Truck and Barter

Comments

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Sara wrote:

Here is something interesting..
Another article saying that the Maliki, Shiite, Kurdish alliance gives them a majority in parliament.
Quote:

Iraq's Sunni Leadership Joins Reconciliation Talks
Updated Aug 20, 2007 21:08 KST

In Iraq, Sunni leaders have been meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and members of a new Shi'ite, Kurdish alliance in hopes of resolving some of the differences that have blocked political progress in the country.

Days after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced a Shi'ite, Kurdish political alliance that would give his government a 181-seat majority in parliament, Sunni leaders agreed to talk about about their differences. Ammar Al Hakim with the Shi'ite party, the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council, said this is a step in the right direction.

He says he hopes the talks will overcome differences and work to bring all the parties to serve in a national government.

Television news reports in Baghdad said the talks, which included Iraq's president Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, resumed on Sunday and that the Iraqi leaders agreed on an agenda for a summit aimed at saving the country's crumbling unity government.

The Sunni political party of Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi, the Iraqi Accordance Front Party, withdrew earlier this month from Mr. Maliki's cabinet, effectively blocking the prospect of political reconciliation among Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish parties.

Hashemi attended Saturday's meeting but so far has not announced his party's return to the government.

Sunni leaders have accused Mr. Maliki's government of marginalizing them. Key areas of contention include the sharing of oil revenues and easing restrictions on former members of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath party so they can serve in the army or civil service.

Salim al-Jubori with the Accordance Front says the talks do not necessarily signal a political breakthrough.

He says the discussion so far has been aimed at fixing what he calls political mistakes of the past, but they do not indicate a return by the Sunni Front to Mr. Maliki's political alliance.

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200708/200708200033.html

And YET, this article published today says that Sadr says there is an imminent collapse because Maliki won't give the other interested political parties (which presumably they need for a true majority) what they want. That can only mean that HE thinks that they do not have a majority, otherwise he would be saying they will push it all through.. and he would be complaining about them being puppets of the Americans, etc.

Report: Muqtada al-Sadr says Iraq's government is near its end
The Associated PressPublished: August 20, 2007

LONDON: A top Iraqi Shiite militia leader predicted Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government was nearing its end.

Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr told The Independent newspaper that al-Maliki's government was on the brink of collapse, despite efforts to bolster its base of support.

"Al-Maliki's government will not survive because he has proven that he will not work with important elements of the Iraqi people," the cleric was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

"The prime minister is a tool for the Americans, and people see that clearly. It will probably be the Americans who decide to change him when they realize he has failed. We don't have a democracy here, we have a foreign occupation."

Al-Sadr had been among al-Maliki's strongest supporters. However, he broke with al-Maliki, a fellow Shiite, in April and withdrew his five supporters from the Iraqi Cabinet to protest the prime minister's refusal to demand a timetable for the pullout of U.S. forces from Iraq.

He rejected recent reports that he had fled to Iran and denied claims his forces had requested help from Tehran.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/20/europe/EU-GEN-Britain-Al-Sadr.php

-- August 20, 2007 2:33 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

eweee me first me first ..... well I really can't think of nothing to say but thanks anyway

-- August 20, 2007 2:33 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

wow :)

-- August 20, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Computer program reveals FBI, CIA edited Wikipedia entries http://en.rian.ru/world/20070817/72026973.html

-- August 20, 2007 2:48 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Experts : Natural Gas enormous wealth Mahdoreh

They need to draft separated from the oil giant

Source : Sabah Al-19/08/2007

Given the growing importance of natural gas as an important source of the vital and reliable sources of energy to solve the energy crisis facing the world, has been this important resource ((gas)) for the burning of waste at the sight of people without wealth of the owner doing nothing to stop this waste, because the profits that have been achieved by international oil companies from behind the exploitation of oil and obtained cheaply not paid to think of how to invest ((natural gas)) associated with oil or preserved, and even in the period in which Iraq was able to sell oil and invest in national and free the projects extraction ((natural gas)), separated from the crude oil, not giant projects with higher returns Alstratigi and placed sources ((natural gas)), energy experts have identified two main sources of this important resource, the first natural gas produced from gas reservoirs only these reservoirs near ((oil reservoirs)) and the second source of natural gas associated with oil-gas facilities for crude oil accounts for a large share of world production of natural gas, and this is due to the enormity of the world's oil production, energy experts pointed to enjoy ((natural gas)) much of the economic benefits the rich and ease of use with high content of fuel, the production and consumption in the world has evolved rapidly since the beginning of the last century, due this development in the production of natural gas to the evolution of world oil production and the discovery of huge deposits of natural gas ..

Energy experts identified the features of this period in Iraq in obtaining natural gas that it is difficult and tough where international oil companies controlled oil production by the combustion and waste of natural gas is not unprecedented, de****e the fact that successive governments in Iraq to intervene for the purpose of investment, but to no avail, since the oil companies and strongly opposes the natural gas investment grounds that the investment Costs of natural gas high compared Baclav production (crude oil production) cheap However, the companies were benefiting from the natural gas as an energy source used in the production process, moving within areas of oil investment, as they used in the recent period of privileges in the process of pumping Section him in the fields to maintain the oil wells inside, as well as some small enterprises engaged in the provision of small quantities of liquid gas for household uses, and because of these conditions were large quantities of natural gas to burn waste, estimated lineage b 85-90 % of the associated gas of oil and especially during the period of 1932-1973 years of the last century ..

Energy experts explained that natural gas production witnessed a remarkable improvement due to the high rates of oil production, particularly after 1973, but experts noted that the increase in the quantities of natural gas used was steady, experts attributed this increase to the success of the plan developed in the oil sector in that period for the investment of all gas the product in the country and not burn it and benefit from it in nurturing major development projects such as the petrochemical industries and the Iron and Steel Complex and aluminum factory and investment project phosphate and other other projects, as well as the use of natural gas to fuel electric power generating stations and expansion of the electricity industry in the manufacture of gas, especially for household consumption . energy experts explained that supports the success of this stage in the natural gas investment due to the completion of important projects, such as ((sulfur recovery)) in Kirkuk and the increasing production of liquid gas in Taji and production units in each of the Al-Dawra refinery, Basra and the implementation of projects for the exploitation of natural gas for power generation electrical and building liquefied gas production plant in the southern fields.

Energy experts pointed out that this remarkable development in the areas of production and natural gas investment did not continue its path has been true of many industrial enterprises specializing in the separation of natural gas from crude oil to a complete standstill because of the political changes that have taken place in the country, with multiple wars against the country, which led to disruption supplier President ((oil)) as a result of the difficult circumstances of the embargo and the lack of access relevant technical equipment spe******t gas production, a combination of these factors led to a decline in natural gas production in the country is forced to adopt import mainly to fill the need of local as well as much exposure stations natural gas to near standstill because of the volatile security situation and proliferation of administrative corruption in many institutions distribution and sale of oil derivatives.

-- August 20, 2007 2:52 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Oil giants rush to lay claim to Iraq
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2151542,00.html

-- August 20, 2007 2:55 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq lowers light crude oil price for USA and increases it for Asia and Europe
Monday, August 20, 2007 09:33 GMT http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Economics-News-Iraq/3-6643-Iraq-lowers-light-crude-oil-price-for-USA-and-increases-it-for-Asia-and-Europe.html

-- August 20, 2007 3:01 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Glad for the new page, too. :)
Here is an interesting commentary/perspective from Qatar's Leading English Daily:

Commentary: Both Sides Using Ceremonial Visits to Iraq to Gain Credibility
Finally getting somewhere in Iraq
By JONATHAN FINER Aug 20, 2007

LATE LAST MONTH the Brookings Institution’s Kenneth Pollack and Michael O’Hanlon, just back from a quick trip to Baghdad, proclaimed in the New York Times that “we are finally getting somewhere in Iraq.” In June, Senator Joseph Lieberman, fresh from his latest whirlwind tour of the war zone, described in the Wall Street Journal a “dramatic reversal” in the security situation in restive Anbar province.

Opponents of the war are also guilty of using visits to gain credibility. On a trip soon after the 2004 election, Senator John Kerry decried the “horrendous judgments” and “unbelievable blunders” made by President Bush. At a news conference I attended in Baghdad last summer, Senator Russ Feingold, a longtime proponent of withdrawal, said that continued US troop presence “may well be destabilising.” Little surprise that his travel companion, McCain, who attended the same briefings at the same bases, drew opposite conclusions.

A dizzying number of dignitaries have passed through Baghdad for high-level briefings. The Hill newspaper reported this month that 76 US senators have traveled to Iraq during the war, 38 in the past 12 months. Most never left the Green Zone or other well-protected enclaves. Few, if any, changed the views they held before arriving.

Reporters based in Baghdad rarely pay much attention to these visits, often skipping the news conferences that conclude most visiting delegations’ itineraries. Since leaving Iraq last year, I’ve been surprised by the impact these choreographed tours have had on domestic discourse about the war. First come opinion pieces full of bold pronouncements of “what I saw” at the front. Next, the recent returnees appear on late-night cable programmes or the Sunday talk shows. Those with opposing views respond, and soon the echo chamber is drowning out whatever’s really happening.

Those who visit Iraq undertake significant risks, which are inherent in traveling to Baghdad, no matter who’s providing their security. Policymakers should be commended for refusing to blindly trust accounts from diplomats, soldiers or journalists. But it’s worth remembering what these visits are and what they are not. Prescient insights rarely emerge from a few days in-country behind the blast walls.

It goes without saying that everyone can, and in this country should, have an opinion about the war, no matter how much time the person has spent in Iraq, if any. But having left a year ago, I’ve stopped pretending to those who ask that I have a keen sense of what it’s like on the ground today. Similarly, those who pass quickly through the war zone should stop ascribing their epiphanies to what are largely ceremonial visits.

(The writer was a Post correspondent in Baghdad from May 2005 to July 2006. He is currently covering the Balkans for The Post.)

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/commentary/commentarypage.asp
http://sweetness-light-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=906

Maybe the public should listen to the military commanders and what those who LIVE and WORK on the ground have to say instead of trusting the politicians who have an axe to grind either way? Just a thought..

Which reminds me.. hey, panhandler.. what are you up to? Anything new from over there? Hope you are well..

Sara.

-- August 20, 2007 3:39 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Roger/Steve:

I have been following your discussion regarding the Iraqi Stock Market. By the way, "nice dog and pony show." The hoop-la of the ISX opening to foreign investors has come and gone. The reality is, until Iraq has measurable economic indicators and the companies not listed on the exchange list themselves the ISX is not reflective of full market activity in Iraq.

I read on another forum about Warka freezing the opening of new accounts. Steven, do you know why Warka would need to take such action? Are they so overwhelmed? Warka appears unable to handle the current influx of mainly U.S. and British investors. How will they respond once broad foreign investment begin?

I am skeptical of both Warka and the ISX. We still do not know what government oversight is in place to regulate these entities. I will stick with my cash in hand until I am convinced otherwise.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 20, 2007 4:11 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

I saw your entry to my entry on the last thread. It is rotten luck as you have it, that I spent most of my afternoon to answer your entry to have mine in the end loss due to computer doing off line and then aol had a new tool bar download and an error message came up. I then discovered the new thread.

I was wondering if you could somehow copy my beginning entry and then your reply and possibly Roger's thoughts on the matter. I am still going to write a new reply to your last entry. However, my response is going to long on the Russians.

Laura Parker

-- August 20, 2007 6:13 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Cornish -

Interesting article you posted about "Oil Giants Rush to Lay Claim to Iraq." The following quote cleared up a lot of things for me:

QUOTE
Separately, Russia has lobbied successfully to set up an energy cartel which it hopes will rival Opec. At the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, leaders of Central Asian countries, China and Russia last week agreed to create a 'unified energy market' in the region that is home to some of the biggest producers of oil and gas.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made clear at the conference that Tehran was prepared to join the club, which would see the world's first, second and fourth largest gas producers form a powerful bloc, potentially ranged against Western interests.

Christopher Langton, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said: 'Russia is seeking to have an organisation tilt the competition in its favour.'

The move coincides with the apparent decline of US influence in the region, where both the Trans-Caspian pipeline project and the diversion of Turkmen gas via Russia to Europe have stalled.

Ariel Cohen, a regional expert at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, said: 'The resource control in Russia's hands will benefit President Putin tremendously'.
END QUOTE

Lately I've been asking myself what Russia's motivation was in seeking political alliance with Iran. I mean, here's a country (Russia) with newfound wealth, able for the first time in 15 years to run continuous air reconnaisance missions, and all of that is because of the work of the West (esp. the US) in bringing about the demise of communism and the fall of the Soviet Union, as well as the advent of capitalism and democracy. After reading a few recent posts about Russia and its being in bed with Iran, my thoughts were: You ungrateful bastards. But that's the nature of people, isn't it? We have short memories, and old demons die hard. So...if you're going to do something good for someone just to hear the thank-you's, it's the wrong reason for generosity. One must care out of conviction, not for political or social gain.

But I digress. My point is this: While I don't believe that Bush's primary motivation for going into Iraq had to do with oil (although I AM sure it was on his radar screen), oil IS DEFINITELY Russia's primary motivation for allying itself with Iran. That and, secondarily, it's a thumb on the old cold-war nose. I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't see that earlier.

David

-- August 20, 2007 6:53 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

David,

I am the one that started the discussion on Russia's forming alliances with Iran. There is more to be said on this topic. I am asking Sara to see if she can get the articles written on this from the last blog before this one has a really go start. Stay tuned, it gets worse!

Laura Parker

-- August 20, 2007 9:00 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

David,

I meant good start.

Laura Parker

-- August 20, 2007 9:02 PM ∞

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John Smith wrote:

Thomas Friedman, writer for the New York Times: "High energy prices, followed by a sharp decline in energy prices, really helped to bring down the Soviet Union. The government there spent money like it was going out of style while energy revenue was high, but then when price of oil fell, as did revenue, they couldn't sustain their expenses and that helped end the Soviet Union."

The price of oil is very high right now. The Russian economy is still heavily dependent on oil revenues. If there is a very large amount of oil in Iraq, enough to bring down the price of oil significantly, Russia could take an economic beating. The same with Iran, which is such a basketcase, they have to import oil products, despite having one of the largest reserves in the world. America's economy, however, would strengthen, with lower energy costs, as America imports most of it's oil. Not so for Iran. If the price of oil drops too much, it would be a disaster for the regime in Tehran, which could topple. They are very dependent on oil, for revenue... Talk about economic warfare. No wonder Russia and Iran doesn't support American efforts in Iraq. Go Bush!

-- August 20, 2007 9:49 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Sara and All,

I am going to try and start to communicate information in several parts because the information is long and I believe it important to what we are about. Sara, I still would like to see if you can get the information on those entries and place on this new blog. Ok?

The information is taken from EpiCenter by Joel C. Rosenberg and its the entire chapter 10: Future Headline: Global Tensions Soar As Russia Targets Israel

I think as I type this in sections, you will all get the point rather quickly. Lets begin. Some of you might want to buy the book. I got mine from a friend and read her copy. However, I am seriously going to buy my own copy.

In the spring 2006, I came across a headline on an Internet news site that read "Russia Would Never Harm Israel: Olmert." Curious, I clicked onto the link and found a story from Agence France-Presse, which began, "Israeli leader Ehud Olmert said he had been assured by President Vladimir Putin that Russia would 'never do anything to harm Israel' despite his invitation to Hamas for talks in Moscow.

"President Putin told me that he had previously given a commitment to Ariel Sharon that Russia would never do anything anything to harm the state of Israel and that that commitment applies to me as it did to Ariel Sharon,'" Olmert explained. The Israeli prime minister's official Web site later noted that "Russian President Putin emphasized several times (in his call with Olmert) that Russia would not take any step directed against Israeli interests and would not harm Israel's security."

If only we could take such assurances to the bank. Unfortunately, we cannot.

While it may be tempting to believe that the Russian Bear is dead and buried and poses no threat to Israel, the U.S., or anyone else, Ezekiel makes it clear that the Bear is only hibernating and will soon be back with a vengeance.

Ezekiel 38:8 says that in the latter years Russia "will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel" (NASB). Ezekiel 38:12 says Russia will target Israel, the epicenter (Middle East), the people who live "at the center of the world" (NASB). Ezekiel 38:14 says Russia will target "My people Israel" (NASB). Ezekiel 38:18 says Russia "Comes against the land of Israel" (NASB). Ezekiel 39:2 says Russia will come "against the mountains of Israel" (NASB). Ezekiel 38:10 makes crystal clear that the Russian dictator in charge of this operation will be executing "an evil plan" (NASB).

Despite such specificity, however, there will be those who misunderstand the nature and threat of this "evil plan" and thus will be at risk of being blindsided by it.

"THE FINAL THRUST SOUTH"

While Putin has not yet tipped his hand about any specific designs on Israel, there are men around Putin who have. One such leader is the current deputy speaker of the State Duma, one of the highest-ranking political leaders in the Russian government and a strategic ally of Putin.

Consider excerpts from a book written by this Russian leader in 1993, in which he details his plans for expanding the Russian empire to the south--toward and ultimately through Israel:

*** The operation should be carried out using the code-name "Final Thrust to the South." Our army will carry out this task. It will be a means for the nation as a whole to survive and a way to restore the Russian army....Russia reaching the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is a task that will be the salvation of the Russian nation....Russia will grow rich.

*** The Arabs and Europeans...have a vested interest in seeing to it Russia establishes her new borders....Only in this way can they escape the Israeli trap.

*** Can't Russia, mustn't Russia, make just one move, one little move southward?...The Germans want this....The world will understand that if Russia needs it that means it's good.

*** The Russian army needs this. It will let our boys flex their muscles instead of sitting around the barracks, worn out by hazing, in the depths of Russia, not knowing who and where the enemy is and what moral and physical preparations they should make.

*** Only America would not be pleased, but she won't interfere. The alternative to this development of this situation is too grave for her if she interferes.

*** This is....Russia's fate, and without it Russia is doomed to stop growing and die....Russia has been given a great historical mission. Therefore it must act decisively.

*** Let Russia make its final "thrust" to the south. I can see the Russian soldiers gathering for the final expedition southward. I can see Russian commanders in Russian division and army headquarters, mapping out the route for the military formations and the endpoints of those routes. I see aircraft gathered in air bases around the southern regions of Russia. I see submarines surfacing...and armored infantry vehicles are on the move and great masses of tanks are rolling through. Russia will finally make her last military expedition.

The author of this book, titled The Final Thrust South, is Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky, the bombastic, often ridiculed, but influential ultranationalist founder of the woefully misnamed Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR). In 1994, when few intelligence analysts in Moscow or Washington took him seriously, Zhirinovsky triggered a political earthquake when his LDPR won a quarter of the seats in the Russian parliament, just a year after laying out this Fascist and imperialist vision of Russia's future.

A 1994 Time magazine cover story titled "Rising Czar?" noted:

Zhirinovsky is no ordinary politician. (He) has slugged fellow lawmakers in the halls of parliament, hobnobbed with ex-Nazi storm troopers in Austria and posed, au naturel, for photographers while cavorting in a steam bath in Serbia. He has been kicked out of or denied access to nearly half a dozen European countries. He has threatened to restore Russia's imperial borders, annex Alaska, invade Turkey, repartition Poland, give Germany "another Chrenobyl," turn Kazakhstan into a "scorched desert", and employ large fans to blow radioactive waste across the Baltics. To Western eyes, the incendiary rhetoric and exuberant loutishness of this barnstorming Bonaparte have marked him as something of a buffoon. But to many Russicans, Zhirinovsky offers a kind of touchstone for their deepest yearnings and frustrations.

Indeed he does, and that is his danger. As Heritage Foundation Russia expert Ariel Cohen wrote in 1994, "It is tempting to dismiss Zhirinovsky's outrageous book as political polemic. But a failed Austrian painter and former army corporal was similarly ignored when he published his own tract: Mein Kampf. The tendency to dismiss Zhirinovsky as a buffoon and to assume that his supporters did not know what they were voting for may be a naive, even dangerous, response to his election and his position as de facto opposition leader gives him influence that cannot be ignored."

THE MAN BEHIND THE MAN

When I (means Joel Rosenberg, the author) last visited Moscow, I sought a meeting with Zhirinovsky. In Ezekiel Option (another book he wrote), after all, I was writing about a Fascist, anti-Semitic ultranationalist who rises to power in Moscow, becomes a czar, and leads the Russian army south to the Mediterranean. Why not meet such a person in real life?

Zhirinovsky's personal support among Russians had slipped since he had landed on the cover of Time. In December 2003 elections, the LDPR received only 11.6 percent of the vote and 38 seats in the DUMA. But he was still a player. Zhirinovsky and his colleagues represented the third-biggest political force in the country, behind Putin's United Russia Party (222 seats) and the Communist Party (53 seats). What's more, several Russia experts I trust suggested that the LDPR's drop in the polls had nothing to do with Russians becoming less nationalist but with Putin becoming more so. Why vote for "Mad Vlad," they argued, when Putin was the real deal---a tough-as-nails leader, a czar in the making, without any of Zhirinovsky's rhetorical baggage? The more authoritarian Putin has become, they explained, the more votes he has siphoned off of the nationalist and ultranationalist parties into his own camp.

"Actually, the guy you want to see," one of my Russian friends told me, "is not Zhirinovsky himself. I mean, he's fun to talk to. You've get some great quotes. But the guy you really want to talk to is the man behind the man, Zhirinovsky's brain."

"Who's that?" I asked. "Alexei Mitrofanov," he said. "He's the number two guy in the LDPR. For years he was the chairman of the Geopolitical Committee of the Duma, roughly the equivalent of the (U.S.) House Foreign Relations Committee. He's Zhirinovsky's chief strategist. But far more importantly, he's a guy who is quietly, carefully helping shape Putin's direction, and thus Russia's."

My father and I met Mitrofanov for coffee at the Hotel National, across the street from Red Square and the Kremlin, on Wednesday, September 1, 2004. We had never met a Fascist before, and certainly not one with real political power. We didn't even know what Mitrofanov looked like and weren't quite sure what to expect. But soon a large, plump man not much older than myself (he was born in 1962, I in 1967 (Rosenberg dob)arrived with several bodyguards who took up positions by the doors of the restaurant.

In manner, he was the complete opposite of Zhirinovsky--well educated, sof-spoken, almost sky--and clearly intent on putting a "kinder, gentler" face on his boss's vicious brand of politics. But it soon became readily apparent that this was indeed "Zhirinovksy's brain." They think exactly alike.

"We are pragmatic people," Mitrofanov began, speaking of himself and his party. "But Russia is in danger of collapsing with ten years....Gorbachev made foolish decisions. He lost the whole empire for nothing. But it just proves that if the leader will be weak, Russia will be ruined....Russians want a strong dictator."

"What about Putin?" I asked. "Is he a czar?"

"Putin is a nationalist, a pragmatic nationalist," Mitrofanov replied. "I had many private conversations with hime before he became president and I know that he is close to out party in his heart...But he is not a strong leader. He has too many limitations."

Well, that was a twist, I thought, someone who thinks Putin isn't czarlike enough. "What about your boss? Is he the next czar?"

"Zhirinovsky wants to be like Stalin," he said, "like Lenin. He wants to have power and make Russia number one in the world again."

"Does he have a chance at succeeding Putin?"

"I think yes," Mitrofanov explained. "Not in the next elections, in 2008. But in 2012, I think Zhirinovsky will be the president of Russia. He will be sixty-six. He will have been in politics for twenty years. People will know his name, his brand, like Marlboro, like Coca-Cola.... Besides, Zhirinovsky will be very quiet (until then). He is changing."

"Changing how?" I asked.

"Changing his style and his ideas, gaining experience....He is the man Russia needs."

"What would he do as president, in foreign policy, for example?"

"He would build a coalition," Mitrofanov replied without hesitation. "Russia must control four countries in order to have quiet borders---Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan." Then, after a moment's pause, he added, "And Turkey."

"Why these?"

"Zhirinovsky wants to rebuild the Byzantine Empire," he said
matter-of-factly.

I just stared at him, trying to process what he was saying and why he was being so open about his party's ambitions. The Byzantine Empire? I thought. That would include a lot more land than just those five countries. It would include Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Eqypt...and Israel.

"We need it," Mitrofanov explained, "or we will have instability."

"Doesn't such a position run the risk of having the LDPR be accused of being anti-Semitic and anti-Israel?"

"Russia is very quiet towards the Jews today," he said. "There's no anti-Semitism here. Not like in Europe....I know people in the Russian military---very nationalistic people---who have ideas that Jewish people have ruined Russia, and they have an idea to attack Israel. Colonel (Pavel) Chernove of the FSB, for example. He believes we should say to the Muslim World, 'We have the power, the land, and the nuclear weapons. You have one billion people, living bombs. Let's work together.' He said Russia must be Muslim, not Orthodox Christian.... He wanted to push Jews out of all leadership positions in Russia."

"What's Chernov doing now?" I asked.

"He used to be in the LDPR," Mitrofanov freely admitted. "He played an important part in the party for a while. He was number two, in fact, until Zhirinovsky fired him. He drank too much. Fired off a machine gun. But he had lots of supporters."

I looked at my father, and he looked back at me. He didn't say anything then; nor did I. But we were thinking the same thing. We were sitting with a man who believed that an ex-FSB officer's offense was getting drunk and blowing off some steam, not his desire to form a nuclear alliance with Iran and the rest of the Muslim world to blow up Israel. And as evil as that was, this was no crank we'd met at the Moscow circus. Mitrofanov is a respected member of the Russian parliament. He was a senior advisor to the deputy speaker of the that parliament. And he had no hesitation to tell two Americans that he and his party want Russia to build an empire and launch the "final thrust south."

We thanked him for his time, paid our bill, and left as quickly as we could.
-----

There is a map of the Byzantine Empire in AD 550 and it covers Italy, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, Albania, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Cypress, Tunisa, Egypt, parts of lower Spain. I wish we could scan in a map of the Byzantine Empire in AD 550.

This section is where I am going to stop for the night. However, you are going to be interested in the rest of this chapter, I promise. I will continue this tommorrow.

Hope this makes for interesting discussion!

-- August 20, 2007 11:43 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(991)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 991 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/8/21 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 11 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1239 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1237 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 50.895.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 50.895.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 21, 2007 6:53 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

I was thinking about the latest big attacks in Iraq. The terrorists point to it as their victory, but it really is not the fault of the American and Coalition forces. It is the fault of the Iraqi Parliamentarians.

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.

