreign soil during a time of war and filled with hate speech while there towards our country....

Let alone what she says here is bad enough for some of us with real working brains that support our troops... freedom for the Iraq's and victory against the terrorists wherever we can find them.

15) DontFeedTheTrolls Says:

Lets see, I went to Ask.com and put in 'cindy sheehan crawford' and got 128,000 hits, then I put in 'cindy sheehan leaves democrat party' and got 10,400 hits.

Just a little test.

No bias there.

http://newsbusters.org/node/13062

-- May 30, 2007 1:25 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob N;

I appreciated your giving the unglossed over version of Cindy Sheehan's quitting what she was doing.

I found an article which expanded on another of your posts:

===

Oil companies old contracts must clear Iraq's new law
Iraq-India, Economics, 5/28/2007

Visiting Iraqi oil Minister Friday said the oil fields awarded by the previous Saddam Hussein regime to Indian companies will have to clear the new law that the oil rich nation plans to pass in two months.

"We do want Indian entities to explore in our country. Iraqi government is, however, passing a new law and all contracts or oil field awarded previously will have to be vetted under the new law," Iraq Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

India is keen on starting work on onshore block 8, that was awarded to ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), by the deposed Saddam Hussein regime.

It also wants the US-back government in Iraq to honor award of Tuba oil field to a consortium of OVL, Reliance Industries and Sonatrach of Algeria. The consortium was shortlisted by the Saddam Hussein regime before the US invasion of Iraq.

Iraqi minister said the law has been passed by the cabinet and it would now go to parliament for approval, which would take a couple of months.

Iraq, which holds the world's second largest oil reserve, is keen on Indian companies building new refineries and revamping old ones, he said.

Baghdad has invited Indian companies to build two refineries in Kirkuk and Missan each with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/070528/2007052816.html

-- May 30, 2007 1:45 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

American Al Qaeda Threatens Attack Worse Than Sept. 11, Virginia Tech Unless U.S. Leaves Mideast
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Adam Yehiye Gadahn

CAIRO, Egypt — An American member of Al Qaeda warned President Bush on Tuesday to end U.S. involvement in all Muslim lands or face an attack worse than the Sept. 11 attacks, according to a new videotape.

Wearing a white robe and a turban, Adam Yehiye Gadahn, who also goes by the name Azzam al-Amriki, said Al Qaeda would not negotiate on its demands.

"Your failure to heed our demands ... means that you and your people will ... experience things which will make you forget all about the horrors of September 11th, Afghanistan and Iraq and Virginia Tech," he said in the seven-minute video.

Gadahn, who has been charged in a U.S. treason indictment with aiding Al Qaeda, spoke in English and the video carried Arabic subtitles. The video appeared on a Web site often used by Islamic militants and carried the logo of Al Qaeda's media wing, as-Sahab.

Gadahn, who appeared in an Al Qaeda video last September in which he called on Americans to convert to Islam, demanded that Bush remove all U.S. military and spies from Islamic countries, free all Muslims from U.S. prisons and end support for Israel. He said a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq alone would not satisfy Al Qaeda.

Ben Venzke at IntelCenter, a U.S. government contractor that monitors Al Qaeda messages, said the group likely did not believe any of its demands would be met.

"It essentially allows Al Qaeda to say that it has provided fair warning and is thus no longer responsible for the outcome," Venzke said in a statement.

Gadahn, a California native, is the first American to be charged with treason in more than 50 years and could face the death penalty if convicted. He also was indicted on a charge of providing material support to terrorists.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276252,00.html

The Religion of Peace.

-- May 30, 2007 2:38 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

-- May 30, 2007 4:33 PM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

"More than a third of Soldiers and Marines reported being in threatening situations where they weren't allowed to use force. After Iraqis began throwing gasoline-filled bottles at them, for instance, troops were banned from responding with force for nearly a month until the rules of engagement were changed."
-Absolutely True

This article was pretty much on the mark. Take note, it was from studies done last fall prior to the buildup and change in rules of engagement. I wish I could tell all I know the simple fact is that soldiers may not like their job but they don't mind it as long as they feel they are getting some where. For a year, I did not hear artilery responding to rockets and mortars. Over the past 3 months that changed. 2 days ago I actually realized the joy of hearing the paladins sing back minutes a couple mortars hit too close to home. You want to talk moral boost... I wish I could elaborate on the how much things have truly changed. By George, we even got to shoot first a few days ago.

Eye in the sky... Millions
Paladin Delivery System (aka artillery).... Hundreds of thousands...
One well placed round eliminating an unsuspecting mortar crew.... Absolutely Priceless!

Roger: I can't give an exact date but I'm home within the month. It may not be a pig roast but the cold beer will flow.

-- May 30, 2007 4:33 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

The official spokesman for the Iraqi government declares a series of decisions
5/30/2007 11:18:58 PM

An official spokesman for the Iraqi government d. Skinner including the following : The cabinet held its third regular session Tuesday, 5/29/2007 adopted the following resolutions :

1. For the purpose of supporting the agricultural sector and farmers, the Economic Committee of the Cabinet to increase the purchase prices of agricultural crops of grain purchased by the State from farmers by 20%.
2. The Cabinet discussed agricultural situation in the district of al-Zubayr and issued recommendations for the bodies related to the protection of domestic agricultural products and help farmers and support.
3. Approval of the financial authorities to raise the ceiling for contracts Ladies and Gentlemen ministers and governors based on the proposal of the Commission of Economic Affairs.
4. Approval of the amendment to articles 25.24 of the Constitution of the World Health Organization and the proposal to the parliament for approval on the legislation.
5. Approval of the legal action is to cancel 9 of the revised 2004 issued by the Coalition Provisional Authority.
6. Approval of the delegate power to the Prime Minister wrote Altekhauel audit issued by the coalition authority is based on the 9 to 2004 and revised on the use of real estate owned by the state has the power to delegate certain point of implementation.
7. Approval of the draft Iraqi regime National Committee for Education, Culture and Science Committee with an amendment naming.
8. Approval to postpone action when a general census of population scheduled in October 2007 with continued surveillance and preparedness.

-- May 30, 2007 4:47 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Turtle:

Any news about Okie? Have'nt seen him post here in a long time.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 30, 2007 4:48 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I think it is time to think about WHY the US has such troubles as it is going through.
KEY:

Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

This is true also for a nation. When a nation's way's please the LORD, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us. We all know that the US once had peace, even with these bloodthirsty terrorists on the loose in the world. We were kept safe then. What changed? Why do threats like terrorists.. or Nazi's or Communists.. rise up against us?

It is an indication that God has not made our enemies to be at peace with us.. because our ways do not please Him.

Want peace?
Please God.
Simple solution isn't it?

There are many issues out there that a person who has a moral compass might bring as an endictment against America to say that America is deserving of God's hand against her and trouble upon her people, so that our enemies are no longer at peace with us.

But, contrary to some who claim they hear from God, God does not hate 'fags', or America's soldiers..
He doesn't hate the far left liberals, or the far right conservatives, either.
God is Love. (1 John 4:8)
So He isn't bent on destroying America, in spite of all the enemies she has.
Instead, He calls her back to Himself.

America calls upon God in her Constitution (one nation, under God... ), in her private prayers,
upon her money (in God we trust), and in her national songs (God Bless America)..
to name a few,
and God hears and respects that there are many American people who try to honor His name.

But, America also sins.
Her enemies point to blatant sins which are real, not figments of their imaginations.
Things you know (if you have a moral heart before God), that God does not like.
The most blatant of them all is violation of the FIRST commandment, worshipping idols.
America makes idols of money, of people, of other gods (which are no gods, but idols (Ps 96:5);
they forsake the fountain of living waters for a broken well without water (Jer 2:11-13)
And God doesn't like that one bit. (See also the above article about American Al-Qaeda's titled,
"American Al Qaeda Threatens Attack Worse Than Sept. 11, Virginia Tech Unless U.S. Leaves Mideast" -
you think they bring waters of refreshment to America, or are they broken wells without water for our souls?)

God does not like idolatry, and, unlike an earthly person who doesn't like men's behavior, He doesn't have to live with it. Man is not independent of God, in spite of all His machinations and beliefs that he is so.

Ecc 3:18 I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
Ecc 3:19 For that which befalls the sons of men befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them both: as the one dies, so dies the other; yes, they have all one breath; so that a man has no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
Ecc 3:20 All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Psa 104:29 (Lord), You hide Your face, they are troubled: You take away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

God has the power of life and death.. over beasts and men.
Beyond that, He has the say in mankind's final destination.
God is awesome and to be feared.
Those who do not fear God are fools (Ps 14:1), and it is not wise to listen to fools.

Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Ecc 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Ecc 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool...

People who are sad and mourning (perhaps at the deaths of our good soldiers, among other sad events)
they who cry out to God for answers as to why..
are in the house of mourning and not in the house of laughter with the fools.
They march to a different drummer than the world.
Are the MSM shows full of godly chastised souls.. or of the song and mirth of fools?

So where is America.. and where is she headed?
I wish to bring up only one issue, but it is a very important one, and is a great cause of God's displeasure
and of His saying He will and is judging America and the other Western nations - including why our troops
are not as subject to His protection as in before years, and why the direction of the US is going the wrong way:

Scientists allowed to experiment on hybrid embryos
By Nic Fleming, Science Correspondent
Last Updated: 2:21am BST 19/05/2007

Research into potentially life-saving medical treatments using part-human, part-animal embryos is to be allowed after a rethink by ministers.

Two teams of British researchers are seeking permission to create "cybrid" embryos that would produce embryonic stem cells - the body’s building blocks that grow into all other types of cells.

They want to use the stem cells to understand and provide new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cystic fibrosis, motor neurone disease and Huntington’s.

While similar work has been carried out in China and the US where science is less regulated, the new laws will be among the first in the world to set out in legislation what forms of research are permissible in this field.

The Bill will allow cytoplasmic embryos, or cybrids, made using eggs from rabbits or cows that have had their nucleus replaced with genetic code from human cells. Human-animal chimeras - human embryos that have been altered through the introduction of animal cells – will also be permitted.

So-called "true" human-animal hybrids, created by fertilising a human egg with animal sperm or vice versa, will remain banned. In all cases these would only be allowed for research and it would be illegal to allow such embryos to grow for more than 14 days or be implanted into a womb.

Caroline Flint, health minister, denied the draft bill represented a U-turn, saying that while the White Paper started from a "general prohibition" it had always left the door open for specific research on a case-by-case basis.

"We are minded to accept the principle that legislation should allow for the creation of inter-species embryos for research purposes, subject to the exceptions laid out in the Bill.

Dr Peter Saunders, of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "By caving into pressure from the biotechnology industry the Government has failed to recognise the limitations of science and has patronisingly dismissed major moral and ethical concerns.

"Creating such hybrids is unnecessary and unethical. It would diminish human dignity, blur moral boundaries, and cross the fundamental line that has always separated humans from animals. The possible ends do not justify the means."

The Bill will now go before a House of Commons scrutiny committee and is due to be included in the Queen’s speech in November.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/18/nembryo18.xml

Psa 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with You, which frames mischief by a law?

OK, where do you think GOD stands on the issue of creating an interbreed of human and animal (which is not possible using natural procreative processes for a reason)? You see the Colony Collapse of the bees, which is a direct result of these same unethical persons and their genetic altering of food (frankenfoods as the Europeans call them). Now, the same "biotech" area of the economy, without regard to God's laws, create and then destroy animal-human monsters. And you think God is looking the other way? Hello? Wonder why we can't pray and get protection over the troops? Until the ways of America ethically please the Lord, He won't bless us with the same peace and prosperity we once had. This has been brewing for some time.. as America chooses the slippery slope of that which is ethically and morally reprehensible.

WHY does the US have such troubles as it is going through? Because their ways are not pleasing the Lord. WHY was Britain attacked by terrorists? This blatant disregard for ethical and moral concerns has consequences as the Divine One decides that the enemies of America will no longer remain at peace with us. If you don't want nuclear war on your soil, America (and the West), you ought not to be opening the doors to God letting it happen by your disobedience and blatant disregard for ethical concerns. These are the real moral concerns which no one is addressing, and which allows the enemy to have a handhold to attack. If this legislation becomes enacted in the UK.. you can expect to see another successful terrorist attack shortly thereafter. As long as America and the "Christian" West do not see the connection between their allowing of ethical and moral lapses and their lack of personal security, the security of the country will continue to deteriorate. The wake-up call may be more painful than many are willing to admit.

For the soldiers who face the anger of God against the nation, pray God to forgive and not hold you accountable for her sins. You represent America... that is why you are targeted. They don't know you from a hole in the ground, you are just one of "them".. an American. America is walking away from God.. that is the issue, not the guns and bombs you face. Heed Him and He will protect you as an individual. Say daily Psalm 91 out loud, and fear God and you will remain safe, even in the midst of peril. It is only as you are seen to represent a country who is willingly, disobediently and in law turning from the truth to error that your lives are in placed in danger. Put yourself under God and be right with Him instead. I wish you God's best, and as you seek shelter under Him, God's speed and protection.

Sara.

PS
Quote 2, today's date.. JOINT venture.. means two parties are in the agreement.. who are they?:

Schwarzenegger, McGuinty sign stem-cell deal
30/05/2007 3:08:52 PM

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a new $30-million joint research venture to facilitate stem-cell research Wednesday morning.

McGuinty and Schwarzenegger signed the deal at the MaRs Discovery District research centre in Toronto as part of the California governor's three-day trade mission to Canada.

"Our government is proud to be investing $30 million in the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium to be headquartered right here at MaRs," McGuinty said.

"The consortium will research ways to use knowledge of cancer stem cells to find a lasting cure."

Government sources say funding for the agreement is provided by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.

Schwarzenegger is a leading supporter of stem-cell research and said he hopes new discoveries will lead to "a cure for deadly and debilitating diseases."

Critics and anti-abortion activists have condemned both the governor and Ontario's premier for the plan.

The Campaign Life Coalition accused McGuinty of betraying his Catholic faith by supporting stem-cell research with the grant.

"Read my lips, Arnold and Dalton, embryonic stem cell research does not work," said Jim Hughes, national president of Campaign Life Coalition.

"There is no need to kill human embryos. The scientists are only pushing for this because the embryos are available."

http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/TopStories/ContentPosting.aspx?feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V2&showbyline=True&newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20070530%2fclimate_change_070530

I ask you - this "joint venture" that this US governor has implemented.. it is US taxpayer dollars going to kill embryos for research purposes in Canada? How can America expect to stand in the battle with this man undermining the nations ethical stance before God? The US laws prohibit this, but there is a joint venture that the US taxpayer is funding abroad? Remember, it is ONLY when a nation's ways please the Lord that the enemy can be at peace with us. ONLY then..

And this is why it would be a complete disaster if this man ever made President. Since his ways do NOT please the Lord, a nation under his leadership would not either.. making our enemies NOT to be at peace with us.. which means terrorism on US soil. Mark the words of the Lord... ignore the ethical and moral at national peril. When a nation's ways do NOT please the Lord, He will NOT make her enemies to be at peace with her.

-- May 30, 2007 5:08 PM ∞

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Robert wrote:

I'd like to thank all the great contibutors to this site. Makes great reading. Take care out there.

-- May 31, 2007 8:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush envisions U.S. presence in Iraq like S.Korea
5/30/2007

By Steve Holland1 hour, 9 minutes ago

President George W. Bush would like to see a lengthy U.S. troop presence in Iraq like the one in South Korea to provide stability but not in a frontline combat role, the White House said on Wednesday.

The United States has had thousands of U.S. troops in South Korea to guard against a North Korean invasion for 50 years.

Democrats in control of the U.S. Congress have been pressing Bush to agree to a timetable for pulling troops from Iraq, an idea firmly opposed by the president.

White House spokesman Tony Snow said Bush would like to see a U.S. role in Iraq ultimately similar to that in South Korea in which "you get to a point in the future where you want it to be a purely support model."

"The Korean model is one in which the United States provides a security presence, but you've had the development of a successful democracy in South Korea over a period of years, and, therefore, the United States is there as a force of stability," Snow told reporters.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record) of Nevada said in a statement he believes it is time for Bush to "recognize the reality on the ground in Iraq," that U.S. troops are mired in an Iraqi civil war and a change in course is urgently needed.

"Democrats know that Americans demand realistic plans, not more White House rhetoric, rosy predictions and best-case scenarios. Our troops and the American people deserve better," Reid said.

Iraq's neighbors have raised concerns about the possibility of the United States maintaining permanent bases in Iraq, and some U.S. lawmakers have said they think the Iraqi insurgency may have been fueled by perceptions the United States wants a permanent presence in the country.

Washington has consistently denied wanting permanent bases in Iraq.

Snow said U.S. bases in Iraq would not necessarily be permanent because they would be there at the invitation of the host government and "the person who has done the invitation has the right to withdraw the invitation."

"I think the point he's (Bush) trying to make is that the situation in Iraq, and indeed, the larger war on terror, are things that are going to take a long time. But it is not always going to require an up-front combat presence," Snow said.

"The president has always said that ultimately you want to be handing primary responsibility off to the Iraqis," he said.

"You provide the so-called over-the-horizon support that is necessary from time to time to come to the assistance of Iraqis but you do not want the United States forever in the front."

Bush envisions U.S. presence in Iraq like S.Korea - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

28 billion dinars for service projects in Najaf
By Haydar al-Kaabi

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

Najaf, 31 May 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
The Najaf reconstruction authority has received 28 billion Iraqi dinars ($22.250 million) for implementing 43 projects in the province, the director of the authority said on Thursday.

"The projects include health services, paving roads, constructing bridges and streets, and education, in addition to projects for drinking water and water infrastructure," Haydar al-Mayali told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

"The fund will include all Najaf's districts and neighborhoods and the authority will start implementing the projects by next month," he said.

Najaf is located 160 km south of Baghdad.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

10th Mountain, 1st ACB destroy enemy urban assault vehicle
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070531-02
May 31, 2007

10th Mountain, 1st ACB destroy enemy urban assault vehicle
2nd BCT, 10th Mountain PAO, Multi-National Division – Center PAO

CAMP STRIKER, IRAQ – A team of Apache attack helicopter pilots discovered and destroyed a heavily armed vehicle south of Radwaniyah at about 8:10 a.m., May 30.

The Apache team from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade observed the vehicle near a reed line of a canal. The vehicle had a heavy machine gun mount attached to the bed of the truck and re-enforced sidewalls with gun ports.

After coordinating with the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain tactical operations center, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a camera was flown over the truck to observe the area. Once confirming the target and ensuring there were no civilians in the immediate area, the brigade authorized the helicopters to engage the truck.

The Apaches fired two Hellfire missiles and destroyed the vehicle.

No civilians were injured
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq's Kurdish provinces take control of their own security
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Mathieu GORSE
Arbil-IRAQ-Agence France-Presse

U.S. forces handed over responsibility for security in Iraq's three northern provinces to the Kurdish regional government yesterday.

Sulaimaniya, Arbil and Dohuk provinces are ruled by the semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government, which has its own executive and ministries and has been spared much of the unrest plaguing the rest of Iraq.

"Today is another success in the process of rebuilding Iraq," Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said at the ceremony, which was held at the Arbil convention center and included a parade of peshmerga soldiers.

Seven Iraqi provinces, including Najaf, Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Maysan, now have responsibility for their own security – a third of the total. The United States hopes to add more as Iraqi forces grow in capability.

Unlike the rest of the war-torn country, the northern Iraqi provinces and their comparative security have attracted the interest of foreign investors, which has fuelled a construction boom in the region's cities.

"You're an example for the rest of Iraq," Major General Benjamin Mixon, the commander of U.S. troops in northern Iraq, told the assembled dignitaries.
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=74626

-- May 31, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

GCC Unified Currency Draft to Be Finalized Soon
Sarah Abdullah, Arab News

JEDDAH, 31 May 2007 — According to Bahraini finance minister, Sheikh Ahmed ibn Mohammed Al-Khalifa, the finalization of the draft proposal for a GCC unified currency will be completed soon. GCC central bank officials are expected to meet at the end of June to decide the name of the new currency, its types and the way it will be introduced as well as the mechanisms of exchange to be utilized. Ahmed said that plans to introduce the unified GCC currency by January 2010 are going according to schedule despite Oman’s failure to fulfill certain criteria. He added that the GCC countries are trying to bridge financial gaps in order to launch the currency on schedule, with member countries already agreeing on issues related to inflation, bank interest rates, and budget surpluses and deficits.

The chief economist at SABB, John Sfakianakis said, “I think that the possibility of the GCC states meeting the deadline of January 2010 for the introduction of the unified currency is still possible. There are, however, signs that some countries are not meeting the criteria concerning the deadline and I fee that Saudi Arabia, as the largest economy in the GCC, should be the leader and show its strength in order for the deadline to be met.”

When asked if the adoption of a unified currency would cause an increase in the cost of living as was the case in the EU when the euro was adopted, Sfakianakis said, “Not necessarily as in some major ways, we in the Gulf already have a common currency since local currencies are often accepted across borders. A unified GCC currency should not lead to speculation resulting in a rise in the cost of living.”

-- May 31, 2007 10:18 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq Reaches Historic Milestone in Negotiating Acession into the WTO

29 May 2007 - Iraq’s bid to fully reconnect with the global trade system after decades of isolation reached a historic milestone on May 25th, when the first meeting of the Working Party on Iraq convened in Geneva at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Trade Minister of Iraq, Mr. Abed Falah al-Sudani, hailed the meeting as a success and as a major step in his country’s efforts to restore its position within the international community. ''Iraq's membership in the WTO sends a positive signal to the people of Iraq that they are welcomed back and that the world really cares about their welfare,'' said al-Sudani.

In the two days leading to the event, the Iraqi delegation held bilateral meetings with 12 WTO Members including the US, EU, Vietnam, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and Canada. Telephone contacts were also made with China. The meetings were positive and supportive of Iraq’s accession.

The WTO Members that attended the meeting raised questions related to Iraq’s investment law, the intellectual property regime, privatization and Iraq’s progress and plans for bringing its domestic legislation into compliance with WTO treaties and rules. The Iraqi delegation gave on-the-spot replies to all questions raised while noting that further elaboration may be provided in the written replies to be submitted later.

The participants noted that a possible timeline for the next Working Party Meeting could be early 2008. By then, the Iraqi delegation will have to present responses to the written questions raised by WTO members, submit a legislative action plan and prepare accession documents on Agriculture, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Intellectual Property.

The first Working Party meeting is a major milestone in a process that started in early 2004, when Iraq applied for WTO membership. Since 2005, the USAID Mission in Iraq has provided comprehensive assistance to the Government of Iraq in the WTO accession process through IZDIHAR, in the areas of capacity building, legislation, development of a customs tariff and preparation of WTO accession documents. “This is a huge step forward for Iraq”, commented Baljit Vohra, IZDIHAR’s Chief of Party. “There is much to be done. Accession negotiations are complex and take time, but we are confident that this very good start will lead to a successful reintegration of Iraq in the global trade community.”

IZDIHAR News Highlights

-- May 31, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Auction traders' bids higher to press exchange rate down Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Thursday , 31 /05 /2007 Time 4:07:59
By Dergham Mohammed Ali Baghdad, May 31, (VOI) - Traders at the Iraqi Central Bank's daily auction made more bids to purchase the dollar in Thursday's session in order to press the exchange rate down, a trader said.

On Thursday demand for the dollar was up in the daily auction, reaching $82.215 million compared with $68.890 million on Wednesday.
In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $13.375 million in cash and $68.840 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,260 dinars per dollar, unchanged from yesterday.
Eighteen banks participated in Thursday’s auction and offered to sell $100,000. The bank bought all of them at an exchange rate of 1,258 dinars.
Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "the hike in the demand for the dollar in today's session was seemingly an attempt by traders to press the Central Bank to bring down the dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar, after it unexpectedly jumped by one tick in yesterday's auction."
The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
Aswat Aliraq

-- May 31, 2007 10:25 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Translated version of http://foratnews.com/paper.asp?ID=2819 قيمةStrike : the decision to lift the value of the Iraqi dinar was the result of studies value

قال وزير المالية باقر جبر صولاغ ان الدينار العراقي يشهد تحسنا ملحوضا خلال الفترة الحالية.Finance Minister Baqir Jabr counterpart said that the Iraqi dinar is Melhoudha improvement during the current period.
وأضاف صولاغ ان التذبذب الحاصل في السوق المحلية يعود الى بعض الاشاعات التي تثار من اجل عرقلة هذا التحسن .He added that the strike caused volatility in the local market due to some rumors that have been raised in order to obstruct this improvement.
موضحا ان قرار البنك المركزي العراقي في رفع قيمة الدينار العراقي امام العملات الاجنبية هو قرار صحيح وجاء نتيجة دراسات قيمة تهدف الى رفع القيمة الشرائية للمواطن العراقي قبل كل شيء .He explained that the decision to the Iraqi Central Bank to raise the value of the Iraqi dinar against foreign currencies is a correct decision and the result of valuable studies aimed to raise the purchasing value of the Iraqi citizen before everything else.
مشيرا الى ان خطط الوزارة استوعبت كافة البرامج المستقبلية في الميزانية لهذا العام من اجل تحريك الاقتصاد العراقي بالشكل الصحيح.Pointing out that the ministry plans absorbed all future programs in the budget for this year in order to stimulate the Iraqi economy properly.

-- May 31, 2007 10:49 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks for the great posts.. cornish boy, and Rob N.

I noted the last post:

HCL Deadline

- Article 5, May31/2007

The Federal Government, in coordination with the regions
governments, shall finalize the requirements needed to implement this law and activate the entities mentioned in the law in a time period not exceeding the end of May 2007. In case this deadline was not met, the Iraqi Prime Minister shall meet with the president of Kurdistan Region to implement the law within one month and reach a solution based on one of the following options: a. In case article 5 was not finalized by the deadline of May 31st 2007, the two parties shall have the right to sign Exploration and Production Contracts in accordance to the constitution, this law, and the general principles of contracts' models (the first option). b. Extend the time period mention above.

===

This says to me that JUNE will be the month they finalize the HCL law and coupled with the admission of the other article "قيمةStrike : the decision to lift the value of the Iraqi dinar " it seems likely that there will be an upward change in the value of the Dinar, likely in the same (and related) period of time.

Sara.

-- May 31, 2007 11:23 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Thank you for your discussion about stem cell research. You are in singh with scripture. Here in California, we should not be surprised when some catachlesmic event takes place. Our Leader, here, is in partnership with one of the most serious violations of the order and Magesty of our God.

Thank you for your courage to express this truth.

Carole

-- May 31, 2007 12:55 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Glad to see that you have checked in. I hope your Mothers Day and Memorial Day holidays were a blessing to you.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 1:01 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole.

Sometimes the Lord puts on my heart something to say which seems incongruous to the board at the time.. such as when I came to the board with a post ready to post which was about our indulgent culture as you were discussing yachting... and some times I don't post it, only find it was relevant later. It is not meant to offend when I share, but in this case, it is like when we see a young lady raped. We are outraged by it.. yet, if it was a child who was raped, we do think the offense is much worse. And, if it was a baby who was raped.. it is beyond thinking for evil. Yet.. that is where men end it.

Torture is the same.. if we hear of someone who has tortured a grown person we think them evil (the terrorists who shot the American soldier in his torso and head - "The corpse of one was later found floating in the Euphrates river, with gunshot wounds to the head and torso." http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070531/afp/070531085006top.html ).. a child, more so (the child found tortured by the US forces recently - http://newsbusters.org/node/13002 - "a 13-year-old boy that literally had been tortured, electrocuted, whipped, beat by these Al Qaeda terrorists.").. and a baby.. unthinkable. Because the baby is so innocent, you understand.

For God, going back even further, into the womb and to conception, heightens the degree of sin and outrage in this chain. To use .. to EXPERIMENT on human beings who are in their most infant stage (from 0-14 days of age) is so heinous a crime.. I have never felt such anger from the Lord. This issue was not anything to me until I asked the Lord what He thought of it. I swear, He will dispossess the nation of America for this and give the nation to another if they do not repent of it. It is in His mind a crime which has no mitigation. Unlike abortion where the woman could be deceived or feel pressured to kill.. this is torture of totally innocent human beings and using of them for experimental purposes. He will not be appeased for this.. He will judge and America will suffer unless she repents of it. It is UNMITIGATED evil in His eyes. There are no words strong enough to explain what I feel from the Lord about this topic, except maybe this:

Rom 12:19 Vengeance is mine; says the Lord, I will repay.

And this:

Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

If we think it evil to have a soldier tortured.. or a child.. by the terrorists.. yet kill and experiment and torture the youngest human life we own, God will judge this nation as far more heinously criminal than any acts of these terrorists against either young men or children. He will stand with those who are "less" evil.. the terrorists, against this nation. There is no stopping God's hand of judgement against such an utterly grotesque sin.

Sara.

-- May 31, 2007 2:18 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq Residents Rise Up Against al-Qaida
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN, Associated Press Writers
12:35 PM PDT, May 31, 2007

BAGHDAD -- A battle raged Thursday in west Baghdad after residents rose up against al-Qaida and called for U.S. military help to end random gunfire that forced people to huddle indoors and threats that kept students from final exams, a member of the district council said.

U.S. forces backed by helicopter gunships clashed with suspected al-Qaida gunmen in western Baghdad's primarily Sunni Muslim Amariyah neighborhood in an engagement that lasted several hours, said the district councilman, who would not allow use of his name for fear of al-Qaida retribution.

Casualty figures were not immediately available and there was not immediate word from the U.S. military on the engagement.

But the councilman said the al-Qaida leader in the Amariyah district, known as Haji Hameed, was killed and 45 other fighters were detained.

Members of al-Qaida, who consider the district part of their so-called Islamic State of Iraq, were preventing students from attending final exams, shooting randomly and forcing residents to stay in their homes, the councilman said.

Also, a U.S. military statement said U.S. and Iraqi forces had arrested two "members of the secret cell terrorist network" in Sadr City.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/ats-ap_intl10may31,1,7062167.story?coll=sns-ap-topinternational&ctrack=1&cset=true

-- May 31, 2007 4:32 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

US Eyes Cease-Fires End Violence in Iraq
By PAULINE JELINEK, AP
Thursday, May 31, 2007

(05-31) 12:38 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) -- U.S. military commanders are talking with Iraqi militants about cease-fires and other arrangements to try to stop the violence, the No. 2 American commander said Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno said commanders at all levels are being empowered to reach out for talks with militants, tribes, religious leaders and others in the country.

He said he thinks 80 percent of Iraqis — including Sunni insurgents and Shia militants — can reach reconciliation with each other, though most al-Qaida operatives won't.

"We are talking about cease-fires, and maybe signing some things that say they won't conduct operations against the government of Iraq or against coalition forces.," Odierno told Pentagon reporters in a video conference from Baghdad.

On the assessment of operations that is due in September, he said he thinks it will take longer to tell whether the increase of nearly 30,000 troops will work as intended — that is, to quell violence enough to give Iraqi officials breathing space to work on reconciliation and development issues.

"Right now if you asked me, I would tell you I'll probably need a little bit more time to do a true assessment," he said.

He said the increased effort by commanders to reach out to militants goes hand in hand with reconciliation efforts by the Iraqi government.

Odierno noted that efforts to engage tribal leaders in Anbar province — who have been turning against al-Qaida there — has helped draw people to serve in the Iraqi security forces in record numbers and has helped reduce attacks there.

For example, the attacks in Anbar in May 2006 totaled 811, while this May they were just barely over 400, Odierno said. Since the beginning of 2007, over 12,000 Iraqi citizens have volunteered for Iraqi security forces in Anbar. In all of 2006, only 1,000 had volunteered.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other leaders are under increasing pressure from Washington to do more to achieve reconciliation among factions because, officials argue, no amount of military force can bring peace to the country without political peace.

Al-Maliki announced a national reconciliation proposal nearly a year ago that has made limited progress. It offered some amnesty to members of the Sunni-led insurgency and a change in a law that had removed senior members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from their jobs.

"I believe there are elements that are irreconcilable, but I believe the large majority are," Odierno said. "I believe about 80 percent are reconcilable, both Jaish al-Mahdi as well as Sunni insurgents," though very few of al-Qaida.

"There will be always people that are irreconcilable and ... the Iraqi government, with our support, will have to continue to conduct operations against those forces," he said.

"Prime Minister Maliki and the government of Iraq have to continue to reach out to all these groups ... bringing these groups into the political process so we can deal with their differences in a peaceful way instead of in violent ways,:" Odierno said.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/05/31/national/w114445D86.DTL

-- May 31, 2007 4:45 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Your last post is quite encouraging. I am sure the LA Times report will be glossed over in the MSM. This is the aspect to the Iraq war we have been missing. The U.S. cannot force a representitive republic upon the citizenry of Iraq. The average citizen must want what the United States is offering. I hope this is a precursor of things to come. It is time for the Iraqi people to rise up in unison and end the tyranny of the Islamic extremists and embrace in unity the priciples of liberty.

If the people of Venezuela are ultimately successful in ousting Hugo Chavez, then I am confident that Iraq can remove the extreme elements from their society.

On a seperate note, I hope you are right concerning your observations about June being the month we will see an upswing in the value of the Dinar.

In the event of a revaluation my dilemma will be at what price point to cash out at. Do you or anyone else have a price point in mind that you will cash out at?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 4:58 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Hillary’s Hypocrisy on Iraq
By Dick Morris and Eileen McGann

On Wednesday, May 24, we learned the meaning of the word “hypocrisy.” The Senate voted 80 to 14 to approve funding for the next two months in Iraq without any restrictions or mandated withdrawal of troops. Thirty-eight Democrats voted to fund our troops, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). But three of the four Democrats who are running for president — Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.), and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) — voted with 11 other senators to deny funding to the war.

If they weren’t running for president, perhaps Barack Obama and Chris Dodd, who have long been in opposition to the war, would have voted against funding anyway. But would Hillary Clinton have voted with the minority to cut off funds? Not on your life! Only Joe Biden (D-Del.) had the integrity to vote the way he would normally have voted were he not a candidate, and backed the appropriations bill.

The hypocrisy of Hillary Clinton in voting against funding is stunning. In 2002, she voted for the war. When we found no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, she reaffirmed her backing for the war. Dozens of times she has stated and restated that she would never agree to a timetable for withdrawal and that she would never vote to cut off funding while we had troops in harm’s way. Now she has gone back on all her nevers and cast precisely the vote she said she never would.

As recently as January 17, Hillary said, “I’m not going to cut American troops’ funding right now — they’re in harm’s way.” She went on to say “I am not for imposing a date — certain withdrawal date.”

In the past 10 days she has not only voted for a withdrawal date, but also voted to cut off funding for the troops if no such date is included in the legislation.

What has changed? The polls. Surveys show Democrats support a funding cutoff and a date certain for withdrawal three to one. With John Edwards running to Hillary’s left, using her timidity in opposing the war as the raison d’etre of his candidacy, Hillary dared not vote her conscience or conform to her previous positions on the war. She had to back the left to prove her bona fides for the primaries.

In the meantime, John Edwards dismissed talk of the “war on terror” as a slogan for a “bumper sticker.” In doing so, he inadvertently illustrated the fundamental difference between the parties on the terrorist issue. To Republicans, it is a real war, even more so than World War I, Korea or Vietnam. In this war on terror, we were attacked by surprise, just like what happened at Pearl Harbor. To Republicans, December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 are parallel dates.

But to Democrats of the John Edwards ilk, the war on terror is more akin to the war on poverty or the war on drugs, a slogan meant to emphasize how seriously we take the policy commitment. But he takes great pains to distinguish it from a real war by consigning it to the realm of the bumper sticker. At least one Democrat said what he really believed.

But pragmatically, Hillary’s vote probably assures that she will win the nomination. It certainly cuts the ground out from under John Edwards and leaves her in a two-way race for the nomination with Obama. But by taking the ultimate step of voting to cut off funding, Hillary is hugging the left rail on the Iraq issue and assuring that nobody can outflank her.

On May 24, we saw Hillary at her opportunistic worst. But we better get used to it.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275555,00.html

NOTE:
John Edwards dismissed talk of the “war on terror” as a slogan for a “bumper sticker...”

AND:

".. to Democrats of the John Edwards ilk, the war on terror is more akin to the war on poverty or the war on drugs, a slogan meant to emphasize how seriously we take the policy commitment. But he takes great pains to distinguish it from a real war by consigning it to the realm of the bumper sticker..."

Bumper stickers don't have the capacity to blow up American cities with nuclear bombs.. terrorists do.

Sara.

-- May 31, 2007 4:59 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Quote:

American Al Qaeda Threatens Attack Worse Than Sept. 11, Virginia Tech Unless U.S. Leaves Mideast
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Adam Yehiye Gadahn

CAIRO, Egypt — An American member of Al Qaeda warned President Bush on Tuesday to end U.S. involvement in all Muslim lands or face an attack worse than the Sept. 11 attacks, according to a new videotape.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276252,00.html

Quote:

In the meantime, John Edwards dismissed talk of the “war on terror” as a slogan for a “bumper sticker.” In doing so, he inadvertently illustrated the fundamental difference between the parties on the terrorist issue. To Republicans, it is a real war, even more so than World War I, Korea or Vietnam. In this war on terror, we were attacked by surprise, just like what happened at Pearl Harbor. To Republicans, December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 are parallel dates.

But to Democrats of the John Edwards ilk, the war on terror is more akin to the war on poverty or the war on drugs, a slogan meant to emphasize how seriously we take the policy commitment. But he takes great pains to distinguish it from a real war by consigning it to the realm of the bumper sticker. At least one Democrat said what he really believed.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275555,00.html

(end quotes)

No wonder the Democrats see no need to address any such threats.
Can you imagine what will happen if one of these people makes the Whitehouse?
What kind of protection will the US have from these "bumper sticker" threats then?

Sara.

-- May 31, 2007 5:20 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

More Amputees Returning to Duty
Associated Press | May 31, 2007
SAN ANTONIO - In the blur of smoke and blood after a bomb blew up under his Humvee in Iraq, Sgt. Tawan Williamson looked down at his shredded leg and knew it could not be saved. His military career, though, pulled through.
Less than a year after the attack, Williamson is running again with a high-tech prosthetic leg and plans to take up a new assignment, probably by the fall, as an Army job counselor in Okinawa, Japan.

In an about-face by the Pentagon, the U.S. military is putting many more amputees back on active duty - even back into combat, in some cases.

Williamson, a 30-year-old who is missing his left leg below the knee and three toes on the other foot, acknowledged that some will be skeptical of a maimed Soldier back in uniform.

"But I let my job show for itself," he said. "At this point, I'm done proving. I just get out there and do it."

Previously, a Soldier who lost a limb almost automatically received a quick discharge, a disability check and an appointment with the Veterans Administration.

Video: Return to Duty for Amputee Soldiers
But since the start of the Iraq war, the military has begun holding on to amputees, treating them in rehab programs like the one here at Fort Sam Houston and promising to help them return to active duty if that is what they want.
"The mindset of our Army has changed, to the extent that we realize the importance of all our Soldiers and what they can contribute to our Army. Someone who loses a limb is still a very valuable asset," said Lt. Col. Kevin Arata, a spokesman for the Army's Human Resources Command at the Pentagon.

Also, just as advances in battlefield medicine have boosted survival rates among the wounded, better prosthetics and treatment regimens have improved amputees' ability to regain mobility.

So far, the Army has treated nearly 600 service members who have come back from Iraq or Afghanistan without an arm, leg, hand or foot. Thirty-one have gone back to active duty, and no one who asked to remain in the service has been discharged, Arata said.

Most of those who return to active duty are assigned to instructor or desk jobs away from combat. Only a few - the Army does not keep track of exactly how many - have returned to the war zone, and only at their insistence, Arata said.

To go back into the war zone, they have to prove they can do the job without putting themselves or others at risk.

One amputee who returned to combat in Iraq, Maj. David Rozelle, is now helping design the amputee program at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington. He has counted seven other amputees who have lost at least part of a hand or foot and have gone back to combat in Iraq.

The 34-year-old said he felt duty-bound to return after losing his right foot to a land mine in Iraq.

"It sounds ridiculous, but you feel guilty that you're back home safe," he said. "Our country is engaged in a war. I felt it was my responsibility as a leader in the Army to continue."

Rozelle commanded a cavalry troop and conducted reconnaissance operations when he returned to Iraq, just as he had before the mine blast. Other amputees who have returned to combat, ranging from infantry grunts to special forces Soldiers, have conducted door-to-door searches, convoy operations and other missions in the field.

He said his emotions at the start of his second tour in Iraq, which lasted four months, were a lot like those during his first stint: "I was going back to war, so it was as heart-pounding as the first time."

Mark Heniser, who worked as a Navy therapist for 23 years before joining the amputee program at Fort Sam Houston in 2005, said both the military and the wounded benefit when amputees can be kept on active duty: The military retains the skills of experienced personnel, while the Soldiers can continue with their careers.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Reed, who lost his right leg a year ago in a car bombing, is 2 1/2 years from retirement and has orders to head in July to Fort Knox, where he expects to be an instructor.

"My whole plan was to do 20 years," said the 37-year-old Soldier. "I had no doubt that I would be able to go back on active duty."

Not everyone comes through treatment as rapidly or as well as Williamson, Reed and Rozelle. Some have more severe injuries or struggle harder with the losses, physically or emotionally. Soldiers who lose a limb early in their careers are more likely to want out. Those with long service are more motivated to stay, Heniser said.

Williamson did not want to return to combat, and it is not clear whether he could have met the physical qualifications anyway.

The military planned to discharge him on disability, but he appealed, hoping to become a drill instructor. The Army ruled that would be too physically demanding for Williamson, a human resources officer before being sent to lead convoys in Iraq, but it agreed to let him return to active duty in some other capacity.

He is regaining his strength and balance at the new $50 million (euro37 million) Center for the Intrepid, built to rehabilitate military amputees. A hurdler in high school, he ran the Army minimum of two miles for the first time in mid-May, managing a 10-minute-per-mile pace on his C-shaped prosthetic running leg decorated with blue flames.

He is working out five days a week - running, lifting weights and doing pool exercises - and just got his first ride on a wave machine used to improve balance.

"I could leave here today if they told me I had to," Williamson said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 5:21 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Talk of a cease fire is certainly positive. An agreed to cease fire honored by all is great news for the Iraqi people. In my thinking, an honored cease fire will force Malaki to reach beyond tribalism and across ethnicity and begin to promote national reconciliation.

From national reconcilation can flow peace and prosperity for all of Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 5:39 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob N, you asked, "Do you or anyone else have a price point in mind that you will cash out at?"

You know where I get my cashout figure from, don't you?
In prayer.

In reply to my request about how much the Dinar will RV at, the Lord said,
"Would you be content with twenty seven cents?"
Since Dinar sites all talk 1:1 and other very high figures, this was quite a bit less than I had heard
from them.. or was hoping/expecting.
But on the other hand, one cannot look a gift horse in the mouth..
and I did say I would be very pleased and thank you, if that was the figure He allowed it to RVed at.

Whether this is a test of my contentment, to bring my feet back to the earth and my head out of the clouds,
I don't know. (He did NOT say it would RV at that, did He? He just asked if I would be content at .27...
You can't always get the answer you wish from another person, especially a King. And HE is the King
of all Kings, of course.) I only know that I will be quite content to cash out what little Dinar I have
(and that is something about not letting any heathen say they have made Abram rich - Genesis 14:23)
at that amount.

I think, to be honest, that this amount is a very good one which the Lord feels the country can sustain.
It would be in the Iraqi interest and in ours at that rate, in my humble opinion.
Anything higher than that.. is "gravy" and unexpected by me.
These are just my impressions and how I am led.
I hope I won't get whacked for sharing it..
but I felt not telling you would be evasive of the question,
and I thought you would wish to know, even if you do not feel it fits with how you are led
about this question. I will be glad if it is more than that, and this was only a question
to deal with my heart about not coveting riches (a larger RV amount) that are not for me.

Sara.

-- May 31, 2007 5:59 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Newsweek Mocks Bush 'Progress Report' From Iraq -- and Then Writes a Progress Report
Posted by Tim Graham on May 30, 2007

On page 23 of the June 4 edition of Newsweek, there's a subtle bias on the "Perspectives" quotes-of-the-week page this week. Note the editorializing by using quotation marks suggesting progress will never happen in Iraq:

"It could be a bloody -- it could be a very difficult August." --President George W. Bush, on what is in store for U.S. troops in Iraq in the months before a "progress report" due in September (emphasis mine).

On page 33, there's a story by Melinda Liu on actual progress in Iraq, headlined: "Gathering the Tribes: U.S. field commanders are finally beginning to tap the traditional networks that helped Saddam stay in power." Liu reported from Ramadi that "Marines and Iraqi tribesmen and police are sitting together, swapping jokes and stories. Some of these Iraqis were probably shooting at Americans less than a year ago. Now they and the Marines are fighting side by side against Al Qaeda."

The story also carried a large, bolded quote:

'Last year the Americans were our biggest enemies,' says one cop. 'Now they're how we get what we need.'

The captions on the pictures read:

PEACE SIGNS: Tribal recruits man a check-point in Ramadi (above); children and others now freely interact with Americans (right).

Liu's story has plenty of skepticism about whether the progress will last, and whether the reduced violence is good enough. But it would be hard not to define it as a "progress report."

Comments:

1) acumen Says:

Mocking President Bush's progress report flies in the face of facts. This from the Boston Globe (of all places - owned by the NY Times) - bold mine:

In assessing Mr. Bush's progress to date, the Boston Globe quotes Mr. Gaddis ( Mr. Gaddis is a Robert A. Lovett professor of military and naval history at Yale University. The Boston Globe describes Mr. Gaddis as "the dean of Cold War studies and one of the nation's most eminent diplomatic historians."):

"So far the military action in Iraq has produced a modest improvement in American and global economic conditions; an intensified dialogue within the Arab world about political reform; a withdrawal of American forces from Saudi Arabia; and an increasing nervousness on the part of the Syrian and Iranian governments as they contemplated the consequences of being surrounded by American clients or surrogates. The United States has emerged as a more powerful and purposeful actor within the international system than it had been on September 11, 2001."

More on progress in Iraq and President Bushs' insightful "Grand Strategy" in the Middle East can be found here in this opinion piece by Tony Blankely (url below). The following is an additional excerpt from the article (bold mine):

If you hate George W. Bush, you will hate this Boston Globe story because it makes a strong case that Mr. Bush stands in a select category with presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and James Monroe (as guided by his secretary of state, John Q. Adams) in implementing one of only three grand strategies of American foreign policy in our two-century history.

Had Newsweek been around at the time of FDR or Monroe, I wonder if they would have been mocked with equal vigor by Newsweek?

http://newsbusters.org/node/13080

-- May 31, 2007 8:21 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Thank you for sharing, I appreciate your candor and honesty about your exit stragedy. I think it would be wise for me to adopt a similar approach.

While I am not a greedy person, I think I will have to get a sense of where the country is at once the currency revalues. If the oil is flowing and a peacful prosperity is engulfing the nation, I may stick it out for a higher return.

For the record though, I could and would be happy with $.27.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- May 31, 2007 9:22 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Lot of good postings, thanks all.

Rob N.

About Okie, hes now on Iraqi Investors Forum. He left when religion completely dominated this pages.

Sara,

When is cash out date?

I must admit, I don't pray to any higher powers for advice on when it is time for a cash out.

I guess it's different for different people.

If you have set a goal, in Dollar or if you have set an exchange value goal, you will have a spread of when people will cash out.

If you have set a goal of a million bucks, and you have a lot of Dinars, you might have reached your goal after only a couple of cents.

I think this point will be a sticky one when it comes to the Pig Roast in the Keys, because one might be a happy camper while another person think that it's far from over.

It just have to play out.

Turtle,

When your back on US soil, have yourself a really god Miller Time.

(I do Corona with Lime)

cornish boy,

really good finds. May I ask Cornish, that is Cornwall, right, that long peninsula in the south??

-- May 31, 2007 10:05 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Rob N.. sounds like a good plan you have to me. :)
Iraq has an ever changing plan and I know that how I am led is often different from other people.
Just because I cash out does not mean it won't climb..
it just means I am supposed to cash out.
I wish you the best with your exit strategy. :)

I agree with you Roger.. its different for different people..
as you said..
"one might be a happy camper while another person thinks that it's far from over."
I think that I may be happy and out while others are trying to figure out the next rise.
To each their own, as they say. :)

Sara.

-- June 1, 2007 1:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Currency reserve: $21 billion
Minister of Finance, Bayan Jabr Al-Zubaidi, revealed that 45 countries wrote off Iraqi debt at rates ranging from 80 to 100%, for a total of $140 billion.

He considered that this "breakthrough comes in the framework of the agreement signed between the Iraqi government and the International Monetary Fund," praising the role of Saudi Arabia which promised to write off 80% of its claims on Iraq, as well as of China, which declared its commitment to the rules of the Paris Club. Al-Zubaidi stressed that the 2007 budget, "differs from last year's budget." He pointed out that "the proportion of the budget implementation by some ministries was good while others were unable to do so," emphasizing that the funds "will be removed from the ministries that have been unable to implement the budget and give them to other ministries." He pointed out that this year "has been relatively stable in inflation which ranged between 40 and 45%," pointing out the success of the Iraqi Central Bank in the collection of hard currency reserves, which reached $21 billion, a good amount that can provide reassurance of stability.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 1, 2007 9:20 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, VBIED DESTROYED, 18 SUSPECTS DETAINED
Friday, 01 June 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

June 1, 2007
Release A070601a

SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, VBIED DESTROYED, 18 SUSPECTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 18 suspected terrorists in operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Thursday and Friday.

North of Fallujah Thursday afternoon, Coalition Forces conducted an operation to capture suspected terrorists allegedly associated with al-Qaeda senior leadership. Coalition Forces attempted to stop their vehicle, but when the suspected terrorists resisted, Coalition Forces used proper escalation of force measures and engaged the vehicle with automatic weapons, killing three men.

Inside the vehicle, Coalition Forces found two mortar rounds, a rifle and an approximately 100-pound improvised explosive device. The vehicle and heavy explosives were safely destroyed on site.

While Coalition Forces were at the scene, they received small arms fire from a nearby orchard. Taking appropriate self-defense measures, the ground forces engaged the armed terrorists, killing three. Coalition Forces also found grenades and assault vests in the orchard.

In a follow-on operation Friday morning, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist in a building north of Fallujah for his alleged ties to al-Qaeda senior leaders.

Also Friday, Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq commander allegedly involved in IED attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces southwest of Baghdad Friday morning. Ten suspected terrorists were detained for their ties to the senior leader.

Two coordinated operations in Taji targeted an al-Qaeda senior leader and his network. Coalition Forces detained seven individuals linked to a group allegedly responsible for mortar and rocket attacks against Coalition Forces; IED and vehicle-borne IED attacks across western Baghdad; and the bombing of the Sarafiyah bridge.

““We’re continuing to target al-Qaeda in Iraq, and these terrorists are failing to evade us,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “The kill or capture of terrorists gives the people of Iraq the opportunity to build a peaceful country where deadly terrorists do not exist.”
(www.mnf-iraq.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 1, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

China vows to promote economic co-op with Iraq
China vows to promote economic co-op with Iraq
Xinhua - [01/06/2007]


Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said here Wednesday that China is ready to enhance economic and trade cooperation with Iraq.

"China values its relations with Iraq and will strengthen economic and trade cooperation and exchanges with Iraq on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocal benefit," Tang told visiting former Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari.

Tang said China is always concerned with the situation in Iraq and supports the Iraqi government's efforts for stability, reconciliation and reconstruction.

"China will work with the international community to play its due role in helping Iraq achieve stability and development," said Tang.

Jaafari said he appreciated and thanked China's contribution to the stability and development in Iraq.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 1, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Growth of Czech exports to Iraq
Growth of Czech exports to Iraq
Translated by IRAQdirecotry.com - [01/06/2007]


Czech exports to Iraq doubled four times since 2003, according to new Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade data. Exports reached $29 million last year, up from $17 million in 2005, while in the first quarter of this year they were $14 million or 296 million kronor.

Economic circles here considered the growing value of Czech exports to Iraq despite the difficult security situation a sign of Czech return to the market, which they have known very well since the days of the Communist regime.

Those circles pointed to new successes of the companies Techno-Export and Pro-Coupe Engineering Birno which recently signed a contract worth 25 billion kronor with the Iraqi Oil Ministry to supply equipment for two oil refineries, one each in Baghdad and Basra.

The Board Director Miroslav Kuznar of Techno-Export told Edove Novine newspaper that these devices will permit the two refineries to refine 70 thousand barrels of oil per day, and that the project will be underwritten by the Iraqi Trade Bank led by the American Banking House G.B. Morgan.

The commercial director Mikhal Krischik of Techno-Export said that his company had won this large deal because of its good reputation in Iraq, adding that the company has already built 60% of the refineries' capacities in the past; Kuznar believes that the future holds new deals in the fields of the food industry and energy as well. As for Birjini Reef from the Czech Foreign Ministry, he believes it will be possible to make new deals for tens of billions of kronor because of Iraq's great economic potential, evident in the enormous economic growth of 8% last year notwithstanding security conditions.

The Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Shvartsenberg welcomed this development in trade relations, saying, “the outstanding success of the two Czech companies in Iraq pleases us and we would support such arrangements in the future also.”

Dagmar Kokhtova from the Ministry of Trade and Industry believes that the daily violence in Iraq, particularly in the capital Baghdad, is the biggest danger facing Czech companies. However, Krischik stresses that technological Czech supplies are not under threat. However, he admitted that talks between representatives of the company and Iraqis were made in neighboring cities such as Amman and Istanbul, but he felt this is normal for all foreign companies with projects in Iraq.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 1, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

In Case You Missed It: "There Must Be No Place For Al Qaeda In Iraq Or In Other Places"
President George W. Bush Meets With Iraq President Jalal Talabani
The Oval Office
May 31, 2007

PRESIDENT BUSH: “…Mr. President, it is important that you succeed. Failure in Iraq would endanger the American citizens because failure in Iraq would embolden the enemies of a free Iraq. David Petraeus said, public enemy number one in Iraq is al Qaeda. Al Qaeda happens to be public enemy number one in America, too. And that should say loud and clear to citizens who still remember the lessons of September the 11th that it's in our interest to help the Iraqis defeat al Qaeda.

“We must not let al Qaeda have a safe haven in Iraq. We must not retreat in the face of the unspeakable violence that they perpetuate on your citizens. We must help you prevail. And if all Iraqis showed the same courage you show, we will prevail. And there's a lot of courageous Iraqis there…”

PRESIDENT TALABANI: “…I'm committed as the President of Iraq to benchmarks and to do our best to achieve some progress forward for national reconciliation, for passing the law -- oil law, de-Baathification, and investment, and other laws which are now under discussion. And I think we are due to finish all of these and send it to parliament to be achieved.

“At the same time, we are committed to do our best to train our army and our forces to replace gradually the American forces in taking responsibility of the security of our country. Of course, we are very grateful to the American people. And I present my condolences to the sacrifice which these glorious people America has always presented for liberating peoples all over…

“So we are determined to success. Of course, you have problems. I don't think that everything is okay, everything is good, we have no problems -- no, we have problems. We have serious problems with terrorism. The main enemy of Iraqi people is al Qaeda and terrorists cooperating with them. But there are groups who are now raising arms against us, now we are negotiating with them to get them back to the political process of the Iraqi people. You have good achievements also. We hope that this will lead to more big steps forward to national reconciliation in Iraq…

“I am grateful to the American people, to the President of the American people, for what they have done for my people, for Iraq. We are now living in much better situation than we had in the past. And we are facing common enemy, which is still -- al Qaeda is the enemy not only of Iraq and America, but all people of the world. Look to the Arab countries, everywhere; al Qaeda -- in Morocco, in Saudi Arabia, in Egypt, al Qaeda is starting to work against all peoples of Middle East. So we are fighting this enemy. And as President Bush said, there must be no place for al Qaeda in Iraq or in other places, because if they can have such a kind of bases, they will threaten Europe and United States of America…”

http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=6976

-- June 1, 2007 10:31 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

From Iraq to Algeria, Al-Qaeda's Long Reach
By Craig Whitlock
Published in: Washington Post May 30, 2007

ALGIERS -- Al-Qaeda has rapidly extended its influence across North Africa by aiding and organizing local groups that are demonstrating a renewed ability to launch terrorist attacks in the region, such as the triple suicide bombings that killed 33 people here last month, according to counterterrorism officials and analysts.

The bombers who struck the Government Palace and a police station in Algiers , the capital, are believed to have been local residents. But Algerian authorities are examining evidence that the bombers were siphoned from recruiting pipelines that have sent hundreds of North African fighters to Iraq and perhaps were trained by veterans of the Iraqi insurgency, U.S. and European intelligence officials said.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052901967.html?hpid=topnews

http://www.siteinstitute.org/bin/articles.cgi?ID=news280607&Category=news&Subcategory=0&Current=1

-- June 1, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Rob N

You asked about exchange rate exit strategy. I kind of like the .79 number that has been batted back and forth on the IIF (where Okie has gone).

Sara's .27 is in line with Saudi Arabia

Roger is right about different people having different exit points.

I was hoping for at least .32 but .79 fits in best with some of the charitable things I want to do.

I wish Okie the best on the IIF but if you post there you had better have a thick skin. Beating each other up is sport. At least we respect each other's oppinions here.

Still - there is good info on the IIF

-- June 1, 2007 10:48 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

From Iraq to Algeria, Al-Qaeda's Long Reach
Suicide Bombings in Algiers Suggest Network's Influence In Recruiting, Training North Africans to Fight at Home
By Craig Whitlock
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, May 30, 2007; Page A07

ALGIERS --According to intelligence officials in Europe, more than 100 Algerians are in prison here after being detained on their way to Iraq or upon their return, adding to worries that the far-off conflict is breeding battle-hardened fighters who could come back to haunt North Africa or nearby Europe.

"Al-Qaeda's presence in North Africa is a reality," Baltasar Garzon, a senior Spanish magistrate, said in an interview Saturday at a conference in Italy organized by the Center on Law and Security at the New York University School of Law. "It's an ideal base from which to engage in actions against Europe. . . . Moving their next phase of action to Europe, I think, is just a matter of time."

For most of its decade-long existence, the group had been an independent movement dedicated to overthrowing the Algerian government, with little interest in external affairs.

That began to change in 2003, however, as the Algerians saw potential benefits from an association with al-Qaeda and its declared holy war in Iraq.

Such alliances have become increasingly common among radical Islamic groups. Since the invasion of Iraq, local networks with "al-Qaeda" appended to their names have surfaced in at least 12 countries.

Although relations with al-Qaeda's core command are usually loose or nonexistent, counterterrorism officials said, the affiliates have exploited the insurgency in Iraq and other al-Qaeda plots to boost their own fundraising and recruitment.

By re-branding itself as an al-Qaeda affiliate, the Algerian group has boosted its own fundraising and become more competitive in the marketplace for recruits, Algerian analysts said.

Liess Boukra, an Algerian terrorism expert, called the recruitment business "a real trade in cannon fodder."

"Indeed, it is possible that the recruiters for Iraq could redirect their combatants toward new operations, either in Algeria or somewhere else in the Maghreb or in the world," he said. "It depends on the nature of the request and how much they're willing to pay."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/29/AR2007052901967.html?hpid=topnews

I don't think anyone could have put this genie back in its bottle after 911, or closed this Pandora's box.

It would only have been a matter of time until those responsible for 911 (al-Qaeda) would have extended their reach.

Instead of Iraq as the site of the unholy war, it would have been the US, though.

President Bush did change that.

911 said to the US... you are top of our al-Qaeda to-do list. Anyone who cannot see that..

or how deadly serious the enemy threat was then.. has merely put their head in the sand like ostriches.

I hope we don't get an ostrich for the next President.. one full of denials, retractions and appeasement.

It would be a really rough ride.

Instead of the US as top of the to-do list now.. having been forced to make their front in Iraq..
the Al-Qaeda now SAY they see the way clear to also engage out from that front quite easily.. to Europe.. ??

"Al-Qaeda's presence in North Africa is a reality," Baltasar Garzon, a senior Spanish magistrate, said in an interview Saturday at a conference in Italy organized by the Center on Law and Security at the New York University School of Law. "It's an ideal base from which to engage in actions against Europe. . . . Moving their next phase of action to Europe, I think, is just a matter of time."

Once Iran gets nukes, though.. and they can siphon them to the Al-Qaeda.. where will they go then?

Why did Saddam talk about terrorism against the US in those audio tapes.. and not Europe?

Is the US really second fiddle to Europe on the terrorist to-do list..

or is this a smokescreen to help the Democrats convince the US public there is no threat?

Who wins if it is a smokescreen and they succeed? Who loses?

Self-preservation is not an irrational fear in the face of a real threat, it is common sense.

But common sense isn't a very common commodity these days.

Sara.

-- June 1, 2007 11:22 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi roger yes mate cornwall uk.

-- June 1, 2007 5:39 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Does anyone know how the GoI will arrive at particular price point should they decide to revalue the currency?

If the Iraqi currency is revalued, does it make sense for the price point to be commensurate with the other countries in the region?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 1, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Government decisions

Translated version of http://www.nahrain.com/d/law/

May 19, 2007May 19, 2007 للعمال رقم (39) لسنة 1971 و اصدره بالقرار رقم 20Amending the retirement and social security for workers (No. 39) of 1971 and issued Decree No. 20

May 29, 2007May 29, 2007 اThe accession of the Republic of Iraq to the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives

May 02, 2007May 02, 2007 ةThe accession of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Convention to Combat Organized Crime

May 02, 2007May 02, 2007 يThe text of a document of the International

May 02, 2007May 02, 2007 ايMilitary Penal Code

April 22, 2007April 22, 2007 الService Law and Military Retirement

April 22, 2007April 22, 2007 لعMilitary Penal Code
........ مسودة قانون النفط والغازA draft bill of oil and gas

February 28, 2007February 28, 2007 The Independent Higher Commission for Elections

February 25, 2007February 25, 2007 2007The federal budget for fiscal year 2007

February 25, 2007February 25, 2007 87 لسنة 1979A proposal to amend the law rental property No. 87 of 1979

February 25, 2007February 25, 2007 ( 113 ) لسنة 1982Law amending the Income Tax Act (No. 113) of 1982

February 25, 2007February 25, 2007 (40) لسنة 1988Amendment Act VII of the Act and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (No. 40) of 1988

February 25, 2007February 25, 2007 العامينAbolition Act notes the removal of judges and prosecutors

February 25, 2007February 25, 2007 ان ل لهاThe accession of the Republic of Iraq to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and amending protocols are

July 23, 2005July 23, 2005 الوطنيةThe National Assembly

July 1, 2005July 1, 2005 اThe Iraqi State Administration Law for the transitional stage

November 30, 2000November 30, 2000 Investment Law
........ لLaw of the Ministry of National Security
........ 2007The federal budget bill for fiscal year 2007
........ Anti-Terrorism Bill
........ الاعe reinstatement of the death penalty
........ / لThe Central Bank / Amended
........ / اThe Iraqi banks / Amended
........ Reconstruction
........ العقاريةThe law establishing the supreme body to resolve disputes involving land ownership
........ اةThe draft law of Iraqi nationality

February 28, 2007February 28, 2007 The Independent Higher Commission for Elections
........ عامينProposed bill to abolish notes removal of judges and prosecutors
........ 87 لسنة 1979A proposal to amend the law rental property No. 87 of 1979
........ والوفيات رقم ( 148 ) لسنة 1971The Sixth Amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths (No. 148) of 1971
........ قانون العقوبات العسكريMilitary Penal Code
........ 111 لسنة 1969 المعدلA proposal to amend the Penal Code Law No. 111 of 1969 as amended
........ المرقم ( 113 ) لسنة 1982A bill to amend the Income Tax Act No. (113) for 1982
........ القضائيLaw amending the OJ
........ الو( 148 ) لسنة 1971Bill 5th Amendment to the registration of births and deaths (No. 148) of 1971
........ المضادة للافرادThe accession of the Republic of Iraq to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines
........ لمكافحة الجريمةIraq's accession to the United Nations Convention to Combat Crime
........ ين الأقاليمThe operational procedures for the formation of regions
........ Bill Connotation
........ ( 159) لسنة 1979A proposal to amend the Law of Public Prosecutions (No. 159) of 1979
........ م/ مقترح قانون مدة ممارسة المهنةM / proposal for the law practice
........ 2006The decision to approve the proposed supplementary budget for 2006
........ الصيدلة رقم ( 40) لسنة 1970 والقانون رقم ( 14) لسنة 1998The draft law amending the law on practicing the profession of Pharmacy (No. 40) of 1970 and Law No. (14) of 1998
........ الجزائية رقم (23 ) لسنة 1971 المعدلA bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure (No. 23) of 1971 as amended
........ النفطيةBill import and sale of oil derivatives
........ المنحل 49 لسنة 2002Proposed law abolishing a Revolutionary Command Council disbanded 49 of 2002
........ The rules of procedure of the House of Representatives
........ الزواجApplication of the provisions of the Islamic Sharia with respect to marriage
........ ض الجرائمAn amnesty for perpetrators of certain crimes
........ وزراء مجلس الحكم الانتقاليMinisters of the IGC
........ List of members of the National Council
........ قيةA draft bill return competencies Iraqi
........ الانتقاليةSupplement to the Iraqi State Administration Law for the transitional period
........ Executive Presidency to the interim Iraqi government

-- June 2, 2007 10:26 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi all sounds like it could be a bit risky exchanging dinar four dollars how about the euro when it happens just a thought.

-- June 2, 2007 11:04 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

The story by Jim Kubak about Kwait kicking sand on the dollar, leaves a lot of doubt on his assumptions.

According to my sources, there is alot of speculative currency investing and Kwait is no different than a multitiude of countries that are in the speculative market.

If Kwait were really "kicking
sand on the dollar", I would suspect that their divesting would be more than 25%.

China can't grab enough of US dollars. What do they know that motivates their hoarding of the US dollar?

My sources say that the only and biggest threat to the US dollar is the Euro. But with Western Europe's political and finacial instability ( higest inflation on the planet), that could plunder without notice.
Currency trading is a great passtime, but you have to be willing to focus 24/7. Like any other type of speculative investments, diversity is the key to success.

To make a broad statement about the dinar peg to the dollar in Kwait is misleading and inaccurate.

When, if, whatever.... the dinar ever shows any significant value to "us" investors, probably wouldn't be a bad idea to secure some Euros. And as I plan to do, some precious metals also.

Hopefully, we all have our eyes on some good realestate too!! Absolutely can't lose on that one! In my lifetime, as I have said before I have never lost a penny on realestate. In fact my profits have ranged from 50-300%.

I have done stocks, commodities, CD's, Roth IRA's,precious metals, and of course now currency
( dinars)----- and nothing has come close to realestate profits. I use my LLC's, Inc.'s and tax free municipal bonds as tax shelters for any actual and potential tax liabilites.

The Dinar, is of course a very longshot, and looks out of sync with my portfolio---but what the heck, if it really ever hits it will pale out my other investments, if it doesn't, I have at least had a great experience and met alot of great "kooky" people, whom I wish the best for. As well as given me some "in" with my kids who are truly dinaraholics!!!

Carole

-- June 2, 2007 12:31 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Coalition Forces in Iraq Kill One, Capture Eight
By VOA News 02 June 2007

Coalition Forces in Iraq say they have killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged senior leader of the al-Qaida in Iraq group.

A military statement says one of the detainees captured Saturday during a raid in Hit is suspected to be a militant who works with high-level al-Qaida operatives in Anbar province.

Meanwhile, Sunni gunmen and al-Qaida militants have engaged in several days of battles in the predominantly Sunni Amiriya neighborhood of Baghdad, resulting in numerous casualties.

Residents say al-Qaida fighters began streaming into the area Wednesday, sparking street battles with Sunni fighters.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-06-02-voa6.cfm

Maybe they can swap this "senior leader of the al-Qaida in Iraq" for the two American soldiers?
After all, wouldn't a commander be worth two foot soldiers in their eyes?
Or.. is that kind of negotiation not allowed either?

Sara.

-- June 2, 2007 2:15 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

This blog really have changed faces many times over.

I think it comes to your own involvement and when it coincide when others of different characters have their peak.

In the beginning of my investment, I was on top of everything, every darn statement some dignitary had said, any laws, contracts or rules that was followed, and had it analyzed to great length.

Today it just feels like, I have no poop left reading page after page of stuff coming from Iraq, or Iraq related things happening here.

Once the basic is down, it doesn't matter what an agricultural minister says about a project ditching 700 acres of land.

That's all nice and ducky, but the 251 miles of road that will be paved for this project, the 4 million ton of cement being used, the 626 thousand miles of reinforcement bars being used, and the 438 day workers, and 26 engineers, that are hired are so meaningless in a way. Not to mention the trickle down effect of economic stabilization it will have in the area, knowing that 13.6 people are depending on one persons income.

All knowing that this project projected to be completed in June of 2013, will, increase the Iraqi agricultural output with 13% is getting me really up and jumping.

The meeting scheduled for next week between the clan chiefs for their approval and mutual future cooperation of this project, makes me yawn.

The press release expected about this meeting will be posted in umpteen Arabian papers, and we will see a very bad automatic translation on any of the blog sites within hours of release.

The volume of material coming out of there is getting bigger and bigger, but the meat is getting less and less.

After a while, at least in my case, I shy away from the Iraqi doings, because it feels so unproductive in a way to comment on all their backwards ways.

They do things many times very stupid, and once we all have agreed on that, well, then that's it.

I have a job to do, and sometimes that will bring me into burning midnight oil.

Feeling done for the day, I always look forward into checking into the Iraqi news, but then I find again page after page after page of new news.

All of them have merits on their own grounds, but the sheer volume makes it hard to pick and choose, because in order to pick and choose, you have to know what you are picking from, and the only way to find out what is meaningless and what has merit to it, is to read it all, and that is something that I just, on many occasions, don't have the time for, or being too tired at the time of the reading.

Once you start to skip, you are losing ground, you know that you might very well have skipped important passages, and the edge is gone.

I guess it's a choice, a priority between getting a complete picture, or sacrificing time, that could be spent in you job, or quality time with family.

Sometimes staying on top of this "Dinar train" is not really worth it, and you have to excuse me if I'm not really up to par any longer.

I'm posting fewer and fewer postings nowadays, mainly because I have very little interest in the big volume of grey fuzz coming out of Iraq, and I feel that the basic issues have been discussed over and over.

Some real change in the Iraqi situation have not happened, and the promises for the future are covered in miles of postings.

Everybody wants a better valued Dinar, and are eager to see it happen, but as in the same way as a person holding his Lotto ticket, knowing his numbers will hit someday, it's easy to get stuck in it.

His life starts to circulate around Lotto, talks Lotto, thinks Lotto, and live Lotto.

That is a bit what I feel regarding the Dinars, if and when it hit, it will hit.

In the meanwhile you can live the "Dinar Train" staying up all night finding out what the percentage of unpaid debt will do to the budget,...

...or you can stash your Dinars in a safety box, forget about it, and do something else.

I'm gravitating right now towards the latter option, keeping my interest in it, but just feel that "been there, done that" is my part of daily Dinars.

I still be around, dear friends, I just wont be as active as in the past.

-- June 3, 2007 12:21 AM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

I do agree with you Roger, I don't post as much as you but I've been reading most of this blog for over a year now and your input along with Rob.N's and Cornish boy's, I tend to keep an eye out for, (because of its relevant content)...all things considered..a major revaluation this summer, in my opinion, is highly likely to happen...all the best, matt in the uk

-- June 3, 2007 8:10 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

IMPORTANT READ: Special Drawing Rights

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

Special Drawing Rights

What is a Special Drawing Right (SDR), and what is it used for?
The SDR (Special Drawing Right) is an artificial "basket" currency used by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) for internal accounting purposes. The SDR is also used by some countries as a peg for their own currency, and is used as an international reserve asset.
What is the value of an SDR?
Initially, the value of the SDR was defined in terms of one US-$, which in turn was defined in terms of an ounce of gold: $35/oz until 18-Dec-1971; $38/oz between 18-Dec-1971 and 11-Feb-1973; $42.22/oz between 12-Feb-1973 and 30-Jun-1974. Since July 1974 the SDR has been defined in terms of a basekt of currencies. This basket consisted initially of 16 currencies and was reduced to 5 in 1981. Every five years the IMF determines which five currencies will enter the basket, and which weight will be applied to each currency. The exchange rates used by the IMF to calculate the official SDR are the noon rates in the London foreign exchange market. When the London market is closed, noon rates in the New York market are used, and Frankfurt fixing rates are employed when the New York market is also closed. The tables on the right show the composition of the SDR. Note that the currency values are exact as defined by Rule 0-1 of the IMF. However, the weights are approximate and will change along with the fluctuations of the constituent currencies. To get exact current weights, refer to the IMF's current valuation page (see below). Weights can be calculated by dividing the US-$ equivalent amount of each currency by the sum of US-$ equivalent amounts.
How can one calculate the value of an SDR?
To calculate the value of the SDR in national currency (say, ABC), multiply the four exchange rates of the home country vis-à-vis the basket-currency countries (i.e., ABC/USD, ABC/EUR, ABC/JPY, and ABC/GBP) with the basket values indicated in the above table. Add these four numbers together to obtain the ABC/SDR exchange rate.
What is today's value of the SDR?
The International Monetary Fund prepares a daily web page with today's SDR valuation.
Where can I get more information?
The IMF has a SDR home page with links to current rates and more information. Authoritative SDR rates for the most recent months and for a larger number of currencies are also available directly from the International Monetary Fund. The current value of an SDR vis-à-vis the US-$ and C-$ are available from the PACIFC Exchange Rate Service. SDR rates against numerous currencies for the last five days can also be retrieved from the IMF SDRs per Currency unit and Currency units per SDR last five days web page.

-- June 3, 2007 2:44 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

anuary 2001 -December 2005 Special Drawing Right (SDR)

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

January 2001 - December 2005

ISO Currency Weight Value

USD US Dollar 44% $ 0.5770
EUR European Euros 31% € 0.4260
JPY Japanese Yen 14% ¥ 21.0
GBP British Pound 11% £ 0.0984

-- June 3, 2007 3:19 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Roger,

Well well!!! we finally agree wholeheartedly on something.

I must admit though that you offer much more tact than I do.

Your input and knowlegde, even though I disagreed, at times, was just that "your input and knowledge and opinion". You didn't waste our time and fill up this blog with every article you could get your hand on to "pass along".

Yeah! some have expressed appreciation for the mantra of articles, but I think they are just lazy and don't want to go to other sites and read for themselves. So they have encouraged the "Rob's" and the likes come recently to bombard this blog with a unreasonable, and as far as I am concerned, disruptive disrespectful infiltration of this once very informative, provocative site.

I just figure they must not have a life!

it was once worth it( while we were all waiting for the Dinar paint to dry) to interact with the multitudes of personalities, opinions and information.

Losing you on this site is understandable, but I must admit a tremendous loss. I scroll for your name when I come on the site, which isn't very often anymore, because I know that you will have a new thought or opinion or SOMETHING...... that isn't the same old crap that Rob, Sara and now cornish boy smear all over this site.

Anyway, it was an interesting year for me, but it has lost it's personality and I too have work and family, that I was once willing to share their time with for the formers on this site. Not anymore---just isn't the same and more importantly isn't worth it!!

Just wondering, ROB, are you a librarian? Or some insensitive kook, who gets off on displaying your cut and paste talents???

Mattuk,

I think you missed the drift of Roger's last post------read between the lines.

Losing Roger, now you have really lost something.

Losing Rob and Cornish Boy---well essentially you have lost a TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Carole

-- June 3, 2007 4:55 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Dale;

That is a point.
It is a bit like Carole boasting she is less than 100 pounds soaking wet..
a beautiful body with a horrible inward soul is just like a pig with a gold ring in its snout.

Pro 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

I wouldn't come here to bash someone.. it just doesn't strike me as very kindly or Christ-like. Could you see Jesus saying, "same old crap that Rob, Sara and now cornish boy smear all over this site"... ?? Guess the Lord puts up with it, but He IS Love.. and I guess I have a long way to go til I could have that kind of loving tolerance.

Disagreeing (even heatedly) with someone is one thing, but deprecating their entire contribution to the board, that is quite another.

As for bragging about things and about our outer shells which we all have called bodies.. I think we all could do so.. I know I certainly could.. but it isn't Love.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)

Sara.

-- June 3, 2007 6:56 PM ∞

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DinarAdmin wrote:

Please note:

This is a Dinar discussion board. That is the topic of the board, not other posters or their contributions to the board. Please refrain from personal remarks about others or their contributions to the board and keep to the topic.

In future I will simply delete the comments without explanation.

DinarAdmin.

-- June 3, 2007 8:38 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

7 ‘Qaeda men’ killed, bomb factory destroyed in Iraq
Monday, June 04, 2007

BAGHDAD: US and Iraqi forces killed seven members of Al Qaeda in Iraq and destroyed a truck bomb factory on Saturday in Fallujah, the military said.

A two-hour gunbattle began just after 7am when Fallujah police came under small-arms fire and spotted two men wearing suicide vests fleeing from the scene. Marines accompanying the police returned fire, killing both militants, according to a statement.

The Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment then fired at five other suspects trying to escape, killing them and causing another suicide vest to explode, the military said.

The US-led forces subsequently discovered a compound with two trucks rigged as suicide bombs and more bomb-making materials, which the military said were destroyed in a controlled detonation that did not damage nearby buildings. Eight suspects were detained for questioning, the military said.

The military said on Sunday six US soldiers were killed in five separate attacks across Iraq on Saturday. The attacks were in Baghdad and in the volatile Diyala and Nineveh provinces to the north of the capital. All but one of the soldiers were killed by roadside bombs.

In the town of Diwaniyah, Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army militia was fighting the Iraqi police. Police officials said officers had shot and injured a fugitive militia leader late on Saturday during a failed arrest attempt, triggering overnight clashes, which by Sunday had drawn in helicopters from the US-led coalition.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\04\story_4-6-2007_pg7_26

-- June 3, 2007 9:26 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

‘Iranian flow of weapons to Iraq, Afghanistan increasing’
Monday, June 04, 2007

LAHORE: Iran has stepped up arms shipments to both Iraq’s Shiite extremists and Afghanistan’s Taliban in recent weeks in an apparent attempt to pressure American and other Western troops operating in its two strategic neighbours, senior US and European officials told the Washington Post.

In Iraq, Iranian 240mm rockets, which have a range of up to 30 miles and could significantly change the battlefield, have been used recently by Shiite extremists against US and British targets in Basra and Baghdad, the officials said, according to Post staff writer Robin Wright. Three of the rockets have targeted US facilities in Baghdad’s Green Zone, and one came very close to hitting the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital, according to the US officials.

The 240mm rocket is the biggest and longest-range weapon in the hands of Shiite extremist groups, US officials said. Remnants of the rockets bear the markings of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and are dated 2007, those sources said. The Tehran government has supplied the same weapon, known as the Fajr-3, to Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia.

In Afghanistan, British forces have intercepted at least two arms shipments from Iran to Afghanistan’s Helmand province since late April, the officials said. Both shipments were carried out after Gen Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, publicly put Iran on notice in mid-April that the United States was aware it was sending arms to the Taliban, said the Post report.

The intercepted shipments to Afghanistan included 107mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, C-4 explosives and small arms, identical to shipments to Iraqi militias around Basra in March, according to the US and European sources, who track arms movements. The C-4 explosives in both shipments have fake US markings, a common deceptive tactic, the sources added.

“We’re concerned about what appears to be an escalating flow of Iranian arms shipments to extremists operating in Iraq and about Iran’s stepped-up efforts to supply weapons to Taliban militants in Afghanistan,” said a senior US official who monitors Iranian activity in the region.

The secretive Quds Force, the branch of the elite Revolutionary Guard in charge of Iran’s special operations abroad, is said by the US officials to be behind the arms flow to militants in both countries. In Iraq, US special military operations as well as new diplomatic talks with Iran are focused on trying to limit the impact of Quds, US officials said. “The imperative for this exercise is to stop Iran’s lethal activities,” said a senior US official involved in Iran policy.

At US-Iran talks last Monday, the first in almost three decades, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan C Crocker, laid out what he later described as “solid evidence” of Iran’s role in arming the militant groups attacking American and Iraqi forces. “We know the Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force is the lead instrument in pursuing this policy and that they need to stop this behaviour,” Crocker said.

Iran’s goal is to prevent the return of stability in Iraq because it would be associated with an American victory, a senior administration official said. Iran is after “managed chaos” that benefits its long-term interests, according to a recent report by the independent British American Security Information Council. “Iran’s interest lies in supporting and training allies to influence their political positioning in a post-war, post-occupation Iraq.”

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\06\04\story_4-6-2007_pg7_31
===

The strange thing to me is that the Iraqi Parliamentarians seem to think that those who are trying to stop the passing of the Oil Laws are actually doing so for the good of Iraq and to protect the Iraqi's oil interests. When, in fact, it is Iran trying to use a false argument that the US will disproportionately benefit from the oil law's passage when their real motivation is to create this "managed chaos" where stability does not happen in Iraq.. That is why the Iranians are trying both directly and by proxys to influence and stop the passing of the oil laws, because that will help bring about stability by bringing more investment opportunity, employment, etc, into the country.

Sara.

-- June 3, 2007 9:46 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Empty Rhetoric?

===

Iran president sees "countdown" to Israel's end
Sun Jun 3, 2007 3:18PM EDT

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's president said on Sunday the Lebanese and the Palestinians had pressed a "countdown button" to bring an end to Israel.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who triggered outrage in the West two years ago when he said Israel should be "wiped off the map", has often referred to the destruction of the Jewish state but says Iran is not a threat.

"With God's help, the countdown button for the destruction of the Zionist regime has been pushed by the hands of the children of Lebanon and Palestine," Ahmadinejad said in a speech.

"By God's will, we will witness the destruction of this regime in the near future," he said. He did not elaborate.

The president's comments caused consternation in Israel and the West, which also fear Iran is seeking to build an atomic arsenal under cover of a civilian nuclear power programme, a charge Tehran denies.

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSBLA32653020070603

-- June 3, 2007 10:18 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

I watched the Democratic Hopefuls debate for 2-hours tonight and was disgusted with their plans for the future of this Country.

Following are a few tid-bits which I picked up on:

The entire group is dedicated to getting the troops out of Iraq.

They are for open and apparently blatent homosexuality in the Armed Forces.

They are all for some form of National Health Insurance and a couple advocated a central payer for non-profit.

Here is the biggie: They are all for making the illegal aliens-American citizens. The 12 million will become 50 million when the extended families are united with them. Noone seems to recognize that the aliens who are doing the jobs that Americans do not want to do-once the are legalized and put on the welfare rolls, they will not want to do them either. The thing that is going to be detrimental to this country is that the Democrats will get credit for legalizing them and they will vote Democratic which will eliminate the Republican Party from any future victories. The minorities will then have the power to vote themselves a myraid of benefits-which is what our forefathers warned us about.
If we don't stop legalizing illegal aliens at this juncture, then I believe the USA as we know it will be gone.

One candidate stated that over 2.2 trillian dollars of our debt is owned by countries outside the USA.
Another candidate stated that the finance Secretary briefed him and said that the unfunded debt of the USA was upward of 50 trillian dollars.

The Democrats seem to hold the better cards at this point in the election, and if they succeed in winning, then I believe that our best days are behind us.

NEIL

-- June 3, 2007 11:13 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUG

-- June 4, 2007 4:29 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

thank you sara.

-- June 4, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

What shall I say? I started posting here in late 2005 and while I agree with Roger that the names from that time until now have changed. The board is can be and is as active as you wish to make it.

I attempt to post articles that are relevant to Iraq and hence our investment in the Dinar. I will continue to do so. Carole, your continued complaints about my postings are falling on deaf ears. Why do you not post something constructive?

You have admitted on this board on several occasions you know little about Iraq and you only invested because of your realestate friends involvement. I think this communicates who the lazy one on this board is.

You are good at chastising me for posting and others for reading those articles, yet you have not the drive or the inititive to discover whether or not the Dinar is a good investment or not. You invested based upon a word of a friend without doing any research.

I have already spent to much time responding to you. I know the type of person you are and I am glad you and I have not interacted in any type of business transaction. Honestly, your character speaks that you are a person where nothing is good enough.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 9:45 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Roger. :)

Appreciate you muchly. HUGGGGGGGGGG.

Neil - I didn't see this viewpoint you express that illegal immigrants will end up on welfare and no longer contributing to the economy. That is a concern. It could be a big additional tax burden. So maybe they should put something into the legislation about the new legal Mexican-Americans not being able to receive welfare for a period of time, or only with demonstration of inability to work. It is also worth considering that maybe once these Mexican-Americans are not looking over their shoulders for the immigration officer, many will likely be eager to seek out more legitimate jobs, paying more time and attention to providing for themselves and their families with legal jobs - proudly part of the American diversity and dream. I note that there are some very good young men who have been from the Mexican community who have served in Iraq, and some have paid the highest price, having honorably stood for the red, white and blue. Others from that community are serving in Iraq even now. Seems to me once they are legally Americans one very definite possibility for them is that they can apply to the armed forces - kind of a payback for taking them in as well as bolstering the all volunteer army and so being a benefit to us all in their service to the country. And now, if ever there were a draft, they would serve in the army, too.

In general, I think that they are not all likely to be criminals, a drag on the economy or on the values and ideals of the country. The MSM, as usual, focuses on the minority criminal element, but you cannot extrapolate that to fifty MILLION people. As a whole, I expect that those fifty million will be family oriented (as you pointed out, they will bring with them their families) and also fairly good and religious people (Catholic, mainly), and grateful to their host country for taking them in and giving them legal status. I don't think it will be a terrible thing to take them in (legally). I think America will benefit.

Sara.

-- June 4, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Well said, Rob N. :)

And, you are welcome, cornish boy..
I appreciate your contributions to the board. :)

Sara.

-- June 4, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Economic report : Iraqi dinar continues to rise against the dollar, the optimistic atmosphere in a comprehensive urban renaissance in Najaf, Wasit
محسن الجابري - 03/06/2007م - 9:03 م | عدد القراء: 251Mohsen Gabri - 06/03/2007 - 21:03 | readership : 251

The Iraqi dinar began a new wave of what appears to be a rise in the dollar off the market in currency exchange in the Central Bank, are now handling dinar soon 1254 per dollar compared to last week, which was disbursed between 1270 and 1260, According to information obtained from the Ministry of Finance, the dinar will continue to rise in the dollar after the tribes that contained financial improvement of the Exchequer Iraqi improved financial reserve, which witnessed a leap improvement has not communicated since the years of embargo, The ministry's experts that Iraq consuming countries, which makes the majority of materials consumed comes to him from abroad and at the currency exchange, which would be reflected positively on the purchasing power of citizens, and despite the circumstances of terrorism, which has worked to raise the prices of many items because of banditry between markets, However, the ministry continues its policy because it believes that this would be a large fine on the citizens, particularly low-income who are now suffering from the high prices.

.According to experts, economists, Iraq can testify further economic recovery with the continuous improvement of security emergency in many areas, They argue that the government has allocated $ 10 billion to be spent investment could go back to the labor markets, services and interrelated series of interest with the market construction, architectural and subsequent transport market in the medium and interests holds great promise could be feeling its effects later in the year significantly.

But they fear that the ministries and not be able to disburse some governorates these specialties, which makes these funds frozen in the Central Bank, thus preventing the feed in the fields of development expected in the areas of improving the purchasing power of citizens.
.It is in Najaf governorate ranked first in the area of reconstruction and development, and can see it clearly in all its facilities, comes from beyond Wasit then Nasiriyah, as is the city of Amarah, Anbar ranked low in this context, mostly for reasons of security.

According to reports accredited to experience the governorate of Najaf, Wasit may witness a renaissance wide over the next two years if the current promotion of physical Palmenwal taking into account what the religious tourism that generated the two cities.

وكالة انباء براثا (واب)Pratha News Agency (father)
Translated version of http://www.burathanews.com/news_article_21324.html

-- June 4, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Mattuk:

Will you please share with us why you believe a major revaluation may occur this summer? What signs in the country point to that direction? I am quite interested in your perspective.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 10:51 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Please lend me your input on talk of a cease fire with 80% of the insurgent groups in Iraq and a draw down of our forces by December 2008. What is going on?

I am sure there are activities going on behind the scenes you and I are not aware of. Your speculations and opinions are quite welcomed. Please share them.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Contracts for the supply of French cars and modern processing directly to citizens
Date : Sunday, June 03
Page name : the latest news on the Iraqi arena
Baghdad-Ta'i A'ala
The Ministry of Commerce has concluded contracts with the French company Renault for the purpose of supplying modern cars and processing of citizens through direct sales. The director of the company car trade Abdul Karim Nouri dawn in a press statement, explaining

The company contracted with Renault SA via a private company to supply Renault trucks, as well as French-made Peugeot cars, adding that the company had exceeded the routine of selling where a citizen may only bring Mestmskath official instrument certified to be able to recognize the vehicle Ragheb buy. He pointed to the existence of an exhibition with the company contains modern types of cars from different origins and global citizen could Details on the type of processing required and the car company will surrender immediately if payment. He noted that the lifting of government support for the company and is currently working in a self-financing in collaboration with private companies for profit and as simple controls and instructed the Council of Ministers does not exceed 5% of the company, processed and not the citizen.
__________________

-- June 4, 2007 11:01 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

MAN!! Those IRANIANS play the Iraq parliamentarians like a fiddle.
They just feed them fear and the Iraqis lap it up without discernment.
They don't ever think for themselves.
"Managed chaos" indeed...
My thoughts/bracketed comments in CAPITALS (sorry, I couldn't refrain, I just hate needless deaths).

Sara.

===

Analysis: At odds with US over Iraq oil
Ben Lando
UPI Energy Correspondent
June 4, 2007

WASHINGTON -- As the Bush administration and Congress press Baghdad to pass an oil law, a parliamentarian visiting Washington wants them to back off the legislation viewed by many to be too friendly to oil companies and detrimental to Iraq.

"The people as well as all the members of parliament believe that this law is not only for robbing Iraq of its oil wealth but also for the division of Iraq," said Mohammed Al Dynee, a member of the Iraqi Front for National Dialogue's contingent in the parliament. He spoke to United Press International via a translator from Amman, Jordan, where he has meetings after spending 25 days in Washington.

President Bush has called for the passage of an oil law that equitably redistributes revenue from Iraq's oil sales back to its people. The Democrats in Congress adopted this as a benchmark that they will hold Bush to, including it in the supplemental Iraq war spending bill.

"There is an awakening among Iraqi people as well as members of parliament that this law is against our interest," Dynee said. (NO, AGAINST IRAN'S!!)

Dynee said that the proposed law has not been sent to the parliament yet because of the opposition to it. "I will certainly vote against it," he said, "and so will my party as well as a very large group of parliamentarians."

The Iraqi Front for National Dialogue is a Sunni group but describes itself as a non-sectarian coalition. The coalition has 11 seats in Iraq's 275-seat parliament, making it the fifth-largest group.

Dynee said that he is "absolutely sure we will have a majority to defeat it because the opposition is from all parties. At one point, we all thought this law was a good law, that it would do good for the Iraqi people." (GOLLY, WHAT CHANGED? OBVIOUSLY WHO YOU LISTEN TO. IRAN WORKED OVERTIME ON THIS ONE, FOLKS.)

Now, he said, there is a fear that it will open up Iraq's vast reserves - the third-largest in the world - to foreign oil companies that will be able to sign contracts controlling the respective fields for up to 30 years. He also said that the law, by giving power to regions, would end up splintering the country.

"People have started understanding that at first they believed that America had come to give them freedom and democracy," Dynee said, "and they have now started to understand that America did not come at all for that; they came for the oil, and the best proof of that is this oil law."(CAN'T THEY SEE THAT IS IRANIAN PROPAGANDA.. AND IN THE FAVOR OF IRAN ONLY?? I CANNOT BELIEVE THE GULLIBILITY OF THESE PEOPLE!! PROOF THAT AMERICA CAME FOR THE OIL IS THE OIL LAW? THEN THERE WILL NEVER BE AN OIL LAW.. WHO DOES THAT BENEFIT.. IRAQIS?? THAT IS THEIR ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME. THEY HAD NOTHING UNDER SADDAM.. NOW THEY WISH TO HAVE NOTHING NOW UNDER DEMOCRACY, TOO? ARE THEY NUTS OR WHAT? THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM NO OIL LAW SOON.. WILL BE IRAN. "MANAGED CHAOS".)

Iraq's oil law had been drafted and negotiated behind closed doors. This lack of transparency become fodder for opponents and has bolstered the claim that it was Americans and oil companies who wrote the initial draft. (EXCUSES, EXCUSES.. GOOD PROPAGANDA PLOY, IRAN. WHO SHOULD HAVE WRITTEN THE DRAFT, THE IRANIANS?? THOSE WITH NO EXPERIENCE WHO ARE IRAQIS? JUST BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN BY COMPETENT PEOPLE WHO ARE AMERICANS AND THOSE IN THE OIL SECTOR, THEN WE ARE TO BELIEVE IT IS WITH EVIL INTENT.. ?? CONSPIRACY BELIEVERS.)

Among their (IRAN'S TRUMPED UP) evidence: US Vice-President Dick Cheney's energy task force in 2001, which included a wish list for privatizing Iraq's oil; a prewar working group of the US State Department that focused on Iraq's oil sector; the US Agency for International Development's contract with McLean, VA-based consultant BearingPoint for "broad economic reform" of Iraq, including the oil sector; and a meeting organized by the US Energy Department last year in Washington between the oil minister and the heads of oil companies. (OH, HORROR OF HORRORS.. INSTEAD OF SADDAM HAVING ALL THE WEALTH - THAT IS, THE GOVERNMENT OWNING IT, THEY WANTED IT PRIVATE SECTOR AND TO BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OR IRAQ.. HOW TERRIBLE THAT THEY PLOTTED THIS EVIL.. RIGHT?)

And now, the insistence by Washington - including pressure by former US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad and during visits by Cheney and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, as well as the benchmark - to put a law on the books.

"All Iraqis seem to agree that the oil industry needs investment and it needs foreign expertise to improve that, to make that possible," said Paul Hilder, the London-based campaign director for Avaaz, a global online advocacy community. "The questions is how can that be done in such a way that the Iraqi people, who have been really the fall guys in this whole process, the victims of the last four years if not longer, how can they get the best deal out of this?"

Avaaz is collecting 100,000 signatures to a petition against the oil law, which Hilder said will be presented to Iraq's parliament by three members - a Sunni, a Shiite, and a Kurd. (ACTUALLY, SINCE THE REALITY IS THE IRANIANS WANT THIS STOPPED, THE IRAQI PEOPLE WILL SEE NONE OF IT, NOT GET A BETTER DEAL OUT OF THIS. THE DEAL WILL NOT WAIT UNTIL THE MAN ON THE STREET FEELS ALL COMFY WITH THE TERMS AND UNDERSTANDS THIS ENTIRE AREA OF LAW. NOTE THE PETITION AGAINST HAVING THE OIL LAW AT ALL.. THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ WILL GET NO DEAL OUT OF IT THIS WAY. THEY ARE BLINDED BY THEIR ENEMIES, SHEEPLE AMONG WOLVES WHO WISH TO HAVE "MANAGED CHAOS" INSTEAD OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY FOR THE IRAQI PEOPLE. THIS LACK OF BELIEF IN AMERICA WILL END IN IRAQI RUIN IF THEY FOLLOW IT. AMERICA WILL PULL OUT, AND THE IRAQIS WILL BE SLAUGHTERED TO THE TUNE OF 100,000 A MONTH. SEE: http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War#Insurgency - QUOTE: Van Hipp, Chairman and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army who said, "Unfortunately, Glenn, I believe you`re right. And I tell you, if we surrender now, I believe you will see a humanitarian catastrophe much like or even worse than the situation in Darfur right now, the death count -- and the estimate right now beginning in a few months, they could be looking at 100,000 deaths a month. HOW QUAINT, ONE SIGNATURE FOR EACH LIFE THAT WILL BE TAKEN MONTHLY IF YOU DONT DO THIS LAW AND THE DEMOCRATS TAKE POWER AND PULL OUT. SERIOUSLY, YOU ARE IN FOR A LOT OF DEATH AND TROUBLE OVER STOPPING THE OIL LAW, PARLIAMENTARIANS.)

"I don't think it changes anyone's mind who already thought that the war was about oil. I don't personally believe that it was. I think it was about political change and things like that," Rahim said. "But it is inevitably, inexorably tied to oil, because of the nature of the country. It's hard to take that apart and depoliticize the oil issue. I keep coming back to this idea that just simply pushing oil for oil's sake is no good." (NOT FOR OIL'S SAKE, FOR IRAQ'S STABILITY'S SAKE.. AS THE IRANIANS ARE WELL AWARE!! ONLY YOU DON'T SEEM TO GET IT.. CRAZY. IF THE IRAQIS CHOOSE THIS, THEN THEIR OWN BLOOD WILL BE ON THEIR HEADS FOR THIS WRONG CHOICE.. THEY CHOOSE TO SUBMIT TO THE DEATH TOLL OF THE FUTURE BY IGNORING THE WAY TO STABILITY OFFERED TO THEM - YES, BY CAPITALIST AMERICANS WHO SOUGHT TO BRING THEM DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY TO THEIR PEOPLE, BUT THEY DIDN'T TAKE IT BUT BELIEVED IN CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND SIDED WITH THE IRANIANS AND THEIR AGENTS - WHO ARE MAINLY COMMUNISTS ANYWAYS AND HATE ALL PRIVATIZATION AND BENEFIT TO THE PEOPLE - IF YOU CHECK THE PEOPLE WHO THE IRAQIS ARE LISTENING TO, THEIR CREDENTIALS. COMMUNISTS DON'T MAKE MONEY, THEY CONFISCATE OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY.. SOON TO BE IRAQ'S OIL WEALTH. AND THEY DO BLOODY REVOLUTIONS, SOON TO BE IN IRAQ IF THE IRAQIS KEEP LISTENING TO THEM AND THWART PROGRESS FOR THE COUNTRY BY ENDING THE OIL LAW, PROGRESS AND STABILITY TOO. THE IRAQIS UNDER SADDAM NEVER LEARNED ANY HISTORY?? THEIR IRRATIONAL HATRED AND MISTRUST FOR AMERICANS WILL BE THEIR UNDOING, AS THEY LISTEN TO THE IRANIAN PIED PIPERS.. DIDN'T THEY FIGHT A WAR AGAINST IRAN RECENTLY? HAVE THEY LOST ALL DISCERNMENT CONCERNING THIS ENEMY AND HOW CUNNING HE CAN BE?)

http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070604-062845-7160r

-- June 4, 2007 11:02 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Gunmen kill four Christian clerics in northern Iraq

IRBIL, June 4 (KUNA) -- Gunmen killed four Christian clergymen in the northern city of Mosul, police said on Monday.

A police source told KUNA the unknown armed elements shot dead a senior cleric, Ragheed Keni, in charge of a church in Al-Nour district in the city, and three junior priests.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=990408

-- June 4, 2007 11:05 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

NYT: JFK Plot Was Nothing To Worry About??
From the official “Paper Of Treason,” the New York Times:
Papers Portray Plot as More Talk Than Action
June 4, 2007
By MICHAEL POWELL and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM

The plot as painted by law enforcement officials was cataclysmic: A home-grown Islamic terrorist had in mind detonating fuel storage tanks and pipelines and setting fire to Kennedy International Airport, not to mention a substantial swath of Queens.

“Had the plot been carried out, it could have resulted in unfathomable damage, deaths and destruction,” Roslynn R. Mauskopf, the United States attorney in Brooklyn, said in a news release that announced charges against four men. She added at a news conference, “The devastation that would be caused had this plot succeeded are just unthinkable.”

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly then stepped to the lectern with a vision only a bit less grim.

“Once again, would-be terrorists have put New York City in their crosshairs,” he said. Mr. Kelly said a disaster had been averted.

But the criminal complaint filed by the federal authorities against the four defendants in the case — one of them, Abdel Nur, remained at large yesterday — suggests a less than mature terror plan, a proposed effort longer on evil intent than on operational capability.

(Ms. Mauskopf noted in her news release that the “public was never at risk” and told reporters that law enforcement “had stopped this plot long before it ever had a chance to be carried out.”)

At its heart was a 63-year-old retired airport cargo worker, Russell M. Defreitas, who the complaint says talked of his dreams of inflicting massive harm, but who appeared to possess little money, uncertain training and no known background in planning a terror attack.

“Capability low, intent very high,” a law enforcement official said of the suspects.

Some law enforcement officials and engineers also dismissed the notion that the planned attack could have resulted in a catastrophic chain reaction; system safeguards, they said, would have stopped explosions from spreading.

The complaint, filed in Federal District Court in Brooklyn, also suggests that at least two of the suspects had some ambivalence. One of the men was game for bombing the airport but leery about killing masses of people, the complaint says. Another dropped out of the plot for a time to tend to his business.

The suspects had ties with a dangerous Islamic group that once engineered a deadly coup attempt in Trinidad and Tobago, which was approached about underwriting a plot, but in the end, the men decided to stop courting that group and resolved to shop elsewhere overseas for financing.

No one would second-guess the authorities for pursuing and arresting suspected plotters. An enduring lesson that the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, have taught prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the danger of inaction.

But as with many post-9/11 terror plots, the line between terrible aspiration and reality can get lost in a murky haze.

In case after case, from what authorities said was a dirty bomber to the Lackawanna Six, federal prosecutors hail arrests of terrorists and disruptions of what they describe as sinister plots. But as these legal cases unfold, the true nature of the threats can come into question.

Ms. Mauskopf and Mr. Kelly declined yesterday to discuss their characterizations of the airport case. Mark J. Mershon, assistant director in charge of the F.B.I.’s New York office, also spoke at the news conference, and he said yesterday that his message was very clear:

“I believe I spoke the simple truth at the press conference: the ambitions were horrific, the capacities were very limited, but they kept trying. Their signature was their persistence.”

Neal R. Sonnett, a defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor who was chief of the criminal division in the United States attorney’s office in Miami, congratulated the F.B.I. for fine police work in what was clearly “a prosecutable case.”

But he said: “There unfortunately has been a tendency to shout too loudly about such cases.”

“It has a bit of the gang that couldn’t shoot straight to it,” Mr. Sonnett said. “It would have served the federal government well to say that.” …

===

Don’t you just love the New York Times?

The Times claims that global warming will wipe out one third of the species in the world within ten years. But they always manage to find armchair ”experts” to tell us that the dangers of these domestic terrorist plots are being grossly exaggerated. QUOTE:

In case after case, from what authorities said was a dirty bomber to the Lackawanna Six, federal prosecutors hail arrests of terrorists and disruptions of what they describe as sinister plots. But as these legal cases unfold, the true nature of the threats can come into question. (end quote)

Sure they can. Thanks to the endless disinformation from sources like the New York Times.

After all how much damage could one person do in a shopping mall?

You can read the criminal complaint filed against the four suspects here (pdf file, url below), and decide for yourself whether you think it was all talk or not.

Comments:

1) Helena

“No one would second-guess the authorities for pursuing and arresting suspected plotters.
[Except us, the NYT]
“An enduring lesson that the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, have taught prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the danger of inaction.
[But that is precisely what we are advocating in this piece.]
“But as with many post-9/11 terror plots, the line between terrible aspiration and reality can get lost in a murky haze.”
[So we really would prefer that law enforcement would sit on their hands until AFTER an attack actually happens, then we can slam them more effectively.]

Great Day In The Morning! Do I really have to live in the same country with people who WANT to be attacked? What if instead of an FBI plant (thank you, FBI) they had contacted someone who could make their “ambitions” a reality? I hope this wakes NYT readers up. If their circulation is not in a death spiral after this piece, it ought to be.

2) AuntieAM

Yes, there do seem to be some who want to see us not only attacked, but subjugated. Why, I can’t fathom–blind hatred of the President and/or conservatives perhaps, but if so, can’t they see they are literally (not figuratively) cutting off their own noses to spite their faces??

And yet, they keep doing what they can to help the enemy, sometimes to the point of donating funds to the “insurgents” in Iraq and calling on the ACLU to assist those we do catch red-handed.

This is a country I don’t often recognize these days.

3) wardmama4

I can’t believe that people can listen to what is coming out of the mouths of terrorists - and see this plan, Ft Dix Six, etc back to what (1972) and still say that there is nothing to worry about.

Take a brief look at Isreal for the past, oh say just 25 years to see how often and how awful everyday life is for the country due to the actions of terrorists and terrorist sponsoring states that border them.

They have no right to deny Facts and Reality to jeopardize my life, my country and the future for my children and grandchildren - They are advocating the destruction of America. Plain. And. Simple.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/nyt-jfk-plot-was-nothing-to-worry-about

-- June 4, 2007 12:03 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Prediction

OK, I am willing to make a prediction. As long as President Bush is the President of the United States of America there will be no successful terrorist attack on US soil.. because the Lord is watching over his Administration and if the Lord keeps the nation, it cannot be successfully attacked.

Psa 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.

And since it is the LORD who is keeping the nation (not the city, the principle is there, though) through President Bush, there will be no successful terrorist attack on US soil under his Administration. President Bush will not have to use the powers he just created to deal with a devastating attack mentioned in the news recently - but it was a smart move for him to do for the next President.

It will be needed if it is a Democrat.

Sara.

-- June 4, 2007 12:56 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Sara, maybe its all subjective, and it all depends on your definition of "successfull terrorist attack", but for my money that bet has already been lost.

9-11 was under Mr. Bush's watch and in my view I would call that a "successfull terroris attack".

Hope you didn't wager all of your New Iraqi Monopoly Money Dinars on this bet.

-- June 4, 2007 2:59 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

The original date for passage was to be the end of May. Since that passage did not occur and from your estimation are we now looking at July before passage of the oil law?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Anthony R;

There is a saying.. "Trust in God, but row for shore."

What it means is.. when a boat sinks and you are in the lifeboat, you trust God, but you don't sit there twiddling your thumbs.
You row for shore.

In the same way, you cannot say "God will protect us" after a terrorist attack and then do NOTHING to protect the nation. President Bush inherited the situation which led to 911. He'd barely sat in the chair when 911 happened, and it was an unexpected event, like a boat sinking. Since then he has done everything humanly possible to prevent another attack. Those measures, coupled with the superintendence of the Good Lord (which is indispensable to success).. will keep America safe for the rest of his watch - and whether you believe it is a bit like whether you believe there is a God - it cannot change what is reality. The people may blame him for the Patriot Act and other measures he has taken, but you will note that all we are seeing is foiled plots. Think that would be so under someone who wouldn't pray or row for shore? I think we need both for it to work, and the evidence is.. we have both, not just one.

Sara.

-- June 4, 2007 3:19 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

I agree with the President on his decision to go into Iraq, I vehemently disagree with his immigration policy.

He threatens the very security of these United States he is attempting to stem off with this misguided aim to make 12 million illegal aliens legal citizens.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 3:59 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

That most recent article I just posted says within two months.. however, there is a deadline given to the Iraqis and that is the end of June. I do think that has been made clear to them. The Iraqis set ... and then did not meet, the May 31 deadline. There was no consequence to that deadline passing. However, there is a consequence to not dealing with this by the end of June. Consequences tend to provoke action. Let us review.. March this year:

Iraqi Leader Fears Ouster Over Oil Money
Mar 13, 2007
By STEVEN R. HURST

BAGHDAD (AP) - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fears the Americans will torpedo his government if parliament does not pass a law to fairly divvy up the country's oil wealth among Iraqis by the end of June, close associates of the leader told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Compounding al-Maliki's fears about a withdrawal of American support were visits to Saudi Arabia by two key political figures in an admitted bid to win support for a major Iraqi political realignment. Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. ally and oil supplier.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a Shiite Muslim, flew to the Saudi capital Tuesday, a day after the arrival there of Masoud Barzani, leader of Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdish region. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims.

"Allawi is there to enlist support for a new political front that rises above sectarian structures now in place," the former prime minister's spokesman, Izzat al-Shahbandar, told the AP.

The al-Maliki associates said U.S. officials, who they would not name, told the prime minister that President Bush was committed to the current government but continued White House support depended on positive action on all the benchmarks - especially the oil law and sectarian reconciliation - by the close of this parliamentary session June 30.

"Al-Maliki is committed to meeting the deadline because he is convinced he would not survive in power without U.S. support," one of the associates said.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070314/D8NRL91G0.html

Sooo.. we see Mr. Maliki has a deadline given to him with, I believe, some teeth in it?
How is that going? Let us forward to May 22.... see this article?

Bush calls for national reconciliation in Baghdad's press
Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
By Saad Obeid

Baghdad, May 22, (VOI) - Iraqi newspapers on Tuesday highlighted the calls made by U.S. President George W. Bush for different Iraqi factions to achieve national reconciliation and economic reconstruction and enforce the rule of law in Iraq, while stressing his country's support for the Iraqi government's efforts to promote stability and security and to press ahead with the political process.

The government-funded al-Sabah newspaper said that during a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki yesterday, Bush reiterated U.S. support for the current Iraqi government, led by al-Maliki, for making progress at the political and security levels. The newspaper quoted al-Maliki as saying, "It is necessary to ensure effective cooperation and coordination between the Iraqi forces and the Multi-National Force (MNF) for clamping down on outlaws and eliminating terrorist groups."
Under a front-page headline reading, 'Religion scholars against sedition in an expanded conference,' the newspaper wrote, "In a meeting held yesterday in Baghdad, a number of (Iraqi) religious scholars agreed to invite top religious clerics and men of religion in Najaf and Karbala to an expanded conference, scheduled to be held in early June, 2007 in Iraq."

Al-Mada newspaper, an independent daily, published front-page headlines that read, 'Unexpected contacts with Sadrists and Iraqi Islamic Party's stance still ambiguous' and 'Allawi optimistically forecasts regional and Arab support for an overthrow of al-Maliki's government.' According to the newspaper, former prime minister and leader of the Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, called on all members of the list to quit al-Maliki's government in protest over the deteriorating political situation in Iraq, in a step described by political observers and analysts as a prelude to an overthrow of the current government.

http://66.111.34.180/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=46606&NrIssue=2&NrSection=1

I believe if Maliki does not deliver on the Oil law, his government is finished. There are teeth to this, and that makes things work. There has to be measurable progress and as I pointed out today, those who are influenced by Iran cannot stall the negotiations forever. At some point, the Iraqis have to say they have had enough time to do this law. Think about it.. what do they do other than drink tea in those sessions? If it were a Western enterprise, surely an agreement agreeable to all sides would have come out of this already? This isn't impossible - it is a business agreement!!... and one of the kind given and taken every day all across the world with other governments. What makes them so special their agreements cannot work? This is only interference from Iran.. and it will have an end to it by the end of this month or the government of Maliki will be replaced. I think carrot (oil revenues) and stick (no progress in your country cannot go on forever.. do something or we will replace you) will work. And if Allawi gets into power.. what will be his first act? Likely the passing of the oil law, with the RV? I think he is a can-do kind of man.. but what a disgrace will forever besmirch Maliki that he could not do what Allawi did in no time once he got into power, thus proving what we suspected all along.. Maliki is allied with Iran and is one of their agents. Don't you think Iran will let Maliki do this rather than risk losing their pawn and handhold from power? It would change the entire "losing" scenerio they have going over there, wouldn't it? I think the enemy has their back to the wall, and will have to give. Remember, Sadr and his boys take their orders from Iran.. if Iran says ok to preserve Maliki, the measure will pass. If not, Allawi gets in and HE will do it instead and Iran loses their friend and pawn. Remember, Maliki warned them to flee to Iran:

Iraqi PM advices Mahdi Army leaders to hide in Iran, leaked letter
2/20/2007 KurdishMedia.com

London (KurdishMedia.com) 20 February 2007: The Iraqi Prime Minister advised the Mahdi Army leaders to hide in Iran, revealed a leaked letter from the office of the prime minister and posted online by the Kurdish website peyamner on Tuesday.

A letter issued by the office of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki, with the coordination of the Iraqi National Security Advisor, Muwaffaq al-Rabii, advices Muqtada al-Sadir to hide the leaders of his militants, the Mahdi Army, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in case they are “arrested or killed by the American forces”. Al-Maliki, in his letter states, “The current situation requires to keep the leaders of the Mahdi Army, who are affiliated to the organisation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, away from the front line.”

The letter, dated 14 January 2007 and signed by Iraqi Prime Minister, is written after a telephone conversation between Muqtada al-Sadir and the Iraqi Prime Minister. The Iraqi National Security Advisor, Muwaffaq al-Rabii appears to be part of the operation. The letter is classified as confidential, private and immediate.

The letter states the name of 11 leaders of the Mahdi Army who have links with the Islamic Guards and who are advised by the office of the Prime Minister to leave to Iran. They are: Abas al-Kufi, Amir Muhsin Khwja, salim Hussein, Azhar al-Maliki, al-Shiekh Farhan al-Sayidi (Najaf), Fadhil al-Sarii (the adviser of the Prime Minister), Riyadh al-Nuri (Najaf), Ali al-Firtusi, Hayidar al-Araji, Ahmad al-Darraji and Amir al-Sayidi.

The letter is copied to the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad, the leadership of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and the office of al-Sadir.

Click here for the letter: Iraqi PM letter to Mahdi Army: http://peyamner.com/filesbank/img/200207035424.JPG

http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=14098
(end quote)

What will they do if the next person in power isn't so friendly?

Sara.

-- June 4, 2007 3:59 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

I hate to read of your diminished role on this board. It does not seem right you become a bystander rather than a participant. I think your insights expressed on Iraq has value for the rest of the group.

While intersts and direction change, please do not go to long without checking in and saying hello.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 4:53 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

PS That is just what I gleaned from the news..
I haven't prayed about it, but I think
there are such forces in play which will somehow cause the RV to happen soon.

Sara.

-- June 4, 2007 5:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

There is nothing in my actions that I have to defend to you or anyone else. You made a direct reference to those who read the articles posted by Sara, Cornishboy, and myself as lazy.

My reference to your lack of knowledge about the Dinar was not an inuendo, you admitted not knowing anything about the investment save for what you received from your realestate friend.

I take your comments as just being next in line for your brand of criticism. Unfortunately, I am still waiting for you to post something constructive. I am afraid I will be waiting a long time.

Carole, to leave or not to leave is a choice made by each person. Regardless of the amount of articles that are posted those can be ignored and spirited discussion can go forth.

I think the three of us are being scapegoats to be sacrificed for your own lack of meaningful participation.
Shock and Awe us all Carole with post containing your thoughts or concepts about the Iraqi Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 4, 2007 5:41 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

ALL:

One last parting thought, posed as a trivia question:

What do you all think will "hit" first------the Dinar or Russian missles on a US territory?

Carole

-- June 4, 2007 5:52 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob:

My thoughts about the Dinar are concurrent with Roger's last post. But I doubt that you will understand it.

Carole

-- June 4, 2007 5:56 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

You asked me to give my opinion on the June RV scenerio, and so I did. But I hadn't really put it into words yet.. and it was a bit half baked. I do think there is a deadline, and that the US has patience which is becoming very thin. They have said as much many times over. I think if Maliki is not able to accomplish the oil law by the end of June it is likely his government will lose US backing and Allawi, who has a lot of credibility in the Middle East, may step in to fill that void of leadership. As for the other one about Maliki being an agent of Iran.. well.. it is in the realm of "conspiracy theories" - I realize. Carl had mentioned something about it and it stuck with me.. about their interests being primary. Also, in the news, the Iranians have been coveting contracts for the oil of Iraq, and also sending in bombs to destroy the US troops.. they are obviously the enemy. Yet the Iraqis are in diplomatic relations with them and often seem to be quite sympathetic to them.. so that caused me to be suspicious that there could be more to it than mere diplomacy. Also, if you remember, I had a certain dream about spiritual forces behind this Iraqi government and those forces (not Maliki) are definitely aligned with Iran, not the US.

The website whose article I quoted could be a "rag" like the National Inquirer.. only Iraqi style. I'm referring to the one about Maliki warning the Sadr movement and those allied with Iran interests to flee, I mean. It was obscure as a reference, and now you cannot get there anymore. Not sure it was true or not.. So he may not be a concious and intentional agent of Iran.. and that part of the post could be incorrect, I admit. But the benchmarks, date set and inflexibility of the US position.. I think is correct. There IS an end of June deadline.. and I expect that it is a real one the US will enforce. By that I mean they may just give up on Maliki's ability to go ahead and do anything if he cannot deliver this by then. In which case, they stop supporting Maliki and move toward helping his rivals to power (like Allawi and the rest of the region who seem to think Maliki's days are numbered, from the accounts I have read). We will have to see.. but June is a very promising month for some movement on the question.. and the gentleman who spoke today which I quoted... who said the Oil law will be within two months.. doesn't seem to reckon with this deadline at all. Which makes me wonder.. do we make and break deadlines so easily? endlessly? I think it puzzling.. so I will keep looking for clues. :)

Sara.
PS
I have stepped on a cat's tail..
it reacts very similarly to certain other persons on this blog lately..
with hissing and spitting.. and all kinds of yowling. :)

-- June 4, 2007 6:35 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Good post Sara, I concurr with you on that dead line,end of june is supposed to be crunch time, on the HC law and I beleive the FI Law. Theres talk of a new iraqi national oil company being started up to over see the oil issue To many countries like India, china, Russia are far too keen to get a slice of there oil, stacks of meetings must of taken place,also the ISX and banking are getting up and running, and I believe there own national oil company is going to get a better deal...

-- June 4, 2007 8:55 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

Let's stop all this nonsense about leaving the blog. I read everything that is posted and Carole, I find your posts to be very educational and full of common-sense so please don't let someone's disparaging remarks run you away.

Roger, we need you and I believe that everyone appreciates you, so move this blog back up on your priority list.

Sara, I have the utmost respect for your and your eloquent replies to my posts that I usually tuck my tail and shut up but this time you are wrong on these illegal aliens. The USA is a nation of laws and when someone breaks our law by sneaking across our border, then they are a criminal. Just because they are able to get into this Country by some hook or crook, they should not be rewarded by being given a legal status and entitlements to all the rights and benefits of a US citizen.

I would be amicable to raising the number of immigrants who are legalized in this country each year but not just any Yahoo who can get here by some devious means.

Just one mans' opinion but I enjoy this blog much more when we have interaction and personal comments even though they may be a little harsh at times.

-- June 4, 2007 11:15 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Carol,
I'm with Neil on this one. You've done good to bring a little fire back to the board again, although I must say it does bother me when people start judging your soul. We should realize that a lack of commentary, and discussion, has also contributed to increasing cut & paste articles. You leaving is only hurting those of us who enjoy listening to the speakers on this board. Just do like I do and skim through all that stuff and read what you find interesting, and don't worry about it. Some people like those post, and find it very informative they say. Some people watch congressional TV too. Some people read the entire newspaper. Some only read the headlines, or the sports, classifieds, opinions, business, but we can't leave any of it out. On this board it seems one section is always trying to force another out.

Roger,
I always read your posts. Don't always agree with you, but do enjoy your bits just the same. Look forward to your next one.

Kevin,
Can we get a new page up in here! We're overdue.

-- June 5, 2007 4:17 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi army kills Al-Qaeda leader in Baghdad

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

05 June 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi soldiers have killed a senior Al-Qaeda leader in a clash inside one of Baghdad's historic Sunni quarters, military spokesman Brigadier General Qassim Atta said Monday.

"He was from Al-Qaeda, they called him the 'Governor of Adhamiyah'," Atta told AFP. "He was killed during clashes with the 11th Division's first brigade this morning, and 11 of his aides were arrested."

Adhamiyah is a Sunni enclave in north Baghdad, a cluster of streets around an historic mosque surrounded by a US-built concrete security barriers and hostile Shiite districts roamed by militia fighters.

Atta said the alleged Al-Qaeda chieftain was an Iraqi citizen known as Abu Abdullah al-Adhab -- "Abu Abdullah with the crippled arm."

Abdullah's death is the second reported killing of an Al-Qaeda street captain since last week, when nationalist insurgents in the Sunni suburb of Amiriyah violently turned against Al-Qaeda's Islamists.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 5, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, mattuk, very encouraging post, I appreciate it. :)

Neil - You may be right.. I don't have a set opinion on the question yet, myself. Those who live near such people who have spoken to me swear they all up the crime rate.. not a good thing. But that would be true of a minority within that population, too. I do not trust the main stream media. If they are for it.. there is likely something wrong with it. They are no friend of God, only of worldliness, idolatry, and infamous evils which are against the functioning of society as God ordained it to run. They literally are the spokesmen of "the world" which the Bible says is an enemy of God. They ridicule and defame Christ and His Word, and attack those who seek to serve Him or uphold His ways and laws. So when they say one thing and the President says another.. it does make me wonder and pay attention. Truth is not always easy to discern. I note that it is President Bush who is pushing for this against the skeptics.. and he says, quote:

Bush chastised those who say the proposal offers amnesty to illegal immigrants. He called it empty political rhetoric.

Yet.. is that not the EXACT argument that you are using.. that it offers amnesty to illegal immigrants?
If Bush is right.. then that is not the real issue or concern, but a red herring detracting from the real concern.

===

Bush Confronts Immigration Deal Skeptics
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
By BEN FELLER, Associated Press Writer

GLYNCO, Ga. — President Bush attacked opponents of an immigration deal Tuesday, suggesting they "don't want to do what's right for America."

"The fundamental question is, will elected officials have the courage necessary to put a comprehensive immigration plan in place," Bush said against a backdrop of a huge American flag.

He described his proposal _ which has been agreed to by a bipartisan group of senators _ as one that "makes it more likely we can enforce our border _ and at the same time uphold the great immigrant tradition of the United States of America."

Bush spoke at the nation's largest training center for law enforcement.

He chose the get-tough setting as conservative critics blast a Senate proposal as being soft on people who break the law. Hoping to blunt that message, Bush emphasized that any new options for immigrants and foreign workers would not start until tougher security is in place.

Bush repeatedly cast the matter as one of political courage.

"Those determined to find fault with this bill will always be able to look at a narrow slice of it and find something they don't like," the president said. "If you want to kill the bill, if you don't want to do what's right for America, you can pick one little aspect out of it.

"You can use it to frighten people," Bush said. "Or you can show leadership and solve this problem once and for all."

The bill would give temporary legal status to millions of unlawful immigrants, provided they came forward, paid a fine and underwent criminal background checks. To apply for a green card, they would have to pay another fine, learn English, return to their home country and wait in line.

The plan also would create a guest worker program. It would allow foreign laborers to come to the U.S. for temporary stints, yet with no guarantee they can eventually gain citizenship.

Both the new visa plan and the temporary worker program are contingent on other steps coming first. Those include fencing and barriers along the Mexico border, the hiring of more Border Patrol agents and the completion of an identification system to verify employees' legal status.

The legislation would also reshape future immigration decisions. A new point system would prioritize skills and education over family in deciding who can immigrate.

Bush chastised those who say the proposal offers amnesty to illegal immigrants. He called it empty political rhetoric.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007May29/0,4670,Bush,00.html

Is it really just the MSM playing on our fears of tons of illegal criminals.. when the issue is a crisis to do with a community of people who have nowhere to go and are seeking to better their lives, as all immigrants we know are doing?

Note the checks and balances President Bush says he will have in place.. it is not a free for all for criminals, is it?

Valerio - I liked your idea of the blog being like a newspaper.. you can scroll for the section you want, skim the headlines, or read it all... but the contributions are all worth keeping in the paper. Well said, thank you. :)

Sara.

-- June 5, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq police shoot female bomber in foiled attack
05 Jun 2007 12:34:25 GMT
Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, June 5 (Reuters) - A female suicide bomber's explosives-packed belt blew up when she was shot by police on Tuesday as she tried to attack a Baghdad recruitment centre, Iraqi officials said.

"Police killed a terrorist wearing an explosives belt. She was targeting the recruitment centre," an Iraqi Defence Ministry statement said.

The woman was wearing a traditional black abaya, or full-length cloak, under which the suicide belt was hidden, police said.

She refused orders to stop as she approached the Interior Ministry recruitment centre in Sadr al-Qanat in northern Baghdad, police said.

Police fired several shots into the air but she still would not stop, so officers fired directly at her. The belt she was wearing detonated when she was hit.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B571799.htm

-- June 5, 2007 10:07 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Gates Gives Gentle Prod to Iraq
By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer
June 5, 2007

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates gave the Iraqi government a gentle prod Tuesday to move faster toward political reconciliation during the American troop buildup in Baghdad.

"We would certainly be happier if there were faster progress on the political front," Gates told reporters during a joint news conference with Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov. He noted that the Iraqis had missed a May 31 deadline for passing a hydrocarbons law -- one of many political obstacles yet to be overcome.

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, meanwhile, said it was too early to judge whether the U.S. counterinsurgency push, which required the addition of about 30,000 extra U.S. troops, is working. "We haven't even started the surge, the full surge, yet so I'll answer that in September," when he is scheduled to report to Washington on the operation, he said.

"In about two weeks or so we'll have all of the forces for the surge, all the combat forces, on the ground and you're going to see the launch of a number of different operations in a number of areas to go after al-Qaida and other extremist elements," Petraeus said in an interview aired Tuesday on CBS' "The Early Show."

Since the troop buildup began in January, the U.S. casualty rate has increased substantially.

"General Petraeus has been pretty clear from the beginning that this was going to be a difficult process," Gates said.

Gates applauded the effort of Iraqi security forces, saying they are suffering casualties at twice the rate of U.S. forces.

"Their willingness to fight and die for their country is not in doubt," he said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/ats-ap_intl12jun05,1,1814695.story?coll=sns-ap-topinternational&ctrack=1&cset=true

Gen. David Petraeus said it was too early to judge whether the U.S. counterinsurgency push is working.

Note that the top US commander in Iraq says it is too early to judge whether the counterinsurgency push is working.
Since the MSM is full of armchair skeptics saying it won't work.. from civilians through to those retired from the military...
it is worth noting and remembering these words from the man whose job it is, rather than his detractors.
Note he says, "We haven't even started the surge, the full surge, yet.." and he doesn't even have the full combat forces
on the ground to START the surge.. "In about two weeks or so we'll have all of the forces for the surge.."
yet the skeptics highlighted throughout the MSM all say this won't, isn't.. can't.. (etc) work...

A prejudice, perhaps?

It should be noted the rush to judgement here touted in the mainstream media is at best very, very hasty.
Irresponsible is another word for it, considering those laying down their lives to ensure its success.
But we all know how the MSM supports the troops and their mission.. don't we?

Sara.

-- June 5, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yesterday I apologised for thinking the Iraqi PM Maliki could possibly be more leaning toward Iran than looking after his own country's good.. Today, I read that Egypt also accused them of that, with resulting anger from the Iraqis as they protested that they were loyal to the country of Iraq. But when they don't make progress (such as on reconciliation or the oil laws) and it is in IRAN'S best interest that they make no progress.. it does make you wonder.

===
Iraq's Sunni Vice President Starts Egypt Visit
Monday, June 04, 2007

CAIRO, Egypt — Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi, was in Egypt Monday to seek help from the Arab region's most populous country to stabilize his strife-torn country.

Al-Hashimi, who is making his first visit to Cairo since he was picked for the job last year, is scheduled to meet President Hosni Mubarak and have talks with Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and other top Egyptian officials. He is also expected to meet with the Arab League's chief Amr Moussa and Sheik Mohammed Seyed Tantawi, Egypt's top Muslim cleric.

Like other Sunni Arab nations, Egypt has expressed worries about the rise of power by Iraq's majority Shiites after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion which ended the Sunni-dominated regime of Saddam Hussein.

Mubarak angered Iraqi leaders in 2005 by saying Shiites in Iraq and across the Middle East are more loyal to Iran than to their own countries...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,277660,00.html?sPage=fnc.world/iraq

-- June 5, 2007 10:43 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq : Basra with huge oil wealth
Rocks containing more than 65 billion barrels

Source : House life-04/06/2007

A researcher oil Ahmad Husseini said geological studies «in Iraq showed that about 530 complex geology of the good prospects for oil, and drilling about 115 so far been gas reserves are estimated at about 3.111 billion barrels of oil, and 415 remain subject requiring exploration». He pointed out that «reserves estimated in the 415 subject undiscovered for various reasons over 215 billion barrels». He believed that the provincial and district rich in oil «dominate in the future nearly two thirds of Iraq's oil result».

He Husseini in a symposium organized by the University of Babylon on the oil, gas and hosted by experts in the economy and oil, that oil reserves in Iraq «parallel discovered reserves in Saudi Arabia which is today the first product in the world». He pointed out that producing fields now «concentrated in the provinces of Basra and Kirkuk, in exchange for the production of a few other fields located in the provinces of Misan, Baghdad, Salahaddin and Diyala and Mosul». He pointed out «presence fields discovered and developed deployed in most Iraqi provinces except four are : Qadisiyah and Babil and Anbar, Dohuk».

The expert noted that the Iraqi province of Basra «holds the largest oil wealth in Iraq, referring to the statistical data it has 15 gas fields, including 10 producers, and is still awaiting development, and production. It also contains rocks in these fields to keep oil over 65 billion barrels constituting about 59% of total Iraqi oil reserve. It also represents the oil reserve to the provinces of Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan 79400 billion barrels, or 71% of the total reserve in the country ».

He pointed out that these figures mean that «the bulk of the oil reserve is concentrated in the south and around Kirkuk in the estimated 13450 billion barrels constituting about 12% of total reserve of Iraqi oil. The Kurdistan region contains 3160 billion barrels, or 3% of the total ».

-- June 5, 2007 1:54 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I hope you realize once the Dinar is either revalued or placed on the foreign exchange market you will be ashamed of yourself for picking fights and generally being a malcontent.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 5, 2007 3:16 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Sara,

I suggest you get your hands on the new proposed immigration law, so you can have the facts first hand before you start to give your opinion.

Did you know that there is only fines and contigencies IF an illegal immigrant
(once made "legal" for residency, if this law passes)decides to seek citizenship? Otherwise, they live here free and have almost all resources available to them. The things that they can not do
( at least at this point in time, are things like vote or hold office, etc. etc.)

So you can count on the fact that all these contingencies are mere political tactics to let the genteral ignorant public have their heart strings pulled on to gived the illegal ammensty.

Once this is accomplished, the liberals will start all the multitude of programs to move them toward citizenship and start to eliminate the facade of contigencies now stated in this perposterious law.

Now the BIG question: Why is Bush behind this?

Well there are many possible answers. I think he is looking down the road and trying to protedt the furture of the Republican Party.

I also thin k he sees that we are too far down the road to really turn back and send 12 million people home. IF this ever became a mandate, and the process started, it would shut down the governement in a matter of days, not to mention an all out civil war here in California and probably a few more states here in the west and mid west.

Also, he didn't create this problem and why would or should he go down as the one who insitgated war with Mexico?

Of course everyone ( the majority of red blooded Americans) are pissed at the mess we find ourselves in.

But we are reaping what we have sowed by not taking active roles over the last 25 years to elect the right leaders and demand the rule of law be followed.

Now it is like closing the barn door after the horse has been let out.

The better solution is to start from NOW! NO NEW LAWS! JUST ENFORCE WHAT WE HAVE!!

Start closing options tothe illegal, like making English mandatory. Shuting down SOcial Security benefits and Medicaid benefits. Set up a separate healthcare ministry for illegals only, equivalent to the services they would get from their own country. Fine and/or close down businesses that hire illegals.

And I'm sure there are many other deterents that could bring this problem into a realistic perspective.

As citizens we must not employ the help of illegals. Some say that Americans will never cooperate with this. I disagree. When there is a water shortage, we all stop watering our driveways....

When a pediophile moves into our neighborhood, look at the outcry of protest that goes on.
Well, criminal activity is going on in every community and we are closing our eyes to it. Start reporting illegals to the authorities. Call your congressmen everyday. Be willing to visibly support your views.

Let us put shame and disgrace back into our vocabulary.

IT IS SHAMEFUL TO DEFRAUD ANY SOCIETY OR COMMUNITY! IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RESIDE IN A COUNTRY ILLGEALLY. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HAVE FAKE IDENTIFICATION MADE,,,ETC,,,

By the way Sara--have you ever tried to buy property in Mexico?

Try it sometime, it will make your blood boil.

Bottom line, we have given a very wrong message to Mexico for decades. To change our song now will take the right leadership.

Now I know you will immediately ask " what would Jesus do?"

Well, Jesus was born in Bethehem because his parents were following the edict that required everyone to go to their own land for census count.

Jesus admonished his followers to "render unto Cesear what is Cesears. Displaying His attitude toward obeying the law.

Paul exhorts followers of Jesus to be blamless and follow the laws of the land... and I could go on and on...

SO spiritualizing immigration can only mean enforcing the laws of the land, apart from the obvious tug that this does to the human heart. Satan delights to tug at our heart, for this causes us to compromise right from wrong, truth from error.

The other possibility to the problem is to do what Ronald Reagan suggested 25 years ago.... give Mexico California, from Santa Barbara, south. He was dead serious, even though everyone thought he was jesting. And his publicists squelched his comments as "Joking".

There are no easy answers for these very tough times, but the new proposed immigration law will just compound the problem and put our economical and social demise in a fast forward mode.

Carole

-- June 5, 2007 6:19 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

Carole:

That was absolutely beautiful.

Our current politically correct society has most everyone in the frame of mind to just go along and get along and not find fault with anything lest they be a branded a racist, a gay hater, or a cold hearted ignorant bastard.

I have a problem with gays, but if they will stay away from me I can tolorate them.
I really like Mexicans but I do not like illegal Mexicans.
What I am advocating is that migrant workers be given some type of work visa but all other illegals be barred from working legally and this has to be done by coming down hard on the Employer and stopping him from hiring illegals.

I saw one estimate that stated that illegals draw out $20,000 per year more than they contribute.

Pat Buchanan stated that you can put lipstick on a hog but it is still a pig. The current immigration bill is amnesty and you may be assured that 5 years from now every one of the 12 million and their extended families will be full fledged citizens of the USA, if this bill is enacted.

It would be great if we took all the impoverished people in the world and brought them here and put them on our welfare rolls which would entail subsidized housing, food stamps, medicaid, monthly check and for those who work the Earned Income Benefit.

I do subscribe to the idea of bringing immigrants in who can contribute something, in large
numbers.

Ted Kennedy is pushing this immigration bill-what greater reason can you find for being against it?

-- June 5, 2007 11:32 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

This is why we need to secure our borders

Terrorists Use Mexico to Enter U.S.
Jim Meyers
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Counterterrorism authorities have come to fear that the porous U.S.-Mexico border provides entry into the United States, not only for illegal aliens, but for Islamic terrorists as well.
And these same Islamic terrorists may also be using Mexico as the conduit to bring nuclear devices into the U.S. for a WMD attack. These are among the chilling disclosure from Paul L. Williams, author of the just-released book "The Day of Islam: The Annihilation of America and the Western World."
According to Williams, al-Qaida has already hatched plans to smuggle nuclear materials across the Mexican border and use them for a mammoth simultaneous attack on several large U.S. cities.
Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups began infiltrating Mexico in the days after 9/11. By 2003, Canadian intelligence officials and Interpol told Mexican President Vincente Fox that al-Qaida had established several cells in Mexico to prepare for the next terrorist attacks, Williams tells readers.
Meanwhile hundreds of Tzozil Indians in southern Mexico converted to Islam and reportedly became involved in subversive activities. By 2004, al-Qaida cells were in place in northern Mexico and a large cell of Hezbollah was in Tijuana, on the U.S. border of California. The Muslim radicals enlisted the aid of Latino gangs, including Mara Salvatrucha, to help them slip across the border.
According to Williams, the going rate for such service was from $30,000 to $50,000, but it included a bogus matricular consular, an official ID card issued by the Mexican government that enables Mexican nationals in the U.S. to obtain drivers licenses and open bank accounts.
Steve McCraw, assistant director of the FBI's Office of Intelligence, told the House Judiciary Committee in June 2003:
"The ability of foreign nationals to use the matricular consular provides an opportunity for terrorists to move freely within the United States without triggering name-based watch lists that are disseminated to local police officials."
Mexico has also become a conduit for aliens from terror-sponsoring states, known as "special-interest aliens," or SIAs. By 2006, a popular entry route from Mexico into Arizona was littered with "discarded Muslim prayer rugs, pages from the Quran, instructions in Arabic on how to cross the Rio Grande, and beverage boxes with Farsi and Arabic letters," writes Williams, a seasoned investigative reporter and former FBI consultant.
Due to a lack of detention facilities, those SIAs that are apprehended — who have numbered in the thousands in recent years — are released from custody after receiving hearing dates from immigration judges. Fewer than 5 percent actually show up for their hearing. The rest simply vanish.
Texas Rep. Solomon Ortiz, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness, said the release of Middle Easterners with possible links to al-Qaida is "very, very scary and members of Congress know about this."
In April 2004, the FBI arrested al-Qaida operative Mohammed Junaid Babar, after he returned to New York City from a terrorist summit meeting in Pakistan. He told interrogators that al-Qaida was preparing a nuclear attack on American cities. He also said the terrorists were relying on Latino gangs, most notably Mara Salvatrucha, to transport the operatives, along with nuclear supplies, across the U.S.-Mexican border.
Another captured terrorist later confirmed Babar's account. And both men said the plot was being directed by Adnan el-Shukrijumah, the man profiled in a NewsMax story last week — whom Williams calls "the most dangerous person in the Western world."

-- June 6, 2007 7:14 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole, Neil and Chris.. all good points.
I have been so long on the Dinar I haven't looked into it, really.
Your points are well taken. I wasn't expressing a set view on the question..
just my thoughts from what I have read, and throwing it out there for discussion.
Thanks for the views you expressed, I will take it under advisement. :)

Sara.

-- June 6, 2007 8:10 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Realists on Iraq
6/5/2007

By DAN SENOR
June 5, 2007; Page A23

During Sunday night's Democratic presidential debate, the candidates cited an oft-repeated source of the mess in Iraq: The White House's refusal to heed knowledgeable advice.

Indeed, it has often been said that the president got into Iraq because he disregarded advice from the true regional experts: foreign-policy "realists" who put together the Gulf War I coalition and counseled President George H.W. Bush against regime change; "moderate" Sunni Arab Governments; and the U.S. intelligence community.

But what if today these groups were actually advising against an American withdrawal?

Consider Brent Scowcroft, dean of the Realist School, who openly opposed the war from the outset and was a lead skeptic of the president's democracy-building agenda. In a recent Financial Times interview, he succinctly summed up the implication of withdrawal: "The costs of staying are visible; the costs of getting out are almost never discussed. If we get out before Iraq is stable, the entire Middle East region might start to resemble Iraq today. Getting out is not a solution."

And here is retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, former Centcom Commander and a vociferous critic of what he sees as the administration's naïve and one-sided policy in Iraq and the broader Middle East: "When we are in Iraq we are in many ways containing the violence. If we back off we give it more room to breathe, and it may metastasize in some way and become a regional problem. We don't have to be there at the same force level, but it is a five- to seven-year process to get any reasonable stability in Iraq."

A number of Iraq's Sunni Arab neighbors also opposed the war as well as the U.S. push for liberalizing the region's authoritarian governments. Yet they now backchannel the same two priorities to Washington: Do not let Iran acquire nukes, and do not withdraw from Iraq.

A senior Gulf Cooperation Council official told me that "If America leaves Iraq, America will have to return. Soon. It will not be a clean break. It will not be a permanent goodbye. And by the time America returns, we will have all been drawn in. America will have to stabilize more than just Iraq. The warfare will have spread to other countries, governments will be overthrown. America's military is barely holding on in Iraq today. How will it stabilize 'Iraq Plus'?" (Iraq Plus is the term that some leaders in Arab capitals use to describe the region following a U.S. withdrawal.)

I heard similar warnings made repeatedly on a recent trip to almost every capital in the Persian Gulf -- to some of America's closest allies and hosts of our military.

Likewise, withdrawal proponents cite career U.S. intelligence professionals as war skeptics, and not without basis. Yet here is what the U.S. intelligence community predicted in its National Intelligence Estimate early this year: "Coalition capabilities, including force levels, resources, and operations, remain an essential stabilizing element in Iraq. If Coalition forces were withdrawn rapidly during the term of this Estimate, we judge that this almost certainly would lead to a significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq. . . .

"If such a rapid withdrawal were to take place, we judge that the Iraqi Security Forces would be unlikely to survive as a non-sectarian national institution: neighboring countries -- invited by Iraqi factions or unilaterally -- might intervene openly in the conflict; massive civilian casualties and forced population displacement would be probable; Al Qaeda in Iraq would attempt to use parts of the country -- particularly al-Anbar province -- to plan increased attacks in and outside of Iraq; and spiraling violence and disarray in Iraq, along with Kurdish moves to control Kirkuk and strengthen autonomy, could prompt Turkey to launch a military incursion."

If the presidential candidates go on a listening tour, it's important to consider one additional group: A number of Western reporters who have spent the past few years in Iraq.

The White House has actually been inviting Baghdad bureau reporters to the Oval Office -- however belatedly -- so the president can hear their observations. One of them is John Burns of the New York Times. He won Pulitzers for his coverage in Bosnia and Afghanistan before throwing himself full-bore into Iraq. This is how he described the stakes of withdrawal on "The Charlie Rose Show" recently:

"Friends of mine who are Iraqis -- Shiite, Sunni, Kurd -- all foresee a civil war on a scale with bloodshed that will absolutely dwarf what we're seeing now. It's really difficult to imagine that that would happen . . . without Iran becoming involved from the east, without the Saudis, who have already said in that situation that they would move in to help protect the Sunni minority in Iraq.

"It's difficult to see how this could go anywhere but into a much wider conflagration, with all kinds of implications for the world's flow of oil, for the state of Israel. What happens to King Abdullah in Jordan if there's complete chaos in the region? . . . It just seems to me that the consequences are endless, endless."

Earlier on the same program, Mr. Burns laid out his own version of Iraq Plus. "If you pull out now, and catastrophe ensues, then it is very likely that the United States would have to come back in circumstances which, of course, would be even less favorable, one might imagine, than the ones that now confront American troops here."

It would be one thing if only the architects of the Bush policy and their die-hard supporters opposed withdrawal. But four separate groups of knowledgeable critics -- three of whom opposed going into Iraq -- now describe the possible costs of withdrawal as very high.

If the Realists, neighboring Arab regimes, our intelligence community and some of the most knowledgeable reporters all say such a course could be disastrous, on what basis are the withdrawal advocates taking their position?

The American people are understandably frustrated with Iraq. But this does not mean they will be satisfied with politicians who support a path that could make matters much worse.

Mr. Senor, a former foreign policy advisor to the Bush administration, was based in Baghdad from April 2003 through June 2004. He is a founding partner of Rosemont Capital.

Realists on Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 6, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

AL-QAEDA LEADER KILLED IN BAGHDAD
Wednesday, 06 June 2007
MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.270.0320 / 0299

June 6, 2007
Release A070606f

AL-QAEDA LEADER KILLED IN BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed a terrorist leader and detained three other suspected terrorists during an operation in Baghdad June 5 to disrupt a bombing network in the city.

Intelligence reports indicated the targeted building in the raid was a residence known to be a safe house for the targeted individual. As Coalition Forces were securing the targeted building, numerous suspected terrorists attempted to flee and were detained by ground forces. One terrorist made continuous hostile attempts to evade the ground forces and refused to listen to instructions given by the interpreter with Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces, responding in self-defense, engaged the terrorist, killing him. Three suspected terrorists were also detained during the raid.

Muhammad Mahmud ‘Abd Kazim Husayn al-Mashadani, also known as Abu Abdullah, was the terrorist killed during the raid. He was a known al-Qaeda emir in the Hay al-Jamah area of Baghdad and part of a deadly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cell. He was positively identified as Muhammad Mahmud ‘Abd Kazim Husayn al-Mashadani by associates and individuals detained during the raid.

“A key link in the VBIED network has been removed,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to assault the VBIED network in order to stop their indiscriminate attacks against the people of Iraq.”
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12201&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 6, 2007 10:16 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

774 billion $ 1.5 billion ... The value of the shares Iraqi

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

(Voice of Iraq) - 06-06-2007

774 ...774 billion $ 1.5 billion ... 2006 Iraqi value of the shares plummeted 30% in 2006
BAGHDAD - Adel Mahdi life-06/06/07

اThe number of shares registered in the «Iraq market for securities», from 432 billion special shares with 85 companies in 2005 to 774 billion shares by 93 private companies at the end of last year. while the market value of the shares traded 3160 billion dinars (2.136 billion dollars) in 2005 but declined losing 30% of its value to 1949 billion dinars ($ 1.5 billion), and the price index of shares traded was 38209 points at the beginning of last year. closed down to 25288 points at the end of the same year.

The Executive Director of «market» In an interview with the «life», Taha Ahmed Abdul Salam, the circulation indicators show a decline in circulation in the past year, compared to the previous year for several reasons, most notably lack of stability and security and exacerbating the problems associated with the daily lives of citizens and the retreat of the performance of a few companies Iraqi troop.

He pointed out that Abdel-Salam, this did not prevent the continuation of the ongoing work plans in the market and continuing circulation of investors.

He added that efforts were sincere and sound in order to preserve the gains of vital market reflected in the recording market in «Union of Arab capital markets» in June (June) last year, because of its impact on the development of a culture of the Iraqi Stock Exchange and the development of legislation and regulations prevailing and raise the efficiency of their performance, in addition to activating the media activities of the market through the issuance of capital market newspaper.

He told Executive Director «Iraqi bourse» to «important issue» on the Board of Governors successful in obtaining financial aid from donor countries, estimated at more than seven million dollars in 2006, allocated for the development of mechanisms dealing in the market,

By way of circulation manual to electronic trading through the signing of an agreement with the company «or mother VX» Swedish that have already implemented automation projects in 30 Arab and international bourse, to provide the market system «Horizon» electronic trading system and the central filing system «Equator».

Abdul Salam explained that the memorial hall in the internal networks market ended, and the training plan to the requirements of these regulations is expected to be completed on a large scale include the President and members of «the securities» and the Board of Governors of the market and associate.

He pointed out that within the plan of this project, a direct link between the «market for securities Iraq» and the «body securities» sites mediation offices, businesses, banks and non-governmental organizations, in addition to linking the network with nationwide circulation after opening the rooms are electronically connected to the location of the market in Baghdad and then move to link globally.

He pointed out that Abdul Salam this development, which included a performance at all levels of the market, is expected to achieve many advantages, notably by increasing the number of weekly circulation and increase the number of contracts executed at one and increase the rate of turnover of shares, which means achieving the goals of high liquidity of the shares as a tool of investment, in addition to achieving high efficiency in the process of storage and preservation of shares in the placement and hence the speed and accuracy of the issuance of certificates of shares before and after circulation.

He concluded Executive Director told »bourse Iraqi» that this accomplishment achieved by the broad market coincided with the issuance of Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, pointing out that a committee of the Board of Governors took preparation instructions implementation, especially with regard to the circulation of non-Iraqis in the stock market in Iraq.

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- June 6, 2007 1:53 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Glad to know I am a realist, Rob N.. good post.
I particularly liked the summary:

It would be one thing if only the architects of the Bush policy and their die-hard supporters opposed withdrawal. But four separate groups of knowledgeable critics -- three of whom opposed going into Iraq -- now describe the possible costs of withdrawal as very high.

If the Realists, neighboring Arab regimes, our intelligence community and some of the most knowledgeable reporters all say such a course could be disastrous, on what basis are the withdrawal advocates taking their position?

The American people are understandably frustrated with Iraq. But this does not mean they will be satisfied with politicians who support a path that could make matters much worse.

http://www.safedinar.com/Iraqi_Dinar_News_Detail.asp?nID=2533

-- June 6, 2007 2:06 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi Delegation Negotiating Team has achieved Success in Negotiation with the WTO
Trade Minister reveals l (Lighthouse) : Iraqi delegation negotiating team has achieved success in negotiation with the WTO in Geneva
Baghdad-Manarah

Detection and Trade Minister Dr. Abdul Hassan Sudanese farmers for the success of the negotiations conducted by the Iraqi negotiating team with the World Trade Organization in Geneva for the purpose of accession also managed to answer most questions posed by the organization on the business dealings and economic interests in Iraq confirmed that the ministry continues its efforts to provide ration cards Supply to all governorates, especially hot them. Wali said the Sudanese told (the beacon) that ...

The talks resulted in the full understanding of the International Organization for economic measures taken at the present time
.
For the purpose of organizing work and the economic and trade so as to contribute to Iraq's entry into the international organization which alleges plans of global economic policy has provided an explanation for each Iraqi delegation wondered put in the negotiations especially in the subjects of investment inside Iraq, privatization and oil projects and taxes (customs tariff), as well as explain the nature of the actions taken in Iraq to facilitate the trade with the region and the world in addition to the mechanisms adopted to get processors to leave export and import to be decided by the ministry and established by a special law which was recorded (200) A company since the fall of the regime until the end of last year and this confirms the existence of flexibility in the registration of companies.
.
The Sudanese minister added that the export-import mechanism in Iraq under specific instructions and the role of the Ministry of Trade was to grant them leave to give greater flexibility to the importer and exporter in the coin with regard to sanitary and phytosanitary between the minister that the answer was no enacting laws on these subjects and on the procedures relating to intellectual property, trademarks The suitability of the business was with the answer that there are many actions that could be taken with respect to intellectual property or trademarks since the government bill on intellectual property and patent, but we see it inappropriate to the laws of the World Trade Organization at the present time.
The trade minister noted that the Iraqi delegation gave a detailed description of the procedures and mechanisms adopted by the Iraqi government, laws and legislation of the other and will be issued during the coming period for the purpose of organizing the process of economic and commercial relations in Iraq, the Iraqi delegation has held several meetings with Moroccan and Brazilian Ambassador, the European Union and Egypt in the World Trade Organization to develop the prospects for cooperation between them and Iraq's desire to develop its economic and commercial relations as well as the importance of their contribution to reducing the barriers and obstacles in Iraq's accession to WTO delegations had expressed their wish to develop economic and trade cooperation and to enhance the ability of Iraq's economic organization.

-- June 6, 2007 2:14 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

What happens to someone who tries to get out of quicksand? They sink deeper and faster! BUT THEY STILL SINK-unless some outside severe intervention can rescue them.

This is the situation in Iraq.

If we try to get out we go down even faster.

The "new strategies" are just buying time. My hope is that the generals are not just standing around picking their noses, tyring to figure out what to do. My hope is that someone has a plan for a big dynamic intervention that will stand that part of the world right side up.

We know Iran and Syria and a few others ( probably Saudia and Pakistan) have big plans, because they tell us so on a daily basis in one way or another.

I agree with others that preoccupation with the goings on of the Dinar, is a futile distraction.

It makes no sense to me to get so absorbed with the activity of the Dinar, when the track record is one of nothing but nonsense.

Oh sure, I hope that someday it will revalue. But for today and the last 18 months since I ever heard of the Dinar, you could fill a thimble with all of the significant information and activity surrounding it.

I guess if you are a moron, you could be intellectually stimulated by the subject. But you and me and many others here are not. We have just gotten caught up in the
"trend of it all".

But if we could step aside for awhile we would seed that while we have preoccupied ourselves with the Dinar volumnious trivia, the world around us is taking a drastic, dynamic and significant turn and twist.

I have done alot of research and reading and contemplation on the views embraced by the BUshes and their past and present sentiments and involvement with the Trilateralsts.

I am beginging to understand why they think it is so important to recruit international thinking, in light of the Muslims surrounding the entire world in numbers and power.

It is now evident to me that the US had to let go of it's isolationist perspective, or we would be swallowed up.

Sides are bring drawn up as we proceed to the final battles of our time.

On another interesting point:

Have you ever heard Hilary or Nancy or Ted, or for that matter and Democratic or Republican tkae any issue with the real hot bed of the entire Islamic agenda--Isreal?

Have to go ---will discuss reasons why later

Carole

-- June 6, 2007 4:24 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole - Looking forward to your thoughts on Israel and the Democrats.

cornish_boy... that one which says of the oil law.. "The differences over the draft oil law continue between the central government in Baghdad and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq. Last week..."

Though it was written today.. they just are resaying the same old information.. from last week. Still looking for the information on what is being done now.. but it seems to be like watching paint dry? :)

Thanks for the posts, everyone. I appreciate them.. and I look a lot on sites for newsworthy news. Nice to come here and find a few newsworthy tidbits you have found and contributed.

Sara.

-- June 6, 2007 5:30 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Stocks Retreat 30% During 2006

Market capitalisation of the Iraq Stock Exchange decreased by 30% during 2006 to reach IQD 1,949 billion.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 7, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Demand for dollar down because of low transfers
By Dergham Mohammed Ali

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

Baghdad, 07 June 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Demand for the dollar was down in the Iraqi Central Bank’s daily auction on Wednesday, reaching $42.235 million compared with $77.865 million on Tuesday.

In its daily statement the bank said it had covered all bids, which included $15.855 million in cash and $25.380 million in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,260 dinars per dollar, the same as yesterday.

None of the 15 banks that participated in Wednesday's auction offered to sell dollars.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader at the auction, told VOI "low foreign transfers, mainly from the government, brought demand for the dollar down," voicing belief that decreasing the dollar price one tick in the next two days would increase foreign transfers.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 7, 2007 10:11 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

The other night we watched a movie called, "Flags of our Fathers."
During the movie, I pointed out the radio broadcast of "Tokyo Rose."

She had the best music on her station. During World War II; the
Japanese developed a way to demoralize the American forces.
Psychological warfare experts developed a message they felt would
work.

They gave the script to their famous broadcaster "Tokyo Rose" and
every day she would broadcast this same message packaged in different
ways. The Japanese hoped it would have a negative impact on American
GI's morale.

What was that demoralizing message? It had three main points:

1. Your President is lying to you.
2. This war is illegal.
3. You cannot win the war.

Does this sound familiar today?

It is because we are being bombarded by Tokyo Hillary, Tokyo Harry,
Tokyo Teddy, Tokyo Nancy, , etc.,and they have picked
up the same message and are broadcasting it on Tokyo CNN, Tokyo ABC,
Tokyo CBS, Tokyo NBC, etc., to our troops.

The only difference is that they claim to support our troops before
they demoralize them. Come to think of it, Tokyo Rose told the troops
she was on their side, too.

-- June 7, 2007 7:24 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. commander points to progress in parts of Iraq
6/7/2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A new approach by American-led forces in Iraq is producing "breathtaking" improvements in security in some areas, says Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in the country, but al Qaeda in Iraq remains well-entrenched in some Baghdad neighborhoods.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Petraeus said the situation in Anbar, the restive Sunni province west of the Iraqi capital, has been "truly transformed in recent months, as the Anbaris and the tribes have decided to oppose al Qaeda and fight with the coalition forces against them."

"What's taken place in Anbar is almost breathtaking," he said. "In the last several months, tribes that turned a blind eye to what al Qaeda was doing in that province are now opposing al Qaeda very vigorously. And the level of violence in Anbar has plummeted; although there clearly is still work to be done.

"Our strategy has always been with this new approach to determine who are the reconcilables and to separate them from the irreconcilables, the extremists," he said. (Watch how some Iraqi insurgents are turning on al Qaeda in Iraq militants)

But the picture is not consistent, Petraeus said, and the increase in U.S. forces had been more effective in some areas than others.

Tough work remains to be done in Diyala province north of Baghdad, and al Qaeda remains able to use neighborhoods around the capital to build and dispatch car bombs, he said.

He also acknowledged that after a substantial reduction in sectarian killings in the capital between January and April, the deaths have risen again in May.

The general's visit to the CNN office in Baghdad was unannounced. He said he had been visiting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari nearby, and together they'd decided to take a walk in a part of Baghdad that is well-protected. He said it was the minister's idea to knock on CNN's door.

Petraeus said all elements connected to the increase in U.S. forces will be on the ground within two weeks, including a Marine expeditionary unit and combat aviation brigade moving toward Baghdad from Kuwait.

Asked about the infiltration of the Iraqi police by militias, Petraeus said elements of Interior Ministry forces during 2006 were "hijacked by certain militia interests in particular."

"Some of those undoubtedly remain within the force," he said. "And as we identify those individuals, and we have, and we then take action with the Ministry of Interior against them."

U.S. commander points to progress in parts of Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 8, 2007 10:20 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

New Iraqi front to reform political process
By Basil Adas

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

Baghdad, 08 June 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq's former prime minister and US favourite Ayad Allawi is leading a new effort to replace the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki with an administration that would focus on restoring order and security in the country, Iraqi politicians said.

Allawi has succeeded in forming a new political front, which will be backed by Sunni political forces like the Accord Front and former regime parties, they noted. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani accused the new political front of standing against Iraq and Shiite coalition parties that accused the Front of working for Arab countries' intelligence services.

Ebrahim Al Janabi, a prominent figure in the National Accord Party headed by Allawi, told Gulf News: "President Talabani's reactions should not be that negative because he must act like the president and must not intervene in the new political front issue ... We affirm the right of all personnel to join the National Front which will act within a national and non-sectarian framework."

Salim Abdullah, spokesman of the Sunni Accord Front, told Gulf News: "The new front is not a coup attempt as portrayed by some. It will be the first phase to correct the political process and put pressure on Al Maliki to accept reforms against sectarianism, if he does not respond then the only option available would be to overthrow his government."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 8, 2007 10:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Rift seen in Iraq insurgency -- some groups reject al Qaeda
POSTED: 9:59 a.m. EDT, June 8, 2007
Story Highlights• U.S. arming nationalist guerrillas, ex-Saddam Hussein loyalists in Diyala province
• Just two months ago, same insurgents were focused on fighting U.S. troops
• In town of Tahrir, insurgents have created an anti-al Qaeda alliance
• Insurgents say al Qaeda killings, strict rules, "tyranny" brought about falling-out

By Karl Penhaul
CNN

BUHRUZ, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. forces have begun arming nationalist guerrillas and former Saddam Hussein loyalists -- and coordinating tactics -- in a marriage of convenience against al Qaeda radicals in one of Iraq's most violent provinces, senior U.S. commanders tell CNN.

This new alliance, a result of the deepening divisions among Iraqi insurgent factions, was on display earlier this week at a highway intersection in the town of Tahrir. There, a group of some 15 insurgents publicly chanted: "Death to al Qaeda."

"The al Qaeda organization has dominated and humiliated Sunnis, Shiites and jihadis. It has forced people from their homes. They can't get enough blood. They killed many honest scholars, preachers and loyal mujahedeen," one of the group's spokesmen read from a written manifesto.

It's a sharp turnaround from just two months ago when the same insurgent forces were focused on fighting U.S. troops and driving them out of Diyala province, about 40 miles north of Baghdad. (Watch how insurgents are turning against al Qaeda )

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, commander of Multi-National Division North, believes U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Vietnam and Latin America offer precedents for the strategy he is now pushing in this region of Iraq.

"We've seen this in previous counterinsurgency operations, using local nationals, arming them and forming them into scouts," he told CNN. "That's the primary role we want to use them in. They know the territory. They know the enemy."

The changing strategy isn't just confined to Diyala, according to U.S. officials. Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, told CNN Thursday that tribal forces in Anbar, the restive Sunni province west of the Iraqi capital, have "decided to oppose al Qaeda and fight with the coalition forces against them."

"What's taken place in Anbar is almost breathtaking," he said. "In the last several months, tribes that turned a blind eye to what al Qaeda was doing in that province are now opposing al Qaeda very vigorously. And the level of violence in Anbar has plummeted, although there clearly is still work to be done." (Full story)

At the highway intersection in Tahrir, the insurgents said they had named their anti-al Qaeda alliance the United Jihad Council. They said the newly formed council was an umbrella organization of smaller insurgent units, including the 1920s Brigades, the Mujahedeen Army, Islamic Army and the Salaheddin Brigades.

CNN videotaped gunmen posting lookouts on rooftops throughout Tahrir and patting down civilians -- checking for potential al Qaeda infiltrators -- as they made their way to prayers at local mosques.

Locals say al Qaeda amputated fingers for smoking
Nationalist insurgents say al Qaeda excesses are behind their falling-out. Several sources said al Qaeda members burned a 7-year-old child alive and murdered women and other children in the towns and villages around the provincial capital of Baquba. They did not give names or dates to back up their claims.

"They [al Qaeda] ruled with tyranny. They really harmed our town, so we had to stop them, and they left, no return," said one young gunman, who claimed membership in the nationalist 1920s Brigades.

Other civilian and insurgent sources in the towns of Tahrir and neighboring Buhruz said al Qaeda had imposed strict regulations, including a ban on smoking -- punishable by the amputation of a finger or hand -- and a curfew on citizens walking in the streets after 4 p.m.

Some citizens said al Qaeda had even banned Friday prayers.

Based on anecdotal evidence, offered by civilians in Buhruz, al Qaeda was financing its military operations by forcing citizens to pay a "war tax," as well as by kidnapping for ransom, selling smuggled fuel on the black market, and even using forced labor to harvest oranges and dates from sprawling plantations throughout the region.

In Buhruz, Capt. Ben Richards is one of the U.S. field commanders cementing the U.S. military alliance with its former foes from the nationalist insurgent factions. He said the new strategy was highly pragmatic.

"If we go in with the mindset that every one of these persons has tried to kill an American, I don't think that's true, though in many cases it may be. But if you think that, then you're setting yourself up for a mindset that is not productive for us or for the Iraqi people," Richards, commander of a troop of Stryker combat vehicles, told CNN.

Richards described assistance from the former insurgent factions and what he calls other "concerned local nationals" as "militarily crucial."

His key ally in the region is a man known as Abu Ali, who says he has never belonged to an insurgent force but was an officer in one of Saddam Hussein's feared military intelligence units.

To date, Abu Ali says he has received 39 weapons and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition from the U.S. military. The insurgent factions he represents, however, are known to have significant arsenals of their own weapons, including light machine guns, assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades.

Publicly, Abu Ali is grateful for the assistance he and his followers have received from the U.S. military. He predicts he can help clear the entire province of al Qaeda militants within six months if the U.S. Army provides more ammunition and supports insurgent operations with air cover and help from tanks and armored personnel carriers.

But while the marriage of convenience may be successful for now, Abu Ali and his followers seem to have no intention of making a lasting commitment to the Americans.

"After we are done with al Qaeda," Abu Ali says, "we will ask the Americans to withdraw from Iraq. ... If they do not withdraw, there will be violations and the American army will be harmed."

He adds, "Especially after the help the U.S. Army has provided us, we would like them to go home as our friend, not enemy."

With the alliance only beginning to bear its first successes, few U.S. commanders seem to be looking toward the end of the affair. But there is a realization that it is a balancing act -- to prevent al Qaeda infiltration and to maintain the collaboration of nationalist insurgents.

"It's a risk worth taking," Mixon said.
(www.cnn.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 8, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

New White House plan: Keep US troops in Iraq permanently. ,
Fri Jun 8, 4:00 AM ET

Washington - President Bush used to be fond of saying that American troops would stay in Iraq as long as needed and not a day longer. He isn't saying that anymore.

The new word from the White House is that American troops would be stationed in Iraq permanently on the "Korean model." The analogy is a little strained. The United States has helped to mend the rift between North and South Korea since 1953. But South Korea has had no internal insurgency to worry about.

The plan for permanent bases in Iraq must have been long in the making. The president ignored a recommendation of the Baker-Hamilton Commission that he state that America seeks no permanent bases in Iraq. At one point last year, the Senate and House passed an amendment to the military-spending bill banning the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq. The bill went to conference and then the ban on bases, adopted by both chambers, mysteriously disappeared.

The building of four bases along with a gigantic new American embassy in the Green Zone on the Tigris River has been moving along rapidly. The bases will have runways two miles long to accommodate the largest American planes. The Balad base north of Baghdad covers 14 square miles. Another base is planned for the area that was ancient Babylon.

The new embassy, which will be the largest American mission in the world, will be complete with swimming pool and commissary. Retired General Anthony Zinni has said that permanent bases are "a stupid idea." He said that they will damage America's image in the whole region.

These huge installations must be intended for more than Iraqi stabilization. Former President Jimmy Carter said in a speech in February of last year that "the reason we went into Iraq was to establish a permanent military base in the Gulf region." And few are missing the point that bases in Iraq will keep American might on Iran's doorstep

-- June 9, 2007 7:37 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

The Minister of Finance told the newspaper for a new justice on 06/08/2007 on the possibility of raising the prices of new oil derivatives, according to the requirements of the International Monetary Fund and the meeting read as follows : (a great commentary)

The newspaper justice for a rally with Mr. Jabr Al-Zubaydi, Minister of Finance discussed the various topics of Finance and Economy, files economic interest to the Iraqi issue and the challenges facing it confirmed that the financial budget for this year had covered all the needs of the country

From the investment projects, the greatest challenge lies in the implementation rests with the ministries and departments and between the investment law is much more important than the state budget, but this law does not do that the government did not appoint him to head now, As Iraq seeks to ease the conditions of the International Monetary Fund, commensurate with the needs of the Iraqi citizen, however, he emphasized that this endeavor States, the most prominent options to keep the debt burden of the Iraqi economy, the Minister disclosed that the Arab countries do not fall in debt from Iraq except for Saudi Arabia which showed Astaadadaha to topple 80% of Iraq's debt and other such matters were the focus of an interview with the newspaper, Mr. Minister (justice) : ministries, governorates and financial allocations In the question about the extent to which ministries and governorates of financial allocations in the implementation of projects said Minister of Finance : budget bill passed by the parliament Wye Wye seizing any of the Ministry's budget can be implemented 25% of the budget or more, but I regret to say that most provinces have not yet benefited from the 2007 budget as well as remnants 2006 to now and we are now asking them to implement and hope to hear them in a meeting we will hold soon that they were able to implement the 2006 budget either 2007, we have 10% have not benefited from them. - As for the ministries have held meetings with fourteen ministers allocated each minister hour with advanced cadre in his ministry and Advanced cadre in the Ministries and held meetings with the Ministers continuous But I regret what I discovered is that most of the Ministry not implemented 1% of the budget and talked to them frankly and said we will withdraw this funds from each ministry has not implemented 25% of investment funds allocated until June 30, 2007 and at June 30 if it fails to implement 25% of the funds would be withdrawn and given to the provinces and ministries that carried out more than 25% and then give these funds by the budget law passed by the parliament. These pressures motivate those ministries of Labor and O'dona work seriously and are now working day and night. There is a problem in the operating budget that relate to the salaries and bonuses are available to 100%, but the investment budget, which is related to citizens and provide services to the citizens myself was newborn with inspectors general of the ministries to pay their ministries for implementation. Indebtedness for extinguishing debt and said : at the beginning of the sixth month will be a meeting with Saudi officials specifically with the Saudi Minister of Finance in one European state and come to this meeting and hope that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has committed itself to the International Decade in Sharm el-Sheikh to extinguish 65% of the debt and hope to sign the agreement soon. The People's Republic of China expressed her readiness during my meeting with Chinese Ambassador to extinguish 100% of government debt either commercial debt is more than 80% SAYING there is cause for joy at the news of the visit of His Excellency the President and I would be with him on this visit to China to discuss this topic, The problem now is that the Arab side did not open as we opened and the rest of the Arab countries now extinguished debt only Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to extinguish 80 of the debt. Concerning Iraqi assets and Iraqi assets at home and abroad, he said : that Iraq possessed a stock of hard currency in two places : first place in the Central Bank, there are 21 billion dollars and this is called the State General Reserve is given to supporting the Iraqi currency, and today the Iraqi currency is a global currency backed real support behind $ 21 billion in cash from various currencies in addition to large quantities of gold to support the Iraqi dinar reserves that either I second reserve is located to the Iraqi Development Fund, who is in New York this reserve is not a sense of reserve funds but is there benefit from the operation in order to obtain some benefits guaranteed, fixed and when we need to spend in the budget, we spend so we allocate in the budget of 2007, but until now ministries unable to exchange estimated that the amounts invested abroad by 7-8 billion dollars and disclosure would affect negatively on the international. The Iraqi funds in the former regime from abroad, called "the former regime had begun in the first re-Qasr (had), and now all French and Swiss lawyers to follow up the shares on behalf of the lawyer Khalil Dulaimi attorney to defend Saddam and discovered that the palace (was) his name and there is a tremendous amount of millions of dollars in the form of shares in his name in Switzerland Now, the French and Swiss courts consider the case that we have established through foreign lawyers to recover these shares and no other funds do not want to pursue them advertised now but when we get to a result pursuing. Retirement Law and the Law on retirement said : Retirement Act was submitted to the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives passed around him to the presidency, the governing body signed and now published in the Official Gazette is ready to be implemented and no reservations to the law because we have accepted with any decision of the parliament because parliament is obliged to each government. Pledges Iraq and the International Monetary Fund, on the International Monetary Fund and Iraq's commitment to its terms, he said : the International Monetary Fund is our positive because it helped Iraq to extinguish the $ 120 billion of debt and help Iraq to reach 140 billion dollars of debt, then, the International Monetary Fund stood beside Iraq in extinguishing debt which wrote to the Paris Club and the interest of Iraq contrast Monetary Fund international signed an agreement called the SPA and the Convention supporters of the Iraqi government that is the International Monetary Fund and controls submit proposals for the reform of the Iraqi economy, as has global expertise and experts, the Convention was signed by Dr Ali Allawi and ends at the end of this year has specified that the Iraq economic reforms to increase the value of the Iraqi dinar and raise the prices of oil derivatives, and the removal of subsidies on oil derivatives, and other issues such as reform of the banks and the development of the work of government banks and the provision of grants and proposals to provide credit and soft loans to citizens and to expand a network of social protection is the price of all these improvements in the Iraqi economy from the standpoint of the IMF, Iraq has two choices : either bound by the Convention, signed by former Finance Minister Allawi on Iraq must respect its obligations and then extinguished debt and reversing been stopped extinguish debts due amount $ 120 billion on Iraq, a sum that Iraq was unable to pay and must employ balanced each year until the debt is paid off between two and we are now facing an important and dangerous is preparing We, the Ministers of Finance and oil and the Central Bank Governor will meet at the sixth month(june) because the agreement ends months of this year they were preparing to sign a new agreement in the ninth month and would put the government before traveling to the meeting with IMF international this and take the decision because this resolution does not take from the oil minister or finance it is the decision of the government of Iraqi We will stand increases in the prices of oil and gasoline and will support the expansion of the network of social protection and repair of banks and support all the proposals which we believe but we believe that the Iraqi street is unable to with increases in the prices of oil derivatives at the present time, although that Nafi of the Iraqi economy, but that because of inflation and because of the inability of citizens to bear this and will raise this matter may have to accept Ayequblon If not accepted and imposing their conditions we will get back to snorting Iraqi government either sacrifice at 60 billion dollars and the return debt on Iraq and the rest of them because there is 20% of the debt they were parked not even ourselves Ytvuoha Convention Second They Aytalbon anything because it was originally 80%, 60% and Atefauha parked on our commitments, and 20% parked include $ 28 billion of that equation is not easy to take a decision on it all the spe******ts say According to extinguish debt useful to Iraq even if the Iraqis assume some of the increases, controls and we saw how the government was supporting oil derivatives (four billion dollars) this year either are no such specialties There has been no problem except the recent crisis that took place and this caused the security situation is not subject specialties and consequently four billions benefit protection network in Iraq and is working to increase the salaries and the granting of loans to citizens. Peace salaries and staff salaries for Peace said Mr. Finance Minister, a committee was formed by the Council of Ministers chaired by the Minister of Planning and membership of a number of ministers, we will PEACE new salary is quite different from keeping the current salary scales new hope to solve all the problems. Committees Sharm el-Sheikh and on the decisions of the Sharm el-Sheikh and commissions emanating therefrom and method of work, Mr. Minister : there committees consisting of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Minister of Planning, as well as a number of spe******t committees but these three ministries are contributing to the establishment of three committees and the nature of these committees are technical committees and financial and economic assistance for Iraq's debt and follow either the economic Vsttabaa debt and pledged Initiative and I and my Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations during the sixth month in a visit to Europe and the States, some of these countries, such as Bulgaria, Poland and Greece remained did not specify its debts and all of this work within the committees. The investment law regarding investment law and the reason behind the non-activated, Mr. Minister : Investment Law did not show much and the law for more than four months and the government further stalled in the appointment of the investment has not been formally appointed provincial awaiting the appointment of this president even begin doing this work because most of the work of the budget because the budget can not provide substantial funds for the provinces comes standard of the work nationwide projects quickly without the need for the State to investment from my viewpoint now even more important than the state budget. The attack on the financial With regard to the assault was subjected to the Finance Ministry said Mr. Minister : The Ministry of Finance is one of the most important ministries, as you know, is the Ministry of ministries aimed always targeted by the attack many times and once rumors and finally entering the ministry and the kidnapping and murder and targeting of this summit live Iraq.

-- June 9, 2007 7:49 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

cornishboy:

As I stated many moons ago, the IMF holds the trump card on Iraq's global econmic future. July 7, 2007 is their stated ( and as far as I know that has not changed) for complaince with debt reduction and a whole list of criteria. Iraq has waited until the 11th hour to pull it together and it looks like it isn't going to happen.

At this point the Dinar investment can only be a long ( very long) term investment.

My gut feeling at this time is that the proposed unified common currency gets a better chance of being accomplished. If that happens, only God knows what will be the outcome for all of us holding these endeared pieces of paper.

Carole

-- June 9, 2007 6:21 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

I think if you check into the CBI site and ferret around you will find that Iraq cannot join in on the one currency, it is in there somewhere, one of the regulars will point you in the right area Im sure.
Still as I have a shed load of Vietnam Dong now, who gives a monkeys I will be rich oneday, and it is not with the lottery tonight, I would have a better chance of platting fog than winning on the lotto.
JOKE
Carpet bombing by B52s is very, very accuret.
They allways hit the ground

Have a nice day, and keep all your bits crossed for luck.
Steve.

-- June 9, 2007 8:28 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

PM urges military to thwart possible coup
By Kareem Zair
08 June 2007 (Azzaman)

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked his military commanders to confront any attempt to topple him as political factions have joined efforts to unseat him.

Maliki accused his political opponents of seeking help from abroad to stage what he described as ‘a coup’ against his government.

Several political parties with representatives in the parliament are openly opposing the way Maliki has been handling issues related to security but particularly their concerns regarding national reconciliation.

Amar Wajeeh, a senior member of Hashemi’s Islamic Party, confirmed that a joint front has been established to confront Maliki.

He said the front was established in Cairo when it became clear that Maliki and his coalition were thwarting attempts to form a moderate coalition.

Wajeeh said the front was still waiting a response from Fadhila and has sent a letter inviting Sadr’s group to join.

Wajeeh said there was no truth behind reports that the front was staging a ‘coup.’

He said the front would use democratic means and try to gather enough votes in the parliament to bring about change.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/18145

Sounds like pressure being brought to bear for progress to go forward.

Sara.

-- June 9, 2007 8:35 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Hi, I have been following this discussion group for about a year, and probably one of the many silent ones that do. Like the rest of you, I do hope that the NID revalues, but I don't see it happening until the U.S has a new president. I feel that the current one has too much of a bad history and relationship with rest of the world. He seems to have undone every achievement that every previous president has achieved! I feel he has lost the trust of the people, and other countries.

Steve, I read your comment about holding Vietnamese Dong. I don't want to stray too much as this is a Iraqi Dinar discussion group, but I was wondering why you needed to physically hold onto it? Is it not readily available in banks and through high street traders? Can you not simply open a currency account with your usual bank, and let any reval happen automatically? Some of the notes are huge, 100,000; 200,000; and 500,000. They're too big to be practical.

BritishKnite.

-- June 10, 2007 4:38 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Britishknight,

Thanks for your post and welcome to the discussion.

You posted

"I feel that the current one has too much of a bad history and relationship with rest of the world. He seems to have undone every achievement that every previous president has achieved! I feel he has lost the trust of the people, and other countries."

Can you be more specific? What achievements has he undone?

Some Americans feel that Jimmy Carter was a horrible president even though the rest of the world loved him. Some of us are puzzled by that.

Interaction with people from other countries is a good thing to understand different perspectives. One downside to the US being so large is that the average person never has access to people from other countries. We tend to believe what we read in the newspaper and see on TV and think that it's accurate.

You also linked the RV timing with the behavior of the president. I've been doing a lot of reading since I started investing and I'm convinced that it's more complex than that with a lot of other factors involved. I don't see the current Iraq government surviving with their people living in poverty just to wait for a new American president.

You mentioned currency accounts. I think when the RV happens I want to get some of my assets into Euros. How can a person purchase a CD in Euros and get paid in Euros?

-- June 10, 2007 8:12 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

ÓæÞ ÇáÚÑÇÞ ááÃæÑÇÞ ÇáãÇáíÉ

-- June 10, 2007 12:13 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Chris,

Thanks for your comments. Bush doesn't want to sign the Kyoto agreement. He went into Iraq despite what the other world leaders and the United Nations said about the WMD situation - then he changed tact to say that freedom was threatened. By Iraq? He was looking to go in there no matter what. If not, then why hasn't he gone into Korea, when they fully admit they have them? He started a "Son of Star Wars" system. Funny, Clinton or Bush senior didn't recognise it was needed. The day after his inauguration, he bombed Iraq. By the way, he wasn't even voted into office first time around. All the polls stated that Kerry had won. Ok, we can't hold the fact that before he became president who had never travelled outside the U.S.

I only linked an RV to a change of president meaning someone with fresh views and strategies. I didn't mean it was solely dependent on this. Sorry I wasn't clear on that. Bush seems stubborn in his ways. He is unpopular in his own country and unpopular across the globe with other countries such as Russia, France, and a few others from what I've read. He doesn't come across as a person who does things because they seem like the right things to do.

Over here in England, we don't really use the concept of CDs. So I can't advise you on that. I would have thought that just opening a foreign currency account might be suffice.

BritishKnite.

-- June 10, 2007 12:23 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Hello All, Let me start by saying thank all of you for your helpful and meaningful posts and advice. With that said I too like the British Knight have been sitting quietly following the discussions of the Dinar.

Carole’s recent post suggesting the IMF debt reduction plan is exactly what has been concerning me also. I know people are saying lopping the zero would discredit the Iraqi’s but, at this point with the inflated economy I feel it could be the only way for them to recover. Some also say they would have to realign there debts to the new values of their moneys…. Okay how hard would that be? With the governments throwing so much money into their economy and the total chaos over there isn’t this the best time to start over? If you will recall the discussion back in May between Rob N and Dale Rob N’s replies were as follows:

Dale:
There are many reasons why I do not believe a zero lop will occur.
1) To much time and effort has gone into building the confidence of the Iraqi people related to the Dinar itself. Today Iraqi's are not hoarding American dollars
2) A zero lop would lessen the buying power of the Iraqi people. What the Iraqi's need is an increase in buying power. Any decrease in buying power would signal the Dinar as being a worthless currency. Iraqi's would begin hoarding dollars once again.
3) The U.S. has spent billions on the war effort and on reconstruction. A change in the Dinar would lessen the already large investment made by the U.S.
4) Iraq would experience a loss of other outside investment. Any loans negotiated prior to a zero lop would have to be renegotiated. A zero lop could increase the size of the overall Iraqi debt.
5) A zero lop would necessitate a change in the current Dinar and cost the GoI millions.
6) The Central Bank of Iraq continues to buyback its own currency in an attempt to limit the supply in circulation. Preparing for a likely revaluation.
7) A zero lop would create unnecessary redundancy in Dinar denominations. Why would an average Iraqi need two pieces of paper currency valued the same, but appearing so different?
I am sure there are other reasons I am not thinking of in this quick reply. If others think of additional reasons, please post them.
Has anyone’s feelings changed since this post?
Thank you for your reply Rob N. I value your opinions and think you are one of the real assets to this site. Let it be known I’m not disagreeing with you just inquiring as if anyone else feels this way.
Thank you and good luck to us all!

-- June 10, 2007 4:18 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Jeff
Welcome to the "chat".
Awhile ago, Roger explained the zero loop to me. I got it and with that started to ask those who have hundreds of thousands of dollars of Dinars. Their answer was that as long as Bush is Pres. he will never let that happen.

The clock is running and Bush will be out before you know it.

The Islamic facsists know where they stand with the Democrats and I believe if the Demos get in , they will make their final assault on America, economically, physically, and spiritually.

I agree---good luck to all of us.

carole

-- June 10, 2007 7:17 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

British knite:

Bush is unpopular with the liberals in this country. No sitting Pres. has ever found favor when at war. But thank God they did not run their presidency by the polls. Or we would be in duck soup!

Good ole red blooded americans find much to honor in Bush, even though they hate the idea of our men dying in a part of the world that has an agenda to destroy us.

One thing for sure, I bet Pres. and Mrs. Bush will be so glad to have their tour of duty over.

Bush is the wisest of men to be able to juggle the worlds axis of evil and no nuclear assault- yet.

5 years from now, if demos get in you will be singing a different story.

Carole

-- June 10, 2007 7:35 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

BritishKnite;

Welcome. I appreciate your post, but I did see from it that you appear to be suffering from a strong case of what the Right calls "Bush Derangement Syndrome." In other words, everything is all Bush's fault and things will get better when he leaves power. Perhaps you should try listening to something other than the mainstream media (MSM) for a while in order to gain perspective?? You said, quote, "Bush doesn't want to sign the Kyoto agreement" as an example of one of the things which proves he is a poor American President. Here is one sample of different and more right thinking which might put a dent in that Derangement Syndrome if you take some time to listen to it:

Bush Derangement Syndrome at LA Times: G-8’s Kyoto Failures All Bush’s Fault
Posted by Noel Sheppard on June 6, 2007

As people who are following the G-8 summit in Germany are well aware, it is highly doubtful that any meaningful accord will be reached at this meeting concerning CO2 emissions. In fact, reports out of Europe and Asia for many weeks leading up to this event have made this eventuality quite clear.

Yet, this didn’t prevent the Los Angeles Times’ Ron Brownstein for blaming the lack of such an agreement on President George W. Bush.

In an op-ed published Wednesday entitled “Don't Sugarcoat Climate Change; Calling out Bush's intransigence on emissions caps may be the best way for other G-8 countries to get the U.S. to budge on global warming,” Brownstein chose to ignore all of the facts surrounding this issue, and instead pointed an accusatory finger at the media’s favorite target (emphasis added throughout), quote:

But on global warming, Bush arrives in a familiar position: obdurately isolated from most of Washington's traditional allies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (a conservative like Bush) and most of the rest of the G-8 members want the group to commit to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as the centerpiece of an agenda to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius. (Scientists say anything higher would significantly multiply the risk of disruptive climate changes.) Their hope, as one negotiator put it, is to send "an electric jolt" into ongoing United Nations negotiations aimed at formulating a successor to the Kyoto agreement on global warming. (end quote)

Does anybody recognize a problem with Brownstein’s claim about Bush being isolated from allies?

For instance, Great Britain made it clear weeks ago that it didn’t envision a strong agreement coming out of these talks as reported by Reuters May 23, quote:

Britain's foreign minister on Tuesday said she expected no discussion of numerical targets for greenhouse gas emissions at a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Eight wealthy nations in Germany next month.

British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett was asked by reporters in Tokyo whether she was concerned about a possible gap in climate change policy between the European Union and Japan, ahead of the summit at Heiligendamm in Germany.

"I don't think anyone envisages the idea that there should be some discussion about setting numerical targets at Heiligendamm," she said after a meeting with her counterpart, Foreign Minister Taro Aso.

"There has been a misunderstanding of the nature of the discussions that we expect," Beckett said. (end quote)

Meanwhile, on May 29, Agence France-Presse reported British Prime Minister Tony Blair as having said: “Without the participation of America and the emerging economies of China and India there isn't going to be a solution.”

Coincidentally on the same day, AFP reported, quote:

INDIA says it will reject proposals to limit greenhouse gas emissions at a summit meeting of the world's leading economies next month because stricter limits would slow its booming economy.

“Legally mandated measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are likely to have significant adverse impacts on GDP growth of developing countries, including India,” environment ministry secretary Pradipto Ghosh said.

“This in turn will have serious implications for our poverty alleviation programs,” he said.

“Legal mandates on greenhouse gas mitigation in any form will impact our growth, and this is not the path we wish to pursue.” (end quote)

A day before, Deutsche Presse Agentur reported, quote:

Beijing voiced reluctance Monday to accept far-reaching cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions.

In the German city of Hamburg, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China was a developing nation and suggested it was up to rich nations to shoulder the cuts. (end quote)

Meanwhile, the St. Petersburg Times reported the following: “Although Russia ratified Kyoto in 2004, the government now looks to be reneging on its commitments.”

So, Britain was doubtful anything would get done at this summit while Russia, India, and China all voiced opposition to Kyoto.

Yet, Brownstein blamed the whole problem on Bush, quote:

There is virtually no chance G-8 leaders will convince Bush to accept binding emissions reductions this week. At that point, the leaders committed to serious action will face a choice. They can confect a communique that hides their disagreement with Bush behind sugary language about "frank discussions" and "common goals." Or they can clearly state — in the communique or the separate chairman's statement that Merkel will publish — that they believe Bush's pathway of voluntary reductions is a dead end. Even that probably wouldn't move Bush, but it would add important voices to the U.S. business executives, ex-military officials and political leaders in Congress and the states demanding compulsory reductions in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

The best way for the G-8 nations to build a genuine partnership with the U.S. on climate change is to acknowledge that such a partnership doesn't exist today. Even if that makes for a few uncomfortable moments around the dinner table. (end quote)

Yes, Ron, but isn’t this all meaningless unless there is such a partnership with Russia, China, and India which not only appears doubtful but completely impossible?

As such, what we have here is a clear example of Bush Derangement Syndrome so afflicting a reporter that all facts are irrelevant. After all, Brownstein didn’t even mention Russia, China, and India in this entire article.

Color me unsurprised.

===

Comments:

1) florida_chad Says:

Congress had a non binding vote (that is their speciality) on KYOTO and it lost 99-0. This was during Clinton's term in office.

2) Junk Science Skeptic Says:

"German Chancellor ... and most of the rest of the G-8 members want the group to commit to a 50% reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050."

Although I doubt the veracity of anything in the LAT, if the foregoing is actually accurate, it's no surprise.

Like most other treaties we've entered, we'll be held to the absolute letter (sorry, USA, 49.9999999% reduction just isn't good enough), and everybody else will completely ignore their obligations under the treaty.

Just look at Kyoto so far. Who has actually cut CO2 emissions? The non-signatory US. Who has increased CO2 emissions? All but 2 of the Kyoto signatories.

3) Galvanic Says:

Moreover, it's my understanding that most of the European signees of the Kyoto Accord couldn't reach the targets set for them. If that's so, then how in the world would they reach 50% GHG reduction by 2050?

4) Dave in Texas Says:

Well, you kind a gotta read between the lines there. That 50% reduction would be an overall reduction. Some countries would be expected to reduce just a little, and some would be expected to reduce a lot. Guess which group the U.S.A. would fall into?

5) Galvanic Says:

Of course.

Actually, if Bush wanted to hand a turd to the Democrats, he could propose reduction goals of 50%, and ultimately leave it to the Democratic Senate to balk or ratify; the Senate never would, because even Democratic economic interests woiuld go in the toilet. The whole GW/Kyoto facade would unravel.

6) Gary Hall Says:

No no no. It's Gore's fault.

GLENN BECK - Exposed: The Climate of Fear

Aired May 2, 2007 -

BECK: Even our vice president thought it [Kyoto] was ridiculous.

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is a ridiculous notion.

BECK: No, no, no, I don`t mean that vice president. I mean this one.

AL GORE, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We will not submit this for ratification until there`s meaningful participation by key developing nations.

Beck: Yes, you heard right. Back in 1997, Al Gore set the standard that the U.S. Will not comply with Kyoto as long as big polluters like China don`t have to.

Horner: That`s the Gore standard. That standard still has not been met. That was the standard George Bush articulated, too, but he`s mean.

And of course, Glen Beck (oh, as any good journalist would do - Hmm-mmm) went on to remind us, that Bill Clinton had ths same standard, and therefore never submitted it to the Congress to ratify.

7) dahliatravers Says:

If AGW were fact and not shaky theory, a case could be made that the U.S. should take the lead in such an initiative. Yet China and India have stated categorically that they will not participate and Russia is about to bolt. So our participation would accomplish nothing.

Yet inexplicably, Ron Brownstein and others are telling us we must implement Kyoto. The only conclusion to be reached is that global warming is caused by American CO2.

8) danbo Says:

If AGW were fact, rather than an shakey theory, we should send our military to attack China and India. And force them to cease their dastardly economic growth. Then burn our own industries. After all, we only have 10 years. (Though we never have a start date for the count off..) Instead we have carbon taxes.

This is a scam for the UN to put it's hand in your pocket. The dems will help them. They'll have their hand in your other pocket.

Brought to you by the same people who gave us food for oil.

- "The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule.” H.L. Mencken

http://newsbusters.org/node/13266

-- June 10, 2007 8:02 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Certainly what you say is the view of the MSM, BritishKnite.

However, here is another view about the idea that the next President will need to "repair damage" done by President Bush. Note how Bush Derangement Syndrome so blinds the MSM pundit/critics that this one has a clueless response, QUOTE:

"Joe pointed out that Germany and France, the two allies in Europe "that thumbed their nose at us," have in recent times elected pro-American leaders in Merkel and Sarkozy. Snapped Mika, disdain in her voice: "What does that have to do with George Bush?"

I do hope you understand what Mika totally missed in that remark.. and others do, too.

If President Bush has so damaged the US reputation in recent times.. exactly WHY are these European countries electing pro-American leaders? To show their disapproval of the man in the US President's seat? Because they totally disagree with the Right spectrum political views of America?

Think about it, and open your mind and come out from among them.

===

Mika Mocks: Next Prez Needs to Repair Damage Done by Bush
Posted by Mark Finkelstein on June 6, 2007

Not that there had been much doubt as to where MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski stands politically . . . . As we have noted before, today wasn't the first time that the daughter of Jimmy Carter's erstwhile National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski has expressed liberal views on air. Still, it was jarring to hear the ostensibly objective newsreader, appearing as a guest on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" [an occasional show hosted by Joe Scarborough in Imus's former time slot] at 6:24 am EDT today, spout criticism of President Bush with a passion worthy of an "out" Dem partisan.

The springboard was a discussion among Mika, Joe and NPR contributor John Ridley of the moment in last night's GOP presidential debate in which Rudy deftly dealt with a lightning strike just as he was explaining his pro-choice views. Ridley opined, to the agreement of the others, that Rudy handled the impromptu moment more smoothly than President Bush often does his scripted ones. Scarborough observed that "we do need elected leaders who can communicate effectively," noting that it was Tony Blair, not President Bush, who in a session with Congress had made the most effective case for the Iraq war.

That's when Mika pounced, QUOTE:

MIKA BRZEZINSKI: We're looking for someone who is going to be able to communicate globally and sort of repair what some may believe is a huge problem in terms of our reputation and respect for ourselves around the world. (end quote)

The "some may believe" was only the barest of cover for what was clearly Mika's personal opinion. She immediately erased any doubt that she was aiming her dart at President Bush by ending her intervention by archly exclaiming "Vladimir!", an allusion to President Bush having recently referred to the Russian leader that way.

Things got even more pointed. When Joe announced that he was going to "get on George Bush's side for a second," Mika responded, "alright, do it, please!" Meaning: yes, I've clearly put myself in the anti-Bush camp so go ahead and try to defend him. Joe pointed out that Germany and France, the two allies in Europe "that thumbed their nose at us," have in recent times elected pro-American leaders in Merkel and Sarkozy.

Snapped Mika, disdain in her voice: "What does that have to do with George Bush?"

===

Comments:

1) Sergeant ROCK Says:

"We're looking for.." Yeah, the MSM has no agenda.

TRANSLATION: We need someone that will openly appease those that seek our destruction.

2) Smartypants Says:

Bush has been eviscerated by the mainstream press and the disingenuous Democrats. His problem primarily is that he has allowed his enemies to define who he is. I still believe history, if it is fairly analyzed, is going to show Bush to be a much more effective president than what most realize today. He's far from perfect; then again, show me a former president who was perfect.

3) Seabeach4348 Says:

Mika says: "We're looking for someone who is going to be able to communicate globally the sort of repair what some believe is a huge problem in terms of our reputation and respect for ourselves around the world."

First of all, PMS-NBC, it appears as if the only people who have a problem with our world image and, moreover, "...respect for ourselves...." are the Marxists, commies, and liberals in this country, the very same people who continue to whine and complain about how bad America is for the health of the world community. (Mouthwash break; I hate that term "world community")

My respect for America is just fine, Ms Mika, thank you very much.

Second, Ms. Mika, I suppose you contend that once President Bush leaves office ( as in Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead), the dark cloud that has settled over the world since 2000 will suddenly lift, flowers will burst into bloom, Global Warming will correct itself so we won't need Algore any more, and we will finally be able to make nice with the Islamo-Barbarians who want to behead all of us and burn our country to the ground. They will just go home and leave us alone because everyone around the world will simply be in Love-Fest mode over America once again!

Third, Woodstock is long over, Ms. Mika, and we really don't need the likes of you telling us what's best for America.

4) TruthMonger Says:

I remember our great standing in the world 10, 20 and 30 years ago. Absolutely everybody completely loved us before GWB...

Don't you people remember that?!

Remember how the Soviets loved us back then? And how China absolutely exalted us? Remember how the Arab world unequivically supported their "beloved America" back then?

Remember all those emerging democracy's around the world back then...?

I sure hope the MSM can find someone to bring back those absolutely wonderful glory days...before GWB destroyed our sterling world reputation...

5) Challenger Grim Says:

Snapped Mika, disdain in her voice: "What does that have to do with George Bush?"

It's called logic ma'am. It's also a challenge to your basic assumption. If, Bush has so damaged our reputation, why then did these other countries elect pro-america leaders? It's not the expected result if your claim is true.

So what can we conclude...

http://newsbusters.org/node/13251

===

Note the "challenge to your basic assumption" in the last quote, BritishKnite??
Maybe you can think on your own a bit here.. not just listening to the MSM..
What can you conclude from this challenge to your basic assumption??

Sara.

-- June 10, 2007 8:48 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

British Knight.

I cannot get Vietnam Dong in England from any Bank or Post office or Travel agent they do not have it and will not order it.
Also I cannot belive that we have on this site yet again someone who thinks there was no WMD, here we go again.
Also there apears to be a tree hugger here, save the whale, and flipper, yup save one for me I love them with chips, cannot eat a whole one though.
It seems some people will belive anything they read in the news paper or see on the TV, contact me as I have a bridge for sale in London, buyer to dismantel and remove.
There is naff all wrong with President Bush, doing a great job.
I have just got the info from Mr Mohammad K Issa, who is the senior manager with the Warka Bank, for me to set up my two accounts in the bank, and will also send some of my dinar over to there,and then start buying a s--- load of stock on the ISX, ask and you will recieve, search and you will find, or he who dares wins Rodney.
Stay lucky all, Steve.

-- June 10, 2007 9:15 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Finance Minister confirms Iraq's commitment to the Convention (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund

The Finance Minister Baqer Jabr Al-Zubaydi that fiscal policy pursued by the Ministry of Finance to lift the pace of implementation of the budget 2007 investment budget focused particularly for the provision of basic services for the Iraqi people and completing reconstruction of infrastructure and activate the Iraqi economy and particularly the activation of the private sector to increase its role in the development of the Iraqi economy.
This came during his presidency to the Iraqi side at the meetings held in Amman for the period from 4 June 10, 2007 with IMF experts to conduct a review of the implementation of the Fifth Iraq's obligations under the Convention on the back (SBA), signed by Iraq with the International Monetary Fund in December of 2005 and transferred to the source today, Monday, the ministry.
.The minister said in the opening speech that Iraq was committed to the completion of all obligations under the Convention on the (SBA) signed with the International Monetary Fund, where efforts are being made to complete a private matter so, pointing out that the Ministry of Finance has held conferences and bilateral meetings with ministers, deputy ministers and Gentlemen conservatives over the past four months for follow-up project implementation rates for providing services to citizens and to combat unemployment and building the infrastructure of the country where the ministry has launched special funds for the implementation of the investment budget and the development of mechanisms to facilitate the exchange and the opening credits Special so. The Minister added that the cadres of the Ministry of Finance has prepared financial statements relating to the implementation of the budget for the first quarter of 2007 and submitted to the IMF experts, this has completed the financial committees which have been formed from the Ministry of Finance and the Office of Financial Supervision and advisers Albernek Point of the special subjects manual accounting and classification of the budget and will soon be finalized and prepared formulas Finance Minister also pointed that the Supreme Committee which was formed to follow up and supervise the implementation of the project (surveying workers) in the State and preparing the payroll, discussed table on the implementation of the project with the design of the forms for the collection of information required.
Lastly, the Minister of Finance, he had been successful in re-structuring of a number of institutions and industrial companies Assembly (economically feasible) through the provision of loans from banks on commercial basis for the purchase of equipment necessary for its operation.
This has participated in the meetings Mr. Iraqi Central Bank Governor Sinan Al-Shabibi, who dealt in discussions of monetary policy followed by the bank to reduce inflation and stabilize prices through the use of various tools of monetary policy, including exchange rates and interest rates also participated Saad Alhayani Ambassador of Iraq in these meetings note that the technical cadres of a number of Iraqi officials in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and oil, trade and industry, minerals and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and members of the House of Representatives (Finance Committee), in addition to representatives from the Rafidain Bank and Rasheed Bank and Iraqi commercial and the Department of Taxation and the General Customs Service and the retirement had been met experts with the International Monetary Fund over 4 6-8 for substantive discussions included the implementation of the budget in 2007 and in particular the investment budget and the results achieved during the first quarter of this year and the action taken by the oil sector to increase production and exportation rates, which is the main source of finance and budget, the most important steps taken to provide petroleum products a law liberalization of the import of petroleum products into force meetings also touched on procedures ministries to provide basic goods and services to minimize the suffering of the Iraqi citizen, as well as the network of social protection and the number of poor families that have been covered by this network.

Source:Iraqi News Agency

-- June 11, 2007 12:47 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara n Steve:

Way to go!! My sentiments completely.

Conservatives all over the world need to hang together, cause britishknite is just one of millions of examples that every country has it's share of disidents who have a muted and distorted view of reality.
( and that doesn't mean that I give Bush a blank check either!)It just means that I am smart enough not to give a blank check to the MSM, like obviously britishknite and the likes of him do.

Carole

-- June 11, 2007 1:01 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Iraqi MPs oust outspoken speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani

Many MPs viewed the speaker as erratic and embarrassing
Members of the Iraqi parliament have voted to replace the speaker after the latest in a series of scandals involving the Sunni Arab politician.

The move came a day after Mahmoud Mashhadani allegedly ordered bodyguards to beat a fellow MP, his deputy said.

Iraqi TV said Mr Mashhadani's political bloc, the National Concord Front, had agreed to let him stand down.

He has previously been criticised for calling anti-US insurgents "heroes" and slapping another Sunni MP in the face.

The parliament has given Mr Mashhadani's bloc a week to come up with another nominee.

Heavy-handed

Correspondents say a majority of Iraq's 275 MPs appear to view Sunday's incident as the last straw, branding Mr Mashhadani's behaviour erratic and embarrassing.

He became embroiled in a shouting match with a Shia Turkoman MP, Firyad Muhammad Omar, who had complained to the speaker about his heavy-handed personal security guards.

Mr Mashhadani responded with a torrent of abuse, and - according to Mr Omar - an order to his guards to beat him up.

The former physician and hardline Islamist did not attend Monday's session, which was chaired by his Shia Muslim deputy, Khalid Attiyah.

Source: BBC

-- June 11, 2007 2:41 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

the transition to a market economy

بغداد: محمد خضير السعديBaghdad : Mohammed Khodeir Saadi
.Characterized by the Iraqi economy over the last four decades subjection full control of the State, which had control over every section of the economy - the financial, commercial, industrial and converted into joints like all Balaskarih for the permanency of daily life in Iraq as well as Iraq's economy from the ravages of deterioration and destruction after the invasion of Kuwait, which led to the destruction of infrastructure infrastructure and economic underpinnings result of the military operations carried out by coalition countries in the early 1990s of the last century, which followed the imposition of a comprehensive embargo lasted for more than thirteen years, during which Iraq's foreign freezing of the funds.

.In addition to what happened to the Iraqi economy in the wake of 9 April 2003 the destruction of its industrial, commercial, financial, educational, military and public institutions because of the looting and wanton destruction not only of these institutions, but all forms of public money movable and immovable addition to the flow of goods across the border gates open without any control, whether technical or administrative or legal controls. البلاد.As a result of changes in the country and presumably orientation towards the building of democracy and that of its first tasks, freeing the economy from state control and the transition to a free economy or a market economy through the transfer of governmental administration of the economic system to a totalitarian Brlh economy including the strengthening of the role of the private sector in implementing this policy and allow him to play a key role in economic reform and reconstruction of the country.
-السوق:- The principles that underlie the pattern of a market economy :
.Economic researcher on the bread recall that the pattern of a market economy based on fundamental principles first supply and demand means that the production process is governed by market forces and determined by the consumer, sectors and products and brands and intermediaries, The second is the principle of competition and competitiveness and ensuring the pursuit of satisfying customer proposal and production products and services to meet the wishes and third principle is based on the concept of adaptation and flexibility through the creation of mechanisms to help develop production in light of the circumstances and changes from the viewpoint that the market is flux.
().(And the market economy helps to mobilize resources and good conduct and confer on the management principle of success and the possibility of reaching the highest possible level of performance and so we see the validity of the pattern of a market economy for developing countries, which typically lack the resources complaining that the principles valid for all kinds of products and services).
.Requires transition to a market economy several measures include the liberalization of economic activity and prices and market operations in a manner consistent with the reallocation of resources and more efficient use also requires an effective management of institutions and economic efficiency through privatization and restructuring and the establishment of a legal and institutional framework to ensure property rights according to the law and force transparent the market.
-Impediments transition to a market economy in Iraq :
يذكر :The writer and analyst Alstratigi Dr. Ghazwan Hadi : (The process of transition to a market economy hampered by deposition of government intervention in the market to control the movement of colossal public sector interventions represented the state in guiding the economy one of the most important features of totalitarian regimes At the same time the remnants of this intervention is one of the most important impediments to the transition to a market economy in transition institutionalized system of the State democratic governance and the unique Iraq in the transition to a market economy there were difficulties progress difficult obstacles added to this transition, these difficulties interact with each other to constitute an obstacle to the transition to democracy and the adoption of a market economy, including :
أولاً-:First-worsening security situation : .The deteriorating security situation is the first challenge in the face of all endeavors to move the Iraqi economy to an advanced economy led the market (supply and demand), Dubamin deterioration of the security situation in the market due to lack Group President engine of the economy represented a sense of security and defense money while increasing threats on the lives of workers in the market and their movable and immovable less optional activity or reduced commensurate with the size of a room or security available to them to ensure their needs living without ambition towards development and even viability. .As well as posing threats deteriorating security situation tense about working in the local market for senior traders and importers, which stands case for both domestic and international investors and the proportion of this reluctance is directly proportional to the worsening security situation and resulting in a permanent move to investors and traders Iraqis and others to work outside the Iraqi market to escape the pressures posed by the deteriorating security situation on the good performance of their duties.
البطالة:Second-high unemployment rates :
.The high rate of unemployment in the transition to a market economy limiting factor in achieving this transition because overcome unemployment in Iraq, 50% form halt to the movement of the market, increase the proportion of poverty and the decline of per capita income and thus the national income, as well as causing low standard of living of the individual. هذا .This decline, which threatens the future of the national economy and is working retreat to the level of economic development in the transition to a market economy, and rising standard of living of the individual and the average per capita income rising an element mobility President of the economy and thus the transition to a market economy governed by the will and wishes of Rappotnen entry.
:Third-growing economic inflation :
ويؤكد..Ghazwan, Dr. Hadi inflation economic concomitant phase transition to a market economy because of increased demand in light of this stage of key goods and services in return for limited supply, which was jolted govern the State through the public sector and inflation volume commensurate with the level of the previous intervention of the public sector in government market movement at the same time with the shortage of goods and services and increased demand in the transition phase, but exceeded the inflation rate (100%) means low volume saturation of the citizen of goods and services Chairperson half, which drives towards different goals transition to a market economy and the continued rise in inflation rates which confirms the decline in the volume saturation resulting in transition or in the reverse direction heterosexualization of the market economy in transition to a market economy where appropriate ratios are low unemployment and increase the volume of saturation to the needs of the citizens of goods and services Chairperson and average per capita income rising ..
:Fourth-forced displacement :
.Toys forced displacement of families from shops in the home districts of Baghdad and some provinces of the country played a major role in slowing movement Iraqi economy to a market economy, It has caused an increase in the volume of economic inflation rate of 30% as well as the mechanism of transmission of the movement of labor between cities and the impact of the movement in the labor market resulting in the increase in demand versus supply here and the increase of supply versus demand is also led to the transmission of movement of labor between according to provide jobs and job opportunities in the form of areas to expatriates. .Added to this role forced to stop the partial or total disruption of some projects of all sizes, small, medium and large brain and skilled workers and unskilled, economists, investors and businessmen outside the border to escape the pressures posed by the phenomenon of forced displacement.
:V-reverse migration :
.Known internal migration in all the countries of the world as migration from the countryside and cities to the capital as a source of economic attraction, and access to job opportunities and achieve success and profits. .This is even more migration in the transition to a market economy, but what happened in Iraq in the transition to a market economy opposite. .Worsening the situation and the fact that one of the capital Baghdad hot spots targeting terrorist operations and the practice of forced displacement in some regions of each payment to the formation of a unique phenomenon can be branded b (reverse migration) an exodus from the capital, and economic attractions because of the seriousness of life and investments to cities and provinces relatively quiet and this migration included a transfer of work and projects and investments in various forms to these areas de****e the weak market movement, which led to low productivity and production, profits and therefore some decay and thus an end to such investments or set them temporarily than counting the cause of the decline of the market movement.
:Sixth-and unclear economic vision :
.The Iraqi economy suffers poor visibility due to the lack of the ability to determine the right steps for the transition to a market economy. وقد .It comes because of reliance on theories not proven its vitality tests or because many of these theories and experiences of Attensjm with the facts of the new Iraqi economic, cultural and social, psychological and lack of application in the circumstances of progress experienced by the country and the high proportion of popular rejection of such ideas and economic trends into account the lack of privacy cultural and social the Iraqi citizen and not anticipate the volume of injustice done to the Iraqi citizen in the past and the suffering at this stage and delinquency citizens about compensation injustice and deprivation. This has been ongoing in some applications such as raising the prices of oil derivatives, which is the root of unemployment, inflation and the big increase in the numbers of citizens living below the poverty line and the continued lack of clarity of vision in the pursuit of the abolition of government support for food and fuel may push the transition to a market economy to the end of the road opposite the transmitting the Iraqi people to the people of the high proportion of hungry people covered the poverty line to 60% and higher rates of unemployment and inflation from its current economic and stop the movement of work while the right endeavor for the transition to a market economy requires continued government support and gradually reduced to commensurate with the decline in the volume of unemployment, inflation and rising average individual and the improvement its living standard

ÌÑíÏÉ ÇáãÏì - ÇáÇäÊÞÇá Åáì ÇÞÊÕÇÏ ÇáÓæÞ
__________________
it can be said for all investors from the Arabs and foreigners, you enter now for it will be a golden opportunity for you.

-- June 11, 2007 7:55 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole and Steven;

I thought this interesting for historical perspective..
a comparison of Presidential job-approval ratings done by Gallup, AP (Associated Press) and WSJ (Wall Street Journal) research:

A look at U.S. presidents' job-approval ratings.

Sources: Gallup, AP, WSJ.com research
NOTES: Plotted points are the averages of all approval polls taken by Gallup in each three-month period of each presidency.

Full interactive here:

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-presapp0605-31.html

-- June 11, 2007 8:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

UK parliament rejects Iraq war inquiry
Tuesday Jun 12 06:20 AP

The House of Commons has rejected a motion by Britain's opposition Conservative Party calling for a formal inquiry into the decision to go to war in Iraq.

By a vote of 288 to 253, the lower house of parliament sided with Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has ruled out such an inquiry while British troops are deployed in Iraq.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=228468

-- June 11, 2007 8:04 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

And, just so it is noted..
people's opinions can be influenced by the media and what they continually harp on..
like the Iraq War.
And not just President Bush..