Those who spoil and rob us of our right are reaping a longer, more troubled and bloody conflict ("before the morning he is not" = death). Because they will not do the oil laws and begin the process of reconstruction of their nation, they doom their own people to harm and death. Do you think the terrorists used local Iraqi people to do these latest attacks? Why is it they could find such people, ripe for delinquency? Because they are desperate people, without jobs or hope. And why is that? Because the Iraqi Parliament would rather squabble about being Sunni or Shiite than care about the Iraqi people as a nation.

When I see the devastating attacks I think it more evidence of the portion of those who spoil and rob us of our right. They take from US, and they reap "before the morning, they are not".. the removal of their very lives. Such is the deserved punishment of those who will not cooperate with what is right for the nation.. trouble and death. If they want God on their side and His protection, they cannot do what is evil.. robbing and spoiling us of our due rights due to the perogative of winning in war... this results in consequences to them and their people and loved ones. I have no doubt that this is how God will judge it, and how He will blame it, in the end analysis. No matter how men try to blame it on America, it is not us but the supposed "representatives" of the Iraqi people - who are taking a leisure break right now - it is the Iraqi Parliamentarians who are condemning their own people to attack and death by their own inaction on the political front.

They have much to answer for, for the blood is on their hands before the courts of God.

Sara.
PS Laura, I think those who read the board have read our arguments.. do continue on if you have more thoughts on it. Summary - Roger said the Russians are not a force which is capable of superpower status which would rival the US or pose a true danger, though they have some weapons from The Cold War and are attempting to upgrade them. You pointed out the endtime scenerio which has Iran and Russia allied in a final battle, and I said it isn't for this time that those words were written. The time is not appointed to be the end of all things yet. This time is to fulfill other Scriptures which have to do with the two missing players in your narrative, Iraq and Egypt, and the calling placed on them. I gave references to back these assertions, including ones explaining the indigenous people of Iraq and their claims upon their nation, Iraq.

Thank you, John Smith, for contributing your post on why (this time around) Iran and Russia are opposing the US.. due to economic reasons and the price of oil. Very interesting.. thank you. :)

-- August 21, 2007 8:48 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Rosenberg Cont'd... EpiCenter

1982: THE THREAT FROM THE NORTH

Since the times of Czar Peter the Great, Russian leaders have had designs on central Asia and the Near East, and for nearly half of the twentieth century, Moscow armed Israel's enemies and encouraged them to attack and destroy the Jewish state. But now a fuller and more disturbing picture is emerging. Previously classified White House, CIA, and State Department documents, as well as interviews with top U.S. and Israeli leaders and historians, reveal that Moscow has on more than one occasion planned direct Russian invasions of Israel.

In the summer of 1982, for example, then-Israel prime minister Menachem Begin went public with a story that prior to that time had been known only to the upper echelons of Israeli and U.S. intelligence. The Israeli Defense Forces, he explained, had uncovered a secret buy massive cache of Soviet weaponry in deep underground cellars and tunnels in Lebanon that had caught him and his top advisors completely off guard. The weapons appeared to have been pre-positioned by Moscow for the launching of a full-scale invasion of Israel and the oil-rich nations of the Middle East.

Begin said Israel had found "ten times more Russian weapons than were previously reported." The haul, he told reporters, included 4000 tons of ammunition, 144 armored vehicles and tanks, 12500 pieces of small arms, 515 heavy weapons, 359 sophisticated communications devices, and 795 "optical instruments" (including night-vision goggles and field glasses). It was enough, Begin believed, to equip at least five Russian combat brigades and required, according to one-report, "a fleet of 10 ton trucks, working day and night for six weeks, to haul them back to Israel."

"I can now tell you," the Israeli prime minister continued, "that only yesterday...we found other arms depots containing fully ten times as many weapons as we had found before, enough to equip not five brigades, but five or six divisions. We shall need literally hundreds of trucks to evacuate these weapons from Lebanon, where we shall undoubtedly fine more arms."

Begin said that Israeli intelligence had bably underestimated the Russian threat from the north. Israel certainly knew the Soviets were arming Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization for their terrorist attacks against Israel. That was why Israel had invaded Lebanon in the first place. But Begin conceded that neither he nor his colleagues had any idea of the extent to which Moscow was preparing for a massive future ground assault against the Jewish state.

"Something happened which nobody knew," Begin admitted. "In fact, the evidence at hand points to a conspiracy, that pre-positioning by the Soviet Union of such massive quantities of arms---and I mean modern, highly sophisticated weapons--could only be in preparation for some indeterminate future date to overrun Israel, then Jordan, and then Saudia Arabia and other Persian Gulf States. Otherwise, there is no explanation for the quantities of weapons we have found. The (Palestinians) couldn't have used them, having neither the necessary manpower nor the skills."

The Washington Post reported the story of the Soviet arms cache on July 7, 1982. But the implications of such an important discovery got lost amid a series of other earthshaking events in the Middle East. Just one month earlier, an Israeli air strike had destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor and thus Iraq's entire nuclear-weapons development program. And just two months after the discovery of the Soviet arms, members of the Maronite Phalange militia massacred hundreds of Palestinian men, women, and children in Lebanese refugee camps known as Sabra and Shatila.

The Osirak bombing and the Sabra and Shatila massacres, alson with international outcry over whether Israeli defense minister Ariel Sharon was responsible for letting the massacres happen, dominated world headlines for months. (I, Laura Parker don't remember this event. I wonder if the Russian were behind this?). Begin found himself and his entire government on defense in the global public-relations wars. And the Soviets' plans and preparations for invading Israel and the rest of the Middle East were lost to a world that either never heard the story, did not remember, or did not care.

When I (Rosenberg) interviewed Caspar Weinberger, who was the U.S. defense secretary in 1982, he both remembered and confirmed Menachem Begin's story for me. He also admitted that the discovery of the Soviet arms cache "was perhaps larger than most people (in Washington) would have expected." Weinberger conceded that he and others in the Pentagon were surprised by the "size, scope, and speed"---and secrecy---of the Soviet pre-positioning in the Middle East, given how carefully the U.S. was watching the Soviet military.

But Weinberger said he was not surprised that the Soviets had been preparing for an invasion of Israel, Saudia Arabia, and the Persian Gulf region. To the contrary, these were precisely the concerns that were driving the Reagan administration's anti-Soviet policy at the time.

"We (in the Reagan White House and the Pentagon) were all concerned about growing Soviet influence and growing Soviet attempts to increase their stature in the whole Mideast," Weinberger told me. "And the fact that here was confirmation of this by this discovery of a very large stash of weapons was continually disturbing, but not surprising...The fact that they (the Soviets) were building up their weapons and planning to use various Mideast spots as bases for military action was not a surprise--it was the size, scope, and speed with which it was being carried out that was further reason, we thought, why their motives had to be watched quite carefully."

I asked Weinberger specifically if he and President Reagan had shared Prime Minister's Begin's concern that the Soviets might try to overrun Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the other Persian Gulf states.

He confirmed that they had. "The Soviets were trying to increase their influence in the whole Mideast. They were (targeting) the oil fields...We were taking actions and preparing ourselves to prevent that domination from succeeding."

Did he believe the discovery of the Soviet arms justified the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and attempts to destroy the PLO? Weinberger said Israel's move was at first "disturbing" because it was a "unilateral action" and threatened to upset the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, and this was "not good."

That said, however, he suggested that on balance the Israelis were probably right to go in, especially given what they found and the Soviet invasion they may have stopped. It was a total surprise. It unleashed international condemnation of Israel, including pointed criticism from the Reagan administration itself. But the result was that Israel effectively staved off far more cataclysmic evils that were coming from the Russians.

Then Weinberger warned that the discovery of the secret Soviet arms cache was disturbing evidence "that military actions are being planned" or "made increasingly possible" in the Middle East that can elude the detection of even the world's best intelligence services.

-- August 21, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

The item I am trying to submit is long and therefore, I am going to type it in sections.
I hope everyone will understand what I am getting at when all done.

Laura Parker

-- August 21, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara, Roger and All-

Sara, I wanted to thank you for your submission of Isaiah. I did know it was there and it saved me time to look it up. I would agree with you that the highway has not been built. It gives us hope that we know that Iraq will become a nation in its own right.

Given, what I have just typed, I am concerned about the same method of arms cache coming through Lebanon again to attach Israel and the Middle East. The question is how strong is Russian now and going to be.

The article submitted on natural gas coalition with the Russians, Chinese is troubling. Especially as Iran will join too, looking so innocently.

We need to be on guard and understand these geopolitical motivations and be able to counter these moves. For the life of me, I am not sure how we do this.

In the democratic debates for President of the U.S., one of the candidates let it drop that President Bush is trying to get Buster Breaking Bombs to pentrate lower cellars under the ground where nuclear weapons are stored. I suspect, President Bush is considering going after the Iranian Nuclear situation. The democrats have made it clear that they are going to block this initiative.

It's a dangerous world we live in.

Pray-

Laura Parker

-- August 21, 2007 10:05 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All, Rosenberg cont'd from EpiCenter:

1973: THE BRINK OF NUCLEAR WAR

On October 6, 1973, combined Arab forces from Egypt, Syria and numberous other Arab and Islamic countries attacked Israel on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year.

Tensions had been building for months. Rumors of war were in the air. But both Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and political leaders were caught almost completely off guard, not believing the war would really come. Israeli prime minister Golda Meir was so sure fighting would not break out that she had refused to order a preemptive strike or even to mobilize the Israeli reserves, not wanting to provoke hostilities if they could be avoided. That hesitation nearly led to the annihilation of the Jewish state.

Over the course of the first week of the war, the Arab coalition made stunning gains. In the north, 1000 Syrian tanks and 600 pieces of Syrian artillery stormed up the Golan Heights and advanced toward the vulnerable Israeli farmlands of the Galilee region. To the south, some 400 Egyptian tanks crossed the Suez Canal, wiped out Israel's forward defenses, and began working their way across the Sinai Desert. Meanwhile, Arab air forces shot down three dozen Israeli fighter planes in just the first few days.

It was clear to the general public at the time that the Soviet Union was providing the weaponry, ammunition, intelligence, and military training to help the Arab and Islamic coalition destroy Israel, a key ally of the United States. What was not known publicly was the extent to which the Soviets were orchestrating the war behind the scenes and preparing to enter it directly.

By the second week of the war, the momentum had begun to shift. The Israelis had retaken the Golan Heights and were bombing Damascus. They had also retaken most of the Sinai Peninsula, crossed the Suez Canal, and had ground forces within a hundred kilometers of Cairo. By the third week, Moscow was under tremendous pressure from the entire Arab world not to let the Israelis humiliate Syrian president Hafez al-Assad or Egyptian president Anwar Sadat, so Moscow began to move. The Soviets began a massive airlift of arms and ammunition to their allies. The U.S., in turn, began a massive, round the clock airlift of arms and supplies to Israel.

On October 24 at around 10pm eastern time, the Soviet ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Dobrynin, telephoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and dictated the text of a top secret message from Russian general secretary Leonid Brezhnev to President Richard Nixon. In the message, Brezhnev accussed Israel of refusing to abide by a ceasefire called by the UN Security Council and then issued a chilling threat: "I will say it straight: that if you find it impossible to act jointly with us in this matter, we should be faced with the necessity urgently to consider the question of taking appropriate steps unilaterally. We cannot allow arbitrariness on the part of Israel."

It was cloaked in the language of diplomats, but there it was: if the Nixon administration did not stop the Israelis from advancing and agree to send a joint Soviet-American ground force to the region to act as peacekeepers, the Soviets would send ground forces in "unilaterally."

Top U.S. officials in the White House and National Security Council were stunned as Brezhnev threatened to turn an already dangerous regional confrontation into an overt global showdown between East and West. What's more, they knew they would have no choice but to match any move by the Soviets to escalate the situation. Washington had to defend Israel or send a devastating message to her allies that the U.S. could not be counted on in a direct showdown with Russia.

And then the Soviets began to escalate. At least seven Soviet combat-ready airborne divisions in East Germany and elsewhere in Eastern Europe were put on alert and mobilized for immediate departure for the Middle East. Soviet tranport planes were positioned and prepped to insert these forces into the fight with Israel. Soviet warships moved into the Mediterranean.

The U.S., in turn, ordered its own military forces on alert. The Pentagon ordered U.S. nuclear forces to DEFCON 3, the highest state of peacetime readiness. The Joing Chiefs of Staff also ordered the 82nd Airborne Division to prepare to head to the Middle East. Additional U.S. naval forces--including another aircraft carrier---moved into the Mediterranean, all out of a real and rising conern that the Soviets were about to makea unprecedented military move against Israel.

Kissinger drafted for President Nixon (who was deeply embroiled in the Watergate scandal at the time) a reply that was sent to General Secretary Brezhnev on October 25. In the letter Nixon bluntly said to the Soviet leader that the U.S. had "no information which would indicate that the ceasefire is now being violated on any significant scale." He agreed to "take every effective step to guarantee the implementation of the ceasefire" and said the U.S. was working closely with Israel to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

But he also warned that "in these circumstances, we must view your suggestion of unilateral action as a matter of the gravest concern involving incalculable consequences...(W)e could in no event accept unilateral (Soviet) action. This would be in violation of our understandings, of the agreed Principles we signed in Moscow in 1972, and of Article 2 of the Agreement on Prevention of Nuclear War....Such action would produce incalculable consequences which would be in the interest of neither of our countries and which would end all we have striven so hard to achieve."

Nixon's firm letter, combined with the heightened American military posture, soon made it clear to Moscow that any move they made against Israel would be met with the full force of the United States. Within days, the Soviets backed off. Tensions began to defuse, and a full cease-fire was eventually achieved. Not since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 had the U.S. and Soviet Union come so close to the brink of nuclear war, and this time the motivating factor was a Russian leader's threat to attack Israel directly.

Yet for all that, Kissinger would remark to his top aides that the Soviet military "did not maneuver as provocatively as they did in 1967."

----

And we have a Hugo Chavez in our back yard. Makes one wonder if we maybe facing another Cuban missile crisis!

-- August 21, 2007 11:02 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura, could you SUMMARIZE your point(s), please?

Are you saying Putin is the antiChrist or is he the person depicted in the endtime prophecies concerning "the bear", according to your view?

What is the conclusion of your articles which you wish to discuss?
How does it affect the Middle East, and ultimately our investment (Iraq and the Dinar)?

Sara.

-- August 21, 2007 12:07 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

First, I am not saying that Putin is necessarily the anti-Christ. However, he is following the agenda of setting up alliances with various countries in the Middle East that the Bible outlines. His work is going to be very useful to the next leaders of Russian.

Second, it would appear that Russia is heading into a czar like dictatorship by moving away from democratic freedoms i.e., like elected officials, open press etc. The article is useful from Rosenberg, as it again gives us insight to declassified documents showing Russian intent to attack the Middle East for oil and the possible trade route of the Israelis. The Russians are again showing this military behavior.

Third, I would agree with Roger that the Russian do not have the up to date military hardware. However, I would not dismiss them--as this could be very dangerous. They have been using the Islamist, Moslems all along as bodies to fight a proxy war. Just as the Iranians are doing in Iraq. Militarily, I believe that the Soviets are providing the arms, military planning and advisors to the Arabs, Islamists/Moslems.

Fourth, we even see the possible intent of Russians willing to change religions for military reasons to become muslims. A statement to outright reject Christianity.

Sara, it maybe possible that the anti-Christ comes from Russia but I am unsure about this one. However, we do know that this person is going to be influencial in the European Union. I read somewhere, that one of the Russian politicians wanted to join this union for fear of having to stand up militariliy to China. I thought that interesting!

Fifth, the coalitions we have been noticing are designed to fight an economic war against freedom loving nations (not simply the U.S.).

Sixth, the coalitions are also designed to take over nations militarily if left unchecked.

---

Now you might ask, how does this affect the dinar?. Rosenberg also did another interview with Casper Weinberger and he asked him, if he thought Iran had a nuclear bomb as of yet? Weinberger (former Reagan defense secretary) believed that Iran already has the bomb. He believed this is why the Iranian President is being so provocative. I think, Bush thinks so too.

This reality (of Iran having nuclear weapons) will have a definate impact on the dinar and as you observed earlier, this situation is going to have to be dealt with soon. I am not suggesting that this is the end times war.

What I am suggesting is what Jesus said. He stated that men can judge the weather but do know know how to judge the seasons/times. I am simply making an observation, that we seem to be at a time in life---the beginning of biblical prophecy heading into the end times.

Let's not get blindsided by countries with evil plans and motivations for the spoils of war. Stay on the alert and watch!

Finally, war could break out in the Middle East and the way you invest your dinars such as a middle east banks could be very risky indeed, if this occurs.

Laura Parker

-- August 21, 2007 1:29 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Warka's Dinar Transfer Policy

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

Dear XXXXX,

Due to the large number of FedEx packages that are being sent from the USA tighter restrictions and controls will be placed by the Iraqi customs on the FedEx packages that are coming from the USA and to avoid the possibility of the packages being confiscated we recommend that clients deal with our US associate and VVIP client Mr. William Burbank who can assist our esteemed clients with their dinars through his company BB&M International.

By using BB&M International to transfer your Iraqi paper dinar into Iraq you do not break laws in either the US or in Iraq. BB&M is a licensed registered currency trading company in the US licensed with the US treasury and licensed and registered in Iraq as a finance business as well. They sell your dinar into dollars at spot in the Dubai currency market and wire the dollars directly into your account at Warka Bank for Investment and Finance. They use licensed, bonded and insured couriers from Titan Security company a company licensed by US Department of Justice to courier the notes to Dubai. This complies with all laws in both countries and allows you to safely hold your existing position in the Iraqi dinar in an Iraqi institution.

For further information please contact Mr. Burbank at the following email address: bbm@onebox.com

If clients still choose and prefer to send funds by FedEx they will be doing so at their own personal risk.

Best Regards,

Deputy Managing Director
International Affairs
__________________
.

-- August 21, 2007 1:40 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Inflation Measure Decrease of Past July

Inflation measure decreased for last July as were recorded in last June as the general standard number reflected for the consumer prices in 3,2%.

A source at planning ministry said that, the static's central body and information technology carried out the report of the inflation for July which accounted on the basic of collecting the statements fields about the price of the goods and the formed services for the consumers basket of the retail in a collecting markets in Baghdad and the provinces which showed inflation measure decrease last month resulted in the standard number for the foodstuffs, fabrics, clothes, shoes, furniture, fuels, lighting, and transporting, pointing that the agreement on these collections formed 83,0 % from the family consumer spending.

Inflation Measure Decrease of Past July | Iraq Updates
__________________

-- August 21, 2007 2:03 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

IMF advises Iraq to shore up reconstruction, oil investment

For the first time in 25 years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Iraq to increase the pace of reconstruction and investment, mainly in the oil sector.

"Directors commended the Iraqi authorities for keeping their economic programme on track by strengthening economic policies and making progress in structural reforms, de****e an unsettled political situation and a very difficult security environment," said the IMF in a statement Tuesday summarizing its Executive Board assessment on Iraq's economic performance.

"The expansion of oil production is lagging, and that inflation, while on a downward path, remains high, reflecting in large part continued shortages, notably of fuel products," added the statement.

After a decline in oil production in 2005, economic growth was estimated at nearly 6 per cent in 2006, while maintaining an average annual crude oil production of two million barrels per day since 2004.

The IMF urged the Iraqi authorities to "strengthen the protection of oil installations" and welcomed Baghdad's decision to raise the fuel price to the regional level to avoid direct subsidies on fuel products.

Inflation in Iraq is at 46 per cent in June 2007, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) allowed the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar to appreciate by 15 per cent and the CBI's gross domestic reserves increased to USD 18.7 billion by end of last year.

The Executive Board praised the Iraqi government's fiscal policy in 2007, calling on the CBI to "stand ready to accelerate the pace of appreciation and tighten monetary conditions further if inflation deviates from its downward path and dollarization is not reduced as expected".

"Key to fighting inflation would be to continue restraining public spending pressures and stepping up efforts to reduce shortages, especially by actively supporting private sector fuel imports," added the statement.

This consultation, taking over two years to culminate, advised the Iraqi government to "streamline the tax system with a view to expanding the tax base and improving incentives for economic activity", improve public transparency and accountability, and restructure the banking system.

The IMF linked economic improvement to security condition in Iraq and encouraged Iraq's effort to join the World Trade Organisation (WHO).

IMF advises Iraq to shore up reconstruction, oil investment | Iraq Updates
__________________

-- August 21, 2007 2:16 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Leaflets Said to Warn of Iran Move into North Iraq
http://pukmedia.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=722&Itemid=1

-- August 21, 2007 2:20 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

I have another question, Why would it be in other countries and Arab interest to help Russia establish it's new borders, if Russia thrusted south to the Mediterrean and to the Indian Ocean?.

This was a point that Zhirinovsky made from his book.

Laura Parker

-- August 21, 2007 2:20 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

Interesting perspective, thank you. :)

Time magazine, in partnership with CNN, put out an article three days ago which says, quote:

Prelude to an Attack on Iran
By Robert Baer
Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007

Reports that the Bush Administration will put Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the terrorism list can be read in one of two ways: it's either more bluster or, ominously, a wind-up for a strike on Iran. Officials I talk to in Washington vote for a hit on the IRGC, maybe within the next six months. And they think that as long as we have bombers and missiles in the air, we will hit Iran's nuclear facilities. An awe and shock campaign, lite, if you will. But frankly they're guessing; after Iraq the White House trusts no one, especially the bureaucracy.

As with Saddam and his imagined WMD, the Administration's case against the IRGC is circumstantial. The U.S. military suspects but cannot prove that the IRGC is the main supplier of sophisticated improvised explosive devices to insurgents killing our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The most sophisticated version, explosive formed projectiles or shape charges, are capable of penetrating the armor of an Abrams tank, disabling the tank and killing the crew.

A former CIA explosives expert who still works in Iraq told me: "The Iranians are making them. End of story." His argument is only a state is capable of manufacturing the EFP's, which involves a complicated annealing process. Incidentally, he also is convinced the IRGC is helping Iraqi Shi'a militias sight in their mortars on the Green Zone. "The way they're dropping them in, in neat grids, tells me all I need to know that the Shi'a are getting help. And there's no doubt it's Iranian, the IRGC's," he said.

A second part of the Administration's case against the IRGC is that the IRGC has had a long, established history of killing Americans, starting with the attack on the Marines in Beirut in 1983. And that's not to mention it was the IRGC that backed Hizballah in its thirty-four day war against Israel last year. The feeling in the Administration is that we should have taken care of the IRGC a long, long time ago.

Strengthening the Administration's case for a strike on Iran, there's a belief among neo-cons that the IRGC is the one obstacle to a democratic and friendly Iran. They believe that if we were to get rid of the IRGC, the clerics would fall, and our thirty-years war with Iran over. And what do we do if just the opposite happens — a strike on Iran unifies Iranians behind the regime? An Administration official told me it's not even a consideration. "IRGC IED's are a casus belli for this Administration. There will be an attack on Iran."

— Robert Baer, a former CIA field officer assigned to the Middle East, is TIME.com's intelligence columnist and the author of See No Evil and, most recently, the novel Blow the House Down

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1654188,00.html

Quite obviously, this would indeed change things for our Dinar investment. As I intimated previously, it would be better for the situation if the Iraqi economy were on the upswing and stabilizing, rather than in the shambles it now finds itself. Heaping one crisis upon another is not a wise thing to do, in my view. The upward valuation of the Dinar (not holding it down artificially) would be a great help in bringing about help in that direction. I believe that the wisest way to proceed would be for the Dinar to have its upward valuation and begin the process toward economic repair before the attack becomes necessary against Iran.

As for "not considering" what would happen IF the Iranians unifed behind the regime.. how come the press thinks that the US runs scenerios for every situation that could happen militarily.. except for one which would be brought directly to bear upon an intentionally planned move? Do they really think the military are that lazy or stupid? Or do they think that they are the only ones who could possibly discern that this COULD be one possibility.. however remote? I am always amazed at the professed intellectual superiority those who write for the MSM think they have over military commanders whose training and jobs do encompass running such scenerios. I also marvel that such people think they have greater acumen than the people now calling the shots in the Whitehouse. Their pride is only matched by their expectation of public gullibilty and congratulation to them for pointing out such "defects".. but even public gullibility has its limits if they think they can hoodwink what they consider to be the degree infested but braindead masses into believing such utter crud.

Sara.

-- August 21, 2007 4:36 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq

Information on sending a shipment to Iraq


Prohibited Commodities

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View Standard DHL prohibitions
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(Require a DHL Air Waybill) Commodities where you should contact your local customer service Department to clarify shipping requirements.

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-- August 21, 2007 5:49 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

And a further interview of the same author as my previous post, with video from FOX's America's Newsroom which seems to indicate that the strike won't be of such a scale so as to be an interference in the fortunes of the Dinar. Plans so far say it would be quick and will not involve troops on the ground.
Quote:

Former CIA officer: US to attack Iran within 6 months
David Edwards and Muriel Kane
Published: Tuesday August 21, 2007

Fox News asked former CIA field officer Bob Baer on Tuesday whether the US is "gearing up for a military strike on Iran." Baer has written a column for Time indicating that Washington officials expect an attack within the next six months.

"I've taken an informal poll inside the government," Baer told Fox. "The feeling is we will hit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps." His Time column also suggested that "as long as we have bombers and missiles in the air, we will hit Iran's nuclear facilities."

Baer explained that what his sources anticipate is "not exactly a war." He said the administration is convinced "that the Iranians are interfering in Iraq and the rest of the Gulf" but that "if there is an attack on Iran it would be very quick, it would be a warning."

"We won't see American troops cross the border. ... If this is going to happen, it's going to happen very quickly and it's going to surprise a lot of people," said Baer. "I hope I'm wrong frankly, but we're going to see."

The following video is from Fox's America's Newsroom, broadcast on August 21: see url below

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Former_CIA_agent_US_to_attack_0821.html

-- August 21, 2007 9:40 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Rob N,

This is the from another site, and is the answer you want from Mr I at Warka,

This information is entirely false and we happily invite foreigners to invest in our bank as we strongly believe that they represent a big part of our bank and a leading factor behind its continuous success and groth.

We will continue to serve our esteemed foreign clients the best ensuring they receive better banking servces and care than that received at home.

Warka is your bank and that of all our foreign clients.

Best regards,
Mr. I.
Deputy Managing Director
International Affairs.

Yoo know as well as I do we get some plums that come on and say a load of B-S

I like a brain dead dum dum, sent some money by wire via the german bank, and I forgot to put my account number on it, so I sent an Email to Mr I. with what info and numbers I had, and told him I would leave it in his most capable hands, and I got an Email from him saying he has got it and has put it into my dinar account, it was for $1,278 that got me 1,585,998 dinars, so I now have a balance of 4,450,111, earning 11% and about 2,000,000 shares

The Arab world likes paper money and not coins, hence they had a half dinar and a quarter dinar
as walking around in your night shirt not a lot of room for coins.

like I said you can have cash dinars in your hand, cash in an Iraqi bank and cash in the ISX, like a three horse race and I have bet on all three, you have just bet on the one, nothing wrong with that, I went in the ISX as it looked like it would make money before the dinar is RVd.

If you have any probs send an email to, Mr I. ifrd@warksinvestmentbank.com he is a good egg

For a good read try, http://www.oilvoice.com/petrel_resources_review_of_operations_iniraq_and_jord...

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- August 21, 2007 9:58 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Sorry, just go on the, oilvoice.com

-- August 21, 2007 10:08 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

All,

I am sure I will be put right, if any of this is not right.

The garden of Eden was in Iraq

Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq, was the cradle of civilization

Noah built the ark in Iraq

The Tower of Babel was in Iraq

Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq

Isaacs wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq

Jacob met Rachel in Iraq

Jonah preached in Nineveh, which is in Iraq

Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel

Amos cried out in Iraq

Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem

Daniel was in the lions den in Iraq, (Jesus had also been in Iraq
as the forth person in the Fiery Furnace)

Belshazzar, the king of Babylon saw the, writing on the wall

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq

Ezekiel preached in Iraq

The wise men were from Iraq

Peter preached in Iraq

The Empire of Man, described in Revelation is called Babylon, which was a city in Iraq

Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible, who is second, Iraq
However, that is not the name used in the Bible.
The names used in the Bible are, Babylon, Land of the Shinar, and Mesopotamia, which means between the two rivers more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers

The name Iraq, means country with deep roots

Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible

No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq

This was from the same guy who sent me the bit about America with the eagle and Saddam ect.

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- August 21, 2007 10:38 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

Thank you for the information on the news articles. However, I believe they are wrong on the extent of the hit on Iran.

The U.S. may hit the revoluntary guard as suggested in these articles.

However, I believe the main objective of President Bush is going to be to hit the Nuclear facilities in Iran. Why would President Bush be requesting Bonker Busting Bombs from congress? This is not to go after the guard.

Laura Parker

-- August 21, 2007 11:13 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

1967: THE KREMLIN PREPARES FOR WAR -ROSENBERG-EPICENTER CONT'D:

War clouds had been building for months. The Israelis found themselves increasingly surrounded by Soviet-backed forces of the Arab and Islamic world, all of whose leaders were vowing to "throw the Jews into the sea" and the Israelis were considering striking first. The element of surprise might be their only hope of survival, they figured. But President Lyndon Johnson had warned Israeli prime minister Levi Eshkol in no uncertain terms that such a move would be a serious mistake.

As historian Michael B. Oren noted in his highly praised book Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East, Johnson sent a secret message to Eskhol, saying, "It is essential that Israel not take any preemptive military action and thereby make itself responsible for he initiation of hostilities. Preemptive action by Israel would make it impossible for the friends of Israel to stand at your side." Oren noted that Johnson specifically "warned of the possibility of direct Soviet intervention.

Marshal Andrei Antonovich Grechko, the Soviet deputy defense minister, had told his Egyptian counterparts in Cairo that the Kremlin had dispatched "destroyers and submarines to the waters near Egypt, some armed with missiles and secret weapons" to help wipe out the Zionists. One of Israel's top experts on Soviet foreign policy told Israeli Defense Forces intelligence that "the USSR would muster all it's influence and power to maintain its Middle East position." When asked if the Soviets would intervene directly, the expert replied, "Of course." Soviet premier Aleksey Kosygin, meanwhile, sent a cable to Prime Minister Eshkol, warning "If the Israeli Government insists on taking upon itself the responsibility for the outbreak of armed confrontation then it will pay the full price of such an action."

But at 8:44am on the morning of June 5, 1967, Eshkol sent an urgent message back to President Johnson informing him that the it was too late. War had begun.

Explaining his rationale for the preemptive strike Israel had just launched, Eshkol wrote:

After weeks in which our peril has grown day by day, we are now engaged in repelling the aggression which (Egyptian president) Nasser had been building up against us. Israel's existence and integrity have been endangered. The provocative (Arab) troop concentrations in Sinai, now amounting to five infantry and two armored divisions; the placing of more that 900 tanks against our southern frontier;...the illegal blockade of the Straits of Tiran;...the imminent introduction of MiG-21 aircraft under Iraqi command (into the theater); Nasser's announcement of "total war against Israel" and of his basic aim to annihilate Israel...All of this amounts to an extraordinary catalogue of aggression, abhorred and condemned by the world opinion and in your great country and amongst all peace-loving nations.

Eshkol also noted that three Israeli towns had been bombed that morning by Arab forces, citing these as the last straws that led to war. He thanked Johnson for America's support and expressed hope that "our small nation can count on the fealty and resolution of its greatest friend." But he also had a request: that the U.S. "prevent the Soviet Union from exploiting and enlarging the conflict" at this, Israel's greatest "hour of danger."

"Eshkol knew and feared the Russians," noted Michael Oren. "War with Syria (and Egypt) was risky enough; with the USSR, it would be suicidal." But Eshkol calculated that without U.S. support, the Soviets would find themselves compelled to get involved directly. Moscow had "invested massively in the Middle East, about 2 billion in military aid alone--1700 tanks, 2400 artillery pieces, 500 jets, and 1400 advisers--since 1956, some 43 percent of it to Egypt.

Sure enough, as the Israelis demolished the forces of the Arab coalition over the next three days and captured the Sinai, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights, reunified the holy city of Jerusalem, and began an offensive against Damascus, Moscow saw itself staring into the face of a geopolitical disaster. Those were Soviet-made arms being seized and distroyed. Those were billions of dollars in Soviet funding to their Arab client states being poured down the drain. And--it would later be learned by the U.S. and Israeli intelligence--the Egyptian war plan itself (code named Operation Conqueror) had actually been written in 1966 by the Soviets. As a result, the Soviets feared their prestige was quickly unraveling.

U.S. intelligence was already picking up signs of this fear in the Kremlin. In the "President's Daily Brief" on June 9, for example, the CIA informed President Johnson that "the Soviets are finding it hard to conceal their shock over the rapid Egyptian military collapse. A Soviet official (identity still classified) could not understand 'how our intelligence could have been so wrong.' He asked desparingly, 'How could we have gotten into such a mess?'"

So the Kremlin decided to dramatically up the ante.

On June 10, at 8:48am Washington time, Soviet premier Aleksey Kosygin used the "hotline" to call President Johnson in the White House Situation Room. His message was as blunt as it was unnerving: "A very crucial moment has now arrived which force use, if (Israeli) military action are stopped in the next few hours, to adopt an independent decision. We are ready to do this. However, these actions may bring us into a clash which will lead to a grave catastrophe...We propose that you demand from Israel that it is not fulfilled, necessary actions will be taken, including military."

The Soviets quickly broke off diplomatic relations with Israel, and the Soviet-bloc government of Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria soon followed.

CIA Director Richard Helms would later recall that the conversations in the Situation Room for the next several hours were in "the lowest voices he had ever heard in a meeting of that kind" and that "the atmosphere was tense" as the president and his most senior military, diplomatic, and intelligence advisors contemplated the possibilty of a direct Soviet strike at Israel.

Johnson, a devoted friend of Israel and an ardent anti-Communist, was not prepared to kowtow to Moscow or let Israel be destroyed. He immediately ordered the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterrean to turn around--it was heading west toward the Strait of Gibraltar--and steam toward Israel as a show of solidarity and to warn the Soviets not to get directly involved.

He did the right thing, for according to Isabella Ginor, a Russian born correspondent for the BBC World Service and other international news services, "new evidence reveals that the Soviets were indeed posied to attack Israel...and had been preparing for such a mission all along."

On June 10,2000--thirty-third anniversary of Kosygin's ominous hotline threat to Nixon--Ginor published an article in The Guardian (London) entitled "How the Six Day War Almost Led to Armageddon: New Evidence of the 1967 Soviet Plan to Invade Israel Shows How Close the World Came to Nuclear Conflict." In December of that year, she published a longer and more detailed article in the Middle East Review of International Affairs entitled "The Russians Were Coming: The Soviet Military Threat in the 1967 Six-Day War." In these and other articles, she quoted Soviet military officials who paint a fragmentary but still disturbing picture of the attack that was being prepared.

Ginor noted that "in his recently published memoirs, Nikita S. Khruschev asserts that the USSR's military command first encouraged high-ranking Egyptian and Syrian delegations, in a series of 'hush-hush' mutual visits, to go to war, then persuaded the Soviet political leadership to support these steps, in full knowledge they were aimed at starting a war to destroy Israel."

Soviet acting defense minister Andrei A. Grechko and KGB Chairman Yuri V. Andropov, meanwhile, "were pressing for the immediate dispatch of Soviet forces to the Middle East." Retired Soviet air force lieutenant Yuri V. Nastenko confirmed in 1998 that bomber and fighter jets, such as the MiG-21s that were under his command, were put on full operational alert on the evening of June 5, 1967, and that he was convinced this was in prepartion for "real combat."

Yuri N. Khripunkov, a former Soviet naval officer who was serving on one thirty Soviet warships that had been moved from the Black Sea southward to the Mediterranean in June 1967, told Ginor that he and his colleagues were preparing to unleash Soviet forces onto the Israeli mainland. His own platoon, he said, was "ordered to penetrate Haifa--Israel's main commercial harbor and naval base." Russian professor Alexsandr K. Kislov, who was stationed in the Middle East in 1967, told Ginor that the strike force the Soviets had prepared for insertion into Israel included "desant (landing) ships with well-prepared marines."

Some respected historians and diplomats have disputed the notion that the Soviets were planning to attack Israel in 1967. But while the evidence available from declassified documents and interviews with direct participates may not yet be conclusive, it is compelling. What's more, Soviet premier Kosygin's threat of direct military intervention into the 1967 was with Israel alone stands as chilling evidence of Moscow's historic and recent animus toward the Jewish state--as as a warning of things to come.

---end of chapter---

I have given the history of Russia's threat to middle east to show that this threat has been ungoing. In 1991, Russia's economy collapse. Since then, the Russians have been trying to recover. I did a little research and found that Russia's economic budget is composed of: 55% natural gas; 19% oil; 6% Hydro energy; 5% nuclear; and 16% coal. Russian has the larges natural gas reserves.

Russia's economy in my own opinion, could probably recover, if Russia was not providing arms out of her national economy because of it's current foreign policy. While it is true that Russia's economy is vulernable to the rise and fail of natural gas and oil, Russia could be pursuing other industries to get cash reserves.

Russia's continued foreign policy of forming alliances with terrorist organizations, Arab/Moslems and in particular Iran is most troubling.

Laura Parker

-- August 22, 2007 9:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The Kurdish miracle

Haaretz - By Zvi Bar'el

ERBIL, NORTHERN IRAQ - All the important people in Iraqi Kurdistan can be found in the Charwa Chra hotel restaurant, in the center of Erbil. The director-general of the new airport; the communications minister, there with his family; senior officials from the Kurdish government; and some rich Iraqis who have found temporary refuge in the hotel, until they decide whether to invest in Kurdistan or continue on to some European country. Rawand Darwesh, a senior Kurdish official, and Hamin Hassan, who was partner to the civilian social revolution in Kurdistan, are among the guests.

Darwesh was a member of the first group of outstanding students who received a Fulbright scholarship to study for a year in the United States. When he returned home, he quickly became involved in government activity. Hamin Hassan helped found the institute for human and civil rights in Kurdistan, in 2002, and later went to specialize in election supervision, in Jordan.

"Here the parliament has passed a law that stipulates that any murder is a murder," Hassan says. "There is no longer leniency for murdering women in the pretext of preserving family honor. This is not Iraq, where people who murder over family honor enjoy special privileges under the law. Moreover, our prime minister has called for setting up a hotline at police stations for abused women."

The police academy has begun accepting female cadets to assist women and victims of domestic violence. "They have an address here," Hassan says. But when he says "here," he is referring to the region of Kurdistan, which so far has only three sub-districts - Erbil, Duhok and Sulaimaniya. Residents hope that by next November, if and when a referendum is held, another three sub-districts will join the district. "This is not the Iraqi government," says Hassan. "I am referring only to the Kurdish law."

This is the heart of Iraq's anomaly. The Kurdish region is run as if it were a completely independent state. The Kurdish flag flies over the huge parliament building, not the Iraqi flag. At night, lights in the shape of the Kurdish flag light the streets of Erbil. The Iraqi flag cannot be seen here, and people even decline to use Arabic, the official language of the state.

A friend of Darwesh's explains that the Iraqis, particularly the Shi'ites, still consider the Kurds to be Israeli allies, even though Israel turned them a cold shoulder more than three decades ago. "One day, while traveling north from Baghdad, we were stopped at a Shi'ite roadblock," his friend says. "Three of the passengers said they were headed for Mosul. The fourth said, by mistake, that he was going to Erbil. The Shi'ite guard shouted out to his commander: 'Three of them are okay. One is going to Israel.' As you can understand, they consider Erbil Israel, because it is the capital of the Kurdish district."

At the table, laden with Kurdish delicacies, the conversation returns to women and human rights. "We still have a long way to go in this respect," Hassan says. "We have to educate an entire nation to new principles - particularly those outlying villages, which have fewer western influences."

Hassan, who was a Peshmerga fighter and an announcer on the underground Kurdish television network, admits that even he sometimes finds it difficult to live by all those new values he preaches. "If my sister wants to marry someone of a lower standing, less worthy of her, I'll try to persuade her, perhaps pressure her, to accept my values. Our women received freedom too quickly, as if in an explosion," he says.

Two days later, Abdel Salaam Barwary explains the problem. Barwary is one of Iraq's most influential analysts, the former bureau head for Kurdish Regional Government President Massoud Barzani, and currently the director of the Kurdish center for advancing democracy and human rights. "People want to know whether democracy means we will lose all our old values, if it means we will lose control of our wives and daughters, if democracy means sexual freedom," he says. "We still have a great deal of work to do in this field, particularly given that some of our ministers do not exactly understand what we are doing and are not exactly convinced that this is the best thing for the Kurdish state."

In my prior trips to Kurdistan between 1995 and 2004, there were no conversations of this type. The excitement generated by the war and the victory over Saddam Hussein, the relative quiet, the still-"reasonable" number of dead for a war, and especially the uncertain future all led to questions and conversations about physical survival and livelihood. This kicked off the gradual process of commemoration and remembering. People felt the fight was over, victory was assured and the Kurds were on their way to a state of their own - or at least to taking a healthy bite out of the Iraqi regime that tried to destroy them.

Now, things look totally different. The signs of a revolution are evident at the border crossing between Turkey and Iraq. The long lines of trucks, stretching for kilometers, are not waiting to enter Iraq to smuggle out oil. Instead, they bear bags of cement, building iron, food products, textiles, electronics - everything a rehabilitating country needs. These goods will not reach Baghdad or Basra. The trucks will stop at the new stores in the Kurdish district, at Erbil's glittering New City commercial center, or by the cranes building the "Italian colony" or the "English village" - single-family homes slated for rich locals or foreigners.

Traffic at the crossing moves quickly and efficiently - so long as the computer does not break down for an hour (like when we were supposed to get a stamp allowing us to cross into Iraq) or if the clerk does not take another hour-long lunch break. That, after all, is acceptable in Europe, and a country that aspires to be part of Europe must ensure its clerks have a suitable lunch break.

We finally receive our two stamps, and a minute later, we cross into Kurdish Iraq. We hear the same questions we heard last time: "How can we visit Israel? Is there work for us there? Do only Jews get entry visas to Israel?" The transit station director has friends in Israel, immigrants from Duhok. He would very much like to visit them, but does not know how to get a visa. Here, Israel is considered a land of dreams. We later learn that not only Israel, but also the Israelis - at least the Jewish Israelis - are viewed here as superior entities.

Economic boom

The trip from the border crossing to Erbil takes three hours. The temperature outside is above 40 degrees Celsius, but our air conditioning is effective. We sit back, watching the small commercial centers that have sprouted up over the past two years in the town of Zakho , on the way to Duhok. Shomal, a customs employee who drives me along Duhok's main road, explains how prices have risen. Three years ago, a dunam plot in Duhok sold for $1,000-$5,000. Now, 200-meter apartments can sell for $150,000, while private homes cost as much as $300,000.

Rich Iraqis fleeing the war and Kurds from abroad are buying these houses, Shomal says. But there are also local residents who have earned a lot of money in this economic boom, and can afford the houses, too. The growth is evident on the outskirts of Erbil, where new clusters of single-family homes have popped up. "All of the houses were bought before the building began and now people are searching for new plots to build on," says Darwesh, who bought a large apartment in one of the beautiful towers next to the Italian Colony.

The buildings in this neighborhood are not yet finished. There are many building foundations and frames, stylized steel balustrades, and a few touches of finishing. But the purchasers are not worried. The company has promised that the apartments will be ready in a few months. This economic boom becomes even more amazing to behold when one remembers that in Kurdistan, like the rest of Iraq, there is no such thing as a mortgage or a bank loan. Everything here is bought in cash. Iraqi dinars that are worth 1,200 to the dollar - houses, cars, trips, furniture. You cannot pay by check, credit card or bank order.

It is hard to say how prices compare here. A new Land Cruiser sells for a mere $30,000, but the New City supermarket has European-level prices. Ice cream costs $1, but a meal at a middle-class restaurant can cost as much as $25 per person - almost five times more than it did three years ago.

Erbil district governor Nawzad Hadi Maulud says the main problem facing his region is electricity. An electrical engineer by training, the governor finishes work at 9 P.M. Some of the region's electricity comes from Turkey, which sometimes cuts the current on a political whim. Other suppliers include small stations set up by the government, but these are too small, and too far from the city. Most of Erbil's electricity comes from private generators.

People do not pay for the state-supplied electricity. "How can I charge money for a bad service?" the governor says. "After all, I can provide electricity for only a limited number of hours per day. First I have to prove that I can provide excellent service, and only then can I begin collecting money for it. The main problem is that I have to deal with the memories of the Saddam Hussein era. His administration provided very good services for free or cheap. Now, if I provide a service that is not very good, people will compare it with what they had during that period, and conclude there is no good reason to pay for it."

All municipal services - medical services, university education, water, sewage and more - are free. However, in this state where the government provides everything for nothing, there are no welfare services or national insurance. There are also no health maintenance organizations. But most of all, there are no bank fees - because there are no banks. Life is carried out in cash, and businesses use banks in Turkey or Jordan.

"We do not have a real infrastructure for business," says an adviser to Barzani, the regional president. "There is money but there is no strategic thinking. We aspire for a well-balanced and independent economy, and the Kurdish region has adopted an excellent investment law. We have a great deal to offer investors, especially security and tranquility, but meanwhile, everything is being conducted in a tribal fashion, with written notes."

If the building impetus one can see here is the result of written notes, one could imagine how far Kurdistan could get with an organized administration.
(http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc082007BZ.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 22, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

DNO says two Tawke wells confirm oil deposits

Norwegian independent oil producer DNO said two new wells at its Tawke field in northern Iraq have both confirmed oil deposits.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 22, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US 'frustrated' at situation in southern Iraq: general 45 minutes ago

LONDON (AFP) - The United States is frustrated at the deteriorating security situation in southern Iraq, a retired senior US general said Wednesday amid continued talk about a British pull-out from the region.

ADVERTISEMENT

In an interview on BBC radio, General Jack Keane, a former vice-chief of staff of the US Army, agreed with recent media reports that Washington was dissatisfied at the increased violence in and around the port city of Basra.

"There is some frustration with the troops being out at the airport primarily training the Iraqi 10th division and not as engaged as they had been in the past in what is taking place in central Basra and the surrounding communities," said Keane, who was an adviser to the US Iraq Study Group.

"They have never had enough forces to truly protect the people, a mission similar to what the coalition forces are taking on in Baghdad. But I think there is a general disengagement from what the key issues are around Basra.

"I would imagine that's where the source of frustration is."

Britain has about 5,500 troops currently based at Basra Airport and Basra Palace, although the small contingent at the latter is due to move out within weeks.

There are plans to reduce numbers by 500 in the coming months but Prime Minister Gordon Brown has resisted calls for an immediate withdrawal.

Brown is expected to make a statement on British involvement in Iraq when parliament returns in October and after a report by US General David Petraeus to Congress in Washington on the progress of this year's US troop "surge".

The surge saw 30,000 extra US troops sent to Iraq from January to quell bloody sectarian violence in and around Baghdad.

Many British newspapers in recent weeks have focused on the increasing number of daily mortar attacks on Basra airport, amid concern at mounting British death and casualty rates.

They have also carried anonymous quotes attributed to US officials expressing concern at the situation in the south.

Keane, who recently returned from Iraq, suggested that there was a case to say that neither the British nor the Americans have had sufficient troops in the troubled Gulf state to be effective.

Asked whether that was a military or political failure, he said it was a combination of both as well as a general lack of ground troops to face the challenges of the 21st century.

US military commanders were keen to avoid sending reinforcements to Basra but that was a possibility if the security situation did not improve if and when the British pulled out, he added.
(www.news.yahoo.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 22, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

Perhaps it may be the Revolutionary Guard who are WITHIN Iraq that will be hit:

Iran Threatens military operations inside Iraqi Kurdistan
(Voice of Iraq) - 22-08-2007

Demanded the release of Kurdish villages

Irbil d b a : Iranian authorities asked residents of border villages in Iraq's Kurdistan region evacuate their villages to avoid any losses incurred as a result of military operations by land, air intends Iranian forces carried out during the coming days against the Kurdish fighters who oppose the Tehran government.

This came in the Kurdish language publication distributed Monday night in the border areas near the Choman northeast of the city of Irbil, Iraqi Kurdistan and got German news agency (d. B. A) a copy of it.

He said the publication : to our enemies, especially America trying to disrupt the security situation in our country (Iran) and aided by the range of clients in the Qandil and Khunera (within the territory of Kurdistan), and will operate authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cleanse the region of whom.

The leaflet telling villagers border saying : To restore security and stability in the border areas will Iranian forces military operations land and air in the region to pursue customers and ask you to move away from the area of operations sake of your safety.

For his part, said the official spokesman for the government in Kurdistan Jamal Abdullah correspondent (d. B. A) Kurdish authorities have not yet confirmed whether the Iranian authorities are already published the letter because it did not bear the signature of any.

The spokesman added Kurdish saying But if the letter had been issued by the Iranian authorities, we believe that the Iranian forces in any military operations inside the territory of Kurdistan does not serve the interests of security and stability in the region will be accepted by the Iraqi government.

The Iranian forces and then, shelling the border areas in Kurdistan Iraq under the pretext of the existence of Hezbollah fighters life free Kurdistan, of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party in Ankara, there. The Iranian bombardment during the past few days has led to the events of considerable material damage border villages and the displacement of more than A person from the people of these villages.

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

I think I mentioned before about a further escalation of war.

Sara.

-- August 22, 2007 12:00 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Bush: History to prove Iraq war worth it
President cites South Korea and Vietnam as examples
Aug 22, 2007

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - President Bush wants a nation running short on patience with the Iraq war to take a long view, comparing it to U.S. involvements in Asia that lost popular backing but eventually proved their worth and led to lasting peace.

"The ideals and interests that led America to help the Japanese turn defeat into democracy are the same that lead us to remain engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq," Bush said in advance excerpts of a Wednesday speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"The defense strategy that refused to hand the South Koreans over to a totalitarian neighbor helped raise up an Asian Tiger that is a model for developing countries across the world, including the Middle East," Bush said.

Bush often uses historical comparisons in urging patience on Iraq, but White House aides hope a specific focus on Asia will get skeptics to rethink their positions on Iraq and get beyond the daily, violent setbacks there.

Bush even cites Vietnam as a cautionary tale for those urging troop withdrawals today.

"Three decades later, there is a legitimate debate about how we got into the Vietnam War and how we left," Bush said. "Whatever your position in that debate, one unmistakable legacy of Vietnam is that the price of America's withdrawal was paid by millions of innocent citizens whose agonies would add to our vocabulary new terms like 'boat people,' 're-education camps' and 'killing fields.'"

Bush's speech at the VFW is the first in a planned two-punch combo.

After comparing the current war against extremists with the militarists of Japan and the communists in Korea and Vietnam in Wednesday's speech, he plans to discuss the war in Iraq in the context of its implications for the broader Middle East in a speech next Tuesday at the annual American Legion convention in Reno, Nev.

In the aftermath of Japan's surrender, many thought it was naive to help the Japanese transform themselves into a democracy, Bush will tell the VFW conventioneers. He said critics also complained when America intervened to save South Korea from communist invasion. And in Vietnam, Bush said, people argued that the real problem was the U.S. presence there, "and that if we would just withdraw, the killing would end."

"The advance of freedom in these lands should give us confidence that the hard work we are doing in the Middle East can have the same results we have seen in Asia - if we show the same perseverance and sense of purpose," Bush said.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20387818/

-- August 22, 2007 12:20 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Interesting note in this article, below...

Iraq's Prime Minister Rebuffs U.S. Criticism
NPR.org, August 22, 2007

[...]

Bush's statement on Tuesday was a marked change in tone from his endorsement of al-Maliki in November 2006 at a meeting in Jordan as "the right guy for Iraq."

In recent months, Bush has continually prodded al-Maliki to do more to forge political reconciliation before the temporary U.S. military buildup ends. But his statements Tuesday were the sharpest he has made about whether the Iraqi prime minister will survive.

"The fundamental question is, Will the government respond to the demands of the people?" Bush said. "And, if the government doesn't demand - or respond to the demands of the people, they will replace the government. That's up to the Iraqis to make that decision, not American politicians."

Al-Maliki has faced numerous defections from his ruling coalition in recent months. Nevertheless, it is unclear that any group has the political leverage to push him aside and put in place a new government.

Ousting al-Maliki would require a majority vote in the 275-member Iraqi parliament. As long as the Kurdish parties and the main Shiite bloc stand beside al-Maliki, his opponents lack the votes to do that.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=13861513&ft=1&f=1004

It seems that there are those who are demanding the government of Maliki respond to certain demands, and unless he does so, "they will replace the government." This must mean that there is a real way in which there could be a swing in the vote so as to topple the majority vote into ousting Maliki. Perhaps the litmus test for these votes is whether Maliki can deliver on certain laws passing which prove progress is possible... such as the oil law?