Clinton approval drops when Iraq mentioned
Published: June 11, 2007

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- Eighteen months before the U.S. presidential election, the Iraq war is already influencing voters' views of leading candidates.

Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey polled 776 randomly selected registered voters nationwide, and 602 voters in the state by telephone in late May.

When half of all respondents were asked their preference for a Democratic candidate, a plurality -- 23 percent -- picked New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. They were then asked their views of President George W. Bush and the Iraq war. But when the other half was first asked about Bush and Iraq, support for Clinton declined by six points to 17 percent.

Among Democrats nationally who have a preference, nearly half say they favor Clinton, with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama coming in second.

"Most of this effect came among Democrats: 39 percent of those not reminded of the war said that they supported Clinton, as opposed to 31 percent of those who were," the pollers said in a press release issued Monday.

Obama is the greatest beneficiary of this shift.

"Among Democrats not reminded of the war, Clinton leads Obama 39 percent to 19 percent, a 2-to-1 advantage; but among Democrats who were reminded of the war, Clinton's lead drops from 20 to 11 points (31 percent-20 percent), a 3-to-2 advantage," the statement said.

http://www.upi.com/Security_Terrorism/Briefing/2007/06/11/clinton_approval_drops_when_iraq_mentioned/4043/

Looks like the MSM keeping Iraq 'front and center' in the news prejudicially affects Democrats against Clinton and toward Obama.

Seems like a sowing and reaping effect... sow spite toward President Bush about the War in Iraq.. and reap goodbye to Presidential hopes for Clinton. Seems just and deserved to me.

Sara.

-- June 11, 2007 8:15 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Mattuk,

Thank you for a very interesting article from M R Venkatesh.

While he is very good in actual data, I may not completely share his dooms day analysis, but he is, I must say very much accurate in most of what he is saying.

A complete melt down, of the US currency is not really possible, as this would mean that our productivity would be not worth anything, and for sure our efforts will have value.

A complete melt down would mean that the US currency would be worthless, but as long as we can buy and sell our own goods within out own country, using approximate the same scale of the currency, internally we would not have any bigger changes, we would have bigger changes when we are continuing to consume goods that is made abroad, because lets say we have a currency that is as worthless as the Dinar, and would go to Wal Mart, and consume the foreign made consumer goods, THAT would suddenly become expensive above our means.
Even cheap plastic items would in a jiffy be far too expensive to buy, if it is made abroad.

Would our currency go straight down, our own base of internally made products would suddenly be very very affordable for us, and for the world outside of our borders. Kick starting our own production base, that we so willingly exported in the 70's and 80's, opening up our own job market.

So an absolute melt down into a completely worthless currency is not really possible in that sense.

However as the world goes, other countries can decide because of political ideological or religious reason choose to not use the Dollar as their currency when trading.

That will push the Dollar down, this together with a scare that an all sell out of the Dollar from countries using the Dollar as a part of their currency basket they have accumulated in their vaults, as their currency reserve.

However that is if the sell out is happening.

The countries holding vast amount of currency, (and there are many many countries holding very vast amounts) want on one hand have a higher value on their currency reserve, as this will reflect the value of their own currency, and the internal wealth of the respective county.

So that is the urge to sell off the Dollar, and get a currency that is valued higher.

However this is the trap, if they do that, they will put a lot of Dollar on the market, pushing it down, knowing that other countries will then get rid of their Dollar, and very soon the market has pushed down the Dollar to a point where they will get Cents on the Dollar so to say.

So what are they trying to do, well it's in their interest to prop up the Dollar protecting it, and push up it's value, and try to hold the Dollar value that way, rather than selling it off.

Countries with an extreme Dollar reserve like China or Japan will go completely bankrupt if the Dollar suddenly went to zero or close to it.

China, have for a very long time been producing a lot of goods, that have been sold on the American market, for cheap sums, but as the volume have been in the size of shiploads after shiploads, the amount have been staggering, and the Dollar flowing from the US to China have accumulated into enormous proportions.

Lets say, the Dollar is worthless tomorrow when they wake up.

All their production they have done slaved away spinning their wheels, stamping out pieces, having armies of workers assembling it, selling it, and got the pay for it, suddenly the pay for all their effort is nil, zil, and nothing, the Dollar bills they have accumulated is just a paper with dead American presidents on it.

It is doubtful China will allow that to happen, they have such an amount that they cant get rid of the currency in a jiffy, without disturbing the Dollar market downwards, and they want their moneys worth for the effort they have put in.

The inflation here is not in any significant numbers compared to other countries, the interest rates here are in a comparable low range, and the debt we have is the biggest in the world,... but, per capita we are doing about the same as all the other industrial countries, that are also shamelessly running a debt economy.

Just because we are the largest country, the total sum end up as the largest total debt sum, but the average debt per capita is not in too much out of sync with the rest of the world.

True the author says that the Dollar currency is not backed by Gold, but then again, modern currencies are not backed as in the old days. The Euro is a non backed, stateless currency and per that standard it should be in Dire Straits.

So the Dollar is in no way or fashion doing anything else other than any of the other leading currencies, lets say other world currencies, and that would be, the Dollar, Sterling Pound, The Euro, the Yen.

The Dollar have one significant difference compared with other currencies though, it is the oil currency, and most international trades are set in Dollar.

That is to the benefit of the Dollar, as this will enable the Dollar to live in an economy that has nothing to do with the US economy.

The Dollar IS on the way down..yes, but it was way way more down in the mid 70's, and the same worries was aired then.

This is normal trends, it goes in swings, and in the meanwhile Armageddon, and the end of the world is predicted.

The Dollar is a straight reflection of how much the US is trusted upon, and right now, with the US in a war against terrorism, the "other side" will do anything to discredit the trust in the US, and thus the trust in Dollar will follow.

Iran, and Venezuela have declared war against the Dollar, and are blowing big bubbles about it, Russia are eager to get onto the bandwagon on the US backstabbing, and a lot of smaller Socialist educated countries that have been thoroughly schooled in the idea that they are poor BECAUSE the US are rich, and have horded all the exiting money, are all contributing to the "expert analysis" of the falling Dollar, the end of Capitalism, the Dollar melt down, and all that crap.

For them the Dollar itself manifest anything that they hate, and they are singling out the Dollar as the cause of their miseries, and are eager to furnish alternative economical models that aligns more in their political economical or religious favour.

The Dollar is not doing anything different than the Euro or Stirling, or the Yen, but it is singled out as the source of all evil.

Currency have no soul, can't think and have no opinion.

a currency is worth as much as we say it is worth, no more no less, and if the Dollar is going down, it's because there is either a surplus of it on the market, (too may printed compared with what it is suppose to do) or it is told by others that it is not worth what it is suppose to do.

As it is so easy for the Feds, to burn and destroy Dollar, the other option, someone is telling us that it is falling...we have accepted that, and pop, it is falling.

I was selling a big Semi truck once to a customer, sometime in the past, the truck had a piston through the block, and a small fire took place, very small, it was extinguished very quick, the truck engine was rebuilt and everything was good.

The customer circled around that statement, the fact that it had had a small fire, ..it didn't matter what I showed him, he always started or ended his sentence with that fire.

He was convincing himself that this truck was a big problem, with internally melted wires, with a huge electrical problem, and a possible vehicle that have been falsely re-documented as this truck must have come from a salvage yard.

He was not looking at a well functioning truck, with all new wiring, with a new engine, with new paint, and a factory redone truck and warranty, working like a new truck.

Yeah but it have had a fire...right....

Fire...

Fire...

The Dollar is falling, well there might be a Dollar melt down, well the world economy looks in such a way that the Dollar will be worthless, ...fire, fire....

Economists from Budapest, Turkey and Kuala Lumpur predict that the coming Dollar melt down will have grave consequences...

Ship this concept around the world, and the undergraduate economists, will in their papers circulate enough of the idea that we all look at it.

An article here, a video clip there, replay that Venezuelan Dictator fifteen times, when he say that he will take on the Dollar, and by all means rerun it on Sunday.

After a while the Dollar will go down, because we say that it is not worth anything.

You will sell what you push.

Push Big SUV's and they will sell, Push green shampoo, and it will sell.

Push around the idea that the Dollar is heading down, and it will, and just by the fact that it is now heading down, you can confirm that it is the end of the world, and a new world order is in the waiting room.

I wouldn't worry too much.

-- June 11, 2007 9:16 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Just another comment regarding that article, the author claims that a gradual devaluation of the Dollar is one possible way to go.

It tells me that he is schooled in Socialist economy, as he is assuming that the state is controlling the currency as a Fiat currency, a currency that is dictated as to what value it has.

Currency that is freely traded will automatically readjust, and have the value it has when it is traded, and that is the value we set on the currency.

Any government effort to push it in one direction or the other will automatically create a false value of the currency, so if the US would start devalue it's currency, downwards, the currency would be taken from it's true value into a false artificial value.

Perhaps it is the authors inner wish that if the Dollar wouldn't come down enough, we "must" bring it down.

ha.

-- June 11, 2007 9:31 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

Mattuk and Roger:

I really enjoyed your analogy of the effects of the looming decline of the dollar.

I have been maintaining for years that an individual, a city, a state or a country cannot continue to live on borried money. If there is no grave consequence, then why not borrow an exorbitant amount and distribute it to the American people and let us all enjoy this borrowed money.

I have always viewed the collapse of the dollar as a doomsday situation, but Roger, you presented a viewpoint that I have never thought of, that if the dollar goes down the drain then most of our foreign debt
will be eliminated and we will still have all our real estate and the capability to start producing products that we need here at home. We once produced almost everything that we needed and imported and imported mostly luxeries.

People throughtout the world believe that any investment in the USA is safe, a meltdown would wipe out this trust. While we would be screwed up-the rest of the world would be in as bad or worse shape.

If you have money, invest in gold as it will keep its value.

-- June 11, 2007 11:34 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

US pits Iraqi Sunnis against al-Qaeda
By Jim Muir

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

Baghdad, 12 June 2007 (BBC News)
Print article Send to friend
There are growing signs that the US is increasingly turning to a new tactic in facing the Sunni-led insurgency in Iraq.

The US military is arming Sunni groups to secure their own areas

On Sunday, US military commanders and Iraqi provincial officials held a meeting with 130 Sunni tribal sheikhs in Saddam Hussein's old hometown of Tikrit.

According to the US, the tribal leaders reached a "historic agreement" to play a more active role in defending their troubled province, Salahuddin, against al-Qaeda and other radical insurgent groups.

It is the latest move in what is clearly becoming one of the main thrusts of the US exit strategy here - to empower and arm Sunni Arab tribes and factions, provided they pledge to resist outside militants like al-Qaeda.

'Insurgent hotbed'

One of the top US military commanders, Maj-Gen Rick Lynch, confirmed the US was moving in the direction of training and arming Sunni groups to secure their own areas, often under the mantle of the Iraqi police force.

"There are tribal sheikhs out there who say: 'Hey, just allow me to be the local security force. I don't care what you call me. You can call me whatever you want. Just give me the right training and equipment and I'll secure my area.' And that's the direction we're moving out there," Gen Lynch said.

[Al-Qaeda in Iraq's] uncompromising brand of extreme fundamentalist Islam has apparently begun to alienate the more nationalist Iraqi strands of the insurgency

US commanders on the ground have been authorised and encouraged to enter into truces and agreements with local Sunni factions wherever possible, even if they are suspected of using arms against US forces in the past.

It is a tactic that is deemed to have worked successfully in the western province of al-Anbar, where Sunni tribes have increasingly clashed with al-Qaeda and its allies.

Al-Anbar was until recently a synonym for "insurgent hotbed", but US commanders have reported a marked drop in violence since many of the province's Sunni tribes signed up with the government and encouraged their followers to join the local police.

Some police recruiting posts in al-Anbar were also attacked by al-Qaeda-linked insurgents, further fuelling local resentment against them.

The insurgency has always been made up of multiple strands.

The US and Iraqi governments have always regarded the groups such as al-Qaeda in Iraq as being irreconcilable and beyond the pale, and they still do.

Variously known as jihadis or salafis, many of the groups' fighters and suicide bombers are believed to be Islamist radicals from outside the country.

Their uncompromising brand of extreme fundamentalist Islam has apparently begun to alienate the more nationalist Iraqi strands of the insurgency, some of them former Baathists, others just Sunnis with a grudge against the US-led coalition and a government they feel ill represents their interests.

Tacit admission

However, a recent statement from the al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State in Iraq sought to cast doubt on the extent to which the tribes had turned against it.

It thanked tribal leaders for "assisting and supporting the mujahideen in their confrontation with the Crusaders and rejecting some who sold their religion and people at a very cheap price".

The US military surge is suffering from Iraqi police failures

The group said "dozens of pledges from the chiefs and noblemen of the tribes have been received by us".

It said that tribes "even after four years of fighting and killing, continue to offer their children [and] provide shelter for the mujahideen".

However, there has been conflict between the Islamic State in Iraq and the Islamic Army of Iraq, a more local nationalist Sunni faction, for control of the Amariya district in south-west Baghdad.

The two sides, former allies against the US presence, agreed to a truce, though the underlying tensions remain.

The US decision to turn increasingly to local security is a tacit admission that, in at least some areas, the policy of relying on the Iraqi armed forces and police simply has not worked.

Those institutions are riddled with problems.

It has proven hard to find seasoned officers to take the lead. Sectarianism and penetration by militias are rampant, especially in the police.

US military officials admit the current Baghdad troop "surge" is suffering from the fact that the Iraqi police have not proven to be up to the task of holding areas secured by the push.

Empowering Sunni tribes and groups to look after their own security may prove to be part of the solution - though it will not solve all the country's problems by any means.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 12, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Navy takes aim at Iraq's roadside bombs

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

ABOARD THE USS NIMITZ IN THE GULF, 12 June 2007 (Associated Press)
Print article Send to friend
A secret aircraft that debuted in Vietnam and usually protects U.S. fighter jets is getting a new type of task over Iraq — trying to stop the scourge of roadside bombs by jamming ground signals from mobile phones and garage door openers.

The EA-6B Prowler is thought to be one of the most effective U.S. weapons against the bombs, the biggest killer of American service members in Iraq. But no one can be sure: Even supporters say its effectiveness is hard to measure.

The aircraft debuted at the tail end of Vietnam and was used in Kosovo and the 1991 Gulf War, escorting U.S. attack jets while jamming hostile radars, air defense batteries and military radios aimed at them.

These days the Prowler focuses its jammers on smaller signals: those of mobile phones and garage door openers that are used to trigger roadside bombs in Iraq, said U.S. Navy Capt. David Woods, 49, of Ogden, Utah.

Often, it's hard to prove that a roadside bomb failed to explode because of Prowler jamming signals, Woods said. Still, he's confident the plane is making a difference against the bombs, which the military calls improvised explosive devices.

"When it's flying we have greater success and fewer IEDs going off," Woods said. "It's kind of an insurance policy."

Woods, the commander of Carrier Air Wing Eleven and one of the Navy's most experienced Prowler pilots, says few people understand the EA-6B's mission, which is to control the electromagnetic spectrum so allies can use it — but not enemies.

The Prowler and its electronic warfare system is so valuable it has never been exported — even to close allies. Details about the training of crewmembers are secret.

The Prowler is a homely plane, hung with torpedo-shaped pods and covered in tumor-like bumps packed with a bewildering array of computers, transmitters, antennae and receivers that can analyze and block ground transmissions. A sinister-looking prong protruding from its nose is a refueling nozzle.

The EA-6B's bulbous nose cradles a crew of four: a pilot and three electronic countermeasures officers who operate the jamming gear.

Outside experts say the Prowler remains the world's most effective electronic warfare aircraft, but the aging U.S. fleet of about 120 aircraft is overworked.

Still, the Pentagon considers the Prowler critical enough to ensure no U.S. aircraft carrier heads to battle without four or five. There are two squadrons now at sea in Mideast waters: one aboard the carrier USS John C. Stennis, the other aboard the Nimitz.

Another two land-based Prowler squadrons are in Iraq, Woods said.

In 1999, Serb air defenses shot down an Air Force F-117 stealth fighter probably because it strayed too far from the jamming beam of its Prowler escort, said Loren Thompson, a military analyst with the Washington-based Lexington Institute.

On the Nimitz, which operated inside the Persian Gulf in recent days, Prowlers could be seen screaming off the deck along with packs of F/A-18 Hornet fighters, heading to Iraqi airspace.

Over Iraq, the fighters fly patterns above U.S. ground operations, waiting to be called to drop 500-pound bombs, if needed.

The Prowlers fly between 20,000 and 30,000 feet, Woods said, steering invisible waves of electromagnetic signals over areas where insurgent bombs may be waiting for U.S. convoys.

According to outside experts, receivers inside the Prowler's tail collect radio signals from the ground, which are analyzed by an on-board computer. As threats are identified, the plane's crew floods the area with electromagnetic energy that blocks the signal.

The plane's computer is loaded with a "threat library" of hostile signals, which are used to match those on the ground. The jammers can block transmissions across wide range of frequencies, everything from TV and radio signals to mobile phones and the Internet.

But its jamming gear has no effect on bombs that are hard-wired to their triggers, Woods said.

The Pentagon is spending US $9 billion to replace the Prowler with 90 Boeing F/A-18 fighters outfitted with electronic warfare gear. The first two, known as the EA-18G Growler, are already being tested.

The first Growlers are supposed to begin service by 2009 and replace the carrier-based Prowler squadrons by 2013. The job is expected to eventually be taken over by unmanned planes.

Woods is among a rare breed with more than 1,000 aircraft carrier landings — nearly all with the Prowler. He says he'll miss the plane he's been flying since 1984.

"It's like an old girlfriend or your first car," he said, pointing to a photo of the plane on the wall of his quarters on the Nimitz. "There are things about it you just can't replace."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 12, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Al Anbar Police Turn a Corner
David Axe | June 12, 2007
The Iraqi national police force has opened two new training facilities in the western province of Al Anbar, a significant step towards cementing improving security in the region, according to U.S. and Iraqi officials. The academies in Ramadi and Habbaniyah can house nearly 4,000 students at a time for courses lasting as long as 90 days.

The Ramadi academy is larger, with billets for 3,000 versus Habbaniyah's 750. Both are staffed by Iraqi and coalition trainers. The academies train mostly local recruits who will remain in their home towns after graduation. "They are going to stay in this city because they know this city," Iraqi Brigadier General Abdul Karim Khalaf, from the Interior Ministry, says of Ramadi. Despite being in predominantly Sunni communities and serving mostly Sunni trainees, Khalaf says the academies have the full support of the Shi'ite-dominated Interior Ministry.

The Habbaniyah academy was deliberately constructed next door to the headquarters of the local Iraqi Army 1st Division, in order to improve cooperation between the army and police, according to U.S. Army Brigadier General David Phillips, a career military policeman who is deputy commander of the coalition's Civilian Police Assistance Training Team.

The opening of the new police academies coincides with what U.S. commanders call a "turnaround" in regional security.

"In Al Anbar we've seen local leadership wanting to get Al Qaeda out of their area. They're taking action," says Brigadier General Robert Holmes, Deputy Director of Operations at U.S. Central Command in Tampa.

As part of the turnaround, Sunni tribes have fielded what Phillips calls "neighborhood watches" - armed bodies of men tasked with defending their own communities against infiltrators. The community watch groups are "working hand-in-hand" with U.S. and Iraqi forces. In this environment, police recruitment remains strong. "We do not have shortage of individuals requesting to join the police," Phillips reports.

"Comparing Al Anbar to what I saw just a few months ago is night and day," Phillips says. "Commerce is working, stores are back open and you get small kids out on the streets waving as you drive past."

Next up, according to Phillips, is the construction across Iraq of "rule of law complexes" that combine police and judicial facilities and cut back on delays in getting criminal suspects to trial. Phillips credits the flagship complex in Baghdad with greatly improving law enforcement and easing jail crowding.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 12, 2007 9:42 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

‘Patriots’ uncover cache, capture suspected terrorist in western Baghdad
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070612-10

June 12, 2007

‘Patriots’ uncover cache, capture suspected terrorist in western Baghdad
By 1st Lt. Brian Cooke
2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division- Baghdad Soldiers, in cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces, conducted a raid in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Hateen June 10, uncovering a cache of bomb-making materials and capturing a terrorist suspect believed to be linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

“We’ve been looking for this guy for some time,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Mills, a tactical intelligence officer with 2-32nd FA. Mills said the operation’s success can be attributed to the cooperation and shared intelligence between U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces.

Soldiers from the 2nd “Patriot” Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, acted on a tip and apprehended the alleged al-Qaeda member. The troops also found approximately 500 boxes of toilet bowl cleaner and 20 boxes of circuit breaker covers, which can be used to build improvised chemical weapons.

Mills said the planning and coordination for this operation took place at Joint Security Station Torch in the Yarmouk neighborhood, near the site of the raid. The raid was a product of coordination and cooperation between the Patriot Battalion and members of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army and the Yarmouk Iraqi Police.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com).

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 12, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi all found this on a nother forum my come of sum interest.
got the news
well folks here goes

As for a rv it will happen the second isx opens its going to sdr (same as kuwait)unsure of true value at mo not looked

also they were meant to rv in sept but there were calls from america not to because of terrorist becoming rich fast also the 25k 15k 10k 5k notes will be took out of circlelation after 2 months ish iraq used to be a cash country but to stop terrorist having large amounts of cash the large notes will be gone (cool) also non iraqis and iraqis can buy shares straight away 49% shares for non iraqis is bull they are just qouting this to help more iraqis buy up before ( us ) also all laws are in place we are seeing embargo ed press releases now from different dates its only being done this way to stop specaltors jumping on board fast....abit like when china said they were not going to rv then 24hrs later they did rv most countries have dibs on oil (discounts) so thats why debt relief has been agreeded also countries are holders of nid so this will help debt repayments..also all banks are not allowed to hold more than 100 % of sales they make when selling nid to british and american and other countries (for ex sample someone order 1 million nid the bank can order 1,5million and sell u the 1 million without sanctions thus making and holdind 0.5million every order they cant just buy for them to hold as a investment...

the isx can open at anytime he said its meant to open tomorrow (monday) but anything can hold it back..the country is happy to trade and they dont need the hcl law to start isx or rv the hcl is only a law for the iraqis share of wealth and export to other countries even though monday the first boat leaves for eur and china is also receiving a boat this week its all down to isx opening guys

i hope this helps
__________________
time for this ride to end !!

-- June 12, 2007 12:19 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

if this is the case how will we change our larger notes any thoughts.?

-- June 12, 2007 12:49 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

If these larger notes are taken out of circulation does not mean they are to be deemed worthless. Once the currency itself has revalued, those of us holding large notes will exchange those notes at our financial instutions for dollars, euros, etc..

Once the currency is returned to Iraq, the CBI will then simply take them out of circulation.

Other comments or thoughts. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 12, 2007 1:50 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

thank you four that rob.n

-- June 12, 2007 1:55 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The following article from www.foxnews does not have anything directly related to the Dinar, but I thought it would be interesting to post.

Air Force Considered Gay 'Love Bomb' Against Enemies
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

WASHINGTON — The Air Force on Tuesday confirmed a report that in 1994 a military researcher requested $7.5 million to develop a non-lethal "love bomb" that would chemically alter the state of mind of enemy troops and make them want to have sex with each other rather than fight.

Air Force spokeswoman Lt. Col. Cathy Reardon said the idea was proposed by an Air Force researcher at a lab at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas, but it was rejected by the Defense Department. Officials noted that the Air Force constantly is considering funding proposals.

No money was spent, Reardon said, and no such weapons are being considered. The goal was to create a non-lethal weapon to be used against enemy troops.

First reported by KPIX-TV in San Francisco, the discovery of the "gay bomb" proposal came from a Freedom of Information Act request made by Edward Hammond of Berkeley's Sunshine Project, a watchdog group that tracks military spending.

As part of the military's goal of developing non-lethal weapons, the proposal suggested, "One distasteful but completely non-lethal example would be strong aphrodisiacs, especially if the chemical also caused homosexual behavior."

The proposal also offered other ideas, such as a "sex attractant" chemical that would make "annoying and injurious creatures" like stinging bugs more aggressive and draw them to the enemy's position. Another chemical would leave such a strong stench, the enemy would be detectable for weeks.

A portion of the proposal notes that some of the chemicals could be used on both enemy personnel and civilians and would require decontamination countermeasures to nullify the effects.

A Defense Department spokesman told FOX News that he was not aware of any "love bomb" proposal but called the idea one of the most ridiculous things he'd heard.

FOX News' Jennifer Griffin and Nick Simeone contributed to this report.
(www.foxnews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 12, 2007 2:32 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

cornish boy;

Change the larger notes into USD.. that solves the problem.
The only problem that remains is if you wish to hold Iraqi money for the upswing. :)
Thanks for the interesting post/rumor.
Have to wait and see.

Sara.

-- June 12, 2007 4:24 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Roger, for the insightful and helpful post about the left leaning article Mattuk posted.
I normally just read the headline and skip.. it seems so absurd.

Thanks Chris again for your posting the rate.
And thanks Rob N for all the interesting articles. :)

Sara.

-- June 12, 2007 4:35 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Cornish Boy,

That thread about RV went on to suggest that the SDR rate would be $1.51.

Can anyone verify the SDR rate?

-- June 13, 2007 7:12 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I found it interesting seeing John Negroponte visit Iraq. I hope the U.S. attempt to ratchet up the pressure on Al-Malaki bears some positive results. Unless satisfactory progress is made by Al-Malaki, a change in leadrship is the most likely outcome. These repeated visits by U.S. diplomats are signs of our impatience with the ineffectual functioning of the prime minister.

As a result of our four years in Iraq, I think our military is finally looking outside the box for solutions. I am not sure of the long term consequences for arming the Shia's, but driving Al-Qaeda from the country is an important objective.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 13, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

The link below is the daily trades on the ISX for today.

http://www.isx-iq.net/page/english/b...7/6/11-6-e.htm

I think it's safe to conclude from that the ISX is not yet open to 'foreigners'.

-- June 13, 2007 1:23 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

hi this is the isx web sit ÓæÞ ÇáÚÑÇÞ ááÃæÑÇÞ ÇáãÇáíÉ four sum reason you can not axes on this sit so you have to go here to view http://www.rolclub.com/iraqi-dinar-dinartrade-com/17985-isx-delima-figures-being-used-neno-10.html

-- June 13, 2007 1:36 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Very interesting article you posted, Rob N, though not Dinar related.. called, "Pentagon Confirms It Sought To Build Gay Bomb."
http://www.tondan.com/2007/06/10/pentagon-confirms-it-sought-to-build-gay-bomb/

I have been thinking about it and I thought I might post my thoughts on it.

In the article, it says, QUOTE, "The Pentagon told CBS 5 that the proposal was made by the Air Force in 1994" and that the proposal was to (QUOTE), "create a hormone bomb that could purportedly turn enemy soldiers into homosexuals and make them more interested in sex than fighting."

It further said that, QUOTE, “The Ohio Air Force lab proposed that a bomb be developed that contained a chemical that would cause enemy soliders to become gay, and to have their units break down because all their soldiers became irresistably attractive to one another. The notion was that a chemical that would probably be pleasant in the human body in low quantities could be identified, and by virtue of either breathing or having their skin exposed to this chemical, the notion was that soliders would become gay,” explained Hammond. (end quote)

Note this is speaking of a chemical that can be breathed or put on the skin without harm.. it even would "probably be pleasant in the human body"... how about a delivery system for this chemical "bomb" in what a person ingests or touches? Far fetched? Seems logical.. inhale it.. or put it in food, body care and water supplies? Obviously, if you can inhale it, you won't gasp and go into spasms, so it must be ok to disguise it in food or fragrant body care products? Sweet tasting drinks?

Now, how seriously were they considering it? Is such a thing ludicrous to possibly entertain.. in the realm of fantasy? Was this a pie-in-the-sky consideration or did these hormonal disrupters actually exist and this was a serious proposal? It isn't like considering time travel to eliminate Hitler before he was born, which is just a pie-in-the-sky fantasy and far beyond our capabilities now. No.. it had real world application and they SERIOUSLY considered it. So much so that the article says, QUOTE, "the Pentagon has used it (the suggestion) repeatedly and subsequently in an effort to promote non-lethal weapons, and in fact they submitted it to the highest scientific review body in the country for them to consider.”

Sounds pretty serious to me.

OK, pay attention then folks... follow me here. Let's do a mental exercise on human health. What would happen to a population which was given "a chemical that would probably be pleasant in the human body in low quantities" and that "by virtue of either breathing or having their skin exposed to this chemical" it would "create a hormone bomb that could purportedly turn enemy soldiers into homosexuals"... ?? There would be evidence of serious hormonal disfunction in that population, wouldn't you say? Maybe it could be implemented as a chemical which is cumulative over time? Moving more and more toward the goal of making the population "more interested in sex than fighting" perhaps?

Now, let us pretend America has an enemy, foreign or domestic, who took this suggestion at least as seriously as the Pentagon and, unlike the Pentagon, actually acted upon this suggestion to undermine the USA and its fighting force using a hormone disturber added somehow to the food or water supply or with an environmental exposure, for instance. What would the results of such serious hormonal disfunction look like? Let us suppose they start off with it at low levels.. then increase it gradually. What sort of hormonal disturbances would you see?

Let's take a step back and look and see if there are any hormonal disturbances in the population. Just for fun, shall we?

===

Men's testosterone levels declined in last 20 years
Tue Oct 31, 2006
By Anne Harding

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study has found a "substantial" drop in U.S. men's testosterone levels since the 1980s, but the reasons for the decline remain unclear. This trend also does not appear to be related to age.

The average levels of the male hormone dropped by 1 percent a year, Dr. Thomas Travison and colleagues from the New England Research Institutes in Watertown, Massachusetts, found. This means that, for example, a 65-year-old man in 2002 would have testosterone levels 15 percent lower than those of a 65-year-old in 1987. This also means that a greater proportion of men in 2002 would have had below-normal testosterone levels than in 1987.

"The entire population is shifting somewhat downward we think," Travison told Reuters Health. "We're counting on other studies to confirm this."

Travison and his team analyzed data from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a long-term investigation of aging in about 1,700 Boston-area men. Data from the men were collected for three time intervals: 1987-1989, 1995-1997, and 2002-2004.

While a man's testosterone level will fall steadily as he ages, the researchers observed a speedier decline in average testosterone levels than would have been expected with aging alone.

They hypothesized that the rising prevalence of obesity as well as the sharp decline in cigarette smoking might help explain their findings, given that testosterone levels are lower among overweight people and smoking increases testosterone levels. But these factors accounted for only a small percentage of the observed difference.

It's likely that some sort of environmental exposure is responsible for the testosterone decline, Travison said, although he said attempting to explain what this might be based on the current findings would be "pure conjecture."

The researchers used body mass index, the ratio of height to weight, to estimate obesity levels, he noted, but this is not a very accurate way to gauge the real adiposity, or fat content of the body, so it's possible that obesity might be more of a factor than it appears in this analysis.

"I think like most things that are complex, it's likely that there is no one cause," he said.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, January 2007.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2006-10-31T192336Z_01_KIM169763_RTRUKOC_0_US-TESTOSTERONE-LEVELS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

===

Golly.. entire population is shifting downward.. with below-normal testosterone levels.. more so than should have been expected with aging alone.. and "some sort of environmental exposure" may be responsible.. hmmm.. any thoughts?

What other HORMONAL changes might you see in a population exposed to some kind of chemical which was intended to be a "Gay Bomb"??

==

Puberty hitting girls as young as 4 years old

Oct. 27, 2006 — Most parents would agree that their kids always seem to grow up too quickly, but now, puberty is hitting young girls earlier than ever.

Nearly half of African-American girls start showing signs of puberty by 8 years old, and some American girls are developing as young as 5, even 4 years old, experts say.

Skyla Jones is an energetic 5-year-old from Georgia who loves to play.

Last year, her mother, Melissa Jones, noticed Skyla was tired all the time, had a body odor, and had blood in her urine.

"I didn't know what was going on," Jones said. "I just went ahead and thought she had a kidney infection. And we went on antibiotics and still it didn't clear it up."

Skyla was eventually sent to Andrew Muir, a pediatric endocrinologist at the Medical College of Georgia, who knew exactly what was going on.

Skyla was menstruating and was experiencing other unmistakable signs of puberty.

"That's what he told me that it was — that she was having a menstrual cycle," Jones said. "I was really freaked out."

Studies have tracked an increasing trend of early sexual development.

By age 8, almost half of African-American girls and 15 percent of Caucasian girls start developing pubic hair or breasts.

"The switch that normally gets turned on for pubertal development gets turned on too early," said Dr. Diane Stafford of Children's Hospital in Boston.

Until recently most doctors didn't expect to see these signs until age 10.

"It can have many causes," Muir said. "Some are related to genetics, environmental factors, and sometimes we just don't know why it happens."

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2610353

===

So... sudden increase in the population of HORMONAL changes.. causing HALF.. I will repeat that HALF the African-American girls to show signs of puberty by age 8 and some American girls are developing as young as FOUR TO FIVE YEARS OLD. But don't worry... some "environmental factor" is likely the cause of turning on that "hormonal switch" too early?? We just haven't figured it out yet..

By age 8, almost half of African-American girls and 15 percent of Caucasian girls start developing pubic hair or breasts.

Nothing hormonally wrong there, right? No one knows why testosterone is declining abnormally in males or HALF the American-African and 15 percent of Caucasians are having early onset of puberty. Just.. coincidence.. do you suppose? Nothing to worry about.. hey? What an absurd thought.. a "Gay Bomb" designed to mess up the hormones of human beings and make them less able to fight and more interested in sex.

Hmmm.. why is it that the US culture seems to be totally wild over sex.. sex crazed, that is? It is used in almost all the commercials from selling cars to toothpaste. That is real coincidental, too. And this sudden and new "epidemic" of obesity.. what on earth could cause that? Couldn't be anything "environmental" or "hormonal" could it? In this next article, they postulate that maybe some kind of environmental "chemical" is responsible for, quote, "the obesity epidemic" AND for "male reproductive problems including low sperm counts and low testosterone levels."

Now note.. this study suggests that there is a possible CHEMICAL cause of obesity and testosterone level problems, including low sperm counts. That means that fertility clinics and weight loss clinics may have some of their clients because of this new chemical cause... a cause which, as I just mentioned, is also causing the onset of puberty in girls as young as FOUR or FIVE years old. Hmmm.. not such a funny or silly article, you know.. about a "Gay Bomb", that is.

===

Are Common Chemicals Feeding Obesity Epidemic?
By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter Mar 15, 2007

THURSDAY, March 15 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to a class of chemicals commonly found in soap and plastics could be fueling the obesity epidemic by contributing to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in men, a new study suggests.

The chemicals, known as phthalates, have already been implicated in male reproductive problems including low sperm counts and low testosterone levels. However, it's too soon to know whether they are actually causing these health problems, cautioned the researchers and others.

"It's premature for folks to be alarmed," said study author Dr. Richard Stahlhut, a resident in preventive medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in New York.. "What is more alarming is the reason we are doing studies like this. Another study showed that testosterone levels had dropped about 22 percent in men, and that sperm counts had dropped to levels that are considered subfertile or infertile."

"It's an important observation that chemical exposures could be contributing to obesity and diabetes in the general population," added Dr. Ted Schettler, science director for the Science and Environmental Health Network. "This is one more example of a family of chemicals that may be contributing to this problem, but this study has obvious limits that the authors acknowledge in great detail."

The study was published in the March 14 online edition of Environmental Health Perspectives.

According to the analysis, more than 75 percent of the U.S. population has measurable levels of several phthalates detectable in their urine.

Men with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine had more belly fat and insulin resistance, even after adjusting for other factors.

One drawback of the data, and therefore of the study, is that no information on hormone levels was available, nor was there any long-term data.

In any event, phthalates are unlikely to be the whole story. The chemicals have been shown, in animal studies, to have an effect on thyroid hormone, which could also be a pathway to increased obesity.

"This is just part of the search for answers," Stahlhut said. "The thing we're certain of is not that phthalates are doing this, but that phthalates require very careful scrutiny. I'm certain that the declines in testosterone and sperm production require urgent investigation, and I'm certain that phthalates are on the list of chemicals that could be part of the issue."

"It's a complex, multi-factorial problem," Schettler added. "What the authors are suggesting is that a chemical exposure may be one among many factors. The study is certainly hypothesis-generating. It clearly makes a case that this potential link ought to be studied in more detail in more systematic ways."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20070315/hl_hsn/arecommonchemicalsfeedingobesityepidemic;_ylt=Asz0Qxcpu4s8NUWezcGozrADW7oF

===

So.. no information exists on normal homonal levels.. or long-term data?? But this CHEMICAL is on "a LIST of chemicals that could be part of the issue." Suppose this is one area that an enemy could have begun to introduce such hormonal disrupters into the population.. "one among many factors" as it says. Beyond the pale of consideration? I think it could bear thinking upon.. because there are definite signs of hormonal weakness and disruption in the population.. akin to a "Gay Bomb" - happening in America.

And they think it is all innate and natural, the gay community? Something they have lived with all their lives? If hormonal disruption contributes (not saying it is the lone cause, but certainly it COULD contribute, and quite significantly statistically, see below), such exposure to an environmental toxin designed to disrupt normal hormonal balances could be "something" they have lived with all their lives? Perhaps some people are just more prone to succumb to its effects than others who are stronger? Would there be any evidence of it affecting that population (the gay population) disproportionately? Like, for instance, how come lesbians are TWICE as likely to be obese?

===

Lesbians twice as likely to be obese
From correspondents in the US
April 28, 2007 12:00 Reuters

LESBIANS are twice as likely as heterosexual women to be overweight or obese, which puts them at greater risk for obesity-related health problems and death, US researchers said.

The report, published in the American Journal of Public Health, is one of the first large studies to look at obesity among lesbians.

Ulrike Boehmer of the Boston University School of Public Health and colleagues looked at a 2002 national survey of almost 6000 women, and found that lesbians were 2.69 times more likely to be overweight and 2.47 times more likely to be obese.

“Lesbians have more than twice the odds of (being) overweight,” the authors wrote.

“Our findings indicate that lesbian sexual identity is linked to a greater prevalence of overweight and obesity,” the authors wrote in the study, released this week.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21635542-5012769,00.html

===

More than DOUBLE the odds is a statistically significant factor, is it not? If you could DOUBLE your chances of winning a local raffle draw.. wouldn't it make it an attractive bet? IF lesbians are people whose hormonal balance is more delicate and more than twice as likely to be influenced by hormonal disturbers - such a hormonal disturbance indicator (obesity), at more than twice the regular population, would be expected. So... if there are common hormonal causes to these disparate occurrences.. then the sudden emergence of an epidemic of obesity, early onset of pubery and "substantial" drops in U.S. men's testosterone levels since the 1980s.. could have a correlation in statistics driving the increasing prevalence of homosexuality. Which, of course, is the plan if it is a "Gay Bomb" let loose upon America... by whatever enemies. And why wouldn't an enemy target the women as well in a country whose women are as accepted in the Armed Forces as men are?

I know that the gay community in the article said that there are those who are gay and serve in the military. However, it is not advocated within the military because it is seen to break discipline. It is a distraction to fighting.. sexual attraction. It also colors judgement in a fighting situation. Whether that once "common sense" reality will remain against the onslaught of homosexual activism remains to be seen. However, it has been the military viewpoint for all of history in every army on earth since the beginning of recorded history to this date. If America wishes to rewrite the current annals of history to fit their new views on homosexuality, I doubt it will affect the verdict of history all that much... except maybe to give a very prominent example to future military analysts of how grave an error it is.

Another query... who could separate out the environmental factors contributing to these hormonal conditions? It is a safe bet that no one checks for hormonal imbalancers in the food and drink and water supply.. or in non-food products that touch the skin, like soaps and shampoo and plastics (above, phthalates, etc). All they do is look for if it sickens animals or humans immediately. All a determined enemy would have to do is add the hormonal disrupter to the bottles the soap comes in.. the plastic container could leach it into the shampoo.. anyone checking for that (??).. no, obviously. But beyond that, the actual products themselves.. soaps, shampoo, body care products, food, drink.. it all could be influenced, if an enemy were determined to plant a "Gay Bomb" in America, couldn't they? Are there ANY indications that this COULD possibly be so? Do ANY of these articles I quoted, above, show ANY possible links to hormonal disrupters? And could it be that these are being used, individually or in concert.. by an enemy?

Perhaps there is no human volitional cause to this. Perhaps no humans are intentionally doing this, however, the possibility does exist that there is a willful cause of this hormonal disruption even as the hard data for this phenomena does exist and at the least the effects upon the populace should be dealt with to protect the population from whatever is causing these hormonal disruptions. And yes, there is historical precedent for this kind of thing.. It happened before with Rome.. look up why Rome fell. It was not due to war.. but they say a definite contributing factor (some say it WAS the factor) was due to the ruling class having exposure to lead which harmed their health and destroyed the Empire. QUOTE: "Caesar Augustus was reported to be completely sterile. Some scholars suggest that lead could have been the culprit for the condition and a contributing factor to the fall of the Roman Empire." http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/TXSHpb.shtml

Perhaps history repeats itself.. this time with hormonal disrupters instead of lead. Perhaps there are those who use such things for their military advantage.. in the past, and now, in the present. If the Pentagon considered it.. surely we must give at least SOME thought to the idea that enemies of the US could have considered it, too? And acted upon it?

Just some thoughts for you to consider.

Sara.

Additional interesting references:

Phthalates IN FOOD and WATER: http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/phthalates.html

Suspected Chemical Hormonal Disrupters: http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/chemicals.html

-- June 13, 2007 3:03 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Neil,

I must say that in the past I have been very reluctant about Gold, but lately I must have gone soft, Gold is no doubt in a long steady upward trend.

You can go to an excellent site and follow Gold. It will give you the spot price in real time, short, medium and long term trends.

Real good site.

Go to:
http://www.kitco.com/livegold.html

A ten year look is very interesting.

I was dredging Gold in rivers in Ca in the late -80's and found out that the gold dredging activity was waning, mostly because the Gold was dropping below the $400/Troy Ounce mark at the
time.

I heard that they are selling recreational Gold dredges like crazy now.

I don't know if $400 then, is as much as $650 now, but the fact that the Gold trend is heading up, keeps fueling the interest in Gold.

-- June 13, 2007 8:48 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

One more time,

http://www.kitco.com/charts/livegold.html

-- June 13, 2007 9:12 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

Sara: I was very much impressed with your extensive research into what is happening to people in this country sexually. As you have probably gathered, I am not too fond of gays but if a chemical imbalance or effect is causing their problem, then I will be much more symphathetic to them.

Roger: You know so much about so many subjects that it stands to reason that you are well versed in precious medals. My story follows:

In about 1980 when medals were going through the roof, I got in on the tail end of the upward movement. I bought 8-one ounce gold coins for $400.00 each. I bought 640-one ounce silver coins in mint condition for $8.00 each. I bought pennies with the idea that when copper reached $200.00 per pound, the copper would would be worth more than than the penny. I amassed 600 pounds of pennies and had a special container welded to hold them. I lost about half of my investment immediately but I kept all of it and now they have all become profitable.

With all the strife and turmoil in the world and the debtor status of this country, I believe there is still a big upside in gold and silver.

-- June 13, 2007 11:22 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqis Are Failing to Meet Benchmarks Set by U.S.

Iraq's political leaders have failed to reach agreements on nearly every law that the Americans have demanded as benchmarks, despite heavy pressure from Congress, the White House and top military commanders.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 14, 2007 10:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy;

I have been doing some additional thinking about the rumor you posted back on June 12th. The GoI hypothetically initially revalue their currency to a penny and immediately take the large notes out of circulation eliminating the possibility of holding the large notes you site in your post for an upswing in price.

If this scenario plays out the potential profits we are all waiting on will not be that significant. For example, a person holding 10,000,000 Dinar would recieve $100,000. Under this hypothesis one would have to have $100,000 dinars to reach $1,000,000 usd.

Iraq's current montetary reserves could probably withstand a penny revaluation and take the larger notes out of circulation. Once those large notes are collected then issue the smaller notes. Those in Iraq and the middle east holding the smaller notes would have the best opportunity to cash in on the upswing.

All this is my own personal opinion, what other thoughts are there regarding this potential turn of events?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 14, 2007 10:46 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Neil wrote:

Sara: I was very much impressed with your extensive research into what is happening to people in this country sexually. As you have probably gathered, I am not too fond of gays but if a chemical imbalance or effect is causing their problem, then I will be much more symphathetic to them.

Thanks, Neil. :)

Aesop's fable of "THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL"

A fox lost his tail in escaping from a steel trap. When he began to go about again, he found that every one looked down upon or laughed at him. Not liking this, he thought to himself that if he could persuade the other foxes to cut off their tails, his own loss would not be so noticeable.

Accordingly he called together the foxes and said: "How is it that you still wear your tails? Of what use are they? They are in the way, they often get caught in traps, they are heavy to carry and not pretty to look upon. Believe me, we are far better without them. Cut off your tails, my friends, and you will see how much more comfortable it is. I for my part have never enjoyed myself so much nor found life so pleasant as I have since I lost mine."

Upon this, a sly old fox, seeing through the trick, cried, "It seems to me, my friend, that you would not be so anxious for us to cut off our tails, if you had not already lost yours."

Moral: Distrust Interested Advice

http://www.ongoing-tales.com/SERIALS/oldtime/FAIRYTALES/aesop3.html

Neil, you said, "if a chemical imbalance or effect is causing their problem, then I will be much more symphathetic to them." I agree, however, with this caveat... You have to be careful when you are dealing with those among them who have the same mentality as this fox. They don't see their "lack of a tail" as a handicap, and they would advocate you cutting your tail off to be like them. Most of them do not see their damaged endocrine systems as a handicap or cause for mourning and sorrow. And, of course, when Aesop wrote this fable, the fox didn't have recourse to government coersion to say that anyone speaking against advocating cutting off one's tail was "prejudiced" and filled with "hatred" as today's homosexual community do.

I knew a very godly young Christian man and one day teased him that he will one day have to date and marry. He then told me that he used to be gay and that now he was Jesus' but he could never see himself as married to a female. We talked a lot and over time I felt we came to know one another as quite good friends. I also came to understand his struggles as a gay person who loves Jesus. I think I gained a fair amount of sympathy and care for those who are coping with homosexuality through him (and a few others who were also gracious enough to share their firsthand viewpoints with me) and I know if he could have somehow had a magic wand waved over his system and been able to be attracted to the opposite sex, he would have. He was indeed a fox without a tail, and understood it and was not proud of his lack... and neither were the other Christian ex-gays I came to know. The gay community, like this fox, hates the Christian ex-gays because they remind them that they are handicapped, not superior. And they wish others to willingly leave off normal hormonal functions to join the community "without a tail." I cannot count the times these "foxes" have said that if only you would cut off your tail, "you would see how much better and more comfortable it is".. and that you just 'do not know what it is like' because you are not gay (without a tail). They also echo the fox's sentiment of "I for my part have never enjoyed myself so much nor found life so pleasant as I have since I lost mine." Sympathy is indeed lost on such persons, though they are to be pitied for the loss of their normal hormonal function, even as you would still have some sympathy for this fox.

I was reading yesterday an article about how an "O'Reilly Guest Implied 10 Percent of the Population Is Gay" when in fact the true statistic is 2.8% of the male, and 1.4% of the female, population identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual." In the comments after the article (found here: http://newsbusters.org/node/13408 ) one person posted, "My roommate is gay. I don't want to hear any of them complaining that they can't find someone to hook up with. This guy tells me how EASY it is to hook up with anyone (so long as they are gay). It's not like the straight scene. And from what he tells me, they really don't want to waste their time on straight people because the chances of that are much less. Morals....? Who needs those?" (end quote) It is this LACK (as in not having a tail) of normal moral inhibition which is the cause of why the gay community is at such high risk of AIDS and other diseases/problems.

Each of us is like a different chemistry set. If you expose two people to the same toxic substance and at the same concentrations, they can react in different ways depending on how they are made up chemically. I think homosexuality is one example of just such a hormonal disruption. Two people could be exposed to hormonal disruptors, but the "switch" in orientation may not be experienced by those whose chemistry set has a tendency to be "straight" in orientation or unaffected by the disruption. Just as the little girl in the story was only FIVE years old and yet was going through puberty.. and they state that something got to her hormonal "switch" and threw it prematurely. In the same way, many other five year olds can be exposed to the same hormonal disrupters she was exposed to and not succumb to it because their "switch" is never thrown. It all comes down to individual chemical makeup.

What if sexual orientation can be altered by a hormonal disruption? Is this not the basis of the "Gay Bomb" proposal? I was extrapolating this idea and stating that it follows that hormonal disrupters would have impact on some people in the populace, but not others - even as the little girl was affected, but not all little five year old girls are. However, the fact that a full FIFTY percent of the African-American population appears to have early onset of puberty shows a trigger or "switch" is being thrown in at least half the cases of exposure - a very widespread basis which is cause for alarm. Whether the smaller but still statistically significant percentage for Caucasian girls (15%) means less exposure to the hormonal disruption OR less of a switch in their genetic makeup is not known. Differing chemistry sets or individual chemical makeup also explains why people different people who are exposed to the same things day by day react so differently to what appears to be the exact same environmental contamination. The differing factor is the individual, and I think the hormonal disrupters are very big contributors to homosexuality.

For example - let's say five people are exposed to hormonal disrupters. One develops homosexuality due to a "switch" in their endocrine system being thrown and obesity due to a second switch being thrown. Another develops hormonal disturbances (PMS-like syndrome?) along with obesity. Another may experience no apparent ill effects. Another experiences hormonal disturbances which cause them to have anger at the slightest provocation (touchy - such as those who take up guns to solve personal grievances at school, workplaces or home - a phenomena which has also increased in the population in the past 20 years or so - a statistic paralleling the study showing testosterone decreases). Another person may experience nervousness due to the exposure and takes up cigarette smoking or drinking to calm their nerves.. or something stronger to cope with the damage. The stimulus may be the same for all of these people, but their own "chemistry set" determines exactly what effect on the body the exposure has (homosexual orientation, nervousness, anger/touchiness/rage, obesity, etc). Also, of course, an individual chooses how they will react to the hormonal disruption they are exposed to, even as the fox chose to celebrate his damaged tail and advocate others damaging themselves. But it does tend to be the weaker ones whose bodies have the greater damage which fall into the worst cases, even as this little five year old girl.

Expunging from the food, water and bodycare supplies (and containers) all possible hormonal disrupters would help improve society's morals, in my opinion. It also might help with those people who feel they cannot cope (overwhelmed) and attempt suicide. If hormonal disturbances can cause some women to be crabby and weepy near the time of their period (PMS).. think of how an accumulation of strong hormonal disturbers can affect young people with growing bodies. I read with great sadness recently about a young girl in Grade seven who killed herself because the other girls teased her so badly about being obese and she couldn't take it anymore. Another, a younger boy, told his mother he couldn't handle school anymore and begged her to remove him from his school. She didn't think his pleas that serious and she thought that he was undergoing just "normal" bullying and pressures in school so she dismissed it at the time - but she regrets not paying close attention since he took his life. Is the pressure greater on these young people.. or did she assess it as not a very stressful situation to a person with normal hormonal function but her son was just less able to cope emotionally due to his chemistry set's reactions to these hormonal disrupters? Is it possible that such persons are just fragile persons who are coping as best they can with the hormonal disruptions, but that they are in toxic overload with their switches thrown - whereas you and I (and this mother) would sail through without even noticing there even was a hormonal disrupter exposure?

My research, part of which I shared here, was from my looking at what hormonal disturbance could do to the human body. (Trust me, this only scratches the surface of what I have learned on the subject.) I do believe that we are seeing hormonal disturbances as the underlying cause for a lot of strange sexual behaviors which have become more prevalent in society.. from sex serial killers and pedophiles to snuff films and girls gone wild. It is a very major factor in what ails our society, and almost completely overlooked.. as lead was in the days of the Roman Empire.

Sara.

"Don't call us AIDS victims. AIDS is not my weakness. AIDS is my strength." - Paul Diamond, a homosexual activist diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma, The Advocate, May 28, 1985.

Contempt for man and idolization of man are close neighbors. But the good man too, no less than the wicked, succumbs to the same temptation to be a dispiser of mankind if he sees through all this and withdraws in disgust, leaving his fellow-men to their own devices, and if he prefers to mind his own business rather than to debase himself in public life. Of course his contempt for mankind is more respectable and upright, but it is also more barren and ineffectual...

But there is also an honestly intended philanthropism which amounts to the same thing as contempt for mankind. It consists in judging the man according to his latent values, according to his underlying soundness, reasonableness and goodness.. With forced indulgence evil is interpreted as good. Baseness is overlooked and the reprehensible is excused. For one reason or another one is afraid to give a clear "no" for an answer, and one ends up by acquiescing in everything." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

-- June 14, 2007 1:21 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, the Iraqi dinar replaced the Kuwaiti dinar as the currency and large quantities of banknotes were stolen by the invading forces. After liberation, the Kuwaiti dinar was restored as the country's currency and a new banknote series was introduced, allowing the previous notes, including those stolen, to be demonetized.
History
The dinar was introduced in 1961 to replace the Gulf rupee. It was initially equivalent to one pound sterling. As the rupee was fixed at 1 shilling 6 pence, this resulted in a conversion rate of 13⅓ rupees to the dinar.

[edit] Coins
The following coins were introduced in 1961:

1 fils (no longer in circulation)
5 fils
10 fils
20 fils
50 fils
100 fils

[edit] Banknotes
To date five series of the Kuwaiti dinar banknote have been printed. The first series was issued following the pronouncement of the Kuwaiti Currency Law in 1960 which established the Kuwaiti Currency Board. This series was in circulation from 1 April 1961 to 1 February 1982 and consisted of denominations of ¼, ½, 1, 5 and 10 dinars.

After the creation of the Central Bank of Kuwait as a replacement to the Kuwaiti Currency Board, new ¼, ½ and 10 dinar notes were issued from 17 November 1970, followed by the new 1 and 5 dinar notes of the second series on 20 April 1971. This second series was likewise withdrawn on 1 February 1982.

The third series was issued on 20 February 1980 after the accession to the throne of Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, at that time in denominations of ¼, ½, 1, 5 and 10 dinar. A 20 dinar banknote was introduced on 9 February 1986. As a result of the state of emergency after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, this series was ruled invalid with effect from 30 September 1991. Significant quatities of these notes were stolen by Iraqi forces and some have appeared on the international numismatic market. The "Standard Catalog of World Papaer Money" (A. Pick, Krause Publications) lists notes with the following serial number prefix denominators as being among those stolen:

Denomination Prefix Denominators
¼ dinar 54-86
½ dinar 30-37
1 dinar 47-53
5 dinar 18-20
10 dinar 70-87
20 dinar 9-13

After the liberation, a fourth series was issued on 24 March 1991 with the aims of replacing the previous withdrawn series as quickly as possible and guaranteeing the country's swift economic recovery. This fourth series was legal tender until 16 February 1995. Denominations were ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinar.

The fifth series of Kuwaiti banknotes has been in use since 3 April 1994 and include high-tech security measures which have now become standard for banknotes. Denominations were as in the fourth series.

[edit] Fixed exchange rate
From March 18, 1975 to January 4, 2003, dinar was pegged to a weighted currency basket. From January 5, 2003 until May 20, 2007, the pegged was switched to 1 U.S. dollar = 0.29963 dinar with margins of ±3.5%.[1]. The central rate translates to approximately 1 dinar = 3.33745 dollars.

From May 20, 2007, the Kuwaiti dinar was re-pegged to a basket of currencies.[2] It is the world's highest valued currency unit.

Kuwaiti dinar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
it went from $3+ to .29 at the start of the war and back up to $3+ afterward.
__________________

-- June 14, 2007 1:36 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraqi PM: Why Expect Freedom to Come Easy to Iraq?
By Nouri Al-Maliki
www.opinionjournal.com
Mr. Maliki is prime minister of Iraq.
6-14-2007

BAGHDAD -- Americans keen to understand the ongoing struggle for a new Iraq can be guided by the example of their own history. In the 1860s, your country fought a great struggle of its own, a civil war that took hundreds of thousands of lives but ended in the triumph of freedom and the birth of a great power. Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation signaled the destruction of the terrible institution of slavery, and the rise of a country dedicated, more than any other in the world of nation-states then and hence, to the principle of human liberty.

Our struggle in Iraq is similar to the great American quest, and is perhaps even more complicated. As your country was fighting that great contest over its unity and future, Iraq was a province of an Ottoman empire steeped in backwardness and ignorance. A half a century later, the British began an occupation of Iraq and drew the borders of contemporary Iraq as we know them today. Independence brought no relief to the people of our land. They were not given the means of political expression, nor were they to know political arrangements that respected their varied communities.

Under the Baath tyranny, Iraqis were to endure a brutal regime the likes of which they had never known before. Countless people were put to death on the smallest measure of suspicion. Wars were waged by that regime and our national treasure was squandered without the consent of a population that was herded into costly and brutal military campaigns. Today when I hear the continuous American debate about the struggle raging in Iraq, I can only recall with great sorrow the silence which attended the former dictator's wars.

It is perhaps true that only people who are denied the gift of liberty can truly appreciate its full meaning and bounty. I look with admiration at the American debate surrounding the Iraq war, and I admire even those opinions that differ from my own. As prime minister of Iraq I have been subjected to my share of criticism in that American debate, but I harbor no resentment and fully understand that the basic concerns of Americans are the safety of their young people fighting in our country and the national interests of their society. As this American debate goes on, I am guided and consoled by the sacred place of freedom and liberty in the American creed and in America's notion of itself.

War being what it is, the images of Iraq that come America's way are of car bombs and daily explosions. Missing from the coverage are the great, subtle changes our country is undergoing, the birth of new national ideas and values which will in the end impose themselves despite the death and destruction that the terrorists have been hell-bent on inflicting on us. Those who endured the brutality of the former regime, those who saw the outside world avert its gaze from their troubles, know the magnitude of the change that has come to Iraq. A fundamental struggle is being fought on Iraqi soil between those who believe that Iraqis, after a long nightmare, can retrieve their dignity and freedom, and others who think that oppression is the order of things and that Iraqis are doomed to a political culture of terror, prisons and mass graves. Some of our neighbors have made this struggle more lethal still, they have placed their bets on the forces of terror in pursuit of their own interests.

When I became prime minister a year and a half ago, my appointment emerged out of a political process unique in our neighborhood: Some 12 million voters took part in our parliamentary elections. They gave voice to their belief in freedom and open politics and their trust imposed heavy burdens on all of us in political life. Our enemies grew determined to drown that political process in indiscriminate violence, to divert attention from the spectacle of old men and women casting their vote, for the first time, to choose those who would govern in their name. You may take this right for granted in America, but for us this was a tantalizing dream during the decades of dictatorship and repression.

Before us lies a difficult road--the imperative of national reconciliation, the drafting of a new social contract that acknowledges the diversity of our country. It was in that spirit that those who drafted our constitution made provisions for amending it. The opponents of the constitution were a minority, but we sought for our new political life the widest possible measure of consensus. From the outset, I committed myself to the principle of reconciliation, pledged myself to its success. I was determined to review and amend many provisions and laws passed in the aftermath of the fall of the old regime, among them the law governing de-Baathification. I aimed to find the proper balance between those who opposed the decrees on de-Baathification and others who had been victims of the Baath Party. This has not been easy, but we have stuck to that difficult task.

Iraq is well on its way to passing a new oil law that would divide the national treasure among our provinces and cities, based on their share of the population. This was intended to reassure those provinces without oil that they will not be left behind and consigned to poverty. The goal is to repair our oil sector, open the door for new investments and raise the standard of living of Iraqi families. Our national budget this year is the largest in Iraq's history, its bulk dedicated to our most neglected provinces and to improving the service sector in the country as a whole. Our path has been made difficult by the saboteurs and the terrorists who target our infrastructure and our people, but we have persevered, even though our progress has been obscured by the scenes of death and destruction.

Daily we still fight the battle for our security. We lose policemen and soldiers to the violence, as do the multinational forces fighting along our side. We are training and equipping a modern force, a truly national and neutral force, aided by our allies. This is against the stream of history here, where the armed forces have traditionally been drawn into political conflicts and struggles. What gives us sustenance and hope is an increase in the numbers of those who volunteer for our armed forces, which we see as proof of the devotion of our people to the stability and success of our national government.

We have entered into a war, I want it known, against militias that had preyed upon the weakness of the national government and in the absence of law and order in some of our cities, even in some of the districts in Baghdad, imposed their own private laws--laws usually driven by extremism and a spirit of vengeance. Some of these militias presented themselves as defenders of their own respective communities against other militias. We believe that the best way to defeat these militias is to build and enhance the capabilities of our government as a defender of the rights of our citizens. A stable government cannot coexist with these militias.

Our conflict, it should be emphasized time and again, has been fueled by regional powers that have reached into our affairs. Iraq itself is eager to build decent relations with its neighbors. We don't wish to enter into regional entanglements. Our principle concern is to heal our country. We have reached out to those among our neighbors who are worried about the success and example of our democratic experiment, and to others who seem interested in enhancing their regional influence.

Our message has been the same to one and all: We will not permit Iraq to be a battleground for other powers. In the contests and ambitions swirling around Iraq, we are neutral and dedicated to our country's right to prosperity and a new life, inspired by a memory of a time when Baghdad was--as Washington is today--a beacon of enlightenment on which others gazed with admiration. We have come to believe, as Americans who founded your country once believed, that freedom is a precious inheritance. It is never cheap but the price is worth paying if we are to rescue our country.

By Nouri Al-Maliki
www.opinionjournal.com

Mr. Maliki is prime minister of Iraq.

http://www.aina.org/news/2007061491445.htm

-- June 14, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Lizzie Palmer’s Stirring ‘Remember Me’ Video as Seen on ‘Fox News Sunday’
Posted by Noel Sheppard

NewsBusters readers, meet our second fabulous fifteen-year-old, Miss Lizzie Palmer.

For those that missed it, Chris Wallace aired an absolutely astounding military tribute video (available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0 ) at the end of today’s “Fox News Sunday” that should be required viewing for all Americans.

At its conclusion, Wallace stated the following:

"Lizzie Palmer said she put the video on YouTube as her way of honoring the troops. And after graduating from high school, she plans to join the army herself."

Last month, Military Mom at Home posted the following autobiography of Lizzie:

I'm a sophomore in high school in Ohio, and I play the flute/piccolo. I plan on joining the U.S. Army after I graduate. I only hope I can make America as proud as our troops today have, and I hope I can honor them in the way they deserve with my videos.
I love talking to American military personnel, but it's not very often that I get the chance.
Hope you all have a great day and God bless!

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Honestly, between her and Kristen Byrnes, one has to wonder what was happening in the year 1992 to produce such wonderful kids.

Thanks, Lizzie.

Post Script: As an interesting sidebar, with over 11 million views at YouTube, this video apparently created so much debate that Lizzie had to disable the comments section. She has added the following as a disclaimer:

ATTENTION! I apologize for any inconvenience, but I have been receiving way too many negative comments and people arguing with and insulting each other in comments on this video. After a lot of hard thought, I have decided to disable comments on my video. I may or may not turn them back on again, we'll have to see. Again, I'm sorry, but you can thank the people who decided to turn this into a debate forum. Thank you for your time, and I apologize again to those of you who didn't do anything wrong.

Thanks,
Lizzie Palmer

How sad.

http://newsbusters.org/node/13347

-- June 14, 2007 3:40 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Some Mosques Attacked, but Iraq Relatively Calm

NPR.org, June 14, 2007 · Several Sunni mosques have been attacked in apparent retaliation for the bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra. At least four people were killed in the most recent violence, but increased security and a curfew kept most of Iraq calm.

Immediately after the shrine was bombed, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki put Baghdad and Samarra under an indefinite curfew. He also restricted vehicular traffic through Baghdad, a measure that is expected to remain in place until Saturday.

In addition, U.S. and Iraqi military patrols increased security on the streets of Baghdad and set up additional checkpoints on roads leading to the Sadr City neighborhood, a stronghold of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia.

Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called for a three-day mourning period to mark the minarets' destruction, but he also asked that demonstrations be peaceful.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11067921&ft=1&f=1010

-- June 14, 2007 3:46 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.N. Supports U.S Presence in Iraq
Associated Press | June 14, 2007
UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council agreed Wednesday to an Iraqi request to extend the mandate of the U.S.-led multinational force after the country's foreign minister said the troops were "vitally necessary."

The council also strongly condemned the bombing of Samarra's revered Shiite shrine and urged all countries, especially those in the region, to support Iraq in its pursuit of peace.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told the council members that despite the senseless violence "the government has made tremendous strides toward the day when security will be provided by a self-sufficient, Iraqi national security force."

"While Iraqis will always be grateful for their liberation from an absolute despot, no Iraqi government official - indeed, no Iraqi citizen - wants the presence of foreign troops on Iraqi soil one day longer than is vitally necessary," he said.

"But today, and for the foreseeable months at least, the presence of (multinational) troops is vitally necessary not only for Iraq but also to safeguard regional security and stability," Zebari said.

Last year the Security Council extended the force's mandate for a year starting Dec. 31, but authorized a review of the mandate by June 15.

Russia supported the extension of the multinational force's mandate but said the council must "signify the deadlines" of the foreign military presence in Iraq, which its ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, called a "serious irritant for many Iraqis."

U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said Iraqi security forces are undertaking a greater role, assuming main responsibility for security in seven provinces and taking the lead in operations to combat insurgents and militias.

But, he said, Iraq's success in promoting stability and consolidating its "young democracy" will depend not only on progress in the security sector but on advances in the economic field "and most importantly movement in the political arena."

Khalilzad said Iraqi security forces are critical to the push to pacify Baghdad. Since the U.S.-Iraqi operation began in February, Khalilzad said attacks against civilians and sectarian murders in the city have decreased while attacks against coalition forces and high-profile terrorist attacks are still frequent.

Taking a bleaker view of the Baghdad operation, Ashraf Qazi, the top U.N. envoy in Iraq, said that "progress has been slower and more uncertain than had been hoped for ..."

"Iraq is today faced with an exceptionally complex series of overlapping sectarian, political and ethnic conflicts that are beyond the capacity of any one actor or policy to resolve," he said. "This situation has contributed to a deepening sense of insecurity and pessimism among many Iraqis."

Both Qazi and Khalilzad said progress on national reconciliation is essential. While acknowledging that constructive discussions would be "very difficult" in the current environment, Qazi suggested the United Nations should play a bigger role in this area.

The United Nations has the "potential" to assist and develop national dialogue, regional cooperation on Iraq, and international support, Qazi said.

Russia's Churkin said that without international assistance for the political process, leaders of Iraq's different groups would not be able to overcome "the inertia" of mistrust.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 14, 2007 4:49 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Neil,

The Penny collection of yours is an intriguing move on your part.

It for sure is a long term investment, but actually when you stop and think about it, how easily they collect.

They seems to multiply in the pocket, and on occasion I toss all my change in a jar, when I have about a gallon, of them, and I pass by a Casino in Nevada, I go in and get more easily handled currency.

For the Pennies, yes there is a possibility of getting more for the metal, than the actual penny is worth.

I am a bit puzzled though on one aspect of it, don't know if you have thought about it, or if you have researched it further.

If you have a penny (or a bunch of them), and because of metal spot prices you now have more value in the metal than the coin, wouldn't it be a problem going to a smelter with a bunch of Pennies, and asking them to destroy Gov Issued currency?

(Then again a propane torch isn't that expensive, and the currency have been effectively out of circulation for quite some time anyway, if you have had them in a jar)

The big age test...

How big of a coin does it have to be, in order for you to bend over and pick it up.

I'm right now in the level between a dime and a quarter.

Any smaller and a kid can pick it up.

The Dinar seem to be a very uncertain ride, mostly because the endless instability in that country, or I should say instability in the region.

Rich people, fed people and people with jobs seems to be happy people, and unrest is hard to muster up when they have that.

Culturally, politically and religious, there is not much different between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman United Arab Emirates, and the other oil producing countries, compared with Iraq, sure we can find differences, but they are very very close in their world view of things.

So what difference are there between the other oil producing oil countries, and Iraq?

Well the other countries are actually producing and the population are getting the spoils, may it be by straight business, taxes, wealth sharing or bribes, but they are getting their income, and in many of those places the Bugatti's and Mercedes, are parked outside the yacht club where extraordinary yachts are displayed.

So I would say that Iraq is not in turmoil because they are Muslims, because they are Arabs, or because they belong to so and so culture, because exactly the same culture is doing well in neighbouring countries, and with a stable regime, dictatorial or not.

If it is to the benefit of survival, it doesn't matter if the Saudi King has absolute power, if they are all doing comparably well, no one wants to rock the boat.

So the issues of religious war, cultural crash or political war is basically what the excuse is.

Like the long war in northern Ireland, supposedly between Catholics and Protestants.

Rubbish.

Fill the factories with working men, get the children to school, build bridges, houses and roads, and see to that the ordinary man can feed his family and you will have people that are content, even if the system is Stalinist Communism.

Democracy is far better than Stalinist Communism, or Fascism, but during the pre war years, in Germany, the masses was put to the shovel, and projects got done, and the regime ended up with a very supportive people.

The downside with Democracy is that, in that system there is an element of trying to sell ideas, rather than setting straight goals, quotas, and firm deadlines.

Military lines are more directed towards result, as military command lines are not designed for democratic questioning, the order just have to be full filled.

I'm sure the Iraqis are trying hard to get the thing together, but the forces trying to stop, end, or capsize the democratic regime is so big, that the whole regime is kneeling under constant threat and pressure.

I'm not so sure that a functioning democracy right now can take place as long as the participants are not willing to participate.

The will has to be there, otherwise, as with everything else, it wont work.

So the Iraq government, not ruling with absolute majority with anyone, will always be a minority ruler, and thus be seen as something that is unwanted.

To survive they can do one step only, ENFORCE the ruling, the law, the projects, the future road.

Left alone with two hundred and fifty squabbling men, trying to reach consensus will not happen.

In the US, we have the three branches, one that writes the law, one that interpret the law, and one that enforce the law, and policy of the nation.

The last branch, the Presidency, is the political function that is very very weak in Iraq.

Toss together a couple of hundred people, and let them try to govern anything, and it will immediately be a mess.

Arabs, Dems or Reps will do the same.

The Presidency is put there democratically, but the function of the President is not a democratic function.

It is an order, and command line.

It's the man that is suppose to line up the people and get a shovel in their hands, and get something done.

I think that there is a big misunderstanding in the democracy concept that just because there is democracy, things get democratically voted upon, no one can stand up and give orders, and see it to completion.

The University, College, Socialist view of everybody equal, everybody with the same rights, and everybody with the same power, will result in their form of activity, big mass meetings where things are discussed endlessly, and you vote on any and all issues with hand count, preferably you vote while sitting with the legs crossed giving an infant breast feeding.

The whole country will stop completely if all of us would have to read and keep up on all the issues needed to be solved in order to run a country, and go down to the town square and vote every afternoon.

So we have indirect Democracy, we elect representatives, and let them deal with it, for us.

Iraq right now, seems very much like a University Socialist meeting where everybody and his brother DEMAND a vote in everything, and are screaming their voice in protest if the issue doesn't follow their own narrow interest.

A simple way to say all this, is, that Iraq needs a firm hand, a leader that takes action, and will not allow himself(or herself) to be sidetracked, or distracted when someone is rattling a set of keys.

It doesn't have to be a dictator, he can operate very well within the parameters of a democratic society, but have at least some self esteem, some power, some demands to get something done.

Right now, the most important activity is a goat barbie.

-- June 14, 2007 10:20 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Hi All,

I could never understand why people would only buy the 25,000 dinar note?? as it only has to RV to a few pennys and you have a note worth $4,500 Dollars.
Ok now I now in the US there has been notes up to $100,000 and this was the highest note ever printed in the US It had on it, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, who was the 28th President from 1856-1924, this note was only ised in the Federal reserve for credits established between Banks, they were last printed in1945 and pulled from the sytem in 1969. None of these notes were ever released out side the Federal Reserve System.
No denominations above the $100 dollar bills are printed today. The larger denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 were last printed in 1945 and pulled from circulation in 1969 due to lack of use. The $10,000 dollar bills were the largest denomination ever in circulation.
Althuogh the $500, $1,00, $5,000 and $10,000 dollar bills are not available from the Government, they are still leagal tender and may be found in circulation today. However, they are most likely in the hands of private dealers or collectors.
The 10,000 had Salmon Portland Chase-American jurist and statesman, 1808-1873.
The $5,000 had James Madison-Forth President-1751-1836.
The $1,000 had Stephen Grover Cleveland-Twenty-second and later twenty fourth President-1837-1908.
The $500 had William McKinley-Twenty-fitth President-1843-1901.
The 1934 series of denominations $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $100,000 as above have the most recent protraits untill they stopped printing them in 1945.
So as the US has had some very large bills, if you think back you could buy a house and a car for $5,000 when they were in circulation, soI do not think we have to much to worry about if the dinar RVs at 20 cents thats a 25,000 bill worth $5,000, no big deal, or open an account in a bank over there and you can hold on to your dinars for as long as you wish, as you will have two accounts, a current account with $dollars that you wire over there, and a saveing and investment account, with dinars in it, not only earning you interest, but you can use them for buying on the ISX, this seems to me the way to go if you are stuck here with only the large bills, you have no options but to cash them in at 25,000 each time.
Plan B you sell some on ebay and use that money to buy some of the smaller bills.
The reson the small bills cost more is the postage cost and if it takes 5 minets to check 40 25,000 bills it is going to take a lot longer to check the smaller ones, ie, 1 mill in 50 dinar bills is 20,000 bills, at 5 mins for 40, this will take the best part of a week to check, it is all time, and time costs money.
I only have 7 mill in 25,000s all the rest is in all the small bills, total 20 mill.
Job one this weekend is to start setting up my bank accounts over there.
Stay lucky all, Steve.

-- June 14, 2007 11:55 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

That should read $10,000 not $1,00 typo cock up, Steve.

-- June 15, 2007 12:14 AM ∞

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Steven wrote:

That should be $1,000, brain cluster puck, Steve.

-- June 15, 2007 12:17 AM ∞

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Rob N wrote:

All:

US 'prepares for a coup by arming Iraqi factions'
By Basil Adas

Baghdad, 15 June 2007 (Gulf News)

The attack that destroyed the two minarets of Al Askari Imams' shrine in Samarra, strengthened fears of Sunni-Shiite sectarian civil war.

The development is in sync with the rearmament run of different factions by Iran and the United States in Iraq, say Iraqi politicians.

Abu Hamza Al Kinani, a former figure in Moqtada Al Sadr's Mahdi Army, told Gulf News: "Iran's Revolutionary Guard used to provide weapons to the Mahdi Army and train its fighters how to trap cars and make roadside explosives."

He added: "The Mahdi Army benefited from former Iraqi army elements who joined it after the overthrow of Saddam Hussain's regime."

Charges

The Shiite bloc's charges against US troops escalated by accusing them of providing weapons to Iraqi Sunni groups. Some Iraqi politicians believe that the US stance aims to counter Iran's continuous arms supply to Shiite militias.

American-Iranian rivalry has instigated anxieties among Iraqis of a possible Sunni-Shiite civil war waged on behalf of the two powers in the country.

Iraq's political and security situation is witnessing uncertain times with the play of conflicting information keeping in mind the United States' September deadline for assessing Iraq's situation.

Awad Abdul Majeed, a political researcher at the Iraqi Strategic Studies Centre, told Gulf News: "The American armament policy depends on supplying the Iraqi Army with weapons, especially the military divisions under the wide and direct supervision of the US army.

"At the same time they are cautious about arming the Interior Ministry forces due to the infiltration of Shiite militias into the office."

"As for Americans equipping Sunni groups with weapons, these are merely Shiite accusations. Yet if things reached this extent, it only indicates that Americans are preparing for a coup to rearrange the Iraqi situation, besides launching a security campaign to eliminate Shiite militias and the Iranian influence in Iraq," Abdul Majeed added.

Iraqi officials announced that there will be a second round of American-Iranian talks in Baghdad, but reality seems different since the start of the first round of talks last May.

The US Army launched more than 40 air raids on the Shiite neighbourhood of Al Sadr to track the Mahdi Army elements. Eight Shiite cells with strong ties with the Iran's Revolutionary Guards were also busted recently.

The Americans accused them of smuggling weapons into Iraq, mostly for the Shiite militias in Al Sadr and Mahmoudiya districts.

Anti-Iranian lobby

Political observers in Karbala, Najaf, Nasseriya and Basra claimed that the American and the British armies are speeding up arming Shiite former Baathist and secular groups which are known for their hostility to Iran and its influence in southern Iraq.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 15, 2007 8:56 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recent oil discoveries made in Iraq
MENAFN - 13/06/2007

(MENAFN) An oil researcher in Iraq said that Iraq has approximately 530 geological complexes of potential oil reserves and that up to one hundred and fifteen sites have recently been drilled for that have reserves of around 3,111 billion barrels of oil, Iraq Directory reported.

He went on to say that in addition to this 415 locations which are yet to be explored are thought to have an estimate of around 215 billion barrels.

It is noteworthy that the central oil rich provinces in Iraq are mainly in Kirkuk and Basrah and Basrah possesses Iraq's largest oil reserves.

MENAFN - Middle East North Africa . Financial Network News: Recent oil discoveries made in Iraq
__________________

-- June 15, 2007 12:54 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Originally Posted by wellwishes
That's 3 trillion barrels of oil....Well above SA's total. If true Iraq has the worlds largest oil reserves.

If SA has about 350 billion barrels, then at 3 trillion - we're talking 10X more.

This will make Iraq #1 in oil. In fact this will give them more than the rest of the Middle East combined!

I think that the "off the chart" value of our dinar - just went up!

-- June 15, 2007 12:57 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Zebari : Iraq is making progress on political reforms
8:00:00 2007 Friday June 15
Agencies
New York-Baghdad-agency : insisted Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Thursday that the government make progress on political reforms, including the dispute over the oil in the face of impatience on the part of Washington. This came in response Zebari about the slow progress on the "standards" during a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York a day after the UN Security Council renewed the authorization for the multinational force led by the United States in Iraq.

It urges Washington to make progress in areas such as law and the participation of oil revenue adjustments in the law that prohibits the participation of former members of the Baath party in public life and constitutional reforms. The deployment of thousands of American and Iraqi troops in Baghdad Additional in recent months in the process of success will be crucial for the American debate on the length of stay in Iraq.

It urges Democrats to set a timetable for troop reductions.

Zebari said, "We recognize that and we are facing some pressure to move more quickly." He added : "These issues are very important issues as the existence of particular Iraq." They are not restricted by certain time lines for pressure to resolve very quickly. "

Zebari said that the government is determined to introduce all parties in the process instead of an absolute majority even if it were slower. The Council of Ministers approved a draft bill Iraqi oil in February, but still must be approved by Parliament. The Kurds threatened to disrupt law opponents some items thereto.
Zebari said the Kurds "I think that the law shortly oil (of approval)," There is substantial likelihood that the bill passed because a great deal of progress has been made on the issue of property distribution and fair share. "

When Pressed on the amount of time required to keep American forces in Iraq, Zebari refrained from identifying any date. He said he would return to the United Nations in December, in December when the time comes for renewal of the authorization will be present and then build on the existing situation on the ground. He added that not one of the Iraqis want the American forces will stay on indefinitely, but there is a need now to avoid all-out civil war. He said that even after the departure of foreign forces, it imagines some sort of "security partnership" with the United States.

He added, "the stakes are so high." This is why we think at the present time in some long-term arrangement between Iraq and the United States and beyond ..
."
This extension of the usual credentials. "

Translated version of http://www.elaph.com/

-- June 15, 2007 7:16 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Pentagon Issues 51-Page Iraq Status Report
Exhaustive Report's Key Sentence: "It Is Too Soon to Assess Results" of Surge
Posted 2 hr. 17 min. ago

Here is the Pentagon's full quarterly report to Congress: 9010_Final_20070608.pdf

IraqSlogger: Pentagon Issues 51-Page Iraq Status Report
v

-- June 15, 2007 7:41 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Petraeus says security crackdown working
By César G. Soriano, USA TODAY
June 14, 2007

BAGHDAD — When Gen. David Petraeus drives through the streets of Iraq's capital, he sees "astonishing signs of normalcy" in half, perhaps two-thirds of Baghdad.

"I'm talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks — big ones, markets that are very vibrant," says Petraeus, commander of the roughly 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. The scenes provide a sign that the new strategy in Iraq is working, although many problems remain, he told USA TODAY in an interview Wednesday.

Five months after President Bush ordered an increase of 20,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, data suggest that sectarian violence in Baghdad has declined. Other tentative signs of progress have included a rise in Iraqi army enlistments and some quality-of-life improvements such as fewer electricity blackouts in the capital.

However, U.S. military casualties have jumped to record-high levels as more troops are put in harm's way. Violence has surged in some areas outside the capital. Iraq's government has yet to pass any of the major legislative changes that Bush said were necessary for an enduring peace between the Sunni and Shiite sects.

"If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of the American people — it will lose the support of the Iraqi people," Bush said in a televised address on Jan. 10, when the new strategy was announced. "Now is the time to act."

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked for patience, saying that new security plan — officially named Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, Arabic for "Enforcing the Law" — still needs time to take hold after its official launch on Feb. 14.

Meanwhile, U.S. commanders have urged the American public not to pass judgment on the plan's effectiveness... In September, Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker are to present a report on the plan's effectiveness to leaders in Washington.

Here is a look at some of the changes in Iraq since February.

•Iraq's army. The Iraqi army currently has 152,500 trained and equipped soldiers, nearly 20,000 more troops than were on the rosters in January, according to the U.S. State Department. Another 20,000 soldiers will be added to the ranks this year, the U.S. military says.

The Army now has its own Iraqi-run basic training and leadership schools. "The Iraqi army has, in general, done quite well in the face of some really serious challenges," Petraeus says. "In certain areas it really is very heartening to see what it has done."

•Anbar province. This area in the heart of the Sunni Triangle has been held up by the U.S. military as a model for Iraq. "The progress in Anbar has actually been breathtaking," Petraeus says.

Commanders credit much of the success to the U.S. military's decision to arm, train and organize Sunni provincial militias that have turned against al-Qaeda militants operating in the area.

"If you've got folks who say, 'Hey, this is my hometown, and I'm tired of the violence and if you simply train and equip me, I'll protect my hometown.' We ought to jump on that like a duck on a June bug," says Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Commanders elsewhere in Iraq are studying lessons that can be learned from Anbar, although Petraeus said that each area of Iraq has "unique circumstances." Anbar is mostly Sunni and does not have the volatile sectarian mix that stokes violence in other parts of the country.

•Sectarian violence. The number of unidentified bodies found in Baghdad — an indicator of sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims — dropped from a high of 1,782 in October to 411 in April, according to an Interior Ministry official who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The body count spiked to 726 in May. So far this month, the numbers are again on a "downward trend," Petraeus says. Although the bombing Wednesday of a major Shiite shrine in Samarra raises the risk of a new outbreak of sectarian violence, he says.

Areas of concern

• U.S. casualties. As U.S. forces spread deeper into insurgent-held territories, they are paying the price in blood. At least 230 soldiers were killed in April and May, the highest two-month death toll since the war began. This month, at least 32 soldiers have been killed in Iraq.

Roadside bombs — improvised explosive devices — remain the No. 1 killer of U.S. troops. Sixty-five percent of May casualties were caused by IEDs, up from 32% in February, according to a study by the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank.

• Iraqi police. Iraq's 135,000-strong police force was plagued with problems, U.S. commanders say, so up to 70% of Iraqi police leaders have been replaced because they had ties to sectarian violence, Petraeus says.

• Political unity. Al-Maliki's government has been unable to push any major initiatives through Iraq's parliament, including a law on how to share the country's oil revenues.

"I think everyone, including the government of Iraq, is impatient with the rate of progress in a variety of different areas," Petraeus says. "They are trying to do it in a reasonably democratic way … in a government that is comprised of representatives from ethno-sectarian interests."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-06-13-petraeus-security_N.htm

Isn't it GREAT to see progress?
Hard to find on the MSM news, and as always couched in negativity, but...
good news sneaks out sometimes and this one has it in spades.

- "astonishing signs of normalcy" in half, perhaps two-thirds of Baghdad

- sectarian violence in Baghdad has declined

- a rise in Iraqi army enlistments... nearly 20,000 more troops than were on the rosters in January

- some quality-of-life improvements... (including) fewer electricity blackouts in the capital

- "The progress in Anbar has actually been breathtaking," Petraeus says

And, the death toll,

- dropped from a high of 1,782 in October to 411 in April, spiked to 726 in May (but) So far this month, the numbers are again on a "downward trend"..

In the areas of concern:

IRAN's IEDs remain the main cause of US troop casualties..

This seems to me cause for greater grievances with Iran,
rather than placing blame upon the process of seeking peace and stability in Iraq through the Surge Strategy. :(

Meanwhile up to 70% of the corrupt police leaders have been replaced, a good sign of strength and dealing with the cause of problems. :)

Lastly, we need to see Maliki do the oil law to show that they have a backbone and are not just puppets of Iran, but can act as a free country and cooperation is possible among free men in that country. To show they are big enough as men and women to see beyond their sectarian differences.

Impatient? I think we all are.. the entire region has a keen interest in this and Iraqi ethno-sectarian interests will have to give way in favor of the majority BEYOND their borders very soon if they won't cooperate to create the necessary stability. There is not infinite patience with their squabbling and infighting. No man is an island.. no country is, either. They cannot continue to act in isolation as if these issues do not affect those around them and continue to pretend that it is all an internal matter to do with Iraqis and their resources alone. Small ethno-sectarian thinking must be changed.. either internally or, if they are incapable of compromise, for the good of the region and global interests, it must be superceded.

Sara.

-- June 15, 2007 10:54 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Pray for our US, coalition and defending Iraqi troops as they begin this new offensive against the enemy...
that they would be victorious. I like the prayer in this for the troops,
and pray it for them today:

Win Media
http://media.emicmg.com/FFD42835/Video/WMA/100/ithankyou_remixvideo.asx
Real
http://media.emicmg.com/FFD42835/Video/Real/ithankyou_remixvideo.ram

==

Troop Influx Complete, U.S. Forces Press Al Qaeda in Iraq
By THOM SHANKER and MICHAEL R. GORDON
Published: June 17, 2007

BAGHDAD, June 16 — With the influx of tens of thousands of additional combat troops into Iraq now complete, American forces have begun a major offensive against Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia on the outskirts of Baghdad, the top American commander in Iraq said Saturday.

The commander, Gen. David H. Petraeus, in a news conference in Baghdad along with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, said the operation was designed to take the fight to Al Qaeda’s hide-outs in order to cut down the group’s devastating campaign of car bombings.

The offensive comes at a critical time in the war. The new emphasis on attacking the insurgent cells and bomb-making factories outside the capital is expected to be a sustained one, involving tough fighting. The heart of the American buildup of 30,000 extra troops is the deployment of five American brigade combat teams, a fighting core of more than 20,000 soldiers. Along with an additional Marine Expeditionary Unit, the last of those troops arrived in the past few days, bringing the total number of American troops in Iraq to about 155,000.

The additional American forces, General Petraeus said Saturday, would allow the United States to conduct operations in “a number of areas around Baghdad, in particular to go into areas that were sanctuaries in the past of Al Qaeda.”

The scope, timing and details of the new American operations are classified. But one sign of the stepped-up activity was apparent in a recent operation reported by the Third Infantry Division, which is operating in the Sunni Arab belts south of the capital. In that case, American attack helicopters and Iraqi forces attacked an insurgent cell, killing several and capturing others.

As part of the effort to weaken Al Qaeda’s forces outside Baghdad, the United States military has also begun working with Sunni tribes in Anbar Province, west of Baghdad, and is hoping to expand this approach to other areas of Iraq.

This is not the first time that American forces have taken on Qaeda strongholds. The military’s assault in 2004 of Falluja, the city in Anbar Province that was the center of insurgent strength then, was the biggest ground operation since the invasion.

But while that effort seemed to drive insurgents away from the city, the military was unable to completely loosen Al Qaeda’s hold on other parts of the province. And even that partial success has highlighted the flexibility of the insurgents. As gains have been made in Anbar, commanders say, the group has shifted its main body into Diyala Province, just north of the capital, flowing away and creating new violence.

In the Baghdad news conference, Defense Secretary Gates insisted that the military buildup was beginning to show dividends.

“The full impact of the surge is just beginning to be felt,” said Mr. Gates, who was making his fourth visit to Iraq in his six months as defense secretary.

Mr. Gates arrived in Iraq to express Washington’s disappointment with the pace of political reconciliation under Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, and to urge accelerated efforts to reach a series of political benchmarks to lower tensions among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds. Mr. Gates also met with the American ambassador, Ryan C. Crocker.

Earlier Saturday, Mr. Gates visited a joint security station in the Karada region of southeastern Baghdad, where American forces conduct missions along with Iraqi military and police units from inside a secured, walled compound.

The American commander at the compound, Maj. Christopher Wendland, of the Second Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, said attacks in his area had dropped to 5 or 6 per week from 15 to 16 per week about a month ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/world/middleeast/17iraq.html?ex=1182657600&en=5b866cbe32bb266d&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS

-- June 16, 2007 3:57 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

The Consequences of Failure
... an excellent op-ed in the New York Times
Posted by Matthew Sheffield on June 12, 2007.

Big tip of the hat to Scott Johnson at Power Line for tipping me off to an excellent op-ed in the New York Times which makes one of the few correct comparisons of Iraq to Vietnam: that withdrawal before the task is done diminishes American credibility abroad.

Here's an excerpt from "Defeat's Killing Fields:"

Today, in Iraq, there should be no illusion that defeat would come at an acceptable price. George Orwell wrote that the quickest way of ending a war is to lose it. But anyone who thinks an American defeat in Iraq will bring a merciful end to this conflict is deluded. Defeat would produce an explosion of euphoria among all the forces of Islamist extremism, throwing the entire Middle East into even greater upheaval. The likely human and strategic costs are appalling to contemplate. Perhaps that is why so much of the current debate seeks to ignore these consequences.

As in Indochina more than 30 years ago, millions of Iraqis today see the United States helping them defeat their murderous opponents as the only hope for their country. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have committed themselves to working with us and with their democratically elected government to enable their country to rejoin the world as a peaceful, moderate state that is a partner to its neighbors instead of a threat. If we accept defeat, these Iraqis will be at terrible risk. Thousands upon thousands of them will flee, as so many Vietnamese did after 1975.

The new strategy of the coalition and the Iraqis, ably directed by Gen. David Petraeus, offers the best prospect of reversing the direction of events — provided that we show staying power. Osama bin Laden said, a few months after 9/11, that “when people see a strong horse and a weak horse, by nature they will like the strong horse.” The United States, in his mind, is the weak horse. American defeat in Iraq would embolden the extremists in the Muslim world, demoralize and perhaps destabilize many moderate friendly governments, and accelerate the radicalization of every conflict in the Middle East.

Our conduct in Iraq is a crucial test of our credibility, especially with regard to the looming threat from revolutionary Iran. Our Arab and Israeli friends view Iraq in that wider context. They worry about our domestic debate, which had such a devastating impact on the outcome of the Vietnam War, and they want reassurance.

When government officials argued that American credibility was at stake in Indochina, critics ridiculed the notion. But when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, he and his colleagues invoked Vietnam as a reason not to take American warnings seriously. The United States cannot be strong against Iran — or anywhere — if we accept defeat in Iraq.

Comments:

1) Beowulf Says:

All one need do is to look at the recent Israeli/Hezbollah conflict. Israel voluntarily withdrew (due primarily to UN and world opinion), after going through Hezbollah like a knife through butter. Hezbollah was plainly and simply getting spanked. Yet the instant Israel withdrew, Hezbollah declared victory. The same thing will happen on a much vaster scale were we to precipitously withdraw from Iraq. Not to mention the irreparable damage which would be done to our credibility, reputation, and morale as a nation.

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

5) KC Mulville Says:

I couldn't agree more. The single most important quality of leadership is reliability. You must follow through on what you say. Deeds must follow words, otherwise the words are hollow. In fact, it only proves stupidity to claim that we must withdraw from Iraq to "regain our standing in the world." That would be precisely what destroys our claim to leadership. We’ve asked two native populations to trust us; we abandoned one to an outright slaughter, and many want us to do the same again. The last thing we need is a reputation that when the going gets tough, the Americans go. That’s not the reputation that establishes leadership.

6) radiofitz34 Says:

Mr. Rodman and Mr. Shawcross wrote a very good op-ed. I agree with their assertion that we must not withdraw from Iraq before the job is done.

http://newsbusters.org/node/13380

-- June 16, 2007 4:26 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

An edited (less biased) reporting of this man's views:

Boise Infantryman In Baghdad Shares Views On "Surge"
Story Created: Jun 11, 2007
By Scott Logan

BOISE AND BAGHDAD -- First Sergeant Noah Edney of Boise is serving with the Army's Second Infantry Division in Baghdad.

"The surge from my standpoint is wildly successful," Edney told CBS 2 Eyewitness in an interview via satellite from Baghdad. "I can't speak to the grand strategy, I'm only talking about the view of a soldier on the ground. I'm just a grunt, so to speak."

But grunts like Edney, who has seen his share of combat, are the backbone of the American military effort in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 400,000 of them have seen multiple tours of duty.

Edney is on his second tour of Iraq and we asked if he wasn't just plain tired of it all.

"Am I tired of war? Of course, everybody is." he said. But Edney points out he is where he belongs. "I've been an infantryman for 19 years. If there's a war anywhere in the world, there's only one place where an infantryman should be."

Edney says things have improved in Iraq since his first tour in 2004. He speaks of restoring electricity and water, of kids going back to school.

He knows the war is emotionally debated back home, but as they patrol 14 hours a day in 114 degree heat, Edney says he and his buddies have more pressing concerns.

"I can't speak for everybody, but the average grunt, most people in my company couldn't care less (about political infighting)," Edney explained. "Politics takes a far back seat of the bus. We'll deal with it when we get home."

http://www.2news.tv/news/7946947.html

===

With protest.. how it was really covered in the MSM news:

Boise TV: Snide Remarks During Soldier's Upbeat Report
Posted by Warner Todd Huston on June 12, 2007.

What is it about some news outlets that they can't report a story without trying to flavor it with their own biases? That they can't give "just the facts m'am" but have to throw in their snide asides and negative phraseology? And, it's bad enough when they do it in their normal attempts at "reporting" the news, but when they do it in between an upbeat report by one of our soldiers who's opinion is that the surge is working and our presence in Iraq is a good thing, it's all the more grating. But, then, they just can't leave their hatred for American foreign policy aside long enough to report this soldier's enthusiasm, now can they?

In this case, Boise, Idaho TV 2 News, in a story by Scott Logan, just can't leave the snide comments out of their story of Army First Sergeant Noah Edney's enthusiastic point of view on our efforts in Iraq. Even the title seems to take a swipe at policy: Boise Infantryman In Baghdad Shares Views On "Surge" -- notice the quotation marks around the word surge? Even as surge is a commonly acceptable term and not one to be questioning with quotations they cast doubt onto it by using the grammatical device.

But, if you might think the parenthesis around the word surge might not be suspect, they quickly set the record straight on how they feel about the policy with their very first line of the story. QUOTE:

BOISE AND BAGHDAD -- In less than a week, all the troops for the so-called surge in Iraq will finally be in position and U.S. commanders will push hard to get results on the ground.

(end quote)

"So-called surge"? What is "so-called" about it? What is to be sarcastic or doubtful about here? That is what the policy is being called. There is no pseudo term there, it IS the surge. Commentators, politicians, news sources, they are all calling it the surge without any question, without any "so-called" to it, TV 2 News.

Naturally they have to go on with a prosaic "some say" in their next line. QUOTE:

Some say the troop build up is already draining American military resources with moderate results.

(end quote)

Now they have set up the brave soldier who they will go on to interview as somehow having a questionable opinion or even a minority view. They have set the negative tone before the young man even gets to speak. So, finally after TV 2's negativity, the young man gets his shot. QUOTE:

"The surge from my standpoint is wildly successful," Edney told CBS 2 Eyewitness in an interview via satellite from Baghdad. "I can't speak to the grand strategy, I'm only talking about the view of a soldier on the ground. I'm just a grunt, so to speak."

(end quote)

And what does News 2 follow that with? More negativity, of course. QUOTE:

But grunts like Edney, who has seen his share of combat, are the backbone of the American military effort in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 400,000 of them have seen multiple tours of duty.

Edney is on his second tour of Iraq and we asked if he wasn't just plain tired of it all.

(end quote)

One can just feel the skepticism and sourness with which News 2 approaches this fine young soldier. They go on to snidely say that this soldier praises the efforts in Iraq by talking of the good done there, "He speaks of restoring electricity and water, of kids going back to school", they say as if they don't believe a word the Sergeant is saying.

Naturally they must remind us that, "Since the troop build up began in January, the U.S. casualty rate has increased substantially" this being just another example of the constant counter weight they offer to this young man's every positive utterance.

They also feel compelled to say how Iraqis are "suffering casualties at twice the rate of U.S. forces" just to bring home their view point that this is all a failure and pump up the negativity factor.

No we can't just have a positive story about a young man who nobly and with excitement gives service to his country without casting all he says in negative terms, can we?

No, we just can't have that!

But for them to use this soldier's enthusiasm as a spring board for their anti-American pathology is inexcusable.

...unfortunately, it isn't unusual for our media, not unusual at all. Even in Boise, Idaho, America's heartland, they stoop to this level.

Comments:

1) Sua Sponte 75 Says:

It goes without saying that this is one of hundreds of noted times that the media absolutely refuses to acknowledge accomplishments and stick with the doomsday metality. The "surge" is working and we're seeing it everyday, but the media/left/clowns are so hellbent with their nothing but pure hatred of the administration will stoop to any level to take shots. First they were wringing their hands over the amount of U.S. casualties and crying about the Iraqis needing to take more control, once the Iraqis start stepping up to the plate they whimper like grandmothers about the Iraqis taking casualties. Talk about a bunch of snotty nosed brats. All I can say is asshats, pure and simple, there is no other way of defining it. I want to thank all of you at NB's for your honorable concerted efforts of keeping the public informed of the more than slanted viewpoints of the MSM and for giving us a voice.

"You're either part of the solution or part of the problem"

2) TruthMonger Says:

I think the left is "tired of it all" because it has been showcasing their love for Saddam and other terrorists front and center EVERYDAY IN THE NEWS for a very long time now - regardless of whatever desperate spin they attempt to put on it...

Hell yes, I'd be "tired of the whole thing" too if I was an MSM moonbat...

3) Mike Bratton Says:

Some say that more soldiers died during the so-called "D-Day" invasion than have died during the War on Terror.

Mr. Logan, you owe a lot of people an apology. Particularly Army First Sergeant Noah Edney and his family.

--Mike

www.thebrattonreport.com

4) motherbelt Says:

I would bet a dollar to a dime that if this soldier knew what type of story his so-called "interview" was going to be used in, he would not have agreed to take part.

we asked if he wasn't just plain tired of it all. Of course you did.

"He speaks of restoring electricity and water, of kids going back to school",

they might as well have said "he claims".

Wait, isn't that what they formerly considered success? How many stories have we had to listent to where the "talent" on the newsshows related how many homes or towns were still without electricty and clean water?????

He probably thought he had a chance to say some good things about what they were doing there. Well, he did say them, but everything he said was dismissed.

It's as if Emily Litella were doing the interview, and after all the good things he said, she just tossed out "Oh, nevermind."

Way to go, TV2!!

5) rimsky Says:

Excellent post, Mr. Huston. Your analysis of the subtle, yet VERY effective ways that the MSM taints their reporting is spot on! This is their standard MO, and it can be seen at all levels, whether it is national news (Morning shows, Evening "News" casts), or on a local level. Thanks!

6) Sergeant ROCK Says:

A similiar incident occured with a local station where I live. There was a soldier traveling from city to city with an exhibit (a few years back)... something to do with those who have been killed in Iraq and elsewhere.. and when he would make a positive comment, she would interrupt with '..that's your opinion.' As though we couldn't figure that out for ourselves?

7) rimsky Says:

'that's your opinion'

This is a prime example of the inherent power that the MSM has. They have the mic, they can jump in and inject this little phrase, and effectively negate anything this soldier said. Very frustrating, and unfair. No, I don't want the Fairness Doctrine re-instated. I want unbiased reporting. I want people like this reporter to STFU and let people say what they want to say without any editorializing.

8) pbanks7 Says:

And when a Dhimmicrat utters a blatant lie, they let it go, because they're just reporting the news.

Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.

9) Beowulf Says:

Why do you think they rarely interview G.I.'s in the field? And the few they do interview are the miniscule percentage who are disgruntled, or even totally fradulent. And yet, so many "journalists" (notice the quotations?) and politicians claim to "speak for the troops". How about letting the troops speak for themselves?

I spent three tours in the desert myself, the last at the central command base for the theater. Not once did I hear a complaint from the troops about our mission. Without exception, everyone was proud of what we were accomplishing. Sure, there were gripes about the living conditions, the food, the separation from family, but it's when the troops stop complaining that it's time to worry.

These newsies really need to go back to traffic reports, and let the important stuff speak for itself...

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

10) Sergeant ROCK Says:

Of course, I never saw a reporter when I was over there. Nor, did I hear about any being around. If half of what these idiots claim were true, we would've had a military coup by now.

11) BD Says:

During both times I was in Iraq, I did not see a journalist, was never interviewed by one, and never as much as shared a mess hall with one at Camp Victory.

Yet, somehow news of our Supposed Defeat continued to flow from supposed sources in the supposed unbiased press!

As a former journalism student, i find their reporting amatuerish.

12) JohnM Says:

I thoroughly appreciate the quality and detail of your analysis of this so-called "news" report. In fact, I think your style of analysis should be the standard for framing discussions about media stories. (And savvy editors should use it to clean up their stories before airing them.)

I saved a copy of this analysis for my high-school daughter to bring to class, as her bias-blind teachers can't seem to understand how a so-called "phrase" or two can twist the story.

Thanks, and please continue!

http://newsbusters.org/node/13377

THIS COMMENT DESERVES A SECOND MENTION,
NOTE PLEASE:

Why do you think they rarely interview G.I.'s in the field? And the few they do interview are the miniscule percentage who are disgruntled, or even totally fradulent. And yet, so many "journalists" (notice the quotations?) and politicians claim to "speak for the troops". How about letting the troops speak for themselves?

I spent three tours in the desert myself, the last at the central command base for the theater. Not once did I hear a complaint from the troops about our mission. Without exception, everyone was proud of what we were accomplishing. Sure, there were gripes about the living conditions, the food, the separation from family, but it's when the troops stop complaining that it's time to worry.

These newsies really need to go back to traffic reports, and let the important stuff speak for itself...

-- June 16, 2007 5:28 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US helicopters kill 4 suspects in Iraq
Sunday 17 June, 2007

U.S. attack helicopters killed four and wound three in operations south of Baghdad, the military said Sunday.

The aircraft were operating in support of Iraqi army soldiers on the ground, who were engaged by insurgents, the U.S. military said in a statement. The incident took place Friday, it said.

Suspected militants fired on the helicopters as they swooped in, then ran into a nearby structure, the statement said. One of the helicopters fired on the building, destroying it.

Afterward, Iraqi soldiers found three sniper rifles, multiple hand grenades and black masks scattered amid the ruins of the building, the military said.

http://www.ddinews.gov.in/International/International+-+West+Asia/Four+soldiers+killed.htm

-- June 17, 2007 1:15 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US Ambassador Says Iraq Not Hopeless
Sunday June 17, 2007 2:16 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. ambassador in Baghdad said Sunday the situation in Iraq is ``a mixed picture, but certainly not a hopeless one.''

He said there are frustrations, but also signs of progress, and cautioned about the ramifications of a precipitous withdrawal of forces.

``In terms of the political agenda, clearly we are frustrated with the slow progress that is being made on the legislative benchmarks,'' said Ambassador Ryan Crocker. ``The Iraqis are frustrated, too. They are working hard on these things. The fact is they are difficult to do, difficult in and of themselves ... and difficult in the current security climate.''

He said the Iraqis are ``very close'' to agreement on a plan for manage the country's oil production and share resources.

He said the recent U.S. buildup of forces is just now complete and is showing signs of progress in establishing security, particularly in parts of Baghdad in Anbar Province, a former al-Qaida stronghold to the north of the city.

To charges that the plan has produced a ``whack a mole'' result in which insurgents are routed in one location, only to pop up in another, Crocker said, ``What we are now positioned to do ... is whack a whole lot of moles simultaneously.''

Crocker said he and Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, will report to Washington in September, but declined to speculate what they will say.

``It will be a snapshot, obviously, but that film can't be developed until we're there in September,'' he said.

He reiterated that ``a concern I have had is that there are two clocks and the Washington clock is running a lot faster than the Baghdad clock is.''
He said the troop buildup was intended as ``a way to speed up the Baghdad clock and put a little extra time on the Washington clock.''

In their September report, Crocker said he and Petraeus owe it to civilian leadership ``at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue'' what consequences might be if the U.S. mounts a quick withdrawal.

He said Iran and Syria are playing ``distinctly unhelpful roles'' in Iraq and ``we've got to consider what may happen'' if the U.S. pulls out before Iraq is able to stand on its own.

Crocker spoke from Baghdad on NBC's ``Meet the Press.''

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-6715957,00.html

He said the Iraqis are ``very close'' to agreement on a plan for manage the country's oil production and share resources.
He said the Iraqis are ``very close'' to agreement on a plan for manage the country's oil production and share resources.
He said the Iraqis are ``very close'' to agreement on a plan for manage the country's oil production and share resources.

That is also good news, isn't it?

-- June 17, 2007 1:28 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq troop surge beginning to bite: US
Last Update: Sunday, June 17, 2007.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is due to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki later to press for more rapid progress by his Shiite-led Government in reaching out to the disenchanted Sunni former elite.

He is the third senior US official to deliver the same message over the past week, following Deputy Defence Secretary John Negroponte, the former US ambassador, and Admiral William Fallon, commander of US forces in the Middle East.

'Top militants seized'

General Petraeus says US and Iraqi forces have captured two top militants, including one from a gang that may have been involved in the abduction of five Britons in Baghdad last month.

He has named the two militants as Al Hilfi and Abu Tiba.

He says Hilfi is the leader of secret cells of "extremist elements" within the Mehdi Army militia of anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

General Petraeus says Tiba is a member of the Ajur al Dulaimi gang, which "may be associated with some of the British citizens who were kidnapped recently".

The Britons - a computer expert and his four bodyguards - were snatched late last month from inside a Finance Ministry building by dozens of gunmen wearing police uniforms.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1953354.htm

-- June 17, 2007 2:14 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

TO QUOTE TIFFY WHO QUOTED MALIKI FROM LAST FRIDAY'S NEWSWEEK INTERVIEW...

First of all, the things the Americans are talking about are things we talk about. These things are national goals that come in harmony with the nature of the new federal political regime. Success for us and for the American administration is very important. Now, the drafts of the laws of oil, [the DeBaathification revision] and provincial elections are all ready

and will be submitted to the parliament next week. *

Some people in the U.S. administration make statements that are understood by observers as if the administration is dictating to the Iraqi government. This is not true, of course.

It is an issue of partnership, there is no dictating.

The Iraqi Ambassador, on TV, today was merely repeating what he said at the end of MAY...this goes counter (as you can see from the above newsweek quote) to what the PM told Newsweek on Friday...because they do not want to be seen taking orders from America...They need to make it look like it was on their own timeline not ours...even if it is not necessarily true...

*So, He is talking about this week and Parliament is back in session on this Tuesday...This will be the week to make or break our investment's completion before this fall. But MOST IMPORTANT TO WATCH IS THE DRAFT Capital Market LAW THAT WILL OPEN THE STOCK MARKET TO NON-IRAQIS INVESTORS...

-- June 17, 2007 7:50 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

For the Iraq Stock Exchange, goto, www.isx-iq.net
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- June 17, 2007 10:56 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Minister of trade confirms... The success of the Iraqi negotiator delegation with the World Trade Organization to answer on the organization's questions about the joining of Iraq...
Baghdad /

Dr. Abdul falah Hassan Al sudany Minister of Trade confirmed the success of the negotiations which made the Iraqi negotiation team with the World Trade Organization for the purpose of the joining of Iraq to the Organization and the success of the delegation to answer most questions which posed by the world organization on the commercial dealings and economic in the Iraq.

Al Sudany added that he met with the delegation of the world Organization and he presented explanation on the nature and the procedures which adopted by the Iraqi government in addition to the laws and the legislation which issued by the government, for the taxes purpose of economic and commercial in Iraq.
He added that the talks resulted in the full understanding of the International Organization for the economic measures being taken in Iraq for the purpose of organizing the economic and commercial work so as to contribute to Iraq's entry into the international organization which plans of global economic policy.
Al sudany pointed out that he presented explanation for every question put forward in the negotiations especially on the subjects of investment inside Iraq and petroleum projects as well as taxes (customs tariff) further explain the nature of the measures being taken to facilitate the process of the commercial exchange with the region and the world states in addition to the procedures adopted to get suppliers licenses exportation and importation to be decided by the ministry and established by a special law which was recorded (2000) companies since the fall of the regime to the end of the previous year and that means existence large flexibility in the registration of companies.

Pointing out that the exportation -importation procedures in Iraq under specific instructions, the role of the Ministry of Trade was to grant the licenses to give greater flexibility to the importer and exporter with regard to the health minister said that there are legislated laws on these subjects and on the procedures relating to intellectual property, trademarks and relevance with business.

Al sudany explained that there are many actions that could be taken with respect to intellectual property, trademarks, explaining that the government has law on intellectual property and patent, but we see it inappropriate to the laws of the World Trade Organization at the present time. Minister of Trade and the Iraqi negotiation team had met both Moroccan and Brazilian Ambassadors, the European Union and Egypt in the World Trade Organization and confirmed Iraq's desire to develop its economic and commercial relations as well as the importance of their contribution to reduction the barriers and obstacles in Iraq’s joining to the World Trade Organization , he spoke about the common desire to develop the economic and commercial cooperation and to enhance the economic ability of Iraq in the world organization .

Iraqi Ministry of Trade - News

-- June 18, 2007 8:55 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

'Iraqi Special Operations Forces operation with multinational forces supporting' kill 36 in Iraq battle
10.18, Mon Jun 18 2007

Iraqi Special Operations Forces with multinational forces supporting have killed as many as 36 people in a fierce battle with Shia militiamen, Iraqi police and hospital officials have said.

The clashes took place in Amarah, which lies 200 miles south-east of Baghdad, during house-to-house searches. More than 100 people were also injured in the fighting.

A doctor at the city's general hospital said 36 bodies had been taken to his facility. It is not clear how many were militiamen and how many were civilians.

British military spokesman Major David Gell said that for their part there had been no British casualties.

He said: "We have not yet got the full details, but certainly it was an Iraqi Special Operations Forces operation which had been authorised by the government of Iraq last night and multinational forces were supporting."

He said the operation had taken place in Maysan province, specifically in the towns of Amarah and Majar al-Kabir.

Iraqi police said the Mahdi Army, the militia commanded by radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, was involved in the clashes, which lasted for about two hours before dawn.

http://www.itv.com/news/world_937acf6fbcf42582fe89916b87a10d6c.html

-- June 18, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

BBC Admits To Network-Wide Liberal Bias
From BBC NEWS:

BBC ‘must become more impartial’
The BBC needs to take more care to ensure it is impartial, according to a report commissioned by the corporation.

It accused the BBC of breaking its own guidelines by screening an episode of The Vicar of Dibley which promoted the Make Poverty History campaign.

The report also quoted former political editor Andrew Marr, who said the BBC has an “innate liberal bias”.

However, it added that the BBC is “generally seen as impartial” and set out new guidelines for avoiding bias.

Twelve guiding principles have been introduced, which will complement the BBC’s existing editorial guidelines.

The corporation says they are needed because of social and technological changes which have led to a spread of opinion beyond the traditional “left-right” political divide.

Among them is the statement that impartiality is “not necessarily to be found on the centre ground”.

Other principles warn that impartiality should not lead to “political correctness” or “insipid programmes” and there must be room for controversial and passionate contributors.

The report said a seminar held by the BBC last year saw an element of support for the idea that “some sort of liberal consensus” existed in the organisation.

It notes that news programmes missed several emerging stories on Europe and immigration which it described as “off limits in terms of a liberal-minded comfort zone”.

But “the report does not say that the BBC is institutionally biased,” deputy director general Mark Byford told BBC News 24.

Drama, comedy, music and children’s programmes are also expected to pay attention to impartiality, the document says…

===end quote===

It is a testimony to the extent of their bias that this would be news to them.

But then again fish probably don’t realize they are wet either.

Quote:

"The corporation says they are needed because of social and technological changes which have led to a spread of opinion beyond the traditional “left-right” political divide." (end quote)

In other words too many people are exposing their obvious bias online.

But does anyone really believe that they will do anything about it?

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/bbc-admits-to-network-wide-liberal-bias

-- June 18, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Jeff:

I agree with both of your assessments about entrusting your personal information to a Iraqi Banking instituion 6,000 miles away; along with the potential of the isx once it is opened to the non-iraqi.

I have often thought of opening a bank account with Al-Warka, but I did not understand why I needed to open an account in Dinars and dollars. Do you know why one would have to have a dual account?

Concerning taxes, if you have an Iraqi bank account does it not make sense any capital gains obtianed from revaluation would be reported to the U.S. Government?

Once the currency revalues taxes are to be paid whether physical dinar is held in a safety deposit box or in an Iraqi Bank Account.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 18, 2007 11:20 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

kuga
Junior Member Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 20

Finally beginning REAL reval speculation

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

As a dinar community, we all feed off of rumors and speculation. Generally, rumors come and go while speculation tends to be a blending of real news and facts with some type of rumor. In any case, we believe in this investment and are constantly thirsty for new substantiation of our investment. There is no better justification to our investment than real math. This is why the M2 has been such a hot issue across all of the boards. Due to all of the banter between naysayers, realists, and dreamers caused from the rumors and speculation regarding possible RV amounts, I decided to hopefully put much of the debate to rest. Before proceeding below, please keep in mind I am a senior analyst by profession. If there are any questions regarding any of the information or math, please contact me.

I created a website with several dinar calculators that prove that as of today, Iraq can RV their currency (without using petro dollars) anywhere from 150% above current rates to 540% above current rates and STILL BACK THE CURRENCY 100%. The variance is due to having to estimate several of the variables (dinar in circulation, reserve amounts).

Before making this next statement, let me preface it by saying that I do not believe the rate will be this high, but.......Using these calculators, you can also prove the infamous safe dinar rate is mathematically possible from current information available. I am sure you can get to this number with different combinations, but the following scenario is the one that I would feel most comfortable with:

Using the exchange rate calculator, use the variables:

Dinar in circulation: 7 trillion
Total reserve amount: ($60*240 billion barrels of oil = 14.4 trillion)
Backing percentage: 40%

You will see that the derived rate is .19 NID : $1 USD.

The website is:
http://kuga.mywebcommunity.org/Dinar_Calculators2.php

Hopefully this website will provoke a wonderful discussion on exchange rates, backing percentages, and reserve requirements. As I said before, please contact me with any questions/suggestions you may have. I hope that the page I created can be expounded upon based on the interests of the community.

***Due to such a divided dinar community, I am posting this on each of the dinar boards. Please feel free to post in each one, but try to keep it within the community you mostly pledge your allegiance.

-- June 18, 2007 12:39 PM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

I see where your coming from cornish boy, and I agree $5 to 1 dinar does seem far to optimistic, but as you pointed out...the numbers do look interesting...

-- June 18, 2007 12:50 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks for the articles, Rob N. :)

Chris, thanks for the daily update in the Dinar price quote, too. :)

Cornish_boy, I really liked the CNN interview where it says, QUOTE, "enactment of a special law distribution of oil revenues in the near future" - THAT sounds good to me! :)

As for the Iraqis being concerned about how they are viewed.. do they really live their lives always worrying about what others think, more than what is good for the country? Surely no matter when they do ANYTHING there will be someone who says that 'the Americans' made them do it?

The real problem, as I see it, is that America in fact owns the oil reserves of Iraq right now. Yes, that is right.. America owns it. If America pulls out, the Iraqis lose their oil, don't they? So the ones who protect and keep an asset OWN IT

Ever heard the saying, "ownership is nine tenths of the law"?

Why get into appearances so much that if it doesn't APPEAR that Iraq is doing this independently then it is bad? In REALITY (let us just set aside the PC for a minute) the oil assets RIGHT NOW are not their possession, since they cannot protect it. If Braveheart taught anything to anyone, it is that if there are those who have guns who can come along (in the first scenes of the movie) and steal it from you.. you don't own what they stole in reality. The spoils belong only to those who can defend it from marauding pillagers such as Iran or the Al-Qaeda - so any pretense to independence done by Iraqi politicians is only words filled with hot air at this point. Iraq doesn't own their resources right now, the US does and she is protecting that asset with her army until the Iraqis can do so. Until they can, they do not own those resources and are not independent. And they should thank GOD that the US doesn't want to take the entire thing for themselves but is trying to make an equitable deal and partnership where the Iraqis will have something and the people of Iraq will have a part in their own country's resources - something Saddam never gave them.

The Iraqis shouldn't be so worried about APPEARANCES.. let's get to the point where they truly are independent, with a working economy and standing on their own two feet - fully responsible for their own safety - before worrying about 'appearances'. Make it real, then you won't have to worry about if it appears so or not. Make it real by enacting legislation which will give Iraqis their country.. with America having the partnership and appreciation that liberating them deserves. And don't keep on listening to the Al-Qaeda who say Iraqis are not 'independent' yet because Iraqis are not doing it from their own selves.. the Iraqis haven't that degree of autonomy yet and to pretend they do is to act outside of reality. The current relationship is more like a youth who needs help from Dad until he can get established on his own. Until they are truly established on their own OF COURSE they are taking a good deal of advice from those who are trying to help them (as a youth would his father).

Listening to all this talk about "appearances" and "listening too much to the Americans" is just like what the rebellious drug dealers do all the time to get more junkies. "Don't listen to those trying to help you (and steer you away from our direction)," say the drug dealers, "They only want to stop you from having your independence and true fun.. here, have some free drugs to try (the hook comes later)." Why don't the Iraqis LOOK at who is the one trying to get them to worry about appearances! It isn't a friend.. they are not doing it for the good of the country! Where are these whisperers interests.. ?? Certainly not for an independent Iraq. They want "chaos" and to destabilize the country.

What difference to the reality of the country do the gossip columnists or terrorists or media beliefs make? Isn't the main thing the most important - getting the country up and running so that Iraq truly IS independent and can stand on its own? Quit squabbling and solve your differences like men. This is so foolish. Act like men (and women) appointed by God to parliament, not hollywood actors seeking press attention. I loved America's top diplomat to Iraq, Ryan Crocker's response to the media when they asked him how he stacks up against the his immediate predecessor, Zalmay Khalilzad, who "literally sat in on meetings where the Iraqi constitution was being shaped". He said, "We're doing a lot of things here, but one thing we're not doing is running a popularity contest. I've not spent a lot of time polling Iraqis for their views on how nice or how cute they think I am." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19174882/site/newsweek/?from=rss

If the Iraqis would just stop trying to win a popularity contest and worrying about the appearance of cooperating with the US, they might be able to move forward on the agenda which will give them the true freedom and independence their country wishes to win for itself in the world. The Iraqis should be working toward getting independent from "Dad", but not by listening to the rebellious from authority whose agenda is their ruin and to steal from them that very independence they wish... making them dependent on them.. or dead.

Sara.

-- June 18, 2007 1:45 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to set aside oil money for refugees
Iraq to set aside oil money for refugees
Azzaman - [15/06/2007]


The Foreign Ministry is considering a proposal to allocate part of the country’s oil revenues for Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries.
Millions of Iraqis have fled abroad, mainly to Jordan and Syria, and many of them live in squalor conditions.

Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Mohammed Hmoud said efforts were exerted to solve the problems Iraqi refugees face.
“But the problem is so big that we have already started talking to the host countries on ways to alleviate their (refugees’) suffering.

“In some countries the numbers are in millions and Iraqi embassies are in no position to deal with the problem,” he said.

He said the parliament would soon vote on a proposal under which three percent of Iraqi oil revenues will be allocated to the host countries, especially Syria and Jordan.

Iraqi refugees now find it difficult to obtain documents, particularly passports.
Hmoud said his ministry has asked both countries to officially extend the stay of Iraqi refugees until conditions are suitable for their return home.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3949)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 18, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Playing the market principles (1-3)

حسام الساموكHossam Samuk
يهدأ،De****e the loss of the dollar accounted for 15% of its market value before the Iraqi dinar, While the dollar Sayed Iraqi market - perhaps - still, as every commodity market in Baghdad, as in the provinces dependent on foreign imports in compliance with the game liberalize foreign trade imposed by Ambassador Bremer (May God forgive him), including preparing the most local products - if not all - of inflation Obstreperousness withdraw the case-as they enjoy her CBE experts - on both goods and services and escalating daily Aihida,

.We say that what was achieved in the local market was contrary to the expectation CBE experts who Bharwa parish compliance with the wishes of the International Monetary Fund to lower the price of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar will have tremendous benefit to the Iraqi economy, and specifically for the benefit of Iraqi consumer through lower cost impact of the dollar by the importers. 15% of the Mestordatham prices would have to decline by similar dollar reduction is a doubt be rewarding and encouraging fair to the citizen who has always been the sole motive of the bill crises.
.At a glance what is happening in the local market, we find that the positive effects expected from the reality of what happened in the dollar exchange rate has fully reflected negatively in the market policies, which have become indiscriminate Sarbh imposed to meet the greed of the Working towards a high profit in any way from traders and blackmail at the expense of the citizens - tranche needy them - especially the failure to confirm the fact the policy of forced reduction of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar is not to be able to reduce Akayam goods and services in the Iraqi market, but that this procedure ambitious soon to resume completely ignored fever higher prices to be reflected directly on the continuing high rates of inflation, ignoring all fueled friends the Central Bank justified when loitering clarity psychotropic positive for the dollar reduction policy that requires three Awarbah Achehrtmahd to make the situation is becoming a reality, but what disappointed us, and trust in both goods and services not only firmly prices only, Galt, but they tended stubbornly clear for the registration rates high, but sometimes Galt on the rise.
.Back to emphasize that the policy of reducing the price of the dollar did not fail because it reflects a wrong, but forms of non-adoption of an integrated policy in dealing with the situation when the left traders exercising greed imposing procedures marketing and pricing policies that achieve their own narrow interests at the expense of the interests of the general community and the suffering of the various classes, the reality may be grounded once, but the current situation is that the dollar depreciation policy implemented as designed to treat faction Altjarmmen Amchenwamenham greed exercise with a reminder that a number of large as them did not hesitate to reduce Mestordatham when they gained access to prices allowed them a reasonable profit.
ÌÑíÏÉ ÇáãÏì - ÍÑßÉ ÇáÓæÞ æÇááÚÈ ÈÇáËæÇÈÊ (1-3)

-- June 18, 2007 6:29 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi All,

I like where the Iraqis are getting loans in $$$$$ 40,000. As if they had 40,000 Dollars in dinars them in the very near future the dinar is RVd they would have a wagon load of money

-- June 18, 2007 9:08 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

That is a terrible thing about those seven children who were killed.
I suppose it is an occupational hazard of having terrorists for parents...
and their being hunted by the authorities of a country relentlessly.
Collateral damage and unintended, for sure.

Collateral damage is a U.S. Military term for unintended or incidental damage during a military operation. The term, which originated as a euphemism during the Vietnam War, can refer to friendly fire, or the killing of non-combatants and destruction of their property. (wikipedia)

Sara.

-- June 19, 2007 1:40 AM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

All
Rob N.
Steven has just posted an article which I believe to be true, although, today is the day for me to find out for sure. I have a friend that speaks Arabic and frequently travels to Baghdad and Jordon together today we will speak directly to Al-Warka and get the details which I will share if anyone would like. From what I have gathered You need to have an account here to wire the money for two reasons the first to establish who you are, (For Al-Warka, so they know who you and you aren’t a terrorist) and the other to avoid having to go and open the Al-Warka account in person. As for “Cashing out” after you invest in the isx or just ride the dinar train you could use a debt card from Al-Warka or simply transfer what you need to live on to your bank of choice.

Action Central Bank economists welcomed convergence
Baghdad-Sabah.
Counting economists specializing in finance and monetary actions the Iraqi Central Bank to lower the rate of the dinar against the dollar sale an important step toward controlling the volume of inflation. They emphasized the importance of raising the interest rate of up to 12% in achieving the goal of curbing inflation would in the short term to stabilize an acceptable price prevailing in the Iraqi market.

It is noted that the recession and the upheaval in this procedure Stock buying and selling the dollar in most of the stores are banking Baghdad must follow this dangerous turn in the stock market in the Iraqi press statements, a number of different Concerned importance of the matter and the enemy of a remarkable step towards reducing inflation and raise the value of Iraqi dinar and reduce prices goods and services.
In the same context, Ali Ghalib Baban Minister of Planning said that the central bank's decision, which came after extensive study by the stakeholders also aims to encourage holders of capital in addition to citizens in general on saving. Meanwhile, the Bank Governor Sinan Shabibi Center : The aim of the Central Bank is currently limited to the fight against inflation, which amounted to about 76% and reduce the height by providing better conditions for economic development and improving the performance of the banking sector and providing stability.
So Dr. Shabibi governor of the Central Bank of Iraq that one of the reasons inflation is increasing cash in circulation, necessary follow a new monetary policy aimed at improving the dollar's exchange rate towards reducing the price several points in the auction, organized by the Central Bank every day to sell the dollar in order to withdraw money from circulation.
With Counsel explained in the Central Bank of Iraq, Dr Mohamed Saleh appearance that is the central body responsible by virtue of Law No. 56 of 2004 to cope with inflation and reduced levels as a basis of this principle adopted by the monetary policy in the performance of their duties, On this basis it should for the Central Bank that sets policy priorities, and here we mean monetary policy to combat inflationary activities using the tools available.
He adds favor : there before monetary policy variables and intermediate or intermediate objectives reflect on the relationship between the impact of these variables to reduce the general level of prices and contain inflation .. Among these variables equilibrium interest rate "long-term" equilibrium exchange rate or investigative, and the levels prevailing exchange, Noting that these variables can be controlled directly unless they are being singled through similar variables and the variables or operational objectives are signals or the means or Acharateh Informatics be used to influence the cash market stability. Among these references technique interest rate, the Central Bank of Iraq, a price indication would be tantamount compass navigation to influence the behavior of interest rates as determined by which the Central Bank lends Why? What banks are deposited in the Central Bank? .. Under the control of the volume of cash as it is believed that whatever the confiscation of inflation, it eventually monetary phenomenon, Accordingly, the priorities stability longer required logical to build and stimulate the economy. illustrates the benefit of this trend is that inflation mainly to increase the speed of money circulation and abandon what leads to weak demand cash and the growing demand for goods and services as counterproductive, In order to maintain the cohesion of demand and maximize cash levels in order not to turn into strong spending on goods and services to the Central Bank, the use of tools in raising the interest rate has to motivate the structure of interest rates and maintaining the coherence of savings and maximize their purchasing power helps monetary policy in dealing with high levels of liquidity and containment within the cash market "bank" without degenerating into mass adrift at the cash goods and services. In light Matekadm highlights many of the questions in the forefront Can a CBE unit of curbing inflation and control the volume of cash and MacDewey raise interest rates at the high prices?
Economists stressed the importance of the oldest in the Iraqi Central Bank of action to control inflation volume, which reached high figures exceeded 70% through the reduction of dollar selling prices against the Iraqi dinar and raise interest rates up to 12% after it was 10% which generated remarkable stability in all price Iraqi markets stagnating in the buying and selling of the dollar in most shops banking in Baghdad. The economists also stressed the importance that the Central Bank will continue this approach, which would curb inflation, which now threatens the stability of all the situation in Iraq, including security and social addition to the economic situation. The observers speculate that the lifting of value the Iraqi dinar against the dollar would reduce inflation and revive the economic situation of Iraqi families, which has suffered greatly because of the high rate of inflation which generated considerable burdens of living borne by the citizen is adding to the deterioration of the level of savings is clearly .. Which prompted the Central Bank to take this action, which many observers several step towards a comprehensive reform of the Iraqi economy.

-- June 19, 2007 10:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi union leader urges opposition to oil law
6/18/2007

By Claudia Parsons Reuters - 48 minutes ago

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A proposed law regulating Iraq's oil industry would foster U.S. "hegemony" over the world's third largest oil reserves and Iraqi oil workers are determined to oppose it, an Iraqi union leader said on Monday.

Faleh Abood Umara, general secretary of the Southern Oil Company Union and the Iraqi Federation of Oil Workers' Unions, was speaking in New York as part of a U.S. tour to press for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq.

Washington has been pressing Iraq's government to enact the law which the U.S. administration sees as a benchmark of progress toward national reconciliation more than four years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

Umara said the proposed law amounted to "a raid by the international oil cartel" and he said unions representing thousands of workers in the industry would take strong measures to oppose it, including strikes if necessary.

International firms are waiting for an energy law to regulate how the oil wealth would be distributed before they start pumping money into the country, where the oil industry was crippled by a decade of sanctions even before the war.

"We think the proposed oil law doesn't serve the interests of the Iraqi people at all," Umara told a news conference in New York. "It emphasizes or confirms American hegemony over Iraqi oil fields."

He said the proposed law favoured foreign oil companies at the expense of Iraqi workers and would not guarantee enough of a share of the revenues to the Iraqi state.

The law was endorsed by the cabinet in February and was due to be passed by the parliament in May, but political wrangling has continued. Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said in late May he expected it to be passed in the coming two months.

Umara said a key demand that sparked a strike earlier this month by oil workers in southern Iraq was to delay adoption of the oil law and renegotiate its terms.

He described the strike as a "success" and said the government had agreed to form a committee including union leaders to resolve the problems with the law.

"If this law is legislated, I'm sure that our union and other unions in Iraq will take a very strong position against it," Umara said. "We will take strong measures, even including stopping the flow of oil."

"We are the ones who run the pumps to the ports and we also control the ports," he said.

The strike by around 600 pipeline workers earlier this month did not effect crude oil exports.

Basra, Iraq's second largest city and its gateway to the Gulf, has been the scene of a power struggle among Shi'ite factions seeking control of its oil wealth. Umara said the union was independent of any political faction.

With most oil reserves in Iraq in the Kurdish north and Shi'ite south, an equitable distribution of oil revenues is key to easing violence that has killed tens of thousands of Iraqis and more than 3,500 U.S. troops since the 2003 invasion.

After years of sanctions, neglect and sabotage, the oil industry needs billions of dollars in investment to boost output and increase revenues to rebuild the economy.

Oil production in Iraq is stuck at around 2 million barrels per day (bpd), well down on the nearly 3 million bpd hit in the final days of Saddam and even further from the 3.7 million bpd pumped in 1979, prior to the Iran-Iraq war.

Iraqi union leader urges opposition to oil law - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 19, 2007 10:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Soldiers Kill 22 Insurgents
Associated Press | June 19, 2007
BAGHDAD - About 10,000 U.S. Soldiers launched an offensive against al-Qaida in Iraq northeast of Baghdad early Tuesday, killing at least 22 insurgents, the U.S. military said.

The raids, dubbed "Operation Arrowhead Ripper," took place in Baqouba, the capital of Diyala province, and involved air assaults under the cover of darkness, the military said in a statement. The operation was still in its opening stages, it said.

On Monday, military officials said U.S. and Iraqi forces had launched attacks on Baghdad's northern and southern flanks to clear out Sunni insurgents, al-Qaida fighters and Shiite militiamen who had fled the capital and Anbar during a four-month-old security operation.

A top U.S. military official said American forces were taking advantage of the arrival of the final brigade of 30,000 additional U.S. troops to open concerted attacks.

"We are going into the areas that have been sanctuaries of al-Qaida and other extremists to take them on and weed them out, to help get the areas clear and to really take on al-Qaida," the senior official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the operation. "Those are areas in the belts around Baghdad, some parts in Anbar province and specifically Diyala province."

Al-Qaida has proven to be an extremely agile foe for U.S. and Iraqi forces, as shown by its ability to transfer major operations to Baqouba from Anbar province, the sprawling desert region in western Iraq. There is no guarantee that driving the organization out of current sanctuaries would prevent it from migrating to other regions to continue the fight.

The death toll in sectarian violence Monday skyrocketed after a brief period of relative peace. At least 111 people were killed or found dead nationwide, with 33 bodies of torture victims showing up in Baghdad alone.

Well to the south, Iraqi officials reported as many as 36 people were killed in fierce overnight fighting that began as British and Iraqi forces conducted house-to-house searches in Amarah, a stronghold of the Shiite Mahdi Army militia.

The U.S. military issued a statement that said at least 20 people were killed in clashes with coalition forces. A spokeswoman for Britain's Ministry of Defense said British soldiers played a supporting role to Iraqi security forces during the raid and fighting in Amarah. She spoke on condition of anonymity, which is ministry policy.

The operations on Baghdad's flanks were opened by the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, which has taken over dangerous al-Qaida-infested regions to the south. The division began its drive into the Salman Pak and Arab Jabour districts on the city's southeastern fringe over the weekend.

At the time, ground forces commander Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno said U.S. troops were heading into those areas in force for the first time in three years.

The military said in a statement Monday that fighter jets dropped "four precision-guided bombs" in support of 1,200 U.S. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry as they started moving on al-Qaida targets.

Military officials said Multi-National Division-North forces likewise were increasing pressure on al-Qaida sanctuaries northeast of the capital in the verdant orange and palm groves of Diyala, now one of the most fiercely contested regions in Iraq.

The province is a tangle of Shiite and Sunni villages that has played into the hands of al-Qaida and allied militants who have melted into the tense region and sought to inflame existing sectarian troubles.

Al-Qaida has conducted public executions in the Baqouba main square and otherwise sought to enforce an extreme Taliban-style Islamic code. The terror organization's actions in the province have caused some Sunni militants, al-Qaida's natural allies, to turn their guns on the group with American assistance and blessing. Some militant Shiites are likewise joining government forces in a bid to oust the foreign fighters and Muslim extremists.

Multi-National Division-Baghdad, which has run the security operation in the capital since it began on Feb. 14, has increased pressure on districts to the northwest of the city to cut supply and reinforcement lines from Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, to the Baqouba region.

"We're focusing up in the northwest to apply force in an area that's been important to al-Qaida and its associates as they move between Ramadi and Baqouba. That work, together with the developing efforts to provide local security through the (Sunni) tribes in Abu Ghraib and Amariyah, is putting pressure on al-Qaida," said Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl, division spokesman.

Some Sunni tribes, which had fought with or offered sanctuary to al-Qaida in Anbar province, have risen up against the group and are now receiving arms and training from U.S. forces. American military officials are trying to spread that success to al-Qaida areas now under attack.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, told visiting Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week that the United States should stop arming Sunnis who may have been part of the insurgency, according to officials in his office. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information. Al-Maliki repeated that position in a television interview in Baghdad on Monday.

The fighting in Amarah, the U.S. military said in a statement, was a targeted operation against what the coalition said were members of a "secret cell" that imported deadly armor-piercing weapons made in Iran known as "explosively formed penetrators," or EFPs. The cells were also suspected of bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terror training.

A doctor at Amarah's general hospital said 36 bodies had been taken to his facility, though he could not determine how many were militiamen and how many were civilians. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to media.

More than 100 people were wounded in the fighting, and at least three of those killed were Iraqi policemen, according to police and hospital officials.

Coalition forces came under small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade attacks during the raids, and called in air support, the U.S. military statement said. The suspects were killed by fire from aircraft, it said, without disclosing whether the forces were American or British.

Iraqi police said the Mahdi Army, the militia commanded by radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, was involved in the clashes, which lasted for about two hours before dawn.

Amarah is the provincial capital of Maysan province, a predominantly Shiite region that borders Iran. Iraqi forces took over control of security from British troops there in April.

The city has seen intense militia fighting, most recently in October 2006, when the Mahdi Army briefly took control and fought prolonged gunbattles with local police. At the time, Amarah's police force was believed to be dominated by a rival militia, the Badr Brigades. More than 30 people were killed in the standoff.

Elsewhere in Iraq, CBS News reported Monday that U.S. Soldiers last week discovered two dozen emaciated boys at a government-run orphanage for special needs children in central Baghdad - some tied to cribs and covered in their own feces. The Soldiers said they found shelves filled with food and new clothes still in their plastic wrapping in the facility, according to the report.

Two security guards were arrested on al-Maliki's orders, but the caretaker of the orphanage and two female employees have disappeared, CBS reported. The children were all moved to another orphanage in the city, the report said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 19, 2007 10:54 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

That is a great find, Cornish boy, thanks. :)

Thanks too for the articles, Rob N and the daily rate, Chris.

Bush Holds Video Conference With Iraqis
By LARA JAKES JORDAN
Associated Press Writer
Published June 18, 2007, 8:38 PM CDT

WASHINGTON -- President Bush had a nearly hour-long secure video teleconference with Iraqi leaders on Monday and came away impressed and reassured by the progress they're making on political, security and economic reforms, the White House said.

"It's clear that you've got an environment now where the key leaders are working together on these issues," during the 52-minute teleconference the president had with Iraq's prime minister, president and two vice presidents, White House press secretary Tony Snow said.

Snow acknowledged that U.S. officials have heard similar positive statements from Iraqi leaders before, but said: "We think they are very serious in moving on the key items. ... I think the president was impressed and reassured by the sense of seriousness that he heard"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-iraq,0,3270137.story?coll=chi-news-hed&?track=sto-relcon

-- June 19, 2007 12:59 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N -

Concerning that post on Unions opposing the oil law. I find it interesting that it is a worker's union head who speaks out against the oil laws. All the leftwing, socialist institutions are against capitalistic advancement and always see their members as being exploited. I once belonged to a worker's union. They made us strike for larger wages (it was a VERY good wage as it was), and the company could not support such huge pay increases and was forced out of business. These people often will advocate for MORE - in this case for the Iraqi people - until there is no way for the (oil) company to make enough money to do the work. Result.. no one gets anything because the union is so pig-headed that they will not negotiate nor come to any agreement, but would rather the company go out of business. In my case, I lost my job. In Iraq's case, if they listen exclusively to the leftist union perspective, they may lose the entire industry.. not wise, now, is it?

QUOTE: "Umara said the proposed law amounted to "a raid by the international oil cartel" and he said unions representing thousands of workers in the industry would take strong measures to oppose it, including strikes if necessary."

This sounds like the same inflammatory rhetoric I went through.. and we did strike. But instead of the "horrible" and "exploitive" (oil) "cartel" caving in to our demands.. they closed shop and went elsewhere. Seems to me the socialists have worked hard in Iraq forming these unions to push their political and economic agendas.. even if it means Iraqi jobs and prosperity. They have no heart for the people (I know, I lived through it) - they are just using the workers for their own socialist agenda, even to the point of losing everything - including ALL the worker's pay. The management of these (oil) firms are not evil people.. likening them to a drug "cartel" and throwing dirt at them in that way is wicked and biased. Consider the source (left leaning unionists). I had no choice as I was forced to be a part of the union to work there. Likely the Iraqis have no choice or are too uninformed to choose another opinion as well.

QUOTE: "We think the proposed oil law doesn't serve the interests of the Iraqi people at all," Umara told a news conference in New York. "It emphasizes or confirms American hegemony over Iraqi oil fields."

You know, they said the same thing.. it was OTHER interests being served, not ours. WE should have greater wages.. and this doesn't serve our interests as workers.

QUOTE: "Umara said a key demand that sparked a strike earlier this month by oil workers in southern Iraq was to delay adoption of the oil law and renegotiate its terms. Umara said a key demand that sparked a strike earlier this month by oil workers in southern Iraq was to delay adoption of the oil law and renegotiate its terms."

Yes, his threat about making them all strike is real.. they obviously have all union employees in this industry, no non-union workers, if that is the case. If they are allowing people to choose to work or not with or without the union, he has no power to threaten. Others will simply take the jobs offered at the reasonable rate that is being offered to them. But if the unions have all the employees and they force the people to strike, it doesn't mean they will win. I saw where they said they spoke for us.. and they did, and forced us to strike, like it or not... until they shut down the entire company and lost us all our jobs.

QUOTE: "He said the proposed law favoured foreign oil companies at the expense of Iraqi workers and would not guarantee enough of a share of the revenues to the Iraqi state."

They say they are advocating more money for US, not them! Yep, same story.. only it isn't realistic for some (oil) companies to do the work if you make the revenue cut too little for them to do the work. No company will do it for free. There comes a time it is too expensive and a business will go elsewhere rather than give in to such unreasonable demands. These people do not understand what it takes to manage and make a profit as a company. They only want MORE for themselves.. they are incredibly selfish - all the while saying they are doing it for selfless reasons.. for YOU, the worker. But it is all a lie.. they love the power trip and they enjoy being the big guys and are very greedy.. yet they have no expertise nor understanding of what makes a good deal for everyone.. they just push for more.. til the company folds and moves on.

It is a bit of a sore spot when you lose your job, something you remember for a long time afterward.. and who was responsible. With unions, it is those of them who continue to make such UNREASONABLE demands. I believe this is the case with the Iraqi unions. If they were truly for the Iraqis they would get the oil patch running NOW and then advocate for more of the pie as the companies can afford it. The oil companies haven't yet put a bit into the ground nor do they have any production. If there is a lot of pie there (production), the unions can get a bigger share, the government can get more.. everyone can benefit. Nothing is set in stone and unchangeable about who gets paid what. Striking now and stopping the oil laws going forward only stops those who could have a pay check today. The unions are so very foolish to stop the process before it is even in place - to steal from the workers pay they could have if they were working, or greater pay once production is up and going for those now at work. They don't know what they are talking about, either, because they are always on one side, and never on the other. They are imbalanced in perspective, biased and liable to make the deal fail if given enough control or say over the situation. That way, no one wins and everyone loses, but they don't care. That is the reality of how they work, because they pathologically believe that the company/Americans/international interests/capitalists will give in to their demands and that they are always exploiting them, not just trying to make an honest profit margin.. as evidenced by their words about a "raid by the international oil cartel" - such unreasoning and unreasonable people. The word PARTNERSHIP never agrees with them.. they can never partner on a deal, only "win" one from the "wicked" other side - in this case the "raiding international oil cartel". I am glad that real business everywhere there is no union does not work like that.

Sara.

-- June 19, 2007 1:37 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

New IMF Survery June 18, 2007

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/...007/061807.pdf

-- June 19, 2007 1:52 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Exclusive: Suicide Bomb Teams Sent to U.S., Europe
June 18, 2007 4:45 PM

Brian Ross Reports:

Large teams of newly trained suicide bombers are being sent to the United States and Europe, according to evidence contained on a new videotape obtained by the Blotter on ABCNews.com.

Teams assigned to carry out attacks in the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Germany were introduced at an al Qaeda/Taliban training camp graduation ceremony held June 9.

A Pakistani journalist was invited to attend and take pictures as some 300 recruits, including boys as young as 12, were supposedly sent off on their suicide missions.

The tape shows Taliban military commander Mansoor Dadullah, whose brother was killed by the U.S. last month, introducing and congratulating each team as they stood.

"These Americans, Canadians, British and Germans come here to Afghanistan from faraway places," Dadullah says on the tape. "Why shouldn't we go after them?"

The leader of the team assigned to attack Great Britain spoke in English.

"So let me say something about why we are going, along with my team, for a suicide attack in Britain," he said. "Whether my colleagues, companions and Muslim brothers die today or tonight, every drop of our blood will invigorate the Muslim (unintelligible)."

U.S. intelligence officials described the event as another example of "an aggressive and sophisticated propaganda campaign."

Others take it very seriously.

"It doesn't take too many who are willing to actually do it and be able to slip through the net and get into the United States or England and cause a lot of damage," said ABC News consultant Richard Clarke, the former White House counterterrorism official.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/06/exclusive_suici.html

-- June 19, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

We report.. you decide.
Good slogan.

Police worker leaked al Qaeda terror plans to newspaper
18.06.07

Documents said Al Qaeda in Iraq, backed by Iran, planned attacks on the West

A civilian police employee has admitted misconduct in public office by leaking an intelligence report on terrorism to a newspaper.

Thomas Lund-Lack, 59, was working in Scotland Yard's Special Operations section in the Counter Terrorism Command when he disclosed documents to a journalist.

Today he admitted misconduct in public office when he appeared at the Old Bailey.

The leaked report formed the basis for a Sunday Times article published on April 22.

It warned that al Qaida leaders in Iraq, backed by supporters in Iran, were planning large-scale attacks on Britain and the West, according to the paper.

One operative was said to have warned that he was planning an attack "on a par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki" in an attempt to "shake the Roman throne", a reference to the West.

Another feared plot could be timed to coincide with the stepping down of Prime Minister Tony Blair, or what al Qaida planners called a "change in the head of the company", according to the newspaper.

The intelligence report was produced in April and made clear that senior figures from the terror network had been in recent contact with operatives in Britain, the Sunday Times said.

The report was said to have been a quarterly review of the international terror threat to Britain, compiled by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).

It reportedly said that while the "core" leadership of al Qaida around Osama Bin Laden provided the greatest danger, recent intelligence had highlighted the potential threat from other areas, particularly al Qaida in Iraq (AQ-I).

"Recent reporting has described AQ-I's Kurdish network in Iran planning what we believe may be a large-scale attack against a Western target," the review said, according to the newspaper.

"A member of this network is reportedly involved in an operation which he believes requires AQ Core authorisation.

"He claims the operation will be on 'a par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki' and will 'shake the Roman throne'.

"We assess that this operation is most likely to be a large-scale, mass casualty attack against the West."

Lund-Lack, of Bury Street, Stowmarket, Suffolk, was bailed and sentencing was adjourned until the end of July.

But the judge, Mr Justice Gross, told him: "One shouldn't for a moment assume that I regard this as anything other than a very serious case indeed."

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23401036-details/Police%20worker%20leaked%20al%20Qaeda%20terror%20plans%20to%20newspaper/article.do

-- June 19, 2007 3:52 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The following is not in anyway related to the Dinar. You may skip this post if so inclined.

Those of us who are U.S. citizens, please call or write your Senator(s) this week with the purpose of defeating the upcoming vote on George W. Bush's immigration bill. This bill is designed to give the 12 million illegal immigrants citizenship.

Again, please call or write your senators in an effort to defeat this bill.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 19, 2007 3:55 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

CBS Plays Story of U.S. Soldiers' Heroism With Neglected Iraqi Children
Posted by Justin McCarthy on June 19, 2007 - 11:38.

CBS’s Lara Logan performed a rare act: Reporting a story of heroism among U.S. soldiers. Both the June 18 edition of "The CBS Evening News" and the June 19 edition of "The Early Show" ran an extensive story some members of the 82nd Airborne rescuing neglected Iraqi orphans.

The soldiers discovered malnourished children living in extremely unsanitary conditions. Logan then gave played sound bites of several U.S. soldiers describing the horrific conditions and even gave a human face to those serving their country.

Captain Jim Cook noted he "got a little angry" and Logan reported the children are now being cared for at another facility. At the end of the report, the CBS even ran footage of soldiers playing with and nurturing the children. The entire transcript from "The Early Show" is below. QUOTE:

RUSS MITCHELL: Four years of war in Iraq has taken many innocent lives. But last week, U.S. Troops saved some two dozen special needs children who apparently were victims of their caretakers' greed. We should note that some of the pictures in the following report are fairly graphic. CBS News chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan is live in Baghdad with this exclusive story. Lara, good morning.

LARA LOGAN: Good morning, Russ. Well, after our story aired on CBS, we're told by Prime Minister Maliki's office that he met with his senior advisers. He has ordered personally two separate investigations to be carried out by the Ministries of Health and Labor. He knows that he has to act quickly in this situation. This was a very distressing scene for both the Iraqi soldiers and the American soldiers who made this terrible discovery. This was the scene that shocked battle-hardened soldiers, captured in photographs obtained by CBS News. On a daytime patrol in central Baghdad, just over a week ago, a U.S. military advisory team and Iraqi soldiers happened to look over a wall and found something horrific.

STAFF SERGEANT MITCHELL GIBSON, USA: They saw multiple bodies laying on the floor of the facility. They thought they were all dead, so they threw a basketball, tried to get some attention and actually one of the kids lifted up their head and tilted over and looked and then just went backdown. So they said, "oh, they're alive" so they went into the building.

LOGAN: Inside the building, a government-run orphanage for special needs children, they found more emaciated little bodies tied to the cribs.

STAFF SERGEANT MICHAEL BEAL, USA: I saw children that you could see literally every bone in their body, they were so skinny, had no energy to move whatsoever, no expression on their face.

LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DUPERRE, USA: Kids were tied up, naked, covered in their own --

LOGAN: Feces?

DUPERRE: Waste. Feces.

LOGAN: It didn't stop there. The soldiers found kitchen shelves packed with food and in the stockroom, rows of brand-new clothing still in their plastic wrapping. Instead of giving it to the boys, the soldiers believe it was being sold to local markets. This is the man in charge, the orphanage caretaker. His well-kept office shown in this photo, a stark contrast to the terrible conditions just outside this room.

CAPTAIN JIM COOK, USA: My first thought when I walked in there was shock. And then I, I got a little angry that they were treating the kids like that. And then that's just when everybody started getting upset.

LOGAN: Nothing more emotional than finding this boy who Army medics didn't expect to survive. For Staff Sergeant Gibson that was the hardest part.

GIBSON: Seeing this boy that was here where we're standing with thousands of flies covering his body, unable to move any part of his body. You know, we had to actually hold his head up and tilt his head to make sure that he was okay. The only thing basically that was moving was his eyeballs, flies in the mouth, in the eyes, in the nose, ears, eating all of the open wounds, from sleeping on the concrete.

LOGAN: In this boiling sun here?

GIBSON: Yes.

LOGAN: I mean, it's well over 100 degrees.

GIBSON: 120 or so, yes.

LOGAN: Hard to believe that this is the same boy one week later. Now clean and being cared for, along with all the other boys in a different orphanage, located only a few minutes away from where they suffered their ordeal. When we visited the orphanage with the soldiers, it was clear the boys had been starved of human contact as much as anything else. Some still had marks on their ankles from where they were tied. Since only one boy can talk, it's impossible to know what terrible memories they might have locked away. This is a tough test for the Iraqi government. How a nation cares for its most vulnerable is one of the most important benchmarks for the health of any society. Lara Logan, CBS News, Baghdad. When we watched this story with some of our Iraqi colleagues and friends here, Russ, they could hardly look at the pictures. And they found it very difficult to come to terms with the fact that this could happen to their own children inside their own country. Russ.

MITCHELL: Lara, it is very hard to watch. Let me ask you something. What happens to these kids at this point?

LOGAN: Well, they're now being housed temporarily in this other orphanage which is a much better facility. The conditions are far better. As you saw there, the children are clean. They're being fed. Their basic needs are being taken care of. But they're only there temporarily. This orphanage lacks money, just like everything else in Iraq. They're worried about security. They lack the resources and proper medical resources to take care of these children properly. And so they're desperately in need of help and hoping the Maliki government will be able to give that to them. So really, the future for these boys is quite undecided at this point.

MITCHELL: You've seen a lot obviously in your time in Baghdad. What was your reaction when you went to that orphanage and saw these kids after viewing those horrible pictures?

LOGAN: You know, it's the only thing that you can cling to is the fact that they're in a much better situation. I just -- I couldn't believe how much better they were doing. When you think that it was only a week before that they were really on death's door. And the recovery that they made, just on having food and water and being treated like human beings, was nothing short of a miracle. But what was quite overwhelming was how forgiving the children were. They wanted human contact and attention more than they seemed to want anything else, Russ.

Comments:

1) c5then Says:

All the networks could run a story like this every day and still only scratch the surface of all the good that is being done in Iraq by the troops. IT's about DAMN time that the networks started paying attention to the good efforts and the intent of the troops instead of the intent of the terrorists.

The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic

2) well99 Says:

Yes but it won't happen.You won't see all the help the troops provide to the people of Iraq.It is a shame when the media puts their political agenda ahead of the truth.

Great story and I know there are more like it.

3) mattm Says:

It's not just a shame, it's practically criminal. When "journalists" deliberately ignore stories that don't fit their agenda, they become propagandists. And when it comes to the war, they are propagandizing for the enemy - which is treason.

This is why so many MSMers, like Walter Crankcase and Motley Safer should have been imprisoned for their propagandizing for the Viet Cong.

Freedom of the press does not extend to treason.

3 years of nothing but positive war coverage would not make up for the damage done by the terrorist-abetting traitorous media. They want to blame Bush, but the blood is on their hands!

4) Beowulf Says:

WELL SAID, mattm, well said!

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

5) HelenS Says:

This is so incredible. Anyone who can't see what an amazing bunch of men and women we have over there is intentionally and unforgivably blind.

"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war" - Shakespeare

6) TruthMonger Says:

Looks like they're getting their one story in a year - just to undeniably prove that they're not moonbat biased at all - it must have been so very painful for them to do this, poor folks anyway...

Gee thanks CBS - you guys are great - we were so wrong about you - this makes up for everything about our soldiers being the only torturers ever in history and you guys exposing our war secrets for our enemies and such...this wipes the slate completely clean you treasonous scum bast****:)! I completely despise you one zillionth less then I used to...

...it was hard but I managed to keep religion out of it:)...

7) MightyMouth Says:

Wow, CBS didn't spin this as Bush's fault! Never fear, I am sure someone will step to the plate with the BDS spin. It's just a shame that things like this can only be remedied by media attention.

"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...

8) semby Says:

Kudos to CBS! excellent story.

I love our Soldiers!

9) mattm Says:

One good story does to warrant kudos, in my book. As I said above:

3 years of nothing but positive war coverage would not make up for the damage done by the terrorist-abetting traitorous media. They want to blame Bush, but the blood is on their hands!

10) LilyPearl Says:

Last summer the husband of a student of mine was in Iraq for awhile serving our country. She told me how he befriended an Iraqi family and helped them out. They sent Christmas presents to this family such as clothing and shoes. She said it broke his heart to see the kids standing outside in 120 degree weather with no shoes. He became very close to them before he left to come back to the states. We just don't hear enough stories like this.

http://newsbusters.org/node/13572

-- June 19, 2007 8:05 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Hi, all. Just been reading and watching lately.

Sara -

You were keen on a June RV a while ago. Are you still?

David

-- June 19, 2007 9:08 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

Rob-N:

I do not always agree with your assessment of things but I wholeheartedly support you in your quest to stop the Immigration Bill.

I see this as a sell-out of the American people to special interests. The Democrats stand to gain 4 out of every 5 votes once these illegal aliens are legalized. What totally baffles me is why Pres Bush had teamed up with Ted Kennedy to get this rediculous bill passed. Mr. Bush has only about 30% support of the American people and now he is about to alienate most of the 30% by legalizing these border crashers.

If this bill passes, 12-15 million illegal aliens will be given legal status with a few hoops to jump in order to become full-fledged citizens entitled to our generous wellfare system. Immediately after the bill passes, it will be considered inhumane to deny the previous illegal aliens to have their entire family with them in this country which will make the total amount of illegal aliens move up to more than 50 million aliens now on our welfare system. The cruel and unusual barriers will be eliminated and these 50 million illegal aliens will be full-fledged citizens. That issue will be over and done with and we will patiently await the next wave of 12 million illegal aliens.

If you care anything about this Country, it is time to stand up and say "Hell no", if we want you here, we will invite you and we will process you according to our rules and laws.

I keep hearing, how can you deport 12 million illegal aliens, and I say you can't deport 12 million illegal aliens tomorrow but you can start and you can make it undesirable to sneak into this country and you can make it unprofitable to stay here and many of these people will return home voluntarily and for those who choose to stay, as you find them, you deport them.

Don't try to do it all tomorrow, just start the process and systematically move them as you find them back to their country of origin. Create an atmosphere where it is no longer desirable to crash our borders and invade our land and demand citizenship.

-- June 20, 2007 12:51 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yes, David, I am still keen in thinking that there will be a June RV of the Dinar, for several reasons.
June is the year end for the Iraqis, and is a DEADLINE set by American officials.
I go back to this article:

Iraqi Leader Fears Ouster Over Oil Money
Mar 13, 2007
By STEVEN R. HURST

BAGHDAD (AP) - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fears the Americans will torpedo his government if parliament does not pass a law to fairly divvy up the country's oil wealth among Iraqis by the end of June, close associates of the leader told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Aside from the oil law, the associates said, American officials have told the hardline Shiite Muslim prime minister that they want an Iraqi government in place by year's end acceptable to the country's Sunni Arab neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.

"They have said it must be secular and inclusive," one al-Maliki associate said.

Compounding al-Maliki's fears about a withdrawal of American support were visits to Saudi Arabia by two key political figures in an admitted bid to win support for a major Iraqi political realignment. Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. ally and oil supplier.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a Shiite Muslim, flew to the Saudi capital Tuesday, a day after the arrival there of Masoud Barzani, leader of Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdish region. Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims.

"Allawi is there to enlist support for a new political front that rises above sectarian structures now in place," the former prime minister's spokesman, Izzat al-Shahbandar, told the AP.

The al-Maliki associates said U.S. officials, who they would not name, told the prime minister that President Bush was committed to the current government but continued White House support depended on positive action on all the benchmarks - especially the oil law and sectarian reconciliation - by the close of this parliamentary session June 30.

"Al-Maliki is committed to meeting the deadline because he is convinced he would not survive in power without U.S. support," one of the associates said.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070314/D8NRL91G0.html

Now, maybe the American side has changed the goal posts and their "deadline" doesn't mean anything more than the Iraqi deadlines.. but I kinda think it might mean more than those Iraqi deadlines which come and go with such regularity. It does SOUND very promising and hopeful.. that there is a deadline to passing the oil laws - and it is the end of June. So that is one factor in my thinking the RV will still be this month.

Actually, there is quite a bit of pessimism over the Iraqis delivering the needed HCL law and reforms/benchmarks. There are those who have given up on the Iraqi government as impossible to move forward. In the article above, they are said to be trying to put together another coalition to take over from this one which they view as being incompetent. "Allawi is there to enlist support for a new political front..." Why do they need a NEW political front if this one is working and meeting the benchmarks in a timely manner? But if they are not doing so.. by the end of this month, then there will be a need for another plan. I doubt those working on this "new political front" plan will actually SAY to the Maliki government that they will be replaced - they will remain polite and just replace them if they don't meet the benchmark. Good card players never reveal their hand until the end of the game. But there are rumblings about how it may play out if he doesn't do the benchmark by the end of June:

PM urges military to thwart possible coup
By Kareem Zair
08 June 2007 (Azzaman)
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked his military commanders to confront any attempt to topple him as political factions have joined efforts to unseat him.

Maliki accused his political opponents of seeking help from abroad to stage what he described as ‘a coup’ against his government.

Several political parties with representatives in the parliament are openly opposing the way Maliki has been handling issues related to security but particularly their concerns regarding national reconciliation.

Amar Wajeeh, a senior member of Hashemi’s Islamic Party, confirmed that a joint front has been established to confront Maliki.

He said the front was established in Cairo when it became clear that Maliki and his coalition were thwarting attempts to form a moderate coalition.

Wajeeh said the front was still waiting a response from Fadhila and has sent a letter inviting Sadr’s group to join.

Wajeeh said there was no truth behind reports that the front was staging a ‘coup.’

He said the front would use democratic means and try to gather enough votes in the parliament to bring about change.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/18145

And Rob N's post here: http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#130796

says:

All:

New Iraqi front to reform political process
By Basil Adas

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

Baghdad, 08 June 2007 (Gulf News)

Iraq's former prime minister and US favourite Ayad Allawi is leading a new effort to replace the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki with an administration that would focus on restoring order and security in the country, Iraqi politicians said.

Allawi has succeeded in forming a new political front, which will be backed by Sunni political forces like the Accord Front and former regime parties, they noted. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani accused the new political front of standing against Iraq and Shiite coalition parties that accused the Front of working for Arab countries' intelligence services.

Ebrahim Al Janabi, a prominent figure in the National Accord Party headed by Allawi, told Gulf News: "President Talabani's reactions should not be that negative because he must act like the president and must not intervene in the new political front issue ... We affirm the right of all personnel to join the National Front which will act within a national and non-sectarian framework."

Salim Abdullah, spokesman of the Sunni Accord Front, told Gulf News: "The new front is not a coup attempt as portrayed by some. It will be the first phase to correct the political process and put pressure on Al Maliki to accept reforms against sectarianism, if he does not respond then the only option available would be to overthrow his government."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

===

This shows that there are remedies to not meeting the benchmarks from within the ranks of the frustrated Iraqi parliament. This last article ends: "if he does not respond then the only option available would be to overthrow his government." WHEN would they say he has not responded? When he misses a definite deadline? And when might that be? (See first article, "Al-Maliki is committed to meeting the deadline because he is convinced he would not survive in power without U.S. support," one of the associates said.) Might they just vote him out of government after his failure to meet the benchmarks by the end of June? MUST there be evidence and proof of meaningful change, by passing these benchmarks by the end of this month? I think so..

So that is certainly part of why I think the Iraqis will fall into line on this - in the very last second, like they did for meeting the dealine for signing the Constitution. I think they want to continue with the government structure they have. If Maliki doesn't deliver, he will be replaced. Isn't that enough incentive to take the benchmarks seriously? What other pressure could cause progress to occur for these very tardy and reluctant politicians?

Sara.

-- June 20, 2007 10:14 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yes, Jeff, I agree... man's inhumanity to man.. just in order to get more money, is awful. They only did that to those children in order to make money from the THINGS that good people had given to provide for the children. (The love of money is the root of all evil.) Obviously, the people responsible for doing that to those children think there is no God. They somehow think that if they get money in this life by such evil means, that there will not be a reckoning in the next one about how they got it. Very foolish. I suppose such people, when they face death staring at them in the face, have no peace but only fear. Because they can sense that there is about to be a reckoning. Though, even if they aren't afraid because they have no conscience anymore, it won't change the judgement soon to come on them once they step through death's door. Dastardly deeds are repaid - just maybe not immediately or in this life. And this was one of the worst I have ever seen.

A friend said to me, "Those children will grow up thinking Americans are the best people in the world, you know, for saving their lives." I think that is true. It is also true of all the other works the troops have done and are continuing to do - including this present offensive to get rid of the terrorists who daily terrorize innocent Iraqi people. NBC anchor Brian Williams, on Tuesday's Daily Show, said, “We go to Ramadi and Iraqi women, unprompted, didn't know who I was, come up and say in Arabic to the American commander, 'please don't ever leave us. Don't leave this town.' They've gone block by block talking to the Imans, making the town safe." THOSE people are so grateful for the help.

On the NBC Nightly News, the March 5 posting, “NBC: Iraqis Want U.S. to Stay and Insurgents Counting on Help from War Opponents,” relayed, quote:

“Williams ran a clip of Army Colonel John Charlton proclaiming that Iraqis 'do not want us to leave' and a soundbite from Army Lt. Colonel Charles Ferry who asserted: 'The people here are very glad to see us.' Williams marveled: 'You just said, 'They don't want us to leave.' That's the tenth time today I've heard that. I've got to go back to the States and do a newscast that every night has another politician or 12 of them saying, 'We have got to get out of that godforsaken place.'”

(quote taken from:
http://newsbusters.org/node/13599 )
That is the reality of this war. People who are reporting one thing while the people over there are thinking just the opposite. The Iraqi people will never forget the good and kind acts the troops have done and are doing now for them.

Sara.

-- June 20, 2007 5:52 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

IRAQ. There are rumours some big announcements are coming this year that will boost the value of Iraq's new post-Hussein Dinar and it has been posting record highs against the US Dollar.

The currency appears to be riding a wave of speculative fever as investors buy up bulk amounts today in hopes the value of the new money will keep rising and they can sell the notes at a profit later. But is there any reason to believe that gamble will pay off?

Like any speculative fever, the run on the new Iraqi Dinar is generating stories that are the stuff of legend. Many of the stories are coming from Baghdad's currency-exchange shops, where the rush to buy the new currency has been going on for several months.

The owner of one shop on Karada Street, a main Baghdad thoroughfare, told the AP that one customer recently came in and bought IQD40 million - roughly US$30,000 - then stuffed it all into a large duffel bag. The plan was to drive to Jordan, eight hours across the desert, and sell the notes there to other speculators desperate to join the frenzy.

But the stories are by no means limited to Baghdad. In neighbouring states and across the immediate region, the new Iraqi currency is being traded vigorously, and often clandestinely, as people scramble to invest.

The Egyptian press has widely reported that large amounts of smuggled Iraqi bank notes now have become the most frequently confiscated item at the country's airports. Reporters note this has happened de****e the usual heavy competition from smuggled ****** pills, mobile phones, and computers.

And in Lebanon one of the biggest news items, soon after the new currency went into circulation, was the impounding of about US$20 million in Iraqi Dinars that arrived at Beirut International Airport aboard a private plane.

Lebanese police arrested four people on suspicion of smuggling, only to receive an urgent complaint from the Iraqi Interior Ministry, which said it had sent the money as payment to a British company for security equipment. Beirut is now demanding the Iraqi officials send proof before they decide whether to return the money.

Analysts point out that the new Iraqi Dinar has fluctuated in value since it was introduced by the Central Bank of Iraq, in cooperation with Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) chief Paul Bremer in October 2003. But the currency climbed to record highs immediately before it became the sole Iraqi legal tender, combining with the old 'Swiss Dinar' that was the legal tender in the North of Iraq.

Today the Iraqi Dinar trades at around IQD1,260 to one US Dollar, compared to IQD2,000 when it was launched in 2003. At one point the exchange rate strengthened to as high as IQD1,100 to the dollar, but much of this movement is pure speculation. It does not reflect any changes in the economy, any new laws or other significant events.

Iraqi banking officials have had a range of reactions regarding the Iraqi Dinar's rise. Some have expressed satisfaction that Iraqis and foreigners again appear interested in holding the local currency. During the previous decade, under UN sanctions, Iraqis saw inflation make their money virtually worthless against the dollar, and most tried to keep their savings in dollars or other hard currencies.
Many observers now believe that the re-building of Iraq’s infrastructure will stabilise Iraq socially, politically, and economically. With the new government establishing a new monetary system that encourages foreign investment, and the Central Bank of Iraq awarding foreign licences, many also believe that the value of the new Iraqi Dinar banknote is poised to escalate.

Ahmad Salman Jaburi, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, said recently that "this indicates that people are demanding the Iraqi currency, which is really flattering for us. This is now a currency that people want to hold."

But Iraqi Central Bank Governor Dr Sinan Al Shibibi called the rise "not justified" and said he would have preferred smoother growth for the new money.

The big jump has caused financial difficulties for Iraqi businessmen who have their capital in dollars, as well as for Iraqis receiving their salaries in dollars from foreign employers. They have seen their spending power undercut in the marketplace where, de****e the influx of dollars under the US occupation, the money of choice is the Iraqi Dinar.

For example, returning expatriate Iraqis, who have brought in money and invested in small services, small hotels, laundries, have been hit. They brought in US Dollars to open these small ventures, but they have been paying employees and buying their goods in Iraqi Dinars. And they were not banking on the Iraqi Dinar being so high.

De****e the spike in the new dinar's value, the real tests for Iraq's economy and its new money still lie ahead.

Unemployment in the country currently remains at an estimated 50% - about where it was before the US toppled Saddam Hussein's regime - and most major reconstruction projects are still in the early stages.

Of course, where there is great risk and uncertainty, there's also the potential for great reward. One website that we visited had a chart showing the historical value of the Iraqi Dinar from 1932 to 1982 fluctuating between just under US$5 and just under US$3 per Iraqi Dinar. And the dinar is now worth only US$0.0007. Could you imagine if it made it back anywhere close to its historical range? Even if the Iraqi Dinar climbed in value to just one cent, that would represent a 1,329% return.
The false logic follows that, surely, the dinar can go up by at least a penny. But on that basis, why not invest in the Zimbabwe Dollar, which trades at US$0.004 or the Yemen Rial which trades at US$0.005?

Another point to consider if you are seriously thinking about investing in Iraqi Dinars is liquidity. At this point, there is not a particularly organised market for them. You can get an exchange quote for dinars by going to the currency section of Bloomberg or Yahoo Finance, but the rate you'll pay varies substantially from one seller to the next.

Frank Trotter, an executive with Everbank, the online bank that offers small investors savings and money-market accounts denominated in a variety of foreign currencies (but not Iraqi Dinars) says that his trading desk surveyed several of the online dealers posing as someone who owned dinars and wanted to sell them.

"We received no bids," said Trotter. "We haven't seen a legitimate market in terms of trading it."

That could change, of course, but probably only if the political and economic situation stabilises. So if you want to sell Iraqi Dinars, for now you're pretty much relegated to putting an offer on eBay. The online trading site is swarming with people who will sell you anything from a IQD50 note to several million dinars (usually in IQD25,000 notes).

As to the rumours about "big announcements" it is true that if the hurdles over the division of Iraq's future oil income can be overcome, the future for the economy is bright. Oil prices fluctuate and will continue to fluctuate possibly more radically in the future, so any discussion of Iraq's financial yield must be based on a long term average price estimate. We can assume the level of Iraqi reserves at 250 billion barrels and recovery rates - of reserves brought to the surface - at 50% (a conservative estimate). Under those conditions - and assuming the oil price at a very conservative US$25 per barrel - recoverable Iraqi oil would be worth altogether the enormous sum of US$3.125 trillion (BI-ME, 22/01/06).

According to the Oil and Gas Journal, Iraq contains 112 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the second largest in the world (behind Saudi Arabia). Estimates of Iraq's oil reserves and resources vary widely, Meanwhile, key decisions and supplements to the new oil law still remain to be taken, so the oil bonanza is by no means assured.

It should not surprise us that there are all sorts of theories about the direction of the Iraqi economy, about the security situation and financial sector reform. Investors are, after all, eager to throw any information into the mix that will allow their investment to pan out. Throw in the uncertainty surrounding the economy, the rumoured Turkish incursion across the Northern border, and the political future of Iraq generally, and you'll hear all sorts of buzz.

Under pressure to meet benchmarks on the political front for continued US support, embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said this week that he needs more time to make long-term decisions that would be "written in stone".
In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Maliki expressed his unhappiness with the US Congress, saying, "I have a hard time dealing with Parliament or the political blocs [in Iraq]. But I have worse time dealing with the Congress."

The dour-faced Shiite politician's aides were quoted as saying that he often brightens up after talking to the US President one-on-one, whether by phone, in person or in a video-conference.

"You can see how happy he is," said Sami al-Askari, a close adviser, speaking of past encounters. "President Bush encourages him."

Newsweek said the system Maliki's working in does share much of the blame for the current political stalemate. On many days the Iraqi Parliament cannot manage a quorum. Several legislators spend most of their time out of the country.

Cabinet positions are apportioned out to the parties, and ministers answer to their factions before they do to Maliki, but the magazine also points out questions remain about Maliki's commitment to true reconciliation and power-sharing.

Maliki's office has reasserted a law allowing it to block corruption probes against ministers and he used it to protect political allies, according to documents obtained by Newsweek.

US commanders have said that orders still occasionally come from high levels in the government ordering the release of captured Shiite militiamen, though Maliki has also authorised the arrest of ranking militia commanders.

Maliki admits that he is deeply suspicious of Baathists, but insists he is reaching out to Sunnis in general.

He has some reason to be suspicious even now, Newsweek said, pointing out that Iraq's Sunni-dominated Arab neighbours in the GCC are hostile to Maliki, whom they see as ceding too much influence to Iran.

That has led to constant rumours of coup plots. Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite who was once a Baathist and said to be then a favourite of the Central Intelligence Agency, has been openly trying to organise a bloodless parliamentary putsch against Maliki with support from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others, according to Newsweek.

-- June 21, 2007 7:16 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraqi politicians agree deal on sharing oil, says Kurd minister
Michael Howard in Sulaymaniya
Thursday June 21, 2007
The Guardian

Iraq's Kurdish leaders said last night they had struck an important deal with the central government in Baghdad over a law to divide up Iraq's oil revenues, which is seen by the Bush administration as one of the benchmarks in attempts to foster national reconciliation.

Ashti Hawrami, the minister for natural resources in the Kurdistan regional government, told the Guardian the text had been finalised late last night after 48 hours of "tough bargaining" with Baghdad. The deal represented "a genuine revenue sharing agreement" that was transparent and would benefit all the people of Iraq and help pull the country together, he said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2107927,00.html

This is a very good step and progress.
The benchmarks must be met.
RV soon, Lord willing. :)
And He IS!

Sara.

-- June 21, 2007 11:26 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

12.16 Trillion taken out and still the Party has not started

1. "1" Dinar rate change today, it was 1255, it is now 1254

2. A (net) worth of dinars, IQD - 88,432,080,000 pulled out of circulation today 6/21/07.

3. 12 banks participating today

4. 169th auction since the beginning of CBI's reval plan

5. 264 days into the CBI's reval plan. (Eight Months+)

6. 12,168,538,718,000 dinars pulled from circulation !!

6A. Conservative ESTIMATE of Dinars still in circulation or controlled by the CBI 4,831,461,282,000

7. "3,756,000,000" Dinars back into circulation today

8. 223 dinar change since Oct 1st (baseline was 1477) 15.098% increase in value of the dinar since beginning of reval plan (Approximatly Oct 1st).

9. 4 point reduction in the rate so far this week. Was at 1258 at the end of last week, 1254 so far this week.
10. 6 point drop in the month of June. Ended at 1260 in May, now stands at 1254
__________________

-- June 21, 2007 11:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

210 billion dinars for Anbar reconstruction efforts -deputy PM

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Thursday , 21 /06 /2007 Time 6:28:59




Baghdad, Jun 20, (VOI) – The Iraqi government allocated 210 billion Iraqi dinars for reconstruction in Anbar province, which has been devastated by terrorist attacks and military operations, Iraq's Kurdistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said on Wednesday.

"Nearly 77 billion Iraqi dinars will be allocated to economic projects and 135 billion to the provincial development budget," Saleh said in a cabinet meeting attended by a number of Iraqi ministers, the Anbar governor and the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker.
"Anbar is now ready for reconstruction after a dramatic security transformation took place with the help of tribes, which purged the province of al-Qaeda-related terrorist factions," Saleh said in a statement released after the meeting.
In the name of the Iraqi government, Saleh vowed to provide help and support for reconstruction efforts in the province, urging Iraqi officials and the ministers concerned to help the Anbar municipal council speed up the implementation of economic projects in an attempt to eradicate rising unemployment in the province.
During the meeting, Anbar governor Mamoun Sami Rashid estimated the damage to residential buildings from terrorist attacks and military operations at $300 million, and submitted a number of reconstruction projects proposed by the municipal council. He also called for rebuilding the road linking Anbar province to Syria and Jordan, citing its significant importance to the local Iraqi economy.
Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul Qader Muhammad Jassem, who attended the meeting, revealed that two divisions from the Iraqi army are currently deployed in Anbar to protect the province from terrorist operations and to pave the way for reconstruction.
The U.S. envoy reiterated his country's support for Anbar's municipal council and the Anbar Awakening Council for rebuilding the province. "The security situation in Anbar improved in the past six months thanks to the campaign led by the Anbar Awakening Council and the municipal council, in addition to joint efforts to purge the province of al-Qaeda-related groups," Crocker said.
(http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=48599&NrIssue=2&NrSection=2)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 21, 2007 12:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Pray for these men to be found and returned unharmed..
and for God's success, protection and blessing on the continuing military efforts and troops over there in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Group that kidnapped five Britons in Iraq was 'trained by Iran'
Last updated at 12:03pm on 21st June 2007

Five Britons kidnapped in Baghdad last month are being held by a militant group armed, trained and funded by Iran, the US commander in Iraq has claimed.

General David Petraeus said there was "a very intensive effort" under way to find the hostages, snatched by up to 40 men, some in police uniforms, from the finance ministry on 29 May.

He believes they were taken by a secret cell of the Mahdi Army in retaliation for the killing of Abu Qadir, the Shia militia's leader in Basra.

He told The Times: "We think it is the same network that killed our soldiers in Karbala in an operation back in January. We killed the head of that network less than a week before the operation that detained those British civilians. It was already planned and was carried out by his followers. It is a secret cell of the army, not all of which are under control of Moqtada al-Sadr."

He said: "They are trained in Iran, equipped with Iranian [weapons], and advised by Iran. The Iranian involvement here we have found to be much, much more significant than we thought."

The general said there had been several unsuccessful operations to find the five. "We just have not had the right intelligence. There is a very intensive effort ongoing to try to locate and rescue them."

The general said the terrorist cell had close ties to Iranian authorities but stopped short of accusing Tehran of being complicit.

He said the group had attacked British targets with weapons from Iran, including explosively formed penetrators (EFPs) which can breach heavily armoured vehicles.

The general praised the British military and urged Gordon Brown to maintain the commitment when he becomes prime minister.

The British ambassador to Iraq yesterday called for the release of the five men, four of whom are security professionals working for GardaWorld. The fifth was an expert working for US management consultancy firm BearingPoint.

Iraqi forces have established a battalion of soldiers and police to look for the men. The Foreign Office has said diplomats have contacted religious and community leaders to find out who was behind the abduction.

Two American soldiers were killed in an attack on their vehicle as thousands of troops swept south-west of Baghdad, the US military said today. Al Qaeda fighters have avoided a crackdown in the capital by hiding in nearby farmlands and towns. At least 46 militants have been killed.

North of Baghdad, almost 10,000 US troops are in an offensive against al Qaeda in Diyala province.

All 28,000 reinforcements promised by President Bush have now arrived to help stop sectarian bloodshed and buy Shia prime minister Nouri al-Maliki time to reach a political accommodation with disaffected minority Sunni Arabs.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=463492&in_page_id=1 811

-- June 21, 2007 12:23 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I thought I would pen my thoughts on the immigration issue. (Carl, if you are still around and reading, please take special note.. :) )

I know it is an explosive situation, with many people thinking that the illegals should not come to the US. But it will, within a few short years, be rendered a moot point.. obsolete.. by current events. You see, the US will have to defend its borders and everyone agrees that right now, that is not happening. Right now, the Democrats are insisting that the Republicans are overreacting and that there is really no danger of terrorism on US soil. Once there is a successful attack - after President Bush leaves office because God mercifully won't allow it to besmirch his record on terrorism to date - then there will be brass tacks thinking on what to do about the border issue. And, in the end, the American politicians will agree, and the people of America will agree, that to secure the borders.. they must merge with Canada and Mexico.. into one nation. This makes it more fair and equitable, since there will be a lot of new votes for Democrats and Republicans in those nations. There is just no way it makes sense militarily to do anything else. And the people who now decry this as wrong will cave in when they see what havoc allowing open and unpatrollable borders can do to the nation. It will be seen by any with rational minds that security just cannot be done with three nations. Canada will see that she cannot stand against these threats without American protection and will agree to this. She will ASK the US to take over and run the country. This is the inevitable future God wills for these countries. Here is some support for this viewpoint I have found:

North American union plan headed to Congress in fall
Powerful think tank prepares report on benefits of integration between U.S., Mexico, Canada
Posted: May 24, 2007

WASHINGTON – A powerful think tank chaired by former Sen. Sam Nunn and guided by trustees including Richard Armitage, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Harold Brown, William Cohen and Henry Kissinger, is in the final stages of preparing a report to the White House and U.S. Congress on the benefits of integrating the U.S., Mexico and Canada into one political, economic and security bloc.

The final report, published in English, Spanish and French, is scheduled for submission to all three governments by Sept. 30, according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

CSIS boasts of playing a large role in the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994 – a treaty that set in motion a political movement many believe resembles the early stages of the European Community on its way to becoming the European Union.

"The results of the study will enable policymakers to make sound, strategic, long-range policy decisions about North America, with an emphasis on regional integration," explains Armand B. Peschard-Sverdrup, director of CSIS' Mexico Project. "Specifically, the project will focus on a detailed examination of future scenarios, which are based on current trends, and involve six areas of critical importance to the trilateral relationship: labor mobility, energy, the environment, security, competitiveness and border infrastructure and logistics."

All of this is described in a CSIS report, "North American Future 2025 Project."

"The free flow of people across national borders will undoubtedly continue throughout the world as well as in North America, as will the social, political and economic challenges that accompany this trend," says the report. "In order to remain competitive in the global economy, it is imperative for the twenty-first century North American labor market to possess the flexibility necessary to meet industrial labor demands on a transitional basis and in a way that responds to market forces."

As WND reported last week, the controversial "Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007," which would grant millions of illegal aliens the right to stay in the U.S. under certain conditions, contains provisions for the acceleration of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, a plan for North American economic and defense integration with remarkable similarities to the CSIS plan.

The bill, as worked out by Senate and White House negotiators, cites the SPP agreement signed by President Bush and his counterparts in Mexico and Canada March 23, 2005 – an agreement that has been criticized as a blueprint for building a European Union-style merger of the three countries of North America.

"It is the sense of Congress that the United States and Mexico should accelerate the implementation of the Partnership for Prosperity to help generate economic growth and improve the standard of living in Mexico, which will lead to reduced migration," the draft legislation states on page 211 on the version time-stamped May 18, 2007 11:58 p.m.

Since agreement on the major provisions of the bill was announced late last week, a firestorm of opposition has ignited across the country. Senators and representatives are reporting heavy volumes of phone calls and e-mails expressing outrage with the legislation they believe represents the largest "amnesty" program ever contemplated by the federal government.

Meanwhile, while many continue to express skepticism about a plot to integrate North America along the lines of the European Union, WND reported last week that 14 years ago, one of world's most celebrated economists and management experts said it was already on the fast track – and nothing could stop it.

Peter F. Drucker, in one of his dozens of best-selling books, "Post Capitalist Society," published in 1993, wrote that the European Community, the progenitor of the European Union, "triggered the attempt to create a North American economic community, built around the United States but integrating both Canada and Mexico into a common market."

"So far this attempt is purely economic in its goal," wrote the Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree. "But it can hardly remain so in the long run."

Drucker describes in his book the worldwide trends toward globalization that were evident back then – the creation and empowerment of transnational organizations and institutions, international environmental goals regarding carbon dioxide and agreements to fight terrorism long before 9/11.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55830

This plan is on the fast track and economic in goal, but it can hardly remain so in the long run.. because the US needs secure borders and this is the only military way to do it. For now, there is opposition. But the borders are far too porous and the Democrats too determined to allow terrorism to happen by removing security measures in the name of protecting personal freedom.. so when the attack comes, it will remove the opposition and this merger will go forward. It is also God's plan and will.. He wills this to happen. This is not to destroy America, but is necessary for her survival within the context of this Global War which has come upon our generation. The borders are too big to ignore.. and there has to be a better way than patrolling such huge long expanses with fencing all along it, etc. It will happen.. so the illegal question, when considered in the context of America about to become a whole with Mexico and end up merged with it.. is not the issue. There will need to be the integration of all the Mexicans into the new geopolitical reality of a single country of Canada-America-Mexico (acronym CAMEX?). I agree with this article.. not only is this inevitable and on the fast track (though it will start as economic in goal) it will have to move on from being merely economic in scope to protecting these three societies from the Islamofascist threat by merging into one country. Hence, I cannot see the immigration issue as all that huge a question when it is only dealing with such a small portion of what the US must do to survive. Baby steps, really.. on the road to a marriage which will make all three countries more secure.

For those who now believe we are in a reversible war which can be ended by leaving Iraq.. that delusion will eventually be shattered. They will come to understand that the Islamofascists, like the Nazis, are not going to retreat and this is a fight for world dominion, now knocking on the doors of the US of A. There is no appeasement possible and we are in a fight we cannot ignore but must defeat. (President Bush realized this at 911, they are merely tardy in doing so, but will eventually.. ) When they come to that understanding, perhaps after President Bush (who they blame for everything pathologically) has left office.. finally waking up and smelling the coffee.. they will have to BEGIN to think longer term. When they do so, this will make sense.. particularly after the attack.

I know the enemy of our souls is now seeing the handwriting on the wall, too.. and moving his forces to say that IF there is a terrorist attack the government did it, but that is rubbish. It is destabilizing for people to live in conspiracy theories and hopefully that won't go much farther than that. We rely on the good sense of the American people all the time.. and at this future time reality will force all three peoples to trust the good sense of the people within that union with their collective future as they choose carefully who they listen to.. the banshee sound of those blaming government, or those who believe the government is only seeking to defend them all from further attacks. When they face the outcome of nuclear blasts and their aftermath of civilian casualties, they will indeed have "crunch time" and I believe they will trust their governments are not trying to take their freedoms and crush them, and will then seek to support their respective governments in this and they will take up the inevitable global conflict. In doing so, they must naturally act to protect the national and civilian interests.. and this merger will become political to save their collective hides. One nation can face a threat better than three squabbling. Necessity will be the mother of invention how this happens.. maybe they will integrate the "parliaments" together, creating more seats as you would adding new states.. I don't know. But there are already steps well on the way because men of vision see it must be done to survive. And don't you want to survive, America? Canada? Mexico? There will be one police force, one army, one.. you know, remove the redundancy and make it one nation.. so it is easier to protect and patrol. No borders between the countries, and only have to patrol that tiny strip between Mexico and Central America. It is sensible.. or it will finally appear to be, in that future day. For now, however, it may not have a lot of support..

Sara.

-- June 21, 2007 3:08 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Poll: Americans Give Democratic Congress All-Time Low Rating of 14%, worst in 30 years
Thursday, June 21, 2007

WASHINGTON — Democrats pledged to take Congress in a new direction when it won control in November 2006, but less than six months after taking the reins, Americans aren't pleased with the results, giving lawmakers an all-time low public confidence rating.

In a Gallup poll released Thursday, only 14 percent of Americans have a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in Congress, a Gallup poll reports.

The poll shows an all-time lowest confidence rating and one of the lowest ratings for any institution in 30 years. The lowest confidence rating for Congress was 18 percent during 1991 to 1994. In 1994, the House switched from a Democratic to Republican majority after 40 years of one-party rule.

In the latest poll, the Supreme Court also received an all-time low rating of 34 percent while confidence has been at or above 50 percent over the last few decades.

Americans rank the most confidence in the military, with the least confidence in HMOs and Congress, when asked about 16 societal institutions.

The poll, conducted June 11-14, interviewed 1,007 national adults over the age of 18. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

The poll gave the National Republican Senatorial Committee plenty of fodder to complain about congressional Democrats. The NRSC issued a statement saying the poll shows Americans don't like the job Democrats are doing.

"In six months, Democrat congressional leadership has managed to bring it all back to where they began — at the lowest congressional confidence levels in Gallup's history — at least we know Democrats can be successful at something," NRSC spokeswoman Rebecca Fisher said in a statement.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,285572,00.html

-- June 21, 2007 8:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

cornish_boy;

That fellow you quoted said:

".. as stated by the CBI, 1260:1 by mid-year, 1000:1 by the end of the year followed by the continued increase in value for the following 2 years (again stated by the cbi) until the dinar is on par with the dollar?"

Could you ask for documentation showing that the CBI actually said that the Iraqi Dinar will be on par with the USD within two years, please? And post the article proving this point, too.

Thanks. :)

Sara.

-- June 21, 2007 9:42 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Deaths Don't Mean Failure, Pace Says

By Josh White
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 22, 2007; Page A13

The recent rise in U.S. troop deaths in Iraq is the "wrong metric" to use in assessing the effectiveness of the new security strategy for Baghdad, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said yesterday in a news conference with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

Despite military reports to Congress that use numbers of attacks and overall levels of violence as an important gauge of Iraq's security status, Gates and Pace told reporters at the Pentagon yesterday that violence is not a useful measure of progress. Setting the stage for mandatory reports to Congress in September, both officials said violence could go up in the summer months as troops try to give the Iraqi government time to set the country on the right track.

National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, left, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates listen as President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, not shown, meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington Tuesday. (Gerald Herbert - AP)

"If you had zero violence and people were not feeling good about their future, where are you?" said Pace, emphasizing that the sentiment of the Iraqi people is a much better measurement than the number of attacks. "So it's not about levels of violence. It's about progress being made, in fact, in the minds of the Iraqi people, so that they have confidence in their government in the way forward."

Pace and Gates acknowledged that violence could rise -- as it has in recent days, when at least a dozen U.S. troops have been killed -- but said the number of attacks has gone up largely because there are more U.S. brigades in harm's way. Pace said that the number of attacks per brigade has not increased but that the enemy in Iraq has focused on inflicting greater U.S. casualties because it wants to affect the American public's view of the war.

"As we do these sweeps in areas that we've been through before but now we're going to go in and hold, as we're taking the fight to the enemy with the additional troops, we can expect that there's going to be tough fighting ahead," Pace said. "And we can expect that our enemy is going to want to impact the psyche here in the United States with regard to the number of significant incidents that they're able to pull off and the total number of casualties that they're able to produce. So it is an expectation that this surge is going to result in more contact and therefore more casualties."

Gates agreed. "Our troops and the Iraqi troops are going into areas where they haven't been for some time, and they anticipated that there would be a high level of combat as they did that," he said.

Looking toward the September report by Gen. David H. Petraeus and Ryan C. Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Gates said the month of September has taken on an "aura" because it is a legislated benchmark for the Bush administration, the first of its kind since the war started in March 2003. Numerous political benchmarks in Iraq -- such as achieving sovereignty, the writing of the constitution, and general elections -- have come and gone with promises of major improvements failing to materialize. Gates said he expects Congress to be focused on that report and the subsequent decisions President Bush will make.

Gates has been increasingly cognizant of Congress's position on the war, as indicated by his recent decision not to recommend Pace's renomination. Appearing together at a news conference for the first time since Gates announced Pace would be leaving his position at the end of September, Gates reiterated that he had listened to lawmakers from both parties and decided that a confirmation hearing for Pace would "reopen all of the issues of the past six years" and would drag the nation through a painful process. Gates and Pace sat together at a table in front of reporters, as they have previously.

"As I said at the time, that was a recommendation to the president that I made with great regret and that he accepted with reluctance," Gates said. "It had been my hope that I would have the opportunity to continue to serve with General Pace through the end of the administration."

When asked if he felt personally responsible for the fact that the Iraq war has not gone as well as had been hoped, Pace said that he had "the great honor and privilege" of serving four years as vice chairman and two years as chairman and that he worked with a great team "to give my best military advice."
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/21/AR2007062101204.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 22, 2007 10:01 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070622-01
June 22, 2007

Mortar systems and weapons seized in Rashid as clearing continues
4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD — Multinational Division-Baghdad Soldiers discovered two caches during clearing operations in the eastern portion of the Rashid District of the Iraqi capital June 21.

Troops from Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., seized a cache consisting of 12 AK-47 assault rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines, 12 60mm mortar rounds, four 82mm mortars, 60 anti-personnel mines, one mortar tube, one PKM machine gun with 150 rounds, 12 motorcycle batteries, switches, wires and an unknown amount of black powder, fuses and rocket-propelled grenade boosters.

Meanwhile, Soldiers of Co. C, 1st Bn., 38th Infantry located another cache nearby which contained 15 RPG rounds.

Coalition explosive ordnance disposal units destroyed both caches.
(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12461&Itemid=128)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 22, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

The rumor you posted about a revaluation of $3.45 to 1 is far beyond anything I have imagined. If the Iraqi government wishes to do so I am not going to complain.

The GoI must revalue its currency. A slow climb in the exchange rate to 2010 is not a solution to the country's pressing problems. The refugees in Syria and Lebonan in addition to the people who have stayed need economic help now. For them 2010 is to far away.

The GoI and the United States must continue offering the young men of Iraq an economic alternative to joining the insurgency. One such alternative is a job with wages that possess the power to purchase. Until the currency is on par with the other countries in the region Iraqis will continue to languish in poverty; heeding to the call of the insurgents.

When one is hungary and has nothing to look forward to from an economic perspective, aligning with a death squad gives that impoverished life meaning.

The solution to Iraq does not rest in the military alone. There must be a balance between military operations and economic progress. The U.S. has provided both the military and economic advisors to help Iraq. It is up to Al-Malaki to implement real change in Iraq. Will he do so? We will have to wait and see.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 22, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.S. airstrikes kill 17 gunmen in Iraq: military
Fri Jun 22, 2007

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. attack helicopters killed 17 suspected al Qaeda gunmen on the outskirts of the town of Khalis near Baquba in Iraq's volatile Diyala province early on Friday, the U.S. military said.

The military said in an email to Reuters that those killed had been moving around an Iraqi police patrol. U.S. ground forces taking part in a large offensive in Diyala confirmed that the 17 killed were all armed.

It said there were no civilian casualties.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSKRA24542220070622

-- June 22, 2007 12:08 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

KRG publishes draft Revenue Sharing Law

22.06.07
KRG

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Spokesman today published the Arabic and English versions of the draft revenue sharing law, which was agreed last night between the KRG and Baghdad. The draft can be downloaded at the links below.

This is a result of several months of discussions and negotiations both in Baghdad and in Erbil between KRG officials and the Federal Government. Mr Nechirvan Barzani, the KRG Prime Minister who played a crucial role in the process to finalise the agreement, said “This is a milestone in the political process from which all of the people of Iraq will benefit.”

According to the agreed text of the draft law, a single fund will be established to capture all Iraq’s oil revenue as well as all other federally collected revenues. The net revenue, after deducting the expenses of the Federal Government for delivering its federal duties and funding any agreed strategic projects, will go to the Kurdistan Region and the governorates that are not organised as regions. The Kurdistan Region will get 17% of the net revenue, and the balance will be used, according to the population distribution, to meet the needs of the governorates not organised as regions. The distribution of the revenue shall be monthly and automatic, which will achieve a just and fair allocation for every part of the country whether it has oil or not, as demanded by the Federal Constitution.

Dr Ashti Hawrami, the KRG Minister for Natural Resources, who has been involved in the negotiations from the beginning, said, “This is an excellent framework for revenue sharing which will help to keep the country together since everyone will have a stake in protecting the country’s urgently needed financial resources.” He added, "This agreement paves the way for resuming negotiations on the pending matters related to the annexes of the draft oil law.”

Click here to download the draft law in English.
http://www.krg.org/pdf/English_Draft...haring_law.pdf

Click here to download the draft law in Arabic.
http://www.krg.org/pdf/Arabic_Draft_...haring_law.pdf

KRG publishes draft Revenue Sharing Law

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by Lunar : Today at 06:08 PM.

-- June 22, 2007 1:34 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

OK, cornish_boy..

First off, the article.
Using a TRANSLATION from an Arabic document is foolish. You could be mistranslating it. Why are there no ENGLISH references? Because he never made that statement and they are mistranslating what he said.

Also, using a notation at the foot of a document which says: “Parity Value Of Iraqi Dinar By Dollar (3.2169)” does not mean that the Dinar will be on parity with the dollar. It is not an announcement of intent, only a footnote on what the person was thinking. This hardly counts as proof that the intent of the country of Iraq is a revaluation to that number. I, too, have heard of those in Iraq who thought it was a good idea to do this.. even those within the CBI who are pretty far up.. but that is not the same as an OFFICIAL POSITION on the matter!

QUOTE: Now those are the official opinions I’m going to listen to………I submit this as proof and I’ve submitted before but of course you can’t get past the idea of “how can this be?” (end quote)

THESE are his entire "official positions" that he says he will listen to? THAT is the entire extent of the documentation and sourcework to prove his position? Some translation from the Arabic (done wrong, I am sure) and then this footnote on a pdf file? That is such a weak case it is laughable. And he dares ridicule those of us who believe in a sudden RV (which has historic precedent) - when he himself is on such a house of cards and a pile of sand? His evidence for his argument does not stand up to scrutiny, and no matter what his following calculations are alleged to show, his foundation is so unsteady, I wouldn't trust to it.

Cornish_boy, look to the evidence.. is this flimsy evidence of IRAQ'S INTENT really anything worth keeping and trusting? I don't think so. And pointing to the past and saying it hasn't happened yet.. is also not a reliable way to discern the future viability of a sudden RV. This person's arguments are not worth pursuing. His reasoning is based on too flimsy a case. No judge in a courtroom would allow such meagre evidence to stand as proof of a legal point of law. It just cannot be given viability as proof.

I agree with the comments at the bottom of that post, "You attribute common sense to the limitations of your personal experience. Others here have lived personal experiences of sudden RV’s that poke holes in your theory."

I suggest you give this poster's arguments no weight.

Sara.

-- June 22, 2007 1:46 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi all,

Long time no see. Sitting in a Hotel with my laptop and thought of checking in with you all.

Well, the Dinar are steadily going up, that's good. The rate it is climbing is however very slow.

Today's rate at 1254 to the dollar would make the Dinar worth ONE cent in slightly less than THREE AND A HALF years from now.

Will it be so, ????

Well if the CBI will go on the same path they have done in the past, no RV but a steady increase instead, we can only look at their past history to see what they have been doing so far.

They have:

Increased the value of the Dinar with up to 200 Dinars/Dollar (this was in the very beginning), a day.

Not doing anything to the value for very long periods of time.

They have even at times decreased the value of the Dinar.

When set on increasing the value, since Nov-06 the average value increase have been 31 Dinars/month. ONE DINAR/DAY.

The tool used so far, is the daily increase, and as the CBI have showed us in the past, they are capable of more than 200 Dinars/day if things are in a hurry.

That range can in itself be considered a smaller RV, and as they have used that tool once, there is nothing that says that they can't do it again if necessary.

We're heading into very exiting times, with a lot of good investments heading into Iraq in the close future, with the POTENTIAL of better yielding Dinar.

However, the Dinar is locked into the Dollar right now, and as the Dollar have reverted internationally now, and is a currency that is increasing in value, the Dinar might get a free ride in increased value.

I don't think the Iraqis will sit still though, and enjoy that ride because the Iraqi Dinar is so extremely undervalued to start up with, and have a long way to catch up before it will be a currency with a good "bite".

They're heading that way, but the Dollar increase is far to unstable and most probably the Iraqis will continue its current policy of a very tightly controlled Fiat currency for a while.

Historically the Dollar and Gold have a tendency to go in different directions, and this time around it is the same thing.

While I think that the inherent value of Gold can not be suppressed, at the moment, Gold is on it's way down and Dollar is heading up, so , so far things are following normal patterns.

(By the way, the doomsday prophecies didn't come true with the Dollar this time either)

I have a feeling that Fascist Muslims are running out of poop.

While we fear attacks, a thing that might still happen, the Muslim nations have themselves experienced the brunt of destruction stemming from Fascist Muslims, not the western nations.

Vast areas of the Muslim population is experiencing devastation, cities and even countries in ruin, anarchy on the streets, fear of life and fear of expression.

I have a feeling that the light bulb is slowly turning on in the head of Muslims, one by one, that Fascists is not really what they want.

Still the voices of Fascism is strong in Muslim countries, and still today, the tipping point where the vast majority will stand up, and voice loudly against it have not come, but I do believe that this tipping point is getting closer and closer.

The mindset in the Middle East is far different today than it was in the 50's and 60's, when the whole Islamic world was completely united against Israel.

Since then, the Muslim world have reaped a whirlwind of devastation, mainly based on Islamofascists.

They're doing it to themselves.

One very strong indication of where things are heading right now, is the value of the Dollar, it has reversed, is heading up, the enemies attack on it didn't last.

The Dollar have natural swings up and down as any other currency, but the Dollars low this time was very much fueled by our enemies propaganda.

You can never swing the hearts and minds of hard core Fascists like Al Qaeda or similar groups but the poop is running out of the effective and persuasive propaganda to the Muslim world, as they now have seen the devastation these God screaming idiots have presented to them.

I'm waiting for that tipping point, and I think that when Iraq is getting it's act together and things are looking up for them, changes will follow.

Already now small signs of shift in opinion have emerged, Iraqis do not wholeheartedly follow anyone that screams -"God is Great", any longer.

-- June 22, 2007 3:10 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country. - George S. Patton

===

U.S. reports 68 al Qaeda militants killed in Iraq
June 22, 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. and Iraqi troops killed at least 68 al Qaeda militants in Iraq's Diyala province in the past four days, the U.S. military reported on Friday.

U.S. attack helicopters armed with missiles killed 17 Al Qaeda gunmen Friday in and around a village southwest of Khalis, a volatile town in the province, the U.S. military said.

The military said the attack was part of Operation Arrowhead Ripper, the anti-insurgent offensive going on in and around Baquba, Diyala's provincial capital.

On Friday, attack helicopters spotted a group of armed men trying to avoid police and sneak into the village, the statement said.

Earlier, the U.S. military reported that through Thursday, troops had killed 51 al Qaeda militants in Baquba.

Twenty militants were detained, and seven weapons caches were discovered, the military said.

The military said troops destroyed 21 homemade bombs and nine booby-trapped structures, including an empty school complex, during the first three days of the operation, which began Tuesday.

Diyala province, north and east of Baghdad, is a sprawling district bordering Iran with a mixed ethnic and religious population.

Two insurgents killed in other parts of Iraq

In other areas of Iraq, two more insurgents were killed and 37 others were detained Friday during coalition and Iraqi operations against al Qaeda in Iraq and Shiite militia groups, the U.S. military said.

Twenty-nine people were arrested in Mosul, Baghdad, Tarmiya, and Habbaniya. Eight were arrested in an operation south of Baghdad in Jabella.

General: Iran has a 'surge' of its own in Iraq

A top U.S. general in Iraq said Friday that Iranian elements have been providing support to militants in Iraq to counter what the Bush administration calls a surge of more U.S. troops to Iraq.

"I think as we talked about surging forces... I think maybe Iran decided to surge more money, conduct a bit more training and surge a few more weapons into Iraq at the same time," said Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno.

Commander of the Multinational Corps-Iraq, Odierno briefed reporters on Iran's role in the war, a growing concern for U.S. and Iraqi troops.

Tehran has repeatedly denied any government-led effort to stir up violence.

Odierno said Iranian elements have been increasingly supporting Iraqi militants since March with training and more weapons and munitions.

He said the military hopes that the U.S.-Iraqi security operations in Baquba and the rest of Diyala province will reduce the Iranian support. Diyala borders Iran.

"We are working very hard to cut those lines every day from Iran," he said.

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/06/22/iraq.main/index.html

===

Al Qaeda fighting to their deaths in Iraq bastion: U.S.
By Alister Bull June 22, 2007

BAQUBA, Iraq (Reuters) - Thousands of U.S. soldiers on the offensive north of Baghdad are facing fierce resistance from hundreds of al Qaeda militants who are ready to fight to the death, an American general said on Friday.

The militants are making their stand in and around the Iraqi city of Baquba, 65 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad, where the U.S. military on Tuesday launched one of its biggest operations since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

"It is house to house, block to block, street to street, sewer to sewer," said Brigadier-General Mick Bednarek, commander of Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Iraq's Diyala province.

A top U.S. commander suggested it could be spring before Iraqi forces were ready to take responsibility for areas cleared by U.S. troops in Arrowhead Ripper and other operations taking place around Baghdad as part of a broader offensive.

"I think if everything goes the way it's going now, there's a potential that by the spring we would be able to reduce forces and Iraqi security forces could take over," Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno said.

Odierno, the top commander for day-to-day operations in Iraq, told Pentagon reporters by videolink that Iraqi forces might be ready sooner but it was hard to predict exactly when.

"They will not go any further. They will fight to the death," Bednarek told Reuters and another news agency.

"There have been houses that were used by al Qaeda as safe houses ... their entire structures rigged with massive explosives."

Baquba is the capital of Diyala province.

TORTURE HOUSE

Bednarek said U.S. forces were making some grisly discoveries as they scoured Baquba.

He said residents led soldiers to a house in the western part of the city that appeared to have been used to hold, torment and kill hostages. Soldiers destroyed it.

"When you walk into a room and you see blood trails, you see saws, you see drills, knives, in addition to weapons, that is not normal," Bednarek said.

U.S. casualties have been light, given the scope of the offensive in Diyala, with one soldier killed, although in Baghdad roadside bombs are exacting a heavy toll.

Bednarek said the fight against al Qaeda in Diyala also involved local Sunni Arabs who opposed the United States but who wanted to end al Qaeda domination of their communities.

He said this included fighters from the 1920 Revolution Brigade, a large Sunni Arab insurgent group that has fallen out with al Qaeda over its indiscriminate killing of civilians.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070622/ts_nm/iraq_dc

-- June 22, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

It is good to see you posting. Thanks for dropping in, please do not be a stranger.

I think your absolutely correct regarding the suttle changes in Iraq. I still think Iraq will not reach its full potential until the violence subsides.

On the other hand, Sara leans toward a revaluation for this month. I hope she is correct.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 22, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

This was also worth hearing:

COALITION FORCES RESCUE TWO AFGHAN HOSTAGES FROM MILITANTS

U.S.-led coalition forces freed two hostages from Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in eastern Afghanistan on June 21, the BBC reported the same day. According to a statement released by the coalition, U.S.-led forces raided two compounds in the Zaghun Shah district of Paktika Province after obtaining information that three local residents had been kidnapped by militants, Xinhua News Agency reported. The statement said one hostage was found inside one of the compounds, while coalition forces freed a second hostage as he was being moved to another location by his captors. The third hostage was killed by the militants a day earlier, according to one of the freed captives. An unidentified coalition spokesman said the militants in the compounds were keeping woman and children close by to use as human shields, BBC reported. After the rescue, the troops detained eight militants and also destroyed a large cache of weapons. JC

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/06/6-swa/swa-220607.asp

-- June 22, 2007 4:25 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi,
Cornish boy,
I do not think they printed the small denominations first and then the big ones.
They are not going to have the 1/4 dinar that looks the same as the 50 dinar, with only the denomination diferent, and the same gos for the 1/2 dinar as the 250 and the 1 same as the 1,000.
The US curency has the same bill but not only is the denomination diferent, but also the pickture in the center of the bill is diferent, and along the top of the bill is diferent.
So it imo that your idea is a no go on that one, nice try.

-- June 22, 2007 7:50 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

There might very well be an RV, but it might be a series of small RV's in 30-50 Dinars increments.

That would however lead to a rush on Dinars, it would be very hard to get hold of them, maybe so hard that the CBI have to use their unissued stash of Dinars to cover their bids at the auction.

That would not be a good scenario as Iraq is trying to get as many Dinars off the market as possible in order to make them more valuable.

A very smart move would be to do an RV high enough that there will be a rush to cash in, but not high enough that the currency would be extensive expensive.

Then, start a slow downgrade in value, that would flush out the bench sitters, and they will cash in.

Once the flood of cash is cashed in, the CBI have done a very effective monetary cleansing, so to say, and THEN they could start going higher in a more significant way.

As stated in an earlier post, with current average speed, the Dinar will reach ONE cent in three and a half years from now.

The economical situation in Iraq will most probably accelerate to the better, now once all the investments are about to happen.

However you slice the baloney, it's still baloney, and the same goes for oil.

The oil, it's investment and its development is by far the main attraction in this show.

If the Iraqis get their oil law together in a couple of weeks, the contract signing will not be far away in time after that.

Question is, from the time they have signed, until they are producing oil....what is that correlation compared with a steady increase of the Dinar over three and a half years, until the Dinar is worth ONE Cent.

Will the oil investment, drilling, establishment of new fields, establishment of oil pipes, production, and sales of oil coincide with the current pattern of increase in value of the Dinar, or will the current pattern of value increase be an obsolete pattern by that time.

Something tells me that this current pattern is about to be obsolete pretty quick.

The tight control of the exchange rate will probably be in effect for quite some time, and for now a free exchanged Dinar is probably not in the cards until the country have a well functioning and producing oil industry.

One of the main factors in valuing a currency on the free market is the production of that country.

(When is the last time you bought a product from Zimbabwe?...so their currency is worth likewise)

The Dinar is not worth what it might produce in the future, even if the future looks good, so I don't believe on Forex before the oil is established.

However if Iraq still have the control in their hand, they can manipulate the Dinar as they like.

Before the oil contracts are signed, Iraq could benefit from an RV somewhere in the vicinity of 10-20 cents to the Dollar.

That in time will put us very close to an RV, but as with everything else in Iraq, they probably will go for a goat barbie first.

-- June 23, 2007 12:39 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Hi Sara,

Read your post on the North American Union. Very interesting but mostly very true. The vision, agenda, if you will had it's birth about 50+ years ago. It is now close to a reality. But it includes Parts of South and Central America.

I believe when I read about this , there was the plan to divide the world into 4 regions of which the North American Union will be the first reality in a series of subsequent established regions.

The Bushes were golbalists long before they decided to attach themselves to the Republican Party.

Gulianni is a strong follower of that idealogy also.

People who hold our President in high esteem, because of his social values, scratch their heads when they can't figure out why he is so protective and solicited of our neighbors to the south, at almost any length.......it is because as a Trialteralist he must stay on course with the North American Union agenda.

Eventually Chavez, from Velenzuela will have to either move to Russia, Iran, or be eliminated cause he is a great opposer of the North American Union.

Interesting---Huh?

Carole

-- June 23, 2007 1:51 AM ∞

---

5th daughter wrote:

Mother!

Since when do you not know how to spell??

Is this the same " Carole" that used to make us write our mispelled words 100 times?

-- June 23, 2007 10:11 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

The House Decides to extend its work for a month

(Voice of Iraq) - 23-06-2007

Baghdad-Iraq votes

Council decided during its deputies, Saturday, the extension of work for one month with effect from the first of next Tmoziulio until the 30th of the month to accomplish the same laws that require debate and a vote by the Council.

The judge said Wael Abdel Latif, a member of the House of Representatives from the National Iraqi List, "The decision came after the Council vote on the proposal submitted by the Presidency of the Council for the completion of important laws that need to vote within the Council, including Takiraml the amendment to the Constitution, oil and the Law, and other laws that reach 50 legally require legislation. "

He was supposed to have members of the House of the summer holiday after the end of the current legislative framework approved by the Iraqi constitution.

He added Abdul Latif of Independent News Agency (Voices of Iraq) Saturday, "The majority voted for the decision to extend the work of the Council, de****e the fact that some members demanded the postponement of legislation such laws saying it did not reach the Board so far only 103 members voted in favor of Qararmen Of 140 members attended the meeting Saturday."

And on the latest developments regarding the change of the President of the Council, Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Latif Almchidani said, "The matter is in the way of a settlement through parliamentary blocs, and we should find ways to end this legal matter."

Abdel-Latif did not give further details in this regard.

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- June 23, 2007 12:59 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

5th daughter,

It's not the punishment, it's the principle.

Lines, borders, do's and dont's, can and cant's, are defined when a parent open the mouth.

Enforcement of the dictated codes are discretionary, never mind if the parent are living up to them, or not.

Miss steaks can be made.

I'll have mine well done.

-- June 23, 2007 3:46 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

5th daughter,

I was in a hurry and I have never claimed to be the best typist.......

Now, you little brat, listen to uncle Rogee....and go to your room....and no dinner tonight.... :)

xxooxx

-- June 24, 2007 10:43 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Weird the exchange rate made a move on Sunday, from 1254 to 1253.

Maybe I'm getting rusty in this game, but as far as I can remember, the first move for the week comes early Mon morning.

So, who said that things were in a hurry in Iraq, now they have asked for another two months of extension to discuss once again the oil law and the constitutional amendment.

It's not exactly a nail biter, but more like when you as kids went on the weekend movie matinee', waiting for the curtain to go up, a movie theater full of completely impatient kids, tossing gumball wrappers, pulling hair on the girls, and having competition on who could have the longest saliva slime string and suck it up again without touching the ground.

Western societies for sure have a faster pace, while the eastern societies have painfully slow pace on things.

The kind of action the public is attracted to is bombs and things that fly apart in general.

An action movie always have much higher rating than a love story.

So the main attraction in Iraq is the daily bombs, the insurgency, video shots from the street, showing burned out cars, and tracers flying in the night catched by a night vision camera.

The body count is as important as the body count in a Schwarzenegger movie.

Bigger networks are eager to sum up the latest body count from Iraq, and we get sucked into it, as part of the action.

Things that really matter for that country, we want action on that too, but it's hard to associate any action to it, and it become a very boring subject.

Try to write a script where you will bite the nails, and get hanged up in complete suspense on the subject of Dinar Revaluation, price index, legislative proposals, percentage of interest and budget analysis.

Good luck.

We have successfully installed a copy of ourselves in the Iraqi administration, try to get any kind of action out of any bureaucrat, and he will probably die while trying.

It just can't be done.

With the lowest approval rating ever, only 14% of the population is trusting the government to be effective, it is clear that the government said to many times, -"to the heck with what people want, we will do it our way".

In Iraq it seems to be a carbon copy of our own institution.

-"To the heck with what is good for Iraq, we were expected to have the HCL law done by last Christmas, but what the heck, it's June now, and how about doing a goat barbie instead. Lets have a look at this stuff in another two months."

Well, it for sure is not an action subject that will be an eye candy with explosions, and craters, but action is never the less demanded.

Bureaucrats need a week in boot camp every six months to stay on target.

Get the HCL done.

Do an immigration law that the people agrees with.

Get it done now, you already have a job that is the same as a constant vacation.

-- June 24, 2007 1:43 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Extraordinary measures now in place.. extending parliamentary session, they say.
In the article below:

In Baghdad, Iraq's parliament voted to cut its summer vacation by a month to focus on passing laws Washington views as crucial to healing Iraq's deep sectarian divide. Lawmakers said the current session would be extended until the end of July.

Recent News worth noting below, special note:

He also said troops had gained control of three-fourths of the city since the crackdown was launched.

Three quarters of the city is under troop control since the offensive started.
God Bless the troops.

===

Quote:
By Joseph Krauss
Agence France-Presse
06/24/2007

BAGHDAD --"We are beyond a surge of forces, and we are now into a surge of operations," Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, the number two US commander in Iraq, told reporters on Friday.

In the biggest operation, around 10,000 US and Iraqi forces backed by helicopters and other aircraft have poured into the town of Baquba, northeast of Baghdad, in one of the largest single assaults in nearly three years.

Colonel Raghab Hussein, spokesman for Iraqi army in Baquba, said troops arrested seven Al-Qaeda militants dressed as women, wearing long, black abayas.

He also said troops had gained control of three-fourths of the city since the crackdown was launched.

"There are no more direct confrontations, just ambushes and roadside bombs," he told AFP by telephone.

But as with previous attempts to quash the insurgency with major offensives, Odierno said most senior Al-Qaeda leaders fled ahead of the operation.

"I think that they knew an operation was coming in Baquba," said Odierno. "They watched the news. They understood we had a surge. They understood Baquba was designated as a problem area. So they knew we were going to come sooner or later."

He said he believed around 80 percent of the senior insurgent leaders based in the city left ahead of the incursion. "They always do this," Odierno said. "They don't stay and fight."

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=73013

And:

Iraq: Two senior al-Qaida leaders held
Saturday, June 23, 2007 (Baqouba)

US and Iraqi troops captured two senior al-Qaida militants and seven other operatives on Saturday in Diyala province, an Iraqi commander said.

The US military also cracked down elsewhere in Iraq, saying in a statement that seven other al-Qaida fighters were killed and 10 suspects detained in raids in Tikrit, east of Fallujah, south of Baghdad and in Mosul.

Three other militants suspected of having ties to Iran also were detained in a predawn operation by US forces working with Iraqi informants in Baghdad's main Shiite district of Sadr City, the military said separately.

The Americans have accused Tehran of providing mainly Shiite militias with training and powerful roadside bombs known as explosively formed projectiles, or EFPs, that have killed hundreds of US troops in recent months.

''Coalition forces are determined to counter Iranian influence in Iraq, pursuing those suspected of smuggling arms and other forms of lethal aid into Iraq,'' military spokesman Lt Col Christopher Garver said in a statement.

''Disrupting the bombing network in Baghdad remains a high priority for us, and we will continue to target the cells' leaders and members,'' he added.

Roadside bombs, including EFPs and other makeshift devices used by Sunni and Shiite militants alike, are the No 1 killer of foreign troops in Iraq.

At least 20 US troops have been killed in Iraq this week, all but five from wounds suffered from improvised explosive devices, the term the military uses for roadside bombs.

http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG4_sub.asp?ccode=ENG4&newscode=2108

Quote:

US-led Forces kill 90 in Iraq Offensives
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Reuters

US and Iraqi forces say they have killed 90 Al-Qaeda fighters around Baghdad in the past five days, during one of the biggest combined offensives against the Sunni Islamist group since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

US air strikes on Saturday killed seven suspected Al-Qaeda fighters in Tikrit in Salahuddin province and near the city of Falluja, west of Baghdad, the US military said in a statement announcing the latest raids.

In Baghdad, Iraq's parliament voted to cut its summer vacation by a month to focus on passing laws Washington views as crucial to healing Iraq's deep sectarian divide. Lawmakers said the current session would be extended until the end of July.

The move is likely to be welcomed by US President George W. Bush but is largely symbolic as the bills have yet to be presented to parliament for debate.

US soldiers have been tightening their cordon around Al-Qaeda fighters holed up in Baquba, advancing carefully through streets lined with roadside bombs and booby-trapped houses.

"We are enveloping the enemy into a kill sack," said Command Sergeant Major Jeff Huggins from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade.

Baquba is an Al-Qaeda stronghold that has also become a sanctuary for militants escaping a four-month-old security crackdown in Baghdad.

Colonel Steve Townsend, commander of the 3rd Stryker Brigade, told local Iraqi political and military leaders in Baquba that progress was being made.

"I believe the initial stage of the operation will be completed in another three to five days," Townsend said at a building that serves as a joint command centre for US and Iraqi forces.

Bush has sent 28,000 more troops to Iraq to buy time for Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki to reach a political compromise with disaffected minority Sunni Arabs, who are locked in a cycle of violence with majority Shiites.

Much of that effort revolves around passing laws on sharing revenues from Iraq's huge oil reserves more equitably, holding provincial elections and allowing former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party to return to the government and military.

US officials had been urging parliament to either scrap its July-August summer holiday or reduce the two-month break so legislators can speed up passage of the laws.

Maliki said last week the drafts were ready and would be presented to parliament this week, but that did not happen.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32632&Itemid=117

-- June 24, 2007 3:23 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Gen Pattons idea of warfare was a pretty sobering view.

In order to win a war, we don't want you to die for your country, we want the enemy to die for his country.

I read our body count in figures like 3, 5, 2, 1, 6 and on occasion a double digit number.

The enemies body count comes in 10, 55, 32, 45 and so on.

Who said we're losing???

Any General would gladly take the fight would he know that his kill ratio is 10-15 to 1.

It would in fact be a dream scenario.

We could do this forever, and do an attrition war the enemy could never win.

The problem is, we have attention span like an 8 year old with ADD.(Attention Deficit Disorder), and a Mom that will cry when we bleed.

Militarily there is nothing really wrong with this, sure we can analyze it further, and question the sanity of continuing a war where other Fascist nations are fueling the war, in hope of breaking us.

Iran HAVE to be dealt with, preferably sooner than later.

The Iranian support both to Taliban on the Afghan side, and the insurgency on the Iraqi side is increasing, for every day now, there is a statement from a higher ranking military person claiming the influx of weapons to the fighting parties, and the weapons deliveries seems to increase in volume.

We're doing good so far in the war, but the turnaround will come when we deal with the heart of the matter, Iran.

-- June 24, 2007 9:44 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Hi everyone!

I have been reading the blog and getting caught up on what everyone is saying. However, my prayers have been with our fighting men and women in harms way. I am with Roger on this one, and with gratitude, that our men and women have not substained heavy body counts.

However, as I have monitored the news on the surge, new media's are reporting that two of our generals in the field do not believe the Iraqi's are up to the job of substaining the areas, once USA troops take the areas. This means a vacuum will be left again for the insurgents to fill the areas again.

I've also notice that one of the Princes of Saudia Arabia is telling his clerics to not to encourage young men to come to Iraq because Al-Quada is using Saudia Arabia's men as suicide bombers. The King also warned Iran to stay out of Iraq's internal affairs. I believe the story was covered by Washington Post.
What I was wondering is ...what would happen if our state department approached the King and ask if Saudia Arabia would sent troops to cover the Diyala Province next to Iran until the Iraqi's could get their troops trained to take over. I have a feeling that Iran would not want to mix it up with Saudia troops and the Sunni population would feel ok with this as Saudia Arabia is also Sunni. I know that Iraqi has troops there, but this would free up these troops to fill out in other areas needing troops. The other reason I think the King would said yes is that Saudia Arabia is equiping it's army and getting ready for war. See Washington Post and New York Times.

What do you all think?. Would Condi, President Bush and Maliki go along with this proposal to help get enough troops for Iraq?. Carl, I would be interested in your thoughts on this proposal.

Laura

-- June 25, 2007 4:45 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Laura,

Good to see your name back again.

Very interesting suggestions that you have. Do you have any direct influence on those who make decisions? would sure be great if you did!!

Exactly who is Saudi preparing to war against? Any idea where they are getting their arms from?

Roger: Deal with Iran? I agree, but I think we should include Syria too.

Also, what role do you think Russia is playing in all of this?

( hint-- this is a test-- :))

Also, I am glad to see you are changing your views on "gold".

I wouldn't trade Dinar investment in for gold, but I sure would grab the gold from this point on----but that is just me and my feeble attempts at predicting future wealth.

Carole

-- June 25, 2007 5:22 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(952)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 952 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/6/25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1252 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 127.890.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 127.890.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- June 25, 2007 6:55 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

China writes off all of Iraq's 8-billion-dollar debts

Iraqi Finance Minister Baqer Jabr al-Zubaidy signed an agreement with his Chinese counterpart on writing off 100 percent of Iraq's 8-billion-dollar debts due for China on the sidelines of a current visit by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to Beijing.

"A big ceremony was held on the occasion attended by Talabani and Chinese President Hu Jintao at the People's Hall in China," the Iraqi finance ministry said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

Zubaidy had held several meetings with the Chinese side in Baghdad on the means to settle the issue of having China writing off the Iraq's government and corporate debts.

The decision makes China the 55th country to write its due debts off Iraq.

China, during the last donors conference in the Spanish capital Madrid, had pledged to assist Iraqi refugees, write debts off Iraq and offer 25 million dollar in financial aid to the war-scarred country.

Source:VOI
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 25, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Does anyone have a thought or comment about the relationship between the eventual revaluation of the Iraqi Dinar and its acceptance at banks in the U.S.?

To clarify my question, does revaluation mean immediate acceptance at U.S. Banking institutions for immediate exchange?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 25, 2007 10:40 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

While in China why not ask for a loan of 1 million troops they could stand at six foot intervel and cover one thousand miles of Iraqs border.
I am sure I read somwhere that kuwait is slant drilling into an oil feild in Iraq ?
And the new TV channel why not use sublineal messages and brain wash the plelbs into getting a grip of things.
As they all have a seven foot high wall around their home, at a shot in the dark, so the Mrs can take of her batman cape, I dont think they even know who lives next door, so if Ahmed mr bomber lives there, who knows? maybe they should get to know who is next door to them, then they can grass them up to plod.
I sent an email to the De La Rue printing comp here in the UK to ask if they have printed any notes with a lower denomination than the 50 dinar note, reply ask the CBI, yea like I did not do that first.
Dinars and Dongs next maybe in Zambia, who knows.
PS The only safe Vietnam dong notes are the 10,000 and the 20,000 as the State Bank has had countrfiet Polymer notes in the 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and the 500,000,
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- June 25, 2007 1:26 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Kurdish Regional Government publishes draft revenue sharing law

Author: Moussa Ahmad
Source: BI-ME and agencies
Published: 24 June 2007

IRAQ. Iraqi negotiators have come to an agreement on dividing up revenues from oil sales, a major, though not final breakthrough on a package of oil laws.
"The revenue sharing law has been agreed, last night," Dr Ashti Hawrami, Minister for Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), told United Press International over the weekend from a mobile phone in Baghdad.
Hawrami has for the past ten months led a delegation from the oil-rich and relatively violence-free Northern Iraq region in negotiations with the federal Iraq government over a regime of four oil-related laws. They will determine the roles of the Ministry of Oil and Iraqi National Oil Co, what part of the 115 billion barrels of proven reserves the federal or local governments will control and how the proceeds from oil exports will be shared.
Iraq currently exports about 1.6 million barrels per day, and last year the sales brought in more than 93% of the federal governments budget funds.
The revenue sharing law had taken a back seat to a law referred to as the hydrocarbons framework law, which would lay the ground work for oil control and, controversially, foreign investment.
But for the last month, Hawrami said, the revenue sharing has been on the front burner. Disagreements had been over how to split percentages and exactly the mechanism for collecting and redistributing the funds.
The new law would split revenue into external and internal accounts, to be divided between the regions - Kurdistan is the only formal region currently - and provinces, "after the deduction for the federal government's needs to do its federal duties," he said, "like defence and foreign office, the rest of it, which is according to the constitution."
"The external will capture all the oil revenue and any other revenue, for example donations, loans and so on," Hawrami said. "All the internal taxes and customs collected on behalf or by the federal government will go to an internal account."
He said the Kurdistan region will be given 17% of those accounts, after the federal take, each month.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has now published the Arabic and English versions of the draft revenue sharing law. Although this has been agreed between the KRG and Baghdad, it is not clear yet when it will be taken up by the federal parilaiment. The draft can be downloaded at the links below.

www.krg.org/pdf/English_Draft_Revenue_Sharing_law.pdf for the English version
www.krg.org/pdf/Arabic_Draft_Revenue_Sharing_law.pdf for the Arabic version

Nechirvan Barzani, the KRG Prime Minister who played a crucial role in the process to finalise the agreement, said: “This is a milestone in the political process from which all of the people of Iraq will benefit.”
According to the agreed text of the draft law, a single fund will be established to capture all Iraq’s oil revenue as well as all other federally collected revenues. The net revenue, after deducting the expenses of the federal government for delivering its federal duties and funding any agreed strategic projects, will go to the Kurdistan region and the governorates that are not organised as regions. The distribution of the revenue shall be monthly and automatic, which will achieve a just and fair allocation for every part of the country whether it has oil or not, as demanded by the federal constitution.
Dr Hawrami, said: “This is an excellent framework for revenue sharing which will help to keep the country together since everyone will have a stake in protecting the country’s urgently needed financial resources.”

He added: "This agreement paves the way for resuming negotiations on the pending matters related to the annexes of the draft oil law.”

Strategy Garden

-- June 25, 2007 3:26 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Iraqi prime minister expected to declare significant resolutions

POL-IRAQ-RESOLUTIONS
Iraqi prime minister expected to declare significant resolutions

BAGHDAD, June 25 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki is due to declare a package of resolutions later on Monday including broadlines of a new strategy for the country's political, economic and security future, a member of parliament said.

Hassan Al-Sunaid, close to the premier, said in in remarks to the Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) that the prime minister's decisions would address various economic, political and security affairs and would make public some successful surgical operations against hideouts of the armed insurgents.

Al-Maliki is expected to make public some pictures and documents concerning the recent mop-up operations against the anti-state gunmen, particularly in Ba'cuba, and will affirm significant improvement of the Iraqis' standard of living, the lawmaker said.

He will declare adoption of the oil and investment laws and their referral to the parliament for adoption.

Al-Sunaid said the country's major political parties, the Islamic Al-Daawa Party, the Democratic Party of Kurdistan, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) held a meeting, late on Sunday, during which senior participants agreed on broadlines for boosting the democratic process.

The parties agreed on basic national principles intended to back up work of the government, the politicial process and activating role of the parliament for blessing certain significant bills to cope with challenges facing the democratic process.

He will also urge neighboring states to exert more efforts to tighten control along the border and stop recurring infiltrations by insurgents.
(http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=997465)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 25, 2007 3:28 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

Thanks for that last article which states that the Iraqi PM Maliki is about to "declare adoption of the oil and investment laws and their referral to the parliament for adoption." That is good news, no matter how you look at it.. progress!

As for your question, "does revaluation mean immediate acceptance at U.S. Banking institutions for immediate exchange?" I believe the answer to that is yes.

The point of a RV is to make the Iraqi currency like the other world currencies and traded at a decent value of worth so that they can trade outside of the country with a currency which has some worth on the world market. Therefore, it is expected that the revaluation will make the currency able to be traded on the international exchange. It is one of the key points which are made concerning why there would be a revaluation at all. This is necessary to facilitate trade. You just cannot continue robust normal trade with a currency worth less than a cent and run a country - and in this case a country which has the world's third, second or first reserves of oil on the planet (depending on which article you read) which is innate monetary worth definitely greater than one cent.

I expect it will be internationally tradeable, much like the German Mark or French Franc, or any other currency, once it is revalued.

Sara.

-- June 25, 2007 4:05 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Al-Qaeda 'execution den' uncovered in Iraq
Article from: Agence France-Presse
From correspondents in Baghdad
June 25, 2007 04:13pm

US and Iraqi forces fighting their way through the restive Iraqi town of Baquba have discovered what appears to be an al-Qaeda-run "execution house".

US and Iraqi forces "discovered the execution house using information from local citizens, who said it had been used by al-Qaeda,'' a statement by the US Military said.

"Soldiers searching the house found five bodies buried in the yard behind the building and bloody clothes in several rooms inside it.''

A nearby house "had been converted into an illegal prison with several numbered rooms and bars covering the building's windows. Several blindfolds were found inside,'' the statement added.

The announcement comes on the sixth day of a major air and ground assault on the city of Baquba northeast of Baghdad, which US commanders say has long been a stronghold for al-Qaeda in Iraq.

The operation has seen US and Iraqi forces making their way through a dense urban labyrinth of booby traps and buried bombs, with entire houses rigged with explosives by insurgents who melted away at the beginning of the assault.

US and Iraqi forces have defused 52 roadside bombs and destroyed 17 "booby-trapped structures'', the statement said.

"The fact that we continue to find these booby-trapped houses filled with explosives and torture chambers only reaffirms that al-Qaeda has no regard for the safety and welfare of the people of Baquba,'' Colonel Gary Patton said.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21964295-5006003,00.html

-- June 25, 2007 4:23 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Time is up, Monday has passed in Iraq, and there is no important declaration from Malaki.

The whole administration suddenly got distracted, and was hypnotically zooming in when someone rattled a key chain.

-- June 25, 2007 5:18 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Hey Carole,

The answer to your question is that the King of Saudia Arabia has been having various countries and companies come into his country due to their interest in selling arms to him. USA, France, Italy and I believe Britain is another. I do not believe the King is playing favorites. If he sees something of interest to him on weapons, I believe he will buy it.

Now to you second question, the king is anxious about Iran's ambition in the region (even though Tehran sent a diplomic person to try and relieve his anxiousities). However, there are still reports that the Saudis are in an arms build up. The other concern the king has is whether this situation in Iraq is going to spill over to his country from Al-Qaeda. Saudia Arabia had a resent terrorist plot that they were able to foil.

Laura

-- June 25, 2007 6:36 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Everyone,

Did you see the news about the 6 year old boy that Al-Quada put a bomb vest on and told him to push the red button when he approached an Afghanstan policeman. Instead the child, confused about his instructions asked the policeman, why he had this vest on and could he help him remove it?. The police helped the child and got the explosives off the child. It incredible what al-quada is capable of. Osama is anything but holy.

The other war article that saddened me was the bombing of that hotel in the heart of Baghdad. The real question is how did the bomber get through all the security checks?. I am praying that the alliances with the heads of these tribes will stand steadfast. I believe several 2-3 tribal leaders were killed. However, a solution has to be found to secure these areas and get rid of Al-Quada. These killings of innoncents has to stop!

Roger, before Iran, we have to take out Al-Quada!

If there is to be a conflict with Iran, it needs to be planned better than this one.

On the dinar, I still believe it will not rv until security is obtained for the country. It will be hard to invest there with security in the shape that it is there.

Laura

-- June 26, 2007 4:39 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Kurdish government approves draft oil, gas law

Arbil - Voices of Iraq
Tuesday , 26 /06 /2007 Time 12:50:39

Arbil, June 25, (VOI) – Iraqi Kurdistan's region's prime minister, Negervan al-Barazani, said on Monday that he sent a message to the federal government in Baghdad containing his government's approval of the draft oil and gas law.

Speaking at a press conference in Arbil, he said, "I sent a message to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to update him on our approval of the proposed draft law and we will wait to have it sent to the parliament."
The draft oil and gas law for the management of oil resources is considered one of the most controversial issues in Iraq, and there are differences among political blocs on the law regarding the equitable distribution of revenue.
The law, if approved by parliament, will give Iraqi and foreign investors the right to set up establishments and oil refineries and use them for 50 years.
Most of Iraq's known oil reserves are located in the Shia-dominated south and the Kurdish north.
Iraq sits on the world's third-largest oil reserves and officials have sought, since last year, to finalize the draft law.
The law is vital for attracting foreign investment to Iraq, to boost its oil output and rebuild its economy.
Recent disputes have arisen after Iraq’s oil ministry warned regions in late April against signing contracts until the law was passed.
The Kurdistan regional government has signed several agreements with foreign companies.
Meanwhile, the prime minister of the Kurdistan region commented on the recent Anfal rulings by saying "We are glad of these rulings."
He denied any Kurdish demands to accelerate the executions or to have them carried out in Kurdistan.
Iraq's Supreme Court on Sunday sentenced Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as Chemical Ali, former Iraqi defense minister Sultan Hashim and former military official Hussein Rashid al-Tikriti to death.
The court found the cousin of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, Hashim and Tikriti guilty of committing crimes against humanity in the 1980s genocide of Kurds, known as Operation Anfal.
The court also sentenced former Iraqi intelligence official Farhan Motlak al-Juburi and military intelligence chief Saber Abdul-Aziz al-Dori to life in prison, wrapping up the Anfal case that took about 60 sessions to reach the verdicts.
Court president, Judge Mohammed Oraibi al-Khalifa, also found defendant Taher Tawfiq al-Aani, the former governor of Ninawa, not guilty due to insufficient evidence of his involvement in Operation Anfal.
Anfal was an anti-Kurdish campaign found to be led by the former regime between 1986 and 1989, which involved a series of military campaigns against the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and the mostly Kurdish civilian population of southern Kurdistan.
Independent sources estimate that there were 50,000 to more than 100,000 deaths in the campaign, in which chemical weapons were used, while Kurds claim about 182,000 people were killed.
The Supreme Court in Iraq has been overseeing the case of the Anfal (or Spoils of War, taken from Surat al-Anfal in the Qur'an) campaign.

http://www.google.com/translate?u=ht...&hl=en&ie=UTF8
__________________

-- June 26, 2007 7:45 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Parliament discusses three important laws in this next week
Baghdad, 26 June 2007 (Al-Sabaah)

The parliament will start next week the discussions of three important legislations include laws of oil, gas, justice, questioning and provinces' management.

The MPs Hassan al-Sinyeed for United Iraqi Alliance said: week will witness the starting of reading laws of oil, gas, questioning, justices and provinces' management.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/18713

-- June 26, 2007 9:21 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Issues Tender To Sell 3M Barrels Kirkuk Crude
6/25/2007

AMMAN -(Dow Jones)- Iraq issued Monday a tender to sell 3 million barrels of Kirkuk crude pumped through a northern pipeline to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, a senior official with the state oil marketer SOMO said.

The crude oil should be loaded in 1-million or 2-million barrel cargoes from the Turkish terminal by July 23, the official said.

He said the deadline for bids for the tender is 1700 GMTJuly 2 and results would be announced 48 hours after the closing date.

The new sales would be the first since mid-January when SOMO sold 3 million barrels of Kirkuk crude, 1 million barrels to each of Spain's Compania Espanola de Petroleos SA (CEP.MC), or Cepsa, France's Total SA (TOT) and Italy's ERG ( ERG.MI).

Last year, SOMO held five tenders totaling around 10 million barrels of Kirkuk crude on the international market.

Persistent sabotage against pipelines and oil installations has kept exports from the north shut for most of the time since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Iraq exports the bulk of its crude oil from southern oil outlets, selling an average of 1.5 million barrels a day.

-By Hassan Hafidh, contributing to Dow Jones Newswires; + 962 777 612 111; hafidh8@hotmail.com

Iraq Issues Tender To Sell 3M Barrels Kirkuk Crude - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 26, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq revives Saddam oil deal with China

Baghdad has revived a contract signed by the Saddam Hussein administration allowing a state-owned Chinese oil company to develop an Iraqi oil field, the Iraqi oil minister told the Financial Times in Beijing yesterday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 26, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

US: Biased Shiites moved from Iraq force By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer
Mon Jun 25, 9:42 PM ET

WASHINGTON - More than a third of Iraq's national police battalion commanders are now Sunni after a purge of Shiites who had a sectarian bias, a U.S. general said Monday.

Despite improvements, he predicted it will still be years before Iraqi forces are capable of securing the country by themselves.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters from Iraq, Army Brig. Gen. Dana Pittard said he had been saddened to see the destruction in one province where the number of U.S. forces had been reduced too soon.

"We cannot be in a hurry to withdraw our coalition forces," he said, using Diyala province north of Baghdad as an example.

Pittard this week ends his tour as day-to-day head of the effort to train Iraqi army soldiers, police, national police, border guards and other security workers.

"The growth of the Iraqi security forces over the past couple of years has really been quite dramatic in many ways," he said by video conference. Among improvements: Iraqi officials have recruited Sunnis to the national police command, a group that a year ago was almost entirely Shia. The national police have been known for their ties to Shiite militia.

Pittard said that since October, officials had removed seven of nine brigade commanders — five because of sectarian bias. One of two division commanders is now Sunni, as are four of nine brigade commanders and 9 or 10 of the 27 battalion commanders, he said.

But he warned against being "in a hurry" to hand over responsibility for Iraq security to local soldiers and police — a handover U.S. officials have said is key to bringing American forces home.

In a previous assignment, Pittard commanded a brigade combat team in Diyala province for a year. "It was just a few years ago ... where, believe it or not, many people were saying Diyala province was going to be one of the first ... to go to provincial Iraqi control," he said of the thinking in late 2005.

American forces were drawn down, and after the surge in killing that followed the February 2006 bombing at the Samarra mosque there weren't enough people left there "to be able to keep a lid on that violence," he said.

Diyala was a hotbed of the Sunni insurgency before President Bush in January ordered a buildup of forces to calm Baghdad. The province got worse after militants fled there to avoid the increased U.S.-led operations in the capital.

Diyala is a target of a new operation started some 10 days ago to clear out insurgents in and around the Baghdad area.

"I nearly shed a tear when I saw Baqouba today," Pittard said of the capital city in Diyala province. "The markets aren't up, the projects that we had spent so much time on, together with the Iraqi government, are now, in many places, in shambles."

Asked if Iraqis will be able to move fairly soon to take control of areas now being cleared out, Pittard said, "We've really got to be careful."

"A lesson learned is ... do not draw down too quickly when we think there's a glimmer of success," he said. "It will take time, it will take time for the Iraqi security forces to be able to take over from our forces."

The No. 2 commander in Iraq, Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno, said last week that the current operation should last through the summer and he won't be able to determine until then how much of the follow-on work U.S. forces will have to do themselves.

Pittard noted that Iraqi security forces are taking the lead in some places, such as in Maysan in the south, the province of Muthanna, and in Irbil in the north.

"I think it'll take a couple of years before the Iraqi security forces are going to be able to fully take control of the security situation in Iraq," he said.

Meanwhile, a think tank led by John Podesta, President Clinton's former chief of staff, recommended Monday that the U.S. immediately stop arming the Iraqis and redeploy U.S. troops within a year.

"Spending billions to arm Iraq's security forces without political consensus among Iraq's leaders carries significant risks — the largest of which is arming faction-ridden national Iraqi units before a unified national government exists that these armed forces will loyally support," wrote the Center for America Progress in Washington.

Officials at the center downplayed the possibility that such an approach would lead to a genocide or a takeover by neighboring countries.

Iraq's neighbors "have an interest in not seeing things get even worse," said Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the center.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070626/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq_10)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 26, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

This military blogger said it so much better than I ever could.
Worth the read:

===

Statistics & Percents

According to the CIA’s World Fact Book, the estimated population of the United States (in July 2007) is going to be around 301,139,947. Of that entire number, some three million (3,000,000) men and women comprise the active, reserve and National Guard units that serve in our military and our country. That’s all five branches- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. These are the men and women that are at both deployed and serving at home. That’s roughly about one percent (1%) of our population dedicated to protecting our way of life.

We must often endure long periods of separation from our loved ones and are called upon to put ourselves at risk of serious injury or death in order to protect the rest of America. Rest assured, we are an ALL volunteer force and none of us were pressed to join or drafted.

It would be very naïve to believe that all of us are angels. From time to time, we are informed of allegations of wrongdoing and criminal acts committed by our fellow military members. In such cases, we always owe them the benefit of the doubt due to the nature of the job and what the demands are of you. If America owes the presumption of innocence to anyone, they owe it to us.

While I don’t support censorship to the level that it had been taken to by other countries, like Iraq where the wrong word would get you & your family jailed, tortured and executed, I definitely don’t support the “watchdog” role that the media has taken “for the greater good”. I do, however, believe it is exceedingly detrimental to allow isolated incidents to cast a wider suspicion on America’s military members through the sensational media coverage such cases frequently receive. This type of “reporting” quickly chips away at America’s confidence in the institutions and people that protect it. It is also very demoralizing to us!

Wrongdoing by our fellow military members is very serious, is not tolerated and is treated as such. But instead of so much focus on the specific incidents, the media should be watching and reporting on the effectiveness of the internal systems we use to bring our own to justice.

The two prime examples include the prisoner abuse at Abu-Gharib and the marines accused of murdering civilians in different parts of the country. I am certain that all of you readers have at least a vague familiarity on both topics. Unlike America’s “Justice System”, our system is one that should be studied and used as the standard. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is respected, feared, and taught to us from day one in the military. It can be something handles at a level of administrative counseling, on the spot corrections/actions (push ups), demotions, extra duty, loss of pay, and (in severe cases) jail or executions.

The punishments here fit the crime. Did you also know that “A jury of your peers” is exactly that? The jury isn’t chosen base upon how little they know through the media, how neutral they are on a topic, or how much the book rights will sell for (OJ jurors). They are chosen based upon the experiences, careers and similarities of both the prosecution and the defendant’s background. For example, if one of my soldiers were to be brought up for a court marshal (UCMJ speak for trial or pre-trial) the juries would likely consist of males between the ages of 19 to 35, combat MOS (Military Occupational Skill-your job in the military), combat veteran, have been deployed to the same theater my Joes have, and have been in the military at least seven years. If it was me, my jury would have different parameters to match my jury as “my peers”. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Did you also know that the UCMJ has the death penalty for certain cases of rape? And the media calls our justice system “outdated”.

We do have problem soldiers and criminals in the military. I would be lying to you if I said different. We have our own justice system for dealing with them. Remember that we make up about 1% of America’s population. Soldiers that commit crimes while in the military make up an even less percentage than that. What’s a small percent of 1%? I’m not sure, but you get the idea. It’s a pity that all of this is overshadowed by the sensationalism that the media presents.

Unfortunately, reporting the sensational brings in the ratings and is better for business. I have witnessed a reporter here stating, “My editor taught me that if it bleeds, it leads”. The funny irony is that I wonder if he would like to make the headlines for being punched in the mouth for saying something stupid like that. I didn’t do it but, I really fought the urge to. I don’t think that all reporters believe the same way but sometimes you wonder.

We have accomplished so much good in this country that it would make your head spin if you were to compare the numbers and actions from before Saddam and after. We will continue to do good things here to the best of our ability. All that we ask is that, in the future, you hold the media accountable for their “Leading Stories” and don’t judge us by the few rotten apples we have in the batch. Remember, there were more murders in New York during the last few months than there were GI deaths in Iraq (cheap shot on Sen. Clinton but you get the point). We will handle our own criminals, keep the media out of it!

http://coconutcommando.blogspot.com/

-- June 26, 2007 11:45 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

If the Iraqis are not going to do anything about the HCL for still some time, doing vacation time instead,...we could let our armed forces, protecting them, in the meanwhile also take a well earned vacation until they come back to their jobs.

-- June 26, 2007 4:14 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

AnthonyR,

Read an article today where they claim that the US is lagging far far behind other nations data speed.

The AVERAGE data speed through the servers in Japan is well above 60 Mb/sec, and most European countries are also way way ahead in data speed.

The US is in the vicinity of 1 to 2 MB/s as an average.

Compare that to the rest of the world and it's like comparing a video game from today with Pong.

From that viewpoint you have a very valid point AnthonyR.

Kevin, or whoever is holding the administrative post for this blog right now, please do a new scratchpad, and please do it more often, we have miles of data to download now for each log in.

-- June 26, 2007 4:27 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

I went and chipped out a bowl of very frozen ice cream tonight while the pages downloaded,, and yes,, i'm stuck with dial up.

On the explosive attack in the Hotel,, it would be my guess that the explosives were placed months prior with the wait and see attitude. An insurgent would only have to turn it on to active it and then remote detonate it.

I find it shameful that the Iraq Army can't manage even covering a checkpoint. I wonder if having an American adviser with the Iraq's doing the grunt work and him watching,, wouldn't improve things

-- June 27, 2007 2:03 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(954)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 954 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/6/27 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1251 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.770.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.770.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- June 27, 2007 6:49 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Been trying to get an e-mail to Kevin for about 6 months. They just don't go through.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how we can get some attention to this site? I have several questions and complaints.

-- June 27, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

carole;

If my posts upset you that much I will stop posting because I also am getting tried of your winging and wining.

-- June 27, 2007 3:56 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq : a complaint from the chaos prices decline de****e limited inflation

BAGHDAD - Adel Mahdi life-27/06/07 / /

The «Central Agency for Statistics and Information Technology» in the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation of Iraq reduced the benchmark year for consumer prices in May last (May), grew by 0.5%.

The Iraqi Minister of Planning, Ali Ghaleb Papan, that the report prepared on the basis of field data collection on the prices of goods and services components of the consumer basket, according to retail prices in the market, attributed the reasons for this decline to «decline in the inflation index for food products, furniture, fuel and lighting, covering ratio 68.4% of the total domestic consumer spending », adding that the prices of cigarettes and alcohol and fabrics, clothing and footwear, transportation, communication, medical services, medicines and rent, rose during last May, but they represent only 31.6% of total household spending.

He pointed out that the annual inflation index, which extends from May 2006 until last May, has risen by 38.6% increase in the index of total goods. The lower inflation index base during last May by 1.7%, which represents a change in the index of consumer expenditures, calculated after excluding the cost of oil derivatives.

He questioned Dealers in the foreign exchange market in Baghdad b «success of the policy of the Central Bank of Iraq, on the reduction of the dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar», stressing that «the necessity of dealing with this issue in the context of a comprehensive and integrated manner, taking into account the results expected to be obtained in the Iraqi market in terms of pricing goods and services».

He asked citizens to improve the Iraqi dinar exchange rate, in light of the imposition of traders on prices of goods and commodities so as to achieve their own interests, heedless to the plight of the everyday.

It was observed in the absence of any market improvement in the assumed prices, as a result of improved Iraqi dinar exchange rate. Got the contrary, prices remained chaos prevailed in the Iraqi market, which led to a continuing rise in inflation rate disturbing.

The owner of banking in Baghdad, Hamid Ali, the decrease of the dollar exchange rate against the dinar reached about 20% in recent months, and is currently deliberating about 1250 Iraqi dinars to the dollar, after it was within 1480, for the past three years.

But the absence of «positive» were expecting citizen of this policy adopted by the «Central Bank of Iraq», and still followed in the canteen allowance to sell the dollar.

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- June 27, 2007 4:32 PM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

For what it’s worth:

I appreciate all the time and energy put into this site! I start and finish my day (Right

here) catching up on all the latest info whether pasted or opinion. Since much of my day

keeps me out of the office, I don’t have the time or energy to cruise the web.

I think tensions are high and patience is low! It has been said many a people have left this

site do to cutting and pasting and slow loading capabilities. Since all attempts to get a

new pad have been futile, and we have no way of boosting Anonymous’s signal, we have

to work with what we have. Those of you who are upset…. please step away from the

keyboard and mix a drink!

It’s kind of corny but in a way I feel as if I know a little about some of you and a little

constructive criticism from time-to-time never hurt anyone. Please continue posting

Cornish boy you’re an asset to the site and we can never be too informed!!

There short and sweet!!!!

-- June 27, 2007 4:42 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Cornishboy,

I guess you could go somewhere else, but I would think that just modifying your inputs or following the suggestions of Steven might be a better solution, at least a more respectful and mature one.

For more insight, if you are interested, go back and read Roger's post regarding the masses of articles posted.

One very valid point that he made was, that there is so much, that you end up scrolling past information that just might be missed good information, because the volume is too much to deal with.

I just don't think that you guys are being sensitive to the cares and concerns of others. How about some common sense and BALANCE?

My experience here is that everyone is welcome, but when the scales of balance start to tip, reaction is invited.

Again, go back and read Roger's input---it is really pertinent and might help.

At least I hope it does.

Carole

-- June 27, 2007 6:56 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,
Ref all the cut and paste, it saves me haveing to go all over the place for info, I like it, keep it up guys, Steve.

-- June 27, 2007 7:46 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

I, too, an opposed to posting vulumes of newspaper articals. You have to read a portion of the article to see if it worthy of spending the time reading it. I recommend that when you find an article that is significant enought to post on this site, it should be self-evident that you have read it, then give us a synopsis of the meat of the article and maybe tack on your viewpoint concerning the article-I believe then, that we would all find the article interesting.

I fully recognize that this is a dinar site, but until something significant happens, I believe that almost everything that can be said about the dinar has already been said and I don't mind rehashing some the speculation and conjectures that have previously been talked about but do it in your own words. We don't even mind if you don't write well or can't spell good, just say it in your words and I believe that we will all be a lot happier.

Just one old man's opinion.

-- June 27, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

I'M ALL FOR "IF YOU DON'T TYPE IT, DON'T POST IT". I THINK SOME PEOPLE FORGOT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A FORUM.
I GUESS I'M GONNA HAVE TO INSULT SOMEONE TO SEE IF SOMEONE IS STILL RUNNING THIS SITE OR NOT. 4 MONTHS ON THE SAME PAGE, COME ON, IF YOU DON'T GIVE US A NEW PAGE I'M GONNA CALL SARA A NAME!

-- June 28, 2007 5:25 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(955)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 955 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/6/28 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1248 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 53.440.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 8.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 53.440.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 8.500.000 -----

-- June 28, 2007 7:10 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Rules & regulations

The Iraqi securities commission had approved & sends to the isx the rule & the regulations below:
1. Regional offices rules & depository rules.
2. Automation trading rules & depository rules.

3. The beginning day to the trade for non-Iraqi’s investors next august 2nd 2007.
*We shall put all these regulations in our website soon to work on it.
*The trading session will be Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday by July 2007.

ÓæÞ ÇáÚÑÇÞ ááÃæÑÇÞ ÇáãÇáíÉ

-- June 28, 2007 9:14 AM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,
Well thats it I have got to stop dicking around and get that bank account with Warka a bit urgent, where is my son when I need him.
Steve.

-- June 28, 2007 10:21 AM ∞

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David wrote:

Cornish -

Where did you get that article about the rules? Is it corroborated by another source?

David

-- June 28, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi david it came from here page 84 http://www.rolclub.com/iraqi-dinar-dinartrade-com/18108-latest-news-iraq-dinar-think-tank-84.html

-- June 28, 2007 10:51 AM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

You paste anything you want Cornish boy I told you we couldn’t be too informed!!!

You may also confirm this info @ http://www.isx-iq.net/

-- June 28, 2007 11:06 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.isx-iq.net%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- June 28, 2007 11:09 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi group threatens lawmakers who back oil law
6/26/2007

Reuters - Tuesday, June 26 09:49 pm

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group has threatened to target lawmakers who approve a bill intended to regulate Iraq's oil and gas industry.

The 1920 Revolution brigades said in a statement posted on a Web site used by Sunni insurgents that the proposed oil law was a vehicle for the United States to steal Iraq's oil wealth.

"We warn all those who have a role in approving this law, which represents a danger to our future, ... they will not escape the punishment of the mujahideen," the statement said.

The United States has been pressing Iraq's leaders to speed up passage of the oil law and other measures that it views as crucial to spurring national reconciliation and ending sectarian violence between majority Shi'ites and minority Sunni Arabs.

"The occupation is stumbling ... after deadly strikes from the mujahideen so (the United States) is seeking to expedite the looting of our wealth through legalising international theft by prompting its (Iraqi) government (and) the puppet parliament to approve the so-called oil law," the group said.

"We will, using all available means, try to prevent the theft of our wealth through all possible channels."

Iraq sits on the world's third-largest oil reserves, but a law regulating how the income will be shared by its sectarian and ethnic groups is vital to attracting the foreign investment that it needs to raise output and rebuild its economy.

The draft was approved by the cabinet in February but has faced stiff opposition since then from the Kurds, who felt they were getting a bad deal. Most of the oil reserves are in the Kurdish north and the Shi'ite south.

The 1920 Revolution brigades, which use an Islamic and nationalist banner, are believed to seek to establish an Islamic state in Iraq.

The group has claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. forces, including the downing of two helicopters in 2004, but appears to steer clear of sectarian violence.

Iraqi group threatens lawmakers who back oil law - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:24 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

looks good to me.:)

-- June 28, 2007 11:26 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The Iraqi 'Nation'
6/27/2007

By ROBERT MCFARLANE
June 27, 2007; Page A12

Baghdad

One reason put forward for why we ought not continue the fight in Iraq is that the Iraqis themselves aren't doing their part to unite their country against the insurgency. It's wrong.

Two weeks ago, I participated in a remarkable three-day gathering of more than 70 Iraqi clerics. It was held in Baghdad, was organized by Canon Andrew White, an Anglican priest in Iraq, and had one aim: Give Iraqi religious leaders a forum to listen to and engage one another. It was a phenomenal success.

The conference was encouraging from the outset because it attracted some of the top clerics in the country. They included close advisors to Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the senior Shiite prelate in Iraq; Moqtada Al Sadr, the firebrand leader of the Mahdi militia; and equivalent Sunni and Kurdish figures. They arrived clearly interested in fostering reconciliation among Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, and in the process reducing violence, disarming the militias and enacting into law a framework for a fair distribution of political and economic power. Many of the participants are members of the parliament.

Think about the meaning of what's described in the preceding paragraph. How often have you asked yourself over the past four years as violence has unfolded in Iraq, "Is it possible that the hatred and bitterness on display each day will ever evolve into reconciliation?" After attending this conference, I believe the answer is yes.

First, it is important to note that in Iraq the term "cleric" carries a different meaning than in the West. In Islam, one's personal obligation is to devote himself to improving the well-being of his political and economic setting. A concept known as jihad acknowledges for some sects the legitimacy of violence. Indeed, many of the participants at the conference have a violent history. So much the better, because it is only through getting those at the center of the conflict to engage with their adversaries that we will find the basis for a modus vivendi. And so it turned out at this conference.

The opening salvos from each of the three sects involved rhetorical statements of grievance -- each against the others. What was remarkable, however, was that the statements turned out to be pro forma and by the afternoon of the first day these very powerful figures began to listen to one another. What transpired was fascinating. Shiite participants acknowledged that their followers had intermarried with Sunnis for generations -- and vice versa -- and while all deplored the brutality of Saddam's regime no one counted it as legitimating a blood feud. The common theme was one of anger at the violence in Iraq and its primary driver, al Qaeda. But this rage came tempered by a commitment to put their country back together. Throughout the conference, they called it their "nation."

By the second day they began to focus on setting benchmarks to measure each other's commitment to what was being said. Each of the participants, men and women of great influence -- the elite of Iraq -- pledged to return to their provinces and seek to reduce violence, attempt to disarm the militias and (for those members of the parliament) to forge a compromise and pass critical legislation including the pending oil law -- a benchmark measure of the willingness of Shiites and Kurds to acknowledge the centrality of a secure economic future for Sunnis.

It is important to note that this conference was strongly supported by American Ambassador Ryan Crocker as well as by Gen. David Petraeus, commander of coalition forces in Iraq. Neither sought to intervene nor to drive the conference toward any particular conclusion. Both clearly understood, however, that broad-based political reconciliation is the linchpin of any hope for lasting stability in Iraq.

In Washington, Mr. White's effort to nurture the process of reconciliation has been quietly supported by the Defense Department. Some would dismiss such support as nothing but self-interest on the part of the Pentagon. But I believe there is more to it than that. After four very difficult and counterproductive years in Iraq, we now have leaders in place in Baghdad who understand the nature of this conflict. Ambassador Crocker and Gen. Petraeus intuitively know that a political accommodation acceptable to all is only stable foundation for peace in Iraq. And they also understand that such a foundation can only be laid by Iraqis.

On the last day of the conference the delegates pledged to reconvene as soon as possible. A final settlement will likely take some time. But current plans call for a second meeting to be held in Cairo in August. The irony of this possibly historic work is that it is operating on a shoestring. Mr. White has organized a nonprofit in the U.S. and is now trying to raise the fairly modest sums needed to keep this trialogue going. If you'd like to know more about his efforts, please send me a note.

Mr. McFarlane, a national security adviser for President Ronald Reagan, can be reached via email at

The Iraqi 'Nation' - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:27 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

US: Iran not keeping its word on stabilizing Iraq
State Department urges Iran to stop supporting insurgents, funding groups stoking sectarian strife in Iraq.

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

WASHINGTON, 28 June 2007 (Middle East Online)
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The United States asked Iran to live up to commitments to bring about a stable Iraq, saying it was critical for resuming a dialogue with Tehran on Iraqi security, the State Department said Wednesday.

It was responding to Iraqi requests for such a meeting, first held in May. Tehran has said it was awaiting a US response on resuming the dialogue.

"We'll take a look and see when a meeting is appropriate but it is important for Iran to follow through on its stated desire to have a more stable Iraq and today, their activities remain in distinct contradiction to that stated goal," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters.

Iran and the United States had their highest-level contact in 27 years on May 28 when US ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker met Iranian ambassador Hassan Kazemi in Baghdad for talks limited to the security situation in Iraq.

Although Washington has not set any "hard benchmarks" for resumption of the talks with Iran, "it is one of those decisions where policymakers will take a look, see whether conditions are appropriate for a meeting," McCormack said.

"As I have said, the Iranians really have not followed through so much on what they said they'll do," he added.

Iran should stop supplying money and technology as well as providing training to groups attempting to kill US troops in Iraq and funding groups stoking sectarian tensions in the war-wracked nation, he said.

There has been no official request from Baghdad to reconvene the meeting with Iraq, McCormack said.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said earlier this month that Baghdad was working to set up a second meeting between Iranian and US officials soon to prevent the arch-foes from using Iraq as a "battleground to settle scores."

"After the response from the United States we will examine with a positive attitude the demand of the Iraqi government for a resumption in the discussions," Zebari's Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki, said after meeting visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani in Tehran.

The United States broke off relations with Iran in 1980 after Islamic revolutionaries seized the US embassy in Tehran and held its diplomats hostage for 444 days.

The two countries remain at each other's throats over a range of issues including the US presence in Iraq and Iran's sensitive nuclear program.

US forces have frequently accused Iran of stoking the violence in Iraq by arming and training militias, allegations denied by Tehran.

Relations have been chilled further by the detention in Iraq by US forces of at least five Iranian officials who Tehran insists are diplomats, but who Washington says were members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard.

Several Iranian-Americans have also been arrested while visiting Iran and charged with endangering national security.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:32 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Why the Iraq war won't engulf the Mideast
By Steven A. Cook, Ray Takeyh and Suzanne Maloney Published: June 28, 2007

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WASHINGTON:

Long before the Bush administration began selling "the surge" in Iraq as a way to avert a general war in the Middle East, observers both inside and outside the government were growing concerned about the potential for armed conflict among the regional powers.

Underlying this anxiety was a scenario in which Iraq's sectarian and ethnic violence spills over into neighboring countries, producing conflicts between the major Arab states and Iran as well as Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government. These wars then destabilize the entire region well beyond the current conflict zone, involving heavyweights like Egypt.

This is scary stuff indeed, but with the exception of the conflict between Turkey and the Kurds, the scenario is far from an accurate reflection of the way Middle Eastern leaders view the situation in Iraq and calculate their interests there.

It is abundantly clear that major outside powers like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey are heavily involved in Iraq. These countries have so much at stake in the future of Iraq that it is natural they would seek to influence political developments in the country.

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Yet, the Saudis, Iranians, Jordanians, Syrians, and others are very unlikely to go to war either to protect their own sect or ethnic group or to prevent one country from gaining the upper hand in Iraq.

The reasons are fairly straightforward. First, Middle Eastern leaders, like politicians everywhere, are primarily interested in one thing: self-preservation. Committing forces to Iraq is an inherently risky proposition, which, if the conflict went badly, could threaten domestic political stability. Moreover, most Arab armies are geared toward regime protection rather than projecting power and thus have little capability for sending troops to Iraq.

Second, there is cause for concern about the so-called blowback scenario in which jihadis returning from Iraq destabilize their home countries, plunging the region into conflict.

Middle Eastern leaders are preparing for this possibility. Unlike in the 1990s, when Arab fighters in the Afghan jihad against the Soviet Union returned to Algeria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia and became a source of instability, Arab security services are being vigilant about who is coming in and going from their countries.

In the last month, the Saudi government has arrested approximately 200 people suspected of ties with militants. Riyadh is also building a 700 kilometer wall along part of its frontier with Iraq in order to keep militants out of the kingdom.

Finally, there is no precedent for Arab leaders to commit forces to conflicts in which they are not directly involved. The Iraqis and the Saudis did send small contingents to fight the Israelis in 1948 and 1967, but they were either ineffective or never made it. In the 1970s and 1980s, Arab countries other than Syria, which had a compelling interest in establishing its hegemony over Lebanon, never committed forces either to protect the Lebanese from the Israelis from other Lebanese. The civil war in Lebanon was regarded as someone else's fight.

Indeed, this is the way many leaders view the current situation in Iraq. To Cairo, Amman and Riyadh, the situation in Iraq is worrisome, but in the end it is an Iraqi and American fight.

As far as Iranian mullahs are concerned, they have long preferred to press their interests through proxies as opposed to direct engagement. At a time when Tehran has access and influence over powerful Shiite militias, a massive cross-border incursion is both unlikely and unnecessary.

So Iraqis will remain locked in a sectarian and ethnic struggle that outside powers may abet, but will remain within the borders of Iraq.

The Middle East is a region both prone and accustomed to civil wars. But given its experience with ambiguous conflicts, the region has also developed an intuitive ability to contain its civil strife and prevent local conflicts from enveloping the entire Middle East.

Iraq's civil war is the latest tragedy of this hapless region, but still a tragedy whose consequences are likely to be less severe than both supporters and opponents of Bush's war profess.

Steven A. Cook and Ray Takeyh are fellows at the Council on Foreign Relations. Suzanne Maloney is a senior fellow at Saban Center, Brookings Institution.
(http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/28/opinion/edtakeyh.php)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:35 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush aide, GOP lawmaker to face off on Iraq war concerns
POSTED: 9:38 a.m. EDT, June 28, 2007
Story Highlights• Bush national security adviser to meet privately with GOP Sen. Richard Lugar
• Lugar, other powerful GOP lawmakers want "sizable" troop drawdown in Iraq
• White House spokesman: There's "little space" between Lugar and Bush
• It's a serious challenge to Bush's call to manage war on his own timetable
Adjust font size:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush is sending his top aide on national security affairs to Capitol Hill on Thursday to confront what has become a tough crowd on the Iraq war.

A majority of senators believe troops should start coming home within the next few months. A new House investigation concluded this week that the Iraqis have little control over an ailing security force. And House Republicans are calling to revive the independent Iraq Study Group to give the nation options.

While the White House thought they had until September to deal with political fallout on the unpopular war, officials may have forgotten another critical date: the upcoming 2008 elections.

"This is an important moment if we are still to have a bipartisan policy to deal with Iraq," Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indiana, said in an interview Wednesday. (Watch why Lugar has broken with the president on Iraq )

If Congress and the White House wait until September to change course in Iraq, Lugar said "It'll be further advanced in the election cycle. It makes it more difficult for people to cooperate. ... If you ask if I have some anxiety about 2008, I do."

Lugar, the senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, plans to meet Thursday privately with Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley. Hadley requested the meeting after Lugar delivered a lengthy floor speech contending the president's war strategy won't have time to work and that U.S. troops should start leaving.

National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Hadley's message Thursday on Capitol Hill will be "where we see things currently in Iraq and that we need to see what the commanders on the ground and the ambassador have to say in September."

White House spokesman Tony Snow said he sees little space between Lugar and the president, who Snow said sees troop withdrawals "over the horizon."

"We think it's important to allow the Baghdad security plan to work," Snow told reporters. "But if you take a look at what Sen. Lugar's trying to figure out, it's what configuration is going to be conducive in the long run to success and also building greater bipartisan support."

Indeed, the senator says he still opposes Democratic proposals setting an end date on the war. Lugar also warns against withdrawing forces too quickly and putting troops in harms' way.

But Lugar's contention that the military begin now a "sizable" drawdown of U.S. forces aligns Lugar more with Democrats than Bush and poses a serious challenge to the administration's insistence that it manage the war on its own timetable. As a prominent voice in the GOP caucus, Lugar says he would consider legislative measures this summer if the White House is unresponsive to his position.

Other GOP senators have aligned themselves with a similar position, including Sen. George Voinovich. On Tuesday, the Ohio Republican sent Bush a letter calling for "responsible military disengagement" from Iraq.

Republican Sens. Norm Coleman of Minnesota and John Sununu of New Hampshire also say they want to see troops departing Iraq by early 2008. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Wednesday she is working with Sens. John Warner, R-Virginia, and Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska, on a new bipartisan policy for Iraq.

In another challenge to Bush's Iraq policy, House Republicans urged the White House on Wednesday to revive the Iraq Study Group. A blue-ribbon panel chaired by Republican James Baker and Democrat Lee Hamilton, the group concluded last December that U.S. troops could leave by March 2008 if certain steps were taken.

Last week, the House voted 355-69 to appropriate a $1 million budget for another study, though the bill is unlikely to become law for a few weeks. Reps. Chris Shays, R-Connecticut, and Frank Wolf, R-Virginia, said they hope the administration will move ahead on its own to reconvene the group.

"If you had a health care problem, you'd want to get a second opinion quickly," Wolf told reporters.

The Republican push comes as a new bipartisan investigation found that Iraqi ministries are incapable of "accounting for, supporting or fully controlling their forces in the field." The report also confirmed that the U.S. is shifting its focus from trying to transfer control to Iraqi troops -- because they are not ready -- to trying to secure neighborhoods.

The findings, detailed in a 205-page report, cast doubt on how soon U.S. troops could leave Iraq under Bush's plan to "stand down" coalition forces as Iraqi troops "stand up."

"Basically, the department can tell us how many people they've trained and how many weapons they're given, but they can't tell us enough about how well they can perform their missions or even plan them," said Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Massachusetts, the outgoing chairman of the House Armed Services oversight and investigations subcommittee.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
(www.cnn.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:39 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

In Iraq, Operation Last Chance
Thursday, Jun. 28, 2007 By JOE KLEIN Enlarge Photo
General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq at the Yusifiyah JSS talking with soldiers of Task Force 4-31 part of 2nd Bde, 10th Mountain Division.
Franco Pagetti for TIME
Article ToolsPrintEmailReprints The Iraqi men squatting shoulder to shoulder in the blasted, abandoned classroom couldn't tell at first that the American soldier addressing them was a man of real authority. He was slight, taut, with sandy hair and a thin beak of a nose. He didn't sound like a big shot; he didn't bark in a commanding voice. "How many of you are going to make it?" he asked, in sketchy Arabic. Several of the men — Iraqi police recruits — looked up, saw the four stars on General David Petraeus' cap and shifted nervously, unsure of what he meant. His interpreter had better success. A scattering of hands were timidly raised. "You're all going to make it!" Petraeus said, giving the Iraqis' response the most benign possible interpretation. "That's good. Are you ready to defend your country?" There was a grudging shout, the Iraqi equivalent of, "Yes, sir!"

Related
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Its mosque attacked twice, Samarra's Sunni populace and Shi'a police may make the city erupt once again

It was midafternoon on a blistering June Saturday in Yusufia, just south of Baghdad. The abandoned school was stifling, though more tolerable than the dusty, sun-addled main street of town, which we'd just walked along — the general on an arid grip-and-grin tour, offering Salaam aleikum, habibi! greetings to the few Iraqis willing to brave the midday heat. Now Petraeus moved from classroom to classroom, cloaked in heavy body armor, sweat trickling down the side of his face. Each room was packed with nonsmiling Iraqi men in deep squat — 500 in all. Petraeus was exhilarated. They were different from the usual police recruits. These had been selected by local sheiks.

Some were former Sunni insurgents who had just switched sides — part of a revolt against al-Qaeda that has been gathering force all spring. "This is cause for optimism," Petraeus told me as he watched the recruits being fingerprinted and getting retinal scans for their ID cards. "This is the wave of the future. You've got to work from the bottom up, get the local forces involved." The biometric scans were a major technological advance. The Iraqi police had a reputation for corruption and secret allegiance to the militias, but the allegiances of these men were not going to be secret. If any of those fingerprints turned up on a bomb, the culprit would be identified. "We're beginning to build a fairly significant database," Petraeus said.

This is one of his favorite themes — how much more knowledgeable the U.S. military is about Iraq now than when he first came over with the Operation Iraqi Freedom invasion force in 2003. Earlier, I sat next to the general at a briefing staged by U.S. officers at Fire Base Yusufia, and he whispered little addendums for my benefit. "See, these guys really get it," he told me as a major explained the nuances of a map showing the various local tribal areas. When the briefer showed a map of joint U.S.-Iraqi patrol bases, Petraeus said, "See, you can't secure a population by commuting to the fight." Another Petraeus theme: in the past, the vast majority of American troops lived on massive forward operating bases. But the counterinsurgency doctrine that Petraeus has sought to apply since becoming the top U.S. commander in Iraq calls for moving units out of their bases and into civilian areas, where they can interact with locals. "You guys have been doing classical work," he told his briefers at the end of the presentation. "But this is the time for you to take risks ... We're inevitably going to reduce this surge. You have to be thinking about what you want to leave behind."

It is, indeed, a moment of truth in Iraq. "This is a decisive phase," a member of Petraeus' staff told me and began to laugh. "That's one of our favorite jokes. It's always a decisive phase. But this time, I guess you'd have to say, it actually is." Operation Phantom Thunder, the nationwide offensive launched by U.S. and Iraqi troops in mid-June, may well be the last major U.S-led offensive of the war. "We couldn't really call it what it is, Operation Last Chance," says a senior military official. There is widespread awareness among the military and diplomatic players in Baghdad that, with patience dwindling in Washington, they have only until September — when Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are due to give Congress a progress report — to show significant gains in taming the jihadist insurgency and in arresting the country's descent into civil war. Phantom Thunder is an effort to dislodge al-Qaeda from its bases of operation in the suburban belts north and south of Baghdad, and — using intelligence from al-Qaeda's former allies in the Sunni insurgency — to prevent the terrorists from settling in elsewhere in the country. Petraeus says that the entire U.S.-led coalition force, which includes 160,000 American troops, is involved in the operation in one way or another. "We're not doubling down here," he told me. "We're all in."

Petraeus has been careful about claiming success, or even optimism, in the nearly five months since he returned to Baghdad. He has said a military victory isn't possible, that Iraq can be stabilized only through a political solution that honors all sides in the conflict — Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds. But his own staff is skeptical that a political deal is still possible. "This is going to be the first Shi'ite-dominated Arab government. Period," a senior military official told me. "And the Shi'ites are not inclined to be generous toward the Sunnis." The fact is, most of the important decisions in Iraq are now beyond American control.

Petraeus is not your old-fashioned, gung-ho, blood-and-guts sort of commander. He's an intellectual, a West Point graduate with a Ph.D. in international relations from Princeton. His record in Iraq has been mixed. He succeeded, for a time, in applying his counterinsurgency tactics in Mosul during the first year of the war, but his highly publicized effort to train the new Iraqi army in 2004 can only be considered a failure. He has successfully led soldiers in combat. And he does have his macho moments, famously challenging his soldiers to push-up contests. But he made his reputation more as a communicator and motivator than as a warrior. "He is very much a seize-the-moment sort of general," says Lieut. General Graeme Lamb, the senior British military commander in Iraq, who served with Petraeus' predecessor, General George Casey. Lamb describes Casey as "more stoic," which is British for "less dynamic."

Unlike Casey, Petraeus seems to have had a moment to seize. A good chunk of the Sunni insurgency has turned against al-Qaeda in Iraq, the fringe group — it comprises no more than 5% of the insurgency, according to U.S. intelligence estimates — that is responsible for the most spectacular bombings. The anti-Qaeda rebellion began in Anbar, formerly the most dangerous province in the country, an area famously described as "lost" to the terrorists in a Marine intelligence report leaked to the press in 2006. "Actually, the first tentative steps in Anbar were taken in 2005," Petraeus told me over dinner one evening. "The Abu Mahal tribe out by the Syrian border turned against al-Qaeda and fought hard — but pretty soon there were five or six dead sheiks." Not just dead, apparently — beheaded and left in the street. "Over time, the word began to get around among the other tribes that al-Qaeda was not only brutal, it didn't even respect traditional burial practices."

Some al-Qaeda elements overplayed their hand in other ways as well, demanding marriage to the daughters of local sheiks, forcibly recruiting teenagers as suicide bombers and imposing Shari'a law — including a ban on Western dress and smoking. "Last fall Army Colonel Sean MacFarland, the brigade commander in Ramadi, was approached by Sheik Abdul Sattar Buzaigh al-Rishawi," Petraeus said. "Several of the sheik's relatives had been killed by al-Qaeda. The story is, MacFarland guaranteed Abdul Sattar's security by putting an M1 tank section in [his] front yard and [a] police station across the street." By mid-March, tribal elements were helping clear al-Qaeda from the provincial capital of Ramadi. "Pretty soon, there were Sunnis in other parts of the country who wanted the same deal," the general said.

The current operation, Phantom Thunder, was made possible by the tribal flip. It is not classic counterinsurgency warfare. It is not about protecting a population but about attacking a historically elusive enemy. This is not so easily done in Iraq. On the second day of Phantom Thunder, I flew into Baqubah with Lieut. General Ray Odierno — a massive man, decidedly more blood-and-guts than Petraeus — to check the progress of what was supposed to be the most intense, and symbolic, battle of the offensive. In 2006 al-Qaeda's leader Abu Mousab al-Zarqawi proclaimed Baqubah the capital of the new Islamic State of Iraq. About 500 al-Qaeda fighters were said to be in the city, hunkered down, ready for a fight.

But now Baqubah was strangely quiet as we flashed into town, an otherworldly convoy of dust-colored Stryker vehicles, bristling with gunners. Only a few small explosions could be heard in the distance; there was no small-arms fire. We stopped at a bombed-out medical clinic for a briefing, with operation maps leaned against a white ceramic tile wall, Odierno and his commanders sitting on boxes and camouflage-fabric campaign chairs in a tight semicircle. The news was good. The enemy was said to be caught in a tightening cordon. Local Sunni insurgents — they claimed to be members of the 1920 Revolution Brigades — had helped to clear the Buhritz neighborhood. After the briefing, Lieut. Colonel Bruce Antonia told me, "Usually everybody's shooting at us. This is the first time we've had any of them on our side."

A second briefing, in a joint U.S.-Iraqi command post in the middle of Baqubah, was less optimistic. An Iraqi general said that he was pretty certain that the al-Qaeda leadership had slipped away, north to Tikrit and Samarra, and that many of the fighters were burying their equipment before they left town, hoping to return — as always — when the Americans left. In the days that followed, it became clear that almost all of al-Qaeda's fighters had gotten out. In a guerrilla war, only the stupidest guerrillas allow themselves to be lured into set-piece battles against a superior force.

"If you put your foot in a puddle, the water splashes out," Petraeus' chief counterinsurgency expert David Kilcullen said. "The important thing is to secure the neighborhoods they've left." But the puddle analogy wasn't quite right. This puddle had evaporated and would undoubtedly condense somewhere else in Iraq. There simply aren't enough troops to police the entire country.

If you fly over Baghdad in a helicopter, as Petraeus sometimes does when the sun is setting over the sepia-toned city, all seems peaceful. There are crowded markets, kids playing soccer on large dirt fields; downtown Baghdad hasn't been reduced to rubble, as Beirut was in the Lebanese civil war. The increased number of U.S. troops has made many neighborhoods safer, but the relative quiet can convey the false impression of progress. During my week in Iraq — including three days in combat zones — I heard only occasional explosions, mostly in the Green Zone, which is shelled by Shi'ite militias nearly every night, and saw no pitched battles ... and yet the casualties piled up: 36 Americans were killed. There was a spike in Iraqi casualties as well because of horrific bombings at the Mansour Hotel, where al-Qaeda targeted some of the Sunni sheiks who had been cooperating with Petraeus, and at a Shi'ite mosque in downtown Baghdad. The number of daily enemy attacks has more than doubled in the past two years.

The violence is abetted by the political vacuum in Baghdad. The Iraqi government is irresolute to the point of near collapse. It is nowhere near to figuring out how to make a political deal amongst the contending parties that might lead to stability. "All this attention on benchmarks has actually been bad for the process," Ambassador Crocker says. "We've wasted so much time and energy on getting a hydrocarbon law" — that is, a law to divide oil profits amongst the ethnic and religious parties, likely to be approved soon — "but it has very little to do with getting a functioning government in place." The truth is, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government is puttering along, happily dependent on the U.S. "There are no consequences for them when they screw up," Crocker says. "Whatever's wrong, we take care of it."

The Bush Administration fantasy — a democratic Iraq that fairly represents the interests of Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds — is almost an impediment to the real horse-trading that must take place. Two families — the al-Sadrs and the al-Hakims — dominate Iraqi Shi'ite politics, and the issue of who leads Iraq may ultimately be decided between them. Each has a young leader. "The question is, Does either of these guys have the capacity to move from Prince Hal to King Henry?" said a senior U.S. military official. The Hakim family has traditionally been more aloof — and pro-Iranian — than the Sadrs. The current al-Hakim patriarch is suffering from lung cancer but has designated his son Amal to be the leader of his group, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. "Unlike his father, Amal smiles," a U.S. diplomat told me. "He gave a good speech in Najaf last week. He might actually be a real leader."

But the most important man in Iraq is the other Shi'ite prince, Muqtada al-Sadr, who is 33 and the nominal leader of the most powerful militia in the country, the Mahdi Army. Al-Sadr is often called mercurial — he's supposedly a fervent video-game player — but the evidence says otherwise. He has been a devoted follower of the populist, nationalist, outsider style of his father, the Grand Ayatullah Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr, which has great appeal for Iraqi Shi'ites. Unlike his father, however, Muqtada has accepted significant support from the Iranians — and fled to Iran for a time, allegedly, after the surge began.

How to handle al-Sadr is the single most important decision to be made by Petraeus and Crocker in the coming months: Is he friend or foe? There are those on the general's staff who believe al-Sadr will be the inevitable winner of the Iraqi power struggle and must be accommodated. Others believe he is an irreconcilable thug. Either way, his strength among the Shi'ite masses is obvious. On Sunday I walked through the Shorja market, the site of John McCain's infamous tour last April. (I, too, was accompanied by a fierce-looking squad of troops in up-armored humvees; the troops teased me about the absence of protective helicopters.) Unlike McCain, I asked the local vendors some political questions. Those I met — and most of the others at Shorja, my Army chaperones later conceded — were al-Sadr supporters. "This is the worst government ever," a cell-phone shopkeeper named Fadhil Taher told me, referring to the Maliki regime. When I asked about al-Sadr, he said, "He's a good leader. You tell America. He's good, good, good. He's a man of peace."

Soon after arriving in Iraq, Petraeus invented a formulation that has since become a cliché: the disparity between the two "clocks" — Washington and Baghdad time — for ending the war. The Washington clock is "late fourth quarter, we're down a touchdown, and the other team has the ball," a senior Administration official told me. Petraeus knows that the American public is tired of the war — tired of not winning it, at least — and that a significant chunk of the Republicans in Congress may be about to abandon President Bush, as the respected Senator Richard Lugar did on June 26. The general would love to see "a couple of weeks without explosions" before September to reinforce his probable plea for patience. But insurgent forces responded to Phantom Thunder with high-profile bombings in recent days, and they are probably saving their best shots for the weeks before Petraeus leaves for Washington. The terrorists are lobbying Congress too.

There is another clock, not often mentioned, that sits in the Pentagon. It is the Broken Army clock, the service timeline for an exhausted force. Petraeus and his staff were deeply concerned when rumors of another tour extension, from the current 15 months for soldiers, spread in mid-June. "It would be a last resort," Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told reporters — but troop morale is so iffy that Petraeus quietly urged his commanders to "get the word out" to their soldiers that the extension rumors were false.

According to the Broken Army clock, troop levels will begin to wane in March 2008, no matter what Congress decides in September; the current 20 brigade combat teams will be reduced to 15 by August 2008. There is growing speculation in the military that Bush will try to pre-empt the Petraeus testimony by announcing a gradual drawdown from 20 to 15 combat brigades later this summer. "As if that isn't going to happen anyway," a senior officer told me. "But it may give us some political breathing space" — that is, it may subvert the Democrats' calls for a more rapid withdrawal — "if the President makes a big deal of announcing we're drawing down."

Petraeus won't talk about his September testimony, and he won't talk about the details of the inevitable U.S. withdrawal. But it is clear that he and his aides are preparing for the endgame. In Baqubah, General Odierno had told the Iraqis, "It's up to you to make sure [al-Qaeda] doesn't come back." One could only wonder about the fate of Sunni insurgents who had turned against the jihadis. Soon they would be facing a new foe, an Iraqi army and local police that have been notoriously awful in Diyala province — riddled with Shi'ite death squads, incompetence and corruption. Petraeus' "all in" bet relies on the police recruits squatting sullenly in Yusufia, indulging his cheerleading — "Are you ready to fight for your country?" Certainly, they were ready to fight for their families, their tribes, their mosques ... but for a Shi'ite Iraq? Probably not.

"The vision thing is really important," Petraeus told his commanders in Yusufia. "You have to visualize what security here should look like when you're gone." Petraeus was among the first to have the vision thing in Iraq, in Mosul in 2003, but the experiment was abandoned — there was a lack of sufficient troops — after he left. McCain and others believe, with some justification, that if the Petraeus counterinsurgency tactics had been adopted three years ago, the U.S.-led coalition might have had a shot. But now it seems likely that Petraeus will suffer the same fate in Baghdad as he did in Mosul. The various clocks are very much on his mind, but so are the daily sacrifices, the brilliant improvisations and occasional neighborhood victories of the troops he leads. "He doesn't want to be the fall guy," an aide said. And he doesn't deserve to be. It is hard to imagine, though, how this can turn out any other way.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:43 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The previous article came from www.time.com.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 11:45 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Remember when Al-Malaki was suppose to make a significant announcement about the economic direction of Iraq. I read today that announcement was postponed because of the arrest of his cultural minister.

I also read today on another forum about a new political bloc forming in support of Al-Malaki by moderate Iraqi's. Lets hope this can aid to peace in Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 28, 2007 5:08 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Banking and Finance
Gulf surplus set to touch $3tr http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Banking_and_Finance/10135588.html

-- June 28, 2007 7:11 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

It’s Official: The Crash of the U.S. Economy has begun http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=5964

-- June 28, 2007 7:55 PM ∞

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AnthonyR wrote:

Well done cornishboy, you have just demonstrated that you can provide information and your thoughts without killing the site. Your efforts are much apreciated.

PS
Rob, thanks for being your usual bandwidth vampire today and the 30 something new pages to load. You should follow cornishboys example, gives lots of interesting ideas and news without making us wait an extra 10 minutes for the site to load.

-- June 29, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Cornishboy,

You are a champ! Thanks for the interesting referenced articles. very scary, but infomative.

Valerio---where have ya' been?

Rob: I think Cornishboy set an example for you and Sara to follow--- how about it?

Valerio,

If you are led to call Sara a name, can you start with "passive aggressive", angelic style. :)

Carole

-- June 29, 2007 5:13 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Neil,

Not just "old man" but

" VERY WISE OLD MAN"!

guess who loves ya baby?

Carole

-- June 29, 2007 5:16 AM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Carol, a few days ago you were complaining to no end about Cornish boy, Rob N, and Sara and today apparently it’s me.

We received the best news yesterday we’ve heard in a years and your still not happy.

Correct me if I’m wrong but do you think all the others you said have left this site is from compulsive cut and paste or do you have something to do with it.

WHATEVER!!!

-- June 29, 2007 7:47 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

thankyou all i appreciate it.:)

-- June 29, 2007 7:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Foreign ministry spokesman discusses Iraq's economic reconstruction

China's foreign ministry spokesman, Qin Gang, recently discussed Iraq's economic reconstruction at a press conference.

"China has always actively supported and constructively participated in the reconstruction process of Iraq including providing assistance to it. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, on behalf of the Chinese Government, announced that China will offer a grant of RMB 50 million assistance to Iraq this year on the International Compact with Iraq held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt this May. Besides, we would like to largely reduce and write off the debt Iraqi owed to us."

"We have helped Iraq to train people specialized in economics, electricity, diplomacy and management. Chinese companies are also willing to participate in Iraq's economic reconstruction."

"We hope Iraq can achieve security, stability and development at an early date and the Iraqi people can enjoy stable life as early as possible. China will continue to play a constructive role in the reconstruction process of Iraq with other members of the international community.

Source: Iraq Updates
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 29, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush cites Israel as model for Iraq
6/28/2007

By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer 31 minutes ago

President Bush held up Israel as a model for defining success in Iraq Thursday, saying the U.S. goal there is not to eliminate attacks but to enable a democracy that can function despite violence.

With his Iraq policies under increasing fire from the American public and lawmakers from both parties, Bush went to the U.S. Naval War College here to declare progress. As the president pleaded for patience, his top national security aide went to Capitol Hill to meet with Republican critics.

Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, the senior Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, delivered a lengthy floor speech earlier this week contending that Bush's war strategy won't have time to work and that U.S. troops should start leaving now.

National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley met with Lugar and others including GOP Sen. John Warner of Virginia. Hadley wouldn't discuss the meetings, but Warner said a defense policy bill that is expected to attract several war-related amendments in July was a main topic.

The White House thought it had until an expected September assessment by military commanders to deal with political fallout on the unpopular war.

But criticism is mounting now. A majority of senators now believe that troops should start coming home within the next few months. And House Republicans want to revive the independent Iraq Study Group to give the nation new options.

Bush sought in his speech to put the brakes on these efforts. He said that success in Iraq would usher in "a dawn of a Middle East where leaders are at peace with their own people, where children enjoy the opportunities their parents only dreamed of and where America has new allies in the cause of freedom."

He characterized the fight in Iraq, where tensions between Shiite and Sunni factions have kept the country in a cycle of violence, as primarily against al-Qaida forces and their use of grisly suicide attacks and car bombings.

"They understand that sensational images are the best way to overwhelm the quiet progress on the ground," Bush said.

Still, he laid out in some of his plainest terms yet how to define when the U.S. presence in Iraq has achieved its goals.

"Our success in Iraq must not be measured by the enemy's ability to get a car bombing in the evening news," he said. "No matter how good the security, terrorists will always be able to explode a bomb on a crowded street."

He suggested Israel as a model.

There, Bush said, "Terrorists have taken innocent human life for years in suicide attacks. The difference is that Israel is a functioning democracy and it's not prevented from carrying out its responsibilities. And that's a good indicator of success that we're looking for in Iraq."

It was likely to be controversial — and possibly even explosive — for Bush to set out Israel as a model for a Muslim Middle Eastern nation. Israel has been locked for decades in an intractable dispute with Palestinians in the neighboring occupied territories, a conflict that is viewed as a major recruiting tool for Islamic extremist groups like al-Qaida.

What America is aiming for in Iraq, Bush said, is "the rise of a government that can protect its people, deliver basic services for all its citizens and function as a democracy even amid violence."

The president ordered 21,500 additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq in January, as an effort to increase security in Baghdad and nearby Anbar Province. With those troops finally all deployed, Bush on Thursday ticked through the details of operations in several areas, declaring with the aid of maps and charts on screens that flanked him that progress already is being made in many places.

He said that sectarian murders, after spiking in May, are now down substantially from January levels. Car bombings and suicide attacks continue, but are down in May and June. He cited "astonishing signs of normalcy" such as soccer matches and crowded markets.

"The fight has been tough — it's a tough fight and it's going to remain difficult," he said. "We lost some good men and women and even as our troops are showing some success in cornering and trapping al-Qaida, they face a lot of challenges."

The president asked lawmakers and the public to give the effort a chance.

"It's a well-conceived plan by smart military people," he said. "And we owe them the time, and we own them the support they need to succeed."

Afterward, Bush took a few questions, including one from a woman who asked "with all due respect" how much the president listens to military officers when making decisions about the war. "A lot," he replied.

Outside, about 100 anti-war protesters held signs saying "Shame," "Impeach," and "War is never the answer." It was Bush's first presidential visit to Rhode Island, a heavily Democratic state where opinion polls show he is unpopular.

The president spent time privately after his speech with families of soldiers killed in Iraq.

Bush cites Israel as model for Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 29, 2007 10:07 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Jeff,

Face it! Your coaxing and urging what has hindered this forum for your own personal convinence or inabilities is at best shortsighted......and I'm being nice!

Cornishboy responded to many who made requests for him to change his style of forwarding information. That response is to be commended.

Sorry if it kinks your day!

Have someone show you how to click the links and you will still go to bed informed and satisfied with very little effort, while helping many who waste time on downloading the massive pasted articles.

Wake up and smell the coffee---PLEASE!

Carole

-- June 29, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush: Key to Evaluating Iraq Is at Its Local Level
President Departs From Past Rhetoric
By Thomas E. Ricks

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

29 June 2007 (The Washington Post)
Print article Send to friend
The most important form of political compromise in Iraq is not among top Iraqi politicians in Baghdad, but at the local level, President Bush asserted yesterday, in a departure from past rhetoric on Iraqi politics.

"To evaluate how life is improving for the Iraqis, we cannot look at the country only from the top down, we need to go beyond the Green Zone and look at Iraq from the bottom up," he said in a speech at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. "This is where political reconciliation matters most, because it is where ordinary Iraqis are deciding whether to support new Iraq."

Until now, Bush and members of his administration have almost always described political agreement in Iraq as an effort to be led by members of Iraq's national government. In his State of the Union address in January, the president emphasized that "Iraq's leaders have committed themselves to a series of benchmarks to achieve reconciliation." And in a White House ceremony in March, Bush told one of those Iraqis -- Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi -- that "the main reason why I've reinforced our troops in Iraq is to give leaders such as yourself the opportunity to do the hard work of reconciliation."

But since January, when the president unveiled his new security strategy for Baghdad -- with the stated goal of creating breathing space that would lead to a new political opening in Iraq -- there have been few signs of major progress toward reconciliation among Iraq's top leaders.

At the same time, U.S. officials have taken encouragement in the apparent swing that several tribal leaders in Iraq's Anbar province have taken against al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgents. As Bush noted in his speech, that surprising shift has come after U.S. officials last year began to believe that conditions in Anbar -- which is overwhelmingly Sunni -- were hopeless. In August 2006, the senior Marine Corps intelligence officer in the province filed a classified assessment, which concluded that U.S. forces were not able to defeat the insurgency there.

Now, with many sheikhs in Anbar apparently supporting the U.S. position or at least ceasing to oppose it, "we're hoping to replicate the success we've had in Anbar in other parts of Iraq, especially in areas in and around Baghdad," Bush said.

In his remarks, Bush continued to describe political reconciliation in Iraq as a goal of U.S. policy, in contrast to some top U.S. military officials in Iraq who have begun to stop advocating "reconciliation" and now favor "accommodation" -- which they consider a less ambitious, shorter-term objective.

"I think there's probably an interim step toward reconciliation that might better be described as accommodation," Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, until recently the commander of U.S. training and advising efforts, told reporters earlier this month. "And what I mean by that is that they have to find ways to become dependent on each other."

In another sign of a potential policy shift, Bush also said in his speech that one of the encouraging signs in Baghdad is that "citizens are forming neighborhood watch groups." It is not clear what the difference is between those groups and armed militias, which U.S. officials have said in the past must be disbanded or incorporated into Iraqi security forces.

The president had previously emphasized the role of troops and law enforcement in protecting citizens. "When Iraqi civilians see a large presence of professional soldiers and police patrolling their streets, they grow in confidence and trust," Bush said in a speech in Michigan in April. "They become less likely to turn to militias for protection."

Staff writer Ann Scott Tyson contributed to this report.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 29, 2007 10:10 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Rice, Beckett give Iraq clean bill of health on eve of UNMOVIC termination

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

UNITED NATIONS, 29 June 2007 (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
Print article Send to friend
On the eve of a Security Council move Friday to "terminate immediately" the mandates of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her British counterpart Margaret Beckett assured the international community on Thursday that Iraq is in compliance with its disarmament obligations.

In a joint letter to the council president, Belgium, dated yesterday Wednesday and circulated today, Rice and Beckett said their governments "have been working since March 2003 with the objective of locating and security, removing, disabling, rendering harmless, eliminating, or destroying weapons of mass destruction (WMD), ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 kilometers, and related delivery systems and programmes in Iraq developed under the regime of Saddam Hussein." "We wish to inform the council that all appropriate steps have been taken" in that regard, the letter said.

The letter drew the council's attention to the conclusions, without mentioning them, of the report issued by the Special Advisor to the US Director of Central Intelligence on Iraq's WMD programmes, known as "the Duelfer Report," which concluded that no such weapons were found in Iraq.

The letter, along with an Iraqi letter, signed by Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari, outlining additional actions that Baghdad has taken or intends to take in the near future to demonstrate its belief that it is now in full compliance with its disarmament obligations, are attached to the draft resolution that the council is scheduled to vote on Tomorrow Friday.

The draft would acknowledge Iraq's constitutional commitment to the non-proliferation, non-development, non-production and non-use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and associated equipment, material, and technologies for use in the development, manufacture, production and use of such weapons, as well as delivery systems.

It would invite Iraq to report to the council within one year on progress made in adhering to all applicable disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and related international agreements.

It would request the Secretary-General to take "all necessary measure" to provide for the appropriate disposition of UNMOVIC's archives and other property, ensuring that sensitive proliferation information or information provided in confidence by member states is kept under strict control, and urge him to inform the council within three months on the steps he took in this regard.

The Secretary-General would also be asked to transfer to Baghdad through the Development Fund for Iraq, not later than three months from the adoption of the resolution, all remaining funds in the UN escrow account, after returning to member states, "at their request," old contributions made by them.

The account now has roughly sixty million dollars. UNMOVIC chief Demetrius Perricos and IAEA representative Gustavo Zlauvinen are scheduled to present summary briefings in the council meeting Friday on their respective activities in Iraq since 1991 following the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation. UNMOVIC, created by the council in 1999 by resolution 1284, succeeded the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) which was mandated to look for suspected weapons in Saddam's Iraq.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 29, 2007 10:12 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Your incessant whining and complaining continues to annoy the participants on this forum. You speak about the lengthy articles Cornish Boy, Sara, and I post. Yet you and your daughter took up space debating your inability to spell. Furthermore, I am not the least bit interested whether or not you punished your children by making them write their spelling words one hundred times.

I am convinced that the articles we post are more relevant than the life changing topic of your inability to spell. What do you contribute to this board? Why do you not discuss the Dinar? Is it possible you really do not have anything to say on the subject? I think Tony Snow's comments about the relevancy of former President Carter definitely applies to you. I am openly questioning your relevancy to this forum.

Carole, it unfortunate that you are not on a T1, which makes downloading this page a breeze regardless of the amount of information posted.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- June 29, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

---

AnthonyR wrote:

Rob, no one asked you, Sara, or anyone else to refrain from posting your articles. We still want very much to read all of the relevant and interesting news.

What was asked was to change the way you post. See how cornish boy provided his info yesterday. Just type a small summary or headline about what the article pertains to, then we can choose to take it or leave it. If we leave it, it doesn't add 2 minutes to the load time of T&B.

The ONLY reason I can think of for the constant cut and pastes are if you don't read the articles yourself, and just read the headline so you can't post enough to get the idea accross without the cut and paste. If thats the case, you really shouldn't be posting it anyway.

-- June 29, 2007 11:21 AM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

Carole

If you look back they only arguments or negative connotation has been with you!

Hmmmm….. I Agree with Rob …What do you contribute? Without the postings there

would be no forum. I am quite capable of finding information for myself although, my

day consists of more than sitting on the couch harassing others because I am unhappy

with my life or have nothing better to do. This is a “Dinar” forum! Where all opinions are

welcome yes, even yours. If you’re so unhappy with this site I’m sure you know how to

click on another one!

Have you taken your pill today? Just sit back and look at the petty colors.

-- June 29, 2007 11:50 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

http://www.cbiraq.org/cbs3a.htm

-- June 29, 2007 1:13 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Economy

China : Foreign ministry spokesman discusses Iraq's economic reconstruction http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php?refid=DH-S-29-06-2007&article=18834v

-- June 29, 2007 1:34 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi Govt Body Rejects Some Oil Law Clauses http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=47081v

-- June 29, 2007 1:40 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Non-Iraqis trading in the Iraqi Exchange soon http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4029

-- June 29, 2007 1:47 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi exhange permanent law" http://www.state.gov/e/eeb/ifd/2007/80708.htm

-- June 29, 2007 1:55 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

You guys with the SLOW computers NEED to stop crying,drink some warm milk and go to bed. I have a computer that is 6 years old, in the US and I get right on this site within 10 to 15 seconds. I don't know what happened to some of you, but damn if you can buy into this dinar thing , then you should be able to buy into a computer or a high speed connection and get on with your lives...

-- June 29, 2007 3:22 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Sara,

Where are you in Rob N's hour of need?

Cornish Boy's brave defences have been worn down, and Rob. N has been caught in a pincer movement by Carole and Anthony R, and is under heavy bombardement.

Despite admirable support from Jeff, the onslaught shows no signs of abating, and Rob needs to see the cavalry coming over the hill.

Hang in there Rob.N.

-- June 29, 2007 5:20 PM ∞

---

The Quiet Gambler wrote:

Thanks for all your info y'all round up, especially Chelsea Dave and Sara and Rob N. Saves me the trouble of hunting a lot of it. I read all your notes every coupla weeks.

-- June 29, 2007 10:30 PM ∞

---

AnthonyR wrote:

Really simple, the proof is in the pudding.

Cornishboy posted a lot of great info today, and at the same time, ALL of that info is not even one page worth on this site.

I can click each and every one of those links and read the entire article just the same as if it had been posted right here and further clogged the page.

Far as my "slow" computer, I have a 2.4 GHz cpu, 512 DDR Ram, and cable internet. Virus/Spyware free. 99.99% of the sites I visit load instantly. This one takes upwards to a minute now. I have a minute, thats fine. But not everyone is blessed to be able to afford fast computing and net.

These people should not be penalized to have to wait 10 minutes for a page to load when it can be avoided and still share each and every idea, thought, and article you can find.

If you are so lazy that the extra few clicks of the mouse required to click the links and open the articles on the original page will ruind your day, why don't you just stay in bed.

-- June 30, 2007 12:23 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carol,
I've been here scanning through every day looking for something interesting. At least since you got these information jockeys stired up people have actually been talking to each other, and that makes it seem more like a forum where people share ideas, opinions, speculation, insults, etc. If these cut & pasters want to truely be heros, why don't they tell us what it means to us dinar investors, and save us the trouble of even having to read it at all. I have wondered if they even read all of what they paste on here. If Rob N. reads all that stuff he puts on here I'll be the first to admit that he's got to be more informed than I am. I wonder if his dinars are going to revalue before mine? Cornish boy has the right idea now with what he's doing, and I appreciate that. Heck, I've even been tempted to click on a few of those links he posted. Naah! All I really want to know is HAS THE DINAR HIT YET?
I'm not really wanting to call Sara a name, I was jokingly trying to get the DinarAdmin's attention. I've noticed them being eager to censor remarks implied toward her.
I wouldn't worry about your spelling, it's easy not to make many spelling errors when all you do is cut and paste someone elses work. I think someone needs to go to their room and type DINAR 100,000 times, and no pasting is allowed.

-- June 30, 2007 2:13 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob,

Cutting and pasting is relevant????? In what way?

If you have read all of your stuff posted, you don't need anymore information about the Dinar or any other activity surrounding it.

Here is my contribution:

1.The Dinar is still worthless.

2. The country is still in disarray.

3.We win battles daily, but are still losing the war.

4. The world is ready to implode upon itself.

5.It is very debatable that there will ever be a pig roast.

Additionally, I and others have posted some intersting and provacative thoughts of which you never respond. Which leads me to believe that you don't read anyone elses posts.

Going back over several days and weeks, I should have expected the positive response from cornishboy, as he is so different than you in that he actually put in his own thoughts on many of the articles that he pasted.

You call my comments whining, they are really comments of thought and expression. You don't have to like them, that's your right.

Stand back, go back and read all of the PERSONAL comments posted ( ie Roger) and if you still think that your cut and paste contribution serves the objectives of this forum, then I can only pity you, and be grateful that you are not a part of my reality.

Carole

-- June 30, 2007 4:16 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

ROB N

YOU HAVE SINGLE HANDED RUINED THIS FORUM--HAPPY?

-- June 30, 2007 4:32 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Is there some degree of caution, maybe? - thoughts on terrorism

I think history repeats itself.
And.. I think we don't learn enough from history, which is why we repeat it.

Suppose Hitler had been born to a family who was established as Nazi...
then those who worked in the political opposition party told you he was harmless,
because he had turned to Catholicism and was a devout Catholic "Christian".
Is Obama's story, whose parentage is from the enemy of the GWOT instead of Nazism, any different?

Once Hitler got to power - using the opposition party to gain that office -
he created a national emergency to seize power and then put to death all opposition.
When I read how there is a push to find out exactly who has been supporting the
Bush Administration in their war against terror..
an effort to force them to give out the names of all who visited or wrote emails in support of them..
I wonder the motives of finding out that information, too.

Gaining the White House and then allowing or orchestrating an attack like Hitler did...
covertly and/or with help from those who are appointed to those positions of power..
would be greatly helped by them having that information on who is the Islamofascist's enemy
and supported President Bush's Administraton in the GWOT... .. wouldn't it?

Sound far fetched? Likely it did to the German people at the time, too.
Likely they, like me, thought it was funny.. but didn't put their finger on why.
They never thought it could be a plan to destroy and take over the country..
until it was too late.

History repeats itself.
Doesn't it?
We never learn.

We throw caution to the wind and believe it could never happen...
not here, anyway.
Likely the Germans thought so, too.
When exactly did people learn what Hitler really thought and believed??
AFTER they elected him, wasn't it?
Did he reallly tell them beforehand what his plans were?
What assurances did this Nazi give to them.. which made them support him politically?

We may have to learn what the house is made of, when the wolf knocks on the door.
(The Three Little Pigs)
For those who have some degree of caution left within them and don't embrace the enemy -
the wolf in sheep's clothing - as a friend.. when he knocks on the door asking to be let into office...
they really ought to answer, "Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin."
But in that story as in this.. two of the three pigs were foolish.. that makes them a majority.
And here, the majority rules.
Remember what happened to those two little pigs.. sobering, isn't it?

-- June 30, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

British Police Probe Car Bomb Plot in London
Friday, June 29, 2007

LONDON — Police thwarted a devastating terrorist plot on Friday, discovering two Mercedes loaded with nails packed around canisters of propane and gasoline set to detonate and kill possibly hundreds in London's crowded theater and nightclub district.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,287438,00.html

-- June 30, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Annon,

Great thoughts . There have been many elected leaders around the world who have then become dictators of terror and atrocities towards those who elected them.

History, if the elements are repeated, will take a society down dark and horrendous paths.

Here, in the US, we have chosen a path of many countries ( empires if you will) who eliminated the concept of a Divine God. By doing so they have caused Him to abandon them, and in doing so have come out from under the protection of His Divine power.

Where are they now? Most are 3rd world nations, subject to the harshest elements immaginable. And subject to every physical,financial, social and spiritual manifestation of degradation possible. It is doomsday everyday for these nations, and in some cases for centuries.

Since the mid 19th century we have been laying the bricks for this path, in our country. One has only to look at the social and moral decay of our country to predict the future. History is about to repeat itself.

America, America, God's abandoned His grace on thee,
No more, His crown on goods or brotherhoods,

From Sea to Shining Sea.

-- June 30, 2007 10:42 AM ∞

---

DinarAdmin wrote:

After removing most of the venom from the posts on cut and pasting, I now ask you to drop the topic. Both sides have their views and are welcome on this site. Any further references will be deleted as they do not add to the discussion any longer.

DinarAdmin

-- June 30, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Dinar Admin

Now you are here read this, GIVE US A NEW PAGE

-- June 30, 2007 5:10 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Steven,

Getting back to Warka…. In the letter received from the deputy director it mentions it is

illegal to have Dinar out of the country, but also gives directions where to send it and

how they handle it once they have received it. Have you heard of anyone who has

actually sent any, and it been deposited into their account? Or are we not supposed to

have any “until that day”.

-- June 30, 2007 6:30 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Dinar Admin,

If we could have a new page on a more regular basis, you could save yourself the hassle of having to trawl through looking for venomous comments on the cut and paste debate.

The cut and pasters could cut and paste away to their hearts content, while the anti cut and pasters wouldn't have to wait an age for the page to download.

Everyone would be happier and peace and harmony would reign. Or on second thoughts maybe it won't.

Is there a technical reason why it has been so long since there was a new page?

-- June 30, 2007 7:17 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Dinar Admin:

I kinda resent your getting involved in the writings on this Site. I know you have been given some authority but do you really need to exercise it?

We are not children or idiots and if someone gets a little harsh, the other members seem to chastise them for it without your help.

If you really want to serve a purpose, give us a new page.

-- June 30, 2007 11:09 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Jeff,

Yes i have heard from lots of people who have sent out ten million a go, the first time they were a bit woried, but it is shown up in their account with Warka sometimes as fast five or six days.
Mr I at Warka told me to send dinars by Fedex to,
Warka Bank for Investment and Finance-Main Branck-Baghdad Iraq,
International Foreign Relations Department-Attn: Mohammad K. Issa,
Watheq Square-Salman Faiq St.-Hay Alwihda-Sec. 902-14th St

As for it being illegal to have dinars out of the country, I do not think so, as I have been buying the large denoms from a Bank in the UK here, the CBI has actions all the time, most of it was going into Jordan, and then onto all over the world, and as we have the same rights to invest in Iraq as an Iraqi has, the president said so under order 13303 or something like that.
Back to sending dinars by post, do not say it is money on the packet as they will not want to know, put on it that it is Legal Doc,s, on getting to Mr I at Warka, your package will be counted both by hand and machine in the presence of three dedicated Bank employees under my supervision and we will credit the exact amount received to your account, well thats about as clear mud, hope it helps, I am waiting on my son getting around here to help me driveng this PC, up on IT I am not, LOL.
If you send me an email then I can send on some info that may be of some use,
swpsteve@aol.com
Have a nice quite Sunday, Steve.

-- July 1, 2007 12:00 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Jeff,

Yes i have heard from lots of people who have sent out ten million a go, the first time they were a bit woried, but it is shown up in their account with Warka sometimes as fast five or six days.
Mr I at Warka told me to send dinars by Fedex to,
Warka Bank for Investment and Finance-Main Branck-Baghdad Iraq,
International Foreign Relations Department-Attn: Mohammad K. Issa,
Watheq Square-Salman Faiq St.-Hay Alwihda-Sec. 902-14th St

As for it being illegal to have dinars out of the country, I do not think so, as I have been buying the large denoms from a Bank in the UK here, the CBI has actions all the time, most of it was going into Jordan, and then onto all over the world, and as we have the same rights to invest in Iraq as an Iraqi has, the president said so under order 13303 or something like that.
Back to sending dinars by post, do not say it is money on the packet as they will not want to know, put on it that it is Legal Doc,s, on getting to Mr I at Warka, your package will be counted both by hand and machine in the presence of three dedicated Bank employees under my supervision and we will credit the exact amount received to your account, well thats about as clear mud, hope it helps, I am waiting on my son getting around here to help me driveng this PC, up on IT I am not, LOL.
If you send me an email then I can send on some info that may be of some use,
swpsteve@aol.com
Have a nice quite Sunday, Steve.

-- July 1, 2007 12:06 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Annon:

Put very well. I'm not sure of what kind of authority the Dinar ADmin has. I have been trying to reach Kevin for a long time, but I don't beleive it is possible.

One thing I do know is that no one has the authority to violate 1st ammendment rights. I would think that the Dinar Admin or Kevin should know that.

There was recently 5mil. awarded to a plantiff who was the victim of censorship and harrassment from a Blog Administrator.

And you are absolutely right, this group is made up of people who have no problem speaking up or chastising eachother for getting out of line.

One thing I don't understand is how would having a new page really resolve the saturation of space by all the cutting and pasting being done, especially by Rob. Won't it just be a matter of a very short time before we are in the same predicament?

I would think it would be wiser for the Dinar Admin to encourage Rob and others to contribute to keeping this a true FORUM rather than a billboard for massive amounts of articles from other sites and sources.

I agree with the one who posted recently " if you don't type it, don't post it. "

Sounds reasonable to me.

Well, I hope you all get your wish for a new page, at any rate.

Carole

Carole

-- July 1, 2007 12:18 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Steven,

I don't know if you are aware of a friend of mine who is a multimillionaire who owns better than $300,000, US money in Dinar. He is a Realestate tycoon.

Anyway, about 2 months ago, I brought up the subject of the Warka Bank, to get his take on it. He said a friend of his sent 5mil Dinar to Warka Bank ( from his home in Costa Rica). After a month of not being able to track the account, he threatened to go to an international court and file a complaint. Warka finally responded and told him that the deposit was sequestered because the account was under a US corporation.

My RE friend said that was enough for him to avoid dealing with any bank that he could not walk into or have control over the goings on with his money.

His exact words were " those bastards are crazy, why would I entrust a dime with them, and I sure as hell am not flying into Iraq for any reason".

So, for whatever it is worth, I would be very careful. Have you ever heard of anything like this?

Carole

-- July 1, 2007 12:35 AM ∞

---

Clyde wrote:

Has anyone noticed that the CBI site hasn't updated since 6/28 ?

I agree with Steve and Dave on questioning why we can't get a new page,, It seems,, that questioning was sidestepped.

-- July 1, 2007 1:53 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

Clyde -

There is never an auction on Friday or Saturday, so 6/29 and 6/30 were both dark.

Since Chris hasn't posted it for a while, I guess I'll do it this morning:

Number of banks 9 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 15.050.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 15.050.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

David

-- July 1, 2007 9:30 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

Sorry - meant to include that the auction is for Sunday, July 1, 2007

David

-- July 1, 2007 9:32 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

.BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The government of the Kurdish area in northern Iraq to invite foreign companies to make offers to invest in 40 locations before new oil near unexpected approval to the law on the new Iraqi oil. http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=ar%7Cen&u=http://www.marsadiraq.com/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dview%26id%3D11600%26Itemid%3D33

-- July 1, 2007 3:02 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

KRG.org, 10:55:25 29 Jun. 2007
KRG publishes final draft oil law, model contract, exploration blocks
http://www.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?rnr=223&lngnr=12&smap=02010100&anr=18746

-- July 1, 2007 3:12 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi Stock Exchange is on the rise in indices http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.almalafpress.net/index.php%3Fd%3D126%26id%3D38034

-- July 1, 2007 3:26 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq draws up plans for privatisation gold rush http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/07/01/cniraq101.xml

-- July 1, 2007 3:33 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Carole,

Yes I do remember your RV friend, I have not heard of anyone lost any dinar going to Iraq, but then here in the UK I have a few items lost in the post now and then, the term lost is what the post office use, me I tell them to stop stealing my mail you bunch of low life scum suckers then I get mail from somone from an office in the PO service telling me not to write things like that on my mail, the little dears don't like it, aaahhhh poor babys. And as there is a bit off trouble in Iraq, i expect some things to get lost in the post there as well. have you never lost something in the mail in the US.
Most of my money will be in wire transfer from my account here into my account in Iraq, I will be posting about 7 to 10 million in small lots, 2 mill a go, might send Mr I a birthday card with 200,000 to grease the way, LOL
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 1, 2007 3:37 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq economic & strategic outlook GDP & current account http://www.menareport.com/en/business,Economy_and_Trade/214525

-- July 1, 2007 3:55 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

steven you are bang on mate i allso have warka account to and im very reluctant to post my dinars there.Is it possible that we could open a account up with hsbc thay all so have banks in iraq any one no if this is possible.? sorry about that last link dos not seam to work.

-- July 1, 2007 4:17 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Cornish Boy,
That was my first try as HSBC have a controling share of the Da El Salam Investment Bank that has 14 branchs in Iraq, I was in my HSBC and had a chat with the manager, and long story short, no I cannot open an account with their Iraqi banch, he said I would have to be in the country to open an account there, so i plan on buying some Dar El Salam shares, just to sticke it to him.
Do you live on a farm, as i had a buyer a few years ago and it sounds like you.
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 1, 2007 4:44 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Cornishboy,

Great article on the gold rush!! Thanks, since I have started to build my precious metal stockpile again. But only because of interests rates going up. They seem to tie into the price of gold silver and platinum.or at least they have for the last 30+ years.

Roger, if you are around, I would recommend this article.

Steven,

I don't know how the guy got his dinar into Iraq. I will find out and try to get an update.

I have heard recently from a friend of mine's grandson who is in the Army stationed in Iraq that it is illegal for the GI's to buy Dinar, or send them out of the country. Does anyone have info on this?

Carole

-- July 1, 2007 4:47 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

steven I live in a small town near newquay on the north coast but did live on a farm thanks four the info.

-- July 1, 2007 5:00 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Cornish Boy and Steven,

I have asked at various branches of HSBC about their branches in Iraq. Unfortunately this is normally met with expressions ranging from shocked and confused, to completely gormless.
With a little gentle persuasion, and after explaining that the bank they work for is opening up in Iraq, they will then go to their PC's where they try to find what I am looking for.....to no effect.
The only info I have found through my own research is that I think HSBC are linked to Dar Es Sallam Bank (probably spelt that wrong) in some way. I will keep trying to find out more.

I would also prefer to get the dinars to Warka via HSBC if possible. Shoving my dinar stash into an envelope with an Iraqi address on it does not sit well with me.

-- July 1, 2007 5:15 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Must learn to type quicker and stop watching tv while typing

-- July 1, 2007 5:29 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Cornishboy,

Just spoke to a friend and referred article about non-oil assests in Iraq. And he reminded me that where there is oil, there is gold! Think of California! Perfect example! Mexico too! So why not Iraq?

Carole

-- July 1, 2007 6:04 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

carole you are on the right trak.

-- July 1, 2007 6:33 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

I notice no one ever mentions the massive amount of minerals thay allso have.

-- July 1, 2007 6:41 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

The other day i read a post about kuwait driling diagonal in to iraqi oil feilds basically steeling there oil.a frend of mine reckons thats wot started the war between them and sadam has any one herd this.?

-- July 1, 2007 7:02 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Cornish Boy,
Yes I have heard of it, i posted it on here a few days ago.
Newquay, just down the coast a bit, best part of the country down here, south coast.
Or plan B Sell your dinar on Ebay, then just wire the money from your UK Bank to your Iraq Bank, no messing about with the post this way, I just read that again, and it seems to make sense, what do you think.
PS you will sell your dinar for £500 per million and you will be buying at the CBI rate from Iraq, £400 per mill
Stay Lucky. Steve.

-- July 1, 2007 7:24 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

how to upgrade Iraq market for securities http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 1, 2007 7:26 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

steven all ready thought of that it is a good idear but it still involves the po i sent sum dinars to london and thay got lost so wot do you do four the best.ps grate surfing down here.

-- July 1, 2007 7:39 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Cornish boy,
Post in England by, Special Delivery, with ins, as this is the way the PO tells us to send money in the post
1 mill wieghs 50G with £500 ins total cost £4.30
With £1,000 ins total cost £4.85
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 1, 2007 8:18 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

steven cheers four that il look in to it.

-- July 1, 2007 8:28 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(957)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 957 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/7/2 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 41.235.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 41.235.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- July 2, 2007 7:28 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Anonymous,

I'm not sure I grasped where you were going with the Hitler post. Looks like Carole got it. I don't think what happened in Germany that brought Hitler onto the world scene applies in the USA. At least, as long as we elect our leaders. A better parallel is Venezuela who have just repeated history by giving a "hitler" unlimited power to "fix their problems". Well, we see what he is doing with the trust of the Venezuelan people. He is stealing private industry and silencing his opposition.

For those who are Annonymous, Please plug in a name. It's hard to tell if I'm reading posts from a few people or one person.

Carole, You mentioned your Real Estate friend. Has he heard any more RV rumors?

-- July 2, 2007 8:28 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Kurds woo investors as Iraq knocks at the door
07-01-2007, 05h09
ARBIL, Iraq (AFP)

A general view shows a drilling platform at an oil well digging site near the village of Taq Taq, in the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan, 23 June. Northern Iraq's relatively stable Kurdish region is trying to attract oil prospectors and investors instead of insurgents in an ambitious bid to rival commercial hotspots like Dubai
(AFP/File)

Northern Iraq's relatively stable Kurdish region is trying to attract oil prospectors and investors instead of insurgents in an ambitious bid to rival commercial hotspots like Dubai.

The streets of the regional capital of Arbil are throbbing, not with the shock waves of car bombs but the roaring of bulldozers, as builders throw up a new generation of high-rise hotels and opulent shopping malls.

"Kurdistan is going to be an alternative to Dubai," boasted Hoshyar Nuri Abbas, an official with the Turkish-Canadian oil company, TTopco, a joint venture between Genel Enerji of Turkey and Addax Petroleum of Canada.

While Iraq's fragile central government has struggled to staunch the daily bloodshed in the war-torn Arab central and south, Kurdistan's once-feuding political parties have agreed to fire off brochures instead of bullets.

Arbil airport welcomes jets from Vienna, Dubai and Istanbul and the region's airline plans to offer flights to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and Berlin.

"It's not an easy task (to attract investors) because we are part of a country that everyone says is a war zone," said Falah Mustafa Bakir, head of international relations in the Kurdistan administration.

Bakir works in an office adorned with pictures of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Massud Barzani, president of the Kurdish Regional Government, leaders he credits with bringing stability to the area.

A year ago, as Baghdad spiralled into war between Arab sectarian and political factions, the two former rival guerrilla leaders set differences aside and merged their self-controlled regions into a single administration.

Soon afterwards the regional parliament passed a key investment law opening the door to foreign direct investment, and at present more than 600 foreign companies, mostly Turkish, are registered in the region.

In addition to providing a 10-year tax holiday to new investors, the liberal law allows foreign firms to own 100 percent of local subsidiaries and to repatriate all their profits.

"There is no safer place in the world ... the growth is impressive and we don't pay taxes. We would like to grow here," says Mohammed Tahir Brifkany, a Kurd employed by the Turkish group BTP Nursoy to oversee real estate projects.

Nursoy has constructed a residential complex of 700 modern apartments, complete with a swimming pool and tennis courts, in Arbil. The company's Iraqi operations employ around 1,200 people, more than its Turkish projects do.

The project is aimed at high-end clients, a new market for a region long accustomed to state-centred economic policies put in place by former dictator Saddam Hussein's totalitarian Baath Party.

But most Kurds have not yet reaped the rewards. The average salary in Arbil is around 400 dollars (300 euros) a month, forcing many to work more than one job to afford basic goods, which are becoming more expensive.

"Saddam's Iraq was a socialist economy. Now it is adopting a free market route," said Aziz Ibrahim Abdo, director general of the local trade ministry.

"In such a transition phase you can see negative effects but life is better for the people than before."

Nawzad Hadi Mawlood, the governor of Arbil, is optimistic that the Kurdish region will be a "copy of economies like the United Arab Emirates and be a good successful example for the new Iraq."

Iraq's Kurdish region has enjoyed de facto autonomy since 1991, when the United States extended a no-fly zone over the region following the first Gulf War, essentially cutting it off from Baghdad.

The Kurds, who strongly supported the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, maintained their autonomy after US forces rolled into Baghdad.

It would help if, like the Gulf countries, Kurdistan could jump-start its growth by exploiting large hydrocarbon reserves. But while Iraq as a whole is flush with oil, the region's reserves are modest.

Proven oil reserves account for 2.9 percent of Iraq's total reserves, but experts say the region's potential remains untapped.

"That (2.9 percent) is an estimate. We don't really know. It's a virgin area here," said Kemal Afaraci, an official with TTopco overseeing the company's site in the Kurdish region of Taq Taq.

The company is currently drilling its fourth oil well since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in April 2003 and hopes to drill two more by end of the year.

The three oil wells which TTopco has already drilled would produce 75,000 barrels a day, compared to the two million barrels produced in the rest of the country, mainly in the south.

Norway's DNO, Turkish group Petoil and the Canadian company Western Oil Sands have signed production-sharing contracts with the regional government.

But it is unclear how those contracts will fare if Baghdad passes a draft hydrocarbon law -- currently awaiting a parliamentary vote -- that would put the country's oil wealth under the control of a federal governing body.

In May, Iraq's oil minister Hussein Shahristani said that any contract signed before the adoption of law, aimed at equitably distributing Iraq's oil among all its 18 provinces, would be cancelled.

Kurdish officials nevertheless say they will honour the contracts, and the Kurdish Regional Government claims to have reached an agreement with Baghdad whereby it will receive 17 percent of the country's oil revenues.

"These contracts adopt international standards and are in line with the draft law," Bakir said.

Another concern is the region's oil infrastructure, which has repeatedly come under attack by insurgents south of the regional boundary.

The main oil pipeline, extending from the disputed oil-rich city of Kirkuk to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, is almost always shut off, a reminder that even in Kurdistan the war is never that far off.
(http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=183381)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq PM wants provincial elections by year's end

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Sunday he is determined to hold provincial elections by the end of this year as part of plans to delegate more power to the country's divided communities.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Problems for the Iraqi Oil Industry
02 July 2007 (The Washington Post)

Two recent U.S. government reports show that the much-awaited approval of that law -- which is designed to manage distribution of future oil revenue in Iraq and govern the granting of exploration rights to foreign companies -- would be just the beginning of addressing the nation's oil problems, with many devilish details to be worked out.

"The draft law was expected to clearly assign roles, decentralize the development of oil and gas fields, centralize control of revenues, and grant regions and regional oil companies the right to draw up contracts with foreign companies for exploration and development of new oil fields," the GAO reported.

Establishing Iraqi "regions" to control oil fields, a critical element of this structure, remains elusive. The borders of Iraq's Kurdish region are established, but a constitutionally mandated referendum on the status of Kirkuk, an oil-rich and majority-Kurd city, still awaits. Meanwhile, the Iraqi parliament still has to deal with Shiites' demands for their own region in the south, where most of Iraq's oil fields are found.

Another part of the law, the distribution of revenue based on regional population levels, "will require a politically sensitive census to be undertaken," according to the GAO -- a difficult task for a nation at war.

Complicating the oil problems is the Iraqi government's inability to work out its internal differences, with government ministries often controlled by competing parties. "Although the oil and electricity sectors are mutually dependent," the GAO notes, "the Iraqi government lacks integrated planning for these sectors."

The United States recently established an Energy Fusion Cell made up of personnel from the U.S. Embassy, the Multi-National Force-Iraq, and Iraq's oil and electricity ministries. The cell is tasked with crafting an energy strategy for Iraq, which should include "identifying rebuilding priorities, resource needs, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and performance measures and milestones," the GAO said.

But corruption and sabotage of facilities have dogged Iraq's oil industry. According to the inspector general's report, the general director of the Oil Products Distribution Co. was arrested for alleged corruption and the minister of oil was called to answer questions by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq. The GAO reported that the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline has been a repeated target of insurgents, "shutting down oil exports and resulting in lost revenues."

National security and intelligence reporter Walter Pincus pores over the speeches, reports, transcripts and other documents that flood Washington, and every week uncovers the fine print that rarely makes headlines -- but should.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Interesting article from an Iraqi perspective on the safety of neighborhoods in and around Baghdad.

Baghdad Buzz
The Baghdad Death Map
Iraqis Offer Their Own Security Assessment of Baghdad Neighborhoods
By ZEYAD KASIM 06/30/2007 00:55 AM ET
AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images
Baghdad, IRAQ: An Iraqi rides his bicycle past the wreckage of a car at the site of a car bomb in Baghdad's Al-Kadhimiyah district, 28 June 2007.

In their distinctive style of morbid humor, resourceful Baghdadis are circulating emails presenting their own personal assessment of the security situation in the capital. The detailed lists of what neighborhoods and areas are safe and what to avoid completely, because of Mahdi Army or Al-Qaeda activity or the random car bomb, are quite different from those found in Iraqi government or U.S. military statements. As many parts of the capital have become no-go zones for members of either the Sunni or Shia sect – or sometimes for both, it is a challenge for Baghdadis to identify areas where they are able to move freely and areas where they should better stay out.

The following is a translation of one such email making the rounds among residents of Baghdad and on Iraqi Web forums. The sarcastic email, which was written in Iraqi slang, attempts to classify the districts of Baghdad based on their level of danger. According to the author, the safest neighborhoods are the ones where the odds of staying alive are 50%:

The situation in different areas of Baghdad in regard to takfiri gangs of the new age: Al-Qaeda, the Mahdi Army, and their spiritual leaders – the forces of liberation.

fall into four different categories: safe, relatively safe, dangerous, and relatively dangerous. They are classified as follows:

- A safe area: where the probability of you staying alive is 50%.
- A relatively safe area: where the probability of you staying alive is 40%.
- A relatively dangerous area: where the probability of you staying alive is 30%.
- A dangerous area: where the probability of you staying alive is 20 to 10%.

Here we go:
- The Bayya’ garage, the periphery of Bayya’: No one can ever reach them because the Mahdi Army is randomly abducting people and killing them for what they say is in retaliation for the husseiniya bombing a week ago.
- Shu’la: No one can reach it.
- Thawra (Sadr City): No one can reach it.
- Sha’ab: No one can reach it.
- Amil: No one can reach it.
- Jami’a and Khadhraa’: No one can reach them because Al-Qaeda fled Amiriya and Yarmouk and took refuge there.
- Mishahda north of Baghdad: No one can reach it because of the presence of gangs that collectively burn people alive.
- Jadiriya is relatively safe.
- Karrada is relatively safe.
- Mansour is relatively safe.
- Harthiya is safe (because of the presence of Kurdish militias).
- Yarmouk is relatively safe.
- Amiriya is dangerous.
- Adhamiya is relatively dangerous (in some parts of it) but there are constant clashes.
- Kadhimiya is safe.
- Grai’at is relatively dangerous.
- Utaifiya is safe.
- Haifa Street is relatively dangerous.
- The highway that connects Amiriya with the Baghdad gate is relatively dangerous.
- Ghazaliya is relatively dangerous because of clashes.
- Iskan is safe.
- Alawi is relatively dangerous.
- The Suq Al-Arabi area is relatively safe.
- Dora is not under the authority of the Republic of Iraq. It is currently an Islamic emirate complete with its own Islamic departments and ministers. Islamic CDs have been distributed to residents to explain the laws of the emirate.
- Saidiya is dangerous.
- Camp is relatively safe.
- Baladiyyat is safe.
- Jisr Diyala is dangerous.
- Arasat is safe.
- Masbah is safe.
- Baghdad Al-Jedida is relatively safe.
- Jezirat Baghdad is dangerous.
- Abu Ghraib is relatively dangerous.
- Mashtal is relatively safe.
- Qadisiya is safe.
- Hurriya is dangerous.
- Dola’i is dangerous.
- Adil is dangerous.
- Zayouna is safe.
- Washash is relatively dangerous.
- Bab Al-Sharji is relatively dangerous.
- Sa’doun Street is relatively dangerous.
- Waziriya is relatively safe.
- The Mohammed Al-Qassim highway is relatively safe.
- Bab Al-Mu’adham is dangerous.
- Fadhl is dangerous.
- The Baghdad International Airport highway is relatively safe.
- Hutteen or Qudhat is relatively safe.
- Ma’moun is relatively safe.
- The Dora intersection is dangerous.
- Abu Nuwas Street is safe.
- The Baghdad-Ba’quba road is bloody dangerous.
- The Green Zone is safe, and sometimes it is dangerous.

I apologize if I left out any areas of our beloved Baghdad but I’m writing and racing with electricity at the same time.

As to Iraqi governorates:
- The north of Iraq is safe, except the Ninewa governorate, which is dangerous.
- The northern center governorates are relatively dangerous.
- The southern center governorates are relatively dangerous.
- The governorates of the south are safe, except for Diwaniya and Basrah, which are relatively dangerous.
- The west is relatively safe, except for the western highway , which is dangerous sometimes.
- The governorates of the east are all dangerous.
(www.iraqslogger.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Rebuilding Shifts from Western Contracts to Iraqis
Iraq Rebuilding Shifts from Western Contracts to Iraqis
Blackanthem - [01/07/2007]


All of the $11 billion appropriated for the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund has been obligated, the work is 83 percent complete, and Iraqis are doing more and more of the work, a senior military official said yesterday.

But work will need to continue in the region for at least another year and a half to finish the projects started, said Army Brig. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division.

As of June 10, 2,924 of a planned 3,393 Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund projects are finished, according to corps reports. Of 7,494 planned projects under Commander's Emergency Response Program funding, 6,278 projects are finished.

Construction in the region has shifted from largely Western-based contracts to more contracts awarded to Iraqi contractors, Walsh said. About 60 percent of the contractors are now Iraq-based, and that number is expected to grow, he said.

Still, with all the successes in the region, Walsh said, the rebuilding efforts are not moving as fast as he would like.

"It's very difficult to get the skilled labor, the right materials, the right security, the right politics, all in one place so that you can get construction work done," he said. "Sometimes it's a year-and-a-half process.

"It's not going as fast as I would like, but then I am an impatient person, as most Americans are," Walsh said. "I think it's going as fast as it can."

Primary health care clinics take about a year to finish, he said. The corps is building 150 in the region. The corps has renovated 16 hospitals funded by the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund. Nine more are on tap to be finished. In Basrah, a 94-bed children's hospital should be finished this time next year.

Water and sewer plants take up to three years to finish, Walsh said. The corps just finished one in Irbil in northern Iraq, and another in Nasiriyah in southern Iraq. The two projects total about $450 million. To date, the corps' projects have delivered water to an additional 2.6 million people there. Officials plan to provide water to twice that many people before all projects are finished.

Corps officials are trying to bring Baghdad up to 12 hours of power daily. The city now has about eight hours daily. Most of the rest of country is up past 12 hours daily. Before the war, the outlying provinces may have had only two hours daily.

Part of a "good" problem in supplying electricity is the recovering economy in Iraq, Walsh said. As the economy grows, local citizens are buying more televisions, refrigerators and other appliances, which, in turn, drives up the need for power.

"So their demand for electricity is continuing to go up as we are trying to reach that demand. I think that's a good-news story -- that we are trying to catch up with what the Iraqis are able to purchase," Walsh said.

The Iraqi people never had 24 hours of power, Walsh said. To bring them up to 12 hours is a "significant step forward."

The biggest problem with rebuilding the infrastructure of Iraq, Walsh said, is that it has been underfunded and not maintained for the past 25 years.

"You're not going to turn that around in two or three years. These are large construction projects," Walsh said. "We are working with the Iraqi government ... so that they switch from failure maintenance to a preventive maintenance mentality."

An example of underfunded infrastructure is the nation's poorly maintained pipelines and oil refineries. Because of a lack of efficiency, it became cheaper to buy oil from other countries and have it trucked in than to rely on Iraq's own oil resources, Walsh said.

Other obstacles in the rebuilding effort are insurgent and criminal attacks on the sites, Walsh said.

Electric cables are taken down from towers and melted to sell. Water lines and pipelines are sometimes targeted by those with grudges against specific villages.

"It is difficult to protect a nation's entire infrastructure, whether it is in Iraq or the United States," Walsh said. Typically, Iraqi contractors hire their own security during the construction as part of the contract, Walsh said.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4035)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Signs of Progress in Iraq
Associated Press | July 02, 2007
BAGHDAD - Iraqi civilian deaths dropped to their lowest level since the start of the Baghdad security operation, government figures showed Sunday, suggesting signs of progress in tamping down violence in the capital.

But American casualties are running high as U.S. forces step up pressure on Sunni and Shiite extremists in and around Baghdad.

At least 1,227 Iraqi civilians were killed in June along with 190 policemen and 31 soldiers, an officer at the Iraqi Interior Ministry's operations room said. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the figures.

That represented a 36 percent drop from the ministry's May figures - 1,949 civilian deaths along with 127 policemen and 47 soldiers.

June's figures were the lowest monthly tally this year. In January, President Bush ordered nearly 30,000 Soldiers, Marines and Airmen to Iraq in a major push to stabilize the capital so that Iraq's leaders can hammer out power-sharing agreements for a lasting peace.

The Baghdad security operation was launched in mid-February, although the last of the American reinforcements arrived in Iraq only last month.

The accuracy of civilian death figures in Iraq has been in doubt since the start of the conflict and may reflect only a portion of the casualties nationwide.

Still, the figures suggest a downward trend, which may be due to U.S. military pressure on insurgents in Baghdad and the surrounding areas.

The commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, Jr., told reporters on Friday that American and Iraqi security forces now control nearly half of the 474 neighborhoods in Baghdad - up from 19 percent in April.

At least 50 Iraqis were killed or found dead Sunday in politically motivated violence, according to police reports compiled by The Associated Press. That figure was well below the daily death tolls recorded last winter.

A U.S. military spokesman said the decrease was encouraging but that it was too early to attribute it to the crackdown. "The synchronized effort only began two weeks ago. It's too early to declare a trend," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver.

But Iraqi officials hailed the decline as a sign that the security crackdown was working.

"This is one of the results of the implementation of the security plan and the deployment of extra Iraqi and U.S. forces," Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said. "Such figures show that the security operations are going in the right direction and they are working as planned."

While Iraqi civilian casualties are down, U.S. military losses are still running high. June ended the deadliest quarter for U.S. troops in Iraq since the war began in March 2003 - 330 deaths. That surpasses the 316 Soldiers killed during November 2004 to January 2005.

U.S. officials say American losses are rising because the U.S. military is taking the fight to the extremists, seeking to push Sunni and Shiite militants from strongholds in and around the capital where they have operated for years.

The military said Monday that two U.S. Soldiers were killed in shooting attacks on their patrols in Baghdad. The two deaths took place in separate attacks Sunday. Both Soldiers' names were withheld pending notification of their families.

On June 15, U.S. troops launched two large offensives, one in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad, the other in regions south of the capital. The goal is to deny insurgents sanctuaries from where they can smuggle car bombs and other deadly explosives into the capital.

Commanders in Diyala have claimed successes in dislodging insurgents, but they acknowledge three-quarters of the senior militant leaders escaped.

On Sunday, the country's largest Sunni Arab political group, the Iraqi Islamic Party, said more than 350 people have been killed in western Baqouba, capital of Diyala province, since the offensive began there last month.

The statement, which said that some 150 homes have been destroyed, called "the Iraqi government and occupation forces to stop this massacre and differentiate between gunmen and innocent civilians."

U.S. officials have been pressing the Iraqis to meet several goals to promote national reconciliation, including enacting laws to share the country's oil wealth, open up the political system to Sunni Arabs and install new local governments.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki pledged that provincial elections will be held before the end of the year. The last provincial elections were held on Jan. 30, 2005, and were largely boycotted by the Sunni minority, resulting in a Shiite sweep even in areas with substantial Sunni populations.

(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

A personal observation about ebay auctions for New Iraqi Dinar 25000 notes. It seems to me the number of auctions for this denomination seems not as numerous as they were. I wonder whether the Central Bank of Iraq actions of increasing its monetary reserves and taking Dinars out of circulation has had an affect on the lessoning numbers of these auctions.

Have any of you noticed this down turn in auctions for the currency?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 10:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iran in crisis after cleric's murder

The assassination of a prominent cleric in an oil-rich Iranian province, coinciding with violent protests in Tehran over the rationing of petrol, has plunged President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into his biggest crisis since he was elected two years ago.

The murder on June 24 of Hesham Saymary in Ahvaz, the centre of Iran's oil-producing province in the south, was a blow to a regime that is already under pressure because of international condemnation of its nuclear program and the prospect of economic meltdown.

The assassination, the third of a senior cleric this year, bore the hallmarks of a well-planned murder. According to witnesses, the gunmen waited outside Saymary's house for him to arrive home about 10pm. They called out to the cleric as he was about to open his door and shot him three times. He died instantly.

There have been other assassinations in Iran, notably in the Kurdish area, in the west near the Iraq border, but the Government is far more concerned about Saymary's death because stability in the province is crucial for its oil revenues.

Saymary was a member of the majority Arab population of Ahvaz, the focus of an Arabist separatist movement that follows the Wahabi sect of Islam, linked to Osama bin Laden.

He may have been targeted because he was a prominent supporter of the regime. Protests that followed shortly afterwards over the rationing of petrol convulsed Iran and its increasingly discontented citizens.

The rationing is particularly damaging to Mr Ahmadinejad because those worst affected are the constituency that elected him, the poor and disenfranchised.

During his campaign he adopted the slogan: "Oil money must be seen on the table of the people." He increased Iran's public spending budget, and promised dams, streets, stadiums, schools and hospitals. Few have been built.

His biggest headache is that Iran, awash with crude oil but desperately short of refining capacity, has to import 40per cent of its petrol.

Faced with UN sanctions and pariah status over its nuclear ambitions, the regime lacks the foreign investment it needs to build more refineries.

On the streets of Tehran last week, housewives who are usually apolitical were throwing his slogans back in his face. "We have some of the biggest oil reserves in the world," said Fatima, 38, a mother of five. "Why do I have to worry if I can pick up my children? The President said he would put the oil money on the tables of the poor. It's all lies."

There was chaos last Tuesday when the Government gave just three hours' notice of fuel rationing. Drivers lined up at their local pumps and fought over the last drops of petrol in the face of a limit of 100L a month.

Worse still, the private taxis that carry more than half of Tehran's two million commuters a day were subject to the same restrictions and would have had to raise their fares accordingly, from about 10c to 50c.

Men set petrol stations alight in Tehran and security forces were called in for the first time since Mr Ahmadinejad was elected. By the week's end, the protests had been stifled, but it was a clear indication of how fractious the population was feeling.

Mr Ahmadinejad was opposed to the petrol rationing, but was overruled by the Majlis, the Iranian parliament. His objections centred on the timing of its introduction. He wanted stability while facing American plans to engineer regime change, either through military strikes or by a revolution from within.

Little noticed in the media, but keenly watched in Tehran, is the Bush administration's donation of $52 million to Iranian opposition groups. The worry now is that the regime will crack down on domestic freedoms to distract attention from its problems.

"They always do this," a university lecturer said.
Others predict Mr Ahmadinejad will stand firm. "They bit the bullet," said an Iranian economist. "These guys have the ability to put people on corners with guns. They're not turning back."

(http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...4-2703,00.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 11:31 AM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Steve, Cornish boy, Carole, Chelseadave

It appears it was a busy Sunday. I think we all agree mailing Dinar is risky, or even costly, ask Carols friend. How would you like to be a postal carrier and know the boxes you were carrying to XYZ bank were full of money? A bank robbers dream come true, low risk high gain. For that matter my dream come true, Christmas in July, pick a couple of good days and before anyone knows what happened retire to paradise.

Chelseadave good job calling the HSBC’s I’m quite sure the employees were confused, have you seen some of the people they have working there? Half the employees don’t know what Dinar is and the other half doesn’t know where Iraq is.

Maybe were looking at this from the wrong angle. We purchased Dinar with no intention of investing in the ISX and shoved it into a shoe box under the bed with little or no idea of how to cash in. Now a new venture reveals itself and were on the band wagon again. I think I’m going to stick with my original plan stashing the already purchased Dinar and wiring additional funds into the Warka account eliminating the conniving postal employee, while opening a quick escape route if the need arises.

In conclusion, I would like to apologise if I offended anyone with my ideas on how this site should be run.

-- July 2, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

Rob

I haven’t noticed but then again I don’t purchase Dinar from e-bay!

Maybe people are getting cold feet. Did you by chance see the poster on the other site apparently from a dealer shifting from Dinar to Dong and the lopping of zeros? I have always worried about the lopping and think it’s the time to do it if there going to. Carol and Rodger seem to think Bush won’t let this happen as long as he’s in office but who really knows?

If the CBI is increasing the reserves or taking Dinars out of circulation do you think it’s for a RV or lop?

-- July 2, 2007 12:31 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

jeff good plan.

-- July 2, 2007 1:03 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Topco discovers new Iraqi oil reserves http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093158231

-- July 2, 2007 2:11 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Jeff:

You are right no one knows for sure what the GoI will do. I am of the opinion that a zero lop will not occur. There are several reasons of which I have posted before. A zero lop would in my opinion have detrimental economic, fiscal, and political consequences beyond the personal preferences of George W. Bush. Creating further destablization.

I believe the large notes will quietly be collected by the Central Bank after a small revaluation and taken out of circulation. Those holding on for a further upswing in the currency rate will still find the 25000, 10000, and 5000 Dinar notes legal tender for exchange.

Concerning the Dong. Vietnam imports much and exports little. The communist regime of Vietnam practices the intentional policy of devaluation of its currency. I am skeptical of a significant return on the Dong. In my opinion, other regional currencies like the Chinese Yuan or Indian Rupee may offer a better return.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 2:32 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Rob

I found this on American Contractor, I think it answers your question about the dinar sales better than I did.

http://www.americancontractor.com/2007/07/the_iraqi_currency_rv_is_it_fo.html#more

-- July 2, 2007 2:49 PM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

Here is one more something is happening

http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN524946.html

-- July 2, 2007 2:58 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Jeff:

I am not inclined to view that post with much creditablity. As correctly pointed out by another contributor Chase bank is currently selling Dinar. I know because I called and verified it myself. I am not convinced of the supposed illegal activity of holding Dinar contributing to the dowturn in auctions on ebay.

The revaluation of the New Iraqi Dinar will happen regardless of speculators being in the marketplace . The GoI can talk of limiting the number of speculators, but the reality is quite different. The Iraqi people need to have an increased amount of purchasing power. To have a prosperous and peaceful Iraq the currency must be on par with their regional neighbors. I do not see a zero lop or making the currency illegal to hold for those outside of Iraq the methods to achieve the goal of a strong currency.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 3:39 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Where are you? I have not seen you post in the last few days. Hope all is well.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Jeff,

My reasons for getting my dinars to Warka were not to play on the ISX. I have come a cropper with stocks and shares before and although I believe there may be some very good prospects on the ISX, for me its a case of once bitten I'm afraid.

There are two reasons I'm thinking of getting my dinars over to Iraq. Firstly it is so that I can be earning interest on it. I hold 6 and a half mill (I wish I could afford more) but if it takes a couple of years for the dinar to get where I would like it to get to, that could turn into 7.5 or 8 mill. And depending on where the dinar gets to that extra mill could be worth some serious wonga.

Secondly if the 25000 note gets withdrawn from circulation I will not have the hassle of finding somewhere to trade them in for smaller notes. However if I can't be 100% sure of getting them over there safely, they will stay in safekeeping with my friends at the local HSBC.

Cheers, Dave

-- July 2, 2007 5:13 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Concerning the decline of ebay sales of dinar, I think it's merely a matter of competition with Chase. My most recent purchase was through Chase - it cost me $5 over the current exchange rate. I'd much rather pay that than the $50-$150 markup you find on ebay or on other internet dinar sites. The only other difference is that the notes had been circulated. Big deal.

I imagine the reason we haven't seen Sara around is because she's lying low with the mudslinging going on. She's been called on the carpet by the dinaradmin before, and I imagine she doesn't want to be a part of that kind of thing again. Or she could have moved on, having finally gotten fed up with some of the pettiness that goes on here. Too bad, if that's the case.

I'm with ChelseaDave on hanging on to the dinar I have. I don't trust the post all the way around the world. I'd rather wire money that goes directly to al Warka and avoids passing all the hands that would actually handle a package. Having said that, I'm not convinced I'll do anything right now with al Warka anyway. Just don't feel right about it, yet.

David

-- July 2, 2007 7:24 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I wanted to post something about ISX investment. Please keep the following in mind, it is only my opinion. I am not sure that the ISX will bring the kind of returns everyone is hoping for. At least not in the short-term. I think the country must have a sound infastructure where goods and services can trade freely.

Not only do goods and services have to trade freely, but the Iraqi Dinar must either be revalued in a like manner as their regional neighbors or it must be allowed to be traded on the foriegn exchange market.

I think investment now is premature. Until the country stablizes and the currency is solid do not expect much of a return. From my perspective investment in the New Iraqi Dinar is my investment choice. Other thoughts are definitely welcome. Please share.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 2, 2007 9:03 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

cornishboy,

Iraq has a very deep and interesting biblical history as found by many archeologists. Did you know that Babylon is actually Iraq, and that the Garden of Eden was actually somewhere in Iraq. No wonder it is so rich in so many natural resources.

Concerning what to do whenthe Dinar is finally worth something, there have been many speculative " schemes" to unload the Dinar for cold cash or US dollars.
All ideas pretty much are motivated by how to avoid capital gains taxes.

My family has taken great pains to plan trips to Costa Rica, the Caymens, Switzerland, Australia, etc.

I got a passport and used to say,"count me in" when the time comes. I have since decided to im Bitts and Roger;s advice.... and that is , pay the darn taxes, cause if this thing ever really does hit, even after taxes, I still am going to be a very very wealthy woman. With the money I will have after taxes, I can then invest in plenty of tax-free investments available to all of us in the land of plenty.

And to quote Roger " won't have to be constantly looking over my shoulder..."

Chris: RE friend onthe same rumor circuit we all are. So nothing very enlightening to post now.

I have some RE transactions I wnat for him to handle for me when he gets back from his every-other month vacation ( discusting! :) but must be nice!). So if the rumors are on target for a Aug.2-7 RV, we sould have plenty to talk about over and above the property I want him to help me with.

Rob, gets so nasty with me about how I don't contribute anything about the Dinar, but what is there to say????

I got off the rollercoaster ride awhile back and I think many have. I'm very much intune with those who just say "wake me up when the RV happens, until then who gives a rats a--- what those insane people are doing on a day to day basis".

Insulating my family from this crazy godless world is where most of my energies go. And I do that by keeping us all close and very well supported and loved. Trying to help them experience the elements of life that you can't put a price tag on. My kids and grandkids so easliy get caught up in the materialistic so I am constantly trying to draw them back to the richer meanings in life. SOOOOOOOO we have lots of family outings, I do alot of cooking and parties and usually always have at least 1 or 2 of my grandchildren for overnighters. Their parents are so busy making a living, so I have become the one who takes thme fishing, camping etc. In fact a few years ago, so that my grandsons could play basketball and they were minus a coach, I was a coach for the NJB! What a disaster!! It took me all season to learn the rules, and it didn;t matter cause I made my own as I went along.....so I was always in trouble, but we would all laugh till we would almost wet our pants. Our team didn't have a chance with me as the coach. In fact one game the other side was rooting for us!! But the boys got to play and we will never forget or stop talking about all the fun we had.

Sure I want the DInar to hit, and sure I would love to know that Iraq as well as people all over the world are free from tyranny and suffering.....I want it to be Christmas everyday....

But reality is we all have to deal with the life that we know and make the best out of all situations... and for me and my family.. we look to Christ for the strength.. to make it happen.
And it does!!!

That's my story in a nutshell.

Time to stir the Marinara!

Have a good day----caio!

Carole

-- July 2, 2007 9:03 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Jeff,

You label the packet of dinars as, legal documents, as I think fedex will not take it if it says there is money inside.

Well that is the copy of my driveing lisense plus pick of me, and my signature with my brother verified that it is my signature, lets see how long this takes, being mindfull that Warka will be up to their necks in emails for account details.

Ref Vietnam dong, if any of you would like some info on it send me an email and I will send it to you by email, get me on, swpsteve@aol.com
Have a nice day and, Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 2, 2007 9:25 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(958)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 958 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/7/3 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 11 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 47.170.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 47.170.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- July 3, 2007 7:04 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Jeff,

Read the article from the American Contractor. Wonder if the guy ever went to Iraq? I bet he buys a lotto ticket every week.

Seems of be in vogue to be down on this investment these days. People who were once hopeful are cashing in their Dinar and cashing out of the forums. Saying their goodbyes.

This may a good thing. If the CBI is paying attention then they may have to conclude that they have been effective in their efforts to reduce speculation. I didn't invest anything I couldn't lose so I am in for the long haul.

-- July 3, 2007 8:04 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq cabinet endorses changes to draft oil law http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/18975

-- July 3, 2007 8:28 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi parliament to begin debate on key oil law on Wednesday, prime minister says http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/03/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Oil-Law.php

-- July 3, 2007 8:31 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

'Aqaba has become logistic, strategic gate to Iraq’

“Our main focus is how to position the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) to best serve the needs of reconstruction efforts in Iraq, ” Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emad Fakhouri told the Jordan Times on Sunday
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 3, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Kills 23 Insurgents in Anbar Battle
Agence France-Presse | July 03, 2007
U.S. and Iraqi forces waged a two-day battle against insurgents south of the former insurgent bastion of Ramadi, killing 23 alleged militants, the military said on Tuesday.

The battle began on Saturday night when two truckloads of gunmen opened fire on a U.S. position near Donkey Island on the Euphrates River in the restive western province of Anbar.

U.S. forces returned fire and, supported with aircraft, pursued the gunmen into the night.

"Helicopters killed at least one insurgent and wounded another, and destroyed the two trucks, later determined to be loaded with weapons, ammunition and explosives," a military statement said.

At the height of the battle an Apache attack helicopter was ordered to evacuate a critically wounded Soldier, a separate statement said.

A co-pilot "helped load the injured Soldier into the front seat without further injury," it said.

"Despite the heavy small arms fire and surface-to-air fire events in the area, the co-pilot/gunner strapped himself on to the left side of the aircraft and hunkered down on the wing" outside the narrow fuselage.

The Soldier was flown to a nearby U.S. base -- in what a U.S. marines spokesman described as "an amazing act of heroism" -- and is now in stable condition, the statement said.

Troops searching the area on Sunday morning discovered 22 dead insurgents, including seven wearing suicide vests, as well as 24 homemade grenades, 20 roadside bombs, and other weapons.

"Most of the enemy were dressed in similar white dishdashas (ankle-length shirts) and white running shoes, an outfit often associated with extremist fighters prepared to kill themselves," the statement said.

Clashes erupted again on Sunday afternoon, when insurgents attacked U.S.-led forces with machine gun fire, grenades and a suicide vest.

Another insurgent was killed and two were detained in the ensuing battle as helicopters and fighter jets were scrambled to destroy an alleged bunker with precision-guided bombs.

The security situation in Anbar, once the epicentre of the country's Sunni insurgency, has been improving in recent months as local tribes have joined with U.S. and Iraqi forces to fight Al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Al-Qaeda has responded by broadening its attacks to include the tribes as well as U.S. and Iraq forces, and the province remains a dangerous area.

Ahead of Saturday's battle U.S.-led forces had "received reports that a significant number of anti-Iraqi forces had gathered on the outskirts of Ramadi to stage a series of large scale attacks," the statement said.

In October last year Al-Qaeda declared Ramadi to be the capital of an "Islamic State of Iraq", but since then it has seen its support collapse among the local population as tribal chiefs switch allegiances.

Now, the city itself is largely in the hands of U.S.-alled Iraqi tribal and government forces, although commanders remain wary of a counterattack.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 3, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US defense chief seeks smaller long-term presence in Iraq

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

03 July 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates is seeking a political deal in Washington to trade off troop cuts in Iraq for support for a long-term, smaller presence there, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

Citing unnamed US government officials, the Journal said that Gates and some political allies are pursuing political support for maintaining a US military presence in Iraq to continue the fight against Al-Qaeda.

The tradeoff, according to the report, is a commitment to slashing back troop levels -- now about 155,000 -- by the end of President George W. Bush's term in office, in January 2009.

Gates's goal is to mollify the strong US sentiment for a pullout of US forces, while not abandoning Iraq altogether.

"The complicating factor is how long the administration will stick with its 'surge' strategy of keeping high levels of troops in Iraq to try to tamp down violence there. On this issue, the administration -- and even the military -- is deeply divided," the Journal said.

In Gates's plan, the US would trim back its presence and its goals to fighting Al-Qaeda and simply containing a civil war that might erupt, rather than the current aim of defeating all insurgents and ending the conflict between Iraqi groups, mostly aligned on Sunni and Shiite Muslim lines.

"The change in thinking underscores administration officials' increasing concern that rapidly diminishing support for the war among Americans and in Congress could spark a precipitous withdrawal," the newspaper said.

"Administration officials fear such an outcome could endanger US national security by leaving a failed state in the hands of Shiite and Sunni Islamic extremists."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 3, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

IRAQ WRAPUP 2-Iraq takes step closer to landmark oil lawhttp://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnL03336451.html

-- July 3, 2007 11:37 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnL03336451.html

-- July 3, 2007 11:40 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Flush with oil, Kurdistan draws Western producers and explorers http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/02/business/bxoil.php surly the more oil thay find the better four us.

-- July 3, 2007 11:55 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Is the oil law really scheduled to be discussed in parliment on Wednesday? Here is an article from United Press International speaking to the contrary.

No deal on oil law, top Iraq Kurd says

Published: July 3, 2007 at 11:52 AM E-mail Story | Print Preview | License

WASHINGTON, July 3 (UPI) -- The top Kurdish energy official says no deal has been reached on an Iraq oil law, despite news reports the Parliament is to take up the bill.
"We are not aware of anything being passed by the Cabinet," said Kurdistan Regional Government Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami, speaking to United Press International via mobile phone.

Numerous media have reported Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his top adviser, Ali al-Dabbagh, said the oil law governing the world's third largest oil reserves would be sent to Parliament as early as Wednesday.

The Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government in Baghdad have been negotiating the law since last summer. At issue is whether which oil fields the federal and regional governments control, as well as the distribution of oil revenue.

A draft of the law approved by negotiators and the council of ministers in February and finalized in March, "is the only approved text," said Hawrami, the KRG's lead negotiator.

"Even the text of the March draft is not complete," he said. A revenue sharing law was approved and sent to the council of ministers earlier this month, though there may still be some complaints from Sunni politicians. It must still be passed on to Parliament.

Hawrami said the issue of oil control still looms large, though progress is being made. After the draft law was approved earlier this month, the Iraq Oil Ministry unveiled four annexes -- a list of which oil fields would be under the federal government control, via the Iraq National Oil Co, and which would be under regional control (Kurdistan is the only official region currently).

"We've not been consulted about anything being agreed upon apart from March," he said.

Reports of progress and disputes over the law have been convoluted in the past. The Kurds, a strong player in the oil talks, would need to agree on a deal to move forward. What is not known is the fate of other crucial sticking points, including the new roles of INOC and the Ministry of Oil, concerns over the oil law's language and extent of transparency, as well as revenue sharing and the annexes.

--

Ben Lando, UPI Energy Correspondent
(www.upi.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 3, 2007 1:43 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

For those of you inside the United States of America I wanted to wish you a safe and happy 4th of July.

Tomorrow is significant for many reasons. It signifies the sacrifice those men and women who have died to ensure the independence we enjoy. Next, we will stop to remember those men and women who are serving in Iraq in order that the Iraqi's may share in this great gift of independence.

Last but not least, tomorrow may be the turning point in our investment. We may witness the Iraqi Parliment ratify the Hydro Carbon Law. I believe this law will help in bringing about a peaceful and prosperous Iraq. After this law is passed, Iraq can expect those neglected oil fields to be flooded with investment dollars. They will be on the recieving end of somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 billion to help their ailing oil sector. Good news for us.

One comment about the pig roast. Since each investor will likely sell their position at different pricing points, our roast should revolve around the currency revaluating or releasing to the foreign exchange market instead of a fixed rate.

I will have my fireworks ready in the event the HCL is passed tomorrow.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 3, 2007 4:32 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob:

A while back the concensus seemed to be that the "fixed"rate to move forward for the pig roast was 50 cents. But of course all those people are gone!

Thanks.......!

Carole

-- July 3, 2007 7:17 PM ∞

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willy wrote:

Sorry Rob, the Iraqi Parliament decided to hold off on the ratification of the HCL. Looks like another delay.

-- July 3, 2007 9:57 PM ∞

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willy wrote:

That is what is being reported on Rolclub/Latest Iraqi Dinars News thread/ Post# 1360

-- July 3, 2007 10:27 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

ROB N.
ITS NICE TO HAVE YOU CONTRIBUTING SOME REAL POSTS FOR A CHANGE. I ENJOY READING THEM. THE INSIGHT AND SPECULATIONS YOU HAVE, COMMING FROM A WELL READ FOUNDATION ON THE DINAR SUBJECT, OFFERS US VERY CREDIBLE ANALOGIES TO CONSIDER, AND I TEND TO AGREE WITH YOU. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO INVEST IN READING ALL THOSE ARTICLES, BUT I DO APPRECIATE WHEN YOU SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH US. KEEP IT UP.

-- July 4, 2007 12:26 AM ∞

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Karl wrote:

How, can the parliament expect to pass the Hydrocarbon Law if the statement that the Kurds have not seen the proposed law ?

on a personal note, I just have 1 million in Dinar and paid dearly for it. I did get it thur a licensed currency dealer, who is supposed to own his own Larue machine. The currency has been verified, the serial numbers recorded and taxes already paid. Taxes already paid does make me wonder,, what taxes ?

I'd like someone to tell me,, what kind of taxes i'll have to fork over when the RV becomes a fact and I cash in some Dinars

-- July 4, 2007 4:19 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(959)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 959 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/7/4 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.295.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.295.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- July 4, 2007 8:03 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Gulf oil producers should keep dollar-peg, says IMF http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093158386 happy thanx giving day to all of you in the us :)

-- July 4, 2007 8:03 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Karl,

The last thing I heard on the news at 1:30am (California time-7/4/07) was that the HCL was passed by the Parliament today and that a "nod" from the Kurds would cause them to immediately ratify it.

Trade Iraqidinar.com has been reporting for a few weeks now that the Kurds have thoroughly reviewed the lastest revised law and are in agreement with the most relevant elements of it and that tup they will not hold up the ratification, if nothing changes during the process.

With only 1 mil dinar, you have o worry of taxes. That amount does not qualify as an "investment" under the capital gains tax code.

I can't imagine why you would have paid taxes when you bought them. Are you sure it was not shipping and handling fees? Someone could have charged you "sales tax", and if so, sorry to say you got duped. There is no sales tax on currency or coins of any kind.

Carole

-- July 4, 2007 8:07 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Roger Roger where art thou???

We need your interpretation of this passing of the HCL.

Hi Willy good to see you back.

Carole

-- July 4, 2007 8:10 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Delays likely in Iraq oil bill http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iraq;_ylt=As5XIfc9MokV3n9AUI5rnMJX6GMA

-- July 4, 2007 8:22 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Kurds yet to be shown draft oil law http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Iraq/10136813.html

-- July 4, 2007 8:27 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 349

HCL Law passed but not confirmed!

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

Early Wednesday media Reports a Deal was reached on the HCL, Sources couldnt confirm it

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

Interview: Thamir Ghadhban on Iraq, oil
Published: July 3, 2007 at 5:20 PM

By BEN LANDO
UPI Energy Correspondent
ISTANBUL, Turkey, July 3 (UPI) -- Critics of Iraq's draft oil law claim it either cedes too much to regional control or creates too strong a central government. Neither is necessarily wrong, depending on each side's definition of the constitution and their respective beliefs in how best to optimize the third largest oil reserves in the world. But a longtime Iraqi oil technocrat and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's top energy adviser says opponents of any stripe should know the law must reflect not what Iraq was, but what it is now.
"This is a new era in Iraq," said Thamir Ghadhban, a former oil minister. "There have been changes and now Iraq is a federal state with sharing of powers between the federal government and the people and therefore we have to have legislation to set things right."
Iraq as a whole, and the lucrative oil sector specifically, was governed in a top-down structure by Saddam Hussein, from the center that he controlled and in a nationalized system he directed.
"Iraq is no more a centralized government. Everybody has to know that," Ghadhban told United Press International last week in Istanbul, on the sidelines of Cambridge Energy Research Associates' "East Meets West: New Frontiers of Energy Security" conference.
Iraq's oil law hung in the conference as a major undertone: Demand for oil is increasing while prices hover in the high $60 per barrel range. International oil companies -- which control less than 22 percent of the world's reserves -- as well as state-owned firms await the law that will set the rules for governance of, and foreign access to, 115 billion barrels of proven reserves.
"Iraq is the least explored country among the big oil producers," Ghadhban said, "and has probable oil reserves of 214 billion barrels."
Iraq only produced about 2 million barrels per day in 2006, down from 2.6 before the 2003 invasion; it remains besieged in a war zone and by the lingering effects of Saddam Hussein's mismanagement of the oil sector and U.N. sanctions that hamstrung its development.
The vast reserves could push production far beyond what is pumping now. To do that, investment is needed to maximize the current infrastructure and bring more reserves to production.
Various entities within Iraq differ on how that should be done, whether the vague constitution retains all or most of the oil for the federal policy or should be in the hands of the regions and governorates.
"I was a member of the constitutional committee in the national assembly which prepared the constitution and I know there are conflicting interests within the country," Ghadhban said, adding the goal of both the constitution and the oil law is to preserve Iraq as an entire country with a federal government system, while sharing the power with the regions and governorates.
He recommends the constitution be amended to clarify a key article dealing with oil that uses terms not recognized by the oil sector and isn't specific enough with regards to the federal government's role.
The Kurdistan Regional Government wants to move forward on developing its semi-autonomous, relatively violence-free and oil rich area in the north. (Kurdistan is currently the only official region.) The Kurds, as well as a minority of Shiites, are pushing for more control over oil to be distributed to the regions and oil-producing governorates. They've already signed five deals with small, foreign oil companies -- raising ire in Baghdad for moving forward unilaterally. Ashti Hawrami, the KRG's natural resources minister, told UPI they'll wait, for now, until a federal oil law is passed to continue development.
Sunnis, a minority population controlling very little oil reserves, fear a weak central government. Most Shiites, the majority in Iraq, also want strong Baghdad control.
Hawrami and Ghadhban have led their respective sides in negotiations over the law since last summer. Prior to that Ghadhban, along with two other Iraqi oil experts -- Tariq Shafiq, now based in Amman and London, and Farouk Al-Kasim, working in Norway -- spent three months crafting the law. The two have since come out against the law, for changes made that have decentralized control and strategy-making by the federal government.
"What my two colleagues said, it is correct, and I told them from the very beginning, that this draft that was prepared by the three of us and ... that this draft will be subject to serious negotiations," Ghadhban said, "and I expect that there will be changes.
"I believe that we managed to make the structure of the powers of the various entities in such a way they share power but the final say rests with the federal government," Ghadhban said of the current draft of the oil law. It allows regional/governorate involvement in setting oil policy, though no final decision-making authority.
And most important, he said, the federal government will control oil revenues, the actual selling of oil, the pipeline infrastructure and will approve all contracts with oil companies.
The security situation in Iraq is also major factor moving forward, every minute of every day for its citizens as well as for the oil sector. Dangerous conditions on the ground could limit investment and increase the costs of deals with oil companies.
In Baghdad, where sectarian violence is the worst, parliamentarians are set to wrangle with the oil law once it is approved by negotiators and the council of ministers. Ghadhban said that could happen within two months. Hawrami said movement could be days away. Neither would give guarantees of a timeline.Earlier Wednesday media reports surfaced that a deal was reached, though Hawrami denies it and sources couldn't confirm it. When the law moves to parliament -- "the most powerful entity in Iraq," Ghadhban said -- each political party and, in turn, each religious and sectarian interest, as well as the more secular members, will further shape it

United Press International - News. Analysis. Insight.

http://www.upi.com/

-- July 4, 2007 8:32 AM ∞

---

Charles Ridge wrote:

I have no idea what to think about this web site. I sure would like to see him or her join our site here at T&B.

Very good information on the dinar and warka bank.

http://www.americancontractor.com/

-- July 4, 2007 8:33 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

smells like lots more bull shit to me.

-- July 4, 2007 8:35 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi charles dident mean your post just the crap i have bean looking at.

-- July 4, 2007 8:43 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Interview: Thamir Ghadhban on Iraq, oil http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070704-064048-5616r

-- July 4, 2007 10:20 AM ∞

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Willy wrote:

Never left Carole, just didn't have anything to say. Sorta like Forest Gump.

-- July 4, 2007 11:30 PM ∞

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Karl wrote:

I found this article of interest and oddly enough,, its a NY Times article posted on the Kurdistan Regional Governments web site.

http://www.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?rnr=73&lngnr=12&smap=

a Clarification of why the Kurds haven't seen the Hydrocarbon Law

http://www.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?smap=02010100&lngnr=12&rnr=223&anr=18833

-- July 5, 2007 4:23 AM ∞

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karl wrote:

maybe this link will work

http://www.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?smap=02010100&lngnr=12&rnr=223&anr=18833

-- July 5, 2007 4:41 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(960)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 960 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/7/5 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 47.735.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 47.735.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- July 5, 2007 6:48 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

i think i am ready to add an account in an iraqi bank to my investment. I have seen on here before but can't seem to find it, the info on how to set up an account with Warka. Would someone please post the info again.
Also if anyone has info on investing into the ISX by proxy, that info would be helpful aswell
thank you in advance

-- July 5, 2007 8:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq awards 3 mln bbls Kirkuk oil in sales tender

Iraq has awarded 1 million barrels of crude each to three European refiners in its first Kirkuk oil sales tender since January, an Iraqi oil official said on Thursday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 5, 2007 9:15 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's acting speaker urges end to party boycotts 31 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's acting parliamentary speaker urged political blocs on Thursday to end their boycott of the legislature to help push through vital laws that would help ease sectarian tension between Shi'ite and Sunni Arabs.

ADVERTISEMENT

"They should end their pointless boycott and voice their opinion here loudly to relay us the voice of their constituents," Khaled al-Attiya told lawmakers in an appeal to the main Sunni Arab bloc and a Shi'ite political party.

Washington, facing domestic unease over the war in Iraq, is pressing Iraqi leaders to pass a key oil law and other political benchmarks that it hopes will help reconcile majority Shi'ite and minority Sunni Arabs and Kurds.

Iraq's oil lies mainly in the Kurdish north and Shi'ite south. Sunnis, who live mainly in the centre the country around Baghdad, fear missing out on any windfalls.

A draft oil law was approved on Tuesday by the cabinet of Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and now must be debated in parliament, but a significant number of legislators have stopped attending.

The Sunni Accordance Front, with 44 seats in the 275-seat chamber, suspended its participation after their speaker was ousted last month.

Politicians loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, representing a bloc of 30 seats, pulled out in protest against the bombing of a Shi'ite shrine's minarets in the Sunni city of Samarra on June 13.

Attiya urged lawmakers to attend in sufficient numbers to achieve a quorum and suggested running six sessions every week instead of the current three.

Parliament has already cut its two-month summer break by half and it will sit until the end of July to tackle urgent business.

Besides the oil law, Washington wants Iraqi politicians to agree to fresh provincial elections this year, as well as new rules allowing some members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party to join the military or the government.
(www.news.yahoo.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 5, 2007 9:21 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

trade bank of iraq appoints british adviser sir claude hankes kcvo
trade bank of iraq appoints british adviser sir claude hankes kcvo
Al Bawaba - [05/07/2007]


The Trade Bank of Iraq announced today that it has appointed Sir Claude Hankes KCVO as Adviser.

The Bank was established in November 2003 to finance international trade (imports of essential goods and services) and participate in the reconstruction process. The Bank is capitalized at US$100million and has an agreement with a consortium led by JP Morgan.

Hussein Al-Uzri, the Bank’s Chairman and President, said today: “Sir Claude Hankes is a distinguished strategist and financial adviser and the Trade Bank of Iraq is delighted to gain his expertise.

“The Bank is already one of the success stories of the country. We have overseen $21billion in trade finance, introduced Visa cards to Iraq and implemented the first banking system in the country (Misys). We are moving into a new phase of helping to finance infrastructure projects, with the first Kurdish power plant as one of our projects and many more to follow. Another priority is a major drive to uplift the Iraqi banking sector, which will be crucial in facilitating the country’s economic and infrastructure development.”

Mr Al-Uzri added: “Our development will require international backing and finance and so we are developing an international presence both in the region and of course in London, the world’s financial centre.”

Sir Claude Hankes was Chairman of the Management Committee of Price Waterhouse and Partners during the 1980s. He has been involved in the resolution of key debt crises and masterminded the resolution of the South African debt crisis. More recently he has undertaken important advisory work in Iraq, investigating the United Nations programme and testifying on this to the US Congress.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 5, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I went ahead and shot my fireworks though the HCL did not reach the Iraqi parliment. Admittedly, I felt disappointment with their inability to pass a law that will benefit the country in the long term.

HCL not reaching parliment speaks to our limited influence with the GoI. We can insist that the Iraqi's pass the Hydro Carbon Law, but it is the Iraqi's who will determine when the law is passed.

We sent our military to stop the insurgency. Our men and women in uniform have performed exceptionally well with the task set before them. Our military commanders are seeing progress. Ultimately, it is the Iraqi's who can stop the insurgency.

It is my belief that the HCL will pass parliment and the insurgency will lay down their arms only in the eleventh hour. In other words, when it is absolutely necessary to do so.

Wednesday afternoon I read some posts on a different forum where investors were in dire straights because the HCL did not pass. Some were ready to sell their Dinars on ebay. While another took the position the Dinar will never revalue.

I started purchasing Dinar in October of 2005. Two years in I am still optimistic concerning the Dinar. From my perspecitive, this is a long term investment. What do I mean by long term? I do not think two years is long term. For those of you on this forum who invested in the Dinar beginning in 2003, you are four years into it. Yet, I still do not believe this is to be considered long term.

President Bush and his stragedy for Iraq is definitely unpopular. His ideals concerning nation building have certainly gone out of vogue; but we are watching a birth of a nation. How exciting is it to watch the formation of a representitive democracy. The pangs of birth are frought with travail and traditionally the American people have disdain for long term military conflicts; but it is imperative we complete our commitment to Iraq. A precipitous withdrawal would not be prudent. Dividing the country into three separate ethnic regions will spell out long term disaster for Iraq and our investment.

Watching these events as they transpire awaken my senses. Those who have moved on from this place, if you are reading this please come back and participate. Though we as a culture are conditioned to immediate gratification our investment in Iraq is not designed to be this way. We stand to reap a big profit, but Iraq like Rome will not be built in a day.

To borrow a phrase from Okie "Go Dinar".

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 5, 2007 10:20 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

I think this may be worth a look came from another sit is easily verified any one got there number.? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertWolf
Wells Fargo has been geared up for the RV for months now and from confirmed information will (at the exchange banks) have trained people and equipment to do an on site same day exchange on the IQD when the RV happens.

The Bank that I have refereed to is even bigger and that is ALL I can say. Please keep in mind that it is important for a RV date be kept quiet. If let out, it could force further delays and the drying up of information. Please DON’T hock the farm and do a run on the bank as we could see unforeseen delays because of security leaks or other items that force a RV delay.

At present I can’t get any info on the amount of the RV. However, it is view at being close to the $3USD mark for reasons I can’t go into at this time. There are many factors that are in play here, so we have to wait and see. IMHO, it will not be very long compared to our wait to this point.

DesertWolf

-- July 5, 2007 10:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

Thanks for the rumor. Wow! An exchange rate of close to $3.00 USD for 1 Dinar would be exciting. Our individual investments in the New Iraqi Dinar would profit quite handsomely at such a rate.

I think to expect this type of revaluation is unrealistic. There are many factors that would question the viability of the GoI supporting such a rate. Iraq really does not have an economy. The country's GDP and GNP to this point do not show significant growth. Oil production continues to be about 2 million barrels per day. Next, an exchange rate of this magnitude under current circumstances could spawn hyper-inflation throwing the economy into chaos. Iraq could become like Zimbabwe.

I believe we received a glimpse of the true exchange rate a few weeks ago with the error made by safedinar.com. If you remember their website posted an exchange rate of $.19. Without going detail this may be the amount of the small revaluation we are all waiting for.

From what I have read, I think this rate may be more realistic than an opening rate of $3.00 per dinar. I just do not think it would be in the best interest of Iraq for a $3.00 exchange rate. On the other hand, I am not opposed to being wrong.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 5, 2007 11:58 AM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Well another scenario could be

Move the decimal point over 3 places and then RV @ $3.00 USD. Still tripling your investment but not the happy ending some are hoping for.

I personally prefer no lop and RV @ .19 US a more realistic and less dramatic approach! A smaller RV in the beginning would be smarter for Iraq. They know many people are going to cash out early so why pay them at 3 US? While a steady, rapid growth to test the waters and attract larger investors should be the goal.

I mean lets face it @ .19 US there would be some to cash in there mere 1M Dinar investment and be tickled to death, while others would only cash out a percentage to cover the cost of their initial investment and lastly investors who are in this for the long hall hoping to see the notorious 5 US. Whatever size investor you are, I’ll just be ecstatic knowing the currency is being used and is going to be worth something… just my thoughts

-- July 5, 2007 2:03 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Jeff,

For what it is worth, I know people who are Dinar investors who will buy more if it opens at .19 or even less. Because at that point they willhave the security of knowing that this whole thing was not a big scam and that they would then have the ocnfidence to go forward.

-- July 5, 2007 9:43 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Carole

My thoughts exactly…..I could sit here and say it’s not so much what the RV is,
(Although, you know I’d be lying) but the uncertainty of knowing if it will!

I’m not even sure the Iraqi’s know 100 percent what their going to do.
Things are forever changing over there, a life “God willing” we’ll never have to experience. American Contractor said it best “they have more important things to worry about right now…… like staying Alive!” I had to agree!

I’d like think when/if it revalues we’ll still all be here helping each other and discussing the new possibilities of that day.

It’s like Rob N said “we are watching a birth of a nation” it is quite stimulating!

-- July 5, 2007 11:03 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Jeff,

I have a hard time "equating" the birth of a nation concept! Since this nation has been in existence for thousands of years. Not like America where there was no established nation. Granted they are coming out of an era of tyranny and can't be anything but excited about the hope of freedom. But until the insurgency is for the most part gone, the black cloud exists.

Jeff, the more I study about the dynamics of this part of the world, the more confused and frustrated I get, and wonder how the average person or family can cope or even hope to survive the multi-faceted, deeply complex
"nature of the beast".

It is almost beyond our comprehension the political, social, economical and spiritual elements of the middle east network(web) societies. And these are not fleeting issues, they have been around and bedrocked for centuries.

So there are a few million people who have a spark of hope for the kind of freedom that we know, but are surrounded and engulfed by hundreds of millions who are indoctrinated into century upon century of dogmas set in stone.

The average middle eastern family, no matter what they do they are "wrong" with some element or faction within their midst.

This is a wide contrast from anyother nation or socieety seeking freedom, in human history.

And in the tiny small middle of this are a few hundred thousand people like you or me that are hoping they can pull one tiny segment of all of their issues together long enough for us to capitalize on their currency RVing.

It is a real long-shot in anybodies imagination.

But, " go dinar" anyway!

Carole

-- July 6, 2007 4:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Sadr bloc joins Sunnis in rejecting Iraq oil law

Followers of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Thursday joined a growing chorus of Sunni Arab, Kurdish and Shiite opposition to a draft oil law backed by Washington.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 9:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

According to the following article the oil law has been submitted to Parliment.

Iraq's parliament debates amended oil law

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

Iraq, 06 July 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
An amended draft oil law has been submitted to Iraq's parliament where the real haggling will now begin over the country's most pressing economic and political issue.

Kurdistan is said to have been pledged 17 per cent of all oil revenues. However, the bill's key components have not been revealed. Continued opposition from both Sunni and Shiite political groups, as well as by those employed in the oil sector, could yet derail the bill.

Foreign fears

Iraq's Federation of Oil Unions, a group representing 26,000 workers in the sector, fears that foreign oil companies will gain too much access and even gain
control of the country's mineral resources.

Meanwhile, Kurdistan's regional authority has entered into a number of quasi-sovereign contracts with foreign oil companies to exploit discoveries in northern Iraq. These, it has declared, will be honoured in spite of an earlier declaration by Iraq's Oil Minister Hussein Al Shahristani that contracts signed before the new oil law is promulgated will be void.

It is a potentially explosive issue concerning control of revenues and also the fate of the northern oilfields and the region's main city, Kirkuk, home to Arabs, Turks as well as the majority Kurdish population.

Initial proposals envisaged a state-owned Iraq National Oil Company to manage new projects while an oil and gas council, possibly including non-Iraqi advisors, would regulate the industry.

The original outline stated that a newly constituted state oil company would have control of all the country's oilfields. Appendices to the first draft also granted INOC authority over 90 per cent of Iraq's crude reserves including those in Kurdistan.

The Oil Ministry admits different views on the role of the state-owned oil company, its relation with the ministry, as well as on existing and potential oilfields. The main amendment concerns the way in which revenues will be shared among Iraq's 18 regions.

Production sharing agreements

Government spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh says that the proposed legislation addresses the controversial question of production sharing agreements on a 'case-by-case basis'.

Such agreements involve large scale capital investment being underwritten by companies in specific projects which recoup costs when production starts and they subsequently divide revenues with the government. The essentially long-term nature of such deals allows an investing company to book the field's entire reservoir into its reserve portfolio.

Once a new law is passed, Oil Minister Hussein Al Shahristani says that 15 onshore oil and gas concessions will be auctioned with further licensing rounds following at six month intervals. But major international oil companies will want to assess data very closely with some estimates now questioning the true extent of the country's oil potential. Rebuilding Iraq's oil industry could take decades.

Iraq's oil production has plummeted from a peak of 3.7 million barrels per day to 1.8 million bpd in spite of a $1.7bn rehabilitation programme overseen by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

However, the true production figure is difficult to assess because of illicit trafficking and a lack of metering of oil passing through pipelines and into tankers. Up to 300,000 bpd is unaccounted for.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 9:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi political scene at crossroads
By Basil Adas

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

Baghdad, 06 July 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Amid intensified debates about the fate of Nouri Al Maliki's government and critical attitudes issued by the Sunni Accord Front toward Al Maliki's political and security policies, the internal Iraqi political scene seems to be approaching a crossroad, according to Iraqi politicians and analysts.

Mahmoud Othman, a prominent Kurdish leader close to Kurdistan leader Masoud Barazani and Jalal Talabani, the Iraqi President, has revealed that Kurds seek to strike a significant political deal with influential Islamic blocs like the Sunni Accord Front.

"There is a Kurdish initiative to annex the Islamic Party to the new political front, which includes the Islamic Supreme Council headed by Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, the Dawa Party led by Nouri Al Maliki and the two major Kurdish parties," Othman told Gulf News. He added, "The annexation of the Islamic Front will hold back Al Maliki as Prime Minister to any future government, however this development will take down the Accord Front which includes, besides the Islamic Party, the Ahl Al Iraq [People of Iraq] convention led by Adnan Al Dulaimi and the National Dialogue Front led by Khalaf Al Alyan." Both Al Dulaimi and Al Alyan are Sunnis.

Fakhri Al Asadi, an Iraqi political analyst, told Gulf News, "I believe the Americans support this approach because it will demolish what is seen as extremist Sunnis and Shiites ... As for the Kurds, they are known for being the acceptable and moderate intercessor."

The timing of recent critical statements by Tarek Al Hashemi, the Iraqi vice-president and leader of the Islamic Party, which coincided with political efforts to annex the Islamic Party to the moderate Kurdish-Shiite Front, may indicate his longing to put pressure on Al Maliki to accept full partnership in handling the Iraqi security file.

The exclusion of Sunnis particularly the Accord Front from the security file is attributed by the Shiite coalition to the penetration of the Baathist and Al Qaida members.

The dramatic and dangerous information revealed by Kurds indicated that Americans are cautious of Al Maliki's overthrow and the emergence of an ex-Baathist government in the frame of an emergency plan, because that would mean overthrowing the democracy established by Americans in Iraq.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Al-Qaida: The Unwanted Guests

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

06 July 2007 (Asia Times)
Print article Send to friend
Lately the US media and the Bush administration have been labeling nearly all violence in Iraq as the work of al-Qaida. A desperate attempt to rally domestic support for the war? Perhaps. But in this feature article, Syed Saleem Shahzad shows that it may be more important in appeasing the Iraqi Sunni, who, like the Taliban in Afghanistan have been repelled by al-Qaida's Takfirism - an ideology against ‘the wrong kind of Muslim.’

As the arc of chaos grows from Afghanistan to Somalia by way of the Middle East, the region’s states are growing weaker and their armed groups gaining in power. But in this battle for competing visions between the US and al-Qaida, the Sunni resistance is now opposing al-Qaida in Iraq, as are the Taliban in Afghanistan.

There is a widening split between armed Islamists, as two recent incidents show. In March the local Taliban in the Pakistani tribal zone of South Waziristan killed foreign fighters from the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Almost simultaneously, infighting broke out between the Islamic Army in Iraq and the local branch of al-Qaida. The confrontation between the two strategies -- and two different ideologies -- of the Islamist struggle is getting more violent.

Many of the foreign volunteers who have flooded into Pakistan and Iraq since 2003 are Takfirists*, who regard “bad Muslims” as the real enemy. Indigenous Islamic resistance groups have reacted uncomfortably to the growth of this near-heresy within al-Qaida which, by waging war against Muslim governments, has brought chaos to the populations it claims to defend.

Between 2003 and 2006, across the war zone that is the two Waziristans, Afghanistan and Iraq, the complexity of the situation reinforced al-Qaida’s doctrinaire thinking and reduced indigenous groups to silence. The consequence of Takfirist influence was the emergence in the two Waziristans of a self-styled Islamic state that challenged the Pakistan government within its own boundaries and fuelled the spread of armed conflict to major cities. The aim was to provoke armed insurrection against the pro-western military regime.

The fierce response of the Pakistani army led to the deaths of hundreds of non-combatants, including women and children, and fuelled the anger of Takfirist ideologues. But many Taliban leaders privately felt that the Takfirists had lost touch with reality and were distorting the sharply focused anti-western strategy developed during the 1990s by Osama bin Laden. The war of national resistance against foreign occupying forces had been transformed into one aimed at Pakistan’s military establishment.

On the eve of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a leading Takfirist, arrived from Waziristan to emerge as the frontline resistance leader. He publicly pledged allegiance to bin Laden and became the rallying point for the foreign militants who coalesced into the Iraqi branch of al-Qaida. The situation in Iraq soon came to resemble that in the two Waziristans and Afghanistan.

Resistance was slow

Resistance in post-Saddam Iraq was slow to mobilise. The realignment of the tribes, fragmented religious groups, former Ba’athist party elements and officers from the defunct republican guard into combat units took several months. Meanwhile, foreign fighters who had streamed into Iraq from the Muslim world to gather beneath the black banners of al-Qaida formed a coordinating majlis al-shura (council). They proved more effective than the leadership of the internal Iraqi resistance, who were left with little scope to express their reservations about the arrivals’ Takfirist ideology. It was left to individual elements within the indigenous groups to deplore the excesses of al-Qaida, which had begun to concentrate on diverting the struggle against occupying forces towards attacks on Shia religious centres.

When, in 2006, al-Qaida announced the formation of an ideologically pure Islamic emirate, the strategy of the indigenous resistance groups became subservient to al-Qaida’s Takfirist ideology and divisive global agenda. A war against foreign occupation had turned into a nightmare of sectarian strife. The seeds had been sown for an eventual break between the international combatants and the indigenous resistance.

Understanding this split requires an examination of the specific circumstances that led to the ideological transformation of al-Qaida during and after the jihad against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

The Arabs who poured in to join the Afghan resistance fell into two camps, Yemeni and Egyptian. The zealots who went to Afghanistan, inspired by their local clerics, were mostly in the Yemeni camp. In breaks from fighting they spent their days drilling and cooking their food, before going straight to sleep after the isha (last prayer of the day). As the Afghan jihad tailed off, they went home or melted into the population in Afghanistan or Pakistan, where many married. In al-Qaida circles, they were called dravesh, easy-going.

In the Egyptian camp were the politically minded and ideologically motivated. Though most belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood, they opposed its commitment to elections and the democratic process. The Afghan jihad cohered these like-minded, often educated, individuals, many of them doctors and engineers or former soldiers associated with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad under Ayman al-Zawahiri, now Bin Laden’s deputy. This group had been responsible for the assassination of president Anwar Sadat in 1981, after he signed a peace deal with Israel at Camp David. All agreed that the United States and its puppet governments in the Middle East were responsible for the decline of the Arab world.

Cultivate the best brains

After the isha the Egyptian camp would discuss contemporary issues. Their leaders reiterated the message that members should invest their resources in the armies of their countries, and cultivate the best brains.

Al-Qaida had emerged from another organisation, Maktab al-Khidamat, the services bureau that Abdallah Azzam set up in the early 1980s to support Afghan resistance. Azzam was assassinated in 1989; he was succeeded by Bin Laden, one of his leading disciples, who transformed the organisation into al-Qaida.

During a recent interview in Amman, Azzam’s son Hudayfa, who has spent almost 20 years among Arab militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan, told me: “Most Yemeni fighters, simple minded warriors whose only ambition was martyrdom, left Afghanistan after the fall of the Communist government. The Egyptians stayed because they had other ambitions as yet unfulfilled. When Osama bin Laden joined them, after he left Sudan in 1996, they focused on shifting his basic thinking from opposition to American hegemony in the Middle East towards a Takfirist perspective.

“When I met Osama bin Laden in 1997 in Islamabad, he was flanked by three members of the Egyptian camp: the Somali Abu Obaida, and the Egyptians Abu Haf and Saiful Adil. I realised how successfully they had instilled their extremist ideas into him. When my father asked him to go to Afghanistan in 1985, he had replied that he would only do so if King Fahd personally granted permission. At that time Osama still referred to Fahd as wali al-amr (supreme authority). After 9/11, when he denounced the rulers of Saudi Arabia, I could see how much the Egyptian camp had influenced him.”

A hurried departure

By the beginning of 2006 more than 40,000 trained fighters of Arab, Chechen and Uzbek origin joined Waziristanis and other militants from Pakistan’s cities congregating in North and South Waziristan. This created a dilemma for the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan, because the Takfirists persuaded most of the militants to fight Pakistani armed forces in the tribal belt rather than NATO coalition troops in Afghanistan.

Tahir Yuldash, a prominent Uzbek militant and Takfirist ideologue based in South Waziristan, issued a fatwa supporting this strategic priority. Two Taliban leaders in North Waziristan, Maulanas Abdul Khaliq and Sadiq Noor, issued similar statements. The declaration of Islamic states in North and South Waziristan exacerbated the conflict between the Pakistani military establishment and the Pakistani Taliban and al-Qaida.

New hostilities seemed inevitable. The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan realised that such a conflict would delay the major offensive against NATO troops that it had been preparing for the spring of 2006. Mullah Omar, the Taliban’s supreme guide in hiding, sent Mullah Dadullah (an astute commander in southwest Afghanistan, killed this May) to persuade the Pakistani Taliban and the al-Qaida factions to focus on the offensive rather than dissipate their energies. This led to the September 2006 peace accord between the Taliban in the tribal zones and the Pakistani security forces. This called for the expulsion of foreign fighters and allowed the Pakistani establishment to make inroads into the Taliban command structure in the Waziristans. The Pakistani Taliban leadership received significant quantities of weapons and money, and were invited to Islamabad to win hearts and minds.

The peace accord was the result of the Taliban leadership’s realisation that, after five years working with al-Qaida, resistance in Afghanistan, although stronger, had reached an impasse. The 2006 offensive was a classic example of guerrilla warfare with the help of indigenous support, using improvised explosive devices and urban warfare learned in Iraq. But despite major casualties among coalition troops (150 killed in 2006), the Taliban were unable to achieve important strategic objectives, such as the capture of Kandahar or the encirclement of Kabul.

Taliban commanders acknowledged that they could not fight a sustained battle against state resources. They believed they could mobilise the masses, but this would likely bring bombing and missile strikes killing Taliban sympathisers. Their answer was to find their own state resources, and they looked toward their former patron, Pakistan; hence the September 2006 accord.

Taliban commanders in Waziristan and Afghanistan were comfortable with the new peace deal. They played down the expulsion of foreign fighters, believing these would flock to join the resistance in Afghanistan. They were not unhappy to be free of al-Qaida and elements developing a global strategy that diverted energies from the struggle against NATO forces.

Shattered dreams

But the accord was unacceptable to the global warriors of al-Qaida, who had dreamed of the emergence of a regional conflict waged on several fronts from their newly won bases in Waziristan. The prospect of small, sporadic battles in Afghanistan was no consolation for the shattered dreams of a victory against the non-practising Muslim establishment of the Pakistani state. And al-Qaida hoped to benefit from new developments.

Libyan groups, Jamaa al-Muqatila led by Sheikh Abu Lais al-Libbi, and Ibn al-Malik’s Jabha al-Birra; the Jeish al-Mahdi, founded by the Egyptian leader Abdul Rahman Canady and now led by Abu Eza; an Egyptian splinter group from the Egyptian Islamic Jihad; Takfirists led by Sheikh Essa; and Tahir Yuldash’s Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. According to Pakistan intelligence, al-Qaida managed to reactivate some sources of funding, particularly from the United Arab EmiratesAlready , interrupted after 9/11. groups of foreign fighters had joined forces under the banner of Ayman al-Zawahiri. These included two

The al-Qaida leadership were threatened by the peace deal between Pakistan and the Taliban and feared that the latter would soon fall prey to the machinations of the Pakistani intelligence agencies. Al-Qaida sought to sabotage the peace accord by exploiting differences between the signatories.

An opportunity came this January, when Pakistani planes bombed an active training camp in South Waziristan, killing several foreign fighters. Baitullah Mehsud, one of the few Taliban leaders in South Waziristan, renounced the peace deal on the grounds that Pakistan had violated it. Tahir Yuldash lent his support by dispatching more than a dozen squads of suicide bombers to terrorise cities, causing heavy civilian casualties. The Pakistani establishment had other concerns: a serious internal crisis after President Musharraf’s decision to fire the president of the supreme court, Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry; and an escalating conflict with the Lal Masjid seminaries in Islamabad, which had announced Taliban style Islamisation in the capital.

The accord survived because it suited both parties. It allowed the Pakistani establishment a breathing-space to construct a strategy to counter al-Qaida’s grip on the tribal belt. And the Taliban were weary of al-Qaida’s one-sided global strategy, which only weakened Afghan resistance.

One episode demonstrated the tensions. Haji Nazir, a little-known Taliban commander, supplied with money and weapons by the Pakistani security agencies, had established himself as the strong man of South Waziristan. He offered the foreigners a simple choice: Agree to disarm, or go to reinforce the current offensive against NATO troops in Afghanistan.

The foreigners’ predictable refusal escalated into a serious conflict which left 141 dead, mostly from Central Asia. There were similar incidents in North Waziristan. The legendary commander of anti-Soviet Afghan resistance during the 1980s, Jalaluddin Haqqani, sent his son Sirajuddin to bring in Mullah Dadullah and Noor Muhammad Saqib (chief justice under the Taliban regime) to mediate.

Taliban commanders in Pakistan were persuaded to allow foreign militants a safe exit to wherever they chose to go. Many decided that Iraq, rather than Afghanistan, where the Taliban seemed reluctant to welcome them, was the new promised land. There they met up with leading al-Qaida personalities such as Abdul Hadi al-Iraqi, who had left Waziristan a few months earlier and who is now under arrest in Guantánamo Bay.

The promised land

Al-Qaida’s migration from the two Waziristans to Iraq began after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, and was accelerated by its increasing ideological and strategic differences with the Taliban.

Dr Muhammad Bashar al-Faithi, a leading member of the Muslim Scholars’ Association, a component of Iraqi resistance to the United States, told me: “After US forces installed Paul Bremer as administrator, he disbanded Iraq’s security forces. We formed a delegation and cautioned him as to the wisdom of Iraq’s borders being left open on all sides. At the least a border security force should have been retained. Bremer disagreed and dismissed all Iraqi security forces as Saddamists. The Iraqis were left standing by as all sorts of unscrupulous elements and terrorists, from Iran and al-Qaida, gathered in Iraq in pursuit of their agendas. Today I believe it was Bremer’s deliberate policy to draw al-Qaida militants into Iraq, where it is far more easy to kill or capture them than in Waziristan or Afghanistan."

Al-Qaida has increased efforts to assume the leadership of the Iraqi resistance and persuade it to adhere to its own global vision. But the indigenous leaders of the resistance, following their own nationalist agenda, are worried and keen to be rid of foreign fighters. Recently fresh evidence of disunity has appeared in the Arab media. Al-Jazeera reported in April that Ibrahim al-Shammari, a spokesman for the Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI), announced that his group had decided to part ways with al-Qaida. Their goals were so dissimilar that in some circumstances the IAI might be more willing to deal with the United States.

At a news conference in Washington in April, General David Petraeus, the US commander in Iraq, discussed the Sunni backlash against al-Qaida: “Sunni insurgents and the so-called Sunni resistance are still forces that must be reckoned with, as well. However we are seeing some others joining Sunni Arab tribes in turning against al-Qaida Iraq and helping transform Anbar province and other areas from being assessed as lost as little as six months ago to being relatively heartening. We will continue to engage with Sunni tribal sheikhs and former insurgent leaders to [ensure] that their fighters join legitimate Iraqi security force elements to become part of the fight against extremists."

Dr al-Faithi said: “All foreign elements that became part of irregular militias are a curse for the Iraqi resistance. They desperately want to control Iraq for the advancement of their specific agendas. Al-Qaida has been infiltrated by many intelligence outfits, besides being subject to religious deviations like Takfirism. In the end it is the Iraqis who are being made to pay the price. The same is true of the Iranian intelligence-backed Shiite militias: They too want to dominate southern Iraq and have so far killed as many as 30 tribal Shiite sheikhs from the southern marshlands. These sheikhs want to support the resistance against foreign occupation forces, but the activities of the Iranian-backed militias prevent them from doing this.”

Al-Faithi believes that indigenous resistance groups carry out most major operations in Iraq, but since they are slow to claim responsibility, the world media often attribute these operations to al-Qaida. “Even James Baker admits that al-Qaida is only a small component of the Iraqi resistance. After the invasion, we were desperate to prompt the people to resist the US occupation. We welcomed the first wave of al-Qaida fighters, but now we are paying the price; everything they are doing now has badly damaged the resistance movement.”

The Iraqi resistance, the Taliban and any other group that initially accepted al-Qaida within its ranks, have suffered. But parting ways with al-Qaida may prove profitable: The United States has almost agreed to strike separate deals with Iraqi resistance groups, which may be rewarded with power-sharing deals with the Iraqi government. On the eastern front, the death of Mullah Dadullah, who had almost managed to secure the backing of the Pakistani establishment, has created uncertainty. The government wants to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Taliban moderates. But for this to work, Arab militants must continue to leave. Takfirism must advance into other Muslim states -- that will turn it out one day.

* Author’s sidebar on Takfirism:

Takfirism is a centuries-old belief that suddenly revived among Islamic militants in Egypt after the Israeli victory in 1967. It claims that the Muslim ummah (the community of believers) has been weakened by deviation in the practice of Islam. Takfirism classifies all non-practising Muslims as kafirs (infidels) and calls upon its adherents to abandon existing Muslim societies, settle in isolated communities and fight all Muslim infidels.

Small isolated groups of Takfirist militants survived throughout the Arab world in the 1970s. They regrouped alongside the mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980s, during the war of resistance against Soviet forces. The Egyptian Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Uzbek leader Tahir Yuldash and Sheikh Essa, who were later the top leadership of al-Qaida, were among the fiercest proponents of Takfirism in these years. After the US invasion it flourished in Iraq, where the al-Qaida leader Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, killed in June 2006, was a leading exponent.

After 2003, Takfirism gained support among al-Qaida’s middle leadership and the rank and file. These ideologues were no longer defined by their hatred of the US military machine. Takfirism encompassed the belief that infidels within Muslim societies gave strength to the enemy and were a danger to be eliminated. Leaders of infidel Muslim societies were prime candidates for elimination before those who had been led astray from Islam could be brought back into the fold. The Takfirists were enemies of all non-practising Muslims. The difficult, isolated terrain of North and South Waziristan was their new sanctuary.

They were different from the ideologues of al-Qaida in the 1990s, who had concentrated upon driving out western occupying forces from Muslim territories. The Takfirists focused on the enemy within. The lesson they learned after 9/11 was simple: They had been ransomed for US dollars and bombed by both western and Pakistani infidels. Henceforth, they would make no distinction between Muslims and Christians or between presidents Musharraf and Bush. The elimination of the enemy within was a necessary preliminary to any showdown with outsiders. Repeated assassination attempts against Musharraf during the past four years must be viewed within this context.

This dual sensibility afflicts all Takfirist militants, whether in al-Qaida or its allied groups. They must continue their war against western armies, but meanwhile will lay down the basis for a conformist Islamic state to keep dissenting brethren in line. As well as raising the standard of rebellion against Muslim states, they have attacked moderate pro-Islamic reformists inside resistance groups based in the Waziristans. Takfirists abhor Shiism, which they regard as an unacceptable deviation from Islam. Sectarian warfare has assumed a partnership with jihad, over which it often takes precedence. Takfirism is messianic -- the sole leadership of Muslims against apostates and the infidel West.

[Translated by Donald Hounam]

Syed Saleem Shahzad is the Pakistan bureau chief for Asia Times Online (Hong Kong).
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am not sure whether the rest of you have already heard of the rumored heart attack and stroke suffered by Al-Malaki.

The rumor of his dual illness was posted on another forum. I have searched for any reference to these events to no avail.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 10:39 AM ∞

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AnthonyR wrote:

I think it is more like the creation of the Frankenstein monster of a nation rather than the birth of the nation. Only instead of having a mad evil genious doctor at the helm we have Larry, Moe, and Curley... aka
GWB, Chenney, and Gates. Shimp (Rumsfeld), has already exited stage left.

-- July 6, 2007 11:35 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

News of the injury Maliki heart attack and stroke occupiers Qurroiestpdalh team coup
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kerkuk.net%2Fhaberler%2Fhaber.aspx%3Fdil%3D2049%26metin%3D2007070451&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

-- July 6, 2007 12:46 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Headlines News Home | Video News | Early Brief | Forum | Passdown | Discussions | Benefit Updates | Defense Tech

Use of Drones Surges Over Iraq
Associated Press | July 06, 2007
WASHINGTON - The use of unmanned aircraft in Iraq has surged by nearly a third since the buildup of U.S. forces began this year, and drones are now racking up more than 14,000 hours a month in the battlefield skies.

The increase in unmanned aircraft - from high-altitude Global Hawks to short-range reconnaissance Ravens that Soldiers fling into the air - has fueled a struggle among the military services over who will control their use and the more than $12 billion that will be spent on the programs over the next five years.

The Air Force wants to take over development and purchasing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), arguing that it would save money and improve technology and communications.

It also wants more centralized command of the drones, saying better coordination could eliminate airspace conflicts that can endanger U.S. troops.

The other military services see a power grab, and they're fighting it.

A little more than a year ago, about 700 unmanned aircraft were operating in Iraq. By last December, according to Army data, that number had grown to about 950, and it's expected to soon hit 1,250.

At least 500 are the smaller Ravens that are used by the Army. The rest include Hunters and Shadows - the Army's medium-altitude aircraft that can carry weapons - as well as the Air Force Predators, which are also armed. Larger Global Hawks are used for high-tech surveillance.

The boost has been caused in part by the military buildup ordered by President Bush to help secure Baghdad and the Anbar province. U.S. forces in Iraq have grown by nearly 30,000, to a total of 157,000.

The Air Force argument for more central control over how and where the larger, medium-to-high-altitude drones are used would affect aircraft flown generally above 3,500 feet.

The Army is opposing the plan. Army officials say unit commanders need to be able to quickly deploy drones, and any additional bureaucracy could cause risky delays.

To illustrate, Brig. Gen. Stephen Mundt, the Army's aviation director, turns to a dark, middle-of-the night video taken in May by an Army drone over northern Iraq.

Two armed men can be seen apparently planting roadside bombs. As the unmanned aircraft tracks them, U.S. commanders dispatch an attack helicopter team. Just 16 minutes after the drone first observed the activity, the helicopter's 30 millimeter canon fires, taking out the insurgents.

"This is all going on in real time. You can't plan this in advance. And this is not the only event going on, we've got hundreds of these going on all day," said Mundt.

If the Air Force plan is adopted, he said, it could delay access to drones and compromise the unit's response.

Not so, says the Air Force, arguing that lack of central control can endanger U.S. troops, too.

Drones would still be available for commanders who need them, but it's important that priorities be set by a joint air command, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, vice commander of the Air Intelligence Agency.

According to a November study, he said, there have been many cases where U.S. forces could not respond immediately to mortar attacks because a drone had been launched in the area, triggering air space restrictions. He did not provide additional details on the incidents.

"I think there has been some confusion as to what it is the Air Force means," said Jouas. It's about giving the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines "a better product to support them in the fight. It's not about taking UAVs away from the Soldier or the Marine."

Air Force officials say their proposal will save millions of dollars, improve the systems and ensure the aircraft have compatible communications systems.

The funding change is critical, Jouas added, as a way to save money.

As an example, he said that instead of awarding a new contract for the Army's Sky Warrior program, the Pentagon could have worked with the existing, and similar, Predator program. Doing that, he said, could have saved between $400 million and $600 million.

The Army's Mundt, however, said his service had a competitive bidding process and the Sky Warrior was selected.

Pentagon leaders, including Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, are pressing the services to hammer out a compromise. And Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met last week with other top brass to review the Air Force plan, including England's June directive that the services work together more on the Army's new Sky Warrior program and the Air Force's long-standing Predator program.

But finding common ground has proven difficult.

The Pentagon's 2008 budget calls for spending nearly $900 million for five pricey Global Hawks, almost $70 million on 300 Ravens, and close to $700 million on research, development and procurement of two dozen Predators, four Reapers and a dozen Sky Warriors.

The Air Force's central control plan would involve the larger drones and not affect the small, shoulder-launched Ravens, which Soldiers can send into the air for shorter range, lower altitude surveillance and reconnaissance.

All four military services are pursuing plans to buy more unmanned aircraft. The Army and Marine Corps are looking at buying the new Sky Warrior, which is touted as being more lethal than the Predator. It could carry four Hellfire missiles, while the existing Predators generally carry two. The two aircraft are built by the same company, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, based in California.

The Navy is looking into a new helicopter-like drone that can take off and land vertically on ships.

The Air Force, meanwhile, is investing $13 billion to buy 241 drones, including Predators, Global Hawks and Reapers, over the next five years.

Gen. Michael Moseley, the Air Force chief of staff, said one goal is to set up 21 orbits of continuous unmanned aircraft coverage in the Central Command region, which includes Iraq. Currently, he said there are about 10.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 1:50 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I am not sure what to make of the reported heart attack and stroke suffered by Al-Malaki. Did this happen or not? If so, why has it not been reported by the MSM? If the report is erroneous why leak this sort of information?

Frankly, I question the validity of the events as translated by the link provided by Cornish Boy. What if anything is going on? If the Prime Minister did experience a heart attack and stroke, my prayers are with he and his family.

Being a skeptic, it may be Al-Malaki may have finally run out of time. The pressure applied by the U.S. to move forward with national reconciliation and HCL in conjunction with pressure from Al-Sadr not to move forward on these issues equals a stalemate.

A heart attack and a stroke no doubt would leave the PM in a state of incapacitation clearing the way for new leadership in Iraq. Freeing Al-Malaki from being in the middle. While I am not an expert on Iraqi constitution I am sure there is a process of succession outlined therein. Members of this forum have discussed the replacement of Malaki, yet I do not believe any of us would have envisioned these events.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 6, 2007 2:26 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Interesting article on BBC Radio 4 this morning.
On BBC this morning 'Today' Programme - a serious news programme for those not aware - had a item on HCL:

Go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/radio...l?radio4/today

..then fast forward to 1hr12mins into the programme.

-- July 6, 2007 8:33 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Friday, July 6th, 2007
Founder of Iraq Oil Workers Union Rejects U.S.-Backed Oil Law as "Robbery"

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/07/06/1359232

-- July 6, 2007 8:51 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

its looking like this hart attak thing could well be false information.

-- July 6, 2007 9:25 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Helloooooooooooooooooooooooo.....

Echooooooooooooooooo

-- July 8, 2007 12:42 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

I wondered a long time ago, if Iraq history would have turned out differently if the Sunni's would have had the reigning power rather than the Shites. Simply because Saudia Arabia is predominantley Sunni and with their power might and influence in the Middle East, I couldn't imagine them allowing Iraq, with all of it's potential to be Shite led.

Heart attack or not, Maliki has not been able to lead successfully, I believe because he is up against powerful Sunni factions in the Middle East. Saddam, although a Sunni, was an anomaly of that sect.

What a mess huh?

Carole

-- July 8, 2007 3:40 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Some excerpts from the Hal Lindsey Report:

The vicious terriorist organization, Popular Front for liberating Palestine, was founded by Dr. George Habash, a physician from Lod Palestine.

The co-founder of alQuaida,
Amir-a-Zawahiri, is a surgeon from Egypt. Many believe he is more dangerous than Bin Laden.

Bin Laden is from a wealthy and priveliged family and himself holds many advanced degrees.

So much for the Liberal myth that Muslims become terrorists because of a lack of economic opporotunities, and feelings of social rejection by their Western host countries.

Muslims become terrorists because they make the "religious choice" to take literally over 100 verses in the Quran that exhort them to force infidels to either submit to Islam or be killed or put into slavery those who refuse.

Islam is not a religion of peace and tolerance. History proves that it has been a religion of violence and war since its begining.

-- July 8, 2007 4:10 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Willy;

Your comment about Forrest Gump was interesting. I also don't feel like participating, but only watch. I look at this society and realize that the Forrest Gump mentality of non-participation is prevalent throughout this generation.. so many generations do not know their time and do not see what has come upon them until it is too late to mobilize.

Ecclesiastes 9: 12 For man also does not know his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them.

Sara.

---

Islamists Gaming the Politically Correct Western Media
Posted by Matthew Sheffield on June 19, 2007

Writing at Beliefnet, Rod Dreher makes a good point (h/t Small Dead Animals) about how radical Muslims have learned how to manipulate the Western media's guilt complex:

The US media, by and large, gives the leadership of the Muslim community in America largely uncritical treatment, and accepts their duplicitous words at face value. In "Islam vs. Islamists," we meet a French Muslim filmmaker living under government protection after having not once but twice gone undercover to document Islamist radicalism in Europe, including the "double discourse" of Islamists saying one thing to a non-Muslim audience, and quite another when talking to Muslims. I've seen a related phenomenon in person on several occasions, in which Islamist leaders mouth soothing banalities about peace, love and tolerance, but get angry when you point out contradictions between their self-serving rhetoric and the reality of what they believe and advocate. Watching the film last night, I gasped at the grainy clip of several women being stoned to death -- aired after an Islamist imam in Canada said that adulterers should be stoned to death. I've heard the very same thing come out of the mouth of a Dallas lay Islamic leader, twice. He's a smart and accomplished man, and very smooth -- yet to his credit, I guess, he's not ashamed of the barbarity of what he believes. At least he's honest about it. Anyway, as Dr. Jasser points out, the American news media is so intimidated by CAIR and other Islamist and shadow-Islamist organizations that they serve as the Islamists' useful dupes -- making it that much more difficult for voices like Dr. [Zuhdi] Jasser's to be heard.

Comments:

1) c5then Says:

For years and years it has been well documented with many Islamic leaders and secular arab leaders that they say one thing in english and something completely different in arabic to their followers. Yasser Arafat and President Assad of Syria are but two examples that have done this many many times.

2) mattm Says:

Right out of the KGB handbook. Libs are either traitors or they're dupes.

3) dabal Says:

It may be out of the KGB handbook, but that was originally taken from the Koran.

It is called Taqiyyah. Look it up here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taqqiya

It is a practice which has been justified by Islam when dealing with ANY infidel in ANY way. When Holy Tenets are open to interpretation, the result is always tragic.

http://newsbusters.org/node/13570

-- July 8, 2007 5:25 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

More London bombings on way, warns Muslim
UK Islamist leader claims Brits ready to carry out 'many attacks'
Posted: July 2, 2007
By Aaron Klein

JERUSALEM – The thwarted car bombings in London last week and the terror attack against Scotland's busiest airport were "completely justified" and likely the beginning of many more attacks in Britain, a prominent UK Islamist leader connected to terror supporting groups told WND yesterday.

"There is no doubt whatsoever that there will continue to be attacks against the British government, its interests and the home front as long as we see the continued British and American occupation of Muslim land in Iraq and Afghanistan, support for criminal Israel, and draconian measures taken against Muslims in the UK," said Anjem Choudary, founder and former chief of two Islamic groups disbanded by the British authorities under antiterror legislation.

"A war is being waged against Muslims on every level. There are many in Britain who take their ideology from Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida and are ready to carry out many more attacks," Choudary said.

Choudary said the attempted terror attacks the past few days were "probably carried out by local British Muslims."

Choudary currently presents himself as an Islamic lecturer and a leader of Britain's Shariah Islamic court. He is a founder and former chief of Al Muhajiroun, a British group that sought to impose an Islamic state on the UK and that was allied with the goals of al-Qaida.

Choudary last weekend led a protest outside London's Central Mosque. Depictions of British flags were burned at Choudary's protest. Ralliers chanted, "Down with Britain, down with the Queen."

British police said they arrested five people yesterday in conjunction with the airport attack carried out by two men driving a fuel-filled Jeep rammed into Scotland's busiest airport. Police called the incident a terrorist attack linked to failed car bombings in London last week. The two men in the Jeep, who witnesses described as Asians, were immediately taken into custody. According to reports, one of them men was wearing an explosive device around his waist, said to be a suicide-bomb belt.

The airport attack came barely 36 hours after police thwarted what is being described to the media by security officials as a possible al-Qaida plot in London in which two cars loaded with fuel, gas canisters and nails were left in the center of the city poised to detonate.

Newly installed British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addressed his nation yesterday, stating Britons must realize the terrorist threat their country faces is long-term and sustained and that they must remain constantly vigilant about security.

The British Home Office raised the national security alert level to "critical," the highest ranking and one which indicates further attacks are expected imminently.

"I want all British people to be vigilant and want them to support the police and all the authorities. ... I know the British people will stand together united, resolute and strong," Brown said.

The last terror attack in Britain took place in July 2005, when four British Islamists blew themselves up on London's transport system, killing 52 commuters.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56469

-- July 8, 2007 5:49 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

A warning from Al-Qaeda:

'Those Who Cure You Will Kill You'
Posted by Julia A. Seymour on July 5, 2007

“If you can find money to kill people [referring to money spent to fight World War II], you can find money to help people,” said Tony Benn, a former Member of Parliament, in Michael Moore’s movie “Sicko.”

Contrast that thought with the eerie statement told to Canon Andrew White , a senior British cleric working in Baghdad, by an al-Qaeda leader in Iraq – “Those who cure you will kill you,” according to the Times (U.K.)

The Times said that the eight suspects involved in the recent British terror plots, “are all young, Muslim and connected to the medical profession. But they come from Jordan, Iraq, other Middle Eastern countries and India …”

According to the July 5 Telegraph (U.K.), another 45 British doctors have chatted online about carrying out terror raids in the United States.

It seems the British National Health Service (NHS) has come full circle since its inception in 1948. So much for that Hippocratic oath.

“Britain’s National Health Service has long relied on skilled foreign doctors to meet staffing shortfalls, and foreigners have long been drawn to its relatively generous salaries and exacting standards of training,” wrote Mark Landler and Sarah Lyall in the July 4 New York Times.

“Of the nearly 239,000 doctors registered with the General Medical Council, some 90,000 qualified in countries other than the United Kingdom,” The New York Times article continued.

Great Britain changed their rules about hiring doctors just last year, according to the Guardian (U.K.). Before April 2006, the British had very loose regulations for hiring foreign doctors. It was possible for a doctor to move to Britain and practice without a work permit. But Michael Moore left that detail out in his glorification of the British NHS in “Sicko.” The law of unintended consequences strikes again.

Comments:

1) c5then Says:

Yet another example of terrorists who are not poor but very well off, not disenfranchised, but part of the prestigeous medical profession. What do they have in common? Islam. Some of these murderers and animals weren't even devout or hard-core muslims. They were apparently easily changed. Why? Because it is inherent in Islam to either convert averyone or kill them. It's that simple. The religion leaves no gray area of tollerance and coexistance.

All Muslims, or followers of Islam, are potential terrorists because it is part of the key teaching of the religion itself that followers must convert those who are not already followers (infidels) and kill those who refuse to convert. That is the main core of jihad.

2) mjg Says:

You're right the key teaching of their religion is convert everyone and kill those who refuse to convert. There is no tolerance of any other religion other than Islam, just look at Saudi Arabia, they don't even have a Christian Church anywhere in that country. But yet they get very upset with us if we don't allow them to place a mosque anywhere in this country.

3) ckc1227 Says:

"This country is already facing a shortage of doctors, particularly in many rural areas (thank you, John Edwards). If we institute a similar health system here, are we going to be in the same boat a few years down the road?"

Of course we will. Medical professionals working under such systems make significantly less than those in capitalistic systems like ours. As such, there will be even fewer Americans willing to go into these professions, especially as doctors, which means we will have to import even more medical staff to fill unfilled positions.

Eventually, even the once prestigious medical field will be known as one of those "jobs that Americans won't do".

4) radiofitz34 Says:

It should also be noted that many American doctors lose their practice due to junk lawsuits. Many doctors quit their practice because of the threat of lawsuits or because they are actually not able to make enough money.

Foreign doctors immigrate here to practice because some of them have little to lose.

5) c5then Says:

How can anyone, let alone anyone in England, trust a muslim doctor now? How could any one know that they are being properly treated or being given the correct perscription? Not all would be prone to blatant terrorism as we saw recently in England. Some might prefer more stealthy means.

6) DebraJMSmith Says:

I believe that hundreds of thousands of Muslims are planting themselves all over the place and when given the 'word,' they will all blow themselves up and anyone around them.

I would never, knowingly let a Muslim touch me.

djms...

http://newsbusters.org/node/13926

-- July 8, 2007 6:13 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Back in the mid 90"s, as an Administratior, I hosted a Medical Staff meeting where Jewish and Muslim docs got into a discussion about the
"virtues" of the Kuran.

I thought it was going to be the beginning of the holy war!! It got so bad that we had to dismiss the meeting.

Don't you find it mind boggling howw the ACLU ( at one time more than 80% Jewish lawyers) paving the way for Muslim civil rights in this country?

Obvioulsy, they don't get it!

To the Micheal Moore's and Barbra Striesand group: the sounds of the knives sharpening by the muslims, have your name on them---wake up before it is too late!

Carole

-- July 8, 2007 8:13 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Having been a nurse for 43 years, I have observed many changes in the medical field.Both technically and philosophicaly.

With the advent of the HMO's there has been a phenomenal influx of foreign doctors. And American born doctors who once paved the way for their sons and daughters to follow in their footsteps were now encouraging their offspring into other fields, mostly business professions.

All motivated by the change in the financial picture for doctors.

Personally, I steer away from foreign docs. They do not share the same values I have in treating diseases of the young or old, not to mention they have so dramatically contributed to the lost art of "bedside manner".

About 5 years ago, I was having an "outpatient same day surgery". I was not made aware of who the Anesthesiologist was going to be until a few minutes before the procedure. When the Syrian born Muslim doc showed up and gave me his schpeel about what was going to happen. Then he asked me if I had any questions.(at that point my husband turned white and left the cubicle...)

I stated that I was a Christian, and I was concerned that his religious mandates would interfere with my outcome. He then laughed and said " Ihope that you are not serious".

I confirmed that I was. He became indignant and had another anesthetist take his place. I felt it was a good move for both of us.

I know that not many are as outspoken as I am. In light of the recent revelations of Muslim docs. I think we should be in prayer for all the infidels who find themselves "under the knife" so to speak by those who have a higher calling to allah than the hippocratic oath.

Duncha think?

Carole

-- July 8, 2007 8:43 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Bt the way----KUDDOS to the Intelligence Agencies that are bringing to light the agendas of the cochroaches in the dark corners, faster than we can absorb the information. They are saving millions of innocent lives everyday, while more than likely highly risking their own.