Sara.

-- August 22, 2007 12:56 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Dear Mr. XXXXX

There is no need to be upset and this procedure was simply to assist
our clients in ensuring that there funds arrive safely to their accounts at
our bank. You are still entitled to send your funds by FedEx this was
just a recommendation and you are free to choose the way in which you send
your funds.

Best and kind regards,

Deputy Managing Director
International Affairs

-- August 22, 2007 1:10 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The following is posted on another forum. How about commenting its validity, if any.
____________________________________________________________
Possible Connection between RV and Contracting Costs????

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

I have seen a lot of threads regarding the RV being connected tothe HCL, security, etc. I'm an independent contractor in Baghdad. I have experienced the increase in pricing of what we provide for the coalition due to the lower exchange of the dinar. The closer the dinar gets to 1:1, the higher the cost of the war. Could it be that the political arrangements would include slowing down the increased value of the dinar so that what costs the equivalent of $100 today, won't be $1000 tomorrow?

As a business manager, I fear this time arriving. We already have financial pains with certain contracts we established when the dinar exchange was better. Can you imagine the craziness with the approved budget from Congress if everything from the local market here were to drastically change in value to the forces, just because the dinar value changed? We cannot establish a stable price list now, because prices from the Iraqi's change with the wind. Many of them tell us, "Oh, the dinar value went down 1 dinar. We now have to charge this much more." Of course, the difference is not appropriate. So much time is spent constantly getting new prices on things we get frequently. We have adapted to this, but I don't know if we could adapt to a drastic/overnight increase in a dinar value.

I can't help but feel that the cost of the war is part of, or the core reason behind the slow drop in the dinar value. Why? Because we all know that logically, the economy would flourish beyond the dreams of Iraqi's if the dinar value were better. No need for Iraqi's to turn to killing each other for money, or the IPs stealing it from everyone at the checkpoints. We wouldn't get shaken down at the airports either. Instead, it gets pinned on "security". Security would improve! So, this is no excuse or reason. The delays in the laws and such don't make sense either. If it were up to the Iraqi's, they probably would just love to see something implemented and agree to work out the kinks later.

In the meantime, we'll continue to plod along with the constant changes

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 22, 2007 5:56 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Thanks for all the info, I have followed your recommendation and took step ONE, and asked for the procedures on the e-mail addresses you provided, no reply yet, but I know that they are overwhelmed over there.

I must say that at first I was a bit worried about the proxy ownership of the shares, but found out that you can actually get the shares in your own name and have the stock certificates either sent to you, or to be held at Warka.

Ownership of stocks in proxy, IS the most commonly form of owning stocks, and is a world wide acceptance.

Don't know what you have in the UK, but over here we have something called a 401K.

It's a retirement fund most employees are setting up and some portion of the pay is deposited into the account.

The fund is owned by investor companies, and there are many plans available.

I'm pretty sure that even though you have a more solid government retirement program than here in the US, that you have some similar retirement funds over there.

When buying into one of those funds, you never get a certificate of ownership of the stocks, you are holding them in proxy.

What you get is a statement on how good or bad your fund, or funds, are doing, and how much it have payed out, and how much you now have in your account.

So it is not a source for concern. I did found out though that you have a choice of either holding it in proxy, or getting a certificate of ownership.

I would probably get a certificate of ownership, but are thinking that as a stock might go up in value (hopefully) , stock will split, and wonder if you know if Warka can set it up in such a way, that I do own the certificate, but they can hold it, and thus facilitate the needed paperwork in case of a stock split?

One new fact you told me got me amazed, you are getting 11% APR on your Dinars, that are sitting in your account.

That IN ITSELF is an investment.

An investment return in the very safe bond and securities will yield usually under 10% annually.

A stock investment should yield about 10% to be a decent thing to be invested into.

Above that, and the different investment bureaus, are using different degree of the word "risk" in their language.

So a bank account with 11% interest is a snap better than a conservative investment in stocks.

Who ha.

Ok Steven, as I go, I will tell you the steps and mishaps (hope not), until this is done.

Rob N.

Placing investment into cash, and sit on it, placing investment into an account in Iraq, and placing an investment into the ISX, is a preference, based on your own idea of how the world is working.

None of them are wrong, and none of them is a competition to the other.

I doubt that I can challenge you in any knowledge about Iraq, we probably know about as much.

So we have the same base of knowledge for our reasons, you and I.

For the same reason you are saying that you would never invest in Iraqi stocks, I say that's why you should invest in Iraqi stocks.

You want bad news, THAT is the time to invest.

We are waiting for a good and stable regime, an up and running, government, a pacified population that have food, cars, jobs, and a happy life, oilfields that are explored to the corners, and lines of oil tankers waiting in port to be loaded, lots of money in the Iraqi state coffers, lot of construction going on, lot of cellphones, nice cars, and a tourist Mecca in Baghdad.

That is not the time to invest in Iraq, by then you're too late. You want to invest when the darkest clouds are hanging over the enterprise.

You have already invested, but choose to sit on the Dinars, so on that point we are all the same. The investment is done.

How to do it, well I'm doing it in one way, and you do it in your way, both for the exact same reason.

I can not force you, but at least I can ask you to look into it.

With the Dinar stashed in the mattress, you will get the (hopefully) benefit from a raised value of the currency, and even perhaps an RV.

With the same Dinars in work in Iraq, you will get, ownership in the Iraqis companies, and possibility to double, triple or possibly increase the value a lot more, from your invested Dinars.

You will get 11% APR, for those Dinars you decide to keep in an account,

.....AND you will get the benefit from an increasing value of the Dinar and RV.

All I am saying is, to not close your mind about this.

Just kick it in your head a couple of days, and if you see the light, as I see it, fine, if not, well, then we can only acknowledge that, in your universe, as you perceive it, you have already seen the light, and came up with a decision you are happy with, and are going to stick with.

You should know that whatever way you are going, I really wish you well.

Any statement that says that an individual can never change a decision, is false.

-- August 23, 2007 6:26 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(993)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 993 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/8/23 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 65.175.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.080.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 65.175.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.080.000 -----

-- August 23, 2007 6:46 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

I can see that you have a big concern about the Russian Bear.

Sure the Cold War seem to be glooming again if they continue on the course they now have chosen.

I just don't think it is in the cards right now.

Germany and Japan was portrayed in comics during and just after WW2, as stupids, ...well they might have been a lot of things, but stupid, no, far from.

Russians the same, they are clever. They've got a lot of smart people over there, and smart people draws from history.

It's a crisis of another nature that are showing itself right now, and is not based on a whole nations coming together, but more of a temporary faction of politicians that are in a phase right now where they sincerely don't see the US as an enemy, but are flexing their muscles because of their own internal pony show.

I had an opportunity for just a couple of days ago to talk with an Air Force Embassy attache, and brought up this particular subject.

He concurred pretty much with my own assessment. I don't know all he would know, but had an idea after speaking with him for a couple of minutes that he was very well informed and was very much on top of this issue.

There MIGHT be a slight escalation of the provocative flying with their bombers, but that's about it, then the internal voices in Russia will be starting up asking if the current regime wants to go back to the Cold War.

Something they (current regime) absolutely don't want to be associated with, and that will probably be the end of that affair.

What it is, is the big bad boy on the corner saying...don't mess with me.

Since the Cold War, the living standard have not increased much over there, and basically they think that they are living in a great Russian society, but the average Russian don't even have a clue how much he is missing out from the life we are living in the west.

They need the Russians attention elsewhere other than internal problems.

It's a very corrupt society, and to get something done you have to be part of, what in the US are called "The Good Ol Boys Network".

The Russians have just lost a very big war, the Cold War, and they lost out, big time.

It's not fun to be a loser, and they are trying out different "how are we going to be a winner instead".

Wait a minute, the US was tough with us, and gave no quarters...maybe if we are starting to be tough, like the US was, when they won ....that will make us being the winner, they were.

The difference here is, when we were though with them, we had reason.

When they are tough now, they forgot that part about reason.

I simply think that this will melt away, and vanish, it might be a few more years, but a dramatic Cold War escalation is off the table.

-- August 23, 2007 7:09 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris, thanks,
1238, in exactly 3.3917808 years from now, the Dinar will be 1:1 assuming they do 1 Dinar a day.

-- August 23, 2007 8:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger/Steve:

Both of you know have a better working knowledge of Warka than I do. My question has to do with the requirement by Warka that a depositor have a dual Dinar and Dollar accounts.

Lets say I bank wire Warka $1,000.00 USD. Based upon Warka's requirements, I am assuming $500.00 will be deposited into to a Dinar account and the other $500.00 will be placed in the USD account. Is this correct? Do both accounts earn interest?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 23, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Breaking bread in Iraq
8/22/2007

An Anglican priest is getting Iraq's religious leaders to talk to one another – a step toward reconciliation.
This week, key Iraqi religious leaders are meeting in Cairo to discuss what they can do about violence shredding their country. The press was not invited, since a certain amount of cover was required to assemble this diverse group. That they're gathering is itself remarkable, and welcome.

The coming together is largely thanks to the persistent effort of an Anglican priest, Canon Andrew White, who has lived in Baghdad for nearly a decade. Not illness, death threats, nor lack of funds has deterred Canon White from his drive to involve Iraq's clerics – from Muslims to its dwindling minority faiths – in unifying the country.

Religious and political issues in Iraq are inextricably linked, and it makes sense to find a way to formally engage Iraq's spiritual leaders in reconciliation.

Not that the Cairo gathering will delve into the theological divide of whether Shiites or Sunnis are the rightful heir to the prophet Muhammad.

White's goal for this week is far more modest and sensible: to get Iraq's senior clergy to endorse a pledge to reduce violence, denounce Al Qaeda, and deny terrorism, and to support democratic principles, the Iraqi Constitution, and national unity.

Such a commitment was made in Baghdad in June by less senior religious leaders that included Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, and Christians, some of them antagonists and perpetrators of violence. The June meeting was the largest such gathering in Iraq in nearly four decades, and it took more than two years for White (with the eventual help of the Pentagon) to pull it off.

An effort such as this sometimes falls into the category of "it can't hurt," and "better to try it than not." For while Iraq's religious leaders can't be disregarded, their influence over events on the ground has its limits.

Shiite leaders, notably the powerful Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, have a better chance of influencing their followers than do Sunni leaders – there is no single Sunni leader in Iraq, and many Sunnis turn to tribal chiefs for guidance.

At the same time, religious leaders on both sides of the Shiite-Sunni divide have publicly denounced violence in the past, and yet it rages on. Either religious leaders say one thing publicly and another privately, or, more likely, they have less control than is assumed. Once factional fighting takes off on a wide scale, it's indeed difficult to bring under control. Self-interest, self-protection, fear, anger, and revenge become the motivators.

And yet, there's intrinsic worth in the ongoing religious dialogue envisioned by White – and agreed to in June by the religious delegates themselves. At the least it keeps clerics talking to one another. That could eventually lead to greater religious tolerance and, as White hopes, to both sides addressing loss (at the hands of Saddam Hussein and in today's sectarian war).

This effort also has the potential to influence political unity if religious leaders themselves begin to promote and endorse the kinds of compromises necessary in Iraqi politics – agreements that necessarily involve sacrifice on all sides.

Compromise appears to be elusive. In a country where a struggle for political power is being fought in the name of religion, a united plea for compromise from society's moral voice could help achieve it.

Breaking bread in Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 23, 2007 10:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ex-U.S. General: Brits Failing in Iraq
Associated Press | August 23, 2007
LONDON - Britain has allowed the deteriorating security in southern Iraq to get worse, a retired U.S. general said Wednesday, warning that American troops may need to plug the gaps if Prime Minister Gordon Brown withdraws significant numbers of British soldiers.

Former U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane, who was vice chief of staff at the time the Iraq war was launched in 2003, said Britain never deployed enough troops to properly stabilize the region around the southern city of Basra.

His criticism, which follows other sharp comments from U.S. and British military officials and analysts, could be aimed at pressuring Brown as he weighs a winter withdrawal of troops. Such a move which would increase his popularity when some speculate he may consider a national election.

"I think there is a general disengagement from what the key issues are around Basra," Keane told British Broadcasting Corp. radio. "The Brits have never had enough troops to truly protect the population and we have found that out painfully in the central region as well."

Britain was in charge of security in southern Iraq following the U.S.-led invasion, but it has since handed over responsibilities to Iraqi forces in three of four provinces. Officials say London hopes to pass control of Basra, the remaining district, to local forces by the end of the year.

Keane said security in Basra "has been gradually deteriorating, with almost gangland warfare and the lack of ability of the police to control that level of violence."

The retired general, who recently returned from a trip to Iraq, said there was frustration among U.S. commanders, who fear they may have to deploy troops to the south if Britain decides to withdraw its forces. The recent buildup of U.S. forces in Iraq was based on a joint proposal made last year by Keane and Frederick W. Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute.

Around 500 British troops will be pulled out of Iraq once Basra Palace, Britain's remaining base in downtown Basra, is handed over to local forces, defense officials have said.

The withdrawal will leave around 5,000 British soldiers in Iraq, based almost exclusively at an airport camp on the fringes of Basra.

Brown plans to make a decision on any additional troop withdrawals once U.S. Gen. David Petraeus delivers his report on Iraq in the autumn, the prime minister's office has said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 23, 2007 10:08 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

I concur with Roger in his statements about Russia where he says, "What it is, is the big bad boy on the corner saying...don't mess with me.... a dramatic Cold War escalation is off the table." They do have a lot of internal problems and as Roger said, "The Russians have just lost a very big war, the Cold War, and they lost out, big time. It's not fun to be a loser, and they are trying out different "how are we going to be a winner instead"."

I think they have done a lot of going BACKWARDS lately because what they knew before under Communist oppression is comfortable to them to do again. The new way forward would take courage and Putin has no courage for that. He likes what is safe. If he does what was done before, he gives the old guys a comfort zone and gets their approval, seems a tough guy, and gets in the news (focus off internal problems). Also, he has Communist friends in China who wish to encourage him to do this and they are doing "joint exercises", so he has support in his repressing the Russian people, and redoing old Cold War alliances and tactics.

This isn't a good way forward for Russia, but the Bible seems to indicate that they will not choose an open and free society in the end as a country. This is presuming the endtimes depicted in the Bible are near and not a thousand or more years away (with a lot of peace and change in attitude inbetween) and it is kind of expecting a pessimistic view to prevail instead of peace, harmony and progress, I realize. I refer you to history within current memory where the Russian bear had a Christian Czar running the country for some time, with peace and relative prosperity. (He even sent an expedition of Russian scientists to Mount Ararat to find Noah's Ark.. and classified what they found. Some say Russia has actual pieces of the ark from that expedition... the point being the Czar was a true Bible believing Christian or he would not have sent the expedition in the first place, would he?)

This proves to me that Russia can have relative respite and peaceful times before the endtime scenerio comes into fruition, since they have had such times in recent memory. IF the Russians were to move toward reformation and openness, this would be an indication of the prophecies not being for our time, but since the alliances are forming and the repression and backward movement is evident, it is prudent to consider that the endtimes could be near - within a generation or two, perhaps. But that time is not yet.

I would prefer for the Russian people and their satellites to experience reform and have years of peace and prosperity and openness like they did under the Christian Czar. Then, some distant day in the future, the endtime scenerio.. but I think it prudent to take note of your viewpoint and keep eyes open on us possibly being close to the final endtimes.. and see how it goes along.

I just do not wish to take all the "doom and gloom" prophetic events as being applicable to our times without considering all angles and possibilities. Remember that the Christian Church has been around and trying to fit these endtime events into the current news for over two thousand years now.. without a successful fit. We must be careful not to make the mistakes of previous generations and prudently consider all facts before us before rushing to a conclusion that this is it. Christians who sold all they had and sat on a hill waiting the return of Christ in 1,000 AD did eventually have to come down (to poverty) and acknowledge their endtime scheme as incorrect (just one instructive example from history). I think it prudent not to repeat those kinds of errors in our time - while keeping an open mind in case we, or our decendents, are actually and truly close to the final Apocalyptic Bible events coming to pass in history.

In all liklihood, the prophetic event discerners of today, like those in 1,000 AD, are very sincere in their belief that this is it. But sincerity and truth are not synonymous (exactly the same thing). They can be mistaken, even if they are popular and their books and movies about this being the endtimes sell very well. We must be cautious, lest we end up on a hill, having sold all our possessions and the windfall from the Dinar (and given it to the poor, we won't need it in heaven anyway), waiting for events to unfold we are convinced will soon be.. which will not come to pass in our lifetimes.

Remember, it is not that I do not believe these things will be.. just that I think that Good Christian men and women have often mistaken their own times for those depicted in the Apocalypse of the Bible in the past, and we should take instruction from their examples about how the Church can be gravely mistaken and certain about it being the end when it is not.

Sara.

-- August 23, 2007 12:49 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

The dwindling of the Iraqi Stock Exchange .. The continuing circulation for Arab investors

Source : Voices of Iraq - 21/08/2007

Market index has declined Iraq securities, in a meeting Sunday, a rate (1.104%) from the previous meeting, the market index closed at a point (41.367) ... To implement the three decades of investors, the shares of non-Iraqis الوركاء Bank and the real world.

The analysis showed that the daily market has been trading of more than (444) million shares, valued at more than (898) million dinars (718) thousand dollars) ... The implementation (247) contracts, and the index closed market (ISX Price Index) (41.367) to a point ... To implement the three decades of investors or non-Iraqis, they carried out a one (Bank الوركاء) the number of shares amounted to (200) thousand shares, and two decades on the (real estate company globe) exceeded the number of shares (900) thousand shares.

The meeting deliberated in the Iraqi Stock Exchange today, the seventh meeting during the August current shares (32) joint-stock company, of which (13) banking company, and (11) industrial and service companies, four, two فندقيتان, and one insurance company, and other farmland.

Among the (13) banking company has been mentioned, rates rose two shares : (North Bank) rate (6.8 %)... The highest rise today (Sunday), and (Economy Bank) .. Per (1.9%).

The decreased rates contributed ten other banking companies, are : Bank of Dar es Salaam ... Per (7.2%), Gulf Bank .. (5.8%), Commercial Bank Sumar (4%), Bank of Kurdistan (3.8%), Bank of Babylon (3.5%), Bank of Basra (3.3%), the Iraqi Investment Bank (3.2% ), the Bank الوركاء (2.7%), Commercial Bank (2.6%) and, finally, bank credit .. Prices fell by shares (2.5%).

With Hafiz (Islamic banking) at the same rate price astray at the previous meeting, the banking index closed b (38.294) point low rate (0.7%) from the previous meeting. Achieved (الوركاء Bank), where the highest proportion of the number of shares traded in the banking sector rate (23.7%), after having been handling more than (83) million shares ... The value exceeded (144) million dinars.

With the north bank achieved the highest proportion in terms of the volume of transactions in the banking sector rate (40.2%), having been handling more than (64) million shares ... The value exceeded (303) million dinars.

Today the shares were trading nine industrial companies, rising rates shares of five companies are : modern dyes ... Per (8.1%), and chemical industries (5.4%), Crescent Industrial (4%), light industry (3.7%), Mineral Industries Company and motorcycles ... Per (3.5%).

The decreased rates contributed two industrialized, namely : beer East .. Per (17.3%), the Company Baghdad for carbonated beverages .. Per (3.4%). With the company maintained : electronic industries and industry cartoons on the same transaction rates at the previous meeting.

The industrial index closed at the point (11.905), a high rate (0.117%) than in the previous trading session, where the company achieved Baghdad for carbonated beverages highest .. They (50.6%) and (49.1%), respectively, in terms of number of shares traded and the volume of the industrial sector, having been handling more than (38) million shares ... The value exceeded (53) million dinars.

Among the three companies handled in the hotel and tourism sector, the rate of price company shares (Sadeer Hotel) per (3.2%), with decreased rates contributed two : tourist investments .. Per (1.1%), and the Baghdad hotel .. Per (0.6%). The hotel sector index closed b (15.759) points, a high rate (1.993%) from the previous meeting.

An outcome and final meeting of the Iraqi stock market today (Sunday), the shares were trading (31) Company ... Out of (93) is a company listed on the market, rising rates (15) shares of the company ... While rates contributed seven other companies, nine companies maintained the same rates of the previous prices.

Still (20) defunct company trading on the Stock Exchange because the bodies of the annual general and the implementation of its decisions, and five companies to a standstill, by the circulation of securities Iraq for failing to deliver the final accounts for the year (2004), and eight companies to a standstill, by the circulation of securities Finance for not submitting the final accounts for the year (2005).

-- August 23, 2007 1:41 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

American economic : to be an investment results International Covenant

She stressed the need for Iraq to be integrated with the world economy.

Source : Sabah Al-21/08/2007

Alija diplomacy (Alice كلبريث) working in the Office of Economic Affairs at the American embassy in Iraq structural imbalances suffered by the Iraqi economy to the long separation from the international economy due to the political circumstances over Iraq for decades long time.

She said : must invest the outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh International Covenant which is substantial international support for Iraq, stressing the need that Iraq take serious steps to build balanced economic relations with all countries supporting him under the International Covenant after a rupture which lasted for more than three decades.

She added, "كلبريث" : to promote closer economic ties to Iraq with the various countries in the world situation is optimal for integration with the global economy and benefit from the experiences of other countries, particularly liberated from totalitarian economy controlled by the central State and the merits of all-oriented mechanisms of the market economy.

كلبريث focused on the need to create ways to ensure Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization in an effort to create an active movement of trade exchange between Iraq and other countries as well as the exchange of expertise and experiences, ideas and the commercial and economic relations of finding the actors of the Iraqi economy.

She commended the Investment Law No. 13 of 2006 passed by the House farewell at the same time the importance of the activation of this law and opening the door to foreign companies in investment, pointing to the need to give the role of public investment UN affirmative action adopted by the Iraqi government in creating climates ideal for accelerating the implementation of projects investment budget for the year the current 2007 confirmed the activation of the private sector in the investment process.

American Economic alluded to the presence of U.S. support dedicated to investing in small and medium enterprises in the industrial and commercial fields and providing soft loans at five million dollars each project a higher pointing out that the amount had falls short of the five million dollars depending on the nature of the project, which is subject to the technical measurements and global standards.

She stressed the importance of awareness as an important source of tax would support the Iraqi economy and the achievement of additional income to the State's general budget, pointing out the importance of diversifying sources of income in order to the Iraqi economy freed from excessive reliance on oil and the trend towards activating other productive sectors (agriculture and industry) and the upgrading of the political reality in Iraq.

-- August 23, 2007 1:44 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq Plans WTO Membership, Trade Minister Says
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4405

-- August 23, 2007 1:54 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Petrel says has advantage over others if Iraqi hydrocarbon law is passed
08.22.07, 9:26 AM ET http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/08/22/afx4043265.html

-- August 23, 2007 2:00 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

US ‘ready to strike Iran in six months’
Web posted at: 8/23/2007 4:13:8
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Americas&month=August2007&file=World_News200708234138.xml

-- August 23, 2007 2:05 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

This is good news:

Overall, the report finds that Iraq's security will continue to "improve modestly" over the next six to 12 months, provided that coalition forces mount strong counterinsurgency operations and mentor Iraqi forces.

===

New report doubts Baghdad government but finds progress in military campaign in Iraq
AP, August 23, 2007

WASHINGTON -- The report represents the collaborative judgments of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organization of each military service.

The estimate says that Iraqi Security Forces, working alongside the United States, have performed "adequately." However, it says they haven't shown enough improvement to conduct operations without U.S. and coalition forces and are still reliant on others for key support.

The findings could provide support for the Bush administration's argument that coalition forces need to stay in Iraq in order to avoid letting security lapse, should they withdraw from certain areas.

The report predicts that the Iraqi government "will become more precarious over the next six to 12 months" because of criticism from members of Iraqi Shiite parties, Iraq's top Shiite religious figure Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and Sunni and Kurdish factions.

The assessment also expresses deep doubts that the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki can overcome sectarian divisions and meet benchmarks intended to promote political unity. It finds that Shiite factions have looked at ways to constrain him.

"The strains of the security situation and absence of key leaders have stalled internal political debates, slowed national decision-making, and increased Maliki's vulnerability to alternative coalitions," the document says.

But the assessment says al-Maliki will continue to benefit from the belief among Shiite leaders that "searching for a replacement could paralyze the government."

President Bush had appeared on Tuesday to be distancing himself from the Iraqi leader when he said at a North American summit in Canada: "Clearly, the Iraqi government's got to do more."

But Bush voiced encouragement for al-Maliki a day later, and an administration official said today that, despite the assessment of the limitations of the current government, there is no talk at the White House of a need for change in the Iraqi leadership.

The administration believes that anyone would face the same difficulties as al-Maliki, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt an expected statement from national security adviser Stephen Hadley.

Overall, the report finds that Iraq's security will continue to "improve modestly" over the next six to 12 months, provided that coalition forces mount strong counterinsurgency operations and mentor Iraqi forces.

But even then, "levels of insurgent and sectarian violence will remain high and the Iraqi government will continue to struggle to achieve national-level political reconciliation and improved governance," according to the unclassified judgments.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-ex-iraqreport23aug24,1,5100695.story?track=crosspromo&coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=1&cset=true

-- August 23, 2007 2:06 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

What is holding up the delivery of the long-awaited Iraqi oil law? http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=13600

-- August 23, 2007 2:11 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Women and children taken in Iraq Qaeda battle
By Mariam Karouny

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Al Qaeda fighters kidnapped 15 Iraqi women and children after attacking two villages north of Baghdad and killing a local religious leader who had been trying to form an anti-al Qaeda tribal alliance, police said.

Police said 32 people were killed in an hour-long battle between al Qaeda and residents. The attackers, who struck just after dawn, dragged the imam of the local mosque, Younis Abd Hameed, and three worshippers outside and executed them.

Al Qaeda's adherence to a hardline brand of Sunni Islam and its indiscriminate killing of civilians has isolated it from Iraq's Sunni Arab community, and tribal leaders in Anbar, Diyala and Salahuddin provinces have formed alliances to fight them.

Delayan told Reuters that 22 residents had been killed in the fighting along with 10 al Qaeda fighters. The attackers had escaped with eight women and seven children as hostages.