Carole

-- July 8, 2007 8:51 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(961)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 961 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/7/8 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1250 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1248 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 120.125.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 30.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 120.125.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 30.000.000 -----

-- July 8, 2007 9:14 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks for the posts, Carole. I appreciated what you shared a lot. It is a warning to be heeded.

I was disappointed that Maliki did not work hard enough to get to the point of passing the oil law and then RVing the Dinar by the end of their year, June 30th. But they moved to an extraordinary measure and left parliament open through July. I am hopeful that there is an active desire to make the country's economy work, beginning with, perhaps, removing (the now obviously incompetent) Maliki from power so new people can move forward on what is best for the country. Those who say the oil law passage and RV of the Dinar are not in the interests of Iraqi people stall the process of moving forward and rob the people of hope. The very fact that the most outspoken opponents to the law being passed is the Al-Qaeda speaks volumes as to who benefits if it is ratified. Those who side with the terrorists are for harming the Iraqi people and the true interests of Iraq. They are traitors to their own country's interests in the name of radicalized religious ideology.

===

No-Confidence Vote Looms Over Iraq's PM
CBS News Exclusive: The Iraq Project To Call For A July 15 No-Confidence Vote For Al-Maliki
BAGHDAD, July 7, 2007

(CBS) For four years, Iraqis have been waiting in lines at gas stations in Baghdad, waiting for their lives to get better. But, as CBS News chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan reports, the situation has gotten worse and their government is now in crisis.

That has led senior Iraqi leaders to demand drastic change. CBS News has learned that on July 15, they plan to ask for a no-confidence vote in the Iraqi parliament as the first step to bringing down the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Even those closest to the Iraqi prime minister, from his own party, admit the political situation is desperate.

"I feel there is no strategy, so the people become hopeless," said Faliy al Fayadh, an MP from the Dawa Party. "You can live without petrol, without electricity, but you can't live without hope."

Iraq's prime minister is facing his most serious challenge yet. The no-confidence vote will be requested by the largest block of Sunni politicians, who are part of a broad political alliance called the Iraq Project. What they want is a new government run by ministers who are appointed for their expertise, not their party loyalty.

Al-Maliki has announced his own alliance to try save his government, but even his vice president says that's little more than a short-term fix.

"Cosmetic change is not going to serve the interests of Iraqis is not going to stabilize, is not going to improve security , what we need is much bigger that that," said al Hashimi, the leader of the Iraqi Islamic Party.

Leaders of the Iraq Project claim they have the necessary votes to force al-Maliki to resign, but that has yet to be tested in parliament. For now, the U.S. is still standing by the Iraqi leader – publicly at least.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/07/eveningnews/main3027794.shtml

May God prosper all of these who are seeking to take control from the incompetent structure now in place and bring help and hope to the Iraqi people.. against the interests of the terrorists, the Unions, the "nobel laureates" and whomever else wishes the Iraqis to remain stagnated and backward.. helpless and without hope.

Sara.

-- July 8, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

IRAQ: ULEMA COUNCIL ISSUES FATWA ON OIL LAW

Baghdad, 4 July (AKI) - Iraq's Council of the Ulema, a group of senior Sunni Muslim clerics led by Sheikh Harith al-Darri, has emitted a fatwa (religious edict) forbidding members of parliament from ratifying a draft law on oil and gas which has already been approved by the government of prime minister Nouri al-Maliki. The crucial oil law that the United States is pressing Baghdad to pass to boost reconciliation between the country's Sunnis and Shiites now goes to parliament for debate.

The council which is the leading Sunni religious authority in Iraq said in a statement Wednesday that "the approval by members of the government of this terrible law is forbidden and null, and anyone who does [vote for it] will be probed and called to account [for this]."

The statement explained that "the project falls within the accords signed by politicians who have gained their positions thanks to the occupation and this could lead to a huge waste of national wealth."

This, the Council argues, "is the opinion of various energy experts who say the law allows foreign companies to exert their supremacy over the resources of the country."

The fatwa states that anyone who expresses their opinion on the law, let alone approves it, "will incur the wrath of God in that the consequences of the connivance with the enemy in defrauding public wealth will fall on those who commit this crime, which is a betrayal of God, of his Prophet and of all Muslims."

The Ulema Council refuses to enter into government or to sit around a negotiating table with the executive as long as multinational forces remain on Iraqi soil

The draft law on oil and gas was approved by the government of Nouri al-Maliki on Tuesday and has been sent to parliament for approval. The work of the current parliament has been virtually paralysed for some weeks now after the bloc loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and the Sunni Concord Front - the main Sunni political grouping - decided to boycott proceedings, meaning it is impossible to reach the quorum required to pass legislation.

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Security&loid=8.0.432030923&par=0

Do you find it interesting that "the opinion of various energy experts" is now elevated to the opinion of God ("will incur the wrath of God)?? Also, that these very same experts they are listening to are now, supposedly, incurring the wrath of God by giving an opinion on it to them? Or are they exempt because they are prophets of Mohammed? As for fear of God, they have the wrong one they are fearing. He does not by His work cause the people to dispair and have no hope. Their delays are playing into the hands of the radical terrorists.. hence their fatwa is nothing more than another terrorist attack. Those who are foolish enough to listen to this body are listening to another arm of the Al-Qaeda. And we know that they do not have the best interests of the people of Iraq in their hearts, if the death tolls have any meaning.

When Jesus cast out demons, the Pharasees, like these clerics with their fatwa, said that Jesus was casting out demons by the devil himself. Jesus responded by saying that a kingdom that is divided against itself cannot stand and that it was obvious that what He was doing was of God and was proved to be of the Kingdom of God because it ended up in good for the people (as the passing of the oil law will also do). Jesus then went on to say that sin and blasphemy against Him would be forgiven (also against the US, President Bush or the Armed Forces) but that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven to men, not in this world or the world to come (Matthew 12:32). If these clerics attribute the GOOD which is attempting to be done for the Iraqi people to the Satanic when it is God who is moving to bless the people of Iraq through this oil law, then they are siding with the evil who daily kill and maim their children, elderly and youth... They are rejecting the Spirit of God and will be the ones to come into condemnation in the Day of Judgement and incur the wrath of Almighty God. They are duped by deceivers with credentials and look no further than their university degrees to see if what they are doing is for the benefit of the people or their own political and ideological agendas. One would hope clerics would have wiser minds and less clouded judgement.. lest they end up found false men in the end before Him with whom all the earth must have to do.

Sara.

-- July 8, 2007 3:02 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Talabani reveals the formation of the joint presidential and conflicting statements on

Ministers compatibility return to the govenment http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8v

-- July 8, 2007 7:12 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

the problems facing the Iraqi oil industry

Translation morning

Possibilities seem high that the Iraqi Parliament approved the law on oil and gas, which stands at the top of the political goals set by the American administration for the planning of the progress the Iraqi government.
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 8, 2007 7:21 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Preserve your banknotes http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ar%7Cen&u=http://www.almadapaper.com/index.php

-- July 8, 2007 7:33 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

English: Parliament : energy committee began discussing oil law
Baghdad, July. 7, P. 1

The oil and gas committee in the Parliament began discussing oil draft law which would discussed at recent week, while parliament blocs prepare to set its positions after it received the draft law.

MP Amera Badawi, Alliance, said that reasons of delaying discussing the law return to its importance and necessity of participating all blocs in the discussion, while she called Consensus front and Sadr bloc to end their boycotting of Parliament's sessions.

http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php?source=akbar&mlf=interpage&sid=45536

-- July 8, 2007 9:26 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

English: Consensus elects Samarai to lead the bloc
Baghdad, July. 7, P. 2

Well known source in the consensus front uncovered that the bloc would return to Parliament soon after carrying Ayad Samarai leadership of the bloc and limitize role of Adnan Dulaimi to head the front. Meanwhile, Sadr bloc holds press conference to declaring it's returning to the Parliament after delaying it last Thursday. On his part, Dulaimi confirmed that he still leader of the front, mention that the consensus elected MP Ayad Samarai as head of parliament bloc of the front only.

http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php?source=akbar&mlf=interpage&sid=45534

-- July 8, 2007 9:30 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

Sara:

Great to see you posting again. When I saw that noone posted on 7 Jul 07, my heart skipped a beat. You, Carl, Roger and Carole are what makes the T&B go, so you four, keep the faith and keep posting and lets bring the Dinar to fruition.

I stated once before and was shouted down by the Blog, that in order to bring order to Iraq, it would take someone along the lines of Saddam and I still believe that these radical, indoctrinated people can only be controlled by fear and brute force. I advocate implementing draconian rules and killing people if necessary to bring order to the populace and then start gradually start giving them some freedoms when it appears that they can handle it with blowing themselves up.

We are attempting to get these radical idiots to fall in line using our benevolent, politically correct laws and procedures.

If what we are doing now was working, I would say, great-lets stay the course, but it isn't, so lets get a tough as we need to in order to control the situation or get the hell out.

Sometimes you have to get down and dirty to achieve the desired results.
NEIL

-- July 9, 2007 12:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Where have you been? Glad to see you back posting. I hope you had an enjoyable fourth.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 12:13 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Neil,

Good to see you back too.

I agree with your preception that the Irqai's need a dictator to get control. I wouldn't go so far to wish them another Saddam. He was evil and self serving, murderous, toturous and without conscience. Nothing good could or did come from his existence.

The Bible has a very astute verse" fear is the begining of knowledge....

That fear should not be from the acts of tyranny, but from the acts of JUSTICE carried out. So that the perpetrators are well aware that harm comes to those who do wrong- to their neighbors, communities, society and government.
SOme call it the RULE of LAW imposed with impunity.

I believe that this auroa exist mainly in ,what we call uncivilized cultures. Because the poweers of the free world have lost that concept. We have become too civilized and sophisticated.
Our leinency, complacency, and what we call tolerance, while on the surface extend something good, has paved the way for evil and corruption to slip through the cracks. In otherwards... no justice---no fear ( of reprisal). And this becomes a way of life, and one that actuates itself in the streets of Bagdad, London, Los Angeles, and New York, etc etc....

There have been a few in my time who saw this vision of effective justice implemented firmly and timely...Mc Carthy, Nixon, Kissenger, Thacher, Moshe Dyan, Netanyahu, Bobby Kennedy, and they guy that was the head of the CIA that tried tonail Jimmy Hoffa ( having a senior moment!), as well as many others, you can probably name some too.

But the winds of liberalism have infiltrated and deeply penetrated most affluent societies, and those ideologies are gone, probably forever. OOPS! just remembered J.,Edgar Hoover!

So where this leaves civilization now is on the brink of nuclear warfare, the ultimate path of tyranny with the most evil and devestating consequences. BUT the force that will bring a world gone crazy on its knees with fear and tripidation, and submission.

America through that b ucket of ice water on the world in Hiroshima! Thank God it was America, then a God fearing and honoring country that had righteous intnentions and goals for bringing about world peace.

Who will throw the next bucket of ice water ont he world? If it isn't the US, the world is damned.

The blog shot me down too. But I suggested a small nuclear attack on the norders of syria and iran. Shut them down and not only have we done JUSTICE to the world but probably bought another century of civility.

One thig I feel sure is that very few options are left for the radical muslims, and better we make the move than them.

Well, hopefully through all of this Neil, you are looking beyond this life to the life of eternity. No one can make any sense of it all outside of the realm of our Creator. Maybe some poeple just don't have a need to make sense of it all, but I did and I do, and thank God, He keeps His promises---"seek and ye shall find"...I did and I did!

Hugs!

Carole

-- July 9, 2007 3:22 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(962)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 962 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/7/9 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 65.170.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 65.170.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- July 9, 2007 6:53 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Neil
Karl, Sara and Roger have had, from what I remember, a friendship off this blog site. So they probably still keep in touch.

I am relatively new in comparison. This is the first blog site I have ever been on.

I miss Tim Bitts, a brilliant contributor. Plus he was so darn funny. He is a Canadian, but had such an excetional handle on American politics. And he appeared to have a quasi patriotism toward America, that many Americans could take a lesson from.

Also, panhandler--I don't know what happened to him. And there were many others, you included, that made this a unique site.

Roger and I kept eachother's blood boiling, but it was sort of fun, i guess for those onlookers.

Once, I could get past his nasty demeanor towards me, I learned alot from him. I must admit, I got some kicks out of pushing his buttons, and I believe he did the same too.

The common bond fo the dinar went flat log site turned into a table of contents of massive amounts of pasted articles from Rob and others and the forum ceased to exist. I was off sick for awhile and when I returned, I was disenchanted with what appeared to be a permanent change, and the obvious loss of the contributors that made this an interesting place to spend time.

At least that's my take on it.

One can get bogged down with the information relative to Middle East activities. First, information, then retraction, then misinformation, then reaction to the misinformation, etc, etc,

This is what has filled the pages ( and still does) of this site. Free thinnkers are not going to stay around long under those sonditions. Then you add the "censorship" by the Administrator, and you shut down the life of the forum.

Cornishboy responded well to the pleas, and read well between the lines, Sara seemed to have added her own thoughts once again to the articles she has contributed lately, but Rob--well he has pulled back on the numbers lately, but I suspect only for a short while.

Maybe long enough for others to come back.. who knows?

I watch the site meter, for clues.

Well, I got a big day ahead of me, so I better get going.

I'll check back later....hoping for some meat of the RV rumors to comeforth..

Carole

-- July 9, 2007 8:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

It appears the eleventh hour is looming, what if anything will Iraq do?

White House 'debating Iraq pullout'

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

09 July 2007 (Aljazeera)
Print article Send to friend
Senior US officials have begun debating whether George Bush, the US president, should announce his intention to withdraw US troops from Iraq.

The New York Times reported that Bush had originally been mulling over a September 15 deadline to announce a pullout, when a progress report on Iraq is due to be released.

But the US president's aides have advised him that he may need to make an announcement sooner ahead of a senate debate on the defence authorisation bill, the report said.

Many Republican senators have recently announced they can no longer support Bush's Iraq strategy and have demanded change.

As a result, the paper reported some aides are now telling Bush that if he wants to forestall more defections, it would be wiser to announce plans for a far more narrowly defined mission for US troops that would allow for a staged pullback.

The president had originally rejected this strategy in December when it was proposed by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.

"When you count up the votes that we've lost and the votes we're likely to lose over the next few weeks, it looks pretty grim," the New York Times quotes one senior official as saying.

In a sign of growing concern in the administration, Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, cancelled his Latin American tour on Sunday to attend meetings on Iraq.

Last week, Stephen Hadley, US national security advisor, was called in from a brief holiday to join discussions on Iraq, which included Karl Rove, a US political strategist and Joshua Bolten, the White House chief of staff, according to the report.

Deep concern

Officials describe Hadley as deeply concerned that the loss of Republicans could accelerate this week, a fear shared by Rove, the report said.

But they also said that Rove had warned that if Bush went too far in announcing a redeployment, the result could include a further cascade of defections - and the passage of legislation that would force a withdrawal by a specific date, the paper said.

"Everyone's particularly worried about what happens when McCain [John, a Republican senator] gets back from Iraq," one official is quoted as saying.

McCain has been a strong supporter of the "surge" strategy, but is facing political troubles in the race for the Republican nomination for president.

McCain's poor performance in presidential nomination polls, attributed to his position on Iraq, has fuelled speculation that he may declare that the Iraqi government is incapable of reaching the kind of political accommodations that Washington considers necessary for overall success, the New York Times said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Analysis: Iraq oil law, fears of a critic
By BEN LANDO

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

WASHINGTON, 07 July 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
As Iraq's oil law this week was sent to Parliament, one of its original authors fears it will be passed -- to the detriment of the country.

Tariq Shafiq, a London and Amman, Jordan-based oil consultant born and raised in Iraq, says backroom compromises will lead to the mismanagement of the country's oil sector and open it too much to foreign, private companies -- all enshrined in the oil law he originally wrote.

Shafiq and two other Iraqis wrote the draft law last summer. It was then negotiated between representatives of the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional government until earlier this year.

This week the Council of Ministers approved the oil law suddenly, despite complaints from numerous parties.

The most contested issue is who will ultimately control Iraq's 115 billion barrels of proven reserves, the federal government or regions/governorates. It all is based on the 2005 constitution and its vague language regarding oil, spawning varied interpretations at odds in the current debate over the law.

"The constitution was drafted by a parliamentary committee but modified by the influential party heads, so called the 'matbach' (kitchen), by a process of mutual concessions, 'muhasasa,'" Shafiq told United Press International.

He said those in power benefited the most, "with complete disregard to accountability or transparency, effectively paralyzing the parliamentary process." Then it was voted on, first quickly by the Parliament, then by the electorate, "without a fair period of debate given to NGOs, specialized groups or the public at large," he said.

"History seems to repeat itself where the first important law in the life of the nation after the constitution, the petroleum law, meets the same fate of infamous 'muhasasa,'" said Shafiq.

He said the draft he co-authored was intended to avoid such politics and pave the way for an oil sector that maximized profits for all Iraqis. The latest draft weakens the federal government, he said, and the local governments don't have the institutions to sustain their own oil sectors.

"The policy of the neo-conservative politicians prior to and post-invasion of Iraq has been the privatization of Iraq's oil industry," Shafiq alleges, adding international oil companies will then access the sector with production-sharing agreements, one of the most company-friendly contract models in the industry. The neo-conservatives "called for Iraq's withdrawal from OPEC and an open oil production policy to rival Saudi Arabia and break the OPEC cartel," he said.

Before the Council of Ministers' action, the Shoura Council -- a body that reviews legislation for constitutional and other legal format -- made a number of recommendations. Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said only the format changes were included in the ministers' approved draft.

Shafiq, though not supporting the entire Shoura decision, said three key points should have been adopted: the constitutional changes should occur before the oil law is approved; the federal government should be the only body signing exploration, development and production deals; and the decades-old nationalization of the oil sector should not be reversed.

Iraq needs a large cash infusion to help its oil sector -- more than $25 billion by some estimates. It is outdated and hurting from mismanagement by Saddam Hussein. Shafiq says this should be done without bringing more new fields online (which he said could flood the market), instead maximizing production at 10 million barrels per day -- about Saudi levels -- which could last two decades. Iraq produces 2 million bpd now, down from 2.6 million bpd before the war.

Shafiq is not alone in his concerns, nor are they universally accepted. He was one of 61 Iraqi oil technocrats who signed a letter to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in April, urging the oil law be stalled until political and security conditions in Iraq improved. More and more political parties, as well as the powerful unions, have come out against the law.

But the Kurds, living in a semi-autonomous and relatively safe region in the north, want action. They want investment. They want to continue making progress, including in developing their own oil sector, to escape the fate their countrywomen and men to the south face now and the deprivation the Kurds faced under Saddam's regime.

And, pressed by the Bush administration for some sign of success in the Iraq war, the Shiite-led government is also favoring the current oil law -- and favoring it now.

It is to be taken up by Parliament next week, though protests and boycotts may make that harder.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 9:40 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Energy - Oil & Gas

Oil law to plunge country into more chaos
By Saad Abbas

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

09 July 2007 (Azzaman)
Print article Send to friend
Disappointment will be the only fruit that we are going to reap from the new oil law as we did from all other U.S.-sponsored ‘milestones’.

Instead of “a gift to all the Iraqi people” as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki described the draft oil law his government approved a few days ago, there are clear signals that the bill will turn into ‘poison’ for Iraq as a nation.

It is an oppressive bill that Maliki and his ministers signed and passed to parliament for approval.

Many believed the government’s assertions that it would substantially review the bill originally drafted almost a year ago and rejected outright by almost all of the country’s political hues.

Iraqi oil experts, national figures, Iraqis of note, politicians and numerous factions in the government had warned that unless redrafted, the bill will definitely become a cause for infighting and eventual division of the country.

But the government paid no heed to the warnings and, according to a senior official who took part in the recent deliberations hardly any changes or revisions were made.

The official, who did not wish his name be revealed, accused Maliki’s government of undermining the very national reconciliation it says it is pursuing.

“The target behind the idea of the oil law was to cement national unity and reconciliation and not undermine them. We wanted this law to bring Iraqis together and not drive them apart,” the official was quoted as saying.

We cannot tell the identity of the official but the fact that the government has not denied the statement and that the experts still see the draft as a potential danger against what has become Iraqis’ only source of livelihood, there is good reason to believe this official’s warnings.

Since the bill has not been revised to respond to strong criticism and opposition it initially generated, Maliki’s credibility and that of his government comes into question.

The whole country was pleased to hear the law would be revised in a manner that will bring the disparate Iraqi groups together and send a strong signal of national reconciliation.

But apparently the government exerted no effort to rectify the imbalances in the draft law and as a result we find ourselves once again in the square of disappointment, complaining to the Almighty against those determined to steal our happiness and sell us their lies and fabrications.

There is no need to remind the government and the nation that the draft law put before the parliament is a time bomb, threatening what remains of the country’s unity as well as the rights of current and future generations.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Foreign Minister Warns of Collapse if Troops Leave
Senate to Debate Defense Spending Bill, Progress Report Due Sunday

By Sudarsan Raghavan and Howard Schneider
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, July 9, 2007; 9:14 AM

BAGHDAD, July 9 -- Iraq's foreign minister on Monday said the country may fracture into separate parts and its government could collapse if the U.S. begins withdrawing troops too quickly -- a warning delivered as debate over war policy intensifies in the White House and Congress.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in a morning press conference that Iraqi officials "understand the huge pressure" building in the U.S. for a withdrawal of troops.

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But "the dangers could be a civil war, dividing the country, regional wars and the collapse of the state," Zebari said. "We have held discussion with members of Congress and explained to them the dangers of a quick pullout and leaving a security vacuum.

"In our estimations, until Iraqi forces are ready, there is a responsibility on the United States to stand with the [Iraqi government] as the forces are being built."

The next week could be important in the evolution of U.S. Iraq policy. Several top Republican senators have distanced themselves from the administration and begun pushing for a withdrawal. The Senate will begin debating a defense spending bill that is likely to become a platform for criticism of the administration's direction.

By Sunday, the administration must submit an interim report on the progress made towards a series of political and security goals that were established in January when President Bush decided to increase U.S. troop levels in Iraq.

There is broad recognition, even within the administration, that the goals are not being met: June was one of the bloodiest months of the war for U.S. troops; work on sensitive power-sharing legislation in the Iraqi Parliament is at a stalemate; and insurgents continue to stage successful attacks on infrastructure, religious sites and crowded public areas, such as a Saturday blast that killed around 150 in the small northern town of Amerli.

How to respond is a matter of debate. With the interim report looming and support among Republican leaders eroding, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Sunday canceled a planned trip to Latin America to participate in Iraq policy discussions.

The weekend offered pointed examples of the risks Zebari mentioned in his comments about Iraq's security situation. The Saturday bombing in Amerli -- one of the deadliest since the U.S. invasion -- was followed on Sunday by a suicide attack in which a bomber killed 23 Iraqi army recruits and wounded 27 when he rammed an explosives-rigged truck into their vehicle near Baghdad. Combined attacks over the weekend killed more than 200.

The carnage prompted senior Sunni leaders to declare that Iraqis have a right to take up weapons to protect themselves and that the government should supply citizens with arms, money and training for such security measures.

"The citizen has the right to be protected by the government and the security apparatus . . . but when there are failures there is no alternative or there is no escape but for people to defend themselves," Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni, said in a statement.

The weekend violence came after a relative lull in the major bombings that have plagued Baghdad and other parts of Iraq most of this year, despite a major U.S. and Iraqi security offensive designed to tame the capital and nearby Diyala province. The operations, U.S. commanders acknowledge, have driven extremists to areas with fewer troops.

On Sunday, two car bombs exploded near Baghdad's upscale Karrada neighborhood, considered one of the safer areas of the capital. The first detonated at 10:30 a.m. near a restaurant, killing five people and wounding 10, according to police and the U.S. military. The second occurred 15 minutes later about a mile away, killing three and wounding two.

Another bomb, tucked underneath a car, exploded near Baghdad's Shorja market, killing three and wounding five, according to news reports.

The U.S. military on Sunday announced the deaths of two U.S. soldiers, one killed in a suicide bombing west of Baghdad and the other in fighting Saturday in Salahuddin province.

In a statement Sunday, U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker announced "with a profound sense of sadness and regret" that two Iraqi employees of the U.S. Embassy had been kidnapped in May and killed.

"They represent the silent majority of Iraqis who are working to build a peaceful and prosperous future for their country," Crocker said. "They are the true Iraq."
(www.washingtonpost.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

As I stated in a previous post, the eleventh hour is upon Iraq. Regardless of pleas for the U.S. not to withdraw its troops; evidence of a policy shift is apparent especially with top Republicans support for the Iraq war waning.

In my opinion, Al-Malaki should be on a plane to Washington post haste. I think it is time for Congressional Republicans hear what progress (if any) has been made direclty from the Prime Minister himself.

We will have to wait and see what the parameters of the policy shift are before its effect on our investment in the Dinar is known. I think we can expect a redeployment of some troops with support troops staying in Iraq for a long period of time.

In anticipation of the ISX opening on August 2nd, I am wondering how many are preparing to purchase shares of the various companies listed? Does anyone believe a revaluation of the currecy may accompany the opening of the ISX?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 11:23 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

You know, I was wondering who the Iraqis are listening to when they say this current oil contract is not good enough. I finally found out from this article (quoted below).. the people they are listening to are "experts" in the field, supposedly.. but here, they finally admit it is the RUSSIAN FEDERATION and VENEZUELA... wow, hey? Communists! What a shock! And of course their "experience" base they bring to the Iraqis is their own experiences which show the Iraqis how their centralized governments "liberalized" their oil laws.. which led to the enrichment of a few (probably the same ones who voted to liberalize the laws) and they tell Iraq not to do the same thing here. Their advice? Follow their (Communist regime's) way, after all, the Capitalism they tried never works! No, the truth is, half-assed Capitalism never works. Let's compare the economies of both those countries to the US economy, shall we? Which kind of oil laws enrich the people.. the Russian/Communist, or the Western/Capitalist.. Hmmm.. hard to figure out, isn't it?

This article also touts the "economic importance" of the oil industry saying it is "Iraq's biggest and most important industry" and "most important source of revenue" then says that "Political conditions in Iraq have reached the precipice at present"... a recognition we MUST have these laws in place soon or it all collapses, no economy. They then go into stall mode saying that Iraq, like good Commies, should "take into consideration the existence of a social contract.. so that ALL IRAQIS feel as if they have participated in the drafting of the law".. GET REAL. We all know it takes real experts to make these laws, and not "every" Iraqi will "feel as if they have participated in the drafting of the oil law." Do you feel like you have participated in every bit of legislation enacted on your behalf? Ahhh.. but Communists are good in their rhetoric for fighting for the underdog, the proletariat (working class) against the bad powerful guys.. isn't that the point of Communism.. take over and make it so we ALL benefit.. ?? Does it work? Well.. "some" benefit more than others once they get into power, don't they?

The call here is for lollygagging and not doing anything - telling the Iraqis to deliberate for a few years so the terrorists can have their way and things can be back to the old "normal" way of doing business as they had under Saddam. Those living under Communism will tell you that they don't see their economies benefitting unless they can pursuade the Communist authorities to adopt Capitalism in some measure (Hong Kong) - instead it stagnates.. wonder why Iraq is stagnating? Look no further than which so-called EXPERTS the Iraqis are listening to (and then they get some of the Iraqi clerics to issue a fatwa saying if any dare say their opinion is wrong or based on wrong presumptions, like Communism, that those people are going against God.) Their red herring of letting all Iraqis participate (or FEEL like it, rather) is so that the OTHER groups (Communist) who now lack muscle in the process can inject their views into it.. non-Capitalistic views, dictatorial views.. right in keeping with the caliphate dictatorial views, let it be said. Remember these Communists had a great degree of trade under Saddam, they worked like peas in a pod with him.. so these two dictatorial powers can get along very well, quite without the Iraqi people's benefitting, as it was before.

They then come out with the dire news, "passing the Oil Law in its current state will create problems in the future more than solve them. It will hurt the Iraqi oil industry in the future." Big claims.. where is the proof? These kinds of laws exist over here.. we are mired in problems and our oil industries are hurting? No one benefits over here but a "few"? Ask those who work in the oil patch, they live very well, thank you. It gives JOBS and MONEY to the people. They are postulating that corruption in Communist countries with their half-baked implementation of Capitalism should be seen as the norm for Capitalist successful countries and their proposals of how to structure the oil sector to get it off the ground and working FOR the Iraqi people. When it says, "Much has been said about Iraq's draft Oil Law, and especially by dozens of Iraqi oil professionals," - can I ask how long these IRAQIS have been experts in the field? They served under Saddam and know how to do Capitalistic investments? And if the real "experts" they all are relying on are a bunch of Russian Communists who WANT TO HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR OIL FIELDS like they did under Saddam.. how reliable is that advice.. and who will benefit.. the Iraqi people? I don't think so!! While advocating the proletariat (working class) as benefitting from Communism as they always do, they never really give the prosperity we have under Capitalism to the people they place under their Communist view. If the Iraqis listen to them and do as they say, they will have the lackluster performance of those they emulate - or no performance, as they are advocating not doing ANYTHING for a few years "until we have stability.". Communist countries whose governments were corrupt and couldn't correctly implement a Capitalist solution if their lives depended on it are hardly the models to use or judge the Western oil industry experts advice by..

When they say, "it constitutes political legislation, and not oil-related legislation" they mistake that any legislation can be FREE of a political view. Think about it.. anything the politicians put in place in legislation - like lower taxes (GOP) or higher taxes (Dems) is based in their political worldview. NO oil legislation will be without political viewpoint in it. What it amounts to is that they don't like the POLITICS behind it.. which is Capitalistic, and are listening to the Russians instead, which are Communistic. They are going with those who helped themselves under Saddam in the past, not the Capitalist market view which will truly benefit the Iraqi people. A sellout of the Iraqi people's interests to the centralized government under the words "social compact for all Iraqis"... words which will sound all too familiar to those in Russia or under Communist regimes. Just ask one of them what they think of those words and how it impacts their meagre living standards. Iraq the banana republic.. coming soon as they listen to those who create just such republics throughout the world today.

They go on to say, "The draft tries to design Iraq's future oil industry based on the current political situation, whose benefit to the country and sustainability people doubt." Lets face it, the Communists do doubt and dislike a Democratic Constitutional government and sustainable Capitalistic markets.. they think the entire thing should be thrown out and the terrrorists agree, they want a caliphate, not the current political situation, so hopefully you can see who is really opposing these oil laws.. and why they are cooperating.

Since Venezuela is seen as "experts" the Iraqis are listening to...
Here are a few articles of recent date to show you what they may have in mind for the Iraqi people:

BBC News: US Firms ‘Reject’ Venezuela Deal

Two of the world’s largest oil companies have reportedly rejected a deal that would keep them working in Venezuela’s most important oil field.

The government is taking over majority control of operations in the Orinoco Belt, as it extends state control.

Sources at the state-owned oil firm, PDVSA, say they have been unable to agree with ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil about their future role.

President Hugo Chavez set Tuesday as a deadline for foreign firms to agree…

President Chavez has demanded that private companies hand over majority control to the state as part of a nationalisation drive.

The six international firms working there have had little choice..

Mr Chavez began a widespread nationalisation drive in January, after 'winning' in the elections last December…

==end quote==

Mr. Chavez isn’t offering any deal. It is an ultimatum.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/bbc-us-firms-reject-venezuela-deal

AND:

Iran And Venezuela Unify Against “Barbarian” US
Iran, Venezuela in “axis of unity” against U.S
By Parisa Hafezi

ASSALOUYEH, Iran (Reuters) - The presidents of Iran and Venezuela launched construction of a joint petrochemical plant on Monday, strengthening an “axis of unity” between two oil-rich nations staunchly opposed to the United States.

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who both often rail against Washington, also signed a series of other deals to expand economic cooperation, ranging from setting up a dairy factory in Venezuela to forming an oil company.

“The two countries will united defeat the imperialism of North America,” a beaming Chavez told a news conference during an official visit to the Islamic Republic, which the United States has labeled part of an “axis of evil.” …

Chavez, who last week pushed two U.S. oil giants out of his country as part of his self-styled socialist revolution, said: “This is the unity of the Persian Gulf and the Caribbean Sea.” …

In comments certain to please his hosts, who have often called on the United States to leave Iraq, Chavez branded those invading Iran’s neighbor as “barbarians,” drawing parallels with the European colonization of Latin America centuries ago.

“Those who try to convince the world that in Iran there are a bunch of barbarians are barbarians themselves.” …

(end quote)

From the Oxford English Dictionary:

barbarous, a.
[The Gr. word had probably a primary reference to speech, and is compared with L. balbus stammering. The sense-development in ancient times was (with the Greeks) ‘foreign, non-Hellenic,’ later ‘outlandish, rude, brutal’; (with the Romans) ‘not Latin nor Greek,’ then ‘pertaining to those outside the Roman empire’; hence ‘uncivilized, uncultured,’ and later ‘non-Christian,’ whence ‘Saracen, heathen’; and generally ‘savage, rude, savagely cruel, inhuman.’ The later uses occur first in Eng., the L. and Gr. senses appearing only in translators or historians.]

3. Uncultured, uncivilized, unpolished; rude, rough, wild, savage. (Said of men, their manners, customs, products.) The usual opposite of civilized.

We are the barbarians only if words have no meaning.

But of course they don’t to people like Chavez and Ahmadinejad and their brethren on the left.

Comments:

1) doingwhatican

Both countries are on the verge of collapse from lack of support of their restless populations.

Having read the entire article, this is much more than gestures and words.

2) DEZ

Ah, Barbarians get up and solve problems like space flight, Satellite communications, Robotics, Air travel, Etc.
Of course our superiors like Chavez and Ahmadinejad have learned to keep their knuckles off the ground when they walk, OOOOOOOOOOH.
I am so impressed.
Sarcasm off.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/iran-venezuela-unify-against-the-us

So the Iraqis wish to be on the verge of collapse due to a lack of support from their restless populations like these two? Note the oil "experts" referred to here, Venezuela and Iran.. peas in a pod and (along with the Russians) the experts the Iraqis are listening to. Why DID they have a war with Iran, anyway?

AND:

This is what the Iraqi people can expect shortly as they listen to these people:

Chavez’s Police Fire On Venezuelan Protesters
Venezuelans protest as TV station shuts
By FABIOLA SANCHEZ, Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan police fired tear gas and plastic bullets Monday into a crowd of thousands protesting a decision by President Hugo Chavez that forced a television station critical of his leftist government off the air.

Police fired toward the crowd of up to 5,000 protesters from a raised highway, and protesters fled amid clouds of tear gas. They later regrouped in Caracas’ Plaza Brion chanting “freedom!” Some tossed rocks and bottles at police, prompting authorities to scatter demonstrators by firing more gas.

It was the largest of several protests that broke out across Caracas hours after Radio Caracas Television ceased broadcasting at midnight Sunday and was replaced with a new state-funded channel. Chavez had refused to renew RCTV’s broadcast license, accusing it of “subversive” activities and of backing a 2002 coup against him.

Interior Minister Pedro Carreno told state-run television that four students were wounded by gunfire during a pro-RCTV protest staged near a university in the city of Valencia, located 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Caracas. It was not immediately clear who the assailants were or if they were arrested.

At least three protesters and one police officer were injured in the Caracas skirmishes. Some protesters were seen in television footage hurling spent tear gas canisters back at police.

Office workers poured out of buildings to join student protesters, while organizers called for the demonstration to remain peaceful. RCTV talk show host Miguel Angel Rodriguez led the crowd in chants of, “They will not silence us!” …

(end quote)

These people don’t seem to appreciate all that Mr. Chavez is doing for them.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/chavezs-police-fire-on-venezuelan-protesters

And, lastly, this:

Chavez Tells Venezuelan Soldiers to Prepare for War With U.S.
Monday, June 25, 2007

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez urged soldiers on Sunday to prepare for a guerrilla-style war against the United States...

Dressed in olive green fatigues and a red beret, Chavez spoke inside Tiuna Fort — Venezuela's military nerve-center—before hundreds of uniformed soldiers standing alongside armored vehicles and tanks decorated with banners reading: "Fatherland, Socialism, or Death! We will triumph!"

Chavez has repeatedly warned that American soldiers could invade Venezuela to seize control of the South American nation's immense oil reserves.

U.S. officials reject claims that Washington is considering a military attack. But the U.S. government has expressed concern over what it perceives as a significant arms build-up here.

Chavez is a close ally of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and under Chavez, Venezuela has recently purchased some $3 billion worth of arms from Russia, including 53 military helicopters, 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 24 SU-30 Sukhoi fighter jets.

Last week, Chavez said he is considering arms purchases, including submarines and a missile-equipped air defense system, as he prepares for a tour of Russia, Belarus and Iran.

Opposition leader Julio Borges condemned the president's interest in acquiring weapons, saying the government should focus on reducing violent crime in Venezuela, which has one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America.

"This isn't resolved with military purchases and foreign tours," Borges said. "This is resolved with the determination of having a country with justice."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,286521,00.html

With that as background, here is the article on Iraq and the oil law
(my bracketed italic comments when necessary), with my further commentary on it below:

Iraq's Oil Law and a Call to Postpone It
Walid Khadduri Al-Hayat - 08/07/07//

Iraq's Cabinet has sent the draft Oil Law and related legislation to Parliament for ratification. Due to the problematic conditions that accompanied the drafting of the law, and in light of its economic importance for the country (since petroleum is Iraq's biggest and most important industry and because of the precedents set by this draft law, whether in terms of the way it was drafted, or the general principles that governed its drafting), we hope that Parliament adopts an Iraqi agenda based on the country's priorities - if Parliament can convene, since three blocs are currently refraining from participating in its sessions and thus preventing a quorum. We also hope that Parliament delays acting on this draft law at the present time, despite the extreme importance that the US administration assigns to the legislation.

Not only does oil constitute Iraq's most important source of revenue (estimated at $25 billion this year), but the oil industry is also considered the most important economic sector in the country. Thus, any law that sets down the industry's future framework should take into consideration the existence of a social contract among Iraqis, which covers their view of the country's present and the next several decades of its future. This is in order to enable the responsible implementation of new laws, and so that all Iraqis, and not just some groups, feel as if they have participated in the drafting of and benefit from the law. Since political conditions in Iraq have reached the precipice at present, and in view of the lack of a comprehensive consensus-based policy that brings together the majority of the population and segments of civil society, passing the Oil Law in its current state will create problems in the future more than solve them. It will hurt the Iraqi oil industry in the future. (Rhetoric without proof.. and no substance to this claim.)

We hope that Iraq doesn't make the mistakes that the Russian Federation and Venezuela did (at least we know who is advising them now) at the beginning of the 1990s, when the authorities in those countries approved "liberalizing" oil laws, which were then evaluated and amended by later governments, naturally after a handful of people benefited to the tune of billions of dollars in the short period of time that these laws were implemented. The greatest damage here was not that a handful of people enriched themselves through these laws, but the fundamental changes in contracts with international firms and the losses incurred by both Russia and Venezuela. These losses were estimated at billions of dollars, and were due to these laws, which were passed under certain political conditions, as well as the delays that affected the oil industry, through the resulting changes in the two countries from the changed contracts. Much has been said about Iraq's draft Oil Law, and especially by dozens of Iraqi oil professionals, who met in Amman at the beginning of this year. We will attempt to discuss the details of this draft in future articles, being content for the moment to say that it constitutes political legislation, and not oil-related legislation. The draft tries to design Iraq's future oil industry based on the current political situation, whose benefit to the country and sustainability people doubt.

Also, the Oil Law will be an orphan, like the Constitution, which is now seeing the introduction of amendments and changes, not even a year after it war ratified. With the absence of a comprehensive political process and in light of the deteriorating political situation, it would be folly to make laws that are assumed to govern the country for the next few decades. This certainly applies to the Oil Law, and before it, the Constitution.

There is also the matter of Iraq's priorities, which should be safeguarded by Parliament. First of all, there is the spread of corruption, especially in the oil sector, where smuggling and the theft of petroleum products and crude oil are underway, estimated by Iraqi and US government reports at about $10 million a day. There is also the scarcity of gasoline and the continuing interruptions to electricity supplies, which have take place throughout the duration of the occupation, or about four years. Perhaps the most important priority is to see the spread of security throughout the country and end of terror, militias, and odious sectarianism.

It goes without saying that international oil companies will display marked interest in penetrating the Iraqi market, especially since the country has huge available reserves, and despite the poor security situation. However, the companies will demand a big price in return for working in this political climate. Since the agreements are for around 25 years, the price that to be paid now will be exorbitant, if conditions stabilize. Therefore, we believe it a duty to not set the cart before the horse; the political process must succeed and internal security and stability must be achieved first. Then, negotiating with foreign companies will take place from a position of strength, and Iraq must cooperate with these firms, after the destruction and devastation that have affected the country and the oil industry of late.

It is also necessary to see clear oil legislation. (What they mean by CLEAR, is another view, Communist with strong state control.) The basic problem with the current Constitution lies in giving priority to regional oil laws, at the expense of the State's law. (Centralized government control, the Russian/Communist viewpoint, is the right one, not the Capitalist.) The region of Kurdistan has announced its oil laws before the enacting of an Iraqi one, and work is now underway to establish a southern region, which is expected to eventually issue its own oil law (the identity of this legislation is currently unknown, but it will take precedence, upon its issuing, over the State's Oil Law). This contradiction will create vagueness and chronic problems for Iraq's oil industry. Likewise, the draft Oil Law does not specify the nature of the contracts and State rights to oil discoveries by foreign firms, leaving the issue open to future interpretations; this is a dangerous initiative, especially under the unstable political conditions in the country - today and tomorrow.

http://english.daralhayat.com/business/07-2007/Article-20070708-a5c29244-c0a8-10ed-01a3-d1911753c142/story.html

When they say the Oil Law will be like the Constitution, "which is now seeing the introduction of amendments and changes, not even a year after it war ratified." - THAT is bad news? In other words, it will be flexible and they prefer totalitarianistic and set-in-stone laws.. who do not have the good of the people but the good of the government in mind?? This is, after all, Communism.. and dictatorship they are advocating. The US amended her Constitution, does that mean evil happened as a result? Having flexibility within these laws is not an evil.. dictatorial control was evil in the past. Iraq should consult her own history for precedent on this.

When they say, "With the absence of a comprehensive political process" (they mean one they endorse or like) "and in light of the deteriorating political situation", (they mean those their comrades in arms are fomenting) "it would be folly to make laws that are assumed to govern the country for the next few decades." - This is because they are expecting the US to lose and the Communists to take over if they can only delay this long enough.. it should cause enough chaos for them to take over. (Remember the strategy of Iran discussed earlier in the blog which was create chaos and instability.. this plays into their hands perfectly.) These "experts" from Russia and Venezuela definitely think it wrong to make laws to govern the country for the next few rocky decades, getting the Iraqi economy up and running as a free and independent Iraq and then they say, "This certainly applies to the Oil Law, and before it, the Constitution." Yes, definitely the Constitution and Oil Laws provide too much power and good for the people.. we want the power in Communist/Dictatorial hands as it was before in Iraq.

When they say, "There is also the matter of Iraq's priorities, which should be safeguarded by Parliament." I agree.. just that should not be those who were the first and only beneficiaries under Saddam (China, Russia, Iran, etc). When they refer to the "spread of corruption, especially in the oil sector, where smuggling and the theft of petroleum products and crude oil are underway" they use this to bolster their position that the problems will all be resolved if they do this the way their handlers from Russia and Venezuela are advising them to. Yes, there are some problems.. as there are in Capitalist countries... but the way to deal with them.. is not to hand over control to the caliphate and Communists by delaying the implementation of these Democratic and Capitalistic laws which will benefit the Iraqi people.

The article goes on about the "scarcity of gasoline and the continuing interruptions to electricity supplies" which would be remedied by a vibrant and strong economy which they are now trying to stall by not approving the oil laws, playing into the hands of both the terrorists and Communists. The article then states, "Perhaps the most important priority is to see the spread of security throughout the country and end of terror, militias, and odious sectarianism." Golly, that is new ideas, isn't it? What do you think the Bush Administration has been saying and trying to do all along? The fact the writer of this article cannot see that that is what the goal has been all along means they think there are other solutions.. likely ones imposed by dictatorial rule by the caliphate or Communist views, implemented by their Communist political legislation, not our Capitalistic one.

Then he goes on to state the obvious about Capitalistic development followed by an ultimatum to stop all progress instead of working for a prosperous Iraqi economy, based on their fears that capitalism won't work in Iraq and it will be a repeat of Russia's corruption under Communist incentives they made in their political structure, quote, "It goes without saying that international oil companies will display marked interest in penetrating the Iraqi market, especially since the country has huge available reserves, and despite the poor security situation. However, the companies will demand a big price in return for working in this political climate. Since the agreements are for around 25 years, the price that to be paid now will be exorbitant, if conditions stabilize. Therefore, we believe.. the political process must succeed and internal security and stability must be achieved first."

Can you believe that they demand security before they have an economy.. ?? This can never be. You cannot have a chicken without an egg.. you cannot have monetary security without a job. You cannot have economic security without an economy. This is delay which plays into the hands of terrorism, Communism and the caliphate. The article goes on so unrealistically, "Then, negotiating with foreign companies will take place from a position of strength" - oh, sure.. Communist and caliphate strength since the other Democratic ideals will be destroyed out of Iraq by that time and the Iraqi people will be at their mercy and dictatorship as they wish them to be..

It goes on, "Iraq must cooperate with these firms, after the destruction and devastation that have affected the country and the oil industry of late. It is also necessary to see clear oil legislation. The basic problem with the current Constitution lies in giving priority to regional oil laws, at the expense of the State's law." Note the solution - not this Capitalistic legislation, which is "unclear" to them, but instead more centralized control for these Communist-oriented interests. They state that the Kurdish sector wishes more autonomy and says their laws will take precedence over the State's Oil Law. "This contradiction will create vagueness and chronic problems for Iraq's oil industry." Actually this gives flexibility and helps define local interests like the States do under their state laws FIRST before dealing with the federal government, or as the Canadians do under their Provincial laws.. before their resources are placed under the legislation issued from their federal government. Basically the system puts the resources under State/Provincial control first, then federal - and THIS SYSTEM WORKS very well over here and is not vague nor does it create problems to the industry. This does create problems for a dictatorial centralized government if that is the goal, though.

It concludes with the statement, "Likewise, the draft Oil Law does not specify the nature of the contracts and State rights to oil discoveries by foreign firms, leaving the issue open to future interpretations; this is a dangerous initiative, especially under the unstable political conditions in the country - today and tomorrow." Of course suspicion of motives is central to any discussion by those who wish to seize power.. they think this dangerous without complete CONTROL over everything.. why not just take over, eliminate that pesky Constitution, set up a dictatorship.. let the caliphate do it and have complete control and the contracts can be made with Communist regimes such as Russia and China as they were before? These people just pine for the old days under Saddam.. it is all they know or trust. They want dictatorship because it is easy and reliable.. forget what is good for Iraqis.. they want what is good for the upper elite.. as they always have.. oh.. in the name of the "workers" or proletariat of course.. we have to remember they have the worker's best interests at heart.. so say the Communists, Unions, and the Terrorists.. all of whom don't want a complicated and "dangerous" initiative which might cause the Iraqi people to prosper and have a functioning economy which is flexible and worth having. Therefore, all they can do is call for this to STOP now and say we need stability and peace first.. delay, delay, delay.. which plays into the hands of the enemies of Iraq. For it is free enterprise which will fulfill the dreams of anyone in Iraq who is willing to work hard enough to put their version of "a white picket fence with fountains" around their own homes in the desert sands of Iraq, and they are delaying the implementation of these oil laws to prevent that from ever happening for the Iraqi people. They want it all for themselves.. just ask their experts from Russia or Venezuela.. see how their example has enriched their people? Want state control and bullets fired at the Iraqi people like Venezuela? Follow the advice to these Iraqi "expert" sources and see how it will benefit the people of Iraq by the examples within those nations of how it has helped their own people. See what following their advice will lead to. See who spawned these ideas.. or is it pawned these ideas?

Sara.

-- July 9, 2007 5:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The end of Maliki?
truth-about-iraqis

From truth-about-iraqis

I am getting dozens of reports from various sources which are pointing in one direction - the government of Iraq(n)i PM Maliki is on the verge of collapse. One source close to parliamentarians in Baghdad has told me that US "political forces" have informed him that Washington is diverting track and will "now fix mistakes of the past".

The source would not disclose anything further, but if I may surmise: The US has recognized its mistakes in supporting the Maliki government.

In fact, last week, US sources told the American media that Maliki was performing very poorly and that the benchmarks Congress had drawn up were unlikely to be met.

Within hours, Iran responded that it threw its full support behind Maliki and that "there was no alternative" to the current PM.

It is clear Washington and Tehran are battling it out in the Green Zone.

Into this burning pot of overflowing human grease and blood, we heard of the arrest of Iranian operative - Lebanese Hezbo agents - operating in southern Iraq; the arrests and killing of several "pro-Iranian militia" and the targeting of Mehdi rabble fighters.

In the past week alone, US and Iraqi forces have killed at least 30 Mehdi terrorists.

A raid in Madinat al Thawra (renamed Saddam, then Sadr City) by US forces targeting Mehdi terrorists drew sharp rebuke from Maliki.

Within four days, however, Maliki lashed out during a press conference with Talabani and called on Sadrists to exercise more caution so that they are not blamed for acts of terrorism. He blamed Saddamists and Baathists who had infilitrated the Sadrists as having been behind the kidnappings, beheadings, and car bombs.

Fancy that, Saddamists having infilitrated the Sadrists. That is like saying the Virgin Mary adopted the Hassan and Hussein.

Moving on, the Sadrists, chiefly Sadrist MP Bahaa Al Araji fired back at Maliki reminding the PM that it was the Sadrists who brought you into power.

Ya Qundara.

Sadrist Spokesperson Ahmed Al Shaybani went further saying that Maliki's government was in its "final days" and had "been weakened to the point of dysfunction".

On the heels of all this, US sources have quoted Sunni MPs who have boycotted parliament meetings as saying they are going to try and pass a no-confidence vote agains Maliki by July 15.

Maybe, maybe not. But as Bush loses critical GOP support in Washington, Maliki appears to lose his main supporters in Baghdad.

There are also major rumblings in parliament over the draft Iraqi oil law, which purportedly gives US and UK oil companies 76% stock in the country's oil.

A similar arrangement led to the Iraqi revolution led by Rashid Aali Al Geilani in the 1940s and again in 1958. It also led to Mossadegh's coup in Iran, bringing into power the most democratic and liberal government in the mideast. This was removed by powerful oil conglomerate in colluson with the Shah.

Many Iraqis say they will vote down the oil law and are warning that it not be rushed to appease Washington, as in the case of the constitution draft in Sept. 2005 and the elections in January 2006.

Right now, Mosul is under siege as rival forces battle it out. On the one side is Eid Al Namis, an Iraqi police officer with considerable clout fighting to the death against "mujahidin".

Final update: I am getting reports that the Turkish military is poised to invade northern Iraq. Barazani is reportedly prepping to call up all able young men to be drafted into a defense force.

Several hundreds of Kurds have fled to Iran and Syria fearing the draft.

There are reports that residents of Dhok are afraid the Turkish military could extend itself all the way into their city.

Yesterday, the deadly blast in Toz Kharmatu near Kirkuk killed more than 150 mostly Turkmen civilians.

All I can say is that things are coming to a boil in Iraq. Things WILL be determined by the end of the summer.

Allawi may be in power by Eid-al-Fitr.
(http://www.thepeoplesvoice.org/cgi-bin/blogs/voices.php/2007/07/09/the_end_of_maliki)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 5:10 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

There are also major rumblings in parliament over the draft Iraqi oil law, which purportedly gives US and UK oil companies 76% stock in the country's oil.

Now that is definitely meant to be a very inflammatory statement.. from this blogger.
Anything concrete other than his/her word to back it up?

However, presuming it true..
Biblically speaking, the oil is a spoil of war.. the US is entitled to ALL of it..
by those laws of the Bible they are entitled not just to 76% but ALL.
Which makes it a tough sell - selling this as extortion to the heavenly powers that be.
Do people really expect the US to go in to Iraq, liberate them, and do all this at their own expense?
Have you seen what the Iraqi war has cost us?
QUOTE:

Since the war is not yet over, the total cost has yet to be tallied. However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the war has, as of 3/12/2007, cost less than $400 Billion.[74] The National Priorities Project, though, indicates that the war costs some $195,000 per minute, according to numbers based on Congressional appropriations, and the tally had reached $412.8 billion as of 3/30/2007.
http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War#Costs

And what.. the US taxpayer is just supposed to absorb these costs?
Spoil is expected in war, and GOD does not see it as evil as evidenced by His allowing it:

Jos 22:8 And he spoke to them, saying, Return with much riches to your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

2Sa 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.

Psa 68:12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

It cannot be argued that God would see taking the spoil.. to the tune of 412 BILLION dollars and more.. as evil.
Indeed, I would argue that if they do not allow the proper payment in spoil God requires,
if they are churlish and ungrateful for all God has done through our hands...
He will oppose them as robbing the victor of his just spoils, as this says:

Isa 17:13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Isa 17:14 And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

Sara.

-- July 9, 2007 6:09 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

New York (Treason) Times To Iraqis: “Drop Dead” - LITERALLY
From “The Paper Of Treason” the New York Times:
The Road Home
July 8, 2007

It is time for the United States to leave Iraq, without any more delay than the Pentagon needs to organize an orderly exit.

Continuing to sacrifice the lives and limbs of American soldiers is wrong. Americans must be clear that Iraq, and the region around it, could be even bloodier and more chaotic after Americans leave. There could be reprisals against those who worked with American forces, further ethnic cleansing, even genocide. Potentially destabilizing refugee flows could hit Jordan and Syria. Iran and Turkey could be tempted to make power grabs. Perhaps most important, the invasion has created a new stronghold from which terrorist activity could proliferate.

The administration, the Democratic-controlled Congress, the United Nations and America’s allies must try to mitigate those outcomes — and they may fail. But Americans must be equally honest about the fact that keeping troops in Iraq will only make things worse. The nation needs a serious discussion, now, about how to accomplish a withdrawal and meet some of the big challenges that will arise.

The United States has the greatest responsibilities, including the admission of many more refugees for permanent resettlement. The most compelling obligation is to the tens of thousands of Iraqis of courage and good will — translators, embassy employees, reconstruction workers — whose lives will be in danger because they believed the promises and cooperated with the Americans.

This country faces a choice. We can go on allowing Mr. Bush to drag out this war without end or purpose. Or we can insist that American troops are withdrawn as quickly and safely as we can manage — with as much effort as possible to stop the chaos from spreading.

===end quote==

What a disgusting package of lies and terrorist propaganda. It is truly treasonous by any definition of the term.

But the New York Times will stop at nothing to turn Iraq into the new Vietnam — which has been their greatest achievement thus far in their long career of trying to destroy the United States.

Of course this editorial is being reported around the world as an historic event due to the tremendous influence of the New York Times.

And yet yesterday this earth-shaking piece did not appear on any news feed that I saw. Nor did I see any of the major news sites carry it, or even comment on it.

Which is perhaps understandable.

After all, it isn’t really news when the New York Times betrays this country and its troops.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/new-york-times-to-iraq-drop-dead-2

-- July 9, 2007 7:01 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Neil,

You have got it right there, when you take over from a bastard like Saddam, you have got to be a BIGGER bastard and have a biger stick, and beat the living crap out of them, as most of them are DUM ARSES, and they need a good kicking to get them moveing.
Well that is imo, if you do not try you will never know.
Steve.

-- July 9, 2007 7:55 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

YES!!!
I think we may be close to a ratification by Parliament!!

===

No major changes made to oil draft law accepted by Kurdistan government - spokesman
Arbil, 09 July 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

The spokesman for the Iraqi government Ali al-Dabbagh said on Sunday no major changes were made to the draft law ratified last week by the Iraqi cabinet as he handed over a copy of the law to the Kurdistan government, while the Kurdish House Speaker voiced support to a possible reshuffle in the central government.

"A copy of the ratified oil law was handed over to Kurdistan government. The amendments were only concerning legal wording and not affecting the general context of the law. It never touched on central issues in the law," Al-Dabbagh told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) after a meeting with Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Adnan al-Mufti.

The Iraqi government spokesman added "The Kurdish officials did not reject the law and they are expected to announce their stand vis-à-vis the law."

Iraqi cabinet ratified on Tuesday the draft oil and gas law after some amendments were made by the cabinet legal committee to the draft before sending it to the parliament, leading Iraq' Kurdistan prime minister Negervan al-Barazani to talk about a possible Kurdish rejection of the law if major changes were introduced to the initial draft that the Kurds accepted.

Al-Dabbagh ruled out a possible rejection of the law by the parliamentary blocs, saying "I do not think that the law will be rejected by parliamentary blocs as it has many positive points making it one of the most progressive laws badly needed for the economy of Iraq."

"The (Blocs') stands should be taken in view of the interest of the country, its people and its oil infrastructure away from political blackmailing," he added.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/19211

-- July 9, 2007 10:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

While I agree that negativity rules the day; I am not so sure this government can meet any of the benchmarks set by the U.S. President Bush is under increasing pressure for a precipitous pull out from Iraq and pressure is mounting by both Democrats and Republicans.

I do not think the President has the political capital to hold off a congressional override of his veto on the matter. The upcoming budget vote for funding the war will be the beginning of the end for the Iraq war. The republican defectors will vote in accordance with Harry Reid and reduce military spending for the war after the Presidents report is reviewed on July 15th. We can expect troop levels begin to decrease after David Praetus' report due in September; especially, if Iraq continues its current course.

I think you are too optimistic regarding HCL, there are too many factional elements for consensus. How all of this will effect our Dinar investment we will have to see.

The country certainly needs a revaluation of the currency. They also need products and services to spend that new found wealth on. Regardless, at this point the congressional leadership is not thinking about what is best for Iraq and the IRaqi's are not thinking about what is best for Iraq.

Both the U.S. and Iraq are currently wrestling with their respective power struggles. In the U.S. it is who will control congress and the White House in Iraq it is what ethnic group will rule. I think we will rue the day we precipitously withdrew from Iraq before the job was completed.

I still believe Iraq can be salvaged. It may not be Al-Malaki that brings it to fruition. The weeks ahead seem to be the defining moments for Iraq and the U.S. policy there. If we fail in Iraq the effects will be with us for generations to come.

One final thought, all of these events will shape our investment I still think in the end we will be glad we invested in the New Iraqi Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 9, 2007 11:03 PM ∞

---

clyde wrote:

I agree,its certainly a chicken and egg syndrome, either security or economy comes first. I read somewhere that there was supposed to be a RV last August, but it was held off due to US fearing that it would put too much money in the hands of the insurgents.

Maybe the Iraq Government should just start a national lottery with the proceeds,going to provide funds for security

-- July 10, 2007 12:42 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

After having brilliantly laid out and responded to the rationale of those who oppose the oil law, why do you still think that it will pass.

It in no way should be a surprise that Russia is not a major player in the discord of this whole picture in the middle east.

And as for Chavez, he is being used by Russia as was Castro, only later to be thrown to the wind and "dethroned" when they were through with him. He was a well played pawn. But Russia made sure he had no power or military might, and God only knows what other hopeful promises were made tohim, that never became a reality.

Regardless of the vast amount of political pressure, I don't think Bush will cave....I think a military show down lurks in the shadows.

I now understand that Turkey is ready to invade the Kurdish borders of Iraq. Have you heard anything about this?

Again, why do you think the oil law will pass in Parliament?

Carole

-- July 10, 2007 1:20 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(963)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 963 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/7/10 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1247 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 62.865.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 62.865.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- July 10, 2007 6:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Give the 'Surge' a Chance
7/9/2007

By PETE HEGSETH
July 9, 2007; Page A15

This week, Democrats on Capitol Hill are expected to present several different bills meant to undermine the war in Iraq. I fear that it will be difficult for Americans to discern the facts, as members on the Hill (including some Republicans) will revisit past failures and lament unfortunate losses rather than undertake a serious critique of the new counterinsurgency strategy.

Why? Because for some members of Congress, there is a growing fear that Gen. David Petraeus just might have a winning strategy in Iraq.

Despite four years of failed policy, the strategy we have in Iraq today is sound, both in principle and in practice, as my combat tour in Iraq confirmed. Gen. Petraeus is bringing safety and stability to Baghdad and Anbar Province, putting insurgents on the run. Now it's a question of whether House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and wobbly Republicans will give him the time and resources he needs. So, before the debate reconvenes, I thought a brief refutation of the top four Iraq falsehoods would be instructive:

• Falsehood No. 1: The "surge" is already a failure.

Fact: The surge is just beginning. All of the brigades Gen. Petraeus requested have only been in place since mid-June and already there are promising indicators. Since January, sectarian murders are substantially down, arms caches are being found at three times the rate of last year and young Sunnis and Shiites are joining the Iraqi security forces in record numbers.

• Falsehood No. 2: Gen. Petraeus believes the military has done all it can do in Iraq.

Fact: Sen. Reid often quotes Gen. Petraeus to support his position that the war is "lost." But a fair survey of Gen. Petraeus's remarks confirms that he believes the U.S. military must set the conditions for political progress. The ultimate solution to Iraq's problem is political reconciliation, which can only come with the improvements in security the surge is designed to achieve.

• Falsehood No. 3: The U.S. is playing insurgent "whack-a-mole" throughout Iraq.

Fact: Gen. Petraeus's mission is called the Baghdad Security Plan for a reason: Its limited aim is to pacify Iraq's capital and center of gravity, thereby shifting the country's balance of power. The strategy is for U.S. and Iraqi forces to clear multiple insurgent safe havens in and around Baghdad at once to prevent insurgents from relocating, then to maintain security by remaining within the communities and building trust with the locals who were being intimidated by Sunni insurgents and Shiite militiamen.

• Falsehood No. 4: U.S. troops are not fighting an enemy in Iraq, just policing a "civil war."

Fact: America's enemies are invested in our defeat in Iraq. Al Qaeda leaders like Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri say they want to "expel the Americans from Iraq" and establish a "caliphate" to "extend the jihad to the secular countries neighboring Iraq." These killers are intent on spreading their violent ideology, and believe stoking sectarian violence is the best way to achieve their goals. Al Qaeda may only make up 10% of the insurgency in Iraq, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in lethality. Gen. Petraeus has said that "80 to 90% of suicide bombers are foreign fighters," and by neutralizing them, we could stomp out the low-level civil war.

In light of these facts, our country faces an important decision: listen to David Petraeus and the generals in Iraq, who believe we finally have a winning strategy that will take time to execute, or bow to the political demands of Republicans and Democrats in Congress who are more interested in avoiding defeat in their home districts than defeating al Qaeda & Co. in Iraq.

Gen. Petraeus promised a candid report in September. Until then, for the same senators who unanimously confirmed him and his counterinsurgency strategy in January to undercut his efforts is extremely irresponsible, and exposes how quickly war-time leadership can transform into election-season pandering.

Mr. Hegseth, a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard and executive director of VetsforFreedom.org1, served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from September 2005 to July 2006.

Give the 'Surge' a Chance - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 10, 2007 9:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Stock Market Rises in Prelude to Foreign Trading

Investors in the Iraqi capital market anticipate prices will rise during the period preceding non-Iraqi trading, which is set to start August 2, reported Al-Hayat. The signs of this started as the index has been making impressive gains in recent trading.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 10, 2007 9:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

War Plan Heading for Tough Fight
Military.com | By Christian Lowe | July 10, 2007
A top architect of the Iraq surge plan said Monday the increase in U.S. forces flowing to Baghdad and its outskirts has crippled al Qaeda, forced the Sunni insurgency into compromise and hobbled Shiite extremists seeking reprisal.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane, Army vice chief of staff during the 2003 invasion, said withdrawing from Iraq before gains are made in securing remaining al Qaeda strongholds and disabling Shiite militias would show a lack of military understanding and could plunge Baghdad once more into sectarian bloodshed.

"That level of violence and instability [created] by a precipitous withdrawal ... will push this government to being fractured and beginning an all-out civil war," Keane said during a July 9 briefing at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.

"And believe me; you'll know it when you see it. You won't have to debate whether it's a civil war or not."

Keane joined fellow surge plan author, AEI resident scholar and former West Point military history professor Fred Kagan, in a fervent defense of the increased forces and what could be a last-ditch bid to stymie building political momentum on Capitol Hill to pull American combat forces out of Iraq.

Video: Dems Step Up Pressure for Change in Iraq

A spate of recent high-profile Republican defections from support of the war have further isolated the Bush administration, adding to what will likely be a politically contentious week at the hands of war opponents who want to enshrine a near-term withdrawal into law.

"Americans are not welcome in Iraq at this stage, according to Iraqis," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), said Monday. American troops are "protecting Sunnis, they're protecting the Shiia, they're protecting Kurds and all these folks are after our troops. It seems like it is not a good situation for us."

The Bush administration is set to deliver an interim report on the progress of the so-called "Baghdad Security Plan" this weekend, just one month after all of the 30,000 combat forces earmarked for the surge arrived in Iraq.

Lawmakers will likely pounce on the interim report as evidence of failure and plan to issue legislation over the next two weeks to begin withdrawal of troops within four months.

War proponents admit that despite evidence the number of sectarian killings is moving downward, bloodshed from car bombs and high-profile terrorist attacks will continue - feeding the "strategic exhaustion" among lawmakers and the American public.

"If we are going to let suicide bombers drive us out of Iraq, we've got real problems as a country in this world of ours out there," Keane said.

One option on the table is to cut the nearly 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq by more than half, concentrate on training and advising the Iraqi army so they are better capable of defeating their own insurgency and boosting counter terrorism efforts - staying out of the sectarian conflict the surge is designed to quell.

"There's still a preoccupation among some in the administration to think of this as a military operation - to think of this as something that's going to have a military solution," said James Miller, senior vice president and director of studies with the Center for a New American Security.

Miller agreed with many Democrats who contend a more robust diplomatic effort between Iraq's neighbors and rival sectarian groups could help end the spiraling violence.

Legislation in the works as the Senate debates the 2008 Pentagon authorization bill this week could include measures that implement many of the Iraq Study Group recommendations, revoke the 2003 pre-war authorization for the use of force resolution and implement a shift in military policy away from combating the insurgency in Iraq.

As Democratic lawmakers gear up for their final assault on Bush administration policies before the summer recess in August, the view of the Capitol from the White House is blurred by both the steamy heat of Washington, D.C. and the political landscape.

"Over the past couple of weeks there's been an incredible erosion of political support for the surge," Miller said. "This erosion of support for the surge is quickly deepening, and that is likely to continue."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 10, 2007 9:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Official: Iraq Gov't Missed All Targets
Associated Press | July 10, 2007
WASHINGTON - A progress report on Iraq will conclude that the U.S.-backed government in Baghdad has not met any of its targets for political, economic and other reforms, speeding up the Bush administration's reckoning on what to do next, a U.S. official said Monday.

The "pivot point" for addressing the matter will no longer be Sept. 15, as initially envisioned, when a full report on Bush's so-called "surge" plan is due, but instead will come this week when the interim mid-July assessment is released, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the draft is still under discussion.

But another senior official said Bush's advisers, along with the president, decided last week there was not enough evidence from Iraq to justify a change now in current policy.

They had launched discussions about how to react to the erosion of support for the president's Iraq approach among prominent Republicans, that official said, and the debate was part of a broader search for a way out of a U.S. combat presence in Iraq by the end of Bush's presidency.

The second official said the decision was to wait for the September report - one originally proposed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other administration officials, and then enshrined into law by Congress - before deciding whether any course shift is warranted. The official spoke on condition of anonymity so he could talk more freely about internal deliberations.

The July report, required by law, is expected to be delivered to Capitol Hill by Thursday or Friday, as the Senate takes up a $649 billion defense policy bill and votes on a Democratic amendment ordering troop withdrawals to begin in 120 days.

The second administration official said the report "will present a picture of satisfactory progress on some benchmarks and not on others."

Also being drafted are several Republican-backed proposals that would force a new course in Iraq, including one by Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., that would require U.S. troops to abandon combat missions. Collins and Nelson say their binding amendment would order the U.S. mission to focus on training the Iraqi security forces, targeting al-Qaida members and protecting Iraq's borders.

"My goal is to redefine the mission and set the stage for a significant but gradual drawdown of our troops next year," said Collins.

GOP support for the war has eroded steadily since Bush's decision in January to send some 30,000 additional troops to Iraq. At the time, Bush said the Iraqis agreed to meet certain benchmarks, such as enacting a law to divide the nation's oil reserves.

This spring, Congress agreed to continue funding the war through September but demanded that Bush certify on July 15 and again on Sept. 15 that the Iraqis were living up to their political promises or forgo U.S. aid dollars.

The official said it is highly unlikely that Bush will withhold or suspend aid to the Iraqis based on the report.

A draft version of the administration's progress report circulated among various government agencies in Washington on Monday.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow on Monday tried to lower expectations on the report, contending that all of the additional troops had just gotten in place and it would be unrealistic to expect major progress by now.

"You are not going to expect all the benchmarks to be met at the beginning of something," Snow said. "I'm not sure everyone's going to get an `A' on the first report."

In recent weeks, the White House has tried to shore up eroding GOP support for the war.

Collins and five other GOP senators - Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, Robert Bennett of Utah, John Sununu of New Hampshire and Pete Domenici of New Mexico - support separate legislation calling on Bush to adopt as U.S. policy recommendations by the Iraq Study Group, which identified a potential redeployment date of spring 2008.

Other prominent Republican senators, including Richard Lugar of Indiana, George Voinovich of Ohio, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Olympia Snowe of Maine, also say the U.S. should begin redeployments.

Several GOP stalwarts, including Sens. Ted Stevens of Alaska, Christopher Bond of Missouri, Jon Kyl of Arizona and James Inhofe of Oklahoma, said they still support Bush's Iraq strategy.

Kyl said he would try to focus this week's debate on preserving vital anti-terrorism programs, including the detention of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The defense bill is on track to expand the legal rights of those held at the military prison, and many Democrats want to propose legislation that would shut the facility.

"If Democrats use the defense authorization bill to pander to the far left at the expense of our national security, they should expect serious opposition from Republicans," Kyl said.

As the Senate debate began, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee arranged to run television commercials in four states, beginning Tuesday, to pressure Republicans on the war.

The ads are to run in Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota and New Hampshire, according to knowledgeable officials, but the DSCC so far has committed to spending a relatively small amount of money, less than $100,000 in all. Barring a change in plans that means the ads would not be seen widely in any of the four states.

The targets include Sens. Norm Coleman of Minnesota, Collins of Maine, Sununu of New Hampshire and the Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. All face re-election next year.

The boost in troop levels in Iraq has increased the cost of war there and in Afghanistan to $12 billion a month, with the overall tally for Iraq alone nearing a half-trillion dollars, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which provides research and analysis to lawmakers.

The figures call into question the Pentagon's estimate that the increase in troop strength and intensifying pace of operations in Baghdad and Anbar province would cost $5.6 billion through the end of September.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 10, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush denies debating Iraq pullout

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

10 July 2007 (Aljazeera)
Print article Send to friend
The US president has denied contemplating pulling out of Iraq despite an imminent progress report that will say the Iraq government has not met any of its targets for political, economic and other reform.

The White House on Monday said George Bush had no plans at the moment to scale back US presence in Iraq.

The denial comes on the heels of a New York Times report on Monday that debate was intensifying over whether Bush should announce withdrawal plans to stem Republican defections.

Bush risks losing Republican support as Democratic senators plan to hold votes on pulling out US troops.

The Times had reported some aides telling Bush it would be wiser to announce his intention of a troop pullout if he wanted to forestall more defections.

But Tony Snow, the White House spokesman, said there was "no debate right now" on troop withdrawal and that the idea of a political judgment on it, instead of a military one, is "simply not true".

"The president has said many times, that as conditions required and merit, that there will be, in fact, withdrawals and also a pulling back from areas of Baghdad and so on," he said.

Shoring up support

"A growing number of Republicans are now speaking against the failed strategy in Iraq, and that's good"

Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader

The president had originally rejected this strategy in December when it was proposed by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.

The issue will be addressed later this week when the mid-July interim assessment of progress in Iraq is released, and not when the full report is due in September.

An official told The Associated Press that the facts were not in question but rather "how the White House proceeds with a post-surge strategy in light of the report".

A draft version of the progress report was circulated among various government agencies in Washington on Monday.

Harry Reid, the senate majority leader, said the coming weeks would reveal whether the Republicans opposed to the present course of action in Iraq would be willing to vote for a troop withdrawal.

"A growing number of Republicans are now speaking against the failed strategy in Iraq, and that's good."

Reid added the senate debate on Iraq, with voting expected on Tuesday, would be part of work on a defence policy bill.

'Long-term endeavour'

Key Republicans pleaded for more time suggesting that voting be held back until Bush reports on the progress in Iraq on September 15, a requirement of a recent war funding bill.

Meanwhile, a US general warned that the fight against the Iraq uprising was "a long-term endeavour" that could take decades.

General David Petraeus, the top US commander in Iraq, cited the case of Northern Ireland and Britain to show that reconciliation may happen after a very long time.

"Anybody... would recognise that these are long-term endeavours," Petraeus told the BBC from Baquba, northeast of the capital.

He said the recent surge of 30,000 US troops was having a positive effect in some parts of the country including the capital, Baghdad.

He said the more important question is how many US soldiers would still be needed in Iraq and how "can we gradually reduce our forces so we reduce the strain on the army, on the nation".

Added Petraeus: "We do believe that this is achieving progress. The bigger issue of course is whether we can then also get the grassroots reconciliation going, and that actually is working."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 10, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

When you read that doctors are the leading cause of death in the US, you wonder how many of those are Islamofascists whose killings are deliberate...

Death by Medicine
By Gary Null, PhD; Carolyn Dean MD, ND; Martin Feldman, MD; Debora Rasio, MD; and Dorothy Smith, PhD

Something is wrong when regulatory agencies pretend that vitamins are dangerous, yet ignore published statistics showing that government-sanctioned medicine is the real hazard.

Until now, Life Extension could cite only isolated statistics to make its case about the dangers of conventional medicine. No one had ever analyzed and combined ALL of the published literature dealing with injuries and deaths caused by government-protected medicine. That has now changed.

A group of researchers meticulously reviewed the statistical evidence and their findings are absolutely shocking.4 These researchers have authored a paper titled “Death by Medicine” that presents compelling evidence that today’s system frequently causes more harm than good.

This fully referenced report shows the number of people having in-hospital, adverse reactions to prescribed drugs to be 2.2 million per year. The number of unnecessary antibiotics prescribed annually for viral infections is 20 million per year. The number of unnecessary medical and surgical procedures performed annually is 7.5 million per year. The number of people exposed to unnecessary hospitalization annually is 8.9 million per year.

The most stunning statistic, however, is that the total number of deaths caused by conventional medicine is an astounding 783,936 per year. It is now evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the US. (By contrast, the number of deaths attributable to heart disease in 2001 was 699,697, while the number of deaths attributable to cancer was 553,251.5)

We placed this article on our website to memorialize the failure of the American medical system. By exposing these gruesome statistics in painstaking detail, we provide a basis for competent and compassionate medical professionals to recognize the inadequacies of today’s system and at least attempt to institute meaningful reforms.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2004/mar2004_awsi_death_01.htm

I somehow doubt the "meaningful reforms" include a check of whether the doctor believes in adhering strictly to what his radical imam teaches at his American mosque about it being the duty of good Muslims to "kill infidels".

Interesting that "adverse reactions to prescribed drugs" is "2.2 million per year." What percentage of that is truly completely accidental or incompetence? They likely attribute the bulk of it to individual over reactions to prescribed drugs? Over TWO MILLION a year.. hmmmmmm... does that ring true to you as being realistic in encompassing doctor error and individual adverse reactions alone Carole? Could there be some intentional misprescription or administration in that statistic? To what degree?

Sara.

-- July 10, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Why do I still think they can do the oil law, Carole?
Well, several reasons.
First, when they passed it through the Cabinet, it was suprising, wasn't it?
No one thought they could get that degree of consensus, did they?

Second, when the Kurds objected they said that they had agreed only if nothing had changed in the central issues of the law, and it was only made into legal language and they needed to look at it first before endorsing it. Then yesterday they came back with "The Kurdish officials did not reject the law and they are expected to announce their stand vis-à-vis the law." THAT says that they are willing to stick by what they said and accept the law in its current form. I do think that this means that objection is over with and the Kurds are on side, hence my delight and approval in yesterday's post.

Now all it faces is Parliament.

And in Parliament the factions which were staying away have now come back to the table and are willing to get work done. I know, the expectation of the eternal skeptics is that they will squabble and nothing will be done because they think that the Iraqis do not have any degree of competence as legislators. However, as this article states about the spokesman for the Iraqi government Ali al-Dabbagh "Al-Dabbagh ruled out a possible rejection of the law by the parliamentary blocs, saying "I do not think that the law will be rejected by parliamentary blocs as it has many positive points making it one of the most progressive laws badly needed for the economy of Iraq." http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/19211

I suppose, then, that this Iraqi spokesman and the Kurds (who are so hopeful it will pass they are now taking new tenders for new oil field exploration - I think we did post that article here?) are both just optimists, too? I think Ali al-Dabbagh is right.. Iraq needs these laws in place badly for the economy to get on its feet, help stabilize the country and give hope to the people.

As for Maliki, since his government is in jeopardy it puts pressure on him to help the process to be completed to prove competence by the 15th, otherwise, he may face a vote of no confidence. All these factors add up to a very interesting week, with a very real possibility of passage.

Again, I believe the US has the plan for victory in Iraq.. one which envisions the completion of these laws for the good of the Iraqi people in its "benchmarks". It is only a question of if the strategy will be allowed not only to be implemented but to be kept in place until that victory becomes truly evident. The Dems seem bound and determined to make this a loss and not a win, since it fits with their plan and strategy to take the Whitehouse. Patience is short as they seek and demand instant results, but I am hopeful President Bush and his party have the longsuffering to stay the course with what they know is the correct strategy in dealing with the Iraqis. I am certain if given the chance the US strategy which they are seeking to implement will win and bring peace, prosperity and stability to the country, and good to the people of Iraq. I am therefore hopeful that the majority in the Iraqi Parliament will also wish to further these goals and will vote to adopt the laws rather than continue on in the chaos and discontent they are embroiled in at present.

My hope is that they will see that the law as it stands is "one of the most progressive laws badly needed for the economy of Iraq" and that they are capable of just as much suprise and delight as the Cabinet whose agreement showed a degree of maturity that few felt they were capable of - even as these same skeptics today feel the Parliament is also incapable of such agreement as legislators. Truly, those who dismiss the Iraqi Parliamentarians as incompetent legislators may find they have underestimated the degree of cooperation they are capable of - even as they just did with the Cabinet and Kurds. I am praying the Iraqi Parliament will rise to the occasion and do that which so obviously will benefit the country's economy and people - the right thing, passing the oil laws.. and not allow it to devolve into personal grievances, petty controversies and sectarian strife as the critics claim they will do. God alone knows what they will do, and not all the critics do.. as evidenced by the Cabinet and Kurds of late. My faith remains steadfastly in God, whose will has not been siding with the critics of late if this evidence is in view.

Sara.

-- July 10, 2007 10:44 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.S. Officials: Iraq Report Will Show Some Progress
Tuesday, July 10, 2007

WASHINGTON — Senior military sources in Iraq said Tuesday they have no intention of moving up an assessment on progress in Iraq from September nor will an interim report due this week suggest that the Iraqi government has failed to reach any benchmarks for success.

A spokesman to Gen. David Petraeus, the head of Multinational Forces in Iraq, told FOX News that the report that is due in September will be delivered in September. The remark was made following reports that Petraeus may deliver the report early in the face of growing impatience for the war on Capitol Hill.

"There is no moving up of the assessment from September," said MNF-I spokesman Col. Steven A. Boylan.

And according to a senior U.S. military source in Baghdad who has read a draft of the interim report to be delivered to Congress this week, it will show movement by the government in Iraq. The source added the benchmark report was never intended to measure if the Iraqi government has achieved the 18 benchmarks laid out for it but was only meant to assess the status of each of the specific benchmarks with a specific goal of declaring whether satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress was made toward meeting the benchmarks.

"I can assure you that we did assess some of the benchmarks as satisfactory progress," the source told FOX News, "there has been some from my understanding that have either been met are are in progress, especially in the areas of security and movement in some of the legislative activities," the individual added.

The July reporting requirements demanded by Congress call for an assessment of the status of each of the specific benchmarks and if the assessment notes any unsatisfactory progress, the president is to include in the report a description of such revisions to the political, economic, regional and military components of the strategy as well as advise on the appropriateness of implementing recommendations of the Iraq Study Group as deemed appropriate.

The interim report, required by law, is expected to be delivered to Capitol Hill by Thursday or Friday. This spring, Congress agreed to continue funding the war through September but demanded that Bush certify on July 15 and again on Sept. 15 that the Iraqis were living up to their political promises or forgo U.S. aid dollars.

Already, presidential adviser Karl Rove is heavily involved in conversations with GOP senators attending meetings at the White House, two Senate leadership aides told FOX News, and is working to craft a message on how to begin to embrace a slow withdrawal of Iraq delineated by the ISG, if conditions on the ground don't improve by April 2008.

Rove told Republicans in a speech this weekend that the White House "will be redefining the mission, because the goal of the surge was to get us to a place where we could redefine the mission, to take it to something close to what Baker-Hamilton says, which is... to help protect the territorial integrity of Iraq." The ISG is led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Indiana Rep. Lee Hamilton.

Bush administration officials have repudiated claims that the progress report to be delivered this week will show no progress toward meeting goals of the surge and benchmarks for political and legal progress by the Iraqi government.

"The report to be issued by Sunday will present a picture of satisfactory progress on some benchmarks and not on others," senior administration officials told FOX News Monday after another administration source reportedly said the Iraqi government will not have met one of its goals to reduce violence and improve living conditions of war-torn Iraqis.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said Tuesday that the additional troops sent this year as part of a surge have just gotten in place and it would be unrealistic to expect major progress by now.

"There are a lot of discussions about everything," he told NBC's "Today" show. "We're now about two weeks into having the surge operational. What we want to see now is whether the surge is working. We're at the starting point now."

Another senior U.S. official could not confirm the details of the report, but said if the U.S. government thought the Iraqi government was capable of meeting its benchmarks by July, then the United States would not have emphasized the importance of September. The official said there was no expectation the Iraqis would be meeting many of these goals by July.

While some of the benchmarks are obvious such as passing specific laws, this official said others are vague and the Iraqis may be making gradual achievement in a number of areas. This movement may not be measured by the benchmarks in this July report.

"It's not like one day the Iraqi security forces are bad and then there comes a day when they are suddenly satisfactory. It is evolving. July is too early to judge whether the surge is working," the Pentagon official said.

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., chairman of Senate Republican Conference, requested and got an impromptu White House meeting Monday afternoon. Kyl did not see Mr. Bush but huddled with senior aides, emerging to say most Republicans would resist Democratic moves to de-authorize the war.

Kyl, along with several Republican stalwarts, including Sens. Ted Stevens of Alaska, Christopher Bond of Missouri and James Inhofe of Oklahoma, said they still support Bush's Iraq strategy.

Kyl said he would try to focus this week's debate on preserving vital anti-terrorism programs, including the detention of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The defense bill is on track to expand the legal rights of those held at the military prison, and many Democrats want to propose legislation that would shut the facility.

"If Democrats use the defense authorization bill to pander to the far left at the expense of our national security, they should expect serious opposition from Republicans," Kyl said.

As the Senate debate began, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee arranged to run television commercials in four states, beginning Tuesday, to pressure Republicans on the war.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288735,00.html

-- July 10, 2007 2:25 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,
I am supremely confident of the Iraq Dinar and the ISX making us a shed load of money.
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 10, 2007 7:46 PM ∞

---

wadayatakemefoe wrote:

Thanks Steven, but most of us already bought dinar!

-- July 10, 2007 9:16 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(964)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 964 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/7/11 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 65.095.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 65.095.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- July 11, 2007 7:02 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Steven wrote:
All,
I am supremely confident of the Iraq Dinar and the ISX making us a shed load of money.
Stay Lucky, Steve.

What you said, I think it's positive!!

-- July 11, 2007 8:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steven:

You mentioned the ISX, you may find the enclosed article of some interest.

Settlement Bank

An agreement between Iraq stock exchange and the Middle East for Investment Bank has been made, this agreement select the Middle East for Investment Bank to be the settlement bank for shares trading operations.

Middle East for Investment Bank will immediately begin their duties in preparation for a 07/10/2007 launch.

The Bank will play a key role in the opening of the ISX to non-Iraqi trading on Thursday, the second of August 2007, a move that will open a new era of commitment to the market by adopting international standards in the investment in Iraq and market principles which will facilitate competitiveness throughout the market.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 9:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush Says U.S. Can Still Prevail in Iraq
7/10/2007

Edwin Chen and Roger Runningen 18 minutes ago

July 10 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush, confronted by a spreading Republican revolt over his Iraq strategy, said the U.S. still can prevail in the conflict and bring about a stable democracy there.

Six months after he announced his plan to increase the number of U.S. combat troops in Iraq to quell sectarian violence in Baghdad, the president said today that Congress should await a September progress report before taking any action to cut short the U.S. commitment.

``I fully understand that when you watch the violence on TV every night, people are saying, `Is worth it, can we accomplish an objective?''' Bush told a business group in Cleveland. ``Yes we can accomplish this fight and win in Iraq. And secondly, I want to tell you, we must.''

Bush is under pressure from lawmakers in Congress, including some senior Republican senators such as Dick Lugar of Indiana to retool his strategy with a goal of beginning to withdraw some of the 155,000 U.S. troops. While he argued today there isn't enough evidence in Iraq now to justify a change of course, some members of Congress say it is time.

``The tide has turned,'' Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine said yesterday. ``We have to set it in motion,'' she added, speaking of a troop pullout.

Supporters and Opponents

One of the strongest supporters of Bush's current strategy, Senator John McCain of Arizona, said on the Senate floor today that lawmakers must give the military plan a chance to work.

``No lasting political settlement can grow out of U.S. withdrawal,'' said McCain, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. ``I know that senators are tired of this war,'' he said. ``We cannot let fatigue dictate our policies.''

Senator Hillary Clinton of New York, the leading contender for the Democratic nomination, said today she would begin withdrawing troops within 60 days of taking office should she win the election. She called Bush's promises regarding the war hollow.

``Every year, we hear about how next year they may start coming home,'' Clinton said in a statement. ``Now we are hearing a new version of that yet again from the president as he has more troops in Iraq than ever and the Iraqi government is more fractured and ineffective than ever.''

Report to Congress

Congress is due to get as soon as this week a progress report from Army General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, the top two U.S. military and civilian leaders in Iraq, assessing Iraqi progress on meeting military and political objectives. Another, more extensive report is scheduled for September.

``I welcome a good honest debate, but I believe it's in the nation's interest to give the commander the chance to fully implement his strategy,'' Bush said. ``And then we can work together on a way forward.''

In the meantime, the president said, ``the Iraqis got to do more work,'' adding that the July 15 report will list ``of some of the accomplishments and some of the shortfalls of their political process.''

The addition of 21,500 extra combat troops in Baghdad and other restive areas of Iraq hasn't stemmed sectarian violence in the country. U.S. military deaths have climbed to more than 3,600 as rebels also continue to target American forces with roadside bombs, gunfire and other forms of attack.

The Senate, which is considering a $648.8 billion measure funding all U.S. military operations in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, may take up several amendments to change course in Iraq. That include requiring a minimum home leave between combat deployments, rescinding Congress's 2002 vote to authorize war, and embracing key elements of the Iraq Study Group's recommendations urging pullout of most U.S. combat troops by the first quarter of 2008 and diplomatic engagement with Iran and Syria.

To contact the reporters on this story: Edwin Chen in Cleveland, at echen32@bloomberg.net Roger Runningen in Washington at rrunningen@bloomberg.net

Bush Says U.S. Can Still Prevail in Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 9:17 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush Plans To Stress Next Phase In Iraq War
7/10/2007

GOP Dissent Spurs Change In Message but Not Course

By Peter Baker and Karen DeYoung
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, July 10, 2007; A01

President Bush, facing a growing Republican revolt against his Iraq policy, has rejected calls to change course but will launch a campaign emphasizing his intent to draw down U.S. forces next year and move toward a more limited mission if security conditions improve, senior officials said yesterday.

Top administration officials have begun talking with key Senate Republicans to walk them through his view of the next phase in the war, beyond the troop increase he announced six months ago today. Bush plans to lay out what an aide called "his vision for the post-surge" starting in Cleveland today to assure the nation that he, too, wants to begin bringing troops home eventually.

The White House devised the political strategy after days of intense internal discussions about how to respond to several prominent Republican senators who have broken with Bush's war policy recently. Bush decided against heeding their proposal to begin redeploying U.S. troops as early as this summer, but he and his team concluded that he needed to shift his message to show that he shares the goals of his increasingly restless Republican caucus and the broader public.

"Look, the president understands the American people are frustrated," said a senior official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid upstaging Bush. "We've been at this a long time. We've sacrificed some of our best and brightest. . . . But they want to see that we have a vision for success that will allow us to gradually downsize our role and reduce our footprint. The president needs to and wants to remind everybody that he shares that frustration."

To do that, Bush intends to argue that Congress and the public should look past this week's scheduled status report on Iraq and wait for the fuller assessment due in September. A drawdown, administration officials said, must be the result of the troop increase, not in place of it. "The drawdown is an effect," the official said. "It's not a cause."

Yet key Republican senators have indicated that they would not be satisfied with a change in political spin over a real change in strategy. In a speech on the Senate floor after a White House meeting yesterday, John W. Warner (R-Va.) set the tone, declaring this "a time in our history unlike any I have ever witnessed before." Warner recalled that Congress has voted to require Bush to demonstrate progress in Iraq or detail how he will alter his strategy, adding that he warned the White House to take it seriously.

"I was asked by the press whether I thought they'd brush it off," Warner said of the White House, "and I resoundingly replied, 'No.' "

The current political challenge comes at a time when Bush has been talking increasingly with advisers about what situation he will leave behind in Iraq for his successor. Although he said in 2005 that "I will settle for nothing less than complete victory," Bush has concluded, with just 18 months left in office, that he will have to settle for less.

So the president has mapped out a best-case scenario for Iraq on Jan. 20, 2009, that would still see considerable numbers of U.S. troops on the ground, but in a different role. If events work out as Bush hopes, aides said, U.S. forces by then will have sharply reduced their mission, pulling out of sectarian combat and focusing instead on fighting al-Qaeda, guarding Iraq's borders and supporting Iraqi troops. Instead of operating under a U.N. mandate, the United States would negotiate an agreement with the Iraqi government for a smaller, long-term presence.

Such a reduced mandate would resemble the vision advanced in December by the Iraq Study Group, led by former secretary of state James A. Baker III and former congressman Lee H. Hamilton (D-Ind.). A Pentagon study last year concluded that even the more limited mission would require about 120,000 U.S. troops, compared with about 160,000 today, according to administration officials. But officials said it could be done with 60,000 to 100,000 troops.

Bush hopes the net result would be a situation stable enough that the next president -- even a Democrat with an antiwar platform -- would feel confident enough to sustain some form of U.S. mission despite domestic pressure to pull out altogether. But Bush aides said they are acutely aware that every forecast they have made for Iraq over the past four years has proved wildly optimistic.

Moreover, they recognize that their options will be limited unless they first stop the political erosion at home. The defections of prominent Republican Sens. Richard G. Lugar (Ind.), George V. Voinovich (Ohio) and Pete V. Domenici (N.M.) caught the White House off guard and prompted furious discussions about what to do, forcing national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley to cut short a family visit to return to Washington and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to scrub a trip to Latin America.

Hadley and Lt. Gen. Douglas E. Lute, the president's new Iraq war coordinator, met yesterday with Warner, a skeptic of the president's war policy who will manage the Republican side of debates over Iraq proposals. Afterward, Warner said he would defer making his own proposals until he hears the president report publicly this week.

War-funding legislation passed in May mandated two progress reports from the White House, the first due on Sunday and the second Sept. 15. The July report originally was seen as a midterm assessment, with the real stakes lying in the fall report by Gen. David H. Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, the top military and civilian officials in Iraq, who will testify before Congress.

But the absence of much visible progress in Iraq and a rise in public and congressional opposition mean that "July has become the new September," in the words of one official. Virtually the entire national security bureaucracy on Iraq -- including the intelligence agencies, State Department, Pentagon and National Security Council -- is involved in putting together this week's report and Bush's statement on it, which should be released by Friday.

Senior administration and military officials closely involved in Iraq policy have indicated that the Iraqis are unlikely to meet any of the security and political goals Bush set for them when he announced his new strategy Jan. 10. Those goals, including provincial elections, new power-sharing arrangements among Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish groups and increased responsibility for Iraqi security forces, were incorporated as mandatory benchmarks in the war-funding legislation.

One of the intellectual authors of Bush's troop increase dismissed the importance of such goals. "I always thought those were unreasonable benchmarks," Frederick W. Kagan, a military historian at the American Enterprise Institute, said at a forum yesterday. "I always thought it was a mistake for the administration to go down that road."

Kagan and another surge supporter, retired Army Gen. John Keane, said the extra troops, the last of whom arrived just weeks ago, are having an impact and should be allowed to stay long enough to make it last. "In my judgment, the security situation is making steady, deliberate progress," Keane said. But he said that to succeed, "the operation has to continue into '08."

Although it initially envisioned a troop increase lasting six to eight months, the administration lately has anticipated keeping the extra troops in place until next spring and then beginning to pull them back, one brigade at a time. Logistically, senior military officials have said, it would be extremely difficult to sustain such a force in Iraq beyond March or April. Bush has said he wanted to then shift to a more limited mission and presence. But amid all the debate, said one aide, "the argument has been lost of late," which is why the president plans to make a new sustained effort to talk about it this week.

"What the president has said all along is, of course, we're going to draw down," White House press secretary Tony Snow said. "But you have to draw down when it makes sense to do so. And furthermore, what he said is, 'Everybody, take a look first at what's going on.' "

Staff writer Thomas E. Ricks contributed to this report.

Bush Plans To Stress Next Phase In Iraq War - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 9:20 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Global Investment House says Iraqi Banks’ Assets Grew 25%

The Iraq banking infrastructure is not yet fully utilised, said the Kuwait-based Global Investment House (GIH) in its report, cited by Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq, on economic strategies and future vision in Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 9:21 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Report Points to Limited Progress
Associated Press | July 11, 2007
WASHINGTON - Struggling to defend its Iraq policy, the Bush administration in a 23-page classified report will point to limited progress being made by the U.S.-backed government in Baghdad, U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The interim assessment, which will be presented on Capitol Hill on Thursday, finds the Iraqi government has failed to pass long-promised laws that Washington has called key to national cohesion and economic recovery, such as legislation that would fairly divide Iraq's oil resources.

But in a glass-half-full approach, the report will emphasize that the Iraqi government is making some progress in about half of the areas identified earlier this year by Congress. Other areas where Baghdad is not making significant gains will be dismissed as not as critical to the long-term success in Iraq.

The report also will point toward signs of hope throughout Iraq, such as a drop in sectarian killings in Baghdad and opposition to al-Qaida by tribal sheiks in Anbar province.

Poll: When should American troops withdraw from Iraq?

The primary argument will be that lawmakers should wait until September to judge the U.S. strategy in Iraq. But the report also will not try to sugarcoat what any observer can determine on his own.

One senior administration official, who has read the report, described it as giving the Iraqi government a grade of 'incomplete.'

Two administration officials separately confirmed that the report concludes Iraq has not met or made substantial progress toward about half the targets set by Congress and has made progress on or arguably achieved the others.

Neither official would provide examples and spoke on condition of anonymity because the unclassified version had not been released.

Earlier this year, Congress passed a 2007 war spending bill that identified 18 benchmarks for political, security and economic reforms. The list was based on promises made by the Iraqi government when Bush agreed to send in 30,000 additional U.S. troops.

Video: Bush Downplays Bleak Iraq Report

Based on that list, the administration is likely to argue some progress has been made in reducing the level of sectarian violence and militia control. Iraq also has established several, but not all, of the needed joint neighborhood security stations in Baghdad, as well as increased the number of capable Iraqi security units.

At the State Department, spokesman Sean McCormack agreed that none of what he called "the big three" benchmarks had been met: enacted Iraqi laws to allocate oil and gas resources and revenue and to address amnesty for former Baath Party members.

"Take a look at what the Iraqis have done, what they haven't done," he told reporters, when asked what the Iraqi government had achieved. "They have made progress on an oil law. It's not done yet. They have made progress on the revenue-sharing law. It's not done yet. De-Baathification is farther behind."

But, in comments that appeared to signal how the report will address shortcomings and how the administration will argue against any change in policy, McCormack stressed "very promising" progress the Iraqis have made in other areas not covered by the requirements.

"There's been a lot of progress in areas that aren't necessarily measurable or measured by the benchmarks that the Congress has put out," he said, referring to the chiefs of some Sunni clans who are allying themselves against insurgents in Anbar and Diyala provinces and minor local- and neighborhood-level political developments.

"Unless you have a set of benchmarks that looks like the New York City telephone book, it's very difficult to measure," McCormack said.

In a fact sheet released to reporters, the White House identified a total of 10 areas of improvement in Iraq that are likely to be found in the upcoming report. These include an increase in discovered arms caches, attacks in Anbar at a two-year low and car bombings and suicide attacks being down in May and June.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 9:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Parliament adjourns sessions until Monday

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

Baghdad, 11 July 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
The Chairmanship of Iraqi Parliament decided to adjourn the House’s sessions till next Monday to give a chance for blocs boycotting sessions to return, a media source from the Parliament said on Tuesday.

"The House sets to debate next week a number of crucial draft laws such as the Oil and Gas, Accountability and Justice, and Regions bill, if quorum was met in case the boycotting blocs resumed attending sessions," the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

The source did not give more details, but he said that the Parliament sessions would continue uninterrupted after resuming next week.

Three blocs boycotted parliament session for various reasons. They are the Sunni Twafuq Front (44 seats), Shiite Sadrist Bloc (30 seats), and the Sunni National Dialogue Front (11 seats).

The Sadrist Bloc suspended its membership in Parliament after the second bombing attack of a Shiite revered shrine in Samarra last June. It demands the rebuilding of the shrine, assigning adequate protection to them and to the Baghdad – Samarra road before it would attend sessions again.

Tawafuq and National Dialogue blocs boycotted sessions of Parliament after an arrest warrant against the Culture Minister Asaad al-Hashemi, on charges of the killing of the sons of Iraqi Nation Party leader Mithal al-Alousi. The two blocs demanded forming an independent committee to investigate the incident, the annulment of the arrest warrant and halting arrests of Tawafuq MPs’ guards, the release of detained MPs’ guards and the reinstatement of the Speaker of the House Dr. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani to his position.

The oil and gas law is considered as the most controversial issue in Iraq for there are differences between political blocs concerning the law, which deals with the greatest resource of the country.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 9:27 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Sotaliraq.com

الجزء الاولPart I
باسم الشعبThe name of the people
مجلس الرئاسةThe Presidency
بناء على ما أقره مجلس النواب وصادق عليه مجلس الرئاسة واستنادا الى احكام البند(اولا) من المادة(61) والبند(ثالثا) من المادة(73) والمادة (112) من الدستور، صدر القانون الآتي:Based on the approved by the House and approved by the Presidency based on the provisions of item (I) of article (61) and item (III) of Article (73) and Article (112) of the Constitution, issued the following law :
رقم( ) لسنة 2007(No.) for 2007
قانون النفط والغازThe oil and gas
الباب الأولPart I
المبادئ الاساسيةBasic Principles
الفصل الاولChapter I
التعاريفDefinitions
المادة 1-Article 1 -
يقصد بالكلمات والعبارات التالية لاغراض هذا القانون المعاني المبينة ازاءهاThe words and phrases are intended for the following purposes of this Act the meanings set out to them
أولا-الوزارة-وزارة النفط الاتحادية.First-ministry-the Ministry of Oil of Yugoslavia.
ثانيا- الهيئة الاقليمية- الوزارة المختصة في حكومة الاقليم.Second-regional body - the competent ministry in the government of the province.
ة.Third-competent body - the Oil Ministry or the Iraqi National Oil Company Awalheeh integrity.
.Fourth-Council - Federal Council of oil and gas formed by this law.
لدستور.V. --Kurdistan province or territory constituted after issuance of this law in the Republic of Iraq in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.ا القانون).Sixth-licensing courses - stages of the process of selecting the best candidate include (public announcement of the exploratory Patches and discovered fields not developed, company registration to the competent body, and an invitation to make offers, and the opening presentations and analysis, and the best test for the purpose of negotiation, and then to complete the سابعا - البها منها.Seventh-oil-crude oil, gas or oil-shale or tar sands producer or any hydrocarbons can be produced them.
ن الغاز.Eighth-crude oil-all hydrocarbons and regardless of the specific weight, which are produced and provided field situation when liquid temperature and air pressure, including the asphalt, and tar and liquid hydrocarbons known Palmokterat or capacitors, which are obtained from natural gas.
بار الاستكشافية والتقييمية.Ninth-prospecting - the search for oil by geological, geophysical and other means, including drilling exploratory wells, and valuation.
.X-D-activities carried out by the license holder prospecting, development and production based on field development plan or plan of development pipelines Chairperson designed to produce and transport oil.
حادي عشر - الانتاج - استخراج البترول وتصريفه.Eleventh-production-oil extraction, cashing.
.Twelfth-preservation-producing province, which is achieved by the production of oil and gas in a sustainable and commercial rates not less than 100000 hundred thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day.
.Thirteenth-operations-related activities petroleum exploration, development and production, isolation and treatment, storage, transport and sale or delivery of oil at the point of delivery or the point of export or processing point agreed upon inside or outside Iraq and processing of natural gas and the closure of all the activities agreed upon.
رابع عشر - خطة تطوير خط الانبوب الرئيسي- البرنامج الزمني وتقدير الكلفة المحددان لجميع الانشطة المطلوبة لنقل البترول عبر خط الانابيب داخل العراق وعبر اراضي الدول المجاورة.The 14th-plan to develop the main pipeline-the schedule and cost estimate fixed for all the activities required to transport oil through the pipeline inside Iraq and across the territory of neighboring states.
طة التسليم.The 15th-carrier-designated by the Council of Ministers to take crude oil or gas exploration license holder, development and production at the point of conversion and delivery of crude oil or natural gas for export to the Iraqi oil marketing company or license holder of exploration, development and production at the point of delivery.
سادس عشر - نقطة قياس الانتاج - الموقع او المواقع التي يتم فيها قياس احجام ونوعية النفط الخام اوالغاز.Sixteenth-point measuring production-site or sites where the measurement of sizes and quality crude oil Awalgaz.
.The 17th-supply point-site, which is a transfer of crude oil or gas from the pipeline or pipeline President field to a different type of transport or treatment or employment.
ة.The 18th-Iraqi company-any company has independent moral character and registered in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act to be the main center in Iraq, with more than 50% in the 50th% of the shares of capital owned by Iraqi nationals or Iraqi companies public or private.
ت خاصة.The 19th-foreign company-a company does not have Iraqi nationality enjoys moral personality and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act and has no less than 10% ten% or more than 49% of the forty-nine cent of the shares of capital owned by Iraqi nationals or Iraqi companies public or private.
عشontract between the competent body and the license holder of exploration, development and production of petroleum for operations on behalf of the licensee.
قليدية.Twenty-one-discovery, the first appearance of Petroleum been spared in an ambush by drilling and others can be drawn to the surface through conventional oil industry.
اري.Twenty-two-zone development and production, part of the contract to be determined in the light commercial discovery.
ص التنقيب والانتاج.Twenty-three-commercial discovery, discovery, which is for the development of commercially by the holder of exploration and production licenses.
اربعة وعشرون - الحقل، منطقة تحتوي على مكمن او مجموعة مكامن مجتمعة او مرتبطة بنفس التركيب الجيولوجي او الوضع الاستراتغرافي ويشمل سطح الارض وباطنها.Twenty-four-field, an area that contains an ambush or a reservoir combined or linked to the same geological structure or status Alastratgeravi includes the Earth's surface and its interior.
خمسة وعشتاج.Twenty-five-field development plan, the schedule and cost estimate for the fixed calendar and development activities required to develop and produce oil from specific field or group of fields license holder of the prospecting, development and production.
ستة وعشرون - المكمن، تجمع بترولي منفصل في وحدة جيولوجية محددة بخصائص صخرية وبحدود تركيبية او طباقية وبسطوح ملامسة او متداخلة بين البترول والماء في التكوين، بحيث يؤثر انتاج البترول في اي جزء من هذا التجمع البترولي على اجمال الضغط فيه.Twenty-six-reservoir, combine oil in a separate unit specific geological characteristics and limits of rock or synthetic Tabaekaya and mighty touch or overlap between oil and water in the composition, so that affect oil production in any part of this gathering to outline the oil pressure therein.
انتاجه.Twenty-seven-optimal methods in the petroleum industry, good practices, safe and environment-friendly economic and effective in oil prospecting and production.
ثمانية وعشرون - منطقة التعاقد، المنطقة التي يكون حامل تراخيص للتنقيب والتطوير والانتاج مخولا ضمنها بالتنقيب وتطوير وانتاج البترول.Twenty-eight-contracting area, the region where the holder of licenses for exploration, development and production empowered including prospecting, development and production of oil.
بونات السائلة من المكمن.Twenty-nine-gas, which is a hydrocarbon gas situation in weather conditions of temperature and pressure associated with whether or not Hedrockerbonat liquid, as well as accompanying gas remaining after extraction of liquid hydrocarbons from the reservoir.
لنفط الخام.Thirty-associated gas, which is gas in the reservoir Mdapa either in a liquid or in the dome Haidrookerbone gas over oil and touch of crude oil.
واحد ثلاثون- الغاز غير المصاحب في الظروف المكمنيةThirty-one non-associated gas in the reservoir conditions
ا او مصادر داخل العراق او خارجه.Thirty-two-the main pipeline, system engineering, including transport and pipeline valve stations and pumping stations, power stations and installations of squeezing them constructed from the carrier or licensees to transport crude oil or gas from a field or several fields or sources inside or outside Iraq.
ثنشآت المرافقة.Thirty-three-field line pipe, a pipe, which compiles crude oil or gas field or group of fields to be delivered to a transfer point for the transfer of overtime, including stations valves and pumping stations, power stations and installations squeezing escort.
ارThirty-four-point conversion, lip entrance to the pipelines from external measurement point production.
.Thirty-five-point delivery point or points of access to the crude oil tank vessel flange entrance or point agreed upon in the contract for exploration, development and production inside or outside Iraq.
.Thirty-six-optimal methods for the management of the pipeline network, good practices, safe and environment-friendly economic and effective in the trans
Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/ http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sotaliraq.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

-- July 11, 2007 12:57 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

the adoption of financial and monetary policies continued high price of the Iraqi dinar

http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 11, 2007 1:09 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

"The Kites, the Crows, and the Fox"

The situation in Iraq with the sectarian fighting is similar to "The Kites, the Crows, and the Fox"
QUOTE:

The kites and the crows made an agreement among themselves that they should go halves in everything obtained in the forest. One day they saw a fox that had been wounded by hunters lying helpless under a tree, and gathered round it. The crows said, "We will take the upper half of the fox." "Then we will take the lower half," said the kites. The fox laughed at this and said, "I always thought the kites were superior in creation to the crows; as such they must get the upper half of my body, of which my head, with the brain and other delicate things in it, forms a portion." "Oh, yes, that is right," said the kites, "we will have that part of the fox." "Not at all," said the crows, "we must have it, as already agreed." Then a war arose between the rival parties, and a great many fell on both sides, and the remaining few escaped with difficulty. The fox continued there for some days, leisurely feeding on the dead kites and crows, and then left the place hale and hearty, observing, "The weak benefit by the quarrels of the mighty."

- Indian Fable

Also;

"When the snipe and the mussel struggle, the fisherman gets the benefit." - Ancient Chinese saying

If I have not made it plain by the post about the Russian and Venezuelan oil "experts" (and Iranian "experts" who are their allies and in the stories above were helping set up oil facilities in Venezuela while the government was shooting the protesting people and kicking out the companies who have done the actual work in the oil fields there).. the Iraqis are not wise to listen to these foxes and fishermen who make them to fight over the spoils they are being given by the US having intervened in their affairs. All these things were Saddam's until they were given to them by the US, and now all they can do is fight because the foxes cause dissent between them - wishing them to struggle together - that the foxes and fishermen may get the spoil in the end for themselves.

Sara.

-- July 11, 2007 1:18 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

There seems to be some contradictory reporting circulating concerning the passage of the HCL. From what I have read, the Kurds now are indicating they have or will reject it because of significant changes made to it. Never a dull moment huh?

It is obvious the nature of our investment has changed. We began this journey with one investment option (i.e. Dinar). Like you I bought what I felt comfortable to loose. Today we are 1249 Dinar/1 progress albeit slow.

Now, we have additional the added investment vehicles of Al-Warka investment bank and the ISX. I am old fashion in the sense I like to see and touch with whom I do business. I physically see and touch my Dinar. I am somewhat skeptical about sending my Dinar to an intentity I cannot see, touch, or much less communicate with.

I am certain a Dinar account at Al-Warka and an investment in the ISX are both potentially lucrative ventures once the currency revalues or is introduced to the foriegn exchange market.

I would like your thoughts about both Al-Warka and ISX as investment strategies. How did those of you invested in these vehicles overcome your initial aprehension sending Dinar to a source you cannot see or touch much less communicate with? Roger if you are looking in from time to time, I would be interested in your thoughts.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 11, 2007 3:37 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Kurdish official says Iraqi draft oil law changed 'substantially' http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2007/07/11/afx3903673.html

-- July 11, 2007 4:16 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara:

Thanks for answwer as to why you think oil law will pass.

I so hope that you are right.

Concerning the "fable"...seems to parallel these times and circumstances. One has only to remember Atlantic Richfield in Libbya about 30 years ago!

Concerning Islamofascist docs. I guess anything is possible. I try not to put myself in a situation concerning my life and health, to second guess political or spiritual motives or principles of docs.

Islamofascist agendas that would give these docs the advantage to do away with a whole bunch of infidels is pretty scary---and I hope far fetched.....but......????

My bigger concern, until now is that the culture of many of these foreign docs, do not share the sanctity of life that I do. There own culture measures up a humans woth by how much the life can give to society. If not much---they are denied decent health access. The HMO's love these docs and have very little resistance from them, when they )HMO's) set treatment protocols.

My firm advice:
1. do not ever sell off your Medicare benefits to third party insurance companies for as long as you can. I believe that someday we will not have the option.

2. Always buy the PPO plans over the HMO's, and challenge every denial of delay in payment that you can possibly handle. Always look for class action suits to hang on the shirttails to.

3. HOld your union reps to get your companies out of HMO's whenever, and whereever you can.

And lastly ALWAYS be willing to budget medical expenses. Cause the "bait" to catastrophe is the "no premium or reduced premium" offer by the INsurance companies.

Something is wrong when a doc or hospital is more willing to take in a Medicaid patient than an HMO patient!

-- July 11, 2007 7:30 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

No, Carole.. in light of Rob N's and cornish-boy's posts, the Kurds are backing off saying there is an agreement and "Parliament decided to adjourn the House’s sessions till next Monday" due, they said, to a lack of quorum? "The House sets to debate next week a number of crucial draft laws such as the Oil and Gas, Accountability and Justice, and Regions bill, if quorum was met in case the boycotting blocs resumed attending sessions..."

So it seems to me that the Parliamentarians said that there was no point in having Parliament until they did the no confidence vote. Why continue with business when the whole government as it stands may be gone tomorrow? So they delay everything until then.. and nothing will happen until they have that vote. Then they know where they are going. If they have quorum on Monday, they may vote against Maliki and then vote FOR the Oil law.. who knows? But there is no point to having Parliamentary sessions in their minds until the situation with the current administration is resolved. So my idea that it may go before then, (which presumed a continued Parliament and debate) obviously will not be. I didn't take into account how hopeless and incompetent they think this situation is concerning the Maliki administration.

Sara.

-- July 11, 2007 9:12 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,
Rob thanks mate, the more info the better as I see it.
Update on my Warka Account, sent of the info on the 3rd July and got my account number today, 11th, with all the info on sending money by wire to fund my account with $ and then to transfer some into my Dinar and investment account, both accounts are on the one number, you have online banking, then to send order for buying shares, will let you know how that go's.
Good tip from mate in the UK send your info at 1 AM then it is at the top of the list when the Warka guys get to work, as they are seven hours ahead of us in the UK, (Thanks Imran)
Rob, about sending money to Mr X that you do not know, have you bought anything on ebay from anyone you do not know, I think so, I send large amounts of money by Paypal to all over the world and have not had any probs.
Someone on the other site said in the three years, he has not heard of one person geting riped off with sending money to Warka.
Me I am selling my dinars for X amount then send my money by wire, for each mill I sell I can buy 1,250,000 at the CBI rate there so you do not have to worry about sending your stash by post.
I hope to wire over about five or six thousand $ Dollars and get about seven and a half mill.
We will see how it go's.
Buy Iraqi Bank shares for pennys, Bank shares here in the UK are,
Barclay £696.00
52 week high £790.00

HSBC £915.00
52 week high £1,025.00
PS HSBC has the controling shares in the Iraqi bank Dar El Salaam investment Bank.
Take a stab in the dark as to what shares I will be buying.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 11, 2007 9:47 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

How frustrating! The whole dinar issue is a crap shoot at best. Just about the time one puts a little confidence in this so called government of Iraq, they do a 180*

Time to rethink the rooller coaster ride again! Agree?

I know this sounds alittle paranoid, but I get the sense someone is getting a big kick out of all of this, and the fate of the dinar is already predestined :)

Carole

-- July 11, 2007 11:12 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

How frustrating! The whole dinar issue is a crap shoot at best. Just about the time one puts a little confidence in this so called government of Iraq, they do a 180*

Time to rethink the rooller coaster ride again! Agree?

I know this sounds alittle paranoid, but I get the sense someone is getting a big kick out of all of this, and the fate of the dinar is already predestined :)

Carole

-- July 11, 2007 11:13 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(965)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 965 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/7/12 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 82.730.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 82.730.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- July 12, 2007 6:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US to reoperate 200 abandoned facilities in Iraq.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:40 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq says 200 explosive belts seized on Syrian border.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Demand for US Dollars Stable at Central Bank Auction

Demand stabilized for US dollars during the Iraqi central bank's weekly auction last Tuesday, registering total demand amounting to US$62,865,000, compared to US$65,170,000 registered the previous Monday, wired Aswat al-Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Republican Unity Fraying on Iraq War
Associated Press | July 12, 2007
WASHINGTON - Republican unity is fraying on the long war in Iraq, not to mention civility.

"Wimps," House Republican leader John Boehner calls GOP defectors in the Senate - a growing breed as public opinion polls chart ever-deepening opposition to the war and a climbing U.S. casualty count 16 months before the 2008 elections.

With both houses of Congress debating war-related legislation, lawmakers awaited the Bush administration's assessment Thursday of political, economic and military progress made by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government.

Administration officials said in advance the report concludes that the Iraqis have failed to pass long-promised laws that the administration has called key to national cohesion and economic recovery, such as legislation that would fairly divide Iraq's oil resources.

But officials said the report also would show progress in several areas, such as a drop in sectarian killings in Baghdad and opposition to al-Qaida terrorists by tribal sheiks in Anbar province.

Poll: When should American troops withdraw from Iraq?

Predictably, Democrats say the findings are proof the war effort is failing, while Republicans say the limited progress shows hope and that lawmakers should not lose faith.

Boehner, R-Ohio, made his "wimps" remark in a private meeting Wednesday with rank-and-file Republicans - ironically at nearly the same moment that several GOP senators beseeched the White House without apparent success for a quick change in course on Iraq.

"I'm hopeful they (White House officials) change their minds," Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said after a meeting that President Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, held with several Republicans in the Capitol.

Domenici and several other GOP members, including Sens. Richard Lugar of Indiana and George Voinovich of Ohio, say they want Bush to begin reducing the military's role in Iraq. In the meeting, Hadley said Bush wants to wait until September when Gen. David Petraeus, the Iraq war commander, will reassess military progress.

Emboldened by the Republican divide, Democrats called for a vote on legislation to end U.S. combat operations next year. The House planned to vote first on Thursday.

Boehner spokesman Brian Kennedy said the lawmaker's comments "were intended to illustrate the fact that we just recently voted to give the troops our full support - including ample time for the Petraeus plan to work, and that too much is at stake for Congress to renege on its commitment now by approving what can only be described as another partisan stunt by Democrats."

A senior U.S. official familiar with the report's conclusions said it would assess Iraq's progress toward congressional benchmarks in three main categories: completed, partially completed and those that show limited or no progress.

Most of the bigger and more difficult issues, the ones that the Bush administration has said were key to Iraq's national cohesion and economic future, likely would fall into the partially completed category, the official said. One major exception was the expectation that Iraq's government would pass a law redressing the effects of a policy to purge Baath Party members following Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's ouster during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. There has been almost no progress on that goal.

The official said the Iraqi government would get a passing grade on a few of the military benchmarks that demonstrate its cooperation with Bush's troop buildup this spring.

"It's going to be a mixed picture," the official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the report was not yet public.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. air strike kills 5 militiamen in south Iraq planting roadside bombs.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

IRAQ: Jobs fair aims to reduce unemployment, insurgency.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The dollar-IQD devaluation following IMF program
Dinar Appreciates following IMF recommendations
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [12/07/2007]


An Iraqi economic expert attributed the continuing high conversion rate of the Iraqi dinar and the relative decrease in the value of the dollar to the adoption of strict monetary and fiscal policies by the government.

Dr. Khalid Ali, of the Center of Studies and Economic Researches, said, "The most important development this year is the continuing decline in the value of the dollar against the dinar, to its lowest level, 1250 to the dollar, from 1500 dinars a year a ago. The reason for this is the firm policy of the government in implementation of recommendations by the International Monetary Fund in return for extinguishing of Iraqi debt."

Referring to the government's decision on July 1 to raise the current price of fuel following the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund, he said, "One of the necessary ways to counter the negative impact of rising fuel prices is lower interest rates and increased economic growth, allowing citizens to borrow money from banks for construction of housing units or to buy real estate."
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 9:55 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steve:

Thank you for the reply. Theoretically, suppose you have 10,000,000 dinars to use to invest in the ISX. To do so, you would send your $10,000,000 Dinars to Al-Warka Bank along with an additional $8,000.00 USD. Is this correct? Why does Al-Warka investment bank require an account funded in USD and one in Dinars?

If/When the Dinars do revalue, what happens to your stock shares? Do they simply go up in price porportionate to the revaluation point? Do you expect the stock to reverse split?

In addition, with the ISX being opened to foriegn investors in August. Have you investigated Iraqi tax law as it relates to foriegn nationals? Is there not a risk of being taxed twice on the profits made in the Iraqi stock exchange? From my prospective, it appears an investor in the ISX will be taxed by Iraq and country of origin in the case of the U.S. in the form of captial gains taxes.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 10:08 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Progress is seen on half of Iraq goals
White House answers Congress on benchmarks
By Karen DeYoung, Washington Post | July 12, 2007

WASHINGTON -- A widely anticipated White House report on Iraq, set for release today, contends that Iraq has made "satisfactory" progress toward nearly half of the political and military goals sought by Congress, while acknowledging that an equal number remain "unsatisfactory," an administration official said yesterday.

On Capitol Hill, where the Senate is debating Bush's Iraq strategy, an early vote on legislation designed to tie the president's hands fell to a Republican filibuster yesterday.

The amendment, proposed by Senator James Webb, Democrat of Virginia, would have prevented the redeployment of active-duty troops to Iraq or Afghanistan until they had been rested at home for the same period of time they served in the war zone.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2007/07/12/progress_is_seen_on_half_of_iraq_goals/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+World+News

-- July 12, 2007 11:40 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

ABC: 'Petraeus Optimistic' on Iraq 'If Pols Give Him Enough Time'

On ABC's World News on Wednesday night, reporter Terry McCarthy gave time to how moves in Washington, DC to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq will undermine progress against al Qaeda. Reporter Terry McCarthy, who traveled with General David Petraeus in the Sunni Triangle's al Qaeda stronghold south of Baghdad, highlighted how the commander of all forces in Iraq "is still very optimistic about the military battle, if the politicians give him enough time." McCarthy asked him: "Are you concerned that the U.S. political clock could start ticking too fast and undermine security here?" Petraeus replied that "obviously, that's in the back of our minds. And there is not a great deal we can do about it, other than to continue to press forward." McCarthy concluded: "The fields south of Baghdad are still a major battlefield in the fight against al Qaeda. But increasingly, Petraeus knows the most important battle in the Iraq war is being fought out in Washington."

[This item was posted Wednesday night on the MRC's blog, NewsBusters.org: newsbusters.org ]
http://www.mrc.org/cyberalerts/2007/cyb20070712.asp#1

-- July 12, 2007 11:51 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I understand the disappointment with the Iraqi Dinar. The GoI should have revalued the currency a long time ago. Yet, I am still believe that it will either be revalued or released to the foriegn exchange market.

Instituting a free market economy in a country led by a dictator takes time to implement. Admittedly, the GoI does not appear to be able to assemble a quorum to vote on key pieces of legislation designed to bring them out of the third world.

From what I have been reading this morning, their seems to be enough Republicans to ward off any legislation to require GWB to begin pulling troops from Iraq. In addition, it seems the value of the Dinar is scheduled to increase next week. It may be only one point (from 1249/1 to 1248/1), but it is increasing. My advise is to hold onto your Dinars and not be discouraged.

Iraq will eventually have to revalue its currency equal to or above the curency exchange rates of their Gulf State neighbors.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 12, 2007 11:58 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Concerning General David Petraeus, the commander of all forces in Iraq, who "is still very optimistic about the military battle, if the politicians give him enough time" as stated in the last article. I thought this appropriate to insert here for your consideration as it is very applicable:

Time for All Good Men To come to the aid of their Country!
By JB Williams
MichNews.com
July 2007

So, you’ve had Enough War… Have you discussed this with the Jihadists?

Although presidential candidate John Edwards (D) recently declared the War on Terror “nothing more than a Republican campaign bumper sticker”, it appears that Jihadists around the globe have a different take on the matter.

For a change, I can agree with most Democrats in Washington DC on something. I’d like very much for this war to be over, our soldiers to be home safe and sound, for the world to be the peaceful place that we all hope it can some day be and for all the talk of terrorism and war to soon be in our past.

But then my TV screen was once again plastered with familiar images of reality from our dear friends across the pond in the UK. Within hours, our own national security teams were busy ramping up their continued efforts to secure America against similar events. Jihad continues in many parts of the world and America is indeed fortunate to have avoided new attacks since 9/11/01.

My point is this…

No matter how much we would like to call an end to this and every other war, we will not be able to do so until such time as our enemy, those engaged in Jihad all over the free world, is equally interested in peace. So far, they remain uninterested.

Based upon current terror attacks in the UK and well beyond, today does not appear to be a day for peace. Make no mistake, the goal is peace. But how we get there from here is not nearly so obvious for many so sorely inexperienced in such matters.

The question becomes what to do, as we clearly must continue forward in our international allied effort to rid the world of those who wish to advance their political or religious aims via the ongoing killing of innocent civilians? If quitting isn’t an option, that leaves only winning or losing on the table for consideration.

So long as Jihadists remain committed to war with the free world, no matter their motives, we must remain even more committed to derailing that agenda. Are there any doubts about that?

This means that quitting is off the table. I submit to you that losing such a battle for humanity is even worse than quitting. The victor is further emboldened by true victory and the long term cost of losing is easily imagined to be wholly unacceptable, no matter your political leanings.

If we can’t quit because they won’t let us and we can’t lose because the cost of losing is just too high, that leaves only one real option on the table and that option is winning.

In this regard, like it or not, the central front in this war is in Iraq today. So we must begin there. Winning in Iraq is a must. Accepting any form of defeat in Iraq is unacceptable and the reasons are too numerous to list in a column. So how do we win in Iraq?

Only about 2% of our entire population has any military experience at all. Less than that have combat experience and far less than that have war planning experience. I must start by suggestion that those with no experience in the matter learn to keep their opinions to themselves. You have a right to your opinion no matter how ill informed it might be. But ill informed opinions are of no real value to anyone, especially those who must find a way to win in battle.

Empty rhetoric, pro or con, is just that, empty rhetoric. It serves only our enemies, not our agenda for eventual peace or those who must achieve that goal.

Washington politicians, while they need very much for us to believe that they know everything, have proven repeatedly that they do not know everything. Most of them also have no military, combat or war planning experience. Many old warriors have since lost their stomach for war anyway.

Their job irreversibly changed the moment they failed to solve the problem short of military force. Once they agreed to send the military in to clean up the mess, they must allow the military experts to do just that. They too must look outside of themselves for the most informed and well experienced advice on the matter.

This leaves the only people who should ever lead a military mission - military experts and the commanders responsible for the success of the mission. This is no time for second guessing and endless negotiations. That time has passed. One must assume that congress exhausted all other options before voting to send American troops into harms way. God help them if they didn’t. Now it’s up to the military to accomplish the nation’s goal, which is military victory, for those keeping up.

The job of the Commander-in-Chief is not to micromanage military decisions on the battlefield. His job, once troops are deployed, is to do what’s necessary to provide those troops with all necessary support to complete the mission they were given, including the moral support of the people back home. Bush has failed in this regard, with a lot of help from Democrats and the press.

The time for Congress to debate military action was before they voted to authorize military action and indeed, those debates took place. Once they authorize troops into theater, their job is to provide any and all necessary support for the success of that mission and stop rehashing lost debating points that only undermine and demoralize the troops while emboldening the enemy.

Americans have become accustomed to sharing their opinions on everything, without much regard for the potentially counter-productive nature of some of those opinions. This practice must end. We must consider the consequences of our words.

As a general rule, Americans should refrain from public opinions that are anything less than supportive of our troops and their mission. The right time for second guessing will come when second guessing no longer has a direct negative effect on troops in harms way. There’s plenty of time for history to judge the quality of decisions already made.

I must share two personal stories with you in this regard.

I recently had the pleasure and honor of sitting for a few hours with several Marines returning from Iraq. The stories they told only deepened a sense of love, respect and honor that I have carried for these brave young souls all of my life. Act of pure heroism after act were recounted, always about a comrade, not themselves, all of them, nothing short of amazing.

But the most important story told, drawing an amen from each of them and a sigh of disbelief and discontent from me, was their experiences with the mountain of paperwork and questioning that followed every discharge of their firearm.

Each of them told of the countless hours spent filling out paperwork needed to explain, in fact justify, the discharge of every round. The Pentagon needs a paper trail for every round fired in combat, so that it can attempt to defend itself from misguided attacks and charges of soldier misjudgment or misconduct. This is no way to win a war my friends…

In two cases, the Marines were returning from their second tour in Iraq and had seen both horrific and heroic things. But nothing was as disturbing to them as the need to justify staying alive in the theater of combat. Both had been offered enormous cash bonuses to re-up and both declined. Neither wanted to leave Iraq and both want to return. But neither will return to a war they are not allowed to win…

The second story is told by a dear friend who had a very different experience that same week while waiting for a connecting flight in the Denver airport. She was so disturbed by the experience that she took action and then called me from her cell phone while still shaking.

A very young soldier in desert fatigues also returning from Iraq emerged alone from an incoming flight ramp in Denver, where my friend was awaiting her connection. Several others waiting for their connections noticed the young soldier as well and began their cat calls, “baby killer – murderer - scum” - they shouted at the soldier as they circled him in such an effort to intimidate, that armed airport security came to walk him through the gauntlet.

The soldier said nothing, not a word. He kept walking, eyes locked forward. My friend joined the airport guard and walked him past the crowd, took him to the airport tavern and bought him a cold drink, thanking him for his service and apologizing for the gross ignorance he had just experienced.

Once nerves settled, she asked about his experience in Iraq. It was like every report I have ever gotten directly from Iraq, amazing, heartfelt and incredibly moving. It was his first tour and there would be others. He was proud of the job he and his fellow soldiers were doing in Iraq, how attached they had become to so many of the Iraqi people, the children in particular.

And then he said, - “we know why we are there, what we are doing and what must be done and we will do it. But none of us look forward to returning home right now Miss…. We are more welcome in Iraq than in America…”

Maybe I should have cut this column down to that story alone, because what more needs to be said really?

My friend was still crying when she climbed off the plane back home. She asked me, “What has happened to my country?”

I wish I knew….

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_17278.shtml

-- July 12, 2007 12:07 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

The Media Lied — Iraq Did Meet Many Benchmarks
Here are the most pertinent excerpts from Initial Benchmark Assessment Report as posted on the White House website:

Assessment of the Benchmarks
For Immediate Release
July 12, 2007

Section 1314 (b)(2)(A) The President shall submit an initial report, in classified and unclassified format, to the Congress, not later than July 15, 2007, assessing the status of each of the specific benchmarks…and declaring, in his judgment, whether satisfactory progress toward meeting these benchmarks is, or is not, being achieved.

Section 1314 (b)(2)(C) If the President’s assessment of any of the specific benchmarks established above is unsatisfactory, the President shall include in that report a description of such revisions to the political, economic, regional, and military components of the strategy, as announced by the President on January 10, 2007. In addition, the President shall include in the report the advisability of implementing such aspects of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, as he deems appropriate.

Section 1314 (b)(1)(A) The United States Strategy in Iraq, hereafter, shall be conditioned on the Iraqi Government meeting benchmarks . . . including:

(i) Forming a Constitutional Review Committee and then completing the constitutional review…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward forming a Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) and then completing the constitutional review…

(ii) Enacting and implementing legislation on de-Ba’athification reform…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has not made satisfactory progress toward enacting and implementing legislation on de-Ba’athification reform…

(iii) Enacting and implementing legislation to ensure the equitable distribution of hydrocarbon resources to the people of Iraq without regard to the sect or ethnicity of recipients, and enacting and implementing legislation to ensure that the energy resources of Iraq benefit Sunni Arabs, Shi’a Arabs, Kurds, and other Iraqi citizens in an equitable manner…

Assessment: The current status is unsatisfactory, but it is too early to tell whether the Government of Iraq will enact and implement legislation to ensure the equitable distribution of hydrocarbon resources to all Iraqis…

(iv) Enacting and implementing legislation on procedures to form semi-autonomous regions…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward enacting and implementing legislation on procedures to form semi-autonomous regions…

(v) Enacting and implementing legislation establishing an Independent High Electoral Commission, provincial elections law, provincial council authorities, and a date for provincial elections…

Assessment: There are multiple components to this benchmark, each deserving its own assessment:

- Establishing the IHEC Commission: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward establishing an IHEC Commission. The Commission has been established.
- Elections Law: The Government of Iraq has not made satisfactory progress toward establishing a provincial elections law. Drafting of the law has just begun.
- Provincial Council Authorities: The Government of Iraq has not made satisfactory progress toward establishing provincial council authorities. The COR is working on legislation, which has had its second reading; however, the COR committee continues to work on revisions to the draft law, and it remains unclear when the legislation will come to a third and final vote by the full COR.
- Provincial Elections Date: The Government of Iraq has not made satisfactory progress toward establishing a date for provincial elections. Legislation required for setting the date has not been enacted…

(vi) Enacting and implementing legislation addressing amnesty…

Assessment: The prerequisites for a successful general amnesty are not present; however, in the current security environment, it is not clear that such action should be a near-term Iraqi goal…

(vii) Enacting and implementing legislation establishing a strong militia disarmament program to ensure that such security forces are accountable only to the central government and loyal to the constitution of Iraq…

Assessment: The prerequisites for a successful militia disarmament program are not present. In fact, international experts, including the U.N., have expressed reservations to advancing this proposal at the present time…

(viii) Establishing supporting political, media, economic, and services committees in support of the Baghdad Security Plan…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward establishing supporting political, media, economic, and services committees in support of the Baghdad Security Plan…

(ix) Providing three trained and ready Iraqi brigades to support Baghdad operations…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward providing three trained and ready Iraqi brigades to support Baghdad operations…

(x) Providing Iraqi commanders with all authorities to execute this plan and to make tactical and operational decisions in consultation with U.S. Commanders without political intervention to include the authority to pursue all extremists including Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has not made satisfactory progress toward providing Iraqi commanders with all authorities to execute this plan and to make tactical and operational decisions in consultation with U.S. Commanders without political intervention to include the authority to pursue all extremists including Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias…

(xi) Ensuring that Iraqi Security Forces are providing even-handed enforcement of the law…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has not at this time made satisfactory progress in ensuring that Iraqi Security Forces are providing even-handed enforcement of the law; however, there has been significant progress in achieving increased even-handedness through the use of coalition partnering and embedded-transition teams with Iraqi Security Force units…

(xii) Ensuring that, as Prime Minister Maliki was quoted by President Bush as saying, “the Baghdad Security Plan will not provide a safe haven for any outlaws, regardless of [their] sectarian or political affiliation.” …

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress in ensuring the Baghdad Security Plan does not provide a safe haven for any outlaws, regardless of their sectarian or political affiliations…

(xiii) Reducing the level of sectarian violence in Iraq and eliminating militia control of local security.

Assessment: The Government of Iraq ‑‑ with substantial Coalition assistance ‑‑ has made satisfactory progress toward reducing sectarian violence but has shown unsatisfactory progress towards eliminating militia control of local security…

(xiv) Establishing all of the planned joint security stations in neighborhoods across Baghdad.

Assessment: The Government of Iraq — with substantial Coalition assistance — has made satisfactory progress toward establishing the planned JSSs in Baghdad…

(xv) Increasing the number of Iraqi security forces units capable of operating independently.

Assessment: The Iraqi Government has made unsatisfactory progress toward increasing the number of Iraqi Security Forces units capable of operating independently…

(xvi) Ensuring that the rights of minority political parties in the Iraqi legislature are protected…

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward ensuring that the rights of minority political parties in the Iraqi legislature are protected…

(xvii) Allocating and spending $10 billion in Iraqi revenues for reconstruction projects, including delivery of essential services, on an equitable basis.

Assessment: The Iraqi Government is making satisfactory progress in allocating funds to ministries and provinces, but even if the full $10 billion capital budget is allocated, spending units will not be able to spend all these funds by the end of 2007…

(xviii) Ensuring that Iraq’s political authorities are not undermining or making false accusations against members of the ISF.

Assessment: The Government of Iraq has made unsatisfactory progress in ensuring that Iraq’s political authorities are not undermining or making false accusations against members of the ISF…

===(end of quote)

So much for the claim that "none" of the Iraqi benchmarks have been met. Indeed, where the report notes they have not been meant there is often some question about whether meeting them would even be advisable at this time.

But never mind such petty details.

Our terrorist supporting media rushed out stories from their (probably made up) "anonymous sources" to fix in the public’s mind that Iraq failed to meet all of its benchmarks.

As we noted, this is how an elated Associated Press reported the news before the actual report was available to the general public:

Report says Iraq government hasn’t met any of its benchmarks
By ANNE FLAHERTY and ANNE GEARAN Associated Press Writers

07/09/2007

WASHINGTON—A progress report on Iraq will conclude that the U.S.-backed government in Baghdad has not met any of its targets for political, economic and other reforms, speeding up the Bush administration’s reckoning on what to do next, a U.S. official said Monday.

The “pivot point” for addressing the matter will no longer be Sept. 15, as initially envisioned, when a full report on Bush’s so-called “surge” plan is due, but instead will come this week when the interim mid-July assessment is released, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the draft is still under discussion…

===(end quote)===

This mendacious report was carried in countless media outlets around the world: (then follows two pictures showing search engine results of many reports and thousands of links saying the same all over the world - see url below for pictures)

So this is what has now been fixed in the public’s minds.

But will the AP now retract the story? Will they denounce their "anonymous sources" — if they even ever existed?

Of course not.

Indeed, they have already moved on to a new damaging story featuring new "anonymous sources" giving their expert pronouncements on more still unreleased reports — which will almost certainly turn out to be completely untrue.

But you can’t blame our media too much.

It is their job to make US lose this war. Their Democrat masters insist.

And the truth, our soldiers and our country be damned.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/the-media-lied-iraq-did-meet-many-benchmarks

-- July 12, 2007 1:32 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/video/

-- July 12, 2007 7:21 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Exchange Stabilization Fund http://www.treas.gov/offices/international-affairs/esf/

-- July 12, 2007 7:25 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Today, 12:03 AM
donald1439
Member Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 59

Booom Then Booom

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

If todays stock market (283 point move of the dow) is any indication then this thing is about to go BOOOOOOOM.Big boys know something folks,watch closely,somethings in the air,same day Bush releases the funds to iraq amist all this negative news and the markets react with one big BOOOMM

-- July 12, 2007 7:32 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

Rob, I have sold most of my 25,000 dinar notes/bills and am sending money by wire with my bank HSBC.
Managed to get out of bed and down to my bank for 4 PM.
Asked at the info desk for somone to transfer money from my accuont here to go to my account in Iraq, young lady came down and said there is some sort of embargo on sending money to Iraq, then I said it is going to a Bank in Germany, the Dresdner bank, and she said no probs,then tried to send it the cheap way, ie by sending UK£s, that was a no go, so it was for me to send Dollars$ US.
As for the account to be funded in US $, I think that is to make things easer for them rather than haveing accounts with all sorts of curenceys there.
Rob, you know a lot more about this subject than I do, so I think you should send an email to, Mr Mohammad K. Issa, who is the Deputy Managing Director of International Affairs, at Warka, ifrd@warksinvestmentbank.com

My plan is to have x amount on the ISX and have dinars in my account and of course cash dinar here at home.
Best plan to send it at whatever time the diff is from you to Iraq, so it will be on the top of the pile at 9 AM Sunday for when they start work.
As it is Iraqs weekend I only sent 1,200 US Dollars, and should see it is there and an email from Warka to confirm that they have the money.
There is 20 days left, so you have time to get the info and have time to get an account yourself, bare in mind it costs nothing to set up the account, so you can do that while waiting for the info.
I think I have covered all the bases then.
And I have my tickets for the EURO Million Lottery, as it has rolled over to £36 Mill or $72 Mill, over here you get paid the full amount, none of that x amout a year for 30 years.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 12, 2007 9:29 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Is there a life outside of the Dinaroholic lounge???

Observing a lounge, and you will, in the slow period always find three, four people sitting there drinking, this is the true alcoholics.

One can imagine that they are sitting and chatting with each other, but no, they are just sitting there wanting to be alone with their drink.

In their younger years, they were the people that had friends, and they were always doing the town, smiling talking, getting together with Mary and Tom, breaking up, and it was always discussed among the gang.

They winked and waived to passerby's they knew ,closely or loosely.

The whole life was around the bar, the drink, the beer, cheer, salute, skal, prosit and heads up.

One day, the friends went their way, Mary finally married Tom and they moved, and the one left behind had only his drinks in the bar left.

Everything that meant anything for this this person left with his friends.

His reality from that time, was so unique that he had a hard time making anyone else understand him, only the old guard could, and he started to dwell on past times.

It was good times, cheers to that.

Is it possible you can get Dinaroholism as well as Alcoholism?

I think so, it's a reality bubble very unique that can take hold on a person in such a way, that only persons inside the bubble can understand it.

I am a recovering Dinaroholic, it has now gone a full week before I checked the exchange rate, and I don't habitually read any Iraqi financial news anymore.

How do I do it, easy, I get drunk.

-- July 13, 2007 1:00 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Qubad Talabani on Iraq's Oil Law
Council of Ministers Substantially Altered Draft, Negotiators Discuss Revision
By BEN LANDO Posted 1 hr. 36 min. ago
Ali al-Saadi/AFP/Getty
Taq Taq, IRAQ: A general view shows a drilling platform at an oil well digging site near the village of Taq Taq, in the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan, 23 June 2007.
WASHINGTON, DC (UPI) -- Although Iraqi Kurds are now opposing changes made to a draft oil law, their top envoy to Washington says there's time -- though not without end -- to reach a compromise on key issues.

"I doubt we'll veto the law based on a few scattered changes," Qubad Talabani, son of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and the Kurdistan Regional government's representative to the United States, told United Press International at his Washington office. "However, we still need to ensure we stick within the guidelines outlined in the constitution."

KRG and federal government delegates have been negotiating since last summer the law governing the world's third-largest oil reserves. At issue is how much control the federal government has over exploration, development and production of oil versus the regions or governorates.

Last week the Council of Ministers approved a draft of the law -- which had already been opposed by oil technocrats, unions and Sunni parties seeking a stronger central government arm -- and sent it to Parliament. Sunni and some Shiite parties opposed to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government are alternately threatening to boycott Parliament or return to oppose the law.

"I think too many Iraqi officials are commenting on the hydrocarbons law without fully reading it," Talabani said. The KRG was almost completely in agreement with the law before the approval of the council, which further changed it.

"Some substantive changes were made," Talabani said. "Some language that we had put in has been taken out. Now whether it has been taken out with malicious intent or whether it has been taken out because it was deemed not legal language is what we're trying to determine."

A team from Baghdad has been in Kurdistan to discuss the issues, which Talabani said would be ironed out in talks, not bluster. "In a friendly atmosphere, not raising a stink about it," he said.

Kurds take a somewhat hard line in talks about the future of Iraq to ensure there's no repeat of their pre-2003 treatment, where investment was kept from them and the brutality of Saddam Hussein was in full force. They've been semi-autonomous since 1992, however, and are keen on retaining that, if not strengthening it.

"It's concerns that we have that are a result of history. And neglect. Mismanagement throughout its history. It's made us as Kurds very insecure that future governments in Iraq will mismanage the resources," Talabani said.

He points to the Iraqi Constitution, approved in 2005, that requires the federal government to work "with" regions and governorates to develop the oil sector. Exactly how that takes shape is at the crux of the federalism dispute.

Talabani said the oil law should be the instrument to further flesh out the constitutional vagueness.

"We want to have a say in how the south is developed, how the west is developed, how Baghdad is developed," he said. "If we are partners, if we are Iraqis, then we want to be full partners. It's a fair request. It shows our willingness to be part of this federal Iraq." And vice versa with other factions in the country, he said.

Iraq has 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, nearly all located in the Shiite-controlled south or Kurdish north (though a large oil field near the KRG zone is considered a disputed territory). Iraq needs investment in its sector to fix and modernize its current infrastructure so it can increase production. Last month Iraq averaged less than 2 million barrels per day, according to the global energy information firm Platts, a drop from the month prior and far below the 2.6 million bpd before the war.

Opponents of the oil law want to limit the access of foreign oil companies to Iraq's nationalized sector, though the Kurds are pulling for more of a free-market model.

The oil law is to be one of four laws in a general hydrocarbons regime package. Iraq sent an average of 1.6 million bpd to market last year, bringing in enough money to fund 93 percent of its federal budget. A revenue-sharing law that will determine how proceeds from Iraq's oil sales will be redistributed throughout the country -- and how much -- was agreed on by KRG and federal government negotiators and sent to the Council of Ministers, which has yet to take it up.

"The fact that we could overcome our differences and come to an agreement on that means that the prognoses for the other three components are good," Talabani said. Laws governing the Iraqi National Oil Co. and the Ministry of Oil round out the hydrocarbons package.

Meanwhile, the KRG makes progress on its own. It's relatively less violent than the rest of the country. Daily flights in and out of the capital, Irbil, have increased and Talabani said he saw an "entrepreneurial spirit" during his recent visit. The KRG has signed five deals with foreign oil companies, which the Iraq oil minister said will be brought in line with the eventual federal oil law. The KRG is moving forward with its own regional oil law, also aligned with the federal law.

That's if the federal legislation is approved.

"It's difficult to say how long we will wait," Talabani said. "We know that this is part of a much larger picture and we don't want to do something that could upset the larger picture.

"We've been patient up until now. I think we'll continue to be patient. We'll continue to be pragmatic. We can't have an all-or-nothing policy and we've seen this throughout the negotiations, there are things that are going to upset us as Kurds, there are things that are going to upset our Arab brothers," he said.

Ben Lando is UPI energy correspondent.
(http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3563/Qubad_Talabani_on_Iraqs_Oil_Law)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 13, 2007 11:08 AM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

Rodger

Admitting you have a problem is the first step! “You are not alone!” Are you losing sleep? Are you unable to work? Constantly thinking what can I do, what will I do? Relax!!!! You’re not going though a divorce!

The primary purpose of the site is "to stay aware and help other Dinaraholics to achieve wealth.” In order to fully recover, we should abstain completely from Dinar blogging on a daily basis” yes, even sneaking a peek at the ISX when you think no one is looking!”

This site in turn offers a community of recovering people who support each other by "sharing experience, strength and hope" and often by working together to find only the newest latest breaking news relating to our problem! Be strong and together we can beat this!!!

-- July 13, 2007 12:34 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

take a look at the xchange rates on this site are my eyes playing tricks. http://www.tbiraq.com/menafn_currencies_bl.asp

-- July 13, 2007 12:48 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

rodger have a splif insted its better four you :)

-- July 13, 2007 12:54 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Jeff,

Thank you for your kind words, first I thought it was impossible to live without digging through at least five sites of data, anything in the news that would encourage my possible wealth was mulled over. It was an attention getter and a magnet.

I felt I must know it all in order to survive.

Now I realize that in order to drive a car, you don't need to know everything about a car.

Soccer moms and Pizza delivery boys, drive happily every day without even giving a thought about the engines torque curve, valve timing or ignition advance.

I started to hide exchange rates in the closet, under the bed, and in all kinds of ingenious places.

Dinar bills was stashed in hidden but easily reached places. Economic news about Iraq was consumed like I needed it, and stored in similar places for future consumption.

Nights set aside for rest, was used digging up data on IMF,WB and CBI.

One more minute, ooops then I found something, with a link, the computer didn't want to pull it up, I worked on it, and finally it pulled up, read it, scanned for keywords like reval, Dinars, Increased value of Dinars, on and on, found nothing but a whole article about Abdullah Salamis praise of the Iraqis progress.

Another half hour, gone.

I lived a normal life , but was heavily into the Dianroholic side of life.

I think they suspected it though, when my reality bubble circled only around Iraq.

Today I took a walk in the forest, and for the first time since I knew about Dinars, I could hear the birds sing.

-- July 13, 2007 1:16 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Cornish boy

Good find on the stabilization fund! I saw the downward trend of the SDR’s on the IMF site. Sure hope all the stars are going to align on this before to long! You would surely think so to read on the other site!

Steven

Have you decided on what you want for your stock PIC’s yet? Maybe you would like some El Sallem? You’d have to think their stock is going to plummet! Even though the amount stolen wouldn’t fund one day of what it’s costing our US military to be over there!! Wasn’t it last week or so we were talking about conniving employees? Someone made a joke on the other site and said “the robbers were tired of waiting on the RV!!”

Rob

Has anyone ever told you look like Donny Osmond? I was glad to see you changed your picture yesterday! Although, I think their having an IIF contest maybe that was your reasoning. If none of this makes sense…. Merely a case of mistaken identity!

Carole

I agree… how frustrating!!!! Don’t come unravelled on us yet. I know a cliché probably won’t help but here goes …. “good things come to those who wait” or “everything takes time” It sounds as if I’m going to need your help if were going to keep Rodger from overdosing on the ISX!

Everything is coming together …. Has anyone picked a place for the roast?

-- July 13, 2007 1:25 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The exchange rate did say 1225/1. Progress. Yet, in the find print it says that the trade bank is not responsible for the reliability of the information.

I read elsewhere there is an downturn in the exchange rate from the current 1248 expected for next week. Sunday's rate on the CBI site may reflect the 1225; hopefully the beginning of a significant revaluation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 13, 2007 1:43 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Man people are screeming RV this weekend !!!! purly hear-say but could be something! http://www.investorsiraq.com/showthread.php?t=47228

-- July 13, 2007 5:24 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Jeff,

Big lumps in a few banks, then 200,000 dinars in many companies, I have a list of the 94 banks and companies on the ISX, will pick a few then its just dum luck, some will go down the tubes, but then some may go up, well good, as I said some in the ISX some as dinars in Iraq bank account, and a shed load of cash dinars in my hand.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 13, 2007 5:31 PM ∞

---

dale wrote:

isa new page too much to ask for

-- July 13, 2007 7:30 PM ∞

---

DinarAdmin wrote:

Dale;

Afraid so. I don't have the ability to grant the request and Kevin has not given us one.

DinarAdmin.

-- July 13, 2007 10:08 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

UK general claims Iraq security situation is improving
JAMES KIRKUP POLITICAL EDITOR
Last updated: 14-Jul-07

BRITAIN's top commander in Iraq, Lt-Gen Graham Lamb, deputy commander of the multinational force in Iraq, has insisted that the situation in the country is improving.

The general said he saw "encouraging signs" in Iraq, and predicted the Iraqi government would soon be able to take on more responsibility for the country.

His upbeat assessment came a day after a White House study reported mixed progress in Iraq, saying the security situation is improving but detecting little political progress.

Lt-Gen Lamb said: "I do sense that we are seeing this transition and change, and that responsibility and accountability being moved from us across to the Iraqis who are, across this country, taking ownership of the problems they face and their future."

http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1097732007

====

Bank guards in Baghdad steal $300m and vanish
Last updated: 13-Jul-07

THIEVES have stolen nearly $300 million from a bank in Baghdad, police and a bank official said yesterday, in what is probably one of the biggest thefts in Iraq since the 2003 war to topple Saddam Hussein.

Police said the thieves were three guards who worked at the private Dar Es Salaam bank in the Karrada district.

When employees arrived for work on Wednesday they found the front door open and the money gone.

The guards, who normally slept at the bank, had also disappeared, they said.

A bank official said about US$300 million (£150 million) had been stolen, as well as 220 million Iraqi dinars (£88,000). Police said the interior and finance ministries had set up a committee to investigate the theft.

It was not clear why the bank had so much cash on hand, but Karrada is a key commercial district in the Iraqi capital.

Ever since the US-led invasion, most transactions in Iraq have been conducted in cash because of limited facilities to transfer money through banks or other financial institutions.

http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=404&id=1091752007

-- July 13, 2007 11:24 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hey Roger!

Good to hear you again----but you don't sound well!!

Please don't go wacko on us now. I promise not to tick you off---just hang in there with us.

Please do one of your analogies that a 7th grader would understand ( like me!) when it comes to this dinar stuff.

Come on, for old times sake,
come out of the forest and tell me what all the trees mean at this point in time....pleeeeeeeease???

Carole

-- July 14, 2007 1:51 AM ∞

---

Clyde,, wrote:

I guess,, the banks,, need guard to guard the guards
maybe,, we can take up a collection.. to buy a page,,

-- July 14, 2007 3:35 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

HEY. . .ANYBODY MISS ME? ? ? WELL, I'M BACK IN THE DIRTY LITTLE SANDBOX, HAVE BEEN BACK FOR 3 MONTHS NOW. . NOT THE SAME AS B4 THO. . .DON'T HAVE THE SAME JOB, BUT AM AT THE SAME PLACE AS BEFORE. . .AND IT SURE IS A LOT HOTTER THAN FLORIDA. . .SOOOOO HOT THAT THE PICKUP TRUK I WAS DRIVING CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT TO THE GROUND. . .SAFETY SAID IT WAS BETWEEN 135 AND 145 DEGREES AND STATIONARY ITEMS WERE AT LEAST 150. . .I'VE HOOKED UP WITH MY IRAQI FRIEND AND HE'S BEEN GETTIN ME 125K DINARS PER 100. . RUMORS HERE IS RV MIDDLE OF SEPT . . BUT I'VE BEEN HEARING THAT FOR A LONG TIME. . .CAROLE. . .MY B/P IS STILL DOIN GOOD. . .112/67. . .ON A NEW DIET REGIME. . .LOTSA FISH AND SALADS. . .HI ROG, TURTLE, SARA, ROB, TIM, CARL, VALERIO, CORNISH. . HOPE UR ALL DOIN WELL. . .I'M HEADING BACK TO PHUKET WITH MY 21 YR OLD SON IN OCTOBER. . .GOTTA TAKE CARE OF THAT WORSHIP SPOT, I'M PICKIN UP A BOTTLE OF JIM BEAM, CANADIAN CLUB AND BOMBAY FOR THE TRIP. . HOPE YOU'RE ALL DOIN WELL. . .AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. . P.H.

-- July 14, 2007 7:04 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

OMG Pan!

Have been worried about you.Hoping that you just went away for awhile like alot of others have. But I am so glad you are well. B/P like a 20 year old! Congradts! How are you doing witht the cigarettes? I know that is atough one to get a handle on.
Anyway, welcome back, and don't go away again,,,,,looks like we are headed for the pig roast here soon. SO gald you still are getting dinar. SOunds like life took a turn for the good for you--thank God!

Carole

-- July 14, 2007 7:19 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

OH . . . SORRY. . .I FORGOT TO MENTION OKIE. . .PLEASE FORGIVE ME. . .P.H.

-- July 14, 2007 7:25 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

CAROLE. . .U'D BE PROUD OF ME AS WELL AS MY CARDIOLOGIST. . .I'M STILL SMOKE FREE. . .I DON'T GET MUCH COMPUTER TIME THESE DAYS, BUT I'LL BE FILLIN IN FOR SOMEONE GOIN ON R N R SHORTLY, THEN I CAN GIVE YOU THE REAL LO-DOWN ON WHAT'S BEEN GOIN ON. . GETTIN GOOSE BUMPS ABOUT THAT PIG ROAST. . .LOL. . .I'VE ALSO LOST ABOUT 35 LBS. . BEEN SHOPPIN JCPENNEY'S ON-LINE. . .PROBABLY A GOOD STOCK TO BUY. . .LOL. . ANYWAYS, I'LL GET BACK AS SOON AS I CAN. . .

-- July 14, 2007 7:53 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

panhandier nice to see back.:)

-- July 14, 2007 12:31 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Welcome Back PH!

Thanks for the post and sorry to hear you lost your truck, but glad you came thru unscathed. :)
Yeah, I had heard that September rumor, too.. they have some indications for tomorrow.. I wouldn't mind if that one panned out, either. :)
Keep safe.. and cool! Near water the land is like a lovely oasis.. otherwise it looks a lot like a desert..
Glad you are so healthy! Good work... hope to see ya at the pig roast sometime soon! :)

Sara.

-- July 14, 2007 1:48 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Pan:

You are an inspiration! Lifestyle changes that result in healthier outcomes are a rare find!

So glad to hear from you.

xx00xx00

Carole

-- July 15, 2007 2:30 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Pan:
Speaking of Okie, have you heard from him?

If he comes back and we can find Tim Bitts, and Roger quits wacking out and Carl comes back, along with the others that are pretty much still here---it will be like old times-----crazy, wild, nerve wwracking -----but oh so much fun!

Been spedning alot of time in Santa Monica ( we bought a big boat!)and I think of you often.

Carole

Carole

-- July 15, 2007 2:36 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Hollywood loves to pitch the MSM leftist Democrat viewpoint. There is
nothing worse than taking a break from life to watch a movie and being
retaught the same old media propaganda.. like - there were no WMD, the
war in Iraq was/is only for oil, all the politicians in Washington are
corrupt and the various security forces of the US are too.. and guilty
of crimes against humanity (just believe it, it is the way the
government works, no one can pin them with it in a court of law, but you
should KNOW this is the reality of how the upper echelon of the
government really is - that is a conspiracy theory in case you didn't
notice it, and violates the idea of 'guilty until proven innocent', but
never mind that, this is the government Hollywood is talking about in
its movie production and Hollywood can call all of them corrupt without
the benefit of any trial, after all, it is just a Hollywood film).
Furthermore, they teach it is those who are patriotic Americans who are
being used by those who are corrupt in government and law enforcement,
and these users of patriotic Americans are the real bad guys and in the
end deserve to be shot. So teaches "The Shooter", a 'new' movie right
out of Hollywood. (Spoiler - the worst bad guys are in the upper echelon
of government and law enforcement and the story writers want you to root
for killing off the Senator and top cop so that you feel "justice" is
done when the Shooter blows them both away in the end. Real nice.. makes
you feel warm and fuzzy about cops, Homeland Security coordination, and
politicians like Senators...) This anti-government conspiracy theory
thriller is what they feed the populace in their "spare" time to
augument their news coverage.

The problem is.. the public hears the message from so many different
angles that they half believe them and are directed by their media
masters in both the news and entertainment arenas. Which wouldn't be a
problem except that their own lives are at stake. Take this scenerio...
for instance. How likely do you think this scenerio instead?

Because the US populace has listened and gets the message of the media
loud and clear, they have become unwilling to fight and have lost their
will to win this war. They not only oppose the war in Iraq along with
the leftist radicals (thinking it is mainly about oil and not their
safety and ignoring its value as the frontline on the GWOT..) but they
want the troops to come home and 'stop fighting the war'. This being an
unpopular thing (the war), they choose to put pressure on the
politicians to remove the troops from Iraq. As a result of this
pressure, the politicians must act in keeping with their constituent's
core beliefs or they cannot have the seats of power. So whoever wishes
to be in the administration in the Whitehouse and Congress must
therefore work toward drawdown and removal of the US forces from Iraq.

So what happens if the US withdraws to bases in Iraq or otherwise just
leaves Iraq to its own devices? Maliki just said that they can take over
their own portfolio of security and the US can leave, so far as he is
concerned. (Iraq PM: Country Can Manage Without U.S. 07.14.07 Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Saturday that the Iraqi army and police
are capable of keeping security in the country when American troops
leave "any time they want," though he acknowledged the forces need
further weapons and training. He said the U.S. use of airstrikes to hit
suspected insurgent positions also kills civilians. "This embarrasses
the government in front of its people," he said, calling the civilian
deaths a "human rights violation."
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/14/ap3914335.html )

Let's say the US hastens its retreat and handover so that the demands of
the public are met and this takes us a year or two, which,
coincidentally, is about the amount of time Iran needs to get to the
point of having quite a few functioning Nuclear weapons, according to
the last published estimates of their nuclear capabilities. We are
already told to expect genocide and destabilization of the region.. as
the news said yesterday, quote, "President Bush yesterday said that he
realizes that the American people are suffering from "war fatigue" but
that the U.S. military must stay in Iraq long enough to give fighting
Iraqi factions a chance to reconcile politically, or Iraq will become a
haven for terrorists and will destabilize the region. President Bush
said, "The real debate ... is between those who think the fight is lost
or not worth the cost and those who believe the fight can be won and
that as difficult as the fight is, the cost of defeat would be far
higher" and that a "precipitous withdrawal" would allow al Qaeda in Iraq
to launch operations from Iraq, while also plunging the country into
sectarian killings "on a horrific scale" and allowing a hostile Iran to
have greater influence in the region.
http://wpherald.com/articles/5388/1/Bush-We-can-succeed-in-Iraq-and-we-must/Give-political-reconciliation-a-chance.html

With the US withdrawn and the sectarian factions fighting hard against
each other in Iraq, Maliki or whomever is running Iraq thinks they can
make Iraq peaceful in no time. But with the US gone from the forefront
of the battle, Iran, who has up to this point been fighting a proxy war
against the US forces, decides that they don't need to keep the gloves
on any longer and they can truly act tough. They realize that they don't
need the Iraqis around to have their oil, and why wait until a long
bloody and conventional war is fought like last time which inflicted
millions of casualties? So they send suicide bombers into Iraq strapped
with their brand new nuclear bombs on them in order to turn Iraq into a
wasteland and take over the country. Create enough chaos and then move
in, they think. After all, with Iran and Syria right on the borders and
infliltrated into the core of the country, they are ready to move in
once the attacks happen and it won't be long until they topple the
government from power and are able to place the country under their own
control. While this does not win them more friends or influence
civilized people in their favor, it does make those who fear them fear
them more. And it puts in check those who would immediately retaliate
against them because they threaten that they will do the same thing next
to Israel. Indeed, they say that they have the suicide bombers in place
and if they retaliate against Iran.. say goodbye to Israel.. a threat
that is now taken seriously in light of the nuclear wasteland they have
created in downtown Baghdad.

Now, as you know, the US has been very unhappy about war.. that is why
they did this drawback and handed over everything to the fledgling Iraqi
forces so quickly.. and the response of the US people in light of
nuclear attacks in Iraq is not to put Iran in its place but to put
pressure on the administration then in the Whitehouse NOT to go to war
with Iran.. arguing things like.. that is over there, let's keep it that
way.. let's have peace.. don't make the same "mistakes" we made in going
into Iraq.. you can't bring back those who are dead.. don't escalate the
situation, etc, etc. There is a rush of sentiment at the deaths there,
but then it all calms down and we are told that the US should instead
make a measured response. So the US doesn't stop Iran right then and
there, but they wait.. slap a few sanctions on them, act very upset..
but they are not drawn into a full scale war footing (particularly true
if there is a dove in the Whitehouse at this point who got elected
campaigning on troops being brought home and "ending" the war.)

The man in the Whitehouse at this point is therefore likely not to be
President Bush, and is not likely to do what those who elected him under
a pullout or pullback platform so disliked.. war. So the choice amounts
to not attacking Iran when there has been no direct attack at the US,
but moving to get assurances about Israel's safety instead. Assurances
concerning Israel and oil production are given to the US and world, (as
I read yesterday - Iran won't stop oil production, they need the
revenue, quote, "Many economists would even question whether the US
government needed to ?defend? oil using military forces. Gulf nations do
not have much else to sell to generate revenue?between 65 to 95 percent
of their exports come from oil. Even an Islamist regime, such as Iran,
has not shut off oil exports, because it needs money to promote its
radical agenda. Thus, using expensive US military forces to defend oil
flows that are not in jeopardy seems foolhardy."
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/opinion/?id=21429 ) - so
things are smoothed over.. and Iran recoups and goes after its next
target.. not Israel as it threatened, but the US. It is, after all, not
bluffing when they say that the US will soon be destroyed - they have
been planning it. And unlike the homemade incompetents we have seen in
the news whose attacks were easily foiled.. these bombers from Iran are
highly trained and planted by a sophisticated intelligence service from
another country - Iran. And they have had years to get their act
silently in place. The Iranians attack the US, trying to take out a lot
of the US military facilities and high value government targets so the
US will have little ability to retaliate, but a few hundred thousand
American citizens die in the nuclear suicide bomb attacks..

In the wake of the destruction which happens, China offers to send in
their army to help with the recovery.. they are a big army and quickly
mobilized. This is advocated as a good thing, pointing to Katrina (which
looks like childsplay now) and how woefully inadequate the response by
the government was felt to be. Reeling from devastation many times that
of 911 or Katrina, it is difficult to see China or Russia, etc.. as
Communist enemies, intent on taking over the US.. The dire need of the
US for help could induce them to take aid offered by what might have
been seen as enemies.. resulting in.. (think about it).

As for the US mentality at this point in time.. at this point and ONLY
at this point.. do the American people actually wake up and stop
believing the media (in the news press and from Hollywood) who have been
telling them that peace is the only way this will be resolved and not to
trust the government who is only war crazy, after all.. and as they
clean up from the nuclear fallout and deal with the incredible amount of
death and destruction, they begin to think that maybe war isn't such a
bad thing after all.. maybe it might prevent their lives from being
taken in the future, and maybe being aggressive toward the enemy is not
such a foolish, old fashioned and nasty notion.. it might be the only
way to win. It begins to dawn on them that the enemy is truly serious
about their aims and won't turn back from them, nor will they be
negotiated with. Only then are they finally able to grasp the hawkish
mentality which is necessary for a long term war to be fought which must
be in place if the US will ever have a chance at winning. As they look
at their surviving children who will form the next generation of
Americans, they ask themselves if they really wish them to live under an
Islamic caliphate and they decide that no, that isn't a viable option..
so the US finally heads toward getting its footing for war and begins to
dig out and to fight, looking inasfar as is possible.. to God.

Sound possible?

Sara.

-- July 15, 2007 8:00 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Sounds very plausible, but hopefully not very possible.

I think a more plausible scenario is what the enemy is doing politically in this country.

I can not get specific to you, for BUT i can assure you, if there is going to be a suicide bomber attack in the US, there will be only 1.

I have further information that while the US knows that "foot-soldiers" will be in a pull back situation within the next 2 years, the Air Force is working faster than the speed of light to set up strategic bases in Northern Iraq.

Soon, the desert rats, will not have human targets facing them, but the might of our Air Force Military power. They can not endure against such presence.

My contention, at this point, is that Isreal is sitting back and waiting for the US ( and a few allies) to so their "dirty work". Isreal has one of the finest Air Force powers in the world. They can end their problems with Hamas, Hezzballuha ( spelled wrong), in a week of air strikes, with some of the most sophisticated weapons in the world(technology and equip. provided to them by the US.)

My thought is that ( hopefully) their restraint is due to a direct response from US military agendas.

Unfortunately, the enemy will probably have to take the "first shot", and unless they destroy most of the North American continent indoing so ( very unlikely), what comes next will make Hiroshima look like a preschool play.

Yes, ultimately, the major players will be US. Russia, China and little ole Isreal, but at that point, hopefully the rapture will have been taken place, and we know the end of that story.....

I am anxiously awaiting the time when PH goes on R&R and can give us his updated news. Hopefully it will jive with what I have recently heard from those supposedly in the know.

The left wing MSM is in a self destruct mode! Keeping the Supreme Court leaning right, and that mode will soon move in a fast forward motion.

Yes, I have had a very informative weekend. This may be conjecture, but when Bush said we would be repaid ( financially) for this war, he had the RV of the Dinar in mind. Yes, in perspective, a few will find tax loopholes, but the billions of US dollars invested in Dinar, will bring in an unquestionable massive tax benefit to our economy.Not sure of the lifeline of the US dollar, and where the establishment of the North American Union fits into all of this, but it could usher in the global monetary system, at least for the Western World.

Not sure I will see all of this in my lifetime, but it appears that we are approaching some global climactic event.....and the above scenarios, just could be part of that reality.

Latin America is staring to be the distraction it was meant to be. BUt it is and will continue to be just that, a mere distraction!

Well, at any rate, it appears that you and I have a sixth sense being spurned up in us........:)

Ready fo a second cup of coffee????

If I could have any wish granted to me this morning( other than having breakfast at the Feast of the Bridegroom) it would be to have coffee with Condi Rice, whom I have no doubt could fill in all the blanks for us...

Carole

-- July 15, 2007 10:45 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Good Sundy morning to you all unless you live in the UK. I checked the Central Banks rate today and it still reflects 1249/1 for todays rate.

Panhandler good to see you saying hello. Look forward to hearing what you have to say about Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 15, 2007 11:23 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

With inflation index registered a remarkable decline in the dollar retreated before the dinar http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 15, 2007 7:16 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

17:05:32 15 Jul. 2007 Prime Minister Barzani calls on Iraq federal government to move forward on agreed revenue sharing and oil laws http://web.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?rnr=223&lngnr=12&smap=02010100&anr=19083

-- July 15, 2007 7:28 PM ∞

---

willie wrote:

Don't tell me some of my favorite posters are living in fear as to what's coming upon the earth. Be strong, God has everything in control.

-- July 16, 2007 12:18 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Willie;

2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I am not of the apocalyptic mindset that our friend Carole is, expecting a soon rapture to remove us out of the way of the troubles coming upon the earth and the end of all space and time. I think, rather, that this is more "wars and rumors of wars" which should come as Jesus said here:

Mar 13:7 And when you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
Mar 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in different places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

I see Scripture as having a fulfillment in present times and then sometimes future fulfillments, so that, for instance, some parts of what Jesus predicted to come to pass happened in 70 AD and others are yet for our future. In the same way, this prophecy below I believe has a degree of fulfillment in our time concerning the current country of Iraq and its troubles.

Isa 13:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

Babylon is Iraq, this is a prophecy about Iraq. And it speaks of the MEDES, who are the Iranians, and says:

Isa 13:17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.
Isa 13:18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare children.
Isa 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

If what we see is not the dashing of the young men, women and children to pieces now in Iraq in these bombings.. what is it? And I see the Medes or Iranians as directly responsible for this, stirring up the strife and arming and helping those who afflict the Iraqi people, if not doing the dirty work directly. They do not care about the children or women but only care about their ushering in their "Mehdi" or messiah. But this speaks of a greater destruction than merely bombs and attacks which cause the young men, women and children to be torn into pieces because it prophecies that the place ends up looking like a wasteland - like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. Further:

Isa 13:20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
Isa 13:21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of weird creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and wild goats shall caper there.
Isa 13:22 And the wild beasts of the coastlands shall cry in their empty houses, and jackals in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

This prophecy has not yet happened because, obviously, Iraq is inhabited with people at this time. These two peoples - the Iraqis and Iranians, have had a long history of feuding. I think it continues on into the future, too. For now, this particular war in their ongoing feud may end in nuclear destruction which may cause it not to be dwelt in for generations.. (how long did it take Hiroshima and Nagasaki to recover so people dwelt there?) but the technology which would make it a PERMANENT wasteland where no person could inhabit it forever is not yet made (that I know of). I do not find it beyond belief that mankind will find a weapon in the future with greater destructive power than a nuclear bomb.. so that human habitation will be impossible after such a blast, forever. However, for now, I think this could have a partial fulfillment in the present and Iraq could look like Sodom and Gomorrah after Iran is finished with using her new technology on her in their ongoing feud.

This prophecy also speaks of the country having "weird" creatures in it afterward - perhaps mutants from nuclear fallout. Though Carole might say this Scripture could be fulfilled literally today by the scenerio I outlined, I am more of the opinion that it would be along the lines of "wars and rumors of wars" not the end of all time because even after such a catastrophe there would be human habitation so it won't fulfill the, "It shall never be inhabited... neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there" part of the Scripture. So, though I think it is a concern, since God has all things well in hand, be it end of all or only a step in that direction, I have no fear of the future. Indeed, I am looking forward to God fulfilling many of the things He has shown me for the US which are good and not evil, to give us the expected end.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

There may be troubles, but He will deliver us out of them all.

Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Sara.

-- July 16, 2007 1:01 AM ∞

---

willie wrote:

Great post!! That's what I like to hear. There is alot of different doctrine out there. And I can't blame Carole for her doctrine. I just know one thing for sure, that is the closer that each of us are to God, the less we see of doctrine and the closer we are to our brothers and sisters of all religions. The main thing is Caroles religion is Christ centered and He is not in the business of kicking people out of the kingdom. I just want you to know I love you both very much so.

-- July 16, 2007 1:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Coalition Targets Al Qaeda
David Axe | July 16, 2007
On July 1, two foreign-born suicide bombers driving tanker trucks loaded with explosives approached a key bridge in Ramadi in western Iraq. One blew himself up, partially collapsing the bridge. The other changed his mind at the last moment and surrendered to Iraqi police, who also disabled his bomb.

The capture was a major windfall for coalition forces that are engaged in a months-long campaign to win back and hold Iraq's major cities from extremists, including the dominant Al Qaeda in Iraq organization (AQI). Interrogation of the would-be bomber has shed light on the complex networks for recruiting and equipping foreign extremists to perpetrate terrorist acts in Iraq.

The man was first approached for recruitment by a fellow worshipper at the mosque both men attended, U.S. Army Brigadier General Kevin Bergner said last week, adding that extremist propaganda, including audio tapes, played a major role in priming the man for recruitment. "He was given the equivalent of 1,000 U.S. dollars to pay for his travel expenses. He was instructed to get a passport and make his way to Syria where an individual would facilitate his illegal crossing into Iraq."

The Syrian facilitator smuggled the future bomber into Iraq in a succession of vehicles, Bergner continued. "Once across the border, the Syrian handed him off to an Iraqi who drove him to a small mud structure in the middle of the desert. He stayed at this remote location for approximately four days. It was here that he was partnered with another foreigner."

"The two men spent 10 days in hiding around Ramadi and were frequently moved from one location to another. It was at this point they were told they would become suicide bombers."

Soon afterwards, the men were provided with tanker trucks rigged with explosives and told to blow themselves up on the Ramadi bridge.

The surviving bomber's tale emphasizes the importance of terrorist propaganda and of "facilitators" who bring new recruits into extremist groups and help them perpetrate terrorist attacks. By exploiting intelligence such as that provided by the Ramadi bomber, the coalition has had increasing success in recent months targeting both the propaganda production centers and the facilitators.

In June U.S. forces uncovered an AQI propaganda factory in Samarra containing hundreds of posters, CDs, DVDs and the equipment to make them. In May and June, coalition forces killed or captured 26 AQI leaders including seven that Bergner characterizes as facilitators.

Increasingly effective Iraqi forces have played a key role in these recent successes, as they did in the capture of the Ramadi bomber. Like extremist groups, these forces need to recruit constantly in order to maintain and grow the existing force. Also like AQI and other terror groups, this recruitment depends upon a message. For extremists, it's a message of hate and violence. For Iraqi forces, it's a message of unity, according to U.S. Navy Captain David Pine, a trainer for Iraqi military senior staff.

Pine recalls a story related by an Iraqi general who was touring some of his new units to speak to trainees. He asked each new "jundi" where he was from. Most replied with their hometowns, but one stood and said, "I'm from Iraq."

"The general said that's exactly the right answer," Pine says. "The Iraqi army is the most professional and disciplined of [Iraqi security] organizations, and they are all about being Iraqis."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 16, 2007 1:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Republican Unity on Iraq to be Tested
Associated Press | July 16, 2007
WASHINGTON - Republican unity on Iraq, strained but so far holding, is coming under still more pressure in the Senate as lawmakers from both parties float proposals to get troops out soon.

Democrats will try again this week to set a deadline for the reduction of U.S. forces in Iraq.

On the GOP side, two moderate Republicans with respected foreign policy credentials have proposed their own hurry-up initiative, winning a polite but clear rejection from the White House.

President Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, said "No" when asked Sunday whether Bush could live with the proposal by Sens. John Warner of Virginia and Richard Lugar of Indiana.

He said the administration's "very orderly process" for reviewing its Iraq plans, keyed on a mid-September appraisal of progress, should be allowed to play out without preconditions.

"They've done a useful service in indicating the kinds of things that we should be thinking about," Hadley said of the senators. "But the time to begin that process is September."

The Senate's Democratic leadership also is cool to the Warner-Lugar proposal, but for different reasons. Democrats favor tougher steps to restrict Bush's options, but need more Republicans to peel away from Bush before they can prevail.

The two GOP senators said nothing in their proposal would bind Bush to a withdrawal timetable or throw the September review off track. But it does suggest patience is running thin with Bush's course of action even among some Republicans who have been behind him.

"The president will have to make some changes and I'm confident the president will do so," Warner said.

Democratic Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, a presidential contender, predicted enough Republicans would defect from the White House line on Iraq in the months ahead to enable the Democratic majority to overcome delaying tactics in the Senate and ultimately override any Bush veto.

Democrats are coordinating a week of maneuvering that will call to account the small but growing number of wavering Republicans.

One Democratic measure last week, which sought to influence troop deployments, fell four votes short of the 60 needed to advance.

Lugar and Warner said their proposal asks that Bush start thinking now about different options and seek to boost diplomacy. They cited an over-stretched military and growing terrorist threats around the world.

But that does not mean an abandonment of a U.S. presence in Iraq, they said.

"This nation of ours has got to remain in that area," Warner said, pointing to the United States' "vital security interests" involving Middle East oil and relations with Israel.

Hadley appeared on ABC's "This Week," "Fox News Sunday," CBS' "Face the Nation" and CNN's "Late Edition." Warner spoke on ABC; Biden on CNN.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 16, 2007 1:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Pressure Mounts for Speedy Iraq Results
Associated Press | July 16, 2007
BAQOUBA, Iraq - U.S. commanders say they've learned from past mistakes and are trying to lay the foundation for stability as they clear insurgents from this battleground city. But it's a slow process at a time when Congress and the U.S. public are demanding speedy results.

Two top Republicans senators have proposed legislation to require President Bush to submit a plan by Oct. 16 to restrict the mission of U.S. troops. The Senate votes this week on a measure that would order combat troops to be out of Iraq by next spring.

But progress in Iraq is difficult to measure and often ephemeral. At best the pace is slow. The question facing American commanders here is whether the U.S. public and political leadership are willing to allow time for a high-risk strategy to succeed.

"From our viewpoint, we have to show the patience to stay with this," Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq, told The Associated Press. "All people want to see is progress. It is incumbent on us to make this work."

Nowhere in Iraq are the challenges more apparent than in Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Baghdad in Diyala province, with large Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations.

Once a thriving agribusiness center of 300,000, Baqouba is now a ghost town of shuttered shops and deserted streets. Many of its people have fled to Baghdad and surrounding communities, seeking refuge in areas where their religious sect dominates.

Two years ago, U.S. forces thought they'd turned the corner in Diyala. Roadside bombings were down. American commanders were so confident that they turned over substantial control of surrounding Diyala to the Iraqi army in August 2005.

Within a year, the insurgents were back. The al-Qaida-backed Islamic State of Iraq declared Baqouba as its capital.

Last month, U.S. forces launched a new offensive, regaining control of the western part of the city. Fighting is still under way.

Al-Qaida's success in penetrating Baqouba was probably due in large part to last year's wave of sectarian violence. Shiite militias threatened Sunnis, who turned to al-Qaida and other armed Sunni groups for help.

As a first step in reclaiming Baqouba, the Americans forced the Iraqis to replace the commander of the Iraqi army's 5th Division, for allegedly shielding Shiite death squads - a charge the general has denied.

American officials acknowledge that the decision to give too much control of Diyala to the Iraqis too fast was a mistake. The challenge is to prevent the same thing from happening again.

"To make this thing work it takes competent Iraqi security forces and competent Iraqi government," said Col. Steve Townsend, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division which is fighting in Baqouba. "The drawdown here was premature and the (Iraqi) forces we handed over to were not ready for that responsibility."

To prevent a repeat, the Americans are scrambling to shore up the local Iraqi leadership, helping them restore services to win the trust of the local population.

U.S. Soldiers work side-by-side with the Iraqis at a joint operations center, which coordinates security in parts of the city under government control.

But the mentoring process requires "practice and patience for multiple reasons," said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Giardino of New York, who works in the joint operations center.

Meanwhile, Iraqi crews are working to restore electricity and water supplies. A team from the Interior Ministry has been sent from Baghdad to recruit locals into a city police force.

"People want to see Iraqi police from the area patrolling the streets," said Capt. Marc Austin of Buffalo, N.Y., a company commander in the 1st Cavalry Division who works with Iraqi forces. "It helps build confidence."

But Townsend said the absence of enough trained police forces remains a critical problem.

"There are not nearly enough of them," he said. "There are four times as many on the rolls than are on the streets."

The performance of the Iraqi army is better, officers say. Americans train Iraqi army units and conduct joint security missions, hoping they will learn by example.

"Since we've been doing clearing operations, they talk to the community, gather atmospherics," said Capt. Sheldon Morris of Jacksonville, Fla., who commands another 1st Cavalry company.

The U.S. can afford to move methodically because it has extra forces sent here as part of the troop surge, commanders say. In the past, troops would clear and area, shift somewhere else and the insurgents would return.

"We have today more coalition forces," Odierno said. "Because we have more, we can do things slower" until "we decide to turn it over to Iraqi control."

But time may be running out.

Republican Sens. John Warner of Virginia and Richard Lugar of Indiana want to give the president until mid-October to submit a plan to restrict the use of U.S. troops in Iraq to fighting terrorists and securing borders and U.S. interests.

But the lesson of Baqouba shows that "targeting terrorists" without regard for sectarian violence may not be realistic in Iraq. Sectarian violence enabled al-Qaida to gain a foothold among the city's Sunni community.

"Its very hard to find something for troops that are half of today's levels to do that is simultaneously safe and useful," said military analyst Stephen Biddle in an interview on the Web site of the Council on Foreign Relations.

"So you end up with this kind of worst-of-both-worlds situation where you have too few troops to do anything useful but too many to cover casualties all the way to zero," he added.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 16, 2007 1:08 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

All:

I to hope for an overnight revaluation of the Iraqi currency; yet with the government is handing out 200 million dinars to refugees who returned to the country, I cannot see where revaluation to a 1 for 1 ratio is realistic.

I think it is best to look for slow progress in the exchange rate from the CBI. An sudden increase in the exchange rate might allow traders/investors in the ISX the ability to purchase controlling shares in Iraqi companies for pennies on the dollar. The GoI have made statemments it will not allow wholesale pricing of their country.

An overnight revaluation at 1/1 is unlikely. It is best to approach this investment as long term. On the other hand, The only senario that might allow an overnight revaluation and keeping foriengers from controlling the ISX is to revalue at a penny ($0.01).

At the price point of a penny, each of the 200 refugees having 1,000,000 IQD has an equivlent of $10,000 usd. In the current iraqi economy $10,000 usd could be significant in restoring their previous lives. Furthermore, an investor/trader has a 250,000 in the ISX at a penny exchange rate now the investment in the ISX is now worth $2500.

Keeping foriegners from controlling the ISX while at the sametime raising the value of the dinar can be accomplished by revaluation at $0.01. At this price point, I would think it unnecessary to print new currency or to zero lop their current notes.

One final thought, the tweny-one billion currently in reserve would allow the GoI and the CBI to absorb a cash out by investors at this rate.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 16, 2007 3:13 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Willie and Sara,
Thank you for your posts.

"Times of Sorrows" means the Tribulation. I believe that is immediately following the Rapture.

When that will be...no one knows... but there are indicators that we are at least in the shadows of it all.

Willie, all those religions you refer to, would be correct if Christ were the cornerstone of their faith, and not filled with sone extra biblical revelations.

Carole

-- July 16, 2007 5:19 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Barzani reach Baghdad next week, the outstanding issues are on the way to solving http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2F&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 16, 2007 7:01 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

POWER interruption caused the postponement of the parliamentary session

A media source said in the House that the Iraqi power outages throughout the Conferences Palace in Baghdad resulted in the postponement of the parliamentary session Monday to Tuesday.

The source, who requested anonymity, told the Independent News (Voices of Iraq) that the Council's agenda containing a number of draft laws, including voting on the proposal of the Chamber of Deputies and the continuing discussion of the proposed act governorates irregular province and the second reading of the draft law on administrative formations develop, integrate and modify links.

أ
He pointed out that the power outages led to the exit of some members of the afternoon, which called on the Presidency to postpone the meeting until Tuesday.

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- July 16, 2007 7:08 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Options settled 4

Morning talk
Mohammed Abdul Jabbar carp
Possible third : Option Happy
It could very consistent Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, after realizing the extent of the devastation wrought by the first possible, any destructive option, or after the difficulties could be convinced any second option Unfortunately, the damage will be caused, as well

The inability to provide security and happiness to them, to think neither possible third option is happy. The nominal Said option because it believes the road will embark on the path of happiness for Iraqis regardless of their religious or sectarian, racial or partisan or regionalism. Said option is the establishment of the modern state.

The modern state fruit of a long struggle and turmoil of humankind over the decades, it was able to reflect and develop the concept of the State based on the following :
First, citizenship and building unit, efficiency and measurement unit.
Secondly, democracy, with its values and mechanisms to ensure peaceful rotation of power, and prevent the transformation of the state authority brutal dictatorship able to confiscate the principles of the modern state.
Thirdly, human rights as the legal and ethical values to ensure human dignity, in particular course of freedom, including freedom of expression and gatherings and the media.
Fourth, the rule of law, Alweh, and neutrality.
Fifthly, the separation of powers, and the distribution of powers.
Sixthly, the distinction between government and the ruling, and between the government and the state, and as an executive for government services and apply the law, and accountability of accounting, as the governmental responsibilities "paid public service" and not a privilege personally or politically. The responsibility before the people and not vice versa.
Seventh, political institutions and constitutional stable and actors, such as the House of Representatives, local councils, a tire which the people exercise their sovereignty, and political forces led and considerable divergencies among these differences in opinion.
Eighth, transparency, which means the right of people to know, including the right of access to information related to governance, but what was gleefully in the framework of personal data, or data relating to national security, which requires security interest not only in the detection of outstanding border, right to Information in the dissemination of such information and to highlight.
Ninth, State monopoly of violence and carrying weapons.
X., active and influential role of civil society.

Translated version of http://www.alsabaah.com/

-- July 16, 2007 7:34 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

From The Shores of Destin Florida Coast Guard Station..I wish all that are still posting and reading a good day to you Gentlemen and Ladies...
I have not had the chance to follow much of the posting lately....but I have kept up on most....
What is happening now in Iraq is nothing new...we all have talked about the summer and what it would bring... information is now being brought out that Iran is one of the main suppliers to the insurgency groups...but of course that does not come as a surprise to the bloggers on this board, as this was foretold several months back...
What we are seeing is just a natural process of human beings started to change slowly to the new way of life in Iraq...I guarantee you that most would not even think of going back to their old way of living...
The Dinar is processing at a steady gate that is consistent to the political and security climate at this point in time...The process will continue at its steady pace for the next 2 years... baring any major flare up with Iran...by that time security will be better and all Iraqi contractual agreements with the oil companies should be in place...allowing forward movement into the oil fields..Iraq is on target with their Financial achievements regarding banking regulations...and should be excepted into the WTO as a member in 2008.
I believe we will see some significant movement of the dinar around latter part of 2008 into 2009...The dinar will probably be placed on the currency exchange in latter part of 2009 or mid 2010...
Willie!
It is good to see you posting again...

Roger and I met in Ft. Walton recently and had a great time...I find him to be a very pleasant gentleman to sit and talk too...he is difinitely quite a character......

-- July 16, 2007 8:57 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole and Willie - Carl and Rob and cornish boy. I appreciate the thoughts, insights, posts and responses. :)

I am seeing a lot of what we have discussed on this board coming to pass. I can see the slow RV or appreciation scenerio but see the possibility of a faster RV, too. I guess it is only in the hands of the Iraqis.. and God. Well, with a few interested parties in powerful financial and political places across the globe, too, no doubt. Coordination of that kind of effort takes a lot, I suppose. And no one has been able (or willing) to make Iraq run on its own economic feet yet.. if this were a car, I would say they start up the car a few times but never take it out of the garage to see if it can really go. Hope that changes sometime. RV amount, Rob.. I certainly believe it is worth a solid 1 to 1.. but the "hatfields and mccoys" mentality of feuding over there means they might take that "instability" factor into account when setting the rate, and make it a bit less, maybe. Guess we will see.

Sara.

-- July 17, 2007 12:36 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Annon:

Who are you? Would be thrilled if u r Tim Bitts, but I don't think so.

I now have 2 grandsons in the US Coast Guard. Stationed on the Canadian Border ( sorry don't know the exact location. Search and Rescue is their job. They are both 19 and in for 6 years. We are so proud of them, even though our family is primarily Marines and Air Force.

Hope you reveal yourself soon.

I tend to disagree with you on your time frames. Too much going on politically on a global basis. It is definetly a poop or get off the pot situation for Iraq where the US policies are concerned.

I am wondering if the power outage is similar to the "refineries out of order" plight offered to us as a reason for increased gas prices. Anyone who believes that should see Roger about his waterfront property in Arizona!

Carole

-- July 17, 2007 1:13 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Just a couple of additional thoughts..

Willie, I took your speaking of "other religions" in the same vein as the Apostle Paul when he spoke to the men of Athens and told them that he found their religious views a bit superstitious, but then agreed with them that we are all of one blood and that we are all His offspring:

Act 17:24-29 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He gives to all life, and breath, and all things; And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God...

So I didn't take your speaking positively of other religions as endorsement of.. I don't know.. child sacrifice to a pagan idol, but more of an endorsement of those who seek after God from all nations upon the earth.. all people who seek in sincerity the truth concerning God. And I return your good-hearted sentiment and love, my brother in the faith of Jesus Christ. :)

Is this a Model T or Lamborghini??

As for the thought about Iraq's economy being like a car.. some folks say it is a hot car.. which can do 330 MPH ($3.30 RV rate), others say that it once went under Saddam at or over 100 MPH ($1.00 USD), others say that they would be content if it was as good as a Model T Ford and could reach double digits.. and some wouldn't mind if it RVed at the rate of an old bicycle.. in the single digits.

We see them Rev up the engine in the garage and talk about all aspects of the engine and chassis.. and how hot this thing is and how fast it can go.. but no one KNOWS how fast it can go or if it is a tricycle, bicycle, Model T, modern compact, a Lamborghini or a rocket.. because they don't take the thing out of the garage and let it go on the highway so we can see what it is made of. Very frustrating for all of us who are "car and bike buffs" (Dinarians).. no doubt.

My view, as I said, was that it may indeed be a rocket and CAPABLE of 330.. but because of who is driving it, and their lack of experience (and squabbling with each other all the time like the hatfields and mccoys http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatfield-McCoy_feud ), that isn't likely to be the rate right out of the garage or even once they hit the highway. It would take time to get it up to that rate, even if the vehicle is CAPABLE of that degree of speed (currency rate). No matter the internals.. with the pistons and pressure loads, the fuel, the filters and all the other things in the engine everyone is always hashing over.. the real deal is when the rubber hits the road and we see how fast this thing can move under the fellows who are driving it. What is it capable of and do you think they will act like speedsters out of the gate.. like they are out for a calm Sunday drive, or like this thing is an antique Model T? We'll have to wait and see. Oh, the agony!

Sara.

-- July 17, 2007 2:09 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, Your so right about it is time for the Iraqi government to step up. Don't forget that their are also more players in the background. Mainly Russia, China, and India. All large consumers of oil. I believe within a week's time you will see Sadr start to soften his stance and have his people vote for the oil law. Be of good cheer as all is well. (smile)

-- July 17, 2007 2:42 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Sara, You are correct concerning Paul. I have been to Mars Hill where Paul preached that message. When any one's mind is earnestly focused on Christ ALL problems disappear. All their is is perfection. It is when we look away that we return to the beggarly elements of this world. I have allowed myself to be still and know that He is God. And I will attest that in that place there is a peace that passes understanding. It is a place of just being. A place where there is no beginning and no end, there is no right or wrong, no birth or death. Unlike the world who seeks happiness on the outside, we go within for their we find the kingdom of God. It is only in the spiritual realm that I can truly love and be loved. Your brother in Christ...willie

-- July 17, 2007 3:20 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(968)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 968 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/7/17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 59.220.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 59.220.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- July 17, 2007 6:42 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

MP: Oil & Gas Draft Legislation Yet to be Unveiled

Iraqi MP Hamid Mousa of the National Iraqi Front has said that the official and final draft of the oil and gas legislation had not reached Parliament by last Saturday, wired Aswat al-Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 17, 2007 10:33 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Willie,

Your post to Sara, was delightful!

What you speak of is a sensing, experiencing, and acknowledging the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that is a part of every believer in the Body of Christ.

You are so right it does lead to a peace that passes all understanding. I just wished personally , for myself,my obedience to Him would take me to that "place" more often. It is available to me every second of everyday. But my rebellious nature stymies it's effect and my walk with HIm all too often ):

Carole

-- July 17, 2007 10:33 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq says new round of Iran-U.S. talks soon By Mariam Karouny
1 hour, 5 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iran and the United States will hold a second round of talks about Iraq's security shortly, to follow up a landmark meeting held in May, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Tuesday.

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Washington accuses Iran of fomenting sectarian violence in Iraq. Shi'ite Iran denies backing the insurgency in Iraq and blames the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 for the bloodshed between Iraq's majority Shi'ite and minority Sunni Arabs.

But the worsening chaos has pushed the two countries, which have not had diplomatic ties since shortly after Iran's 1979 revolution, to seek common ground on Iraq.

"I can confirm that there will be a second round of talks in Baghdad soon. It will be at the ambassadorial level. Iraq will be there and the talks will be about Iraq's stability and security," Zebari told Reuters by telephone.

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told reporters he saw a "high possibility" a second round would take place in the "near future."

Underlining the sense of chaos, at least four people were killed and five others wounded by a car bomb inside a parking lot opposite the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, police said.

The Iranian and the U.S. ambassadors to Iraq last met in Baghdad on May 28 -- the most high-profile meeting of the two foes in almost three decades.

The United States has been leading diplomatic efforts to isolate Iran over its nuclear ambitions -- but both sides say any talks on Iraq will not deal with other disputes.

Washington is pressing for power-sharing laws to help reconcile Iraq's Shi'ites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds.

In a sign that Iraq's deeply divided politicians might be bridging some of their many differences, the bloc of the anti-American Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said it had ended a boycott of parliament.

"Starting from today, we have ended our suspension in parliament. We are back," said Nassar al-Rubaei, spokesman for the bloc in parliament.

The movement occupies 30 of parliament's 275 seats, a quarter of the total held by the ruling Shi'ite Alliance of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Rubaei said the bloc had received assurances from parliament over demands for the government to protect shrines.

It had withdrawn from parliament on June 13 after the twin minarets of the Golden Mosque in Samarra were destroyed by suspected Sunni Islamist al Qaeda militants.

It complained Maliki's government had not done enough to protect the shrine.

Forty-four parliamentarians from the Sunni Accordance Front pulled out of parliament last month after a senior member of their alliance was ousted as speaker. They have not returned and their ministers are boycotting cabinet meetings.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070717/wl_nm/iraq_dc_25)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 17, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Pace declares `sea change' in Iraq By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer
Tue Jul 17, 6:33 AM ET

RAMADI, Iraq - In his most optimistic remarks since the U.S. troop buildup began, Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday that Iraq has undergone a "sea change" in security in recent months, and that this will influence his recommendation to President Bush on how long to continue the current strategy.

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After conferring with Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin and other commanders in this provincial capital west of Baghdad, Pace told reporters he has gathered a positive picture of the security environment not only here but also in Baghdad, where he began his Iraq visit on Monday.

He was asked whether this would inform his thinking about whether to continue the current strategy, with extra U.S. troops battling to security Baghdad and Anbar province.

"It will because what I'm hearing now is a sea change that is taking place in many places here," he replied. "It's no longer a matter of pushing al-Qaida out of Ramadi, for example, but rather — now that they have been pushed out — helping the local police and the local army have a chance to get their feet on the ground and set up their systems."

Pace said earlier in Baghdad that the U.S. military is continuing various options for Iraq, including an even bigger troop buildup if President Bush thinks his "surge" strategy needs a further boost.

Pace said the chiefs of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force are developing their own assessment of the situation in Iraq, to be presented to Bush in September, that will be separate from a report to Congress that month by Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander for Iraq.

The military must "be prepared for whatever it's going to look like two months from now," Pace said Monday in an interview with two reporters traveling with him to Iraq from Washington.

"That way, if we need to plus up or come down" in numbers of troops in Iraq, the details will have been studied, he said.

Pace, on his first visit since U.S. commanders accelerated combat operations in mid-June, said another option under consideration is maintaining current troop levels beyond September.

There are now about 158,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, reflecting a boost of about 30,000 to carry out the new strategy Bush announced in January. The plan is focused on providing better security for Iraqis in Baghdad, but the intended effect — political reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites — has yet to be achieved, and many in Congress are clamoring to begin withdrawing troops soon.

In Washington on Monday, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said he would force the chamber's first all-night debate on the Iraq war Tuesday night in advance of a vote Wednesday on whether to bring home all combat troops by next spring.

Republicans are using Senate rules to insist that the measure have 60 votes to pass — a de facto filibuster since it takes that many votes to cut off debate.

Pace conferred Monday with Petraeus and Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the No. 2 commander in Iraq, who said he did not currently foresee requesting more troops.

"Right now I can't find an assessment where I would say I need more troops," Odierno said, adding that he is confident that by September he will be able to give Petraeus his advice on how the troop buildup is working.

"My assessment right now is, I need more time" to understand how the offensive targeting al-Qaida in Iraq is working and how it could lead to political progress, Odierno said.

"I'm seeing some progress now here in Iraq. We have really just started what the Iraqis term 'liberating' them from al-Qaida. What I've got to determine is what do I need in order to continue that progress so that the political piece can then take hold and Iraqi security forces can hold this for the long term."
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070717/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_pace_16)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 17, 2007 10:41 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

willie wrote:

"...it is time for the Iraqi government to step up. Don't forget that their are also more players in the background. Mainly Russia, China, and India. All large consumers of oil. I believe within a week's time you will see Sadr start to soften his stance and have his people vote for the oil law. Be of good cheer as all is well. (smile)"

I know one of Rob's posts (which was posted after this one by Willie) had this content in it, but I thought I would post this repeat of the informantion which highlights this event, because it ties into the view on Sadr.. good call, Willie, definite movement there:

Iraq's Sadr political bloc ends boycott parliament sessions

www.chinaview.cn
2007-07-17

BAGHDAD, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi political bloc of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Tuesday that it has ended the suspension of its membership in the Iraqi parliament.

"Starting from today, we declare that we have ended our suspension to the parliament," Nassar al-Rubaei, spokesman for the bloc, told the parliament session in Baghdad's Green Zone.

The roughly month-long suspension of Sadr's bloc came as protest over the June 13 attack on the revered shrine of golden mosque in Samarra, which destroyed the two minarets.

Rubaei said the bloc ended its boycott after the government responded to their demands of protecting the shrines and the formation of a committee to supervise the reconstruction of the two Shiite shrines in Samarra, both were destroyed by repeated attacks.

Within the ruling Shiite United Iraqi Alliance (UIA), Sadr's movement has 30 seats in Iraq's 275-seat parliament.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-07/17/content_6390169.htm

-- July 17, 2007 11:09 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

OPEC basket price rises to 72.49 dollars on Friday

(Voice of Iraq) - 16-07-2007

Send this topic to a friend

London (Reuters) --OPEC said on Monday that the price of a basket of crude oil continued to rise Organization to reach 72.49 dollars per barrel on Friday from 71.96 dollars last Thursday.

The OPEC basket includes 11 types of crude oil.

These raw materials are deserts Algerian Indonesian Minas, Iran Heavy, Basra Light crude export Iraqi and Kuwaiti crude Sidr Libyan crude and Nigerian Bonny Light crude maritime country and Saudi Arabian Light crude, the UAE Murban crude and raw to me. CNN. F-17 from Venezuela

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- July 17, 2007 2:55 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Morgan Stanley : inflation in the Gulf, putting pressure on
(Voice of Iraq) - 16-07-2007

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Dubai (Reuters) - The investment bank Morgan Stanley said on Monday that inflation in the Arab Gulf States will continue to rise with the growth of economies in the region, which increases the pressure on the governments in the largest oil exporters in the world to raise the value of their currencies.

The Bank said in research note that the decline in the American currency to record levels against the euro this month, making dollar-denominated currency in the Gulf region are weaker than they should be.

The Bank said "exchange rate regimes linked to a fixed price in another currency, which was considered one day become a pillar of stability for imbalances."

He added that inflation in the Arab Gulf states, which averaged 4.5% last year, will escalate due to the weakness of the dollar and excess liquidity resulting from the rise in oil prices tripled since 2002, which boosted the growth of domestic demand.

Morgan Stanley "in the light of local economies and the tremendous surge in investment projects said that will go into production during the next five years is likely to be much inflationary pressures as we see not subside as many expect."

Kuwait has permitted the rise of the dinar against the dollar twice this year saying that it wants to contain the impact of the dollar decline on imports, which led to a rise in inflation to 5.15% in March of March.

The Bank said that the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, are the two other candidates to raise the value of the currency, according to the poll conducted by Reuters of the views of analysts in March March have the highest rates of inflation in the region is 13.5% and 15% respectively.

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

-- July 17, 2007 3:10 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

North Africa: World Bank Moves Into the Middle East http://allafrica.com/stories/200707170584.html

-- July 17, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Int''l Iraq Compact to meet Friday to receive report from Iraq Central Bank http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1828424&Language=en

-- July 17, 2007 4:05 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Dollar hits new 26-year low against pound http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Markets/10140039.html

-- July 17, 2007 6:39 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Cornishboy:

Great find today! Re: pressure from inflation willlikely result in raising the value of the currency.

But I have a deep concern today as Pres. Bush vowed 150billion dollars to the Palestian government to advance their cause of statehood. This money, like the other billions we have sent has no tractable accountability elements to it.

Interlligence has provided substantial information that our money ( taxpayers) being sent to the Palestinain govt has been tracked to funding Hamas and Hezzbalah and other terrorist projects aimed at destroying Israel and western Europe and US.

Bush is sending Condi Rice to the table to talk and endorse the money.

There has got to be something we don't know!!!! Because this does not make any sense at all.

OR the prophetic "wolf in sheep's clothing" is unveiling itself.

A few things to pay attention to:

First, Bush is not a stupid man, though he revels in having that image perpetuated.

Secondly, Bush is not a Establishment "republican" (neither is his father). They are the authentic Trilateralists! Now I am not saying this is necessarily bad, as I once thought, though I would have preferred for the US to endear isolationism to globalism, but we aer too far down the road on this to turn back, and I would rather be a nation at the front of the line onthis one.

In supporting the Palestinain govt. Bush is taking this country down a road to destruction. Unless this is some sort of a decoy, that we are not privy to.

But if he really has the US jumping in bed with those who would destroy Israel, then he is defying the promise (warning) by God "Those who bless Israel, I will bless, and those who curse Israel I will curse"

No true born again believer would take that path.

Sara---- your thoughts?

Carole

-- July 17, 2007 7:15 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Interesting read http://independent.gmnews.com/News/2004/0825/Front_Page/034.html

-- July 17, 2007 8:02 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Carol,
You should always keep in mind that Israel is a people, not a land or territory, and that there are 12 tribes of Israel. Ten of those 12 tribes were scattered amoung the nations, many of those migrated to europe, and later the USA. The state of Israel is basically the tribe of Judah, who are called Jews(of the tribe of Judah, or resident of the land of Judea). Israel of the Bible is much more than Judah, don't let yourself be confused about this. Much of the population of our great nation are descendants of the lost 10 tribes of Israel, and the reason why we are a Christian based nation who accept Jesus. Its impossible to understand the deeper meanings of the Bible without understanding this and other things. If you would like further discussion off this board contact me. evmolinar(at)sbcglobal.net

Pan Handler,
Nice hearing from you after all this time, Ive been looking forward to the real story from you.

All,
I don't personally believe we will see what we're waiting for with Maliki in power. He has nearly fulfilled his purpose now, and another will come with the ability to do that which remains to be done.

-- July 17, 2007 10:59 PM ∞

---

Clyde wrote:

This is interesting,, I noticed Yahoo Finance now has the Dinar current value on it.. Has any body else notice this ?
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=IQD&submit=Convert

-- July 18, 2007 3:29 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(969)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 969 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/7/18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 49.385.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 49.385.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- July 18, 2007 6:31 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Cornishboy wrote:
Interesting read http://independent.gmnews.com/News/2004/0825/Front_Page/034.html

Good article Cornishboy not simply because the Treasure Dept was in the Greenzone but because when the military goes to war they bring civilians with them to perform critical functions. They are the "forgotten" heros who volunteered to go serve their country and seldom get any recognition.

I heard it put his way by a military officer who said "I put on this suit and said I was ready to go but you civilians volunteered to come here when you had a choice to stay home."

I wouldn't say anything to diminish the work of our brave soldiers but when was the last time you heard the pastor of your church ask all the brave civilians who got shot at along side the troops to stand and be recognized? I'm still waiting.

Thanks for that post!!!

-- July 18, 2007 6:56 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

http://www.investorsiraq.com/showthread.php?t=47741

Look at message number 4 to see a picture of the GOI parliament in session.

THIS IS GOOD!!!

-- July 18, 2007 7:05 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

chris that about sums it up lol.

-- July 18, 2007 7:34 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

International Investment in the Iraqi Oil Industry

under the New Hydrocarbon Law

MINISTRY DELEGATION ANNOUNCED

CWC Associates Limited are pleased to announce the delegation that will be representing the Iraqi Ministry of Oil at the Iraq Petroleum 2007 conference:

KEY NOTE ADDRESSES WILL BE GIVEN BY:

H.E. Dr. Barham Salih, The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister

H.E. Dr. Hussain Al-Shahristani, The Iraqi Minister of Oil

MINISTRY DELEGATION:

· Representative of the Board of Advisors of H.E. The Prime Minister

· Representative of H.E. The Minister of Planning

· Director General, Reservoir & Oil Fields Development, Ministry of Oil

· Falah Al-Khawaja, Director General, SCOP, Ministry of Oil

· Representative of Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), Ministry of Oil

· Manager, Planning Division, Oil Exploration Company, Ministry of Oil

· Senior Chief Engineer, Reservoir & Oil Fields Development, Ministry of Oil

EXPERT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

· Vahan Zanoyan, Chairman and CEO, PFC Energy International

· J. Jay Park, Partner & Chair, International Energy Practice Group, Macleod Dixon LLP

· Tariq Shafiq, President, Petrolog Associates

· Dr. Herman Franssen, President, International Energy Associates

· Dr. Pedro Van Meurs, Van Meurs Corporation

· Bill Farren-Price, Deputy Director, MEES

· Raad Al Kadiri, Senior Director for Country Strategies, PFC Energy International

· Leslie Blair, General Manager (TTOPCOL), Taq Taq Operating Company, Addax Petroleum

· Peter Nicol, Executive Managing Director, Institutional Research, Tristone Capital

· James A. Grimshaw, Director, Garda World

Ok now i'm really confused, how can they have this without it being done?
CWC Exhibitions and Conferences
__________________
http://www.thecwcgroup.com/conf_detail_agenda.asp?FP=1&CID=178

-- July 18, 2007 7:46 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Valerio,

Thanksfor your post. However, I always get concerned when someone refers to the "deeper" meanings of the Bible. Often times that leads to what I call extra Biblical revelations or a resurgent doctrine. Both of which scripture warns us repeatedly to be on alert for.

Scripture is very clear about Israel, the nation, as it is clear about Israel's people a chosen society. You are correct that history ( biblical as well as political records the scattering of the Jews. BUt make no mistake that Israel, the nation is under the authority and protection of the Almighty God.

Question: where do youthink the Temple will be rebuilt?
West Virginia???

The deeper meanings of a very clear, pertinent and alive Bible are those that result from a life obedient to God. It is the intimacy of that relationship that deepens.

Maybe, I have misunderstood you , but you sound way off the mark. Please be careful not to get caught up in something that is "deeper or extra" truth. there is no such thing. Truth is absolute. It doesn't get "less"or"more", or "deeper".

Remeber when Paul was so frustrated with some of the first churches? They were carnal and he couldn't penetrate the clear truth to them. There was nothing wrong or changed about the truth---only the receivers were out of singh.

While they were preoccupied with finding the "deeper meanings" they were deep in sin, and were missing out on the very clear message of the gospel, and fell prey to all kinds of false doctrines.

Carole

-- July 18, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Why must you continously bring your premillennial form of eschatology to this forum? How is it relevant to the discussion of the Dinar?

John Nelson Darby the founder of Premillennial Dispensationalism has influenced men like Scofield and modern adherents like Hal Lindsey and Tim LeHaye; which have been the main contributors to this distorted view of eschatology. Unfortunatley, too many Christians have followed their lead and mistakenly read Apocalyptic literature.

Reading Apocalyptic literature requires one to understand the author's use of symbolism to convey a message. For example, in the book of Revelation the bowls, seals, and trumpets along with the horrific descriptions are not meant to be taken literally but those descriptions signify judgment is coming.

Another example from the book of Revelation is Christ's 1,000 year reign. The number is the use of symbolic language to signify Christ's complete and all encompasing reign. It is not meant to be taken literally.

God's Old Testament promises to physical Israel have been fulfilled. God in the person of Jesus Christ fulfilled all. Since the person of Jesus Christ came and dwelt among us, those promises made by him in the New Testament are for spritiual Israel (those who have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior).

In your previous post, you mentioned the nation building another Temple. I know to many disciples of John Nelson Darby this is an important piece to the premillennial view of final things.

I am not going to say that a third temple will not be built by the nation of Israel, but I think you are mistaken in the religious significance you place upon it. New research indicates that the Dome of the Rock is actually in the court of Gentiles, there is a possiblity that the third Jewish Temple and the Dome of Rock could coincide side-by-side on the temple mount.

Furthermore, I think to question the salvation of George W. Bush based upon foriegn policy decisions regarding Hamas or Hezbollah underscores your presumptousness. To make a statement questioning another Christian's salvation also indicates an arrogance and lack of understanding of politics in the age of globalization.

In the words of Paul Harvey; "Good Day."

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 18, 2007 10:15 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraqi parliament resumes sessions to vote on several bills
Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Wednesday , 18 /07 /2007 Time 6:20:24

Baghdad, Jul 18, (VOI) - The Iraqi parliament opened its 42nd session on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Sheikh Khaled al-Atiya to vote on a number of draft laws, a parliamentary media source said.

http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=50689&NrIssue=2&NrSection=1

-- July 18, 2007 10:41 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Al Qaida in Iraq leader captured
Last Modified: 18 Jul 2007
Source: PA News

The highest-ranking Iraqi in the leadership of al Qaida in Iraq has been arrested, the US command said.

Officials said information from him indicated the group's foreign-based leadership wielded considerable influence over the Iraqi chapter.

Khaled Abdul-Fattah Dawoud Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, also known as Abu Shahid, was captured in Mosul on July 4, said Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a military spokesman.

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/world/al+qaida+in+iraq+leader+captured/607877

-- July 18, 2007 11:10 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's trade union chief threatens "mutiny" if oil law passed

Subhi al-Badri, head of Iraqi Federation of Union Councils, has warned mutiny is to be declared if the Council of Representatives votes for the controversial oil and gas law.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 18, 2007 2:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Republicans block Senate Iraq withdrawal plan
By Stephen Collinson

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

18 July 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
Republicans in the US Senate on Wednesday blocked a Democratic measure which would have required President George W. Bush to pull most combat troops out of Iraq by the end of April 2008.

After a marathon all-night debate, the Republican vote held firm, despite several party senators expressing unease over the war plan after the president rejected changes in Iraq strategy until September at the earliest.

The Senate voted by 52 to 47 to move to a final vote on the measure, well short of the 60-vote supermajority needed for the bill to proceed.

It was the latest defeat for majority Democrats who have battled for months to force Bush to accept hard troop withdrawal timetables.

Bush under-fire over the unpopular war, has warned that leaving Iraq would spark chaos, and hand over the country for use as a terror haven by Al-Qaeda.

With fold-down beds at the ready in a room near the Senate, and hot coffee on tap, relays of senators had kept the debate going in a near-deserted chamber through the small hours after it started on Tuesday afternoon.

Veteran Republican Senator John McCain lambasted the debate as an "exhibition" staged for a "briefly amused press corps" which substituted "theatrics for statesmanship."

But Democratic Senate Majority leader Harry Reid criticized Republicans for using Senate procedure to a require a 60-vote supermajority, and accused them of protecting the president and not US troops.

People "understand, very clearly, that we have a situation where we have a president who will be in office only another 17 months and they want the war to end before he leaves office," Reid said.

The vote on an amendment to a defense policy bill, would have required a troop withdrawal to start within 120 days of enactment, and for most combat soldiers to be out of Iraq by April 30, 2008.

Remaining US troops in Iraq would have a limited role: battling terrorists, protecting US personnel and installations and training Iraqi troops.

Through the early hours of the morning, bleary-eyed senators kept up relays on the Senate floor.

Democratic Senator and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took her turn at 4:02 am, while McCain popped up several times through the night.

"Many of us have been searching for the best approach to take with respect to our involvement in Iraq for a number of years," said Clinton, who voted to authorize the war in 2002 but has now turned against it.

"But we don't do it with any sense that we know everything that will happen no matter what decisions are taken. But what we do have is a history of miscalculations and mistakes that we are now attempting to deal with."

Just before 6:00 am, defeated 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry was holding forth, and in possibly one of the least-noticed debuts ever, Republican Senator John Barrasso clocked in for his maiden Senate speech at 5:06 am.

Bush has warned he will make no decisions on any change in strategy in Iraq until US commander General David Petraeus returns to Washington in September to report on the current plan to surge an extra 30,000 troops into the country.

Democrats say only the threat of withdrawal will force Iraq's government to embrace political reconciliation, after it was shown to have made meager progress by a new US report last week.

"It is that open-ended commitment that must end if we are going to prod the Iraqi people to finally step up, stare into the abyss and answer the question -- do they want a civil war or do they want a nation?" said Democratic Senator Carl Levin on Tuesday.

Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, who has chastised the administration over its war strategy, rejected White House claims the surge strategy was working.

"By any measure, the situation in Iraq is getting worse with each week that passes," Hagel said.

Bush's backers said withdrawal would leave Iraq as a haven for Al-Qaeda and embolden US foe Iran.

The US military's losses in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion are now at 3,621, according to an AFP count based on Pentagon figures.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians are also dead.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 18, 2007 2:11 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

9,000 US-Iraqi troops launch assault in Anbar
US military launch ‘Operation Mawtini’ to crush Sunni insurgency in Iraq’s western province.

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

BAGHDAD, 18 July 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
More than 9,000 US and Iraqi troops launched a massive assault on insurgents along the Euphrates valley in the restive western province of Anbar, the US military reported on Tuesday.

Operation Mawtini began on Sunday and aims to "neutralise any future attempts by anti-Iraqi forces to re-establish a presence in key urban areas along the Euphrates valley," the military said in a statement.

The operation involves more than 9,000 US marines, soldiers, sailors and Iraqi army members aiming to flush out insurgents in the Sunni stronghold of Anbar known for its raging anti-US insurgency since the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.

Operation Mawtini follows an earlier assault in the region which provided insight in "enemy movement patterns and safe havens," the military said.

Since the arrival of 28,000 extra troops as part of the "surge" announced by US President George W. Bush, the military is carrying out simultaneous attacks in various regions of Iraq.

On Monday the military launched Operation Marne Avalanche in the central regions of Babil, Karbala and Najaf provinces.

Thousands of US and Iraqi troops are also deployed in the restive Diyala province northeast of Baghdad, while the biggest crackdown is in Baghdad itself to curb the daily bloodshed.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 18, 2007 2:13 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

I think concerning the end times, we are all of the faith of Jesus Christ but have differing interpretations on these future events. I think it best not to get into it because it is too divisive and takes away from the Dinar board discussion. There is only a certain amount of toleration for religious subjects and I am guilty enough of sometimes overstepping the lines on that one.. I think I will pass on endtime theories which could end up a very long and hotly debated (divisive) discussion and shall stick to the current discussion at hand.

Israel is a US ally and the US is committed to them as an ally by treaty (quite apart from Biblical prophecy). The US must make good on its commitments to its allies and cannot allow them to be attacked or obliterated by nuclear weapons and has an interest in their ongoing peace as a country. Obviously, the US has limited abilities to influence internal policies between Israel and its neighbors - though we see the US negotiators seeking to be peacemakers in this instance by being a go-between between these two (Israel, Palistinians). I think that admirable. As for giving the Palistinians money, I have learned a lesson in life.. "There is no free lunch." As you said, President Bush likely has information we do not, but even beyond a tacit agreement (where that money is the payoff), the Bible itself says that:

Pro 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

The borrower is servant to the lender. This is spiritual reality. If a person denies the spiritual reality behind it, that does not change the dynamic. There is an indebtedness with taking any money from anyone. You "owe" them and you know it. Could you take MILLIONS of dollars and feel no obligation whatsoever? I think there is more to this than meets the eye. The Palistinians have not gained an upper hand by taking money from the US.. they have become their servants. And if you really think it is a gift and not a "loan".. that there is no indebtedness which goes with taking the money, then I refer you to the truth you must know in your own experience.. "There is no free lunch." Think about it.

As for your speaking about those who seek for "deeper" truth, I totally agree with you. It is a dangerous thing and the first thing that many cults do - redefining words to their views and meanings by saying they are "deeper" meanings than what the "ordinary" Christian church has taught. But we follow the example of Jesus who said:

Joh 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Jesus was not into "secret" truths which only the "intitiated" were able to hear from Him in secret - No, He spoke openly to the world and said NOTHING in secret, no hidden truths for the "special" followers. Christianity isn't a fraternity of folks with hidden knowledge. If the plain meaning makes sense, that is what it means - it was said openly and with the intent of open and honest dialog. We don't need to add something to it.

I, too, was concerned with Valerio's post in that advocated looking for hidden meanings which change the plain meaning of the text - both aspects of which you and Rob brought out.. the people of Israel as a people group and the fact the church is also referred to as being grafted into Israel and so Israel, when Paul says:

Rom 11:1 I say then, Has God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Rom 11:2 God has not cast away His people which He foreknew.
Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles..
Rom 11:16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
Rom 11:17 And if some of the branches are broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Rom 11:18 Boast not yourselves against the branches...

This says that there is a tree which is existing, which is God's people (Israel). And we Gentiles were by the very mercy and grace of Almighty God allowed to be grafted into that tree and with them are allowed to partake of the root and fatness of the tree. But for heaven's sake.. we should not think we are something better because we are now in THEIR tree! We should not boast ourselves against the branches which are naturally growing there and say we are better than they are. BOTH the natural branches AND those of us Gentiles who were grafted into the tree are holy (vs 16, above). God grafts into the tree of holiness all who are God's, from every kindred, tribe, tongue and nation, and they stand before God in the end:

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

It is out of every kindred, tongue, people and nation that God calls people to be the people of God and to be in the tree of holiness. So Israel is both the Israelite people (who are not cast away, Rom 11:2) and also those who believe and are so "grafted in" to the tree of holiness. So I agree with you both on these two views of Israel as they are both Biblical. So, there is only one people of God.. and all of them are in the same "tree" spiritually, as Paul concludes at the end of the above passage, Rom 11:26 "And so all Israel shall be saved.." All who are to be saved will be and will be part of that one tree which is holy before God.

Sara.

-- July 18, 2007 3:11 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob
First of all why don't you mind your own business! I was responding to a posting by Valerio. Who do you think that you are that you can mandate responses here on the board?

First of all, by your comments you clearly show that you can make no distinction between "pre-tribulation doctrine" and premillenium doctrine.

These are areas where Christians debate openly, but they are not the main issues of salvation, and there is plenty of room for intelligent discussion and discourse.

If you can someday pull yourself away from cutting and pasting "other peoples" thoughts and works, you might find some interesting perspectives that you might enjoy and benefit from.

Carole

-- July 18, 2007 3:28 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

You charge I have redefined the word "forum" by cutting and pasting articles that have a potential to affect our investment. I am aware of the varying Christian view points concerning eschatology yet I find these posts have nothing to do with the Dinar.

Please do not attempt to redefine the nature of this forum by discussing eschatology, this is a Dinar forum.

It seems I remember you using the same arrogant tone during your conflicts with Roger. I must say, in real life outside of this blog inside you must be a real ugly person.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 18, 2007 4:46 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

ROB,
I CAN APPRECIATE YOUR POST, AND WEATHER IT IS CONCERNING DINAR OR CHRISTIANITY I FIND YOUR OWN THOUGHTS INTERESTING.

CAROL,
YES THE TEACHING OF OUR FATHER IS OPEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY ALL, IF THEY HAVE EARS TO HEAR AND EYES TO SEE. DO YOU HAVE EYES AND EARS? EVERYONE SAYS THEY DO. THERE ARE NO SECRET MEANINGS, AND TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE I AGREE. THE PROBLEM IS MOST PEOPLE DON'T STUDY, AND THEY ONLY TEACHING THEY RECEIVE IS FROM THE SERMON ON SUNDAY THAT IS BASED ON A FEW VERSES, AND AT THAT RATE IT WOULD TAKE 400 YEARS TO GET THROUGH THE BIBLE.

SARA,
WHY DO YOU REFER TO YOURSELF AS A GENTILE?

-- July 18, 2007 5:47 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara:

Thanks for your response. I agree this is not a place to discuss or debate those controversial components of scripture. But I must admit, in the right place at the right time, with the right people ( sincere seekers) it can be the most fruitful and wonderful experience. And in my experience, has caused me to search the scriptures for myself and draw some very good conclusions.

The reality is , that we can have all the right information at the right time in the right context, and still miss the act of being saved from eternal doom. On that point, we are together grafted into the Tree---praise God.

I may have misunderstood some of Valerio's comments. But I think you clarifeid them adequately.

Thanks again.

Carole

-- July 18, 2007 6:36 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Inflation wins and a bolstered Iraqi dinar loses http://www.kurdishglobe.net/displayArticle.jsp?id=562F76B0D3FBD74E254E4E9BFEA8ED3E

-- July 18, 2007 6:44 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob:

Actually, I've been told I'm really cute for an old lady.

But cute is not my known virtue. Discernment is, and while I don't really know you, I know enough about you to know that I don't really care to know you.

If you haven't figured it out by now, I have a real problem with self emultaing characters.

Because of your display of immaturity, I can not dialogue with you. So don't blame the riff on arrogance.

And I ditto Valerio's question: how much better off are we because of what you call contributing to the
Dinar discussion????

Come down from your Ivory Tower and my tone will change.

Otherwise quit your whinning and get back to your cutting and pasting, the 3 people who say they enjoy it, are waiting.....

Carole

-- July 18, 2007 6:53 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Turkey Bombards Northern Iraq, Iraq Says http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/18/ap/world/main3071008.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_3071008

-- July 18, 2007 6:56 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

As someone seems upset at the Military losses of 3,621 since March 2003, well lets see how many people have been killed by guns in the good old USA in the same time, not good, 44,000 dead, so it looks safer to live in Iraq.
This is just IMO
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 18, 2007 7:15 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Carole,

You asked Rob 'how much better off are we because of what you call contributing to the
Dinar discussion????'

Well at least his posts are dinar related. What relevance do your religious posts have to do with dinar discussion?

To be honest your religious posts bore me shitless, but live and let live, if thats what you want to post then go ahead.

But if you are going to continually criticise others for the dinar related material they post,
then could I respectfully ask you to cut the religious crap.

Cheers.

-- July 18, 2007 7:57 PM ∞

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carole wrote:

Steven,

Ya know ya gotta point.

Let's see: US terrorist threats=immediate protection of civil liberties and rights.

In Iraq- the entire family is economically and socially eliminated.

US: burgularly-plea bargain 5 yrs. probation

Iraq: hands cut off.

US: rape--2-5yrs with likelyhood of outpatient rehab.

Iraq: castration then off comes the skull

US: Adultery--celebrated on millions of newspapers, tv and radio

IRAQ: death

US: child seduction or molestation- rehab

IRAQ: torture, then death.

Iraq:4000 military deaths ( and I don't in anyway mean to trivalize this)

NYC alone---1100 murders since jan 1, 2007.

hmmmmm just made me a big headache!

Carole

-- July 18, 2007 8:17 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

AMEN

-- July 18, 2007 10:06 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Chelse.....

Thanks for your permission.......I feel so much better now........

Carole

-- July 18, 2007 11:22 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

I am seeing a glass half-full with these current discussions. The argueing, disagreements and bringing posters to task are not only interesting to me, but to most everyone on this Blog.

Rob, you are good when you express your thoughts but not so good when you post those volumes of newspaper items. If you have info on the Dinar, tell us in your own words. You are obviously well read and well informed and can make a great contribution if you will just start typing.

Example of what I am recommending is a speech made by Newt in New Hampshire recently in which he issued a sobering warning that the U.S. is in great danger if we do not take the necessary steps to protect ourselves. He stated that the Geneva Convention needs to be reconvened and rewrite the rules to exclude anyone who does not represent a nation and is not in uniform.
He stated that the first amendment needs to be revisited to deal with terrorists. Terrorist have no rights and the American people should be willing to give up some rights to counter the terrorist threats. Newt is going to announce for the Presidency soon and he is the only man on the scene currently that has the stomach to deal with terrorists.

Just one old man's viewpoint.
NEIL

-- July 18, 2007 11:26 PM ∞

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Clyde wrote:

I agree that a Terrorist has no rights, save a bullet,, hang them. I'm not going to fork over my rights and guns to combat Terrorist at home.

I always get picked last.. I don't have anyone,, to scrap with..

-- July 19, 2007 1:52 AM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Neil,
You and I seem to think alike on alot of things.

-- July 19, 2007 4:26 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Clyde,

newt was not in anyway referring to taking away the right for us to bear arms. The rights he was reffering to are those rights that the ACLU hone in on and protect those who cause us freat harm. For example: the right to wire tap and track people's phone calls.

I have mixed feelings and opinions about it all. To open the door of removing the intrinsic rights to privacy could become a pandora's box. So, as those issues are addressed and modified, as Americans we better keep our eyes and ears open to how the laws are written and be sure that there are as many safegaurds as possible.

As far as the Geneva Convention subject goes, it already addresses warefare with an unknown declared nation (out of unifrom).

Reality is that the United Nations has proven it is not going to enforce the Geneva COnvention on the Middle East terrorist activites. I don't see any reason to rewwrite anything, just enforce what is already there.

Newt has played this Presidential thing very well. He has a lot of baggage coing with him into the Presidential arena. However, bu waiting so long to declare his candidacy, his strategy is that the American people will be so tired of hearing about all the baggage of the other candiates for months and months, that it will dilute the effects of what the demos will do to him once he enters the race.

Pretty smart, I think. He is by far the most qualifed to run for Pres. both on national and international issues.He is never wishy washy on anything. and he is gutsy whenit comes to foreign policy. Also, if elected, and he had an opporotunity to appoint to the Supreme Court, he would cause a shift to the right that would change the entire course of our domestic issues for decades to come. He might be our last hope to get the pendulum swinging the other way, and save this country from and inevitable social demise.

Amd for the petty sake of Rob and others on this dinar board----it would make a real big difference on how we enjoy our wealth from our dinar investment!!!

carole

-- July 19, 2007 4:38 AM ∞

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carole wrote:

Valerio,

You are so right regarding Neil. He is awesome as are you.

I have a soft spot for both of you. :)

Carole

-- July 19, 2007 4:44 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(970)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 970 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/7/19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 19 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1247 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 90.375.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 8.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 90.375.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 8.000.000 -----

-- July 19, 2007 6:49 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

I think the debate over religious content boils down to world view. Each of us sees the world thru our own lens. For some it's Biblical and some it's not.

Those who see the world thru the Biblical lens see a Babylon that is the center of world commerce in the future and in an instant it will be destroyed. Is Babylon literal or figurative? Some have suggested that Babylon is a revived Babylon and will be somewhere else. Assuming that Babylon is literal, How would this affect the Dinar? Would it go down? Yes would be my guess. Do I need to change my Dinar before it takes a significant negative hit? Yes would be my answer. Does this make me a savy investor? This is one way that the Biblical (Escotology) view may legitimately affect my investment. Whether it will or not, is debatable, so debate is required. It's possible, as a forum, that we have failed to adequately connect the significance of the Biblical world view to the Dinar. Maybe that would be a good discussion.

I agree with Sara that maybe we go too far sometimes. The discussion can get petty and sometimes personal.

If someone believes that the oils sands in Canada are going to affect my investment in the Dinar, I want to hear about it. Bring on the discussion then I will decide if it has merit. Would it bother me if the Canada Oil Sands are mentioned in the Bible? Why would it?

-- July 19, 2007 8:17 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Does anyone have a problem reading texton this site? Sometimes I have to click repeatedly or jiggle the cursor over the areas to view....

-- July 19, 2007 10:44 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Senior Qaeda figure in Iraq a myth
7/18/2007

By Dean Yates
Reuters
Wednesday, July 18, 2007; 10:35 AM

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A senior operative for al Qaeda in Iraq who was caught this month has told his U.S. military interrogators a prominent al Qaeda-led group is just a front and its leader fictitious, a military spokesman said on Wednesday.

Brigadier-General Kevin Bergner told a news conference that Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of the self-styled Islamic State of Iraq, which was purportedly set up last year, did not exist.

The Islamic State of Iraq was established to try to put an Iraqi face on what is a foreign-driven network, Bergner said. The name Baghdadi means the person hails from the Iraqi capital.

Bergner said the information came from an operative called Khalid al-Mashadani who was caught on July 4 and who he said was an intermediary to Osama bin Laden.

He said Mashadani was believed to be the most senior Iraqi in the Sunni Islamist al Qaeda in Iraq network.

"In his words, the Islamic State of Iraq is a front organization that masks the foreign influence and leadership within al Qaeda in Iraq in an attempt to put an Iraqi face on the leadership of al Qaeda in Iraq," Bergner said.

U.S. military officials in recent weeks have been pressed to explain the link between al Qaeda in Iraq and bin Laden's global network given the military's heightened focus on al Qaeda in Iraq as the biggest threat to the country.

The military blames al Qaeda in Iraq for most of the major bombings in Iraq, saying the group is trying to spark all-out civil war between majority Shi'tes and minority Sunni Arabs.

Bergner said Mashadani served as an intermediary between the al Qaeda in Iraq leader, Egyptian Abu Ayyab al-Masri and bin Laden and also the Egyptian cleric Ayman al-Zawahri, who is the global network's No. 2 commander.

The Islamic State of Iraq was set up in October, comprising a group of Sunni militant affiliates and tribal leaders led by Baghdadi. In April, it named a 10-man "cabinet."

The Islamic State of Iraq has claimed many high-profile acts of violence.

But Bergner said Mashadani and Masri had co-founded a "virtual organization in cyberspace called the Islamic State of Iraq in 2006 as a new Iraqi pseudonym for AQI."

"To further this myth, Masri created a fictional head of the Islamic State of Iraq known as Abu Omar al-Baghdadi," he said.

"To make al-Baghdadi appear credible, al-Masri swore allegiance to al-Baghdadi and pledged to obey him, which is essentially pledging allegiance to himself since he knew Baghdadi was fictitious and a creation of his own," he said.

"The rank and file Iraqis in AQI believe they are following the Iraqi al-Baghdadi. But all the while they have been following the orders of the Egyptian Abu Ayyab al-Masri."

Voice recordings purporting to be from Baghdadi have appeared on the Internet, although Bergner said he had been played by an actor. He did not refer to any video clips.

Bergner said Mashadani was al Qaeda's "media emir" for Iraq.

He said the operative was "providing significant insights into the nature and circumstances of al Qaeda in Iraq."

The U.S. military has always said al Qaeda in Iraq was run by foreigners.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 19, 2007 10:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

White House to Lobby Lawmakers on Iraq
Associated Press | July 19, 2007
WASHINGTON - The White House is pushing hard to buy time for its Iraq strategy, offering Congress unusual access to President Bush's top military and diplomatic advisers.

About 200 lawmakers were invited to the Pentagon for a classified question-and-answer session on Thursday with Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador there. The two men were expected to brief lawmakers via satellite from Baghdad.

Bush's new war adviser, Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, also was to be in the room.

Later in the day, Crocker was scheduled to testify publicly before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also by video link.

The officials were expected to make the case that some progress has been made in Iraq since Bush ordered the deployment of some 30,000 extra troops earlier this year. The officials also were expected to argue it is too early to tell whether the strategy is working, and that members of Congress should hold off on demanding change until at least September.

The briefings cap off a week of contentious Senate debate on the war and a public relations blitz by the administration to shore up GOP support. Republican support is crucial for Bush because of the narrow margins in the Senate and the minority party's ability to block any legislation with a filibuster.

So far, GOP lawmakers have been mostly united in rejecting Democratic demands to set a deadline for troop withdrawals. On Wednesday, they helped scuttle a bill by Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., that would have ordered troops to start leaving this fall and end major combat by April 30.

The legislation was backed by a slim majority of senators in a 52-47 vote, but fell short of the 60 votes needed to cut off debate and end a GOP-threatened filibuster.

On Wednesday as senators cast their vote, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shuttled between meetings with members on Capitol Hill to make the administration's case for the war. Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, has made similar rounds, including a private briefing on Iraq last week for more than a dozen GOP senators.

Members say they are happy about the administration's new outreach effort, even if they disagree with the message or still have doubts about the war. Still, it was unclear how many members were planning to take up the White House on its offer to be bused to the Pentagon.

Reps. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the panel's ranking Republican, planned to go. Sens. John Warner, R-Va., Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., also were expected to attend.

"I think it is accurate to say the administration is listening as never before," Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., said after meeting Wednesday with Rice for 40 minutes in his office. "And I think that is a very encouraging thing, because America needs to come back together around a way forward in the war on terror."

Smith, who is up for re-election next year, is one of three Republicans - alongside Sens. Olympia Snowe of Maine and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska - who supported the Democratic proposal ordering troop withdrawals.

Collins, who also will face voters in 2008, voted to advance debate on the measure as well, but said she still opposed the underlying bill.

Collins and about a half dozen other Republicans support a far less sweeping measure by Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., that calls on Bush to adopt the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. The independent panel urged Bush to hand off the combat mission to the Iraqis and step up diplomatic efforts, paving the way for a 2008 drawdown of U.S. troops.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 19, 2007 11:00 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole wrote:
Rob:

Actually, I've been told I'm really cute for an old lady.

But cute is not my known virtue. Discernment is, and while I don't really know you, I know enough about you to know that I don't really care to know you.

(end quote)

Carole, I couldn't help but chuckle when you came under fire and resorted to saying you are a cute looking female, for your age. :) We do so wish the deference we see when people can see how cute we look. When our opponents can take into account how cute and good looking we are, we are aware that they favor us with kinder words and actions. It is a vanity we females are subject to, perhaps more so than men. Yet, from a Biblical stance, I feel like Paul who was forced to boast and said:

Phil 3:4 - Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more...
2Co 11:16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
2Co 11:17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
2Co 11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
2Co 11:19 For you allow fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
2Co 11:20 For you allow it if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

(Hmmm.. smite you on the face.. "while I don't really know you, I know enough about you to know that I don't really care to know you." could be seen as words which are equivalent to a smite on the face, couldn't they? And is Rob not of the brethren, beloved by Jesus Christ? Shouldn't you defer somewhat to him as a brother in Christ?)

When I was in my late teens, my Mom and I decided we wanted to learn the latest fashions in putting on makeup so we enrolled at a fashion course at a local modelling school. There were about 30 young ladies in the class, all about my age, and my Mom. At the end of the classes, the lady who ran the modelling school asked my Mom and I to remain behind. The rest of the girls left and she came over to us and told me in all sincerity that she felt I had what it took to be a real model. She explained that if I were willing she would get me into magazines first, then... My Mom and I were both shocked, and protested that we had only come to learn modelling skills like how to apply makeup with the modern techniques, not to actually model - and though I found it flattering that I had what she called "what it takes" to be a model, I was not interested in that occupation. So, you see, I too can boast if I really wished to about my looks, though I am older as well. (And obviously, if you look at a ton of models, not every person thinks each kind of model is "cute", but some do, and I am told by some that I am beautiful, even today.) But surely being outwardly beautiful or cute and boasting about it is vanity? I mean.. Jesus would never do so, and He was of such a humble spirit. As the Scripture admonishes us:

1Pe 3:3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--
1Pe 3:4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
1Pe 3:5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Note the name.. Sara.. in verse six.
Surely this is the real aim, a gentle and quiet spirit.. and not merely to be seen as "cute"??

Steven wrote, "As someone seems upset at the Military losses of 3,621 since March 2003, well lets see how many people have been killed by guns in the good old USA in the same time, not good, 44,000 dead, so it looks safer to live in Iraq." (end quote)

VERY interesting statistic and observation, Steven, thank you. It does help to keep perspective.

Chelseadave, I agree with you that Rob's contributions are very good and I enjoy them. They keep the discussion focused on the Dinar and I appreciate that as well, but I think the board can tolerate a bit of deviation from the topic of Dinar from time to time. I note what Chris said is true - how other factors can affect our investment and how we deal with the money afterward. We might share investment views after the Dinar pegs here, too? Of course, those who don't like what is posted can scroll past.

Neil wrote that Newt says, "Terrorist have no rights and the American people should be willing to give up some rights to counter the terrorist threats." Thanks for contributing that.. I am looking forward to hearing more of Newt's stances as we go along.

Anon - As for reading the site, if you drag your cursor over the text holding down the mouse button, it will become visible.

Sara.

-- July 19, 2007 2:13 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

This is well worth a read
Finance Minister Iraqi statement Jabr Al-Zubaidi (new edition) :

Palace of Saddam Hussein in France and millions of dollars on behalf of the lawyer Khalil Dulaimi
Arab countries are not yet on Iraq debt except Saudi Arabia

The magazine (new edition) for expanded with the Minister of Finance statement Jabr Al-Zubaydi dealt with the various topics of Finance and Economy, files economic interest to the Iraqi issue and the challenges facing it.

He stressed that the financial budget for this year has covered all the country's needs for investment projects, pointing out that the greatest challenge lies in the implementation rests with the ministries and departments, and between the investment law is much more important than the state budget. However, this law does not do, because the government did not appoint him to head now, as the Iraq sought to ease the conditions of the International Monetary Fund, commensurate with the needs of the Iraqi citizen, but he emphasized that this endeavor States, the most prominent options to keep the debt burden of the Iraqi economy. The minister disclosed that the Arab countries do not fall in debt on Iraq except for Saudi Arabia which showed Astaadadaha to drop to 80% of Iraq's debt. These and other matters were the focus of an interview with the Iraqi Minister of Finance statement Jabr Zubaidi with (new edition).

* What range of ministries and provinces benefit from financial allocations in the implementation of projects for this year? And what are the problems in this regard?

Budget bill passed by the parliament late, making it impossible to carry out more than 25% of the provincial budget, or more, I regret to say that most provinces have not yet benefited from the 2007 budget as well as remnants 2006 to now they have remaining, We are now asking them to implement hope to hear them soon in the near future we will hold a meeting with them that they were able to implement the 2006 budget either 2007, we have 10% have not benefited from them. As for the ministries have held meetings with fourteen ministers each minister is allocated hour with advanced cadre in his ministry and Advanced cadre in the Ministries and held meetings with the Ministers continuous But I regret what I discovered that more than two ministries not implemented 1% of the budget and talked to them frankly and said we will withdraw these funds each Ministry is not implemented 25% of investment funds allocated until June 30 -2.007 When 6-30 to 25% Einfv withdraw money and give it to the provinces and ministries that carried out more than 25% and then give these funds by the budget law passed by the parliament. These pressures motivate those ministries of labor and O'dona work seriously and are now working day and night. There is a problem in the operating budget, which is related to the salaries and bonuses are available to 100%, but the investment budget, which is related to citizens and provide services to the citizens myself was newborn with inspectors general of the ministries to pay their ministries for implementation.

** What are the latest fire or cancel Iraq's debts?

At the beginning of the sixth month will be a meeting with Saudi officials specifically with the Saudi Minister of Finance in one European state and come to this meeting and hope that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has committed itself to the International Decade in Sharm el-Sheikh to extinguish 65% of the debt and hope to sign the agreement soon.

The People's Republic of China expressed her readiness during my meeting with Chinese Ambassador they Sitavion 100% of government debt either commercial debt is more than 80% say they gratifying news when visiting President of the Republic and I would be with him on this visit to China to discuss this topic, The problem now is that the Arab side did not open the rest of us also opened States, in an Arab country so far extinguished debt except for Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to extinguish 80 of the debt.

** Is there any estimates of Iraqi assets at home and abroad, where lie?

Iraq has a stock of hard currency in two places : first place in the Central Bank, there are 21 billion dollars and this is called the State General Reserve is given to supporting the Iraqi currency, Today, the Iraqi currency is a global currency backed real support behind $ 21 billion in cash from various currencies in addition to large quantities of gold to support the Iraqi dinar. This reserve is the first either second reserve is located to the Iraqi Development Fund, who is in New York this reserve is not a reserve within the reserve is the funds are there benefit from the operation in order to obtain some benefits guaranteed, fixed and when we need to spend in the budget, we spend so we allocate in the budget of 2007 But so far, the ministries are unable to exchange estimated that the amounts invested abroad by 7-8 billion dollars and disclosure would affect negatively on the international.

Q : Do you could give us an idea of private funds the former regime and palaces and property? What has been getting?

Iraqi funds held abroad, called on behalf of the former regime, we first re Palace (was) in France and now we are all French and Swiss lawyers to follow up the shares on behalf of the lawyer Khalil Dulaimi attorney to defend Saddam and discovered that the palace (was) his name and there is a tremendous amount of millions of dollars of shares in his name in Switzerland and now started the French and Swiss courts as a case in which we have established through foreign lawyers to retrieve these shares and no other funds do not want to pursue them advertised now but when we get to a result pursuing.

* What procedures of the Ministry of Finance about the retirement?

Are there any reservations from the Finance Ministry around?

Retirement-law was submitted to the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives passed and around the presidential body, and the presidential and signed and now published in the Official Gazette is ready to be implemented and no reservations to the law because we have accepted with any decision of the parliament because parliament is obliged to each government.

** What are the obligations of the International Monetary Fund and what obligations that must be carried out by Iraq?

IMF outlook is positive because it has helped to extinguish Iraq's 120 billion dollars of debts and help Iraq to reach 140 billion dollars of debt, then, the International Monetary Fund stood beside Iraq in extinguishing debt which wrote a letter to the Paris Club, This benefit for Iraq contrast IMF signed an agreement called the SPA and the Convention supporters to the Iraqi government, namely that the International Monetary Fund and controls submit proposals for the reform of the Iraqi economy, as has global expertise and experts, the Convention was signed by Professor Dr. Ali Allawi and ending Convention at the end of this year, the Convention stipulates that the Iraq economic reforms to increase the value of the Iraqi dinar, including raising the prices of oil derivatives, including the removal of subsidies on oil derivatives, including banks, other issues such as reform and development of the work of government banks and the provision of grants and proposals advances and soft loans to citizens and expanding the network of social protection is the price of all these improvements in the Iraqi economy from the standpoint of the IMF, Iraq has two choices : either bound by the Convention, signed by the Minister of Finance Alawi, the former must respect its commitments and then extinguished debt and not be stopped extinguishing debt and the amount is 120 billion dollars on Iraq, a sum that Iraq was unable to pay and employment must be balanced each year until the debt is repaid is between now we should either before an important meeting and we are seriously preparing to finance ministers and oil and the Central Bank Governor, because the agreement ends months of this year they were preparing to sign a new agreement in the ninth month, and now we are going to put before the government before traveling to the meeting with the International Monetary Fund this matter and take the decision because this resolution for omitting from the petroleum minister or financial decision that the Iraqi government commitment the conditions offered by the International Monetary Fund after the discussion and give and take. We will stand in increases in the prices of oil and gasoline and will support the expansion of the network of social protection and repair of banks and support all the proposals which we believe but we believe that the Iraqi street is not to shoulder increases in the prices of oil derivatives at the present time, although it beneficial for the Iraqi economy, but that because of inflation and because of the inability of the citizen to assume this and we raise this matter may have to accept Ayequblon If we accept and imposing Venaud snorting Iraqi government to either sacrifice 60 billion of debt and return to Iraq, either because there remain 20% they were parked not even ourselves Ytvuoha Convention Second They Aytalbon anything because it was originally 80%, 60% and Atefaha parked on our commitments, and 20% standing, which include $ 28 billion of that equation is not easy because it relates to taking a decision Everyone says that extinguishing debt useful to Iraq even if the Iraqis assume some of the increases, controls and we saw how the government was supporting oil derivatives (four billion dollars) either e Agencies this year are no specialties There has been no problem except the recent crisis that took place and this caused the security situation is not subject specialties and thus benefit from the four billion Iraq network protection works and works to increase salaries and the granting of loans to citizens.

** There have been many rumors and complaints about a new salary, whether you could give us clarify around?

A committee of the Council of Ministers, headed by Minister of Planning and membership of a number of ministers, we will PEACE new salary is quite different from keeping the current salary scales new hope to solve all the problems.

** What methods work of the committees that emerged from the Sharm El-Sheikh conference and its subcommittees?

There committees consisting of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Minister of Planning, as well as a number of spe*c*i*a*l*i*st committees but these three ministries are contributing to the establishment of three committees and the nature of these committees are technical committees and financial and economic assistance for Iraq's debt and follow either the economic Vsttabaa debt and pledged Debt and I and my Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations on a visit to Europe and the States, some of these countries, such as Bulgaria, Poland and Greece remained did not specify its debts and all of this work within the committees.

Q : What reasons behind the lack of real investment?

Investment Law did not show much and the law for more than four months and the government further stalled in the appointment of the investment so far been formally appointed provincial awaiting the appointment of this president even begin doing this work because most of the work of the budget because the budget can not provide substantial funds for the provinces comes standard the work projects nationwide speeds without the need for the State to investment from my point of view is now even more important than the state budget.

Rafidain
Www.alrafidayn.com
Translated version of http://www.alrafidayn.com/

-- July 19, 2007 2:20 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Sunnis end Iraq boycott
July 19, 2007

BAGHDAD (AP) — Sunni lawmakers ended their five-week boycott of parliament Thursday, raising hopes the factious assembly can make progress on benchmark legislation demanded by Washington.

The 44 members of the Iraqi Accordance Front attended Thursday's session after striking a deal with other blocs to reinstate the Sunni speaker, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, who was ousted by the Shiite-dominated assembly last month for erratic behavior.

Al-Mashhadani is expected to gracefully resign after presiding over a number of sessions.

"We all have to work together to rescue Iraq from the catastrophe which has befallen it," Sunni leader Adnan al-Dulaimi told parliament. "This is the first step in solving the Iraqi problem and in stopping the bloodshed."

The Sunnis ended their walkout two days after Shiite lawmakers loyal to anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ended their boycott after officials accepted their demands for rebuilding a Shiite shrine damaged by bombings.

Those two boycotts had paralyzed the 275-member parliament, which is under strong criticism from U.S. critics for failing to approve key legislation and for plans to take a month's vacation in August at a time when American and Iraqi troops are dying on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, American and Iraqi forces were continuing operations to clear Sunni extremists from the eastern part of Baqouba, 35 miles north of Baghdad, the U.S. said.

U.S. troops killed three al-Qaeda suspects Thursday as they tried to slip out of the city, Iraqi security officials said. Clashes occurred during the day as American and Iraqi forces moved through the streets, securing buildings and clearing explosives.

One insurgent explosives expert led U.S. and Iraqi troops to a bombs cache hidden in two homes of Shiites who had fled sectarian tension, police said.

U.S. troops regained control of the western half of the city last month and launched operations into the rest of Baqouba on Tuesday.

Since last month, the Americans said they have killed at least 67 al-Qaeda operatives in Baqouba, arrested 253, seized 63 weapons caches and have destroyed 151 roadside bombs.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-07-19-soldiers-charges_N.htm?csp=34

-- July 19, 2007 2:27 PM ∞

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mrs wrote:

With regard to the invisible text.....had the same trouble AND very slow load on long pages. Corrective action: switched from using IE to Firefox. No troubles since, except for some of the questionable reading material.

mrs.

-- July 19, 2007 2:59 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Found this on another site anyone heard about this.? ekopwoc
Member Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: The State of Denial
Posts: 36

Polimer Dinars?

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

Sorry Folks if this is posted in the wrong form But I have heard through the grapevine that that there are Trillions of polymer Dinars printed and waiting to go into circulation.
My source says that they feel there may be a change of currency coming soon to Iraq.
I asked Why and he said that basically the Bremer bills have been handled very poorly with regard to the media and that they were about to reissue the currency if the ISX Takes off.
ISX? I asked? Yes he said, the ISX is the THORN in the USA and Iraqs Side because it is PRIVATE and not beholden to public policy or scrutiny.
They can not control the value of shares in the ISX like they can with currency holders, therefore, the smart money is moving into the ISX.
Look At the Charts:
ÓæÞ ÇáÚÑÇÞ ááÃæÑÇÞ ÇáãÇáíÉ

Remember, I don't know this person personally but they seem to be in the know.
That's all I have so you can now crucify me.

-- July 19, 2007 5:23 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

I have not heard about this. Will you post the link to the forum where you obtained this information?

I am skeptical of Iraq launching another type of currency especially now. For the country of Iraq, I think it spells economic disaster. Furthermore, a new currency could impede their membership into the WTO.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 19, 2007 5:41 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

rob http://www.rolclub.com/rumors-predictions/18717-polimer-dinars.html

-- July 19, 2007 5:51 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

I have to agree with this poster on that thread, cornish_boy;

Caviar Dreams
Senior Member

Sorry, no reprint...and don't even start with the "Lop" theory! It would cost way to much to reprint a whole new currency, especially polymer. If Iraq did a reprint without a fair exchange period there would be an international uproar, especially in the many different countries where the dinar is stacked up in reserve banks around the world.

Individual investors like those of us on this forum are of no concern to Iraq, but all the countries that have written off debt would be really (upset) if Iraq tried to pull a fast one!

-- July 19, 2007 6:33 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Sara,

You wrote;
'They keep the discussion focused on the Dinar and I appreciate that as well, but I think the board can tolerate a bit of deviation from the topic of Dinar from time to time.'

and;
'Of course, those who don't like what is posted can scroll past.'

Well I couldn't agree with you more. My point is that Carole seems to like to try to dictate to people what they can and can't post, and carries on chastising them until she beats them into submission. However she then continues to take up space on this already overcrowded page, with what is to my mind a completely non dinar related subject, that many others here may not want to read about. But that's okay cos Carole says so.

Carole,

People are tolerant of your off topic posts, so why not in return show some tolerance towards, what are after all, dinar related posts?
When you tell Rob to come down from his Ivory Tower three words come to mind. Pot, kettle and black.

Cheers.

-- July 19, 2007 6:41 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

sara I tend to agree with you it may be the smaller denominations are Polimer.

-- July 19, 2007 7:36 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara!!!!

You get so claaaaazzzzeee sometimes!!!!

My response of being cute was that Rob called me an ugly person.

I'm sure he had another meaning, but I couldn't resist!

I never have or never could refer to myself as beautiful or model like.

Too short, too curly hair etc etc. In my later years, I have told I resemble the little Italian mother on Golden Girls-----hardly a model, but maybe cute????

And my hair isn't gray yet and probably never will be :}

Carole

-- July 19, 2007 9:31 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

Ref Polymer notes.
Virtnam is the forth country in the world to have all polymer notes.
There are a lot of countrys that have some polymer notes and some with only one polymer note.
Countrys with some polymer notes are,
Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, China, Guatemale, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, N. Ireland (UK)
Papua N. G., Romania, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon IsL, Sri Lanka, Taiwan R.O.C., Vietnam, Zambia.
TYVEK notes in, Costa Rica, Haiti, Isle of Man.
HYBRID notes in, Bulgaria, Fiji, Kazakhstan, and Latvia.
Some of these countrys have notes in Polymer, but they are not in use as curencey, more for to collect.
I do not think Iraq has any polymer notes as, A they are way more money to make, and it looks like Iraq has not got a climate that needs polymer notes, if you look at the list of countrys with them, they are all hot sweaty with a lot of rain,. or mist, and very humide climate.
Duz that make any sense.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 19, 2007 9:39 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

The great thing about forums is that we are all invisible to the reader, and our image is created by our spirit that comes through our exspressions in our writtings. In this place we all have the opportunity to present ourselves as beautiful people, with a beauty that ages not. A beauty that does not wither in the fire, but glows even brighter among the most dreadful company. Lets not judge one another with our selfish nature, but instead help one another by giving what we have to offer which is good, working to conform our own images into that perfect beautiful image of our Lord Jesus; and we will all not only be beautiful, but also "RICH"

-- July 19, 2007 9:44 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Valerio,

Well said, thank you

Carole

-- July 20, 2007 1:13 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Steven - That makes sense! :)

Cornish-boy - I think you are right and that it makes sense that Polimer, if it exists, would be lower denominations.

Chelsea - Thank you for that post.. I thought so, too.
Tolerance toward Rob, who contributes greatly toward our Dinar knowledge..
and whose posts are Dinar related - seems to me a normal courtesy.
Thanks, Rob, for all you contribute! :)

Valerio - Very nicely expressed, thank you. :)
As you know, beauty is like a flower that fades,
and it is said that beauty is a vain thing to trust to:

Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

It is prophecied of Jesus, our example in all things, that He chose no earthly beauty to detract or dazzle from His inward perfection and work - though He certainly could have - even as He could have chosen to be born in a palace, and not in the humbleness of a stable and laid in a manger:

Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we did not esteem him.
Isa 53:4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his stripes we are healed.

Sara.

-- July 20, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Obama: Troops Can't Solve 'Genocide' in Iraq
Friday, July 20, 2007

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot use its military to solve humanitarian problems and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there.

Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, said it's likely there would be increased bloodshed if U.S. forces left Iraq. "It is my assessment that those risks are even greater if we continue to occupy Iraq..." he said.

Obama said the answer to Iraq - and other civil conflicts - lies in diplomacy.

The Republican National Committee accused Obama of changing his position on the war.

"Barack Obama can't seem to make up his mind," said Amber Wilkerson, an RNC spokeswoman. "First he says that a quick withdrawal from Iraq would be 'a slap in the face' to the troops, and then he votes to cut funding for our soldiers who are still in harm's way. Americans are looking for principled leadership - not a rookie politician who is pandering to the left wing of his party in an attempt to win an election."

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/7/20/73904.shtml?s=rss

-- July 20, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Coalition Forces in Iraq Kill 3 Terrorists
By VOA News
20 July 2007

The U.S. military in Iraq says coalition forces have killed three terrorists and detained another 44 suspects during operations targeting terrorist leaders and their cells.

The military said coalition forces conducted raids Friday in or near Baghdad, Ramadi and Mosul. The three militants who died were killed while trying to attack coalition forces.

In a statement, U.S. military officials also said coalition forces have captured a suspected terrorist with close ties to an Iranian Revolutionary Guards unit - the Quds Force.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-07-20-voa7.cfm

-- July 20, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

terrorists killed, detained in Iraq, U.S. says

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S.-led coalition forces killed three suspected terrorists and detained 44 others during raids early Friday in the Baghdad and Mosul areas, the U.S. military said.

The operations targeted terrorist leaders and their operational cells believed to be involved with al Qaeda in Iraq, a military statement said.

"Our forces continue to strike terrorists wherever they hide," said Maj. Marc Young, a spokesman for the Multi-National Force -- Iraq. "We're seeking to eliminate the terrorists who conduct indiscriminate attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians."

The military also said that Iraqi special operations and coalition forces on Thursday killed an al Qaeda insurgent and detained nine others in western Baghdad.

The military statement detailed the capture of three others, described as a battalion commander for an al Qaeda in Iraq-affiliated group; a "suspected terrorist with close ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps' Quds Force;" and "the ringleader of a cell responsible for conducting rocket attacks on the people and security forces" of northern Babil province.

U.S. commanders in Iraq have extended a Marine Corps unit's stay in Iraq for 30 days past its scheduled September departure date, a sign that commanders plan to continue President Bush's 'new way forward' at least through November, according to Pentagon officials.

The 2,200 Marines and sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit were brought ashore in May as part of the buildup of American forces in Iraq, Marine officials said.

The unit has been based in Anbar province. Its primary mission is to patrol and conduct house-to-house searches and route interdiction on the roads in the western province, according to a statement from the unit.

Commanders say the insurgency in Anbar is dwindling and that tribes that once fought U.S. troops are working with the United States to fight al Qaeda in Iraq.

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said Thursday that attacks in the capital of Anbar province have decreased dramatically.

"Ramadi, once the al Qaeda capital of Iraq, is averaging less than one attack per day now, compared to October 2006 with over 40 attacks a day," Odierno said.

There are about 158,000 U.S troops operating inside Iraq, including about 24,000 Marines.

The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, is to deliver a status report on the surge to Congress in September.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/07/20/iraq.main/index.html?eref=rss_latest

-- July 20, 2007 10:16 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

It seems according to the below article Saudi Arabia the U.S. ally in the region is fighting along islamic extremeists aiding in the further destablization of Iraq. Saudi's involvement certainly places our own U.S. govt in an awkward position.
------------------------------

Saudis fighting in Iraq, Lebanon embarrass homeland
US newspaper report claim Saudis make 45 percent of foreigners fighting in Iraq.

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

RIYADH, 20 July 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
Recent reports suggesting there are significant numbers of Saudis fighting alongside Islamist militant groups in Iraq and Lebanon have provoked embarrassment and soul-searching in Saudi Arabia.

Iraq's National Security Advisor Mowaffak al-Rubaie said this week that Iraq had tried 160 Saudis for involvement in violence, and a report in a US newspaper said 45 percent of foreigners fighting in Iraq were Saudis.

Lebanese officials say dozens of Saudis are among militants of the Fatah al-Islam militant group which has been battling the army for two months in a Palestinian refugee camp in north Lebanon. The Saudi-owned Arabic press has countered the reports, citing officials who say the numbers are exaggerated in both Iraq and Lebanon.

Columnists are once again wrestling with the issue of the Saudi role in global Islamist militancy, an issue which first came up after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 where 15 of the 19 attackers were Saudi nationals.

"The question raised since the 9/11 terrorist attacks is whether Saudis, once known as the most peace-loving people, are aware that they have become an international problem?" wrote Abdel-Rahman al-Rashed in Asharq al-Awsat newspaper this week. "Why Saudis, we may ask? Because they are mentally and politically prepared to act like time bombs that can be manipulated by regimes with dangerous political agendas."

Saudi Arabia has blamed Iran for stoking radical sentiment in the region, through backing its allies in Iraq.

Saudis, in turn, have joined Arabs fighting in the ranks of al Qaeda in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion. Estimates on the numbers have varied from hundreds to thousands.

"Why is the Iraqi government exaggerating the number of Saudis, while denying any role of Iranians in the violence?" Abdelaziz al-Suwaid wrote in al-Hayat newspaper on Thursday, blaming non-Arab Shiite Iran for stoking violence.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz recently asked Saudi clerics to do more to stop Saudis going to fight in Iraq, saying they were being exploited as suicide bombers.

"The authorities can't fail to be embarrassed ... but as to what the real numbers are, it's difficult to judge," said Neil Partrick of the International Crisis Group.
(www.iraqupadates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 20, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

General Needs Until Nov. to Assess Iraq
Associated Press | July 20, 2007
WASHINGTON - For months September has been cast as a pivotal time for determining the course of the war in Iraq, yet a top general now says a solid judgment on the U.S. troop buildup there may not come until November.

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno told reporters after a Senate hearing Thursday that he would need beyond September to tell if improvements in Iraq represent long-term trends.

"In order to do a good assessment I need at least until November," said Odierno, a deputy to Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. military commander in Iraq.

Petraeus and other officials testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and briefed reporters on Thursday. Making strides toward security and political goals could take more time than first thought, they warned.

A stark assessment came via video link from the Iraqi capital when Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador, told the committee that Iraq is gripped by fear and struggling to meet security and political goals by September.

"If there is one word, I would use to sum up the atmosphere in Iraq - on the streets, in the countryside, in the neighborhoods and at the national level - that word would be 'fear,'" Crocker said. "For Iraq to move forward at any level, that fear is going to have to be replaced with some level of trust and confidence and that is what the effort at the national level is about."

Most lawmakers have hoped that Iraq would show more signs of stability this summer, long before the 2008 U.S. elections. Republicans in particular have thought that, if substantial gains could not be found by September, then President Bush would have to rethink his military strategy, which relies on 158,000 U.S. troops.

"I'm not optimistic," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said of the September assessment. She spoke after attending a classified briefing at the Pentagon by Petraeus and Crocker.

The Bush administration has tried to minimize the importance of the progress report due in September, trying to make clear it is not the final judgment. Beyond that, the administration is saying U.S. forces will play a role in Iraq through the end of Bush's presidency, in January 2009.

Some 50 House members and 40 senators took buses to the Pentagon for separate question-and-answer sessions with Crocker and Petraeus. Lawmakers said they were told that the political process was moving slowly and that it would be very difficult for Iraq to meet its 18 reform goals in the next 45 days.

In his Senate testimony, Crocker played down the importance of meeting major changes right away and said less ambitious goals, such as restoring electricity to a neighborhood, can be just as beneficial. He also pointed toward political headway at the local level and said agreements there may inspire further cooperation among sects.

The much-cited benchmarks "do not serve as reliable measures of everything that is important - Iraqi attitudes toward each other and their willingness to work toward political reconciliation," he said.

Crocker also warned against a withdrawal of U.S. troops. He contended that such a move could increase sectarian attacks and create a "comfortable operating environment" for al-Qaida.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 20, 2007 10:39 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

THE 'BUMPER STICKER' THAT BLOWS UP
July 18, 2007
ANN COULTER

For six years, the Bush administration has kept America safe from another terrorist attack, allowing the Democrats to claim that the war on terrorism is a fraud, a "bumper sticker," a sneaky ploy by a power-mad president to create an apocryphal enemy so he could spy on innocent librarians in Wisconsin. And that's the view of the moderate Democrats. The rest of them think Bush was behind the 9/11 attacks.

But now with the U.S. government — as well as the British and German governments — warning of major terrorist attacks this summer, the Treason Lobby is facing the possibility that the "bumper sticker" could blow up in their faces.

The Democrats' entire national security calculus is based on the premise that "we have no important enemies," as stated by former senator Mike Gravel. He's one of the Democratic presidential candidates who doesn't know he's supposed to lie when speaking to the American people.

Ironically, the Democrats' ability to sneer at President Bush hinges on Bush's successful prosecution of the war on terrorism, despite the Democrats. It's going to be harder to persuade Americans that the "war on terrorism" is George Bush's imaginary enemy — the Reichstag fire, to quote our first openly Muslim congressman Keith Ellison — if there is another terrorist attack.

So naturally, they are blaming any future terrorist attacks on the war in Iraq.

The Democrats blame everything on Iraq, but their insane argument that we are merely annoying the enemy by fighting back has been neurotically repeated since the failed terrorist bombing in London a few weeks ago. The venue of the terrorists' latest attempt, a hot London nightclub, might even shake up the young progressive crowd. Apparently their soirees are not off-limits, notwithstanding their dutiful anti-imperialism.

In anticipation of their surrender strategy becoming substantially less popular in the wake of another terrorist attack, the Democrats are all claiming that the threat of terrorism was nonexistent — notwithstanding 9/11, the Cole bombing, the bombing of our embassies, the bombing of the World Trade Center, the Achille Lauro, etc. etc. — until George Bush invaded Iraq.

As with the Democrats' claim that the greatest military in the world is "losing" a war with camel-riding nomads, the claim that the war in Iraq is what created our terrorist problem — a terrorist problem that began about 30 years ago — has entered the media and is now stated as fact..

CNN correspondent Suzanne Malveaux matter-of-factly reported this week: "President Bush says the central front in the war on terror is Iraq. But when the U.S. first invaded the country almost five years ago, al-Qaida had very little presence. But the intelligence report says that has changed. Al-Qaida not only has become a dangerous threat, the intelligence community expects the terrorist group will use its contacts and capabilities there to mount an attack on U.S. soil."

Say, wasn't the attack of 9/11 an "attack on U.S. soil"? How could that have happened since we hadn't invaded Iraq yet? What a weird aberration. How about the attacks on our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania? How about the 1993 World Trade Center bombing? The taking of our embassy in Tehran?

http://www.anncoulter.com/cgi-local/welcome.cgi

-- July 20, 2007 10:57 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Macon Marketing Group Acquires 50,000,000 Iraqi Dinars Held at Warka Bank http://www.prweb.com/releases/Macon_Marketing_Accounts/Warka_Bank-Iraq_Bank_IQD/prweb541066.htm

-- July 20, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Are the Terrorists Really Unbeatable?
.. and, Answering to God for Genocide.

I keep hearing people say the war in Iraq is unwinnable.. think about it.. that is saying that the terrorists are unbeatable.. do you believe that? Are they unbeatable? Are insurgencies unbeatable historically? Is this logical and true?

Have you ever played a game where the objective was to win, just like in war? Even a war game, say.. the board game "Admirals" or even chess, for instance. In any war scenerio, what you have to do to win is to obtain certain objectives, and, once you have them, you win. Well, the US did this with Iraq. The US went in, took over the government, tried and executed its head, and now occupy ALL the objectives that we had in the war. Yes, there have been problems like foreign insurgents sticking their heads up and saying, "Give that to us!" but normally they have been detained in prisons or killed. I have real problems with those who think the US has "lost" and the Iraq War is unwinnable. Think about it.. for the war to be unwinnable, it means that the other side must be unbeatable. But what is the other side actually holding? Do they have the government, the streets, the city? Do they hold the entire country? What strategic interests do they actually hold? In any game, the winner is the one holding the assets.. who owns them.. do they? So.. who has won?

The only way they can win is if we hand it to them and leave. Why on earth do people think it is unwinnable.. because we are taking a few casualties? (Not minimizing the sacrifice, but remember where Steven wrote, "As someone seems upset at the Military losses of 3,621 since March 2003, well lets see how many people have been killed by guns in the good old USA in the same time, not good, 44,000 dead, so it looks safer to live in Iraq.") This isn't so much a WAR anymore as a police action.. enforcing the will of the victor in the battle and the will of the now newly elected Iraqi government. And, as all police forces do in any city with any upstart or criminal gangs, there are some casualties and skirmishes. But that does NOT mean the WAR is lost.. or that the government and military objectives should be abandoned. It is crazy to play a game, win almost every piece off the entire board, sink almost every battleship or take almost every chess player the enemy has, and then say "I guess I lose, you win.. I am leaving."

Can someone please explain why the US is discouraged from holding the victory that has been won? What do the insurgents actually have or hold in brass tacks military assets? When you fight and take a hill or a city, that is a victory.. the US owns the entire country of Iraq.. the US actually WON it a long time ago. These people do not hold any military objectives.. they are on the run in any enclaves they once thought they owned.. the surge is working.

The only thing they own .. is the MEDIA. That is all they are using to try to win.. nothing else. They have NO OTHER ASSET but the ability to influence the minds of the US public by propaganda. If the US chooses to give them the victory, it is because they are deceived by the propaganda they see and hear every day into thinking they have lost and so give up when in fact they have won. Since this is what we are truly fighting.. the MEDIA.. and that is the ONLY asset the terrorists have.. don't give in to their wearing down tactics and constant showing of bloodshed and trumpeting of distrust and discouragement. Don't listen when they say to leave and let the terrorists do a genocide on the people of Iraq, as Obama said to do today - see post, above, "Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot use its military to solve humanitarian problems and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there." (end quote)

If the ONLY way the enemy can win is by influencing the US people to believe in withdrawing from the victory the US and coalition forces have fought, bought and won.. then don't give them that win. The only loss the US has is the one in their minds.. the military objectives remain won. There are no strategic assets these terrorists hold.. they are not unbeatable, and they are losing what toeholds they have rapidly. In their desperation they are bombarding the US with propaganda and pressure to pull out, hoping to win a psychological victory using the Democrat's hopes for political power. Don't let the enemy do that, don't let them have their bloodbath of genocide just because the American people are worn down by the psychological warfare.

The problem as I see it is that the American people are accountable to God for their actions and the actions of their politicians.. and are being led to act like those who cannot understand nor take the fortunes of war and are not grown adults. Consider the consequences spiritually.. if America does withdraw and cause a genocide in Iraq, Americans will be held to account for every death, and retribution taken upon the American people by God. God is not mocked.. He says that what you sow, you will also reap (what goes around, comes around is the local catchphrase and paraphrase.) The enemy stands at the very gates of America, waiting like a lion for its prey for God to give them the ability to attack. God may allow America's enemies to kill as many as America leaves to die in Iraq because it is a spiritual principle that "as you sow, so shall you reap" (Galatians 6:7 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.). This applies not just to individuals but to countries. I suggest America should not give the enemy that spiritual victory over their lives, homes and loved ones' lives. It is the Lord who keeps the nation from destruction, and America has an enemy eyeing taking American lives on her own soil. She should not let the enemy take American lives by sowing intentional death and slaughter of innocent Iraqis.

I disagree with Obama when he said, "a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces in Iraq" because spiritually it means a potential genocide of the American people in terrorism. It is God who is keeping this land and people from attack.. and if He lifts His hand because America has acted the part of a betrayer, we could see the terrorists have a victory again like 911.. or worse. America should not let itself be taken down by giving in to this propaganda to leave Iraq.. this counsel leads astray and into the path of America's destruction. May God open the eyes of the American public before it is too late and America chooses the path which leads to the people of America suffering the equivalent in deaths to the genocide they inflict on the Iraqi population. Do believe it.. what America sows, it will quite easily reap. What goes around comes around.. don't let the politicians seeking power exact such a toll in American lives. It isn't just "over there" anymore.. America is now responsible for Iraq as she caused this to happen to that country by her actions and if she shirks that responsibility by giving the innocent up to slaughter, she will answer to God for it by losing her own innocents. Remember, it is not just a saying but a promise of God in the Bible, "God is not mocked - whatever you sow, that shall you also reap."

Sara.

-- July 20, 2007 3:02 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Al-Qaeda May Use Iraq Tactics in U.S., Report Says
By Jeff Bliss

July 17 (Bloomberg) -- Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist organization may use tactics honed in Iraq to launch an attack in the U.S., according to domestic intelligence agencies.

The group ``is and will remain the most serious terrorist threat to the homeland as its central leadership continues to plan high-impact plots while pushing'' other extremist Islamic terrorists to ``mimic its efforts,'' the 16 U.S. intelligence agencies said in a report released today in Washington.

``As a result, we judge that the United States currently is in a heightened threat environment,'' the agencies reported.

The report says al-Qaeda is gaining strength in the ``safe haven'' it has established in tribal areas in western Pakistan along the Afghan border and is putting in place a stable leadership with top lieutenants.

The report says that al-Qaeda's association with its affiliate, ``al-Qaeda in Iraq,'' will help it raise money and recruit and indoctrinate terrorist operatives.

The finding that al-Qaeda will leverage ``contacts and capabilities'' gained in Iraq to attempt attacks on U.S. soil is released as President George W. Bush tries to fend off efforts by Democrats and a growing number of Republicans in Congress to set conditions for withdrawing troops from Iraq.

House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida said the report shows the need to keep fighting al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Al-Qaeda in Iraq ``has explicitly stated its intent to launch devastating attacks on our homeland,'' Putnam said in an e-mailed statement. ``This is certainly not the time for our resolve to give way to timidity.''

White House spokesman Tony Snow said the report's release wasn't timed to have an impact on the debate in Congress.

The National Intelligence Estimate, which took three years to produce, goes ``through a very long process of scrubbing,'' he told reporters in Washington. ``When it is ready, we put it out.''

The U.S. remains at condition ``yellow,'' or elevated risk, for general threats and ``orange,'' or high, for the airline industry.

Allen and other senior U.S. intelligence officials released declassified ``key judgments'' of the report today. These assessments include:

-- Al-Qaeda probably will continue to seek nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological weapons and ``would not hesitate to use them'' to inflict mass casualties on ``prominent political, economic and infrastructure targets.''

-- Radical Islam is spreading throughout the world and within the U.S. Militants may justify violent acts as a reprisal for the recent U.S. arrests and prosecutions of a small band of extremists. Europe faces a worse problem with homegrown radicals.

-- While non-Muslim terrorist groups will attempt attacks within the U.S. in the next three years, they're likely to be on a scale smaller than those planned by al-Qaeda.

While ``we have discovered only a handful of individuals in the United States with ties to al-Qaeda's senior leadership since 9/11, we judge that al-Qaeda will intensify its efforts to put operatives here,'' the report said.

McConnell, the director of national intelligence, said he was concerned that Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Shiite Muslim militia, may instruct operatives in the U.S. to carry out attacks if it feels threatened by U.S. actions in the Middle East.

``We worry about sleeper cells'' in the U.S., he said. ``We feel confident they would task their operatives here.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=amNPqylIF92o&refer=home

SIXTEEN intelligence services over THREE years produced this comprehensive report. They say concerning the United States that -- Al-Qaeda probably will continue to seek nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological weapons and ``would not hesitate to use them'' to inflict mass casualties on ``prominent political, economic and infrastructure targets.''

To me, the only thing preventing them from doing so is God Almighty Himself not allowing it. Yes, I give rightful due to the protection agencies, but it is the Lord who keeps the nation, not men.

Psa 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.

Unless God keeps the cities of America.. and watches over the nation.. the watchmen (however capable) in the intelligence services will keep vigilant watch through the night in vain. Stay right with God and America can win and be protected as she has been so far. Therefore, pulling out and allowing a genocidal bloodbath of innocents will not endear America to God.. and may result in a reaping of consequences that are unforseen by those who discount God's hand over the political situations of this world.

Sara.

-- July 20, 2007 3:31 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Bush Says Democrats Are Playing Politics on Iraq
By DAVID STOUT
Published: July 20, 2007

WASHINGTON, July 20 — President Bush assailed Democrats anew about Iraq today, accusing them of choosing to indulge in a political debate over troop withdrawals rather than giving the troops what they need to carry out their mission.

“It is time to rise above partisanship, stand behind our troops in the field and give them everything they need to succeed,” Mr. Bush said in the White House Rose Garden. The president said he was conveying a message from the veterans and military support organizations he met this morning.

Meanwhile, the White House said September was still the next point for assessing progress in Iraq.

Mr. Bush asserted again today that the Democrats’ push for a withdrawal schedule is illogical, given that they voted to confirm Gen. David H. Petraeus as the top commander in Iraq. Therefore, Mr. Bush said, they should give his strategy, including the current increase in troop strength, time to succeed.

General Odierno, in briefing Pentagon reporters on Tuesday, said that, while he would provide the mid-September assessment of the new strategy that Congress has demanded, it would not be possible to tell until two months later whether signs of progress were “just a blip.”

President Bush said that failure in Iraq “would send an unmistakable signal to America’s enemies that our country can be bullied into retreat.”

“America’s involvement in Iraq does not have to end this way,” Mr. Bush said. “A free and stable Iraq is still in reach. It has the potential to transform the Middle East and bring us closer to the day when radical regimes are replaced by peaceful allies, when terrorists have fewer places to train and operate, and when moms and dads in the Arab world see a future of hope for their children.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/20/washington/19cnd-bush.html?ex=1185595200&en=e8005c665c5dad45&ei=50 40&partner=MOREOVERNEWS

-- July 20, 2007 4:10 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Today I spent sometime reveiwing usd exchange rates of various countries around the world. Included in some of those were the Japanese Yen, Chinese Yuan, Vietnam Dong, and the South Korean Won. Those of you who either day trade or invest in currency markets on a regular basis may be in a better position to comment than I am, but I will give my opinion.

Concerning the afore mentioned emerging markets and their usd currency it seems Iraq is a better investment than the Asian markets. Iraq has an abudance of natural resources (specifically oil and gas). The great prospect floating around concerning the Vietnamese Dong or South Korean Won compared to the Iraqi Dinar does not warrant all the hype.

These countries lack a the natural resources and must practice devaluation of their currency. In contrase, once Economically, Iraq has the potential to be a viable country in the middle east.

Choosing between the Asian market and the Iraqi Dinar, I am glad I have chosen to invest in the Dinar. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 20, 2007 6:03 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Rob N.

For your sake, I am glad you came to those currency conclusions. For your sake, also, I hope you didn't have to spend too much time coming to those pretty obvious conclusions.

Have you ever considered being a contestant on " Who Thinks Their Smarter than a 5th Grader"?

-- July 20, 2007 9:04 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Valerio, I discern you've been seeking Christ. Beautiful

-- July 20, 2007 9:31 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,
How can we expect God's protection when as a nation we have rejected Him?

I believe if we want that protection, there are conditions set for by Him. 2Chron.7:14.

Our government, by rejecting the God of the Bible,has put our nation in harms way, more than ecer before inour history.

Carole

-- July 21, 2007 12:43 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole and all;

Ann Coulter wrote:

For six years, the Bush administration has kept America safe from another terrorist attack, allowing the Democrats to claim that the war on terrorism is a fraud, a "bumper sticker," a sneaky ploy by a power-mad president to create an apocryphal enemy so he could spy on innocent librarians in Wisconsin. And that's the view of the moderate Democrats. The rest of them think Bush was behind the 9/11 attacks.

At least that is one mistake in judgement I can never make... thinking Bush behind the 911 attacks. I know he wasn't.

Premonition... and Judgement.

I watched the movie "Premonition".. a new DVD release, recently. Although it was quite dark (not from a godly or faith perspective) it brought up a lot of issues I was dealing with concerning America and it ties into your post, Carole, about the US being ungodly and how can God bless her when she is so? Let me explain..

You see, in the movie, (spoiler) the main character actually lives through a different future time in reality, then comes back to the past again. That happened to me when I was taken into the future and actually lived in that time for a while and saw the US being attacked by nukes (see my previous post, way back, for those who remember it). I actually experienced the future, too.. just as real as she does in the movie... and am now back here with you all in what was to me "the past".. now. Such an event causes you to live in the future until the timeline catches up to what you saw, even as this character does (and is also the case in Terminator 2, if you saw that old movie). You can't just ignore it when you have seen the future.

The main character goes through a lot of dilemmas which are all too familiar to me. The event she sees is the death of her husband and she asks, "If I don't do anything to stop him dying, is that the same thing as killing him?" Well... is it? I agonized about that very much myself. What I saw in my pre-911 visit to the future was the US being attacked by simultaneous nuclear attacks and many, many American lives being lost. If I don't do all I can, including speaking out.. am I responsible for their deaths? Such questioning caused me to endeavor to stop it from ever happening, to the best of my ability.. to not be silent.. as this character also chose in the movie. But in the end, for her, it happened anyway. It is interesting that she was questioning some things until the elements fell into place one by one - as that constantly happens to me - explaining the inexplicable elements which are seen in the future by events currently happening now (in the past) - for me, things like, why I saw no incoming missiles to CAUSE the nuclear explosions, something which was inexplicable until 911 and the concept of suicide bombers which has made plain why there was no incoming missiles but only nuclear explosions of attack, etc.

In the movie, she says she doesn't quite know what to do about it. She doesn't quite know how to fight. And it isn't like she can just forget it.. it stares her in the face every day. I identify. I know things.. big things.. like, if President Bush had not gone to war against Iraq many many millions of Americans would have died of the attacks against the US by terrorists by now, as spoken of in this article (read full entry for documentation on the subject):

President Bush's decision to depose Saddam Hussein meant that this plan Saddam was discussing in these tapes here - or with the atomic nuclear capacity he was to possess within a year - never came into execution. It is credible that literally MILLIONS of Americans are alive today because Saddam was stopped before he had the ability to put his plans into action. We know he had ties to terrorists, including...

http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War#Summary_of_Justifications_for_the_Iraq_War_taken_from_this_entry

The Lord actually told me 6 million would be dead by now. SIX million Americans.. dead, by now. No matter how the media hates and attacks the President for the casualties in Iraq, the death toll is very small compared to what the alternative was and would have been if he had not gone this way. Many of those who now rail against the President quite literally owe their lives and the lives of their loved ones to his good judgement. As this poem so aptly says, President Bush is truly tried like this:

Rudyard Kipling
If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
(end quote)

Though he is tried, God has led President Bush this way, to preserve American lives, and to give America time.
The way God works concerning rulers of countries is this:

Pro 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.

This says that what SEEMS to be a chance thing.. like the casting of a lot (we get the word LOTTERY from casting of lots), yet the entire outcome is from God. Our decisions can seem to be as much a chance thing as a lot(tery). But there is no "chance" or "luck".. every decision is from the Lord (see Scripture, above). He is Lord over the chaos of all things - including quantum mechanics, a lottery or even decisions which are made in the Congress on The Hill and the Whitehouse. And what of those decisions made by the government? Well, we make decisions based on what we know, not on what we do not know. And the decision to go to war in Iraq could not have taken any other turn than it did, because only that amount of information was given, not the information we have today. Also, the rulers or kings of countries have their hearts turned whichever way God wills them to be turned, often by the use of those very elements, such as the available evidence before them to make that decision. President Bush did not do this on his own initiative, nor did Congress approve of the war without God willing it. They may think it was a conspiracy by MEN to make the nation go to war, but God gave them the information and circumstances in the way they happened.. all those things they now question and think they should have done differently.. was fulfilled according to His order.. in order to force them to go to war, as He will force them shortly to go to war in the Middle East again. The US will not be able to pull back but will be forced to a degree of escalation of war. This is forced, not of their choosing. However, this is not the end of all things (for those looking for a return of Christ and end of the space-time continuum), only another war on the earth, and one which has an end.. but leaves resentment and desire to retaliate against America in the hearts of Islamofascists. They will carry that out under the next President when the opportunity is placed before them by the US people choosing to elect a dove when they foolishly seek to reverse course and STOP (not strategically lessen, as President Bush has done) further bloodshed.

Like the movie "Premonition", what she experienced was not alterable.. it wasn't ultimately changeable - and even though I have desperately wanted what I saw to be changeable, this nuclear attack I saw is not completely avoidable either, because it is a form of God's judgement on America for her sins and America isn't repenting.. she isn't turning to God in the space of time He has given to her to do so by putting in power President Bush and lessening and mitigating it under his leadership. America sees the enemy at the gates and the populace does not even believe they are a viable threat. But they are.. and will be. The Lord told me the casualties will be small in comparison to if President Bush had not come to office and acted as he has done. Only 1.3 million Americans will die in the American Hiroshima which will come to pass now. So much good has been done to stop the threat.. all the measures taken have not been to no effect. And it won't happen under President Bush's watch. Some of the measures he instituted will be rolled back under the next President, making it easier for the American Hiroshima to happen, blinding the abilities of the authorities to prevent an attack.

There will be someone who promises a swift end to the troubles the US is in. That person (likely a Democrat) will claim that pulling out or back the troops will end the problems and end the war. It won't. They come into the Whitehouse promising a pullback/pullout and a reversal of direction from what has been under President Bush (the measures keeping the country safe from attack).. and that gives the terrorists the dove they want, and the boldness to attack, thinking that there is a weakling in the Whitehouse who will not retaliate against them but will seek peace and negotiation in the face of outright attack. I tend to focus very much on those 1.3 million who will die and my desire to see them NOT perish. God sees beyond that immediate sacrifice and sees that there will be good come out of it, even as in the movie 'Premonition' which ends with the new life which would not otherwise have been if she had not changed things by how she conducted herself..

In the movie she questions if she should fight if it is inevitable. I identify with that because God has shown me that this is what MUST happen to bring America to true repentance before God. If those 1.3 million do not die, America will not repent. God must allow this to turn America to Himself. And who can turn back the hand of Almighty God when He chooses to judge a people for their sins and thereby turn them to Him? Is it wise to try to stop God's hand of Judgement? (no) Here is your answer Carole, as to how God will act toward a sinful America.. He is so much wiser, infallibly logical.. and He has shown me so much.. so much He has said and shown.. it is flawless. He is right when He judges.. as always. Infinite wisdom cannot be wrong.. and He convinces me it is so. Do not think me unfeeling or uncompassionate because I am giving in to the Lord's Will which is not my own view and recognising that these people must die. I have agonized about it, I don't want them to die.. I love them, I have compassion for their suffering, I don't wish their deaths.. but God, He knows best, and He is love. It must be.. It is so real to me.. so very real.. and I don't wish it to be truth. I see the Iraqis grieve daily with the bombings.. I don't wish for the US to have such grief. I don't want that for us, too. But what else can humble such prideful and unrepentant people as are in America? America is dispised now.. why? It is of God that this humblling has happened, to deal with the self-prideful among her people:

Oba 1:2 Behold, I have made you small among the heathen: you are greatly despised.
Oba 1:3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that says in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Oba 1:4 Though you exalt yourself as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there will I bring you down, says the LORD.

God will humble America. The US symbol is the eagle.. and they exalt themselves as being wiser than God. They think that they know better what should have been - how President Bush should have acted. The people know better.. the media know better.. the Democrats.. they all exalt themselves and their view of how this all should have happened in their overarching pride. They think they know the right thing to do, and what should have been done. They say in their hearts "Who shall bring me down to the ground?" They make for themselves friends among the enemy so that they may be received by them if the adversary gains the upper hand. They think if they never commit themselves to any side they can be flexible and align themselves with the enemy and never be brought down. They sit with the enemy and visit with them, (Nancy Pelosi's visits to Middle Eastern terrorist powers in "Nancy Pelosi Crosses Herself Inside Syrian Mosque" - http://sweetness-light.com/archive/nancy-pelosi-crosses-herself-inside-syrian-mosque and "Pelosi’s Middle East Trip Is An End Run Around Bush" - http://sweetness-light.com/archive/pelosis-middle-east-trip-seen-as-an-end-around-bush where Pelosi states, “We have an alternative Democratic foreign policy. I view my job as beginning with restoring overseas credibility and respect for the United States.” and the San Francisco Chronicle observes, "By explicitly rejecting Bush’s foreign policy, Pelosi is deliberately crafting her own Democratic diplomacy." And also note she seriously considered visiting Iran on her own, "MPs express mixed views on Pelosi visit to Iran" and "Iranian MP says Pelosi visit would thwart neo-cons" http://sweetness-light.com/archive/iranian-mp-says-pelosi-visit-would-thwart-neo-cons ) - thus such persons are making peace with, and eating bread with, those who are of the axis of evil. But those who befriend our enemies will be brought down.. and it is these enemies of ours whom they are are confederate with that will deceive them:

Oba 1:7 All the men of your confederacy have brought you even to the border: the men that were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you; they that eat your bread have laid a wound under you: there is no understanding in him.

The American Hiroshima will be a large wound under them, true... they shall be prevailed against. The people of America get the government they deserve. They deserve one which is not wise because, as you said Carole, they are ungodly and reject the God of heaven and earth. Already the Congress has fallen to these people who are foolish and unable to see or govern according to what is the wisest and most life defending choices for the American people under the current war circumstance. This war cannot be drawn back from and it is longer term than President Bush and of greater scale than Iraq. Pulling back or out will not end it.. nor lessen the threat to America. And those who sympathize with the terrorists and support their agenda against their brothers (fellow Americans.. soldiers in the war, etc) will have this for their reward:

Oba 1:12 But you should not have looked on the day of your brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither should you have rejoiced... in the day of their destruction; neither should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress.
Oba 1:13 You should not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yes, you should not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;
Oba 1:14 Neither should you have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither should you have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.
Oba 1:15 For the day of the LORD is near.. as you have done, it shall be done to you: your reward shall return upon your own head.

Those in the US who sympathize with the terrorists, and rejoice to help them.. giving out US intelligence in the newspapers, giving the terrorists the names of those cooperating with the US in Iraq and endangering their lives and homes.. delivering them up to the will of their enemies, publishing troop movements, setting the fighting men at risk.. These people who rejoice when evil comes upon American and coalition forces, just as they would publish the terrorist propaganda and videos of the deaths of America's soldiers (don't forget the movie of the American being taken out by a sniper which aired over here)... they who speak proudly in this day of distress will have it back upon them. It shall be done to them as they have done. Their lives will be forfeited.. their "friends" will deceive and prevail against them. They will be the main targets to go down in the American Hiroshima.. they will not be spared, but targeted. The deaths they have caused will go back upon their own heads. They had thought to win leniency from their new terrorist "masters" but they will be their main targets in that day of distress. And as these people rejoiced over the American servicemen who died, gleefully posting each casualty figure in the war and hyping the figures.. even in the same manner, they will die and none will mourn their passing. It is not for them we shall grieve.

Oba 1:17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

They are dispossessed.. their possessions given to another.. and we shall be delivered.. and America will once again turn to God so that holiness will prevail instead. These million Americans will not die in vain. Many of those who die will be the most adamant Western voices for the terrorists.. they will be targeted by their allies as the easiest of marks. And there will be a great turning in America among those who are left.. they will turn to God wholly, committing themselves to the Lord and becoming holy. Those that are left will be holy:

Isa 4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:
Isa 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

Those who are left will not be filthy, but purged and holy to God. This is what God desires but what America will not yet give to Him.. it is the reason the American Hiroshima must be.. to purge the filthy from among the people - many of those who will not repent and are confederate with the enemy. It is not meant as judgement on God's people.. but a judgement on the wicked, the filthy.. among the populace, who rejoice when the good and America's defenders are now harmed or killed and reject wise and godly counsel and rail against His will. It is those who think they know better and exalt themselves and their own wisdom, seeking to bring into judgement all the ways of God, including His path upon the nation in its governmental institutions - such will be brought down to the ground. This Judgement is not on the people of God, but on those who are her enemies in the US. They will be targeted, not the faithful. Time and again the Lord tells me they will be deceived by those they trust.. but the righteous will be protected. Of the righteous:

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Isa 3:10 Say to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
Isa 3:11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

It is important that the righteous know they have God on their side and do not need to fear what is happening. In our cases, so many who are in the Dinar were led into it by the Lord.. and are Christians. But the money is not to heap up for ourselves things and riches.. it is for protection of us and our loved ones in the coming day of evil when this happens. Money is a defense, as is godly wisdom:

Ecc 7:12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it.

The wisest counsel is to follow God as it gives life to them that have such wisdom. As America turns to God, He will turn the battle in her favor. As America turns to God again after the calamity, God will be willing to still fulfill the words, "God Bless America" and honor her with many more years of being an earthly power. But she will have to both repent.. and fight.

That is how I believe God will protect the nation. As you said, Carole, "I believe if we want that protection, there are conditions set for by Him. 2Chron.7:14" - even so, this is the only way I see America continuing to enjoy the blessing and protection of God for, as you said, "Our government, by rejecting the God of the Bible, has put our nation in harms way, more than ever before in our history" - and this is the only way out for her.. judgment on the worst offenders, followed by national repentance, mourning and fighting for our home. It is not an easy way, our God has been very patient.. but the end draws near and His patience runs out.. and calamity will unfold.. not to destruction, but to restoration of all things, for those who are left alive - Isa 4:3-4 "... he that is left... he that remains... shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living...when the Lord shall have washed away the filth.. and shall have purged... from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning."

Sara.

-- July 21, 2007 3:11 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Your insights into future events, I wholely believe line up with scripture as it relates to the world picture today.

Works of many bible scholars, that I have read seem to sum up that there will be some catechlesmic event in this country and wolrd wide that will align the world with prophectic scriptures.

We see many times throughout history where God has turned nations and people over to their own destructive will, whereby they have lost their conscienceness toward God and right from wrong. God's submissive will allows this.

Catastrophe awaits, not only in the individual lives, but in nations also.

I hold my breath and pray daily for His mercy to extend itself to this nation that is home of many committed and serving children of God. BUT, I realize too, that it is calmaity that brings us to our knees, and that is the only place that repentance and restoration can take place.

I realize that this is a dinar discussion board, and one can only appreciate our conversation, when they understand that the Dinar and the particulars associated with it, are attached to the real war, behind the current news items is not political, but spiritual. Much different that any other warfare arena in recorded history.

While our human side really gets caught up in the day to day events surrounding the Dinar, and like everyone else, I would love to have the investment pay off, I would be willing to forfeit it all, if in doing so our nation would return to the God-loving and serving one that borned us, nutured us, blessed us, and protected us for nearly 200 years.

There is a very wonderful promise in scripture ( I'll find it sometime today) where God promises, once repentence takes place that He QUICKLY heals, protects and punishes those who would go against us.

I love that word QUICKLY.

Thank you for your sharing, you are a brave soul, cause surer than shoot some here will object to this discussion.......so be it!

Carole

-- July 21, 2007 9:35 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Generals: Troops Need to Stay in Iraq
Saturday, July 21, 2007

U.S. military commanders said Friday the troop buildup in Iraq must be maintained until at least next summer and they may need as long as two years to ensure parts of the country are stable.

The battlefield generals' pleas for more time come in the face of growing impatience in the United States and a push on Capitol Hill to begin withdrawing U.S. troops as soon as this fall.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in an interview that if the buildup is reversed before next summer, the military will risk giving up the security gains it has achieved at a cost of hundreds of American lives over the past six months.

"It's going to take through summer, into the fall, to defeat the extremists in my battle space, and it's going to take me into next spring and summer to generate this sustained security presence," said Lynch, who commands U.S. forces south of Baghdad.

A military analyst said there is an obvious disconnect between a military focused on future success and politicians gripped by past failures.

"The Army generals in Iraq believe that it is only now that they are implementing the right strategy for securing the country, so they deserve more time to do the job right," said Loren Thompson of the Virginia-based Lexington Institute.

Maj. Gen. W.E. Gaskin, U.S. commander in the Anbar province, said it would take two years before Iraqis can be self-sufficient in running their government and security forces.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters by video conference from Iraq, Gaskin said coalition efforts "have turned the corner ... broken the cycle of violence in Anbar." But, he added, "you cannot buy nor can you fast-forward experience. It has to be worked out."

The point was driven home by Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, who said in an address Friday at the National Press Club that a premature withdrawal could fuel Islamic extremists, spread terrorism and force the U.S. back into the fight.

"If you lose the first battles of a long war, the war gets tougher. If you win the first battles, you've got momentum on your side, and, guess what, the war is shorter," said Conway. "My concern is if we prematurely move, we're going to be going back. ... I tend to think it's better to get it done the first time."

Lynch, in an interview with two reporters who traveled with him by helicopter to visit troops south and west of Baghdad, said he had projected in March, when he arrived as part of the troop buildup, that it would take him about 15 months to accomplish his mission, which would be summer 2008.

He expressed concern at the growing pressure in Washington to decide by September whether the troop buildup is working and to plan for an early start to withdrawing all combat troops.

Under Lynch's command are two of the five Army brigades that Bush ordered to the Baghdad area in January as part of a revised counterinsurgency strategy. The three other brigades are in Baghdad and a volatile province northeast of the capital with the purpose of securing the civilian population.

Officials hope that reduced levels of sectarian violence will give Sunni and Shiite leaders an opportunity to create a government of true national unity.

Lynch said Iraqi security forces are not close to being ready to take over for the American troops. So if the extra U.S. troops that were brought in this year are to be sent home in coming months, the insurgents _ both Sunni and Shiite extremist groups _ will regain control, he said.

"To me, it would be wrong to take ground from the enemy at a cost _ I've lost 80 soldiers under my command, 56 of those since the fourth of April _ it would be wrong to have fought and won that terrain, only to turn around and give it back," he said.

Lynch said there is a substantial risk that al-Qaida in Iraq, a mostly Iraqi Sunni extremist group, will try to launch a mass-casualty attack on one of the 29 small U.S. patrol bases south of Baghdad in hopes of influencing the political debate in Washington.

"We've got him on the run," Lynch said, referring to the insurgents. "Some people say we've got him on the ropes. I don't believe that. But I believe we've got him on the run."

Lynch also said the Iraqi government needs to put about seven more Iraqi army battalions and about five more Iraqi police battalions in his area in order to provide the security now provided by U.S. forces.

Ultimately, he said, success or failure will be determined by the Iraqis themselves, and the outcome will not come quickly.

"This is Iraq. Everything takes time," he said.

http://www.townhall.com/News/NewsArticle.aspx?contentGUID=614d6dae-1670-4bab-91bc-ffbe443d73e3

-- July 21, 2007 2:52 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Progress... and RECESS??

Sunni group rejoins Iraq parliament as insurgents unite
Sabah Jerges Posted to the web on: 20 July 2007
Sapa-AFP

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s main Sunni parliamentary bloc, the National Concord Front, ended its boycott of the assembly yesterday , in a move that could help the passage of key laws aimed at promoting national unity.

The 44-member bloc walked out last month in protest at the ousting of the Sunni speaker of the assembly, Mahmud Mashhadani. H e allegedly ordered his bodyguards to beat up a Shiite MP. The move came as the Guardian newspaper reported yesterday that seven of the top Sunni-led insurgency groups had agreed to form a public political alliance.

Leaders of three of the groups — the 1920 Revolution Brigades, Ansar al-Sunna and Iraqi Hamas — said they would continue the campaign against US forces in Iraq. The shift in strategy could mean a dramatic end to attacks in Iraq, according to the Guardian.

Yesterday , the Sunni faction, along with Mashhadani, attended the parliamentary session and Mashhadani was reappointed as speaker.

Iraq’s parliament starts a month’s break today, annoying some in the Bush administration. US President George Bush is compelled to release a second report on progress in Iraq in September.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/world.aspx?ID=BD4A520290

=====

al-Maliki meets US officials - Summary
Posted : Sat, 21 Jul 2007
Author : DPA

Baghdad - Elsewhere in the country, a joint US-Iraqi force killed 18 gunmen and arrested 62 others in two separate attacks in Baquba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, which lies 57 kilometres north-east of Baghdad, VOI reported Saturday afternoon.

The attacks - part of "Operation Arrowhead Ripper" presently underway in Diyala - took place during the late hours of Friday evening and early hours of Saturday, an official Iraqi army source in Baquba told VOI.

"In one operation the Iraqi army and the Multi-National Forces (MNF) troops killed five gunmen and arrested 46 others in the eastern part of Baquba last night and the early hours of Saturday," the source said.

"Two car bombs were defused and arms and ammunition were seized during the operation," the source added.

In the second operation which took place in the al-Tahrir neighbourhood in old Baquba "13 gunmen were killed and 16 others arrested, and a field hospital offering treatment for wounded al- Qaeda members was also detected," the source told VOI.

US army and Iraqi security authorities say "Operation Arrowhead Ripper" has so far resulted in the killing and arrest of hundreds of gunmen belonging to the so-called al-Qaeda Organization in Iraq and other groups allied with it.

In the political arena, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki held a meeting on Saturday with US ambassador to Baghdad Ryan Crocker and US National Security Council Senior Director for Iraq and the Middle East, Megan O'Sullivan.

The talks focused on the political situation in Iraq, a statement issued by Maliki's office and published by VOI said.

In his statement, Maliki "urged parliament to cancel summer recess, or cut it down to two weeks instead of one month (August) to help the government solving pending issues."

It was hoped that the proposition to cut the recess to two weeks will give parliament time to vote on a number of major draft laws, including a new national oil law and another introducing constitutional amendments.

For his part, Crocker was quoted in the statement published by VOI as saying that "the US administration was supportive of the political process and keen on pushing it forward."

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/85280.html

=====

Iraqi troops have detained 46 suspected militants and killed five others in a new operation in eastern Diyala, the army said Saturday. The Iraqi army said the operation launched Wednesday in several areas and villages in eastern Diyala, which is near the Iranian border, also led to the freeing of a kidnap victim and the discovery of two car bombs and six other explosive devices, as well as the capture of 46 suspects and the killing of five others.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/news/215255

-- July 21, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Turkey threatens Iraq incursion
July 21, 2007

- Related Story: '140,000' Turkish soldiers line Iraq border

Turkey has warned that it could send troops into northern Iraq after today's general elections if talks with Iraqi and US officials fail to produce effective measures against Kurdish rebels based there.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has invited his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri Al Maliki, to visit Ankara after the vote to discuss the presence of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels in northern Iraq.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul says the country will not hesitate to act to eliminate the threat posed by the PKK, which both Ankara and Washington list as a terrorist organisation.

"Our aim is not to enter Iraq but to neutralise the terrorist organisation," he said.

"We will use our right [to self-defence] as long as the terrorist organisation continues to harm Turkey."

Mounting PKK violence has been a dominant campaign issue ahead of today's vote, with the opposition accusing Mr Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) of being soft on the rebels.

Some Government ministers have been the targets of protest by angry crowds at funerals for soldiers slain in fighting with the rebels.

Opinion surveys tip the AKP to win today's elections and secure a second term in power, with some suggesting that it may garner more than 40 per cent of the vote for a solid parliamentary majority.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the right-wing Nationalist Action Party (MHP), which both advocate a tougher stance against the PKK, are expected to make it into Parliament as well.

Ankara says the rebels enjoy safe haven in northern Iraq, where they obtain weapons and explosives for cross-border attacks against Turkish targets.

It also accuses northern Iraqi Kurds of turning a blind eye to the PKK presence on their territory and even of supporting the rebels.

Washington opposes any Turkish military action, fearing this could destabilise the relatively peaceful region and further strain already tense ties between Ankara and the Iraqi Kurds, staunch allies of the United States.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/22/1984733.htm

-- July 21, 2007 3:56 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things.
The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worse.
The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight,nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made so by the exertions of better men than himself.

john Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

Isaiah 6-8
Whom shall I send? and who will go for us? and I said "Here I am, send me,"

These are the troops on the ground, they have put themselves in harms way to keep us safe.
Thats their job, its what they do.

Have a good weekend and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 21, 2007 11:03 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks for your post, Carole.. you said in it, "There is a very wonderful promise in scripture ( I'll find it sometime today) where God promises, once repentence takes place that He QUICKLY heals, protects and punishes those who would go against us."

That reminded me of this one:

Isa 54:8 "In a little wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.
Isa 54:10 "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, says the LORD that has mercy upon you."

Our hearts may be troubled in that day, but as America turns to Him, He will show His everlasting kindness and mercy to the nation. OUR God is Great because He is kind and does not remove His covenant of peace but has mercy upon us, when we turn to Him and choose to walk in His way. You are right about the godly heritage of the United States over the last 200 years.. that history shows a great deal of the workings of God's hand shining through those pages of history. May God grant the nation that it may be that way again soon by making her turn to Him and causing her to become Holy and true to Him once again. When she is holy to God again, He will establish her and the nation of America will be far from terror.. it will not come near to her and those who gather against her to harm her will utterly fail and fall:

Isa 54:14 In righteousness you shall be established: you shall be far from oppression; for you shall not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near you.
Isa 54:15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by Me: whoever shall gather together against you shall fall for your sake.
Isa 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith that blows the coals in the fire, and that brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, says the LORD.

I guess that time of grief and sorrow is etched deep within my heart, having seen it and felt it with such overwhelming force. I wish only the comfort and kindness and words of mercy for America from the God who has blessed her all these very many years, in that day.

Sara.

-- July 22, 2007 2:43 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Steven and Sara,

Right on !

Carole

-- July 22, 2007 4:06 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(971)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 971 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/7/22 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 61.595.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 61.595.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- July 22, 2007 7:59 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Is it useful in raising the rate of the dinar against the dollar? http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ar%7Cen&u=http://www.almadapaper.com/paper.php%3Fsource%3Dakbar%26mlf%3Dinterpage%26sid%3D25547&prev=/language_tools

-- July 22, 2007 11:22 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

50 German firms smuggled nuclear material to Iran
Friday, 13 July 2007

POTSDAM, Germany (AFP) - German prosecutors on Thursday said they are investigating some 50 companies suspected of smuggling technology to Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant via Russia.

Berlin-based company Vero is suspected of having smuggled material to build the nuclear reactor through Poland to Moscow, from where it was taken to Iran, said Christoph Lange from the prosecutor's office in Potsdam near Berlin.

He said Vero appeared to have been buying up nuclear technology in Germany and elsewhere in Europe since 2000 at the orders of Russia, which is constructing Iran's first nuclear power plant in the town of Bushehr.

Lange said prosecutors have so far only traced material worth about five million euros (6.8 million dollars), but that this appeared to be the tip of the iceberg. Up to 150 million euros' worth of material may have left Germany for Iran, he estimates.

Russia said earlier this month that the Bushehr plant will not be completed before 2008.

The United States is calling for more sanctions over Tehran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment, which is the central issue in the international standoff over Iran's nuclear programme.

Washington accuses Tehran of trying to make nuclear weapons but the hardline Islamic state insists it is running a peaceful nuclear programme solely aimed at meeting its civilian energy needs.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/content/view/3833/152/

Carole... your view on Russia helping Iran get nuclear weapons..
with up to 150 MILLION worth of material smuggled into Iran at their behest?

Sara.

-- July 22, 2007 12:17 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iran dismisses reports of arms deal with Syria
Updated Sun. Jul. 22 2007 7:54 AM ET
Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Sunday dismissed as a "media game" recent reports of a secret arms deal with Syria allegedly made in return for an agreement that Damascus would not hold peace talks with Israel.

Mohammad Ali Hosseini refused to provide confirmation of the deal and questioned how the media would know about it if it was confidential.

The Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported Saturday that Iran would provide $1 billion to Syria for advanced weapons procurement and would assist the country with nuclear research and the development of chemical weapons, with the understanding that Damascus would not negotiate peace with Israel.

The deal was allegedly signed Thursday when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Syria, said the newspaper. Israeli media later rebroadcast the report.

Syria is Iran's closest Arab ally. The two countries have had close relations since 1980 when Syria sided with Persian Iran against Iraq in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Both countries face U.S. accusations of fueling violence in Iraq and supporting Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrilla group, which Washington labels a terrorist organization. They are also accused of supporting militant anti-Israeli Palestinian groups, like Hamas.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070722/arms_iran_070722/20070722?hub=World

-- July 22, 2007 1:05 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Russia has been the main supplier of weapons, parts and monies to fund thier nucelar agendas for years. They also are behind armament build up in Syria.

This is why they will do whatever it takes to protect their investments. Even turn their heads on the defaulted loans by Iran. This is a big dispute amongst the hiearchy in Russia. Much with the same tones and with the same vigor as we have here in the US as far as continuing to fund and send troops to Iraq.

Actually for the past 50+ years, wherever and whenever the US has been at war or in conflict militarily, Russia has always funded and supplied arms to ur enemies.

Nothing new, and we are well aware of it. I thhink I said before the real showdown is STILL between US and Russia.

Putin is a KGB warrior, and his life's ambition is to take back the reputation of being a world power during his reign.

I truly believe that is Reagan were still alive, he would have him eliminated.... come to think of it....maybe he did....since there was no genetic history of Alzheimer's or dementia rlated disorders in the Reagan line....

And come to think of it, wasn't Gorbechev sent to Syberia? He was an anomalie to the old Russian way of thinking and is blamed for westernizing Russia and therefore causing it's demise.(at least on the surface).

I tell you the one that holds the keys to all the naswers inthis entire world political fiassco is Condi Rice ( doctorate in Russian studies). BUsh knew what he was doing to put her in his camp.

Carole

-- July 22, 2007 1:35 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

sara,

Remeber when we invaded Iraq and we wnet into their caves where we were led to believe were the WMD? What did we find? Massive amounts of weapons build ups with German insignas that wer traced to Russiaon manufacturers. Russia played the same role in the French weapons that were also found.

Carole

-- July 22, 2007 1:43 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Hi all,

Been reading up on your comments Carole and Sara. I think our State Department already knows about the Russians, Chinese, Italian's, French and other nations that have provided arms to Iran. I think this is old news.

What I have been monitoring are the newly reported military reports about the per-centage of Saudis terrorists (45 per cent). I believe I have spoken too naively about the Saudis help against Iran in my last posts. I just watched the documentary that PBS refused to put on their networks on Moderate Muslims against Jihad. It showed moderate muslims naming Saudi Arabia as the source of fund for Jihad and for building big expensive Church Domes in foreign countries in Europe. They will probably want to do the same here in the United States. The same documentary gave out information on the terrorist threats in Toronto Canada and in USA and the internet source for this recruitment.

I am starting to wonder if our arms services committees maybe trying to get our troops out of the middle and let the Saudis and Iran fight it out in the end. In World War II - the USA Defense Department's view was to let other nations fight the Axis Powers to save our own solders from death. Given this idea, think about the politics of other nations and the fight for oil the prize!

I am starting to wonder if we all might just be a little naive about this current fight in Iraq. I hope for the best, a stablized Iraq before any of the other alternatives develop full bloom.

On other news, Pakistan is a subject we may all want to watch. Al-Qaida is reported to be having a power stuggle with number #2 in command and #1 one in command. #2 man wants to take over Pakistan and get rid of it's current president. #1 man and others are afraid that this is going to get rid of their safe haven. There are reports that the USA has said, we will aid the Pakistan's President to go after Al-Qaida.

What I wonder, if the USA does this and helps the Pakistan government, What will the Saudis do?. We now know that their country is teaching this extreme Islamic Religion that Al-Qaida is teaching.

Pray, that is the best advise I can give.

Laura Parker

-- July 22, 2007 6:22 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

Carole

A while back you were telling us of a lawsuit regarding censorship, to postings on websites …do you remember where you read that, or where I could start looking?

Thanks Jeff

-- July 22, 2007 10:49 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Jeff,

I saw it on CNN , I think about a year ago. Sara actually posted the clip, so it should be in the archives here on T&B. It was the first internet lawsuit and I am sure there have been many since. The main cause of action was defamation of character, but one of the "minor" causes of action was "censorship".

Otherwise, type in "internet lawsuits" in tour search engine and see what comes up.

Carole

-- July 22, 2007 11:09 PM ∞

---

NEIL wrote:

I spent about 25 minutes today trying to get to the current T&B postings. I scroll a while and hit ALt-End and scroll some more. Does anyone have a faster way of navigating the T&B? I have a new HP Computer but I use the MSN dial-up for the internet.

I recently listened to a speech by McCain in which he stated that his first act as president would be to close Guantanimo Bay Prison, next he would ban all forms of torture of prisoners of war and next he would push for an immigration bill similar to the one just defeated. How could anyone be so stupid to go against the will of the American people and propose such rediculous measures? Write John McCain off as only a nuisance in the quest for the Republican nomination.

-- July 22, 2007 11:13 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

laura,

Saudis are primarily top notch SUNNI's.

The Saudi sheiks in power were pro Saddam until he was crazy enough to try to outsmart them and try to actuate his dream to be the head hauncho of the Middle East.

BUT THEY ARE STILL THE BACKBONE OF THE SUNNI CULTURE.

When power came to the Shites in Iraq, one should have predicted that at some point in time, the Saudi's were not going to sit still for the Shites to avenge themseles, thru political might in Iraq.

al Sadr is a sunni ( but somehow has favor with Iran).

He is also a turncoat at any given time.

The Saudis at one point tried to groom him, and get him off the streets of the slums of Iraq. But he was too afraid the the insurgent groups ( militias) would think he was turning against their cause, so it appears he passed up that opporotunity and took his chances with the underground in Iran and Syria.

It is all very confusing and just about the time I see a clear picture, some abberant activity happens to make me scratch my head in bewilderment.

None-the-less, Saudi Arabia is not to be discounted in the bigger picture.

Now where, why and how come they are our allies baffles me.

Maybe someone else here can make sense of that.

And also remember these elements of the Middle Eastern societies have been in play for centuries.

Trying to change them or muchless understand them is an uncommplishable feat.

Now try to put yourself inthe midst of all this, trying to feed your family and survive.........

no matter what you do----you are headed for the gallos, by some faction.

So when someone lures you, spiritually into accepting that there is hope in eternal bliss by serving allah as a sucicide bomber, it looks pretty good....cause there is no hope for peace, stature or happiness as an ordinary middle easterner in those regions.

At least that is my take on it...

Carole

-- July 22, 2007 11:31 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Ps 81:11 ( God Speaking)
But My people did not listen to my voice: and Israel did not obey Me. So I gave them over to the stubborness of their heart. To walk in their own devices.

Question: If He would do this to HIs convenant nation, do you think he will spare the US.

Then in Verse 13, God cries out;"Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!"

Now for the HOPE ( and my favorite verse)

Vs.14 "I would QUICKLY subdue their enemies, and turn My Hand against their adversaries. Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him; and their time of punishment would be forever."

Now for the best part ( a reconcilled nation--much like the prodigal son)

vs.16 " But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat; and with honey from the rock, I would satisfy you".

Back to your point---what will it take to turn this nation around?

It coudl take a calamity to bring us to our knees. OR the outpouring of the Holy Spirit by all of us Christians proclaiming the Word of God accross this nation. The Truth of GOd's word is all we have and actually all that is needed to accomplish that "turning around". BUT it needs to be procalimed as never before in our history and with force and might and courage (all motivated by love).

No other nation, once abandoned by God ever turned themselves around, sooooo we could and would be an event all of its own and possbily usher us into the end of the Church Age.

Carole

-- July 22, 2007 11:54 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Carole,

Are you sure Al Sadr is a Sunni. I have always understood him to be Shiiti. I would be interested in your documented source on this piece of information.

Thanks,

Laura Parker

-- July 23, 2007 12:13 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Laura,

You are right, al Sadr through his lineage is from Shite Clerics. I was confused on this.

However, he is a rebel to his own kind, and has broken off into his own regime that is bent on overtaking the reigning Shite govt in Iraq.

His recent move to agree with calling off the insurgency, I beleive is not sincere and has an undercurrent to his over-all evil intentions.

I just checked Wikipedia for updates on him.

Sorry for the admitted confusion. It's kind of like Ms. Sheehan that calls herself an American, but?????

Carole

-- July 23, 2007 5:49 AM ∞

---

carole wrote:

Laura,

What I find so amazing and puzzling about Saudia Arabia, is that they have no protection or tolerance for any religion other than Islam.

BUT while primarily Sunni, accept and tolerate and provide safe haven for most, if not all ofthe other sects.

This is what makes them ( for centuries) the granddaddy, or godfather,if you will, of the Muslim world.

I have always wondered that when or if a serious showdown between the West and the Middle East ever took place, what chance would the west have against a (Saudia instigated) regime that would pull together and unite all of the "MUSLIM BROTHERHOODS"?

Cause I'm sure that would happen.

Carole

-- July 23, 2007 6:01 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Al Sad'r is Shiite, his father was one of the great Imans, was killed by Saddam, and this gave him immortality in the Shiite faction, and they even named a section of Baghdad after him, Sad'r City.

Sad'rs son "the fat boy", the guy acting in recent events, is nothing what his father was, but is in the Shiite faction propped up, and is runned by his closed clan of advisers. All close to Iran, and AlSadr is recently believed to have been hiding over there for a while.

AlSad'r is very uneducated, and is almost an embarrassment for the Shiite faction when he gives interviews.

The statement that AlSadr is a Sunni is false.

Rob N,

On occasion this "anonymous" will pop up and question the faculties of whoever he is addressing.

Not to worry, "Anonymous" have probably by this time destroyed everything that loves him, and are in the process of destroying the only thing left to destroy, ...himself.

Hypnotically cocking the trigger on his gun, releasing it, and cocking it again, endlessly.

His attitude is the clear mark of a suicidal. In his mind he is a genius, and his brain will be displayed in the Smithsonian's after his death.

"Anonymous" have never himself created anything worth reading, no analysis, no news data, no insight, no nothing.

He can't, he is not able to, and he hate to see others that are able to do so.

His handle speaks volumes, a no name "Anonymous" that pops up and takes a puke on occasion.

Can't even be someone.(gotta hide otherwise he will get hurt) Also known as cavemen.

I have come to the same conclusion about investment object, the Dinar is the far wiser one to choose.

Right now, there are other currencies promoted as the next "up and coming", and especially the Vietnamese Dong.

Vietnam will undoubtedly be an up and coming currency, but they will go the long way, as you so correctly pointed out, there are no bigger natural resources there.

True, they have an oilfield in the Tonkin bay, and in the surrounding waters, but the known field is very small in comparison, and can not match the Iraqi fields by a long shot.

Unless a find of big ores of minerals, diamonds, or anything that is tradeable will crystallize, the only possible expansion they have is production of consumer goods, food supply, clothing, fish or similar normal commodities.

A possible future tourist industry may be in the cards.

It is a known fact that bigger investors are right now pouring their capital into Vietnam, but this is a long term investment, and they are looking at profit yield from production of consumer goods, hotels, fisheries, etc.

The pattern looks very much to me to be a carbon copy of China's expansion into that sector.

Vietnam will probably look closely at China's history and use that as their pattern.

China looked closely to Japans financial expansion after WW2, so there are already two workable and proven patterns to examine for a very probable expansion pattern for Vietnam.

I would not say that Vietnam is a bad place to invest into, but if I would invest in Vietnam I would not go with their currency, because if they will(and they most probably will) follow the course if the Chinese, they currency will be manipulated and held artificially down for their own profit. I would rather invest in other ways if I would go that way.

China as well as Vietnam is after all still in communist hands, even though they in practicality have abandoned communism in practice, they are very keen on holding onto it as a social/political chain of control.

Vietnam, China and Iraq have all controlled currencies, but there is a very important difference, the Iraqi currency is already now undervalued, while the Vietnamese currency have not proven itself anywhere.

Iraq is set up for big expansion and oil investment, and is striving for a free currency, all with the backing of international institutions. Iraq is a fledgling democracy, and a free market is implemented (with some resistance....ouch, another car bomb) , while Vietnam will retain all it's power within the communist party.

Remember, as in Iraq, where a picture of Saddam was everywhere, a picture of Mao is hanging everywhere in China, and in Vietnam, the greeeeat leader Ho Chi Minh is hanging everywhere.

In any country present or past where pictures of their leaders is or have been hanging in every street corner, very little constructive critic can take place.

(We are not immune, about 150 murders was committed by union soldiers across this country, to any drunk that dared to say hurray, when they heard about Lincolns assassination)

All in all, I concur, the Iraqi Dinar is right now the most exciting currency to invest into. It's the endless postponements of any and all program that is so frustrating, but the way, path and future is well planned for Iraq.

Vietnam will only start to be of importance when you start seeing cheap tools and plastic toys, in flea markets stamped "Made in Vietnam".

Sara,
Huuuuuuuuuuuuug

Lets see, what else are we discussing here, now days.

I see that we're still doing a lot of scripture references, oh well all the power to you all doing that I guess.

Just remember, no one leaves present time, and you're the one looking at it.

...and you are capable of creating anything you want in your universe.

...if you create something, and deny you created it, you are slave to that creation.

...that holds true whether it is a God or falsely created tax return.

-- July 23, 2007 7:11 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

You caught it yourself, so all the power to you.

Yes, Sad'r is a main Shiite thingie, AlSad'r is probably now doing Fatwas about how many times a man have to be breastfed for a man to be called a man.

-- July 23, 2007 7:18 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(972)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 972 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/7/23 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1249 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1247 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 64.625.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 64.625.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- July 23, 2007 8:07 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hey Roger!

Excited, happy, scared to see you pop in :)

All kidding aside, I was hoping that my thumbnail knowledge of the Middle east workings would bring you and others back. Especially to shed some deeper knowledge of what is going on.

Glad to hear you still think the dinar is still good investment.

Concerning al Sadr: he seems to be the worm or thorn in everybodies flesh. Also, from everything I have been able to follow, he doesn't seem to ascribe himself as a Sunni advocate. What exactly do you think his "gig"is?

Also, there are claims that he has an army of about 10,000. Why can't we irradicate him? It seems like it would be an easy task. Perhaps he's the "frontman" for something bigger? Any thoughts?

Carole

-- July 23, 2007 9:18 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here is an article posted on another forum discounting the long waited overnight revaluation. Your thoughts and comments are welcomed.
____________________________________________________________

If the dinar was to revalue a reverse split has to happen. 100% sure no doubt about it.
Look at it this way…
Every company has a Market Cap. Market Cap is the number of shares traded multiplied by the value of each share. The biggest most successful companies in the world, like Exxon , Microsoft, Citi Group… they have market caps around 500 billion dollars. If the dinar was to suddenly hit 1:1... Some of these tiny little companies in Iraq with a non existent economy would suddenly have market caps in the 300 billion dollar range. They would be close to the top ten in most valuable companies in the world. Obviously that is not the case. So you see a reduction in shares would absolutely have to happen.
Funny…. Because the same principle is what prohibits Iraq from revaluing their currency. Iraq has 20 trillion dinars in money supply floating around. Think of them as shares in a company. The United States with the largest economy in the world by far only has about 6 trillion dollars in money supply floating around. So if Iraq was to revalue at 1:1 they would have a money supply about 3 times larger than the United States…. Does that sound reasonable at all. It’s silly. Iraqs GDP, GDP is size of economy… Iraqs economy is about 200 times smaller than the United States. Can a country with a 200 times smaller economy have a money supply 3 times larger. This is econ 101. It’s simple math. The people here are fooling themselves. They’ve been at it for 4 years now and they will still be touting a fantasy reval a year or two from now.
Iraq will eventually do a reverse split. That will be not only on stocks but also with their currency. They will issue a new currency at a rate of 1000 old for 1 new. Reducing their money supply from 20 trillion down to 20 billion. It has already been discussed and they are just waiting for the right time to implement the plan.
http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1297.htm
Iraq is considering redenominating the dinar, printing new banknotes to remove inflation-generated zeros from its currency, the finance minister said yesterday. Senior government and central bank officials have said the proposal has been under consideration for some time to make one new dinar equal to 1,000 current dinars, a move that would bring the currency closer to parity with the US dollar.

-- July 23, 2007 11:01 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

One point of clarification. I posted the article to generate a discussion. I do not believe that Iraq is planning on printing new currency. I have posted several times why I do not believe they will not print a new currency. I am interested in knowing what your thoughts are.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 23, 2007 11:07 AM ∞

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Rob N wrote:

All:

Gap Widens Over Iraq Approach
7/20/2007

Military Plans New Missions Into '08
As Lawmakers Seek Troop Cuts
By GREG JAFFE and YOCHI J. DREAZEN
July 20, 2007; Page A4

Despite growing calls from lawmakers for drastic change in Iraq, senior U.S. military officials on the ground say they believe the current strategy should be maintained into next year -- and already have mapped out additional phases for doing so through January.

WAR AND POLITICS

• What's Happening: U.S. military officials in Iraq have mapped out plans to maintain the current U.S. strategy into next year, even as lawmakers at home draw up troop-withdrawal scenarios.
• What it Tells Us: The officers' commitment to the current "surge" strategy illustrates divisions between top commanders in Iraq and a growing number of Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
• Behind the Scenes: Defense officials have begun to study postsurge options but would likely move more slowly than lawmakers would like.Senior commanders say the coming missions will attempt to prevent Islamic militants from returning to areas cleared by U.S. forces, particularly in the "belts" of land that surround Baghdad. The officers' commitment to the current "surge" strategy -- which has sent 30,000 additional troops to Iraq and resulted in a recent spike in U.S. casualties -- illustrates the divisions that have emerged between top commanders in Iraq and a growing number of Democratic and Republican lawmakers who have turned against the war.

Indeed, while the military is planning for new operations well into next year, lawmakers and analysts in Washington, believing the political climate makes a big change almost inevitable, have begun drawing up scenarios for a troop drawdown in coming months.

The Bush administration tried to bridge the gap between the thinking of military planners and members of Congress yesterday by inviting some 200 lawmakers to the Pentagon for an hourlong classified teleconference briefing with Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad, Ryan Crocker. Participants said the two men acknowledged the significant political and military challenges in Iraq but pointed to modest signs of progress like the recent decision by Sunni tribal leaders in the restive al Anbar province to ally with U.S. forces against radical Islamist extremists there.

Gen. Petraeus assured the lawmakers he would be able to give them a full assessment of the surge's gains, as well as recommendations for the way ahead in Iraq, when he and Mr. Crocker brief Congress in September.

FIGHT FOR IRAQ

1
See continuing coverage2 of developments in Iraq, including an interactive map3 of day-to-day events in Iraq and a tally of military deaths4.
REPORTS

• CNAS: Phased Transition 5
• CAP: Strategic Reset 6Senior Iraq commanders, along with President Bush, argue that the buildup is beginning to show indications of success. Mr. Bush, with the support of these officers, is effectively gambling that Congress will be unable or unwilling to force a drawdown and that the military will have a free hand to keep the added troops in place well into next year.

Mr. Bush prevailed in a key Senate showdown this week, as Democrats were unable to overcome a Republican filibuster of a bill mandating that a U.S. troop withdrawal begin within 120 days.

But many in the political and think-tank worlds believe Congress may attempt to set a time frame for withdrawal in September, when the top U.S. military and civilian officials in Iraq give formal progress reports. Several outside analysts have recently released detailed proposals for sharply shrinking the U.S. mission and footprint in Iraq.

TROOP DEPLOYMENTS IN IRAQ

Current Levels

7
The U.S. currently has approximately 154,000 troops in Iraq in bases and camps throughout the country. Here are a selection of the major bases in Iraq. Click to enlarge.8

'Phased Transition'

9
Under a plan developed by the Center for a New American Security10, the U.S. would move many of its remaining troops to bases in Kurdistan, Anbar province, Kuwait and near Baghdad. Click to enlarge.11

'Strategic Reset'

12
The Center for American Progress13 proposal would close all of the U.S. bases with the exception of a facility that would be based in Kurdistan temporarily. Click to enlarge.14

Source: globalsecurity.org, WSJ.com researchTo be sure, some defense officials in the Pentagon and the Middle East also have quietly begun to study postsurge alternatives. Still, any drawdown the Pentagon envisions would move more slowly than impatient lawmakers would like. A recent study by U.S. Central Command logistics experts concluded that a complete withdrawal from Iraq could take as long as two years if conducted in an orderly fashion in which U.S. forces systematically turn over territory and facilities, say military officials in the region. A faster and riskier withdrawal could be done in a year.

The Iraq commanders' desire to extend the surge into next year also is complicating an effort being led by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. William Fallon, the top commander in the Middle East, to put the U.S. on a course to a smaller military presence in Iraq that can be sustained for several years and could help garner bipartisan support for a longer-term U.S. presence in Iraq after Mr. Bush leaves office.

Adm. Fallon also has waged a quieter campaign to convince Arab allies such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt that the U.S. will continue to be a stabilizing force in Iraq for years to come despite the congressional opposition to the Iraq war.

But several senators said the longer the surge continues, the harder it will be for Mr. Gates to find lawmakers willing to support the kind of multiyear American military presence that may be needed to stabilize the fractious country.

"The concern that I have is that by next spring, the American public will be so out of patience that there's not going to be the same tolerance for a longer-term mission that there is now," said Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat who co-sponsored the amendment calling for a withdrawal to begin within 120 days.

Depending on how aggressive lawmakers are about trying to construct a timetable for withdrawal, the gap between their wishes and military planners might narrow by the fall. Military officials in the region concede that manpower strains on the Army almost certainly will force the gradual withdrawal of perhaps 30,000 troops by next spring from the current contingent of about 154,000 troops. So if Congress were to pass, and compel Mr. Bush to accept, a timetable that called for a gradual drawdown over a period of many months, the gap between the two views would narrow.

For the moment, though, U.S. commanders there have already mapped out military goals for the rest of the year and into 2008 that rely on the additional forces that are in Iraq as part of the surge. The new missions being planned are designed to ensure that the U.S. can control the major routes that insurgents have used to smuggle equipment for car bombs into the Iraqi capital, commanders say.

But if the administration changes course in Iraq more rapidly than military commanders now envision -- either on its own or after being forced to by Congress -- the U.S. mission and footprint there would look vastly different than it does today.

There are two common elements to the alternative Iraq strategies that are being developed by lawmakers and several Washington think tanks. The first would be a dramatic expansion of the current U.S. effort to train and equip the Iraqi army. The second big change would be a shift of U.S. troops out of front-line combat as part of a significant withdrawal of military personnel from the country.

A recent report by the Center for a New American Security, a new centrist think tank, calls for tripling the number of U.S. military advisers in Iraq to 20,000 while withdrawing 100,000 troops by the end of next year. The report also calls for moving many of the remaining U.S. troops to bases in Baghdad, Kurdistan, the restive Anbar province and Kuwait.

Another report, by the liberal Center for American Progress, goes even further. It calls for a "strategic reset" that would leave 8,000 to 10,000 American troops in Kurdistan to deter a possible Turkish invasion and prevent Iraq's civil war from expanding into the Kurdish areas. All of the remaining U.S. troops would be withdrawn by the end of next year.

Inside the Pentagon and the headquarters of the U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, senior military officials have quietly begun to study their own postsurge alternatives for Iraq. But the commitment to the surge on the part of Mr. Bush and his commanders in Iraq puts them in a difficult box. The military officials worry that if they turn too quickly to laying out a detailed postsurge strategy they could undercut the president and his Iraq commanders, say military officials involved in thinking about the postsurge strategies.

Still, Adm. Fallon, the U.S. Middle East commander, has asked his strategists to study a range of postsurge options -- some of which assume a reduction in violence as a result of the current surge and others that assume deterioration in security and reconciliation efforts, said senior military officials in the region.

In particular, he has asked planners to consider what it would mean to shift U.S. forces to a posture of "strategic overwatch" in which American troops would provide logistical support and training to Iraqi forces and also act as a backstop in case the fledgling Iraqi units were overwhelmed in a particular area or consumed by sectarian agendas, military officials said.

"We have some really big decisions ahead of us," Adm. Fallon said in an interview. "We have to ask ourselves whether the surge is really working and what we do we want to do afterward."

One possible approach would revive planning done by military officials in Baghdad last November on a way to substantially increase the number of American troops living and working with Iraqi forces by breaking up some large conventional combat brigades into dozens of small 30- to 40-soldier training teams. Other brigades would remain in their current form and focus on providing backup to Iraqi forces and fighting Islamic extremists across Iraq.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 23, 2007 11:09 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

General Seeks Troop Cut in Iraq
Associated Press | July 23, 2007
BAGHDAD - In a move that could portend a strategy change, the commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq said he has proposed reducing his troop levels and shifting next year to missions focused less on direct combat.

Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon told The Associated Press that if current trends hold, he would like to begin this troop reduction and change in mission in Ninevah province, where he said Iraqi army forces already are operating nearly independently. He has proposed shifting the province to Iraqi government control as early as August.

Ninevah's capital is Mosul, the country's third largest city.

If put in place, Mixon's approach would not necessarily mean an overall reduction in U.S. troops early next year. It could mean shifting several thousand troops from Mixon's area to other parts of Iraq for some months.

That, however, could mark the beginning of a phased move away from the heavy combat role that U.S. troops have played, at a cost of more than 3,600 U.S. deaths, for more than four years. That, in turn, could lead to the first substantial U.S. troop reductions beginning in the spring or summer - a far slower timetable than many in Congress are demanding.

Mixon is not the only U.S. commander contemplating a repositioning or reduction of U.S. troops in the months ahead.

Col. John Charlton, commander of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, who leads a task force of 6,000 U.S. Soldiers in a section of Anbar province that includes Ramadi, said in an interview Friday that by January he might be ready to take a 25 percent troop cut if the Iraqi police, numbering about 6,000 now, are made stronger by then.

"The police are the keys to maintaining security from al-Qaida," Charlton said.

Mixon acknowledged that a U.S. shift in northern Iraq meant risking recent gains. But he said it would have important political benefits in Baghdad.

"To be perfectly frank with you, it puts the Iraqi central government in a position of having to assume responsibility for the security situation," Mixon said in a telephone interview from his headquarters at Camp Speicher, near the city of Tikrit.

It is not clear whether the government will be capable of fulfilling that responsibility as early as next year.

Mixon also has proposed allowing Ninevah province to hold elections either late this year or early in 2008. This would ease the transition from U.S. control, he said.

"It certainly would make sense to tie the two fairly closely together," Mixon said, because it would provide political reinforcement for an important shift in security responsibility.

The government in Baghdad has failed thus far to pass legislation enabling provincial elections nationwide. That is one of the benchmarks the government set for itself this year and one that Congress wants to see accomplished by September.

Mixon said he thinks individual provinces should hold elections when they are ready, rather than wait for all 18 provinces to do so at once.

Mixon said Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top day-to-day U.S. commander in Iraq, has agreed with his proposal, which he called a contingency plan subject to further approval.

There are nearly 24,000 U.S. troops in Mixon's area of responsibility. It stretches north from Baghdad to the Turkish border, including the semiautonomous Kurdish region where three provinces - Dahuk, Irbil and Sulaimaniyah - already have returned to Iraqi government control.

Mixon said he might be able to reduce that total by one-half in the 12 months to 18 months after beginning a transition in January.

U.S. commanders in Baghdad and areas south of the capital have said in recent days that it is too early to say how long the current U.S. troop buildup should be maintained. Yet many lawmakers in Washington are pressing for a change in direction as early as September. That is the month when Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. general in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are due to report to President Bush and Congress on how the troop buildup is working.

Mixon's plan suggests the possibility of a new direction for U.S. strategy. But it is not the first time that senior U.S. commanders have proposed troop reductions and shifts in mission, only to be stopped by an unforeseen surge in insurgent violence.

Last year, for example, the U.S. military was planning to reduce its forces from 15 brigades to 10 or 12 brigades. The idea was scrapped last summer. In January, Bush ordered a boost from 15 brigades to 20.

In the interview, Mixon said he is troubled by a political debate in Washington that appears to him to oversimplify the Iraq problem. He said the U.S. needs a strategy for protecting the gains it has made in Iraq, even as it transitions control to the Iraqi government.

"I don't want to stay here any longer than we absolutely have to," he said. "Neither does anybody else. But we understand the investment we've made in this place and how important it would be to have at least some type of stability in Iraq prior to us leaving in large numbers."

Northern Iraq is a diverse area with problems not felt elsewhere in the country. That includes the threat of a large-scale incursion by the Turkish military to drive out Kurdish separatists whom Turkey's government considers terrorists. Mixon said he does not foresee such a crisis.

"I'm not alarmed about it at all," he said. "I think that will be worked out in the long run."

The Kurdish rebel commander, in an AP interview Friday, said he believed the Turkish military will launch a long-anticipated offensive against separatist bases in northern Iraq shortly after Sunday's general elections in Turkey.

But Murat Karayilan, the leader of the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party, denied charges by Turkey's government that his group was using its bases in Iraq to launch attacks against Turkish forces.

Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has threatened to go into northern Iraq if talks with Iraq and the U.S. after the elections fail to produce effective measures against Kurdish guerrillas.

Erdogan's ruling party is likely to win a majority of seats in the parliamentary vote.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 23, 2007 11:10 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Tighter Controls and Better Security Ease Fuel Crisis

Waiting time at petrol stations was reduced to two hours instead of eight, during the past few days – thanks to tighter controls and better security measures, according to Azzaman
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 23, 2007 11:12 AM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

Carol,

Thanks for the info.. I’ll scroll back and see what I can dig up… It’s good to see you posting again you seem very knowledgeable on several subjects.

Seems like for a while you dropped off and stopped posting, I guess there’s only so much to talk about and it’s probably all been talked about before. I don’t seem to remember your personal views of the Dinar though. Do you have any thoughts about when/if it will RV, or at what price?

Rodger,

Are we working on our addiction? It’s so difficult when it’s so accessible….

It’s always nice to read one of your posts. I’m glad to see you think the Dinar is still a good investment and the Dong is not! Another foreign country, another dialect, another addiction!! I read on another site someone was so excited he had to sniff his Dinar!! It’s just sick isn’t it!!!

-- July 23, 2007 12:13 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole;

You wrote about a concern the Muslim nations could unite together saying, "I have always wondered that when or if a serious showdown between the West and the Middle East ever took place, what chance would the west have against a (Saudia instigated) regime that would pull together and unite all of the "MUSLIM BROTHERHOODS"? Cause I'm sure that would happen."

I believe the Muslim nations are the decendants of Ishmael. It says that their hands will be against every man and every man's hand against them. This is why there cannot be any unity there such as you are wondering about. Quote:

Gen 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said to her, Behold, you are with child and shall bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD has heard your affliction.
Gen 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

If I am correct in this assumption (and I think I am), the constant squabbles in Iraq and the Middle Eastern regions are not anomalies but part of their personality makeup ordained here by God as the decendents of Ishmael. AND they could never accomplish the uniting of "MUSLIM BROTHERHOODS" because they would be fractious and fighting among themselves.. "every man's hand against his brother" and UNABLE to come into cohesive unity. While dangerous in small unified doses, the kind of united kingdom you envision cannot ever be, according to this Scripture.

Sara.

PS As for your saying, "no one leaves present time", could you tell me then what happened to the Apostle John in the book of Revelation when he saw the end of the space-time continuum and the end of all things? (Also, the creation of a new heaven and new earth.) He was.. within our space-time continuum and never left the present? As for saying, "if you create something, and deny you created it, you are slave to that creation." - will you also say that the Apostle John created the revelations he was given and his denial that he was the author of those revelations and words made him a slave to that strange creation he made up in his mind?

While not making myself equivalent to such a great person of God as an apostle.. yet, it may seem a slight bit presumptuous for you to discount all possibility of leaving this present time continuum when the very Scriptures you hold to as inspired and infallible and from God show plainly a man who did so.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

-- July 23, 2007 12:15 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

PS Carole, the book of Revelation does not call itself a vision, but the Apostle was called up out of our continuum into the heavens above it (a higher dimension) to view this Revelation he saw:

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter.

He was called UP HERE to another plane of existence and then viewed those things.. an argument that shows such things may happen.

Sara.

-- July 23, 2007 12:21 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

IRAQI ISLAMIC PARTY HESISTANT TO JOIN NEW ALLIANCE

The Iraqi Islamic Party said in a July 22 statement posted on its web site that it is hesitant to join a new Kurdish-Shi'ite political bloc after being sidelined by the groups in the current government, AP reported. Kurdish and Shi'ite political parties have been in talks to form a so-called alliance of moderates, and are seeking the participation of the Iraqi Accordance Front, the Sunni front that includes the Islamic Party. Together the three forces currently control much of the government. But Sunni politicians have repeatedly accused their partners, particularly the Shi'ite-led United Iraqi Alliance, of monopolizing power. "The position of the Islamic Party not to join new alliances remains in force to this day," said the statement signed by Sunni Arab Vice President and Islamic Party leader Tariq al-Hashimi. It added that the party will reconsider its position if the Kurdish and Shi'ite parties allow for greater inclusion. If the Iraqi Accordance Front joined the new bloc, the bloc would hold about 195 seats in the 275-member parliament.

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/07/6-swa/swa-230707.asp

-- July 23, 2007 12:53 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

UN CITES PROGRESS IN IRAQ COMPACT

UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro says Iraq has been making progress in its commitments under the International Compact With Iraq, the UN said in a July 20 press release accompanying a midyear report. "Nationally, there has been progress toward establishing security forces dedicated to serving the country as a whole. Parliament has made noteworthy progress on the legislative agenda. The law on the independent electoral commission has been established. And, after six months of intensive work, carried out with the assistance of the United Nations, the Constitutional Review Committee has submitted a draft report to parliament and will shortly submit its final report," Migiro said. She also cited Iraq's achievements in improving relations with neighboring states. "We have witnessed this process in the Sharm el-Sheikh meetings and in the formation of three working groups on energy, refugees, and security," she noted. The midyear report has yet to be released publicly. KR

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/07/6-swa/swa-230707.asp

-- July 23, 2007 12:57 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole - Again note, below.. that the Al-Qaeda also suffers from this same inability to be cohesive when they "describe al-Qaeda in Iraq as a sort of franchise, with separate cells around the country that use the brand – made infamous by Osama bin Laden – and cultural ideology but do not work closely with each other or for one overriding leader." In other words, it is a hodgepodge of people working haphazardly toward somewhat the same goal, not as a cohesive unit. Thus, the Iraqis turning them in (see article below) can and WILL put these varied street gangs of thugs out of business.

Sara.

Al-Qaeda faces rebellion from the ranks
Sickened by the group’s barbarity, Iraqi insurgents are giving information to coalition forces
July 23, 2007
Deborah Haynes in Doura

Fed up with being part of a group that cuts off a person’s face with piano wire to teach others a lesson, dozens of low-level members of al-Qaeda in Iraq are daring to become informants for the US military in a hostile Baghdad neighbourhood.

The ground-breaking move in Doura is part of a wider trend that has started in other al-Qaeda hotspots across the country and in which Sunni insurgent groups and tribal sheikhs have stood together with the coalition against the extremist movement.

“They are turning. We are talking to people who we believe have worked for al-Qaeda in Iraq and want to reconcile and have peace,” said Colonel Ricky Gibbs, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, which oversees the area.

The sewage-filled streets of Doura, a Sunni Arab enclave in south Baghdad, provide an ugly setting for what US commanders say is al-Qaeda’s last stronghold in the city. The secretive group, however, appears to be losing its grip as a “surge” of US troops in the neighbourhood – part of the latest effort by President Bush to end the chaos in Iraq – has resulted in scores of fighters being killed, captured or forced to flee.

“Al-Qaeda’s days are numbered and right now he is scrambling,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Michael, who commands a battalion of 700 troops in Doura.

A key factor is that local people and members of al-Qaeda itself have become sickened by the violence and are starting to rebel, Lieutenant-Colonel Michael said. “The people have got to deny them sanctuary and that is exactly what is happening.”

Al-Qaeda informants comprise largely members of the Doura network who found themselves either working with the group after the US-led invasion in March 2003, or signed up to earn extra cash because there were no other jobs going. Disgusted at the attacks and intimidation techniques used on friends, neighbours and even relatives, they are now increasingly looking for a way out, US officers say.

“It is only after al-Qaeda has become truly barbaric and done things like, to teach lessons to people, cut their face off with piano wire in front of their family and then murdered everybody except one child who told the tale afterwards . . . that people realise how much of a mess they are in,” Lieutenant James Danly, 31, who works on military intelligence in Doura, said.

It is impossible to corroborate the claims, but he said that scores of junior al-Qaeda in Iraq members there had become informants since May, including one low-level cell leader who gave vital information after his arrest.

“He gave us dates, places and names and who did what,” Lieutenant Danly said. When asked why he was being so forthcoming, the man said: “Because I am sick of it and I hate them, and I am done.”

Working with insurgents – even those who claim to have switched sides – is a leap of faith for both sides. Every informant who visits Forward Operating Base Falcon, a vast military camp on the southern outskirts of Baghdad, is blindfolded when brought in and out to avoid gleaning any information about his surroundings.

The risk sometimes pays off. A recent tip-off led to the fatal shooting of Abu Kaldoun, one of three senior al-Qaeda leaders in Doura, during a US raid last week. “He was turned in by one of his own,” Colonel Michael said.

Progress with making contacts and gathering actionable information is slow because al-Qaeda has persuasive methods of keeping people quiet. This month it beheaded two men in the street and pinned a note on to their corpses giving warning that anyone who cooperated with US troops would meet the same fate.

The increased presence of US forces in Doura, however, is encouraging insiders to overcome their fear and divulge what they know. Convoys of US soldiers are working the rubble-strewn streets day and night, knocking on doors, speaking to locals and following up leads on possible insurgent hideouts.

“People in al-Qaeda come to us and give us information,” said Lieutenant Scott Flanigan, as he drove past a line of fruit and vegetable stalls near a shabby shopping street in Doura, where people were buying bread and other groceries.

The informants were not seeking an amnesty for crimes that they had committed. “They just do not want to be killed,” Lieutenant Flanigan said.

Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi – who was killed in a US raid last year – established the Iraqi al-Qaeda network in 2004, but opinions differ on its compilation, size and capabilities. Some military experts believe that the group is a cell-based network of chapters who are loosely linked to an overall leader by go-between operatives.

Others, however, describe al-Qaeda in Iraq as a sort of franchise, with separate cells around the country that use the brand – made infamous by Osama bin Laden – and cultural ideology but do not work closely with each other or for one overriding leader.

Despite the uncertainties one thing seems guaranteed. A hardcore of (groups of) people calling themselves al-Qaeda in Iraq remains devoted to the extremist cause and (are) determined to fight.

Comments:

It is an answer to prayer that the insurgents are turning on their own leaders! Bush has stood firm against the political bashing by people that do not understand the cost of freedom for the country. These people have lived with violence so long that it has taken time for them to understand the consequences of violence. It seems that they are finally getting sick of it themselves. I will continue to pray for Iraq, our brave troops and our courageous President.

Ann Reynolds, Oscoda, , Michigan

It is about time the news media began to report the positive aspects of the military's presence in Iraq. When a news correspondent is implanted with the troops, it is very easy to report the "easy" reporting aspects of the war; i.e., the constant road side bombs exploding and the deaths of the military members. However, it takes more effort to report the positive aspects of the war; i.e., Iraqi children being taught lessons in a makeshift schoolhouse, Iraqi oil flowing once again after continuously being blown up by Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the improvement of the Iraqi economy, and the US military progress in the fight against Al-Qaeda in Iraq. After a barrage of negative news stories portraying the US military as the villains of the war, it is encouraging to finally begin reading news stories portraying the US military as the heroes of the war and Al-Qaeda in Iraq as the villains of the war!

Justin R. Weimer, Indianapolis, Indiana

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article2121006.ece

-- July 23, 2007 1:31 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Hydrocarbon law: the crime of the century http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070723/OPINION02/707230310

-- July 23, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Talabani thanks Iran for caring for Iraq problems http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-24/0707230420173843.htm

-- July 23, 2007 3:17 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

sara,

You have me confused with Roger's post. I never posted anything about time space continum. That kooky stuff came from Roger.

Concerning the descendants of Ishmael: you are probably right unless it means that collectively they fight agianst all men/ or their step brothers, the decendants of Issac.

At any rate, i am more hopeful for your opinion/intreprtation to be right:)

-- July 23, 2007 6:12 PM ∞

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ahire wrote:

PS Carole, the book of Revelation does not call itself a vision, but the Apostle was called up out of our continuum into the heavens above it (a higher dimension) to view this Revelation he saw:

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter.

He was called UP HERE to another plane of existence and then viewed those things.. an argument that shows such things may happen.

Sara.

Jn 3:13 "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven."

-- July 23, 2007 11:56 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Ahire:

Jn3:13 NIV No man has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--The Son of Man.

The crux of Jesus' discussion here to Nicodemus follows:

vs.14 "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert,so The Son of Man must be lifted up,(15) that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.(16) For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall no perish but have eternal life.
(17)For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
(18)Whoever beleives in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

I pray you got the point.

Carole

-- July 24, 2007 4:55 AM ∞

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mattuk wrote:

U.S.-Iran talks on Iraq resume in Baghdad amid heightened tensions

2007-07-24 12:39:31 -

BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S.and Iranian ambassadors to Iraq met Tuesday for a second round of groundbreaking of talks on stabilizing Iraq, a session marred by a tense exchange over American allegations that Tehran is fueling the violence.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki opened the meeting with an impassioned appeal for help from the two nations to
stabilize Iraq and warned that militants from al-Qaida and other terror groups in Iraq were now fleeing and finding refuge elsewhere.
«We are hoping that you support stability in Iraq, an Iraq that doesn't interfere in the affairs of others nor want anyone to meddle in its own affairs,» he said, according to excerpts of al-Maliki's remarks released by his office.
«It's Iraq's right to call on everyone to stand beside it to counter the scourge of terror and extremism,» he said. «The world ... must stand together and face this dangerous phenomenon and its evils, which have gone beyond the borders of Iraq after terror and al-Qaida groups received strong blows and are now running away from the fight and moving to other nations.
In Iran, Foreign Ministry spokes Mohammad Ali Hosseini said Iraq's independence and an end to the U.S. troop presence were central to ending violence in Iraq, state media reported.
«American officials would rather find their own solution to a problem of their own creation than agree to Iran's realistic approach,» Hosseini was quoted by web site of state broadcasting company as saying. The reports did not outline Iran's position.
Hosseini also rejected American allegations that that Tehran was arming and training Iraqi militants.
The meeting was closed to the press, but photos released by al-Maliki's office showed the participants sitting at three tables joined in a triangle and covered with white cloths.
Al-Maliki was joined by Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, while the U.S. delegation was headed by Ambassador Ryan Crocker and the Iranians by Ambassador Hasan Kazemi Qomi.
An Iraqi official who was present at the meeting room said Crocker and Qomi were involved in a heated exchange early in the talks.
It began when Crocker confronted the Iranians with charges that Tehran was supporting Shiite militiamen killing U.S. troops, providing them with weapons and training. Qomi dismissed the allegations, saying the Americans had no proof, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to disclose the information.
The detention of four American-Iranians in Iran has deepened tensions between Washington and Tehran, whose relations were already strained over Iran's nuclear program and its support for radical militant groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas and by U.S. military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf.
But U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Iraq was the only issue on the agenda.
«This is an opportunity for direct engagement on issues solely related to Iraq,» McCormack told reporters in Washington on Monday. «We are going to raise the need for Iran to match its actions with its words in seeking strategic stability in Iraq.
McCormack said Iran has not taken any steps to help bring about a stable Iraq, a goal he said Iran professes to share with the United States.
«We'll see, if, as a result of these engagements, they will change their behavior.
The first round of Iran-U.S. talks, on May 28 in Baghdad, broke a 27-year diplomatic freeze following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and U.S. Embassy takeover in Tehran.

Iran had said this second round would happen last month, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other U.S officials delayed because Iran had not scaled back what Washington alleges is a concerted effort to arm militants and harm U.S. troops in Iraq.
Iraq's fragile government has been pressing for another meeting between the two nations with the greatest influence over its future.
McCormack said he expected Iran to bring up the case of five Iranians held in U.S. custody in Iraq and accused of supporting insurgents. Crocker would not raise U.S. concerns about the four Iranian-Americans held for espionage, he said.
Washington has called for their release and says the charges are false.
«No, this meeting is about Iraq,» McCormack said when asked specifically about the case of one of the four, Haleh Esfandiari of the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. «We've taken lots of opportunities via the Swiss to raise the case of Haleh Esfandiari as well as other American citizens in Iran. That is being handled in a separate channel.
Switzerland looks after U.S. interests in Iran.
Iran has called for the release of the five Iranians, whom the United States has said are the operations chief and members of Iran's elite Quds Force, which is accused of arming and training Iraqi militants. Iran says they are diplomats who were legally in Iraq.
But senior Iraqi Foreign Ministry official Labeed Abawi said Monday that Baghdad did not want the detentions to dominate the talks «because this will distract from the primary aim and that's helping Iraq.

source: google news uk

-- July 24, 2007 7:49 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Originally Posted by Lunar
This article is from the 22nd as well...

Economic : the future of economic reform policy in Iraq

22.07.07
Helal added

After that reveal the futility policies broad intervention of the State in economic activity in Iraq, particularly the failure of central planning and totalitarianism in the exploitation and development resources more efficiently and rapidly over four decades

Therefore no different government views and opinions of the political opposition and even some of the Iraqi public opinion on the need to implement the economic reform program and the financial and administrative Nor does it differ in the importance of affirmative action for the provision of the structural conditions of free competition and encourage the private sector to build the institutions of a market economy and the activation of the price mechanism and the need to end the economic and financial burden arising from the increased low efficiency of public-sector enterprises by improving the efficiency of both economic performance and fiscal drastically or repossessed by the private sector. only one of the most prominent points of disagreement or talks is the political assessment of the negative impacts of economic policies, especially financial and monetary ones, which form the spearhead in the program of economic and financial reform these policies can be summed up as follows :

1) reducing the fiscal deficit in the general government budget and be remedied by :
- A reduction in government spending unnecessary.
B-increasing public revenues, especially non-oil them.
2) The abolition of support for some foodstuffs and agricultural production requirements.
3) cancellation of support for energy products (electricity, petroleum products, water).
4) relative reduction in salaries and wages of government employees and workers in state institutions.
5) reduction of the activity of public sector projects and the abolition of the financial support granted and the application for a full privatization.
6) increased with increasing tax exemptions valued at improving tax collection.

The application of the above procedures must be accompanied by :

First : ending bureaucracy and seminars administrative excess in dealing with economic affairs at all levels.

II : Implementation of the petroleum policies aimed at controlling inflation by reducing money supply.

Hmm, now how would petroleum policy reduce money supply? Can everyone say PETRO-DINAR.... Yes we can. I think this is one of the most clear statements by someone over there indicating that the money supply volume has something to do with petroleum policy. Gee, I guess if you tie up a large volume of the money supply to purchase Iraqi oil it will have several effects. 1. Create world demand for your currency. 2. Make it more scarce. 3. Increase the Dinar's value by supply and demand in items 1 and 2. See desired result below (i.e. securing stability in the....)

Third : to refrain from financing the deficit in the state budget by borrowing from the Central Bank of Iraq.

Fourth : securing stability in the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar.

This would be the desired result, especially with an increase in value...

However, the Iraqi reality indicates that those who oppose these reforms have merit and the reasons which they depart Some of these views represent a political position based on the positive and negative consequences of living burden on the application of these policies where (March 1) a third of the Iraqi people under the poverty line and there are (2) million work on forming (30% - 40%) of the labor force in Iraq.

This calls for reduction or mitigation of the early application of these reforms both stages of determining their longer period of time or to take additional actions to implement these effects.

However, it must be recognized that there is a politically negative based on anti-governing authority which is the application of these policies as not possess the confidence of the people and there is also a position of economic and political opinion of a disagreement with the substantive positions of authority beyond the purely political and economic policies in the reform castles application and they are conditional restrictions eventually more difficulties to achieve economic and social development comprehensively.

We therefore propose the following :
1) It is necessary to create a climate of political and economic stability of Iraq in light of the transformation process.
2) Given the continuing central planning in Iraq for almost four decades Therefore, the process of transformation requires a longer period of time.
3) the need for public awareness and popular of the process of transition to a market economy for the capacity to cope with changes.
4) must end the bureaucracy and the elimination of administrative and financial corruption and building institutions capable of production and creativity.
5) into the Iraqi private sector to encourage it to become the leading sector within the Iraqi economy.
6) study all laws and regulations in the State and making them cope with the changes and the shift toward a market economy.
7) as much as possible to reduce dependence on the oil sector by encouraging the agricultural sector and the manufacturing sector.
Iraqi academic researcher and

ÌÑíÏÉ ÇáÕÈÇÍ - ãÓÊÞÈá ÓíÇÓÉ ÇáÅÕáÇÍ ÇáÇÞÊÕÇÏí Ýí ÇáÚÑÇÞ

Ahhh, it seems like now might be a good time to have some Iraqi Dinar, as it appears to me that we are all holding the worlds source of Petro-Dinar's as the CBI is reducing the in country volume of Dinar. But then again you all probably know that already. Cheers everyone

-- July 24, 2007 8:37 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

heres the link four that article http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php%3Fsource%3Dakbar%26mlf%3Dinterpage%26sid%3D46422

-- July 24, 2007 8:48 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi parliament, Tuesday, to approve the draft law of private investment and crude oil refineries

Voice of the Iraqi parliament, Tuesday, to approve the draft law of private investment and crude oil refineries in its meeting chaired by First Deputy Speaker Khalid al-Attiyah. This is part of a group of law bills before the House and the Council seeks to finish the voting before the start of vacation next month. The Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Council demanded last Saturday to cancel his or curtailed even able to finish voting on bills task before it, including the bill of oil and gas in addition to considering cabinet reshuffle to be carried out. The bill, which was voted by the Iraqi parliament Tuesday in a news broadcast via satellite, to encourage the private sector to participate in the country's industrial base through the establishment of the ranks of oil companies by granting Iraqi and non-Iraqi individually or collectively right to establish the ranks of oil in Iraq. have private capital, and companies adhere to appoint 75% of Iraqi manpower in the project. The company also invested, according to the draft law which was Sawit Accordingly, the construction of the pipeline that will be of use, the Iraqi Oil Ministry is part Locational control that there are monitors these devices. The law also requires the company invested to submit periodic reports on its work for the Ministry of Oil. The right of the investing company leasing land for the construction of refineries, since the Ministry of Finance to allocate plots of land belonging to the state and the line time is 40 years, renewable for, with the exception of the rental Iraqi land, and the Ministry of Finance to withdraw the land plots from the company if it violates the laws agreed upon with the ministry, where the company is not entitled to use leased land to non-establishment of the refineries, according to the law. The Ministry of oil, according to the law, to follow the work of companies through a committee composed of several visited T. chaired by the director general of the Ministry of Oil. K p (x) - h m
اصوات العراق - مجلس النواب يصوت بالموافقة على قانون الاستثمار الخاص بمصافي النفط الخام http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/article.tpl?IdLanguage=17&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=51108&NrIssue=1&NrSection=1
__________________

-- July 24, 2007 8:58 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole;

When I saw the US attacked by nukes on the Eastern seaboard, I took a map of North America and placed the explosion points I had seen on it and then tried to figure out what was under each of the points I had seen (this was pre911, old maps to me, now). After posting the post about "Premonition" and the issues it reminded me of, in which I stated that the Lord had told me very specifically that it was not the righteous who would be targeted, but those who now attack those who defend America and oppose God and His law.. I came across this map:

Religious adherence of US http://www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/adherents.gif

The interesting thing to me is.. when I overlay my map on this one.. not one of the explosions occurs in a Red or Dark Red area - those areas with strong religious adherence. They are all yellow or light yellow areas of the map - confirming that those who are targeted are not the religious but those who live in areas which are not strongly religious, as depicted by this statistical information from the US Census Bureau of the United States.

If you were to move from left to right across the map of the US and draw lines from the top of the page to the bottom, dividing the US into three equal sections.. the entire areas hit by the explosions I saw were in the last third, all along the Eastern seaboard. None in the Middle, None in the West - where you live, Carole. While that puzzled me as to why the East is hit so hard and nowhere else, this map shows some explanation for why God would allow attacks in those areas and not in the others.

These eastern points of detonation are also the seats of US power, I believe, militarily and governmentally. The absolutely largest and most voluminous explosions, overarching all the others.. I found by careful study of the map to be placed where Congress and the Whitehouse are located and also where Toronto and Ottawa, Canada now exist - all very large and multiple nuclear explosions. It would be interesting to see if Canada also has such a Census and what the adherence levels to religion are in those two areas. There were also two other areas in each country with multiple and large explosions (total of six), and the explosion points extended into the middle region in Canada.

Sara.

-- July 24, 2007 9:48 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil Law Stalls in Iraq as Bomb Aims at Sheiks
7/22/2007

By ALISSA J. RUBIN
BAGHDAD, July 22 — Efforts to achieve national reconciliation in Iraq received a double blow on Sunday.

Lawmakers acknowledged that there were still many differences on a proposed law to manage oil revenue, the country’s most lucrative resource, making it unlikely they would approve a law before September, when the Bush administration must report to Congress on Iraq’s progress toward meeting certain legislative benchmarks. The report is expected to have an impact on whether Congress continues to support the Iraq war.

In addition, a suicide truck bombing north of Baghdad was apparently aimed at a meeting of Sunni tribal sheiks who recently agreed to oppose extremists allied with Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, a Sunni Arab group with some foreign influence. Five people were killed in the attack and 12 wounded, Interior Ministry officials said. It was unclear whether any sheiks were victims.

The group of tribal sheiks, called the Awakening Council, is similar to a group of tribal sheiks known by the same name in Anbar Province that had turned against extremist Sunni Arabs on whose side they had fought in the past. Such attacks have become more frequent; one at the Mansour Hotel in Baghdad on June 25 killed four tribal sheiks from Anbar who were involved in a similar effort.

In Parliament, several lawmakers outlined aspects of the oil law on which lawmakers have yet to reach consensus. The law is one of a package of measures aimed at bringing together Iraqis from different sects and ethnicities by sharing political power and income. The lawmakers indicated that it would be difficult to complete work before Parliament left for its monthlong summer break at the beginning of August.

The oil law, which would set up a system for managing and developing Iraq’s oil resources and would have a companion revenue-sharing law that would apportion oil income among the various groups, had been considered the most likely to be passed before the September report to Congress. But by the time the Iraqis return to Parliament in September, it is highly unlikely that they could meet the midmonth deadline in the United States.

“The fact is that the political blocs haven’t reached an agreement,” said Ayad al-Samarrai, one of the leaders of Tawafiq, the largest of the Sunni Arab blocs in Parliament. “What the government is doing can be described as dodging — the governmental bodies have not agreed among themselves,” he said, referring to differences within the Iraqi leadership, which includes Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds, about aspects of the law.

However, there is a growing sense among a number of Iraqi leaders that all of the measures that constitute reconciliation should be handled as a package so that tradeoffs can be made among the political groups. “The Kurds want to approve a certain group of laws, like a national revenue-sharing law” and other provisions, said Haider al-Abadi, a Shiite member of Parliament.

The Sunni Arabs are also interested in addressing the laws as a package, Mr. Samarrai said. “Today we made a suggestion to invite the political blocs to discuss this with the presidency,” he said. They would discuss several laws as a political package and make a deal on all of them once. They include the oil and revenue sharing measure, a new “de-Baathification” law widening access to government jobs to members of Saddam Hussein’s former ruling party, which was dominated by Sunni Arabs, and a law scheduling provincial elections to choose representative governments so that Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds would be equitably represented.

In recent weeks Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker has sought to play down the importance of completing benchmark legislation by September and has asked Congress instead to keep its eye on overall trends by Iraqi political leaders in their efforts to reach agreements.

“As I look at the legislative benchmarks, hydrocarbons and reconciliation, they are important, but my goodness they are very complicated,” he said in an interview two weeks ago. “And, frankly I’m just not sure that it’s reasonable to expect they are going to bang these things out in a relatively short time frame. We’ve had a few difficulties of our own with things like health care, Social Security, immigration reform.”

“These are arguably of the complexity of those and may exceed them in the case of de-Baathification,” he said.

The Iraqi foreign minister, Hoshyar Zebari, said Sunday that an anticipated new round of talks between the United States and Iran focusing on the security situation would be held Tuesday in Baghdad, news agencies reported.

Violent attacks on Iraqis working for the United States government and its contractors have prompted the American Embassy in Baghdad to make a strong effort to find a way to help those people immigrate to the United States.

As first reported in The Washington Post, Mr. Crocker has pressed the State Department to work on a legislative solution to the problem as well as to expand some regulations to make it easier for people to immigrate.

“The overriding effort is to be sure there’s a way to accommodate anybody who wants to immigrate,” said a Western diplomat in Baghdad, speaking on the customary diplomatic condition of anonymity.

Various programs technically allow Iraqis to enter the United States. It is possible to obtain refugee status, but that can take several years. A special immigrant visa program is available to people who work for the United States; broadening that measure is under consideration.

Many Iraqis who currently work for the U.S. government in Iraq are expected to want to move to the United States with their families because they have a credible fear of persecution, especially if the United States were to reduce its presence in Iraq.

In Baghdad, 16 bodies were found Sunday, Interior Ministry officials said. In Babil Province, southwest of Baghdad, the police said they found five bodies in the northern area of the province, where there has been fighting between Sunni Arab extremists and Shiite militias.

In Kut, a mostly Shiite city southeast of Baghdad, a translator who worked for the American military was shot to death, and a local policeman was killed in a separate attack.

Wisam A. Habeeb and Sahar Najeeb contributed reporting.

Oil Law Stalls in Iraq as Bomb Aims at Sheiks - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 24, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

82nd Airborne Springs Insurgent Trap
David Axe | July 24, 2007
A battalion of paratroopers riding in helicopters swooped down to attack insurgents fleeing heavy fighting in Baghdad and Baqubah on July 12, killing around 30, capturing 23 and freeing three kidnapped Iraqis who had been sentenced to die by an illegitimate terrorist court. No U.S. troops were killed in the battle.

Operation Ithaca targeted the Diyala river valley 15 miles northeast of Baqubah, a former insurgent stronghold. Scouts, aerial drones and intelligence had identified the area as a likely escape route for enemy forces fleeing U.S. and Iraqi "surge" operations.

Planning for the operation began when U.S. troops conducting a raid discovered large numbers of civilian refugees. "We found through tactical questioning that people had been forced out of their village," says Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Poppas, commander of the 5th battalion of the 73rd Cavalry Regiment, a new element of the enlarged 82nd Airborne Division.

Insurgent forces - reportedly influenced by the Islamic State in Iraq group - had cleared out three villages for use as a "safe haven." They built strong points and installed a faux Islamic court that executed kidnapped Iraqis and even recorded the murders on videotape. Poppas says the displaced villagers gave his forces detailed hand-drawn maps showing the insurgent positions.

Operation Ithaca, which included air attacks by Apache gunship helicopters and Air Force fighters, marks the continued evolution of U.S. parachute formations. Despite continuing to train for massed parachute jumps deep behind enemy lines, these days the 82nd Airborne usually moves into combat in helicopters or trucks. Analyst Barry Watts from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment calls the parachute mission "a leftover consequence of the glories of the 82nd and 101st [airborne divisions] in 1944," the year paratroopers dropped en masse into Nazi-occupied France.

But paratroopers' flexibility gives them a leg up over their opponents. To keep insurgents off guard during previous operations, 5-73 has even walked cross-country into combat instead of relying on trucks that have to stick to main roads, "which surprised everyone," Poppas says. For Op Ithaca, the battalion assaulted multiple landing zones. "Anti-Iraqi forces were caught completely by surprise both in timing and the placing of our elements."

Now that the area is cleansed of insurgents, Poppas says he is planning on sending in civil affairs teams to begin the process of rebuilding the re-captured villages. "We try to do as much post-kinetic stuff as possible."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 24, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

AWESOME find, Cornish-boy.. appreciate it! :)

It says, "The right of the investing company leasing land for the construction of refineries,... is 40 years..." so it looks like the assurances are given that the oil sector will be developed. You just don't do that kind of work without assurances you will be able to complete it (refineries, etc).

Sara.

-- July 24, 2007 10:07 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob;

Note that your article saying that there is no oil law possible til September at the earliest... is dated two days before this one by cornish boy. His post is of an article which bears today's date, so far as I can tell from the page it refers to.

Cautiously optimistic... :)

Sara.

-- July 24, 2007 10:16 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

45 States cancel $140 billion of Iraq's debts

Iraqi Finance Minister, Baqir Jabr Al-Zubaidi, said that 45 States abolished their claims on Iraq, at rates ranging between 100 and 80%, with the total amounting to $140,000,000,000.

Al-Zubaidi praised Saudi Arabia, which promised to write off 80% of its claims on Iraq, as well as China which declared its commitment to the rules of "Paris Club" and wrote off 80% of its claims as well. The Iraqi minister said in a joint press conference held with the Ministers of Planning and Trade, Ali Baban and Abdul Falah Al-Sudani, as well as the Central Bank Governor Sinan Al-Shabibi, that the government has acted on the commercial debt of the companies, and cut them by 96%. Baban announced more than $11 billion of new government investment, the largest in Iraq so far, which should provide more jobs and enhance the economy. Al-Shabibi said that the current year witnessed relatively stable inflation of between 40 and 45%, pointing to the bank's success in increasing hard currency reserves to $21 billion.

Source: Iraq Directory

-- July 24, 2007 5:53 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

ALL,

I think anyone thinking about an account in Iraq with Waka Bank, move FAST, have a read on this.
http;//www.isxinvestments.com/

Me I am sending as much as I can get hold off.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 24, 2007 9:55 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Well that duz not load.

-- July 24, 2007 9:58 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All
OK igive in, if you would like a read to blow your head offsend an email to me and I will forward it on to you.

www.swpsteve@aol.com

-- July 24, 2007 10:06 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Here is another form of the same announcement.. not in Arabic.. but ENGLISH.. with url...

===

Parliament approves oil refineries investment law
Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Tuesday , 24 /07 /2007 Time 11:12:25

Baghdad, July 24, (VOI)- The Iraqi parliament approved on Tuesday the draft oil refineries investment law during the session chaired by the first Deputy Speaker Khaled al-Attiyah.

The law came within a string of draft laws presented to the parliament, which try to finish voting them before the summer recess.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called on the parliament last Saturday to cancel the recess or decrease it to vote the pending draft laws, including the draft oil and gas law, in addition to the possible ministerial reshuffle.

The Iraqi House of Representatives will go on a month-long-vacation as early as August.

The law, voted by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, aims at encouraging the private sector to take part in the industrial sector through granting Iraqi and foreign companies the right to establish oil refineries in Iraq with its own capital.

The companies, according to the law, have to appoint 75% of the workforce from the Iraqi people in the project.

The companies also will lay pipelines, while the Iraqi oil ministry will set up checkpoints to monitor and protect these pipelines.

According to the approved law, the companies have to make and submit reports on its work to the ministry.

They have also the right to lease lands to set up refineries.

Iraq sits on the world's third-largest oil reserves and officials have sought, since last year, to finalize the draft law.

The law is vital for attracting foreign investment to Iraq, to boost its oil output and rebuild its economy.

The oil ministry will monitor the companies' works through a committee, composed of representatives from a number of ministries, chaired by a senior official from the oil ministry.

http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=51122&NrIssue=2&NrSection=2

-- July 24, 2007 10:53 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

More of this oil law will be signed before August. It's a great start. I can vision trucks rolling toward Iraq now loaded with oil piping and equipment.

-- July 24, 2007 11:34 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hey guys,

Heard an intersting rumor from someone who knows someone in Iraq.....

Supposedly, behind closed doors all of the oil law has passed.....but they are only letting tidbits of information out because of the political firestorm they are expecting. The announcement supposedly will be made while the Parliament is in recess ( tucked away safe from the harm they are expecting to hit once the adversaries of the passing of this law in full is announced).

Sound credible???

Roger, where are u when we need you most????

And Panhandler never got back to us with his inside scoop...and this could be what he was referring to. Because according to my sources this has been the plan for quite awhile.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 12:23 AM ∞

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David wrote:

Okay, here's my take on Steven....

Steven's running a scam or at least has some interest in it. He didn't show up until a few weeks ago, and all of his posts have been about encouraging others to follow his lead into sending money to Al Warka for the ISX. No real solid information, except whom to email, ways to send money, etc. Red flags popped up for me a while ago, because his message seemed disconnected to the thread of the board and was always so on point about sending everything he can to Al Warka.

The clincher for me tonight is his above post:

quote -
I think anyone thinking about an account in Iraq with Waka Bank, move FAST, have a read on this.
http;//www.isxinvestments.com/

Me I am sending as much as I can get hold off.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.
-unquote

The link works if you change the semi-colon to a colon. It takes you to a website that appears to be soliciting personal information so as to provide a US-based intermediary online ISX account. *RED FLAGS RED FLAGS RED FLAGS*

What makes me dubious? 1) His exhortation to MOVE FAST, 2) his personal testimonial that he is sending as much as he can get hold off (sic), and 3) the lack of solid investment advice leads me to believe that Steve has something up his sleeve. I don't know what, since I can't see Steve, I don't know if Steve actually is a real person, and I don't know what "Steve's" connections are to your money as you 'send all you can get hold off' too.

So you say, "But his earlier message was to send directly to Al Warka. That keeps him out of it." True. This is called "priming the pump." Give good information, then when the timing is right, play on people's insecurities about sending money overseas, and solve their issues by setting up an intermediary "US based online ISX account." It's here in the US, so of course we can trust it. August 2nd looms large. The timing is right, because of the sense of urgency.

I wouldn't trust "Steven" as far as I can throw him, which isn't anywhere because "Steve" isn't real. Are you, "Steve"?

One last bit of evidence, and then I'll rest my case, and "Steve" can defend himself if he wishes. Everyone on this board contributes for a reason, and part of that is always about what they're going to get out of it. And those motivations aren't hidden. Sara contributes because she's driven - it's a mission for her. Helping others is its own reward, and she gets the added bonus of working through her own thoughts this way. Carole gets to vent, share what she knows, and pick on people. Attention is what she gets out of it, along with some fun exchanges, and she picks up a bit of wisdom along the way, when she recognizes it. Rob gets a sense of satisfaction from keeping the rest of us informed, which helps him feel good about spending all the time he does perusing news about the Middle East. Any of the rest of us like the interaction and the information we get here, and when we post, we give a bit of ourselves, and share what we know as we respond to what's given to us. It's a personal connection for almost all of us, and you can sense that right away. The "one-off" drive-by posters who drop stupid little condescending insults about us being dimwitted about investing in the Dinar stick around for a post or two to see what happens. They're like graffiti artists. But "Steve" is different than all others. Read his posts again. What's in it for him? What of himself has he shared? Nothing, except an irrational desire to send money to Al Warka, and now to send all he can "get hold off" to this new site. What information has he sought? Nothing. Always on message, no interaction, except to respond to inquiries about HIS message, and that's it. It's all about sending money. If you stick around here long enough you can figure out the motivations of pretty much everyone on the board. "Steve's" motivation? My guess is that he and the people with whom he works are counting on US to "ACT FAST." Yes, SOMEONE is going to get rich on this ISX thing.

Do what you want with your money, but I recommend some serious skepticism when it comes to doing ANYTHING "Steve" enthusiastically endorses.

OK. "Steve," if you're real, give us some reasons to believe you, and be honest about what's in it for you?

David

-- July 25, 2007 1:49 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Dave,

What a coincidence. As soon as I read the posts from Steven, I called my RE friend ( who has 300K US dollars in dinars) and shared Steve's message. He warned me not to send a red cent to Iraq's financial institutions, as there will be utter chaos for a while once this thing rv's.

He said the Warka bank can and probably will change hands 50 times.

I was just about to post this advice from him when I read your post.

On a side note.... sounds like you have analyzed most everyone here. You are entitled to your opinion. And what you have said about any of us could be true of all of us,so you put yourself in a win win situation.

Question, who exactly is "Dave". While I agree with your insights on Dave, you appear to be a "drive-by" poster yourself.

How about sticking around more. I like you style and tenacity.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 3:12 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

oops! correction "insights on Steve..."

-- July 25, 2007 3:13 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Great rumor, Carole.
Thanks, David for your insights, too.

I agree on not sending money to Warka.. I have never been in favor of it and have spoken out against it so often on this board - but I didn't get up the regular posts to post (AGAIN) this time.. being weary of the umpteeth incarnation of the same scenerio. Glad Carole agrees it not worth the time to send the money, too. :)

===

As for my recent thoughts about how this will all play out.. why don't we consider the scenerio I have outlined in light of the recent news??

President Bush is said to be at an all time low in the opinion polls.. hugely unpopular because the people don't wish to be at war and wish to end the involvement of America in Iraq:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Most Americans see President George W. Bush as too inflexible on the war in Iraq and prefer that the Democratic-run Congress have the final word on when to withdraw U.S. forces, a Washington Post/ABC News poll showed on Monday. Nearly 80 percent of those polled said Bush is not willing enough to change policies over the unpopular war that has taken a huge toll on his approval ratings, the Post reported.

Bush's approval rating of 33 percent matched his all-time low, with 65 percent disapproving, Congress did not rate much better with a 37 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval rating. More than six in 10 Americans -- 62 percent -- said Congress should have the final say on when to pull out U.S. forces, compared with 31 percent who said the decision should rest with Bush, the poll showed.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/07/24/poll_americans_trust_congress_over_bush_on_iraq/

The American people want peace and are sick and tired of war. They do not appreciate that there was no possible peace scenerio which President Bush faced on 9/11. They think they know better and there was one.. pride has taken them to their lofty heights of their "wisdom" and "greater knowledge" than the President. Obviously they didn't pray for their leaders to have wisdom in what they would do at the time, or if they did, they have no faith the right choice was overseen by God as they asked. The real problem at that time was that there was no peace scenerio possible.. the US was facing a holocaust and had President Bush continued on negotiating with Saddam Hussein as all the other Presidents had to that point in time - today Saddam would have facilitated over SIX million Americans losing their lives.. with Osama Bin Laden happily having his call for millions of American children's deaths fulfilled to the letter, if not beyond.

And the way forward is no better. If the American people think pulling out will win the day, the threat of terrorism on US soil increases exponentially with a pull back/out which gives the enemy time and resources (the oil from Iraq) to attack the US, as President Bush warned again today:

Bush Accuses Congressional Critics of Misleading Public About Al Qaeda in Iraq
FOX NEWS Tuesday, July 24, 2007

CHARLESTON, S.C. — President Bush on Tuesday lashed out at critics who say that Al Qaeda's operation in Iraq is distinct from terrorists who attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

"The merger between Al Qaeda and its Iraqi affiliate is an alliance of killers and that is why the finest military in the world is on their trail," Bush said.

Citing security details he declassified for his speech, Bush described Al Qaeda's burgeoning operation in Iraq as a direct threat to the United States. Bush accused critics in Congress of misleading the American public by suggesting otherwise.

"That's like watching a man walk into a bank with a mask and a gun and saying, 'He's probably just there to cash a check,'" Bush told troops at Charleston Air Force Base.

Bush is up against highly skeptical audiences with 18 months left in office. The public has largely lost faith in the war, Congress is weighing ways to end it, and international partners have fading memories of the 2001 attacks against the U.S.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290608,00.html

"Al Qaeda in Iraq is a group founded by foreign terrorists, led largely by foreign terrorists and loyal to a foreign terrorist leader: Osama bin Laden," Bush told a audience made up mostly of military personnel and their families.

"They know they're al Qaeda, the Iraqi people know they're al Qaeda, people across the Muslim world know they're al Qaeda," he insisted.

Bush declared that "the merger between al Qaeda and its Iraqi affiliate is an alliance of killers," and reiterated his longstanding argument that an early pullout would allow them to use Iraq as a safe haven for exporting violence.

"Fighting could engulf the entire region in chaos and we would soon face a Middle East dominated by Islamic extremists who would pursue nuclear weapons and use their control of oil for economic blackmail or to fund new attacks on our nation," he said.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/25/worldupdates/2007-07-25T015934Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-286351-2&sec=Worldupdates

Instead of taking the threats President Bush has presented to the public seriously, the American people have sat in front of their TV sets, deploring the violence, siding with the peaceniks and then deciding the war isn't worth it. Quote from above: "The public has largely lost faith in the war, Congress is weighing ways to end it, and international partners have fading memories of the 2001 attacks against the U.S."

In light of this, the GOP party, which really does wish to remain in power, is seeking to get the votes needed to remain in power.. and are softening their stance toward the war. President Bush and the GOP could cave in and go with genocide on the Iraqi people and the American Hiroshima which follows it, but President Bush knows better and that it is the wrong direction to take for the nation, and appears willing enough to forego being popular and following popular sentiment that he will do what is right in the face of an incredible amount of adversity, skepticism and attacks upon him and his correct policy decisions. I don't doubt he has a great reward in heaven, (which is a little consolation in the here and now) as he is being wrongfully persecuted for taking the right path for the nation (and world). I believe he will continue to work to keep the GOP on sound ground and keep the nation from catastrophe under his watch.

He could cave in and let them have their genocide of the Iraqi people and the American Hiroshima which follows it on his watch, but he knows better and won't do that. He will resist, even if it is unpopular, because he knows he is right, so help him God. And they won't be able to impeach him, even if they try. And if they try, they will answer for the attempt to God. It is a serious offense to speak against the ruler of the country when he has done nothing wrong.. (all he did was try and protect American lives from attack) and to seek his impeachment will likely outrage the Almighty's sense of Justice, which is intact, dispite the war and its casualties. (Act 23:5 ... it is written, "You shallt not speak evil of the ruler of your people.") Not that the command of God means much to them until Judgement Day - they seem to freely ignore His will with no twinges of guilt, but there it is. I have never seen such disrespect toward the duly elected leader of the United States (the President).. but then, they think they know better and that the leader's heart is in his own hands and that he does only what he pleases to do (Prov 21:1). How different the view must be from the actual seat of power, no doubt.

Where do the terrorists fit in all this? Think they will attack now that the intelligence assessment says they are very capable of doing so? No.. of course not. Why would they? To do so would just help the GOP and they are not the party that the terrorists want in power. They want someone who is a dove and a weakling, not likely to fight back when they unleash their American Hiroshima. No Democrat would bomb Mecca or Medina as they fear this activist hawk President could do in retaliation. The Democrats have shown their views, they would go for diplomacy in such a case, as they say they would have negotiated forever with Saddam and done nothing as President Bush has done, if their champion Al Gore were in office. For the terrorists to upset that apple cart at this point in time (by actually attacking America) would go against their political goals for America, and if they are into intimidating Spain into electing the kind of government they wanted, the US will be manipulated, too.. just not by force but by not showing their hand by attacking the US - which will assure them of the victory of those they wish in power. It is all going so well in their favor, why would they break that winning streak now? They will not attack before the circumstances are ready in the way they wish them to be.. in their favor, not ours - and attacking the US under President Bush leads to a lot of very nasty possibilities that would not even come up under a weakling dove Democrat (especially a woman, whom they would mock as being of the weaker sex and truly believe to be incompetent of waging a war or seeing through the subtilities of playing the game of "chess" which war is.)

So the scenerio is set as I outlined.. no attack on President Bush's watch, and the next President elected on a platform of "peace and pullout/pullback".

The only step not documentable or easily seen in the news is the belief that there will be an American Hiroshima which follows a pullback from Iraq. Genocidal murder of a horrendous scale has been admitted to by the press and said to not be the concern of the US, as reflected in Obama's comments:

Obama: Troops Can't Solve 'Genocide' in Iraq
Friday, July 20, 2007

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot use its military to solve humanitarian problems and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there.

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/7/20/73904.shtml?s=rss

So the US is on the path to pullout/pullback and letting the Iraqis have a genocide.. no, not under President Bush, but the next President the people elect. Will that give the terrorists boldness, winning in Iraq like that? Will they think they can attack America itself? Will they focus on America as their next target within the next President's term? I think they will, and the President thinks they could, too.

When the media/press and/or American people discount President Bush when he states, "Fighting could engulf the entire region in chaos and we would soon face a Middle East dominated by Islamic extremists who would pursue nuclear weapons and use their control of oil for economic blackmail or to fund new attacks on our nation," I believe that their discounting his words is very foolish. What proof do they have that the Islamic extremists WOULDN'T fund new attacks on the US? What crystal ball are they looking into? WHY trust them? As the Lord said to me concerning these prognosticators, Isa 19:12 "Where are they? where are your wise men? and let them tell you now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed..." (upon America).

If they can look into the future and KNOW what surely will be, let them tell. But they do not know.. they guess. Sure, some are "educated" guesses, but the wisest of wise men when guessing against what God has revealed, guesses wrong. For me, it is a no brainer because I believe I have heard from the Lord. But I expect skepticism as those who are skeptical of the President's assessment (which is based on superior knowledge.. classified knowledge, which should NOT be downplayed). CAN these skeptics guarantee their words are infallibly true about the future? That they have the BEST knowledge to base their future prognostications upon? (Hint: they don't see the classified reports, and dismiss them as not likely to influence their view.. but I think that they really are worth considering - wouldn't you consider them important if you were able to be in the President's shoes and view them?) I believe the President truly has had the American people's best interests in his heart all along (in spite of the terrible skepticism and attacks upon his character as less than noble.) And I do believe that the casualties the US has experienced so far in this war could pale greatly in comparison to what will be before it has an end.

For those in the line of fire, if your heart is stirred with any concern about these matters I have broached, maybe you should pray and see if you should get yourself and your family out of the line of fire in case of such an attack. It could be a prudent move. Perhaps the Dinar will allow you the money to be able to make such a move. If you are in the line of fire and among those who mock and are not in the least bit concerned, then you are free to continue on until the day comes upon you and yours, like a thief in the night. Such is the ability of free men and women.. to choose life or death:

Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your children may live:

Sara.

-- July 25, 2007 4:22 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(974)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 974 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/7/25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1248 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1246 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 72.820.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 72.820.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- July 25, 2007 6:49 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Great post and insights. I very much feel your sense of urgency and warranted fears for the US and the world. And I believe very well warranted.

May God move the righteous to prayer, and may He extend His mercies and powers of protection, on behalf of His children, in this country and around the world.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 8:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Revises Iraq Timetable
Associated Press | July 25, 2007
WASHINGTON - A revised U.S. military plan for Iraq envisions local authorities enforcing security by 2009 but leaves open the questions of how many U.S. troops will still be needed and how quickly Americans can begin to leave in large numbers.

The plan appears to reflect an assertion by U.S. commanders that this year's troop buildup will be needed until next summer, one defense official said.

He spoke only on condition of anonymity about a timetable that is politically sensitive - many in Congress are pushing for a decrease in U.S. involvement in a matter of months.

The Pentagon said no final decisions on changes have been made.

The revised plan foresees establishing security at the local level in Baghdad and elsewhere by the summer of 2008, although it probably would take another year to get Iraqi forces ready to enforce any newfound stability, U.S. officials said.

A number of U.S. generals commanding troops in separate regions in Iraq have said in recent days that they expect enough improvement in their areas to begin cutting American troops before that - one said August, another said January. But the U.S. may want to shift those thousands of troops to other areas of Iraq that are in worse condition.

The new plan, known as the Joint Campaign Plan, was developed by Gen. David Petraeus and his political counterpart in Baghdad, Ambassador Ryan Crocker. They are to testify before Congress in September on how the current strategy is working and whether it needs to be revised.

The strategy was announced in broad terms by President Bush in January, and he ordered five extra Army brigades to Baghdad to help implement it. The more detailed campaign plan was developed in the months following - not to alter the strategy but to give it depth, with specific avenues of approach.

Col. Steve Boylan, chief spokesman for Petraeus, said the plan is still in the final editing stages and has not yet been put fully into effect. He said that while it sets an initial goal of achieving localized security by summer 2008, it does not make assumptions about specific levels of U.S. troops between now and then - including how long the five extra brigades will stay.

Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said those decisions will be based on how well things unfold in Iraq.

"It's not possible today to predict what the conditions may be in three months, six months or even a year down the road, but that doesn't and should not preclude military planning taking place," Whitman told Pentagon reporters.

The summer 2008 goal, Boylan said in a telephone interview, should be seen as "a place holder, a mark on the wall," not an immovable commitment.

The plan envisions using locally based security initiatives, such as those that in western Anbar province have proven successful in reducing insurgent violence this year, as a starting point. Such efforts are now under way elsewhere in Iraq, including some parts of Baghdad.

That approach, it is hoped, will encourage movement at the national level to achieve political reconciliation, which is the ultimate objective.

However, there are early signs that the Shiite-dominated government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is unwilling to move in that direction. His office has expressed anger at recent U.S. efforts to empower local Sunni groups in an alliance against the al-Qaida in Iraq insurgent group - apparently out of suspicion that these Sunni groups will become extralegal militias allied against his government.

The Petraeus-Crocker plan is based on more than military strategy. It factors in a combination of political, economic, security and diplomatic efforts - along the lines Bush has described in recent months - plus actions to be taken by the Iraqi government. Those include movement on long-stalled legislation on oil-sharing, plus measures to bring more Sunnis who were members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party into the government.

Petraeus began developing the plan shortly after he arrived in Baghdad in February to replace Gen. George Casey.

Stephen Biddle, who was a member of a group that advised Petraeus last spring, said in a recent interview that he saw little chance of success if the U.S. military continued to try to establish security, unconditionally, by itself.

A better approach, Biddle said, is to use U.S. military power more selectively in a "carrot-and-stick" approach that rewards insurgent groups that choose to accept offers of a cease-fire. Those who refuse to cooperate would be dealt with militarily.

Even that more nuanced approach, in Biddle's estimation, stands only about a one-in-10 chance of succeeding.

Many Democrats in Congress have argued that the only way to force al-Maliki's government into movement on the political front is to set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. Some argue this should begin as early as this year, or at least by next spring.

When asked about the campaign plan Tuesday, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said, "There are a lot of different stories coming out of Iraq from various generals saying various things. Let me just say, as far as the Senate is concerned, September is the date we're looking to" for the assessment from Crocker and Petraeus.

Democrats said the notion of maintaining heightened troop levels past spring 2008 is unrealistic because the Army is stretched too thin already. Still, Democrats envision troops in the region for months, if not years.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Robert Gates continued engaging Congress on the subject. He had breakfast with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several other lawmakers at her invitation, officials said.

Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to the Middle East at the end of the month to talk with their counterparts there about ways that Iraq's neighbors may be able to help calm Iraq.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 25, 2007 10:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Democrats Want All or Nothing on Iraq
Associated Press | July 25, 2007
WASHINGTON - Democratic leaders are taking an all-or-nothing approach on Iraq, a tack that leaves its members empty-handed for now but keeps the party in lockstep with demands by anti-war groups.

At the end of the month, lawmakers were expected to break for their August recess without passing veto-proof legislation that would significantly challenge President Bush's Iraq policies. Such a feat would have required Democrats to soften their stance or compromise with Republicans - something anti-war groups don't want them to do and a move party leaders have shown no interest in.

"Our goal is the total political collapse of support for Bush's war," said Tom Matzzie, the Washington director for the anti-war group MoveOn.org, which rose to prominence in last year's elections. "And this August gives us an even better opportunity to achieve that."

Earlier this month, the House voted 223-201 to order troops out of Iraq beginning in 120 days. But the bill stalled in the Senate, where Democrats hold a thinner majority and Republicans blocked the measure from advancing.

Instead of embracing bipartisan alternatives, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid dropped the Iraq debate altogether. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned her attention to other war-related Democratic bills.

The House is expected to pass a bill Wednesday by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., that would ban permanent bases in Iraq. By week's end, the House Armed Services Committee planned to draft legislation for a vote next week that would insist troops be given sufficient time at home in between combat tours.

Left on the cutting room floor are several bipartisan proposals that could challenge Bush on Iraq and which have attracted GOP support.

Among them is a House proposal that would require Bush to deliver within 60 days a new military strategy that would end major combat and refocuses troops on fighting terrorists.

Pennsylvania Republican Phil English swung behind the proposal on Tuesday, joining a mix of conservative and liberal Democratic co-sponsors: Reps. John Tanner of Tennessee, Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, Ellen Tauscher of California, Bill Delahunt of Massachusetts, Kendrick Meek of Florida, Jim Costa of California and Allyson Schwartz of Pennsylvania.

Sens. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and John Warner, R-Va., support a similar proposal.

Despite the momentum such legislation might have among GOP members, Democratic leaders haven't shown any interest in making sure it gets a vote. Anti war-groups say the plan is much too mild because it wouldn't require Bush to implement the new strategy.

"They let Bush do whatever he wants," Matzzie said. "That isn't acceptable."

Not allowing a vote on the compromise proposals also denies many Republicans the political cover they desperately want. Several GOP members want to show their constituents that they are concerned about the lack of progress in Iraq without forcing Bush's hand on the war.

Party leaders and anti-war groups hope that GOP members will return in September willing to back troop withdrawals if nothing else is offered in the meantime.

"The American public is paying attention," said Moira Mack, a spokeswoman for Americans Against Escalation in Iraq. "The majority of Americans want to see the troops out by April ... and they really aren't going to settle for weak legislation."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 25, 2007 10:10 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I found this article from www.iraqupdates.com quite interesting from a religious perspective. The article speaks of President Bush and Prime Minister Al-Malaki discussing their faith in God. I wonder if the President has discussed the person of Jesus Christ with the Iraqi Prime Minister?
____________________________________________________________

Bush's frequent talks with Iraqi PM touch on religion: report

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

25 July 2007 (AFP)
Print article Send to friend
US President George W. Bush confers via video link at least every two weeks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and sometimes the talks focus on their mutual faith in God, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

"They talk about the challenges they face being leaders," an unnamed US official who has attended the meetings told the Times.

"They, of course, also share a faith in God."

The official would not elaborate on the extent of the two leaders' religious discussions, but told the paper: "It is an issue that comes up between two men who are believers in difficult times, who are being challenged."

In talks often lasting more than an hour, the two have discussed leadership and democracy, the deployment of troops and their own domestic difficulties, the paper wrote.

Bush has spoken with Maliki more often than almost any foreign leader apart from British and German leaders, White House officials told the newspaper.

Bush is under mounting pressure at home over the unpopular war amid calls for a withdrawal of US troops. While Bush has asked for patience, lawmakers in his own Republican party have accused Maliki's government of failing to deliver on promises to forge political reconciliation and crack down on militias.

During the video conferences, the US president has sought to persuade Maliki to reach out to all Iraqis and not merely his fellow Shiites to reassure concerns among Sunnis in and outside Iraq, officials told the newspaper.

"There was a lot of that discussion about the importance for Maliki to show not only to the communities in Iraq but to all of his neighbors that while it was a Shiite-led government, it was a government for all Iraqis," a senior administration official was quoted as saying.

Bush told Maliki that,"You need to do this to be a leader for all of Iraq,' but secondly, As you do this, it will also send a message to the region which will help you with your Sunni neighbors but, quite frankly, it will help me here at home.'"

Bush's video conferences with Maliki are also attended by Vice President Dick Cheney and national security adviser Stephen Hadley.

White House aides say Bush's talks with Maliki succeeded in getting the Iraqi parliament to reduce a planned two-month break this summer to a one-month vacation, the paper said.

Officials also say Maliki has fulfilled promises to commit three new Iraqi brigades to Baghdad and to give more flexibility to Iraqi and US forces pursuing Shiite militias.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 25, 2007 10:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Thanks for the rumor. Unfortunatley, it cannot be confirmed; we just do not know whether the HCL has been passed or not. With various political bloc withdrawing from the government on a weekly basis, is further evidence that the information we are given is not reliable.

It seems odd to me a law specifically addressing the construction of oil refineries to attract international investment passing but not the HCL. Does anyone else have an opinion?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 25, 2007 10:22 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

Carole -

I'm no drive-by poster. Mostly a silent reader of the forum. If you look back, I've been around a lot longer than you have on this board-at least 2 years. Occasionally I have time to be a part of the community, but usually I don't because of the time it takes to really be involved. I prefer to give that time to my wife and my children, especially since my kids won't be in my house much longer. Besides, the rest of you do a fine job of churning up and analyzing Iraq and dinar news.

I post when what I have to say is a unique contribution and is being overlooked by others. Nobody seemed to be skeptical of "Steve" so I posted my thoughts. We're still waiting for "Steve" to defend himself.

As for analyzing everyone here, well, that's not hard to do. You do it yourself, although I think you tend to be heavy-handed and harsh in your comments and paint people and issues in black and white, a trait I find distasteful in much of evangelical Christianity.

Still like my style?

David

-- July 25, 2007 10:48 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All.

I am am NOT trying to scam anyone out of anything I just tried to give info, you can take it or leave it, you are going to be as sick as a sick thing come the 2nd of AUG. I am trying to cover my arse by haveing cash dinar, dinar in a Iraqi BanK paying interest, and in on the ISX.
Where is the best place for your cash dinar to be, if they do change the curencey, in the ISX good in a Iraqi Bank Account good, in your hand BAD.
If any of you want to phone me, feel free I am in the UK on the south coast, Weymouth.
Tel 01305 770387 I do not know what the code from the US is, but I am sure you do.

The Warka Bank is doing nothing ilegal or against the law as they have got the OK from the CBI before they started setting up the proxy Comp to buy shares on the ISX for non-Iraqi's.
The CBI has given the contract to Waka Bank for the ISX, every Buy ans Sell deals money will go through the Warka Bank.
Mr I. Mohammad is at this moment in time at a banking meeting in Jordan, about what I do not know.
It will give me no pleasure, giveing it loads of I told you so,s, as I will be to busy getting my T shirt printed up with, YOU should have bought Iraq dinar when I told you to, in late 2004.
How's it go, you can lead a horse to water, ect ect

UK Bank, Barclay £696.00
52 week high £790.00
HSBC £915.00
52 week high £1,028.00

HSBC has the controling shares in the Dar El Sallam Investment Bank in Iraq
Their shares in Iraq are for 7 dinar each= 0.000penny.
You are all old enough to make up your own mind.
So I am at the phone, where are you then, have you got the nuts or what.

-- July 25, 2007 1:21 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

MIL-IRAQ-LEADERS-AGREEMENT
Iraqi tribal sheikhs sign agreement to unite against terrorism

BAGHDAD, July 25 (KUNA) -- About 75 sheikhs, representing 25 clans and 100 tribes, met to discuss security issues in the Diyala province, northeastern Baghdad, a Multi-National Force statement said.

The statement issued Tuesday said the leaders met to "discuss grievances between tribes, determine solutions for security and services, and unite to defeat Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations" in the area.

The meeting was led by Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala; Staff Maj. Gen. Ghanem Abass Ibraham al-Qureshy, the Provincial Director of Police; and Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala.

Eighteen of the tribal leaders signed a peace agreement. The conditions of the agreement include "cooperating with the Iraq Security Force (ISF), stopping tribal conflicts such as kidnappings and murders, reporting and removing improvised explosive devices, assisting in recruiting for ISF, dissolving illegal militias, and solving disputes between tribes through local meetings with the government and other tribal sheikhs," according to the statement.(end) ahh.

go
KUNA 251047 Jul 07NNNN
v

-- July 25, 2007 1:41 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Analysis: Iraq oil refineries go privat http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/86633.html

-- July 25, 2007 1:49 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

ISX News))))

Trading Indicators continuous in Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) gradually to improve and it's clear in ISX price Index movement in every session aimed to achieve monitoring for trading results to keep its safety.

Iraq Stock Exchange administration directed two letters:-

First one to listed companies and brokerage companies in Stock Exchange invited them to obligation in disclosure about ownership which reach to (8%) for Iraq Stock Exchange and Iraqi Securities Commission.

Second letter to ISX brokers including Money Laundering law and disclosure conditions about operations which reach to monitoring as part of their role in protecting Trading from money laundering phenomenon.

Each letters comes as legal response for expected developments in ISX performance and protection to Investors rights.

Public Relation http://www.isx-iq.net/

-- July 25, 2007 2:47 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole.. and prayer does help, a lot. It helps as we continue to pray for God's will to be done.

Actually, I had a few more thoughts today. The elements I believe I have heard are these (and they accord perfectly with the news/reality). The US will pull back/out, there will be an escalation of war in the Middle East, the nuclear attack on American soil will not happen under President Bush.

Now, suppose the pull back/out is under the GOP, who demand it of the President.. as seems to be the case in the posts this morning. In that case, would the terrorists focus immediately on attacking the US or on the Middle East? I think they would focus on taking Iraq.. perhaps an all out war between Saudi Arabian Sunnis and the Iranian Shiites over who gets Iraq and its oil? Then the US has to step back in and bring some order? The terrorists might not attack the US until the dust settles from that escalation and President Bush leaves office. And the fact is, even if the US does pull back under the GOP, that might not lead to immediate attack on US soil for the reasons I have outlined earlier (it doesn't put a weaker person into power who would wish to negotiate and not fight in the face of such attack). EVERY single Democrat has said they would pull out of Iraq and negotiate rather than fight. It is a winning situation for the terrorists to have a Democrat in power who is inclined to TALK and not act. Even some of the GOP are soft doves, so they have a greater "chance" of a dove than a hawk if they play their cards right and don't attack the US. Practically speaking from the terrorist's point of view, if you are going to war against a nation directly, you don't want Patton in the Whitehouse, but a Daisy May instead.

As for the Iraqis.. the US/coalition has given them ample time to pass the oil laws and attempt to get their country on its feet economically, which they have squabbled away. By listening to those who had the most to gain by their pitches to delay (Iran/Syria, terrorists, etc), they have brought this on themselves. By listening to their Islamic "brothers" (whose hands are against them as brothers - Ishmael?) instead of the "infidel" Christians in the West (who supposedly only want to "steal" from them).. they have squandered the time that was necessary to rebuild their country. If they had worked forward on the economic legislation and enacted it, by now they could have brought a lot more peace and stability, built up their forces and gotten into a position of being able to defend their nation from the coming escalation of war. But their constant delays have ended up placing their country in shambles and they are not fully prepared for all out war.

If the Iraqis pass the oil law as Carole says they have and if they finally cause their money to move upward and reconstruction to begin.. it may help them to defend against the pull back/out they face. Handing over control to the Iraqis as fast as possible has been the goal for a long time now.. if this legislation to help make it happen has passed and is implemented quickly, this will help bring stability in many ways, including bringing Iraqi people hope and jobs, taking them out of the recruitment phase for the Al-Qaeda. But the optimism the American people once had for helping Iraq has waned.. they are into pull back/out and that is a disaster for Iraq. Their squabbling and delay has cost them a lot. I cannot see anything but an escalation of war once the US is forced to remove itself from the streets of Baghdad. The Iranians will say they need to bring "order", perhaps? The Saudis may say they will defend the Sunnis from the Shiite death squads of Iran? We will see.. but this appears to be a scenerio which encompasses the elements I believe will shortly come to pass and it fits with reality as presented daily in the news. The US will pull back/out (maybe soon under the GOP), there will be an escalation of war in the Middle East (because of the vaccum left?), the nuclear attack on American soil will not happen under President Bush (because the terrorists are too busy for now trying to secure Iraq and its oil for themselves).

Lastly - Thinking the terrorist's goal of attacking America does not exist when the terrorists have said they have such a goal is playing ostrich and putting one's head in the sand (For instance, Q- where did the term "American Hiroshima" come from? A - the terrorists and their messages about what they are planning to do). Also, saying that it was only a one time "lucky" shot on 9/11 by the terrorists is unrealistic in the face of the affront the nation's sins pose before a Holy God.

Sara.

===
NYT's Baghdad Bureau Chief: U.S. in Iraq ‘Very Important Inhibitor Against Violence'
By Noel Sheppard | July 20, 2007

As Congress debates an expeditious and possibly capricious withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, with sickeningly predictable cheerleading for such an eventuality from the media, the Baghdad bureau chief for the New York Times claimed Tuesday that this would lead to "all-out civil war" with "levels of violence [that] would eclipse by quite a long way the bloodshed we`ve seen to date."

Appearing on PBS' "Charlie Rose," John F. Burns also said "the United States armed forces are a very important inhibitor against violence."

Rather contrary from the views expressed by the left and their media minions that the American presence in Iraq is what is responsible for the violence, wouldn't you agree?

With that in mind, here are some extraordinary highlights of this interview with a full transcript to follow (video available, see link, interview begins at minute 3:50). Please prepare yourself for an alternate reality:

- I think it`s pretty clear that the majority Shiites are increasingly confident that if the U.S. troops go, they will have the upper hand. The 60 percent majority they have, the control of the armed forces that they have. The oil resources in the south would give them quickly an upper hand in what would be in effect an all-out civil war.
- But the one thing I think that virtually all of us who - who work here or have worked here for any length of time agree is that the levels of violence would eclipse by quite a long way the bloodshed we`ve seen to date.
- Well, I think, quite simply that the United States armed forces here -- and I find this to be very widely agreed amongst Iraqis that I know, of all ethnic and sectarian backgrounds -- the United States armed forces are a very important inhibitor against violence. I know it`s argued by some people that they provoke the violence. I simply don`t believe that to be in the main true. I think it`s a much larger truth that where American forces are present, they are inhibiting sectarian violence, and they are going after the people, particularly al-Qaeda and the Shiite death squads, who are provoking that violence. Remove them or at least remove them quickly, and it seems to me -- controversial as this may seem to be saying in the present circumstances, while I know there`s this agonizing debate going on in the United States about this -- that you have to weigh the price. And the price would very likely be very, very high levels of violence, at least in the short run and perhaps, perhaps - perhaps for quite a considerable period of time.
- You know, I don`t want to wade into the debate that`s going on in Washington because I understand that - that a very important element of that debate is weighing as everybody on both sides I think understands, the price of staying against the price of going. And there`s no doubt that the price of staying is very, very high in American blood, to begin with, and American treasure too. But it seems to me incontrovertible that the most likely outcome of an American withdrawal any time soon would be cataclysmic violence. And I find that to be widely agreed amongst Iraqis, including Iraqis who strongly opposed the invasion. And especially amongst Sunnis, a minority who ruled here, whose power was usurped by the invasion and who now find themselves facing Shiite militias and 350,000 man and woman Shiite-led Iraqi security force, that`s to say army and police, which is overwhelmingly Shiite and would be likely, first of all, to disintegrate in the face of a civil war, but with its principal units falling on the Shiite, not the Sunni side of that war.
- General Lynch feels, as do the other commanders of the surge, that they have made substantial progress. And that they`re likely to make more if they`re given time. They know they don`t have beyond March of next year because March 31st, 08 is the deadline the Pentagon has set as a matter of troop limits to how long they can support the surge. But they believe that if they`re given that amount of time, they can make a real difference in the levels of violence. They`ll have more time to train up Iraqi forces to come in behind them and hold those areas.
- A senior American official told me just the other night that he had been to see Tariq Al Hashimi, who - the Sunni vice president, a former Saddam army officer who never joined the Baath Party and left Iraq in the early `90s. In other words, a Sunni who - who has genuine credentials as a moderate. Tariq Al Hashimi asked this senior American official, "is your Congress really serious about withdrawing troops?" And the American official said to him, "you`d better believe that it may be. This is a serious debate and it`s very finely balanced, and it could - it could fall in favor of withdrawing those troops and withdrawing them on a fairly rigorous, tight schedule." Tariq Al Hashimi responded to that by saying "then we will all be slaughtered."
(end quotes)

Extraordinary stuff, wouldn't you agree? Doubtful we'll be hearing anything like this from Katie, Charlie, or Brian any time soon, correct?

Click link for the full transcript of this interview.

Comments:

1) Who Cares? Beowulf

So, is anyone actually supposed to listen to this guy, just because he's over there? No one listens to our generals who are over there. No on listens to our GIs who are over there. Everyone's more interested in talking head "experts" than anyone who actually has any basis of knowledge. So what's different about this guy (who will probably be out of a job shortly)?

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

2) I'm certainly going to do my part — Challenger Grim

I'm certainly going to do my part to get this video around the web that I can. I understand people's desire to leave and support that position etc, what I object to is the fact of these people making a decision based upon half the story. If you're going to vote based upon this war, then you should at least do us all a favor and be as informed about it as possible.

3) Bravo Indeed — stratman

Now this man is a real reporter!

Burns' words are a chilling wake up call for those wanting a quick retreat from Iraq.

He sounds like someone who has traveled outside the Green Zone Press Room and his hotel room.

Burns' report seems to contravene his employer's sentiments.

I hope he remains employed.

4) Ah, but St. Barack doesn't — dervish

Ah, but St. Barack doesn't see it that way -- who's a liberal to believe? (link)

5) Obama is not fit to be President — ThisnThat

Dervish - I read the article you linked to. Obama is showing his inexperience by stating that, by equivalancy, "we should be in the Congo now". Any President will be glad to point out that the U.S. has vital interests throughout the world, and one of the key interests right now is Iraq -- for a lot of reasons. We (the U.S.) don't make decisions based upon "solving humanitarian problems", which he clearly thinks we do. We make decisions based upon our vital interests.

Is this the kind of garbage (we are in Iraq because of humanitarian reasons) that Americans believe? I know it's in the packet of lies spewed by Obama, but doesn't anybody listening to him know anything about the United States? Unbelievable.

6) What a refreshing voice — annoyedman

This is one reporter to whom I will pay closer attention in the future. Hopefully, he will maintain his integrity intact. So is anybody taking bets as to when the NYT is going to put the words of their own Bagdhad station chief onto their front page - without gutting and twisting them, that is?

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/07/20/nyts-baghdad-bureau-chief-u-s-iraq-very-important-inhibitor-against-v

-- July 25, 2007 3:03 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All
David,

No scam

No interest in this comp

Check back for some of my ols stuff, www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com

Goto the ISX stite for read

Goto Warka bank site.

Move fast, was because from Aug 2nd the whole world and his brother will be able to buy on the IIt was just info

Something up my sleeve, of course there is, its called an ARM

Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

PS Why not ring me?????

-- July 25, 2007 4:42 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

All,

I bought some dinars from Steven last year and also spoke to him on the phone. When I spoke to him I got the impression that he is a nice bloke who is like the rest of us, very keen and eager to see the dinar flourish, and make us extremely wealthy.
My guess is that rather than put all his eggs in one basket, he wants to have a dabble in the ISX, and potentially make a load more than waiting however long it will take to see the dinar rv.
He has the bottle to do it and I wish him good luck in this investment.
The information he has previously posted about opening an account with warka bank, is the same as was given to me by another dinar seller who I have traded with who lives nowhere near Steven and as such are unlikely to be acquaintances.
For what my opinion is worth, I would say that he believes any information that he posts to be 100% true. He is not scamming you guys, I just hope he is not being scammed himself.

Cheers.

-- July 25, 2007 4:48 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

here here.

-- July 25, 2007 5:01 PM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

David

Don’t take this the wrong way but,

What was the purpose of your post, to defend yourself or belittle others? I find it hard to believe that you would take time from your family to defend yourself from merely being called a drive by poster… Instead of getting ruffled you could have taken the complement Carole had given you and been an active participant to the form.

As for Steven, you are entitled to have your opinion but I feel you are alone on this one. Steven hasn’t solicited anything except his opinion, which we all are at fault of doing. In my opinion Steven doesn’t need to defend himself to you or anyone else… I’m Sorry if you feel threatened by him maybe you could skip his posts.

I hope this hasn’t offended you that surely wasn’t my intention. You seem to have the gift to gab, and by the way you posted you look to be an educated person who could fill this page with negative comments. We would really enjoy any and all opinions you have to offer pertaining to Dinar. Although, if I have offended you let me apologise maybe we should both be silent readers of the form.

Jeff

-- July 25, 2007 5:32 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carole,
You wrote,

'I realize that this is a dinar discussion board, and one can only appreciate our conversation, when they understand that the Dinar and the particulars associated with it, are attached to the real war, behind the current news items is not political, but spiritual. Much different that any other warfare arena in recorded history.'

In case this comment was in any way aimed at me I would like to say that of course I realise that behind the news items, this war is a religious thing. Lets face it, since Saddam was toppled the majority of Iraqi deaths have been caused by religion. Sunni's killing Shiite's, Shiite's killing Sunni's. And these guys worship the same god??????

However I have to completely disagree with your view that is different from any other war in history. In fact this conflict in many ways is identical to the troubles suffered in Northern Ireland for so many decades. A political problem was at the forefront, but that became largely irrelevant, as catholics and protestants killed each other by the hundreds if not thousands over the years. Every time someone was shot or there was a bomb, a revenge attack would quickly happen. And these guys worship the same god????????

Unfortunately Carole, I think the majority of wars and bloodshed in this world of ours, are caused either directly or indirectly by religion. This is the main reason why I cannot get religious. All these religions preach 'peace and goodwill to all man', yet as soon as there is a bit of a disagreement, there they are blowing the crap out of each other.

If that's what religion is all about you're welcome to it.

You may notice I have been referring these issues as religious and not spiritual. This is because I believe we all have a spiritual side, but I don't think that being spiritual means having to be religious. We can all use our spiritual side to good effect without following this or that god.

You also posted,

'Whoever beleives in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.'

Well I guess I'm sentenced to eternal damnation then!!!!!!!

Oh well!!

Cheers.

-- July 25, 2007 6:37 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Carole,

That was me,

Cheers

-- July 25, 2007 6:44 PM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Carole,

Going back to your biblical quote,

'Whoever beleives in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.'

That's out and out blackmail. Believe or else!!!! OUTRAGEOUS!!!!

Sorry but I will not be blackmailed.

Cheers

-- July 25, 2007 7:00 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Steven -

Wonderful! You're real, and apparently on the up and up. I wholeheartedly retract my statements, glad that you are known outside the board and that your motivations are not as sinister as they appeared to be.

I'm still skeptical about sending money to Al Warka, and as you say, I may soon regret my skepticism. I'll take the risk. Best of luck to you, though.

CheseaDave -

You're a good friend to Steven. Thanks for defending him so well.

Jeff -

I understand your comments, and appreciate your gentle spirit in standing up for Carole. I have some advice for you, though. Please say what you have to say and don't couch your statements in such meaningless quaff as "Don't take this the wrong way, but..." or "I apologize if I've offended you..." It makes your comments enemic, and I'm sure you're not a spineless fellow. After all, you chose to speak up on Carole's behalf. Good for you. You diminish your efforts, though, when you equivocate yourself, and as I said, it's meaningless. A joke in our family is to say, "Hey, nothing personal, but you're ugly and you smell bad."

As for Carole, I didn't slough off her compliment. It's nice to know that she likes my style and tenacity (although I don't understand what was tenacious about my post), and being noticed by a celebrity of the board is gratifying. My comment to her was a bit of a goad to see if she would respond concerning my distaste for the monochromatic characterizations and judgments of multi-faceted human beings and their relationship with an unfathomable God within the context of a fallen and utterly depraved world, in which evangelical Christians (of whom I am one) tend to engage. (THAT was a fun sentence to write!)

I'll reiterate, however, that I'm silent most of the time simply because most of the time I have nothing substantive and unique to offer the board. My suspicions of Steven (now happily dispelled) prompted me to speak up in my "gabby" way. I wish I had more time to interact, but it bothers me when I get into a discussion and then drop out when I don't have time to keep up my end. That happened with the global warming thread that went for a little while. I found some interesting stuff, then Sara found some interesting stuff, it went back and forth a couple of times and was getting good, then I ran out of time to keep my end going. Phooey. I don't like letting things like that just drop, so, as I said, most of the time it's better if I keep my mouth (or fingers, in this case) shut.

Carole -

What say you about Steven's story now?

David

-- July 25, 2007 8:08 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

David,

Yes, I still like your style. But what impresses me the most is that you value your time with your kids and wife more than spending time on the Board.

No matter what the Dinar brings into your life it will never match the rewards of spending time with your children, AND no matter what fortunes come to your children in their lifetime, it will never match the joy of their memories spending time with you. But I'm sure you already know that.

As far as Steven.....hmmmmm
not sure, and not sure it really matters anyway. Did pick up on the fact that he sells dinars, so he does have an extra-financial interest in this site.

Not sure that matters either. I think it Roger that said this blog is filled with Dinar sellers.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 9:02 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Chelseadave:

Hey don't get testy with me!

You are the one that quoted the scripture in John. I just put it into context by quoting more of the conversation ( in Jesus's own words).

Your not alone, a whole bunch of people refuse His gift of Salvation.

It's funny that you call making choices "black mail".

If you don't pay your electric bill, they are going to turn off your lights! And you can call it "black mail" and object as much as you want------but the lights still go off :)

Besides your argument is with Jesus, it is HIs quote, not mine.

I would offer you a little friendly advice to be cautious with your tone towards God.....

He loves you just as you are, and can never love you more or less, please believe that, and if nothing else you will find respect for HIs Holiness.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 9:30 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

David,

Would you consider changing your adjectives in describing the style of Jeff's posts from, meaningless, spineless and enemic, to kind, caring, cautious and most of all humble?

I think his postings are exemplary that we ( me at the top of the list) would do well to follow.

PS: joking or not name calling in my family has never been allowed. Joking or not it is at the top of the list as a destructive activity....especially with the young.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 10:37 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

David,

Would you consider changing your adjectives in describing the style of Jeff's posts from, meaningless, spineless and enemic, to kind, caring, cautious and most of all humble?

I think his postings are exemplary that we ( me at the top of the list) would do well to follow.

PS: joking or not name calling in my family has never been allowed. Joking or not it is at the top of the list as a destructive activity....especially with the young.

Carole

-- July 25, 2007 10:38 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Thank you guys for the kind words.
Dave, no probs mate, water off a ducks back after nine years in the Army
And yes I do sell some dinars, the small profit is used to buy more dinars
I am just trying to cover all the base's
Some dinars in the ISX
Some in a Iraqi bank in dinars
And cash dinars in the hand
Whatever the future holds, I should be OK
Being in the ISX, knowing when to get out is the key
If and when it gets to a price I am happy with, I will bale out and leg it with 50% of the dinars, to go into the dinar account, and see how it go's with the rest in the ISX
As Dell boy would say, he who dare's win's Rodney,
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 25, 2007 11:14 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

I have had a couple of off-line conversations with Stephen and have found him to be totally legitimate. Maybe a bit gullible but not crooked.

Sara: You make a great case to support Pres Bush in his determination to remain in Iraq regardless of the consequences to the Republican party. What I take issue with is why did we go there when there were no terrorist there and our main objective was to fight terrorism. They did not have an exit strategy as evidenced by the prolonged involvment. We have been there over four years and I do not see the progress other than the results of the billions that we have spent.

It seems to me that we created this quagmire by getting involved unilaterally in their business (please don't mention the cooelition as it was 90% us and 10% them). I fully understand that Saddam was a bad man and should have his ass kicked but I can point to you many other bad regimes throughout the world that are out of control.

I do not think that Iraq is strategically inportant enought to the USA for the billions of dollars that are being spent there. If we are only interested in their oil, then go back to 1990 when Saddam summonsed Jim Baker to Iraq and told him that he was going to invade Kuwait and if the US would stay out of it that he would make us a fabulous deal on oil.

I see no future in Iraq and I am trying extremely hard as I have 22 million dinars.
These idiots cannot be controlled without brute force and intimidation.

-- July 26, 2007 12:04 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

Carole -

I was very careful NOT to call Jeff a name. To the contrary - I said he was NOT a spineless fellow. I believe him to be quite the opposite of spineless, and said so. I also DID say he was gentle spirited and complimented him for his defense of you with words of admiration and congratulations.

I offered excellent advice which any good writer would give in order to improve his argument and clarify his point. The superfluous nature of "Don't take this the wrong way, but..." weakens his statement to the point that if this were really an important debate (it's not, because nothing is on the line here for anybody, except for maybe Steven a little earlier, now exonerated), his POINT is rendered moot, or at least is stripped of the weight it could have had. Notice that I did not say that HE HIMSELF is rendered moot.

The joke I shared ("Hey, nothing personal, but you're ugly and you smell bad) is funny because of its absurdity. How could the statement, "You're ugly and you smell bad" NOT be personal? The two parts of the sentence don't belong together at all. Except that people sometimes hide behind niceties such as "nothing personal" or "bless her heart" or "he's really the nicest guy, but..." as if that lets them off the hook for offering criticism. Hogwash. Just make your point and be honest - honest with yourself as well as the person to whom you are speaking.

Now, I'll offer some advice to you (since I'm on a roll, and you offered me advice, too). Most arguments do not contain personal attacks, but I've noticed that your counter-arguments suggest that you equate a challenge of an idea with a personal attack. I believe that a great deal of the acrimony you have experienced previously on the board could be avoided by paying attention to this fact. The evidence is clear that you jumped to the conclusion that my argument was a personal attack on Jeff. No personal attack, no emotional distress. Same with Steven. I have no emotional investment in my allegations against him. That makes it all the more easy to be open-minded when presented with evidence which refutes my claim. If I had been making a personal attack on him, that would have come from being emotionally connected to my statements, and thus I would be irrationally unable to be dissuaded from my point of view.

A final point - this advice is not a personal attack. I don't know you as a person. I am merely offering my criticism of what you have written. I have called you no names, and I am open to the things you have to say in return.

David

-- July 26, 2007 12:14 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

WAY off dinar. Skip if you wish.....

Sara -

You fascinate me. I have a relationship with Jesus, but have never in my life experienced anything like what you describe about your relationship with Him. I don't believe that's because I take an academic point of view when it comes to spiritual things. Faith is something I AM emotionally invested in, and my heart is as much a part of it as my head. But I think my relationship with him is more representative of most people, in that I have only on rare occasions truly felt His palpable presence. I can count them on the fingers of part of one hand. This is not to say that I do not see Him in circumstances and in His Word.