Hameed's mosque and at least three houses were also destroyed.

http://news.scotsman.com/latest_uk.cfm?id=1339502007

-- August 23, 2007 2:19 PM ∞

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madbrad wrote:

New Warka accounts (opened after 22nd July 2007) require you keep $150 in your dollar account and 300k dinar in your dinar account last I heard there is no interset on your dollar account. They are setting everybody up with online access cost 15k dinar p.a. ( it works really well you can perform online transfers between your dollar & dinar accounts and set up your bank back home to wire money back)
Warka claim to have 8500 accounts now and working flat out to give a 1st class service

cheers
Mad

-- August 23, 2007 2:58 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

Your article commenting on the ISX is quite telling. Many thought themselves near a windfall with the Iraqi Stock Exchange opening to foreign investors. Like so many things in Iraq expectations were larger than reality equaling disappointment.

I continue to believe the central investment in Iraq is in the Dinar. From my perspective the ISX continues to be anemic to yield results without a strong Dinar. The overall Iraqi economy is sluggish without a strong Dinar.

To the dissmay to the ISX only people, without a strong Dinar real gains in the ISX will continue to become unrealized.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 23, 2007 2:58 PM ∞

---

madbrad wrote:

Rob N

I'm still 25% up on the ISX, was 50% in the run up to the open the other week, i believe we will see a continued increase in the trading volume over the next few weeks conformation of the HCL will provide a major boost plus news of potential takeovers like DNO turning down $700 mil from an oil major will all help

-- August 23, 2007 3:07 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Summary of "What is holding up the delivery of the long-awaited Iraqi oil law?"

The anti-Democratic Iraq article, "What is holding up the delivery of the long-awaited Iraqi oil law?" by Munir Chalabi August 22, 2007, says, "Many international political analysts and oil experts cannot comprehend how such unprecedented pressure can fail to produce results. Analysts must not only look for external influences on any US plan in Iraq but they should also study and analyze the internal Iraqi causes affecting the success or the failure of the plan." It then gives external factors, which includes the note:

"Several international organizations which oppose the oil Law, including a number of environmental groups, anti-occupational movements and several international trade unions provide vital support to the Iraqi anti-oil law movements and had very positive media campaigns. However, their effectiveness was understandably limited, as they could not influence the international decision-making powers."

It goes on to cite "Domestic influences and factors" including, "The security crises: More and more Iraqis are questioning the wisdom of trying to rush the Oil & Gas law through parliament while the country is in such a devastating state."

This certainly seems illogical since oil wealth can only improve their lot and take them out of their misery, helping to give them jobs and stabilize the country.

Its Conclusions summarized:

The legislation of the new Iraqi Oil & Gas Law by the Iraqi parliament has become the most important benchmark of the US Administration, the IOCs, the IMF, and the other forces involved. The Bush administration wants this law to be passed as soon as possible.

The Bush Administration and their Ambassador in Baghdad had openly threatened to replace Al-Maliki's government with a new government, headed by the old Baathist, Iyad Allawi. Al-Maliki has openly accused Allawi in several speeches of attempting to overthrow his government with the help of some units of the Iraqi army and security generals including the head of the Iraqi security forces, the old Baathist general Mohammed Al-Shahwani. These generals were appointed to their positions during Allawi's appointed government by the last US official administrator Paul Bremer back in May 2004, and are still taking their orders directly from the US embassy in Baghdad.

The US administration recognized that a US-led military coup d'etat would not result in any laws being recognized as legitimate by the international community if parliament were to be dissolved. They therefore moved to a new policy, which involved direct influence in the political process in Iraq through their more reliable allies to reorganize the political alliance on which the government relied in order to achieve their goals. They finally succeeded in achieving the establishment of such a front, which was called the "The front of the moderates" on August 15, between the two main Kurdish parties (KDP and PUK), two of the Shiite parties (the SCIRI and Al-Dawa party -- the Al-Maliki wing is called the "External organization"), with negotiations still ongoing to persuade the Islamic Party/Accord front -- the main Sunni party -- to join this new alliance.

The US administration made it clear that the new Iraqi government has important targets to accomplish, and they listed the oil law as the first priority and the re-Baathification law as a second main concern.

If the formation of the new political right wing alliance succeeds, then this will create for the first time circumstances which will allow the oil and gas law together with other US benchmarks to be passed through the Iraqi parliament within the next few months.

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=13600

Nice to know that the Iraqi Parliament might actually do something to help the Iraqi people and get their economy functioning politically and legislatively.. in the next few months.

Sara.

-- August 23, 2007 3:34 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

I am just in the beginning of the process of setting up my Warka, and ISX, so I think people like madbrad or Steven is more those you want to ask, when it comes to the particulars on the account set up.

Madbrad, Steven and cornish boy, have already gone through all the hoops of setting it up and have it working and functioning.

cornish boy,

To me it looks very much like the ISX is not fully up and running.

The investors are there, but just to get in, get registered, get started is a process that is far from what we got here, where you just step into an office and fill in all the papers, and you're done.

I noticed some of the trades in the ISX was just in the vicinity of a couple of hundred bucks.

Logic tells me that this is not a real thing, because of all the internal and external investors that are there,

Warka accounts alone is over 8000, I would not know the average, account, and I don't know how many of those are in the ISX trading, but lets say that an average account holds about 5000 Dollars in Dollars or Dinars, half of them is on ISX trading.

I further assume that a "normal" spread is about 1/3 of the holdings in Dinars accumulating interest, and the rest 2/3rds is placed in stocks.

8000 accounts, half of them is signed up with ISX (I suspect it is more, but ok), makes 4000 accounts.

5000 Dollars value on each account makes a total value of 20 million, two third of it in ISX makes $13.333333 million Dollars in trade muscle, and that is from Warka alone.

As we are mostly proxy holders, Warka could very well have bought up stocks earlier, for a lower sum, and that is now what we are getting, for the today's price, making Warka a neat % on each stock they sell.

Nothing wrong with that.

That will show on the daily trade, because if a foreign investment shows zero, foreign investment might very well have been trading that day.

The electronic trading, is about to open up, they didn't get it going the first announced day, the 2nd of Aug, and I think that as in all other matters over there, they have just postponed everything important until things are functioning the intended way.

They have a tendency to go out and have a goat barbie, in time of expected results.

We are fed daily over here how FTSE, NASDAQ, and DOW is performing, and assign very big importance to it, (because they are so big, they ARE important), but remember over there, this is a small dinky little operation( and our opportunity of our lifetime).

The whole system is, as we speak, in a very infant state. The amount of dealers are probably so small that they all know each other by first name, and with the coming changes, they probably have agreed to do some token sales or buys on the market just to keep it alive, until it is operating fully with the new system.

I strongly, strongly think that the stock markets recent decline is noting more than an adjustment, just look at it, with all the millions out there, from a Warka account only...then there are other investors that are not using Warka, so it is pretty obviously that they are waiting for something.

C'mon, a trade of just a couple of hundred bucks, it's obvious that with all the money floating around there that they are in a holding mode.

This IS the time to get in.

-- August 23, 2007 6:47 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yeah... Global WARMING..
Remember, that concept where they reinterpret the data so that ALL anomalies are explained..
so even Global COOLING means Global Warming is happening, right?

Arctic August: NYC Sets Record For Coldest Day
High Of 59 Degrees Ties Chilliest August High Set In 1911
Aug 22, 2007

"This unusual blast of cold air smashed our previous record for the coldest high temperature set back in 1999," CBS 2 meteorologist Jason Cali told wcbstv.com.

In fact, the 59-degree high tied the record for the coldest high temperature ever for the month of August in New York City, when it reached just 59 degrees in 1911.

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_233143509.html

I cannot resist adding a bit of Humor quoted from down under by Glenn Reynolds, quote:

LAST month Australians endured our coldest June since 1950. Imagine that; all those trillions of tonnes of evil carbon we've horked up into the atmosphere over six decades of rampant industrialisation, and we're still getting the same icy weather we got during the Cold War.

Not that June should be presented as evidence that global warming isn't happening, or that we're causing it. Relying on such a tiny sample would be unscientific and wrong, even if it involves an entire freakin' continent's weather patterns throughout the course of a whole month, for Christ's sake.

No such foolishness will be indulged in here.

Sadly, those who believe in global warming - and who would compel us also to believe - aren't similarly constrained. A few hot days are all they ever need to get the global warming bandwagon rolling; evidently it's solar powered.

==end quote==

How true. As evidence, Blair presented a recent Associated Press piece which reported that May’s temperatures were “‘yet another sign of the widespread climate change that we are seeing unfold across the globe.’"

Blair accurately pointed out (emphasis added throughout):

If that's the case, shouldn't June's cold weather - coldest since 1950, remember - be a sign that widespread climate change isn't unfolding across the globe? We're using the same data here; one month's weather. And, in fact, the June sample is Australia-wide while May only highlights the east coast. Fear the dawn of a great "coldening"! (end quote)

Actually, those that pay attention to the many scientists claiming that solar activity might be waning leading to a coming period of global cooling are indeed more afraid of that eventuality than a continued warming. But that won’t stop the comical alarmism. QUOTE:

While Australia freezes, it's kinda hot in California. Again, local toastiness is evidence of global warming; one San Francisco Chronicle writer this week referred glibly to their "global-warming-heated summer".

What phenomenon was responsible for previous summers? Maybe they got by on the superheated fumes radiating off Lateline host Tony Jones.

Snow cone Tone hosted an in-studio discussion Thursday night after the ABC presented The Great Global Warming Swindle, and he was hotter than a Christina Aguilera video. "Welcome to our debate on this deeply flawed and utterly mistaken documentary, which is wrong in every regard and was made by a zombie," Jones said in introduction (I'm only lightly paraphrasing).

===end quote==

Actually, the e-mail messages I’ve received from skeptical Aussies quite suggest Blair was indeed only lightly paraphrasing. Blair then shared how predictions of a climate change-impacted “summer of unheard-of high temperatures” in Great Britain have yet to materialize:

As Wimbledon watchers would be aware, what with the rainiest tournament since Jimmy Connors defeated John McEnroe in 1982, those unheard-of high temperatures remain unheard-of. Someone might conclude, therefore, that the not-hot summer is not entirely consistent with predictions of climate change.

But climate change is like Michael Moore's tracksuit - it can fit anyone. In 2005, Greenpeace rep Steven Guilbeault helpfully explained: "Global warming can mean colder, it can mean drier, it can mean wetter, that's what we're dealing with."

What we're dealing with, apparently, is weather.

==end quote==

What will the weather be like 100 years from now? Don't ask Britain's Guardian, which, like the Independent, is full of Warmin' Normans whose warm warnings never come true. "It could be time to say goodbye to defining features of British life," the paper claimed a few months ago, "like rainy picnics and cloudy sunbathing . . ."

Other defining features of British life - screaming, inaccurate nonsense from the Guardian, for example - will never be farewelled. Cue wet Wimbledon, the coldest day for Test match cricket (7.4C) in English history, and this BBC online headline: "Where has the UK's summer gone?"

Where indeed?

http://newsbusters.org/node/14098

Well, you gotta laugh. If any theory cannot be falsified, it is not a true scientific theory.

In other words, if Global WARMING means Global COOLING, then it is not a true theory because Global WARMING is not occurring. You cannot say as the Greenpeace rep Steven Guilbeault did: "Global warming can mean colder, it can mean drier, it can mean wetter, that's what we're dealing with." Because if ALL KINDS of weather prove your point, it cannot be DISproven by any known data. An unfalsifiable theory is not scientific..

What I mean is, if you cannot falsify the theory it is no longer SCIENCE. Not that science means anything to Global Warming alarmists, but you just have to mention this rationality once in a while for those who have brains and are listening, so they can nod their heads and say.. "Yes, I see.. that makes perfect sense. Global warming cannot mean Global cooling.. that is obvious scientifically. If there are cooler temperatures, warming is not occurring. ALL weather patterns cannot prove Global warming, obviously, or you can never disprove the theory. A theory you cannot disprove is not in the realm of science."

I hope the New Yorkers enjoyed the coldest high temperature ever for the month of August in New York City, and that it made them think a little about the absurdity of Global "Warming" when the temperature is colder than any on record since 1911. I am sure that, like the Auzzies who just experienced "our coldest June since 1950" there will be other data which doesn't fit with the Global Warming alarmist agenda.. and what do they do with it? Well.. did you know either of these before I posted this? Likely not.. meaning, they ignore it. How scientific, right?

(Putting out a shingle like Lucy in the cartoon Peanuts).. "Carbon credits, anyone?" (I sure am gonna make a lot of money off you suckers! One born every minute...) Now tell me.. where do you go to invest in selling carbon credits? (The public sounds ripe for plucking, and if they are that gullible, surely it won't hurt to take a buck or two from them to line one's pocket? Just musing... and for you to think about as it is a true, yet dark, satire. Do you LIKE being taken for a ride by swindlers? Maybe you should watch and consider the other side of the debate - if you haven't yet:)

The Great Global Warming Swindle:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3028847519933351566

Sara.

-- August 23, 2007 8:23 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

OK, one more on Global Warming which warmed my heart today,
and then I will let it rest. Here it is:

===

Georgia Legislature Dismisses Gore, Global Warming Alarmism
By Noel Sheppard
August 22, 2007

An amazing thing happened in the Georgia Legislature Tuesday that national media seem guaranteed to ignore: House members dismissed claims that man is responsible for warming the planet.

As reported Wednesday by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution (emphasis added throughout):

And now for a message on global warming from your Georgia Legislature: Don't sweat it.

Climate scientists and environmental activists like former Vice President Al Gore are alarmists. They use flawed statistical models to predict a catastrophic future of thawed glaciers, super-charged hurricanes, swamped coastlines and scorched crops.

While other states are looking for ways to reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, Georgia officials are not convinced there's a problem they can do anything about.

"In the media, we hear the gloom and doom side," said Rep. Jeff Lewis (R-White), chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee that held the hearing. "There is alternative information out there."

Georgia's hearing, held on a 98-degree day during a record-setting heat wave, showcased three of the nation's leading skeptics on climate-change science. They don't even all agree that the Earth is significantly warming, a question long considered a scientific slam-dunk. And together they ridiculed the worst-case scenarios presented this year by an international panel of more than 2,000 climate scientists.

"I believe this issue is being driven by hysteria right now," said Patrick Michaels, a professor of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia and senior fellow in environmental studies at the Cato Institute, a Washington-based think tank with Libertarian leanings.

==end quote==

Think Katie, Charlie, and Brian will be reporting this tonight? Nah, I don't either.

—Noel Sheppard is an economist, business owner, and Associate Editor of NewsBusters.

Comments:

1) 2000 climate scientists?? August 22, 2007 — roconnell

I have to correct you Noel, you stated....

"..........worst-case scenarios presented this year by an international panel of more than 2,000 climate scientists"

I assume you’re talking about the IPCC report published this year. It's not 2000 climate scientists, it's 23. The report is authored by 23 members who decide what is and isn't 'science'. Of those 23, 11 are climate modelers, who have a vested interest in global warming since if no warming then no reason to employ modelers..

roconnell aka climate change skeptic

http://climatechangeskeptic.blogspot.com/

2) For the Children - Ideas Have Consequences
August 22, 2007 - TruthMatters

Just get a glimpse at how successful Al Gore's movie (and the media) have been in spreading their global warming propoganda. Check out the bios of the kids on the upcoming CBS kid reality program. Simply amazing and scary.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/kid_nation/bio.shtml

Again, I will post my initial salvo at the school that tried to dishonestly portray global warming to my kids. Maybe I sound like a liberal "talking about the children", but these kids are those we will be handing the reigns over too and they better be able to think properly.

QUOTE:

Although I am a Professional Environmental Engineer, I admit that I am not an expert on the issue of global warming. However; to borrow words from someone else, I support the principle that young people should be educated, not propagandized -- and I know something about what that means.

One of the most important differences between education and propaganda is how they deal with great controversies.

In education, students are taught about the controversies. In propaganda, they are shielded from them.

In education, students are taught both sides of the important debates. In propaganda, they are taught only one.

In education, students are taught both the strengths and the weaknesses of the officially favored theory. In propaganda, they are taught only its strengths.

In short, education is the training of minds, while propaganda is the training of prejudices. In a democratic republic, the public schools should not propagandize, but educate.

The mandatory curriculum guidelines for Texas, called Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), agree with me. As we find in the science section of these guidelines, students must learn to "analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information." - 19 TAC Chapter 112.7(b)(3)(a)

If the TEKS guidelines agree with me, then what is the issue? The issue is that although students should be taught about both sides of a scientific theoretical controversy, your assignment, based on the description in your permission request, appears to only present one side and are shielded from the weaknesses contained in Al Gore’s video. How can a 5th grade student write a critique about assertions made in a global warming video without having anything to compare and contrast the assertions to? Your permission/assignment sheet gave no indication as to how, if any, the views counter to Al Gore’s video would be taught. In addition, it is not clear what alternate assignment is available to the student should they choose not to view the video.

If the theory of global warming is to be taught in your classroom, I urge that the topic should be taught like the other sciences and like other controversial theories -- with honesty about both sides.

To the Honorable members of the Board: When classroom activities and/or textbooks are biased, you (and the Texas Education Agency) are the check and balance. If global warming is to be taught within PISD, I urge you to require that the scientific data to both sides of this controversy be taught and that not one side be suppressed. To do so would be not only good training in science, but good education in citizenship.

3) At least one state's
August 22, 2007 — the_red_state

At least one state's legislature has some brains and common sense. Too bad it's not mine.

4) I hate all these "Denialists"
August 22, 2007 — PopularTech

Scientists Disputing "Man-Made" Global Warming Theory:

"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane"
- Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor

August H. Auer Jr., AMS Certified Meteorologist, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Science, University of Wyoming, USA
Arthur B. Robinson, Ph.D. Chemistry, University of California, San Diego, USA
Arthur Rorsch, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Molecular Genetics, Leiden University, The Netherlands
Benny Peiser, Ph.D. Professor of Social Anthropology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
Bjørn Lomborg, Ph.D. Political Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Chris de Freitas, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Geography and Environmental Science, University of Auckland, Australia
Claude Allegre, Ph.D. Physics, University of Paris, France
Christopher Essex, Ph.D. Applied Mathematics Professor, University of Western Ontario, Canada
David Deming, Ph.D. Geophysics, University of Utah, USA
David Evans, B.Sc. Applied Mathematics and Physics, M.S. Statistics, Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, Stanford, USA
David J. Bellamy, B.Sc. Botany, Ph.D. Ecology, Durham University, UK
David R. Legates, Ph.D. Climatology, University of Delaware, USA
Dennis Avery, M.S. Agricultural Economics, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Dennis P. Lettenmaier, Ph.D. Professor of Hydrology, University of Washington, USA
Douglas Leahey, Meteorologist, Calgary, Canada
Douglas V. Hoyt, Solar Physicist and Climatologist, Retired, Raytheon, USA
Frederick Seitz, Ph.D. Physics, Princeton University, USA
Fred Singer, Ph.D. Physics, Princeton University, USA
Freeman Dyson, Professor Emeritus, Physics, Princeton, USA
Gary D. Sharp, Ph.D. Marine Biology, University of California, USA
Gary Novak, M.S. Microbiology, USA
George H. Taylor, M.S. Meteorology, University of Utah, USA
George V. Chilingarian, Ph.D. Geology, University of Southern California, USA
Habibullo Abdussamatov, Ph.D. Astrophysicist, The University of Leningrad, Russia
Henrik Svensmark, Solar System Physics, Danish National Space Center, Denmark
Howard Hayden, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Physics, University of Connecticut, USA
Hugh W. Ellsaesser, Ph.D. Meteorology, Formerly with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA
Ian D. Clark, Professor Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada
Ian Plimer, Professor of Mining Geology, University of Adelaide, Australia
Jack Barrett, Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, Manchester, UK
James Spann, AMS Certified Meteorologist, USA
Ján Veizer, Professor Emeritus Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada
John J. Ray, Ph.D. Psychology, Macquarie University, Mensa, Sydney, Australia
John R. Christy, Ph.D. Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois, USA
Joseph Conklin, M.S. Meteorology, Rutgers University, USA
Keith D. Hage, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Meteorology, University of Alberta, Canada
Luboš Motl, Ph.D. Theoretical Physicist, Harvard, USA
Madhav Khandekar, Ph.D. Meteorology, Florida State University, USA
Marcel Leroux, Professor Emeritus, Climatology, University of Lyon, France
Michael Crichton, M.D. Harvard, USA
Michael Savage, B.S. Biology, M.S. Anthropology, M.S. Ethnobotany, Ph.D. Nutritional Ethnomedicine, USA
Nir J. Shaviv, Ph.D. Astrophysicist, Israel Institute of Technology, Israel
Patrick J. Michaels, Ph.D. Ecological Climatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Petr Chylek, Ph.D. Physics, University of California, USA
Philip Stott, Professor Emeritus, Department of Biogeography, University of London, UK
Reid A. Bryson, Ph.D. Meteorology, University of Chicago, USA
Richard S. Courtney, PhD. Geography, The Ohio State University, USA
Richard S. Lindzen, Ph.D. Professor of Meteorology, MIT, USA
Roger A. Pielke, Ph.D. Meteorology, Penn State, USA
Robert C. Balling, Ph.D. Geography, University of Oklahoma, USA
Robert Giegengack, Ph.D. Geology, Yale, USA
Robert H. Essenhigh, M.S. Natural Sciences, Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Sheffield, UK
Robert Johnston, M.S. Physics, B.A. Astronomy, USA
Robert M. Carter, Geologist, James Cook University, Australia
Ross McKitrick, Ph.D. Economics, University of British Columbia, Canada
Roy Spencer, Ph.D. Meteorology, University of Wisconsin, USA
Sallie Baliunas, Ph.D. Astrophysics, Harvard, USA
Sherwood B. Idso, Ph.D. Soil Science, University of Minnesota, USA
Simon C. Brassell, B.Sc. Chemistry & Geology, Ph.D. Organic Geochemistry, University of Bristol, UK
Sonja Boehmer-Christiansen, Ph.D. Department of Geography, University of Hull, UK
Steve Milloy, B.A. Natural Sciences, M.S. Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, USA
Stephen McIntyre, B.Sc. Mathematics, University of Toronto, Canada
Syun-Ichi Akasofu, Ph.D. Founding Director International Arctic Research Center, USA
Tad S. Murty, Ph.D. Oceanography and Meteorology, University of Chicago, USA
Tim Patterson, Ph.D. Professor of Geology, Carleton University, Canada
Timothy F. Ball, Ph.D. Geography, Historical Climatology, University of London, UK
Vaclav Klaus, app. Ph.D. Economics, University of Economics, Prague, Czechoslovakia
Vincent Gray, Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, Cambridge University, UK
Wibjorn Karlen, Ph.D, Emeritus Professor of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, Sweden
William J.R. Alexander, Professor Emeritus, Department of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa
William M. Gray, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, USA
Willie Soon, Ph.D. Astrophysics, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA
Zbigniew Jaworowski, M.D. Ph.D., Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection, Poland

See: The Anti "Man-Made" Global Warming Resource (url at below)

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/08/22/georgia-legislature-dismisses-al-gore-global-warming-alarmism

-- August 23, 2007 9:28 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger and Sara,

Roger,

Thank you for you response on the Russians. It was nice of you to ask the air force embassy attache for me. I am just saying that given the Russian's history with U.S. and our allies, I do not trust them. They don't have a big enough track record for that as of yet, despite have one Russian Christian Czar.

Sara,

I too do not wish for our times to be even the beginning times to head into the end times. I do not look forward to such evils. I agree with you on what you have said.

I agree, there is no way for us to know the time frame on when and how much time is between the events in biblical prophecy. But we do know some of the events. Among these are:

-The road will be built between Iraq and Eqypt.

-Iraq, Egypt and Israel will enjoy peace for a time.

-Iraq and Israel are to inherit great wealth.

**Israel's wealth will come from the great depth of the sea (sounds like natural gas or oil). I think, Israel may have already found some natural gas. However, the wealth described in the bible is that Israel becomes so wealthy that the Arabs/Muslims/Russians are to covet these spoils. And there are maybe other signs of the times that I may have missed.

However, I think it significant that when you pray that the Lord Jesus points you to his current work of Isaiah prophecy scriptures.

Laura

-- August 23, 2007 9:30 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

All,
Rod. N. You can have as much as you like in your Dollar account, and the min is $150 so I only keep the min in there, and the rest in IQDs account

Roger,
Here in the UK we have a Government old age pension that is a part of our Taxs paid each week, it is worth the thin end of naff all, and my company pension will be just as bad, I am looking on the Iraqi dinar as my pension fund

If you go on the short list i put up on getting an account with Warka, it should go easy.
Print off the list of all bits for the German Bank, as your bank staff are filling in a on screen form, and my bank staff muffed it up three times, the German bank refunded it back to my HSBC account, that is why I made up the idiot list for my bank staff, it has all the answers for them to fill in the online form.

I got my password for my online banking with Warka, Tuesday, it was about mid July I asked for it, it must have been on the bottom of the list, some people get theirs a lot quicker, so I think if you are going to wait for it, so you can transfere money from your main US bank, it could take a while, you could send an email to Mr I. at ifrd@warkainvestmentbank.com and ask that you get sent your account number and your Password at the same time, for you to transfer money into your Warka account.
Stay lucky, Steve.

-- August 23, 2007 10:28 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

MadBrad:

You say you are on the upside with the ISX, that is good. I think you are up because the Iraqi Exchange must adjust to the amount of money floating around because of foreign investors.

The other reason I speculate you are up is related to the small gains in the Dinar itself. This exchange like it or not is tied to the CBI's stated value of the Dinar.

It is my opinion, that the ISX will continue to conduct small trading until the Dinar is revalued or released to the foreign exchange market. I agree with Roger, the trading going on now is a precursor of things to come once the dinar is stronger.

While you are hoping your ISX shares leap in value, they cannot do so without a strong Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 24, 2007 12:36 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

MadBrad:

One other thought. Another reason you may be on the upside in the ISX relates to continual slide of the American dollar. Be careful you may not be getting a true picture of your returns. There are external forces at work influencing the ISX just as in any other economy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 24, 2007 12:40 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

roger i agree with you on the isx. four anyone wonting to open up an account with walkerbank here is how it is don it is very smple. send send this email to c.accounts@warkainvestmentbank.com subject please open a usd (savings or current)account dear sir/madam I authorize you to open a savings usd and id account with warka bank on my behalf.Ihave attached a scanned copy of my passport/driving license and authorization letter.kind regards and many thanks,(your name). once the acount is open you can transfer your funds to the bank through one of their corresponding intermediary banks.for exchanging your funds into iraqi dinar you will be required send a signed authorizing letter to the warka bank,to enable the bank to exchange dollarsto iraqi dinars.The form of this authorizing letter is as follows:warka bank of investment & finance head office building 50 st.14 Q902 al-wihda baghdad iraq. your (name and address) dear sir/madam,I (your name) authorize al-warka investment bank to draw from my dollar account (current or saving account number)inthe above bank and exchangethe dollar into iraqi dinar according to pricefixed by the central bank of iraq at that day,and then deposit it in my iraqi dinar account at the said bank.kind regards and many thanks,(your name here)(your signature here.hope this is of sum help.

-- August 24, 2007 12:59 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Planning declare the dwindling rate of inflation (3.4%) for the month of July

Source : Voices of Iraq - 23/08/2007

Declared the Iraqi Planning Ministry, on Monday, lower inflation index for the month of July last July on the level recorded in June last June rate (3.4%).

A statement from the Ministry of Planning and Cooperation الاءنماءي Iraq, the Agency received Independent News (Voices of Iraq) a copy, Tuesday, that "the Central Agency for Statistics and Information Technology report was completed inflation for the month of July in July 2007 prepared on the basis of field data collection on the prices of goods and services components of the basket of consumer prices Sale singular in selected markets in Baghdad and other governorates. "

The report showed "low inflation index for the month of July 2007 from the level recorded during the 10 2007 also reflected the general standard figure for consumer price rate (3.4%)," according to the statement.

The statement said that "the report pointed out that the decrease was the result of the low index of commodity following totals (foodstuffs, textiles and clothing, footwear, furniture, fuel and lighting, transport and communications) rates of (5.2%, 1.0%, 1.0% , 9.1%, 0.5%), respectively, "adding that" the proportion of spending on this commodity group are (83.0%) of total domestic consumer spending. "

The statement continued, "As the totals (smoke and drink, medicines and medical services, miscellaneous goods and services and leasing) has registered an increase during the month of July compared to the previous month by (1.0%, 1.6%, 1.4%, 1.7%) respectively, and they comprise (17.0%) of total household spending. "

The report also indicated, according to the statement, to "high index of annual inflation during the period from July / 2006 until July / 2007 rate (30.2%), explaining that this was the result index increased all commodity aggregates (foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco, textiles and clothing footwear, furniture, fuel and lighting, transportation, medical services and medicines, miscellaneous goods and services and leasing) and the high rates of (8.3%, 3.1%, 7.9%, 6.4%, 90.2%, 11. 1%, 16.5%, 28.2%, 21.8%), respectively.

The report also stated that "inflation base (percentage change in the index of consumer prices calculated after excluding petroleum products (oil, gas, petrol) hit (16185.8), a decline of (0.8%) over the previous month and a high rate (15 .3%) for the month of July of 2006. "

-- August 24, 2007 1:07 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Riggle Reports: "Operation Macho Kick-Ass" http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/4051/subscriptions/splash.html

-- August 24, 2007 1:13 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraq supplies Jordan with 30 000 oil barrels daily http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4422

-- August 24, 2007 1:19 PM ∞

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madbrad wrote:

Here are the latest interest rates from Warka:-new interest rates from the 1st of February 2007 details as below:

Savings Account:

IQD Savings account: 11% per year.

USD Savings account: 3.5% per year.

Certificate of Deposits:

1- 3 months CD: 13%.

2- 6 months CD: 14%.

3- 1year CD: 15%.

4- 2 year CD: 17%.
So you do get interest on your $ account as well
cheers
Mad

-- August 24, 2007 3:22 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven, cornish boy,

I really appreciate all your input in this, I have about the whole thing scheduled out, and know now (at least pretty much) step for step how to go about.

I might stumble here and there, but I think I've got all the basics down.

I did get a fairly quick response from Warka on how to set it up, and they advised me on the slow way.

First send in my ID, and all that,

Then, wait for them to open up my account.

Then I have to send in funds.

Then they will tell me to send in the account authorization.

Then I will get my codes on how to get in on the accounts.

It's the small tricks that does it, your advice to send in the authorization together with the account application, for example, that makes this go faster.

Earlier experience from others, is the grease in the wheels.

Other than that, it is just a waiting game, because the whole affair is pretty slow. I have never heard of any rip off, or suspicion of wrong doings, from anywhere when it comes to Warka, the only issue is how S L O W everything goes.

Ok I can live with that, I would like it to go as fast as in our bank system, but the trust in Warka seem to be solid in other forums, and this.

On that part I have no problem.

So.......again.... wait....well as a Dinaroholic I'm used to that.

-- August 25, 2007 12:48 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

cornish boy,

Good report, "Operation Fluffy Bunny" didn't go over too well, I suppose.

Guys on the ground have humour about it, wishing the Iraqi Parliament Holiday crowd well wishes in a somewhat sarcastic way,..I love it.

-- August 25, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

I've got the "cheating list" for the money transfer to the German Proxy bank also. It actually came with the response from Warka.

Now, did you use the "cheating list" from Warka when they screwed up your transfer, or would you say that it is an accurate list, and it was just the personnel in the sending bank that screwed up.

Just wonder if Warka sent me a flawed instruction.

-- August 25, 2007 1:04 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

Yes a strong Dinar and a surging ISX goes hand in hand.

However, you want to buy when the ISX is a small and dinky operation, and when the Dinar is low and crummy.

Bad news....invest.
Good news...too late.

-- August 25, 2007 1:09 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

I read and re-read one of your recent posts, and had a thinker.

I don't know if you meant the other way, but it came across as the ISX is dependent on a strong Dinar, meaning that the Dinar have to come first, THEN the ISX will take off.

It's the other way around, business volume in all it's forms will determine the currency's value.

Currency value is an effect of business volume.

In that sense the currency value and business (or ISX) will go hand in hand, but I just wanted to clarify what portion is in cause and what is in effect.

If you meant it this way, I apologize, but if you meant it the other way, you must do ten push ups right now.

-- August 25, 2007 7:21 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

I must be honest I meant it the other way. I will do as required my ten push ups.

From my perspective, Iraq is a nation state not operating with a full fledge economy. Your argument hold true for the G8 or European Union, but we are speaking about Iraq. Without a strong Dinar the investment in the ISX will not attract the large investor.

I currently have 10 million Dinar in cash. I am seriously leaning toward opening an account at Al-Warka. Depositing my $150.00 usd in the dollar account, and sending money to fund my Dinar account.

So, how exactly does the German proxy bank work? Once I get my account from Warka, will I also have a numeric code with the German bank to know what account at Al-Warka my funds should be deposited in? Why cannot I wire transfer directly to Al-Warka from my bank in the U.S.?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 25, 2007 7:10 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,

I had a list from Warka, but it was when my bank staff were filling in the online form they did not know what they were doing, thats why the German Bank sent it back three times, then I made up my list and it had all the answers from the banks online form, like I said print it off and take it with you for your Bank staff, it has all the right info for it to go OK, Steve.

-- August 25, 2007 8:08 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Rob. N.

It is Warka Bank that has a Doller Account with the German Bank, it is just a way around sending money into Iraq, its the same as if you were transfering money from your account in US to my account in the UK. Steve.

-- August 25, 2007 8:14 PM ∞

---

Dean wrote:

Laura Parker:

I understand why you are watching Russia.

According to the Bible, The King of the North (Russia) will attack Israel in the last days, and God will Destroy them. It will take them months to bury their dead.

How God Destroys them is a mystery. Will America be involved in their destruction?

Or Will God Destroy them without America's help. (Several hundred meteors from outer space about 1 mile wide would probably take care of them.)

God Doesn't need America's help to take care of them.

.....Some are called to preach
.....Some are called to sing in the choir
.....Some are called to finacially support the church
.....Some are called to be watchmen for the church

I believe God put watchmen at the 4 corners of the Church. To watch....

All the watchmen are crying; The time is near! The time is near!

I love watching John Hagee on Sunday mornings on ABC tv At 9:00 am Central Time.
He is a fascinating speaker. I think he's the real deal. He has a message that America and the rest of the world needs to hear.

What does this have to do with the dinar?

I have 2 million dinar. I hope I never have to use them. The trumpet of God could come at any time. But if not, I believe God has lead me to this investment.

-- August 26, 2007 12:30 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Dean,

I am watching all nations that could have a potential to affect Iraq. We are dealing with a nation that all of us believe will do well on the oil front. Russia has been trying to get it's foot into Iraq via an oil deal that was made with Saddam Hussein before U.S.A. invasion in 2003.

Iran is similarly interested due to it's own economy. So is China. All three of these nations are making alliances together.

I know that Russia will lose this battle in the end days. I was simply calling attention to the possiblity that we could be seeing the beginning of biblical prophecy. However, like Sara, I hope not. In any case, these nations could cause upheaval for the U.S.A. and Iraq, none the less.

If you will notice, I wrote about Russia from the standpoint of Russia's providing material (weapon) support to the muslin world. What I believe is noteworthy is the stacking of weapons and allowing the muslim people to fight wars on the Russian front. When in actuality, it is Russia in the background that is wanting control of these oil lands and forming alliances to try and get them. This is how what I wrote about could affect the dinar.

This doesn't necessarily have to be the end times battle to cause economic, political upheaval in Iraq.

Laura Parker

-- August 26, 2007 1:12 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Ah, ok, it was the bank tellers in your sending bank that screwed up, ok that clarifies that thanks.

Rob N.,

Reading your response I would still order you to another ten push ups, until you can say -"Business is causing currency value , currency value is effect of business".

However in the Deep Halls of the Department of Judgement of Economic and Financial Matters, I have had a meeting with my five Overlords, in a hooded session, and a decision was taken to give you a reprieve Rob N.

Fiat currency CAN be cause over business.

Fiat currency = when arbitrary and artificial currency exchange value is given.

That actually holds true for Iraq. (as well as China.)

-- August 26, 2007 6:16 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

This thing with Russia, china and their allies that are banding together with their oil, it doesn't necessarily have to be something bad.

Look at it this way, right now we have "OPEC" an inbreed price fixing organization that have been a pain in the rear for quite some time.

What is good for the oil price, is what is good for OPEC, is their seemingly standard motto.

OPEC have control of the majority of oil producing outlets and thus price control.

If Russia and China are banding together and wants to do a similar cartel, well all they are doing is starting another competing cartel, and the move WILL take OPEC out of monopoly.

If we put it this way....I'm not against it.

-- August 26, 2007 6:28 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

That would be great if the alliance didn't seem to have communist and Islamic parties only. But I suspect, no other countries will able to influence this new OPEC. Therefore, I think the alliances will be highly suspect.

What concerns me is that these nations will do a little price fixing of their own. Maybe it will offset OPEC prices on oil. However, I think it maybe to only countries in this new alliance.

Laura Parker

-- August 26, 2007 11:02 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

That is if this new OPEC is open to the free market. I have my doubts that this will be the case.

Laura Parker

-- August 26, 2007 11:17 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sorry about second post. I did not think the first post, posted.

Laura Parker

-- August 26, 2007 3:30 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

As long as there are TWO blocks, a competition will be automatically introduced into the scenario, no matter what sympathies, religion, or political colors one block or the other are leaning towards.

It's of lesser magnitude WHAT the different blocks are.

The fact that there ARE two blocks, will set the game rules.

They can call themselves what they want, they are both doing the exactly same thing....selling oil.

-- August 26, 2007 4:06 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Some good news this morning from Iraq. According to the Reuters news service "Iraq's leaders agree on key benchmarks."
(http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29162220070826?pageNumber=1)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 27, 2007 10:39 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(995)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 995 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/8/27 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 96.935.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 96.935.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 27, 2007 12:11 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(996)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 996 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/8/28 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 48.835.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 48.835.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 28, 2007 7:11 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Quintuple agreement important step - U.S. ambassador

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

Baghdad, 27 August 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said on Monday that the joint agreement signed by the Shiite-Kurdish alliance and the Sunni Islamic party is considered an important and encouraging step towards realizing the national reconciliation and end the current political crises.

Speaking to the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), Crocker said "the agreement is an outcome of joint efforts between these blocs to end the current crises."

The four main Kurdish and Shiite powers in addition to the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party signed on August 26 a new joint statement with the aim of pushing forward the political process and opening doors before the blocs that quit the government.

The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, the leader of the (Shiite) Dawa Party, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barazani, Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi, representing Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim's Supreme Islamic Iraqi Party (SIIC), and Tareq al-Hashimi of the (Sunni) Iraqi Islamic Party.

"There is a tangible improvement in the government's performance despite the current challenges," the diplomat said, noting that he would present his report to the U.S. administration by mid September, in which he would clarify al-Maliki's effort to achieve the national reconciliation and to improve the political process.

He reiterated the U.S. administration's support to the al-Maliki-led government, saying "the government proved its ability to overcome crises despite challenges it faces."

He voiced belief that the Iraqi political leaderships, i.e., the presidency, the parliament, the government and other political blocs are able to overcome this critical stage and end the current political crises.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 28, 2007 9:08 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraqi dinars delivered to rural banks in Diyala

A shipment of more than 49 billion Iraqi dinars arrived by truck convoy in Baqouba, Iraq recently to be used by the Diyala provincial government to pay salaries and pensions to around 70 percent of the local residents.

The money, which equals about $38 million, was escorted by the Iraqi Army from the Central Bank of Iraq in Baghdad and was delivered to an undisclosed location in Baqouba. From the capital city, the money will then be transported to rural banks to be distributed to roughly 1.3 million residents of the province.

This is the first time the Iraqi Army has completed a money delivery without the help of Coalition Forces.

U.S. and Iraqi officials say the resumption of money deliveries to the Diyala banking system will aid stabilization efforts in the region, energizing what is mostly a cash economy.

Iraqi dinars delivered to rural banks in Diyala | Iraq Updates
__________________

-- August 28, 2007 2:00 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iran-Iraq trade expected to rise up to $1.8 billion http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21133

-- August 28, 2007 2:02 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

It is possible that you maybe right about the Russians, Iranians, and others in this new partnership to create another OPEC. However, it is noteworthy to also understand that Russia is number one in natural gas production from their country. I do not know at present who they sell too or how their monopoly on natural gas affects the west and europe.

Let's hope the impact is for a global economy that is simply competitive.

Laura Parker

-- August 29, 2007 5:24 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

it has been several days. has everyone simply quit or do we have no access???

-- August 29, 2007 7:18 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Anonymous:

News is slow, September seems to be shaping up to be an active month. I would assume September will generate more activity.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 29, 2007 9:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Insurgents get a cut of U.S. aid to Iraq
8/27/2007

By Hannah Allam
McClatchy Newspapers

BAGHDAD — Iraq's deadly insurgent groups have financed their war against U.S. troops in part with hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. rebuilding funds that they've extorted from Iraqi contractors in Anbar province.

The payments, in return for the insurgents allowing supplies to move and construction work to begin, have taken place since the earliest projects in 2003, Iraqi contractors, politicians and interpreters involved with reconstruction efforts said.

A fresh round of rebuilding spurred by the U.S. military's recent alliance with some Anbar tribes — 200 new projects are scheduled — provides another opportunity for groups such as al-Qaida in Iraq to siphon off more U.S. money, contractors and politicians warn.

"Now we're back to the same old story in Anbar. The Americans are handing out contracts and jobs to terrorists, bandits and gangsters," said Sheik Ali Hatem Ali Suleiman, the deputy leader of the Dulaim, the largest and most powerful tribe in Anbar. He was involved in several U.S. rebuilding contracts in the early days of the war, but now he's a harsh critic of the U.S. presence.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad declined to discuss the allegations. An embassy spokesman, Noah Miller, said in a statement that "in terms of contracting practices, we have checks and balances in our contract-awarding system to prevent any irregularities from occurring. Each contracted company is responsible for providing security for the project."

Providing that security is the source of the extortion, Iraqi contractors say. A U.S. company with a reconstruction contract hires an Iraqi subcontractor to haul supplies along insurgent-ridden roads. The Iraqi contractor sets his price at up to four times the going rate because he'll be forced to give 50 percent or more to gun-toting insurgents who demand cash in exchange for the supply convoys' safe passage.

One Iraqi official said the arrangement makes sense for insurgents. By granting safe passage to a truck loaded with $10,000 in goods, they receive a "protection fee" that can buy more weapons and vehicles. Sometimes the insurgents take the goods, too.

"The violence in Iraq has developed a political economy of its own that sustains it and keeps some of these terrorist groups afloat," said Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, who recently asked the U.S.-led coalition to match the Iraqi government's pledge of $230 million for Anbar projects.

Despite several devastating U.S. military offensives to rout insurgents, the militants — or, in some cases, tribes with insurgent connections — still control the supply routes of the province, making reconstruction all but impossible without their protection.

One senior Iraqi politician with personal knowledge of the contracting system said the insurgents also use their cuts to pay border police in Syria "to look the other way" as they smuggle weapons and foot soldiers into Iraq.

"Every contractor in Anbar who works for the U.S. military and survives for more than a month is paying the insurgency," the politician said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The contracts are inflated, all of them. The insurgents get half."

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said he was aware of the "insurgent tax" that U.S.-allied contractors are forced to pay in Anbar, though he said it wasn't clear how much money was going to militant groups and how much to opportunistic tribesmen operating on their own.

As of July, the U.S. government had completed 3,300 projects in Anbar with a total value of $363 million, the U.S. embassy said. An additional 250 projects with a total price tag of $353 million are under way.

None of the Iraqi contractors agreed to speak on the record — they risk losing future U.S. contracts and face retaliation from insurgent groups. Some of the Iraqis interviewed remain in Fallujah or Ramadi on the U.S. payroll; others had fled to Arab countries and Europe after they deemed the business too risky.

One Iraqi contractor who is working on an American-funded rebuilding project in the provincial capital of Ramadi said he faced two choices when he wanted to bring in a crane, heavy machinery and workers from Baghdad: either hire a private security company to escort the supplies for up to $6,000 a truck, or pay off locals with insurgent connections.

He chose the latter, and got $120,000 for a U.S. contract he estimates to be worth no more than $20,000.

"The insurgents always remind us they're there," the contractor said. "Sometimes they hijack a truck or kidnap a driver and then we pay and, if we're lucky, we get our goods returned. It's just to make sure we know how it works.

"Insurgents control the roads," he added. "Americans don't control the roads — and everything from Syria and Jordan goes through there."

Another Iraqi contractor with several U.S. rebuilding contracts said he's been trying to avoid paying off insurgents by strengthening his relationship with reputable tribal leaders in Anbar.

In one contract for a major U.S. company, the contractor said, he gave cash to tribal leaders and trusted them to buy the goods in Anbar instead of having to pay insurgents to bring the goods in from Baghdad. He said the tribesmen took photos as proof that they used the money properly and had to hide the supplies in their homes for fear insurgents would find out.

The contractor said such scenarios are extremely rare and very dangerous. More typical, he said, was a recent order he took to haul gravel to U.S. bases in Anbar.

"If I do it in the Green Zone, it's just putting gravel in ... bags and it would be about $16,000," the contractor said. "But they needed it for Ramadi and Fallujah. I submitted an invoice for $120,000 and I'd say about $100,000 of that went to the mujahedeen," as Iraqis sometimes call Sunni insurgents.

A Fallujah native who used to work for Titan Corp., the U.S. company that supplies local interpreters to U.S. forces in Iraq, said he was stunned when, from early 2004 to the time he fled to the United Arab Emirates in 2006, a parade of sheiks with known insurgent connections were awarded contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The interpreter said that on several occasions contractors pleaded with American officials for protection and told them that gunmen were shaking them down for cash.

On one project for a water-treatment plant in the insurgent stronghold of Zoba, the interpreter said, the local contractor was summoned to meet with militant leaders who threatened his life if he didn't give them at least half the contract's value.

Fawzi Hariri, a member of the Iraqi Cabinet and head of the government's Anbar Reconstruction Committee, said some U.S. rebuilding funds "absolutely" have gone into insurgents' pockets. The exception is where construction sites were guarded by U.S. or Iraqi troops.

"If you're on your own, you certainly would have to pay somebody," Hariri said.

Insurgents get a cut of U.S. aid to Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 29, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq oil law can pass by comfortable majority -VP

Iraq's draft oil law should pass by a comfortable majority when parliament meets to discuss it after the end of its summer break in September, Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi said.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 29, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush to request $50b more for Iraq war
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 29, 2007 10:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The enclosed article explains why we cannot leave Iraq.
____________________________________________________________

Iran ready to fill vacuum in Iraq: Ahmadinejad

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

Tehran, 29 August 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared on Tuesday that US political influence in Iraq is "collapsing rapidly" and said his government is ready to help fill any power vacuum.

The hard-line leader also defended Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, a fellow Shiite Muslim who has been harshly criticised by American politicians for his unsuccessful efforts to reconcile Iraq's Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.

"The political power of the occupiers is collapsing rapidly," Ahmadinejad said at a news conference, referring to US troops in Iraq. "Soon, we will see a huge power vacuum in the region. Of course, we are prepared to fill the gap, with the help of neighbors and regional friends like Saudi Arabia, and with the help of the Iraqi nation."

Ahmadinejad did not elaborate on his remarks, an unusual declaration of Iran's interest in influencing its neighbor's future.

The mention of a Saudi role appeared aimed at allaying the fears of Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Muslim nations that Iran wants to dominate in Iraq. Even though Saudi Arabia and Iran have not cooperated in the past, it "doesn't mean it can't happen," Ahmadinejad said.

Iran fought a brutal eight-year war with Saddam Hussein's regime and welcomed the elimination of a deeply hated enemy. But Iran also strongly objects to the presence of America, another rival, over its eastern and western borders in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Occupation is the root of all problems in Iraq," Ahmadinejad said. "It has become clear that occupiers are not able to resolve regional issues."

"They rudely say (the Iraqi) prime minister and the constitution must change," Ahmadinejad said of US critics. "Who are you? Who has given you the right" to ask for such a change, he added.

Ousting Al Maliki, a longtime Shiite political activist, would require a majority vote in the 275-member Iraqi parliament. As long as the Kurdish parties and the main Shiite bloc back al-Maliki, his opponents lack the votes for that.

Ahmadinejad dismissed the possibility of any US military action against Iran, saying Washington has no plan and is not in a position to take such action.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 29, 2007 10:41 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq : Statistical Appendix - IMF - dated 28th August 2007. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2007/cr07294.pdf

-- August 29, 2007 1:06 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Did you all see the news that Al-Sadr is going to have his militia stand down for six months!. I wonder why. Six months is how long it's going to take for the surge to end. It's slated for 4/2008 according to testimony from the joint chiefs on the senate floor.

Apparently, the Mahdi militia is fighting another shiite group for control of Baghdad area. Their Mahdi militia men are coming up fighting with our U.S. forces and either get captured, wounded or killed.

Thought you all might want to know if you haven't already seen it on cnn.

Laura Parker

-- August 29, 2007 2:25 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraq Energy Summit closes registration early due to high demand

Registration for the Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit has now been closed, as Dubai looks forward to welcoming the world's leading oil, energy and security companies.

The event will discuss the future of Iraq's energy sector with ministers, deputies and director generals from the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The summit, taking place on 2-4 September, will welcome the high level official delegation from the Iraqi and KRG Ministries of Oil, Industry, Electricity and National Security Affairs, as well as the country's Oil Commission and Parliamentary Energy Committee.

These key decision makers will be participating at the landmark summit to establish relationships and enter into contractual negotiations with international energy operators.

The official Iraqi delegation will include some of the most important figures from Iraq's energy sector, including Minister of Industry & Minerals H.E. Fawzi Al-Hariri, Minister of Electricity H.E. Kareem Wahid and KRG Minister of Oil H.E. Ashti Hawrami. It also includes Thamer Ghadbhan, a former oil minister and Chairman of Iraq's Oil Commission.

Specific focus will be placed on Iraq's oil strategy and the key requirements for the sector, while other key areas of focus will include refinery and petrochemical integration, feedstock flexibility, power production availability and the protection of power stations, pipelines, refineries and other associated energy facilities.

All attending Iraqi Ministries will be outlining the requirements for their relevant sectors in front of the senior corporate audience, before holding private consultations with some of the pre-eminent operators within the global energy sector.

These best-in-breed operators and companies will be represented at board level in order to build the relationships that will be crucial to the future of the Iraqi energy sector and include the likes of BP, Exxon, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, Lukoil, Statoil, Marathon Oil, Total, Shell, Kuwait National Petroleum, Annadarko, Schlumberger, ABB, ONGC, General Electric, Cummins Power, Mitsui, Aegis, ArmorGroup, Janussian, Control Risks Group, Unity, GardaWorld and Triple Canopy.

Iraq Energy Summit closes registration early due to high demand | Iraq Updates
__________________
.
v

-- August 29, 2007 4:10 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Sadr 'freezes' militia activities

Radical Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr says he is freezing the activities of his Mehdi Army militia for up to six months in order to re-organise it.

He has also called on all its offices to co-operate with the security forces and exercise "self-control".

Analysts see the move as an attempt by Moqtada Sadr to regain control over his increasingly divided militia.

The order was read out at a news conference in Karbala, where fighting on Tuesday killed more than 50 people.

Police blamed the Mehdi Army for the violence, but it denied involvement.

'Rehabilitation'

A curfew is now in force in the city, where the situation is said to be calm.
At the Karbala news conference, one of Moqtada Sadr's aides read out a statement announcing that the Mehdi Army had suspended all its activities.
"We declare the freezing of the Mehdi Army without exception in order to rehabilitate it in a way that will safeguard its ideological image within a maximum period of six months starting from the day this statement is issued," Sheikh Hazim al-Araji said.

In Najaf, another spokesman said the order included "suspending the taking up of arms against occupiers, as well as others".

In April 2007, the US defence department described the Mehdi Army as the greatest threat to Iraq's security, replacing al-Qaeda in Iraq as the country's "most dangerous accelerant of potentially self-sustaining sectarian violence".

The militia has split in recent months into increasingly autonomous factions, some of which the US says are trained and armed by Iran.

However, the BBC's Mike Wooldridge in Baghdad says past experience of attempted purges of rogue elements in the militia will doubtless lead US and UK commanders to be wary and watch for the effect of the order on the ground.

The Mehdi Army was created by Mr Sadr in the summer of 2003 to protect the Shia religious authorities in the holy city of Najaf.

The militia strongly opposed the presence of the US-led coalition and took part in major uprisings against security forces in April and August 2004. It has also been linked to many sectarian attacks on Iraq's Sunni Arabs and has frequently clashed with rival Shia militia.