You are different. I usually dismiss people who make claims such as yours as unfortunate people who do such things so as to be like others, who long to be a part of a group of people, all of whom say they experience such things, but in reality it is all just "new clothes" on the emperor. Such people check their brains at the door of faith. But you have gained my respect in how your head is engaged in your faith, as well as your heart, and so your relationship with God fascinates me. A long conversation with you would be a thing of value, I think.

David

-- July 26, 2007 12:35 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

David:

It is summer time and I left my knee high boots in the shed, and I have no intention of putting them on to address your fancy articulate B---- S-----.

Come on get real!

Now concerning your being a Christian and not feeling His intimate presence in your life except for maybe one or two occassions----

Whoa.... now that presents a big concern that you should address to the One you are calling your Savior.

In no way am I being judgemental, I am seriously concerned. You'll just have to trust me on that.

In my own personal walk with the Lord, I have had some real dry spells, usually accompanied by a loss of peace and joy. When I finally check it out, it is usually a lack of feeding on God's word at least daily, and ( no nice way to put it)
unconfessed SIN.

There have been times I have become so spiritually cold and carnal, that I finally have to cry out to the Lord "Search my heart if there be any way offensive in me toward You" paraphrase of Psalm 139:23, 24.

He has never left me in the dark and a renewed intimate relationship followed by confession, restores my peace and joy. And HIs presence is undeniable.....until the next time I let unconfessed sin take over.

Just my story......

Carole

-- July 26, 2007 1:33 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Hi all. . .as usual, I see everyone is getting along, about the only thing I have to report is the Iraqis are very excited about politics in Baghdad, my friend the interpeter says his family and relatives are talking about great employment opportunities shortly, which to me means oilfields, he has 2 brothers who are structural engineers, but he hasn't said what, where, who or just when the are to be employed, but told me he would let me know as soon as he's heard of anything relevant. . .I'm still buying dinars 125K for a 100, he's told me he is buying 123k for a 100, and that's better than what I've seen on the net anywhere. . .and as for us leaving. . .don't you believe it. . .we're here for a long time. . .I'm seeing the construction equipment rolling in everyday, and you just don't bring that much stuff in to go home, unfortunately I'm not in the loop that I was in last year at this time. . I still have 2 and a half months till I go on R and R. . my offer still goes out to Okie. . I know he's out there somewhere with glazed eyes dreaming of going to Phuket. . . Carol: good to see you're still ur feisty self, gotta be the "BRUIN" in you. . .most of my old nurse girlfriends from UCLA Med center were just like you. . but, I loved them all. . .I hope to see your boat soon. . .God Bless all of you and take care. . and be gentle. . .life is short. . take it from someone who knows firsthand P.H.

-- July 26, 2007 2:35 AM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Panhandler,

It's good to hear from you. I was wondering if I could have your e-mail address, regular address there in Iraq or phone number to talk off board with you.

Thanks for giving us a sense of what is happening on the ground. That sports event would have been really nice for the nation of Iraq to enjoy had not the car bombs gone off. However, I note that killing of civilians are down in Baghdad. It seems like the surge is working. Anything on the Iranians?.

Also, how close are you to Bagdad Catholic Church. There is a General Georges Sada there and it would be interesting if you could have a conversation with him on reconciliation of Iraq nation and how he feels the situation is coming along. He is deeply involved in this process. However, you can probably guess he is a Christian and he wrote Saddams Secrets which is about his experiences in the Iraq Air Force. I think you would be very interested in his story Panhandler.

Anyway, Panhandler, keep your head down and stay safe. Keep us posted on the board. My e-mail is LLPParker at AOL.COM

Thanks,

Laura Parker

-- July 26, 2007 3:39 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

If anyone else is interested in chitchatting my Email address is mugle13906@hotmail.com. . . would love to talk if i have the chance. . .P.H.

-- July 26, 2007 4:40 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Pan!

So good to hear your okay!

I forgot you are a Bruin's bro...

In my day, our clinical site was mostly Cedars/Sinai ( now just Cedars).

Yep! we were feisty student nurses....boy if walls and elevators could talk...... :)

Carole

-- July 26, 2007 6:21 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(975)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 975 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/7/26 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1246 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1244 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 75.985.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 18.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 75.985.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 18.000.000 -----

-- July 26, 2007 6:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi government to aid local farmers

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday announced a new plan to provide subsidies for Iraqi farmers to protect them from "unjust competition" from other countries.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 26, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

House Dems Push New Withdrawal Bill
Associated Press | July 26, 2007
WASHINGTON - House Democrats have drafted new Iraq legislation they hope will appeal to Republicans fed up with the war: Start withdrawing troops in two months but leave it up to President Bush to decide when to complete the pullout.

The vote will come next week, as members take up a $460 billion bill covering military spending for 2008. Another vote could come again in September, after Iraq commander Gen. David Petraeus delivers a long-anticipated assessment on the war and Congress considers a $142 billion measure needed to finance the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This is big time," Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., said of the upcoming fall debate. "When you get to September, this is history. This is when we're going to have a real confrontation with the president trying to work things out."

The House has passed similar anti-war measures in the past, but has been unable to push the legislation through the Senate, where Democrats hold a slimmer majority and Republicans have routinely blocked such bills from advancing.

Most recently, the House approved legislation that would have required troop withdrawals to begin this November and finish by April 1.

Under his latest plan, Murtha said he envisions troop withdrawals to start in November and take about a year to complete. A draft of his proposal did not include a firm end date.

In addition to the anti-war measure, Murtha said he also wants to propose next week amendments that would require troops to meet certain standards before being deployed and cut in half the $225 million budget for the Guantanamo Bay military prison.

The prospects of Murtha's troop withdrawal measure passing next week were unclear, as Republicans have said they are willing to hold off until September and Democrats questioned whether it goes far enough.

"If they are not listening to reports from our generals today, how does anyone believe they will make an honest and objective decision in September?" asked Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, his party's leader. "Our national security is not a political football, and Republicans aren't going to treat it as such."

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., a leading anti-war advocate, said she wants to keep the April deadline.

"The House voted two weeks ago on a withdrawal measure with a clear timeline, and I don't know why we would back away from that," said Lee.

Murtha said he has his sights set on September and thinks that by then Republicans and the White House will jump on board. If Bush were to maintain current troop levels through 2008, Murtha predicted that combat tours would have to be extended from 15 months to 18 months - a politically unsavory position to take on an already deeply unpopular war.

The Defense Department has said extending combat tours of troops would be a last resort.

Bush has not given any indication he is open to a dramatic shift or a major redeployment of troops after September. Instead, he has talked extensively about the need to remain engaged in Iraq to fight al-Qaida and has repeatedly appealed to lawmakers for more patience.

For their part, top U.S. military officers also have indicated that the troop buildup initiated this year may be needed through next summer.

Also come September, Murtha said it is possible Democrats may not want to continue funding the war, or fund it in installments.

"We may decide in September we're not satisfied with what Gen. Petraeus says and we may hold it up," he said.

With Republicans unwilling to consider strong anti-war bills just yet, Democrats pushed other Iraq-related measures to show voters they are focused on trying to end the war.

The House voted 399-24 on Wednesday to pass a bill proposed by Lee that would ban permanent bases in Iraq. By week's end, the House Armed Services Committee planned to draft legislation for a vote next week that would insist troops be given sufficient time at home in- between combat tours.

Meanwhile, Iraq's ambassador to Washington, Samir Sumaidaie, told reporters Wednesday that he is making a case in Congress and elsewhere for extending the troop increase, despite the shifting political climate.

"Iraqi leaders are acutely aware of the political debate in Washington, that there is the possibility of a change in policy" and a reduction in U.S. troops, Sumaidaie said. "I think it is fair to say they are very concerned about that. Iraqi forces are not yet capable of holding the fort on their own."

The diplomat also complained that the United States has been slow to provide weapons and other equipment requested by Iraqi armed forces and police, and said the delay is at cross-purposes with the U.S. goal of making Iraqis responsible for their own security.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he has promised to work on getting the equipment moved to the Iraqis more quickly. Asked if the delay was due to Pentagon bureaucracy, Pace said no, adding that it had more to do with the recent increase in size of the Iraqi forces.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 26, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

International Relations

'Iranians running ship in Iraq not Americans'

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

Baghdad, 26 July 2007 (Christian Science Monitor)
Print article Send to friend
At the second round of talks between Iranian and US diplomats here on Tuesday, one message American Ambassador Ryan Crocker delivered was that the US wants Tehran to play a positive role in Iraq.

But ask many Iraqi Shiites, including Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, and they say their neighbours are doing just that. In fact, economic ties between Iran and Iraq are growing in the face of US criticism of Tehran's meddling, which includes arming militias. Such Iran-Iraq links are not only bolstered by common beliefs binding Shiite leaders but also, some experts say, by a US strategy to arm and support former Sunni insurgents - many of whom consider Shiites bitter foes - in the fight against Al Qaida.

All of this puts Iran in a much stronger position in any future talks with the Americans, analysts say.

"The Iranians are running the ship in Iraq, not the Americans. They also have [many] more chips on the table in Iraq than the US," says Riad Kahwaji, who heads the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis. "The situation in Iraq is strategically more in favour of the Iranians than the Americans."

Trade between Iran and Iraq over the past year amounts to almost $1 billion (about Dh3.65 billion), says Iraqi Finance Minister Byan Jabr Al Zubaidi. Trade between Iran and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region accounts for half of that. Iran just finalised a $1 billion loan deal with Iraq tied to specific investments, he adds.

Jetliner for Al Maliki

Iran was also one of the first countries to sign a "friendship treaty" with Iraq's parliament. Some of Iran's parliamentarians were in Baghdad last month to meet with top Iraqi officials where they offered to rebuild the Shiite shrine in Samarra. Iran recently gave Al Maliki an Airbus 300 jetliner to use for government business.

The office of Iraq's president, Jalal Talabani, who visited Iran last month, said in a statement on Monday that "he was happy with Iran's position and called it positive ... hoping that Iran may use its influence over some Iraqi factions to cool down the situation in Iraq."

But that stands in contrast to the growing allegations from the US military, and ample evidence seen by officials and analysts, that the Iranians are arming, funding, and supporting Shiite militias that are targeting both US forces and other Iraqis.

Kahwaji said Iran's assistance to Shiite militias is undisputed. "I have spoken to many Iraqi and coalition officials and they showed evidence," he said.

Now, say experts, with the US arming and supporting Sunni Arab insurgents and tribes in the fight against Al Qaida, other more mainstream Shiite factions may look to Iran.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 26, 2007 10:07 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Neil:

From your post, I can tell you are listening to the leftest/liberal anti-war movement. By the mood of your email their lies have convinced your opinion about necessity of the war and turned you into a defeatist. Both the President and Vice President repeatedly explained why we went to war. The intellegence used by the U.S. and used by every other nation justified entrance into Iraq. As I recall, inspectors did find Weapons of Mass Destruction.

You are wrong about Iraq and the investment in the Dinar. I think we are closer to a substantial increase in the Dinar's exchage rate in conjunction with or shortly after the opening of the ISX.

If you are inclined to listen to the left and you believe there is no hope for Iraq or your investment. Allow me to provide you an exit strategy; completely liquidate your investment. You may choose to do so by either selling your Dinars on ebay or to Chase Bank. You can like Sheehan, Boxer, Kennedy, and Harry Reid wave the white flag of surrender.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 26, 2007 11:16 AM ∞

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Rob N> wrote:

David:

I started posting here after I bought my first 2 million Dinar back in October of 2005. Reading a number of Sara's posts convinced me of her intelligence.

While intelligent and definitely a Christian she is also an enigma. Sara clokes her posts in egalitarianism.
Yet, reluctant to reveal to much of her person. Her persona is quite defined by what she writes, but her person remains veiled.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 26, 2007 11:42 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

The effects of inflation and exchange rates on stock prices in a market for securities Iraq شركة الكرمل 25[7\2007Company Carmel 25 \ 7 \ 2007

Going on the horizon now speculation and expectations and talk about future changes in the exchange rates of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar and talk about raising the value of the Iraqi dinar is up to 1000 dinars to the dollar over the short term or medium up to a year and then delete the three zeroes in the next stage to read each dinars equals net, and we will analyze this hypothesis in the event they occur and their impact on prices in the market for securities of Iraq because of the sensitivity of these effects on the Iraqi economy a whole, initially, no doubt, we are now dealing with the rate very high interest rate of up to 20% has raised the Iraqi Central Bank rate for the elimination of inflation and the size has also reduced the exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar during the year from 1500 dinars to the dollar to 1250 dinars to the dollar has become this is a reality now and that the Central Bank was able to reduce the inflation rate from 66% in the month of January of this year to 36% during the month of June, The Central Bank of Iraq said in a statement that the (Iraqi Central Bank will continue its monetary policy through a package of procedures required by the mechanical movement cash In achieving its objectives under the operational and intermediate task of reducing inflation and maximize purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar and liquid through indirect monetary and the adoption of market signals and to help stabilize the financial system and strengthen macroeconomic performance and at the same time providing a favorable climate for sustainable growth and stability of the standard of living)
هAnd we can deduce from this that the Central Bank of Egypt's policy to curb inflation has been successful in the exchange-rate mechanism of reduction and will continue in the short and medium term, For this group positive influences on prices and the value of share prices listed in the market, as previous experience had shown that the process of raising the value of the dinar from 1500 dinars to the dollar at the beginning of the year to 1250 dinars to the dollar in the middle of the year did not adversely affect stock prices, but there were positive impacts rose market index Iraq from 25 points to 40 points during the first half of this year, and I think raise the value of the dinar from 1250 to 1000 also will not adversely affect either the deletion of 3 zeroes of the value of the Iraqi dinar, so that each one dinar equals dollars has been applied this process years ago few in Turkey has visited Istanbul Stock Exchange last year and asked about the effects of the deletion of 6 zeros from the lira currency share prices and the answer is not there any impact prices, and this is also expected in Iraq, if it happens, As for the interest rate I believe that the bank will not upwards in the near future but rather it is possible to reduce the burden on the state budget in terms of interest paid may give negative results in terms of raising inflation in the market rather than downward

They’re talking about lopping 3 zeros from the dinar, just like they lopped 6 zeros from the Turkish lira.

-- July 26, 2007 11:56 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thank you, David, for the very kind words you posted which I took as a great compliment. God leads each of us as individuals, and you undoubtedly know the Scripture about a hand not being an eye... or a mouth a toe.. that which states that we are all parts of God's spiritual body, but we each have different functions and gifts. When you say, "Faith is something I AM emotionally invested in, and my heart is as much a part of it as my head." I see you as a person who has faith in God, and that is the only really key issue, if you are part of the body of Christ.. not if we are led in the same way.

But I cannot deny how the Lord leads me, even if it isn't quite like many other Christians are led. I think I have a place in the body of Christ, too. I once had a brother rebuke me for sharing and say, "You have a weak faith, that is why God must show Himself to you all the time like that. I have a strong faith and don't need these kinds of evidences like you do. You are not greater than such as we are, you are much less." I think he thought my motivation was prideful for sharing what the Lord had been doing in my life in the way He leads me, but I do not share my walk with the Lord or what He shows me in order to gain the limelight. It is more a missionary zeal and to help others, as you said.. when I feel I am led to share or to speak, not for any self aggrandizement. I loathe the spotlight and would like to be obscure, but I find I cannot remain silent.

Thank you that you see how strongly connected faith and fact/brains are in my life. And that you respect that heart/head faith relationship. :) I truly do try to follow God as best I can, and I do have lots of questions so I research answers and question things very often. God has never failed to show me the answer to the questions I have asked, though sometimes the answers have taken time to learn. Here are my thoughts today on Chelseadave's post which I felt I had to share about the condemnation Scripture:

Condemnation??

chelseadave wrote:

Carole, Going back to your biblical quote,

'Whoever beleives in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.'

That's out and out blackmail. Believe or else!!!! OUTRAGEOUS!!!!

Sorry but I will not be blackmailed.

==== (end quote) ====

I thought I would put my two cents in about this Scripture and how I see it. I believe that God uses language as we do - in many ways; and He can have different ways of saying the same sentence, even as we do. As you know, the emphasis put in a sentence or HOW you say it can change the meaning of what you are saying, as can the context. When someone accuses God of blackmail, as chelseadave just did, it makes me look at the CONTEXT of the words to help get an understanding of HOW God caused those words to be recorded which, as we have seen, can be taken in such a condemning way. The context for that verse is:

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Now, to me.. the emphasis in the passage is the verse before the one being taken as condemnatory and blackmail, which is why I highlighted it. These previous verses say that God went to a lot of trouble to send His Son into the world SO THAT the world might not be condemned. Then comes the verse in question where it says - and I think this is given as a statement of mere fact and without any offense intended in the remark - that those who do not believe are condemned because they have not believed. God is very science oriented, as one look at His creation will tell you, and I believe that this is a statement of fact, not a "na-na-na-na-naaaaaaa" (gotcha) statement with thumbs stuck in the ears, fingers waving and tongue stuck out - as is seen by the preceding (non-condemning) verses which are the context. In other words, I think in context it can be seen that it isn't written as blackmail and taking it that way was not the intent of the Author of those words (God, who inspired this Scripture to be written).

Now, the context of the remark is God giving the human race everlasting life and how God worked out the problem of sin which led to them having everlasting death instead. God made men to have a free will.. and the very first humans used that capacity to choose against obeying God. Consequently, they fell and that means that a fallen nature passed into them and their offspring inhertied this sin nature genetically.. which has resulted in DEATH. This is why death happens - our genes now have a destruction code within them which causes replicating mistakes which result in decay and eventually in death.. something which did not exist before mankind made this blunder and chose to sin. Now remember that God warned them that if they sinned, they would surely DIE. That was like telling a child that if they touch the stove they will get burnt.. Simple principle of cause and effect:

Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat:
Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.

That, too, was a mere statement of fact. They ate, and death came to all mankind:

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

So you see, the PROBLEM is death, a death which passed upon all men. All men are in that state of death spiritually and so condemned. While my observation of physical death is one result of the violation of the command of God, the main kind of death which "passed upon all men" and which God was principally concerned with was not physical but spiritual. It is from that spiritual reality of death that we see physical death proceeding.. in other words death happens in the spiritual realm first, then moves into the physical, manifesting in physical death. We all understand that mankind is born into bodies destined to die - and somehow we know that death is a foreign principle which was not there within us before, an unwelcome addition like a disease. This is why when we face the fact of someone dying we see it as a terrible abnormality and tragedy. We recognise innately that this is a foreign thing, much like we recognise a bacteria or virus which invades and sickens its host as abnormality. Sickness and death are both parasites and not part of the original creation.. foreign, weird.. and unfortunately it is passed on to us by our ancestors who sinned and further complicated by our own complicit acts of sinful behavior.

Understanding the PROBLEM then, God went to the trouble of trying to remove this curse of death and He did so in stages, dealing with the spiritual death FIRST. The cure is not instant, as many diseases also cannot be instantly cured, but it takes time to overcome. It is like giving antibiotics to a patient, the cure is given and then we wait to observe it take over and destroy the principle of death in the person. Obviously physical death is not yet gone from the earth, because all men still die. But there is a victory over the state of spiritual death which has its culmination in the ending of physical death, and it is that important victory which God is addressing in these passages we are looking at which speak of eternal or everlasting LIFE. (Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.) This is the context which must be seen to understand those verses which appear directly after it and appeared to chelseadave to be an attempt at blackmail. It wasn't.. it was an explanation about death.. and everlasting life.

To get the right view from our current vantage point, we must see that God sent His Son to die to deal with this problem of eternal death and that those who believe Jesus died for them and ask God to forgive them are promised that they will receive from God - faith, the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. Most take this to mean that they get to go to heaven.. but there is an immediate life given in the spiritual realm and this is what God is most concerned with - because it is there in the spiritual realm that the CAUSE of death is defeated - the cure is given, the "antibiotic" administered - and this causes the end of the most serious death for those who are willing to take that medicine and so be rescued or "saved". As Jesus said:

Joh 5:24 Truly, Truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.

This statement of Jesus' shows that through Jesus God deals with death and gives it a deathblow which leads to believers receiving everlasting life - just as the Scripture before the seemingly condemnatory verse chelseadave quoted. Note the context God is dealing with is DEATH and that it says here that those who believe what Jesus did for them in dying to take away their sins HAVE (present tense) everlasting life and HAVE ALREADY passed from death into everlasting LIFE. "He that hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life... is passed from death to life." When Jesus speaks these words, they are companions to the ones which were quoted before (the ones objected to) which say that a person who has not accepted Jesus is already condemned.. because (and this is KEY) they are in the state of DEATH according to this Scripture. The condemnation is when a person is in the state of death and heading toward death and stays that way. They are condemned already because they do not have life (everlasting life). Therefore, it is not intended as a putdown or blackmailing statement to say, Joh 3:18 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that does not believe is condemned already, because...

This statement is dealing with the scientific fact of death which is upon all men (Rom 5:12 "... and so death passed upon all men,") and explaining WHY men are in death and condemnation and the way out of that, to everlasting life, which Jesus here says can be obtained by hearing His word and believing on God... (Joh 5:24 .. He that hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life..) To obtain everlasting life is the goal God had in sending Jesus to remove condemnation which has passed upon all men. The miracle is the first part, "He that believes on him is not condemned, not the second part, "but he that does not believe is condemned already" - which is explaining that condemnation is the natural state of all men. The miracle is that there is a way out of our natural state of condemnation, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

Sighh.. how to explain this concept and how it works out in reality? The Scriptures here teach that a person who is without eternal life is dead spiritually to God and alive to sin. From experience I can tell you that a non-Christian does not think God very real. God does not appear to exist, and when such a person looks up into the sky, it looks very empty. A non-Christian wonders if God is real and does not really know if He is or not. They are DEAD to the reality of God in the same way a blind person is dead to the world of vision and color. Try describing color to a blind person, that is how it is to describe God to a person who is dead to God. They are skeptical colors even exist, and they have no idea that they are dead to a world which you are alive to. Jesus was just saying in these passages that those who believe are ALIVE and out of condemnation and the curse of death which had come upon all men when mankind fell.

When it says, "as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men," in the same way, death and CONDEMNATION passed upon all men. That condemnation exists as a state of reality in the same way that we are all condemned to die in this life (no one gets out of this life alive) and when this Scripture says that a person is condemned already it is not in the form of a coersive threat to try and force that person to work up a faith in God within themselves, but as a description which is explaining that those who continue on in life without asking God for forgiveness and accepting what Jesus did on the cross for them are blind and dead.. living in everlasting death and condemnation as a present reality.

When I accepted Jesus and asked Him to forgive me of all my sin and be my Lord and Savior, I was on my knees at the time and suddenly I felt like I was a cup and the cup was empty but then it got filled up with something. It was like being hungry and then eating, that feeling of being satisfied and full.. like an appetite had been there and I had been famished before then but now I was satisfied. And it just flowed over and gave me a peace I had never had and cannot truly describe in words. The Bible speaks about a "peace that passes all understanding" and that is what I experienced when I asked for forgiveness from God. But I had NO IDEA that I had been empty or in need of filling up until that point. I didn't even know that filling existed. It was like being blind or hungry or deaf and suddenly being given the capacity to hear or see or being given food to eat. It just filled up something I didn't even know I had a need for. In the same way, God gives a capacity to know the reality of Him to those who ask His forgiveness for their sins, opening their eyes spiritually, filling their need for God (which all men have, only many don't know it) - giving them life where they had death.. and removing the condemnation they are living under where they were condemned before. But they don't even know they are under condemnation or what it is like to be out from under that dark cloud, even as I didn't know I had a spiritual need to be filled until it was filled up.

Therefore, I see the Scripture which was taken as condemnatory as not being written nor intended in that way, but as being a mere descriptor of what state a non-Christian is actually in (even if they don't see it themselves). But describing that empty state to a person who has never known any other state of existence is like telling a blind man he is blind and can become unblind. Saying to someone that they are living in a technical state of condemnation is like telling someone they are standing in the rain and ought to come out of it and dry off. If they have been wet all their lives and always stood in the rain they won't see what you are talking about, and they have no way of seeing what you mean by "dry", never having experienced it. It is the same as telling a blind man he cannot see. Some may say.. "Really? How do I get this thing you call sight?" and others will say, "I don't see the need or use for sight, you aren't going to force me to have to see things like color and light.. sounds weird and religious to me."

Therefore, when it says in that verse, "he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" - I submit to you that this is not a statement intended to condemn or blackmail those who are in the state of blindness/death/condemnation but it is only a mere description of what Jesus was sent here to overcome. Because the verse before it says, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Why go to the trouble of saying God has provided a solution, only to condemn those very people for whom Christ died in the very next verse?

Sara.

-- July 26, 2007 12:52 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Paul:

I have posted several times why I do not think Iraq will lop three zeros off their currency. The economic benefit does not outweigh the cost for such action.

Lopping three zeros off of the Dinar will spell economic disaster of the country. There is no hard evidence from either the GoI or CBI to warrant such speculation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 26, 2007 1:06 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Gold and red mercury found in Anbar and Maysan

وكالاتAgencies
.An economic expert said that the failure of the government to prospect for minerals other than oil refers to the weak economic policies. ".He said Mani of the Center for Economic Studies : "The dependence on oil and gas basis of the natural wealth is not the correct perspective in economic terms, because the State must seek to adopt plans for exploration of other minerals in Iraq, especially in the southern and central regions, and abandon unilateral strategy economy." He added : "The economic studies showed that a field of gold ore found in Anbar province and the area between south-eastern province of Misan containing red mercury, which is priced between minerals." Mani explained : "The western region of Iraq, and given the nature of the vast desert territory, comprising ethylene phosphate and sulfur. Moreover, the presence of copper in the areas of Karbala and Najaf. " He continued : "The results of these studies will require the provision of the means of research and exploration of minerals other than oil, which is expected to be larger proportions of rough estimates, for not conducting exploration and production years ago." فطHe called Mani relevant authorities and spe******ts to achieve strategic plans through prospecting for minerals other than oil
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...m/economy.html
__________________

-- July 26, 2007 1:17 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Provide banking services to Iraqi banks. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Provide banking services to Iraqi banks.

ونا .Luna / July 26 / BAGHDAD / continue the Iraqi company for banking services (public company) to provide banking services to the government and private banks for the transfer of currency to branches in Baghdad and other governorates.
) .A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance were moved currency special treasury Rafidain Bank branches in the (White Palace, neighborhood unit, Diyala Bridge, Khansa, Arboretum and Andalusia) were transferred currency special treasury Rasheed Bank branches in the (Foreign Affairs, Yarmouk, Mustansiriyah. Sumar neighborhood and Technological University) and the company to transfer the currency to private banks (credit Square in paradise and the North in Karadah).
.The statement added that the number of meals own internal processes to transfer currency had reached (5) meals with a total amount transferred for all banks and other government departments (000, 000, 420, 25) Twenty-five billion, four hundred and twenty million dinars The total amount transferred for all banks in foreign currencies (000, 200) two hundred thousand dollars / / completed / p u / a, c / economic
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...%3Fextend.8034

-- July 26, 2007 1:26 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Gulf oil revenues to stay in dollars
by Reuters on Thursday, 26 July 2007 Core Gulf producers receive 100 % of their oil revenues in dollars and politics makes it unlikely that will change de****e the U.S. currency's weakness, analysts said on Wednesday.

OPEC members Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait between them pump about 13.5 million barrels per day of oil, nearly 16 % of the world's supply.

Record revenues from high prices have fuelled an economic boom in the region, but the weak dollar has eroded oil producers' purchasing power in currencies not pegged to the U.S. greenback. The dollar hit an all-time low against the euro earlier this week.

Story continues below ↓
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The potential political fallout from the impact on the dollar of any change would likely keep the region's oil sales in the U.S. currency, said Steve Brice, regional economist at Standard Chartered.

"The U.S. would probably be concerned about major producers doing this," said Brice. "Currency reform is much less politically sensitive. It's another thing to move oil receipts away from dollars. That's a very big step."

Kuwait allowed its dinar to appreciate 1.7 % against the dollar on Wednesday, encouraging investors to bet that other Gulf Arab oil producers would review their pegged exchange rates.

But while Kuwait takes small steps to shield its economy from the dollar's weakness, oil revenues in the world's seventh-largest oil exporter will stay tightly bound to the U.S. currency.

"All our oil revenue is in dollars and there is no plan to change this," said a Kuwaiti source.

OPEC's second largest producer Iran caused a stir in financial markets when it asked Japanese oil buyers to pay in yen rather than U.S. dollars two weeks ago. That move was in part politically motivated as the row drags on with the United States over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Libya and sometimes Syria also ask for payments in other currencies, an industry source said. But Gulf Arab producers have shown little interest.

"ENTRENCHED IN DOLLARS"

Analysts said it would make economic sense for producers to diversify payment denominations, as it would reduce the volatility associated with the close ties to one currency and better reflect the region's trade relationships.

"The trade partners of the big oil producers have changed," said Julian Lee, senior energy analyst at London's Centre for Global Energy Studies.

"The European Union and Asia are bigger partners than they were and that would suggest the idea of diversifying revenues to take that into account. But breaking the price of the oil and the dollar may be a step too far."

Kuwait gets about 38 % of imports from the euro zone, the UAE 39 % and Saudi Arabia 35 %, according to Calyon.

Anything that weakens the dollar will also hurt the region's massive dollar-weighted investments.

Gulf Arab governments save most of their oil wealth in investment funds, which do not make public the currencies they hold.

Standard Chartered estimates Gulf Arab central banks hold $75 billion to $80 billion in foreign exchange reserves, while $1.5 trillion is in public sector investment funds.

All the major benchmarks that producers use for oil contracts are set in dollars, which also makes it difficult to use any other currencies.

"The oil market is entrenched in dollars," said one industry source. "People are buying oil years out in dollars and it is difficult to see any of those people unwinding their positions and buying oil in any other currency."

-- July 26, 2007 1:33 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

sara!

Excellent expose'!!!

You have such patience and such methodicial thinking and then putting it into words.

Thank you for making the clarification and explanation so clear.

Carole

-- July 26, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole. :)

David and all;

As for my love of fact over fiction, I dislike being taken in, simple as that.. in religion or any other thing. I want to put my hands on the raw data (statistics or the Bible verses themselves) and figure out what is fact rather than someone's interpretation of those facts. For instance, that Lancet study which was touted in the media.. do you remember it?

Quote: "Remember that massively-publicized 2004 Lancet Iraq death toll study? It was cited in nearly 100 scholarly journals and reported by news outlets around the world. “100,000 Civilian Deaths Estimated in Iraq” blared the Washington Post in a typical headline." (end quote)

Well, it seems that the authors of the study, Quote:

"“refuse to provide anyone with the underlying data (or even a precise description of the actual methodology).” The researchers did release some high-level summary data in highly aggregated form (see url below), but they released neither the detailed interviewee-level data nor the programming code that would be necessary to replicate their results." (end quote)

That smells to high heaven and I agree with one commenter who said, quote:

"I’m a mathematician, but my observation here is that you can in fact be innumerate and still be 99.4% certain that the Lancet study was bogus, simply from the fact that…the Lancet authors “refuse to provide anyone with the underlying data (or even a precise description of the actual methodology).” NO serious scientist or mathematician would submit a study with such an unacceptable condition. Nor would they take such ANY study seriously if submitted by any of their peers."

As another blogger comment enlighteningly presents, QUOTE:

"In an analysis such as this, you attempt to identify a trend with known numbers (questionablei this case), then apply the ‘assumption’ that it is ‘constant’ accross the board. Using good data, you get acceptable results. Using assumed data you can get garbage.

Example, the captian of the Exxon Valdez was drunk. Therefore, all ship’s captains drink, or are drunk. This is using a broad stroke and the result is almost always wrong.

This is where the taking of one exceptional action with high casuaties and adding it to a few other cities with casualties, then applying the trend broadly accross the entire population, many areas where no action took place, exaggerates the final assumption.

Example, take the murder rate of the top ten cities in the U.S. for the year 2001. Include the 3,000 victums of the twin towers for NYC. Come up with an average murder rate per 100,000 people for the top ten cities. Then apply the same percentage for murder per 100,000 people accross the entire nation. You will find the murder rate for the nation increased by roughly 50% to 60% for the year 2001. But, it is entirely a false assumption based on the fact you used a rare event (an oddity) to support your conclusion."
(end quote)

The question is.. was the data based on an oddity which skewed the data? The answer is YES!!

As stated below, quote, “Kane shows that if the Falluja cluster is included in the statistical calculations, the confidence interval dips below zero, - so basically, we have been had by those who manipulate numbers for their political agenda. And, personally, I hate that.

Also, certain arguments like.. WHERE ARE ALL THE BODIES?? have never been addressed. Quote:

Where are all these bodies? Where are the mass graves and burn pits that Allied Soldiers would have to run to dispose of all these casualties? Plus, if you add my “guesstimates” of Fallujah estimates to their guesses of casualties you get from between 147,000 to 291,00 civilian casualties. If we had that percentage of the population “disappear” we’d be talking about the populations of Chicago, or Los Angeles, or even Manhattan disappearing. I think there might be more than a little talk about it in the Press — it would be hard to hide that percentage of the population disappearing.
(end quote)

Which leads only to what one blogger so aptly observed, quote:

Mark Twain said it best:
“There are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics.”

and Homer Simpson said it almost as well. “Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that.”
(end quote)

Sara.

===

Document drop: A new critique of the 2004 Lancet Iraq death toll study
By Michelle Malkin • July 25, 2007 11:01 AM

Shannon Love at the Chicago Boyz blog called foul on the Lancet 2004 study early on and, with vindication, reacts to David Kane’s new analysis of the 2004 Lancet Iraq death toll study: “Kane shows that if the Falluja cluster is included in the statistical calculations, the confidence interval dips below zero, which is a big no-no. Since the study’s raw data remain a closely guarded secret, Kane cannot be absolutely certain that the inclusion of the Falluja cluster renders the study mathematically invalid…but that’s the way to bet. In science, replication is the iron test. I find it revealing that no other source or study has come close to replicating the original study. All my original points still stand. Ah, vindication is sweet.”

Now, it’s the statisticians and math geeks’ turn. Remember that massively-publicized 2004 Lancet Iraq death toll study? It was cited in nearly 100 scholarly journals and reported by news outlets around the world. “100,000 Civilian Deaths Estimated in Iraq” blared the Washington Post in a typical headline.

There were attempts made by lay journalists to debunk the 2004 study (as well as the 2006 follow-up study that purported to back up the first). But none of those dissections comes close to a damning new statistical analysis of the 2004 study authored by David Kane, Institute Fellow at the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard University. I read of Kane’s new paper at this science blog and e-mailed him for permission to reprint his analysis in its entirety here so that a wider blog readership could have a look. He has given me his permission and adds that he welcomes comments and feedback. He’ll be presenting the paper at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Salt Lake City on Monday — the largest conference of statisticians in North America.

Much of the math here is mind-numbingly complicated, but Kane’s bottom line is simple: the Lancet authors “cannot reject the null hypothesis that mortality in Iraq is unchanged.” Translation: according to Kane, the confidence interval for the Lancet authors’ main finding is wrong. Had the authors calculated the confidence interval correctly, Kane asserts that they would have failed to identify a statistically significant increase in risk of death in Iraq, let alone the widely-reported 98,000 excess civilian deaths.

An interesting side note: as Kane observes in his paper, the Lancet authors “refuse to provide anyone with the underlying data (or even a precise description of the actual methodology).” The researchers did release some high-level summary data in highly aggregated form (see here), but they released neither the detailed interviewee-level data nor the programming code that would be necessary to replicate their results.

Kane has sent his paper to Lancet. But the blogosphere need not wait for Lancet to complete its review. If you’ve got a statistics background or know someone who does, have a look. Kane’s e-mail address is dkane-at-iq.harvard.edu. He’s a blogger himself at EphBlog.

Comments

1) On July 25th, 2007, taylork said:

The basic argument here is whether or not Fallujah should be included in the cluster sample, since it’s inclusion/exclusion will affect whether or not we can reject the null hypothesis or not.

All the stats that follow are just the results of what happens when Fallujah is included...

What I think is most damning in the article is the statement that Burnham and Roberts (whom I have as professors at JHU) refuse to release the data. I recall a lecture earlier this year in which Roberts said that accurate data collection may help say thousands of lives (this was in reference to the Rwandan refugee camps) so it seems odd to me that he and Burnham would withhold data like this. Given Roberts’ past political actions (and he was never shy about talking about them in class), it does seem as if they’re hiding something.

This is extremely disapointing, as both professorts have done very good work in the past, that has help thousands of refugees in the past, and I think this will (at least it should, but may not be given the liberalism that has infected academia) forever be a blackspot on their careers.

2) On July 25th, 2007 jrlingreenbay said:

I think the greater damnation of these numbers and studies is the sudden need to care about how many Iraqi’s are dying.

No one on the left raised so much noise before the war, when it was Saddam’s regime who was doing the damage. But now, since the war started, they feel the need to count the dead and attribute it to Bush or the US military - when most ( and I’m hypothesizing here ) of the casualties of civilians are caused by insurgents & terrorists.

But it’s always the US who gets blamed.

Yes, some may argue that if we weren’t there in the first place, these deaths wouldn’t have occurred. But that dismisses the atrocities committed by the previous regime.

3) On July 25th, 2007, taylork said:

…and another thing. I think the prewar mortality rate that Burnham used was suspicious. Yes, he probably got it from a reputable source, but I think you have to question these numbers when you’re dealing with a totalitarian government. When opposition figures just suddenly disappear and are later found in a mass grave, are these numbers counted? My guess is no, since most of these people would have just vanished without any record of their death.

4) On July 25th, 2007, bear1909 said:

I would like to see a companion qualitative study completed by qualified experts. A suggested title:

“Fighting Strategies of Al-Qaeda In Iraq: An Analysis of Defensive and Offensive Technique of Enemy Combatants In Urban and Rural Settings”.

Perhaps this study would shed light on how and why so many civilians died. Oh but no way. We can’t *know* that because it wouldn’t reflect well on *ALL* of Islam.

These Lefty Rats who use the childish logic “If the US had not invaded, these people would still be alive” makes me sick. Fine. If you want to explain *half* of reality, I guess they have a point. I guess when they have a boil or an infection they don’t lance or medicate because they don’t want the side-effects. “oh! That awful medicine gave me cotton mouth. If I hadn’t taken it I wouldn't have cotton mouth!”

Pish.

5) On July 25th, 2007, Regulus said:

An interesting side note: as Kane observes in his paper, the Lancet authors “refuse to provide anyone with the underlying data (or even a precise description of the actual methodology).”

That’s the essence of the issue.

The problem with a lot of liberals is that they’re mentally lazy. A compounding problem is that they lazily tend to assume that everyone else is as mentally lazy as they are.

The “98,000 casualties” concoction in this case is an example of the above. Some people began with an ideologically motivated, cherished preconclusion (the USA must be somehow responsible for scores of thousands of innocent Iraqi deaths), then worked backwards with some fun-and-games-with-numbers to “prove” it.

It would’ve been too much mental effort for the authors of the original “study” to have phrased the base proposition in the form of a question, and then work forward. Besides, the answer might not have suited them.

What is more, the complexity of Kane’s analysis demonstrates that the authors of the Lancet “study” likely knew that few people in general, and certainly nobody inclined to share their beliefs, would undertake the effort needed to test their findings.

That they played “hide the ball” with their data and methodology was just a dishonest insurance policy against the possibility that somebody like Kane just might call them out.

There is no justifiable reason for any honest scientist or researcher to refuse to disclose that upon which he or she bases his or her conclusions. The only explanations for such a refusal are that the authors either know that the data doesn’t back them up, or that they lack confidence in their conclusions but still want to present them as conclusive.

Both are variations of intellectual dishonesty; the former intentional, the latter reckless. It’s no different from Mike Nifong refusing to disclose exculpatory evidence from the defense attorneys in the phony Duke “rape” case: the facts might get in the way of the narrative.

6) On July 25th, 2007, swj719AWG said:

It was printed in scholarly journals, and they refuse to release the underlying data? I always thought it was REQUIRED when you did that…

7) On July 25th, 2007, Romeo13 said:

Without the underlying data, the whole Lancett study cannot be given any credence.

How they decided which areas to include in the study, and which to leave out, and where they got the death data from, is needed to understand whether this is a good analysis or not.

If you had chosen pre war death areas to include those GASSED by Saddam… I’m sure the numbers would have changed dramatically… they are attempting to extrapolate numbers from a data set which is not large enough.

8) On July 25th, 2007, twoninerkilo said:

The left did the same thing in Vietnam. Why shoud anyone be suprised,they hate thier country. Anything to make America look bad is thier motto.

9) On July 25th, 2007, jamesgreenidge said:

Gee. And I always thought taking a simple body count through the rubble was the most accurate assestment possible. Silly me.

James Greenidge
Queens NY

10) On July 25th, 2007, johndlong said:

This study was short on actual statistical analysis and long on unsupported conclusions, which is probably why the study was only published Online and not in the actual Journal itself. (However, I seriously doubt that this kind of analysis would have passed muster by my old Statistics teacher. Each conclusion should have a piece of statistical analysis to back up that conclusion.)

Michelle also includes the text of Dr. Kane’s analysis, and it confirms some of the problems with the Original lancet study. I didn’t get off the first page before I found three major problems.

The first major problem is in the fourth paragraph under the “Entire Findings” section, citing the Lancet findings, the fourth sentence states “We estimate that 98,000 more deaths than expected (8,000 - 194,000) happened after the invasion outside of Fallujah and far more if the other Fallujah cluster is included.” in layman’s terms, they are saying that as many as 194,00 people died as civilian casualties after the invasion by Allied Forces, and very likely more since the casualties from Fallujah (one of the most violent ares of Iraq) are not included in this estimate. And as Dr. Kane notes in the fifth paragraph, second sentence, “The authors did not provide a confidence interval for excess mortality which included the data from Fallujah and have declined my requests to do so.”

Failing to provide raw data for a subsequent analysis isn’t just unusual — it’s just not done. Researchers routinely provide the raw data for later researchers — to refuse to provide data is usually a big red flag that the researcher is trying to hide something. I had one incident where I wrote an e-mail in 1998 to a researcher asking about a study he had done and received over 50 pages of raw data attached to the return e-mail — THAT’s how routine this is. Refusing to release their raw data makes this study highly suspect.

So, ultimately, it’s extremely difficult to figure out how exactly these authors came up with such a high confidence level (95%) when they have (a) deliberately left out the Fallujah data, and (b) won’t release their raw data — not to mention extremely suspicious.

The second major problem is in the fourth paragraph under the “Entire Findings” section, in the seventh sentence which states “Most individuals reportedly killed by coalition forces were women and children.” While a statistical analysis could infer that a certain population group incurred the largest casualties (such as “women” or “children” or “men”), to group the top two population groups together (i.e., “women and children”) is also not a standard statistical procedure and highly suspect. This sounds more like either the interview subjects feeding information to the researchers, or the researchers drawing unsupported conclusions. (And, again, since they will not release their raw data for review, these conclusions cannot be supported by data.)

The third major problem is just with the sheer numbers involved. The Lancet study believes that probably 98,000 civilians — and perhaps as many as 194,00 — died post-invasion “and far more if the other Fallujah cluster is included.” A quick web search shows that the city of Fallujah has a current population of 284,500 people. But does “far more” casualties mean 50% more — 100% more? suppose it means only 50% more — that would mean between 49,000 and 97,000 people died in Fallujah post-invasion; between 17.2% to 34% of the population of Fallujah died — and the media failed to notice?

Where are all these bodies? Where are the mass graves and burn pits that Allied Soldiers would have to run to dispose of all these casualties? Plus, if you add my “guesstimates” of Fallujah estimates to their guesses of casualties you get from between 147,000 to 291,00 civilian casualties. If we had that percentage of the population “disappear” we’d be talking about the populations of Chicago, or Los Angeles, or even Manhattan disappearing. I think there might be more than a little talk about it in the Press — it would be hard to hide that percentage of the population disappearing.

Even if you accept the numbers at face value, they just don’t add up. And if you try to run their numbers yourself you can’t, because they won’t release the data to you — something only a person who had something to hide would do.

As a final note, two of the Lancet’s studies authors are from Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq (R Lafta MD, and J Khudhairi MD). The two Iraqi physicians (Lafta & Khudhairi) were, as the Lancet study notes, “R Lafta was involved in study design, hired, trained, and oversaw the interview staff, led one of the two study teams, coordinated all logistical aspects of the study, and had a central role in data interpretation and preparation of this report. . . J Khudhairi was involved in the study design,interviewer training, and oversaw one of the two survey teams in the field.”

Of the five contributors to this report, only the two Iraqi physicians had input to the actual interview process; the other three authors interpreted the data provided by the two Iraqi physicians.

Funny, I seem to remember something about Middle Eastern physicians and radicalism recently. I also seem to remember something about Iraqi stringers feeding fraudulent information to media journalists — surely that would never happen to academics?

Yeah, right. What’s that phrase — “You’ve been Pwned”?

11) On July 25th, 2007, taylork said:

Mark Twain said it best:
“There are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics.”

and Homer Simpson said it almost as well. “Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that.”

12) On July 25th, 2007, Vatar said:

Prior to the invasion, the human rights groups were saying that the UN sanctions against Iraq were killing millions. The sanctions being lifted was a direct result of the invasion. So aren’t we actually saving millions of lives?

13) On July 25th, 2007, Rick Moran said:

What Michelle doesn’t mention is that the study came out 5 days before the 2004 election.

The Lancet denied politics was involved in the decision to publish it then - even though it came out on a Friday while the normal date for publication would have been the following Tuesday.

Here’s the NY Times article that is surprisingly balanced about the political aspects. (see url below)

14) On July 25th, 2007, SirKnob said:

Data analysis can be used to support trends, or trend analysis can be used to support data. The problem is that many people use analysis methods to prove, or disprove their theory. Like political polling, depending on the question asked, how the question is asked, the people you ask, and what the response options are, you can make the data support any answer you wish. You can also exclude what some would call ‘eronious’ data. Political polls do it all the time.

In an analysis such as this, you attempt to identify a trend with known numbers (questionablei this case), then apply the ‘assumption’ that it is ‘constant’ accross the board. Using good data, you get acceptable results. Using assumed data you can get garbage.

Example, the captian of the Exxon Valdez was drunk. Therefore, all ship’s captains drink, or are drunk. This is using a broad stroke and the result is almost always wrong.

This is where the taking of one exceptional action with high casuaties and adding it to a few other cities with casualties, then applying the trend broadly accross the entire population, many areas where no action took place, exagerates the final assumption.

Example, take the murder rate of the top ten cities in the U.S. for the year 2001. Include the 3,000 victums of the twin towers for NYC. Come up with an average murder rate per 100,000 people for the top ten cities. Then apply the same percentage for murder per 100,000 people accross the entire nation. You will find the murder rate for the nation increased by roughly 50% to 60% for the year 2001. But, it is entirely a false assumption based on the fact you used a rare event (an oddity) to support your conclusion.

I hope this made sense, it has been a long day :)

As for the assumption the U. S. caused all the civilian casuaties. Does anyone remember all the anti-aircraft fire, ground missles, small arms, etc.. fired at our aircraft? That stuff had to come down somewhere. It didn’t hit the planes:-)

15) On July 25th, 2007, zorro said:

Thanks for this information Michelle. We all figured the Lancet Iraq Death toll study was bogus. It’s nice to have a scholarly paper to help validate our doubts.

Roberts and his gang and Ward Churchill have disgraced academia. They should be shunned.

16) On July 25th, 2007, PokerGuy said:

The only logical reason why the study authors would absolutely refuse access to the raw data is that said data, and the subsequent study conclusions, cannot stand expert scrutiny. That alone is sufficient to dismiss the findings. (After all, the data do not represent, say, the outcome of scientific experimentation that could have future business and financial implications.)

17) On July 26th, 2007, planetgeo said:

I’m a mathematician, but my observation here is that you can in fact be innumerate and still be 99.4% certain that the Lancet study was bogus, simply from the fact that…the Lancet authors “refuse to provide anyone with the underlying data (or even a precise description of the actual methodology).”

NO serious scientist or mathematician would submit a study with such an unacceptable condition. Nor would they take such ANY study seriously if submitted by any of their peers.

18) On July 26th, 2007, blacktygrrrr said:

It has been 5 years since my MBA Statistics courses, so I am a tad on the rusty side, but credible studies eliminate the outliers. Is Fallujah an outlier? If it skews the data, as suggested, then it is an outlier.

Also, scientists/mathematicians are like everybody else, in that they have egos, and prefer more fame to less. If they are right, they would shout it to the world, and welcome scrutiny.

In this case, the null hypothesis is that they have null to hide. The alternative hypothesis is that they are hiding something, and that inviting scrutiny might cause their analysis to crack.

eric - www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com

19) On July 26th, 2007, puhiawa said:

Lancet is no longer a scientific periodical. It is the Vanity Fair of medically inclined Moonbats. It has no value whatsoever in real science.

20) On July 26th, 2007, William Teach said:

I reckon’ it all comes down to being a statistical study, which neither the leftards nor the MSM understand. Remember, the original study said it was anywhere between 8K and 198K civilians killed, so the Moonbats decided to take the mid-point and call it 100K, just to assail Bush, our troops, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They had no clue how the study was conducted, nor did they want to know.

No point rehashing the entire idiocy of what know regarding the gathering of data, but, another thing the MSM doesn’t want to know, is that study, using actual data, rather then statistical, by a Jordanian doctor that showed 50,000 children were dying each year during sanctions, because of Saddam’s regime.

http://michellemalkin.com/2007/07/25/document-drop-a-new-critique-of-the-2004-lancet-iraq-death-toll-study/

-- July 26, 2007 3:24 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

UK Army succeeded in southern Iraq objectives
26 July 2007

The head of the armed forces has told the BBC that the British military has succeeded in its mission objectives in southern Iraq.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said the army had very nearly reached its target of allowing Iraqis to run that part of the country.

"Our mission there was to get the place and the people to a state where the Iraqis could run that part of the country, if they chose to, and we're very nearly there.

"Our mission was not to make the place look like somewhere green and peaceful, because that was never going to be achievable in that timescale.

"And in any event only the Iraqis can fulfil that aspiration."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6917558.stm

-- July 26, 2007 4:03 PM ∞

---

David wrote:

Sara -

I appreciate your comments, which are congruent with my own understanding that each of us has a unique relationship with God. All of those relationships have been made possible by a common event, but that does not mean that our relationships must all look the same. This is what I mean when I criticize Carole for making monochromatic characterizations of others' relationships with God. (Carole - I know you're reading, so I'm purposely opening this to you as well.) Since my relationship with God is different than Carole's, she puts my experience in her box, then renders judgment based on how her relationship with God works. That helps me understand her, but does nothing for her understanding of me.

So that's why I think a long conversation with you would be valuable, because I would like to understand your relationship with Him better - not so that I can emulate it or judge it, but simply understand it. For the same reason I occasionally ask young people why in the world they would stick things through their tongues or get bizarre pictures painted on their bodies. I want to understand.

Carole -

I meant to thank you for your kind remarks about spending time with family. Please forgive me for the oversight. That time is becoming more and more valuable as the days and months and years go by. I'm glad you, too, value those moments spent with people whom you love and who love you dearly.

I do have a question for you - why did you dismiss the remarks meant for you that I spent a great deal of time carefully reasoning out and putting into words, only to respond to comments I clearly directed to Sara?

All - Did anyone hear about the ABC News poll that FINALLY included statements about the possible consequences of a premature pullout from Iraq. They learned that when reasonable consequences (Al-Qaeda bases being established in Iraq, all-out civil war, sectarian blood-bath) are included in poll questions about whether or not people favor early military withdrawel from Iraq, support for that kind of withdrawel plummets. This is a huge revelation, because it demonstrates that the polsters have been asking the wrong questions all along, and publicizing the results saying that Americans overwhelmingly favor early withdrawel. Turns out that's simply not true!

David

-- July 26, 2007 8:07 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I find it interesting that these "unions" who speak against the oil law are no different than the war protesters over here.. just ordinary citizens and not speaking FOR the Iraqi people. They have no LEGAL standing and are NOT elected by Iraqis.

Sara.

===

Shahristani: Iraq oil unions not legit
WASHINGTON, 26 July 2007 (UPI)

Iraq's oil minister said Iraq's oil unions are not legitimate and have no more standing in the debate over the oil law than an ordinary citizen.

"There are no legal unions in Iraq," Hussein al-Shahristani said Wednesday in response to a question about various factions' positions on the controversial oil law. "Those people who call themselves representatives of the oil workers have not been elected to the position."

Shahristani spoke to UPI by phone from Baghdad.

The lone remaining law from the Saddam Hussein regime kept by U.S. occupying powers and the successive Iraqi government is the one that bans worker organizing in the public sector.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/19954

-- July 26, 2007 9:11 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

David,

I don't understand your question to me. Please restate.

Also, it is probably not wise and can be harmful, because of miscontrued conclusions to discuss personal realtionships with our Lord.

I in no way meant to "judge" you or put you in a "box".
I believe that God is much much bigger than a tailor made relationship for all mankind. I guess I just sensed you sort of longing for something you seemed to admit you didn't have. But there again, impressions surmised on this type of communication can be misleading.

No one likes to be misread or misunderstood, and blogs are a good breeding place for both those things to happen.

Carole

-- July 27, 2007 3:24 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

hi can any one make any sense of those numbers --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kurdistan's 2007 budget approved

Budget finally meets the approval by a majority of Parliament.

27 July 2007 (Kurdish Globe)

Kurdistan's 2007 budget, estimated to be 5,982,356 million Iraqi dinars (approximately $4,710,516,535), was finally approved by a majority of Parliament members in their last meeting before they begin summer recess until the end of August. The 2007 budget year began January 1, 2007, and ends December 31, 2007.
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/19961

-- July 27, 2007 12:59 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

David,

Thanks for the advice,
Please say what you have to say and don't couch your statements in such meaningless quaff….

So I will…
It concerns me that you put so much of your time into post.. “Carefully reasoning out and putting into words” what it is you have to say. It also concerns me that you feel it necessary to understand and dissect each of the members … and one more thing, do you feel as if you need to control arguments or people or do you truly feel you’re helping? Below I have copied and pasted (sorry guys I know how you hate that!) some of your recent post and several flags have gone up…..

***************
“why did you dismiss the remarks meant for you that I spent a great deal of time carefully reasoning out and putting into words, only to respond to comments I clearly directed to Sara?”
My suspicions of Steven, I wouldn't trust "Steven" as far as I can throw him, which isn't anywhere because "Steve" isn't real. Are you, "Steve"?

But "Steve" is different than all others. Read his posts again. What's in it for him?

Do what you want with your money, but I recommend some serious scepticism when it comes to doing ANYTHING "Steve" enthusiastically endorses.

Sara contributes because she's driven - it's a mission for her.

Carole gets to vent, share what she knows, and pick on people. Attention is what she gets out of it,

Rob gets a sense of satisfaction from keeping the rest of us informed, which helps him feel good about spending all the time he does perusing news about the Middle East.

Oh yeah this was my favorite, all the rest are graffiti artists.

***********

This statement may be contradicting to you but, we all care about you and your well being… You may want to speak with Carole on the side…. I’m sure she would know more about this sort of thing being she is in the medical field.

-- July 27, 2007 2:14 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq can produce eight million barrels of oil daily, according to the new oil law http://www.dinartrade.com/187.htm

-- July 27, 2007 2:18 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Army Engineers Help Rebuild Water System

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region South district continues to make progress on the construction of public works and water projects throughout Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 27, 2007 6:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S., Iraqis Battle Shiite Militants
Associated Press | July 27, 2007
BAGHDAD - A U.S. and Iraqi raid to arrest a rogue Shiite militia leader sparked a fierce battle in the holy city of Karbala Friday that led to a U.S. airstrike and left some 17 militants dead, the military said.

The joint force moved in before dawn to detain a man described as the commander of a breakaway group of the powerful Mahdi Army, along with two other suspects.

The raid went off without incident, but the troops came under fire as they left the area with their prisoners, the military said. Attackers fired small arms, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from three locations. Five militants were killed in the fighting, the military said.

Militants fired on a helicopter assisting the operation and U.S. special forces called in attack aircraft, which launched an airstrike that killed about a dozen more militants, the U.S. military said.

The military said no civilians were in the area, but local Iraqi officials said nine people were killed, including four militiamen and five civilians, and 23 people were wounded.

The military said their main target was a Mahdi Army assassination cell that had broken off from the mainstream organization, which is loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

The military accused the man, whom it did not name, of being behind roadside bomb and mortar attacks against U.S. forces, as well as the assassinations of two Iraqi government officials.

A local policeman and a council member said that a militia leader by the name of Razzaq al-Ardhi had been detained along with his brother.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to release the information, said another clash erupted about three hours later in Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, as residents were removing the dead bodies from the hospital. Militiamen accompanying the mourners briefly fought with a joint Iraqi army and police patrol, but no casualties were reported, the officials said.

U.S. and Iraqi officials have said they are unsure of the degree of control the anti-American cleric still exerts over his militia, which he founded in 2003 after the collapse of Saddam Hussein's rule. The Mahdi Army engaged in fierce battles with U.S. troops in 2004 but last year al-Sadr complained publicly about "deviant" groups using his organization as a cover for murder, extortion and smuggling.

Northeast of Baghdad, U.S. forces captured four militants they called linked to networks that smuggle weapons and fighters from Iran.

The raid in the village of Qasarin, 10 miles north of Baqouba, was targeting a "highly sought operative believed to be a senior leader of a weapons smuggling network," the statement said, although it did not specify whether he was among those captured.

The men were suspected of helping to smuggle fighters and weapons including armor-piercing bombs known as explosively formed penetrators. The powerful roadside devices have killed hundreds of U.S. troops in recent months.

The military announced separately that a U.S. soldier had been killed by a roadside bomb in restive Diyala province, from which the U.S. military is trying to drive Sunni and Shiite extremists. U.S. and Iraqi forces recently struck an alliance with Sunni insurgent groups and tribal leaders opposed to al-Qaida in Iraq as part of that effort.

A representative of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called on the government to broaden the effort beyond Sunnis by rallying all of the groups in Diyala to jointly fight the terrorist group.

"We call on the government to form a collective in Diyala province from Sunnis, Shiites and Turkoman and other sects of Iraqis to give these operations a national dimension to fight Al-Qaida organization in the name of Iraq," Sheik Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai said in a sermon in Karbala's Imam Hussein mosque hours after the U.S. raid.

In Baghdad, cleanup crews used tractors and cranes to clear out the debris from a highly sophisticated simultaneous truck bombing and rocket attack on a Shiite market district in one of the capital's safest central neighborhoods Thursday. Rescue workers pulled three more bodies from the rubble, and police raised the casualty toll to at least 31 people killed and 104 wounded.

Mourners streamed into mosques and funeral tents were set up in the neighborhood's main street, where black banners were hung on the walls bearing the names of the dead.

Residents angry about the lack of security in the neighborhood - which was hit by a double car-bombing earlier this week -threw stones and empty cans at U.S. soldiers arriving at the scene of the blast, according to a police officer and a witness, who declined to be identified because they feared retribution.

The soldiers left the area.

The officer and witness said Iraqi soldiers met with the same response when they arrived about 10 minutes later, prompting them to open fire to disperse the crowd. No casualties were reported.

At least 65 U.S. troops have died this month, a relatively low number compared with American death tolls of more than 100 for each of the previous three months, according to an AP count based on military statements.

In other violence, a roadside bomb exploded in Muqdadiyah, about 60 miles north of Baghdad, killing five civilians, police said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 27, 2007 6:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US troop increase 'has improved security'

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

Washington, 27 July 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Washington's top envoy in Iraq said yesterday that increased US troop strength had brought down violence but it was impossible to rush political reconciliation or to predict when conditions would allow the US to begin reducing its involvement.

With less than two months remaining before Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus, the US commander in Iraq, were to report to Congress about progress in Iraq, the top envoy also said that political reconciliation was going to be "a long, hard pull." "The surge [increase of 30,000 American troops] has done very well indeed in making a difference in security conditions." Meanwhile, Iraq's ambassador to the US Samir Sumaidaei launched a withering attack on what he said was US slowness to provide basic weaponry to his country's ill-equipped armed forces.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 27, 2007 6:08 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Analysis: Oil part of large Iraq conundrum

Published: July 27, 2007 at 4:48 PM E-mail Story | Print Preview | License

By BEN LANDO
UPI Energy Correspondent
WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- Iraq's government is in the eye of a storm of deadlines and benchmarks and pressure from within and abroad. At some level, it's all about the oil.

The Parliament is to take next month off as key parties criticize the government and vow to withdraw. Washington, dragged by the Democratic Party, is looking for success or troop withdrawal. Iraq's citizens face more violence and poverty and less electricity and fuels.

"We are still struggling to find a political resolution on a whole number of issues," Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Samir Sumaida'ie told reporters Wednesday during a briefing at the embassy. "We're still searching for a common vision that will help us to deal with critical issues such as the constitution and its amendments, Kirkuk, federalism and to the extent that it will be applied outside Kurdistan, applied or not applied outside a Kurdish area, oil law and revenue sharing."

All are linked, he said.

Iraq's constitution, passed in 2005, was vague on certain issues now being targeted for amendment, including control over oil.

The constitution called for a referendum on disputed northern territories by the end of next year, including the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. Iraq's Kurds claim the city and other territories belong in the Kurdistan Regional government's semi-autonomous region. Turkomen and Sunnis dispute it and the outcry over its fate has sparked talk of delaying the referendum, which the KRG refuses.

In Baghdad, parliamentarians are at a standstill over legislation splitting up revenue, most of which comes from the sale of oil, and a law governing the exploration and development of the crude. Iraq has 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the third largest in the world, and last year sales of it funded more than 93 percent of the federal budget. Disputes over the oil rally around whether the central or regional/local government should control key oil fields. This dispute over federalism is inherent in the holdup of the revenue sharing law. More than four years after liberation from Saddam Hussein, the government of Iraq struggles to function.

"A gap still exists between the different parties and their way of looking at this," Sumaida'ie said. "Intensive effort is going on to try to resolve this."

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's coalition government is weakening. The Iraqi Accordance Front, the largest Sunni bloc in the Shiite-dominated coalition (with a heavy Kurdish partnership), has issued a list of demands to be met. Maliki has one week or the bloc will withdraw its members. The Kuwait News Agency reports IAF leader and Iraqi Vice President Tarek al-Hashemi has submitted his resignation.

The Sadr Movement and Fadhila Party, two smaller Shiite parties with a large citizen support base, have already withdrawn from the coalition. The anti-Maliki sentiment is not solely related to his push for an oil law, but the law is a major lightning rod.

"The law is discussed in the Parliament and in the Parliament there are various groups and of course there are differences," Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani told UPI during a telephone interview from Baghdad Wednesday morning. "Like any other issue it will be debated and we try to close the gaps and reach compromises."

All signs point to a Parliament that leaves for August recess without approving the law.

President Bush is urging the government to reconcile their differences as the troop surge assessment is due to Congress Sept. 15.

Ken Katzman, Middle East specialist at the Congressional Research Service, said the fighting will subside "once there's a deal where there is an equilibrium of power and money."

"I believe there's a mathematical equation to the fighting," he said, "once they reach a stalemate on the battlefield, they will likely reach a political compromise."

Iraqi Sunnis, which make up the largest share of the insurgency, want a guarantee on revenue sharing and control over their own area, which has a lot of violence and very little oil.

"The Sunni government will not accept Shiite-dominated forces in their area," he said.

Shiites, the dominant faction in politics and armed militias, want a guarantee on security, especially attacks on holy sites. They're in a better position to bargain for control over oil and revenue than Sunnis and Kurds, but face internal power struggles.

"The Kurds already have a lot of what they want," Katzman said: semi-autonomous with economic development far beyond the rest of the country, including starting development of its oil, much to the federal government's consternation. The KRG area is protected by its own security forces, the peshmerga, which has kept it relatively safe.

Rival Shiite parties will need to address internal issues, Katzman said. He termed the struggle along class lines: The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (formerly the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq) and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Dawa Party are the main components of the coalition in Baghdad, the upper class. The Sadr Movement and Fadhila Party, while maintaining a presence in Baghdad politics, have solidified backing of the poor and workers of Iraq, especially in oil-rich Basra, the main port terminal. Disputes in Basra have turned bloody and all are leveraging positions for control, especially of the oil industry there and the lucrative oil and fuel smuggling racket.

"The issue for the lower classes is: are they getting the money, whether legitimate or from smuggling," Katzman said, or are the "upper classes" squeezing Sadr and Fadhila financially.

Meanwhile Iraq's citizens are fleeing en mass, with a 2 million strong refugee count. Bodies are found daily. Those who remain face a dearth of transportation, heating and cooking fuel. Electricity is out for long hours, if not days at a time.

"The onus is on Iraq to demonstrate at least the ability that the political process can produce solutions," Sumaida'ie said. "A sense of urgency exists not necessarily from the Washington benchmarks but from the pressure from the street. People are fed up with the current situation."
(www.upi.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 27, 2007 6:12 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US angry over Saudi role in Iraq Fri Jul 27, 3:54 AM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US administration is deeply frustrated with Saudi Arabia over its role in Iraq, accusing the Saudis of trying to undermine the Baghdad government and failing to stem the flow of volunteers joining the insurgency there, the New York Times reported on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Saudis view Iraq's Shiite prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, as an agent of Iran and appear to have stepped up efforts to weaken his government, providing funding for Sunni groups, the Times wrote, citing senior US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One official told the paper that there was evidence Saudi Arabia was supplying money to Maliki's opponents but declined to say if that funding was going to Sunni insurgents.

"That would get into disagreements over who is an insurgent and who is not," the official said.

Officials in President George W. Bush's administration also say that of an estimated 60 to 80 foreign fighters who enter Iraq every month, nearly half come from Saudi Arabia and the Saudi leadership has not done enough to counter the influx.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates planned to raise Washington's concerns in a visit next week to Saudi Arabia, the paper said.

The Bush administration has refrained from publicly criticizing its long-time ally over Iraq and has instead blamed Iran and Syria for fomenting violence and sectarian divisions.

But the officials spoke to the Times with the clear intention of sending a signal to the Saudis after previous private appeals failed to produce results, the newspaper said.

US-Saudi relations have been increasingly strained since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. In March, King Abdullah slammed the "illegitimate foreign occupation" of Iraq.

Tensions have also flared over the Arab-Israeli conflict, with Washington struggling to persuade Saudi Arabia to give full backing for US diplomatic efforts.

An illustration of the US-Saudi rift over Iraq came during a meeting in Riyadh in January, when Saudi officials confronted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with documents suggesting Iraq's prime minister could not be trusted, the paper said.

One document claimed Maliki was an Iranian agent and another purportedly showing Maliki warning radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to keep a low profile during a planned increase in US troops, the paper said.

Khalilzad protested to King Abdullah and US officials insisted the documents were forgeries. "Maliki wouldn't be stupid enough to put that on a piece of paper," one official told the Times.

The Saudis, however, remained skeptical, officials said.
(www.news.yahoo.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 27, 2007 6:14 PM ∞

---

David wrote:

Jeff -

Beautiful! Great post!

In answer to your question, sure I'm helping. Your post was direct, to the point, and far more powerful than your previous post. And you admit your writing changed as a result of my advice, so it appears I have made a difference. A small one, I admit, but one must accept success as it comes. (You do pick up on my tongue-in-cheek tone...?_

More seriously, in response to your concern, what is wrong with trying to understand people? That's how you grow, and also how you discern whom to trust and whom not to trust. You, I trust. At the time, Steven I did not trust, and my comments supported my accusation. I have since rescinded all accusations against Steven, and wished him well, while still reserving my skepticism for investing in the same way he has. Incidentally, I'm always very careful about what I put in print.

Which is why I must object to one of your quotes of my statements. I did not say, "...all the rest are graffit artists." I was talking about drive-by posters who drop condescending insults at us then hang around for a post or two to see what happens. The comment referred only to them, and was, "...they're like graffiti artists." I thought it a particularly pithy analogy. In fact, if I remember correctly, I made similar remarks maybe 6 months or so ago when some drive-by poster did just that, and a few on the board dignified his comments by actually taking him seriously. My conclusion was that good information would most likely come from trusted and well-known sources on the board. That trust comes from analyzing and understanding people, the comments they make, and trusting their motivations.

Would you trust me, smarty-pants notwithstanding? If not, why not?

David

-- July 27, 2007 6:27 PM ∞

---

David wrote:

Carole -

I'll restate my question to you:

I carefully wrote several paragraphs to you in one of my posts. In my subsequent post, I directed my comments to Sara. Your next post to me dismissed my comments as "B---- S----". But then you responded to the comments I had made to Sara about not experiencing God in the way she does. So my question was, why respond to comments I made to Sara, but not respond to comments I made to you, except to dismiss my comments to you as BS?

Jeff -

I just read my last post to you. The final comment is unclear, and I apologize. I'm calling MYSELF a smarty-pants. I understand that my style of writing is sometimes condescending, but I still choose to be precise when I put my thoughts in print, particularly when my words are of a critical nature. So, yes, I'm a smarty-pants. My question still stands, however: Do you trust me?

All -

Can anyone help me understand from whom the Central Bank of Iraq buys when it buys Dinar? Where does the auction occur? Also, someone made an argument a while back that since the CBI was buying up so many Dinars, it was likely stockpiling in preparation for a re-value. However, in the last, oh, couple of months or so, the CBI has rarely bought Dinars. Two questions: Why not, and does anyone still believe that the CBI is stockpiling?

David

-- July 28, 2007 1:04 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Hello David: I'm not a rocket scientist or an economist, but I would imagine that Iraq is paying for their imports in dinars, the U.S. is paying USD for their local purchases, so it would seem that the neighboring countries are the ones selling the dinars back to Iraq in exchange for the American dollars, and that is only in my opinion. . maybe someone else more familiar with the way banking goes can paint a better picture for you. . .P.H.

-- July 28, 2007 1:44 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

As I stated before, "Practically speaking from the terrorist's point of view, if you are going to war against a nation directly, you don't want Patton in the Whitehouse, but a Daisy May instead."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyUX6wV1lBQ

Thanks very much to the friend who pointed this video out as relevant,

Sara.

-- July 28, 2007 2:43 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Are the people of America turning from wishing a hawk in the Whitehouse to wanting a dove? Past Presidents were endowed with the support of the people.. to WIN, not lose..

===

Newsweek's take on McCain's Implosion: America 'Won't Listen to a Military Man' Anymore
By Warner Todd Huston | July 27, 2007

In "Why McCain’s Collapse Matters", Hirsh not only laments McCain's diminishment of influence, but blames the American people for not listening to military "heroes" on how evil this war is. Naturally, Hirsh learns all the wrong lessons from his review of history and displays it in this little tsk tsking tirade aimed at the American people for their gall in not fawning over McCain like the MSM does.

Hirsh claims that "McCain’s fellow Republicans ... are insisting on success in an impossible nine months (by September, that is). That’s a benchmark Gen. David Petraeus and others in the Iraq command realize is simply untenable." But, this is simply not true. A few Republicans may be hoping that it happens, but most are calling for, at the very least, time enough to give the surge a chance and wait for General Petraeus' report before making any further decisions. Few are claiming it will all be fixed and over in a mere matter of months.

Hirsh next bashes the American public as "besotted with 'reality' TV shows", calls both Bush and Cheney "draft dodgers," and calls John Kerry a "Silver Star winner" even though he is suspected of wounding himself in Vietnam so he could get a medal. Then we get to the main thrust of Hirsh's criticism of the American people. We are all just too stupid to listen to the "real" military men in this war which is why, according to Hirsh, we didn't elect Wesley Clark, why we won't rise to "draft" Anthony Zinni for office, why the droning Chuck Hagel is being ignored, and why McCain is losing his approval among the voters. To prove it Hirsh quotes war critic Anthony Zinni as saying that "all the generals see it the same (being his) way," which wasn't true when he said it either, and approvingly quotes Hagel to the effect that supporters of the war in Iraq "want to rush this country into war and think it would be so quick and easy," when few people ever made such a statement. Apparently Hirsh is unaware that Bush, for one, said the war would be one of decades in length. So, because we didn't listen to Hirsh's idea of the perfect military strategists, Americans are somehow ignoring all of them.

Hirsh harkens back to the fact that we elected generals before (George Washington and Dwight Eisenhower as Hirsh cites) and seems to cry that this is no longer so. I have one fact about our past generals who made it to the highest office in the land, though. They were generals of wars we WON. None of the men that Hirsh holds up as the same caliber as George Washington won anything... including a following who might support them for the presidency.

Hirsh conflates the US people's respect for their soldiers with an assumption that such respect should translate into an automatic suitability for office. "Americans can’t get enough of praising our military men and women in public," Hirsh scoffs. He later concludes that because we love our solders we should ignore any misstep a candidate who once served in the military makes on the campaign trail. "But it does seem to me that if we’re going to lionize our military heroes in public we ought to cut them some more slack on the campaign trail."

Hirsh seems not to recognize that the Founding Fathers, George Washington's service or no, never wanted the military to be either a prerequisite for office nor a proving ground for candidates for a reason. But, who cares about the basic ideas of our government are, eh? Certainly not Hirsh.

Hirsh doesn't elaborate satisfactorily upon why it is that we should give candidates with military pasts a break on the campaign trail. He just makes the statement as if it were axiomatic. This is odd because it seems to be his main point of criticism here. One would think Hirsh would expound further on this theory since it seems to be the crux of his argument.

So here is his last point, such as it is. Because Hirsh can cite one instance where McCain was right about something, we should all "think about giving John McCain another chance." Hirsh does not mention once the many dozens of reasons WHY the GOP base refuses to support John McCain -- from his unbelievable support of McCain-Feingld to his membership of the infamous "Gang of 14." This shows to Hirsh's complete lack of substance on the whole issue of John McCain's suitability as the nominee of the very Party at which he has so continuously stuck out his tongue.

The whole thing comes down to the obvious conclusion that Hirsh thinks we should vote McCain just because Hirsh says so or because, as a society, we "lionize" our military. Neither reason holds much water with a thinking voter, for sure.

But, this does go to show that the MSM loves their "maverick" Senator, no matter if it makes sense or not. Oh, and they hate Fred Thompson and Ronald Reagan.

Comments:

1) allanf

It is hard to take an analysis by someone like Hirsch seriously. I would give more weight to the thinking of the founding fathers, who deliberately put control of the military in a civilian president.

McCain has "McCain-Feingold" and his stance on immigration to thank for his lagging numbers.

2) gopsteve

Look at this story and the previous one about Edwards....amazing

GOP message not being cared about = Candidate's message bad

Dem message not being cared about = Americans being ignorant

PS - I am sick of much of McCain too, it's just ridiculous how the msm will spin news...

3) Captain Repus

John Keating5 McCain will never be president. The MSM has pumped him up over the years only in the hope that they would be able to slash him down in the end by 'suddenly remembering' his key role in the Keating scandal of many years ago. His much hyped 'military expertise' consists of driving an airplane almost half a century ago and voting for military funding every year or so. He blew his candidacy for one reason only, his support of the amnesty bill.

4) Bruzilla

Writing as a veteran, I would once again say that putting on a military uniform doesn't make you any better than the kid who dons a McDonalds uniform. We all come from the same pool of Americans, and being in the military makes you no more capable, intelligent, or better able to lead than working at McDonalds.

I knew a lot really fantastic officers and enlisted men, but a knew a lot more who were ineffective drains on the budget and who should have never been retained. And unfortunately, a lot of these types avoid trouble long enough to work their way up through the ranks and end up promoting people just like them. In short, the military isn't one bit different than any company you have ever worked for.

So to guys like this one, who think the mere fact of being a veteran means that people should listen to you, I say that people shouldn't listen to incapable, moronic, veterans anymore than they should listen to you.

5) FastEd

I'm guessing that liberal journalistic cowards don't "read" what they write/say. This idiot has just announced that algore and ketsup kerry are no longer valid spokesmen for the dim party!

Thank you McSmirch Hirsh, for validating what real thinkers already knew.

6) DaMav

No doubt Mr. Hirsh will be leading the charge demanding Americans listen to General Petraeus' recommendations on Iraq. lol

7) mvfreeman

I'd like to think that people are smart enough to have an opinion of a candidate based on their position on the issues, not whether or not they are media darlings.

Look at Ron Paul. The media basically ignore him so he must be the best candidate right? Wrong.

8) kw

Don't know if you heard or not, but John Kerry served in Vietnam. This article I guess cites the reason why he lost...Mr. Kerry is a "military man" in the eyes of the media. By the way, Bush served in the military and won the 2000 and 2004 election - oh wait, the media claims he never showed up for his service so he doesn't count as a military man. Don't forget - Dan Rather has the documents to prove it!

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2007/07/27/newsweek-mccains-implosion-america-wont-listen-military-man-anym

-- July 28, 2007 3:57 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Where is the Iraq Oil dollars?

Who is spending it? Who is hording it? What’s the deal with the Iraq Dinar?
The U.S. Department of the Treasury personnel in Iraq, for all practical purposes designed, engineered, printed, distributed to the Iraqi population and set the value of the Iraqi Dinar in 2004. The American citizens at home may be surprised as to just how little the Iraqis actually had to do with any of it. The answer would be, almost nothing.

Iraq currency is said to be floating, today at 1,246 dinar per one U.S. dollar, but is it? I mean is it actually floating? The Iraqi Dinar has maintained, on average, a value of about 1,300 dinar for one U.S. dollar.

It opened in 2004 with an original price of about 1,450 dinar per U.S.
dollar. In any case its value has not gone below 1,240 per dollar since its introduction into the Iraq population in late 2004. I find the stable value of the Iraqi dinar very curious until I consider the political pressures at work to maintain the Iraqi dinar value on the world market, having been done by the United States Treasury and State Department. What work is that; you may ask? Well I only know what I have been told by a treasury official in Baghdad in 2005, but it very definitely involved a lot of trips and meetings with the major countries which could influence the Iraqi dinar value on the world markets. The rest, you would have to ferret out yourself.

Speculation, by me further, may cause me some discomfort, or problem down the line and in fact would only be speculation, so those of you who care to, dig in.

What about the money coming into Iraq’s coffers resulting from oil sales on the open market? Those sales are being conducted in U.S. Dollars. How much is actually coming in? Where are those dollars and who is spending them and on what? The answers to those questions may surprise you. Unless things have changed since 2006, this information will be pretty close.

How much oil revenue is actually coming in for Iraq? Between one Billion and Six Billion dollars per month is being deposited into the Iraq account and has been since late 2004. You do the math.

Where are those dollars? In a New York Bank account set up by the United States Treasury and owned by the Iraq Government.

Who is spending the money? The Iraqi government is spending the money. It is managed through the Iraqi Minister of Finance, Mr. Bayan Jabr, former Minister of the Interior who, allegedly, is responsible for the establishment of Shia Iraqi Police death Squads throughout Iraq. He is powerful and feared throughout the Iraqi government, which may account for the fact that he was named Minister of Finance instead of put in jail after being forced from the Ministry of Interior. Jabr lived for over twenty years in Iran as a salesman, or something like that, while Saddam was in power in Iraq. While Jabr was Minister of Interior in 2005, the U.S. Army provided him thousands of new imported vehicles i.e., SUVs, Pickup trucks, Armored Mercedes Limousines etc., which now are unaccounted for, and more weapons than I care to discuss, also unaccounted for. This was done under the authority of then Lt. General Petraeus and Maj. Gen. Fil in 2005.

What is the Iraqi oil money buying? Let me start by saying what the money is NOT buying. None of the Iraqi oil revenue, unless things have changed, is going to directly assist the U.S. Coalition in its efforts to combat violence in Iraq. NONE of the money is going to the provinces in support of “existing” U.S. projects. The U.S. continues, with very few exceptions, to pay for all the construction projects.

Some few hundred million dollars have been obligated by the Iraq government for projects throughout Iraq. Sunni dominated areas receive little, or no support from the Iraqi Minister of Finance. I do believe he would rather die than help any Sunni Iraqis. Although the Iraqi budget may show significant amounts obligated to Sunni areas, any cursory discussion with those Sunni Provincial Council members will show that very little has ever trickled to them. Minister Jabr, as Interior Minister severely abused the finances and power of his office in 2005 to the degree that even I, then a State Department Official advising the Minister, was writing letters to the State Department legal guys in the Embassy.

You will find considerable Iraqi budget expenditures on those things which make life more comfortable for Iraq’s officials throughout the Green Zone where almost all of the Iraq Government Officials live. Additionally, considerable Iraqi oil money is being spent on foreign travel for the Iraqi officials. They all love those foreign official trips.

Not surprisingly, you will also find almost none of the Iraqi oil money being paid directly to the Iraqi people who are, for the most part, living in abject poverty. For them, life is a day to day hell on earth.

As long as America continues to pour Billions of dollars into Iraq, the Iraqi government has no incentive to use their own considerable assets to relieve the unbelievable levels of suffering among the Iraqi population at large.

Billions of U.S. dollars are flowing into the Iraqi government bank account, from oil sales, faster than they can spend it, but none of it has been used to relieve the burden of expense being shouldered by the American taxpayer.
Why? Iraqi dollars are flowing and the Iraqi parliament is living high. What is the incentive to change the status quo? In Iraq, with the Iraqi elected officials now in office, love of country is an irrelevant issue. Most of them lived in Iran prior to the fall of Saddam. Some of them, like Finance Minister Jabr, in all probability, consider Iran their home. He still holds an Iranian passport.

Since 2003 the Coalition Provincial Authority (Paul Bremer), the U.S. State Department and U.S. Treasury were, and continue to be taken to the cleaners by the Iraqis in power with whom they deal. American taxpayer money continues to flow into Iraq while the Iraqis are awash in U.S. dollars, from oil sales, sitting in a New York bank. That would be the bank the Iraqi officials are laughing all the way to.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/art...rticleID=33515

-- July 28, 2007 2:01 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Import Finance http://translate.google.com/translate?u=www.alsabaah.com&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 28, 2007 2:06 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Shabibi : Fire 80% of those members of the Paris Club http://translate.google.com/translate?u=www.alsabaah.com&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- July 28, 2007 2:11 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

The money the CBI has made from the sale of Iraq dinars, has not disapeared in some black hole, President Bush gave them the OK to open an account with the Federal reserve Bank in New York, and the CBI made a deposit of $5 BILLION and that was over two years ago, and it is earning over $100,000,000 a year in interest, Nice.
I am sure someone on this site had tracked down where a lot of Iraq's money was, that had been frozen in countries all over the world, and a heap of gold in an account in Switzerland, so is the Iraqi dinar on the Gold Standard, all this money was to be returned to Iraq at some time, when I dont know.
I am sure that the billions that the US sent in early on, was in fact Iraqi's money that had been frozen in the US for the last 20 years, and that is why no one gave a flying f--- what they did with it.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 28, 2007 8:56 PM ∞

---

a little word from CAB wrote:

The world is going to shit in a hand basket. Oil is not going to be worth anything in 25 years. I would suggest investing in electronics and agriculture. The big Four need to work on better means of transportation that doesn't consist of oil products. All our non friendly/friendly Arab nations that depend on oil exports need to invest in improving their agricultural situations and get away from their non friendly child educational practices. The world could use better educated children and young adults with knowledge in human rights and ethics. All men/women are created equal and have the right to seek fruitfull and meaningfull lives. Man many many years ago had created books to try and control man. Books that have been interpreted in the favor of those who were seeking power over those who are less educated. Man has done this not for the glory of the all powerfull, but to inpower himself. To live a fruitfull and meaningfull life one must live to the best of his abilities and contribute to society. One must live with love, compassion, forgiveness, respect and a desire to improve society with his contributions. Be the best possible human you can be and stop dwelling on the past no matter your situation or ethnic background. Get off your soapbox and contribute something to this planet you all are helping to destroy. Leave something for your childrens children.

-- July 28, 2007 9:19 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Brady back from Iraq, says surge is working
July 28, 2007
DELEGATION WATCH By MICHELLE MITTELSTADT

WASHINGTON — In the most influential poll he says he's taken in quite a while, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady hopscotched Iraq recently and asked Texas troops whether the U.S. should withdraw.

"Almost to a person ... the response was no," the Republican lawmaker from The Woodlands said last week after returning from his trip to Iraq.

Brady toured three U.S. military outposts in Iraq, the Green Zone in Baghdad, several Iraqi communities, a key oil refinery and a U.S. military hospital in Germany during the whirlwind four-day trip, during which he and five other House Republicans met with a flurry of American and Iraqi leaders.

An already staunch opponent of congressional Democrats' withdrawal plans, Brady said he came away convinced that the right U.S. leaders are in place in Iraq and that the troop buildup is showing signs of working.

"I went there expecting the worst and came away encouraged by the progress," he said during a chat in his office.

Brady cited as a key reason for optimism the fact that Sunni and Shiite leaders increasingly are turning against al-Qaida in Iraq.

But Brady acknowledged that terrorist attacks remain a major factor and that the Iraqi security forces still are a long way from being able to take over the defense of their country.

"I do think the Iraqis understand that the clock is running out in Washington, D.C.," he said.

In a show-and-tell to friendly audiences, Brady shared his insights with the House Republican Conference and was invited to the White House on Thursday to brief President Bush.

Brady, who is willing to give the troop increase until the early part of next year to work, is more bullish than many GOP colleagues who are eyeing September as the deadline to demonstrate significant progress. He acknowledged a growing skittishness in the GOP conference.

"With a number of vulnerable members in the Senate and House up for re-election, my worry is the polls will drive Congress rather than what's needed on the ground in Iraq," he said.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5007719.html

-- July 29, 2007 7:44 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(976)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 976 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/7/29 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1246 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1244 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 75.375.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 16.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 75.375.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 16.000.000 -----

-- July 29, 2007 8:24 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carl and Board;

I found this interesting..
It appears from this that Iran thinks that if they keep on funding and supplying the "insurgents" and even letting their own Qud forces go into Iraq to help fight the US/coalition forces.. that they are keeping the US from attacking them directly and not provoking them into that very move?

===

IRANIAN Foreign Minister: U.S. can't attack Iran
Posted: 29-07-2007 , 11:09 GMT

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has told a German magazine that the United States has too many problems in Iraq to become involved in armed conflict with Iran. The United States "is not in a position to get into a new military conflict," Mottaki was quoted as saying in an excerpt of an interview to be published in Focus magazine.

"170,000 American soldiers can guarantee neither their own safety nor the security of Iraq," Iran's top diplomat conveyed.

These comments came as the US government is intensifying financial sanctions against Iran and ratcheting up pressure on Iranian firmss suspected of supporting Tehran's nuclear works.

The US Treasury and other government agencies have blacklisted and applied asset freezes against at least 15 Iranian entities so far this year. "We believe that there is a real potential that these sanctions will have the effect of changing the government of Iran's mind about the defiant policy it is currently pursuing," Stuart Levey, the Treasury's undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, told AFP.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Iran/215538

I don't think he pays much attention to what the US is capable of.
Is the US truly incapable of a two front war?
Actually, it isn't a TWO front war if the US went to war against Iran..
it would just be taking the gloves off.
We all know the war in Iraq is actually a proxy war with Iran..
it would just be addressing the problem DIRECTLY
and not letting them bleed their IEDs, Qud forces and money into Iraq anymore.

Are they actually believing this which they say -
keep the US busy in Iraq so they don't think about dealing with Iran and its nuclear capabilities -
or are they intending to provoke a war with them in order to usher in their Mehdi?
Carl? Board??

Sara.

-- July 29, 2007 1:35 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq has won the asia cup in foot ball that seems to have united the country thats more than the politicians could ever do.:)

-- July 29, 2007 2:29 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

bbc news http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6921237.stm

-- July 29, 2007 2:41 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Mahmoud the hero as Iraq win first ever Asian Cup football title http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20070729/twl-fbl-asia2007-irq-ksa-3cd7efd_1.html

-- July 29, 2007 3:16 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Been out of the loop for a while, popped in and checked over the Dinar situation. Ok it seems like the new date to look forward to is the 2nd of Aug.

Can't remember how many dates we've been served with so far, but hey , I'll take it.

We have the usual, zero lop argument here, well ok, it might or might not happen.

One of the argument for it, that I read in this blog is that the Iraqi currency is out there in big numbers, and truly it is kind of a share in a country.

However there is a fault in the reasoning, that if there are a certain number of shares ( or currency units) out there, this is a representation of the value of Iraq's economy.

Yes, currency value is a grade or thermometer or scale for the country's value, and usually follows it very closely.

BUT.

Currency itself have only the value you say it have, and is in itself worthless.(well paper value perhaps)

It's not that (I'm just tossing numbers here to show) if a country have lets say 10 million units of their currency in circulation, they have to shave off 9 million leaving 1 million out there, in order to revalue a currency with 10 to 1.

That is not necessary, they COULD revalue the current currency just out of the box, by saying what the new value will be in relationship with other currencies.

This only by having a reasonable exchange rate, a reval 3.5 Dollar to 1 Dinar is dream work, it has to correspond with the true value of the Dinar.

The true value have been debated quite a bit, but the consensus seem to fall in the vicinity of 10,15 perhaps 20 cents per Dinar.

You can of course zero off 3 zeroes, reprint the currency, and start from there, but that's a no win, no lose proposition that is used historically only in free falling currency value, hyperinflation scenarios.

Iraq have none of those, it's currency is increasing in value, and even if they have inflation, they are very far away from hyper inflation.

Iran, on the other hand, they are very very close to hyperinflation, and a falling currency, I wouldn't buy any of their currencies.

Another subject.

Why Al qaeda is loosing.

There is one self evident truth that have proven itself over and over in our civilization. It can be distilled to ONE statement.

-An organization is stronger than an individual person".

Individual crooks, they are easily caught, they might escape once or twice but in the long run they are always caught.

They are up against a fully organized law enforcement. Computer banks, dispatches, files, radio controlled units, and data pulled on site straight from the PC in the police cruiser.

Go to next level, organized crime, well they are immediately harder to crack, and now it is a matter of one organization against another organization.

So where is the best, most effective organization , the law enforcement organization or the organized crime organization.

By far, the law enforcement organization, the organized crime organization need to work under cloak, in secrecy, and hide it's agenda, organizational set up, and it's members.

Al Qaeda, a very non functional organization, with very very loose connections, between cells, and no strict command line. Every cell is a life of it's own. Great if you are in hiding, but not so great if you want to be an effective organization.

Everyone and his brother wants to be the next famous Bin Laden, die in glory, and revered in eternity.

Trouble is, Bin Laden is not a suicide bomber, he will continue to try to organize the suicide bombers, but the time track with the suicide bombers stops when they explode their bombs.

It's getting harder and harder to be a revered, immortal if there already is a couple of hundred of them that already have blown them self up.

There will hardly be a day in the year set aside for celebration of suicide bomber nbr 436.

In 1st World War, there was some concern about the fighting soldiers that they were just canon meat, fodder for machine guns, and their death would make no difference in one way or the other, because if they failed (died), they just sent another wave against the machine guns.

The fact that the glory is waning and the suicide bomber will be just another one in the crowd, and the suicide bombers operational life ends when his bomb goes off, means that the effort of doing it will become more and more meaningless.

They bomb indiscriminately, and the effect will, at the end, galvanize the people against the perpetrator of the crime, because if they continue long enough, enough people will have a distant or close relatives affected by the blast.

Then, Al qaeda, are starting to bomb in the only country where they have seen a safe haven up until now. Pakistan.

Al qaeda have been hard to get with modern technology because they are operating on a stone age level, but with their new bombing campaign in Pakistan, they will effectively drive a lot of informants to come forward and point out their hiding places.

Al qaeda might be able to pull off one more stunt in the US, but if they do, the US population will immediately get back together (well for at least two weeks) and make sure that either Musharraf in Pakistan are dealing with the Al qaeda, or that we WILL go in and deal with them once and for all.

Popular opinion in Iraq is right now not in favour of Al qaeda, and they are getting harder and harder to do any of their destructive work, as the Iraqis are sick and tired of having their grocery store blown up every Friday.

Communication, as more and more satellite, TV and news programs from around the world are reaching into the Arabian (and Persian) households, we can just hope that the youngster is starting to like green hair, and studded tongue better than Jihad.

Either way, Al qaeda have not managed to get the all needed folk uprising they were expected, but are marginalizing themselves more and more as they are now "punishing" their own people for wanting to be free.

As an organization they are a straight failure, and have not been able to organize like the fascists in Italy, Nazis in Germany and the Communists in Russia.

That is a remarkable failure, because the states they are appealing to, are mainly dictatorial states, with straight, command structures, from either a King or Dictator, straight into the function of the society.

If they were not able to do at least that, then they will in the long run have no future, add to that, that they also have the worlds intelligence services working on every move they do, plus a real threat of a missile hitting anything they are trying to hide into, and they are not going to be a winner.

-- July 29, 2007 9:03 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Today was a day of anticipation, hoping to see the long awaited revaluation we all hope for. Once I saw Chris' posting of the current exchange rate a minor feeling of disappointment arose. Yet, I believe at the end of day our investment in the Iraqi Dinar will yeild a great reward. The CBI continues to purchase Iraqi Dinar. They already have 21 billion in currency reserves not to mention the other resources mentioned by Steve.

Iraq continues to press for a managed rate and has been successful at stablizing the Iraqi Dinar. In my opinion, the GOI and the CBI could support a modest revaluation of the Dinar.

Modest may be open to interpretation. The revaluation must be a balanced adjustment; its aim is to help reduce inflation yet curbing the rise of goods and services inside the country. Will the Dinar be revalued by the time the ISX opens on August 2? We do not know. We do not even know that the ISX opening will not be delayed.

Like you, I hope for a revaluation, but the signs of a large currency reserve held by the Central Bank and a policy of a managed rate to ensure the stability of the currency could evoke a movement in the Dinar not by revaluation but by the Iraqi Dinar becoming a tradable currency on the foreign exchange market.

Instead of the GoI/CBI implenting a modest revaluation and worrying about how it will affect inflation, interest rates, and goods and services; it seems logical that the larger currency reserves coupled with a record of stability may be in preparations of a forex release.

Trading on the foriegn exchange market would further legitimize the Iraqi currency amongst the other nations of the world. The foreign exchange market would make the Dinar instantaneousley convertible to USD, Sterling Pounds, or Euros. Iraq offering its dinar on the forex market would be like the IPO of google. Iraq could attract the necessary investment for its oil sector. The development of a sector for Mercury extraction. Investment in its agriculture.

To interpret Iraqi policy as headed toward a revaluation of the currency may prove to be inaccurate. A better prospect is the foreign exhcange market. The GoI/CBI can prevent an international slide in the Dinars exchange rate With the current reserves held. I think there may be further advantages for Iraqi Dinar to enter the foreign exchange market rather than revaluation. What do you think?

Concerning the Iraqi soccer (futbol for you blokes across the pond) team should be wisked away on Al-Malaki's private jet for a whirlwind propaganda tour around the country for the expressed purpose of national reconciliation. Since there are Shites, Sunnis, and Kurds on the team I think they may indeed accomplish what the national reconciliation government has not been able to do.

Sara, I am glad to see the congressional rep touring Iraq and attesting to the progress the surge is making. It is my hope he uses his influence to bolster other Republicans to stay the course with President Bush. For those of us who may Senators and Reps coming up for election in 2008, its imperative we get out the vote for those Republicans and encourage them to stand with the President.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 29, 2007 9:30 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Yes I do believe we will be rewarded in one form or the other with this Dinar investment, we have already now, since Nov last year seen a value increase that is far better than most funds available for investors.

ISX will speed things up, but as my understanding of the 2 Aug day, is that this is the day foreigners are allowed in into the wheeling's and dealings in the Iraqi market.

The market have been operational almost the whole time since the occupation, closed only a short time and then reopened almost immediately.

May it be that they were noting down their sell and buy scores on chalkboards like in school, in the very beginning, but still, they have been up and running.

Iraq have been invested into until now, but mainly by other governments, (mainly the US, and the Brits) and any business conducted there has been with a contract from one of the governments investing.

For bigger companies with the hands in the pocket of big government, the past time line have not been much of a difficulty for them, but the opening of the ISX will enable bigger volume and more variety of investors to come forward and invest in Iraq.

Regarding the zero lop, well I start to feel a bit uncomfy about it, in the interview given lately by CBI's President mr Shibib, he claims that his goal is to have exchange stability, and apart from other ministers that have been standing up saying that they want a stronger Dinar, or a Dinar in par with the Dollar etc, he claims that the CBIs policy is to have the Dinar STABLE in it's exchange rate, and given the fall of the Dollar, the Dinar have actually not been raised up in value to anything that can be called an extreme in any way or form, but have actually been stable against other currencies, exactly what he wants.

Letting foreigners in on the internal Iraqi stock market, to letting the Dinar free on Forex, that is two different animals, and can easily be separated without any need for adjustment in any of the two operations.

You are right though, the Dinar in a free exchanged market, like the Forex, would ease up even more investments going to Iraq, as true value of a currency is a much more trusted and confident way of investing, rather than being served by a government an artificial value of a currency.

Question is, even if we are expecting a change in Iraq for the better with the ISX opening for foreigners, will the foreigners come???

So far, Iraq have been a hard sell for anyone wanting to invest anything there, it is all poised for a bright future, but it's like everyone is waiting for someone else to take the first move, then check it out if he survived.

Investors have had chances all along to get into Iraq, without having the ISX in operation, and the question is if just by they are opening up, this will change or not.

It might be an avenue for investors to invest without having to go there, risking their own life, so it might take off.

I see Iraq like the first Casino in Las Vegas.

The first couple of weeks, the casino was completely deserted, very few found it, and the backers ( the mob) considered it a failure.

You go to Las Vegas today, and you are forced to have shades on at night time because of all the lights dancing around. Aircraft filled with suckers are lined up in the air, like a band of pearls in the night sky.

So it's not a question of IF, but it is the ever ending postponements of everything that has to take place over there.

-- July 30, 2007 12:39 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

The Iranian minister is probably talking from his own position, where he think he is protected by God in some holy alliance, and also it is possible that the statement he made is more a wishful thinking on his part, or a feeble effort to persuade the US forces that they are overextended, and can not deal with Iran.

He is trying to plant the idea in us, that we can't.

I'd say, we're dealing with Iraq, very well considering all other aspects.

A possible strike on Iran will not necessarily be a man power activity, I'm sure there are a lot of work done in Pentagon on this already, and I can assure that in none of the plans, there have come up the problem of "can't be done", and can't deal with Iran.

I'm absolutely positive that if the President gives Pentagon a request for five different possible solutions , would we have a conflict with Iran, that he would get those possible scenarios, and the effect each one of them will have.

Imagine if the Pentagon answer to the President, is: -" It can't be done, the Iranian minister have correctly assessed that we can't do anything with Iran."

Would the President look on the Pentagon answer, and say -"Dang, I didnt know the Iranian minister was right, dang, we can't do anything with them....oh well, ah...isn't it time for lunch now?"

Iranian minister might say so, but....I dooooon't thiiiink so....

-- July 30, 2007 1:16 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Panhandler,

Good to see you around, god news about the construction stuff that is rolling in.

Also that the tone have changed in Iraq, that they re hearing about employment opportunities now.

Keep it up buddy.

-- July 30, 2007 2:08 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

a little word from CAB,

Good words, I agree with you on most.

On two issues I disagree.

Oil will be more and more expensive.(Like it or not)

The world is not going to hell. (Well in 5 billion years from now the sun have consumed all it's hydrogen and will start swelling into a red giant, but until then it will take a lot of force to disturb things as they are, the world as we know it will continue to exist for a very long long time to come)

99.99% of all living things present and past have not survived.

The human specie is not one of the longest existing species by a long shot, and could be considered a freak, or a temporary specie, if we don't get our own act together, and value human life as the first priority.

We have existed a very short time, in comparison with other species that have a very long and proven survival track record.(Fish, sharks, alligators, roaches and a lot of others)

Well, humans have managed to build a civilization, no other specie have managed that.

However we're completely hypnotized by a screen with moving pictures, and mesmerised to the point of insanity with cars.

Cars is an extension of our own ego, and an extension of ourselves to the point that other living human beings are lesser valued than a car.

Work along a freeway, and you will see how careless other human beings are taking your life in your hands, swishing by with inches to spare.

Human beings driving these cars have a very distorted sense of priorities.

Hold out a stick with a nail on it, and the driver of the car will immediately take evasive action.

WHAT!!! don't scratch my car!!!!

Now, THAT is important.

-- July 30, 2007 2:49 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(977)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 977 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/7/30 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1245 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1243 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 76.595.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 76.595.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- July 30, 2007 7:00 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

I am not convinced by the proponets yelling zero lop. In my estimation, Iraq is missing some of the key ingredients for such a move. Inflation is one key. While it may be rampant it is not classified as hyper-inflation.

What benefit could Iraq gain from a zero lop and a reprint? Answer: none. Instead, the Dinar being released to the foreign exchange market allowing the market place to determine the dinars true value would alleviate fears of the dreaded zero lop.

Thanks fop your contribution Roger, glad to see you posting.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 30, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

This is something I am sure the Dems will focus on as they push the President to begin withdrawing from Iraq.
____________________________________________________________

Iraq lags on reconstruction, recovery - US report

Iraq's government failed to take responsibility for reconstruction projects and is struggling to administer its budget for oil, public works and education, a U.S. special inspector general said on Monday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 30, 2007 9:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Republicans Seek New Approach to War
Associated Press | July 30, 2007
WASHINGTON - Republicans increasingly are backing a new approach in the Iraq war that could become the party's mantra come September. It would mean narrowly limited missions for U.S. troops in Iraq but let President Bush decide when troops should leave.

So far, the idea has not attracted the attention of Democratic leaders. They are under substantial pressure by anti-war groups to consider only legislation that orders troops from Iraq.

But the GOP approach quickly is becoming the attractive alternative for Republican lawmakers who want to challenge Bush on the unpopular war without backtracking from their past assertions that it would be disastrous to set deadlines for troop withdrawals.

"This is a necessary adjustment in the national debate to reintroduce bipartisanship, to stop the `gotcha' politics that are going on that seem to be driven by fringes on both sides and change the terms of the discussion," said Rep. Phil English, R-Pa.

English is among the more than 40 Republicans in the House and Senate who are sponsoring legislation intended to shift the mission of U.S. troops. Several other GOP lawmakers, facing tight elections next year and a strong anti-war sentiment in their districts, say they are considering this approach.

"Settling Sunni-Shiite rivalries over who occupies what street in Baghdad is not in the vital interest of the United States," said Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., who said she is considering her options. "And we should only have Americans in harms' way where there are U.S. interests at stake."

Bush's top military commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, is expected to tell Congress in September that more time is needed to determine whether a massive U.S.-led security push initiated in January is working.

The message is unlikely to be well received on Capitol Hill. Democrats have criticized the strategy as escalating a failing war; Republicans say they want to see progress made by fall.

GOP support has proved crucial to Bush in stalling anti-war proposals in the Democratic-run Congress. Legislation ordering U.S. troops out of Iraq has passed repeatedly in the House only to sink in the Senate, where Republicans threaten a filibuster and Democrats fall short of the 60 votes needed to cut off debate.

House Democrats plan to try again this week with a bill that would begin a pullout this fall. Republicans are expected to overwhelmingly oppose it.

If Bush cannot convince GOP lawmakers by September that he is on the right track, more Republicans are expected to demand change.

But many of them, long on record as opposing an end date for combat, say it makes sense to focus on the mission instead. Yet this approach would amount to a de facto mandate for troop withdrawals because of the large number of forces assigned to combat missions.

The goal, they say, is to end the U.S.-led daily patrols in the streets of Baghdad and restrict troops to fighting al-Qaida terrorists and training Iraq security forces.

"If you do that you've greatly reduced the loss of life, which is what matters most," said Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del.

The idea of forcing such a change gained prominence last December when the Iraq Study Group concluded Bush should do more to hand over the combat mission to Iraqi forces.

The bipartisan commission envisioned an ambitious and new diplomatic push, with U.S. troops remaining in the region primarily to supply and train the Iraqi army and to target terrorist cells.

Since then, some 40 Republicans and 31 Democrats have signed on to legislation by Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., that urges Bush to embrace the commission's recommendations.

A much smaller, though growing number of Republicans supports requiring that Bush submit to Congress a detailed, new military strategy to change the mission of U.S. troops.

In the past week, Castle and English agreed to co-sponsor the legislation by Democratic Reps. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii and John Tanner of Tennessee.

Sens. John Warner, R-Va., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., have proposed similar legislation.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a co-sponsor of Salazar's legislation on the Iraq Study Group, wants to go further: binding legislation that would order Bush to restrict the mission of U.S. troops to counterterrorism, training Iraqis and protecting U.S. assets.

The goal, she says, is to "set the stage for a significant but responsible withdrawal of American combat troops over the next year."

For most of these lawmakers, their decision to embrace change is colored by politics.

Collins is seen by Democratic challengers as particularly vulnerable in the 2008 elections because of the overwhelmingly anti-war sentiment among Maine voters.

English faces an anti-war, anti-incumbent sentiment among Pennsylvania voters, who in 2006 ousted four GOP House members and Republican Sen. Rick Santorum.

Wilson's fellow Republican from New Mexico, Sen. Pete Domenici, recently broke with Bush on Iraq and embraced Salazar's proposal.

Castle was among a dozen lawmakers challenged in an ad campaign in May featuring three retired generals saying politicians cannot expect to win re-election if they support Bush's Iraq policy.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 30, 2007 9:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

108 Iraqi oil experts demand slow down in passage of Oil and Gas law
108 Iraqi oil experts demand slow down in passage of Oil and Gas law
Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [30/07/2007]


On Wednesday 108 Iraqi oil experts directed an open letter to the presidency of the parliament demanding a slow down, and not to rush the approval of the oil and gas law.

These experts said in a letter, which carried the signature of 108 former experts and officials in the Oil Ministry, "The draft law of oil and gas before the parliament is in essence not different from the first draft except for the marked improvement in language as it ignored the remarks made by the State Consultative Council, as well as observations that we had laid down in the Oman symposium and the symposia of oil workers unions and civil society institutions, in addition to a number of political blocs."

The letter added, "Since the oil and gas law is extremely important for the present and future of our country, we demand you do your utmost to study the law, scrutinize it and remove any shortcomings from it with help of loyal Iraqi expertise."

The letter recorded a number of remarks on the law in which oil experts expressed their conviction about "The need for a law to regulate and develop extraction". Because of its utmost importance they stressed "the importance of being careful, and not to issue it before further discussion and amendments to protect the general interest of Iraqi people, including the manufacturing sector, (liquidation, distribution and gas industry).” They should not “reduce the priority given to the establishment of the Iraqi National Oil Company, considering the ongoing discussions on amending the constitution, especially the paragraphs on oil and gas; therefore we do not see any urgent legal and technical need for the passage of the law now before resolution of the constitutional amendments.”

The experts said that “contract licenses for exploration, development and production are the backbone of this law, and therefore it is important to emphasize the role of the parliament in ratifying such contracts, as is done across the world, and not limit its powers only to legislating and ratifying international conventions.”

The letter asked the Parliament to discuss the four annexes attached to the law because of their importance, and said, "We stress the need for the Parliament to discuss them as an integral part of the proposed law. We also emphasize the role of the Iraqi National Oil Company which should be responsible for the management of all production and discovered fields in a way that ensures the rights of Iraqi people, and not to waive any rights to oil reserves with contracts with foreign bodies."

The letter also stressed "the importance and necessity of adopting a central and comprehensive plan for the whole of Iraq to determine development and exploration priorities according to economic and cultural bases in the oil industry, as well as recognizing the importance of the participation of provinces and regions in planning, implementation and management within a comprehensive vision to ensure maximum benefit for the whole Iraqi people." And, "Passage of the law in its present state without attention to the consequences of the expected competition among regions and provinces would inevitably result in conflicts that would sustain the current division and chaos, the best example of which is the latest unilateral announcement of Kurdistan government in offering 40 exploratory sites to foreign investment, without even waiting for the federal law and without a comprehensive central plan based for the whole country including Kurdistan."

Prime Minister of the Kurdistan region, Nejervan Barzani, said last month that he sent a letter to the central government in Baghdad containing his government's approval of the draft law of oil and gas.

This law is currently one of the most controversial issues in the Iraqi arena, and there are differences between the political blocs on the law. It concerns the primary wealth of the country; the Sunni Parties had reservations about its present form, and Kurds’ objections concern the relationship between their regional government and the central one in Baghdad.

If the present oil and gas law is passed it will give Iraqi and foreign investors the right to establish oil facilities and refineries and invest them for a period of 50 years, after which they revert to the Iraqi government.
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4191)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 30, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I see the zero lop as a no-issue and believe the passing of the oil law is the key to a bright future, full of hope for the Iraqi people.. which will be reflected in the currency value and strength. Where there is an uncoerced outcome concerning Iraq, such as the soccer match, the favor of God and His good will toward the Iraqi people becomes evident. :)

Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

Do you remember this Scripture that says that every time there is a LOT, the outcome is from the Lord? The LOT can be likened to an outcome which does not appear to be set but is taken by free will, even like a Parliamentary vote. The Iraqi Parliament delays the taking of the vote because of those who do not want the outcome which is of God. They stand against God. The delay of Parliament coming to a consensus is because that consensus - the casting of that "lot" would be OF GOD.. and the enemies of God would lose. Instead they threaten the lives of those who would vote as GOD wills and their conscience leads them to. These people who stand against the lot and God's will through the free will of men are not superior in morality NOR following God, but they seek to destroy God's will and implement their own will in its place.

If the parliament were to take a vote the terrorists would lose and the oil law would pass, as proved by the cabinet vote, and the terrorist's overarching fear that the vote will be taken. Because it is a free vote and not under the coersion of a dictator, it is under God as to how it would go and not "rigged". Therefore the outcome is of God, as the casting of the lot is also of God. The people get what they deserve, and the lot's every decision, the outcome, is of God.

We should pray that the Iraqis are enabled to bring this oil law to a vote - God's will be done when the vote is taken, and then that those who vote and all that concern them are protected from the retaliation of these enemies of God. The terrorists only SAY they represent God - they do not, they represent calamity, hell, the grave, and their own political leanings - including coveting the wealth of Iraq which rightfully belongs to the Iraqi people and their elected representatives.

Only by the terrorists stirring up those who do NOT represent the people, such as these false "unions" which are not legal entities - the "Cindy Sheehan" lobby of the left they have propped up over there - or international busybodies who have nobel prizes in unrelated fields and do not represent the people of Iraq - can the terrorists even pretend to speak for the Iraqi people. Oh, and don't forget the "108 UNELECTED Iraqi oil experts" who "demand slow down in passage of Oil and Gas law" in this morning's post by Rob N. Nothing like a bunch of socialists or people the terrorists can pay off - buying these votes and spreading the bought or influenced opinions all over the front page along with admonitions that the elected Iraqi Parliamentarians should not do their jobs, and are too stupid to know what this is all about or how serious it is - quote - "the oil and gas law is extremely important for the present and future of our country, we demand" - yeah, like the Iraqi Parliamentarians do not know or understand how important it is or what is at stake?? They are a bunch of imbeciles? The public (and world) should listen to these 108 UNELECTED "gurus" instead of those the Iraqi people have elected?

Instead, there are those who want the public to trust the UNELECTED people who tell them what to do and think because it is these UNELECTED ones who are the ones the terrorists and their allies can buy or influence and prop up in the media (works over here real good, too). Note this principle in EVERY article or set of people trotted out as being against the oil law - it is always the non-elected person, body, or busybody, etc.. but never the true representatives of the Iraqi people who are called upon to give their opinions and exalted in the media as having the wisest advice concerning what to do - including delaying the vote. But the real people who are entrusted with power on the behalf of the Iraqi people, those who DO represent the Iraqi people and are their elected representatives in Parliament, are sidelined!

If the terrorists were not afraid of God and afraid of God's will through a free vote in that Parliament (whose every uncoerced decision is from the Lord according to the Scripture they themselves hold as inspired, above), they would let the Parliament vote. The fact they are continually seeking not to allow a free vote in the Iraqi Parliament shows they are not of God.. and know they would lose if free men and women voted their elected consciences. Theirs is a farce of moral superiority and seeking "God's will" (ie the fatwa issued). Only through threats, intimidation and fatwas their religious counterparts have issued do they hope to keep in line the Parliament of Iraq through coersion so that these true representatives of the Iraqi people (they hope) will walk in fear and not bring to a vote that which their own uncoerced wills would dicatate. Until the terrorists are certain that they have coerced enough of the Iraqi Parliament to have the upper hand and force the vote to the outcome they wish as a dictator would do, they will stop the vote by delaying the outcome (while claiming themselves and their middlemen "experts" - UNELECTED experts). This is because they truly hate God and His will for the Iraqi people and their representatives. It is a force of from hell, opposing God's hand and Will in this endeavor. Pray for God's Will and outcome.. and a vote to be taken in the Parliament - as it is a "lot" whose every decision is overseen by God and so is from the Lord.

Sara.

-- July 30, 2007 1:25 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq's parliament adjourns until September
Mon 30 Jul 2007 9:40 AM ET

BAGHDAD, July 30 (Reuters) - Iraq's parliament closed for its summer recess on Monday, lawmakers said, deciding to take a break until early September despite having failed to enact a series of laws demanded by Washington.

"Parliament has decided to break until early September," Hussein Falluji of the mainly Sunni Accordance Front bloc in parliament told Reuters.

http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=GRA048307

-- July 30, 2007 1:42 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.S. says huge bump in Arab military sales will boost Iraq, Gulf security
The Associated Press
Published: July 30, 2007

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration said Monday that a new multibillion dollar (euro) military sales package for Arab nations will help secure Iraq and the Gulf while promoting stability and U.S. influence in a Middle East threatened by terrorism and rising Iranian ambitions.

Embarking on a four-day tour of the region with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the proposed U.S. package, estimated at up to $20 billion (€14.6 billion), "will help bolster forces of moderation and support a broader strategy to counter the negative influences of al-Qaida, Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran."

"We are helping to strengthen the defensive capabilities of our partners and we plan to initiate discussions with Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states on a proposed package of military technologies that will help support their ability to secure peace and stability in the Gulf region," she said in a statement.

The new sales to Arab countries, notably Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, were not enumerated but will be mainly defensive and be balanced with a more than 25-percent increase in military aid to Israel over the next 10 years, enabling the Jewish state to keep its qualitative military edge over neighbors with which it has no peace deal.

In a Monday conference call with reporters, Burns noted that Israel had on Sunday reversed long-standing opposition to boosting Arab military might and said it understood the rationale behind the plans, chiefly the threat posed by Iran, its alleged drive to develop nuclear weapons and support for terrorist groups.

"The Iran element is one factor, it's not the overriding factor in why were doing this," and the administration would have pursued such sales even if Iran were not perceived by its neighbors as a significant threat, he said.

At the same time, he put the possible threat from Iran in stark terms.

Across the region, "there is a high degree of concern about Iran's quest to become a nuclear weapons power but also about fact that as you know Iran has armed and funded most of the Middle East terrorist groups," Burns said.

The intended military sales were announced as Washington renews appeals for countries in the region to support its efforts in Iraq and the Iraqi government. Burns said the sales will help maintain a "very strong American presence and influence in the region" at a critical time.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/30/america/NA-GEN-US-Mideast.php

-- July 30, 2007 2:11 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Arab arms deal rattles Israeli right
Reuters & AP
Published: July 30, 2007, 00:01

Jerusalem: In a significant departure from past Israeli policy, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert voiced satisfaction yesterday to a new US plan to sell state-of-the-art weaponry to Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states, saying Iran was the common enemy.

"We understand the need of the United States to support the Arab moderate states and there is a need for a united front between the United States and us regarding Iran," Olmert told a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Still, the proposed arms deal, which would include advanced weaponry and air systems that would greatly enhance the striking ability of Saudi warplanes set off alarms on the Israeli right, with one prominent politician saying he feared that Saudi Arabia, although not belligerent at present, could be taken over by radicals.

The officials said that before leaving on a Mideast tour today, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would announce those proposals, along with the plan to sell $5 billion or more in sophisticated weaponry to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

The aid packages represent long-standing US commitments to Israel, its principal ally in the region, and to moderate, secular Egypt. At the same time, the United States is seeking to strengthen other moderate Mideast allies, largely as a counterweight to Iran's growing influence in the region.

The United States and Israel accuse Iran of developing a nuclear weapon, a charge Tehran denies. Iran, whose leader has repeatedly threatened to wipe Israel off the map, is viewed by Israel as its main enemy. Shiite Iran also worries the Saudis and other Arab allies of the United States.

Media reports for months have said Israel was trying to hamper the Saudi weapons deal, as it has done with previous proposed arms deals over the years, notably Jimmy Carter's attempt to sell F-15 warplanes and hi-tech AWACS airborne warning and control aircraft to Saudi Arabia in the 1980s. Although the Israeli right voiced worries about the latest plan, it stopped short of outright calls to block it.

"I am very concerned," Yuval Steinitz, a key hawk on parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, told The Associated Press. "I can understand the need to support moderate states like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but on the other hand we have to remember that governments can be toppled, as in Iran."

He said the United States had supplied Iran with fighter aircraft before its 1979 Islamic Revolution ousted the Western-leaning Shah.

"Now those same F-14s are being used to threaten US interests in the region," Steinitz said. But indicated he would accept the Saudi deal if some safeguards were attached.

"I would like to see a very clear commitment that those advanced ships and airplanes will be positioned on the eastern side of the kingdom, close to Iran and the Arabian Gulf, and not ... closer to Israel."

http://www.gulf-news.com/articles/07/07/30/10142868.html

Advanced ships and airplanes.. F-14s... hmmm..
how will Iran react to this? (Escalation of war, shortly?)
Or will this preemptively stop such escalation,
using the power of Deterrence?

Sara.

-- July 30, 2007 2:39 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

well, 108 oil experts in Iraq, but they are 20 years behind in this industry, well more than that as most of them are Former Experts, so they know its black stuff that comes out of the ground, me thinks the Beverly Hillbillies know as much as they do.

The way I remember it, Withdrawal from Iraq would be in Blatant opposition to UN resolution 1546, which calls on the multinational force in Iraq to take all necessary measures to contribute to the security and stability of Iraq, including by preventing and deterring terrorism.
It also ignores the fact that the multinational forces are in Iraq with the strongest support of the democratically elected Government of Iraq

Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- July 30, 2007 5:19 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Legislators Blame Al-Maliki for Failure to OK Fair Oil Distribution
Monday, 30 July 2007

BAGHDAD - Iraq's parliament adjourned Monday for an August recess without receiving from the government a series of U.S.-backed draft laws designed to promote national unity and stem support for the Sunni-led insurgency.

Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani closed the three-hour session without a quorum present and declared it would not resume work until Sept. 4.

Legislators blamed the government of Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for failing to construct compromise versions of the key pieces of legislation such as the so-called oil law, intended to ensure a fair distribution of Iraq's considerable oil wealth.

``We were supposed to discuss important issues in the month of July, but we did not. Sitting in August is unconstitutional and even if we sit next month, that's no guarantee that the important business will be done,'' said Mahmoud Othman, a prominent Kurdish lawmaker.

``There are Iraqi-Iraqi and Iraqi-American differences that have not been resolved. The government throws the ball in our court, but we say that it is in the government's court and that of the politicians. They sent us nothing,'' he said.

http://www.kfwb.com/pages/734544.php?contentType=4&contentId=733761

-- July 30, 2007 5:41 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Cnn is now reporting that 70 percent of the Iraqi population is lacking water, electricity, sanitation, and food. This report supposely from two relief agencies.

I tend to believe this report. I am not sure the percentage is so high, but I do know that other sources are showing that the christian churches in Baghdad are requesting international help from other churches or any other sources for water and food. They are also looking to U.S. security services for help in these areas as well as security as they state that the Moslems are targeting christians physical safety. One statistic, I believe it was 29 percent of Iraqis are mal-nurished.

Cnn asks the question, What does it say about a Parliament that took a one month vacation from government with these types of conditions happening with their own people? I think, I would tend to make the same observation.

Panhandler, On those supplies coming in, any of it food and water?

The United States needs to address this situation soon.

Laura

-- July 30, 2007 6:12 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Cnn is now reporting that 70 percent of the Iraqi population is lacking water, electricity, sanitation, and food. This report supposely from two relief agencies.

I tend to believe this report. I am not sure the percentage is so high, but I do know that other sources are showing that the christian churches in Baghdad are requesting international help from other churches or any other sources for water and food. They are also looking to U.S. security services for help in these areas as well as security as they state that the Moslems are targeting christians physical safety. One statistic, I believe it was 29 percent of Iraqis are mal-nurished.

Cnn asks the question, What does it say about a Parliament that took a one month vacation from government with these types of conditions happening with their own people? I think, I would tend to make the same observation.

Panhandler, On those supplies coming in, any of it food and water?

The United States needs to address this situation soon.

Laura

-- July 30, 2007 6:14 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sorry about the double posts. When I ran the first one, the comment submission posted that it was rejected due to too much data. Try back later. So, I did.

Laura

-- July 30, 2007 6:31 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

All,

I have just got back from a few days away and have had an e-mail from Steve asking me to post the four paragraphs below. I'm sure you will be pleased to know Carole that Steve does not seem to know how to cut and paste. Since my post defending Steve last week I have been back in touch with him regarding the ISX, and as a result done a bit of research. I have decided to have a dabble and will put about 15 per cent of my dinar into it. Potentially it could make me loads. I can't see myself making a loss of any sort. If nothing else it will give a bit of interest while waiting for the dinar to rv.

Warka and the "Proxy Company"
In light of the ISX opening to foreigners in early August, I just thought I would share an email from our good friend over at Warka Bank on the proxy issue that had some folks worried. I haven't really draw any conclusions about the meaning and the legality of it all but just wanted to post the response and see if anyone had any comments to make:

"... Please note that we have an officially registered brokerage office which is permitted to provide and handle full brokerage services which we are doing accordingly. Our brokerage office is recognized by the ISX and the share capital of our brokerage office is deposited at the CBI. We are ranked number among our competitors executing the most amounts of orders at the ISX trading sessions.

Furthermore according to the rules and regulation set by the ISX and Company Registration Office our proxy company is permitted to hold shares under its names and the ISX is providing us with the stock certificates. It is important to know that the shares are being held under the name of the proxy company which our bank owns and not under the name of our bank which is in full accordance to the rules and regulations set by the ISX.

Once the FIL will be enacted my ISX department will provide our brokerage office with our investors’ documentation which has been requested by the ISX for transferring stock ownership. They will make the full and need arrangements to ensure that this process is completed swiftly and firmly transferring the stocks to the good names of our foreign investors..."

Cheers.

-- July 30, 2007 8:44 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Hmmm.. first the minister for Iran says the US is too busy in Iraq to deal with Iran in any military conflict. Now in their official magazine, the IRNA, the President of Iran says...

Ahmadinejad: Defeat Meaningless For Martyrs
From Iran’s official mouthpiece, IRNA: President: Defeat meaningless for those believing in martyrdom
Tehran, July 30, IRNA

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday that defeat is meaningless for those believing in martyrdom.

Speaking to officials in charge of holding ceremony commemorating martyrdom of 36,000 army commanders during eight years of sacred defence, he said martyr seeking spirit would is the strongest shelter against enemies’ guns and machine guns and no one can confront a nation with such a high morale.

“The martyrdom seeking culture will protect us against all social problems,” he said.

Comments:

1) 1sttofight

"President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday that defeat is meaningless for those believing in martyrdom."

Then I would expect you to be on the front lines, Right Mahmoud? Mahmoud? Mahmoud?

Crickets…

2) wardmama4

1st - so spot on - you would think that the masses who listen to this would start to wonder exactly why none of those ‘extolling’ the virtue of martyrdom actually ‘partake’ of it.

I guess that gas rationing is going as well in Iran as it did here in America in the 70s - the people really don’t like watching the fat cats go about business as usual when they are forced to suffer - no matter where in the World it happens.

It is just that in some countries it results in a different outcome in the next election - in others - a revolution.

3) 1sttofight

What mahmod means is that the deaths of millions of his fellow countrymen means nothing to him and his so called fellow leaders.

Iran used children to run across minefields to clear them during the Iran-Iraq war.

4) Old Grouch

Raghead leaders believe in fighting to the death, but only for their followers.

If defeat is meaningless, they won’t mind if we defeat them. Works for me.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/ahmadinejad-defeat-meaningless-for-martyrs

-- July 30, 2007 10:18 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Laura: the stuff that comes in is for the troops and MNF, we make our own water and ice here on base, there are several iceplants in country, and water is shipped everywhere, the 29 percent you mentioned happen to be children. . .we get food deliveries everyday, but sometimes there are shortages, just depending on the roads. . .as for the Iraqis and their provisions, I really can't give you an honest answer as to how they get it, I know that life is tuff outside the wire. . the oly ones who really get to see it are the drivers and the military. . . Roger: Am I still the chef for the roast, I have a feeling I'm gonna have to start sharpening my knives real soon. . .and I think it's time to send out a search party for Okie. . .P.H.

-- July 31, 2007 12:39 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Slow Moves!!!

Announcement No.(978)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 978 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/7/31 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1244 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1242 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 62.310.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 62.310.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- July 31, 2007 7:16 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Sara;
The Iranian Official is correct in his observation...We can not attack Iran without putting ourselves in greater danger than the present Iranian situation...
Why Not?
First...If you gave a true financial analysis of our books, we are bankrupt...The state of our financial affairs is well guaged by our currency against another currency.. and that is reflected in the value of the british pound, the Euro and Yen...China,Russia, Saudi Arabia hold so many of our dollars now, that if they dump them on the market our entire currency will go to the value of the present day dinar...
No one did this to us...but ourselves...We have outsourced too many factory jobs, have played by rules that are not advantagious to our economy...example: We do not tax other countries imports to raise their cost up, so we can maintain our factories here in the USA...so in order to compete with the dumping of foreign goods, our companies lay off here, and go to the foreign locations to built factories.... thus we create our own deficit...

When your treasury is low...you do not have the ability to carry on a protracted war...or start another front...
There are more ways to attack a country, than with arms...Iran and Bin Laden have recognized that fact... it is in their advantage to not hurt us to the point of pushing us to retaliate in a major front...the longer they have us swatting, instead of slamming...they can weaken our treasury even more, and this inturn weakens that country's military ability to react when it should...We have become the UN Military Arm...we are doing what the UN should have done...but the corruption is to prevasive in that organization to make it anything but a facade of consolidation...unstead of the real truth...which is many fragmentation pieces of the world governments

Second
In order to carry out a successful military campaign, you must have a positive press behind you, plus a population that is motivated to do so...there are two many rosie odonalds in congressional seats, and the press...plus the democratic leaders find it to their political party interest to have us appear to be losing in Iraq...

Third:
We do not have the military equipment, or military man power to carry on a second front...Attack directly and we lose Iraq immediately...we do not have the ability or logistical support to prevent it

Fourth
If the USA or Israel attack Iran directly, this will unite the extremist throughout the middleeast...which is what Iran is wanting to do in the first place...I grit my teeth when I write this...but in a lot of ways the Iranians run circles around us in intellengence gathering, and moving us into positions they want us to be in...This type of warfare comes second nature to them...we have had to learn how they think, and recognize their cultural views...in order to compete with them on this level...we are still playing catch up for the moment...

Fifth
The Dialogue presently going on between Iran and USA is a waste of time...negoiation within itself is a weapon to be used skillfully...this buys time...hitler knew this...and so do they...

Sixth
If the present Iranian leadership is removed, it will be from within...and brought about by the clandestine actions of the Arab Leaque of Nations...I believe this is underway...but that takes time...
How much sand time is left in the glass is the question

-- July 31, 2007 7:53 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Sara:
The above was me

-- July 31, 2007 7:56 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Laura:

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity approved establishment of a power plant project that will generate 250 megawatts of electricity in the southern Iraqi province of Maysan, Mayor Adel Mihoudar said, according to the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 31, 2007 9:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Admiral Cites Problems Undermining Iraq
Associated Press | July 31, 2007
WASHINGTON - Slow progress in Iraq is undermining U.S. credibility and emboldening Iran's regional ambitions, says President Bush's nominee to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In written answers to prepared questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee, Navy Adm. Michael Mullen said those concerns can be eased by successes on the ground in Iraq. While there's been steady progress on that front, there's been only limited headway in achieving reconciliation among Iraq's political factions, according to Mullen.

Resolving this internal conflict among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds "remains the precondition to an Iraq that can govern, defend and sustain itself and be an ally in the war on terror," Mullen said in answers to the committee's questions obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

"Achieving progress in Iraq and furthering broader U.S. regional interests are inextricably linked," he added. "Slow progress in Iraq is undermining U.S. credibility and weakening efforts to achieve regional objectives."

Asked by the committee what role, if any, he had in the January plan to send as many as 30,000 additional U.S. forces into Iraq, Mullen said he and the other joint chiefs met personally with Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

"We had rigorous and thorough discussions and debates," Mullen said. "The president then made his decision, and I am in support of that decision and working to make it succeed."

Mullen said, however, that it's important to see results more than four years into the war. About 160,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq now, and more than 3,640 Americans have died there.

"A protracted deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq, with no change in the security situation, risks further emboldening Iranian hegemonic ambitions and encourages their continued support to Shia insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan," Mullen wrote.

"Growing coalition successes on the ground in Iraq should mitigate this risk and improve the credibility of our message to create a regional security construct to counter Iranian destabilizing activity," he added.

Mullen sidestepped a question about how he would craft an "exit strategy" for U.S. forces in Iraq, saying that American interests in Iraq and the Middle East "require a pragmatic, long-term commitment that will be measured in years, not months."

Once Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, delivers a report on progress made since the buildup of U.S. forces, Mullen said he and other military leaders will "assess the current strategy."

Now the chief of naval operations, Mullen, 60, was selected to replace Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace as the nation's top military officer. The committee is scheduled to consider Mullen's nomination on Tuesday.

Gates said he decided not to reappoint Pace for a second two-year term to avoid an acrimonious confirmation hearing over how the Bush administration has handled the war in Iraq.

Pace, who was vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs before being appointed chairman, has been involved in all of the key decisions leading to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq and the planning for the post-Saddam Hussein era. His term ends Oct. 1.

Mullen's answers reflect the separation Gates wants to achieve. In one of the questions, Mullen was asked by the committee what he considers to be "the most significant mistakes the United States has made to date in Iraq."

Mullen lists seven mistakes, including the May 2003 decision to disband the Iraqi army, which he says was a "potentially valuable asset for security, reconstruction and provision of services to the Iraqi people." Turning the troops loose, Mullen said, provided "a recruiting pool for extremist groups."

The United States also attempted to transition from combat to security operations "with an insufficient force," a subtle reminder of the criticism heaped on former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld for allotting too few U.S. forces for that critical phase of the invasion.

"The void left by a disbanded Iraqi army ... has not been filled by the Iraqi security forces, allowing sectarian violence to continue in too many areas."

A 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mullen continues a trend of Navy officers being named to top military posts at a time when Army Soldiers are doing most of the fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Four of the military's nine warfighting commands are headed by Navy admirals. Even Mullen's deputy on the Joint Chiefs has sea-service background. Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright has been nominated to be vice chairman and would replace Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani, who retires Aug. 3.

Cartwright's nomination also will be considered by the committee on Tuesday.

In his responses to the committee, Mullen said sustaining operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also being ready to respond to new contingencies, "is a heavy burden on current force structure." That stress is most felt by the Army and Marine Corps, but Mullen said the "strategic depth" in the Navy and Air Force helps offset the risk.

"The war has spread our forces thin," Mullen said. "I am concerned about the effects of the stress on our ground forces."

Echoing a theme that has become popular in recent months, Mullen told the committee there is "no purely military solution in Iraq."

"The enormous complexity, historic differences, competing views on the future of Iraq, and lack of trust in new institutions will require long-term political and social solutions," he wrote. "For Iraq to progress politically, their politicians need to view politics and democracy as more than just a majority rule, winner-take-all, or a zero-sum game."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 31, 2007 9:33 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Fixing Iraq's Logistics System
Associated Press | July 31, 2007
WASHINGTON - Iraq's archaic system for supplying and sustaining its troops on the battlefield is a major hurdle in the U.S. effort to fashion an independent Iraqi fighting force, according to a top American military commander.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. W.E. Gaskin said there has been substantial progress in Iraq's ability to recruit and train its military. But those positive steps have not been matched by badly needed improvements to the country's outdated network for maintaining and repairing critical war-fighting gear.

"Realistically, if things are going the way they're going now, you'd say a year from now the Iraqis training-wise would be ready to do the types of operations we expect of them," Gaskin said Monday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "I am not as optimistic about them being able to fix the logistics system."

Gaskin, who leads American forces in Anbar province, said Iraq's ministry of defense relies largely on private Iraqi contractors for repairs to key pieces of military equipment, such as Humvees, and for delivering supplies.

When vehicles and weapons break down, repair requests are shuttled through a cumbersome and time-consuming approval process. By contrast, the American logistics system is largely automated and operated by military personnel.

"There's no automation here," Gaskin said of the Iraqi system. "This is still hand-jamming. You need a part, you write it up, you send it up; it's a very bureaucratic and stovepiped sort of thing."

Making matters worse, many of the Iraqis who could make this flawed process function were lost when the country's army was disbanded in May 2003 by the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority.

"So now you're trying to grow that experience, or find some of the old technocrats who understood the logistics system," Gaskin said. "That's why it's such a slow pace."

Gaskin's comments come six weeks before Army Gen. David Petraeus is scheduled to deliver a report to Congress on the success of the U.S. troop buildup in Iraq. The assessment from Petraeus is viewed as a critical piece in the debate over the unpopular war and could lead to a more intense effort by lawmakers on Capitol Hill to approve a plan for withdrawing U.S. troops.

In a July 12 progress report from the White House, Bush administration officials said the Iraqi government has made "unsatisfactory progress" toward increasing the number of Iraqi security forces that can operate independently. That's partly due to a lack of internal capacity for supporting and sustaining these forces.

Gaskin said U.S. troops and advisers will continue to help the Iraqis make the fixes they need to stay battle ready. But that's a "Band-Aid," not a long-term solution, he said.

"What you're really looking for is some sort of sustained logistical base," Gaskin said. "It's moving, but sometimes it's like watching paint dry."

According to Gaskin, these challenges shouldn't obscure substantial gains in the numbers of Iraqi soldiers and police officers in Anbar, the country's westernmost province and one of the most difficult places to develop an environment of security.

There are now 21,000 Iraqi police in Anbar and 16,500 Iraqi military personnel, he said. By September, Gaskin expects 2,100 more soldiers within the ranks in Anbar.

Those gains, however, have to be matched by a logistics system that can keep them equipped and operating in the field.

"Admittedly, no one anticipated having as many Iraqi soldiers and police as we have here in Anbar," Gaskin said. "Without proper logistics, you cannot fight continuously. ... To be self-sufficient, they have to have these systems."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 31, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Big U.S. Presence in Iraq Until Mid-2009: Commander

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

Baghdad, 31 July 2007 (Reuters)
Print article Send to friend
U.S. generals expect to need a large contingent of troops in Iraq until the middle of 2009, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said on Monday.

Such a timeline would hand President George W. Bush's successor the task of bringing U.S. forces home from Iraq, more than six years after Bush dispatched them to topple Saddam Hussein.

The next U.S. president will take office in January 2009 after an election in 2008.

Bush's Democratic opponents in Congress want U.S. troops in Iraq, which currently number about 157,000, to leave sooner.

Asked about media reports that Washington envisioned a substantial American force remaining in Iraq through mid-2009, General David Petraeus told ABC News: "Sustainable security is, in fact, what we hope to achieve.

"It's in our campaign plan. We do think it will take about that amount of time, as you discussed, to establish the conditions for it."

Petraeus said he and his deputy, Lieutenant-General Raymond Odierno, were working to determine precisely how many troops would be required.

"The key is really how much force do you need? The campaign plan lays out the general concepts, the lines of operation and so forth and the actual plans and the actual force requirements are something that flow from that. And that's what General Odierno and I are working on now," Petraeus said.

Petraeus is due to report back to Washington in six weeks on the success of the "surge" -- an increase of U.S. troops Bush ordered to Iraq this year to help restore security, especially around the capital Baghdad.

He told ABC he expected to complete his assessment in time, after which he would be able to announce when troops can start to come home.

"We do think by about that time, again, that I will have enough of a sense ... to determine at what point we can in fact begin to send forces home without replacements," Petraeus said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 31, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi premier faces revolt within party
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA

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

31 July 2007 (Associated Press)
Print article Send to friend
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faces a revolt within his party by factions that want him out as Iraqi leader, according to officials in his office and the political party he leads.

Ibrahim al-Jaafari, al-Maliki's predecessor, leads the challenge and already has approached leaders of the country's two main Kurdish parties, parliament's two Sunni Arab blocs and lawmakers loyal to powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Al-Jaafari's campaign, the officials said, was based on his concerns that al-Maliki's policies had led Iraq into turmoil because the prime minister was doing too little to promote national reconciliation.

The former prime minister also has approached Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's top Shiite cleric, proposing a "national salvation" government to replace the al-Maliki coalition. The Iranian-born al-Sistani refused to endorse the proposal, the officials said.

"Al-Jaafari is proposing a national and nonsectarian political plan to save the nation," said Faleh al-Fayadh, a Dawa party lawmaker familiar with the former prime minister's contacts.

Other officials, however, said al-Jaafari had only an outside chance of replacing or ousting al-Maliki. But they said the challenge could undermine al-Maliki and further entangle efforts at meeting important legislative benchmarks sought by Washington. They spoke of the sensitive political wrangling only on condition of anonymity.

The officials would not give details of the rift between al-Maliki and al-Jaafari, saying only that it began two months ago when a Dawa party congress voted to replace al-Jaafari with al-Maliki as its leader.

Al-Jaafari and other senior Dawa members are questioning the legality of that vote and the former prime minister has since boycotted all official party functions, said al-Fayadh.

The usually secretive Dawa, which is made up of two factions, has 25 of parliament's 275 seats but draws its strength from being a key faction of a large Shiite alliance.

Ali al-Dabbagh, the government's spokesman, declined to comment on the rift between al-Maliki and al-Jaafari, arguing that it was a matter for the Dawa to deal with.

"There should be no objections for a figure like al-Jaafari to try and put together a new political bloc provided that this will be of service to the political process," he said.

Al-Maliki, a tough-talking Islamist, has so far failed to make significant progress on some of Iraq's major problems 14 months after his "national unity" government took office. Security remains tenuous in much of the country, services are near collapse and soaring crime and unemployment continue to take their toll.

Al-Jaafari's own record in office was not any better, but al-Jaafari was widely perceived as an open-minded Islamist who is at total ease dealing with his American backers.

To the Sunni Arabs he is courting now, the officials said, al-Jaafari was proposing a change in Iraq's sectarian, power-sharing formula. He wants the president's job, now held by Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, to be given to a Sunni Arab to achieve a better balance between Iraq's ethnic and religious factions and to improve ties with Arab nations.

To win the support of the Kurds, al-Jaafari is pledging the implementation of a clause in the constitution that provides for a referendum before the end of 2007 on the fate of Kirkuk, an oil-rich city in northern Iraq that the Kurds want to annex.

To compensate them for the loss of the presidency, al-Jaafari is proposing that they fill the post of parliament speaker, now occupied by a Sunni Arab.

Al-Jaafari's bid to topple al-Maliki runs counter to ongoing negotiations to form what is being billed an "alliance of the moderates" that would include the country's four largest Shiite and Kurdish parties and independent Shiites. It excludes hardline Shiites and Sunni Arabs.

It also comes at a time when al-Maliki is facing a threat by the largest Sunni Arab bloc to pull its ministers from his coalition unless he meets a long list of demands, which include overtures to minority Sunni Arabs, political inclusion and commitment to human rights.

Al-Maliki also has to contend with mounting pressure from Washington to meet a host of political benchmarks that should place Iraq's rival factions on the road to reconciliation.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 31, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Panhandler wrote, "I still the chef for the roast, I have a feeling I'm gonna have to start sharpening my knives real soon. . .and I think it's time to send out a search party for Okie. . .P.H."

Thanks for that P.H..... along with the encouraging possibility from Carole that there is a plan and the Iraqi people are not left high and dry and abused by their representatives, but that they clandestinely have passed the legislation and will implement it once their people are safe.. I am hopeful that we will see an upward valuation of the Dinar any day now.. God willing. :)

Carl - THANK YOU! I appreciate your post, as always. :)

My concern is that there is a possibility that the Iranians may be thinking of martyrdom, as their President recently said openly (post above). He said it would solve all their social problems.. yeah, it could.. if there was no society left to have any problems due to the country committing martyrdom under his leadership in order to usher in their Mehdi. Is he planning to do an attack which would provoke the entire Middle Eastern situation?

For instance.. just as a thought.. what if Syria attacked Israel? According to Hal Linsey in the video found HERE:

http://hallindsey.org/

Look under the heading "The Sampson Option"...

He states that the Syrians are preparing to do just that - attack Israel. If that happened, the US would be drawn into the conflict... forced to war when they do not desire it.

QUOTE:

Last week, WorldNetDaily reported a stunning admission from a Syrian official. He said that Syria had "learned from the Hezbollah experience last summer and we can have hundreds of missiles hitting Tel Aviv that will overwhelm Israel's anti-missile batteries."

He claimed Syria has "proof" Israel is also readying for a war. "We hear about special Israeli trainings to take Damascus. We see that Israel is re-establishing bases of the Israeli army in the Golan that are unusual and not needed except for war. We believe the Israeli government has an interest in confronting Syria to rehabilitate its image of losing to Hezbollah."

The WorldNetDaily report also says that Damascus believes newly-installed Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, a former prime minister, "wants to prove he is a military expert." This information is perfectly in line with the official statements made by both Bashar Assad and Mushen Bilal to several major Arab newspapers.

Furthermore, London's Daily Telegraph reported June 25 that Tehran was establishing a missile defense shield for Syria. Iran is also preparing to ship sophisticated military hardware, including "dozens of medium-range Shahab-3 and Russian-made Scud-C missiles, together with Scud-B missiles."

Syria recently test-fired two Scud-D surface-to-surface missiles that have a range of about 250 miles. This puts virtually all of Israel's population centers within range. Analysts say the planned Iranian arms shipment to Syria may be coordinated with the delivery of advanced Russian fighter jets.

Syria is also known to be producing non-conventional warheads, including those containing VX gas for delivery via the new longer range and more accurate Scuds. All Israel's cities are within range of these missiles. Most of them can be reached in less than three minutes. Syria is gambling that Israel's performance in the Hezbollah war of June 2006 means that it has seen all Israel has to offer.

Apparently, Bashar Assad now believes Israel can be beaten.

Here is where I believe all of this could be headed. Israel is going to be hit with WMDs from Syria that will kill a great number of Israelis. Israel will immediately implement the “Samson Option” against Damascus – totally obliterating it. This will cause the Muslim nations to back off out of fear of also being hit.

According to my sources, there are fully armed Israeli aircraft sitting on the runway of Jezreel Valley IDF base with pilots in the cockpits on 24 hour alert. Normally, these aircraft are stored under ground. These planes can be over Damascus in 180 seconds from take off.

Syria is playing a very dangerous game, and is being urged on by Iran.

====END QUOTE===

I see this as being INSTIGATED by Iran, who is GIVING them this technology and direction,
even as they build their own capabilities to wage nuclear war (as the Patton video I posted said..
If Hitler or the Japanese had gotten nuclear weapons, they would have used them. What makes us
think that Iran won't use them once they have them?)

Corresponding to this - showing instigation from Iran and building their capabilites...
from my previous posts (urls above):

Iran dismisses reports of arms deal with Syria
Updated Sun. Jul. 22 2007 7:54 AM ET
Associated Press

The Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported Saturday that Iran would provide $1 billion to Syria for advanced weapons procurement and would assist the country with nuclear research and the development of chemical weapons, with the understanding that Damascus would not negotiate peace with Israel.

AND:

50 German firms smuggled nuclear material to Iran
Friday, 13 July 2007

POTSDAM, Germany (AFP) - German prosecutors on Thursday said they are investigating some 50 companies suspected of smuggling technology to Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant via Russia.

Berlin-based company Vero is suspected of having smuggled material to build the nuclear reactor through Poland to Moscow, from where it was taken to Iran, said Christoph Lange from the prosecutor's office in Potsdam near Berlin.

He said Vero appeared to have been buying up nuclear technology in Germany and elsewhere in Europe since 2000 at the orders of Russia, which is constructing Iran's first nuclear power plant in the town of Bushehr.

Lange said prosecutors have so far only traced material worth about five million euros (6.8 million dollars), but that this appeared to be the tip of the iceberg. Up to 150 million euros' worth of material may have left Germany for Iran, he estimates.

===end quote===

Carl - My question is.. is Iran is fomenting a nuclear/chemical/biological war against Israel using Syria and will they initiate it when they are ready to do so, on their terms? (Remember their threat to "wipe Israel off the map"??) While I don't subscribe to the "end of the world" scenerio Hal Linsey puts on it (with antiChrist, return of Christ, etc - though I would be ready to go if the Lord did turn up and that "rapture" happens, yet the Lord assures me it isn't the end so I don't expect it) I definitely think the intelligence is truthful and an escalation of war could happen, FORCING the US into conflict with Iran when Iran wants it done and takes that step. As you said, Iran has been leading this, and their mentality may be martrdom, not merely fighting to win Iraq. THEIR religious viewpoint leads them to believe that chaos is necessary to usher in their Messiah, and they may be ready to do that soon with an all out assault which may be aimed at martyrdom, if these reports are correct. Perhaps the Iranian President IS thinking of personally being martyred in this coming attack.. provoking his own martrydom along with the martyrdom of his entire nation, unless, as you say, someone from within takes him out before he implements his plan. OR he may just hide in deep bunkers or some place where he may ride it out in safety, letting his people take the brunt of the retaliation and "martyrdom" - choosing to direct his forces from some safe haven.

IF the US is forced into a war with Iran against their better judgement, all due to the first strike from Syria followed by retaliation by Israel.. what then? If Hal Linsey's scenerio is right when he says that:

Here is where I believe all of this could be headed. Israel is going to be hit with WMDs from Syria that will kill a great number of Israelis. Israel will immediately implement the “Samson Option” against Damascus – totally obliterating it. This will cause the Muslim nations to back off out of fear of also being hit.

Can you give me a sketch of how bad off we are at that point? What will Iran do.. retaliate against Israel with nukes for their retaliatory strike which nuked Syria, in a provoking martyrdom move? (Making good on their threat to "wipe Israel off the map" even if it sparks nuclear war in the Middle East - the "Sampson Option"?) What will the US do.. and how will it affect the soldiers in Iraq? Can we stop the escalation at that point? (ummm.. not likely) What are the military options? If it goes this way it looks nasty and will leave a bad taste in the mouth of Muslims for some time to come no matter what we do or don't do... setting the US up for reprisal, perhaps? (The future I saw?)

I would appreciate your thoughts or any of those on the board who have an opinion..

Sara.

-- July 31, 2007 12:58 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Truth about Iraq http://www.larrynichols.com/

-- July 31, 2007 4:17 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

What you describe is a perilous situation in the making. The United States of America has aligned itself right or wrong with Israel. Hal Lindsey probably sees this potential conflict as the beginning of Armageddon.

I do think Iran is making an incorrect assumption about our military capability. It would do the U.S. good to begin/continue to covertly destablize Iran by appealing to moderates inside the country.

I disagree with Hal and all the Premillenial proponets. Instead, I think pressure on Iran will come from the other Arab nations. I think the U.S. is seeking to arm the Saudis to avert the situation you describe.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- July 31, 2007 5:38 PM ∞

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Jeff wrote:

Cornish boy-

Did you listen to the broadcast last night? I found it interesting that he said the HCL and the FIL wouldn’t be pasted. I thought something like this would happen to further delay a RV. Apparently Miliki is catching so much heat from Iraqis he can’t push the HCL through…hence the Iraqis asking for more time… “The Crime of the Century!! You know SAPCO who was going to get the contract to run the pipeline across the country owned in part by GWB’s daddy, 40% to be exact!! Don’t you know the fit hit the shan when Japan offered to build one of the largest refineries right there in Iraq!! It’s hard to say what’s going to happen in Iraq, I think their between a rock and a hard place.. One things for sure though they have figured out they can do this on their own without the help of the US.

-- July 31, 2007 6:19 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

I think so, too, Rob.
Thanks. :)

Some news posts:

U.S. forces welcome least deadly month of Iraq push
Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:51 PM EDT
By Peter Graff

BAGHDAD, July 31 - The build-up of extra troops in Baghdad may be bearing fruit, U.S. commanders said on Tuesday, as they welcomed news that July was the least deadly month for their forces in Iraq since last November.

Official figures showed 74 American service members were killed in Iraq in July, the lowest figure since last November, when 70 died.

Deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq had spiked in recent months as they fanned out into dangerous Baghdad neighborhoods under the new strategy.

May was the deadliest month in two-and-a-half years with 126 killed, and more than 100 died in both April and June.

"Any time you are talking about coalition forces being safe, we gladly welcome that and hope to see it continue as a trend, that due to our operations the level of violence and level of attacks against coalition forces goes down," said U.S. military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver.

"We said at the beginning of the summer, it's going to get harder before it gets easier. Now we hope to see that payoff."

Washington launched its new strategy this year, dispatching an additional 30,000 troops and sending its soldiers out of large garrisons and into small forward bases to get to know local Iraqis and patrol more closely with Iraqi forces.

Garver said the reason American troops were now apparently safer was because they were earning the trust of locals in the neighborhoods they patrol.

"We continue to see the Iraqis becoming tired of the violence," he said. "We see the population providing information, wanting to see those criminals out of the neighborhoods."

http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-07-31T165102Z_01_YAT713362_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-IRAQ-COL.XML&archived=False

-- July 31, 2007 7:23 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Lieberman escalates attack on Iraq critics
By Manu Raju
July 31, 2007

Ever since Connecticut Democrats refused to back him for a fourth term in Congress, Joe Lieberman has been burnishing his independent credentials in the narrowly divided Senate while becoming increasingly critical of the Democratic Party on the war in Iraq.

Lieberman, the Democrats’ 2000 vice presidential nominee, insists he is not actively considering joining the Republican Party. But he is keeping that possibility wide open as his disenchantment grows with Democratic leaders. The main sticking points are their attempts to end the war in Iraq and their hesitation to take a harder line against Iran.

“I think either [Democrats] are, in my opinion, respectfully, naïve in thinking we can somehow defeat this enemy with talk, or they’re simply hesitant to use American power, including military power,” Lieberman said in a wide-ranging interview with The Hill.

“There is a very strong group within the party that I think doesn’t take the threat of Islamist terrorism seriously enough.”

Lieberman says he is annoyed by the mudslinging on Capitol Hill and Democrats’ unwillingness to work with President Bush. As Lieberman sees it, the Democratic Party has slipped away from its “most important and successful times” of the middle of last century, where it was tough on Communism and progressive on domestic policy.

“I fear that some people take this position also because anything President Bush is for, they’ll be against, and that’s wrong,” said Lieberman, “There’s a great tradition in our history of partisanship generally receding when it comes to foreign policy. But for the moment we’ve lost that.”

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/lieberman-escalates-attack-on-iraq-critics-2007-07-31.html

-- July 31, 2007 7:26 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

NBC Skips Brookings's More Upbeat Iraq Judgment That ABC, CBS Find Newsworthy
By Brent Baker
July 30, 2007

NBC Nightly News on Monday ignored a development both ABC and CBS found newsworthy, that after eight days in Iraq, two Brookings Institution scholars who describe themselves has “harshly” critical of Bush's Iraq policy, determined the situation in Iraq is better than they assumed and so the “surge” should continue into next year. Instead of reporting the fresh assessment from Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, NBC anchor Brian Williams, citing “a draft U.S. report,” aired a full story on how “there are disturbing new details about corruption at the very top of the Iraqi government.” But the NBC Nightly News has hardly been reticent before about running soundbites from O'Hanlon with dire warnings about Iraq.

ABC anchor Charles Gibson declared “the column was the talk of Washington today.” From Iraq, Terry McCarthy related that “the report tracks fairly closely with what we're seeing both in our visits to U.S. bases in and around Baghdad involved with the surge, and also our trips out to Baghdad neighborhoods talking to Iraqi population. Clearly, security is improving as the U.S. military footprint expands so the violence goes down, the sectarian killings go down.” Indeed, on CBS, David Martin noted how “with one day left in the month, American casualties in July are the lowest since the troop surge began in February. And civilian casualties are down a third.” Martin aired soundbites from Pollack and O'Hanlon as he described “just enough progress so that a critic like Michael O'Hanlon, who used to think the surge was too little too late, now believes it should be continued.”

In the Monday New York Times op-ed, “A War We Just Might Win,” O'Hanlon and Pollack reported that they found that “morale is high” amongst “the soldiers and marines” who “told us they feel that they now have a superb commander in Gen. David Petraeus; they are confident in his strategy, they see real results.” They duo detailed progress they saw, before concluding “the surge cannot go on forever. But there is enough good happening on the battlefields of Iraq today that Congress should plan on sustaining the effort at least into 2008.”

Comment:

1) Cool Arrow

It goes without saying this report was discussed at length on Special Report with Brit Hume.

Sometimes we tend to take honest news journalism for granted.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brent-baker/2007/07/30/nbc-skips-brookings-more-upbeat-iraq-judgment-abc-cbs-find-newsworthy

-- July 31, 2007 7:32 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Shocking ‘Chris Matthews' Discussion: Maybe We Shouldn’t Leave Iraq
By Noel Sheppard
July 29, 2007

[Updated w/video clip, 14:21 Eastern, July 30]

Something happened on Sunday's "Chris Matthews Show" that likely shocked virtually all viewers on both sides of the aisle: the panel, stocked with liberal media members as usual, actually discussed reasons why America shouldn't pull troops out of Iraq.

In fact, not only was this issue seriously debated, but some of the statements made could have come from well-known conservative columnists like Fred Barnes, Bill Kristol, and Charles Krauthammer.

Video (3:09): Real (2.29 MB) or Windows (1.91 MB), plus MP3 audio (1.06 MB).

Yet, this panel was comprised of the Washington Post's David Ignatius, Time's Michael Duffy, NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, and U.S. News and World Report's Gloria Borger.

The shocking discussion was set up thusly by host Matthews, quote:

"Mike Duffy, you wrote a big piece for Time magazine last week highlighting three dangers Bush is pushing about if we withdraw: sectarian violence; safe haven for al Qaeda, and; a proxy war in Iraq fueled by its neighbors."

Duffy responded:

"The Administration estimates that we have a thousand Iraqis dying a month at the current rate. That could explode, maybe ten times as many, if the U.S. leaves."

Shocking. O'Donnell entered the discussion:

"Well, it's all about fear. Fear of the unknown. And, as we're seeing, it is potentially much more explosive if we were to have a reduced presence. And, that's what the president is focusing on."

Later, Matthews asked Ignatius the following:

"When we get a national intelligence estimate that says al Qaeda is back and strong, and all over the world, what good does this war in Iraq do to reduce that threat?"

Great question. Even better, Ignatius by no means gave the normal liberal media member response (fasten your seatbelts):

"Well, these struggles are different fronts of the same war. There is a radical Islamic movement that is active all over the world. It's seeking to hit U.S. targets and targets of our allies...This national intelligence estimate says that it has regained its strength, and most important, it has regained a safe haven in northwest Pakistan. And, the big question the U.S. is going to have to decide: that's a very stark warning, that they have, they have a platform to stage 9/11 level attacks. What are we going to do about it?

The notion that, you know, a defeat for the United States and its allies in Iraq is costless in terms of the larger war against al Qaeda is just wrong. I mean, you know, bin Laden said again and again, "The Americans are weak. If you hit them hard, they'll run away. They were hit hard in Beirut, they ran away. They were hit hard in Somalia, they ran away."

If, if the Iraq experience shows the same thing, that will be emboldening.

[...]

Whether it's Bush's argument or not, I think anybody who rejects it out of hand hasn't read Osama bin Laden's writings."

Wow. Could have been said by Kristol, Barnes, or Krauthammer, right?

But don't unfasten those seatbelts yet, because moments later, Matthews posed the following:

"If we pull out of Iraq in strength, and leave that country to its own devices, what will happen is the Shia will try to dominate the Sunnis, and then all the Sunni countries in the region, the Saudis, the Egyptians, the Jordanians, will get into the fight. What's the outlook there?"

Duffy responded:

"They don't, this is one the Administration doesn't want to talk about much Chris because it doesn't just scare Americans or Iraqis. It scares markets. Because it immediately goes to the price of oil and what would happen to all kinds of countries in the Persian Gulf. At the moment, the U.S. doesn't want to talk about this, but it is so real that even Democrats are trying to figure out a plan are concerned about because the Saudis would come in on the side of the Sunnis, and this is already beginning to happen..."

O'Donnell chimed in: "Jordanians, Syrians..."

Shocking. Moments later, Matthews said the following:

"We put it to the Matthews Meter, twelve of our regular panelists: Can Bush keep 100,000 troops or more in Iraq until he leaves office? Looks like he can. Eight of our group says, "Yes he can." Four say, "No, pressure will prevent it." Kelly, you said, "Yes, he can keep all the troops he wants as long as he wants.""

O'Donnell responded:

"He has every intention to keep a sizable force. The next president will have a lot to do with this. And people are beginning to learn that exiting is not easy. There are enormous costs of getting out."

Better still, Borger shockingly added to this:

"And can I say, this is such a problem right now for Democrats as we see them not only debate in Congress, but also in all of their presidential debates, because privately many of them will say, and Joe Biden has even said it publicly, that you can't withdraw overnight. That it would be dangerous for us to do so."

O'Donnell chimed in: "Mechanically you can't do it."

Matthews then asked: "How will it be better if we stay there two years more than if we leave in a year?"

Duffy responded:

"I think you get to maybe protect two clear interests that the U.S. has: keeping al Qaeda from having a safe haven on the order of Afghanistan, and; keeping that regional war from breaking out. "

Shocking, so much so that 90 minutes later, I'm still questioning if this really happened.

However, as my DVR doesn't lie, I have to wonder if a staunchly anti-war media, after pushing for an expeditious withdrawal of troops for many months, are beginning to recognize the humanitarian disaster that certainly follows such a capricious act.

Or, is it possible that the surge is indeed working, and rather than report that before it has fully succeeded, press members are slowly moving away from their previous cut-and-run posture to position themselves better for a possible victory?

Either way, it was nonetheless refreshing to witness such an honest discussion about this crucial issue being had by such liberal journalists.

Of course, potentially even more delicious will be to watch the overwhelmingly likely rabid response in the liberal blogosphere to this program as they insist this proves how conservatively biased the media really are.

Stay tuned.

—Noel Sheppard is an economist, business owner, and a contributing editor to NewsBusters.

Comments:

1) Gary Hall

Blonde, and Noel, as well. Great post - I would have missed this one. I have been sensing, J., that although it has remained mostly unspoken, there is a sense amongst the D(ic)'s and the media that on many fronts in Iraq the tide does seem to be turning. In the moment, as I don't expect that they (the media and the D(ic)'s) wish to address that publicly, in order to protect their waning bottom line - of a complete quick pullout - but they are finding comfort in the reality of what happens if we do immediately run for cover, before the job is done.

This new position, naturally, still enables them to blame the reason for the perceived genocide on our departure on the Bush administration for being there in the first place.

I note. Few ever cared about the several genocides in Iraq in the past, nor the total lack of freedom and the daily atrocities being played out against the people of Iraq, before Bush. They all act as if it were just fine prior to Bush.

And Noel.. this statement by David Ignatius,

"Whether it's Bush's argument or not, I think anybody who rejects it out of hand hasn't read Osama bin Laden's writings."

..is really representative of the one of the underling components this national debate has been missing for the past many years; the public, by and large, really are not familiar with Bin Laden's (and friends) writings in recent years. In fact, we are not even familiar with his stated goals in his announcements directed at the US back in the late 1990's. The media has never ventured to keep us abreast of the underlying fodder for all of what we face.

2) Luke

The MSM is going to get on the side of "no withdrawal just yet" because there is no way a Democrat is going to win the next Presidential election by declaring we are defeated in Iraq.

Watch Hillary slowly come around to this "talking point" of we just cannot cut and run. Most people with an IQ of at least 12 know the surge is working and they might want to get on the train before it leaves the station.

3) mlong

The dirty little secret that the Dems and MSM don't want to tell anyone is even if a Dem takes the White House in '08..there will still be troops in Iraq...they won't be going anywhere for awhile..no matter what any of them say now..there's just no way they can just pull them out without a massive bloodbath following it and they know They'll take the blame not Bush if that happens.

4) They're not there yet — KC Mulville

If this is a media turn, great. But they still have to go one more step. Right now, they can claim that pulling out will be bad, but it's still Bush that got us into this mess. They can still complain about that.

The next step, though is clear ... if we're already there, and we can't get out soon, and we're already in the middle of the fight ...

... why don't we stop playing around, and try to win this thing?

5) bigtimer

I also think that the talking heads in the media see exactly how far the candidates have leaned to the looney left and fear a complete defeat of the dem's with this strategy.

There was a gentleman stationed in Iraq that was on the Wa. Journal this morning at the top of the second hour for about 40 minutes for any of you interested in going to the link and listening, the surge is working, I salute Gen. Steve Lynch (I think that is his name) and his endurance with the callers, but most of all I send my gratitude to him and his men, let alone his family..it is endless.

6) This ones easy Noel - Blazer

Liberals know if they end up winning the White House they will not be able to pull troops out of Iraq either. In fact, they talk about intensifying the war in Afghanistan, and moving into northwest Pakistan, and Darfur.

If you ask me it sounds like they want to expand the war effort not cease it. In my humble opinion this is the latest attempt at the MSM coming off thier Kool-Aid highs, backtracking, and hoping no one will notice come 2008.

After a year or so, with all the complicency in broadcast, and print from thier brethren, Liberals can say they were for war all along, as long as it is "thier war", not Bush's.

7) bigtimer

I see we come to the same conclusions really by my sentiments in the first paragraph in above post...

This is exactly what the msm is doing giving quick cover, they know what is ahead, no matter the outcome, this problem is not going to go away...they have to start preparing now, they see the defeat coming if this keeps up, the major candidates can go no further to the left...(and the surge is and has been working, there have been reports of this all over the place on the internet, but of course not the msm...as usual)

Biden is the only one who even comes near to having rationality, and that in itself is spooky...lol.

8) Senior Chief

When the right questions are asked, even the most lefty liberals answers conservatively and with pure sense, mind you. The democracks are afraid to debate on FOX and face Fox news panelist because, they can't run-around and carry on with their absurd answers. Suddenly, Matthews recognized that Iraq is a very important issue. I'm hoping to see a reversal of trend from other lefty, democrack-leaning media...cross your fingers folks.

9) There's really no surprise — Beowulf

There's really no surprise here. As a matter of fact, I've been waiting for this about-face.

The Dems know full well that no matter what their promises, public statements, or non-binding resolutions, there is no way we can possibly withdraw precipitously from Iraq. They also know that their poll talking points are essentially fabricated. They cherry-picked the parts of the poll that supported their talking points which will come back and bite them later. And they know they will not be called on their flip-flop. They never are. Crissy is just the first talking head laying the groundwork for supporting the Dem's about-face.

Right now, they are playing CYA in prep for their hoped-for takeover of political power. Of course, just as in the '06 mid-terms, after elected they will blow off anything they promise and go back to their liberal ways, regardless of the will of the people. I seem to recall promises on national security, smaller government, eliminating congressional corruption, etc. I just haven't seen anything being done on any of these issues. As a mater of fact, I haven't seen much of anything done at all. Of course, this is all due to "Republican obstructionism". That the Dems have spent their time since 2002 doing more and worse is not an issue.

Anything the public perceives as "good" will be solely due to the Democrat's hard work in congress. Anything "bad" will have been inherited from those corrupt Republicans. So essentially, if they were to gain the White House, we can expect our wants and desires to be completely ignored (as in "immigration reform") and the libs to begin the slippery slope of making our decisions for us - for our own good, of course.

The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers

10) daveinboca

I watched the program and was agog at how non-PC defeatist the panelists happened to be. David Ignatius is the person I respect most on that particular lineup, and he was elegant and informed as usual. It's no secret that the Democrats are heavily invested in an American defeat to advance their own political agendas. It will be interesting if the Democratic candidates even talk about Iraq from now on the way they have in the past.

One of those Dem candidates might bring up the opposite point of view and a real debate would ensue, not just the "I was against the war before you were" sort of silly twaddle the Dems specialize in.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/07/29/shocking-chris-matthews-discussion-maybe-we-shouldn-t-leave-iraq

-- July 31, 2007 7:58 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Shocking New York Times Op-ed: Iraq Is ‘A War We Just Might Win’
By Noel Sheppard
July 30, 2007

On Sunday, NewsBusters reported a shocking discussion that ensued on "The Chris Matthews Show" wherein five liberal media members actually debated why America shouldn't withdraw its troops from Iraq.

Maybe more shocking, the following day, an op-ed was published in the New York Times claiming that "We are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, "morale is high," and, as a result, this is "a war we just might win."

Adding to the shock is that this piece was written by two members of the Brookings Institution, which even Wikipedia acknowledges is "widely regarded as being politically liberal." The authors - Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth M. Pollack - described themselves as "two analysts who have harshly criticized the Bush administration's miserable handling of Iraq."

Not anymore. Better prepare yourself for an alternate reality (emphasis added throughout):

"The Bush administration has over four years lost essentially all credibility. Yet now the administration's critics, in part as a result, seem unaware of the significant changes taking place.

Here is the most important thing Americans need to understand: We are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms. As two analysts who have harshly criticized the Bush administration's miserable handling of Iraq, we were surprised by the gains we saw and the potential to produce not necessarily "victory" but a sustainable stability that both we and the Iraqis could live with."

Shocking. But it got even better:

"After the furnace-like heat, the first thing you notice when you land in Baghdad is the morale of our troops...Today, morale is high. The soldiers and marines told us they feel that they now have a superb commander in Gen. David Petraeus; they are confident in his strategy, they see real results, and they feel now they have the numbers needed to make a real difference."

And, the numbers speak for themselves:

"[C]ivilian fatality rates are down roughly a third since the surge began - though they remain very high, underscoring how much more still needs to be done.

[...]

[T]hings look much better than before. American advisers told us that many of the corrupt and sectarian Iraqi commanders who once infested the force have been removed. The American high command assesses that more than three-quarters of the Iraqi Army battalion commanders in Baghdad are now reliable partners (at least for as long as American forces remain in Iraq)."

Amazing, wouldn't you agree. Yet, the best was still to come:

"In war, sometimes it's important to pick the right adversary, and in Iraq we seem to have done so. A major factor in the sudden change in American fortunes has been the outpouring of popular animus against Al Qaeda and other Salafist groups, as well as (to a lesser extent) against Moktada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army.

These groups have tried to impose Shariah law, brutalized average Iraqis to keep them in line, killed important local leaders and seized young women to marry off to their loyalists. The result has been that in the last six months Iraqis have begun to turn on the extremists and turn to the Americans for security and help. The most important and best-known example of this is in Anbar Province, which in less than six months has gone from the worst part of Iraq to the best (outside the Kurdish areas). Today the Sunni sheiks there are close to crippling Al Qaeda and its Salafist allies. Just a few months ago, American marines were fighting for every yard of Ramadi; last week we strolled down its streets without body armor."

Maybe most shocking, the authors, almost speaking directly to dovish Democrats in Congress as well as those running for president, concluded:

"How much longer should American troops keep fighting and dying to build a new Iraq while Iraqi leaders fail to do their part? And how much longer can we wear down our forces in this mission? These haunting questions underscore the reality that the surge cannot go on forever. But there is enough good happening on the battlefields of Iraq today that Congress should plan on sustaining the effort at least into 2008."

How extraordinary to read this in the New York Times.

—Noel Sheppard is an economist, business owner, and a contributing editor to NewsBusters.

Comments (2):

1) (Sarcasm) - dscott

How much longer should American troops keep fighting and dying to build a new Iraq while Iraqi leaders fail to do their part?

The Surge is working, grumble, grumble, grumble, But, but, but, the Iraqi parliment is not singing Kumbaya like the Dems so we still failed, it's a failure we tell you, you must believe us that Iraq is a failure. We were right, Bush was wrong... (end sarcasm)

2) Remember in March/April 2003 — Prester John

When things were going bad and the great Sand Storm of 2003 hit a week or two into the invasion? The MSM was going on about how it was a quagmire, things were a disaster etc, not bothering to see of course that during this storm our air power was relentlessly pounding the snot of the "elite" Republican Guard on the approaches to Baghdad. Within days of the end of storm the Iraqi military collapsed and voila, the statue of Saddam was being pulled down.

Like in 2003 the MSM has not bothered to take a look what has been going on behind the scenes and has concentrated only on body counts and car bombs. Now all of a sudden Anbar is no longer "lost", the Sunni tribes have had enough, and Coalition forces and the Iraqis are killing the terrorist thugs faster than they can be replaced.

Oh, and July US casualties are down about 30% from June.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/07/30/shocking-new-york-times-op-ed-iraq-war-we-just-might-win

-- July 31, 2007 8:16 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

David and board;

I think we discussed Global Warming a while back on the board.
This is just a short post on it, not Dinar related, but I think it important.

I was praying today for the poor children and people of Peru.
It is a horrible thing when a political viewpoint stops the giving of medical aid to desperate people.
There has been SEVENTY children DIE from the cold snap in Peru.
The temperature has hit -20C and they expect the cold snap to continue into September.
This is what they are facing and in right NOW.. with pneumonia and respiratory infections.
They haven't adequate shelter for such biting COLD.
And the press here won't even acknowledge it because it goes against their Global Warming dogma?
Shame on all those who will not tell the truth and help these people...
only because they wish to support the Global Warming viewpoint over others.
This is happening NOW, today.. and these people are suffering and dying.
Put aside politics and give them humanitarian aid, support.. and our prayers.
Who cares if it disproves the viewpoint of Global Warming...
set aside the viewpoint for compassion and love's sake.. for their lives.
Go ahead and say COOLING proves Global WARMING for all I care..
but just don't stop caring about people because they don't fit your viewpoint.
Where is their supposed Liberal hearts?
Must these people die in the deafening silence to prove the GW view?

Sara.

===

Cold Snap in Peru Kills 70 Children, Media Couldn’t Care Less
By Noel Sheppard
July 28, 2007

By now, you've likely heard about the floods in England, and how the media believe them to be caused by global warming.

However, have you heard about the cold snap in Peru that has already killed 70 children?

You haven't? Well, how could you? After all, no American media outlet has felt it to be newsworthy.

Yet, the following was reported by the BBC on Wednesday, and, as amazing as it might seem, was republished by Press TV Iran's website Thursday (h/t NB reader Rolf Rothermel):

"At least 70 children have died during a spell of freezing weather in the Andean regions of Peru, officials have said.

The children, all under five years old, died of pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses over the past three months.

They lived in rural areas at high altitude, where temperatures in some cases are reported to have plummeted to as low as -20C (-4F). "

Sadly, this situation is expected to get worse before it gets any better:

"Forecasters in Peru are predicting the cold spell will continue until September.

[...]

Many adults have also died during the harsh winter, and thousands of people are suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory infections."

This is one of the worst cold-related disasters in Peru's history. Yet, Google news and LexisNexis searches found no American media covering this story.

Think they'd be so disinterested if there was a heat-related disaster killing children somewhere?

No. I don't either.

—Noel Sheppard is an economist, business owner, and a contributing editor to NewsBusters.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/07/28/cold-snap-peru-kills-70-children-media-couldn-t-care-less

-- August 1, 2007 2:15 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(979)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 979 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/8/1 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1243 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1241 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 57.810.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 16.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 57.810.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 16.000.000 -----

-- August 1, 2007 6:57 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Saudi Arabia ready to attend regional peace conference, explore ties with Iraq
01-08-2007

Saudi Arabia will attend a Middle East peace conference proposed by President Bush for later this year, the Saudi foreign minister said Wednesday. "We are interested in the peace conference," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said at a joint news conference with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

"When we get an invitation from the minister (Rice) to attend, when this takes place, we will discuss it and we will make sure that we attend" the conference, al-Faisal said, according to AFP.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also pledged Wednesday to explore opening diplomatic relations with the Shiite-led government in Iraq. Al-Faisal told Gates that his country will soon send a diplomatic mission to Baghdad "and explore how we can start an embassy in Iraq."

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Saudi%20Arabia/215645

-- August 1, 2007 10:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Jeff:

What television show are your referring too? There are a number of articles floating about full of contradictory information about the Foreign Investment Law and Hydro Carbon Law.

In fact, I read yesterday Kurdistan is ratifying its own HCL Law. I take from this either Baghdad has ratified their law or will do so shortly after lawmakers return from recess. One other option, could have Al-Malaki calling a special session of Parliment to ratify the HCL legislation.

Jeff, in my opinion there is a lot of information circulating of which some of it is true and some not true. Please do not worry, at the end of the day we will be very glad and blessed to have invested in the Iraqi Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 11:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Joint Chiefs nominee: Iraq security 'better, not great'
7/31/2007

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush's choice to head the military Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday an increase of troops in Iraq is giving commanders the forces needed to improve security there.

"Security is better, not great, but better," said Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, speaking before the Senate Armed Services committee at his nomination hearing.

However, Mullen acknowledged under questioning that, "there does not appear to be much political progress" in Iraq.

"I believe security is critical to providing the government of Iraq the breathing space it needs to work toward political national reconciliation and economic growth, which are themselves critical to a stable Iraq," Mullen said. "Barring that, no amount of troops and no amount of time will make much of a difference."

He said morale is still high, but he doesn't take for granted the service of U.S. troops. He said the war has spread forces thin.

"I worry about the toll this pace of operations is taking on them, our equipment and on our ability to respond to other crises and contingencies," he said.

If the United States fails in Iraq, Iran would be a winner, Mullen said. He said there's a strong indication that Iran is supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan, and indications Iran has fed technology into Iraq and Afghanistan that has led to the deaths of U.S. troops.

He said a combination of factors "makes me concerned about Iran and where they're headed."

In written answers to prepared questions, Mullen earlier said he and other Joint Chiefs met with the president and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to discuss the plan last January to pour as many as 30,000 more U.S. forces into Iraq

"We had rigorous and thorough discussions and debates" of the troop buildup plan, he said in the written response. "The president then made his decision, and I am in support of that decision and working to make it succeed."

Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, are to report to Congress in September on conditions related to the war strategy. Already, however, lawmakers from both parties have expressed impatience with progress in Iraq. Earlier this week, the chief lawmaking body in Iraq went into recess until September.

Mullen acknowledged that slow progress in Iraq is hurting U.S. credibility and encouraging Iran's regional ambitions.

He said it's important to see results more than four years into the war. Some 160,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq, and more than 3,640 Americans have been killed.

"A protracted deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq, with no change in the security situation, risks further emboldening Iranian hegemonic ambitions and encourages their continued support to Shia insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan," Mullen wrote.

Mullen, the chief of naval operations, was chosen to replace Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace as the nation's top military officer. Gates decided not to reappoint Pace for a second two-year term to avoid an acrimonious confirmation hearing over how the Bush administration has handled the war in Iraq.

Pace, who was vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs before being appointed chairman, was involved in all the key decisions leading to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq and the planning for the post-Saddam Hussein era. His term ends October 1.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on his nomination before Congress adjourns Friday for its August recess.

Mullen's answers reflect the separation Gates wants to achieve. In one of the pre-hearing questions, Mullen is asked by the committee what he considers to be "the most significant mistakes the United States has made to date in Iraq."

He lists seven mistakes, including the May 2003 decision to disband the Iraqi army, which he says was a "potentially valuable asset for security, reconstruction, and provision of services to the Iraqi people."

Turning the troops loose, Mullen says, provided "a recruiting pool for extremist groups."

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Joint Chiefs nominee: Iraq security 'better, not great' - Source

Iraqi Dinar News Article List
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 11:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Saudi Arabia says plans to open embassy in Iraq

Saudi Arabia is to send a delegation to Iraq to explore opening an embassy for the first time since the 2003 invasion that brought down Saddam Hussein, the Saudi foreign minister said on Wednesday
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 11:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Kurdish Leader Warns of Iraqi Civil War
Associated Press | August 01, 2007
BAGHDAD - The leader of Iraq's Kurdish region warned Tuesday of a "real civil war" if the central government does not implement a constitutional clause on the future of Kirkuk, the oil-rich city claimed by the Kurds.

Control over Kirkuk and the surrounding oil wealth is in dispute among the city's Kurdish, Arab and ethnic Turkish populations. Nationally, the dispute pits the Kurds, who want to annex it to their autonomous region in northern Iraq, against the country's Arab majority and its small minority of Turks, known locally as Turkomen.

Massoud Barzani, speaking in an interview with U.S.-funded Alhurra television, complained that the Baghdad government was dragging its feet on holding a referendum that could put Kirkuk under control of the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq.

"There is procrastination (by the government) and if this issue is not resolved, as I said before, all options are open. ... Frankly I am not comfortable with the behavior and the policy of the federal government on Kirkuk and clause 140," he said.

The constitutional clause calls for a referendum in Kirkuk to decide its future status by the end of the year. Before the vote, the clause says Kurds expelled from the city during Saddam Hussein's rule must be allowed to return. A census would then be held to determine which ethnic group was a majority of the population.

Tens of thousands of Kurds have returned to the city since Saddam's ouster in 2003, but a census has not been conducted.

"The Kurds will never relinquish or bargain over Kirkuk, but we accepted to regain Kirkuk through constitutional and legal methods. But if we despair of those constitutional and legal methods, then we will have the right to resort to other means," Barzani warned.

"If clause 140 is not implemented, then there will be a real civil war," Barzani said, promising to visit Baghdad shortly to discuss the matter with the central government.

Barzani's warning was certain to deepen the political instability and further weaken Nouri al-Maliki, the embattled Shiite prime minister who already is fighting for his government's survival.

He is under severe pressure from Washington to take concrete steps to help reconcile Iraq's Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds.

A blueprint for Kirkuk's future was laid out in Iraq's 2005 constitution, but the city is widely viewed as a time bomb that could plunge Iraq deeper into crisis and violence.

Barzani accused unidentified countries of trying to delay a resolution of the Kirkuk issue and urged the Baghdad government not to succumb to regional pressures. It was clear he was referring to Turkey, where separatist Kurdish guerrillas are fighting government forces in the southeast of the country. Al-Maliki is due to visit Turkey in early August.

Adnan al-Mufti, the speaker of the Kurdish parliament, also criticized the central government's handling of the Kirkuk issue, saying it was partly to blame for missing a July 31 deadline to produce lists of eligible voters in the city and its surrounding districts.

The lists were to be compiled by a Baghdad-based government commission that includes Arabs, Kurds and Turkomen officials.

"It is not completely the fault of the federal government because we do understand that the deteriorating security situation in Kirkuk has played a role in this delay," al-Mufti said.

"The census issue is only part of the article and failing to carry it on time does not mean a total failure. We should work hard and fast with the federal government because we have limited time," he told The Associated Press from Irbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Barzani told the television interviewer that Kurdish nationhood was a "reality" rather than a dream. A Kurdish homeland, he said, was a "natural right for a nation of more than 50 million people in the Middle East. Why should we be denied this right?"

He ruled out, however, the use of violence to establish a Kurdish homeland, a prospect that worries Iran, Turkey and Syria because it would set a dangerous precedent for their own restive Kurdish minorities.

"It's a legitimate right but it must be realized at the suitable time," Barzani said of establishing a Kurdish nation.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 11:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Former Iraqi premier leads challenge to Maliki's government

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

01 August 2007 (The Daily Star)
Print article Send to friend
Iraq's president was fighting Tuesday to save the government from possible collapse, wheedling key Sunni Arab politicians to set aside threats to quit the Cabinet and counseling the prime minister to "seriously consider" their demands.

The efforts by Jalal Talabani came amid reports that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is facing a revolt within his party by factions that want him out as Iraqi leader, according to officials in his office and the political party he leads.

Former Premier Ibrahim al-Jaafari is leading the challenge and already has approached leaders of the country's two main Kurdish parties, Parliament's two Sunni Arab blocs and lawmakers loyal to powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Talabani warned Tuesday of "negative consequences" if the six Cabinet ministers from the Iraqi Accordance Front were to leave the prime minister's 14-month-old government.

He did not elaborate, but the withdrawal of the Accordance Front's ministers could erase the government's "national unity" status and lessen its legitimacy.

Maliki has failed to improve security in much of Iraq, provide adequate services or combat crime and unemployment.

The Accordance Front last week suspended its Cabinet membership and said it would quit in a week if Maliki did not meet its demands: to disband militias, pardon security detainees not charged with specific crimes and include all coalition partners security decisions.

Talabani has said the demands were "mostly fair," acknowledging there were government failures but criticized the Front for publicizing its rift with Maliki.

Talabani, a veteran politician, has been consumed with trying to defuse the crisis through a series of meetings.

He has specifically attempted to lure Tariq al-Hashemi, his Sunni Arab deputy and a leading member of the Accordance Front, away from his hard-line partners in the Front and join a new "Alliance of the Moderates." The proposed alliance is expected to include the two largest Shiite parties, the two main Kurdish parties as well as independent Shiites.

Hashemi appeared to have somewhat softened his hard-line stand on the rift with Maliki, suggesting Tuesday that there was still a chance that a walkout by the Accordance Front could be avoided.

"We await the results of meetings being held today. If there is hope, then President Talabani will try and resolve the issue," Hashemi was quoted as saying after meeting Talabani and Shiite Adel Abdel-Mehdi, the other vice president.

Meanwhile, Jaafari's campaign was based on his concerns that Maliki's policies had led Iraq into turmoil because the prime minister was doing too little to promote national reconciliation, officials in Maliki's Daawa party said.

The former prime minister also has approached Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Iraq's top Shiite cleric, proposing a "national salvation" government to replace the Maliki coalition. The Iranian-born Sistani refused to endorse the proposal, the officials said.

"Jaafari is proposing a national and nonsectarian political plan to save the nation," said Faleh al-Fayadh, a Daawa party lawmaker familiar with the former prime minister's contacts.

The officials would not give details of the rift between Maliki and Jaafari, saying only that it began two months ago when a Daawa party congress voted to replace Jaafari with Maliki as its leader.

Jaafari and other senior Daawa members are questioning the legality of that vote and the former prime minister has since boycotted all official party functions, said Fayadh.

The usually secretive Daawa, which is made up of two factions, has 25 of Parliament's 275 seats but draws its strength from being a key faction of a large Shiite alliance.

To the Sunni Arabs he is courting now, the officials said, Jaafari was proposing a change in Iraq's sectarian, power-sharing formula. He wants the president's job to be given to a Sunni Arab to achieve a better balance between Iraq's ethnic and religious factions and to improve ties with Arab nations.

To win the support of the Kurds, Jaafari is pledging the implementation of a clause in the constitution that provides for a referendum before the end of 2007 on the fate of Kirkuk, an oil-rich city in northern Iraq that the Kurds want to annex.

To compensate them for the loss of the presidency, Jaafari is proposing that they fill the post of Parliament speaker, now occupied by a Sunni Arab. - AP
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 11:25 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

Sara -

The terrible circumstances in Peru have nothing to do with global warming or lack thereof. Attributing isolated incidents of unusually hot or cold weather to the global warming phenomenon is a mistake that people on both sides of the issue constantly make. It's similar to using a single species as proof or disproof of creation. Since global warming is measured in fractions of a degree averaged in large geographical areas over long periods of time (decades, or centuries in some cases), any single anomaly is simply that - an anomaly.

Now having said that, you make an excellent point - the politics of the issue blind people to the horrific experience of those affected by the circumstances. The plight of the Peruvians should be taken at face value - here are people in need. We should do what we can to meet those needs and debate about the circumstances later. To politicize it at the moment of need is dispicable.

David

-- August 1, 2007 11:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Enclosed, is an article stating President Bush is close to accepting Joe Biden's plan for Iraq. Read the article and tell what you think?
____________________________________________________________

President Bush plan to divide Iraq

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

A report by the New York Times newspaper on the growing interest of the Bush administration plan Democratic Senator Joseph Biden on the division of Iraq into three entities, Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish under the umbrella of one central government, but weak.
.The report pointed out that the American official in the Bush administration said that the administration has become "close to the plan Biden," at the time attributed the report to the political analyst as saying that the administration has given positive signals on this plan.

.A report by the American newspaper on Senator Biden's visit to New York to discuss the matter with the permanent members could be at the UN Security Council, citing Biden that his plan met with a good response, according to him.

وف".In this framework, Biden said that the representative of a permanent member of the Security Council said to him "you took a long time to get to this plan," and the answer Biden "We have come to this point anyway, and important to know how to manage the transition."

.The report stressed that the plan to divide Iraq into three parts umbrella central government enjoys the support of an ineffective and increasingly explicit experts from the Middle East who Iichron failure of the Sunnis and Shiites in achieving national reconciliation and turning to the failure to pass petroleum law, as well as ethnic cleansing witnessed by Iraq, according to the paper.

.The report also pointed out that under this plan would be formed entity for the year in western Iraq, and a second Shiites in the south, as well as the Kurdistan region in the north, pointing out that the cities of Baghdad, Kirkuk and Mosul diverse demographic cleansed them eligible turn because engage in these entities.

ونقل ".The report quoted political analysts referring to fears that had been reluctant to lead this division led to the massacres in Iraq, but they Eagbon these fears saying : "But what is happening in Iraq now only massacres
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...6Itemid%3D2670

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 12:03 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

jeff yes i did see the broadcast it dos not paint a very good picture i dont think we will see an rv four a long time yet untill thay get of there lazy buts.

-- August 1, 2007 12:23 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

President Bush plan to divide Iraq --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A report by the New York Times newspaper on the growing interest of the Bush administration plan Democratic Senator Joseph Biden on the division of Iraq into three entities, Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish under the umbrella of one central government, but weak.
.The report pointed out that the American official in the Bush administration said that the administration has become "close to the plan Biden," at the time attributed the report to the political analyst as saying that the administration has given positive signals on this plan.

.A report by the American newspaper on Senator Biden's visit to New York to discuss the matter with the permanent members could be at the UN Security Council, citing Biden that his plan met with a good response, according to him.

وف".In this framework, Biden said that the representative of a permanent member of the Security Council said to him "you took a long time to get to this plan," and the answer Biden "We have come to this point anyway, and important to know how to manage the transition."

.The report stressed that the plan to divide Iraq into three parts umbrella central government enjoys the support of an ineffective and increasingly explicit experts from the Middle East who Iichron failure of the Sunnis and Shiites in achieving national reconciliation and turning to the failure to pass petroleum law, as well as ethnic cleansing witnessed by Iraq, according to the paper.

.The report also pointed out that under this plan would be formed entity for the year in western Iraq, and a second Shiites in the south, as well as the Kurdistan region in the north, pointing out that the cities of Baghdad, Kirkuk and Mosul diverse demographic cleansed them eligible turn because engage in these entities.

ونقل ".The report quoted political analysts referring to fears that had been reluctant to lead this division led to the massacres in Iraq, but they Eagbon these fears saying : "But what is happening in Iraq now only massacres
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...6Itemid%3D2670
__________________

-- August 1, 2007 12:41 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

NOT GOOD FOKES

Iraq's largest Sunni Arab political bloc announced its withdrawal from the government Wednesday, undermining Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's efforts to seek reconciliation among the country's rival factions.

News Story - Windstream
__________________

-- August 1, 2007 12:49 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

fourgot the link. http://kevxml.windstream.net/_1_VBPTO104VC4FTH__wind.main/apnws/story.htm?kcfg=apart&sin=news_top&qcat=news&ran=13054&feed=ap&top=1

-- August 1, 2007 12:52 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Panhandler,

Thank you for your comments on the CNN report and what you are observing on the ground about adequate food, water for the Iraqi's.

The Joint Chiefs acknowledged this as a problem in Iraqi reconciliation. Let's hope they can get it together.

All,

It's good to see Carl posting again. And I agree, we have to send a search party for Okie. Anyone know where she is?

Laura

-- August 1, 2007 3:20 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Laura:

I know the whereabouts of Okie. He is on the iraq investors forum site. Enclosed, is the link: www.investorsiraq.com

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 3:35 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Thanks, Rob. I think Panhandler wanted to know too.

Laura

-- August 1, 2007 4:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Supposedly the ISX will open tomorrow to non-iraqi traders. For those invested in the ISX the mood on the various forums range from skepticism to subdue.

I denote a sense of frustration with the Iraqi's for taking a month long recess coupled with the CBI Governor not anticipating any leap forward in the Dinar's exchange rate (i.e. slow grow). This idea of a managed rate by the Central Bank is a tool to protect the currency from wild fluctuations in its exchange rate.

The key word is Stability. The reason I do not think the ISX opening on August 2nd will necessarily attract the amount of investors or the returns some are hoping is the lack of stability. Al-Malaki's government is on the verge of collapsing. Parliment is unable to sit in quorum. Basic services are still spotty. One bright spot in the Iraqi saga has been its currency. The CBI, IMF, and World Bank have done a good job at stablizing the Iraqi Dinar. I have read comments on other forum of 100x or 250x their return once it opens. These people will be disappointed.

Once the government and the society becomes stable the continued performance of the Iraqi Dinar in the midst of chaos will find itself a legitimate currency to trade on the foreign exchange market.

I am not a naysayer, I still believe in the potential of this investment; but the longer I have my Dinars the more convinced I am the Dinar will gain its value from the foreign exchange market rather than revaluation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 1, 2007 6:01 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi all:

Been off for awhile. My whole life turned upaside down when I dropped my laptop and desk top crashed on the same day.

Anyway, doesn't look like much has changed, yet concerning the dinar. We always seem to get to the 10 yard line and the ball is intercepted, and touch down never scored.

Hey, hey ,hey!!!! Jeff--- looks like David misread you! He does kinda call the kettle black at times. Anyway, I think you picked up on things most of us did. Thanks for speaking up -----you spineless little devil--you!! (joke joke)

David,

Go ahead and throw labels at Hal Lindsy, but you better have your ducks in a row when you refute his analogies, cause his research is meticulous.... not to mention he is a remarkably humble man of God.

Roger-- good to have you back---- behave tourself and we will let you comeback from time to time---- ( joke joke--- sort of)

Carole

-- August 1, 2007 6:19 PM ∞

---

David wrote:

Rob -

Good post. We've all been watching this too long to really believe that everything will change overnight. But I do find it interesting that the CBI auction value of the dinar has shown such a relatively quick rise. Almost 10 dinar difference in a week. That's significant. I suspect we will continue to see an accelerated rise in the dinar value when (or IF) the ISX opens. I think it was Cornish Boy who made the argument earlier that if the ISX opens with the dinar at 1250 to 1, the Iraqis will be giving away the store. I'd hate to see that. The stability of the dinar is maintained, even if the value rises to something like what we'd all love to see (1 to .20 or so) over the next couple of months.

I wonder what those in Washington think about this raging speculation over the revaluation of the dinar, and how connected it is to their plans of military and political victory in Iraq. You never hear either the Dem or GOP leaders even mention it in passing. Any ideas?

David

-- August 1, 2007 7:41 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Rob,

What did you mean by this statement: "I am not a naysayer, I still believe in the potential of this investment; but the longer I have my Dinars the more convinced I am the Dinar will gain its value from the foreign exchange market rather than revaluation."

How will the dinar gain its value from the foreign exchange market?.

Laura Parker

-- August 1, 2007 8:32 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I thought I would copy a post I saw today about Pakistan and terrorism for you to consider.. and keep in your prayers, I hope?

Sara.

===

Pakistan's President risks civil war as he invades the Al-Qaeda badlands
July 29, 2007

- Musharraf risks civil war as he invades the Al-Qaeda badlands
- Pakistan’s president takes on the Islamic militants who have set up a rogue state on his country’s wild north
By Ghulam Hasnain

In North Waziristan, the wild border land that America hopes will be Osama Bin Laden’s graveyard, the normally busy roads are almost deserted and the fear is pervasive. Army helicopters sweep the valleys at night hunting for Al-Qaeda militants as troops and gunmen exchange artillery and rocket fire.

America and Britain regard this usually autonomous tribal area - where Bin Laden is long believed to have been hiding - as the logistics centre of Islamic terrorist attacks around the world.

President Pervez Musharraf sees it as the centre of a campaign to “Talibanise” Pakistan. Spurred on by Washington, he has abandoned a truce with Waziristan’s Islamist guerrillas and ordered his army to root them out.

On Friday morning the army moved into parts of Miran Shah itself after militants blew up government buildings overnight. Most of the 60,000 townspeople are feared trapped, but hundreds of families have fled their mud homes in villages nearby and headed east for the sanctuary of Bannu, a town in the neighbouring North West Frontier province.

I watched last week as some of the 80,000 troops deployed in Waziristan dug in alongside the highway outside Mirali, a small town 10 miles east of Miran Shah. Almost all the checkpoints on this stretch of narrow road were empty. Three lay in rubble because the militants had blown them up. No troops drove along the road. They shuttled to the nearby Afghan border by helicopter.

Occasionally a civilian vehicle appeared, laden with men, women and children and all they could bring with them as they fled – a few cots, a goat or two, a cow and some cooking utensils.

Noor Abdullah, a businessman in Mirali, said: “People are afraid. We expect war. People are leaving. But the army can’t fight these fighters. They are very well trained. People are with them. And they are in thousands. They move from one place to another. They live in the mountains and caves. It’s a difficult area."

He added: “The situation has became very complicated. It has affected every business. Everyone is suffering. Local officials have disappeared. They are afraid to come onto the streets or even walk. The Taliban don’t spare them.”

Sources in the Pakistani army said: “There has to be a fight. There is no other option. It’s bad, but we have to fight.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2159249.ece

-- August 1, 2007 8:48 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I also found that article (above) interesting in light of Obama's rather off the wall remarks about Pakistan, including that "as commander in chief he would remove troops from Iraq and put them “on the right battlefield in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” according to the below article.
Sara.

===

Obama Would Send US Troops Into Pakistan... even without local permission!
From his fans at the Associated Press: Obama might send troops into Pakistan
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Wednesday that he would send troops into Pakistan to hunt down terrorists even without local permission if warranted — an attempt to show strength when his chief rival has described his foreign policy skills as naive.

The Illinois senator warned Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf that he must do more to shut down terrorist operations in his country and evict foreign fighters under an Obama presidency, or Pakistan will risk a U.S. troop invasion and losing hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. military aid.

“Let me make this clear,” Obama said in a speech prepared for delivery at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. “There are terrorists holed up in those mountains who murdered 3,000 Americans. They are plotting to strike again. It was a terrible mistake to fail to act when we had a chance to take out an al-Qaida leadership meeting in 2005. If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.” …

Analysts say an invasion could risk destabilizing Pakistan, breeding more militancy and undermining Musharraf. The Pakistani Foreign Office, protective of its national sovereignty, has warned that U.S. military action would violate international law and be deeply resented.

A military invasion could be risky, given Pakistan’s hostile terrain and the suspicion of its warrior-minded tribesmen against uninvited outsiders…

Obama’s speech was a condemnation of President Bush’s leadership in the war on terror. Obama said that as commander in chief he would remove troops from Iraq and putting them “on the right battlefield in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” He said he would send at least two more brigades to Afghanistan and increase nonmilitary aid to the country by $1 billion…

He also said he would create a three-year, $5 billion program to share intelligence with allies worldwide to take out terrorist networks from Indonesia to Africa.

===end quote===

What a laugh Mr. Obama is.

Could any sane person want him to be the person sending troops anywhere?

Still, it shows that fighting the Islamofascists is far more popular than he ever realized.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/ap-obama-might-send-troops-into-pakistan

-- August 1, 2007 8:56 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

It's all politics. Obama might send troops but I don't believe he will win the presidential nomination. I think it is going to be Hillary Clinton for the Democrats.

The Republicans still have to come up with a good candidate and I am not sure who this is going to be. The present candidates, all have their baggage.

Laura Parker

-- August 1, 2007 11:29 PM ∞

---

Jeff wrote:

All-
Has anybody heard if the stock exchange is going to open on time or will it be postponed?

Cornish Boy-
I don’t think it’s so much getting off their lazy butts as it is getting out from under the Bush administration… I truly feel the Dinar will RV at a much better rate then it ever would have with the Iraqis taking the left overs from the HLC!!!

Carole-
Glad to see ya back!! You know you’re supposed to wait until after the RV to throw your laptop in the pool!! As far as picking up on other things… I’m sorry I did, I felt bad for days, but you know there was another person on here that I acted hastily with and later I found out that she not only was interesting but… what was the word…. Oh yeah feisty? Glad to see ya back up and running…

Rob-
I’m sorry, scrolling back through some of the post I apparently missed one of yours to me!! The discussion Corish boy and I were referring to was the Larry Nichols.com radio show on nightly from 9 –12 eastern…. I know, I know … your not sure about the validity right? (I thought that was funny!) Listen in and see what you think! The particular discussion you were referring to is where Larry said the Iraqi’s don’t want any part of America and Vise versa!! I too think the Dinar is a good investment and of late have been very excited about the ISX opening… who knows we shall see!!!

David-
Although several ticks a week is nice it’s just not what we’ve been looking for!! Bummer! Do you think were looking at a slow grow here or are they just waiting on us to get out of the way so that they may pave it? (Did I say that right? LOL).

-- August 2, 2007 1:15 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Jeff,

Thanks for the post---you are too funny.

Peeking in on you rpost to David; if or when "us gets out of the way" look for immediate invasion of Iraq by Iran and SYria( e,powered by Russia)..... and then kiss the dinar possibilities goodbye!! Oh ... and the Warka bank?------GONE!

Our only real hope is that the dinar rv's while Bush in ofice or that he is replaced by another hawk repub.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

-- August 2, 2007 5:38 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

sara,

I am very concerned about the consitent change in the Hiliary affect. She is standing out ore and more fromher apponents and taking on a "hawkish" pont of view. This will attract the undecided and independent voter.

Also she will never toleratre Obama on her ticket. maybe Biden???

Thompson is an unknown and this country will never turnover the presidency to an actor. he comes out of the gate too slow undecided and uncommittted.... and he looks older and older everyday.

Nope it is going to take a "feisty" counterpart to Hilary to challenge her. Someone uncommitted to special interests and someone detached from the presenet administration, ideologically, and politically. Only pne I can see at the moment is Newt. But he is going to have to sprint now or be conceived as another Thompson.

I have a far out idea..... but if Joe Liberman would do a radical change and come over to the Republican Party as their "savior" and do a "hatchet" job to Hilary...... he might be the one to pick up all the independent and undecided votes ( it is this group that is going to win the election).

At this point ( I never thought I would even be contmeplating this in my lifetime) if the election were to happen today Hilary will be our next president!

I actually feel sick to my stomach and SCARED TO DEATH.....

carole

-- August 2, 2007 5:56 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(980)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 980 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/8/2 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1242 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 67.755.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 67.755.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 2, 2007 7:04 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

found this on a nother sit Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 341

I dont understand this

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

WHOIS information for: isx-iq.com:
[whois.PublicDomainRegistry.com]
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Contact: +1.8882292450
Website: http://cazdomains.com

Domain Name: ISX-IQ.COM

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-- August 2, 2007 12:19 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq Stock Exchange opens for foreign investors http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=1008749

-- August 2, 2007 12:32 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,
Press release, IMF Executive Board Completes Fifth Review and review of Financing Assurances under Iraq's Stand-By Arrangement and Approves Three-Month Extention of the Arrangement to December 2007

www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr2007/pr07175.htm

-- August 2, 2007 1:15 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush tells Maliki US, Iraqis need to see action on Iraqi political front

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

Washington, 02 August 2007 (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
Print article Send to friend
President George W. Bush on Wednesday emphasized to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that the Iraqi people and the American people need to see action, not just words, on the Iraqi political front, White House spokesman Tony Snow said.

"The prime minister agreed and said that he will continue working with other (Iraqi) leaders to address common concerns and move the political process forward," Snow said during a White House briefing.
Bush spoke to Maliki for about 45 minutes via a video teleconference.

Regarding the announcement that six Sunni ministers will leave the Iraqi government, Maliki explained that he was "actively working to address their concerns and find a resolution acceptable to all party blocs," Snow said.

Both leaders also welcomed Saudi Arabia's announcement that it is going to consider upgrading diplomatic ties with Iraq and to open an embassy in Baghdad, Snow said.

The President began by congratulating the prime minister and the Iraqi people on Iraq's soccer victory in the Asia Cup, Snow noted.

"Both leaders noted that the victory demonstrated to the world what Iraqis can do when they work together," Snow said. "After all, when you are kicking a goal in, you are not asking about their sectarian affiliation, you are asking about whether they are part of your countrymen."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 2, 2007 1:53 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Carole,

I tend to agree with you on the democratic candidate being Hillary Clinton. Your idea of Newt and Lieberman for the Republican's is a good one. I wonder if anyone will place that message in their ears.

Laura Parker

-- August 2, 2007 2:08 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole, Laura, and board;
I found these statistics from July 9, 2007 interesting:

USAT/Gallup Poll: Steady leads for Giuliani & Clinton
Fresh results from the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, parts of which are being released this hour:

• In the race for the Republican presidential nomination, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has a 10 percentage point lead nationally over former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., maintains his place in third.

• In the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has a 16-point lead over second-place Sen. Barack Obama. Former vice president Al Gore, who has repeatedly said he has no plans to run for the White House in 2008, comes in third.

Posted by Mark Memmott at 12:40 PM/ET, July 09, 2007

http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/07/usatgallup-poll.html

===

I agree that Obama won't win the Whitehouse. But Hillary is only in first because Al Gore has not announced he will run. If he comes in THIRD when he has said he won't run.. they say he would easily be the front runner if he announced. Though he says he will not run, nothing is set in stone. And obviously he was very keenly interested in being President once before..

I have the idea it isn't that he doesn't wish to run, but that this is strategic. If people are unhappy with Obama and think Hillary the only alternative on the left, and Al Gore puts his finger in the wind and sees being tougher against terror is the way to go, he could come out with a stronger stance than Hillary, attracting many from both the Obama and Hillary camps. He just needs to bide his time and announce when the others have exhausted themselves campaigning and being in a mudslingfest. He comes in fresh and with a carnation in his lapel and they are all stinky and muddy from the battle. He tailors his views to what is popular and also will know the outcome of the "surge" (which is that it is working) and so his stance is strong militarily in the environment of a winning surge strategy, not REVERSING his stand as Hillary and all the others are (which may not be seen as very wise in a military leader in a time of war). Since EVERY one of the Democrats said publicly that they would pull out of Iraq, if Gore comes in with saying he won't (because that position becomes VERY unpopular when the surge works and victory seems near, even as the media say now that it is winnable), the Democrats will be keen on a Democrat in the Whitehouse to claim the accolades of a successful military campaign. (Which is better than losing, isn't it?) This gives them that prospect.

Also note that the constant playing up of Global Warming (Al Gore's hobby horse) keeps his name and profile in the news without directly putting him in the political limelight. The fact he is seen as a champion for that cause does his political profile a lot of good. Note how the media fawn over Global Warming.. which keeps Al Gore in the minds of voters until he announces. I think it is very well managed as a campaign strategy and that he will end up the one on the Democrat ticket. In other words, I think the candidate for the left will be Al Gore and he will win the Democrat nomination, not Obama or Hillary.

Just a thought... if Al Gore is clearly the frontrunner, who would he pick for his Vice? Lieberman, who once ran for Vice President before? Think how strong that would play into the idea of being tough on terror and yet leftist.. (pro-Global Warming, etc.) I think the ticket would pass with Gore/Lieberman and they would pick up votes from Democrats and even Independents. And Lieberman could do for them great "damage control" because he has been very pro-Bush, and when Iraq turns out well he can say he was always for the Republican strategy in the traditional Democrat way.. smoothing the troubled political waters of party politics between the two parties. After all, we all wanted AMERICA to win, didn't we? Does it matter under who? etc, etc. If the victorious strategy works out and does so under Democrats.. even Republicans will be relieved (not to mention the Iraqis who do NOT want a precipitous withdrawl of US troops.) Though I would prefer Lieberman on a Republican ticket, I would much prefer him on the ticket of the Democrats to Hillary... and no other candidate has as much strength as a leader who can deal with realities of war when the other Democrats would all pull out and let the Iraqis be massacred.

As for the Republican/Conservative side.. This poll put Tancredo at 2% and he votes the issues the way I would and I vote according to having to explain to God why I voted as I did, so that is disappointing. The second person I like on the Republican ticket is Thompson at 20% support in this poll:

Giuliani has the support of 30% of "Republicans and Republican leaners," vs. 28% a month ago; Thompson comes in with 20%, vs. 19% in June; McCain has 16%, vs. 18% a month earlier.

The only issue I take with Thompson is his support of stem cell research (hence his second place in my books). Note he is going UP in this poll whereas the other two leaders are heading down. This could be a trend and why the media has taken such a strong stance against him, even to the point of nitpiking at his wife (not lover, not homosexual partner) - a non-issue to my mind. Have to see how it pans out, but I see him as the best one for the job if Tancredo cannot win the nomination, and others seem to agree he is a good candidate if poll numbers have much to do with it.

Sara.

-- August 2, 2007 4:02 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Steven:

Bad Bad Bad news about the IMF 3 month extension. When they granted the last 3 month extension, it was told to the iraqi govt. that there would never be another granted.

I lost all hope of an RV this year when that extension was granted. Now , with the political climate ready to explode on all fronts, this may be the final blow to Dinar investment hopeful.

Two things now become apparent: 1. no time limits, no matter what military or finacial dynasty imposes on Iraq, they will thumb their nose and do as they please.
2. they obviously have either infuence or an inside scoop to the IMF. Extensions of any kind granted by the IMF, either negate any future hope to which ever country is applying, or at the very most, puts a country to the back of the line.

Doesn't look like either consequence will be imposed by the IMF on Iraq. Any clue to as why? The US has 87% of the voting power.....hint hint hint....

-- August 2, 2007 4:06 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,
Appreciate your input on Gore/ Liberman ticket.

But I have to disagree.

First, I doubt that you will ever see Gore jump inoto the campaign. He would take a tremendous paycut, and this would be his first consideration. he is enjoying his international fame because of his Global warming stuff. As a freelance contributor to the global warming rhetoric, he has no real accountability. He can continue to propagandize the world, backed by hollywood" nomads" and make loadsw and loads of money and enjoy attention and fame that he has never had before and for sure will not have a s President. The next President will probably die in office, if not by stress, by assasination.

Secondly, Liberman has declared himself, not only divorced, but alienated from the Democratic party. He wouldn't go back and they wouldn't take him back. No presidential candidate would commit that political suicide.

Liberman won over a whole bunch of conservatives and independents when he left the Democratic party, why would he do anything to reverse that ?

Regrettfully we are going to have to contend with the Hilary nomination, and pray that God ressurects a viable and suitable candidate to overtake her.

Keep your watchful eye on the CFR leanings toward nominations and favorites for president. ( CFR- Council on Foreign Relations).

Their title is misleading--- they are THE ESTABLISHMENT! And no one becones President without a nod of approval, or actual endorsement from them ( and they have no party affiliations--- their focus is much much bigger and global in nature).

Carole

-- August 2, 2007 4:26 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Allowing foreign investors deliberation on the Stock Iraq

Source : Kuna - 02/08/2007

Iraq announced market for securities (stock) was allowed to run from today to foreign investors to participate in the operations of trading in the market alongside Iraqi investors.

The statement said that the market "from the meeting on Thursday, the second of August launched the first hearing to allow non-Iraqis to participate in the investment and circulation by the Iraqis in the Iraqi market for securities."

The market shift radically this resolution and conclusion of an earlier stage and the stage of preparation for the coming big positives expected to achieve the goal of high liquidity of the shares listed therein.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...px%3Fid%3D4220

-- August 2, 2007 5:43 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Commentary: Iraq's wealth in the balance
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/856/re2.htm

-- August 2, 2007 5:53 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Laura:

In the long term I think trading on the foreign exchange market is better for Iraq rather than a sudden revaluation of the Dinar. Once traded on the forex market it will have proved its stability and this will give the Dinar a perception of legitimacy.

Trading on the same market as the USD, Euro, Canadian Dollar, and the Sterling Pound in currency circles would be considered concrete progress amongst the currency traders. In contrast, a revaluation of the Dinar by the CBI would be considered artificial. A subjective rate set by the CBI.
This will hamper the short term and long term viability of the Dinar. It will continue to be ignored by investors making convertibility and liquidity unlikely.

Current CBI policy of a managed rate is a good conservative monetary policy. It protects from wild fluctuations in the Dinars exchange rate. I think the governor of the CBI is looking to the long term health of the Dinar by preparing it for forex trading.

Before the Dinar reaches the forex some major issues must be addressed. The country currently does not have a measurable GDP or GNP and until an established economy appears in Iraq I think we as currency speculators will still be waiting.

For there to be an economy in Iraq the GoI must pass the Hydro Carbon Law or use the oil money coming in to develop the oil sector themselves. Either way, the 8 million barrels per day Iraq is capable of producing must be extracted and moving to market. Without oil, I just do not think Iraq regardless of a revaluation or not will attract the kind of investment a nation needs to be sustainable and until national reconciliation occurs there will be no oil.

As investors we are the mercy of the Iraqi's. Until they decide to move forward I think we should not look for any major changes in the Dinars exchange rate.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 2, 2007 5:59 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob,

Unless the Dinar is revalued to a minimum of .16, it will not be possible for them to trade on the same markets with the USD, Euro, Canadian dollar or Sterling, or yen for that matter.

Unless they come to the table with gold or some other internationally accepted parity, the dinar can not sit at the same table in the markets. To do so would destroy any hope of economic recovery they might hope for. Maybe in trading futures, or commodities, but not really even then.

The whole idea of Iraq going on the world trade market was predicated on the RV of the dinar.

Unless I have totally missed the concept of market trading for the last 40 years, it appears to me that you keep puttng the cart before the horse in your discussion. There is one and only one major issue before the Dinar hits the forex--and that is to address it's value.
Only then can the economy start to compete and move and a natural adustment of their outrageous inflation will occur which will then lead to a measurable GDP and /or GNP.

National reconcilliation will occur when the Iraqi people begin to start feeding their families, because they will have equitable jobs. They will be able to buy homes and educate their children. Their lives will have a true value. And when this happens they will have a reason to defend their homeland against any destructive force.

Democracy at this point in the average Iraqi's realm is not tangible.

I truly believe that nothing, absolutely nothing of an significant outcome on any social or political issue can get a jump start without the RV of the dinar. And democracy EXPERIENCED coupled with some relief of financial burden, and bolstering of human dignity by providing jobs, just might be the ticket to neutralizing the radical theocracy that otherwise paralyizes the masses.

Please fill in the blanks or help me see what I might be missing here.

Carole

-- August 3, 2007 3:40 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole;

Interesting that you dismiss the possibility that Al Gore could run for President. You may be right. However, you presume his motivation for running for President last time was money and fame and that, since he has achieved that already, the attraction to the office is gone for him. Though it is a possibility, there are other reasons for seeking to be President than money and fame. Also, you point out how dangerous being the President is. These factors - fame, money and safety - don't seem to have stopped many others from seeking the office. Certainly, few of those seeking the Whitehouse could be called poor. And many of them trust God for their safety if given the privilege of having that office.

I find it infinitely fascinating that the poll had Al Gore in THIRD place. Why ask a poll which includes his name if it is a foregone conclusion he will not run? And that poll is not a month old, very recent, and not run by some obscure group with their own agenda but by Gallup - a USAT/Gallup Poll. If the question asked by those taking the poll did not include Al Gore's name in it, then for him to be in third place within the decided Democrat public mind - even with an unnanounced candidacy - means that many of them do not think the possibility of his running is out of the question. Indeed, they must have him in mind quite a lot, dispite his lack of announcement, to be in third place in the poll I cited. And if he holds that place unannounced and without prompting from the question Gallup asked, how much MORE support would he get if he did announce? Surely the attraction of being catapulted to the front of the race has some attraction to a seasoned politician who has sought this office once before?

Politics is a strange realm which has a lot of sudden upsets and changes of direction. It also makes for strange bedfellows. An enemy on one piece of legislation may be your best friend for the next. Alliances change. Since Lieberman once ran under the Democrat ticket for Vice President and he has not publicly sworn off the party, I was speculating how it may go if the Democrats wish to position themselves as less "the luny left-wing fringe peaceniks" party - in order to appeal to those who voted overwhelmingly for a strong candidate on safety and terrorism in the recent past. The fact that Hillary and Obama are vying for a tougher stance on these issues shows that there is a need for someone in the party to be distinquished as a viable candidate on the issue of being tough on the terrorism issue. Since the current candidates ALL have pledged to pull out of Iraq, not one of them has the distinquished platform which would be necessary to deliver that segment of the vote. Their "tough" stance against terror can never be believed if they all say they will turn tail like a chicken and run from Iraq, admitting a defeat of the US forces. Even Obama's "I would stop the war on the Iraq front and move it to Afghanistan and Pakistan" isn't really tough. It would embolden the enemy to think they had already won such a great victory in Iraq, and the SAME fighters fighting (and winning, in that case) in Iraq would just move to the next hot spot with a victory under their belt. ALL the Democrat candidates are thinking of and publicly stating they would embolden the enemy if they reached the office of President, by removing (redeploying or whatever words they are currently using to take the place of "turn tail and run") the US forces.

What alternative does a Democrat voter have if it no longer looks worthwhile to "turn tail and run" from Iraq? In other words, what happens now if the surge DOES work? And it seems to be doing so.. I just don't see that the Democrats have a viable fallback position for saying that their party can address the war on terror in a victory setting. Surely if the surge WORKS they will be facing a losing scenerio with no one able to takeup from the defeatist stance all currently announced candidates hold onto. Denying the GWOT exists or that there is any viable threat to the US Homeland will only work for so long, and as the surge strategy pays dividends, it is very possible that the public, including those within the Democrat party, will turn against the peacenik stance - making the Republicans a shoe-in for the Whitehouse. Having not given their party the possibility of anything BUT defeat as a war stance, what I outlined would give them a fighting chance in the environment of the surge strategy winning in Iraq (as seems to be happening). If the surge win becomes known in September and their party becomes more and more unpopular in their anti-war and pullout/backdown/runaway stance, this strategy I outlined, or some variation on it, may be the only viable way to gain waning public support. Which may be why Al Gore is still in the running and in third place of decided voters, if taking polls have any rhyme or reason to them.

Politics is a strange beast and perhaps I underestimate the many others who have motivations for power and alliances.. we will see. As you said, I will keep my eye out for someone else to come along and take that place from the current frontrunner, Hillary. As you said, we should look to "God to ressurect a viable and suitable candidate to overtake Hillary" and "keep a watchful eye on the CFR leanings toward nominations and favorites for president... expect someone else will be the endorsed candidate because nothing currently on the Democrat menu of choices will do." At least we agree in this way, if not on the specifics of what the future menu may be (Al Gore/Lieberman).

Sara.
PS I also wish to thank you for your excellent observation that, quote, "I truly believe that nothing, absolutely nothing of an significant outcome on any social or political issue can get a jump start without the RV of the dinar. And democracy EXPERIENCED coupled with some relief of financial burden, and bolstering of human dignity by providing jobs, just might be the ticket to neutralizing the radical theocracy that otherwise paralyzes the masses." I must heartily agree.. it IS the key to a winning strategy and without it, there is no victory possible. As the US military has repeatedly observed, Iraq CANNOT be won by military force alone.

-- August 3, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

You are right in saying "we will see.." I guess I see Gore as the modern day Stevenson( you may be too young to remember him). My thoughts in answering why Gore's name keeps coming up, is that he has a great publicist.

I think you misunderstod me.... I do not think the Dem. Party is at a loss for viable candidates, but I certainly think that the Rep. Party is.

I heard something interesting yesterday on talk radio. Reportedly, senators do not have a record of winning the Presidency ( if I heard correctly no senator has ever won the Presidency). Govenors win Presidencies. if this holds true, a whole bunch of candidates will fall off the running board.

I will do some checking, but I thought Liberman swore off the Democratic Party when he lost the senatorial nomination for his state and declared himself an Independent, which not only got him back in the Senate but gave him the powerful deciding vote. I will check my recollection and get back to you.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Carole

-- August 3, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

In what way am I placing the cart before the horse? To quote James Carville from Bill Clinton's 1992 Presidential election; "its the economy stupid".

Value of a currency is not based upon an artificial rate set by a Central Bank. Case in point, the Federal Reserve does not impose a managed rate upon the USD; instead, it is a floating currency. Worth of the U.S. Dollar or the Iraqi Dinar is determined by key economic indicators. Concerning the long term growth of the Dinar I think the performance of the ISX is a step in moving that monetary unit to a floating currency.

ISX is only a step. The country must have a Gross Domestic Product and a Gross National Product of which Iraq does not currently have. Until Iraq has an functioning economy a leap in the exchange is unlikely. It is imperative Iraq develop their oil and agriculture sectors with outside investment or rely upon internal resources. I read one figure stating Iraq will need 75 billion for the oil sector alone.

Once Iraq has an economy the Foreign Exchange Market can reference key Iraqi economic indicators to trade the currency at its true value.

In your post you stated that the Dinar needed to be revalued at a minimum of $0.16. On what basis do you see justification for the Central Bank to revalue the currency to this rate? Why not $0.20 or $0.50? In my veiew Carole, the economy is the key to bring long term prosperity to Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 3, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gates: Iraq Political Reform Difficult

U.S. officials underestimated how difficult it would be for the Iraqi government to pass political reforms, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday, adding that the "depth of mistrust" among the factions is greater than anticipated.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 3, 2007 11:15 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob N. wrote: All:
Gates: Iraq Political Reform Difficult

U.S. officials underestimated how difficult it would be for the Iraqi government to pass political reforms, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday, adding that the "depth of mistrust" among the factions is greater than anticipated.
(www.noozz.com)

Rob N - How appropriate that you just posted this, as my post here relates one strong reason WHY there is such a "depth of mistrust" among the factions. For you and the board to consider, my post:

What do you think of this memorial site in Iraq which echos "damnation" to the US, the Iraqi government, Iran and Israel?
Also, do you remember how much heat the Bush Administration took for ITS "propaganda" in Iraq?
Why no outcry here?
The poster posted the entire article because the link is a login, so I posted all his post and the pertinent comments here for you to read (sorry not shorter).

Sara.

===

At Hussein Grave, Legend Lives as Fury Simmers
Source: NYT
URL Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/03/world/middleeast/03saddam.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Published: Aug 3, 2007
Author: JOHN F. BURNS
Post Date: 2007-08-03 11:24:03 by Eagle
Keywords: Hussein, Grave, Iraq

AWJA, Iraq — The grave site has a forlorn, even jumbled air. There are filigreed inscriptions hailing him as a martyr, as a hero of the insurgency and as “the eagle of the Arabs,” his favorite sobriquet. But alongside these there is the mundane bric-a-brac of his life — a carved wooden eagle hung with his personal prayer beads, and a gallery of informal photographs, one showing him with a cigar.

Mr. Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay, a grandson and three of his closest associates are buried outside the center, now renamed Martyrs' Hall. Saddam Hussein’s burial place, in his native village on the banks of the Tigris, may be the only public space in Iraq where the former ruler, hanged in December at the age of 69, is openly extolled. Under a decree dating from the American occupation in 2003, still in force under the new Iraqi government, all paintings, photographs and statues of Mr. Hussein are forbidden, as are public protests in his support. At least in terms of public hagiography, he remains, everywhere else in Iraq, a nonperson.

But in Awja, Mr. Hussein’s legend lives on, though only as a pale shadow of what it was. The old reception center where he lies — renamed “Martyrs’ Hall” by the family members who manage it — has none of the grandeur of the palaces he built during his 24-year rule. The trickle of visitors drops on some days to twos and threes, and only rarely reaches double figures, far short of making Awja a pilgrimage site on the scale of Iraq’s religious shrines.

Part of the problem is the danger — in death as in life — that envelops all that involves Mr. Hussein. Since his burial, no other Western reporter has reached the site, though it lies less than three miles from the center of Tikrit, a strategic city long garrisoned by American forces that is now under the control of the Iraqi Army and police. Reaching here required what amounted to a guarantee of safe conduct from the sheik of Mr. Hussein’s Albu Nasir tribe and from other people in Awja with links to the “national resistance,” Sunni insurgents who control many of the riverbank villages and towns around Tikrit, the capital of Salahuddin Province.

The site itself offers mixed messages. On broken ground outside the hall, behind a line of wilting sunflowers, Mr. Hussein’s family has buried six others, including his two oldest sons, Uday and Qusay, whose brutishness and greed, unfiltered by the propaganda that made a mythic figure of Mr. Hussein, made them among the most hated people in Iraq. Three others buried near them were associates who stood trial with Mr. Hussein and were hanged in the same dank prison chamber in Baghdad within weeks of his execution at dawn on Dec. 30.

The scant flow of visitors reflects, too, the chaos that has supplanted the tyranny Iraq endured under Mr. Hussein. Awja, 100 miles north of Baghdad, is in the middle of a fiercely contested war zone, where American troops passing on Iraq’s main north-south highway, flanking the village, are regularly ambushed and bombed by insurgents. Along with that, there is continuing fury among Mr. Hussein’s loyalists at his overthrow, trial and hanging, a mood that simmers so strongly at Awja that outsiders — indeed, any but Mr. Hussein’s established loyalists — have generally stayed away.

The grave site, humble as it is, reflects something more than a hometown’s determination to honor a fallen son, something that seems irreducible in the politics of Iraq: the refusal of the Sunni minority, who ruled Iraq for centuries until Mr. Hussein’s overthrow, to reconcile themselves to the assumption of power by the Shiite majority who won elections godfathered by the American occupation authority.

Mr. Hussein was far from the beloved figure his propagandists depicted, even among the people of his home region. Not far into many conversations, people here speak of the ruthless killing that characterized his rule, of Sunnis as well as of his principal victims, Shiites and Kurds.

And they point to the 128-building palace complex Mr. Hussein built on a rise above the Tigris in Tikrit. For three years an American military command complex but largely abandoned now, the complex is cited by locals as proof of how Mr. Hussein used Iraq’s oil wealth to benefit himself, his family and a coterie of loyalists, not the ordinary people of Awja or Tikrit.

“Saddam Hussein led the country into destruction, and in doing so destroyed himself and his family, and led us into the present chaos,” said Abdullah Hussein Ejbarah, the 50-year-old deputy governor of Salahuddin Province. Like many senior officials here, Mr. Ejbarah is a former high-ranking member of Mr. Hussein’s Baath Party, and was a fast-rising officer in the Special Republican Guard, an elite military unit, until members of Mr. Ejbarah’s Jabouri tribe tried to assassinate Mr. Hussein in 1993. Mr. Ejbarah was lucky to escape the purge that followed.

The Reach of War Now, he treads an uneasy path as an intermediary between the American military command, with a huge regional headquarters for northern Iraq at Camp Speicher, five miles northwest of Tikrit, and the shadowy oligarchy that holds much of the real power in Salahuddin: the province’s powerful tribal sheiks and, in silent league with them, the insurgents known by the Americans as “former regime elements” — men who were once senior Baath Party officials, Hussein-era military officers and secret police agents, who now direct many of the attacks on American troops.

It was Mr. Ejbarah, along with the Tikrit governor and the leader of Mr. Hussein’s tribe, who flew by American helicopter to Baghdad on the day of Mr. Hussein’s hanging and waged an argument deep into the night against the new Iraqi government’s plans to bury Mr. Hussein in an unmarked, secret grave.

When the body first arrived from Baghdad in the predawn hours of Dec. 31, Mr. Hussein’s body was buried quickly, to the accompaniment of angry protests, in the interior courtyard of a local mosque, then moved within hours to a caramel-colored, two-story reception hall built by Mr. Hussein as a gift to the village. There, the body lies in a shallow grave dug beneath the building’s rotunda, under a huge chandelier. Covering it are two Iraqi flags of the design used under Mr. Hussein, with the words “God is Great” in his handwriting.

Outside, down a pathway of broken concrete paving stones, lie the remains of the others chosen by Mr. Hussein’s family for burial here, each, like Mr. Hussein, lying with their head toward Mecca. His two sons, killed in a shootout with American troops in Mosul in 2003 and reburied here after Mr. Hussein’s hanging, lie at the back; beside them is Qusay’s son, Mustafa, who was 15 when he died in the shootout with his father.

The other three in the front row, all of whom were hanged, are Mr. Hussein’s half brother, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, former director of the secret police; Awad al-Bandar, former chief judge of the Revolutionary Court; and Taha Yassin Ramadan, a former vice president.

But it is at Mr. Hussein’s graveside that visitors linger. A remembrance book with perhaps 1,500 signatures shows that most visitors come from the country’s Sunni heartland, predominantly from the provinces of Salahuddin, Anbar, Baghdad, Diyala and Nineveh, all insurgent strongholds.

On a back wall hangs a further reminder of the insurgency, a black banner inscribed with a message in golden thread: “Gift from the Adhamiya mujahedeen,” a hard-line Sunni neighborhood in Baghdad that was the birthplace of the Baath Party in Iraq.

The condolence messages are replete with references to Mr. Hussein as a martyr, with prayers that God speed him to reward in “his wide heavens.” But many, too, echo the themes Mr. Hussein pressed in his courtroom harangues in the last 15 months of his life — damnation to Iraq’s American occupiers, to Iran as the backer of the Shiite religious parties that now rule here, and to Israel.

“May God bless Comrade Saddam Hussein, and have mercy upon him,” wrote a Baath Party visitor in May who gave his name as Comrade Abu Qaysar. He added, “By the will of God, victory will soon be ours, and we will liberate our beloved Iraq from the claws of the Zionists and their followers.”

Comments:

1) Posted in entirety since it is a subscription site. Really makes you want to pack up the kids and take a tour of the place, doesn't it? Is the NYT that desperate that they need to scrounge up better numbers to Hussein's grave? It's almost as if they feel sorry for the dead bastard and wish more folks would remember him the way they do.. a martyr.

2) Gil posted on 2007-08-03

It is EXTREMELY FOOLISH to allow Saddam to be made into a legend and martyr.

QUOTE: "The grave site.. reflects... the refusal of the Sunni minority... to reconcile themselves to the assumption of power by the Shiite majority."

And they wonder why the political sphere cannot go forward? They gave the body to a man who claimed he would put it in an unmarked, secret grave:

"It was Mr. Ejbarah, along with the Tikrit governor and the leader of Mr. Hussein’s tribe, who flew by American helicopter to Baghdad on the day of Mr. Hussein’s hanging and waged an argument deep into the night against the new Iraqi government’s plans to bury Mr. Hussein in an unmarked, secret grave."

Instead, it is visited and QUOTE: "On a back wall hangs a further reminder of the insurgency, a black banner inscribed with a message in golden thread: “Gift from the Adhamiya mujahedeen,” a hard-line Sunni neighborhood in Baghdad that was the birthplace of the Baath Party in Iraq. The condolence messages are replete with references to Mr. Hussein as a martyr, with prayers that God speed him to reward in “his wide heavens.” But many, too, echo damnation to Iraq’s American occupiers, to Iran as the backer of the Shiite religious parties that now rule here, and to Israel."

Excuse me.. why exactly is there no forward movement on the political front? No healing of wounds.. no reconciliation? Maybe they need to look at the hatred they are allowing to be remembered and fomented in Iraq at this shrine every day which is "hailing him as a martyr, as a hero of the insurgency and as “the eagle of the Arabs”".

With "A remembrance book with perhaps 1,500 signatures" in it, all from insurgent strongholds, what else can this be but a place to go to rededicate themselves to a continued campaign of hatred and violence against Democratic Iraq? And the government of Iraq, the United States.. the coalition, Iran and Israel.. all allow this? What do they expect.. to have these people go to this shrine and then act in a positive manner toward a Democratically elected government in Iraq? More likely they go here then rededicate themselves to killing the troops and elected governmental leaders of Iraq. How incredibly foolish, naive and dumb. Symbols have meaning, even as the toppling of Saddam's statue did. This one says volumes to the enemies of Iraq and its peace and prosperity. It is a stronghold to these who fight against a free Democratic Iraq and its people. Why is it allowed?

It is American and Iraqi weakness, false sentimentality and incorrect military strategy to allow the enemy to continue to have such a strong PROPAGANDA place to evoke a kind of patriotism to the terrorist cause in Iraq.

http://sweetness-light-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=798

-- August 3, 2007 3:46 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Did you all see the Banking/Finance article in IraqUpdates.Com today. It's very interesting! It's about investing in Iraq dinars. Maybe someone can tell us where this investor came from. It sort of sounds like she maybe a seller of dinars???.

What is causing IraqUpdates to allow this article now?

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 5:04 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Laura:

The author is associated with a Dinar dealer. In my opinion, it is unfortunate that iraqupdates has posted this sales pitch.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 3, 2007 5:41 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Rob N. and All,

Rob N. maybe you could print these as they pertain to dinar discussion.
There are probably four articles that I believe would be of interest to this group on the Iraqi dinar on IraqUpdates.Com today.

One is ISX topic by ISX.Data.Com and mentioned that the Iraq stock market to watch for money laundering and to impose money laundering law. What is this law?. What is currently the rate of Iraqi dinar in this market for trading?. Or, is Iraq trading in Iraq dinar at this time?. The mention of a currency laundering law would imply that they are trading in Iraq dinar.

Okie,

If you have been on the ISX site, now would be a good time to give us a visit and let us know what is happening.

Second, another artice is on Assessing the Opportunities Presented by the New Iraqi Dinar written by Arabia On-line. The author, I believe is listed at bottom of article. This was the one I mentioned in previous write up.

Third aricle, Demand for USD UP, EXCHANGE RATE DOWN IN DAILY AUCTION (VOICES OF IRAQ). I wonder if Roger can give us an analysis of what is possibily going on with this market?. Thoughts on the stock ISX too?

And then the other is reconciliation and the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front known as IAF. Carl and Sara, this might be a good one for you two. Sara, you have been making observations on the Sunni tribes based on your latest article submission.

Oh, and Panhandler, what have you been hearing on the ground. Or, anyone else over in Iraq?.

Let's see what we come up with?

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 5:53 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

We might as well add another article to this discussion on Iraq Updates. The article on Poor Security dogging Iraq Economy, finds IMF (International Monetary Fund) Review.

According to article, a deal was made to cancel review until 12/28/07 to give Iraq time to jump start it's economy. Of crucial concern to IMF is Iraq's energy industry problems.

I was reading that water is of scarce supply in Baghdad (as probably other parts of the country) due to lack of electricity. Lack of electricity keeps people from using electricity to fuel electric water pumps for water. Iraqi's have little electricity for a/c and that heat I have heard can be as high as 140 degrees.

Carole, this is your answer to why the IMF gave another extension.

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 7:41 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

There is another article on IraqUpdates.Com called Poor Security dogging Iraq Economy, Binds IMF Review. According to this articles the new date is good through 12/28/07. A deal was struck to delay the review due to poor security conditions on the ground and to allow time for Iraq to jump start the economy before the 12/28/07 review.

IMF voiced a concern about Iraq's crucial energy industry or lack thereof. From IMF perspective in this article, security has to come first, before intrastructure can come in to turn the economy around.

Carole,

I think this answers your question about why did IMF allow another extention.

Also, U.S.A. has also placed pressure on U.N. to come in and help the Iraqi's meet some of the bench marks on political reconciliation etc.

IraqUpdates were full of economic information this time around. However, it left me with some questions of my own. I am hoping to see what thoughts other's had on the articles as they pertain to Iraq's economy and security.

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 8:05 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Sorry about double posts. I did not think my write went through as there was no posting. I rewrote the post, thinking I lost the write up.

Sorry about this.

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 8:09 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Has anyone heard from Turtle?. I saw where he posted in 3/2007 and it appeared he was talking about his buddles in combat in Sadr City.

Turtle,

If you are around, write us and let us know what is happening. And, even if you can't let us know what is happening due to security black out etc., drop us a line and let us know you are ok. Ok?

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 8:27 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Rob:

Thanks for your response.

I think it is obvious that I just don't get how an economy can establish the hallmarks of viability when their currency is a fraction of competing nations, goods and currencies.

Laura,
Thank you for the response regarding the IMF. Does anyone really think that problems will be addressed much less resolved regarding electricity, water, or any other commodity attached to "jump-starting" the economy in 3 MONTHS?????

To hope or assume that 90 days will be the answer is as preposterous as hoping that Osama will turn himself in.

The IMF has offered a smoke screen, let's not get caught up in the insanity attached to their explanation.

Carole

-- August 3, 2007 8:44 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

IMF Renews Iraq Standby Arrangement
Tang Li, Arab News Saturday, 4, August, 2007

SINGAPORE, 4 August 2007 — Iraq’s government received a rare boost when the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to renew a standby arrangement that has been supporting its economic program. The standby arrangement in an amount equivalent to SDR475.36 million (about $727.4 million) which was approved on Dec. 23, 2005, will be extended through to Dec. 28, 2007. The Iraqi authorities request for the waivers of the non-observance of the structural performance criteria on the interim audit of the Central Bank of Iraq’s 2006 financial statements was approved by the Board.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6§ion=0&article=99308&d=4&m=8&y=2007&pix=business.jpg&category=Business

-- August 3, 2007 9:08 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Carole,

I am with you on your observation on the Iraq stock market. I do not see how the Iraqi's can have a stock market that can compete with the rest of the world when their currency is so under-valued. The only way this can be done is if the stock market took U.S.A. dollars or dinars that were of the value of U.S. dollars. However, their stock market for their present economy doesn't look like it can compete with the rest of the world. This is why I was hoping Okie could join us and tell us about what she has encounted with the ISX.Com.

I would appear that the military is intending to try to rebuild the Iraq economy at least to have some type of progress by December 2007 and therefore, the delay from the IMF. Panhandle has told me that the U.S. is delivering a great deal of stuff and it doesn't look like the U.S. intends to leave anytime soon. I believe the stuff is for the purpose of rebuilding.

How the Sunni's are seeing themselves in the process is a puzzle. Sara's reporting of the grave of Saddam Hussein is very revealing. I am afraid that the U.S.A. giving them weapons, may in fact, blow up in our faces.

The U.N. has been asked by our government to help the Iraqi's meet some of the bench marks. Among them is to set up a new election in Iraq. The other is to help in the negiotations to bring all sides together.

The big arms deal with the Saudis is another gamble. It is very clear that Iran does not like this deal.

What to make of all of this is a puzzle?.

Laura Parker

-- August 3, 2007 10:56 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Guys,

For a good read goto, Kuwait news Agency (Kuna)

Laura, goto www.isx-iq.net the info at the bottom of the home page, plus you can go from there for a lot to read in the ISX.

The word is that the Vietnam dong may revalue in Dec 07, and now the Iraq has a three month extention to Dec 07.
I heard a few months ago that the IMF & WB wanted to put these two on the Forex at the same time, might be good.

Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 3, 2007 11:25 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Laura,

Thanks for your post. It is encouraging to me that someone else, especially someone of your intellectual caliber, sees my concerns as valid.

Think about this one:

If you were a multi kabillionaire and strived for would power in the financial arena, and realized that once the Iraqi financial institutions were offering stocks on an internationally trading entity, AND you could by 51% of their stocks for a fraction of a penny to most other currencies which could lead to financial world dominance----wouldn't this be the perfect opporotunity????

And if your name was George Soros?????????????????

He has had a questionable yet extraordinary interest in the middleeast in the past 2 years....

hmmmmmmm, well all vert suspect.

Carole

-- August 4, 2007 8:16 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Steven,

Are you by chance selling the Dong currency too? Some of my family has bought some, but were told it will not reval. in this decade.

carole

-- August 4, 2007 8:18 AM ∞

---

carole wrote:

To All:

The New York Times reported the same information that I got from a high ranking military official about the Airforce installing a huge base in Northern Iraq. I believe it is called Balad.

Anyway, it has over 2700 flights per month making it the second largest ( in volume) airstrip in the world. I was quite delighted to find out that my source was pretty accurate----since I am such a skeptic.

He also told me that the US is building one of the biggest embassys in the world in Iraq.... I'm wondering now if this is what Panhandle was refering to about massive amounts of "stuff" being sent into that country.

Carole

ps. I didn't read the NY Times article myself but heard someone refer to it on the Rush Limbaugh program. It was a shock to Rush. He was totally unaware of such a situation. But since has researched it and found it to be true :) :)
Oh how I wished my source could tell me about the future of the Dinar.. but he has no information or concern about it. :(

-- August 4, 2007 8:30 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Carole,

Panhandle is at Balad Air Force Base (located in Central Iraq). The new base that is being talked about is for Northern Iraq with the Kurds. Exactly where, I am not sure.

The embassy is already built in Baghdad.

Laura Parker

-- August 4, 2007 3:09 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

KRG oil law moves forward http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Energy/Briefing/2007/08/02/krg_oil_law_moves_forward/2699/

-- August 4, 2007 3:16 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

take a look at this --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MENAFN 04.08.07
1211 IQD http://www.menafn.com/currency_charts_data.asp?BC=USD&CC=IQD&CT=3M Daralhayat.com 04.08.07
1219.10 IQD http://english.daralhayat.com/styles/PopUps/Forex/CUS.htm
NBK 02.08.07
1,159.0347 IQD http://www.nbk.com/NBK/TopBar/Rates/rates.htm

-- August 4, 2007 4:07 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

MENAFN 04.08.07
1211 IQD http://www.menafn.com/currency_charts_data.asp?BC=USD&CC=IQD&CT=3M Daralhayat.com 04.08.07
1219.10 IQD http://english.daralhayat.com/styles/PopUps/Forex/CUS.htm
NBK 02.08.07
1,159.0347 IQD http://www.nbk.com/NBK/TopBar/Rates/rates.htm

-- August 4, 2007 4:11 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

IMF Executive Board Completes Fifth Review and Review of Financing Assurances under Iraq's Stand-By Arrangement, and Approves Three-Month Extension of the Arrangement to December 2007
Press Release No. 07/175
August 2, 2007

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the fifth review of Iraq's performance under its economic program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement and a financing assurances review under the Arrangement. The Stand-By Arrangement is being treated as precautionary by the Iraqi authorities, and no purchase is planned.

The Stand-By Arrangement in an amount equivalent to SDR 475.36 million (about US727.4 million) was approved on December 23, 2005 (see Press Release No. 05/307). In completing the review, the Executive Board also approved the authorities' request for a three-month extension of the Arrangement through December 28, 2007.

The Board also approved the authorities request for the waivers of the non-observance of the structural performance criteria on the interim audit of the Central Bank of Iraq's 2006 financial statements, on completing a census of all public service employees (central government and military), and on the adoption of a fully detailed budget classification and chart of accounts, and request for waivers of the applicability of the June 30, 2007 quantitative performance criteria under the Arrangement.

The Executive Board also concluded the Article IV Consultation with Iraq.

Following the Executive Board's discussion of Iraq, Mr. Takatoshi Kato, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, stated:

"De****e a persistently difficult security environment, the Iraqi authorities have taken important measures to keep their economic program on track. However, the expansion of oil production is lagging and inflation, while on a downward path, remains high reflecting in large part shortages associated with the security situation, notably of fuel products. A turnaround hinges critically on an improvement in the security situation.

"Measures to speed up reconstruction and increase investment, especially in the oil sector, are needed. The measures adopted by the authorities to increase the implementation rate of the public investment program are encouraging. Enhancing the protection of oil installations is also important.

"The government is showing a commendable commitment to pursue a prudent fiscal policy, by keeping current spending in 2007 within the budget limits and by seeking to maintain fiscal sustainability over the medium term. It remains essential to amend the new pension law in order to ensure fiscal sustainability of the pension system.

"The recent increase in official fuel prices to regional levels is an important step in the right direction. The authorities are considering the development of a rule-based mechanism for setting domestic fuel prices in the future, which should prevent the re-emergence of budgetary subsidies (except for kerosene), help fight corruption, and free up resources for much-needed investment spending.

"Inflation has come down, reflecting the appropriate policy actions taken by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). The CBI will need, however, to continue its tight monetary and exchange rate policies to further reduce inflation and de-dollarize the economy. The government should also help to fight inflation by restraining public spending pressures and by stepping up efforts to reduce shortages, notably by actively supporting private sector fuel imports.

"Structural reforms remain the cornerstone of the reconstruction process. However, much remains to be done and the pace of implementation needs to be stepped up. Key actions include the broadening of the coverage of the Financial Management Information System, and modernizing and streamlining the tax system. The government is committed to restructuring the largest two state-owned banks and to rehabilitate viable public enterprises on a commercial basis.

"Transparency needs to be enhanced and corruption to be brought under control, in order to reinforce the credibility of the government's reform program. In this connection, it is important to put in place a comprehensive oil metering system as soon as possible.

"Unlocking Iraq's oil wealth requires advancing the enactment of a new legislative framework for the hydrocarbon sector, in view of the large investments needed to increase oil production.

"The CBI has taken steps to strengthen CBI safeguards area. The CBI should continue its efforts to address all the recommendations of the Fund's interim safeguard assessment report, as well as the Ernst & Young interim 2006 audit report.

"Good progress has been made in settling arrears with the remaining official and private creditors. However, further progress is needed towards resolving non-Paris Club official claims," Mr. Kato said.

IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
Public Affairs Media Relations
Phone: 202-623-7300 Phone: 202-623-7100
Fax: 202-623-6278 Fax: 202-623-6772

-- August 4, 2007 4:20 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

1.00 USD = 1,232.80 IQD
United States Dollars Iraq Dinars
1 USD = 1,232.80 IQD 1 IQD = 0.000811162 USD
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi

-- August 4, 2007 5:11 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

A copy of Iraqi Stock Exchange:

Daily Analysis For Thursday Session 2/8/2007
Iraq Stock Exchange hold First session for this month , the numbers of Traded Companies were (34)and still (17)companies are off Trading Floor because of their General Assembly meeting which they decided to Increase their Capital .For Today the numbers of Traded Shares were (687) m / shares and Trading volume (1.590) b / ID, the price Index was about 40.822 point .Index for Bank sector was(40.200), Index for Investment sector was (107.749),Index for Services Sector was(78.921) , Index for Industrial Sector was(12.189) Index for Hotels sector was (14.235), Index for Agriculture sector was(85.840).
from the Bulletin we can see the Trading for (13) banks , (2)Investment ,(3) Services Companies ,(13) Industrial companies , (2)Hotels companies , (1)Agriculture company . Generally the shares prices were Increased in (16) Companies Decrease in about (10),& (8) companies stables.
Company Name Average Price Previous Average Price
Change
Company Name Average Price Previous Average Price Change
Warka Bank for Investment 2.200 1.700 29.412 Babylon Bank 1.600 1.750 -8.571

The Light Industries 1.750 1.600 9.375 Dar Essalaam Investment Bank 7.400 8.000 -7.500
North Bank 4.200 3.850 9.091 Kurdistan International Bank 2.850 3.000 -5.000
AL-Therar for Agricultural 0.650 0.600 8.333 Babylon Hotel 28.700 30.000 -4.333
Al-Kheir Financial Investment 0.700 0.650 7.692 National Chemical Industries 2.300 2.350 -2.128
Modern Paint Industries 2.300 2.150 6.977 Commercial Bank of Iraq 2.350 2.400 -2.083
National Metallic Industries 1.550 1.450 6.897 Credit Bank of Iraq 4.900 5.000 -2.000
Baghdad Soft Drinks 1.750 1.650 6.061 Baghdad for Packing Materials 3.200 3.250 -1.538
Gulf Commercial Bank 1.950 1.850 5.405 Bank of Baghdad 3.400 3.450 -1.449
Iraqi Land Transport 3.300 3.150 4.762 AL-Mansour Hotel 34.500 34.550 -0.145
Iraqi Islamic Bank 1.300 1.250 4.000
Modern Sewing 1.300 1.250 4.000
Sumer Commerical Bank 1.400 1.350 3.704
Investment Bank of Iraq 1.850 1.800 2.778
AL KindiProduction of Veterinary
2.100 2.050 2.439
Mamoura Realestate Investment 2.250 2.200 2.273

Company Name Average Price Previous Average Price Change
Basrah International Bank 1.750 1.750 0.000

AL-Wiaam Financial Investment 1.250 1.250 0.000

AL-Badia General Trans 2.500 2.500 0.000

Nineveh Food Industries 1.150 1.150 0.000

Eastern Brewery 1.150 1.150 0.000

Al -Hilal Industries 1.500 1.500 0.000

Electronic Industries 1.850 1.850 0.000

Iraqi Engineering Works 2.150 2.150 0.000

I thought this interesting!

-- August 4, 2007 7:53 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

The above print out on Iraqi Shares shows them to be really cheap! If they are trading in dinars, especially. However, if dollars, than not so cheap to an Iraqi due to their economy.

Laura Parker

-- August 4, 2007 8:12 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

As allways I am just passing on anything that I hear that fits in with what is going on, a few months ago I heard that the IMF and WB wanted to put the dinar and dong on the the Forex at the same time, and with iraq getting a three month extention up to Dec 07, it all seems to be comeing together, goto, vnd to revaluate, to get lots of info.
Ask and you shall recieve, Seek and yea shall find, or as Del Boy would say, he who dares wins Rodney.
And yes I do have a few dong here and sell a few, I only have the 10,000 and the 20,000 as the State Bank has found in the polymer notes, counterfiets in all the big bills, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000, in the UK if you are caught trying to pass fake bills, if it is proven in court you will go to prison for five years, and I have no intention of wasting that amount of time in the chokey, even if you can learn a few good things, like how to steal cars, skim CCs, and how to steal someones ID and run them up so much debt it would spin yer head.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 4, 2007 8:27 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,
The prices on the ISX are in dinars, like I said they cost about $0.002 for a share in a bank, how can you not want to buy 10,000 shares in each bank, a 50 dinar note is worth about $0.05 and for that you can buy 20 shares in Warka Bank, why you all are not in it for the very low cost, cracks me up, goto, www.isx-iq.net, have a Lucky Day, Steve.

-- August 4, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,
This is a bit to early for me, Http://www.mecri.com/dreamcity.htm maybe some of you property owners might have the nuts for it, Stay lucky, Steve.

-- August 4, 2007 9:04 PM ∞

---

Karl wrote:

CornishBoy :
I really enjoyed your posting,, thanks for helping put things into perspective.

Steven : I have also heard thur a buddy who gave me the opportunity to invest in Dinar, that they wanted the Dinar and Dong to both come out on Fortex at the same time .

Here is a yahoo link, that is very informative about Iraqs electrical gride about to go under, IF anybody missed it. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070805/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

I read nightly about how the Iraq situation is shaping up,, or failing to cut the mustard, and People,.. I'm frustrated. I understand that they have their plates full, that there is corruption on many levels. I comprehend that that much of the Irag Government is like a kid with a new bicycle and that in between all the fighting over who's gonna ride, no one can go three bike lengths without falling on their face. They still have their training wheels on.

I am starting to question the obvious lack of common sense, and the lack of Iraqi leadership that has yet to step up and saddle that Camel.

If you read the yahoo link, i posted,, pardon the pun and tounge in cheek Smart Ass remark,, but the SH_T is knee deep and really pilling up due to lack of electricity to run the fans for it to hit..

Unemployment is nosebleed high over there, why can't they start something like the WPA that built the roads, bridges, and parks, that we still enjoy today in the US?

IF the power lines keep getting blow up by terrorist, why can't they just bury the darn things in the sand in cased in their own concrete access tunnels ?

Does none of Iraq's neighbors, have a few frigging generators mounted of flatbeds they could loan or sell. Surely the Government could come up with the scratch to get enough generators to run Bagdad, or help out the providences.

The Mideast is swimming in oil, seems Chalvez at least , would jump at the chance, to provide the diesel as a humanitarian effort. (He's going to Hell anyway, and needs the brownie points )

I just think that in general, they couldn't find their, (&&*%& pocket watch without a troupe of Girl Scouts and a flashlight.

-- August 5, 2007 2:09 AM ∞

---

Karl wrote:

Shake, Rattle and Roll,, is Maliki about to be replaced? Sunni bloc bolts Iraqi Cabinet
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html

-- August 5, 2007 3:06 AM ∞

---

karl wrote:

At U.S. base, Iraqis must use separate latrine
http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20070803/wl_mcclatchy/20070803bcusiraqsegregation_attn_national_foreign_editors_ytop_1

Last Ditch Effort ? "The moment of Truth" for chances of a powersharing deal between Iraq's bitterly divided sects, -good reading, "Getter Done Boyz"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070804/wl_nm/iraq_summit_dc_2;_ylt=AggNvu1bJVubStkeZcmefQBX6GMA

-- August 5, 2007 3:51 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

LAURA AND CAROLE: IF I TELL YOU I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU. . .JUST JOKIN. . .AS LAURA SAID, I'M AT BALAD, THE AIRBASE THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT IS IN MOSUL. . .ULTIMATELY THE WILL BE 4 VERY LARGE BASES HERE, KINDA LIKE TURKEY AND SAUDI. . .NOTHIN MUCH IN THE IN THE WIND THESE DAYS, JUST MORE STUFF COMIN IN, MEANS THE ROADS ARE GOOD AND CLEAR, LOTSA TROOPS OUT THERE. . SAW THE DINAR AT 1232.8, BIGGEST DROP IN ONE DAY IN A VERY, VERY LONG TIME. . .FREAKIN HOT RIGHT NOW. . .BEEN HOVERIN AROUND 140+. . .KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO TAKE A COLD SHOWER WHEN THE COLD WATER TEMP IS ABOUT 110 TO 115. . .AH. . GIVES ME GOOSE BUMPS. . .LOL. . .P.H.

KARL: AS FOR THE IRAQIS HAVE TO USE A SEPERATE LATRINE, IT BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO BE ESCORTED BY THE MILITARY EVERYWHERE THEY GO. . JUST SECURITY. . . WE HAVE FOUND "IED'S" ON OUR BASES, THESE GUYS CAN MAKE ONE IN ABOUT 3 OR 4 MINUTES IF THEY WANTED TO. . .P.H.

-- August 5, 2007 6:04 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

LAURA AND CAROLE: IF I TELL YOU I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU. . .JUST JOKIN. . .AS LAURA SAID, I'M AT BALAD, THE AIRBASE THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT IS IN MOSUL. . .ULTIMATELY THERE WILL BE 4 VERY LARGE BASES HERE, KINDA LIKE TURKEY AND SAUDI. . .NOTHIN MUCH IN THE IN THE WIND THESE DAYS, JUST MORE STUFF COMIN IN, MEANS THE ROADS ARE GOOD AND CLEAR, LOTSA TROOPS OUT THERE. . SAW THE DINAR AT 1232.8, BIGGEST DROP IN ONE DAY IN A VERY, VERY LONG TIME. . .FREAKIN HOT RIGHT NOW. . .BEEN HOVERIN AROUND 140+. . .KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO TAKE A COLD SHOWER WHEN THE COLD WATER TEMP IS ABOUT 110 TO 115. . .AH. . GIVES ME GOOSE BUMPS. . .LOL. . .P.H.

KARL: AS FOR THE IRAQIS HAVING TO USE A SEPERATE LATRINE, IT'S BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO BE ESCORTED BY THE MILITARY EVERYWHERE THEY GO. . JUST SECURITY. . . WE HAVE FOUND "IED'S" ON OUR BASES, THESE GUYS CAN MAKE ONE IN ABOUT 3 OR 4 MINUTES IF THEY WANTED TO. . .P.H.

-- August 5, 2007 6:06 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

My pleasure Karl any one think that the cbi could passing false informant on the exchange rate.?

-- August 5, 2007 6:41 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

just noticed the exchange rate on these two exchange sits are now the same at 1211 one wos at 1219 yesterday. http://www.menafn.com/currency_charts_data.asp?BC=USD&CC=IQD&CT=3M http://english.daralhayat.com/styles/PopUps/Forex/CUS.htm

-- August 5, 2007 7:02 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Businessmen Meet to restore Iraqi banking system http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNewsAr.aspx%3Fid%3D4240

-- August 5, 2007 7:10 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

all Take a look at this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBo4E77ZXo

-- August 5, 2007 11:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steven:

The Dong currenly is roughly trading at 16,000 to 1 usd. I do not think it is going to be revalued in DEC 07.

The communist government has continued to practice devaluation for the Dong. A recent decisions by the government regarding devaluation does not suggest that the trend is about to change. From my perspective a significant change in the Dong's exchange rate is unlikely for decades to come. December 2007 will come and go for the Dong with no change in the exchange rate.

Until the communist government in Vietnam is replaced; my suggestion, do not waste your money on a currency with little or no potential. The dong has little potential for significant changes.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 5, 2007 12:55 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(981)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 981 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/8/5 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1242 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 80.145.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 80.145.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 5, 2007 2:39 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

Rob, I can only go with what I know, have a read on, http://www.vneconomy.com.vn/eng/ there are lots of main Banks going in there from the US, UK, AUS, GER, and US companies are sending in $Millions of dollars, lots of new oil found, Vietnam is a better place for your dollars than China.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 5, 2007 5:17 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

I have been doing some thinking about the U.S.A. making this arms sale to Saudia Arabia, Egypt etc. Not only do I think that Iran is unhappy with this deal, I believe, the Shiite government of Maliki in Iraq is probably unhappy with the deal too as government officials seem to have leanings for Iran.
This might just be the ticket to cause everyone to pause and check their actions.

A Shiite Imam in Lebanon accuses the Zionist nations of dividing the Arab nations. He calls for all Arabs to stick together.

Iran seemed to be enjoying superior military influence and the arms deals with the other nations may curve their appetite for war. We will see.

Kuwait increased the buying power of the dinar. This maybe why Iraq is moving the dinar too.

Laura Parker

-- August 5, 2007 8:31 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Cornishboy,
Thank you for finding the youtube video. There are many resources that disclose the agendas of the CFR/ Illumanti, etc.

I first became aware of such agendas years ago when I read New World Order by Pat Robertson. Aside from him being a TV evalangelist, he is quite a profound researcher and wrier. I have shared my encouragement to read this book with others on this site.

This book is cover to cover with references that are tractable, so this is not just some preachers opinion. I was aghast with the information, and being the skeptic I am checked out many of his references.

In this book, it lays out the "Fall of the Soviet Union" as part of the over-all picture. As I read the book, I thought this was a little far fetched. LESS THAN 6 MONTHS after I read the book, announced to the world "fall of the Soviet Union".....

So I went back and reread the book!

It is now in a trilogy form. I have not read it. Too big! Too much information. If you could find the original book ( i got it in paperback), I think you would be amazed. And since then there have probably been so many more revelations.

If you remember on the video that you shared, it referenced the founder of the CFR Paul Walberg. It is interesting that he is one of the founders of the ACLU......

It is ingeniously evil the way humanity has been manipulated into urging this force to take away all rights and identity. The chip they refer to and the power thereof, is I believe the precursor to the mark of the beast. It all fits!

Carole

-- August 6, 2007 12:08 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Cornishboy,

I have tried to get back onthat site and it won't let me. is anyone else having trouble? I am trying to figure out a way to e-mail it to my kids.

Any suggestions?

carole

-- August 6, 2007 12:19 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

I think the Bush Administration has bent over backwards explaining that the groups they have negotiated with and armed are groups which have not offended against the US/Coalition or Iraqi troops, just as they have (with dedication in the face of terrible cost) sought to stick by their policy of not negotiating with terrorists. There was a great uproar when there was consideration given as to whether or not to grant amnesty to those who had killed any US/Coalition or Iraqi troops and the US said they would not deal with those who had done so. In the case of these groups described in the article above (those who are honoring Saddam at a shrine with his remains in it) by their words and threats written there against these very troops they prove themselves not to be the ones the US is arming. I think the US has chosen their allies very carefully and I am sure that those in the Armed Services who are responsible for arming these groups are well aware of the possibilities you outlined. I do not take them to be such fools.

Try to remember that it is the MSM who brings out every fault and error as though it represents the whole. There are occasional exceptions that happen as a result of ANY human endeavor (expecting perfection is a trifle naive, don't you think?) but they are not the rule but they are few and far between. Just as one example consider the tiny tiny minority of troops who have committed offenses punishable as criminal acts. The vast majority are not so, as Coconut Commando said so beautifully in his post, found here:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#131092
QUOTE:
"According to the CIA’s World Fact Book, the estimated population of the United States (in July 2007) is going to be around 301,139,947. Of that entire number, some three million (3,000,000) men and women comprise the active, reserve and National Guard units that serve in our military and our country. That’s all five branches- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. These are the men and women that are at both deployed and serving at home. That’s roughly about one percent (1%) of our population dedicated to protecting our way of life.

We do have problem soldiers and criminals in the military. I would be lying to you if I said different. We have our own justice system for dealing with them. Remember that we make up about 1% of America’s population. Soldiers that commit crimes while in the military make up an even less percentage than that. What’s a small percent of 1%? I’m not sure, but you get the idea. It’s a pity that all of this is overshadowed by the sensationalism that the media presents."

(end quote)

You wouldn't know this by the MSM coverage, though, would you? Have you not noticed that if there is ONE bridge which falls down.. the media go on a witch hunt for more and imply all bridges are about to collapse across the entire nation? How common are such events? Can you ensure all such events are prevented? At what cost? Is it practical to go to extreme and costly measures to prevent ALL such occurrences ever again? There is a limit to what can be practically done to prevent such a tragedy, and all such tragedies are not the result of studied neglect, in spite of any portrayal to the contrary. (The low death toll - in light of the great property damage done as well as the fact that it happened during rush hour - is a testimony to the providence and mercy of God.)

It is foolish to believe the media's every machination and the way they blow things up and out of proportion, sensationalizing it. In the same way, I am certain they have sensationalized the idea of arming these groups being a wrong thing to do, and if there are groups the US feels are worthwhile to support by giving them armaments, I am certain they have done their homework. I certainly do not think they just arm any potential insurgent who happens by and asks for a gun. The MSM won't admit there is a brain amongst the entire Bush Administration.. to their folly... because, as they judge so it shall be judged to them again, as Jesus said:

Mat 7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

Surely the media is not above this law? Surely they cannot escape being judged with the same kind of flawed judgementalism they apply so broadly across the board to the Bush Administration? The MSM are certain that they are "an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes..." - judging all things perfectly correctly - but these people who see themselves as a tool to teach the masses what to do and how to think, do they first teach themselves? They see themselves as:

Rom 2:20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth....

But Jesus said to such:

Rom 2:21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
Rom 2:22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

I think they forget they too will be judged.. and judged by the same judgement they are using to measure others right now. If people would just look at those who profess all wisdom and maturity and knowledge.. at the lives of these who profess such grandiose and verbose ability to judge, I think they would see quite a few flaws in them. They are not beyond human and capable of creating a better situation if they are only listened to or even put into power (as the Congress so aptly illustrates). They are subject to reality and human frailty, shortcomings and mistakes, as are all men. The media is just too busy trying to get that tiny speck out of the Bush Administration's eye to notice the very large plank in their own. Let us be wiser and not follow that lead.

All that to say... These people in charge of such things as arming these groups are grown men and women, and not stupid. If you can see it would be folly to arm a terrorist, give those in authority the benefit of having that same ability and wisdom. What do you take them for? They are not dumb, now, are they? For those in the media who would impulsively answer "dumber than a sack of hammers!"... such angry attacks make me wonder if they are in danger of hellfire as Jesus said:

Mat 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

I see the MSM as saying something very close to "You fool!" to the Bush Administration, don't you? Does this Scripture hold any weight? I know it does with you, which is why I mentioned it. The judgement of hellfire is not to be trifled with. These people have no fear of God, then, do they? Can the Scripture be broken, or will it be fulfilled? Even upon the leftist media? Or are they above these words which Jesus spoke?

Sara.

-- August 6, 2007 4:11 AM ∞

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carole wrote:

Sara,

Much of your logic I follow. The United States is the best country in this world, but having said that, I would not give them a " blank check" on integrity and prudent decision-making".

Did you check out the youtube site posted from cornishboy? It will drive you to your knees, and make you so grateful that we belong to Christ, yet terrifed for those who aren't.

Carole

-- August 6, 2007 7:44 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I agree that Iraq must substantially raise the value of the Dinar. Its people are suffering because of a lack of purchasing power.

If the GoI chooses to do so through a revaluation, that is fine with me. Since the IMF granted a three month extension I am doubtful a revaluation or forex trading will occur in 2007.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Oil Sector Feeble, GAO Finds
8/3/2007

The Government Accountability Office has been mandated to report to Congress by Sept. 1 on the Iraqi government's progress toward stabilizing the nation. The office's 15-member international affairs team has been working in Iraq since 2003 and has produced at least 90 reports on topics including the mismanagement of Iraq's oil industry and problems in its army. In its most recent report on the oil industry, the GAO found the Iraqis are far from meeting U.S. goals.

An excerpt:

Despite 4 years of effort and $2.7 billion in U.S. reconstruction funds, Iraqi oil output has consistently fallen below U.S. program goals. In addition, the State Department's data on Iraq's oil production may be overstated since data from the U.S. Department of Energy show lower production levels -- between 100,000 and 300,000 barrels less per day. Inadequate metering, re-injection, corruption, theft and sabotage account for the discrepancy, which amounts to about $1.8 to $5.5 billion per year. Comprehensive metering of Iraq's oil production has been a long-standing problem and continuing need.

Poor security, corruption, and funding constraints continue to impede reconstruction of Iraq's oil sector. The deteriorating security environment places workers and infrastructure at risk while protection efforts have been insufficient. Widespread corruption and smuggling reduce oil revenues. Moreover, Iraq's needs are significant and future funding for the oil sector is uncertain as nearly 80 percent of U.S. funds for the oil sector have been spent. Iraq's contribution has been minimal with the government spending less than 3 percent of the $4.5 billion it approved for oil reconstruction projects in 2006.

Iraq has yet to enact and implement hydrocarbon legislation that defines the distribution of oil revenues and the rights of foreign investors. Until this legislation is enacted and implemented, it will be difficult for Iraq to attract the billions of dollars in foreign investment it needs to modernize the sector. As of July 13, 2007, Iraq's cabinet has approved only one of four separate but interrelated pieces of legislation -- a framework that establishes the structure, management, and oversight. Another part is in draft and two others are not yet drafted. Poor security, corruption, and the lack of national unity will likely impede the implementation of this legislation.

Iraq Oil Sector Feeble, GAO Finds - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gates Offers Blunt Review of Progress in Iraq
8/3/2007

By DAVID S. CLOUD
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Thursday that he was discouraged by the resignation of the Sunnis from Iraq’s cabinet and that the Bush administration might have misjudged the difficulty of achieving reconciliation between Iraq’s sectarian factions.

In one of his bluntest assessments of the progress of the administration’s Iraq strategy, Mr. Gates said, “I think the developments on the political side are somewhat discouraging at the national level.” He said that despite the Sunni withdrawal, “my hope is that it can all be patched back together.”

Mr. Gates made the remarks to reporters traveling on his plane while returning to Washington after a trip to the Middle East that included stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates but did not include a visit to Iraq.

Mr. Gates gave little indication whether he was leaning toward recommending a shift in the administration’s strategy next month, when officials are planning to review whether progress has been achieved by sending nearly 30,000 additional American troops to Iraq.

He acknowledged that when the Bush administration decided to send the additional troops, “We probably all underestimated the depth of the mistrust and how difficult it would be for these guys to come together on legislation, which, let’s face it, is not some kind of secondary issue.”

He was referring to the failure of Iraq’s Parliament to pass legislation distributing oil revenue, setting a timetable for provincial elections and easing employment restrictions on former Baath Party members — measures that the Bush administration considers crucial for reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites.

While critical of Iraq’s government, Mr. Gates said the security situation was “more encouraging than I would have expected three or four months ago.”

He cited progress in reducing violence in Anbar Province, formerly a center of anti-American hostility, and at persuading mostly Sunni tribal sheiks in some areas of the country to cooperate in security operations against Sunni insurgents — a development he called “in some respects unexpected.”

He said the administration would have to balance the relative lack of political progress with the somewhat encouraging security trends when it makes the September review, which will include reports from Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker.

Several American military commanders in Iraq have said that the additional troops will be needed in Iraq into next year. Some critics of the Iraq policy, including several Democrats running for president, have called for troop withdrawals and shifting to a strategy that focuses on counterterrorism, instead of on protecting Iraqis.

In justifying the need for a temporary increase in troop levels earlier this year, administration officials said more forces devoted to protecting Iraqis would give Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki’s government “breathing room” to achieve the political reconciliation and progress on legislation.

But Mr. Gates offered a slightly different formulation on Thursday, arguing that political progress would come when Iraqi Army and police units proved able to take over primary responsibility for maintaining security in areas now largely controlled by American troops.

“I think the key is, not only establishing the security, but being able to hold on to those areas and for Iraqi Army and police to be able to provide the continuity of security over time,” he said. “It’s under that umbrella I think progress will be made at the national level.” Mr. Gates would not give a timetable.

As he has traveled around the Middle East this week, Mr. Gates has stressed that whenever the United States begins reducing troops in Iraq, it must be careful not to leave the country in chaos, which he warned could spread throughout the region.

Completing a four-day visit through the Middle East, Mr. Gates stopped briefly in Abu Dhabi on Thursday for talks with Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates. On Wednesday, he took a helicopter tour of the port in Kuwait that would be vital for removing military equipment when a withdrawal does begin in Iraq.

Earlier, he stopped in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

In addition to asking for help from Arab allies in stabilizing Iraq, Mr. Gates asked officials to toughen their enforcement of United Nations sanctions against Iran and discussed arms sales with each of the countries, part of an estimated $20 billion the United States wants to provide to Persian Gulf countries.

A senior Defense Department official said Mr. Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who joined him in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, stressed what they called the need for Arab governments to support the administration’s effort to isolate Iran, diplomatically and economically.

“There’s not really room for bystanders here,” Mr. Gates said.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:29 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gates: Troop Drawdown Possible
Associated Press | August 06, 2007
WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates acknowledged that political stability in Iraq likely will not happen before the administration of President George W. Bush makes its critical September assessment on whether its war strategy is working.

But Gates declined Sunday to predict that a drawdown of U.S. military forces in such a scenario would happen by year's end. He cited some progress in reducing violence locally in regions such as Anbar Province, a former base of al-Qaida's activities in western Iraq.

"It's a possibility," Gates hedged, when asked in broadcast interviews if he considered a troop drawdown this year a "good possibility" or would bet on it.

He explained that Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker in September would have to weigh some of the local successes against continuing problems in Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's national government.

"We're doing contingency planning on a lot of different possibilities," Gates said.

Gates' comments came as al-Maliki struggled to unite rival factions over the weekend. On Sunday, al-Maliki rejected the resignation of Cabinet ministers from the country's largest Sunni Arab bloc and asked the six ministers to rejoin his government.

Ministers from the Iraqi Accordance Front, which also holds 44 of parliament's 275 seats, quit al-Maliki's government on Wednesday. The move left only two Sunnis in the 40-member body, casting doubt on the government's "national unity" status and undermining the prime minister's efforts to pass laws the U.S. considers benchmarks that could lead to sectarian reconciliation.

In recent weeks, some U.S. military commanders have said that additional troops will be needed into 2008 and suggested that a verdict on Bush's current troop increase be delayed until November.

But many Democrats and some Republicans in Congress, restive over the increasingly unpopular war, have made clear that they want a fundamental shift in war policy should the September assessments fail to show clear progress. Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, also has dismissed any suggestion of waiting beyond September for a verdict on Bush's war policy.

On Sunday, Gates said he still expected the Bush administration to make a "strategic reassessment" in September on U.S. involvement in the four-year war should there be little political progress.

Gates, a member of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group until he was nominated as defense secretary last November, also acknowledged that he probably would have sided with other members of the study group in urging the U.S. to reduce its military involvement should there be little political gains.

But he said since then, the U.S. has had unexpected, good progress on the local level in Iraq.

"Circumstances changed in a different way," Gates said. "That's the process we hope will evolve over time."

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice agreed.

Security "has improved some" because of U.S. and Iraqi cooperation, she said Sunday. Military commanders have attributed the decline in violence in Anbar to their efforts to work with local tribal leaders who grew sick of insurgency-spawned bloodshed and turned their backs on al-Qaida.

"Clearly, too, we have a lot of work to do on the political side," she said. But, she added, "I would not underestimate the importance of the continuing work of the leaders of these very powerful parties in Iraq."

Rice said that the type of violence in Iraq due to "large-scale sectarian death squads" has diminished, but al-Qaida-inspired violence still "can get off the big car bomb" that kills civilians.

She said the Iraqi parliament probably could have passed a national oil reconciliation law with just a simple majority vote, but instead the lawmakers had wanted to reach a real consensus, which "makes a lot of sense."

A majority vote would get the law passed "but it would not have the force of all of the groups that wanted to do this," she said. "They don't want a 51-49 on constitutional reform."

Gates appeared on NBC television's "Meet the Press" and CNN's "Late Edition," while Rice spoke on "Fox News Sunday" and CBS's "Face the Nation."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:33 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

US claims victories against al Qaeda in Iraq.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:39 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Commentary: Iraq's wealth in the balance
The present draft Iraq oil law is virtually guaranteed to betray the vital interests of Iraqis, writes Hussein Abdallah
(www.iraqupates.com)

He concludes a Hydro Carbon Law passed under pressure from the U.S. Government and while American troops are on Iraqi soil will result in a bad law.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:42 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Illegal Indians build new US embassy in Iraq
Workers race against time to meet deadline to complete ‘Vatican-sized’ diplomatic enclave in Baghdad.

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

HYDERABAD, India, 06 August 2007 (AKI)
Print article Send to friend
More than 100 illegal Indian migrant workers are constructing the biggest and most expensive US embassy in the world in strife-torn Baghdad.

The US plans to open its "Vatican-sized" diplomatic enclave in Baghdad by September this year, and workers from the central Indian province of Andhra Pradesh are now racing against time to meet the deadline.

The embassy will cover 42 hectares on the banks of the Tigris River. Workers from Philippines and Bangladesh are also involved in the embassy's construction.

A total of 40,000 workers from several districts - Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Adilabad - are employed by American and Iraqi forces in Iraq, it is estimated.

The majority of them are illegal migrants who entered Iraq through other Gulf countries without proper visas. They are mainly engaged on work in military bunkers, supplying food to soldiers and other menial jobs.

A hundred workers have been drafted to work on the embassy, which is estimated to cost $592 million. The state government cell does not have any record of Andhra workers in Iraq since 90 per cent of those employed there are illegal. They are mainly picked up from Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.

Poor and unskilled workers from backward districts visit the Gulf countries on a visitor or tourist visa. Local recruiting agents then hand them over to US military officials for employment.

The government has imposed restrictions on unskilled workers leaving for Iraq, and this is the reason why they are adopting this roundabout route. "We are always facing the risk of attacks from insurgents but the money is good," said Tirupati Reddy, a migrant worker. "We can never earn so much at home."

Since the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are tightening their immigration rules, unskilled labourers from backward districts now prefer strife-torn Iraq for jobs.

Since they are shipped to the bunkers by US military aircraft, visa and immigration rules are relaxed and the workers are free to stay as long as they wish.

"But life is hard in the bunkers, and that is why I returned," said K. Mahesh, a migrant worker.. "Many from my village are still working there."

Ramana Reddy from Malial mandal in Karimnagar returned after working at the US embassy site for some time.

"It is hard work since they are constructing a 21-building complex," he said. "Also, we never know what will happen the next moment in Baghdad. But we risk everything for big pay."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 6, 2007 11:43 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

carole scarey video if you wont to email it go to the sit and look around the top of the page and you will see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBo4E77ZXo clik on it you will see a window come up and press copy and paste it in your email using the ctrl button and then the v button both together hope this is of sum help.

-- August 6, 2007 1:11 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Expert : Iraq will be the first oil reserves in the world

Moscow Karim victorious

Source : Gulf-05/08/2007

While awaiting the arrival of Moscow and Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Chehrsani to visit lasting three days starting on the 8th of August the Russian expert said that Iraq could be filled ranked first in the world in terms of oil reserves.

The expert pointed out that many unexplored deposits are of course in Iraqi territory but many leading analysts tend to view that the reserves of hydrocarbons in this country very huge and Russia have serious interests in the area of fuel and power in Iraq, therefore, should be restored cooperation between the two sides recalling There contracts signed and implicitly on the investment the West Qurna oil field in the Russian side wants the loss of these contracts.

Not expected to yield visiting Iraqi minister of a breakthrough in this area Nevertheless, the visit would have important from the political point of the fact that the absence of communication Iraqi side long and the expert said that among the main reasons that hinder the development of cooperation between the two countries, the absence of a legal basis in Iraq, pointing he has not so far ratified the law on hydrocarbons, but there is a draft law only.

The West Qurna in southern Iraq is the largest oilfield discovered in the country and b reserves estimated six billion tons and there were 20% of the oil in the Republic is known that the majority of the shares of West Qurna was back before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 was sold to "Lock-Oil" Russian and share in the project of about 70%.

-- August 6, 2007 2:29 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Thats got to be good four the dinar Iraq will be the first oil reserves in the world this should make the dinar worth closs to the kuwaiti dinar at sum point just a matterof time.£1.7505 :)

-- August 6, 2007 2:55 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Most Arab stocks end July dealings with a rise and Iraq on top

Translated by IRAQdirectory.com - [04/08/2007]

The Iraqi Stock Exchange outperformed the top seven Arab exchanges yesterday supported by an increase in trading volumes, rising 3.83%, followed by the Egyptian market at 0.96% to over 8200 points, and then the Doha market which rose 0.31% to pass 7600 points.

http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4244

-- August 6, 2007 3:09 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

New Iraqi oil and natural gas law approved

By Omneya El Naggar
First Published 7/27/2007The Iraqi parliament voted on Wednesday in favor of the long-discussed new Iraqi oil and natural gas law, thus allowing foreign investment in both sectors. The parliament specified that this law will allow the private sector to participate in the national re-building of Iraq, and it required that a minimum 75 percent of employees at oil refineries and companies must be Iraqi nationals.
The modified draft of the new law was approved a few days ago by the Iraqi government that convened without 13 of its ministers, and it was presented by the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki to parliament for discussion and approval. The draft oil and natural gas law was originally endorsed by the Iraqi cabinet last February amid internal opposition from different ethnic and sectarian factions in Iraq.
Such opposition led the Iraqi government to adopt a modified draft comprising 20 clauses relying on clauses 61, 73 and 112 of the Iraqi constitution.
The modified proposed law claims that Iraqi oil and natural gas resources should be owned by all Iraqis and run by an Iraqi National Oil Company that is centralized in Baghdad and is accountable to both the government and parliament.
Its stated goals include the equal distribution of Iraqi wealth and the maximization of production by reopening the wells sabotaged since the American intervention in Iraq in 2003 and by drilling more unexplored oil wells. Recent studies estimate that Iraq has the third largest oil reserves in the world amounting to proven 115 billion barrels and to potential 214 billion barrels if unexplored wells in the western areas are drilled. Iraq also has a reserve of natural gas that reaches 3 trillion cubic meters.
The proposed draft has been severely criticized by numerous Kurdish, Sunni, and Shia leaders on the basis of opening the door for foreign intervention in Iraq in a manner that will undermine the nationalist achievements since its independence. The second clause of the draft law underlines the need for training and technical assistance while other clauses focus on using investment as a means to maximize production and profit. The opposing leaders directly relate such actions to the undermining of Iraqi sovereignty. Demonstrators in Basra by the Iraqi Petroleum Pipelines Company workers issued pamphlets describing the officials behind the drafting of the law as “agents to the imperialist occupiers”.
The Iraqi Association of Muslim Scholars issued a fatwa that forbids the approval of the law because of its potential damage to the national interest of current and future Iraqi generations.
The government of Nouri Al-Maliki may be using the modified oil and natural gas law as a last resource to get out of its current political impasse by energizing the economy; however, Al-Maliki is definitely overlooking the serious aspects of such a move.
Passing of the new law has an ethnic aspect that will antagonize the Kurdish government, which has already secured 17 percent of all oil revenues after a deal with the federal government. The new law, now passed, will abolish all previous contracts and deals and redistribute the oil revenue according to national needs and population distribution, not to regional production.
On the other hand, the law has a sectarian aspect which implicates the Sunnis. The Sunni regions that have traditionally had the least oil resources will be implicated in a potential plot with the Americans to redistribute Iraqi oil wealth to their interest.
Another aspect that is being overlooked by Al-Maliki is the security aspect. The incoming foreign investors will represent a continuous target for Al-Qaeda terrorists as well as other militant Baathist and Islamist insurgents.
The new security plan seems to have decreased the terrorist threats within the Baghdad region, but both the Iraqi and American forces are still ferociously fighting the insurgents elsewhere.
The Sunni Accord Front, the largest Sunni group in the Iraqi parliament, has recently declared the end of its boycott to the parliamentary sessions. This declaration came some days after the Sadrist Trend ended its boycott as well.
The boycott of both groups happened because of sectarian reasons with the Accord Front objecting to the temporary replacement of Mahmoud Al-Mashhadany, speaker of the Iraqi parliament by the Shia deputy speaker Khalid Al-Atteya, while the Sadrist Trend objected to the inability of the government to protect Shia civilians and sites.
Both groups have been pressured to end their boycott so that the parliament can discuss the proposed oil and natural gas law. Even though none of them officially declared their stance regarding the law, they agree about the need for the redistribution of oil wealth while the Kurdish groups completely disagreed about the adoption of such a law describing it as reminiscent of the Baathist nationalist measures.
The parliament finally put an end to the row over the hotly debated law de****e calls to postpone any decisions. The internal fury over the law in the midst of all the other troubles the Iraqis are suffering are definitely still ringing a loud bell against the repercussions of its adoption
Omneya El Naggar, MA, Political commentator, researcher in comparative politics in the Middle East. She has also done research on political Islam, terrorism, and East-West dialogue. This commentary is special to Daily News Egypt.

Daily News Egypt - Full Article

-- August 6, 2007 3:17 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole wrote - "The United States is the best country in this world, but having said that, I would not give them a " blank check" on integrity and prudent decision-making". Did you check out the youtube site posted from cornishboy?"

Carole, I don't underestimate the power and resources of ANY of the enemies of the United States and God's people.. I just acknowledge the infinite superiority of God's power (Omnipotence) and resources (limitless) as well as His Sovereignty over the nation in the direction it is going in. As for the current direction, what OTHER choice is there.. trusting in the Democrat vision for Iraq, as stated by their Presidential candidates.. all of whom have universally stated that they would leave the Iraqis to slaughter by their enemies like Vietnam's millions who were slaughtered?

And do you trust Iran or other Middle Eastern governments to make it all work out right if the US is forced to pullback/out? Think they will do a better job? No doubt anyone taking up after the US withdraws will gladly take the oil of Iraq, but which of them would truly try to do ANYTHING for the Iraqi people other than slaughter those who are not on their perceived "side"? If Saddam's funeral site graphics are any indication, those who are Sunni Baathists, if brought back to power, would use their newfound wealth to target opposing Iraqis, the US, Israel and even Iran. There will be no peace if those Sunni take over. If the Shiites take over, with Iran leading them - trying to unite the old Persian Empire as Carl has spoken of previously on this site - well, we know Iran's position concerning Israel (wipe them off the face of the earth) and the US (you are next), according to their own statements promising harm and soon "destruction" of the US. And we see the accusations of Shiite death squads and Iranian interference with IEDs all the time. Will these Shiite groups suddenly become peaceful toward Iraqis and the US if given a chance at Iraq and its oil wealth? With each of these as losing scenerios for the US, Israel, AND the Iraqi people - even the stability in the region would be greatly affected as the balance of power would shift according to who comes up the winner - who owns the oil.

So, exactly who do you back as having any degree of integrity or prudence in decision making in the current situation, then? The only ones with ANY sanity or humanitarian concern is the Bush Administration who are trying.. with all sides trying to dive bomb their attempts, to bring a degree of sanity, Democracy and freedom to the Iraqi people and region. "Blank check", no.. but I do ask you who else to trust to make the prudent decisions among that lot of choices.. or will you argue the Russians will be of greater "help" or the Chinese? All with their own agendas. No.. I see no worthwhile alternative. There is no other choice which manifests ANY integrity, prudence, or humanitarian concern (except for their own). Many say the US is seeking to steal the oil from Iraq and say the oil law is "bad". They are not only wrong but deluded and they are helping these various groups I have spoken of to strengthen their hands against the Iraqi people and homeland. ONLY with the oil law going forward do both sides of the Iraqi conflict have any chance at stability and peace.

Ultimately, I think that in the spirit realm the opposition to the oil law passage is an opposition to God's will for His people and the blessing of God's rulership on the earth. It is not that those opposed to the oil law actually care one iota about the Iraqis or their wealth - to preserve it for Iraqis, I mean. The spiritual forces behind them are only seeking to keep the wealth of Iraq from enriching those who will do good and stop the wholesale slaughter of the Iraqi people. It is a spiritual war, and the winner will take or preserve many lives and much wealth - rulership questions upon the earth. The Lord seeks to give that to those who will use the money rightly and NOT to kill those segments of humanity they disagree with ('Thou Shalt Not Commit Murder' being one of His commands in the Ten Commandments). And the only ones acting in a responsible way who will seek to preserve life FOR BOTH SIDES.. is the US of A. The moving forward on the oil law will help preserve the lives of BOTH SIDES. Therefore, it is the only prudent, rational, and humanity-preserving choice for the Middle East. Without it, we are in for a lot of bloodshed, war, tragedy and disaster. It isn't handing over wealth to Americans so much spiritually handing power (and wealth) to those most ready to equip, build and empower the Iraqi people to protect themselves. The real spiritual enemy are those whose advice is actually seeking to slaughter humanity by every means possible and bring what remains into submission to their sectarian will, not God's good will for all mankind. Therefore, I hope the new passage of the oil law is the comprehensive giving of that power and wealth to those most likely to preserve Iraqi life and freedom and to follow the pathway God would wish for them. I see no better candidate to trust in the situation to do this than America, do you?

Sara.

-- August 6, 2007 4:15 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

cornish boy wrote:
------------
New Iraqi oil and natural gas law approved

By Omneya El Naggar
First Published 7/27/2007 The Iraqi parliament voted on Wednesday in favor of the long-discussed new Iraqi oil and natural gas law, thus allowing foreign investment in both sectors.

===(end quote)===

Cornish_boy... I think this is old news - over a week old? Dated July 27?

Sara.

-- August 6, 2007 4:26 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

I see no alternative but to put our faith in God that He gives our leadership decent moral and ethical reasoning powers as they lead.

There is no better option, you are right. We are the most powerful and resourcful nation in the world. But along with that power opens the door to corruption and greed. So there are probably greed and corruption going on within the Bush administration also, but hopefullyto a lesser extent, which make them still our only option---however, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting dimer.

Carole

-- August 6, 2007 5:24 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

For a good read goto, http://www.iraqembassy.org.uk/index.aspx
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 6, 2007 10:27 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

This is something to think about,America is typically represnted by an eagle.

Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages.

The following verse is from the Koran.

Koran (9:11)-For it is written that the a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in dispair still more rejoiced, for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah, And there was peace.

Take the time to read Revelations 17 & 18 and see if you think that Iraq is indeed positioned to be the modern Babylon, that can make ALL nations and ALL merchants of the world wealthy.

Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 6, 2007 11:02 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Steven -

That verse is a hoax. You can check it out on snopes.com, search for Koran 9:11. There is no such verse saying that the eagle will cleanse the lands of Allah. Sorry about that.

All -

Did anyone hear the Glenn Beck radio broadcast last week, I believe it was the 2nd of August. He had spent the previous day in a private meeting with President Bush and a few other media topdogs. The meeting was all off the record, but the next day I heard him spend two hours of a three-hour broadcast taking back a bunch of critical statements and wrong impressions he had had of the president. It was unbelievable to hear. His impression of Bush at that meeting was that Bush was completely laser focused, on top of everything (contrary to how the media always shows Bush as a bumbler), and that he was also absolutely committed to the troops in combat. Beck actually drew the parallel between Bush and Abraham Lincoln regarding Bush's genuine empathy and personal connection to men and women in the military daily risking their lives fighting a war for which he is largely responsible. And finally, Glenn Beck spent a great deal of time talking about Bush's unswerving faith, and the need for the US to come to its knees and acknowledge the sovereignty of God. I was astounded, and greatly encouraged. Bush told them all that he purposely was allowing himself to seem beaten and somewhat weak as a strategy, for reasons he could not give. But he was willing to do it because he was fully aware of the matters at stake, and that was more important than his image.

If anyone can get hold of a transcript, that would be fabulous to share.

David

-- August 7, 2007 2:20 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(983)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 983 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/8/7 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 22 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 97.745.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 97.745.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 7, 2007 7:13 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

David, thank you for the right answer, I have forwarded the snopes.com onto the person who sent it to me, and to ask him if the other refs he sent are also wrong.
The top man at Warka Mr Mohammad, is back in Jodan for more meetings untill the 12th Aug, it seems that the ISX did not go electronic on the 2nd Aug, whooops.
There is something in the air I can feel it in my love spuds.
Stay Lucky All, Steve.

-- August 7, 2007 8:20 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil exportation through Turkish ports will resume soon -minister

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Tuesday , 07 /08 /2007 Time 5:18:23




Baghdad, Aug 7, (VOI) – Iraqi crude oil exportation through the Turkish port of Ceyhan will resume soon, Iraqi Minister of Oil Hussein al-Shahrestani said on Monday.

Before leaving for Turkey with the Iraqi delegation led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, al-Shahrestani said that Iraq enjoys strong oil relations with Turkey, which has expressed its keenness to resume oil pumping through its port, an Iraqi oil ministry statement said.
"Crude oil pipelines linking Kirkuk and Ceyhan have always been subject to sabotage," the statement said, adding that repairs are underway for pumping to resume.
The statement also revealed Turkey's desire to import Iraqi solid gas, explaining that after the Iraqi parliament's approval of the oil and gas law, "Iraqi solid gas will be pumped to Europe and used for running power stations and petrochemical plants in Iraq."
(http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=52149&NrIssue=2&NrSection=2)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 7, 2007 9:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's July Oil Exports Up 13% At 1.7 Million B/D - Oil Min
8/6/2007

By DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Iraq's crude oil exports increased 13% in July compared with June, the country's oil minister told state-run television late Sunday night.

Hussein al-Shahristani said Iraq exported 1.7 million barrels a day in July, an increase of 200,000 barrels a day over June.

The minister said the rate of Iraq's crude oil exports for the first six months of 2007 stood at 1.5 million barrels a day.

He said oil production from southern oil fields in July increased to more than 2 million barrels a day from less than 1.9 million barrels a day in the first six months of this year.

Al-Shahristani attributed the increase in crude oil output and exports to the repair and drilling of oil wells in the southern oil fields. Also, Iraq managed to sell in July some 3 million barrels of the northern Kirkuk crude oil through the Turkish port of Ceyhan in the Mediterranean. Kirkuk's July sales were the first in five months.

Persistent acts of sabotage to pipelines and oil facilities in northern Iraq, has kept Kirkuk exports shut down for most of the time since the U.S.-led invasion. Before the U.S.-led war Iraq used to sell some 800,000 barrels a day from Kirkuk oil fields.

Northern oil fields currently produce only around 200,000 barrels a day, which are fed to a nearby refinery and power stations.

-By Hassan Hafidh, Dow Jones Newswires; + 962 (0) 777 612 111; hafidh8@ hotmail.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-06-070608ET
Copyright (c) 2007 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Iraq's July Oil Exports Up 13% At 1.7 Million B/D - Oil Min - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 7, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqis shun foreign firms

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

07 August 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
A poll carried out in Iraq by a group of development and human rights organisations has found that 63% of those questioned preferred Iraq's public sector, as opposed to foreign firms, to develop its oil fields, reported the Dow Jones newswires.

The survey also revealed that a mere 4% of the population feel adequately informed about the war-torn country's draft hydrocarbon law, which will ultimately control the industry.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 7, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Steven thats odd mate my real names Io after the greek gods.
Koran (9:11)-For it is written that the a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in dispair still more rejoiced, for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah, And there was peace.

-- August 7, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

---

David wrote:

All -

Apparently my wife is better at finding stuff on the internet than I am. She found the Glenn Beck transcript for me. Here it is - I'd like to know what YOU think!

David

http://www.glennbeck.com/news/08022007b.shtml

Bush on the Troops
AUGUST 02, 2007

GLENN BECK PROGRAM
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT

Yesterday I, much to the New York Times' dismay, went to the Oval Office for the very first time. I know they are checking their facts now going, what? I think we've printed 700 times that he's getting calls from the White House and he's in bed with George W. Bush. No, not so much. For the first time I went to the Oval Office yesterday and had a shockingly frank conversation with the President. It was all off the record. So I can't get into any specifics, even though he was extraordinarily specific on a few things, and we talking a little bit about everything. I want to spend some time talking about -- I want to deliver a message that he didn't give me but a message that I felt and I -- there were things that he said that he said I wish I could say. And then there were things -- and I don't know how many people picked up on this. There was a few of us in the room, and I don't know if others picked up on this, and I don't think they did in some ways, but he brought tears to my eyes and I was sitting about four feet away from him and I -- I know, you're saying, what's new, Glenn? What was he talking about, doughnuts with chocolate on top? But I didn't want to put my hand up to my face and wipe my eyes because I didn't want him or anybody else in the room to see me and so I just kind of looked up. You know how you kind of look up and you're thinking, please, tears, go back down underneath the eyelids, and they did, and what I -- the emotion that I felt was the awe of this man's total commitment to our troops, this man's love for each and every member of the troops. I have only read about it, and it made sense that he had a painting on his wall. I'll tell you about it in a minute. But I've only read about this kind of stuff once before and it was with Abraham Lincoln during the civil war.

Abraham Lincoln felt the troops. Abraham Lincoln would go out to the battle fields and he would weep with the troops. He would reinforce them. He deeply, deeply felt the pain that he put people through. So does George W. Bush. I have been a outspoken supporter and critic of this man, and I will continue to be a supporter and a critic. I am extraordinarily critical and remain so on some issues, especially the border, but that's a different story. When it comes to our troops and the war, I have to backtrack and reevaluate some of the things that I have said and some of the things that I have reluctantly believed about George W. Bush. I thought maybe George W. Bush was tired. I thought he was beaten up. I thought he just couldn't go anymore. He is not. It is -- this is a strategy with him, and it's not -- I don't mean it's a strategy like, I'm going to confuse the American people. It's a strategy of things that he has to do as President to be able to fight this war the way he is, and he knows that he is disconnected, but the message that I heard several times during the meeting was, I will never -- I mean, I'm telling you I felt the conviction that you could put this man and lock him in a room with Jack Bauer gone bad. I have never met somebody that wasn't a spooky special forces kind of guy that I thought this guy would never break under torture, this guy would never, ever tell a secret. I'm telling you, I met the first person in my life that I have ever seen that is not special forces that you could put him in with the worst torture techniques ever, and the one thing he would not give up is our military. The one thing he would never betray is our military. He feels it to the core of his soul.

He was talking at one point about the media and how the media is no longer these big New York centers and people need to reach out and start connecting to each other and start listening to each other and start sharing stories they're hearing, and he offhandedly had mentioned that he was just e-mailing a soldier who's on one of the front lines. He said, I was just e-mailing him, telling him to keep his chin up. E-mailing a soldier, not -- I mean, just, the commander-in-chief is just e-mailing? He spoke about, I called his mom and just let him know that he was okay. He was not making this point. He was using that as an example to make another point and that's why I say, I don't know if people really picked up on the theme for me through this whole thing was not a lot of the stuff that he was trying to get across. It was below the surface a couple of levels and that was, he will -- he's willing to die for the troops. He is willing to -- I said to you about six, seven years ago, and I had given up on -- not six, seven years ago. How long ago about 9/11 happen? Holy cow. Six years ago. I told you at that time, I think this guy is gonna be proven right but it's gonna take a while. He knows that. He knows it's going to take 50 years before really anybody can say, yep, boy, was that the right thing. This guy's willing to be a pariah. I really, truly believe he's willing to live under a bridge and just be the joke of the world until the day he dies and never see it turn around. He's willing. He's willing to take the hits that he's taking right now from people like me because he will not do anything that hurts the troops. He has been asked to not share things by military commanders, and they're not top secret things. I mean, he said some things yesterday that honestly, honestly the only way to describe them, they're cheerworthy. And begged him, please, please say that. Please let us say that. But it should be from you. I can't. Why? He explained it. You've got to be kidding me. And he's like, guys, I'm the one on the receiving end. He said, I have asked them -- the military -- please, can you guys share some of this good news, can you guys -- no. And they have their reasons. And I don't know -- I've got to tell you that if I were in his shoes, I don't know if I would -- I think I would say, okay, buddy, I'm the commander-in-chief. But he again will -- he made it very clear, this is not going to be run by some suits, and that has been the thing that I have been so afraid of. Did we not learn our lesson from Vietnam. This is being run by suits. I got the impression yesterday that he was very clear that we've made some mistakes, trying to bring people into the fold like al-Sadr, et cetera, et cetera, trying to bring Pakistan into the fold is a stupid idea, it didn't work. Very clear on that.

So then what are we doing? I believe, the impression I got yesterday is that we are kicking their ass, but one side is very good at propaganda and the other side is not engaging even in truth-telling for strategic reasons. That's just my impression.

END TRANSCRIPT

-- August 7, 2007 10:29 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

ISX gets NEW digital infrustructure from US http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2007/08/06/rivers.iraq.stock.market.cnn

-- August 7, 2007 2:08 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thank you, David, for that transcript. :)
President Bush is a great man.. and he has been used of the Lord to keep America safe.
God Bless him, America and the American Armed Forces.

Some areas of note and concern:

==

'Plot Would Have Killed Thousands'
Source: ABC News
URL Source: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=3451976&page=1
Published: Aug 6, 2007

Terrorists who had planned to detonate gel-based explosives on U.S.-bound flights from London last August would have achieved mass devastation, according to new information from Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff in an exclusive interview with ABC News.

"I think that the plot, in terms of its intent, was looking at devastation on a scale that would have rivaled 9/11," Chertoff told ABC's Pierre Thomas. "If they had succeeded in bringing liquid explosives on seven or eight aircraft, there could have been thousands of lives lost and an enormous economic impact with devastating consequences for international air travel."

Sources tell ABC News that after studying the plot, government officials have concluded that without the tip to British authorities, the suspects could have likely smuggled the bomb components onboard using sports drinks.

One official who briefed ABC News said explosives and security experts who examined the plot were "stunned at the extent that the suspects had gamed the system to exploit its weaknesses."

"There's no question that they had given a lot of thought to how they might smuggle containers with liquid explosives onto airplanes," Chertoff said. "Without getting into things that are still classified, they obviously paid attention to the ways in which they thought they might be able to disguise these explosives as very innocent types of everyday articles."

===

Poster Comment:

The key point:

ABC News said explosives and security experts who examined the plot were "stunned at the extent that the suspects had gamed the system to exploit its weaknesses."

Surely it comes as no surprise to any of the readers here, as we've been stating just that for ages now.

The game plan is simple:

1) Rehearse and probe weaknesses
2) When your probes are no longer detected, you've exposed a weakness
3) Exploit weakness

Unless you're the type of person who believes blocks of cheese with wires wrapped around them, as were detected at the Milwaukee airport recently is a common thing to have in one's luggage.

Chertoff's comments from the end of the piece sums things up nicely:

And while he is confronted by pieces of data daily as Homeland Security tries to assess credible threats and piece together information, Chertoff said he remains continually struck by the nature of the enemy.

"You know, we go about our business during the summer, other times of the year. People are going to ballgames or watching their children graduate from high school," he said, "and it chills me sometimes to think there are people a half a world away who are spending the same period of time in a cave, trying to figure out how to kill us."

http://sweetness-light-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=827

===

American Terrorist Threatens U.S. in New Al Qaeda Video

Sunday, August 05, 2007

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292167,00.html

-- August 7, 2007 2:24 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

First Fully-Armed Robots Patrolling in Iraq; First Shots Imminent
THU AUG 2 2007

There have been robots patrolling the sunny sands of Iraq since the initial invasion, but until now, they've merely been there to scope stuff out. That was then, this is now. According to Noah over at the always-awesome Danger Room blog, the military has just deployed their new "special weapons observation remote reconnaissance direct action system" (SWORDS) that has been in development for the past few years. What are the SWORDS, exactly? Oh, just some bomb-disposal robots armed with M249 machine guns. Holy shite, robots with machine guns.

This is a pretty huge step forward for robotics in warfare. Never before have armed robots been deployed in a war. There are only three of them deployed at the moment, and none of them have fired any rounds yet, but Michael Zecca, the SWORDS program manager, says "that'll be happening soon." Yikes.

In addition to the machine guns, the SWORDS can be loaded up with the optional X-ray kit to check out suspicious packages or to make sure the guy it just apprehended didn't swallow a bomb.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/warfare/first-fully+armed-robots-patrolling-in-iraq-first-shots-imminent-285394.php

-- August 7, 2007 2:39 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Cornish Boy,

Nice one, must get a few more Bank Shares, this Thrusday, Steve.

-- August 7, 2007 8:37 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

Wow, I have seen those movies Sara, at the end of the 3rd movie Judgement Day still goes down. The machines in the Terminator movies actually work for the good ol' USA. When they gonna spring the liquid metal shape shifting T1000's on em?

-- August 8, 2007 3:18 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

So whats new, ?? HCL approved??? Don't know what to believe about that report this time, this have been announced a couple of times earlier, and it's one of the hot issues that our administration is pushing for, and no report in the MSM about it, so I assume this is one of the steps they have to accomplish before it is really really approved.

What else, ...the US is hiring illegal immigrants to build their stuff in Baghdad.

What is good in the US, seems to be good in Baghdad also.

The Dinar is moving...well that is good, not much as usual, a couple of very small steps at a time, just enough to keep us interested.

The Iraqis or the powers that advice them still have an idea that you can feed a crowd with a sandwich.

The sandwich is proudly pointed out....look we're feeding a crowd, we are in fact contributing a whole sandwich and will continue to give a sandwich everyday.

Do an RV and get a real change....sunshine.

From 1242 to 1240 parts of a Dollar is not a change, it's a joke, and will not make a change for a starving Iraqi family.

True, I am biased, I have invested in the currency, and will gain by raising the value of it, but that aside, it is past the point of being irresponsible now, years after the introduction of the new currency, and with efforts underway to build up the country, and still stupidity prevails.

Hellloo, Iraqis, IMF or WB or whoever the imbeciles are, it's so darn simple, but I guess you are all educated in the fine arts of economics and knows better.

You know nothing mr Dr in Economics, you're suppressing a whole darn country, with valueless currency, and the population can't buy nothing with the wallpaper you're incompetently are manipulating according to your teachings.

It's learning's that are applied in the same way an Evolutionist would teach Christianity.( or vice versa)

The knowledge of the remedy in Iraq doesn't need a PhD in Economics, it doesn't even need an accountant, the knowledge of the remedy is obvious for anyone that are able to run an ordinary household.

If the IQ level is to the point that plus, minus, divided and times is understood, then the competent level is enough to understand that the Iraqi currency is held down for no other reason than ignorance.

Without being a mechanic, you can tell when the car repair man is BSing you. Without being a pilot, you can tell if he is drunk. Without being a politician, you can easily tell when he doesn't have a clue (majority), and without being a doctor, you can tell when something is wrong with your body.

If the command lines are as I am told, WB to IMF to CBI, I can only conclude that these individuals in those institutions doesn't have a clue, I'm not impressed at all with titles, or institutions.

Want to get a grip on inflation, well RV and suddenly you have so much goods in the country that there will be price fights.

Want to get a grip on unstable population, well feed them, give them opportunity to have stuff, and you will get a peaceful population.

Do that NOW, and the changes will follow suit very quick.

There are so many lies in economics that are used all around the world, invented by some professor some time ago, and simple concepts are fogged into grey incomprehensible schemes of can and cant's, garbled up in a lingo that is incomprehensible unless you do the classes for it.

Economics works exactly the same for an individual, as for his house budget, as for the corner store grocery outlet.

When it comes to bigger entities like county, state or federal, there is an idea that you have to be able to speak the economists language to understand how it works.

Rubbish.

So the county, state and federal institutions, and all other countries in the world are then following the "educated" economic doctrines , and of course none of those budgets would pass muster, because they are so completely incompetent handled that it is a wonder the world is still even moving forward.

Old days common sense told us that an unruly kid deserved a slap, and early bed time. Today the psychiatrists have about a thousand different diagnostic names and a pill, but no cure.

Same insanity is pretty much prevalent in the economic society today on this earth, no common sense, it's all explained in long economic diagnosis, tables, do's and dont's, must, can and cant's.

If the economy is going good, they have a false idea that that is not good, and have diagnosed it with "an overheated" (a negative)economy, and must be dampened.

If the economy is going bad, we have to rob from the rich and give to the poor. (very noble, it's just that they are very good in the first stage, but when it comes to the second stage, they get immensely confused)

So here we are, looking at insanity extravaganza, a whole country's future on the ropes, the cure, and the incompetence of implementing it, plus the very solid educated reasons, given to the dumb masses that don't understand economic jargon, believing that the economists actually have one single clue what they are doing, and they are "fixing it for us".

Sorry, in the world of big state economics, they don't have a clue, and they are operating on assumptions, and theories that are as abundant as theories in cosmology.

Pick one,... string theory, expanding universe, big bang, linear universe, created universe,....

In economics there are different followers of different theories, and the theories are aligned with political followings, from straight communism, socialism, capitalism, liberalism, to anarchism or barter trade, if you want.

Ad onto that the economic educated lingo, where you have to sit in class and try to understand formulas that doesn't even make sense to begin with, and all the economic common sense that you will experience with a person, family or business will go straight out the window.

The science of pure economics have been so diluted by intrusions in the subject, from different political viewpoints, in order to please their political view, that the science of pure economics are almost lost.

So here we are, with a big house full of modern financial educated people in a big house with a sign saying World Bank, another house with a sign saying IMF, and another one saying CBI.

From the President and down, they just don't get it.

But what is new, it's not the first time, the rulers are out of touch with what the people think, even if the people have most of the common sense.

Next time mr Shibib (President of CBI) gives an interview I will probably just puke.

He is rightfully educated in economics in Britain in a great university, and therefore , as with any other coming out of the socialist boiler, he doesn't have a clue.

Follows the completely wrong do's and dont's, dutifully learned and executed by other clueless economic powers.

The MSM only interested in counting body parts don't report anything unless there is guts dripping from the wall, so a dull subject like economics, any idiot can get away with miss handling a whole country and it's not even mentioned.

And in the meanwhile, the Dinar is held down, down down, a sandwich is tossed in but in the whole scheme, it is held down.

And the Iraqi citizen can't get anything for his money, no matter how hard he is working.

And the years go by.....

-- August 8, 2007 4:31 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

ISX stocks might be a pretty good deal, but the problem is if, like me, I'm sitting on cash in a safetybox, and are considering investing. Would you just put everything in a box and sent it to Warka in the hope that it gets there.

Dont think so.

The whole idea with starting up ISX with electronic trading is that I would be able to transfer funds from me to them, without sending them physical money. Electronic money must work before that activity can really start taking off, and the last I heard, the electronic stuff are not up on line yet.

I'm actually not aware of any means to transfer money wireless from the US to Iraq.

As long as they have not overcome that hurdle, there will not be much of foreign investors doing business with ISX.

-- August 8, 2007 4:49 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO
I stated there were many ways to attack a country....one of the ways is FINANCIAL...Bin Laden knew this, or he would not have said, "he wanted to Bankrupt the USA"...Iran knows this as they want to weaken the financial position of the USA by dropping the dollar and using oil dollars...TODAY! CHINA MADE THE THREAT TO OUR DOLLAR VERY REAL and NOT A BLUSTER...
China stated, that if the USA forced them to revalue the Yuan, THEY WOULD DUMP ALL OF THEIR US DOLLARS ON THE MARKET, which would effectively collapse the value of the dollar on the International currency market.., it will collapse the housing market, the bond market, the stockmarket, and throw us immediately into a major recession like this country has not seen since the early 1900's...
Our currency is now weaken to historical proportions against other major currencies...Yet! our congress keeps tacking on PORK BARREL EXPEDITURES causing a major inflation of our national debt...We as a country have allowed over 40% of our currency to be blackmail to other foreign interest...we are now so weak currency wise...that we that our leaders can no longer effectively make decision that benefit us, without first talking it over with the countries that hold our currency...
The only reason China has not dumped our dollar already is they know if they do, we will not have the purchasing power any longer to purchase their manufactured goods...thus this will cause some recession in their country...the degree of recession depends on how much they are selling to Europe and other parts of the world..as presently the population growth of their country is pushing for more manufacturing jobs...no jobs and you have social unrest...
WHY ARE THEY UPSET? Because someone in our government got some balls, and said....you have got to play fair with the international trade market...you have to quit manipulating your currency ...
YOU SHOULD BE VERY ALARMED...SOME SAY THIS WAS THE PLAN ALL ALONG TO ALLOW THE DOLLAR TO LOSE VALUE, so the NORTH AMERICAN EURO CAN BE ENTERED INTO THE MARKET...This is the currency that is in the process of being developed for the the NORTH AMERICAN UNION between mexico, USA and Canada...that treaty takes over in 2010...effectively dissolving the borders between Mexico, USA and Canada...The only borders that will effectively exist when it goes into affect, is the outer borders of Mexico and Canada...the inner borders will vanish like smoke in a high wind...
Everyone of us need to contact our Senator and Representative about getting our manufacturing jobs back in the USA, and balance the fairness of the international trade market...the trade deficit is killing us....pressure has to be put on major buyers such as Walmart, and their competitors,etc...to start buying american goods and stop the bleeding of the dollar to other countries...I am all for international trade if the scale is level...our leaders sold us out.... lock...stock and barrel...no one can stop it but you and I...

-- August 8, 2007 7:43 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Rog!

Good to see you back. Your post is very well put. BUt i truly do not believe that they " do not have a clue". The more and more I look at this thing the more and more I think their ploy is well planned out.

As pointed out in the transcript of the "Bush" conversation---he is playing the fool on purpose......so it just might fit in with the Iraqi's playing the clueless.....

Did you by chance go to the link on youtube given by cornishboy? Would be interested in your thoughts.

Keep calm my friend, I think before long we will begin to see the REAL Agenda.

Hopefully along the line, one of those "clueless" groups will throw a crumb of hope to us investors and RV as close to $.50 as possible and I will dump all my Dinar and consider myself lucky....as I think theyr will eventually dump the dinar for another currency...probably some conglomeration of a United Arab front.....

Carole

-- August 8, 2007 8:19 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Rog!

Good to see you back. Your post is very well put. BUt i truly do not believe that they " do not have a clue". The more and more I look at this thing the more and more I think their ploy is well planned out.

As pointed out in the transcript of the "Bush" conversation---he is playing the fool on purpose......so it just might fit in with the Iraqi's playing the clueless.....

Did you by chance go to the link on youtube given by cornishboy? Would be interested in your thoughts.

Keep calm my friend, I think before long we will begin to see the REAL Agenda.

Hopefully along the line, one of those "clueless" groups will throw a crumb of hope to us investors and RV as close to $.50 as possible and I will dump all my Dinar and consider myself lucky....as I think theyr will eventually dump the dinar for another currency...probably some conglomeration of a United Arab front.....

Carole

-- August 8, 2007 8:19 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Karl,

Good to see you back. Very good analysis! This treaty you talk about... is it for real and what is it called and where can I find out more about it. My brther was telling me yesterday that Bush signed some kin of an agreement with mexico that there trucks can enter our country without any survellience or duty tax etc etc. it supposedly was secretly done without any Confressional approval.

Karl, this is going to rin Sara's day, but I think Bush just may be the devil himself. I have looked at this picture long and hard...and going way back to the early 50's and more and more and more I see a clearer picture of this one world agenda being ushered in. With not only the cooperation of the "Bushes" but the perpetual efforts of them in a very covert manner....probably to dupe the average Joe conservative...... and the Demos... they are too busy seeking power and money from the special interests to even care about the global picture.

I know how you feel about the "Christian point of view", but let me just say, that the forerunner of the Antichrist is to be a man of great spiritual charisma....giving reverence to God.......but leaving the Christ of the bible out of his circle of influences and eventually calling for a universal plea for all religions to lay aside thier "particulars" and worship a universal view of God.

I will change my mind about Bush, when he declares his faith is based on the doctrines of Christianity that proclaim that Jesus is God and the only God to be worshipped and served. And when he can give his own testimony to the acceptance of that personal relationship to Christ.

So far, I have seen or heard nothing of that sort. Only that he hs a deep faith and reverence to God. BinLaden proclaims the same!

Carole

-- August 8, 2007 8:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

General Petraeus Readies War Report
Associated Press | August 08, 2007
BAGHDAD - If Gen. David Petraeus is feeling the heat as he readies his momentous Iraq war report to Congress, it is hard to tell by the cool confidence with which he discusses the toughest mission of his career.

Rarely in recent history have the words of one general loomed so large in determining the direction of a war.

Two things in particular give his coming September assessment and testimony to Congress great weight: He is viewed as the master of counterinsurgency strategy, having written just last year the military's manual on how it should be done. And secondly, President Bush has repeatedly said he would count on the judgment of his top Iraq commander.

"I will rely on General Petraeus to give me his recommendations for the appropriate troop levels in Iraq," Bush said last month when pressed on the timing of when Americans might start coming home - five years into the war and 18 months before he leaves the White House.

"I'm going to wait to see what David has to say. I'm not going to pre-judge what he may say. I trust David Petraeus' judgment," the president added.

Petraeus is keeping his counsel close, five weeks before he heads to Capitol Hill to pass judgment on the Iraq war strategy - with the direction of the conflict hanging in the balance.

It's not easy to unnerve a guy who was shot in the chest in a training accident at Fort Campbell, Ky., earlier in his career, and who has spent a combined three years in Iraq in three different tours of duty. He led the 101st Airborne Division, with 17,000 Soldiers, in the initial U.S. invasion in March 2003.

In February he became the top U.S. commander in Iraq, replacing Gen. George Casey.

In an Associated Press interview in late July in his office at the U.S. Embassy, Petraeus betrayed no sign of anxiety, except perhaps a hint of worry that he might tip his hand too early, thus opening himself to challenge from critics before he has fully armed himself with credible arguments for why the buildup is working.

Clearly, he believes it is working. But he is not ready to say that too expansively. He speaks hopefully, in an understated way, of making more security gains this year with the U.S. troop buildup.

Nor is he willing to go far in discussing the question many in Washington are asking: When can a drawdown of U.S. troops begin?

"We haven't hard-and-fast determined when to do that just yet," he says.

Petraeus, a West Point graduate with 33 years in uniform, is highly regarded by his peers and by many former generals.

Barry McCaffrey, a retired Army four-star, calls him "brilliant." Gen. Peter Pace, the soon-to-retire chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told AP during a July trip to Iraq that two key qualities make Petraeus special: "First, absolute integrity ... and second, (he's) smart as a whip."

Petraeus, 54, is a polished communicator, and it's clear that he sees that as an important asset in wartime. Some critics have said he overstated the rate of progress by Iraqi security forces during his tenure as leader of that effort in 2004-05.

"But if so, who (among commanders) has not" been overly optimistic, said Stephen Biddle, a military expert at the Council on Foreign Relations who was part of a team that was in Baghdad last spring to advise on developing a new war strategy.

His every word will be scrutinized when he delivers his assessment in mid-September. He will appear for testimony with Ambassador Ryan Crocker, his diplomatic counterpart in Baghdad. They are expected to explain the progress and problems with the counterinsurgency strategy that Petraeus began to implement when he arrived in February - both security and political.

And they are expected to present their recommendations on how to proceed beyond September, in the face of efforts by many in the Democratic-controlled Congress to change direction again in Iraq and begin bringing the troops home, starting as soon as this fall.

Petraeus is not predicting, at least publicly, how much longer it will take for his strategy to turn the tide. Nor is he sharing his view on how much longer the Iraqi government should be given to make moves toward political reconciliation among Iraq's ethno-sectarian rivals that will ultimately decide the outcome.

During the AP interview, his tone was flat, almost a monotone. He chose his words carefully. Only when he got to the subject of the sacrifices made in this war by Soldiers and their families did he get animated.

His voice rose and he gestured with his hands as he spoke of the obligation he feels to deal frankly with Iraqi leaders when he sees their actions undercutting in important ways the efforts of U.S. forces.

"This is too important to always turn the other cheek, shall we say. I think sometimes you have to have straightforward conversations," he says, adding: "I think I owe that to 3,600 families in the United States and the 160,000 coalition forces who are soldiering their hearts out. I take that responsibility very, very seriously."

His reference to 3,600 is the approximate number of U.S. war deaths.

"I will not shrink from showing the emotion that I feel about that, on occasion, if I think that will help the effectiveness of the presentation, shall we say," he said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 8, 2007 10:03 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Maliki government collapsing
Four ministers from non-sectarian party boycott government as Iraqis suffer from lack of basic services.
By Jennie Matthew

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

Baghdad, 08 August 2007 (Middle East Online)
Print article Send to friend
As Iraqis queue forlornly for food and water, or swelter in homes and hospitals without electricity, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's coalition government is collapsing around him.

The latest boycott -- by four ministers from a non-sectarian party -- brought to 17 the number of members of the Shiite-led coalition to have walked out, tendered their resignations or withdrawn from cabinet meetings.

Hopes that the so-called national unity coalition can be saved now depend on the senior leadership of the rival parties cutting a new power-sharing deal that can convince the bitter Sunni minority to return to the fold.

"The government cannot survive all these defections," said Joost Hiltermann, the chief Iraq expert at the International Crisis Group think tank, after the secular Iraqi National List said its four ministers are boycotting cabinet.

"The Shiites and the Kurds don't want to cede power to people they don't trust. But if they don't, there won't be reconciliation. Then all we can look forward to is civil war," he said from Amman.

"Frankly, even with everyone in, there was total paralysis of government. Everyone is waiting for the top leadership to meet and cut a different kind of deal," he noted, with pessimism.

Since the US-led invasion of March 2003, Iraq has plunged into an abyss of overlapping civil conflicts that have divided its rival religious and ethnic communities, and left tens of thousands of civilians dead.

Last year's formation of an elected government of national unity held out the promise of reconciliation, but Maliki's rule has been undermined by bitter sectarian rivalries both within and outside his fragile coalition.

Sheikh Khalaf al-Ilayan, a senior lawmaker in the National Concord Front that resigned on August 1, said the government has failed on every level.

"The government has failed because it has failed to stick to its political obligations to its members. As so many have withdrawn, the government has no right to make decisions now," he said.

"If I were prime minister I would have resigned. But America thinks otherwise. This is against everything that is right," he said.

Washington has voiced growing impatience with the political stalemate, which could jeopardise efforts to reconcile the warring factions and undermine the work of 155,000 American troops to end the conflict.

Shiite parties are suspicious of Sunni leaders whose minority sect dominated political power under executed former dictator Saddam Hussein and accuse them of supporting violent insurgent groups.

Sunni leaders accuse the Shiite parties of ties with Iraq's powerful neighbour Iran and condemn their alleged complicity with Shiite militias that have been accused of attacking Sunni civilians.

But in the unbearable heat of Iraq, where temperatures frequently reach 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, many ordinary people are more frustrated with the lack of basic services than political squabbling.

Last week, a report by Stuart Bowen, the US chief inspector of Iraqi reconstruction, painted a damning picture of government failure, and described the effects of corruption as being akin to a "second insurgency".

Baghdad residents say they are sleeping on hard floors or roofs, suffering interminably without fans or air-conditioning, being forced to buy bottled water or drink contaminated water from purification plants without power.

One of the lucky ones with a job in a country where unemployment stands at well over 50 percent, Yasser Ghazi said he still can't afford to operate a generator to fill the gaps between the paltry few hours of electricity a day.

"My sister is pregnant. I sent her with my mother, an old woman, to Syria to give birth because there's no electricity or clean water. There's not even a good hospital," said Ghazi, who works for a private contracting company.

"Children can't stand this heat and continuous power cuts. My mother is an old woman. She can't bear this heat and if I wanted to provide electricity for even half a day, it would cost me 70 dollars in gasoline.

"I'm engaged but I've been delaying my wedding for months because of the heat. I don't want to start the first day of my new life with my wife in the heat and the dark, sweating," he said.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 8, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carl:

I concur with Carole it is good to see you posting. I am in full agreement with concern regarding the surrender of our soverignty. It seems the globalists are moving this country toward a world where there will be only five major currencies including the Amero, Euro, GGC, one Asian currency, and one African currency.

None of the Republican or Democratic candidates as you pointed out are addressing these issues of soverignty. George W. Bush defied critics and chose not to sign The Kyoto Protocol because of issues of soverignty. Yet, I am disappointed because of his globalist position on immigration.

Before America and the Constitution cease to exists "We The People" must begin to make a decleration of independence from the Globalists. I think the Republicans will regret George H.W.Bush's New World Oder and NAFTA, but I am afraid if nothing is done soon to change the direction of the country it may be too late.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 8, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

Roger send your posting to, Iraqipresidency.net

You can wire money to Iraq at Warka Bank
As you will be able to buy dinars at the CBI rate from Warka, go sell your cash dinars to your bank in the US, you will not lose anything.
You fisrt have to set up an account with Warka its free.

Copy of any official document, specimen of your signature duly attested, full address and small picture of you.
Send that info to.
c.accounts@warkainvestmentbank.com
They will send by email your account number.

How to wire money to your account.
Warka have a Bank account in Germany at Dresdner which is a $ Dollar account.
Go to your bank with this info.

To be paid for--your name

Your name dollar account number from Warka
Warka Bank for Investment and Finance.

Beneficiary name
Warka Bank for Investment

Beneficiary street address
Jurgen-Ponto-Platz 1 D-60301

Beneficary City
Frankfurt Am main

Beneficiary State/Province
Hesse

Beneficiary Country
Germany

Beneficiary Account Number
08-005-734-00-400

Beneficiary Bank IBAN Code
DE88-5008-0000-0800-5734-00

beneficiary Bank Swift/Bic Code
Dresdeff

Beneficiary Bank Name
Dresdner Bank Ag

When the money is in your Warka Bank Account, they will tell you.

To get your Username and Password send as.
I Your name, authorizes my Bank to send me my username and Password by return email,
and for you to take the annual fee of IQD 15,000 from my account,
My account number is, your number, and signature

To put in your pic list for them to buy for you.
I your name, am signing this authorising letter which permits the Bank to withdraw funds from my IQD account, number----- to purchase stocks from the ISX.
I put down a list of companies and how much dinars to buy stock with, as you dint know the exacte price per share

Trust me im not a Doctor, but I will have a dam good look.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 8, 2007 10:58 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carl,

Good points, the Dollar is under threat, but the proposed threat from China is just that, their own reserve is mostly Dollar, as is many other countries reserves.

The only way out for China is to actually revalue their currency to it's nominal range, or even better, stop manipulating it, and let the market decide the value of the Chinese currency.

Carole,

I'm so glad you're there telling us to calm down. :P
We're so unaware of our emotions that a checkpoint is absolutely needed.

Steve,

Good info thank you, I will get back to your post and use the info, I might not use all my investment in the Warka deal but maybe a part of it. Thanks again really good stuff.

-- August 8, 2007 1:51 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Munny Model IQD Value Projections
Range 1345 IQD/1 USD to 1 IQD/.27 USD:

1345 Target ACHIEVED!!!
1260 Target ACHIEVED!!!
1100 IQD/1 USD by Jan. 5, 2008
810 IQD/1 USD by July 5, 2008
500 IQD/1 USD by Jan. 3, 2009
300 IQD/1 USD by Apr. 18, 09
1 IQD/.01 USD by Aug. 8, 09
1 IQD/.27 USD by Sept. 12, 09

-- August 8, 2007 2:08 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Category's index page

KRG.org, 17:30:45 06 Aug. 2007
Ashti Hawrami: Kurdistan Region Oil and Gas Law

Today is a proud day for the people of the Kurdistan Region. This is a historic moment. In years to come, we will look back and see the passage of this law as a turning point in the fortunes of our Region. The law is the result of a high level of cooperation between the Ministry of Natural Resources and many other Government branches, in particular the Ministry of Justice, and the Kurdistan Parliament’s Legal Committee and Finance-Economic Committee. This Law is a true expression of the diverse but unified aspirations of the people of the Kurdistan Region.

With this Law, we will be able to cooperate as equal partners, with the rest of Iraq. We will also have a clear, transparent legal structure for our negotiations with investors: our mutual rights and responsibilities will be clearly established, consistent with the very highest international standards. Under the Constitution of Iraq, oil and gas management is primarily a Regional right, and our success depends upon us exercising that right. This Law of the Kurdistan Region is the embodiment of that right.

This Law is based upon the rights afforded to Regions by the Iraq Constitution and is an expression of federalism. The rights of the Kurdistan Region established by this Law, in the name of the Iraq Constitution, are exactly the same as the rights of regions in all successful petroleum producing federations around the world. Those federations include the United Arab Emirates, Canada and Australia. In other words, we are in step with world’s best practice. In establishing control of our oil resources, we proudly join the community of cooperative federations around the world.

Already many citizens of the Region have seen the benefits of international investment in our Region. This is just the beginning. We must be careful and wise, but we must also be ambitious. We are well positioned to help those in the rest of Iraq, and our other neighbors, share in this success. With the Law passed, the Kurdistan Regional Government will proceed with the promotion of investment opportunities in the Region.

I also echo the words of the Prime Minister in saying that, with the passage of this Law, the Kurdistan Regional Government will redouble its efforts to ensure that the Federal Revenue Sharing Law and the Federal Hydrocarbon Law proceed through the federal parliament. The drafts of those two Federal Laws were agreed in February and June this year: there is no reason now for them to be delayed, and we must set aside recent unauthorized interventions. These agreed draft Federal Laws are consistent with the Iraq Constitution, and consistent with this Kurdistan Law. Those two Federal laws, like this Kurdistan Oil and Gas Law, will allow us to voluntarily cooperate with the rest of Iraq on oil management and revenue sharing and will ensure just and equitable distribution of revenue to all the peoples of Iraq.

-- August 8, 2007 2:32 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

Will you please list the link to your Munny model post? What are these projections based upon? I will be interested to see the link.

The oil law passed by the KRG means nothing without the HCL passing parliment. From what I have read, parliment is to discuss the HCL upon their return from summer recess. Of course we have heard before parliments intent to discuss the Hydro Carbon Law just to delay its discussion further.

I am not sure any progress can be made in parliment. Al-Malaki rather court the Iranians rather than achieve national reconciliation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 8, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Tourists and investors to Iraq? Why not, say Kurds
Wed Aug 8, 2007 9:13AM EDT
Email | Print | Digg | Reprints | Single Page | Recommend (0)[-] Text [+]

1 of 3Full SizeFeatured Broker sponsored link
Free $50,000 Practice Account.By Bernd Debusmann, Special Correspondent

ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - The Ministry of Tourism has 417 employees and big plans: "We need three or four times as many hotels as we have now," says Nimrud Youkhana, the minister, "and we need to get more airlines to fly here."

Tourism in Iraq? More hotels in a country whose name evokes images of truck bombs and mayhem, kidnappings and beheaded foreigners?

This is what an advertising campaign in the United States called The Other Iraq, the three northern provinces that blossomed into a quasi-independent state in the 16 years since the U.S. placed a protective umbrella -- the 'no-fly zone' -- over the region to stop a genocidal anti-Kurdish campaign waged by Saddam Hussein.

Administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the provinces have largely escaped the violence that has been tearing apart the rest of Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003, toppled Saddam and uncorked long-suppressed sectarian hostility.

"We have some way to go still," said Youkhana, "but we plan to eventually hold annual folklore events like the Jerash festival," a reference to the Jordanian city which brings together performers from all over the world each summer.

Customers the ministry wants to attract are Arabs from the Gulf who appreciate mountain resorts in an Alpine setting (and a relaxed attitude towards alcohol) and Europeans in search of exotic destinations and archaeological remains dating back thousands of years.

Youkhana's plans, and the mere existence of a Tourism Ministry, highlight a bullish view of Kurdistan's future which is also evident in building projects on a grand scale, from a 6,000-shop mall to a string of U.S.-style gated communities with names such as Dream City, Empire Villas and American Village.

Near the airport, Naz City, a new complex of 14 high-rise apartment towers, is cabled for high-speed Internet access. New hotels under construction include one by the German luxury chain Kempinski.

And rising in the shadow of Arbil's citadel, near where Alexander the Great defeated King Darius of Persia, the huge Nishtiman mall features Kurdistan's first escalator -- a magnet for children who ride it up and down in wide-eyed wonder.

There are no detailed figures on how much money has been invested in Kurdistan since 2003, when the rest of Iraq slipped into violence and the north remained stable. The Board of Investment, a government agency set up last summer, has approved more than $3.5 billion in development projects.

The Kurds' main argument to persuade foreigners to visit and invest is security: there is no other place in Iraq where a foreigner can shop in local markets or walk the streets without fear of being killed or kidnapped.

"I feel safer in Arbil or Suleimaniyah than in Camden, New Jersey," said Harry Schute, a retired U.S. army colonel who served in Iraq and is now a security adviser to KRG president Massoud Barzani.

"But people hear 'Iraq' and they think violence. There's a lack of understanding that Baghdad and Arbil are different worlds."

OWN FLAG, ARMY, BORDER PATROL

So different that the KRG has all the trappings of an independent state -- its own flag, its own army, its own border patrol, its own national anthem, its own education system, even its own stamp inked into the passports of visitors.

Turkey, Iran and Syria -- all of which have sizeable Kurdish minorities they do not want to become autonomous -- are viewing the KRG's progress with considerable concern. They fear full independence for Iraqi Kurdistan would set off a chain reaction in the region.

The Iraqi Kurds' sense of tranquility was shattered by two bombs in May -- a truck bomb outside the regional government's Interior Ministry killed 15 people and wounded more than 100 and three days later, a car bomb in the office of Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) left 30 dead and injured 50.

The government responded by stepping up security, already tight, and virtually sealing the roads into KRG-controlled territory to non-Kurds. Travelers from outside the region are not allowed to pass unless a Kurdish resident meets them in person and "guarantees" their stay.

De****e the May bombs, Austrian Airlines, the only European carrier with a regular service to Arbil, added a flight to its schedule in July to bring Vienna-Arbil connections to four a week. The flights are usually packed.

The bomb attacks did not dent business interest," said Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the London-based head of the Kurdish Development Corporation (KDC). "In fact, inquiries picked up after a few days."

They did not dent a booming business in luxury cars, either. "Things are looking good," said Lezan Shafeea, a sales manager at the sprawling Mercedes dealership in Arbil. "We are selling more top-end models, at $138,500 apiece, than mid-size cars."

These are cash-only transactions -- Kurdistan's embryonic financial system has no provision for consumer credit.

Obstacles to opening up Kurdistan to the world, Kurdish officials say, include the travel advisories governments issue to their citizens. The U.S. State Department, for example, makes no distinction between the Kurdish north and the rest of Iraq and "continues to strongly warn" against travel there.

But other countries have taken Kurdistan off their list of life-threatening destinations, according to Falah Mustafa Bakir, the head of the KRG's Foreign Relations Department -- the region's de facto foreign minister.

"Denmark, Japan, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands have all changed their advisories," he said.

Not even the rosiest optimist predicts a travel boom soon to Kurdistan but a British company, Hinterland Travel, led a group of adventurous tourists in their 50s and 60s on a package tour through the three provinces administered by the KRG in May. Another is scheduled for September.

"This is for people interested in archaeology and history," said the company's owner, Geoff Hann, "and who are not faint of heart."

Breaking News, World, U.S., Video, Investing and Business News & More | Reuters.com

-- August 8, 2007 2:45 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

rob n http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search?fr=btfp-web&tab=&p=Munny+Model+IQD+Value+Projections&btn=Search

-- August 8, 2007 3:04 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger - Note that the Maliki government was said (today article, posted above) to be on the verge of collapse. I think that for many, the "imbecile" you are looking for may be him and not the economic bodies/people you talked about. Though I do like your analysis on commonsense economics - just do the upward valuation of the Dinar and we get out of this mess and feed the poor Iraqi people. Thank you for your posts.

Carl - Absolutely, the jobs should be in America and not outsourced overseas. Interesting, though, on the China dollar threat. If the Chinese get to the point where they are not dependent on the US for taking their goods but have other sources for taking them (such as European markets), they could become insulated from counterthreats. I suppose that trade with China (which undermines US capabilities/jobs) is actually then to our military advantage (preventing them economically collapsing the USD). Puts a new spin on outsourcing, doesn't it?

Carole - You should look higher than President Bush for why things are happening. As you know, Christians are admonished to fear God. I believe our human natures are created in such a way that we have a NEED for fearing God - it is a natural and normal part of our psychological makeup. When a person does NOT fear God, some other fear must replace this and this is the reason for the rise of conspiracy theories. Some replace the fear of God with a fear of the government but God said to us to have only God as our fear:

Isa 8:12 Do not say, "A confederacy!" to all of those to whom this people shall say, 'A confederacy'; neither fear their fear, nor be afraid.
Isa 8:13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.

We are not to look around and say like these people do.. it's the government! Or... it's the Illuminati, trilateralists, one worlders! .... or any other group or organization. We are not to fear these people's fears or look at the organizations of men and fear their confederacies. Men group together in confederacies all the time, but they have no power unless our God allows them to have it for His purposes. Our God is Sovereign over it all - and our fear is only to be of the Lord, no one else.

Isa 2:22 Sever yourselves from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he?

We are to cease to fear men, or their "confederacies" (groups with agendas), and we are to fear only God - ("Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.") Although I am aware of the conspiracy theories and these "confederacies" or interest groups and their viewpoints, it is God alone who I fear and wish to follow. As for President Bush, note that early on in President Bush's Presidency the MSM press attacked him because he was a "born again" Christian.. do you remember that? I do not have a shadow of a doubt the man is the Lord's. Remember the admonition from the Lord:

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say to them, "Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to Me."

If this is so and is how Jesus judges us, what you say of President Bush (as a true member of the body of Christ or one of Jesus' "brethren", above) you are also judged as doing to the Lord. Please do not call him the devil, (you said, quote, "I think Bush just may be the devil himself.") - because the repercussions on your own life from the Lord can be most unpleasant. Just a word to the wise - Temper your words with more circumspection before the King of us all. We often repectfully disagree with one another in the body of Christ, but don't step over that line (above, Matthew 25:40 - "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to Me.").

Anthony;

Robots won't become self aware as in the movie series Terminator (that is said to have been the cause of the war/Judgement Day in T3). This was proven to be impossible by Einstein's good friend Godel in his mathematical model. His mathematical proof was a big disappointment to those who wished self-aware robots they could control. The control (dominion) of the earth will remain in human hands, not robot hands. Theologically, that is because the dominion mandate was given to men, and the laws of physics are structured to keep it that way (Psalm 8). Robots can only run programs and take orders - and no one wants their commander-in-chief to be a well written piece of software. However, this development I posted is a HUGE step forward in warfare - like when they came up with the drones. Someone over here can guide a drone and do a strike like the one which took out Zarquai, without any danger to the pilot. If we can get to the same point (remote warfare, robots on the ground) we won't need the patrols on foot we have now of human beings. Most operations can be automated.. most of the routine patrols in Baghdad could be taken over by robots remotely controlled, with many fewer soldiers. It will be kind of like the best video game players being the best soldiers one day. Interesting how very popular the games are.. and how those skills of videogame players can one day make the US some of the very best warriors. Imagine, in a draft situation it will be the geeks who play video games and can work well using a robot remotely that will be some of the best pics for the military (male and female).. with the lesser and more dangerous jobs going to those who cannot use a joystick. You could say this generation is being readied for their future warfare roles though gaming software... I believe by GOD in His providence, not by some government conspiracy, of course - for the good and preservation of America in His all-wise plan.

Thanks, cornish_boy for the Munny Model predictions post.
I saw them on IIF but it's ok to have a quote here, too. :)
I still believe more immediate measures are in play, but it is an interesting post..
and always good to have all the viewpoints before us for consideration.

Sara.

-- August 8, 2007 4:25 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Carol,
If you study the scriptures rightly dividing the word of truth you will understand that the things that are taking place are the will of God, and everyone is his servant in carrying through his plan. It's good that you keep your eyes open, and trust no man, not even the president, but know this. The one, who will proceed the comming of our Lord, known as the false prophet, the antichrist, the serpent, the devil, Satan, etc. will come to this deminsion, and he will deceive the whole world except the elect who have the knowledge of the truth sealed in their minds. How will this same deceiver that was present even in the garden of eden where he beguiled Eve pull off the deception of the entire world? He will be able because he is supernatual, the sum of perfection in his knowledge and beauty. He will bring the peace being saught after for melliniums, economic reforms to a new world monitary system, and he will not only sit where he ought not, but will convince the world that he is Jesus. His time was once taught as the hour of temptation. Antichrist means "imposter", not opposite.

Good day

-- August 8, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Daily Column
Iraqi Papers Mon: Maliki's Last Dance?
PM Courts Anbari Tribes to Take Over IAF's Ministerial Seats
By AMER MOHSEN 08/05/2007 7:06 PM ET
Az-ZamanAz-Zaman headlined today: “Talabani to Maliki: You misunderstand Bush’s messages.” The newspaper claimed that the Iraqi President, Jalal al-Talabani, received a message from the US President that included criticism to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The paper attributed the information to “close sources” in Baghdad.

According to the newspaper, Bush told Talabani in a phone call that “(Maliki’s performance is) weak, and (Maliki) does not understand (Bush’s) messages concerning (Bush’s) support for the political process in Iraq. Furthermore, Az-Zaman alleged that Bush qualified his statements of support for the political process in Iraq as being a support “not for the person of Maliki, but for the process as a whole.” The “sources” added that Bush insisted upon Talabani that he transmits the message “word for word” to the Prime Minister.

On a related front, Arab papers reported that the Prime Minister refused to accept the resignation of the Sunni ministers belonging to the Iraqi Accord Front (IAF). The Sunni coalition had announced its withdrawal from the government last Wednesday. Az-Zaman also claimed, quoting a Kurdish Parliamentarian, that Maliki’s rejection of the resignations came “under US pressure.”

Az-Zaman, which has been following a staunch anti-Maliki line for some time, stated that ex-Prime Minister Iyad 'Allawi, who controls a sizeable bloc in the parliament, has ordered his four ministers in Maliki’s cabinet to abstain from attending government meetings, and to desist from following Maliki’s directives. The move, the paper insinuated, comes while several Iraqi politicians, including 'Allawi, are holding meetings in Baghdad in an attempt to design a “post-Maliki” government. Assuming that the report is valid, 'Allawi may have also been acting in support of his IAF allies, whose support represents his only realistic chance at acceding to a position of power anew.

Meanwhile, pan-Arab al-Hayat reported that Maliki may be trying to circumvent the IAF, which regards itself as the “legitimate” representative of Sunni Arabs in Iraq, by courting his allies among the clans of Anbar. According to the paper, Maliki will be attempting to name new ministers to replace the departing Sunnis. “Sources close to the government” told al-Hayat that the Prime Minister may offer the vacant seats to the pro-government “Anbar Salvation Council.”

The Council, headed by a tribal Sheikh, 'Abd al-Sattar Abu Risha, is a tribal coalition that was armed and supplied by the government to combat al-Qa'ida in Anbar, and to garner the political support of Sunni Arab tribes in an area that was considered to be the most rebellious in Iraq. Abu Risha told al-Hayat that they would not accept such an offer, adding that, while the IAF does not represent all Iraqi Sunnis, his Council does not either.

On the other hand, another member of the Anbar Salvation Council contacted by al-Hayat, Hameed al-Hayes, expressed his readiness to fill the vacant IAF seats.

On the same theme, London-based al-Quds al-'Arabi quoted a parliamentarian from the “Iraqi front for National Dialogue” (the second-largest Sunni bloc in the House of Representatives) as saying that Maliki “has become a Prime Minister for the Da'wa Party,” In an snipe at the shrinking representativity of Maliki’s cabinet. Faced with multiple withdrawals from Sunni and Shi'a parties, Maliki will no doubt attempt to regain an appearance of legitimacy to his government, and the idea of contacting Anbari tribes (who are not represented in the parliament) to fill up the IAF seats may not be that far-fetched after all.

In other news, al-Quds al-'Arabi said that a cleric affiliated with al-Hakeem’s Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC) accused Saudi Arabia of “bearing the responsibility for the Takfiri (literally: individuals who excommunicate others - a term used in Iraq to refer to extreme Sunni groups that denounce Shi'as as “unbelievers.) ”

Sadr al-Din al-Qabanji, a SIIC leader and cleric, said in Najaf that the Saudi government should apply more pressure to Wahhabi clerics who excommunicate Shi'as. Al-Qabanji also made a veiled criticism against Iran, which is believed by some to supply arms to Shi'a insurgents, and added that “if you wanted (by supplying arms) to render the Shi'a victorious, this is (causing) the slaughter of Shi'a.” Adding that arms smuggled into Iraq are being used “to kill us and bomb our shrines.”

Lastly, Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported that “a large number of Iraqi and foreign experts” are in the process of designing a five-year-plan for the development of Baghdad, “for the first time in (the city’s) history.” The prospective plan, which was dubbed “strategic” by the paper, is headed by Mazin Makiya. In the 1980s, Saddam Husain launched a large-scale plan for the modernization and development of Baghdad. Saddam’s designs remained unfinished, but large parts of old Baghdad were demolished by the state and several new neighborhoods erected or re-organized. Following the 2003 US-led invasion, several unofficial masterplans for Baghdad, or parts of Baghdad, were circulated by Iraqi and foreign architects.
(http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/40)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 8, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

Roger, There is an info address at Warka, info-isx@isx-iq.net
You send your ISX pics to, ifrd@warkainvestmentbank.com and to isx@warkainvestmentbank.com the first one gos to Mr ------ and the other to his team on the ISX
At only a few dinars for a Bank Share, its got to worth a go.
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 8, 2007 6:43 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Captured Video Shows Iraqi Insurgents Firing Sophisticated Iranian-Made Rockets at U.S. Positions
Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Dramatic video produced by Iraqi insurgents and captured in a raid earlier this week by U.S. troops clearly shows a battery of sophisticated Iranian-made rocket launchers firing on American positions east of Baghdad, Pentagon officials said Wednesday.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292513,00.html?sPage=fnc.world/iran

-- August 8, 2007 8:14 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

In case you hadn't heard it:

New Republic Freelancer Recants Tales of American Military Savagery
By Matthew Sheffield
August 7, 2007

Can't say we haven't seen this before: Scott Thomas Beauchamp, a writer for the New Republic, has recanted his tales of American military savagery according to the Weekly Standard (h/t Powerline):

The Weekly Standard has learned from a military source close to the investigation that Pvt. Scott Thomas Beauchamp--author of the much-disputed "Shock Troops" article in the New Republic's July 23 issue as well as two previous "Baghdad Diarist" columns--signed a sworn statement admitting that all three articles he published in the New Republic were exaggerations and falsehoods--fabrications containing only "a smidgen of truth," in the words of our source.

Separately, we received this statement from Major Steven F. Lamb, the deputy Public Affairs Officer for Multi National Division-Baghdad:

An investigation has been completed and the allegations made by PVT Beauchamp were found to be false. His platoon and company were interviewed and no one could substantiate the claims.

According to the military source, Beauchamp's recantation was volunteered on the first day of the military's investigation. So as Beauchamp was in Iraq signing an affidavit denying the truth of his stories, the New Republic was publishing a statement from him on its website on July 26, in which Beauchamp said, "I'm willing to stand by the entirety of my articles for the New Republic using my real name."

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-sheffield/2007/08/07/new-republic-freelancer-recantstales

-- August 8, 2007 9:04 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

I HAVE NEVER QUIT READING THE T&B...
just have not had much to say....everything you see going on was predicted two years ago...

I have no desire to discuss points on religious views...as I wil leave you to your own beliefs...it is not for me to say your views are wrong or right...I can only say I have my own path...

There have been a lot of mistakes made both on the US side and the Iraqi side...hopefully all have learned and moved on to different approaches in trying to bring the country together...

time will tell

-- August 8, 2007 11:01 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, should I fear someone in whom I have put my trust in? Someone whom does not want me to perish. I also believe that God puts Presidents and rulers in office and also removes them to accomplish His perfect plan toward His return. You and Valerio have great posts. Good to hear from you Carl.

-- August 9, 2007 12:54 AM ∞

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David wrote:

Holy cow - I check the board and it's like I've gone back in time! Carl, Valerio, Willie, PanHandler, Roger... Tim Bitts ought to be next, along with madbrad, Dale, Okie, Outlaw, Bill1, RON and Turtle. Maybe I can be in my 30s again when that happens!

David

-- August 9, 2007 2:02 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carl;

Thank you that you still read the board. I do see so much of what we discussed from a year or two ago coming into being now in the news, too. I agree there have been mistakes made in Iraq.. but I still believe the Iraqis are better off now than if they had been left under Saddam.. even with the mistakes being taken into account.

Willie - I thought you knew the Bible better? Surely you know it says in the Bible that "perfect love casts out all fear" yet it ALSO says to "Fear God, honor the king." Yet, this is NOT a contradiction.

1Jo 4:17 In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

1Pe 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

This says we have our Love made perfect in Christ and it is a love which has no fear in it. But also we are told in the second passage to fear God. You can see that the fear of God is not a fear with torment in it.. the problem is that the word fear is often taken to mean this UNgodly, slavish, torment kind of fear.

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Do you not understand that this and the other references to "godly fear" are in view in ALL the Scripture passages which speak of fearing God? What other fear can it be when we fear God.. BUT Godly fear? (Fear God with.. UNgodly fear?) Define.. GODLY fear.. if you will. For surely if there is such a thing as GODLY fear, that means there is such a thing as UN-Godly fear. Surely then you can understand that the term when used in the Bible is not in the meaning of tormented fear when it says to "Fear God".

I prefer to think of it as more like our English word respect. For instance, firefighters "respect" fire - what it can do, what it is capable of. They do not underestimate its abilities. They respect it as a force to be reckoned with. To not respect it is foolhardy and could cost them their lives. Firefighters are not in tormented "fear" over fire - they don't act in stupid ways concerning it, but they respect it for what it can do. They burn buildings to watch and figure out how fire behaves (fire science). They STUDY it so they are able to be around it without being burnt and can predict its behavior when they come into direct contact with it in a burning building. If they do not understand how it can creep into the walls and weaken portions of the flooring they could end up falling to their deaths because it can burn the boards out from under them if they are not careful. There is a lot of thinking went into teaching the average person not to open a door which has a fire behind it.. it can blow into the room instantly like an explosion, making the people inside into cinders in seconds, like a firestorm in a forest. So, like the firefighter with his view of respect toward fire, I think that kind of respect is one aspect of "fear" which is envisioned when it says, "Fear God" in the passages about fearing Him. But, of course, that understanding is inadequate because God is not just a force like fire, but a person. But perhaps it is a good simile to use as God uses it in the passage I just quoted which speaks of Godly fear AND a simile to fire:

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

I think you were equating my references to the Bible's admonitions to "fear God" with slavish fear which has torment in it, when you ask why you should fear the One whom you trust, who does not wish you to perish.. that suprises me since it is a command of God to all His people to fear Him and there are very many, MANY Scripture passages which tell us to do so (over 100 when I did a search on the term) - none of which have been removed from force in this world or the world to come. God often uses our human words to try to convey what He is and requires of us, but fear in the sense I think you were taking it is not correctly interpreting what I had to say.. or what the Scriptures are saying. We cannot pick and choose the parts of Scripture we will obey or believe.. it is a whole. And both perfect love (which has no fear with torment) and fear (with reverence).. a godly fear (like of a consuming fire) are necessary understandings to hold of God which are taken directly from passages of the Word of Truth.

As for the word DREAD (which is used in the passage I quoted), to DREAD God reminds me of how I used to dread final exams. That motivated me to study harder and once in college I really dreaded the end of the year exam in a very hard subject. I studied very hard for that exam and felt good about it when I completed it. I received the exam back with a grade of 100% on it, and then the DEAN of the school came in and addressed the classroom. He ranted and raved about how no one was ever capable of getting 100% on an exam unless the exam was flawed. He ridiculed and was very angry about that mark. I remember sinking into my seat and hiding my paper from sight. The "teacher's pet" turned around in his seat in the midst of that rant and asked me, "Are you the one who got the 100%?" and I remember looking like a deer caught in the headlights of a car and just nodding. He sniffed and turned around. I took comfort from the fact that God would be pleased I had done my best and achieved such a good mark. And I knew how much work it had been and how my dread of it had motivated me to work for the best grade I was capable of. In a similar way, our works here may not be praised by men, but I think there is yet another judgement on our works.. and it is then that the proper use of the "dread" of God will be seen for what it should be.

Sara.

-- August 9, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Are Attitudes on Iraq Changing?
Thursday August 9, 2007
By TOM RAUM

WASHINGTON (AP) - Even some critics of President Bush's Iraq war policies are conceding there is evidence of recent improvements from a military standpoint. But Bush supporters and critics alike agree that these have not been matched by any noticeable progress on the political front.

Despite U.S. pressure, Iraq's parliament went on vacation for a month after failing to pass either legislation to share the nation's oil wealth or to reconcile differences among the factions. And nearly all Sunni representatives in the government have quit, undermining the legitimacy of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite.

Still, there have been signs of changes in attitudes, some on the ground in Iraq, some in the United States:

-Two critics of Bush's recent handling of Iraq, Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, both of the Brookings Institution, penned an op-ed opinion piece in The New York Times suggesting after a visit that ``we are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms.'' They recommended Congress sustain the current troop buildup ``at least into 2008.''

-Leading anti-war Democrat Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania predicted that U.S. commanders will begin drawing down troop levels early next year and that Congress can be more flexible in setting a fixed deadline for ending the U.S. occupation.

-Polls suggest that Bush has had some degree of success in linking Islamic militants in Iraq with the al-Qaida terrorist movement.

After sliding to just 28 percent in June, within range of an all-time low, Bush's job approval rating on handling Iraq rose slightly to 31 percent in July, according to AP-Ipsos polling. And a recent CBS/NYT poll showed an increase in the percentage of Americans who think the U.S. did the right thing in going to war with Iraq, up to 42 percent from 35 percent in May.

``I don't claim our recommendation to keep surging into 2008 is a no-brainer. That can be debated. But I think people's opinions need to catch up with the battlefield facts,'' O'Hanlon said in an interview.

The op-ed piece he wrote with Pollack has been widely circulated by war supporters but denounced by many war critics. ``As long as people start to get a sense that what's happening on the battlefield is different and better than what it was, then I feel like we've made our contribution,'' said O'Hanlon.

What lawmakers hear from their constituents during the next month could do a lot to shape the Iraq debate ahead of receiving that report.

Petraeus asserted that ``we are making progress. We have achieved tactical momentum in many areas, especially against al-Qaida Iraq, and to a lesser degree against the militia extremists.''

Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute, a Virginia-based think tank that follows defense issues, cites ``significant progress'' on the military front. ``There's the backlash against al-Qaida in Anbar Province. There's a reduction in attacks in Baghdad. And there's the ongoing stabilization efforts in the suburban belt around Baghdad,'' Thompson said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,,-6837371,00.html

-- August 9, 2007 11:13 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

U.S soldiers kill Iran backed insurgents in Iraq
Kyrgyzstan News.Net
Wednesday 8th August, 2007

U.S-led forces have killed about 30 militants in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

An air strike was responsible for most of the killings but a combined ground raid in the Shia district of Sadr City also saw twelve people being taken into custody.

The U.S military said the dead were part of a network that was smuggling weapons from Iran and one of the main targets was a man who acted as a liaison between Iraqi militants and the elite Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

The violence came as Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki held security talks in Iran.

US commanders have recently accused Iran of stepping up its support for Iraqi militias; allegations Iran has always denied.

http://www.kyrgyzstannews.net/story/271938

-- August 9, 2007 11:19 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Those poll numbers in that last post were interesting in light of this Aug 4 post:

===

Unreported Poll: Congress Gets 3% Approval Rating For Handling Iraq War
By Noel Sheppard
August 4, 2007

If in the run-up to last year's elections a poll identified a three percent approval rating for the way Congress - which was controlled by Republicans at the time in case you forgot - was handling the war in Iraq, do you think you would have heard about it?

Maybe on every morning and evening news program for days, and on the front pages of every newspaper, correct?

Well, on Wednesday, Zogby International released the results of a stunning new poll that got virtually no attention.

Why?

Because it identified that virtually nobody in America thinks Congress - which is now currently controlled by Democrats in case you forgot - is doing a good job concerning Iraq (emphasis added throughout, h/t Glenn Reynolds):

Just 24% give the president favorable ratings of his performance in handling the war in Iraq, but confidence in Congress is significantly worse - only 3% give Congress positive marks for how it has handled the war.

That's right. Eight times as many people think the president is doing a good job handling the war in Iraq than those who feel Congress is.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/08/04/unreported-poll-congress-gets-3-approval-ratin g-handling-iraq-war

By contrast, the latest poll just quoted says, quote, "Bush's job approval rating on handling Iraq rose slightly to 31 percent in July" (from the 24% quoted in this article's poll) and "the percentage of Americans who think the U.S. did the right thing in going to war with Iraq, up to 42 percent from 35 percent in May."

Sounds positive for Iraq, its people.. and the Iraqi Dinar. God willing. :)

Sara.

-- August 9, 2007 12:05 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

If Iraq's oil law was not going to go and everything were so very negative as the media would have us to believe.. why are the Russians courting so hard that they might get a part of the pie?

Iraq Says LUKoil Will Get a Fair Shake
Thursday, August 9, 2007. Issue 3717. Page 1.
By Anna Smolchenko
Staff Writer

Iraq's oil minister arrived in Moscow late Wednesday for talks with Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and senior oil executives and said he would offer new terms for Russian companies seeking to work in the war-torn country.

Officials from a consortium of three Russian companies -- LUKoil, Zarubezhneft and Mashinoimport -- are expected to meet on Thursday with Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani in a bid to regain access to the country's oil fields.

In particular, the companies will be hoping to revive a $4 billion deal to develop the 600,000 barrel-per-day West Qurna field, which was scrapped by dictator Saddam Hussein shortly before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

If LUKoil proposes projects that are competitive enough, it will get the contracts, Shahristani said.

LUKoil will likely be hoping to make use of its 20 percent U.S. shareholder, ConocoPhillips, to ease its way back into the country. LUKoil has offered Conoco a 17.5 percent stake in the West Qurna project.

In May, the Iraqi government said it was not prepared to accept a Russian offer to forgive $10 billion in Hussein-era debt in exchange for giving Russian companies access to another major oil field, in Rumaila, Reuters reported.

The visit comes as the Iraqi government readies a new law governing foreign investment in the country's oil industry, which has struggled to recover from underinvestment under Hussein and disruption by terrorist attacks under the U.S.-led occupation.

In April, LUKoil signed a partnership deal with the Foreign Ministry and said it counted on its support as it prepared for talks to revive the West Qurna oil deal. The ministry has praised the proposed investment law and urged Iraq to guarantee equal opportunities to all foreign oil companies.

Officials at the Russian companies said Wednesday that they hoped Shahristani would help to clarify the rules of the game for Russian and other foreign investors in Iraq.

"The Russian companies need to go back to Iraq," said Yevgeny Shestov, an official with Mashinoimport. "Any rules are better than no rules at all."

Analysts said it was not clear, however, to what extent the Iraqi government would welcome investment from Russia, which strongly opposed the U.S.-led military campaign to oust Hussein.

The Industry and Energy Ministry appeared eager Wednesday to keep the talks with Shahristani low-profile. A spokesman for the ministry only said the ministers planned to discuss energy security and declined to elaborate ahead of the meeting.

An official at the Iraqi Embassy said Shahristani would meet with a series of energy executives, but declined to elaborate further on his "busy schedule."

Senior LUKoil officials, including Andrei Kuzyayev, head of LUKoil Overseas, planned to take part in the talks with Shahristani, company spokesman Vladimir Semakov said. It was not clear whether company CEO Vagit Alekperov would cut short his vacation to come to the meeting, Semakov said.

Semakov said LUKoil would create some 2,000 jobs for Iraqis in one field at West Qurna alone. The company has invested "tens of millions of dollars" in the project but would plow in much more in the future, he said.

http://www.moscowtimes.ru/stories/2007/08/09/002.html

-- August 9, 2007 12:13 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Worth the bandwidth to reproduce even if all you do is read the highlighting..
but I hope you read it all.. good read.

Sara.

===

The Surge Succeeds
By J.R. Dunn
July 24, 2007

God looks after children, drunkards, and the United States of America
- Otto von Bismarck

It's now quite clear how the results of the surge will be dealt with by domestic opponents of the Iraq war.

They're going to be ignored.

They're being ignored now. Virtually no media source or Democratic politician (and not a few Republicans, led by Richard "I can always backtrack" Lugar) is willing to admit that the situation on the ground has changed dramatically over the past three months. Coalition efforts have undergone a remarkable reversal of fortune, a near-textbook example as to how an effective strategy can overcome what appear to be overwhelming drawbacks.

Anbar is close to being secured, thanks to the long-ridiculed strategy of recruiting local sheiks. A capsule history of war coverage could be put together from stories on this topic alone - beginning with sneers, moving on to "evidence" that it would never work, to the puzzled pieces of the past few months admitting that something was happening, and finally the recent stories expressing concern that the central government might be "offended" by the attention being paid former Sunni rebels. (Try to find another story in the legacy media worrying about the feelings of the Iraqi government.) What you will not find is any mention of the easily-grasped fact that Anbar acts as a blueprint for the rest of the country. If the process works there, it will work elsewhere. If it works in other areas, that means the destruction of the Jihadis in detail.

Nor is that all. Diyala province, promoted in media as the "new Al-Queda stronghold" appears to have become a death-trap. The Jihadis can neither defend it nor abandon it. The Coalition understood that Diyala was where the Jihadis would flee when the heat came down in Baghdad, and they were ready for them. A major element of surge strategy - and one reason why the extra infantry brigades were needed - is to pressure Jihadis constantly in all their sanctuaries, allowing them no time to rest or regroup.

A blizzard of operations is occurring throughout central Iraq under the overall code-name Phantom Thunder, the largest operation since the original invasion. It is open-ended, and will continue as long as necessary. Current ancillary operations include Arrowhead Ripper, which is securing the city of Baqubah in Diyala province. Operation Alljah is methodically clearing out every last neighborhood in Fallujah. In Babil province, southeast of Baghdad, operations Marne Torch and Commando Eagle are underway. (As this was being written, yet another spinoff operation, Marne Avalanche, began in Northern Babil.)

The Coalition has left the treadmill in which one step of progress seemed to unavoidably lead to two steps back. It requires some time to discover the proper strategy in any war. A cursory glance at 1943 would have given the impression of disaster. Kasserine, in which the German Wehrmacht nearly split Allied forces in Tunisia and sent American GIs running. Tarawa, where over 1,600 U.S. Marines died on a sunny afternoon thanks to U.S. Navy overconfidence. Salerno, where the Allied landing force was very nearly pushed back into the sea. But all these incidents, as bitter as they may have been, were necessary to develop the proper techniques that led to the triumphs of 1944 and 1945.

Someday, 2006 may be seen as Iraq's 1943. It appears that Gen. David Petreaus has discovered the correct strategy for Iraq: engaging the Jihadis all over the map as close to simultaneously as possible. Keeping them on the run constantly, giving them no place to stand, rest or refit. Increasing operational tempo to an extent that they cannot match ("Getting inside their decision cycle", as the 4th generation warfare school would call it), leaving them harried, uncertain, and apt to make mistakes.

The surge is more of a refinement than a novelty. Earlier Coalition efforts were not in error as much as they were incomplete. American troops would clean out an area, turn it over to an Iraqi unit, and depart. The Jihadis would then push out the unseasoned Iraqis and return to business. This occurred in Fallujah, Tall Afar, and endless times in Ramadi.

Now U.S. troops are remaining on site, which reassures the locals and encourages cooperation. The Jihadis broke (and more than likely never knew) the cardinal rule of insurgency warfare, that of being a good guest. As Mao put it, "The revolutionary must be as a fish among the water of the peasantry." The Jihadis have been lampreys to the Iraqi people. Proselytizing, forcing adaptation of their reactionary creed, engaging in torture, kidnapping, and looting. Arabic culture is one in which open dealings, personal loyalty, and honor are at a premium. Violate any of them, and there is no way back. The Jihadis violated them all. The towns and cities of Iraq are no longer sanctuaries.

The results have begun to come in. On July 4, Khaled al-Mashhadani, the most senior Iraqi in Al-Queda, was captured in Mosul. On July 14, Abu Jurah, a senior Al-Queda leader in the area south of Baghdad, was killed in a coordinated strike by artillery, helicopters, and fighter-bombers. These blows to the leadership are the direct outgrowth of Jihadi brutality and the new confidence among the Iraqis in what they have begun to call the "al-Ameriki tribe".
We will see more of this in the weeks ahead. The Jihadis have come up with no effective counterstrategy, and the old methods have begun to lose mana. The last massive truck-bomb attack occurred not in Baghdad, but in a small Diyala village that defied Al-Queda. An insurgency in the position of using its major weapons to punish noncombatants is not in a winning situation.

You will look long and hard to find any of this in the legacy media. Apart from a handful of exceptions (such as John F. Burns of the New York Times), it's simply not being covered. Those operational names would come across as bizarre to the average reader, the gains they have made impossible to fit into the worldview that has been peddled unceasingly by the dead tree fraternity. What the media is concentrating on - and will to continue to concentrate on, in defiance of sense, protest, and logic, to the bitter end - is peripheral stories such as the Democrat's Senate pajama party, (url) reassertions of the claim that the war has "helped" Al-Queda, (url) and the latest proclamation from the world's greatest fence-sitter. (url - see below)

The situation as it stands is very close to that of the final phase of Vietnam. Having for several years confused that country's triple-layer jungle with the rolling plains of northwest Europe, William Westmoreland in 1968 turned over command to Creighton Abrams. Though also a veteran of the advance against Germany (he had been Patton's favorite armored commander), Abrams lacked his predecessor's taste for vast (not to mention futile) multi-unit sweeps. After carrying out a careful analysis, Abrams reworked Allied strategy to embody the counterinsurgency program advocated by Marine general Victor Krulak and civilian advisor John Paul Vann.

Abram's war was one of small units moving deep into enemy territory, running down enemy forces and then calling in massive American firepower in the form of artillery or fighter-bombers for the final kill.(Anyone wishing for a detailed portrayal of this style of operations should pick up David Hackworth's Steel My Soldiers' Hearts. It will surprise no one to learn that Hackworth claims that the strategy was his idea and that he had to fight the entire U.S. military establishment to see it through, but it's a good read all the same.) This was a strategy that played to American strengths, one that went after the enemy where he lived. By 1970, Abrams had chased the bulk of the Vietnamese communists across the border into Cambodia and Laos.

But Vietnam also had its ruling narrative, one that had no room for successful combat operations. That narrative had been born in 1968, at the time of the Tet offensive. Tet was a nationwide operation intended by North Vietnamese commander Nguyen Vo Giap to encourage the Vietnamese people to join with the Viet Cong and PAVN in overthrowing the government. It was an utter rout, with the communists losing something in the order of 60,000 men. The Viet Cong were crippled as a military force, and never did recover.

But panicky reporters, many of whom had never set foot on a battlefield (not to mention figures at ease with manipulating the facts, such as Peter Arnett), were badly shaken by the opening moves of the offensive, among them an abortive attack on the U.S. embassy grounds at Saigon. Their reportage, broadcast and printed nationwide, portrayed a miserable defeat for the U.S. and its allies, with the Viet Cong and PAVN striking where they pleased and making off at their leisure. The media portrait of a beleaguered American war effort was never corrected, and became the consensus view. (This process was analyzed in detail in Peter Braestrup's Big Story, one of the most crucial -- and overlooked -- media studies ever to see print.) After Tet, there could be no victories.

The success of the Abrams strategy was buried for twenty years and more, as the myth of utter U.S. defeat was put in concrete by "experts" such as Stanley Karnow, Frances FitzGerald, and Neil Sheehan. Only with the appearance of revisionist works such as Lewis Sorley's A Better War and Mark Moyar's Triumph Forsaken has the record begun to be set straight.

That was how it was played at the close of the Vietnam War. That's how it's being played today.

And what do they want, exactly? What is the purpose of playing so fast and loose with the public safety, national security, and human lives both American and foreign?

Generally, when someone repeats a formula, it's because they want to repeat a result. And that's what the American left wants in this case. During the mid-70s, American liberals held political control to an extent they had not experienced since the heyday of FDR. The GOP was disgraced and demoralized. The Democrats held the Senate, the House, and the presidency. There was absolutely nothing standing in the way of their maintaining complete power for as long as anyone could foresee... until Jimmy Carter's incompetence proved itself, which caused the whole shabby and illusory structure to fell apart in a welter of ineptitude and childishness.

The American left wants a return to the 1970s -- without Jimmy Carter. (Okay, without disco, either.) They want a cowed GOP. They want control of the institutions and the branches. They want a miserable, defeated country they can manipulate. And they want it all under the gaze not of the Saint of Plains, but of Hillary Rodham Clinton, who can assure that left-wing predominance will continue for a generation or more.

Will they get it? That's a question worth some thought. Because as it stands, neither of the program's necessary elements is coming to fruition. The war is not being lost, and their great political scandal has fizzled.

The other half of the equation was Watergate. Vietnam would not have been anywhere near as much a disaster without it. Watergate paralyzed the Nixon administration. It turned Nixon himself from an odd, unlikable, but incredibly capable politician to a half-crazed ghost sobbing in the Oval office in the middle of the night. It transformed his last great triumph -- the Paris peace accords that ended the war on an acceptable standoff -- into ashes. The left wing of the Democratic Party, shepherded by people like George McGovern and Mark Hatfield, proceeded to undercut the settlement as quickly as they could manage. Two separate appropriations acts passed in June 1973 cut off all further aid to the countries of Southeast Asia. (A third such act passed in August 1974 has gained more attention but it only duplicated the effects of the first two.) From that point on it was a matter of time. Nixon resigned a little over a year later. Less than a year after that, in April 1975, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia all fell.

(The price tag for this, which liberals don't care to bring up, was over 2 million dead in Cambodia, 165,000 dead in Vietnam, another 200,000 plus drowned and murdered on the high seas during the exodus of the boat people. Laotian numbers can only be estimated but must have been in the thousands. The price of Indochinese "peace" was nearly twice that of the war itself.)

And that, in case you were wondering, is what Plamegate was about. The Democrats needed a scandal - and not merely a run-of-the-mill, everyday scandal, but a mega-scandal, a hyper-scandal, something that would utterly cripple the administration and leave it open to destruction in detail. The targets were Karl Rove and Dick Cheney, held by the MoveOn crowd to be the actual brains behind Adolf W. Chimp. When nothing at all could be dug up on the administration principals, the scandal was effectively over. Knocking off a vice-presidential aide might cause excitement within the Beltway, but nobody in the real world could be expected to care. It may be a bitter thought to I. Lewis Libby that he was taken down through sheer proximity, like a bystander during a drive-by shooting, but it was in the very best of causes. Libby's sacrifice not only saved the administration, it may well save tens of thousands of Middle Eastern lives in the years to come. (This also explains why the President was so circumspect in dealing with the investigation - he knew exactly what the opposition was up to, and could afford to give them no ammunition whatsoever.)

Plamegate ended last Thursday with a judge throwing Plame's suit out of court on strictly technical grounds. (This is something of a disappointment - I would really have liked to see what that pair of hustlers would do when cross-examined by a competent defense attorney.) People like John Conyers are trying to create a conflagration by blowing on the embers of the attorney firings and the vice-presidential subpoenas. To no avail. Scandals, like forest fires, occur only when conditions are perfect. Through their failed efforts, the liberals have in effect set a backfire, surrounding the administration with wide barriers of burned-over ground. The Democrats themselves have rendered Bush unassailable, and all the slumber parties, the empty votes, and the rhetoric are intended to camouflage that fact. Bush will have hard days yet, but he will not be Nixonized. He will be able to fight his war as he sees fit.

That means a continuation of the surge, and of the strategy of General Petreaus. Will that be enough? It's impossible to say. But the past few months have been the most surprising in the entire Iraq saga to date. I have a feeling that Al-Queda (and the media, and the Democrats), will have a few more surprises coming in the months ahead.

J.R. Dunn is consulting editor of American Thinker.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/07/the_surge_succeeds.html

I agree with this assessment, and point out this last fact as worthy of double note - "The Democrats themselves have rendered Bush unassailable, and all the slumber parties, the empty votes, and the rhetoric are intended to camouflage that fact. Bush will have hard days yet, but he will not be Nixonized."

President Bush will not be impeached, nor will the terrorists successfully attack US soil while he is the President. This is partly because it would be foolish to do so because it would galvanize public opinion behind the President and focus it against them (the thing the terrorists least wish to happen) - partly because of the measures President Bush has put in place to protect the American people, and there are other reasons as well.

Sara.

-- August 9, 2007 1:01 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

The position of the new Iraqi dinar Unit http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.taakhinews.org%2Fpages%2Fecnome.htm&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

-- August 9, 2007 1:20 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

WP Admits Sunni Fighters Are Allying With US
From a deeply shocked Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/08/AR2007080802549.html?nav=rss_print/asection

Sunni Fighters Find Strategic Benefits in Tentative Alliance With U.S.
By Ann Scott Tyson
Thursday, August 9, 2007; A01

BAQUBAH, Iraq — The Sunni insurgent leader lifted up his T-shirt, revealing a pistol stuck in his belt, and explained to a U.S. sergeant visiting his safe house why he’d stopped attacking Americans.

“Finally, we decided to cooperate with American forces and kick al-Qaeda out and have our own country,” said the tough-talking, confident 21-year-old, giving only his nom de guerre, Abu Lwat. Then he offered another motive: “In the future, we want to have someone in the government,” he said, holding his cigarette with a hand missing one finger.

Abu Lwat is one of a growing number of Sunni fighters working with U.S. forces in what American officers call a last-ditch effort to gain power and legitimacy under Iraq’s Shiite-dominated government. The tentative cooperation between the fighters and American forces is driven as much by political aspirations as by a rejection of the brutal methods of the Sunni insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq, U.S. officers and onetime insurgents said.

“This is much less about al-Qaeda overstepping than about them [Sunnis] realizing that they’ve lost,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Ollivant, a planner for the U.S. military command in Baghdad. As a result, Sunni groups are now “desperately trying to cut deals with us,” he said. “This is all about the Sunnis’ ‘rightful’ place to rule” in a future Iraqi government, he said.

Across Iraq, a variety of Sunni insurgent groups, political parties and tribes are coming forward to help provide fighters for local policing efforts, with an estimated 5,000 having been rallied in Baghdad alone in recent months, according to Col. Rick Welch, head of reconciliation for the U.S. military command in the capital…

Former insurgents like Abu Lwat are making a push for influence in Baqubah, the capital of Diyala province. Sunni insurgent groups and Shiite militias have fought fiercely for territory here against each other and U.S. forces. But earlier this year, leaders of the 1920 Revolution Brigades, with an estimated several thousand fighters, started cooperating with U.S. forces.

Abu Lwat, who fought with the 1920 group, said he had grown disillusioned after seeing his community decimated. “When first al-Qaeda got here, they called themselves the mujaheddin and said they would fight for the country. All the people liked them,” Abu Lwat said. But what followed were executions and beheadings of local leaders, bans on smoking and mandatory veils for women that defied true Islamic values and “killed the life here,” he said.

“We have no people in government now, so we are trying to do as much as we can to tell people to join the army and police,” Abu Lwat said. “That way, they can control the area and government, and American forces can go back to their country.” …

So, soon after U.S. and Iraqi forces moved into western Baqubah recently to conduct a large-scale offensive designed to flush out insurgents, Abu Lwat came to the area with about 40 fighters.

Within two weeks, 400 to 500 fighters were encamped in groups of about a dozen at about 30 or 40 safe houses in western Baqubah, with several more joining every day. The fighters are loosely organized around leaders such as Abu Lwat, who recruit them, U.S. military officials said.

U.S. troops say the armed locals have moved quickly to help find roadside bombs and prevent insurgents from returning to the neighborhood, especially from al-Qaeda in Iraq and an umbrella group it is said to have founded, the Islamic State of Iraq. The former insurgents “knew where the caches were, they knew all the names of the al-Qaeda leaders,” said Capt. Zane Galvach, a platoon leader for the Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Until the recent U.S. offensive, the Islamic State had a strong grip on western Baqubah, lacing the area with dozens of deeply buried bombs and houses rigged to explode.

In a sign that the Islamic State feels threatened, leaflets bearing its name were dropped one night in mid-July at an intersection in Baqubah. One flier found by U.S. soldiers chastised residents for their “alliance with the groups such as the 1920 Revolution Brigade” …

==end quote===

That the Washington Post would run such an in-depth story on their front page shows that the improvements in Iraq from the “surge” are undeniable.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Thursday, August 9th, 2007.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/wp-admits-sunni-fighters-are-allying-with-us

-- August 9, 2007 2:09 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Do I understand you to say that the antichrist will not be a human?

Also, on what evidence are you basing your opinion that Bush is a Godly man,more specifically, a Christian as scipturally defined? I would love nothing better than to have you present some real hard core evidence. not just that he says he has faith or that he goes to church. Ex. Regan gave a testimony as to his conversion. And someone who is going to compare Bush to Lincoln needs to read the words of Lincoln as he describes his relationship with the "Savior" and present something comparable done or said by Bush.

Scripture ( Paul) exhorts us to test the spirits to see if they are real.

Valerio:

There is a vast difference between God's permissive will and His imposed will. Not to recognize this eliminates our accountablity and makes us robots who can not bring glory to God through our determined submission and obedience. Make sense?

Willie:

There are different kinds of fear. Some are very healthy and some are necessary fears to be obedient and motivated to live a godly life.

The Bible says that fear is the beginging of knowledge. Fearing the love of God and His redemptive gift and powers is never to be feared, doubted or shunned. It is to be sought after as ther is no greater love. :)

Carl,

I respect yourt decision not to discuss religion, even though as you discuss the Islamic invasion onto this world, you are doing exactly that.

The real issue is that you do not want to discuss the Christian faith. I respect that.

Carole

-- August 9, 2007 5:36 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Sara, Yes I do read the Bible, and I don't claim to be a scholar. God continues to show me revelations as I seek Him like the Bereans. I wanted to see where Carole was in her understanding as perhaps I might learn instead of keeping a closed mind as some denominations teach. It is either their way or that person is damned. God is not in the business of keeping people out of the Kingdom. He is multifacted like a diamond. One thing I have learned in my walk and that is that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. Because someone has walked many years does not make that person more holier than a new christian. I have seeked answers to questions for years and I have yet gotten answers. Either He has decided it is not the time to reveal them, or I just have not been listening or observing. But to others this same question was answered early in their walk. And perhaps certain things will never be revealed. Can we agree sister?

-- August 9, 2007 10:28 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Sara
God uses people in different ways. There has been times in my life where people have asked me to pray for them and literally no words came out of my mouth. Then their were times that the Holy Ghost took over and I knew not what I was saying but the end result was effectual. I am glad that God has decided to use you in a greater way. I am doing my very best as to what God has given me in every aspect of my being.

-- August 9, 2007 10:54 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Yes you touched on a very important point, when it comes to crazy economics.

I mentioned some time ago that if you put crazies to run Communism, you will get insane communism. If you put apes to run a democracy, you will get ape style democracy, and if you put intelligent Nazi's to run a Nazi regime, you will get a very intelligent Nazism.

It all boils down to the individual.

Any organization have a tendency to be a stronger force than an individual, and will enforce the common rationale on the individual.

Many subjects have been corrupted in our teachings, and I'm sure the older ones around here can easily pinpoint a lot of valuable values that is no longer taught, or practiced in school.

Music is a very exact doctrine where notes can be described directly onto paper and duplicated by the next person.

What is commercially pushed today is songs that a punk wrote on a napkin in the elevator to the studio.

Math is taught today in a form the student will never use.

Our nations own language is in a lot of cases, not even preferred. Spanish is spoken instead.

What food that is good or bad for us, is an outstanding example of confused education. I'm sure most of us have at one time or the other said, -"What is good and healthy for us today, is bad and harmful for us tomorrow".

Economics, the very basic of economic teachings have gone the same way, in the international blur of Socialism, Communism, and all the other -isms, there are out there, and have today been blended into a mumbo jumbo that have accepted norms that would make any housewife caring for the family household budget go bananas if she would follow those rules.

Economics today on a global scale is practiced very much according to doctrines some professor that wanted to make a name of himself have put down in one of his Doctorate Papers.

Economics is like a handgun, the gun itself does not have any feelings, or sense of justice, it just functions in a certain way.

Political and social demands have re-formed economics to fit the form or mold of the interested party.

So today we're dealing with a nutty version of economics on how to fix up Iraq, and the nuts are sitting in WB, IMF and CBI.

The solution is simple, RV the darn thing, but in the meanwhile we have to deal with the educated idiots that knows better.

You know it, I know it, the housewife knows it, the small business owner knows it, but the realization on how to do it, first have to go through a grey mass of confusion in institutions where modern educated people are sitting and following their doctrines.

Iraq is in a very unique situation, a country en-capsuled in time for some odd 25 years or so, and they are screaming for modernization, but the basis on the "how to" is very limited.

So they are trusting the outside world for advice, and are listening like an 8 year old on instructions for the first time on his dirt bike.

Anything is true, because they have no experience to draw on and compare.

So here comes the hardcore institutionalized (If we can call WB, IMF that of course)economic guys all schooled in a university with 99% Socialist professors.

And now they're suppose to "fix" Iraq, ...I'm impressed.

Problem is, how do you tell a PhD in economics that he is wrong?

You really can't because he got the job on the assumption that he knows what he is doing, and he was hired, by someone that assumes that he knows what he is doing, and he will defend his job, by saying that what he is doing is right.

All other PhD,s along side him will defend him also because they all went to the same class, they all read the same thing and they all have fun stories about this adorable economic professor.

I guess the sens-morale of the story is: If you really want to take down a civilization, all you have to do is to is to go to their schools and alter their accumulated wisdom.

-- August 10, 2007 12:21 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

You can of course discuss religion as a social issue, that doesnt mean you have to go into the religion itself.

-- August 10, 2007 12:38 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Economics and China.

US is a place where households have almost no savings, the population is in most instances living one or two paychecks from bankruptcy.

"Buy now", "No money, no problem".

You push what you want to sell.

Push SUV,s daily in the TV commercials, and soon half of the population sits in aerodynamic disastrous vehicles, that drinks gas, and are hauling around a creation designed for off road driving, in stop and go traffic in the suburbs.

Push the idea that you have to have a good credit rating. Push that it is very important to survive with a good credit rating and soon you want a good credit rating.

(Credit rating is a rating of a person , to what degree he can sustain a life on credit, basically, how much a person likes to be in debt, with other words: to what degree can this person be in the hole and still function)

The Chinese threat is real in that sense that the Chinese is making the stuff very cheap, ship it over here, and we buy it on credit.

The Chinese can continue to do so BECAUSE their currency is artificially set so low that their stuff is a bargain here, so we buy more of it, and our credited money goes to China.

The fun part of it now is that our money will eventually be China's.

China's problem here is then that they already have a currency of their own, the one they are using to pay their own workers, and as it is so low set, they will hoard valuable Dollars in their vaults, while turning around and pay their own people very little.

Our problem ( self inflicted) is that we are starting to be dependent on China for day to day items, and if the source would dry up we would have empty shelves.

We don't produce that stuff our self, and the Chinese production of consumer goods have taken over the whole world more or less.

The request to China is to level the play field, and stop manipulating their currency.

For our part, that is a fair request, but it holds to it the remedy for our own economy. We must then our self start to produce day to day items.

I'm afraid that the thinkers and actors in this, might be confused and don't take it to step two.

For the Chinese it is the same as the Iraqis situation, their currency is not buying much, and the internal domestic situation in China must eventually start to boil over, with a demand from the working man, to get some spoils for all their effort they are producing.

We can see the Chinese US trade as a very loop sided trade relationship where we on our part will never be motivated to start our own domestic production of knick knacks, and the Chinese with the US as the far far biggest trading partner, don't want to lose the Golden Egg.

However it is by economic nature, a relationship that will and can not continue in it's current form.

The fear in China is that if they revalue their currency, they will suddenly not be able to compete like they have been able to up to this point, and a lot of production factories have to slim down, or close because of non profitable business.

Our fear is a complete drainage of our currency, and the fact that another country will have power over our decisions by holding a firm grip on our balls so to say.

It doesn't matter if the Chinese call us Chinese bashers, or start with threats, we the US have provided them with their wealth, and by choice they have sold their stuff to us, by choice we have bought the stuff from them.

A thank you is more in order than threats, but China have always done what is good for China, and are very weak on the international scene.

They have more or less been an obstacle with UN vetoes and such things, while the US and Europe have been more deeply involved in international issues.

As China and the US have such a strong trade, and are so intensively ( for now at least) dependent on each other, one solution would actually be to start using the US dollar in China.

That would probably not happen, as a countrys currency is a matter of pride, but it would work, as this would now be in an economic sense an internal affair, where the currency would be the same with all the involving parties.

The other option, and the most probable one is that China will be completely bent on continuing to control it's currency, but the play field would be completely level if they then peg their currency one to one with our Dollar, and keep it there.

That would be the same thing as using Dollars there, and they still save their face by using their own currency.

As for now, a change has to take place, we can not (and finally the powers in charge have come to realize that) in the long run continue to drain our self, and be buried in a coffin with a stamp saying "Made in China".

We have set our self up for the trap we are about to spring.

For our own self preservation, we must slap China silly until we get the trade balance in order.

It will hurt China, but it will hurt us to, but there is no soft landing when it has gone as far as it has gone.

The effects would probably be that the prices in WalMart will skyrocket, that's bad, but the silver lining is, suddenly the Dollar is very low, and our export will be very profitable for us.

And....manufacturing will once again be profitable here.

With some discipline we might even be educated to save a bit, instead of consuming stuff (for a hefty interest) with the paycheck we are suppose to get next month.

The Dollar in itself may actually be way overvalued, as it is held up as the currency for oil, and international trade.

Would it not be for that function, and the Dollar have to hold it's own based on the US economy alone, it would have been way way down.

The use of US Dollar for oil and international trade is fading, and thus the only thing that props up the US Dollar.

Adjustments have to take place, if it will be a gradual one where the economies around the world will adjust to, a recession might be avoided, but if China decides to punish the world for asking them to be fair, by dumping all their Dollars, then it will be a quick recession, and a slowdown in the world.

(If they do, the Dollar will plummet, and suddenly they have a very very weak trade partner, and have to lay off all their workers anyway.)

If the Dollar goes down, is that good or bad for us???

Both, it will set us straight, and the buy now pay later, mentality have to be weaned off, and it will initially slow down the economy.

It's darn good if you have invested in Iraqi Dinars.

-- August 10, 2007 2:59 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

If Malaki collapses, I wont miss him.

-- August 10, 2007 3:28 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

WARNING, SCROLL PAST THIS POST IF YOUR OFFENDED BY CHRISTIAN DISCUSSION
Carol,
You got it right, the antichrist will not be born of woman, he has already been judged. He will be present defacto, as he was in the garden where he beguiled Eve resulting in the conception of Cain. Keep in mind that flesh man was created in the image of God and the angels, and we are so similar that we can be sustained on angels food, and women were even impregnated by the nephilim (fallen angels who kept not their first estate, and left their own habitation). These fallen ones are now held captive until they are released for judgement on the earth. This influx of nephilim was the 2nd attempt to destroy the way through which the promised seed would come, and the reason for the flood, But Noah found grace because he was still perfect(pure) in his generations(geneaology) to Adam, having not intermixed with them. Satan plays many roles, and has many names throughout the word, but he is the same being that deceived 1/3rd in the first earth age, he will deceive nearly all of the last generation, and he will deceive many at the end of the Kingdom of Christ when he is released for a short season to test the subjects of that Kingdom. Then he will be consumed and turned to ashes from within in the sight of all, as his sentence from before the foundations of this age is finally carried out.
Over the past 150+ years these teachings have been lost because we are in the last generation of the fig tree, the generation that will not pass until all things are fullfilled, where there will be a famine for the word of the Lord. But there will be a remnant that will stand and do battle with the antichrist, those who have taken up the whole armor having their loins gird with truth, and having the breastplate of righteousness; and their feet shod with with the preperation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith to protect themselves from the lies of the wicked, taking the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Are you armed and ready? Or are you going to be one of those that are taken because they don't have their armour, deceived into believing that they will not have to fight because their going to be gone, not even knowing that the first to come is the deceiver, the son of perdition, then the true Christ who expects to find you waiting for him as a chase virgin, not being spiritually with child because you were beguiled as Eve was.

Willie,
Why are you not a scholar? We should all be scholars of the word of God if we are believers and expect to be issued the full armour.

Be carefull my brothers and sisters, Jesus said that "MANY" will come claiming to be Christians, and will deceive "MANY". How? It is no great mystery that if the devil desguises himself as a messenger of light, so shall his ministers who are already at work. Teaching their traditions, and false doctrines; Saying you don't need to know anything because your going to fly away at any moment, teaching that you want to be one of the ones taken when two are on the housetop. The fact is just as it was in the days of Noah when the flood came and took the wicked away, so it shall be that the flood of deception in the end times will come and take them away. You don't want to be the one taken by the antichrist. It's the theif who comes in the night. Many scholars believe that when Israel became a state in 1948 that this was the shoots of the parable of the fig tree taught by Christ, the generation that will wittness the end of this earth age. The longest type of biblical generation is 120 years. Think about it.

-- August 10, 2007 3:31 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

Thank you again for your insight and sharing of info re ISX and Warka.

If I'm going that way, I don't know, I'm a bit of the old school with money in the mattress, but sure I will consider it.

There are a lot of investors that have forked over their investment to Warka, and now the ISX seems to be the main attraction.

The future of either the Dinar , or the Iraqi stock market, or just letting a bank in Iraq hold all your investment against interest, is all a risk that is up to the beholder.

All of them holds considerable risk and opportunity.

Even if it is a high risk, just buying the Dinar and sit on them is probably the safest.

That aside, it is good opportunities in the stock, now when the stock goes for very small amounts, it will for sure rise.

Some will some wont, some business will be bought up, and some will skyrocket.

While most shares will go up considerably, there is of course no guarantee, that it will go into stellar range.

To be on the Iraqi stock market you have to be there to understand the full potential, anything short of that is pretty much potshots.

Sitting in the UK or US and getting a spread of shares in one business section or the other is basically a hope for the better in general over there.

That in itself is covered by just having invested in the currency.

The question is, if there is a calculation of a possible future profit from shares compared with the currency itself.

I'm holding currency now, and when (or if) it goes up in value I can very conveniently exchange it here at a bank counter, and that's the end of that.

That means that my money IS here.

I have seen money going into Iraq, by investors, like shares in ISX and Warka accounts, but In sequence the time to take money out of Iraq have not come yet, and there are no experience in this field what so ever.

We might just have a problem there, an unforeseen factor unknown to all of us because of , perhaps some law, they are implementing at a later date, or similar.

I see the Dinar purchase as a high risk, but I see the shipment of the money to Iraq, as an additional investment risk.

Sure, you have to play to win, but if I would send something over there, it would be a lesser part of my investment, one of those....just for the heck of it things.

-- August 10, 2007 4:03 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Anonymous,

Welcome to the discussion site about the Iraqi Dinar.

Anything in particular about Iraq, the potential of Iraq or it's currency you are interested about?

-- August 10, 2007 4:12 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

You seem to be a guy that have a lot of info regarding the mechanics of transferring funds into Warka and ISX.

You might be the one that can enlighten us in the procedures of how to get it out.

So far, from all I know, you can't take money out of there.

Iraqis and military personnel leaving Iraq have very restricted amount they can carry out.

I'm just a bit worried about all this hoopla of getting money into that country, but very few have actually established a legitime and no problem way to get them out of there.

Just for the sake of the argument Steven, lets say we make a killing, and you and I made us 10 million Dollar each, we're all happy but, now we want to get the bacon home.

This is different, it's 10 million bucks, not an Iraqi at a checkpoint at the border crossing with a couple of Dinar bills in his wallet.

Have you done any research on the actual way to get large sums out of there?

What I'm getting at, is, if there is a known way that is a legal and no trouble way, not that you have to use Ahmeds account in Syria, that will transfer it to Jemen, that will send a check to Baghdad, that is cash able in Kuwait or any other scheme.

(No nightly mule trains over the mountains please, I hate that smell)

-- August 10, 2007 4:29 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

We really need a new scratchpad, seems like the creator of this blog have taken a very long vacation, or sold it to someone that will eventually learn how to change the pad.

This pad takes forever to scroll through.

-- August 10, 2007 6:21 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Over a half a year without changing the scratchpad, it was introduced the 6th of Mars, and since 4 days back we're celebrating a half years of endless downloading.

Hey admin!!!!

Heloooo!!!!

-- August 10, 2007 6:27 AM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Roger,
Yeah I'm interested in the dinar inasmuch as if I will make anything on this investment or not. I have not given up hope that I will. I have always said that I thought it would around the approach of the next decade at best, but it's you guys who offer all the dinar relevant discussions, that I do turn in to read each day, who have been setting all the magical dates we anticipate with the idea that just maybe one will be the date this time that surprises us all with fullfillment of we dreamed of from the beginning. I cannot offer anything more than that which I've previously stated as my best guess as to when we can expect our return on this investment, but I have no real knowledge about it. I have been waiting for someone to post some real knowledge, but so far everything has been proven to be wanting. I do enjoy your posts very much because I get a glimps of who you are through them, and thats what is most interesting to me. What we know or discuss about Iraq and the dinar will not have any affect on the reality of any RV, except that we will know when it happens at least. And just as we seek knowledge to reinforce our hope of a reward, some of us also hope for life after this one and seek also knowledge that reinforces that hope, sharing it with each other. This is an exciting time seeing the great effort of our people to remain the most powerfull nation on the earth, and if our people get united politically we will have success in no time flat. I think we can if they can come to understand how much is riding on this effort, and we seek our Lord to fight for us giving him the glory.

-- August 10, 2007 9:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq hopes to call open race for its oil in Sept
8/9/2007

Reuters - 1 hour 14 minutes ago

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Iraq hopes to call an open race as early as September for its prized oilfields, its oil minister said on Thursday after talks in Moscow dashed Russian hopes of getting a slice of oil reserves on preferential terms.

Hussain al-Shahristani told Reuters he hoped parliament would pass the key new oil legislation after the holidays, opening the way for tenders for specific fields.

"We have been informed that they will come back to work in the first week of September and pass the law by the end of September," he said.

"There will be no specific talks with any company over any particular field. What will happen is that Iraq will announce the development of certain fields and all qualified oil companies can come and compete."

He also said that all 27 producing fields in Iraq will be transferred to the national oil company, which will be free to decide whether it wants to have partners or not.

The 27 fields include West Qurna, he said.

Russian oil major LUKOIL had hoped to revive a $4 billion (1.97 billion pound) Saddam-era deal to develop West Qurna, but the minister said the issue was not specifically raised at his meeting with Russian Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko.

The meeting lasted for two hours and LUKOIL's top executives attended.

Russia did not support the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, prompting analysts to speculate that its chances of reviving old deals were slim.

Some analysts have however said U.S. oil major ConocoPhillips, which holds 20 percent in LUKOIL, could help the Russian company revive the contract.

Shahristani said he could not understand why the deal should be revived, especially after it was scrapped in the late days of Saddam's government on the grounds that LUKOIL has done nothing to launch the fields since 1997.

"This deal was signed and scrapped by the previous regime. There are documents in the ministry's archive saying that the contract is terminated because its terms are not met," he said.

He also said Moscow was making no connection between Iraq's $10 billion outstanding debt to Russia and oil contracts.

"It has been clear in our discussions (in Moscow)," he said.

Iraq hopes to call open race for its oil in Sept - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's neighbours agree to help boost security
8/9/2007

Iraq's neighbours, some accused by Washington of not doing enough to improve security in the war-torn country, agreed in Syria on Thursday to cooperate with Baghdad in a bid to restore stability.

"The participants expressed a willingness to cooperate with the Iraqi government to bring about security and stability in Iraq and to build the Iraqi army," said a statement read by the Iraqi delegate after a two-day meeting of the Iraqi Neighbours Border Security Working Group.

"The participants examined ways of controlling the (Iraqi) frontier, of fighting organised crime and exchanging information," added the communique read out by Lubaid Abbawi.

The Iraqi delegate said the participants agreed that "controlling the frontier is the responsibility of all of Iraq's neighbours ... who have agreed to cooperate in building up Iraq's security forces and army on a patriotic basis."

US charge d'affaires in Damascus Michael Corbin, who attended the meeting as an observer, called for a clampdown on the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq.

"What is required now is action on specific security measures that improve the security of Iraq and its neighbours," he said in a statement.

"Most important, the flow of foreign fighters -- whose terrorist acts are killing thousands of Iraqis -- must be halted. The provision of weapons and training to those involved in acts of violence and terror inside Iraq must also cease," Corbin said.

Washington regularly accuses both Syria and Iran of fanning the violence in Iraq and not doing enough to prevent the infiltration of insurgents across their borders.

Iraq's neighbours agree to help boost security - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

S.Korea Hyundai Eng enters $24 bln project in Iraq

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. said on Friday it has entered a consortium for a 23 trillion won ($24.72 billion) reconstruction project in Arbil, Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iran backs Maliki, says US troops must leave Iraq

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

10 August 2007 (The Daily Star)
Print article Send to friend
Iran on Thursday gave full backing to visiting Iraqi Premier Nuri al-Maliki and said US troops must leave his country immediately, in talks that sparked unease in Washington.

The embattled Shiite premier stressed the growing strength of bilateral ties during his two-day visit to Iran, despite a renewed warning from President George W. Bush over Tehran's alleged meddling in Iraq.

Leaving behind a political crisis at home, Maliki received a warm welcome from Iran's top leaders, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He was later due to meet supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Maliki was also quoted by Iranian state media as praising Iran's "constructive" role in "fighting terrorism" in Iraq - a statement that Bush moved swiftly to publicly contradict.

"If the signal is that Iran is constructive, I will have to have a heart-to-heart with my friend the prime minister because I do not believe they are," Bush told a White House news conference, on the eve of his August vacation.

"My message to him is, when we catch you playing a nonconstructive role, there will be a price to pay," Bush said in remarks which could have been taken as a criticism of Maliki.

US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe later said the "price to pay" remark mad by Bush had been directed at Iran and not the prime minister.

Ahmadinejad earlier on Thursday told the Iraqi prime minister that "Iran and Iraq both have heavy responsibilities to bring about peace and security in the region. The situation in the region today, including Iraq, is very sensitive. Tehran considers the future of the region to be dependent on the victory in Iraq," he said.

Iranian Vice President Parviz Davoudi also warned that security in Iraq depended on an immediate withdrawal of US forces, a move Iraqi officials have said would be premature.

"It is our belief that the exit of the occupying forces would provide security and stability in Iraq," Davoudi said. "Bringing about security and calm in Iraq is dependent on two factors- the exit of the occupiers and their non-interference in Iraq and also the power of the government of Mr. Maliki," he added.

State media said Maliki, on his second official visit to Iran, left Tehran to visit the shrine of the Imam Reza in Iran's holy second city of Mashhad, where he would also meet Khamenei.

Maliki's talks appeared to confirm the increasingly warm relations that have emerged between majority Shiite Iraq and overwhelmingly Shiite Iran following the fall of the Sunni-dominated regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

In a highly symbolic move, Maliki also met the families of seven Iranian officials arrested in Iraq by US forces on accusations of being members of an elite Revolutionary Guards force on a mission to stir trouble.

Iran insists the men were diplomats and is livid that the United States has shown no sign of releasing them.

"The Iraqi government will do all it can to release these people," Maliki said, expressing optimism that the officials would be freed and condemning their arrest, state broadcasting said.

The White House has expressed displeasure on Thursday over Iran's behavior in post-Saddam Iraq.

Bush said that US officials have warned Iran in talks in Baghdad to stop shipping sophisticated roadside bombs into Iraq or face the "consequences." Iran vehemently denies any such behavior.

Iran's envoy to a two-day conference on Iraq security in the Syrian capital denied on Thursday accusations by the United States that Tehran is fueling Iraq's violence and is behind many of the attacks on American troops there.

"There is no evidence on this subject," said Mohammad Firouznia, head of the Iranian delegation at the gathering in Damascus. "We have held talks with the Americans in Baghdad aimed at helping the Iraqi government and people ... We are serious about this issue."

Firouznia comments followed a recent announcement by Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, the US second-in-command in Iraq, in which Odierno said that Iranian-armed Shiite militiamen were behind 73 percent of the attacks that killed and wounded US troops in Baghdad in July, nearly double the figure six months earlier.

Iraq's neighbors including US foes Syria and Iran agreed to cooperate with Baghdad in a bid to restore stability to Iraq on the final day of talks in the Syrian capital.

"The participants expressed a willingness to cooperate with the Iraqi government to bring about security and stability in Iraq and to build the Iraqi army," said a statement read by the Iraqi delegate after a two-day meeting of the Iraqi Neighbours Border Security Working Group."

Saudi Arabia refused to attend the conference.

In New York, the UN Security Council delayed on Thursday its vote on a resolution to expand the United Nations role in Iraq by 24 hours to give the Iraqi government time to review it, diplomats said.

The United States and the United Kingdom, the draft's co-sponsors, wanted to make sure that recent minor changes to the text were backed by the Iraqi government.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters that the vote would occur Friday.

"We wanted to make sure the final draft has the approval and comfort of the Iraqi government," Khalilzad said, adding that he had spoken with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and that "they are satisfied" with the text.

The resolution would extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), which expires Friday, by one year. It also paves the way for the UN special

envoy in Iraq to "as circumstances permit" to advise, support and assist the Iraqi government in political, economic, electoral, legal, constitutional, refugee and human rights matters.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thank you so much for your kind words, willie. I see the Lord leading you in your life and I agree with you, brother. We all walk doing the best we can. Appreciate you, brother. :)

Carole, how true when you said, "I guess the sens-morale of the story is: If you really want to take down a civilization, all you have to do is to is to go to their schools and alter their accumulated wisdom." The indians had a saying (not sure which tribe) which said that when an old person died it was like a library burnt down. They valued past accumulation of wisdom over today's push toward new knowledge as paramount for human advancement. By pushing new knowledge over old, they remove the foundation of accumulated wisdom in favor of learning new technology and breakthroughs - a path that does not resort back to the underlying base of values we all must hold for our society to continue intact - tearing the fabric of society and bringing it down. Smart strategy on the part of those who seek our destruction, as you point out.. unfortunately.

Roger, you said, "For our own self preservation, we must slap China silly until we get the trade balance in order. It will hurt China, but it will hurt us too, but there is no soft landing when it has gone as far as it has gone." This takes a lot of intestinal fortitude (guts) and the ability to see through a time which "hurts us".. such as we are taking in Iraq. The people of America may not have the stomach for such measures. They scream that things are WRONG the moment things hurt a little, even if it is for a long term gain. I think it may be next to impossible for a politician to do this and remain in power... as I do not see many who have that kind of integrity and strength to do what is needed even when the majority will suffer and subsequently disagree with it. You said, "The effects would probably be that the prices in WalMart will skyrocket, that's bad, but the silver lining is, suddenly the Dollar is very low, and our export will be very profitable for us. And....manufacturing will once again be profitable here." I am not sure they would see past the high WalMart prices and be able to see the silver LINING (which appears small in comparision to the cloud, you know).. as they tie things to the immediate in the media and the longterm is much harder for the public to grasp.. hence the low approval ratings of the President lately. Yours may be wise counsel, but I certainly don't think there is much political will to implement it because of this. As you said, "If the Dollar goes down, is that good or bad for us???" Unfortunately, the question in politics would be.. will it help us to attain/keep political power? Judging from public opinion, if it gets very bad (say, more than down ten cents) that would be the end of what the US would tolerate and they would demand a reversal of these longterm corrective policies you would implement. They have no stomach for what hurts.. nor for longterm strategy. US society is far too much an "instant" society. This is also the reason that Christians are judged so much by what they say, not what they do and how they conduct their lives. (The true proof is "in the pudding" as they say.)

Anonymous - you should put your name on your posts.. interesting post, but I am not very sure about those "hidden teachings which were lost" ideas. Jesus made plain His teachings and taught nothing secretly. His teachings are like light.. some people are attracted like moths and move toward it, others slink off into the shadows. All these "new" teachings which were "lost" - like this new one about demons mating with humans.. are a trifle strange - and I don't trust the motivations of those who "discover" them, elevating one obscure and small part of a passage of Scripture into a whole brand new doctrinal position. It also seems strange and out of sync with the way Jesus operated - which was openly and without "dark" truths shouded in secrecy and "lost". As the saying goes concerning spiritual truth, "Nothing true is new, nothing new is true."

Carole, you asked, "Do I understand you to say that the antichrist will not be a human?" I didn't say anything about the AntiChrist, specifically. I just stated that President Bush is not the Antichrist. Nor is he the Devil.. nor is he an unsaved person. I believe he is my brother in Christ and serves the same God that I do. We have the same Father God.

You asked, "on what evidence are you basing your opinion that Bush is a Godly man, more specifically, a Christian as scipturally defined?" Well.. have you ever read any book by/about President Bush? I have. Or, have you ever read the material from those who are detractors who say he is too religious and part of the "vast rightwing conspiracy"?? I have. I have done a lot of research on what both sides say of the issues, not just one side. I think it obvious, however, that you have not ever seen a PRO Bush documentary - one which has in it those who have been around him and their assessment of and discussion of what a man of faith he is. Try this one:

Product Description - "GEORGE BUSH: Faith in the White House" DVD

No sitting president since Abraham Lincoln has talked as much about God as George W. Bush, and none has so boldly, publicly, and genuinely lived out his faith on the job. As the leader of the free world, Bush bears an enormous responsibility, and its weight drives him to his knees…in prayer and supplication.

Says BBC correspondent Justin Webb, "Nobody spends more time on his knees than George W. Bush. The Bush administration hums to the sound of prayer. Prayer meetings take place day and night. It’s not uncommon to see White House functionaries hurrying down corridors carrying Bibles."

This powerful program is a unique insider’s look at how one man’s dedication to prayer and the daily application of God’s word transformed his life and leadership. His dependence upon God gave him the clarity of vision and quiet confidence needed to lead us through the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Witness President Bush’s remarkable journey of faith, and decide for yourself whether it has been good for America. But whatever you decide, it will change and inspire you! DVD: Extra Bonus Features for Further Enjoyment and Study

• Additional Bush Insider Interviews
• Bush Faith Statements from Speakers
• Historical Faith/News Documents
• Recommended Reading/DVD List
• Responses to Fahrenheit 9/11

Positive Reviews:

1) Character does matter July 7, 2005
By Janice Hill (Phoenix, Arizona)

I watched this on cable the other night and found it to be so interesting that I decided to order a copy to have. I find it a comfort to know where the President stands and where he takes his counsel from. That he openly communicates with God and has no need to hide it. I find that the people who criticize this action are afraid and fear is always a result of ignorance. If you know God, than you understand that it is not the President who seeks more power and more glory, but he humbles himself to the one power that can change lives. All of the great and effective leaders of this country, from the beginning, took their counsel, unashamedly, from God. I enjoyed hearing the history related in this piece.

2) Those whose hearts are not hardened towards Bush, will be touched. March 31, 2005
By Jason Hull

I believe the path to truth lies in seeing both sides and avoiding the extremes. I was swayed by the 9/11 conspiracy theories in the beginning, but the more I studied the more I realized how wacky the views were and how unfounded. Some even try to compare Bush to Hitler! Bottom-line they give Bush and our Government way too much credit. So I decided to rent this movie that obviously supported Bush. I watched this movie and I cried.

Everyone that actually works in Washington or in a government organization knows that they are just not that organized...that is largely how the terrorists got away with what they did, due to the lack of communication between intelligence agencies.

So about the movie, I cried at the acts of kindness that I'd never heard or noticed reported in the media. And I cried at the shame I felt for the hateful words I had said about Bush to many people around the time of the last election. I'm glad they didn't listen to me. I recognized that I had been only seeing what I wanted to see.

I feel strongly that if Bush weren't president another holocaust may have happened. I feel that if Bush were president during the time of Hitler that the holocaust wouldn't have happened. He would've listened to Winston Churchill. He has prevented a new holocaust and prevented a new Hitler with his war on terrorism and taking Saddam and others out of power. Regardless of your political views, if you are a believer in faith you will recognize that any person in such a powerful position could use some prayers that they will make the best decisions possible.

Bush does not claim to be lead by God, any examples of such are not verifiable and are projected by his enemies and yet even reputable anti-bush media outlets refuse to use such.

This movies is exactly what it claims on the cover a religious, pro-bush movie, I mean come on, the cover says "His faith will inspire you!" No surprise here, yet obviously the ratings on here are a bit polarized.

They may have exaggerated some things in the film. Bush has never claimed he was a prophet or received revelation from God. He does however respect others religious beliefs much more than the other reviewers tolerate his.

3) The true President Bush that the press won't let you see! January 31, 2005
By Brett Binder (Olympia, wa USA)

This movie goes in depth to show you how George Bush's life was transformed through an encounter with Billy Graham, that completely changed his life.

It gives a behind the scenes, if you will, of what goes on with president Bush in the white house and some of the Chrisitan organizations he's started, such as the presidential prayer team: www.presidentialprayerteam.org
This movie is the exact opposite of Farenheit 911 which gives slanted views and biased cracks at Mr Bush.

If you want to know the truth about President Bush, watch this movie and be convicted.

4) What america really thinks about George Bush. December 13, 2004
By P. KIRSTEN (Netherlands)

As a european this was a refreshing look at George Bush. Since he has been re-elected by a huge majority it looked obvious to me that the Hollywood celebrities and left wing politicians are not a good representation of what the Americans really thought of their president.

For having a more American view of George Bush and explaining to me why America thinks he is the right man for the hour, I give this DVD 5 marks. I have gained a respect for this man, for standing up for what he thinks is right.

5) well made and informative November 14, 2004
By Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California)

This documentary is a lot more than just about the faith of President Bush, as it delves into the Constitution, and the myth of the "separation of church and state", which "many people mistakenly believe is part of the First Amendment", and goes back to many of the thoughts of our Founding Fathers, like John Quincey Adams, who said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected in one indissoluble bond the principle of civil government with the principles of Christianity", and that in 1782, Congress authorized the Holy Bible for use in our schools.

The last few years have seen what appears to be a fear from the Left of any spiritual expression (unless it is called "Wicca" or some other New Age derivative), and socialistic and secular organizations like the ACLU have been seeking to strip the country of all traces of religion, while on the same stage of destiny, there is a president of genuine faith, who is trying to stem the tide of removing God from all things American, resulting in a genuine culture war, labeled in the recent 2004 election as a "war of moral values".

As President Eisenhower is quoted as saying, "Without God there could be no American form of government nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first...the most basic expression of Americanism".

Janet Parshall, author of "Tough Faith", well-spoken and intelligent, hosts this 70 minute film, which includes many interviews, among them the authors whose works this documentary is based on, David Aikman, who wrote "A Man of Faith", and Tom Freiling, author of "George W. Bush on God and Country". It also includes comments from "the other side of the aisle", including Al Franken, Richard Gere, and Ralph Nader.

The early part of the film has re-creations featuring actors playing the Bush family, which give it a semblance of the stories on the "700 Club", but it also has some wonderful still photographs of the family when "W" was a youngster. It also informs us of the Presidential Prayer Team, which is a web site where we can link in cyberpace and pray for our leaders. There is much to appreciate in this documentary, which is finely crafted, with smooth editing, and the DVD "Extras" include lengthy interviews that were left out of the final cut.

If you don't feel threatened by the tradition of religion that has been a part of the fabric of American life since its inception, this is an enjoyable, informative film, and makes good family viewing.

6) The FAITH Issue October 7, 2004
By G. A. Wilde "OHS Fan" (Oviedo, FL)

Yes, I own this video, and have watched it several times. It is a documentary produced independently of the Bush-Cheney groups, so it does not have a one-one-one interview with the President. It does, however, include interviews with people that have worked with or known George W. Bush. They all attest to the affect that a personal faith in God has made in the President's life from age 40 on, especially in regard to his drinking problem.

Even though I watch news programs regularly, I had never seen footage of the President like this--perhaps because it was not considered 'news' that an American president attended church or prayed in public.This video goes into the President's private life, and shows the consistency of his personal faith day to day...not just when the news cameras are rolling. President Bush is also seen with the firefighters and police at the fallen World Trade Center, and addressing the U.N., where he calls the leaders of the world to stop the sex-trade and abuse of women and children. But the video is not all pro-Bush...it includes public comments from anti- Bush and anti-Christian leaders to balance the documentary. Some scenes from the President's life are re-enacted by Bush look-alikes as well. Overall, it's good basic information on the personal faith of George W. Bush, as well as insight on the faith of earlier US Presidents: Reagan, Lincoln, Washington and the founding fathers, who also trusted in God to guide them, and to help preserve America's freedom of religion.

http://www.amazon.com/George-W-Bush-Faith-White/dp/B0002VEPD0

====

Carole, you know that Jesus said:

Mat 10:32 Whoever shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father which is in heaven.

Does President Bush confess Jesus Christ before men, Carole? Yes, he does. Well.. doesn't that count for anything in your eyes... anything at all?

From what I have seen in my research - you have the complete detractors who simply hate President Bush (and they hate everything he stands for, including all Biblical values) and then you have the wavering people who have faith in God but who, I think, are moved by those who are into splitting hairs on minor points of doctrine - particularly about future events which have not yet come to pass (eschatology) - as their major cause of division in the body of Christ. Remember, God says He HATES discord among the church:

Pro 6:16 These six things the LORD hates: yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.

I think that those who hated President Bush AND his stand for Christian values decided to attack him and weaken his base of support. They knew they could not get him by attacking the rightwing values he held, so they decided to attack him personally.. and on his faith. (Taking cues from the book of Daniel and trying to put him in the "Lion's Den"?) They saw that President Bush was seen as a good Christian and spokesman for the causes close to the heart of Christians from all denominations.. so they picked on his beliefs.. whatever distinctives he holds in Christianity. If he had been Baptist, they would have said he needed to have a Pentecostal experience, if he was Anglican, they would have picked on the idea he should disown belief in monks or nuns such as the Anglican church has.. they just demonized his beliefs where they departed in any way from YOUR brand of Christianity.. whatever his distinctives were. They could do this to any of us according to our distinct beliefs which makes for the different denominations. By doing this, they sowed discord among the brethren and severed the support necessary to a successful political campaign. They also made him look strange and different and made those whose views differed in their distinctives to lose trust in him as carrying forward their shared religious values. Nothing like stirring up religious controversy to move people away from a unified Christian view that might DO something to bring our shared religious values into positions of power and influence that would make a positive difference to the nation. They were successful in this sowing of discord and I will not help it by picking at anything the man believes or does not believe. He is a born again Christian.. he does profess Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and he has a personal walk with Him. Carole, does THIS sound to you like a non-Christian? Quote:

Chip Berlet, senior analyst for Political Research Associates, is quoted in The Progressive as saying,

"Bush is very much into the apocalyptic and messianic thinking of militant Christian evangelicals. He seems to buy into the worldview that there is a giant struggle between good and evil culminating in a final confrontation. People with that kind of a worldview often take risks that are inappropriate and scary because they see it as carrying out God's will."

(end quote)

I suppose a person without that point of view would not have carried out the "risk" of dealing with Saddam and so would have been better in their view? A peacenik? One who would have negotiated with the terrorists? As you know, I believe that if the President had NOT moved to remove Saddam that millions of Americans would not be alive today. As documented here (see references at the url below), quote:

"President Bush's decision to depose Saddam Hussein meant that this plan Saddam was discussing in these tapes here - or with the atomic nuclear capacity he was to possess within a year - never came into execution. It is credible that literally MILLIONS of Americans are alive today because Saddam was stopped before he had the ability to put his plans into action. We know he had ties to terrorists, including..."

http://www.conservapedia.com/Iraq_War#Summary_of_Justifications_for_the_Iraq_War_taken_from_this_entry

(end quote)

Another of the detractor's points against the President:

The American Prospect, June, 2003: " How Bush promotes religion and erodes the separation of church and state."

"To see what's new and dangerous about Bush's approach to religion, you have to look beyond the president's copious prayers and exhortations, which are legally meaningless. Clinton also showed immense political sympathy for religion, but he didn't nominate a slate of right-wing judges who could give the law a decidedly majoritarian, pro-Christian bent. And Bush has gone further than that. From school-prayer guidelines issued by the Department of Education to faith-based initiatives to directives from virtually every federal agency, there's hardly a place where Bush hasn't increased both the presence and the potency of religion in American government. In the process, the Bush administration lavishly caters to the very religious-right groups that gave us the dubious Christian-nation concept ... "

(end quote)

Taking an overview of the situation - As a Christian, I see here that he holds to the orthodox Christian viewpoint of good vs evil culiminating in a final confrontation between these two forces, and the UNorthodox opinion that the Lord will never return (and there is no confrontation with evil) would have set up alarm in me, not this affirmation of the orthodox faith of Christianity. Also, he lives out his faith personally, which is required of all true Christians. And the detractors attacking him here for working toward what they call "the dubious Christian-nation concept" totally ignores details of the American past and the close ties to God of previous American people - like where President Eisenhower is quoted as saying, "Without God there could be no American form of government nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first...the most basic expression of Americanism". Therefore, appointing "judges who could give the law a decidedly majoritarian, pro-Christian bent" - that means where the MAJORITY of the people in the US and their values, which are pro-Christian, are put into law instead of the MINORITY view of a few left-bent elite... to me, this does not sound bad.

(Both quotes are taken from this very negative and hate filled page: http://www.theocracywatch.org/bush2.htm - Isn't free speech great, though.. because what they intend for evil against President Bush on those pages, I have just quoted here - using it in completely the opposite direction and to prove his orthodoxy and non-extremism to you who can understand it to be so because you too hold to orthodox Christian teachings, such as the return of Christ and final confrontation with the forces of evil in this world.)

Carole, you ask for hard core evidence. I believe there is plenty of it. Since, like Daniel, they could not accuse President Bush of any sin, they chose to demonize his religion (playing up any distinctives that would ostracize him from the masses of supportive Christians or those who were not against the religious/moral point of view - even to the point of demonizing orthodox Christian belief.. all the while looking for the Lion's Den).. and those who took this demonization to an extreme have even gone so far as to say he is the Antichrist. You see.. for President Bush to be THAT religious, he is either a VERY dedicated Christian.. OR the Devil. There isn't much middle ground. Appointing right-wing pro-Christian values judges just has to be the work of.. what, Carole, the Devil? Those who cannot be convinced by small lies are often taken in by the larger ones.. it's funny that this is how human beings are.. small lies often will be easily refuted.. but large whopping walloping ones.. can often be fallen into even by those as experienced as yourself, Carole. If you can see these people walking down the halls of the Pentagon with Bibles in their hands, having Bible studies, talking about Jesus and their faith with one another.. working toward a Christian worldview in government, and being attacked for it.. then any normal Christian will say, "hey, this is like Church.. he has got to be a Christian".. so the next step to offset that was for the detractors to say.. "No.. you forget.. there is an antiChrist.. this is him!" Which, by the way is utterly and completely... donkey-stupid. They would say ANYTHING to get you to stop supporting Bush.. because.. (think about this) who wins then? Helloooo there.. will our Christian values prevail in that scenerio? Will God's will (which supposedly ALL Christians are supposed to be praying to be done "on earth as it is in heaven" according to the Lord's Prayer) really get done ON EARTH if we have ungodly people running the country? How about hardcore leftists with their anti-God agenda who are trying not only to get prayer out of the schools, but now don't wish any nativity scenes for Christmas?

Ever read this email/posting.. or see any truth to it? (Thanks to the friend who shared it):

22 Ways to be a good Democrat

1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.

2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.

3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.

4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.

5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUV's.

6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial, but being homosexual is natural.

7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.

8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th-graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.

9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.

10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.

11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make The Passion of the Christ for financial gain only.

12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.

13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.

14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Thomas Edison and A.G. Bell.

15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.

16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.

17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.

18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.

19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag queens, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.

20. You have to believe that illegal Democratic Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest of the United States.

21. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."

Last but not least

22. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right wing conspiracy.

===end quote===

Are THOSE the preferable positions to be dominating politics to you, Carole? And if you hear those who say no Christian would lead the country into a war.. you haven't read the Bible where it says God is immutable (unchanging) - that means that the God of the Old Testament is still the God of the New Testament.. and if you ever read the Old Testament.. you know that the God presented there had a good grasp of and execution of wartime strategy, when it was necessary.

Carole, you can do further research yourself. But as for me, I will not contribute toward sowing discord among brethren by nitpiking and squabbling over denominational distinctives or endtime positions which merely sows discord among the brethren, a thing which the Lord hates.. when so many of our shared Christian values are being respected and implemented under President Bush's Administration.

Carole - Watch that Pro-Bush documentary.. it is worth knowing both sides and not only one before you make up your mind.

Sara.

-- August 10, 2007 10:04 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ministry Security Officials to address the Private Security Industry at Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit

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10 August 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
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As well as focusing on the enormous commercial opportunities offered by the Iraqi energy sector, the forthcoming Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit in Dubai will be focusing on the security implications for maximising the country's vast energy resources.

The summit, which will take place on 2-4 September 2007, will feature a special security briefing, featuring director generals from Iraq's Ministry for National Security Affairs, complemented by the Head of Electricity Facilities Protection, who will be attending as part of the Ministry of Electricity delegation led by Minister H.E. Karim Waheed.

The special security briefing will be held on Day 3 of the summit, focusing on the protection of power stations, pipelines, refineries and other associated energy facilities and the various security provisions required.

The event has already attracted the worlds leading operators including Aegis, ArmorGroup, Janussian, Control Risks Group, Unity, Garda World, Hart, Olive Security and Triple Canopy to name but a few.

'There will be further benefits for PSC's attending' said Peter Swain of the Iraq Development Program, 'with over 300 of the worlds leading players at this event the business development opportunities with virgin operators in the Iraq oil industry are enormous'.

These senior level officials are participating in the summit, the first event of its kind to bring Iraqi Ministries to meet senior corporate executives to discuss the future of Iraq's energy sector. The summit will also be welcoming delegations from Iraqi Government and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministries of Oil, Industry and Electricity, as well as members of the Iraqi Parliament responsible for Iraq's Energy Committee.

All attending Iraqi officials will be making themselves available to hold private consultations with senior executives from pre-eminent global operators. It is highly recommended that any organisation interested in Iraqi security issues and in particular issues relevant to the energy sector attend the summit to meet and discuss working with these high level decision makers.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 10:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Total and Chevron agree to work together in Iraq

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10 August 2007 (The Times)
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Two of the world’s biggest oil companies have signed an agreement to work together on projects in Iraq in the first clear sign that Western energy companies are preparing to enter the country.

Reports yesterday revealed that Total had teamed up with Chevron and that they were putting together plans for Majnoon, the fourth-biggest oilfield in Iraq, with estimated potential reserves of 12 billion barrels.

Elf, now part of Total, negotiated a contract to run Majnoon with Saddam Hussein in the late 1990s. Both Total and Chevron refused to comment, but industry sources said that the two companies had met Iraqi officials to discuss a services agreement to develop the field.

While less lucrative than a pro-duction-sharing agreement, where companies discover and sell on the oil, experts said that it would give them a vital foothold for other deals.

Iraq holds an estimated 110 billion barrels of oil, with more than half still to be developed, offering huge opportunities to Western companies desperate for new reserves. So far, companies such as Total, BP, Shell and Exxon have limited themselves to helping the Iraqi Oil Ministry to train junior staff and pull together data recorded under Saddam.

BP, however, is understood to have been asked to look into the potential of Kirkuk in the north. Shell is thought to have studied Rumaila, the country’s biggest oilfield.

Muhammad-Ali Zainy, a former oil official in the Iraqi Government, said: “Iraq is the last remaining frontier that offers so much potential. International oil companies will be in Iraq, but in what form it is difficult to tell.” Iraq is expected to ratify a petroleum law that would allow deals with Western companies to take place next month. However, experts believe that it could take years for companies to feel confident in sending contractors to the unstable country.