The Mehdi Army has become one of the major armed forces on the ground in Baghdad and southern Iraq, with a membership of around 60,000, according to a December 2006 report by the Iraq Survey Group.

BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Sadr 'freezes' militia activities

-- August 29, 2007 5:02 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(998)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 998 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/8/30 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 10 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1238 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 35.190.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 35.190.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- August 30, 2007 7:01 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura Parker wrote: "Did you all see the news that Al-Sadr is going to have his militia stand down for six months! I wonder why..." (end quote)

Laura - Maybe it is a way of surrendering before you get beaten?

===
Sadr City under siege – eyewitnesses
Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Thursday , 30 /08 /2007 Time 8:09:42

Baghdad, Aug 30, (VOI)- Iraqi security forces have besieged Sadr City in eastern Baghdad and sealed off the city's main outlets, eyewitnesses said.

"Iraqi security forces closed bridges over al-Jaish Canal, which represent the main outlets to Sadr City, and banned anyone from leaving without specified reasons, however they are allowing entry into the city," an eyewitness told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

The siege came one day after the decision taken by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to freeze al-Mahdi Army for six months.

The decision was taken after recent speculation and accusations against al-Mahdi Army of being involved in the violent acts in the city of Karbala, where scores were killed and injured.

Sadr City is the stronghold of al-Mahdi Army.

http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=53924&NrIssue=2&NrSection=1

I suggest they knew this was what was being planned in retaliation for their violent acts and they are trying to avoid the rightful consequences on their bloodthirsty actions by pretending to be at peace after committing atrocities. You might say they are cowards trying to protect their rat skins. I have noticed that terrorists fight dirty.. from using women, children and animals rigged with explosives.. to torture which the MSM ignores, as well as rape and pillaging. If anyone buys that they are to be left alone because they called for "peace" in the MSM news just before this retaliation for their acts of cruelty, they are among the most gullible of people on the planet. (Want to buy the London or Goldengate Bridge.. cheap?)

Sara.

-- August 30, 2007 12:33 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Sunday's agreement national achievement, IAF supports it - VP

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Tuesday , 28 /08 /2007 Time 10:53:04

Baghdad, Aug 27, (VOI)- Iraqi vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said on Monday that he supports the joint agreement signed by the Shiite-Kurdish alliance and the Sunni Islamic party on Sunday, underlining that it would not be a door for the return of the Iraqi Accordance Front to the government.

"What happened yesterday is a good achievement in the current confused political situation. It is an achievement that deserves to be supported," al-Hashemi said at a press conference on Monday afternoon.

He described signing the statement as a beginning for solving the ongoing problems in Iraq.

The four main Kurdish and Shiite powers in addition to the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party signed on August 26 a new joint statement with the aim of pushing forward the political process and opening doors before the blocs that quit the government.

But Hashemi said the Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) would not reverse its decision to quit the cabinet on August 1.

"Our previous experience with the government has not been encouraging, and we will not go back just because of promises, unless there are real and tangible reforms," he said.

He said "I attended the ceremony as a vice president not as a secretary general of the Iraqi Islamic party," the Sunni Arab vice president explained.

"What has been achieved would not be a starting point for the possible return of the IAF to government. It is a national achievement," the vice president also said.

"The Front will not return to the government unless all its demands are met," he affirmed.
The five-way agreement envisages measures to readmit former members of the Baath Party to public life and the release of many detainees, to hold provincial elections and to help security forces end the bloodshed.

Hashemi said the new rules on Baath Party members would be "a significant improvement" and would relax curbs that had barred thousands of middle class Iraqis from returning to work.

Aswat Aliraq

-- August 30, 2007 1:17 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Arab Papers Tue: The Five-Party Agreement

New Political Pact Aims to Rejuvinate Cabinet, Please Sunni Opposition http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/4102/subscriptions/splash.html

-- August 30, 2007 1:22 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Full Text: The New Five-Party Agreement

The New Document that Claims to Reestablish Iraq's Political Process http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/4106/subscriptions/splash.html

-- August 30, 2007 1:24 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Quintuple agreement important step - U.S. ambassador http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21145

-- August 30, 2007 1:30 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq oil law can pass by comfortable majority http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20070829/tpl-uk-iraq-oil-law-02bfc7e.html

-- August 30, 2007 1:38 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

VP says Iraq govt must work to keep majority http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20070829/tpl-uk-iraq-politics-vp-43a8d4f_1.html

-- August 30, 2007 1:44 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Approval of Iraq's oil law in sight http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=21059§ionid=351020201

-- August 30, 2007 1:46 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

LUKoil expects oil prices for Western, Central Europe to rise -1 http://en.rian.ru/business/20070828/75387301.html

-- August 30, 2007 1:50 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

President Talabani confirms the government's ability to impose law and inclusiveness in the political process

-- August 30, 2007 1:57 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraqi oil law set to pass with majority http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=192287&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=30163

-- August 30, 2007 2:01 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Baghdad-Sabah.
Said Abdul Razzak Al-Saadi Chairman of the Securities Commission approved the mechanism that controls the work of the approved brokerage companies in the Iraqi market for securities.

A statement issued by the body, "Al-Saadi noted that the controls were introduced to protect investors dealing in the market and the potential expansion of activity negotiable securities during the coming period due to economic growth and foreign investment in Iraq," but the statement did not refer to the date of approval of this mechanism.
The statement added that "the acceptance of any company introducing a new mediation to the market for capital must Alaigal billion dinars as well as the conversion of offices mediation of the banks licensed to a limited company (or contribution) with capital of less than one billion dinars owns most of the bank shares, which currently owns office mediation."
He Saadi, according to the statement, that "the brokerage companies to amend existing capital constantly that starting from this year, so at least any of the human capital or shareholders of (35) million dinars by the end of 2007 and continue existing brokerage companies increase capital annually to reach the same level and above during the specified period not exceeding 5 years from date
ÌÑíÏÉ ÇáÕÈÇÍ - åíÆÉ ÇáÃæÑÇÞ ÇáãÇáíÉ ÊÞÑ ÖæÇÈØ áÚãá ÔÑßÇÊ ÇáæÓÇØÉ Ýí ÓæÞ ÇáãÇá
__________________

-- August 30, 2007 2:07 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Army combs for abuses in Iraq contracts
8/30/2007

The Army will examine as many as 18,000 contracts awarded over the past four years to support U.S. forces in Iraq to determine how many are tainted by waste, fraud and abuse, service officials said Wednesday.

Overall, the contracts are worth close to $3 billion and represent every transaction made between 2003 and 2007 by a contracting office in Kuwait, which the Army has identified as a significant trouble spot.

In a separate probe, a high-level team led by Pentagon Inspector General Claude Kicklighter will travel to Iraq next week to investigate how U.S. weapons intended for Iraqi security forces ended up being used for murders and other violent crimes in Turkey.

Among the contracts to be reviewed by the Army are awards to former Halliburton subsidiary KBR, which has received billions of dollars since 2001 to be a major provider of food and shelter services to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democrats in Congress have claimed that KBR, formerly known as Kellogg, Brown and Root, benefited from ties to Vice President Dick Cheney, who once led Halliburton Co., the Houston-based oil services conglomerate, and congressional Republicans.

The officials did not specify which KBR contracts would be examined or their value.

The announcement, made by Army Secretary Pete Geren, comes as the number of criminal cases related to the acquisition of weapons and other supplies for forces in Iraq and Afghanistan has grown to 76. So far, 20 military and civilian Army employees have been indicted on charges of contract fraud.

"There have been reported cases of fraud, waste and abuse of contracting operations, with many of the worst cases originating out of Kuwait," Geren said.

Geren said the Army has been auditing the contracting operation in Kuwait for more than a year. He acknowledged the expanding list of criminal investigations was a factor in appointing a special task force headed by a three-star Army general.

"There is fraud," Geren said. "We have seen more cases lately and that's cause for concern."

Lt. Gen. N. Ross Thompson has been empowered to take whatever corrective actions he determines are necessary "to prevent any further abuse, fraud or waste," Geren said.

Thompson, the military deputy to the Army's top civilian acquisition official, said his task force will "make sure that we've identified anything that needs to be looked at that hasn't been already been picked up by an ongoing investigation."

By Sept. 30, Thompson plans to boost the number of personnel in the Kuwait office by 35, giving it a staff of 90.

"We already know from our internal looks over the last few months in Kuwait that the experience level of some of the people - not all of the people that we had in Kuwait - wasn't up to the challenge or the complexity of the contracts," Thompson said.

By Jan. 1, contracts worth more than $1 million will be handled by the Army Materiel Command at Fort Belvoir, Va., which has more staff able to deal with larger, more complex procurements, Thompson said.

In late 2005, the Army began audits and its Criminal Investigation Command accelerated its inquiries into contract fraud in Kuwait, according to an Army news release. The command first established an Iraq Fraud Detachment and then a Kuwait Fraud Office, both staffed with specially trained agents.

By early 2007, the Army had reorganized the Kuwait office, provided ethics training for employees and added a legal team.

Geren has also formed a special commission to examine long-term solutions to improve the Army's weapons and supply contracting process. That team will be headed by Jacques Gansler, a former under secretary of defense for acquisition, and its report is due in 45 days.

The investigation into U.S. weapons in Turkey was sparked in May when Pentagon officials learned that the Turks were concerned about American-issued weapons being involved in crimes in their country, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said.

Last month, Defense Secretary Robert Gates sent the Pentagon's top lawyer, William Haynes, to Turkey to meet with Turkish officials, Morrell said. The officials told Haynes that American-supplied weapons were ending up in the wrong hands, possibly including Kurdish militants, a group known as the PKK that the Turkish military has been fighting on the Iraq border.

The situation has raised tensions between Ankara and Washington, and left open the possibility Turkey may conduct military operations in northern Iraq if the situation continue.

"We don't deal with terrorists, Morrell said. "We don't deal with the PKK. And we certainly don't arm the PKK. So if American-issued weapons have ended up in the hands of criminals in Turkey or terrorists in Turkey, that is not based upon the policy of this department or this government."

Army combs for abuses in Iraq contracts - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 30, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq VP opens business conference in Dubai

The vice-president of Iraq Dr Adel Abdul Mehdi opened the first Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Dubai as the head of a delegation of over 100 businessmen from southern Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 30, 2007 2:27 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shell, Dow Chemical in talks with Iraq

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

30 August 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
Royal Dutch Shell and Dow Chemical are in negotations with the Iraqi government to refurbish and enlarge a chemical plant in southern Iraq at a cost of up to $2.1 billion, Reuters reported.

The talks on creating a joint venture or reaching a profit-sharing agreement could be concluded this year, said Iraqi industry minister Fawzi Hariri.
(www.iraqupates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 30, 2007 2:32 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush aides hit back at bleak Iraq report by Stephen Collinson
12 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Bush administration Thursday rejected a bleak draft survey by a government auditor on political and military advances in Iraq, saying it set criteria for judging progress far too high.

ADVERTISEMENT

The White House and State Department hit back after leaks emerged of a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), saying Iraq had failed to meet all but three of 18 benchmarks laid down by Congress.

The report emerged at a vital moment of the Iraq war debate, as the White House and anti-war Democrats crank up political heat ahead of a showdown over President George W. Bush's troop surge strategy in Congress next month.

White House deputy spokeswoman Dana Perino took pains to differentiate the GAO survey from the president's own report on the 30,000-strong troop hike in Iraq, which he must provide to Congress by September 15.

"The president must report on whether or not the Iraqis are making significant progress towards achieving the benchmarks in Iraq," Perino told reporters.

"The GAO ... is asked by Congress to say whether or not they have met them," she said, adding that the "bar was set so high" it was all but impossible for the Iraqis to meet the standards.

But the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi accused Bush of "stubbornly" refusing to accept things were going badly in Iraq.

"He insists that our soldiers sacrifice even more, and taxpayers spend billions more dollars for an Iraqi government incapable or unwilling to institute reforms required by the president himself," Pelosi said.

A law passed by Congress earlier this year requiring a report on the surge strategy gives Bush wide latitude.

It says the president must state what revisions are necessary in US strategy, if he assesses progress towards any benchmarks is "unsatisfactory."

The GAO is required by the law assess Iraq's progress in meeting benchmarks on political reconciliation, constitutional reform, building of security forces, challenging sectarian militia and sharing oil revenues.

"I would expect that if you apply different standards to the benchmarks, you might come out with some different conclusions," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said Thursday.

The GAO report concludes that efforts by the Iraqi government to meet key legislation and reconstruction efforts are stalled, the Washington Post said.

Attacks on civilians have not ebbed and the Iraqi security forces have grown no more competent, the draft said, adding that US agencies were divided on whether violence had been reduced by the surge.

The Government Accountability Office, formerly known as the General Accounting Office, is the non-partisan auditing branch of the US Congress that oversees the performance and accountability of the US government.

Its findings are in stark contrast to an upbeat interim assessment issued by the White House in July, which found positive developments in eight of 18 categories.

The White House and Republican allies in Congress have been making a case that the surge strategy has been successful in dampening violence in Iraq, and making strides in the fight against extremists.

They have been pushing back against the idea that Iraqis must meet benchmarks, saying the grades do not reflect progress in the country, where 3,729 US soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians have now died.

But Democratic critics have countered that the surge was designed specifically to give the Iraqi government space to achieve political reconciliation, and as that has not happened, it has ultimately failed.

Attention is now focusing on testimony to Congress next month by Iraq war commander General David Petraeus and US ambassador to Baghdad Ryan Crocker.

The White House said the two men would testify to both chambers of Congress on September 10 and 12, avoiding the emotionally charged date of September 11, the sixth anniversary of terror strikes targeting New York and Washington.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070830/pl_afp/uscongressiraqunrest_070830175413)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 30, 2007 2:34 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Shocker: Congressional Report Says Surge Failed
From the DNC’s Associated Press:

Auditors say Iraq goals not being met
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The Iraqi government has failed to meet the vast majority of political and military goals laid out by lawmakers to assess President Bush’s Iraq war strategy, congressional auditors have determined.

The Associated Press has learned the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, will report that at least 13 of the 18 benchmarks to measure the surge of U.S. troops to Iraq are unfulfilled ahead of a Sept. 15 deadline. That’s when Bush is to give a detailed accounting of the situation eight months after he announced the policy, according to three officials familiar with the matter.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been made public, also said the administration is preparing a case to play down the findings, arguing that Congress ordered the GAO to use unfair, “all or nothing” standards when compiling the document…

The GAO, the congressional watchdog, is expected to find that the Iraqis have met only modest security goals for Baghdad and none of the major political aims such as passage of an oil law…

An internal White House memorandum, prepared to respond to the GAO findings, says the report will claim the Iraqis have failed on at least 13 benchmarks. It also says the criteria lawmakers set for the report allow no room to report progress, only absolute success or failure.

The memo argues that the GAO will not present a “true picture” of the situation in Iraq because the standards were “designed to lock in failure,” according to portions of the document read to the AP by an official who has seen it…

“It’s pretty clear that if that’s your measurement standard a majority of the benchmarks would be determined not to have been met,” said one official. “A lot of them are multipart and so, even if 90 percent of it is done, it’s still a failure.”

At the Pentagon, spokesman Geoff Morrell previewed the administration’s response to the GAO report, comparing it unfavorably to the July findings.

“The standard the GAO has set is far more stringent,” he told reporters. “Some might argue it’s impossible to meet.” …

(end quote)

What a shock. A Democrat report claims that the Iraqis have not met their impossible benchmarks and therefore the war is lost.

Obviously the GAO’s ”all or nothing” standard was intended to guarantee this finding from the start.

The real surprise here is that for once the AP bothers to report the administration’s side.

But of course the headline and the lede are all that most people will read. And those claim that the surge has failed.

And that is what the Democrats and their media lickspittles want to drum into the public’s mind in advance of the (Democrat ordered) Petraeus report.

Comment:

1) golfmann

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been made public…

Another day, another leak.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/shocker-congressional-report-says-surge-fails

-- August 30, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

News on the Warka account, I promised to keep informed how things are going.

I sent my request to Warka for opening up an account, and they returned with a listing of their needs.

I full filled their needs, and sent all the appropriate documents. Today I got my acct nbr and codes for sending over my funds in order to fill up my account.

We're living in exciting times, hope the long discussed about HCL will gain traction finally and get the Iraqi economy moving now.

It was suppose to be done last Christmas.

Oh well.

-- August 30, 2007 3:51 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rather than listening to the impossible demands by the politicians for inhuman progress...
where, as the last article observed, even NINETY PERCENT completion is "complete failure"...
what do those on the ground think of what is happening in Iraq?
Here is one I thought you likely had not seen in the MSM:

===

The Surge is working.. more proof
Source: instapundit.com
URL Source: http://instapundit.com/archives2/008623.php
Published: Aug 25, 2007
Author: Glenn Reynolds

The Surge is working.. more proof
August 25, 2007

RALPH PETERS ON JOHN WARNER: Peters, writing from Fallujah, isn't impressed:

Although this trend has been reported, our battlefield leaders here agree that the magnitude of the shift hasn't registered back home: Al Qaeda is on the verge of a humiliating, devastating strategic defeat - rejected by their fellow Sunni Muslims.

If we don't quit, this will not only be a huge practical win - it'll be the information victory we've been aching for.

No matter what the Middle Eastern media might say, everyone in the Arab and greater Sunni Muslim world will know that al Qaeda was driven out of Iraq by a combination of Muslims and Americans.

Think that would help al Qaeda's recruitment efforts? Even now, the terrorists have to resort to lies about their prospective missions to gain recruits.

With the sixth anniversary of 9/11 approaching, how dare we throw away so great a potential victory over those who attacked our country?

Forget the anti-war nonsense you hear. The truth is that our troops want to continue this struggle. I know. I'm here. And I'm listening to what they have to say. They're confident as never before that we're on the right path.

Should we rob them of their victory now and enhance al Qaeda by giving them a free win? How can we even contemplate quitting now?

I've been sitting down with Iraqis, too - including former enemies. They don't want us to leave. They finally cracked the code. They need us. And although they've got a range of their own goals (not all of them tending toward Jeffersonian democracy), they're unified in their hatred of al Qaeda.

==end quote==

I'm not either, but for a different , or at least additional, reason. First, Warner's been saying similar stuff for quite a while, and it's funny that the press is making a big deal of it -- perhaps to overshadow the more significant about-face by Democratic Rep. Brian Baird. And Petraeus has talked about a troop pulldown already too. This looks like Warner trying to take credit for something that will probably happen anyway. In other words, Washington as usual. Warner, it's true, doesn't come off that well.

Meanwhile, notice that pretty much all the reporting from Iraq is more positive than the talk in Washington? As Damien Cave of the New York Times observed, QUOTE:

I talked to a commander the other day who said that the political debate at home is bizarro-land and something that he doesn't connect with at all. . . . it's funny, one of the things that comes up a lot here among commanders and among the press corps is the way that the debate at home seems to be mainly focused on the impact on Washington or among constituents. (end quote)

Well, that's how they look at everything, I suppose. But you expect better when a war is involved.

posted at 03:10 PM by Glenn Reynolds

http://instapundit.com/archives2/008623.php

Comments:

1) wardmama

My brand new son-in-law just came back from there - it is not the sesspool that these losers and appeasers on the left are screeding on an on about. He actually felt that they (the Marines) did not need to be where they were. Actually the worst time was their arrival and their departure (which if you track the units as I do, is always the way the terrorists, oops insurgents work).

Where was he? In al-Anbar province.

My son, when he was over there said - the reporters never leave the hotel in the Green zone, how can they report what is going on?

Another soldier said - there is only 5 or 6 reporters over here, how can they cover the entire country?

Since May of 2003, the msm has joined forces with the enemy and been against this war. Sadly the Dems (since the msm is their propaganda mouthpiece) probably directed it to be as such.

Too bad that the Troops have hated and despised the msm since they turned on them in Vietnam - damn I apologise for harkenening back to the glory days of the hippies, msm and leftists of America - and the msm has never learned that trust is a hard thing to win back. Especially when one never tries to do it.

2) Gil

Too bad that the Troops have hated and despised the msm since they turned on them in Vietnam - damn I apologise for harkenening back to the glory days of the hippies, msm and leftists of America - and the msm has never learned that trust is a hard thing to win back. Especially when one never tries to do it.

I think the MSM/Dems (same thing?) believes that the military vote is insignificant. Perhaps they think all those in the military are not voting Americans at all? But the military vote figured very prominently in putting President Bush into the Whitehouse when it came to the Florida ballots. It was the overseas ballots from the servicemen and women which gave President Bush his first term.

I suppose the MSM/Dems think they can ignore the military vote.. but perhaps their false thinking may play into a win for a Republican candidate in the next election, then.

http://sweetness-light-forum.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=945

-- August 30, 2007 4:02 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

I know you are interested in the Vietnamese Dong and got some of that currency.

My advice...take it or leave it....get out of it asap.

Got report that they have devalued a bit somewhat and read some other troubling reports. All in all you have to look at the overall possible performance of that country, it resources and its vulnerability to market fluctuations.

Iraq have oil, and as long as there is a thirsty world out there, their main product will never be in question.

Vietnam's products can most of the time be in question, as plastic toys, fish, and rice can be found elsewhere.

Vietnam's prosperity is so far in the future, while Iraq's future is when they open up the oil taps. (Very soon to come, unless they have another goat barbie, instead of passing the HCL law)

I would sell those Dongs asap and get back into IQD's.

It's all a high risk investment either way, but compare Vietnam and Iraq, and you have much higher possibility of a winning horse in Iraq.

-- August 30, 2007 4:05 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

Oh no, they will sell their oil, it's not only for their own consumption.

They will of course have oil for their own consumption but their own future is in selling it.

I have been talking with people in Western Europe, and they claim that they see more and more LUKOIL gas stations than ever before, so they are aggressively marketing their products.

If they come up with an oil producing block of their own, that is only good news. It will break the OPEC monopoly.

If they get their block together, the so common statement from Saudi Arabia :

-"In accordance with our memberships wishes, and in order to stabilize the fluctuating oil market we have decided to cut our output with 200.000 barrel a day"

.....will have less of a significance.

-- August 30, 2007 4:14 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

In one of Iraqupdates news articles for today, it is interesting that Iraq PM is stating that Iraq is looking to sign a long term security agreement to keep Iraq as a sovereign nation with the United States. This agreement is yet unsigned.

In addition, the Iraq PM warned Iran to stop shelling Iraqi territory in northern Iraq as this is damaging Iran's relationship with Iraq. He warned Iran that there will be repercussions if they continue shelling Iraqi villages. He stated that Iraq will have it's own sovereignty from neighbor countries.

--Interesting foreign policy---Signing a long term agreement with U.S. for security.

Roger,

All right. You can make fun of me. How about a truce!

All,

I also noted that there was a news article about contractors having to pay protection money to Insurgents on the road from Bagdhad to Northern Iraq. The Diala Province is especially deadly. Apparently, the reconstruction contractors in order to get equipment to places for rebuilding pay the insurgents for protection (to keep from being killed) and then use U.S.A. contractor money to buy weapons to fight U.S.A. soldiers.

So, if a job costs $10,000.00, the contractor gets 210,000. for the job and the rest of the money goes to insurgents. The contractor will not tell the U.S.A. or the contract would get cancelled.

This is ashame that our country can't hire some more security people with the amount of money that we are paying insurgents through these contracts!

Just wanted to let you all know. I think this was reported in Washington Post.

Laura Parker

-- August 31, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Rob,

I have only as much money as I can afford to lose in the Vietnam Dong, as all my dinar and dong were bought with the money I made on selling the dinar, its a long shot over a long time, I can wait, I will need something to do after makeing a shed load of money on the ISX and the Dinar. Thanks for the info, stay lucky, Steve.

-- August 31, 2007 1:16 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Old age and alcohol takes it's toll, (I know), when I talk with you, you always answer me, but address me as Rob, so Henry, shape up.

Laura,

?????????? uh....I'm lost .??? no seriously, you lost me there, what making fun of, what truce???

You have to help me here...what are we doing now????

-- August 31, 2007 3:47 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

In the hospital,

RRiiiiing.....this is the Urology Department......please hold.

-- August 31, 2007 5:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Shell And Dow Prepare $2.1 Billion Iraqi Petro Plan
Lionel Laurent, 08.29.07, 1:25 PM ET

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LONDON - Anglo-Dutch oil company Royal Dutch Shell is reportedly in talks with Dow Chemical to develop an Iraqi petrochemical plant for $2.1 billion, in a likely attempt to gain a strong foothold prior to the hoped-for opening up of the country's broken oil industry. But analysts believe the project itself has little hope of being profitable.

The plant is to be based in the southern city of Basra, and would therefore rely on the city's 120,000 barrels-a-day refinery for its feedstock. The problem, according to Global Insight energy analyst Samuel Ciszuk, is that Iraq is experiencing a refining shortage that would have a severe supply impact for any major petrochemical project.

"Unless the facility operates small-scale, it is hard to see it run on Iraqi refined products," said Ciszuk. "Of course, in the Gulf you don't need to look that far for feedstock, but it is still more expensive than sourcing it locally."

The real value of the reported project may therefore be political rather than financial. After all, the revelation that Shell (nyse: RDS.A - news - people ) and Dow Chemical (nyse: DOW - news - people ) were in talks over the joint venture came from Iraqi Industry Minister Fawzi Hariri, who told Reuters on Wednesday that the upgrade would help "the local market and beyond."

"The Iraqi government has repeatedly been saying that they want investments in petrochemicals," said Global Insight's Ciszuk. He added that this particular project would be a gesture of goodwill to build on, especially if it led to favorable status when Iraq's oil industry is liberalized.

A spokesperson for Shell, Alexandra Wright, confirmed the company was in talks with the Iraqi government "on a range of issues," but would not elaborate on the specific petrochemical plan. Dow Chemical declined to comment.

Shell's A shares rose 15 pence (30 cents), or 0.8%, to £18.55 ($37.41) in London on Wednesday afternoon. The company's B shares rose 19 pence (38 cents), or 1.0%, to £18.59 ($37.48).

Shares in Dow Chemical rose 37 cents, or 0.9%, to $42.07 in New York during morning trading.