The Irish-owned Petrel Resources is one of four minnows operating in Iraq under a contract to develop the Subba and Luhais field. Dave Horgan, managing director, said: “The big companies will be chomping at the bit to sign a deal. They will then hope they can delay any work for two or three years until the security scares die down.”
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 10:11 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Golden opportunity ahead for Iraq to use its oil wealth

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10 August 2007 (Gulf News)
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The optimal development of Iraq's enormous oil and gas reserves is the most critical economic element for the future of the country.

After decades of mismanagement, under-investment, and political manipulation, Iraq has a golden opportunity to set the right policy and regulatory framework to achieve this vital goal.

What does 'optimal development' mean in practice? Simply put, Iraq's primary objective must clearly and simply be to maximise production in the shortest time possible, while maximising returns to the State.

This can only be achieved by having Iraq National Oil Company (Inoc) focus on currently producing fields only, to rehabilitate them and maximise production to four million barrels per day - a huge task in itself.

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In the meantime, the Inoc should invite private-sector companies (both Iraqi and international) to make the hundreds of billions of dollars of investments necessary to develop the remaining fields and carry out exploration, all under risk-reward (not service) contracts which achieve maximum investment and while ensuring highest returns to the State.

A critical element of a successful legislative framework will be the clear and unequivocal separation of powers and roles between the 'regulator' (i.e. the Government), and the 'regulated' (all the investing companies, including Inoc and the private-sector companies).

With this in mind, there are eight key principles that could make or break the success of Iraq's petroleum policy and regulatory framework:

1) The central objective
As far as petroleum policy and regulatory framework is concerned, the objective for Iraq is actually straightforward: it must simply be to maximise the economic return to the Iraqi people.

This is essentially a function of three elements: maximising optimal production, as rapidly as possible, and under the best commercial terms for the State. Just that, without embellishment or confusing complication.

2) The role of the state
The role of the state is important and required as a powerful and effective policymaker and regulator, overseeing the entire sector and all the companies operating within it, while setting the necessary policies and standards, and focusing on maximising the economic rent to the state from these operations.

If the government engages in operating and commercially managing the sector, it compromises its own role as an effective regulator.

3) The need for the private sector
Iraq's current oil production of around two million barrels is at the same level as it was in 1975, at the time of nationalisation, and a fraction of where it ought to be given Iraq's hydrocarbon reserves.

There ought to be no doubt whatsoever that petroleum exploration, and the development of undeveloped oil and gas fields going forward, needs to be undertaken through the private sector.

Awarding proper 'risk' contracts, in whatever form, is the only way to engage the private sector, including Inoc's, into aligning their interests with those of the State and put their full resources - financial, technical, and managerial - behind the effort.

Indeed production sharing agreements are not some tool of foreign domination as it has been claimed and maligned by some. This model is simply a way of ensuring the minimum required reward for the investing company to maximise benefits to the state.

4) Rationale for Inoc
Inoc should not divert its attention and resources from the crucial task of managing and rehabilitating currently producing fields, and therefore should not be permitted to engage in other work such as development of Iraq's undeveloped fields, or in exploration, or in foreign investment, or in petroleum services.

Above all, Inoc must not in any way take on the role of a regulator, which must remain the exclusive and separate function of the regulatory bodies of the State such as the Federal Oil and Gas Council, and the concerned ministries at federal and state level.

Finally and critically, attempts by some politically-motivated parties to grant between 80 and 90 per cent of Iraq's reserves to Inoc would kill any hope for rapid economic progress for Iraq and risk a permanent retardation of the development of Iraq's vital energy sector.

5) Use of state funds
The estimated required investments to fully and properly develop the Iraqi oil sector range from the tens to hundreds of billions of dollars. It is therefore clear that the needs are huge, and Iraq today has large debts already of the same order, and competing higher priorities for state funds such as basic infrastructure, security, health and education.

In any case state funds or credit lines should not be used up for commercial enterprise investments when private sector investment is available.

6) Commercial terms
Some responses to the bill have accused the drafters of 'selling out to foreign interests' or 'giving away 70 per cent of Iraq's oil wealth'. This is nonsense of course. Empty nationalist rhetoric must not cloud the reality of practical economic logic.

As the world's last major undeveloped oil basin, Iraq can and should extract excellent commercial terms from companies, given its relatively low cost of production, large reserves, and today's high oil prices.

7) Ambiguities in the current draft law
The draft law appears to grant Inoc the right to develop undeveloped fields, and even undertake exploration, yet without accountability or forethought as to the cost to the state's treasury.

If Inoc is given the right to take over everything, then we will in practice have not advanced one bit and an oil and gas law to regulate investment in this sector will be unnecessary.

8) Iraqi private sector
A final but important element of a successful policy must be the development and encouragement of an active indigenous Iraqi private sector in all aspects of Iraq's petroleum industry.

This not only gives the best chance of maximising Iraqi employment, positive economic multiplier effects, technology transfer, and a globally competitive management and workforce, but it is also the best answer to the xenophobic critics of 'foreign domination'.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 10, 2007 10:12 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Quite interesting: posted on another forum. After reading, please post your thoughts.

raising the rate of the dinar against the dollar

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Sunday, July 22, 2007

هل من فائدة في رفع سعر الدينار مقابل الدولار؟
Is it useful in raising the rate of the dinar against the dollar?

يسعى البنك المركزي العراقي، بتوجيه من وزارة المالية، منذ عدة اشهر الى دعم سعر صرف الدينار العراقي مقابل الدولار الامريكي بالتدريج.
Seeks Iraqi Central Bank, under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance several months ago to support the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar gradually.
وقد اوضح وزير المالية ان ارتفاع قيمة الدينار مقابل الدولار يمثل نصرا ومكتسبا للحكومة، اضافة الى كونه انجازا لوزارته بالذات.
The Finance Minister explained that the rise in the value of the dinar against the dollar represents a victory for granted by the government, besides being the achievement of the EU in particular.

ولا يختلف اثنان ان ارتفاع قيمة الدينار تمثل مؤشر ايجابي لاداء الحكومة لو انه حدث بشكل طبيعي.
There is no doubt that the rise in the value of the dinar is a positive indication of the government if it happened naturally.
فالواقع ان سعر صرف العملة في الدول التي تعتمد نظام السوق الحرة يحدده مقدار الطلب والعرض.
Indeed, the currency exchange rate in states that adopt free market system determined by the amount of demand and supply.
اي ان العملة تخضع لنفس قوانين السوق كونها "سلعة" معروضة للتداول.
Any currency that is subject to the same laws of the market as "good" before negotiable.
لكن الاختلاف يكمن في مدى تدخل الدولة في تقدير سعر الصرف من ناحية تأثير ذلك على "حرية" السوق كقاعدة اساسية لنظام تكافؤ الفرص، وسلطة الدولة ممثلة بالاتجاهات السياسية التي سوف يتاح لها ان تتحكم في اتجاهات السوق، ابتداءا بسعر صرف العملة وليس انتهاءا باسعار الفائدة.
But the difference lies in the extent of state intervention in estimating the rate of exchange in terms of the impact on the "freedom" of the market as a fundamental basis for a system of equal opportunities, and the authority of the state, represented by the political trends which will allow it to control the market trends, starting with the currency exchange rate and not interest rates fabricated.

ويقال لنا بين اونة واخرى ان سياسية "تسعير" العملة او تحسين قيمتها تقع ضمن قائمة شروط صندوق النقد الدولي ونادي باريس لتخفيض والغاء الديون العراقية التي تقدر بعشرات المليارات من الدولارات.
We are told from time to time that the political "pricing" or improve the value of the currency fall within the list of conditions of the International Monetary Fund and the Paris Club to reduce and cancel Iraq's debts estimated at tens of billions of dollars.
وحيث انه لم يتم نشر هذه الشروط او نص الاتفاقية للاطلاع العام، فان معرفة تلك الشروط تبقى حكرا على النخبة ممن اتيح لهم الوصول اليها بطريقة او باخرى.
Since it is not published these conditions, or the text of the Convention for the year, the knowledge of those conditions remain the preserve of the elite who had access to them one way or another.
وهذا يعني اننا في الواقع نستقريء تلك الاتفاقيات حسب طريقة عرضها من قبل الحكومة.
This means that we in fact Nstqurei those conventions as a way presented by the government.

وبغض النظر عن الدافع لمثل هذا الاجراء، وعما اذا كانت عملية رفع سعر الدينار "منجزا وطنيا" او "شرطا مفروضا من الخارج"، فاننا سنحاول القاء الضوء فيما اذا كانت تلك العملية تخدم المصلحة الوطنية وتدفع عجلة التنمية المتثاقلة، ام انها عامل اخر في تعطيل الاقتصاد الوطني.
Regardless of the motive for such action, and whether the process of raising the rate of the dinar "completed national" or "a condition imposed from the outside", we will try to shed light as to whether that process in the national interest and advance the development Matthakulah, or is it another factor in the disruption the national economy.
ولنبدأ من مبدأ تدخل الدولة في تحديد سعر صرف عملتها.
Let's start from the principle of state intervention in determining the exchange rate of its currency.
فقد كانت السلطة في النظام السابق تتبع هذا المبدأ منذ توليها زمام الامور نهاية الستينات، وكان ذلك متماشيا مع الفكر الاشتراكي الذي اعتنقه الحزب الحاكم.
It was power in the former regime followed this principle since taking power late 1960s, was in line with the socialist ideology held by the ruling party.
حيث عمل البنك المركزي على تثبيت سعر صرف الدينار لفترة طويلة، ولم يتح التعامل الحر بالعملة الصعبة الا في اضيق الحدود.
Central Bank where he worked to stabilize the dinar exchange rate for a long period, did not allow free deal in hard currency only in the narrowest limits.
وحتى مع اجراء بعض الاصلاحات لاتاحة المجال ام القطاع الخاص في استيراد بعض السلع المطلوبة للاستهلاك المحلي، كان يتوجب عليهم ان يحولوا مبالغ الاستيراد عن طريق البنك المركزي وضمن حدود معينة.
Even with some reforms to allow the private sector or in the importation of some goods required for local consumption, they were required to convert their import payments by the Central Bank, within certain limits.
وكان يجري تسعير الدينار حسب خطة الدولة.
The dinar was being priced as the state's plan.
بمعنى آخر ان سعر الدينار في السوق العالمي كان مختلفا (اقل بكثير) عن سعره في البنك المركزي.
In other words, that the price of the dinar in the global market was different (much less) on the price at the Central Bank.
نشأ عن ذلك ان البضائع المستوردة عن طريق الدينار المدعوم اصبحت مدعومة بالنتيجة، مما ادى الى منافسة غير منصفة مع الانتاج المحلي، وبالتالي انصرف كثير من الصناعيين والمنتجين عن اعمالهم لعدم القدرة على المواجهة.
Resulted in a goods imported through the dinar is backed backed score, which led to unfair competition with local production, and thus left many industrialists and the producers of their inability to confrontation.
كما تزايدت النزعة الاستهلاكية بسبب رخص البضاعة المطروحة من مناشيء عالمية.
Increased consumerism, as a result of cheap goods raised Menachev universal.
غير ان رخص الاسعار كان ظاهريا فقط، وكشف عنه التضخم الشديد ابان سنوات الحصار وتراجع قدرة الفرد على الاستهلاك، واقتصاره على الضروريات، التي كانت هي الاخرى مدعومة من الدولة.
However, the price was ostensibly permits only, and revealed by high inflation during the years of embargo and the decline of per capita consumption, but limited to the basics, which was also supported by the State.

تلك التجربة التي عاشها العراقيون قبل فترة لم تتعد سنوات قليلة، اثبتت ان التحكم في سعر صرف الدينار قاد الى عواقب وخيمة حينما عجزت الدولة عن الاستمرار في تقديم الدعم المطلوب، وعندما واجه الاقتصاد تحدٍ خطير يتمثل في القدرة على تحقيق الموازنة في ميزان الاستيراد والتصدير.
That experience that the Iraqis endured prior period did not exceed a few years, proved that controlling the exchange rate of the dinar has led to disastrous consequences when the state failed to continue to provide the requisite support, and when the economy faced a serious challenge is the ability to achieve budget balance in imports and exports.
لقد شيدت الدولة آنذاك اقتصادها على تصدير النفط، ولم تولي عناية كافية لتطوير قطاعات الزراعة والصناعة والتجارة الحرة.
The State then built its economy on oil exports, did not pay enough attention to the development of agriculture and industry sectors and free trade.

من ناحية اخرى، فان تقديم الدعم للدينار يعني تخصيص مبالغ مالية هائلة من الواردات الوطنية، كان يمكن استثمارها في انعاش الاقتصاد باقامة مشاريع انتاجية حيوية، بحيث يساهم انتاجها في توفير السلع محليا والتقليل من استيرادها كما يوفر فرص عمل كثيرة تخفف من وقع البطالة وتحيي الامل في المستقبل.
On the other hand, the support of the dinar means allocating huge sums of money from national imports, could be invested in revitalizing the economy and the establishment of productive projects vital to contribute in the provision of goods produced locally and reducing import also provides many employment opportunities to ease the unemployment and revive hope the future.

ولكن بدلا من ذلك نرى ان الحكومة الحالية ماضية في هذه السياسة دون اعتبار لاي متغيرات اقتصادية تتفاعل مع تلك السياسة.
But instead, we believe that the current government will continue in this policy without regard to any economic variables that interact with that policy.
وكمثال على ذلك، لفنترض ان سعر صرف الدينار بلغ 1250 دينار للدولار الواحد، وقد كان 1470 قبل ستة اشهر، فماذا يعني ذلك؟
As an example, the Ventrd the dinar rate of exchange amounted to 1250 dinars to the dollar, 1470 was six months ago, what does that mean?
ان ذلك يعني ان الدولار انخض بنسبة 15% ، وان سعر السلعة المستوردة سوف ينخفض بنفس النسبة.
This means that the dollar declined by 15%, and the price of imported goods would decline the same percentage.
اي ان الطماطم المستوردة يفترض ان تباع بسعر يقل بمقدار 15% عن سعرها قبل ستة اشهر، بحيث اصبح انتاجها محليا غير مجد واقعا، مع الاخذ بنظر الاعتبار ارتفاع تكلفة انتاج بسبب ارتفاع اسعار الوقود وازمات الكهرباء غير المنتهية.
That is supposed to be imported tomatoes sold at less than 15% of the price of six months ago, so that it is locally produced useless reality, taking into consideration the high cost of production due to high fuel prices and electricity-ending crises.
لكن انخفاض سعر الطماطم ليس حقيقي، فالفرق تدفعه الدولة من عائدات تصدير النفط.
But the low price of tomatoes is not a real gulf state paid from the proceeds of oil exports.
فيا لسخرية الاقدار كيف يصبح النفط ومشتقاته عاملا في ازدياد همّ المنتجين، فمن جهة ازداد سعره عليهم ومن جهة اخرى قلل اسعار بضائعهم.
So ironically becomes how oil and its derivatives are a factor in the increase in producer prices increased the one hand them the other hand reduced prices of their goods.
فاي اقتصاد "صحي" هذا؟
Any economy "healthy" this?

لكننا نلمس ان اسعار معظم المنتجات القابلة للخزن لم يتغير بعد خفض الدولار عن سعرها قبل ذلك.
But we see that the prices of most products are stored has not changed after depreciation of the dollar on the price before.
بل ارتفعت اسعار بعض البضائع المستوردة لتبلغ اكثر من ضعف سعر المنشأ كما هو الحال مع الاسمنت مثلا.
But prices of some imported goods amounting to more than twice the rate of origin as is the case with cement for example.
ويبدو ان السبب في ذلك انعدام ثقة التجار المستوردين في ثبات القيمة السوقية للدينار امام الدولار واحتمالية قيام الدولة برفع القيمة بشكل حاد مما يؤثر على رؤس اموالهم المقدرة بالدولار.
It appears that the reason for this lack of confidence in the stability of importers, traders, the market value of the dinar against the dollar and the likelihood that the state lifted the value sharply, which would affect the money exclusively estimated dollar.
فليس من الحكمة في شيء ان يجد المستثمر نفسه آخر العام خاسرا بفرق العملة عن اول العام رغم انه كان رابحا طوال السنة بمقاييس التجارة.
It is not wise to find another investor same year difference currency bet on the first, although it was profitable throughout the year compared to trade.

ولتوضيح ذلك، لنفترض ان تاجرا لديه رأس مال مقداره مليون دولار ويرغب في استيراد السمنت.
To illustrate, suppose that the merchant has capital of $ 1 million and wants to import cement.
فمن الطبيعي مثلا ان يفترض هامشا ربحيا مقداره 10% (هامش الربح في الواقع يعتمد على مقدار رأس المال المستثمر، ومقدار الطلب على البضاعة، والمنافسة التجارية لتوفيرها، اي قانون العرض والطلب).

http://www.google.com/translate?u=ht...&hl=en&ie=UTF8
__________________

Part 2

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For example, it is natural to assume profit margin of 10% (profit margin, in fact, depends on the amount of capital invested, the amount of demand for goods, competition for the available business, ie, the law of supply and demand).
فاذا كان الدولار فقد 15% من قيمته امام الدينار خلال ستة اشهر، فان توقع انخفاض مماثل لا يكون امرا عسيرا.
If the dollar has lost 15% of its value against the dinar during the six months, the expectation that similar decline is not difficult.
اي ان هذا التاجر ربما يتوقع ان يخسر 30% من رأس ماله (بالدولار) خلال العام، فاذا اضفنا هامش الربح الذ كان يتوقعه اصلا، فلن يكون مبالغا اذا وضع هامش ربح مقداره 40%.
This means that the trader might be expected to lose 30% of its capital (dollars) during the year, if we add to the profit margin of Damocles was originally expected, it would not be exaggerating if a profit margin of 40%.
وبالتالي فان سعر البضاعة في السوق المحلية ارتفع بمثل هذه النسبة.
Consequently, the price of goods in the domestic market rose to such percentage.
طبعا الامر يشمل التجارة الداخلية ايضا طالما انها مقدرة بالدولار هي الاخرى.
Of course, it also includes domestic trade as long as they are denominated in dollars is the other.
اما عامل المنافسة بين التجار المستوردين فلن يكون له تأثير كبير، اذ انهم جميعا يواجهون نفس الظروف من ناحية احتمالية انخفاض سعر صرف الدولار.
The factor of competition between traders importers will have a significant impact, since they all face the same conditions in terms of the likelihood of decline in the dollar exchange rate.
ستكون منافستهم منحصرة فقط في تقديرهم لهذا الانخفاض.
Makes will be limited only in appreciation for this decline.

اما الحديث عن ظاهرة "الدولرة" فلا يعدو ان يكون عاطفيا او مثاليا لا يمت الى الواقع بصلة.
Talk about the phenomenon of "dollarization" is no more than a emotionally or ideal that has nothing to do with reality.
فقد حلّ الدولار الامريكي، منذ نهاية الحرب العالمية الثانية، في مرتبة العملة الاولى المعتمدة عالميا نظرا لقوة الاقتصاد الامريكي بالمقارنة مع اقصاديات الدول الصناعية الغربية الاخرى.
It resolved the dollar, since the end of World War II, in the first rank currency universally adopted due to the strength of the American economy compared with Akassadiat other Western industrialized nations.
وعلى هذا فالامر ليس متعلقا بالعراق او بالدينار، حتى يمكن وقف، او الحد من التعامل بالدولار.
On this matter is not related to Iraq or the dinar, so can stop or limit dollar deal.
واذا كان بالامكان ان نجعل للدينار موقعا عالميا او اقليميا مميزا، ففي اقل تقدير يجب ان لا يربط بالدولار عن طريق التسعير المبتسر، او السيطرة الحكومية على اسعار الصرف.
And if it is possible to make the dinar sites globally or regionally distinct, in the very least, should not link the dollar through pricing premature, or the government's control over exchange rates.
ومن الجدير بالذكر ان سعر صرف العملة المحلية امام الدولار وغيره من العملات الاجنبية لا يعكس قوة اقتصاد البلد.
It is worth noting that the exchange rate of local currency against the dollar and other foreign currencies does not reflect the country's economy.
فالدينار الكويتي يعادل اكثر من ثلاث دولارات، بينما يبلغ سعر الدولار 3.75 ريالا سعوديا، مع ان اقتصاد كلا البلدين يُعد قويا (نتيجة واردات الثروة النفطية واستخدامها في الاستثمارات طويلة الامد).
Valdinar Kuwaiti equivalent of more than three dollars, while the dollar 3.75 SAR, with the economy of both countries is strong (as a result, imports of oil wealth to use in long-term investments).

اذن من المستفيد من رفع قيمة الدينار؟
Permission from the beneficiary of the rise in the value of the dinar?
اذا كان الجواب هم طبقة الموظفين وذوي الدخل المحدود، فسوف يكون ذلك تجريدا وتعسفا.
If the answer were the layer of staff and those with limited income, it would be abstract and arbitrary.
فهؤلاء يمثلون الشريحة الاستهلاكية الاكبر في السوق، وبالتالي فان تشجيعهم على الاستهلاك سوف يقلل من القدرة على تحقيق موزانة تجارية بين الواردات والصادرات.
They represent the largest segment of the consumer market, and thus encourage consumption will reduce the ability to achieve business Balancing between imports and exports.
وفي ظروف مثل التي يمر بها العراق، يبدو ان الافضل ان تعمل الدولة على عكس العملية لتصب في مصلحة الصادرات (الامر الذي لا يبدو ان الدولة توليه اي اهتمام يذكر).
In such circumstances through which Iraq, it seems that the best that the state is working to reverse the process is in the interest of exports (which does not seem that the state paid any attention to mention).

اذكر ان العملة اليابانية (الين) ارتفع سعر صرفها امام العملات الاخرى فجأة اواسط التسعينات.
I recall that the Japanese currency (yen) rose exchange rate against other currencies suddenly the mid-1990s.
وقد بلغ سعر الصرف قرابة الضعف امام الدولار آنذاك.
The total exchange rate against the dollar nearly doubled the time.
وقد يبدو ذلك جيدا، لكنه لم يكن كذلك بالنسبة للحكومة اليابانية التي تعتمد في عائدتها على تصدير المنتجات الصناعية الرخيصة نسبيا.
That may seem good, but not as well as for the Japanese government in Saadtha dependent on the export of industrial products is relatively cheap.
ومع انخفاض سعر الدولار سوف ترتفع اسعار تلك المنتجات مما يقلل من قدرتها على المنافسة عالميا.
With the decline of the dollar will increase the prices of those products, which reduces the ability to compete globally.
وقد عمدت المصارف الحكومية على طرح كميات هائلة من الين للتداول لخفض قيمته واعادته على القيمة السابقة لتحقيق استقرار في سوق الاعمال وميزان الاستيراد – التصدير.
Government banks have had to put up huge amounts of yen for circulation to reduce the value and return on the value prior to the achievement of stability in the market and the import-export balance.
طبعا لم تعمل الحكومة اليابانية على تحديد سعر الصرف، بل اتبعت نظام السوق في العرض والطلب، واستخدام احتياطي النقد لديها الذي لم يأت من تصدير ثروة طبيعية.
Never operate the Japanese government to determine the exchange rate, but followed the market system of supply and demand, and the use of currency reserves, which have not come from the export of natural wealth.

من جانب آخر، يدّعي المسؤولون الحكوميون ان الدافع لرفع سعر الدينار مقابل الدولار يكمن في ارتفاع معدل التضخم، ويحاولون اقناعنا ان التضخم سوف يزول او يقل باتباع هذا الاجراء.
On the other, government officials alleged that the motive for raising the rate of the dinar against the dollar lies in the high rate of inflation, trying to convince us that inflation would disappear or at least follow this procedure.
غير انني اعتقد ان ذلك مجرد تبرير، اذ ان التضخم هو ناتج طبيعي لانحراف الميزان التجاري نحو الاستيراد وخروج العملة الصعبة بدلا من دخولها عن طريق التصدير.
But I think that simply justify, since inflation is the result of natural deviation of the trade balance towards imports and exit of hard currency instead of entering through export.
وبالتالي فان كمية المعروض من العملة الصعبة يكون اقل من الطلب مما يرفع سعرها كأي بضاعة اخرى.
Thus, the supply of hard currency to be less than the demand, which raises the price of any other goods.
واذا ارادت الدولة ان تحد من التضخم، فيجب ان ترعى عملية اصلاح اقتصادي شاملة تتضمن تشجيع الانتاج المحلي وتخفيض الفائدة على القروض المصرفية، واستغلال القدرات البشرية لاحداث نهضة زراعية وصناعية كبرى.
If the State is to limit inflation, we must foster a comprehensive economic reform process include promoting local production and the reduction of interest on bank loans, and the exploitation of human capacity for a renaissance major agricultural and industrial.
ومن الواضح ان هذه الاجراءات معقدة وشائكة وتتطلب الكثير من الجهد والتنظيم والتطوير، بعكس قرار بسيط بتحويل جزء من واردات النفط لشراء الدولار وبيعه لاحقا بسعر اقل، للايحاء بان الدولة قد حدّت من التضخم، محققة بذلك انجازا اعجازيا!
It is clear that these procedures are complex and difficult and requires a lot of effort and organization and development, unlike the simple decision to transfer a portion of oil imports to buy dollars and sell it later at a lower price, to give the impression that the state had curbed inflation, thereby realizing Auajazia achievement!

وحتى على هذا الفرض، ما هي الضمانات ان واردات النفط ستكون كما هو متوقع؟
And even on this premise, what are the guarantees that oil imports will be as expected?
اذا نحينا جانبا عنصري التخريب والفساد الاداري في ادارة هذه الثروة الوطنية، اليس واردا ان يحدث انخفاض كبير في سعر بيع برميل النفط، بحيث يقل عن التوقعات الدنيا؟
Leaving aside racist vandalism and administrative corruption in the management of this national treasure, is not improbable that there is a substantial reduction in the sale price of a barrel of oil, so less than the minimum expectations?
فماذا سيحدث عندذاك؟
What would happen at such time?
اذا عجزت الدولة عن دعم الدينار، متيحة لدورة السوق ان تأخذ مجراها، فلاريب ان سعر الدولار سوف يشهد تصاعدا صاروخيا، مسببا تضخما نقديا قد يكون من الصعب السيطرة عليه بسبب العامل النفسي للغلاء، والرغبة في الاقتناء خوفا من تصاعد محتمل في الاسعار.
If the State fails to support the dinar, allowing for the market to take its course, Vlarib that the dollar will witness an escalation rocket, causing monetary inflation may be difficult to control because of the psychological factor cost, and the desire to acquisitions fear of a possible escalation in prices.

وعلى كل حال قد يكون وجود نسبة مئوية بسيطة من التضخم سنويا امرا حميدا، حيث يدفع بالمواطن الى الاستثمار في السوق المحلية لتنمية المدخرات بدلا من الاقفال عليها في الخزنات باعتبار انه اذا لم يكن هناك تضخم فان قيمتها تزداد مع الزمن حتى مع عدم تشغيلها.
In any case, it may be a small percentage of annual inflation is benign, where the citizen pays to invest in the local market for the development of savings instead of closing down in retaining the grounds that if there is no inflation, the value increases with time even in the absence of operation.
وهذا هو الامر مع الدولار نفسه، حيث نشهد تراجعه امام عملات اخرى سنة بعد سنة، دون ان نرى تحركا جديا من الحكومة الامريكية لوقف هذا التراجع (بالاضافة الى عوامل محلية ودولية اخرى تخدم الادارة الامريكية في وضع الدولار "الضعيف").
This is the matter with the dollar itself, as we are seeing in front of other currencies slide, year after year, without seeing a serious move from the American government to stop this decline (in addition to domestic and international factors, the other serving the American administration in a dollar "weak").

اننا لا ندعو هنا الى رفع يد الدولة كليا في هذه المرحلة، ولكننا لا نرى اية فائدة من تدخلها المباشر لصالح الدينار.
We are not here advocating for the lifting of the hands of the government completely at this stage, but we do not see any benefit from direct intervention in favor of the dinar.
ونحن ندرك ان الحكومة الحالية ورثت اقتصادا منهكا وديونا دولية طائلة.
We recognize that the current government inherited an economy weakened and the international debts of money.
لكننا نعتقد في الوقت ذاته ان بامكان الدولة ان تتبع اجراءات على المديين المتوسط والبعيد من اجل تحقيق نهضة اقتصادية كفيلة بتحسين وضع العملة ليس من ناحية سعر صرفها فحسب، وانما من ناحية الطلب عليها ايضا.
But we believe at the same time that a State could follow the procedures in the medium and long term in order to achieve an economic renaissance for improving the currency is not on the exchange rate, but the demand side also.
سيكون من المشوق ان نرى يوما نستورد فيه بضائعنا، من دول الجوار على الاقل، بعملتنا الوطنية، لانهم يقبلون التعامل بها.
It will be interesting to see the day when our goods imported from neighboring countries at least, our national, because they accept the deal.
سيكون ذلك افضل بكثير من ان يُعادل الدولار بالف دينار بينما يكون سعر البضائع المستوردة هو نفسه او اكثر من سعرها حينما كان الدولار بالف وخمسمائة او الفين دينار عراقي.
This will be much better than the dollar equivalent of a thousand dinars, while the price of imported goods is the same as or more than the price when the dollar and five hundred thousand or two thousand Iraqi dinars.
posted by alaa ghazala at 08:48
Posted by alaa ghazala at 08:48

-- August 10, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Anonymous

I need some clarification on your last paragraph directed toward me. Are you saying that I am deceiving people and that I'm masquerading as a christian, and that I take studying scripture lightly? If so those are pretty heavy accusations without even knowing me, wouldn't you agree? Maybe I'm just reading your post wrong?

-- August 10, 2007 11:51 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carl;

Of note is that this China threat is created BY THE CONGRESS and results in helping Hillary Clinton's campaign.

These threats from China are coming at the United States FOR THE FIRST TIME due to the extreme measures being put on China BY THE DEMOCRAT CONTROLLED CONGRESS.. in a purely political move to trump up a political campaign talking point for Hillary Clinton. QUOTE from article below:

"Two Chinese officials at leading Communist Party bodies have given interviews in recent days warning, for the first time, that Beijing may use its $1,330 billion (658 billion pounds) of foreign reserves as a political weapon to counter pressure from the US Congress.

It is no "coincidence" that these unprecedented threats which are coming as a direct result of PRESSURE FROM THE US CONGRESS quote, "play into the presidential electoral campaign of Hillary Clinton." How about reigning in the Congress which is now threatening to use its powers to collapse our economy simply in order to bolster their electoral hopes and boost Hillary Clinton's sagging hopes to look Presidential and throw her weight around? They are making the US people pay attention to what she says by threatening American incomes through manipulating this provocative legislation in order to provoke this response of the Chinese... is that too hard to see?

Also, if the Dems can cause the collapse of the economy, they may have their long hoped for "scandal" after all.. since they will blame it all on President Bush. We already figured out the Dems play fast and loose with the lives of troops to get votes.. now they want to play with our collective economic security as well, possibly resulting in 'undermining US authority' and 'triggering a global cycle of protectionist legislation' - according to US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson - just to help their election strategy and get into the Whitehouse. The Bush Administration would not act so irresponsibly on behalf of the US people.. (can you imagine people losing their livelihoods, their homes - just due to this Congressional pressure?) - why is Congress allowed to do this? Though you must admit.. a ton of people out of work and a full scale recession due to the Dems strategy of putting pressure on China through their control of the Congress would put them in a good position to take the Whitehouse based on the supposed "incompetence" of the Bush Administration and its "failures".. wouldn't it? The economy is doing so well now they have nothing real to complain about.. this is a torpedo aimed at that good record.. with our incomes and homes about to take the hit.

Sara.

===

China threatens to trigger US dollar crash
Aug 9, 2007

BEIJING: The Chinese government has begun a concerted campaign of economic threats against the United States, hinting that it may liquidate its vast holding of US treasury bonds if Washington imposes trade sanctions to force a yuan revaluation.

Two Chinese officials at leading Communist Party bodies have given interviews in recent days warning, for the first time, that Beijing may use its $1,330 billion (658 billion pounds) of foreign reserves as a political weapon to counter pressure from the US Congress. Described as China’s ‘nuclear option’ in the state media, such action could trigger a dollar crash at a time when the US currency is breaking down through historic support levels.

It would also cause a spike in US bond yields, hammering the US housing market and perhaps tipping the economy into recession.

It is estimated that China holds more than $900 billion in a mix of US bonds.

He Fan, an official at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that Beijing had the power to set off a dollar collapse, if it chose to do so.

A bill drafted by a group of US senators, and backed by the Senate Finance Committee, calls for trade tariffs against Chinese goods as retaliation for alleged currency manipulation.

The yuan has appreciated 9 percent against the dollar over the last two years under a crawling peg but it has failed to halt the rise of China’s trade surplus, which reached $26.9 billion in June.

Henry Paulson, the US Treasury Secretary, said any such sanctions would undermine US authority and could trigger a global cycle of protectionist legislation.

The threats play into the presidential electoral campaign of Hillary Clinton, who has called for restrictive legislation to prevent America being ‘held hostage to economic decisions being made in Beijing, Shanghai or Tokyo’.

She said foreign control over 44 percent of the US national debt had left America acutely vulnerable.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\08\09\story_9-8-2007_pg5_24

-- August 10, 2007 1:23 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

A quickie, I'm on the run,

Valerio,
ok so you were "Anonymous" , cool.

Sara,

"If you want to take down a civilization, all you have to do is to go to their schools and alter their collected wisdom" I sad that, not Carole.

Steven,

Thought about it overnight, and I can say that I am seriously interested in the ISX, however, still the question about getting the stuff out of there, has to be resolved in my mind.

-- August 10, 2007 2:48 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Willie,
No brother you read me wrong. I was only refering to your comment to Sara that you don't claim to be a scholar. Don't cut yourself short. I was merely saying we should all be scholars of the word of God and that knowing it is the most important. To me a scholar is someone who studies.

Sara,
You are so right that there is nothing new that is true. What I tell you is written. Go back to the beginning and re-read carefully with open eyes. Jesus spoke only by parables to the public, don't you know why? He clarified things for his disciples. There are many mysteries (hidden truths) that the word brings to light for those who seek the knowledge, and it is written to that fact many time.

-- August 10, 2007 6:39 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Sorry, Roger!
Credit is now fully given to you for that quote.. it is a GREAT quote. :)

Valerio;

I still question the teaching that humans and demons procreated and that it was this human/demon breeding which was the sin which ushered in the flood of Noah (tainted human/demon crossbreeds - Noah and his family the only ones pure, the rest all "corrupt"). It isn't stated plainly as being the definition of "corrupt" in the relevant passages and those who take it as implied are adding a lot of their own views to what is written. I understand some think it is so.. I just think the proof for the position is very meagre and subject to other (more rational?) explanations. I can think of other explanations for the word CORRUPT in the passage:

Gen 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
Gen 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Gen 6:13 And God said to Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

I kinda thought it was the violence not sex/procreation with demons God was objecting to here.. so that means the corrupt area relates back to the wholesale endorsement and allowing of killing (kinda like the suicide bomber murder cult we are confronting now could be called "corrupt" since it sanctions violence as well?).. but hey, you can have your explanation if you think in your own mind it is more rational. Just give me room to disagree without saying I am rejecting the "hidden wisdom of God" which only the "enlightened" few have recovered after it was "lost" for ages from this world, ok? Let's agree to disagree on it, ok?

Do you really wish a debate.. how about your clarifying your statement to me that the "born again" experience is at CONCEPTION? QUOTE:

May I also suggest that it was not only Jesus who came from that heaven plane, or demension, but everyone ever born of woman? This is what was being explained to Nicodemas when the words interpreted "born again", in reality meant "born from above" as is usually indicated in the footnotes. This spiritual birth from above actually happens at conception when the soul legally leaves the first habitation to enter this earth age through the blood and the water.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2007/03/iraqi_dinar_dis_8.html#129451

If this were so, as you posted... how is it that Jesus told Nicodemus he had to be born again when he was already born again at conception? Why did Jesus do that? Seems a bit redundant to me.. to tell him he had to do something he has already done many years ago. Obviously, you personally have not had a "born again" experience which happened to you AFTER your own conception, then, am I correct? Though by this definition, you would call yourself "born again" - am I right? It is kind of important because you know Jesus said you MUST be born again to enter/see the Kingdom of God.. and the definition of that word really should be in the context of what Jesus said and not according to a footnote added by translators who are just men.

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:5 ... he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

If ALL of mankind has at conception this "born again" - why did Jesus say that there were some who CANNOT see/enter the Kingdom of God in this passage? Why bring it up if all mankind is born again as you state? Why use the word EXCEPT in the passage.. a contingent word - as though some can be NOT born again.. if all men already are?

Sara.

-- August 10, 2007 7:56 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Are we winning or losing in Iraq,???

To me it seems like were picking them off one by one.

For some this might be some gruesome pics, but you can check it out yourself on "YouTube"

Punch in "Gun Camera", and check out a few of the gun camera shots from a Cobra.

From the latest reports the terrorists are running, and biting the dust in big numbers, the gun camera shots verifies this pretty much.

It's not nice pics, but it's them or us. I have no sympathy for them when they fall.

-- August 10, 2007 10:45 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

It is good to know that quote we are winning. I have been listening to the Senate confirmation hearings and military testimoney searching for answers about what is happening in Iraq. There was this one guy who stated that he visited Iraq (I think he was from International Studies of the Middle East Group) and he stated that combat in Northern Iraq and Central Iraq is still on-going, although he thought that security was better. The statement that got me was when he stated that Shiite groups have already partioned off the southern portion of the country in Basre port. The oil is in the hands of criminal Shiite persons and run by gangsters.

I am gathering that the U.S.A. is going to provide over all air support in Iraq for their security. However, I don't know if the U.S.A. can afford to leave the southern port of Basra in the hands of milita's for security reasons for our own troops and also for economic reasons to protect Iraqi interests in the oil.

I have a feeling that all these observations are items the military is working on.

Laura Parker

-- August 10, 2007 11:30 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

Roger,The Warka Bank account gets better all the time, a new part is that, External tranfers, with a drop down menu with a lot of Banks on it, Citi Bank Stardard Chartered, and to be able to put in your Banks name, so it looks like you can transfer money from your dinar account into your dollar account and then transfer it to your home bank,most of this info is from IIF.

The ISX is leaking info out in the Baghdad area that electronic trading will start at the end of Aug 2007 and that it will not list all trading comps at the same time, apparently it is still testing the electronic aquipment and hoping to have it up 100% to include all 94 trading comps soon, a date was not given.

For good info you can sign on at, Iraqinfo@americancontractor.com if someone has allready put up this site, sorry.

Somthing on Tv last night in that Dubia's experts say their oil will run out in 2018 hence the mad spending on turning it into a rich playground.

I have about 7 mill in the ISX and 3 mill in a Warka dinar account, and 12 mill cash dinars in my hand, so I think I have got it covered for what ever happens, well thats as far as I can see.
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 11, 2007 12:27 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The credit crunch, it might be a start of things to come.

I talked about earlier about the American Way, the buy now pay later mentality.

Well, this might just come back and haunt us.

First to understand what I'm talking about I would like to take you to another place.

How does a bank work.

There is a zillion ways you can use a bank, but to boil it down to the very basic principle of how a bank work we are only going to do a very simple and basic set up.

To start up with a bank must have capital.(Preferably it's own, many borrow for this) Ok, lets say you open up a bank with lets say a million bucks.

You have one office, and you are now lending this money out to three house owners, that will pay off the mortgage to you (the bank), with interest.

The equity of the bank is now transferred from cash into three houses, with a mortgage of 330 thousand each.

So here is the secret ( don't tell) ....a bank have almost no cash.

A bank will also open up personal check accounts for a cash flow, but will make very little out of those accounts (fees, overdraft and any and all magic trix, all in all it is not where the bank makes it's real money, because day to day checking accounts is spendable money the customer have, and will withdraw it almost all until next paycheck deposits)

So over a 10 20 or 30 year period the house( in this case) will be payed off, with interest, and when this is done new money is freed up for the banks to loan more money to the banks customers.

A healthy bank have about a ration of 1 part cash and 2 parts equity as total assets.

However, banks can go crazy to, and play their cards well above their means, and themselves borrow money to turn around and borrow that money to their customer. A lot of banks have a nuts ratio of 500 /1000 to 1 ratio.

This will work only as long as not all the customers come in at the same time and take out their money.

A scenario that is possible but not likely.

Traditionally the banks have had very strict loan criteria, but as competition have increased from other finance institutes that gives credit, the market for borrowing money have opened up to such a degree that very loose criteria have been okay-ed for borrowing money.

Today you borrow for your car, your wristwatch, your HD flat screen TV , the boat and any and all consumer products.

Remember the statement...where is the CASH???...it went to China.

It's an almost cashless society we live in today, almost all transactions are a promissory note to pay, gas cards or Satellite TV subscription.

All is taken out of your account and deposited into the sellers account.... no cash.

So today the banks got into a crunch, there was rumble in the market because of lack of cash, and the banks had to infuse a couple of billions to calm things down.

The weird thing is where it popped up. No one expected it to pop up there. In Germany and France.

High yield funds targeting the US lending market, started to go wobbly.

Right now the banks are starting to feel a crunch, for some time there has been a high percentage of loans going bad, because people have bought bigger houses than they could afford ( happens every generation, called a real estate bubble that seems to blow every ten fifteen years or so).

Banks and other lending institutions have a rating of good and risky loans.

The loans in the bottom, the really risky one, usually banks don't deal with them.

(The car company that finances your used car, just walk in with three pay stubs from your employer, and you roll out with a car, no money down)

Intermediately risky loans have gone bad in big numbers, but what is worrying right now is that prime customers with good rating, have lately dramatically risen as faulty loans.

So all in all, this is a period where people starts to look at the wallet, and slow down in their spending.

This is confirmed by retail that report a sluggish sale period.

In order to get cash in the vaults, people need to save, and one of the tools for saving is a good interest rate when you deposit your money.

If you raise the interest rate people will borrow less however, and this will slow down the banking, loan industry, with the effect of less investment.

All this is in itself just a recurring cycle, that is handled with manipulation of interest rate, but this time around we're pretty cash strapped.

We could of course just print up more money, but that will be the same effect as when the Chinese are threatening to dump all their Dollars, bringing it down in value.

In itself the Dollar are due for a lower value, and it has it's own advantages, as long as the market can adjust, but a shock treatment administered by the Chinese will harm the whole blood system, and the patient may not be a top performing person, but may end up in wheel chair for some time.

So to get back to the Dinar, as the US situation seems to unfold, a very good investment seems to be in another currency at the moment, and then especially the Dinar with its potential for very high values.

A reminder here, the Dinar increase we have seen is in itself not a Dinar increase, but an adjustment to a Dollar drop.

-- August 11, 2007 12:40 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole!
I find there is no point in discussing religion from a personal belief stand point...political influence directly or indirectly yes...personal no! I would never convince you of my beliefs, nor me yours...so what would be the point...

Religion is sort of like a Harry Potter Story...the value of the story is whatever the reader or interpretor wishes to give it...and which version matches their leanings...
I have no desire to push anyone toward any lean, in any direction...that is up to the individual..so I will keep any of my post strickly to the things that reflect on the security and political climate with Iraq...

-- August 11, 2007 12:56 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

WOW Guys!!

So much good stuff to read---like the old days----I love it!!!
I have done the doctor/clinic thing today and am utterly exhausted, but I iwll have the weekend to devour all the input.

Sara, I haven't studied your messages in depth, but just scanning them, I thinnk I will sleep much better tonight. I truly want to be wrong about Bush. Please believe that BUT we are advised and admonished to test the spirits and that the one coming will decieve the masses... so to question some leader's authenticity is our respinsibility and I think your attempt to validate Bush's authenticity may be prudent and accurate. I am hoping I can convince myself of that after I really study your input.

Valerio,

You scare me and I worry for you and your hopes of a personal eternal security,,, but again I will read more tomorrow. On the surface, I would wonder if you are not brainwashed by some really spooky theology and deprogramming necessary for you to be open and able to recieve the Truth.

Carole

-- August 11, 2007 1:02 AM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

Roger,
I believe we are winning right now, and the sense of that may bring the political unity we need as the non believers who are weak become convinced. I think we are seeing it now within the dems, and how they are now changing their platforms compared to what we were hearing from them only 6 months ago.

Sara,
You left some things out.
Gen 6:1
And it came to pass, when "MEN" began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them (MEN), 2-That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3- And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he "ALSO" is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

This had been going on now about 1400 years

And so it is written that 120 years later the flood came and took them all away.

Gen 6:4
There were "GIANTS" (Heb.= Nephilim, fallen ones)in the earth in those days; "AND ALSO AFTER THAT", when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children unto them, the same became mighty men which were old, men of renown.

Gen 6:5-7 God repented that he made man, and said he would destroy man that he created.

Gen 6:8
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9- These are the generations(genealogy) of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect(pure, blameless) in his generations(genealogy), and Noah walked with God.

On your other question;
It is written that there was an age before this one in which God created his children. The souls who were the sons of God. There was a rebellion led by Satan that brought about the destuction of that earth age(which science bares out). God rejuvenated the earth, and said let us create flesh man in our image, in our likeness. God sentence Satan to destruction of his soul, but desired to redeem the children who were deceived by him. No soul that God has created has ever been destroyed yet. Not one. There won't be any destroyed until after the Kingdom of Christ, at the time of the great white throne judgement. Therefore everyone that is born of woman God did foreknow, because they were with God before they were put in their mothers womb made in the flesh. When the flesh body dies we will be again in the presents of the Lord. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And Yes, No man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven. Now Nicodemus was a pharisee who came to Jesus by night in secret, and he said he knew Jesus had to be of God for man cannot do the signs which he did, and no doubt Nicodemus was wondering about the kingdom, and weather or not he would bring about the new kingdom the Jews were looking to messiah for. Jesus would begin to teach Nicodemus that His kingdom would not be of this world, and flesh and blood would not enter his kingdom, and that man must be born again to enter it. A man must be born of water and of the spirit. That which is born of flesh is flesh; and that which is born of Spirit is spirit. Puals teachings on this goes into great detail. 1 cor 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natual(flesh) body, and there is a spiritual body. 50- Now this I say, brethern, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51- Behold I show you a "MYSTERY" We shall not all sleep, but we all shall be changed.

It tickles me the way you continually pass your judgement on me Sara.
I'm a student of Gods word, not a student of the traditions of mens religions. I know you have been taught in these traditions and they are a stumbling block to you. You will always cling to what you have been taught weather it be true or not, and if God put a slumber upon you its for the good of your innocence. And if you maintain that a snake talked Eve into eating an apple, and thats as far as your understanding can go, then I leave you to that, but I would rather you put away the milk and begin eating meat. If you don't have an undestanding of the beginning, how can you undestand the middle, and the end. You see Sara, I don't disagree with you at all realy, I'm just on a different level than you. The expert mathmatician can do wonderous things with formulas, assigning unknown values to letters in working their solutution to find the unknown, and it's boggling to the mind of the 5th grader who knows how to add, subtract, mutilply, and divide; And its is no more difficult than those basic functions, but they can't get it until they have more knowledge than what they been taught so far. If they never learn anything beyond 5th grade, and they keep practicing they can be a wiz at adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing, but they will never understand mysteries.

-- August 11, 2007 2:58 AM ∞

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Peved wrote:

While waiting for the long delay in the pages download,
I make up for my lack of going to Church,, by reading all the religious postings, really you guys,, need to your your own discussion pages,

I do get a chance to read and reread all the previous DINAR POSTINGS,

I only have 1 million in Dinar and I would like more. I appreciate all of the DINAR postings, information and links.
But I think with the SEVER lack of scratch page, HINT HINT,, HINT,, DINAR ADMINISTRATOR!!!! while the Religious Comments are sometimes insightful, they really don't add to the flavor of this continued discussion of the DINAR .
Iraqi Dinar Discussion: March 6, 2007 to ...

-- August 11, 2007 4:36 AM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Carol,
Boo!
You just keep studying Gods word. He who seeks shall find, and he who asks it shall be given. It'll be alright.

Don't worry about my eternal security. He who believes in the Son, Jesus Christ the only begotten, will have their part in the enheritance which is eternal life.

Peved,

I've been hear reading this site quite awhile, why don't you go back and read all the posts say from about March 05 and then come back and tell me what flavor you would like to add to the dinar discussion. I think I've tried every flavor but one, and I can hardly wait to try it.

-- August 11, 2007 6:03 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks Carole. :)

OK, Valerio.. let's get into it.. I can see you won't let it rest. For those not interested.. this one has no Dinar in it so you can skip it. The Scripture:

Gen 6:1-2 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

Matthew Henry's commentary gives the TRADITIONAL and accepted Christian view, that this is those who are God's people (Sons of GOD.. followers of GOD) taking wives of those who are Unbelievers (Daughters of MEN.. those who do not follow GOD). It says, quote:

In all ages there has been a peculiar curse of God upon marriages between professors of true religion and its avowed enemies. The evil example of the ungodly party corrupts or greatly hurts the other. Family religion is put an end to, and the children are trained up according to the worldly maxims of that parent who is without the fear of God. If we profess to be the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, we must not marry without his consent. He will never give his blessing, if we prefer beauty, wit, wealth, or worldly honours, to faith and holiness. The Spirit of God strove with men, by sending Enoch, Noah, and perhaps others, to preach to them; by waiting to be gracious, notwithstanding their rebellions; and by exciting alarm and convictions in their consciences. But the Lord declared that his Spirit should not thus strive with men always; he would leave them to be hardened in sin, and ripened for destruction. This he determined on, because man was flesh: not only frail and feeble, but carnal and depraved; having misused the noble powers of his soul to gratify his corrupt inclinations. God sees all the wickedness that is among the children of men; it cannot be hid from him now; and if it be not repented of, it shall be made known by him shortly. The wickedness of a people is great indeed, when noted sinners are men renowned among them. Very much sin was committed in all places, by all sorts of people. Any one might see that the wickedness of man was great: but God saw that every imagination, or purpose, of the thoughts of man's heart, was only evil continually. This was the bitter root, the corrupt spring. The heart was deceitful and desperately wicked; the principles were corrupt; the habits and dispositions evil. Their designs and devices were wicked. They did evil deliberately, contriving how to do mischief. There was no good among them. God saw man's wickedness as one injured and wronged by it. He saw it as a tender father sees the folly and stubbornness of a rebellious and disobedient child, which grieves him, and makes him wish he had been childless. The words here used are remarkable; they are used after the manner of men, and do not mean that God can change, or be unhappy. Does God thus hate our sin? And shall not we be grieved to the heart for it? Oh that we may look on Him whom we have grieved, and mourn! God repented that he had made man; but we never find him repent that he redeemed man. God resolves to destroy man: the original word is very striking, 'I will wipe off man from the earth,' as dirt or filth is wiped off from a place which should be clean, and is thrown to the dunghill, the proper place for it. God speaks of man as his own creature, when he resolves upon his punishment. Those forfeit their lives who do not answer the end of their living. God speaks of resolution concerning men, after his Spirit had been long striving with them in vain. None are punished by the justice of God, but those who hate to be reformed by the grace of God. (end quote)

Within this traditional understanding of verse one, verse four is also referring to the marriages with the ungodly when it states:

Gen 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

Here you have the sons of GOD (Godly men) having children by the daughters of MEN (unbelievers). It is believed that these mighty men were superhuman.. you said the explanation is that they are hybrid demon/human.. and it is said that this resulted in GIANTS. Taking this as the starting point then..

What then is the explanation for the *giants* resulting from these unions.. these "mighty men" and "men of renown"? The Scripture merely states the existence of giants, it does not expound on how giants came to be. Personally, I have a theory, which you can take or not.. which does not require demons. It comes from this Scripture:

Ecc 1:9 The thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecc 1:10 Is there any thing of which it may be said, 'See, this is new?' it has been already of old time, which was before us.

In essence, everything we do has essentially been done before. It all boils down to the same elements. This goes counter to the evolutionary teachings that state that we are the most "evolved" and exceed our ancestors in everything, including technology. There are legends of more advanced humans (the lost city of Atlantis, the huge superhighways in the forests in South America showing a super advanced but wiped out civilization - and why did they NEED superhighways, etc) and elements we cannot figure our or duplicate (the Pyramids, Roman roads which were made with a concrete which cannot be matched by any concrete we make today for durability, etc) so there is some degree of proof that what we experience today has been before (or better). Let us for a moment suppose this to be the truth. Suppose the people before the flood had technology which we have now.. or greater, but it was wiped out in the flood. Suppose they were into genetic modification as we are only now beginning to understand it. And suppose they decided to *improve* the human genome by creating superhumans.. like Goliath.

These who were MIGHTY men and men of RENOWN.. were greater than the normal. What objections would there be to creating superhumans? Those who were godly men and women would say that they are changing God's design and so they would seek to remain pure from the genetic modification of their genome, but these unions described in the passage above of godly people with unbelievers.. would not be under such restraint. If a person could marry an unbeliever and see no wrong in it, then they would see no wrong in their worldly ideas.. including any genetic modification of their children. And it would fit with God being concerned about these unions which produce superhumans who are yet from godly seed and joined to these ungodly women. We aren't there yet in technology, but I think we will be there in the future.

Could these giants have been created by genetic manipulation techniques which were prevalent in the preflood world and used by ungodly post flood men and women who felt it was improving the genome to tamper with it? Note that the godly line of Shem are men who are never giants, Scripturally. Perhaps they kept themselves pure from this genetic manipulation. We today think that this genetic experimentation is new.. but "Is there any thing of which it may be said, 'See, this is new?' it has been already of old time, which was before us." Note also that when the people of Israel came to the Promised Land from Egypt, that the land they took was filled with GIANTS and even the grapes were gentically manipulated to be HUGE:

Num 13:23 And they came to the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.
Num 13:24 The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.

This ONE cluster of grapes took TWO men to carry between them suspended on a staff.. it was so large. I believe they were genetically modified, even as the humans in the land were giants (genetically modified), from a few verses later on the same page with these HUGE grapes, quote:

Num 13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched to the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eats up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.
Num 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Here in the Promised Land you have GIANTS.. and HUGE clusters of grapes.. all, to my mind, due to genetic manipulation of the DNA code. It is said of David's time, QUOTE:

2Sa 21:19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
2Sa 21:20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.
2Sa 21:21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimeah the brother of David killed him.
2Sa 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

IF the idea of "giants" in the preflood world being from demon/human halfbreeds were correct and the demons were all bound then, it stands to reason that GOLIATH, who is AFTER the flood and is a GIANT, would not have existed; nor would these four giants of Gath have been slain by the post-flood David. If human/demon interbreeding was the reason for ending that world, then the grotesque results of these interbreedings, these giants, would all have been gone and the demons all bound so no more would have resulted. But Goliath did exist and David fought him and he and his servants killed four born to the giant of Gath. Goliath was said in the Scriptures to be a huge being, and he was likely to have had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot (necessary for balance of such large stature), as was this man in the passage above. To get this kind of change in the genome of man, genetic manipulation was necessary. You cannot get extra digits from existing stock and interbreeding. One explanation for these giants (with extra digits) is human/demon interbreeding (which means it can happen today as this must mean some of them are not bound and made Goliath?), another is genetic manipulation of the DNA code. For me, I believe there is nothing new under the sun, but that what we are doing has been done before... including the making of giants using manipulated human DNA. This explanation is more logical, probable, and does not require demonic entities to believe as an explanation for these giants. It also resolves all the relevant Scriptures and does no violence to traditional understandings of these passages.

As for your statement, "It is written that there was an age before this one in which God created his children." Well.. It may be written, but it is not written and clearly expounded in the BIBLE. It is added on to Scriptural passages as you have added your demon/human coupling teaching... implied into the text by those who take words in the Bible to mean what they wish it to mean, even as you take the word "corrupt" to mean demon/human breeding. It is subject to interpretation.. and is only human opinion, not doctrinally taught in the Bible. And, since it does not concern salvation, I do not take issue with it if it is expressed as personal opinion (as this human DNA manipulation to get Genetically modified human giants explanation I just gave was), but I am cautious about causing contention over minor doctrinal positions:

Pro 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

I see again your belief in your lofty superiority when you say, "I know you have been taught in these traditions and they are a stumbling block to you... (if) thats as far as your understanding can go, then I leave you to that... If you don't have an undestanding of the beginning, how can you undestand the middle, and the end." You then imply I am at a very basic and elemental understanding (5th grade) whereas you are advanced in the mysteries of Christ when you say, "If they never learn anything beyond 5th grade, and they keep practicing they can be a wiz at adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing, but they will never understand mysteries." I see your vaunting yourself as superior (I am in the fifth grade, you are superior and in University), yet the Scripture itself admonishes us:

Jer 6:16 Thus says the LORD, Stand all of you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk in them, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in them.

The Bible is not new paths but old ones which are tried and true. When you say to leave these old and tried paths for your new path saying I do not have an understanding and "if that is as far as your understanding can go" - then I see it as your understanding not being bound by the truth (Scriptures) but by new and extra Biblical revelations. Carole is right in this, I cannot see going beyond the Scripture and that is the reason I carefully delineate where I am quoting the old and true way (clear Biblical revelation) and my own opinion or views, as I did above. I will stick with the old, well-worn and traditional Christian paths concerning Biblical revelation, Valerio - as those whose foosteps I follow are worth following. I prefer to follow them than you and your new paths, even if in your view I remain in fifth grade by following them and not your personal views.

Sara.

PS Sorry pat.. maybe Valerio will let it rest now. I hope. But if he calls me out again with more doctrinal aberrations and touts them as Biblical revelation and Truth when they are all NEW stuff and not the traditional view of Christianity (and not delineated as his own personal views), then I do have a tough time letting that go unchallenged when I believe to leave it will be allowing a falsehood.. a LIE, if you will.. to stand there as declared Biblical Truth. If he is willing to admit it is just opinion and not "superior revelation" I will let him have all his views.. but they are presented by him as gospel Truth and "superior revelation".. and the Bible says to contend for the faith once delivered for all time to the Church and unaltered through history to this time. I cannot help answering him back. Sorry to take up Dinar board time doing so. Maybe he will stop.. I am sure willing to.

Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.

If these changed and NEW doctrines were not presented as Biblically declared fact and merely as Valerio's own personal opinions, I would be content to let it rest.. truly. Do you understand? Not trying to be contentious just for the sake of arguing.. truly. I would prefer to get back to Dinar, too.. but this presenting of his opinions as Biblical fact attacks the faith held to be "ONCE delivered to the saints" and says that the traditional church understandings are untrue. Again, I apologise. Sincerely, Sara.

-- August 11, 2007 1:24 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Bush: Iraq Strategy Sees Good Results
By BEN FELLER, AP
Posted: 2007-08-11

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) - President Bush , presiding over wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, on Saturday cast both conflicts in terms of "encouraging news."

"Our new strategy is delivering good results," Bush said of Iraq in his weekly radio address, taped at his parents' summer home on the rocky coast of Maine.

The president said his buildup of U.S. forces in Iraq, designed to provide security for the Iraqi government, was taking hold and showing gains.

He noted the death of Haitham Sabah Shaker Mohammed al-Badri, an al-Qaida leader who was behind the bombing of twin minarets at Iraq's prized Golden Dome shrine in Samarra. Al-Badri was killed in a U.S. operation this month.

"His death is a victory for a free Iraq, and a sign that America and the Iraqi government will not surrender the future of Iraq to cold-blooded killers," Bush said.

"Since January," he said, "each month we have killed or captured an average of more than 1,500 al-Qaida terrorists and other enemies of Iraq's elected government."

"Iraqi forces have taken responsibility for security in a number of areas," Bush said. "They are taking losses at a much higher rate than we are. And they're making these sacrifices willingly, because they are determined to see their children live in freedom."

Despite U.S. pressure, Iraq's parliament went on vacation for a month after failing either to pass legislation to share the nation's oil wealth or to reconcile differences among the factions. And the legitimacy of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has grown more tenuous.

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/bush-iraq-strategy-sees-good-results/n20070811103709990002

-- August 11, 2007 2:35 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Australian PM Howard asks Iraq govt to distribute oil wealth
Saturday 11 August, 2007

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has asked the Iraqi government to make faster progress towards resolving political differences in the war-torn country and distribute wealth generated by oil.

Howard, in the letter sent last week, warned that if the Iraqis fail to make progress, the public support for Australia's military deployment to the war-torn country may not be sustainable.

He told Maliki that "prompt, concrete measures are needed not only to secure Iraq's future, but also to ensure regional stability and continued constructive international engagement".

http://www.ddinews.gov.in/International/International+-+Headlines/Australian+PM+Howard+asks+Iraq.htm

-- August 11, 2007 2:37 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

By the way, Rob N.. I appreciate your recent postings which have been great and informative news. :)

===

South Korean Builders Sign US$25 BLN Deal to Build Infra in Iraq
Friday August 10, 4:07 PM

SEOUL, Aug 10 Asia Pulse - A consortium of 13 South Korean builders said Friday it has sealed a temporary accord worth US$25 billion with the Kurdistan Regional Government to improve infrastructure in the autonomous region of northern Iraq.

The consortium said it inked the memorandum of understanding with the Kurdish government in late July to build dams, highways and houses in Irbil, where about 1,200 South Korean troops are stationed.

"A deal to build houses and highways was signed with the Ministry of Water Resources of the Kurdish government on July 21, and another deal to construct dams was signed with the Ministry of Construction and Housing on July 24," said James Chun, an official at the consortium.

"We will enter into a formal contract to construct houses and highways within six months, and another one to build dams within 18 months," he added.

Under the agreement, the South Korean builders will construct houses, five multipurpose dams, and highways spanning 182 kilometres to link Irbil with Zakho, a border city between Iraq and Turkey, the official said.

http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/070810/16/4aiea.html

-- August 11, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

US Attorney General visits Iraq, says its legal system has improved.
The Associated PressPublished: August 11, 2007

WASHINGTON: U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales arrived in Baghdad on Saturday for his third trip to Iraq to meet with department officials who have been there to help fashion the country's legal system.

"I am pleased to see firsthand ... the progress that the men and women of the Justice Department have made to rebuild Iraq's legal system and law enforcement infrastructure," Gonzales said in a statement released by the department.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/11/america/NA-GEN-US-Attorney-General-Iraq.php

-- August 11, 2007 2:42 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

Robert, your Bank account with Warka is an online account, with all the same features that you have on your US Bank account.
I think this credit crunch, is going to be good for the ISX, as people are looking for the game with the high odds, but with the chance of, Big Payout.
Me, I am like the guy who has spent the day at the track, with a ten race card and have dropped $100 on each of the first nine races, and am looking for a horse with odds of ten to one or better in the last race, go Dinar GO
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 11, 2007 8:37 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

You're in the UK right??, The Dinar have been rising compared with the Dollar, but the Dollar have been falling, meaning that the Dinar is only adjusted to the fall of the Dollar.

That means that the Dinar must have been fairly static with other currencies.

Knowing that the Stirling have been cruising pretty good, it means that the Dinar have not made a gain in the UK.

I have not followed the Pound closely, can you please give an account how the Dinar have been doing towards the Dinar.

For a US buyer the gain (Dollar loss) have been about 16%, but suspect that the Dinar is still sitting where it has for a long time for buyers in the UK.

Can u please give some light on that.

Roger

-- August 12, 2007 12:19 AM ∞

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Karl wrote:

I'd like someone, to respond to that fact that the Dinar is being shown at different values in relationship to the US Dollar on different web sites that does currency conversions. I've been looking at
http://www.cbiraq.org/cbs6.htm http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=IQD&submit=Convert http://www.xe.com/ucc/

I'd also like information on other web addresses,, that show,, the value of the Dinar that other users check.., Thanks,

-- August 12, 2007 4:10 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(984)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 984 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/8/12 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 58.645.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 58.645.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 12, 2007 6:54 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Peved

Get over yourself. The ones you are complaining about are some of the moset knowledgeable and frquent contributors to the dinar discussion and have spent literally hours and hours presenting us with very valuable information, that I am dure you have benefited from. So, if in their comittment to this board they have spiritual issues that are an outpouring of related subjects, even those that arise out of relationship building on this board, who are you to object?

Just scroll down or take a deep breath and grin and bear subjects vital to your own eternal destiny. If nothing else, it may save you gas money you would have spent going to church :)

Sara,

Thank you for your committment to stand up for God's word. valerio, of course is not the first to attempt another gospel.....way back almost 2,000 years ago, Paul spoke to a community in Rome ( Galatia) AND EMPHATICALLY WARNED:

"But even if WE or an ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you , leet him be eternally condemned!" Galatians 1:8

So mutating God's word is not new and has been a challenge tot he Church throughout the ages. Stay the course sister.... praying for you , and Valerio.

Carole

-- August 12, 2007 4:00 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole;

Anecdotal evidence that President Bush is saved.. but I think you may take this witness from me, and so I feel led to share it with you. :)
I would send it to you on email but you have not given that to me.. nor sent to mine, so I will brave the wrath of the unbelieving and ungodly and share this with you.

The number of times I go to God in prayer is many, but there are very few times He has come to me. Such times are mountain top experiences, and not the norm of my experience.. treasures I hold dear. One such experience came to me concerning President Bush. I was fast asleep when the Lord woke me. I don't wake up quickly or easily and I was a bit groggy, but I definitely heard the Lord tell me to wake up and that He wished me to pray. I took my robe, left my bedroom and went into the living room, still wiping the sleep from my eyes, and sat on the couch. I asked what it was He wished me to pray about. "Pray for President Bush and his cabinet," He said. And so I did..

As I entered prayer I could sense the blockages coming against them and I took them to the Lord in prayer, one by one. I prayed for the Lord's will to prevail and not the will of any person.. not the President.. not the cabinet.. not those advising them.. no one's will.. but God's. There was steep spiritual opposition and it was very dark. A lot was at stake in this decision they were facing. After an hour and a half I had peace from the Lord and knew that it was finally accomplished. What the Lord willed to be done would be done. There were no more blockages to the will of the Lord either over or against them. Then I went back to bed.

Within the next two days President Bush announced the commencement of the War in Iraq. I didn't note the date or time, I don't think.. but at that time I read an article which said that President Bush met in the early hours of the morning with his war cabinet.. and I do remember thinking at the time that I read this that it would correspond with when I was praying - at that exact time. I believe one of the strongest voices against President Bush's decision to go into Iraq was Colin Powell.. according to the news accounts. His voice was likely the strongest one I was dealing with in prayer.. that it would not prevail but only the will of God. That is speculation, as it may have been an entity of a spiritual nature, but nevertheless, I still think it was likely his voice I prayed most strongly against.. his counsel, that it would not prevail, but only the will of the Lord.

Because I didn't note dates and times, I cannot tell if I prayed while they were in session (I think I may have as it seemed real time warfare - as the different arguments came up - much as on another occasion I had experienced and had confirmation in the physical realm afterwards) or only dealing with the spiritual before the final decision was made and spoken - or perhaps, while they were still considering and discussing the evidence before them. Maybe it only stopped those entities or persons from injecting objections when the decision was already made, or maybe it prevented the arguments from prevailing just before the decision was made (Colin Powell does say he didn't get to give his dissenting opinion directly to the President.) I only know I was not praying for my will to be done, nor those present there at that meeting, but only for one will.. God's. This is a part of why I know this war was supposed to happen, of course. The peace I had received through praying for them remained with me undisturbed through the announcement of the commencement of the war, and I was sure that they had chosen the correct course of action. But beyond that, I ask you, Carole.. would God ask a Christian to pray for President Bush if he were not His? The media deprecates the fact of President Bush's certainty that what he was doing in going into Iraq was right... even, in his mind, the will of the Lord, but I take it in quite a different way than they have done. I take it as confirmation God set his feet on this path and assured him it was His will. Those who say God would never go to war do not know the same Lord that I do.. or the Lord my brother in Christ, President Bush, knows. Sometimes, God moves through men.. even to war.. to execute His own will. We can never dictate to God how He shall act.. or what direction the world should take. We can only pray for His will to be done.

I believe it is.

Sara.
PS For those who think his will was made up from the time he took the Whitehouse and that he wished to go to war against Iraq, I know they are incorrect. President Bush was truly weighing the choice and I was praying against his making the wrong one.

You might note the spiritual aspects of this account, Carole:

Journalist Describes Secret Details On White House's Plans For War
April 18, 2004

It was just two weeks later when the president decided to go to war.

“That decision was first conveyed to Condi Rice in early January 2003 when he said, ‘We're gonna have to go. It's war.’ He was frustrated with the weapons inspections. He had promised the United Nations and the world and the country that either the UN would disarm Saddam or he, George Bush, would do it and do it alone if necessary,” says Woodward. “So he told Condi Rice. He told Rumsfeld. He knew Cheney wanted to do this. And they realized they haven’t told Colin Powell, the Secretary of State.”

“So Condi Rice said, ‘You better call Colin in and tell him.’ So, I think probably one of the most interesting meetings in this whole story. He calls Colin Powell in alone, sitting in those two famous chairs in the Oval Office and the president said, ‘Looks like war. I'm gonna have to do this,’” adds Woodward.

“And then Powell says to him, somewhat in a chilly way, ‘Are you aware of the consequences?’ Because he'd been pounding for months on the president, on everyone - and Powell directly says, ‘You know, you're gonna be owning this place.’ And the president says, ‘I understand that.’ The president knows that Powell is the one who doesn't want to go to war. He says, ‘Will you be with me?’ And Powell, the soldier, 35 years in the army, the president has decided and he says, ‘I'll do my best. Yes, Mr. President. I'll be with you.’” And then, the president says, ‘Time to put your war uniform on.’"

Woodward says he described Powell as semi-despondent “because he knew that this was a war that might have been avoided. That’s why he spent so much time at the United Nations.”

For his book, Woodward interviewed 75 top military and Bush administration officials, including two long interviews with the president himself. Mr. Bush spoke on the record, but others talked to Woodward on condition that he not reveal their identities.

60 Minutes won’t name those Woodward interviewed, but we've listened to the tapes and read the transcripts of his key interviews to verify that his accounts are based on recollections from people who took part in the meetings he describes, including a historic meeting on March 19, when Bush gives the order to go to war.

He’s with the National Security Council, in the situation room. Says Woodward: “They have all these TV monitors. Gen. Franks, the commander, is up on one of them. And all nine commanders, and the president asks each one of them, ‘Are you ready? Do you have what you need? Are you satisfied?’ And they all say, ‘Yes, sir.’ and ‘We're ready.’”

Then the president saluted and he rose suddenly from his chair. “People who were there said there were tears in his eyes, not coming down his cheeks but in his eyes,” says Woodward. “And just kind of marched out of the room.”

Having given the order, the president walked alone around the circle behind the White House. Months later, he told Woodward: “As I walked around the circle, I prayed that our troops be safe, be protected by the Almighty. Going into this period, I was praying for strength to do the Lord's will. I'm surely not going to justify war based upon God. Understand that. Nevertheless, in my case, I pray that I be as good a messenger of his will as possible. And then, of course, I pray for forgiveness."

Did Mr. Bush ask his father for any advice? “I asked the president about this. And President Bush said, ‘Well, no,’ and then he got defensive about it,” says Woodward. “Then he said something that really struck me. He said of his father, ‘He is the wrong father to appeal to for advice. The wrong father to go to, to appeal to in terms of strength.’ And then he said, ‘There's a higher Father that I appeal to.’"

Beyond not asking his father about going to war, Woodward was startled to learn that the president did not ask key cabinet members either.

”The president, in making the decision to go to war, did not ask his secretary of defense for an overall recommendation, did not ask his secretary of state, Colin Powell, for his recommendation,” says Woodward.

But the president did ask Rice, his national security adviser, and Karen Hughes, his political communications adviser. Woodward says both supported going to war.

And in the wake of the war, according to Woodward, there's a deep rift between Powell and Cheney.

”The relationship between Cheney and Powell is essentially broken down. They can't talk. They don't communicate,” says Woodward. “Powell feels that Cheney drove the decision to go to war in Iraq. And Cheney feels that Powell has not been sufficiently supportive of the president in the war or in the aftermath.”

Which of the two was more prescient about how Iraq would turn out? “All of Powell's warnings think of the consequences, Pottery Barn rules: If you break it, you own it. And that's exactly what has happened in Iraq. We own it. In a way, they've had victory without success,” says Woodward.

“Dick Cheney’s view is that in a way, it doesn't matter how long the aftermath is... What matters is the ultimate outcome... Whether there’s stability and democracy.”

Today, while most doubt that Saddam still possessed any weapons of mass destruction, the president told Woodward he has no doubts at all about going to war.

”The president still believes with some conviction, that this was absolutely the right thing, that he has the duty to free people, to liberate people. And this was his moment,” says Woodward.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/04/15/60minutes/main612067.shtml

I also believe what matters is the ultimate outcome and that President Bush was given this historic moment and that he did the right thing - what was asked of him to do. He will be rewarded in heaven for it, I believe.. because it was not his will, but God's plan he put into place.

Sara.

-- August 12, 2007 4:08 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Pat,

No great attribute....believing in God!

Seeking, serving, worshipping, adoring....God, well that's altogether different.

Scripture says"...even the demons knew He was God and shook...."

If God wanted to put an end to the Dinar... He could and would... and then you would have to find some other facet of life to raise contentions over.... and whatever that might be..... it would be by God's permission and allowance that it would even exist... get it?

Carole

Carole

-- August 12, 2007 4:12 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Karl,

The official exchange rate is always the CBI's official site.

Sometimes when an automatic website with a currency converter is used, you might get a slightly different value, depending on how many fractions they use in their calculation.

On occasion it pops up a posting wondering about the difference in the quote when a bank, finance institution or currency dealer is posting.

That quote is usually AFTER their exchange fees, and thus you get a different value.

Most of us have payed in actual purchase price, the Dinars daily spot price, PLUS dealer or bank fees.

The safest spot to refer to the value of the Dinar is always the official site at CBI.

-- August 12, 2007 5:22 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

THIS IS A DINAR DISCUSSION BLOG.

I like the subject of religion as well as engines, but I really would like to discuss those issues on blogs dedicated for those subjects.

-- August 12, 2007 6:17 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

I am with you on your lastest comments. I have to scroll a long way before I am able to find dinar discussion. Your comments make sense to me.

I had asked for analysis of why the dollar was being brought by the bank and the dinar buying was down at one point. I didn't understand this, in light of the dinar being revalued and I saw no one answered my observation. I also asked for any other thoughts related to the dinar (geo-political etc). While religion is somewhat related to the middle east culture of Iraq, I am finding it hard to understand the endless biblical discussions that seem inappropriate to the topic of this blog on the dinar.

I think we do need to understand religion as it relates to Islam and the way the people over there view their faith and their view of the United States and allies related to the occupation and not necessarily our own Christian faith.
Prophecy, might be an appropriate topic as relates to Iraq and early Abrahamic law as it relates to Islamic/Moslem people. However, the discussions I have been seeing have nothing to do with religion's relationship to Islam and the topic of this blog the dinar.

I would like to see more discussion on the topic of the dinar as this is our purpose on this blog. I am not trying to get on anyone or scold anyone as everyone is an adult on this blog. Just take religious topics that do not relate to the dinar off the blog.

Thanks,

Laura Parker

-- August 12, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Roger,

Yes i am from the UK Weymouth on the south coast.
The dinar has not changed much to the Pound, it is around 2451-464 and today it is 2431-468
But as I buy most of my dinars in US $s so I think I am up as well.
It is only that the US $ has been going down like a lead lifebout that the dinar has gone up against the $.
I think I said a while ago that it looked like who ever was waiting for the $ to go down to X amount then slam dunk the dinar onto it.

I think it was on this site that someone gave a very good veiw on the $ and China.

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 12, 2007 10:10 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Laura,

If I think what your asking for I have an answer to you, but I'm a bit in the blue as to what bank you are referring to when you say that "The Dollar was bought up and the Dinar buying was down at one point".

I assume you are referring to the CBI's official page where the daily auction is announced and where it says how much Dollar was sold and how much was bought.

Well, actually it is not Dinars that are bought and sold, it is Dollars.

CBI issues Dinars, and have as many of them as you could wish for, but have to control the amount in circulation.

The auction is a mean for CBI to legitimize a value for the Dinar.

Imagine you are sitting on a desolate island, and have only monopoly money, worth nothing, but there are a couple of other people on this island, and you have all declared it a nation of your own.

Na monopoly money was perhaps not a good example, but lets say you have printed up a lot of bills, and you call them Credits.

You have 1, 5, 10 25 Credit bills, and you have a bundle of them.

You must create some kind of value to those bills, and one of the simplest ways is to have those bills exchanged somewhere toward a big and known currency. (Dollar)

You are producing fish, fish oil, and sheep wool in abundance from that small little island.

From those products you are getting Dollars.

Here is the trick...set any value you want on your Credit's, and make an auction out of it,.... but you can only buy the Dollar offered, with your Credits that you have neatly printed up in different denominations for your island kingdom.

If you bought much or little doesn't matter, because you have already in before hand set the exchange rate.

Just by the fact that you now have an auction and have in fact done an exchange between Dollar and Credits, make the Credits officially exchangeable with Dollar to that rate you set for that day.

The amount of Dollar bought or sold is of less importance. That's just smoke and mirrors, the RATE you bought or sold it for is the key.

Once you have established an exchange rate with one currency you will automatically have a level of exchange rate with other currencies as well.

You can now officially circulate your Credits on your island kingdom, and announce that they have already been exchanged for Dollars with such and such value, so...that is the value your Island Kingdom Credits are worth.

The Iraqi auction is an in-house auction, they're basically selling to themselves, so the money bought and sold stays in the house.

The amount you see on the auction site doesn't really reflect anything more other than how much Dollars they sold that day, it doesn't reflect the total state income.

Usually they put up as much Dollar on the auction that they need for their daily state budget.

Iraq is not a poor nation with any means, just a confused nation. Iraq have very big reserves both in Dollar and Gold.( and of course very very big reserves in oil)

Some bloggers have been spinning on the idea that the Iraqis are buying up Dinars with Dollars on the auction.

That's not the way it works.

They can withdraw and destroy as much Dinars they wish without auction, for heavens sake, they're sitting on them.

No need to buy anything with any Dollars, you just need to open a door and cart out a load of Dinars, if you want more in circulation, or burn some, whatever you wish.

The Dinar, the vast amount of bundles of paper they're storing...THAT is what they fork up for the Dollar.

Dollars that are bought by Dinars (in the auction) can be bought by either new issued Dinars OR old circulated Dinars.

So Laura, the amount of Dollar sold one day in comparison with another day, is of lesser significance.

-- August 13, 2007 5:22 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

Can't recall that I have been in Weymouth, but I have spent a dirty weekend in Brighton.

Well for the US Dollar/Dinar it is a ride right now, but I can see that you will not have a ride with a steady currency like the Sterling.

I see what you did, moved away from the Pound, got into a diving currency (US Dollar), and with that bought Dinars.

However the net difference if you bought US Dollars, then bought Dinars, and when the Dollar falls, exchange back the Dinar to the Dollar, again, you will have accomplished about the same as if you are sitting on Stirling buying Dinars, and it wont move.

All you have done is to preserve the original value the Dollar had, at the time you initially purchased Dinars.

I wrote some days ago an article on this blog regarding China and the US Dollar, I don't know if that is what you are referring to.

I know you're into the Vietnamese Dong a bit, I think you can expect a copycat of China when it comes to Vietnam. Very tightly controlled currency.

China will suffer pretty bad if they will dump all their USD onto the market, as a recession here is pretty likely if they do, that means that China will lose a very very big potion of their market.

They're (China) rattling their swords right now, in my opinion, they need to grow up, that's all.

The current US China trade relationship is a very unhealthy one. not only for the US but also in many respects for China, and it is bound to change.

Lets just hope it will be a smoth transfer, not one with upsets, and national face savings.

Time will tell on that.

-- August 13, 2007 5:54 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Announcement No.(985)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 985 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/8/13 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 111.560.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 18.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 111.560.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 18.000.000 -----
(www.cbiraq.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 13, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shahristani: Iraq Will Stay In OPEC

Iraq's Oil Minister Husayn al-Shahristani said the federal government will set production numbers, which will ensure it stays compliant with OPEC.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 13, 2007 10:29 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil companies mapping strategies for dynamic Iraqi situation

International oil companies have been waiting patiently for the new Iraq oil law to be enacted and they now believe that there could be progress when parliament resumes next month. At the same time, the deadline nears for the US military commander in Iraq to report on the country's political progress. These two events are forcing oil giants to forge alliances to develop the country's prized fields.

The US has been pushing Iraq to speed up passage of the oil law and other legislation, seen as vital to curbing sectarian violence in the country. The Iraq goverment approved the draft law but it also needs to be passed by the parliament.

"With the oil law potentially around the corner, the sense among big oil companies is they have to do something," said one oil company executive in an interview for Reuters. "Although the reality with the security situation is that they can't do anything on the ground."

Oil companies have been manoeuvring for years to win stakes in Iraq's oilfields. Iraq has the world's third-largest oil reserves, and companies hope the new law will allow them a rare opportunity for access to the Middle East's energy resources.

Russia's Lukoil is counting on government pressure to revive a US$4 billion Saddam-era deal to develop the huge West Qurna oilfield.

Moscow was expected to press for a bigger role in Iraq's oil industry in return for writing off US$10 billion of debt during a visit by Iraq's Oil Minister Hussain Al Shahristani.

US major ConocoPhillips, which has a 20% stake in Lukoil, has said it wants to be an active partner in West Qurna if security and legal conditions allow.

Other companies have forged partnerships in the race for Iraqi oil, including US major Chevron and French energy company Total.

For Total, teaming up with Chevron allays concerns it will be at a disadvantage if US companies get preferential treatment at the negotiation table, oil industry sources said.

Chevron benefits from Total's knowledge of the huge Majnoon and Bin Umar fields. Total had negotiating rights for those fields under Saddam.

Royal Dutch Shell is working together with Australia's BHP Billiton on studies for the Missan area. Shell was also working on a master plan for development of Iraq's gas reserves with Japan's Mitsubishi.

Other alliances were likely to form, and buyouts of smaller companies already operating in Iraq were also possible once the security situation improved, industry sources said.

"It's a dynamic situation," said another oil company executive to Reuters. "Most companies are keeping their powder dry regarding partnerships. What if you pick the wrong one? Some companies may be positioning to buy others or sign deals once things change in the south."

Dozens of companies looking for future contracts have signed memorandums of understanding with Iraq since the US led invasion in March 2003, providing field studies, technical assistance and training for Iraqi officials.

The Kurdish region's parliament passed its own legislation earlier this week. "This might provide the extra push to get things moving in the central government,"said Colin Lothian, senior analyst for the Middle East at global consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

The Kurds have clashed with Baghdad on the content of the federal law, although the region's government says its own law is in line with the emerging federal legislation.

Regardless of whether the federal law passes, the KRG would likely sign new deals over the next few months, Lothian said.

The region's top energy official Ashti Hawrami has said he intends to award contracts for all its oil and gas exploration blocks by the end of this year. Hawrami has targeted output of one million barrels per day (bpd) within five years, from around 200,000 bpd.

Iraq's total output is stuck at around two million bpd after decades of wars, sanctions and underinvestment.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 13, 2007 10:31 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here it is again, the prospect of a zero lop. Enclosed is the article posted on another forum. There are two links provided, one is the google translation; but the link does not work with my PC. Next, is a link to an article in Arabic.
____________________________________________________________

Todays Article Aug 13, 07'
http://foratnews.com/paper.asp?ID=6574
The Iraqi dinar deposited three Asfarh

الدينار . Kurdish newspaper said Lasso issued in Baghdad that the Iraqi government on changes to key Iraqi dinar currency. وقال . A source from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Commission that the newspaper prepared systems for the removal of the three zeroes on the Iraqi dinar and thus return to the status quo ante, that is, before the second war of 517,436 in 1991. . According to the source, the reason for this decision is the low level of inflation in the Iraqi economy, as indicated by the same source close to the implementation of changes to the dinar and the issuance of new currency that will appear in the Kurdish language writing and pictures of the historic Castle Irbil. Bringing 1000 dinars, Dinara one, and thus solve the papers 5, 10 and 25 dinars replace the 5000, 10000 and 25000, the 250 and 500 dinars, and so the way to a quarter and a half dinars
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...sp%3FID%3D6574

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 13, 2007 12:22 PM ∞

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John Smith wrote:

Talking about the middle east, without discussing religion, is like talking about a lunatic asylum without mentioning crazy people.

-- August 13, 2007 2:36 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

John Smith,

True, but you as well as I can surely see the difference between religious discussion, and discussing religion.

One being the rightness of it, and one being the social impact of it.

Two different animals.

-- August 13, 2007 2:54 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Sara,
All I offered was the scripture, I left out commentary. Amazing how you read over "AND ALSO AFTER THAT" documenting that the giants were present after the flood also. I knew you would read over that and thats why used quotation marks and capitals. And though I give you only scripture where do you go to get understanding? Some man given commentary on the traditions of mens teaching. Were the sons of God written of in Job also merely believers? Was not Satan among the sons of God?
I make no apologies concerning the word, and it will offend some, sobeit!
The truth is always controversial with those who teach religious traditions of men, after all they crucified our Lord; Would I expect anything else from you? They also had the written word then , and they couldn't recognize truth then either. It's never the non religious who take exception to the truth, because they don't care. So once again you are right that there is nothing new under the sun.
I have never used the word demon, thats your choice because of lack of understand the difference. Actually the word demon doesn't even occur in the King James Bible, so it don't surprise me that you continually use the word, showing further why you can't understand.

1 Cor 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head "BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS".

As you said there is nothing new, the truth has aways been taught, and there are millions who do understand. We study the word chapter by chapter, and verse by verse, seeking and finding, knowing by nature, and the evidence of science, thats there's much more than what the traditions of men have taught us. You have no idea how much more you are unaware of besides that which I've already shared. You should do some research on Dr. E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913). A scholar who completed some awesome work in his life, including the Companion Bible. Is the famine of Amos 8:11 is in these end times? Do you know what famine means? Surely there could be no famine for your traditions of men teaching. You commentary is everywhere, your churches are on every corner, your television programs are on 24 hours a day 7 days a week all over the world, your religious universities all over the world have been teaching your traditional doctrines for nearly a century. Wake up sleepy eyes!

Carole,
You and Sara remind me of those religious people who burned and beheaded Christians because they didn't hold every traditional idea, claiming heresies, blasphemies, false doctines against them. I have never brought any other doctrine except Jesus crucified, and that there is no other name by which a man can be saved, but you have accused me of all these because you undestand not anything except salvation. Have I ever judged your salvation? No, Those are matters for God only. He will do the judging, and I thank Him that he will not let you or Sara do it.

peace

-- August 13, 2007 4:47 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Valerio,

Welcome to ther blogsite about Iraqi Dinars.

Did I mention Iraqi Dinars???

-- August 13, 2007 8:17 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,

Brighton, just a short drive along the coast, but then again any drive here and you are at the coast, I think that in the UK you are never more than 170 mills from the Atlantic, not like in the US, you could pick up the UK and loose it in any one of your states, the land of cheap gas not like the $8 a gallon we pay here.
It was my dinar guy in Jordan, I tell him what and how many he gives me a price and puts up a safe page for me to pay in $dollars, the few times he put his prices up, I was ok as the dollar had gone down in value so it was only a few pence more for me, as some of your Banks are selling dinars so I have some Banks here selling dinars, only they are used notes, but then who cares, they were cheap, so I sold most of my 25,000 dinar notes and wired the money to my Warka account.
Yes it was your article on the dollar and China, I thought it was very good, and as you say they are only shooting themselves in the foot, about the dollars.
As you say the subject of the dinar droping three zeros is nothing new, it seems iffey that it comes up when the GOI are on a break.
The Veitnam Dong, I only picked some up as the word is it might do something by late December this year, and all the info I have on Veitnam, it looked like it was worth a go, he who dares wins, as dell boy says.
I read on some other site from somone who has info from a guy who gave him info about something else and was only one week out on the date, his info now is the CBI will be takeing the 5,000, 10,000, and the 25,000 dinar notes out of circulation in Jan 2008 .
On the zeros going off, it said because inflation was down low? I thought in Iraq it was at least 40%
on that site they have some people listing info when the date on it is four years ago, something about the new money, it is the money we have now.
See if you can get onto, http://www.oilvoice.com/m/OID.asp way to much for me to type.
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 13, 2007 11:46 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Roger,
Yeah OK, You did mention dinars. I'm all ears. When are we gonna make some money? We used to get a new RV date every few weeks, now we get one every few months. Soon we will all get realistic enough to settle for yearly increments. Nothing significant will happen before 2010, or while Maliki is in. He is like a bump on a log, the one who will lead Iraq into it's new future will have carisma, and passion, and his people will hold his picture up in the streets. Thats just the way it is there. He will also speak english.

-- August 14, 2007 5:37 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(986)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 986 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/8/14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 106.170.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 8.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 106.170.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 8.000.000 -----

-- August 14, 2007 6:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The article I posted yesterday has been deemed an unreliable source emanating from Tehran. Unfortunetly, I posted this article without further due dilligence. I apologize for not investigating further before posting this article. For the record, I still believe the Iraqi Dinar is a worthwhile investment. I do not forsee the CBI lopping their currency.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 14, 2007 10:33 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. retailers get chance to help Iraq's economy
8/13/2007

By Stephen Farrell

Monday, August 13, 2007

BAGHDAD: Iraqi and U.S. officials think Iraq's ailing economy could get a lift from U.S. consumers interested in giving Iraqi-made clothes as gifts for the holidays.

"We are hoping if everything goes well, by Thanksgiving and Christmas we will have from the Mosul factory teenage clothing, and from the Najaf factory ready-made suits, and from the leather industries here, leather jackets, and so on," Sami al-Araji, the deputy industry minister, said Sunday during the announcement of a plan to put state industries back to work.

Araji said a U.S. team led by Paul Brinkley, the deputy under secretary of defense for business transformation in Iraq, was in discussions with major U.S. retailers like Sears, Wal-Mart and J. C. Penney to have the clothing on sale in some major cities by the holiday season.

The move into U.S. markets would be mainly symbolic, he said, involving 10,000 to 12,000 leather jackets, 20,000 to 25,000 suits priced around $80 to $90, and a similar number of garments for teenagers.

Brinkley is a proponent of the theory that getting state-owned Iraqi industries back to work will revitalize the economy and lure unemployed Iraqis away from the insurgency.

Restarting Iraq's state-owned companies, regarded by some critics as an inefficient throwback to the Saddam Hussein era, would be a reversal of the privatization model championed by L. Paul Bremer, the U.S. proconsul who governed Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004.

Speaking Sunday in the fortified Green Zone alongside Araji and Bayan Jabr, the finance minister, Brinkley said privatization remained the goal but that revitalization of the economy was crucial to the counterinsurgency plan of General David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq.

"Economic development," Brinkley said, "is at the core of his vision of how we bring political, economic and security restoration as a three-pronged effort here to create stability and enable the eventual drawdown of our presence here and the establishment of a stable government."

Some American officials urged caution. A senior U.S. Embassy official said last week: "You have to look on a case-by-case basis. One of the interesting trade-offs that we face in looking at these enterprises is that they all tended to be very large consumers of electricity, and this is one of the real tensions.

"I don't think anybody has a problem in principle with the idea that if you can put people back to work, that is a good thing. That is not, in this situation, an idea that people would argue with, but the question is, at what cost are you going to be doing that? And if the cost is taking a lot of electricity from the grid, maybe you want to look at what the alternative uses of that might be."

The effort to restart factories is not the first indication that the government of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki aims to pump cash into the economy. There are also plans for $30 million in micro-loans to small businesses, agriculture and government welfare programs.

Last month, at the start of an initiative to subsidize farmers, Talib Aziz, a U.S.-educated economic adviser to Maliki, said: "The idea in the beginning was that unless security is provided in the country, the economy won't move. The prime minister thinks the reverse, that the economy needs to improve in order to improve security."

"The economy now is stalled, so he is doing just what FDR did in the Great Depression," he added, referring to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who fostered the New Deal to help the U.S. economy.

U.S. retailers get chance to help Iraq's economy - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 14, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ministry of Reconstruction Looks Into Developing Housing Projects

The Ministry of Reconstruction and Housing is in discussions with international institutions and universities specialising in the field of housing concerning the development of residential projects in Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 14, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

It's Vet vs Vet in the Debate Over Iraq
Associated Press | August 14, 2007
WASHINGTON - Despite their opposing views on the war, Soldiers Pete Hegseth and Jon Soltz have much in common, not the least of which is time spent in Iraq.

Both profess their love of the Army. They are young, athletic and clean-shaven, and they speak eloquently about honor and a sense of duty, as though plucked from central casting to play the role of the patriotic Soldier. Above all, they draw heavily on their experiences in combat to justify their views on Iraq, hoping their message will resonate with voters because they - unlike most of America - have witnessed combat.

They also represent dueling activist groups that are fast becoming a powerful lobbying force on Capitol Hill. And to politicians trying to make their case in anticipation of a critical assessment on the war this September, such groups have become valuable public relations tools in the deeply partisan, pull-no-punches Iraq debate.

"The Democrats, unfortunately, are trying to undermine the efforts of our troops and restrict the ability of our generals to carry out their mission," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said at a July news conference with Hegseth and other members of the group Vets for Freedom, which supports a continued U.S. presence in Iraq.

Later that week, Hegseth - a National Guard Soldier who worked as a civil affairs officer in Samarra last year - stood behind President Bush in a news conference chastising Democrats for not passing a spending bill for the troops.

"These patriotic Americans who are behind us deserve an opportunity to be heard," McConnell said.

Democrats agree they should rely on the counsel of troops. They just opt to listen to Soltz, a captain in the Army Reserves who deployed logistics convoys in Iraq with the 1st Armored Division in 2003. His group, VoteVets.org, says Bush should bring troops home.

Politicians play on the expectation among voters that because the military is supposed to be apolitical and service members experience combat first-hand, troops will offer an unvarnished assessment of the war.

"Their status as combat veterans gives them an authenticity that politicians don't have," said Darrell West, political science professor at Brown University. "Voters will always see them as combat veterans first, not advocates."

Still, advocates they are, with extensive political ties and budgets for televised political ads.

Both Vets for Freedom and VoteVets.org are tax-exempt nonprofits, but they are not charities. Such groups deliberately do not accept tax-deductible donations - making it tougher to raise money but giving them free reign to lobby on Capitol Hill.

Soltz' VoteVets.org also operates a separate political action committee and has officially endorsed six candidates for the 2008 elections. The group has spent about $850,000 this year on political ads, including local spots during the Super Bowl aimed mostly at pressuring Republican senators into breaking with Bush on the war.

Its board of advisers includes retired Gen. Wesley Clark, a Vietnam veteran who sought the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, and former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey, also a veteran of the Vietnam War. It's affiliated with the Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, a coalition of anti-war groups that includes the partisan MoveOn.org, which backed Democratic challengers in the last election.

Soltz suggests his group's ties to the Democratic Party reflect a bigger movement under way within the military.

"I think you're seeing a paradigm shift in the military, from those who served being fairly passive Republicans to being more active and opposed to what the current leadership is doing," Soltz said.

Hegseth's Vets for Freedom is firmly rooted in politics as well, but with Republican ties instead. The group has worked with former White House spokesman Taylor Gross, and Campaign Solutions - headed by Republican consultant R. Rebecca Donatelli - helps manage its online media.

Adriel Domenech, the press contact for the group, is a former intern with the Republican National Committee and worked on Bush's 2004 campaign in Colorado. Most recently, Domenech worked for 13 months in Iraq for the State Department public affairs office under Bush.

This month, Vets for Freedom launched political ads in five states - Minnesota, Kentucky, Connecticut, Nebraska and Virginia - in a bid to shore up support for Bush's Iraq policies among key senators. The ads feature young combat veterans urging members to fight al-Qaida and thanking them for their support of continued military involvement in Iraq.

Hegseth said the group is still nonpartisan. In July, the group tried to meet with members of both parties and are pushing to sit down with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"We stand with those who stand with the mission," he said in a recent interview. "I don't care if you're Republican or Democrat. ... If you believe it's important to finish the mission in Iraq, we will stand with you."

Soltz and Hegseth readily acknowledge they don't speak on behalf of the military and are careful not to lobby in uniform, as prohibited under Pentagon rules.

Both say they are proud of the advocacy roles their groups play on Capitol Hill and think troops should share their experiences on the ground.

"Those who served have a duty to speak out for those who are on active duty and cannot," said Soltz. "As long as they follow the rules about doing so, all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans need to get involved."

Hegseth said personal experience enhances the debate but that it should be done without a political agenda.

"It can become dangerous when troops use their status as a veteran to talk about their own political beliefs," he said. "But when troops are talking about their mission and the importance of their mission and why the strategy being used is successful, or why it's different or why it could be altered, I think that's important."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 14, 2007 10:46 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi Premier Seeks Talks to Save Unity Government http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aqAu5nP3Z5qg

-- August 14, 2007 4:44 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq Political Crisis Summit Set http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6847422,00.html

-- August 14, 2007 4:48 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

INTERVIEW: Iraq Oil Sales Revs To Reach $34B In '07-SOMO Chief http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=DN20070812002610&Section=Industries&page=Oil%20&%20Gas&l=132008070812#DN20070812002610

-- August 14, 2007 5:18 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

Thank you for that explanation on CBI's selling of dollars for dinar. This was exactly what I was questioning. The bank in question was the Central Bank of Iraq. Your explanation made sense to me. I was confused because I had seen those other bloggers who were stating that CBI was buying up dinars to limit the amount of dinars in circulation.

However, watching Kuwait revalue the dinar has seemed to have an impact on the dinar to the value of the US dollar at 1 USD to 1240 Iraq Dinars. It would seem to take more than this to revalue the dinar (per one economic advisor to the bank in Kuwait). This seems like an arbitary discussion that one economist would have this kind of influence.

I note that violence is up due to the three oil tankers blowing up as bombs according to our evening news (100 or more killed/injured.) They are going for stats before the military reports to congress in Sept. I think, if I were the military, I would want to know where those tankers came from and if the insurgents have some ties to Iraq's oil and go get them. It seems almost obvious that they do...but this needs investigating.

Again, Roger, thanks for your answer to my question. It makes sense that Iraq is buying up dinars with dollars.

Laura Parker

-- August 14, 2007 7:17 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,

Can someone go onto the IIF site and onto todays posts,
heading, dinar solution we all need, scroll down eight posts and there is what looks like how many dinar are in the banks and how many in circulation, plus links to more of the same, it is all as clear as mud to me, but I am sure someone here can turn it into easy English, LOL
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 14, 2007 11:14 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(987)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 987 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/8/15 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 63.645.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 63.645.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- August 15, 2007 8:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Enclosed, is an interesting article (posted on another forum)concerning global warming you might find interesting.

Warning! This article has nothing relevant to the Iraqi Dinar. Please skip if not interested.
------------------------------------------------------------
An important development for the Global Warming debate..

http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/am...6-year-america

Something rather odd happened the other day. If you go to NASA's Web site and look at the "U.S. surface air temperature" rankings for the lower 48 states, you might notice that something has changed.

Then again, you might not. They're not issuing any press releases about it. But they have quietly revised their All-Time Hit Parade for U.S. temperatures. The "hottest year on record" is no longer 1998, but 1934. Another alleged swelterer, the year 2001, has now dropped out of the Top 10 altogether, and most of the rest of the 21st century – 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 – plummeted even lower down the Hot 100. In fact, every supposedly hot year from the Nineties and this decade has had its temperature rating reduced. Four of America's Top 10 hottest years turn out to be from the 1930s, that notorious decade when we all drove around in huge SUVs with the air-conditioning on full-blast. If climate change is, as Al Gore says, the most important issue anyone's ever faced in the history of anything ever, then Franklin Roosevelt didn't have a word to say about it.

And yet we survived.

So why is 1998 no longer America's record-breaker? Because a very diligent fellow named Steve McIntyre of climateaudit.com labored long and hard to prove there was a bug in NASA's handling of the raw data. He then notified the scientists responsible and received an acknowledgment that the mistake was an "oversight" that would be corrected in the next "data refresh." The reply was almost as cool as the revised chart listings.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sh...changes-public

“As global warming is such a key issue being debated all around this country and on Capitol Hill, wouldn’t such a change by the agency responsible for calculating such things be important to disseminate? When this correction was made by Hansen’s team at the GISS, shouldn’t it have been reported? In fact, it is quite disgraceful that it wasn’t, as it suggests that a government agency is actually participating in a fraud against the American people by withholding information crucial to a major policy issue now facing the nation. Think this will be Newsweek’s next cover-story? No, I don’t either.”

The bottom line:
According to the new data published by NASA, 1998 is no longer the hottest year ever. 1934 is. Four of the top 10 years of US CONUS high temperature deviations are now from the 1930s: 1934, 1931, 1938 and 1939, while only 3 of the top 10 are from the last 10 years (1998, 2006, 1999). Several years (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004) fell well down the leaderboard, behind even 1900. (World rankings of temperature are calculated separately.)
__________________
Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 15, 2007 10:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

IMF says Iraq needs to step up oil production to speed up economic growth
8/14/2007

WASHINGTON (Thomson Financial) - Iraq's economy is not growing as quickly as expected, as the anticipated expansion in oil production within the country "has not materialised," the International Monetary Fund said in a report released today.

The IMF report, released after consultations with Iraqi officials in August, said Iraqi oil production has remained steady at about 2.0 mln barrels per day, virtually unchanged since 2004. The value of Iraq's oil exports are expected to rise to 28.6 bln usd from about 27.2 bln last year, despite a drop in crude oil prices.

The IMF report said part of the problem with oil production in Iraq is a failure to focus more on reconstruction projects, particularly in the oil sector. The report said fiscal surpluses in 2005 and 2006 reflect this underspending on oil facilities.

Oil revenue is critical to funding Iraq's government, as it is the source of a majority of government revenue.

In the meantime, inflation jumped from 31.6 pct in 2005 to an estimated 64.8 pct in 2006. The IMF projected Iraq's inflation rate to fall to about 30.0 pct this year, but said inflation remains too high despite this drop.

The IMF estimated real gross domestic product in Iraq rose 6.2 pct last year, and said it should rise again by 6.3 pct this year.

Overall, the IMF said while Iraq has taken steps to keep its economy on track, "Iraq's economic prospects hinge critically on an improvement in the security situation."

IMF directors encouraged Iraq to step up reconstruction efforts, particularly in the oil sector, and said steps need to be taken to protect oil installations.

Elsewhere, the IMF welcomed steps taken to strengthen financial safeguards at the central bank, and Iraq's intention to maintain an open trade and investment regime. pete.kasperowicz@thomson.com pik/wash/ms1

IMF says Iraq needs to step up oil production to speed up economic growth - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 15, 2007 10:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US awaits outcome of Iraqi leaders'' summit meeting

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

Baghdad, 15 August 2007 (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
Print article Send to friend
The US wishes that the summit meeting of Iraqi leaders of diverse political blocs leads to discussing urgent domestic issues with the net result being an improvement of life in Iraq in all vital areas, said David Couldridge, US embassy spokesman here, in remarks to KUNA on Tuesday.

"We think that the issues facing Iraqi leaders are complex and fundamental, so much so that we do not expect complete consensus over them; however we sincerely wish that there would be some progress made on these issues," said the spokesman.

On whether the US embassy had any hand in urging the participation of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi into the summit meeting of Iraqi leaders, Couldridge said "the meeting was an Iraqi initiative that we had nothing to do with. We did not ask for any particular person to be allowed to sit in on the meetings, nor did we suggest any ideas for the meetings' agenda." Couldridge indicated that a forthcoming report by the US ambassador here Ryan Crocker and commmander of US forces in Iraq General David Petraeus will be in part predicated on the outcome of the summit meeting of the Iraqi leaders. The report, he said, would deal first-hand with security issues and their ramifications in Iraq.

With regard to the summit meetings, Couldridge underlined that "it is in Iraq's and the US's best interest to have all political blocs and social groupings take part in them."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 15, 2007 10:50 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.N. to talk to Iraqi armed groups
By Ammar Imad

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

15 August 2007 (Azzaman)
Print article Send to friend
The United Nations intends to include all parties and factions in the talks it is going to hold to bring about national reconciliation in the country, Iraq U.N. spokesman said.

Saaeed Arikat said the talks will involve armed groups currently fighting U.S. troops and the Iraqi government.

He did not reveal whether U.N.’s desire to conduct comprehensive talks with the political factions represented in parliament and those opposing the government would include groups with links to al-Qaeda organization.

Iraq-linked Qaeda is better organized and equipped than any other group fighting U.S. occupation troops in Iraq. U.S. tactics to mobilize tribes to oust it from their areas have so far failed in containing its influence.

Qaeda is responsible for most suicide bombings and attacks targeting U.S. invaders and Iraqi troops and security forces.

The Security Council unanimously approved a resolution on August 10 expanding the U.N.’s role in Iraq in a move aimed at reconciling the country’s rival groups, winning support from neighboring countries and tackling Iraq’s humanitarian crisis.

The resolution authorizes the U.N. at the request of the Iraqi government to promote political talks among the country’s ethnic and religious groups and a regional dialogue on issues including border security, energy and refugees.

Arikat said the world body would seek to reach out to all the forces which could play a role in reconciling and rebuilding the country.

“The U.N. is not concerned with what America wants from the resolution. We as an international organization will work to fulfill Iraqi ambitions and cooperate with the government,” he said.

Asked whether the U.N. will negotiate with the country’s armed groups, he said: “The U.N. will get in touch with political formations in the hope of reaching joint political agreements bringing the country’s disparate groups together.”

The U.N., like the U.S. and Iraqi government, currently operates from the heavily fortified Green Zone but has two other offices in the country one in Arbil in the north and the other in Basra in the south.

Arikat said the U.N. had not forgotten Iraq despite the difficulties involved in operating there. “The U.N. has offered big sacrifices to help the Iraqi people,” he said.

Former Secretary General Kofi Annan pull all U.N. international staff out of Iraq after the top U.N. envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and 21 other people died in a huge explosion at the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad in 2003.

The new resolution points out the importance of armed protection by mainly U.S. forces for an enhanced U.N. team on the ground but analysts warn the presence of U.S. troops may complicate U.N. operations and make the staff an easy target for anti-U.S. rebels.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 15, 2007 10:52 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

KRG issues new regional hydrocarbon law- Iraq
Tuesday, August 14, 2007

(MENAFN) A source for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced that the KRG has recently approved of the new regional hydrocarbon law which was passed by the local parliament, Iraq Directory reported. He went on to say that the law will not attract major international companies and may cause a confrontation with Baghdad which has been struggling to legislate the country's federal oil law. It is of significance that the timing of the issuance of the Kurdish oil law may have been set to put weight on Baghdad to pass its own oil law and that the core of the law must adhere to the articles proposed by the American backed oil law.

http://www.tbiraq.com/menafn_news_bl.asp?inc_name=news_details&n_id=1093162940

-- August 15, 2007 11:00 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yes, I did read that, Rob N, about Global Warming. (Reply here on GW, no Dinar, skip if not interested.)

I do think the y2k changes which were not taken into account and which greatly affected the data you quoted, AND the false research data they are relying on (below), are both very serious causes for reassessment of belief in the Global Warming doctrine. There is evidence that the underlying data does not support Global Warming and to continue to state it does (or not correct the incorrect data when you have disseminated it to the public) is to perpetrate upon the public a fraud:

UN Climate Panel Accused of Possible Research Fraud
By Noel Sheppard
August 10, 2007

At virtually the same time NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies was correcting historical climate data with the assistance of Climate Audit's Steve McIntyre, a British mathematician discovered serious flaws in papers used and cited by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its most recent Assessment Report.

Douglas J. Keenan, a former Morgan Stanley arbitrageur and current independent mathematical researcher, identified "fabrications" in such studies that suggest a "marked lack of integrity in some important work on global warming that is relied upon by the IPCC" and that "the insignificance of urbanization effects on temperature measurements has not been established as reliably as the IPCC assessment report assumes."

===end quote===

A synopsis of the report and links to the full report can be found here:
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/08/10/un-s-ipcc-accused-possible-research-fraud

Obviously, if the data they are basing the Global Warming hypothesis upon is factually flawed, that should be corrected and support or funding for this false science should be ended. The debate should not be "over" based on old and corrupt data. This does not seem to phase Al Gore, however, who refuses all debate on the topic:

Al Gore Challenged To Debate Global Warming By Best-selling Author
By Noel Sheppard
August 6, 2007

As reported by PR Newswire Monday (emphasis added throughout):

Mr. Avery is co-author of Unstoppable Global Warming Every 1,500 Years. Both Al Gore and Dennis Avery have New York Times best-selling books on global warming, but with opposite conclusions.

[…]

Avery joins Lord Christopher Monckton (former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher advisor), Bjorn Lomborg (Danish economist), author Michael Crichton, Prof. S. Fred Singer (former director of the U.S. National Weather Service), Tim Ball, Ph.D. (historical climatologist), Prof. Ian Clark (University of Ottawa), and Prof. Richard Lindzen (MIT) among others.

===

Of course, the media never report these challenges. After all, why should they? The debate’s over, quote:

"My book says our warming is natural, unstoppable-and not very dangerous anyway," stated Avery.

"These books represent the two leading explanations for the Earth's recent temperature changes-and they conflict. If global warming truly is the most important public policy issue of our day, then it is high time the public got to hear the arguments from both sides matched up against each other," continued Avery.

===

Gore has refused all debate challengers to date. Joseph Bast, president of The Heartland Institute, noted, "Maybe it's because climate alarmists tend to lose when they debate climate realists. Or because most scientists do not support climate alarmism." The Heartland Institute has run more than $500,000 of ads in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Times promoting a debate.

How delicious.

—Noel Sheppard is an economist, business owner, and Associate Editor of NewsBusters.

Comments:

1) Algore won't debate because
August 7, 2007 - moonjohn

Algore won't debate because he is making money hand over fist pushing this crap.

He typically get $100,000 for a talk and has given over a 1,000 talks.

That works out to be 100 million dollars.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/08/06/al-gore-challenged-debate-global-warming-best-selling-author

Notice the half a MILLION dollars on ads in Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Times promoting a debate. In frustration over this lack of open debate, one group made an animated youtube clip challenging ANYONE to prove GW is manmade and offering a 100,000.00 prize if it can be factually demonstrated (the money is real, see http://ultimateglobalwarmingchallenge.com/ ). The humorous (but interesting) presentation is located at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBCRStksqL0

Rob N, I am willing to predict that North America will have much cooler/freezing temperatures instead of warmer ones as a result of the sunspot activity which is the real reason behind the current climate change. I do not believe GW is caused by anything manmade, and Al Gore's detraction from the Lord as the source of the weather is at the least very misdirected, if not evil. When catastrophes happen, people look to GOD.. now, due to Gore, they look at manmade Global Warming. He has taken their eyes off of God as the One who changes our climate and instead put it on man. This is reprehensible and irresponsible. If he truly is a Christian as he professes, he will have much to answer for.

Consider the following Scriptures:

Job 37:3, 6, 10-13 He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole heaven, and sends it to the ends of the earth.... He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth," and to the rain shower, "Be a mighty downpour."..... The breath of God produces ice: and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them. At His direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever He commands them. He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water His earth and show His love.

Psa 147:8, 16-18 He covers the sky with clouds, he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass to grow upon the hills.... He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down His hail like pebbles, who can withstand His icy blast? He sends out his word and melts them; He causes the wind to blow and the waters to flow.

Amo 4:7 I also have withheld the rain from you, when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one city, and withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up.

Mat 5:45 He causes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Note that these Scriptures attribute all expressions of weather - good or bad - to the direct controlling hand of God. According to Jesus (last Scripture) the provision is not merely the result of certain fixed, inexorable physical laws. God controls those laws. He causes His sun to rise, He sends the rain. God has established certain physical laws for the operation of His Universe, yet, moment by moment those laws operate according to His direct will. As Alexander Carson so aptly put it, "The sun and the rain minister to the nourishment and comfort equally of the righteous and the wicked, not from the necessity of general laws, but from the immediate providence of Him who, in the government of the world, wills this result."

Al Gore, by taking the focus off God, is making mankind consider Global Warming as the cause of the rain being withheld, not God and His anger at men's sins. He turns them away from looking up to God and repenting.

2Ch 7:14 If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

If people want to stop the evil effects they see on the land which they attribute to Global Warming.. they need to repent, not buy carbon credits. God uses the weather and other expressions of nature as an instrument of judgement (see Amos 4:7-9). The way the land will have proper sunshine and rain (not flood, not drought) will be if they please God, not if they stop cows from their natural outgassing and humans from driving SUVs.

Sara.

-- August 15, 2007 12:39 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Arab investor buys shares with $1.6 m in ISX

An Arab investor bought a large number of Kurdistan Bank's shares with $2 billion dinars (approximately $1.6 miilion), achieving high percentage of trading in Iraq's Stock Exchange (ISX) during Tuesday's session.

The largest number of traded shares and biggest trading was the Kurdistan Bank's shares as an Arab investor implemented a contract exceeded 900 million shares at cost of $2 billion dinars.

The number of traded shares increased in Iraq's Stock Exchange to reach 6.1 billions shares costing 6.3 billion dinars ($ 5 m) through implementing 312 contracts.

For today the numbers of traded shares were (1.659) b/shares and trading volume (3.675) b/ID, the price Index was about 40.775 point.

Index for Bank sector was (38.115), Index for Investment sector was (107.749), Index for Services Sector was (78.705), index for industrial sector was (11.891) index for hotels sector was (15.451).

The numbers of traded Companies were 29 and still 19 companies are off trading floor because of their General Assembly meeting which decided to increase their capital.
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/20656

-- August 15, 2007 1:27 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Valerio,

Yes I agree in my opinion, Iraq need a new leader, one that have charisma and personality that will be magnetic to the Iraqis.

When are we going to see money out of this investment????

So far sound and tried economics have never been even implemented in Iraq, so it's like watching a goat eat up money bundles.

It's like you can't explain to the goat that he is eating up money, and that if he stop destroying those bundles of money he is munching on, and instead buy real food he will be a happier goat.

It's like sitting on the fence, being unable to communicate with the acting forces in the goat pen. They're just there, calmly dong something illogical, and have no sense of rationale, while you are rolling your eyes, shaking your head and smile while watching the insanity.

On occasion a minister toss us -" We must work in the interest of national unity....".

So to answer your question of when we will see money????

Well Valerio, your guess is as good as mine.

All predictions are based on rationales in one form or the other, but if it is an irrational environment, logic does not prevail.

Steven,

Yes I have also been following the rumor department on IIF, but what worries me is the statement from the Iraqi Finance Minister that they are seriously considering the lop argument again.

The Iraqi Dinar investment is a very high risk investment, you can buy a bundle, put it in your deposit box and lose a lot of the value, because they are doing something in Iraq.

You can send your money to Iraq and invest it, and you can still lose it, they don't exactly have FDIC insurance there.

So either way you are at high risk.

I've been a bench sitter for quite some time when it comes to sending something to Iraq, but I seriously are considering it now.

My way of reasoning is this:
IF they decide on a lop, the money you have here in a safety box, is under your control, but the only thing you actually control is physical pieces of paper with a denomination on it.

IF they decide to lop the currency, or big portions of the currency ( like in the latest rumor, anything above 1000 Dinars will be recalled, then lop the rest), most investors have by convenience bought up the 25000 Dinar note, and it would be a panic if the Iraqis one day decides that you have three weeks to exchange it, and you can only do it in Iraq.

SO...if the risk is great by having it, and it is a risk by sending it, then the location doesn't matter.

I just think that the smallest risk would then be to have it in an account in Iraq, as then it doesn't matter what they do with it, you still have the money, and on top of it all, you can buy stocks.

Advantage with that would be, that (hopefully ) the stocks will go up, and if you get a revaluation, you will then get the value of the stock increase PLUS the revaluation value.

OR, if they want to lop, if you have it in an account, you don't have any denominations, and they will lop what you have.

The lop is a non win, non gain action, you retain the same value.

If you're sitting on a big bundle here in the US, and they lop smaller denominations, and recall bigger denominations, you are only safe with the smaller denominations you possess.

I'm sitting on 40 mil, all in 25000 Dinar notes. If I would exchange that to 500 Dinar notes, I will fill my whole bedroom.

So Steve, I'm with you, I'm now seriously looking into getting an account with Warka.

From a Tax strategic point of view, I do also believe that you open up yourself for a lot more options if your originating point is IN Iraq.

In a weird way, out of two risk taking actions, the Iraqi bank account seem to be less and less of a risk, rather than sit on the currency.

Steve, the IIF guys have over some time done some calculations of how much Dinars the Iraqis have by adding up how much they have bought on auction.

It don't work that way, the Iraqis can buy Dollar on the auction with new as well as circulated Dinars, and most possible they don't even use Dinars, but are only doing an account transfer.

The Dollars sold at auction does not reflect the total Iraqi states income, but is only the arbitrary amount the interior ministry needs for the Iraqi states daily expenses.

Iraq Central Bank don't have to buy one single Dinar from anyone, they have vaults with it, and legitimize their exchange value with them by buying Dollars for it, at an already predetermined exchange rate.

It's state banks, they sell Dollars to themselves.

The Dinars bought with Dollars are immediately turned back to pay the street sweeper, and the newly installed computers in the Ministry Of Funny Walk.

The Dinars don't stay, once they are bought up with the Dollar, they are in an endless circulation mode.

Laura,

Well yes they can take out Dinars out of circulation, and add Dinars to circulation per their own will, but they don't need an auction to do that.

The auction is irrelevant to most things when it comes to the Iraqi economy, (except their exchange rate, and daily expenses)and most figures regarding the health of the Iraq economy, are best found in periodical audits.

Sara, and Rob N,

If I may ad to the discussion of global warming.

The sun is the ultimate originator to all energy we have on this earth,( except nuclear energy).

The sun works in cycles, and is not in a static state.

I'm sure you know about the ordinary 11 year cycles, but there are other longer cycles the sun goes through also.

It is possible to determine the temperature in the past, with scientific methods, and the most dramatic climate change in the past found to date had a remarkable heat increase of OVER 6 Deg C in ONE Century.

If you stop and think about it, what an instant and immense source the sun is, go out on a parking lot, desert or wherever, and just stand in the sun.

You can't do it for long.

In the desert you can fry to death in daytime, and the intense radiation straight out of space will drop the temperature to such an extent that you will freeze to in the night.

It's HUGE amount of energy in and out.

That is not energy that is held locally in a bubble, it is energy in straight exchange in and out of space.

The global warming argument is dealing with fractions of a degree.

Something that is way way way to small to assign cause to.

Another issue here is that the sun WILL be bigger and hotter as time goes on, and as long as it is burning the hydrogen it have now, we're doing fine, but in comparison with the dinosaur era, the sun is a small fraction bigger and radiates a touch more energy.

Eventually the sun will start to runaway, and grow very big, and that's the end of life on earth as we know it, but that's way in the future and that is another story.

-- August 15, 2007 5:08 PM ∞

---

chelseadave wrote:

Roger,

Just catching up after a week away, and I see you are comsidering opening a Warka account. Just thought I'd let you know that I have just got a Warka account and my first load of shares from the ISX are due to be bought at start of business in the morning.
The only problems I have had are with gormless bank staff here in England.
Once the money left here it all seems to have gone smoothly. I only have 6m dinars so I sent 1m out to test the water.
I will probably send the rest of my high denomination notes out soon now that I know that my money will get there safely.
I am not as clued up as yourself and various others on this board when it comes to economics so correct me if I am wrong with my next assunptions.

All,

Many of the stocks available on the ISX are valued at between 1 and 2 dinars per share. Therefore, to my way of thinking, unlike stocks worth say a few pounds in the UK, it is not going to take much to double, treble (etc etc) the value of these shares.
Therefore if the Iraqi economy begins to flourish, as we all hope it does, there is a killing to be made on the ISX.
And then think how many more millions you will have when the RV eventually happens.
And as a result your cashing out point will come down.
I was thinking that when we get to 50 cents- 1 dinar I could cash out and be a UK millionaire after tax. However I am now thinking that if I can double my money on the ISX then I can afford to cash out at 25 cents.
I'm just surprised more people are not considering it. One way or another I'm hoping to be very comfortably minted at the end of this.

Cheers.

-- August 15, 2007 9:38 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Rob,

If you send the info to Warka for your account, you will get an email back with your account number in a few days.
When you have that then you can post some dinars cash, with your pic list to be used on the next trading day when it gets there, you only have the info from the last trading day on the, Daily Analysis, sheet to make up your list.
Doing it this way should get you shares before it go's electronic at the end of the month, as wireing money takes a bit longer to show up at Warka, via Germany
You only get the one account for your Dollars and Dinars, but you must keep a min in the account of, Dinars 300,000 and Dollars $130
And list the package as Legal Docs.
Sell the rest of your dinars at worst to Chase Bank, then wire the money in Dollars to your Warka Bank, and buy dinar at the CBI rate, you should not lose to much if any at all.

40 mill in 500s thats 80 bricks, is only a pile 19 inchs high, 17 inchs wide and 16 inchs deep
or 3 bricks wide x 4 bricks high x 6 bricks deep, and the odd 8 packs of 100 notes laid on top, LOL

1st hedge fund for Iraq from the US, min investment $250,000.00
On, www.hedgeco.net then bottom right for, First Hedge Fund Launches in Iraq
Your views on this most wellcome
I Have got my pic list in for today Thursday, for a few more 100,000 Bank Shares
Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 15, 2007 9:44 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chelseadave,

I'm leaning in that direction too. Why have the money here in a vault when the same money can get you into good gains in an emerging stock market, just now opening up.

I do believe that the bank stocks are very good, based on the fact that they are all trying hard to get aligned with the rest of the world, the state banks seem to suck but I am very impressed with the private business banks, Warka for one.

Think of it, any investment, in the future, oil or otherwise have to use the Iraqi bank system, and most possible the business banks.

With the coming oil investment in Iraq, the banks will go up in value in par with the usage of the bank system.

A usage that is inevitably linked with the mere presence of the oil investors.

The possibility of doubling or tripling the investment is pretty good, and of course better gains than that is very likely.

Things have to go really really bad in Iraq for the reverse to happen.

Eventually the darn HCL WILL be passed, and once done, the rush is on.

Then on top of it all, have a value increase of the currency, just sweetens the deal.

Double whammy.

Hey it's a big risk, it can go to hell , but if this works it will be more rewarding than just sit and wait for an RV.

Steven,

Ok got it, first get all the info over to Warka via e-mail, then send a couple of Dinars over for a kick start.

FedEx I presume, and mark it as legal documents.

I know, FedEx will not ship currency (even if it is done the whole time)

A thought here.

If you buy currency, and stash them in waiting for better times, you are in all essential the effect of CBI, IMF and WB, plus a lot of insanity on how to run an economy.

By getting into Warka, and place the currency into stocks, you have moved away from Government, and entered private business, with a completely different set of rules what works and what does not work.

Another thing, if you invest into Iraqi business, you are really helping out the country.

Iraqi money in a safety box, is a stuck entity. The money wont work for you, or the Iraqis.

I'm sold on the idea, yes.

I'm on traveling foot right now, and my problem will be to get back to CA where I have my stash.

-- August 16, 2007 1:23 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Well if the hedge fund is a minimum of $250.000 as a door ticket, I would say I would leave that to the big investors.

I do believe that the majority of investors in Iraq is in the range of a couple of million Dinars to maybe 50-70 million.

Above that , I think we are talking about the big guys.

Most investors are working Joes that are stashing away their earnings.

Some buy Dinars for a couple of hundred bucks, but do it regularly.

Most can do 2-5, 10 maybe 20.000 Dollar, but just the prospect of scraping together $250.000, is for most just plainly out of reach.

I don't think the big guys are even cruising these forums.

Just face it, even if we are dreaming big time, we're despite that only getting the crumbs, compared with the big guns.

-- August 16, 2007 2:07 AM ∞

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chelseadave wrote:

Roger,

True that we will only be getting crumbs compared to the big guys, but if crumbs mean I have secured the financial future of my two daughters, and got myself and my wife early retirement, then those crumbs add up to a feast in my opinion.

As for getting my money to Iraq, I followed Steven's advice. Rather than stuffing all your 25k notes in a brown paper bag and entrusting them to fed ex, I changed my dinars back to sterling locally and wired the money to Warka via Dresdner Bank.

Of course you don't want to send it all at once, in case of an RV while it is in transit. DOH!!

Steven,

Thank you very much for all your help and advice on the phone regarding setting up the Warka account. It really is greatly appreciated. I now have my first batch of shares on the ISX. Next step will be to drip feed all my 25k notes to Warka, and keep the smaller notes for pocket money come the RV.

Cheers

-- August 16, 2007 5:33 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(988)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 988 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/8/16so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1240 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 100.470.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 100.470.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 16, 2007 6:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Have you noticed the billions Central Banks all over the world are pumping into their monetary systems advert the coming crisis with the U.S. Dollar? Our own Federal Reserve has released over 13 billion dollars in the last few weeks to keep the Dollar from sliding further.

In theory, the ISX sounds like another profitable investment opportunity in Iraq. Since the world economies are tied together the predicted crash of the dollar will negatively effect the European and Asian markets.

Though the Iraqi Stock Market is its infancy, it may not be all it is hyped to be; because Mid-Eastern markets will not be immuned from the negative impact of a U.S. recession/depression brought on by subprime lenders.

Steve:

Concerning Warka, they require a foreign depositor to have duel accounts. Do the Dinar/Dollar accounts have to have the same amounts in them. For example, if I deposit with Warka 10 million Dinar do I have to have roughly $8000 usd in my Warka-dollar account?

Since these accounts are not FDIC insured, are you familiar with what banking laws exists protecting foreign investors from having their assests froze by the GoI?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 16, 2007 10:54 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

So, has anyone made a suggestion as to where we will have our RV party? And who plans on attending?

-- August 16, 2007 11:41 AM ∞

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Graham wrote:

I have been an avid reader for some time and greatly apreciate the things writen here and have been very impresed by some of the ideas. Most of the time i can work out the abr but for some reason i missed, and can't work out, the abr RV can someone enlighten me please, no doubt when i find out i will be red faced at how obvious it is lol

-- August 16, 2007 11:48 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

VFW, American Legion back Iraq war
Groups urge patience to let 'surge' work
By Bryan Bender, Globe Staff | August 16, 2007

WASHINGTON -- The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the nation's oldest and most influential veterans' organizations, have broken their relative silence on the merits of the Iraq war, joining some of the staunchest war supporters to lobby Congress and the public to give the military "surge" more time to work.

This month, the American Legion issued an "action alert" to its three million members, declaring "the war in Iraq is not lost." Last week, the commander of the VFW, Gary Kurpius, reported that troops he met on a recent fact-finding trip to Iraq want "a little more time and patience" for the stepped-up US offensive to succeed.

"We owe them that much," he said.

A few years ago, the American Legion would say only that the United States must "continue to involve as many nations as possible" in rebuilding Iraq. In July, however, the group's national commander, Paul Morin, derided the Democratic lawmakers' attempt to legislate a withdrawal of US troops as "Operation Turncoat."

Likewise, after saying little about the war, VFW officials in recent months have begun to echo some White House arguments -- including the contention that victory in Iraq is essential to battling terrorism.

Both organizations' stances could boost President Bush and supporters of the widely unpopular war, according to advocates on both sides of the debate.

Established in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection, the VFW has 2.4 million members and 8,400 posts worldwide. The American Legion, created by an act of Congress in 1919, has 2.7 million members and helped draft the original GI Bill.

Together, both organizations wield enormous influence in Congress, with a vast national network of men and women who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam -- and the potential to wage a powerful, grass-roots campaign.

Both organizations, which the White House has aggressively courted, have recently issued prowar position statements and lobbied skeptical Republicans to back the current Iraq strategy. They are also recruiting members to argue for the surge strategy at town hall meetings, and have made their leaders available to the national media to declare that victory is still within reach.

The VFW, whose national convention begins this week in Kansas City, will feature Bush as its keynote speaker.

Legion and VFW leaders insist they must speak up now because the sharp partisan discourse in Washington -- the result, they say, of well-organized antiwar groups such as MoveOn.org and Code Pink -- has drowned out reports of military progress in Iraq.

"Every time we lose a soldier there, it is tragic," Martin F. Conatser, a candidate for national commander of the American Legion, said recently after visiting Iraq. "But the media dwell on the negative and report very little on the considerable successes. Everything I saw points to the fact that the surge is working."

Antiwar groups "are extraordinarily organized and well funded around the country," said Clifford D. May , president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a right-leaning Washington think tank that helps coordinate prowar groups. To succeed, "we need to work very hard to educate both members of Congress and the general public.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/08/16/vfw_american_legion_back_iraq_war/

-- August 16, 2007 1:58 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Posted on another forum, please tell me what you think. In my opinion, this is good......good....good...news;no new currency and no zero lop.
____________________________________________________________
Central Bank denies the issuance of new currency

(صوت العراق) - 16-08-2007 (Voice of Iraq) - 16-08-2007
ارسل هذا الموضوع لصديق Send this topic to a friend

جـــــمــهورية الـــعـــراق Republic of Iraq
مجلس الوزراء- المركز الوطني للإعلام Cabinet-National Information Center
العلاقات الإعلامية Media Relations
Press Release بيان صحفي / Press Release Press release /
الخميس 16-8-2007 Thursday 16-8-2007

نفى مصدر مخول في البنك المركزي العراقي ماتناقلته بعض وسائل الإعلام في الأونة الأخيرة حول نية البنك المركزي بإصدار نقدي جديد ينطوي على فكرة حذف بعض الاصفار من العملة المتداولة حالياً. Source denied authorized in the Iraqi Central Bank Matnakalth some of the media in recent times about the intention of the Central Bank issued a new currency involves the idea of removing some zeroes from the currency currently in circulation.

وأضاف المصدر المخول: ان عمليات إصلاح نظام إدارة العملة تُعد من المشاريع الستراتيجية للسلطة النقدية ولا تأتي الا بعد ان يأخذ برنامج الاصلاح الاقتصادي الراهن دوره في الامدين المتوسط والطويل في تحقيق أهدافه في النمو والاستقرار الاقتصادي المنشود، وعلى نحو ينسجم وتخطي البلاد للمرحلة الإقتصادية الإنتقالية الراهنة. The source added authorized : that the reform of the system of currency management are strategic projects for the monetary authority does not come only after taking the current economic reform program cycle in the medium and long term to achieve its objectives in the economic growth and stability desired, and in line with the country overcome the current stage of economic transition.

http://translate.google.com/translat...3Dx4M%26sa%3DG

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 16, 2007 2:18 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Graham,

RV means Recreational Vehicle....no just joking...well it means that too, but as we are saying it, it means RE-VALUATION.

If you change the value in the middle of the night on the Dinars from 1240 Dinars per Dollar, to anything bigger, then you have REVALUED the Dinar.

If you change the value to something smaller, you have DEVALUED, the currency.

Every daily change upwards is technically a revaluation (RV) but what we're all talking about here is THE BIG CAHONA, the BIG MOVE , the earthquaking change that will from hereon out make us happy little millionaires.

-- August 16, 2007 2:35 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Really good article there, I don't know how may of us can really see the importance of it, but they assure us that the zero lop, and reissuing of currency is out of the lop(pun intended).

Good find Rob N. Thanks.

Seems like the insanity goes in circles and always come back to it's point of origin.

Last Finance Minister tried to be smart and promoted the zero lop, got fired, and now next Finance Minister have opened his mouth, saying the same thing.

So the CBI have to go over his head, and force a statement from the Cabinets Information Center that this is hogwash.

Spin city.

-- August 16, 2007 2:45 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Americans Develop Optimistic Views on Iraq War
August 16, 2007

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States are voicing agreement with their government’s policies regarding the coalition effort, according to a poll by CBS News. 29 per cent of respondents think the troop increase is making the situation in Iraq better, up 10 points since July.

In addition, 61 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should decrease or remove all its troops from Iraq, down 14 points in a month.

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/16874

-- August 16, 2007 2:46 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraqi PM, president: Shiites, Kurds form alliance
Updated August 16, 2007

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Iraqi prime minister and president announced a new alliance of moderate Shiites and Kurds in a push to save the crumbing government Thursday, saying a key Sunni bloc refused to join but the door remained open to them.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the agreement was the first step to unblock political stagnation that has gripped his Shiite-led government since it first took power in May 2006.

But the announcement after three days of intense negotiations was disappointing because it did not include Iraq's Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi and his moderate Iraqi Islamic Party.

At the news conference announcing the political accord, President Jalal Talabani and al-Maliki were flanked by the leader of the northern autonomous Kurdish region, Massoud Barzani, and Shiite Vice President Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi.

The four men signed a three-page agreement they said ensures them a majority in the 275-member parliament that would allow action on legislation demanded by the U.S.

Talabani, a Kurd, said al-Hashemi refused the invitation to join in the new political grouping but "the door is still open to them and they are welcome at any time."

Al-Maliki also called on the Sunni Accordance Front, which includes al-Hashemi's party, to return to the government and heal a rift that opened when the bloc's five Cabinet ministers quit the government.

The four-party agreement was unveiled four weeks before the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker are to deliver a progress report on Iraq to Congress.

"We have relegated efforts to topple the government to the past. We are now in a new stage," said al-Maliki's adviser, Yassin Majeed. "We will keep working to bring the Accordance Front back, but if they insist we will have a majority in parliament and bring in new ministers."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-08-16-iraq-politics_N.htm

-- August 16, 2007 2:48 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

ISX,

I do predict that the take off in ISX will not happen just by the fact that it will open, it will move somewhat though mainly because of eager guys that see the chance, but business in general is very conservative and want to see a sure and stable path.

Iraq in general, have been a very hard sell for the world business community because of obvious explosive reasons.

They seem to sit on the sideline watching the news, waiting for someone else to take the first step.

The business trading on the ISX is a sure find though because they are all depending on the major investments that the oil companies are coming up with as soon as the HCL are passed.

Construction companies in Iraq right now, will get their hands full once the oil money is flowing, Hotels will be busy like hell, and business banks probably have to work in shifts to cover their services.

Oil companies HAVE to take the first step, if they want a good share of the oilfields.

So it all depends on the big guys coming in starting to drill, getting men, material, and money into the area.

THAT will trigger the value increase of the trading companies on ISX right now.

If (ha...***eyes rolling***) the Iraq is finally getting their act together and get the HCL passed within a month or so, the rush is on, but there will be a lag between actual money, men and resources rushing in, because you can count on some weeks of contract negotiations.

I'd say count on two to three months after the passing of the HCL, and the stocks in ISX will start to move very nicely.

Right now the stocks are good pickings.

A couple of Dinars per share is almost a steal.

-- August 16, 2007 3:12 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Roger:

"...happy little millionaires..." is an oxymoron. You better be happy before you become a millionaire or tragedy and calamity awaits you.

-- August 17, 2007 3:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq oil law up in Sept., official says

Published: Aug. 16, 2007 at 11:19 AM E-mail Story | Print Preview | License

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A top official in the Iraqi Embassy in Washington expects the oil law to top Parliament’s agenda when lawmakers return to session at the start of next month.

Ghaleb El-Anbaki, third secretary and head of the Iraqi Embassy’s political affairs department, told UPI the oil debate is “a sensitive issue,” one related to history and entwined with the country’s future.

“This will come up on the first item on the agenda of the next session of Parliament,” he said, adding the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq’s central government have compromises on “technical” issues, such as sharing power.

There has been no announcement on any deal, however, as Parliament is on recess this month. The oil law has been negotiated for more than a year but is stuck on issues such as the extent of federalism in controlling the exploration, development and production of the third-largest reserves in the world. Also unresolved is the extent foreign and private companies will be allowed into the sector.

Anbaki said the issue over sharing oil revenues, which will be dealt with under a separate revenue-sharing law, has been “politicized” and is holding up the law’s passage.

“This is a problem,” he said.

The holdup over the oil law is based on the 2005 constitution, the interpretation of which many factions disagree on. A committee is looking at amending the constitution, possibly even the language dealing with oil, but has not made any movement.

Anbaki said that is the question: whether to move forward on the oil law or wait until any proposed changes to the constitution are decided first.

Anbaki supports moving forward with the oil law, saying it will lead to much needed reconciliation.

“Let us work for the best of a formula,” he said. “It’s a law. It’s not a divine law. To leave this as it is not good.”

--

Ben Lando, UPI Energy Editor
(http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Energy/Briefing/2007/08/16/iraq_oil_law_up_in_sept_official_says/7384/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gov’t floats Iraqi oil pipe plan
by Stephen Bandera, Kyiv Post Editor
Aug 15 2007, 22:33

© Ukrinform
Oleksandr Todiychuk, former chairman of Ukrtransnafta, questioned the government’s sincerity in proposing an oil corrdior with Iraq and Turkey
The governing coalition of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych announced plans this month to create a transport corridor that would diversify Ukraine’s energy supplies by bringing Iraqi oil to Western Europe via Ukraine, itself heavily dependent on Russia for hydrocarbons.

But some energy experts suggest the Yanukovych government, viewed by many as beholden to Kremlin energy interests, might not be very serious about the project, raising it as part of a public relations campaign tied to the elections.

On Aug. 1, the Ukrainian government adopted plans to engage in talks with Iraq and Turkey on creating an oil transit corridor that would run from Kirkuk in Iraq to the Pivdenny terminal in Odessa via Trabzon in Turkey. The bold project would involve construction of hundreds of kilometers of new pipeline and barge shipping routes bringing the crude to Ukraine’s Odessa-Brody pipeline.

According to the government decision, the talks on the so-called Kirkuk-Trabzon-Odessa corridor should begin next year.

Oleksandr Todiychuk, former chairman of Ukrtransnafta, doubted the Yanukovych government’s dedication to support such a massive project that could, if implemented, weaken Moscow’s grip over energy supplies in the region.

“This is a broken record that has been playing since 1993,” said Todiychuk, who works on Ukraine-EU energy issues. Todiychuk tied the timing of the Yanukovych government’s announcement to the elections.

“Over the years, many different pipeline projects have been discussed, but there has been no progress. Now, with the election campaign, the government has to show that it is doing something about the transport issue,” Todiychuk added.

Todiychuk has been critical of the claim that oil in the 674-kilometer Odessa-Brody pipeline cannot flow from Odessa to Brody until 2011. The Odessa-Brody pipeline was originally intended to pump Caspian crude from Central Asian republics to Europe bypassing Russia, which controls most of the hydrocarbon pipelines in the region.

But the pipeline was reversed before the Orange Revolution by the first government of Yanukovych and currently pumps crude to the Black Sea from where it is shipped further to markets.

“If the Odessa-Brody pipeline was operating in the ‘right’ direction, then the government’s case would be stronger. Even if there was 5-6 million tons flowing through from Odessa to Brody, then we could at least argue that a small stream can one day flow like a big river,” Todiychuk said.

According to Todiychuk, the Odessa-Brody pipeline could be used to deliver oil to Europe via Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, in addition to the planned extension to the Polish city of Plotsk.

Konstantin Borodin, an energy analyst with the Fuel and Energy Ministry, said that it is too soon to make any statements on the feasibility of the proposed new route.

“We are still analyzing the situation and have come to no firm conclusions,” Borodin said, adding the government’s study of the proposed route may be ready by the end of this year.

Volodymyr Saprykin, Director of Energy Programs at the Kyiv-based Razumkov Center, said the new Iraqi transit route “has little chance of success.”

“The Black Sea region is full of Russian, Kazakh and Azeri oil that is inexpensive because of the minimal transport costs. Secondly, a new pipeline will have to be built in addition to the costs of shipping the oil on tankers. Third, Turkey has started preliminary work on building a pipeline from Samsun to Ceyhan – in other words, the opposite way than proposed. Fourth, the situation with Iraqi oil is very complex and I think its volumes have been already allocated for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a memorandum on transporting more oil from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan for the recently built Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline that ships Central Asian crude to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Ibrahim Aliyev and his Kazakh counterpart reportedly signed a memorandum in Astana on Aug. 7, where Nursultan Nazarbayev hosted the Azeri president.

Russia is promoting another project to transport Caspian oil to Western markets that would bypass Georgia, the former Soviet republic that has refused to bow to Moscow’s geopolitical will.

While it still has an edge controlling energy in the region, new transportation routes being developed and discussed promise to gradually reduce Moscow’s control over this geopolitically sensitive business.

In a report, investment bank Renaissance Capital said, “Russia will find it increasingly difficult to maintain its monopoly on delivering Central Asian oil and gas to Western markets in the medium-term.”
(http://www.kyivpost.com/business/general/27237/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Surge Efforts, Iraqi Government Independence Spur Economic Growth

Recent surge operations and a continued commitment to ownership by the Iraqi government are contributing to increased economic progress in Iraq, a senior officer responsible for economic development there said yesterday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 10:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Troops in Iraq to Reach Record Level
Associated Press | August 17, 2007
WASHINGTON - The number of U.S. troops in Iraq could jump to 171,000 this fall - a record high for the war - as military leaders expect stepped-up insurgent attacks timed to a progress report from American commanders in Baghdad.

Army Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, director for operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday the planned rotations of five brigades moving out of Iraq and their replacements coming in will create the temporary increase in U.S. forces.

Once the transitions are complete, Ham said the troop level will drop back down to about 162,000, which is where it is today. He said current plans are to stay about at that number into early next year, unless commanders recommend in their report next month a reduction in forces.

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker are expected to provide a progress report to President Bush and Congress before Sept. 15. They, as well as Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, are likely to testify before Congress on the report and any recommendations on troop levels.

Congress has pressed the administration to begin drawing troops out of Iraq.

"Clearly al-Qaida in Iraq and others are cognizant of the timing of recommendations and decisions," Ham told Pentagon reporters during a briefing. "So I think it is prudent to expect them to try to influence the decision-makers. And clearly, the commanders in the theater are cognizant of that as well."

Ham added that while Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the other service chiefs are also doing their own review of progress in Iraq, he believes they will combine their effort with Petraeus, and that the president will be given one comprehensive report from the military.

In a sign that some people may sense a military turnabout in Iraq, a CNN-Opinion Research Corp. poll found that people were about evenly split when asked if the military is making progress in ending violence there. The survey found that 49 percent of the respondents said the military was not making progress, while 47 percent said it was. By 69 percent to 26 percent, most of those questioned said the Iraqi government is not making similar progress.

By 53 percent to 43 percent, most said they do not trust the top U.S. commander in Iraq to report what is truly happening there when he reports to Bush next month. Asked the impact of a positive report, 72 percent said it would not affect their view of the war while 28 percent said it would make them likelier to support it.

The survey, taken Aug. 6-8, involved telephone interviews with 1,029 adults. It had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Most polls show six in 10 Americans still oppose how Bush is handling the war, think the war is going badly and favor cutting troop strength there.

In other comments, Ham said the military has seen more incidents in recent months where explosives are placed in homes or building in Iraq and set to detonate when troops enter. While it is not a new technique, he said, it exploits a vulnerability that officials are working to counter.

The booby-traps, which he described as small roadside bombs, have "been probably more prevalent in the past weeks and months than we had seen previously."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 10:12 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.N. plans Mideast and Iraq conferences in September
Fri Aug 17, 2007
By Evelyn Leopold

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to call a meeting on the future of Iraq as well as a session of the Quartet mediators on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a U.N. official said on Thursday.

The meetings are tentatively scheduled for the weekend of September 22-23, a day before a summit on the environment and two days before the annual parade of kings, presidents, prime and foreign ministers address the 62nd session of the General Assembly.

On Iraq, Ban has spoken to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who planned to attend the U.N. assembly session, about the conference.

The meeting will discuss the International Compact for Iraq, a U.N. sponsored initiative to provide reconstruction aid in return for democratic reforms and a future U.N. role in the country, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

U.S. President George W. Bush has made known he would hold a Middle East peace conference later in the year but has not given a date.

The Iraq meeting is also expected to discuss the recent Security Council authorization for the world body to expand its political role, including promoting reconciliation between its rival factions and dialogue with neighboring countries.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1636654620070817

-- August 17, 2007 4:42 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

This article/post takes the position that the former CIA director Mr. Woolsey is mistaken when he just claimed that Iran could have a nuclear bomb in a few months. I am skeptical it is a mistaken impression of the former CIA director.

It seems to me that the worst case scenerio he outlines gives impetus to the need to get the Dinar RVed quickly.. before they confront Iran.. because they need more stabilization for the region before addressing further threats. Otherwise this is adding crisis on top of a crisis, which could spiral into a very nasty escalating war which could suck in the whole Middle East.

Sara.

===

Woolsey Claims Iran Could Have Nuclear Bomb In ‘A Few Months’
Aug 15, 07

During an appearance on CNN’s Lou Dobbs last night, former CIA director James Woolsey, one of the earliest advocates of invading Iraq, claimed that Iran could have a nuclear bomb in a few months.

“The Iranians continue to work on getting enriched uranium,” said Woolsey. “I’m afraid within, well, at worst, a few months; at best, a few years; they could have a bomb.”

(Youtube video at url below, if you wish to watch him say these comments, transcript below.)

Transcript:

LOU DOBBS: Let’s begin with the issue of — the administration has stated categorically, you know, our generals have stated categorically that as many of the third of the deaths last month, for example, were caused by Iranian support of the insurgency and the provision of those shaped charges killing so many of our troops.

Why is there no reaction by this government and this military?

JAMES WOOLSEY: I don’t know. The Persians invented chess and the Iranians are doing a pretty good job of moving their pieces — Muqtada al-Sadr and those explosive devices, and Hamas and Hezbollah around to protect their queen, which is their most lethal piece — their nuclear weapons program.

And I suppose the administration is focused on that. But the way it’s chosen to work on is to, for years, turn it over to the Europeans, who have been stalled by the Iranians and the Iranians continue to work on getting enriched uranium.

I’m afraid within, well, at worst, a few months; at best, a few years; they could have a bomb.

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/08/15/woolsey-iran-nukes/

-- August 17, 2007 5:00 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

General: Quick strikes planned in Iraq By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer
33 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The No. 2 American commander in Iraq said Friday that coalition forces are planning "quick strike raids" aimed at smashing al-Qaida and other insurgents in far-flung parts of the country before the U.S. brings some of its buildup troops home.

ADVERTISEMENT

Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno said that in a nation torn by violence from Sunni insurgents, Shiite militias and al-Qaida terrorists, right now al-Qaida is the biggest threat because it wants to establish a safe haven in Iraq.

"If we can, we want to finish them off," he said of al-Qaida.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters by video conference from Baghdad, he also said commanders are planning in April to start withdrawing troops sent in as part of President Bush's buildup — and complete the drawdown to pre-escalation levels by August 2008.

Military operations launched since the escalation have helped coalition forces capture and kill insurgent leaders, disrupt their operations and retake some territory from them in main population centers, he said. Odierno asserted that coalition forces now "have a chance to really go after them and defeat them."

Officials believe extremists are trying to regroup in northern Iraq, where American troop presence is much lighter, after being driven from strongholds in and around Baghdad. Odierno acknowledged the devastation of this week's bomb attack in two northern Iraqi villages that officials say killed at least 500 people.

The military has calmed areas of the country in the past, then moved on to other places only to find insurgents return to the just-calmed area. Commanders have said the extra troops from the buildup are helping them fight that problem now.

It also is not a new development that as coalition forces fight a problem in one area, militants rise up in another. Odierno did not answer the question of whether he has enough troops to go after regrouping insurgents in isolated locations.

"Due to the constant pressure and depletion of their leadership, extremists have been pushed out of many population centers and are on the move, seeking other places to operate within the country," he said.

"As a result, we are now in pursuit of al-Qaida and other extremist elements, and we'll continue to aggressively target their shrinking areas of influence," he said.

"Over the coming weeks, we plan to conduct quick-strike raids against remaining extremist sanctuaries and staging areas," he said, adding that the large majority of strikes will be done jointly with Iraqi forces.

The effort began Tuesday, he said, when about 16,000 U.S. and Iraqi soldiers began a sweep through the Diyala River valley north of Baghdad in pursuit of Sunni insurgents and Shiite militia fighters driven out of strongholds in recent weeks.

Odierno also said commanders are planning to withdraw the five extra brigades of soldiers sent for the buildup when their 15-month tours of duty end. The brigades arrived roughly one a month from January to June.

Asked if they would be able to leave the same way starting next April, he said he was "not willing to quite say that yet" because top commander Gen. David Petraeus may decide to send replacements for some, depending on the security situation.

But "right now, our plan is not to (replace) those units," he said.

Odierno also said there has been a shift in calculations on who is causing the violence in Iraq. The military estimates that in July, 52 percent of the violence across the country was caused by al-Qaida and Sunni insurgents and 48 percent by Shiite extremists — compared with January when they say Sunnis and al-Qaida accounted for 70 percent.

He said that reflects both a decrease in al-Qaida's ability to conduct operations and a surge in Shiite violence, with support in weapons and training from Iran.

Nevertheless, he said, the troop escalation and resulting new operations have improved security and bought time for Iraqis to try to make progress toward political reconciliation. Those gains can't be held indefinitely without improvement in the political area, he said.

"I do believe that it's sustainable for a period of time, but it's not a blank check, it's not for a long period of time," he said.

U.S. lawmakers have long complained that Iraqi officials are not taking advantage of U.S. efforts and making enough progress, and recent polls show the American public agrees.

To promote reconciliation, U.S. commanders are pushing to negotiate more agreements with Sunni groups in a program started in recent months in which some militants agreed to fight al-Qaida instead of coalition forces, with an eye toward eventually joining Iraqi government security forces.

"With the Sunni insurgency, for the most part ... they have decided that we're going to go with al-Qaida, or they've decided to reconcile with the government of Iraq and they're reaching out to coalition forces" for such agreements, he said.

He said talks are under way in a number of areas and it is "important to get these groups reconciled with the government of Iraq over the next several months."
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070817/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq_16)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 5:46 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Nonpartisan Group Calls for Three-State Split in Iraq
Think Tank Report Says Country Is 'Near Total Collapse'

By Robin Wright
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, August 17, 2007; 11:16 AM

In a report to be released next week, the Fund for Peace calls for the "managed" break-up of Iraq into three separate states with their own governments and representatives to the United Nations, but continued economic cooperation in a larger entity modeled on the European Union.

Prospects of Iraqi leaders being able to establish a multiethnic democracy are now "fanciful," the nonpartisan Washington think tank says in its report titled "A Way Out: The Union of Iraqi States." Based on data tracked monthly since before the U.S. invasion in 2003, the report authored by Fund president Pauline Baker concludes that Iraq is now "near total collapse."

Related Document: Iraq Report (Abridged)

A Way Out: The Union of Iraqi States (pdf)

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"While there may be pockets of improvement from the 'surge,' these are transitory and limited achievements that are about four years too late . . . Rather than fight fragmentation, it would be better to manage the trend with a view toward establishing an entirely new political order," the report concludes.

The report is one of several official and unofficial Iraq assessments coming over the next month, culminating with the Bush administration's own much-awaited evaluation of Iraq's security and political progress due on Sept. 15.

The military campaign underway with Gen. David H. Petraeus might have worked after the 2003 invasion, during a security vacuum and before militias emerged, but the Iraqi government's lack of political will and inability to broker reconciliation have divided the country in irretrievable ways, the report concludes.

The Fund has monitored twelve indicators -- ranging from the economy to political factionalization and the rule of law -- and concludes that all have deteriorated significantly since before the war. Working out a transition that divides political power while continuing to allow Iraq's three major communities -- Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds -- to share economic wealth may be the only way to bring U.S. troops home in the near future, the report concludes.

"This is the best, and possibly the last, chance to end the war, limit spillover and reduce U.S. troop presence, while leaving something constructive behind," Baker writes.

The idea of an economic union would bypass the problem of dividing up current and future oil resources. There are a number of alternatives for Baghdad, the multiethnic capital, including making it the Brussels of Iraq as the headquarters for the new "Union of Iraqi Sates," the report says.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/17/AR2007081700918.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 5:48 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Resconstruction Teams Struggle to Sustain Grassroots Projects
David Axe
World Politics Review - [8/16/2007]


Three months ago, the city of Ramadi was dark. The city of 400,000 in western Iraq was completely severed from the country's delicate electrical grid; those who had power got it strictly from generators that hummed all day and night.

But then came the much-heralded "Anbar awakening" -- a banding-together of Sunni sheiks and their militias into a loose alliance that fought alongside U.S. and federal Iraqi forces to all but eradicate terrorist cells in Ramadi and other large western towns. As security improved in Anbar province, U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) -- some military-led, some commanded by State Department specialists -- moved to restore Ramadi's connection to the national power grid. Now 80 percent of residents have regular power, according to Col. John Charlton, an Army commander in the province.

Expectations were that more power would mean more industry, more employment and therefore fewer disaffected residents joining, supporting or simply tolerating extremists in their communities. But it didn't quite work out that way.

The electricity somewhat benefited the area's state-owned businesses -- cement is the major product -- but widespread hirings failed to materialize, according to Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin, senior commander in Anbar. "The biggest employer is still the army."

Despite disappointing results, PRTs like those in Ramadi remain at the forefront of the U.S. and coalition strategy in Iraq. All told, there are dozens of reconstruction teams: Their number has doubled since the beginning of "surge" operations in December. PRTs in safer areas include just a few people, others in more dangerous regions are manned by hundreds of soldiers with heavy weapons. The idea is to work with local employers and government officials to shore up basic infrastructure and institutions and get people working, in hopes that grassroots improvements might somehow spread and trickle up to the higher levels of Iraqi government, where sectarian squabbles have resulted in gridlock.

But in a country with a tradition of centralized, hierarchical administration, grassroots projects have proved difficult to sustain. What Iraq's industry and economy really need, officials say, is major regional investment and better processes for distributing federal funds, both improvements consistent with Iraq's history of top-down governance.
"Iraq is not a small country, and it has no tradition of local or diffused leadership. It has been very centralized," explains Phillip Reeker, the State Department's counselor for public affairs. As a result, local improvements tend to last only as long as coalition forces sustain them with money, expertise and manpower.

Paul Brinkley, a State Department official tasked with restarting shuttered Iraqi factories, issues contracts to state-owned firms to provide goods to U.S. bases. This has sustained some factories in the short term. But his long-term strategy of re-introducing Iraqi companies to global markets has enjoyed less success. ?Absent from the equation,? Brinkley reports, ?is regional investment.?

In fact, instead of investing in Iraq, regional markets have actually exploited the struggling country. Reeker says Gulf manufacturers have begun flooding Iraq with cheaper and better goods, driving struggling Iraqi manufacturers out of business.

Greater investment by Baghdad in Iraqi industry is part of the solution, Reeker says. But even when money is available -- as it increasingly is -- processes are lacking for budgeting and appropriating funds. "They have no tradition of the provinces working on their own, drawing from resources from the federal government."

Army Brig. Gen. Ed Cardon, commander of a task force south of Baghdad, attributes recent battlefield victories to the surge, but says he is "frustrated" with the lack of progress on both the political and economic fronts. "The point of surge," he says, "was to get to a point where governance could proceed. But the provinces lack the processes necessary to spend their money. Most of the provinces are spending only 40 percent of their . . . up to $400-million budgets."

"Decentralization of [Iraqi] government services is one major area of emphasis for us," Reeker says. Besides better bureaucratic processes, that requires greater political unity -- another major failing of Iraq's central government.

"We're trying to link local government to the provincial government and provincial government to the national government," Cardon says, "but it's advancing more slowly than we'd like."

Cardon says U.S. talk of a withdrawal might help motivate Iraqi politicians to form a true unity government. "There's growing awareness among Iraqi leaders of the U.S. clock
ticking in the last month."

"That's part of the question -- time," Reeker says. "To take people who've been through what Iraqis have been through and convert them to mechanisms where they can have political reconciliation . . . how long that takes is the question."
(http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4336)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 17, 2007 5:52 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Anonymous,

"happy little millonaires".

Money doesnt make a person happy....but it helps.

-- August 17, 2007 10:35 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,

If you send an Email to, Mr M. K. I, at Warka investment bank, he will get back to you with the info you ask for, send to, ifrd@warkainvestmentbank.com he used to take all the emails, but as on some days there are over 5,000 people wanting to open an accout with Warka, he has twiged onto miro manage, and now there are a lot of email address for all the diferent services the Bank has, he has never failed to get back to anyone,so please do not keep resending the same one, like I said he is a very busy guy, and a all round good egg.

Try, for info, http://www.warkainvestmentbank.com/contact_us.htm

This may be what you are after, Money transfer features have been installed such that the internal transfer of funds can be made from one account to another at Warka. The money transfer feature also allows clients to directly execute international transfers from their accounts at Warka to their local Banks by filling in the details stated in the online form.

More info on Warka Bank,
Warka Bank for investment and Finance has been nominated by the ISX to handle all the Banking and Finacecial transactions of foreign investment related to the ISX a task and responsibility which is both a far greater and more important than that of a clearing market, which just means more paper work, The ISX has chosen us among our competiters due to the fact our servces and products are more superior to our competitors. Also our Bank has the largest number of foreign clients and investors whom represent a vital part of our enterprise. Best regards, Mr I, Deputy Managing Director of International Affairs.

Thank you, Steve.

-- August 17, 2007 11:17 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

My take on "money makes you happy".

Personally, I have never been poor, but I have never been wealthy, as some would describe "wealthy". During some of our leanest times, is when we probably had the " richest" experiences becuase we had to use all of our resources to get along. It caused our family to pull together. Plus it gave us a special dependency on the Lord, which is always a special experience.

I learned along time ago, to be content at whatever finacnail gain or loss we have encountered.

Now having said that, I do believe the value of money is in the fact that it gives you choices. Anytime in life that we are afforded choices it enhances our sense of well-being. I also believe that God decides who He blesses with wealth, and in my life's experiences, those who have wealth seem to be the most generous people I know. Maybe God knows He can trust those to whom He pours out wealth to share.

A few here have stated what they wish to do with their, hopefully, extreme wwealth, from the dinar investment. IF this darn thing ever does happen, it would be cool down the road to see what happened to those dreams of ours.

I have a friend that has his heart set on opening a faciloity for homeless abused boys. Sort of a big brother entity.
I have another friend that plans on paying off all her siblings humble homes.
I have another friend from Kenya that plans on bringing his entire family here.
I have another friend that has a old twin engine Cessna that flys mercy missions all over the world where tragedy happens. He wants a new plane.

My mother's nurse who has a million dinar wants to be able to quit work so she can stay home and take care of her 34 year old daughter who has cancer and spend as much time as possible with her before she passes. She asks me everyday how close are we, cause for her situation and her dream and plans, time is running out. She lives in Calif and her daughter lives in Colorado, so she lives with daily emotional stress, that I hope will come to some relief once the dinar hits.

I'm sure you all have your stories to share.

Carole

So, go Dinar! There are alot of good people wanting to do alot of good things.

Carole

-- August 17, 2007 11:54 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Has anyone read EPICENTER - Why The Current Rumblings In The Middle East Will Change Your Future by Joel C. Rosenberg?.

I have been really concerned about the geopolitical situation in the middle east, i.e., especially the situation of Russia providing material support to Iran like the nuclear materials and other military supplies sold to them.

Joel Rosenberg raises the question, "What if a dictator rose to power in Russia, formed a military alliance --a nuclear alliance --with Iran, and tried to attack Israel and seize control of the oil rich Middle East? How might such a crisis play out if it were to happen in my lifetime? How would NATO respond? How might Bush respond? How might an Israeli prime minister respond?".

Joel Rosenberg has done a number of interviews researching the possibility of such an alliance as well as observing present events. Of some of the news articles published, here is a list: Russia Plans 5 More Nuclear Plants In Iran (Washington Post, July 27, 2002); New Railway To Link Russia and Iran Via Azerbaijan (Agence France-Presse, May 22, 2004); Russia Favors Iran Route For Crude Exports (Tehran Times, June 14, 2004); Putin Defends Arms Sales to Syria, Iran (associated Press, April 28,2005); Putin: Iran Doesn't Plan to Build Atomic Arms (Aljazeera, February 18, 2005); Iran Regards Russia As Possible Partner to Build 20 Nuclear Power Plants (MosNews.Com, Sept 7, 2005); Kremlin Ready to Defend Iran (MosNews.Com, Sept 7, 2005); Russia Agrees to $1 billion Arms Deal with Iran (associated Press, December 2, 2005).

Of course, Putin is defending Iran's peaceful intentions and trying to assure the rest of the world that all is well. I want to quote a section of Rosenberg's book concerning Iran's intention to get nuclear weapons.

"Yet the intentions of Iran to obtain nuclear weapons go back many years. During a January 1987 speech to Iran's nuclear scientific community in Tehran, Iran's then-president Ali Khamenei (who later became Iran's Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, after the death of the Ayatollah Khomeini) made a direct link between Iran's nuclear program and Iran's national security and stressed the urgency of going nuclear as rapidly as possible.

"Regarding atomic energy, we need it now," Khamenei said. "Our nation has always been threatened from outside. The least we can do to face this danger is let our enemies know that we can defend ourselves. Therefore, every step you take here is in defense of your country and your evolution. With this in mind, you should work hard and at great speed."

In October 6, 1988, address to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani made the country's nuclear intentions even more clear. "We should fully equip ourselves both in the offensive and defensive use of chemical, bacteriological, and readiological weapons. From now on, you should make use of the opportunity and perform this task." In 1989, Rafsanjani was elected president of Iran, where he served until 1997.

Lest there be any doubt, Rafsanjani was even more provocative in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. On December 14, 2001, the Iran Press Service ran a story entitled "Rafsanjani Says Muslims Should Use Nuclear Weapon against Israel."

According to the story, Rafsanjani asserted that a nuclear attack would "annihilate Israel," while costing Iran "damages only." He said, "If a day comes when the world of Islam is duly equipped with the arms Israel has in possession, the strategy of colonialism would face a stalemate because application of an atomic bomb would not leave anything in Israel but he same thing would just produce damages in the Muslim world."

Rafsanjani ran against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and was defeated by an even more hard-liner and anti-Semitic Mahmoud Ahmadinejad--who vowed to accelerate Iran's nuclear program."

Rosenberg interviewed Dr. Dore Gold in Tel Aviv in the fall of 2005 and he stated that Russia has two interests in Iran. "First, they want to resurrect the supposed glory of the Soviet Union. And second, they want to make money." "The Russians want an empire, and to get one they need to establish 'special relationships' with Arab and Islamic regimes in the Middle East whom they can use as their agents of influence," he told me over coffee. "From 1948 to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Soviets were the main backers of the Arab threat to Israel. But they were never able to secure Iran and an ally until now....Iran is pivotal in Russian thinking. It is a major regional power in its own right, and it is a gateway into the rest of the Middle East."

"What's more, he noted, Moscow figures that a strong relationship with Iran lessens the likelihood that the mullahs will aggressively support the rebels in Chechnya or any other effore to foment a coup in the Russian capital." pp.114.

Another Russian that Rosenburg interviewed is Dr. Yuri Shtern. Dr. Shtern emigrated to Israel in 1981. He stated, "Russia--after Israel--is the second strangest place in the world, it has a history of Christianity and education but also a deep tradition of tyranny. The danger now is that Russia may lurch back to tyranny."

Part of the reason is that "Russia is in great danger of Islamicization," and "it's unbelievable how many Russian officials are being bought by Islamists" from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere in the Middle East. That, Shtern said, is a big reason why Russia is helping Iran go nuclear. Russian workers need the jobs. Russian companies need the cash. Russian politicians are getting paid off. And he warned that more trouble lies ahead. While the world's attention has been focused on the troubles of Iraq for the last several years, Shtern insists that "the future of the world is being shaped by Russia." pp 118.

The concern that Rosenburg is raising in his book is that Vladimir Putin (Russian President) maybe becoming a new Russian dictator. The Kremlin has taken over television stations, jailing of political opponents, and ending democratic elections for the governors of Russia's provinces.

I am just throwing out these few tidbits to get everyone thinking about where this maybe leading. I will have other thoughts to add to these later. What do you all think?.

Laura Parker

-- August 18, 2007 2:24 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

Good, very good, so the transfer from Warka can now days be made straight into my own bank account here in the US, very good.

I assume that the reverse is also true, that I can sit here in the US and send money straight into my bank account in Warka from my US bank account.

My problem is not the willingness to set it up, it is my business, it takes me away for weeks, sometimes months at a time, and I am seldom or never home, and when I am, I need to turn around almost immediately and head on out again.

I don't have the same set up as most, where you sleep in your own bed every night, have your pjuter set up, free time after work, and your car parked outside.

My problem is on the logistical side, imagine you're in endless flight terminals, and from there, on the go, try to set it up.

I have called my accountant and are trying to get her to do the foot work.

I have the stash in CA but there are no known banks that will exchange the Dinars for Dollar, so I can send it to Warka.

Also FedEx is no longer an option for sending the initial Dinars over there. FedEx have a policy that they don't ship currency, (even if it is very common), but they figured out that almost all of their shipments to Warka is currency.

Heard that, come Monday ,Warka will issue instructions on another way to ship it.(If they have solved that problem by then)

I don't even know if all this is necessary now, when they have a direct wire, account to account.

The banks that exchanges Dinars for Dollar and Vice versa are located in other states.

So I need to find out if I need to open an account with them, as I live in CA, and then have the Dinars shipped there, and..and ..and..

On and on it goes.

Well Steven, you can see that it is not hard when it comes to the understanding of it, but hard logistically for me.

On occasion I am able to break out my laptop and be on a "hot spot".

However, I will get this going as soon as possible, probably my accountant can do most of the legwork on this.

I'll be back and asking questions as we go.

-- August 18, 2007 2:28 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Laura,

Yes, Russia (or former Soviet Union) was all over the map in the past supporting anything that was on a collision course to either the West, Israel Or the US.

They have been sending very big quantities of weapons to the Middle East.

The whole region is flooded with AK's RPG's ( the typical "terrorist style", and tanks, all made in Russia (or Soviet).

Not much remains of the air crafts sent over there though, as they have been either shoot down or, not maintained.

In good hands their stuff is very good sluggers, but despite that, they have always encountered weaponry at least two or three generations newer in all their battles, and all the Soviet stuff have been pretty much targets.

Tank and air battles have always ended up with mass casualties for any unlucky Middle East army using the Soviet stuff.

Soviet tried very much and had it's peak around late 60's to get into the pockets of the Middle East, but have been on a decline ever since.

They don't have that coverage anymore, West have taken over influence in the Middle East, economically or with alliances, and the Iranian strong hold the Russians have now, is more or less the last burp from that old era intentions.

US have bases in old Soviet Republics now, and the Russians, gloriously looking at times gone by, really only have a chip on their shoulder, trying to maintain ambitions of greatness.

Something they are completely incapable of doing.

Some one said that Russia are in an identity crisis and have the last of the
Soviet spasms.

It just seems from an outside observer that all this rhetoric from Russia their ambitions that looks very Soviet Style like, and their attitude in general, is just so very unnecessary.

They could have been very far ahead in modernizing everything they have, their whole society and their way of life, but they insist on being small "workers in a system".

They will stay there as long as they think they are just that.

"It's not what you are that will determine your future, it's what you THINK you are, that will shape your future"

Just hope they can find themselves.

When Putin is gone, new thinkers will get on the scene.

It is an interesting phenomenon that this happens to be linked with the Dinars, as Iran is indeed an influence in the area, but I do believe that there is no reason to "Deal" with Russia as they are more or less on a costume masquerade ball, don't knowing what clothes to wear.

Once Iran is dealt with, Russia will go home, and stay at home, trying to be something they're not.

For all the wright and wrong reasons they are supporting Iran, they are betting on a losing horse, and if Iran get whipped, Russia will simply just get out of the sphere of influence, as Iran now will be in other hands.

I have a hard time seeing Russia starting to do the Soviet Tit for Tat game the cold war was displaying.

They simply cant stand up to that game no more, and the problem they have decided to be, is, they wont admit to it, even if they know it.

-- August 18, 2007 3:14 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Russia, oh well....

So they are flying their bombers again in a provocative way, and are proudly displaying their might.

Lets have a look at what they are flying.

First the most modern, the TU150, that is in itself a formidable aircraft, design started in 1972 and is their first operational super sonic bomber.

By the age of it, it is not exactly up to snuff with today's modernities but still packs a very good punch. It looks like concord, but with variable wings, that can be extended for landing or slow long range cruise.

It is somewhat stealthy and have a small radar signature, but by modern standards very radar reflective.

It was the price and joy for the Soviets when they rolled them out for the first time, but the project was very expensive for them, and they did not complete many of them. When the Soviet Union fell, there was a long line of half assembled TU 150's that just went to mothball.

They started recently to upgrade them with more anti radar reflective coatings, and modern instruments. All of them up until now have the old style round, needle gauges, but the delivery of the two last ones are the first with "glassed display" meaning, modern instrument screen display.

The Russians will complete per the program two per year, but the total aircraft inventory of this bomber is very very small.

At this writing moment they have 15 of them.

Next of the Russian bombers, is the old bomber "The Bear". This one almost everybody have seen in a picture in one way or the other.

It looks like a B52, with swept wings, but instead of jet engines, they have big counter rotating propellers driven by a big turboprop each.

They still got plenty of those, but those are far from stealthy, and is about as modern as a mix of a B29 and a B52.

Both bombers are dependent on GPS for directions, and that is actually OUR system they have tagged into, a system we are able to shut off, over any area we wish.

The Europeans will launch a GPS system of their own soon but it is not in operation for still some time to come.

So, what is the purpose of all this????

Even if Both the Russians ( Old Soviets) and the US did cut down drastically on ICBMs they both still have them in numbers that would flatten both continents nine times over.

(Thanks God for the end of the Cold War, when we had an assured mutual destruction ratio of 500 times over, now we will ONLY be destroyed nine times over)

So if this latest demonstration from the Russians will have any kind of weight, it must carry a message to the receiver, that they can be destroyed.

As mutual destruction is assured, the game must have in it's rules, that you can threat, but never start a war.

It's a game that the Soviets already have played, and lost, as there is no winners in that game. It is only a matter of who can make the other side broke first.

Just the fact that the Russians are again flying their antiquated planes can't be found in a scheme that will give the Russians any military advantage.

What they have, they have dusted off from the vaults from a by gone era, and are rattling with the same stuff that made them broke to begin with, so, why do it again????

All this rattling is so unnecessary, and serve no one, the least themselves.

It's like a gang banger in LA is flashing his gun, ....look at me, don't mess with me...

Rest of the world is going about it's business, and this guy stands on the corner trying to be macho.

It is no more than an identity crisis in Russia, they have not found themselves just yet.

It's like a teenager in the process of growing up.

Part of that process is that the teenager will hang leather, and studs all over him, to try to look bad.

I think as a side line to the Dinars, that this will not affect the outcome of the currency, other than the Russian involvement in Iran, and once Iran is dealt with, Russia's influence in that region will be zero.

The national pride might right now be rushing in the Russian veins, but reason will prevail.

They will not stand up and do what they did for some 40 odd years, another cold war.

If this escalates, the thought process in Russia will start to take place, and that will be the end of this story, they will change their hearts. Putin, and some of his cronies need to leave first though, because he is still in an old era.

-- August 19, 2007 2:01 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

I think I will modify my strategy a bit regarding the Warka and ISX.

The Dinars I have, I may very well sit on them, and call it a done deal with investing in Dinars that is cash on hand.

Still as a side line opening up the Warka account and from there do the ISX.

If I get the straight transfer going, from my personal account into the Warka account, this will enable me to control my own account from my laptop, and the same with the Warka bank account.

So as I get my income deposited into my home account, I can pick and choose every week if I want to send over nothing, a couple of hundred bucks, or maybe a thousand or more, on a continuous basis.

There is time still until the big rush sets in, but I think the time is getting closer.

The ISX value will probably not start to gain momentum until the "big Investors" are on the scene with tractors and drills, at that time the ordinary main stream investors will be pleased to also enter the ISX market.

The time for very high risk investors like us, the small guys that are putting a lot in one basket, is now.

Almost all stocks in whatever field you pick is in a rock bottom price range.

I've done some research about the companies on the market, and found out that it is a bit hard to get a very good picture of the stock scene in Iraq.

What I mean is, that if you are in a market you got to know a bit of what is a good stock, and who is married with who, and who is paying bribes to whom, and so on. It's a bit confusing because to be really good at it, you have to have a knowledge of the field.

What interests me is the Iraqi bank industry. I don't know if you have done any research in that area, but as I see it, there are more state banks than independent business banks in Iraq, and the total number of branches I came up with was in the vicinity of 500 all together in the whole darn place.

Imagine that, this will put any branch from any bank in a territory where he can serve about 50.000 Iraqis.

As I see it, the bank stocks in the independent business banks will be a lot more priced once the country starts rolling.

What ever you do, invest in oil, hotels, land developers, freeways, electric grid, cellphone service ,Internet service, car dealership, butter or soda, it all have to go through the bank system.

Starting with only a couple of Dinars value, I do believe that stocks in the independent business banks will be one of the safest bets there is, and in fact it would be hard to go wrong.

I do also believe that this is going to be one of the long haul things.

It might even be a good thing that the ISX is starting to operate with foreigners as investors, because this might trigger an RV.

See it this way.

If all the small guys like you and I went to ISX, spend our money on stocks, they got, lets say doubled or tripled in value, and here comes an RV.

A lot of investors would say...hey, I'm home...lets cash out, and the market crashes.

So in order to hold a really good market on the ISX they need to RV now.

Perhaps they don't see it like that over there, because the ISX is a very small institution, with only 90 or 100 companies that are trading, compare that to most any other country and you can almost laugh, but over there, that's what they got.

So if the institution is small enough right now, it might very well be of less importance as a factor for an RV, but the more it opens up, the more of a shock it will be on the market if an RV comes. So, the smaller the ISX is, then it wouldn't matter so much, but if they RV when it is a big institution, the effect will be harder.

So they can either RV now, and get the shock effect over and done with when the ISX is small or let the ISX grow, and let a lot of foreign investors invest, and avoid the shock by doing a gradual increase of the Dinar.

I'm glad I'm starting on the Iraqi stock market just at a time when they start with electronic stock exchange, doing it the old way, I would say that was more vulnerable for corruption.

Either way, Steven, did you found some more regarding banks in Iraq?

-- August 19, 2007 4:02 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

HEY EVERYONE

THIS DOG AND PONY SHOW BEING PUT ON BY THIS ROGER AND STEVE, IS ONE OF THE SHARPEST BAIT AND SWITCH, SHELL GAME OPERATIONS I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME.

THEY ARE BOTH DEALERS AND THEY WOULD HAVE YOU THINK THEY ARE JUST DISCOVERING ABOUT THE IRAQI BANKING SYSTEM.

DON'T ANYONE BE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO GET CAUGHT UP I THIS SCAM.

IF THE GREAT NATION OF AMERICA CAN HAVE STOCK MARKET CRASHES, AND BANKS FOLDING EVERYDAY, WHAT IN GOD'S GREEN EARTH WOULD ANYONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND ADVOCATE DEALING WITH IRAQI BANKNG SYSTEM OR STOCK MARKET.

I'LL TELL YOU WHO, SCOUNDRELS LIKE THIS DUET. WHO STAND TO MAKE A WHOLE BUNCH OF MONEY FROM THOSE WHO FALL FOR IT.

WHERE'S THE DOJ AND FBI WHEN YOU NEED THEM?

-- August 19, 2007 5:04 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi trade bank maintains a training session for staff outside Iraq

المواطن/خاص Citizen / special
. The Bank assesses the Iraqi Trade Bank, which is an independent entity outside Iraq training course for staff of ministries and government bodies by the bank to open documentary credits them. وقال. A source at the bank told (the citizen) that the bank has decided to bear the expenses of these courses, including full cycle costs and travel and subsistence expenses of candidates for advanced cadres of ministries and state entities involved in opening documentary credits and contracts. His tendency comes from the Bank's approach to improving the functioning of the government cadres working and cope with global banking. Noting the participation of more than forty candidates in this training course which will be held in Istanbul on the 17th of this month for a week including travel days will be a number of specialized cadres globally training and lectures to the participants mentioned that there other courses of the candidates and State entities will be announced later and that the Bank's approach to the building of such courses have received the support of the Committee for Economic Affairs of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Mr. Finance Minister

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...m/economy.html
__________________
745790

-- August 19, 2007 7:10 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Towards Peace In and With Iraq

A proposal from the Transnational Foundation
The Board
August 16, 2007

This Peace Proposal should be seen as an encouragement, indeed as a moral appeal, to think constructively about how to create peace in and with Iraq and the wider Middle East. It has been developed on the basis of a firm belief that peace is possible. But equally strong is its underlying assumption that peace can be achieved only if all actors – governments, international organizations and civil society - are willing to leave old approaches and methods behind and do things in new ways.

Matrix: Iraq Peace Plan

Element Timeline Parties Support Financing
1. Ending occupation immediate,
6 months US & Coalition partners Iraqi government, UN a.o. US & Coalition partners
2. UN-led peace-building mission immediate, following troop withdrawal UNGA, SC-SG UN member countries UN members
3. Cancellation
of debts immediate,
12 months all creditors IMF & UN creditor countries
4. Compensation (sanctions, war and occupation) immediate,
36 months US & UK &
lesser perpetrators UN Compensation Commissions US & UK &
lesser perpetrators
5. Civil society
co-operation immediate
36 months global peace NGOs UN Secretariat International organisations and peace NGOs
6. Oil law: Ownership and sovereignty immediate Iraqi
parliament OPEC? Iraq
7. Truth & Reconciliation Commission (Nat/International) immediate
36 months i) National:
Iraq Parliament + Supreme Court + civil society
ii)International: all parties
UN/Arab League, OIC + emminent people National: Iraq
International: UN members
8. Regional peace conference preparations/start
immediately Middle Eastern countries* UN Secretariat UN member countries**

* A Solidarity Contribution would be added to the annual assessed UN contribution. This Solidarity Fund would be managed by the UN Secrtariat.

-- August 19, 2007 7:14 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq leaders hold "cordial, candid" talks
Sat Aug 18, 2007

By Mariam Karouny
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's political leaders held "cordial but candid" talks on Saturday in an attempt to revive national reconciliation efforts and repair the fractured unity government.

The five leaders, representing Iraq's majority Shi'ite Muslims, Sunni Arabs and Kurds, met for about 90 minutes and are expected to meet again on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih told Reuters.

It was the first time they had met for two months.

Maliki attended the talks with President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, Sunni Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi, Shi'ite Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi, and Masoud Barzani, president of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

Salih said the leaders discussed the results of preparatory talks that had been going on almost daily since July 15.

The results included tentative agreements on a review of the de-Baathification law, provincial powers and "frameworks for crucial issues dealing with militias, insurgent groups, detainees and powersharing," Salih said.

The de-Baathification law is one of the thorniest issues up for discussion because it proposes easing restrictions on former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party working in the civil service or the military.

Maliki's weak and divided government has made little progress in passing key laws aimed at promoting national reconciliation, with political blocs reluctant to compromise. Nearly half his cabinet has quit or is boycotting meetings.

The summit follows the formation this week of a new alliance between the four leading Shi'ite and Kurdish parties, a voting bloc in parliament that cuts across ethnic and sectarian lines and is aimed, said Maliki, at "shaking the political paralysis."

The four parties were unable to persuade the biggest Sunni Arab party, the Iraqi Islamic Party, to join them. U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker and other observers have questioned the credibility of an alliance without Sunni Arabs.

The Iraqi Islamic Party is the biggest party in the Accordance Front, the Sunni Arab bloc that pulled out of Maliki's cabinet this month in protest at his failure to address their demands for a greater say in government.

Sunni Arabs, politically dominant under Saddam, have accused Maliki's government of marginalizing them and have formed the core of the insurgency against the Shi'ite-led government since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Recently though, a number of tribal sheikhs have formed an alliance with the government against Sunni Islamist al Qaeda, a move that has helped to pacify restive western Anbar province.

Washington has said it hopes drawing Sunni Arabs more firmly into the political process and addressing their grievances will help ease sectarian tensions that have, by the most conservative count, killed tens of thousands.

http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-08-19T024426Z_01_YAT713362_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-IRAQ-COL.XML

-- August 19, 2007 10:12 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Anonymous,

You need to pull your head out of that hole you so acrobatically have got it into.

1. You're an idiot.

2. I am not a dealer.

3. You're assuming things as facts, and I might have to remind you what the three first letters in assume spells.

4. You are living in an illusion that there has to be a plot, conspiracy and an evil thought behind everything you see, and your way of observing can't see that it is in another way.

5. In your dog pooped mind you now think you are helping people, by "warning" them, according to your mental idea about the danger in my and Stevens discussions.

6. While yourself is screaming about a cloak and dagger scheme, you yourself is sitting under the veil of anonymity.

If you have got something to say, say it, if not, go back to your suicidal considerations.

For you, life is not caused, it is happening.

You're in a state of endless effect of anything that floats up around you.

Your modus operandi, is...reaction.

-- August 19, 2007 2:30 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore-Wealth.com
Interesting,

The dead giveaway on this post is the sentence that there is a low level of inflation in the Iraqi economy? What planet was this person on when they made this statement? LOL LOP never made sense, but when combined with the sentence of low inflation, you just have to laugh. The only reason for a lop is when inflation is in a runaway mode, and how this would make sense when stating just the opposite about inflation flies in the face of common sense, not that anything makes sense in Iraq, but this makes zero sense in my opinion.

Good luck and health to all, Mike

EGGzactly!!! Lops are done in Nations that have hyper-inflation and citizens carrying wheelbarrels of cash around for purchases. Not at all the case in Iraq, de****e their troubles. And as a matter of fact the 17% increase in IQD value since Nov 2006 has shown it can impact inflation in a positive way. In other words their stable currency has shown to curb inflation, thus they have a workable tool at their disposal. Here's one small snippet I've written for the Munny Model that I never put out with all my other theories and Tables, just food for thought on how deeply they planned this new currency and values:
====================
SIZE DOES MATTER!!!!!

Note Design and Size:

As long as we are on the subject of the Denominations, one other aspect of the actual notes we can look at is the physical size. Now for the most part physical size of many Nations currency varies widely. You can have rather large notes intended for general commerce and circulation and in another Nation you can have similar values on much smaller parchment. Being that the New Iraqi Dinar is the newest “real” currency on Earth, we might be able to make a few guesstimates what the sizes mean.

First off let’s take a look at the 25K, 10K, and 5K notes. Hold those notes in your hand and grab a few American bills of varied denominations and compare them. You’ll find the New Iraqi Dinar notes feel bulky and big. The United States monetary system is the standard by which all other countries are based upon and judged by. The sizes of notes we use in massive everyday commerce are the size of the bills currently in your pocketbooks. De****e its ups and downs the American economy has overall been an overwhelming success in the scale of World history. This current bill size has evolved over a very long economically stunningly successful period. So, again, what do the bulky 25K, 10K, and 5K tell us? Most likely that these will be the first notes to be “Valued Out” of the Iraqi Denominational Scale.

Now take a look and feel of the other New Iraqi Dinar notes, the 1K, 500, 250, and 50 Dinar notes. They feel and look like everyday commerce sized bills we use here in the USA!!! This shows the depth that Brigadier General Tant, the CBI, etc, put into the pre-thought and production of the new currency..

So, what can we deduce about the various physical sizes of the New Iraqi Dinar? Surely there could be many answers to that question, but a logical one follows the entire Munny Model value line. The 25K note is clearly slated to be valued out and eventually become a bank-to-bank exchange note. The 10K note will be a savings bond type note for the average Iraqi citizen sometimes used in commerce for ease of purchase of high ticket items. The 5K note will be similar to the USD $100 and $50 notes. Partially used as savings and partially used in commerce. The rest of the notes are easy and fall right into line. The 1K notes will be the equivalent of the $20 bill USD. The 500 note will be the equivalent of the $10 bill. The 250 note will be similar to the $5 USD bill. And finally the 50 IQD note is slated to be the $1 bill of Iraq. In fact, if you do the math, these denominations on a huge coincidence (or purposely) line up perfectly to their USD equivalents I listed above. 20/1000 = .02, 10/500 = .02, 5/250 = .02 and finally 1/50 = .02!!! That leaves the 25 and 10 IQD coins as the Iraqi “pocket change” with the potential of adding other denominated notes or coins later on such as the 5 and 1 Dinar coin.

Q: At what point would the 25K note be “valued out” of the Iraqi Denominational Structure?
__________________

-- August 19, 2007 2:51 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Chelseadave,

None of our notes are "valued out", they are as legal tender as before, It's just that the rare $10.000, and the even more rare $100.000 are just not printed, and exist today mostly in collectors hands.

Zero lop is correctly used when hyperinflation is about, and economic doctrine says it is the only reason for it, but in itself it is not a must to NOT zero lop just because it is not hyper inflation.

Technically it can be done at any time. There is nothing that stops any authority to swap out all the Pounds, against the "New Pound" worth one tenth of the old one, but you get ten of them instead, or we turn in our Dollars against the "new Dollar" and we get one new Dollar for each ten we turn in etc.

It is an extremely costly procedure though and it is a disruption of the whole economic system, with a lot of planning, marketing and reprinting of almost all the forms in existence, governmental or private.

There have been statements in the past from different dignitaries, that the Iraqi Dinar need to be up in the range of it's former levels.

National pride for one might be one reason to do it, just because they have gotten the idea that their currency MUST BE IN THE RANGE like it did before.

That means that for no other reason than a fixed idea on how it is suppose to look, MIGHT be a reason enough for them to do it.

These rumors seems to come up on occasion, and a couple of days ago the CBI had to go out and say that it was not in the plan, as one of the Iraqi dignitaries was blabbing about it.

It at least shows that they ARE talking about it, and it is a matter if the pro-camp will win more support for it, than the anti-camp.

The action of doing it, IF they do it, will produce no win or loss for the Iraqi economy.

If all the bills still are legal tender AFTER a zero lop, and it is just a matter of getting ONE dinar instead of the face value of THOUSAND Dinars, the individuals that are holding cash, will not do a loss.

It will be a different ballgame if they decide to pull in some higher denominations, at the same time, and only give a very short time for us to exchange it, especially if they are making it hard for us, and will allow exchange in Iraq only, as one rumor stated.

It is correctly assessed by the author of the article that Iraq have a very large spread of it's currency, and if a lop takes place, not the whole stock of the currency needs to be recalled.

If they are going to do it or not????

Oh, man, this have been up umpteen times, and anyone's guess is as good as mine.

Just because this is a concern that seems to come up time and time again, my latest strategy is to open up an account over there, and if they lop, I will not get hurt.

If I sit on it, I might or might not get hurt.

I'm pretty sure that there are a couple of higher dignitaries that knows what and when, they are going to take some certain actions, but as I am a small guy on the ground, I would probably not know until it is done.

May this be an RV rather than a lop if they decide to do something drastically.

-- August 19, 2007 4:12 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All.

Anonymous, What can I say, look around you, are there bars or a grill on the windows, if there are any, and is the door locked from the outside, and have you been taking your medicine, hmmmm I think not, what a wierd life you live in.
As allways if I come across any info that may be of some use to the readers, I put it on, I have not put a gun to your head, do as you like.
You must be new here as you have not read all the old posts, it will bring you up to speed.

Last Thursday I picked up another 658,448 shares in 12 banks on the ISX

Cornish boy,
The new 10,000 dinars note is the same as an old 10 dinar note, in size and picture
The new 5,000 dinar note is the same as an old 5 dinar note, in size and pictur
The new 1,000 dinar note is the same as an old 1 dinar note in size and picture
The new 250 dinar note is the same size as an old 1/2 dinar note in size and picture
The new 50 dinar note is the same size as the 250 note but has the same picture as an old 1/4 dinar note
The new 500 was brought out a year latter and is the same picture of a old 10 dinar note
The new 25,000 was made up of bits and pieces of a lot of old notes

The 500 dinar note was a 10 dinar from the third issue 1973-1978
The other 6 notes are from the forth issue 1979-1986

Have a look on, http://www.islamicbanknotes.com/iraq.htm

-- August 19, 2007 4:47 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Lack of alternative in Iraq means Maliki remains
By Damien Cave
Published: August 19, 2007

BAGHDAD: Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has lost the support of the largest Shiite, Sunni and secular parties in Parliament. Roughly half his cabinet ministers have quit in protest, and U.S. officials privately describe him as paranoid and failing.

And yet, Maliki remains.

That appears to be, in part, because neither the Iraqis nor the Americans can agree on who is supposed to lead. In the absence of a strong alternative to Maliki, both camps have come to rely on a game of criticize and run. U.S. officials bash him, then say it is up to the Iraqis to decide what to do. The Iraqis call him a sectarian incompetent, then say they are waiting for the United States to stop acting as his patron.

The latest salvo came Saturday from the U.S. ambassador, Ryan Crocker. Traveling with General David Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, Crocker acknowledged that the public's frustration with the government was "pretty striking."

"There's no question there's a lot of unhappy people out there," he said. He noted that there was as much anger within the government as outside, on the streets.

But the United States, he said, would not respond to that pressure anytime soon. When asked whether Washington might push for a change of leadership, he said, "That's a discussion the Iraqis have to have."

According to the constitution, either the president or one-fifth of the 275-member Parliament can make a no-confidence motion. Then a majority vote would mean the administration had been "resigned."

Maliki established an alliance this week between Iraq's two Kurdish parties, his Dawa Party and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. But the four do not control a majority in Parliament; if every other member voted against Maliki, a no-confidence proposal would pass.

Still, Crocker noted that removal only raises another question: "Then what do you do?"

The two most discussed alternatives to Maliki are Vice President Adel Abdul-Mehdi, a Shiite, and Ayad Allawi, the former prime minister. Each has attracted American and Iraqi opposition; Abdul-Mehdi for his close ties to Iran; Allawi for his increasingly distant ties to Iraq. He spends much of his time in Jordan. Crocker, when asked about Allawi, said he only spoke to people who actually came to Iraq.

Some Iraqi politicians have begun to look elsewhere. Shatha al-Musawi, a Shiite lawmaker close with aides to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a top Shiite cleric, said this week that she had approached several people outside the known officials and asked them to campaign as potential prime ministers. All refused, she said, declining to identify them. "They don't want to be dirtied," she said.

More commonly, Iraqi politicians complain that they are not able to replace Maliki until the Americans signal their own opposition and identify a replacement. There is a strong sense among the Iraqi political class that it would be better to wait to see who could be the likely victor, then jump on board.

Qasim Dawood, a Shiite lawmaker, said the Americans' refusal to act was becoming increasingly frustrating as the political deadlock continued.

"From one side, they interfere in everything they want," he said. "Then on the other side, they say, 'Sorry, you are a sovereign country, you have to do it yourself.' "

James Glanz contributed reporting.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/19/africa/maliki.php

How soon til Maliki is out.. and when will the intent to remove him become manifest?
My thought has been that they are waiting to see if the new alliance does anything in moving the legislation forward, but if not, then they signal their pick for replacing him.

But.. this says here that "the four do not control a majority in Parliament", though other articles have said they do (see posts above), so IF this is true than the Parliament is a lame duck and won't be ABLE to address and make the legislation/reconciliation measures pass Parliament, and Maliki is on his way out. Without concrete progress, he must be replaced with someone who can do the job... sooo when will that happen? This new initiative/alliance headed by Maliki and Talibani - dubbed the "New Iraq" by some - isn't a "new" government if it cannot make its will felt in the real world. It is just a committee with no place to go, a deadend opinion gallery with no teeth to their mission to make a difference in the political life of Iraq.

Sara.

-- August 19, 2007 4:50 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,
The $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 were last printed in 1945 and pulled from circulation in 1969.

They are not available from the government, but are still leagel tender.

The $10,000 was the largest denomination ever in circulation.

The $100,000 dollar bills, the highest denomination printed, were issued to the Federal Reserve Bank System for credits established between the United States and the other banks. They were last printed in 1945 and were pulled from the system in 1969. None of these bills were ever released out-side the Federal Reserve System.

-- August 19, 2007 5:24 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

You had one piece of interesting info I was not aware of, the $100.000 Dollar note, was never released into circulation, but was for govt internal business only.

Very interesting, it shows how far we gone from a cash society, and where govt dealings was in the past.

It also reflects the Iraq cash society, and that we were there not too long time ago.

Imagine the govt issuing a yearly budget to the Department of Fish and Game.

Out from a bank somewhere rolls an armored car with a stash of $100.000 bills, to the Fish and Game Dep, and arrives at an office somewhere, dumping the bundles off at the Fish and Game, accounting office, saying....

-"Here's the mula,... protect our cods and owls for a year".

As the girl said that was bleeding from her nose...-"from one thing to another"..

Steven, I am interested in your take on the Iraqi Bank system, what you have found out, and if you are heavily into them.

Reason I am asking about it, is that I have, in my way of thinking a very high liking for buying stocks into the bank system.

I understand that Warka have an extremely tough work situation, I saw a note on another forum (oh well I slip up on occasion) from one of the representatives in Warka, where he describe the work situation as very tough. They get about 1000 new foreign investors a month, and work often 16 hours a day.

On top of that the staff is hard to get, because of the security situation, where they have to be secret about their association with anything that is of foreign nature, on top of that, very few staff can think "like westerners" and top quality staff is hard to get.

It was also explained that because of the work burden, e-mails can be overwhelmingly much, as their system can have only so much in the buffer, and they might only be able to get to an e-mail after a couple of days.

He did say though that they are answering, and handling ALL of the e-mails, even if it can not be in a timely fashion.

Steven, this is my point, if you have a business, and you have to lay off people because you can't afford them, you don't get customers, you don't get business, and your rent is due....that is very bad problems.

If you are overwhelmed in business and are working 16 hrs a day, and you have a hard time filling positions needed, and there is a lag in even answering an e-mail, now those are all problems yes.....but wouldn't you agree that this is very good problems.

As a businessman, this is the kind of problems you could only dream of.

So my take on the banking sector in Iraq is that they have very very long way to go, but the demand is up, the business is booming and the overwhelming amount of investors coming in right now is only a trickle compared with when the boom is coming.

(By that time they probably will have their sleeping bags stashed under their desk, and the response time with the e-mails will be another month)

-- August 19, 2007 6:55 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara and all,

I am not worried about the political situation in Iraq. I think the Iraqi's will come together and form this country. I found out the General Georges Sada is an advisor to Maliki and Talibani. He is also working on helping to get the Iraqi military trained. As he is in air force, I think this is where they are using him.

In addition, I think the other reason I am not worried is that I believe the Bible in the third lens that we can look at on Iraq. The first two lens are political and economic conditions concerning this country.

The third lens come from the prophecy (Ezekiel 38:2-6). Of all the countries listed to join the geopolitical war on Israel, Iraq and Egypt are not among them. This tells me that Iraq does in fact get its act together. The question is how long will it take.

(I am sharing excerts on prophecy taken out of a book called Epicenter by Joel C. Rosenberg and therefore want to give him credit for this research on biblical prophecy).

According to Rosenberg, Ezekiel's foreknowledge on what he sees in this future war is that Russia will form an alliance with Iran to attack Israel. Listed are Cush (Genesis 10:6), Put, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah.

According to the bible, the sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan. Sons of Cush settled in Arabia, Mesopotamia and Assyria (Genesis 10:6-11). But the scriptures identify the Cushites as centered in Africa. Several major English translations of the Bible, for example, translate Cush as "Ethiopia". The ancient historian Josephus also traced the Cushites (he called them Chusites) to the land of Ethiopia. But the land once known as ancient Ethophia encompassed far more territory than does the country we know today by that name. It included the modern-day country of Sudan and possibly modern-day Eritrea as well.

Put

Josephus wrote that "Phut...was the founder of Libya, and called the inhabitants Phutites." But again, ancient Libya actually encompassed more territory than does the country we know by that name today. Thus, it is reasonable to believe that Ezekiel's Put also included the modern-day countries of Algeria and Tunisia, though it may not have extended as far as Morocco.

Gomer

There is no clear historical consensus on the present-day location of Gomer "and all the troops" or "all its bands" or "all its hordes," though the dominant theories are modern-day Turkey and/or modern day Germany. We do know from Genesis 10 that Gomer--like Magog, Meshech, and Tubal -- was a son of Japheth, which puts them all into one big, violent clan. From there it gets a bit murky.

Josephus, for example, wrote that "Gomer founded those whom the Greeks now call Galatians, but were then called Gomerites. The Galatians of the New Testament lived in the region of Turkey to which the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Galatians and from which the Ottoman Empire emerged to take over much of the Middle East.

The question is whether the Gomerites drifted from what we now call Turkey to other countries over the centuries. Voltaire wrote that "it is incontestable that the inhabitants of Gaul (France) and Spain are descended from Gomer." Other sources say the Gomerites and their relatives migrated northward to Germany. Genesis 10:3 identifies one of Gomer's relatives as Ashkenaz. Today, Israelis describe Jews from Germany, Austria, and Poland as "Ashkenazim."

Dr. Arno Gaebelein argued in his 1918 book The Prophet Ezekiel that "valuable information is given in the Talmud; Gomer is there stated to be the Germani, the Germans. That the descendents of Gomer moved northward and established themselves in parts of Germany seems to be an established fact." Bible scholars today seem to agree that Gomer probably refers either to Turkey or to Germany.

Beth-togarmah

The word in Hebrew means "the House of Togarmah." Josephus identified the people of Togarmah as "the Thrugrammeans, who, as the Greeks resolved, were named Phrygians." Phrygia was a western kingdom in Asia Minor-- what we now call modern-day Turkey-- from around 1200 to 600 BC. The apostle Paul "traveled through the area of Phyrgia and Galatia" in Turkey on his second missionary journey, according to Acts 16:6. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that the people of Armenia were originally from Phrygia before they crossed into the territory we now call Armenia--the area of the Caucuses, eastern Anatolia, and southern Russia--around 700 BC. Thus Bible scholars generally believe that Beth-togarmah refers to the people of Turkey and Armenia and the Turkic-speaking peoples who spread out over time across central Asia, including those in modern day countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Other Allies

Beyond the countries mentioned specifically, Ezekiel indicates there will be other allies. In Ezekiel 38:2 for example, the prophet cites Magog, which as we discovered earlier is not limited to Russia alone but includes territories where the Scythians spread out over time, namely the former republics of the Soviet Union, particularly those in Central Asia.

In Ezekiel 38:6, after explaining that Gomer and Beth-togarmah are part of the Russian-Iranian coalition, the prophet adds that "many others" will be part of the coalition as well. This could simply mean that many troops will amass for the War of Gog and Magog against Israel. It could mean that other specific countries besides the ones already mentioned will join in the attack against Israel. Or it could also mean that the armed forces of the nations that have been mentioned will be comprised of multiple ethnicities (which is currently the case with the former Soviet republics).

In Ezekiel 38:13, the prophet refers to "Sheba" and "Dedan" and the "merchants of Tarshish" with "all its villages" (NASB) or all its "young lions" (KJV). It is widely agreed among Bible scholars that Sheba and Dedan refer to the peoples of the Arabian peninsula, including modern day Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman, and the Gulf countries of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Tarshish, meanwhile, was the region encompassing what we now call southern Spain, but the term was also used in ancient times to describe the westernmost part of human civilization. Thus, many Bible scholars believe "merchants of Tarshish" and its villages and "young lions" refer to the market-based economies of western Europe and perhaps even the United States. Clearly, the U.S. and most European nations are not going to attack Israel, and the passage they are not described as part of the Russian-Iranian coalition but as questioning the motives and objectives of that coalition. Whether the Arab countries of the Gulf will actively participate in the Russian-Iranian alliance or tacitly approve it or remain neutral with the Western powers is simply not clear from this passage.

Finally, Ezekiel 38:8 says this coalition will be gathered from many nations "to the mountains of Israel". Ezekiel 39:2 also says the coalition will drive "toward the mountains of Israel." Ezekiel 39:4 says these forces will "die on the mountains." The mountains of Israel are mainly located on the country's northern borders with modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and northern Jordan (notably the strategically important Golan Heights). Since the Russian-Iranian coalition is described by the prophet as coming primarily from the north, it is reasonable to conclude that Syria and Lebanon are participants in the coalition. Jordan may be as well, though this is not entirely clear.

In summary, Ezekiel describes a series of specific nations that will form a future anti-Israel coalition. Russia is described as the leader of this newly constituted Axis of Evil. Iran is mentioned first among equals. Nearly all of Russia's and Iran's allies described by Ezekiel are nations that today are either predominantly Islamic or have high percentages of Muslim citizens. It is not clear if all of the former Soviet republics will participate, but it is likely that a significant number of them will, particularly thos in central Asia since they are covered by both the Magog and Beth-togarmah citations. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States are mentioned in the prophecy but, again, it is not clear if they are participants or simply observers. Notably missing from the list are any direct references to Egypt of Iraq.

Ezekiel's vision/prophecy concerns a war that he calls the war of Magog, Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. These nations have been identified as Russia, the czar of Russia and the former Soviet republics. What concerns me is that we are starting to hear echo's of possible alliances with these nations in the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin in the news. I know that many of you may not believe in biblical prophecy and I urge you to keep an open mind and watch carefully what is happening politically, economically and militarily. I personally believe that the bible is trust worthy.

I am concerned that we may be close to this war of Magog, Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. Some of my concern is what is coming out of Iran and I will discuss this at a later post. The real question is when will this happen. Putin has been working these alliances since he took office in 2000.

Laura Parker

-- August 19, 2007 9:25 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,

I forgot to say last time, ref qty in account, $dollar acc $150, dinar acc 300,000.

And the interest on $dollar account is 3%
And on the dinar account 11% if you had all your stash there, over 4,000,000 interest

I still think buying shares in a bank for a couple of dinars, is GREAT

Have just send in my Pic List for Tuesday

Most of my info on their Banks is from the ISX site, there is a lot on each company, one part with small boxs of arabic writing at the bottom of the page, to select the next comp and sector, on ISX go on, Listed Companies, then Listed Companies guild, and you get one comp at a time, from the boxs at the bottom

I have some shares in most of the sectors, but not in Insurance Sector or the Brokers section

As you say any biz that is run off its feet, is the one I will go for.

The Iraqi Banks had no computers it was all done on a one to one, Iraqi's did not use banks the way we do to store our wealth, who would the nutter running the country just turns up with a convoy of trucks, and says open the vault and fill them up, but now the have the one curencey for the whole country, and they all like them as they have all the features that thay are formilier with and the same size as the old notes from pre Saddam, they have a stable curencey and they are not going to change it, but any thing they do , will not rock the boat, ie maybe bring in some smaller denominations as the dinars value increases, they do like paper money, rather than coins, thats why they had paper money down to a 1/4 dinar before.

Anonymous,
Scoun'drel, Unscupulous Person, Villain, Rogue, and a Rascal, I bet you are aged late 70s to mid 80s.

As you don't know, here they are, FBI and the DOJ

http://www.fbi.gov/

http://www.usdoj.gov/

I think you should read from the top of the page and read it all.

Why hide behind, anomymous

I have got nothing to hide its my real name.

Have a nice day and Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- August 19, 2007 9:32 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

THANK YOU for sharing that.. very much! It puts a lot into perspective the Lord has been repeatedly explaining to me. Let me share a bit of what I see from my perspective from the Scriptures. You said, "Notably missing from the list are any direct references to Egypt of Iraq."

I can fill that in.

Often when I ask the Lord what He is doing over there in the Middle East, He gives me these Scriptures about Egypt and Iraq, which fill in from prophecy that blank, and explain WHY He sent President Bush and America into Iraq:

Isa 19:19 In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border of it to the LORD.
Isa 19:20 And it shall be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry to the LORD because of the oppressors, and He shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
Isa 19:21 And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day... yes, they shall vow a vow to the LORD, and perform it.
Isa 19:22 And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return to the LORD, and He shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.
Isa 19:23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
Isa 19:24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:
Isa 19:25 Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.

The Lord assures me that, THESE Assyrians referred to in this Scripture live in the region of Iraq and are called to be His people, as wikipedia has identified them among the Assyrian people in its entry, quote:

The Assyrians (also called Syriacs; see names of Syriac Christians) are an ethnic group whose origins lie in what is today Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria, but many of whom have migrated to the Caucasus, North America and Western Europe during the past century. Hundreds of thousands more live in Assyrian diaspora and Iraqi refugee communities in Europe, the former Soviet Union, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.
(end quote)

But even more can be gleaned from the Assyrians in Iraq themselves, quote:

The current developments which have occured in the hands of the Iraqi Presidency (Jalal Talabani) who did not mention the name of the Assyrians has brought outrage and protest by the Assyrian community both in our homeland ASSYRIA As well as other Assyrians in the diaspora. We have contacted the U.S State department and all other countries to protest such behavior by a President of Iraq who knows very well that Assyrians have impacted that land from its begining and have civilized that land and bequethed to mankind and nurtured the core of civilization from the dawn of mankind till modern times.

The name Assyrian is a very powerful indigenous name. If this name is changed altered or removed from the future of Iraq, The outcome will be very drastic for our people and our cause for future rights. It seems that those who want to remove this name or hide its existence, indeed are playing their game very well. Example: If the Kurds remove the name Assyrian from their speeches and their recognition of this name, it will be obvious to all of the world that they not only want to cleanse the Assyrians of their name, but also they want to remove the name Assyrian from Iraq. If they accomplish this, the name Assyrian would not stand in their way to create their so called ##### on the plains of our land ancient and modern Assyria (northern Modern Day Iraq)

We as Assyrians must continue to push the Assyrian name.. as this will continue to have a drastic effect on the indigenous rights of the Assyrians of that land who are the first people to dwell in that land. All Others are not indigenous to Iraq as history shows us.

We will not be robbed of our Assyrian identity, we will not be margianalized and split intop different sects. Chaldenas, church of the east, jacobites are all from one ancient Nation, THE ASSYRIAN NATION.

http://www.betnahrain.org/bbs/index.pl/noframes/read/3776

It is THIS people whom the Lord set out to liberate and to redeem when He sent the US into Iraq. They ARE the original IRAQ, and Egypt will become a third with these Assyrians and with Israel and that is why they were missing from your narrative. These are they:

Isa 19:25 Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

The indigenous people of Iraq are the Assyrians.. those who will be "the work of My hands" by the Lord. But because there are others who are AGAINST the will of the Lord within Iraq and are then called Assyrians (Iraqis) according to the designation of the land, these "Iraqis" or Assyrians are not meant to be part of those God will bless in the above passage. The Lord says of them that He will break these Iraqis (Assyrians), in the middle of a prophecy directed against such in Iraq, quote:

Isa 14:22 For I will rise up against them, says the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, says the LORD.
Isa 14:23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, says the LORD of hosts.
Isa 14:24 The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Isa 14:25 That I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My mountains tread him underfoot: then his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden be removed from off their shoulders.

So God is against these "Assyrians" who are placing a yoke on HIS people and a burden on THEIR shoulders, treading them underfoot. This is from God and He is accomplishing His will. No hand can turn it back (verse 24). The rights of the people of Assyria must be ensured in the New Iraq for it to be prospered by God, because He has willed to remove from them oppression and to call them to Himself. Those who fit into THIS "New Iraq" will prosper, as all who fit into His plans and do what He wills always do. But I note that things stagnate and are delayed until we DO get it right. I presume that God will lift up the people He came to Iraq to liberate to the place of prominence He has for them once there is freedom for Him to do so. There is a need first for the removal of those who are "false" Assyrians that must be broken (verse 25, above).

As for the final endtime battle, I believe it is not to be yet. Yes, you can see those alliances forming, but THIS which I just described is the work God is doing in and for Iraq (Assyria in prophecy) at this time. Not until He has completed this call to the Egyptians and Assyrians will He allow the final prophetic events you describe. These people must first turn to God and be blessed by Him, having a "highway" (perhaps encompassing commerce, oil?) between them, before we see any scenerios of Apocalyptic origin concerning endtime destruction.

Isa 19:23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

I therefore believe that any conflict will remain shortlived and regional (prophetically speaking it will not encompass the entire world), and I believe the US will have to deal with the Iranian threat at this time. Roger is right.. Russia is a wannabe power without the capability at this time to fulfill their prophetic role of the endtimes which you described. I believe that this isn't their day, but God has ordained this day to a time of His making possible the calling out and blessing of these of His people.

When people say that the US went into Iraq for its oil... no, it was decreed by God for His purpose to raise up the people of Assyria. And they shall be a blessing in the midst of the land, not a spoiled wreck. God intends this for THEIR good, and not for evil. He will see to it because they are called from that land to be His own people!

Isa 19:25 Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.

These people are the direct work of God's own hands.. and God Himself will see this through:

Isa 14:24 The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.

Sara.

-- August 20, 2007 11:37 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi PM in Syria to talk security, economy

Iraq's prime minister arrived in Syria on Monday to discuss security and economic relations strained by accusations of Syrian support for rebels in Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 20, 2007 1:42 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

As of August 20, 2007, this thread is closed,
click here to comment at the new thread.

-- August 20, 2007 2:26 PM ∞