Although any real long-term profitability for the petrochemical project will depend on the reconstruction of Iraq's security and industrial infrastructure, the real advantage for Shell and Dow lies in getting a favorable position ahead of the passing of the country's notorious oil law. The law will be the foremost issue to address when the Iraqi parliament reconvenes in September, and companies are hoping that the plan to unlock over two-thirds of the country's reserves of 112 billion barrels will finally get approval.
(http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/29/shell-dow-iraq-markets-equity-cx_ll_0829markets19.html?partner=yahootix)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 31, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

When you start a statement to me as "Oh no, they will sell their oil,..." it looks like to me that you are poking fun at me for my stated concerns on the Russians. Therefore, as I am not being taken seriously, I propose a truce. I am saying you could be right and I could be looking foolish. I am also saying I could be right. Only future history will bear out who is right. Ok?

Laura Parker

-- August 31, 2007 11:15 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steven/Roger:

I am still contemplating the Al-Warka bank account. I have some concerns about depositing funds into a foreign bank inside Iraq. I realize buying Dinars, depositing funds at Warka, and investment in the ISX are all risky propositions. Holding Dinars is more comfortable to me because I can see and feel my investment. Depositing funds at Al-Warka via a proxy bank in Germany seems to be a recipie for disaster.

I am also not sure to what extent these deposits are actually safe from militant extremists coming to power and freezing the assets of foreign depositors.

Lets say, I deposit $500.00 usd into my Al-Warka account. I keep the required $150.00 usd in my dollar account and the remaining $350.00 buys dinars and is deposited in my dinar account. How do I know those dinars are actually in that account? I cannot see or touch those dinars. Furthermore, after the currency is revalued or released to the forex market, how are these foreign depositors suppose to withdraw those funds from Al-Warka? What is the exit strategy?

Some due dilligence on my part.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- August 31, 2007 11:49 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

I could never have guessed that, Laura, please turn down the sensitivity button, you can even turn it off.

I can assure you Laura that any idea about poking fun at you or similar intention, was far far from my original intent.

No need for a truce, there was no war to begin with.

I was just completely confused as to why you thought it would be that way.

You stated concern that the possibly new forming oil producing block would not sell oil, but keep it for themselves instead, and knowing from my experience with people I have talked to in Europe, claiming they have seen more and more LUKOIL gas stations pop up all the time, replied to you,... oh no, they're selling the oil.

From that ... to poking fun at you...still I have a hard time connecting the dots, but ok.

No problem.

-- August 31, 2007 4:05 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

An account is as with any bank an account, and that means that there is no physical money involved, just an account, so in that sense, you don't have the currency in certified bills in your drawer no more.

The money is a number in a bank, just as your paycheck is deposited. it's just a number, but you can transform that number into certified Dollar bills any time you go to an ATM or bank teller for a withdraw.

Warka works the same.

Over 8000 people have successfully transferred money to Warka via a German proxy bank, it is pretty much daily routine.

You are not the first one asking how to get them out, and the mechanism is in place. I did follow on another forum how one guy did it, and he have by now done it successfully numerous times.

That practice is however not too often done right now, as the whole thing is in the investment mode, not the cash out mode, but by all means, you have to feel comfy yourself with what you're doing, and it might be a good idea to do some of your own research on this.

If militants will take over, well, possibility yes, likely weeeeell, it's always a risk but less likely, but in order to win, you've got to play.

If militants takes over, and you are sitting on a stash of Dinars at home, it doesn't matter, because the value of the Dinar will in that case be zil anyway.

My viewpoint, take it or leave it, it's just a matter of where will the Dinar do best for me right now, in the drawer or in the ISX or in an 11% savings account.

-- August 31, 2007 4:23 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

What I meant by not selling oil and keeping it to themselves is among the countries that have alliances in that carte. Not that a single country like Russia would not sell oil. The selling of oil would only be according to the alliance of that carte.

Hugo Chavez, from Venezula has already made it so that our own oil companies are saying that the rules imposed upon the oil company economically, would make doing business there too expensive. And you can believe me, the rules imposed upon the oil companies were intentional by Venezula. These same rules are not going to be the same for Iran, Russia. I am pretty sure about that!

I don't recall what Hugo Chavez did, but he imposed restrictive policies on the oil companies so that they could not make a descent profit from the oil business there.

My sensitively button is off.

Oh, on another topic, no dinar related: Roger, did you see the pictures of the big black hole that scientist say they found in space? I was not sure if the big white yellowish what looked like a whirlwind (hurricane) type figure was the black hole or if they meant the blackness in back of the stars. Can you clarify as you are our recent astronomer here (an interest you seem to have).

Laura Parker

-- August 31, 2007 9:20 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

I meant, resident astronomer here.

-- August 31, 2007 9:31 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

As you all have been discussing the Iraq stock market, I decided to punch in Iraqstockmarket.com and low and behold a website came up with brokers doing business on the Iraq stock market. Check it out and see what you all think. Is this a possible way for USA citizens to buy Iraq stocks from the United States of America?.

Laura Parker

-- August 31, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Hi Roger,
You are right I must have had a brain fart or something.

Rob N,
As Roger has said the Warka Bank gives you the same actions as you have with your account in
the US, and with your online banking with Warka it is no probs getting your cash out and back
home to the US.

The plan before the war started was to build a few large base;s in the dessert, out of the way
from the Iraqi's, if it all went tits up and into civel war, all the troops were to withdraw to these base's and let the Iraqi's kill each other for a while, then come back out and kill what was left, less to control.

And as for leaveing the area, no way, sunshine as, 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.

New month, lets get an RV going, a biggi would be nice.
Stay lucky, Steve.

-- August 31, 2007 10:55 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

What is RV?

-- September 1, 2007 9:10 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Australia: Our troops must finish job in Iraq, says Nelson
Foster Klug
September 2, 2007

DEFENCE Minister Brendan Nelson says the US-led coalition must not hand a victory to terrorists fighting in Iraq by leaving too soon.

After meeting US Defence Secretary Robert Gates in Washington, Dr Nelson said Australian troops would continue supporting the US in Iraq. When asked for how long, he said the decision would be made based on what was happening in Iraq.

"We are not about to leave Iraq prematurely," Dr Nelson said. "Progress has been made, but it's extremely important that we have the determination and the political will to see this through."

Australia has about 1600 troops in Iraq, 550 of them in combat roles.

The minister visited Iraq last week, meeting Australian and US military leaders, including the top commander General David Petraeus.

"We're starting to see some significant improvement, if not turnaround, in the security situation," he said. "The evidence at the moment is that the Baghdad security plan is working in a military sense."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/our-troops-must-finish-job-in-iraq-says-nelson/2007/09/01/118806743 0613.html

-- September 1, 2007 1:20 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Bush urges Congress to wait for Iraq report
Saturday 01 September, 2007

President George W Bush urged Congress to wait for a crucial assessment of his strategy before making any judgments about the war.

''The stakes in Iraq are too high and the consequences too grave for our security here at home to allow politics to harm the mission of our men and women in uniform,'' Bush said in a statement on Friday after visiting military officials at the Pentagon.

''This status report comes less than three months since our new strategy became fully operational and will assess what is going well, what can be improved, and what adjustments might be made in the coming months,'' Bush said.

''Congress asked for this assessment, and members of Congress should withhold judgment until they have heard it.''

Some Democrats have already called for the ouster of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and are likely to renew calls to withdraw American troops because of reports that show slow political progress.

http://www.ddinews.gov.in/International/International+-+Headlines/bush.htm

Did you notice the switch from saying the surge has failed to "slow political progress" as being the NEW reason for calls to withdraw the troops?

Sara.

-- September 1, 2007 1:26 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I suppose that any cessation of hostilities is good for the longsuffering people of Iraq and those forces determinedly and steadfastly continuing to defend their lives against their ancient foes.

Iraq: U.S. says Sadr order to boost fight against al Qaeda
Posted: 01-09-2007 , 11:38 GMT

The U.S. Army is planning to step up attacks against al Qaeda in Iraq. American plans were boosted this week when the most powerful Shiite militia leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, ordered a halt to attacks by his Mahdi Army for up to six months to reorganize. "If implemented, Sadr's order holds the prospect of allowing coalition and Iraqi security forces to intensify their focus on al-Qaeda-Iraq and on protecting the Iraqi population," the U.S. military said in a statement Saturday.

The statement said an end to Mahdi Army violence "would also be an important step in helping Iraqi authorities focus greater attention on achieving the political and economic solutions necessary for progress and less on dealing with criminal activity, sectarian violence, kidnappings, assassinations, and attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces."

The government-run newspaper Sabah published a front-page editorial Saturday praising al-Sadr's declaration as "a correct decision" and urged other militia leaders to follow suit.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/news/216436

-- September 1, 2007 1:33 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Anonymous;

RV is the short form of ReValuation.
What it really is.. is the expectation of the Dinar moving upward in value.

We on this site (and pretty much all Dinar sites) feel the Dinar is undervalued and that it will move upward.
RV denotes a sudden upward value change (revaluation is actually a misnomer, but it works well as a shortform).

There are those who think the value change will be gradual over years, others who think it will change value overnite.
RV is a term used by those who believe in a sudden value change overnite.
Obviously, such a change in value would not be announced beforehand,
as it has not been announced with other currencies who have gone through a swift upward valuation process.
(See the often quoted example of the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam, its currency drop in value,
then the Gulf War, followed by a quick return to a larger value for the Kuwaiti currency.)

It is widely believed that the passage of the oil law should facilitate an upward valuation of the Dinar by promoting economic growth in Iraq.
The economic growth should improve the value and worth of the Dinar, both short and long term.

Sara.

-- September 1, 2007 1:45 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

What they found was a big void in the universe, a place where there is nothing, and it is huge, some couple of billion light years across.

This was not a black hole, or some other thing, it is just a big huge nothing.

They're still scratching their heads.

I guess another creational theory went out the window.

About buying stocks in the USA.

All stocks have to be be originally bought on the stock exchange by an ISX broker, in Baghdad, and if Warka bank or a stockbroker in the US buys them it is essentially the same thing, except that the US stock broker will get a very hefty fee for doing it.

If a stock split comes up, Warka will do the administrative actions to take care of that.

If you are sitting on a bunch of certificates in the US, you need to keep tab of such things yourself, and send over the papers to another broker in Baghdad, in the hope that it will get properly done.

Steven,

Do you have your ISX stocks in proxy or in your name? If you have them in your name, can you please tell me the procedure for doing so.

-- September 1, 2007 3:34 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,

My stocks are in the proxy name still, as there duz not seem to be a rush on to get them in your own name, the other site has the info for doing it, the Iraq Embassey in London is putting a page up on their site all about what we will need to get the stock in our own names, have a look on their embassey in the US.

The way I read it was, if you have the stock notes in your name at home with you, to sell you only have to put the stock number and how many shares you want to sell from that one.

It looks like it may go electronic at the end of this month, gives me some more time to get some more stocks.

Stay lucky, Steve.

-- September 2, 2007 12:38 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Thanks, yes I agree, there might not be a hurry to do so, it is just another certificate that says I am the owner.

I rather have it than not, even if it is not a too much of a panic about that at the moment.

Read CBI's report to the IMF where CBI states that they intend to do a slow growth of the Dinar value over the coming months.

That in itself sounds not too good, it takes out the prospects for an RV in the very near future, but it is in itself good for me.

Reason is, I can exchange my Dinars and get my Dollars over to Baghdad, and be less concerned about an RV in the middle of the whole thing.

It would be a bummer to exchange all the Dinars, and send them to Baghdad, and then find out that while my Dollars was en route, an RV have taken place.

Feel safer doing my operation after reading that statement.

You are doing the right thing it seems, the stocks have per report been going up 0.5%/day, and this is just the beginning.

-- September 2, 2007 1:29 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

We feel safe now, when AlSad'r is ordering his gangsters to fight Al qaeda.

What should we do if we wouldn't have AlSadr??

Still beats me why that character is not in jail.

-- September 2, 2007 1:34 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

GIX = Gulf Iraqi Expo - 1st - 3rd November, 2007 - Manama, Bahrain

Al Warka is gold sponsor and the official bank of GIX

Al Warka Bank for Finance and Investment has joined GIX as gold sponsor since this big event will bring the Iraqi officials and businessmen together with reputable companies from the Gulf and *********.

In addition, the bank has signed an agreement with GIX organizers to be the logistic partner and the official bank of the event.
The agreement was signed by the CEO of I-vision for Public Relations and Media from the organizers part and by the Executive Manger Shaymaa Sadi Taqi from the bank part.

Al Warka bank, through its branches throughout Iraq, will provide the Iraqi businessmen who are interested in attending the event with the registration applications. The bank will also offer the registered individuals credit cards with 30% discount.

With its most efficient team, the bank is one of the pioneer banks in Iraq in the finance and investment services. Al Warka Bank works within the highest standards, using the most updated techniques of investment methods which help the customer in taking the right financial decision in the right timing.

In addition to the credit cards (Visa cards), the bank will launch Western Union services ********* and internet banking services also ATM services starting from the first of next September through its financial and investment department –HQ.

The organizers will provide the bank with promotional material and a specially- programmed software to be used for attendees registration.

http://www.gixexpo.com/Warka%20bank%20-%20English.pdf

-- September 2, 2007 8:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger;

Why isn't Sadr in jail?

Well.. there are a million people who follow him who would be interested in busting him out if the authorities were to put him in one. Statistically not a wise thing to do. So having a ceasefire from Sadr is a far better strategic move for the US military - who are fighting this war well and winning... something it would be nice for the US military to continue to do, if the Democrats (and a certain few of their GOP allies) would only allow them to.

Sara.

-- September 2, 2007 2:52 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Check out FOXNEWS.com - Report: Pentagon Has 3-Day Plan to Knock Out Iran's Military- International.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295529,00.html

Laura Parker

-- September 2, 2007 5:01 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura Parker,

I'm pretty sure they have already made up plans, but as the invasion of mainland Europe in WW2, they had a guessing game with the Germans.

The fact that an invasion was imminent could not be hidden from anyone. Allies as well as the Axis knew it was in the works.

Then on a day that was so stormy and rugged that many of the German commanders took off a couple of days,... then they came.

I think it is exactly the same here.

We don't have a force in the Persian Gulf that is right now BIGGER than the one we had during the Iraq invasion, just to defend off, or state our presence.

No, they are there for a reason. It's like the invasion of Europe.

Where,??? when,??? how,???

Suddenly when no one expect it, it will happen.

For our investment, this will be a good shot in the arm, as Iran have been the far most biggest irritant in Iraq's internal affairs.

As the cable guy said....-"Gidd'er doooone."

-- September 2, 2007 8:41 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

CBI have a very interesting report out right now, where they for the first time are talking about what we all have talked about for very long time on this blog.

The "official" exchange rate is going up right now in an effort to find the "real" exchange rate.

This is in an effort to stem inflation.

We have turned this over and over earlier, analyzing it almost to death, and finding that the real value of the Dinar will cure Iraq's economical sickness.

So, they're trying to chase down where that point is, and as it is higher than the official exchange rate, the Dinar will go up until they're in that zone.

True value have been determined by most to be in the 1 cent to maybe 25 cents (if you stretch it) range.

However, as the economy will take off, the "real" exchange rate, will go upwards, and as long as they are artificially taking extreeeeeemely small steps, they may never catch the "real" rate.

This will then be obvious when they start trading Dinar on the Forex, but as the evolution in Iraq is extremely slow, and still today the mechanisms for doing so is not in place, they have no other choice but continue to try to get the Dinar straight with an auction.

Well it's slow and tedious, but that's what they have, and it seems to be a slow process.

Earlier this year we had a lot of signs pointing towards and RV but lately those have watered out and dissolved into nothing.

Nothing really dramatic will ever happen with the Dinar unless there is business in volume in that country, so either way, the HCL, and the reconstruction of their oil fields IS the way out, in order to get this enchilada going.

-- September 2, 2007 8:56 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

If Iran is dealt with, AlSadr will be of less significance, as his backers will be a smoldering wreck.

The fact that they will be dealt with I do consider being certain.

Perhaps Bush needs a couple of more UN statements, or he might have just enough already.

Hard to say, but I would not volunteer into the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Army right now.

The roof of those barracks are far far too thin.

-- September 2, 2007 9:05 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Roger,

If you have a million in your hand, or a million in your Warka account, or a million in the post en route to Warka, a million is a million where ever it is, so why worrey about an RV if you have a million in the post, when it got to Warka it would go into your dinar account, then you can transfer it into you $Dollar account for whatever it is now worth, as my arab guys would say, me no understand,
it is only if you are transfering $dollars to Warka, that it will not get you as many dinars as before if it RVs while in the banking system to your $dollar account with warka, so it is safer to send dinar to Warka as it will mantain its value, whatever happens to it on route.
Just reread your post, so this just clears it up for those that don't know.

Never be afraid to try something new.

Remember.

Amateurs built the Ark
Professionals built the Titanic

Can you imagine working for a company that has a little more
than 500 employees and has the following statistics.

29 have been accused of spousal abuse
7 have been arrested for fraud
19 have been accused of writing bad cheques
117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
3 have done time for assault
71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
8 have been arrested for shoplifting
21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year

Can you guess which organization this is?

Give up yet?

Its the 535 members of the United States Congress

The same group that crank out hundreds of new laws each year
designed to keep the rest of the USA in line

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- September 3, 2007 12:13 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

I just gotten an e-mail from panhandler in Iraq. He states it's very hot over there and that they have seen an increase in mortar and rocket attacks at his base of operations. He stated that just 24 hours earlier, he was sitting in one of the buildings that got hit by rocket.

Panhandler states that several people were killed and/or wounded in that attack. One of the rockets hit about 5 rows away from his living quarters and one of the TCN'S was killed there. He states that the Hooches look like swiss cheese. Due to security issues, the base never tells anyone what the colateral damage is and they have to get the news by word of mouth.

He states he write T & B when he goes on vacation in about 15 days. He has been very busy as of late and has not been able to monitor the site. He asked me to give his regards.

Laura Parker

-- September 3, 2007 1:17 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

In addition, Panhandler stated that he has not monitored ISX in Iraq. However, he state that two companies he would invest in are: Al-Bassem and Bukkhave. He is unsure whether they are on ISX. He stated he would give a nice report when he comes on vacation.

My other concern raised with him was whether the insurgents are controlling the highway from Baghdad to Syria. He states "they don't stand a chance, the surge is kicking their asses..."

This sounds like good news, however, I am still concern about these rocket attacks. Pray for safety for all the contractors and soldiers.

Laura Parker

-- September 3, 2007 1:29 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

Thanks, and hope to hear from Panhandler when he get off.

It's reassuring to hear that we are kicking ass over there.

Steven,

No Steven I'm not afraid of doing it, it is just a risk I observed, but I will go for any risk there are, because the potential payout is so huge.

This is where the risk lies.

Lets say that you are the proud owner of a million Dinars.

As long as you own them, you can benefit from a possible RV (don't seem to be on the horizon right now, but ok, let's say it would happen)

Now, in order to get your money from the form of Dinars in your vault, to the Warka account, you first have to transfer them into Dollar, and then get back Dinars once there.

Ok, lets say you take your beloved million Dinars, and get 800 Dollars for them.

Now you don't own any Dinars, but you are back to Dollars again.

Lets say that at that particular moment, the long awaited RV comes.

All you are holding then is Dollars, either in your hands or on the way to Warka (takes about a week).

Lets say, just for the sake of the argument that THAT Million Dinars was all you had.

If you now instead have 800 bucks in your hand, and the RV comes, what are you going to do with those 800 bucks, you can't claim they went up in value, because it's not Dinars.

So yes, there is a risk of temporarily getting rid of Dinars, transferring it, and then get back into Dinars again.

The trick is probably to do it in small portions at a time.

Perhaps send a quarter of your holdings at a time, if you suspect that an RV will be imminent, if the signs are not there maybe a third or half at a time.

-- September 3, 2007 4:55 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq PM says key draft law sent to parliament
03 Sep 2007 10:39:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Iraq's government has submitted to parliament a key draft law aimed at easing curbs on former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party joining the civil service and military, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Monday.

The draft is one of the key measures the United States has said was needed to foster reconciliation between warring majority Shi'ites and minority Sunni Arabs.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L03190508.htm

-- September 3, 2007 11:01 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraqi dinar trading permit extended

Finance minister renews permit to trade Iraqi dinar in Israel, extended validity by two years

09.03.07

A special permit for trading Iraqi dinars in Israel has recently been renewed. Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On decided on the move due to the widespread trade of the currency in the country.

Initially, the permit was issued for a period of one year; its renewal has extended its validity by two years, de****e the fact that Iraq is considered an enemy state.

According to estimates by Govev Investments, which has been trading the Iraqi currency over the past year, the currency turnover equals in value to over $20 million. The Iraqi dinar currently stands at $0.0008.

In the United States, the currency turnover has reached nearly $500 million since the Iraqi dinar began being traded there at the end of 2003, following the printing of new bills issued by the al-Maliki government, which was voted into office under the auspices of the American occupation.
The demand for Iraqi currency in Israel has increased since trading began, under the assumption that its value will also increase with the rehabilitation of Iraq and its economy.

Economists see a promising potential in Iraq to become a wealthy, modern country because of its oil and gas reserves, and its vast, fertile agricultural land.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7...445047,00.html

-- September 3, 2007 1:55 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Inflation in Iraq slumps says central bank chief http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=192715&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=30167

-- September 3, 2007 2:02 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Bush made a surprise stop in Iraq on it's way to Australia.

Something tells me that the main underlying issue here is not Iraq, but Iran.

It's an historic pattern that before a war or a planned hostility, the statesmen of allies meet in person, doing their pep talk.

Don't know what he is saying to Malaki, but knowing the issues at hand in Iraq, it would not surprise me if Malakis ears will be hurting a couple of days after Bush departure.

Doctors diagnosis: The patient Mr Malaki, showed clear bruises, torn muscles and ligaments in the ear, stemming from a firm hand grip and subsequent shaking of the instrument.

-- September 3, 2007 3:51 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq's leader expects favorable marks in next week's reports to Congress
ROBERT H. REID AP
eptember 03, 2007

BAGHDAD-Iraq's prime minister said Monday he expects the U.S. ambassador and military commander to give his government favorable marks when they report to Congress next week and predicted passage of a law soon that could return more Sunnis to government jobs.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters Monday that his government was making progress toward national reconciliation and that both Crocker and Petraeus "are witnessing this progress."

"I expect that the positive developments will be, for sure, reflected in the report to Congress on Sept. 15," al-Maliki said.

The prime minister spoke before leaving for al-Asad Air Base to confer with President Bush, who flew to the remote air base for a firsthand assessment of the war before the upcoming debate over the U.S. troop buildup.

U.S. officials are expected to tell lawmakers that the troop increase has brought some improvements in security but that progress toward power-sharing deals among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds has lagged behind.

Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have blamed al-Maliki and called for him to be replaced.

Stung by those calls, al-Maliki said his critics have overlooked the achievements of his government, including a reduction "to a large extent" in sectarian reprisal killings.

The Shiite prime minister also said that a long-awaited draft law to ease the ban on former Saddam Hussein loyalists serving in government jobs has been completed and "I believe that the parliament will approve it."

Approval could allow thousands of Sunni Arabs to regain their jobs or receive government pensions and is among the 18 benchmarks set down by Congress as a condition for U.S. support.

In Basra, Iraqi soldiers hoisted the nation's flag over the Basra palace Monday after 550 British troops pulled out of the compound the night before. They joined about 5,000 other British soldiers at the airport 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of town.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the move was planned for months and that British troops would be available to help Iraqi forces "in certain circumstances."

"This is essentially a move from where we were in a combat role in four provinces, and now we are moving over time to being in an overwatch role," Brown told the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Iraq's defense minister said he was confident his military will be able to fill the vacuum and maintain security Basra.

"We are working very seriously to fill the security vacuum and we expect in the next few days to fill it in a good way," Defense Minister Abdul-Qadir al-Obaidi said during a stopover in Beirut, Lebanon en route to Europe.

http://www.macroworldinvestor.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=269172761

-- September 3, 2007 5:03 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Surprising drop in deaths after troop surge
By Nancy A. Youssef
McClatchy, September 3, 2007

WASHINGTON - American combat deaths in Iraq have dropped by half in the two months since the buildup of 28,000 additional U.S. troops reached full strength, surprising analysts...

In May, when four of the five additional brigades were in Baghdad, there were 123 combat deaths. By June, the number fell to 93, then to 66 in July and to 57 in August, according to the Web site iCasualties.org, which keeps the most up-to-date statistics on Iraq casualties.

Loren Thompson, a military analyst at the Lexington Institute, a Washington-area research center, warned that reducing the number of troops could lead to an increase in casualties.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/090307/news_20070903038.shtml

A thought...
If it is true that we lose far fewer soldiers by having a larger US combat presence, the WRONG strategy is to reduce the troop numbers as the Democrats are advocating. Their strategy would then be responsible for greater US troop deaths; and, as both sides have agreed we will continue to have a presence in the region, it appears foolish to follow the Dem's strategy by this measure. Not that reason or logic or the value of the lives of the troops will prevail in swaying the opinions of the Democrats in the political arena, but I just thought it worth mentioning.

Sara.

-- September 3, 2007 5:12 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Eventually the Iraqis have to deal with their own country, and ultimately we will be out of there , but until they can do so, the short term strategy have to prevail, and if it calls for more or a constant level of high troops, that's the medicine.

So Sara, are you doing the Warka deal???

-- September 3, 2007 6:04 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Yes, I agree, Roger. As long as the Iraqis need help the troops should stay.

And as far as Warka is concerned, my view is that a bird in the hand is worth two in the Warka account. :)

Sara.

-- September 3, 2007 7:24 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Sara,

You have got to be in it to win it

Nothing ventured nothing gained

He who dares wins, Rodney

-- September 3, 2007 7:45 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

One dinar on the table is better than a Dinner table

-- September 3, 2007 9:09 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

One Dinar in the hand, is better than a Dinner table on the foot.

-- September 3, 2007 9:10 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Better to flip a bird, than a flipping bird.

-- September 3, 2007 9:13 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Better a finger in the hole,than a hole in the finger

-- September 3, 2007 9:16 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

Got a Q for u.

As far as I understand you live in Salt Lake...Right?

I will in the short future exchange my Dinars so I can send them to Warka, but there are no known banks in CA that will do it, but I have heard that there are banks in S.L. as far as I remember.

Can you tell me what where and who.

Would you know if there is any restrictions like a very crummy exchange rate, or only a very small amount per day. or you have to have an account or something similar.

I was hoping to get this Warka deal going asap. I'm on the East Coast right now, but will be in CA a couple of days, will take off some days to get this taken care of.

I can drive over to S.L. in a day but could use a bit of info before I start doing this , so I don't end up in a wild goose chase.

-- September 3, 2007 9:38 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

No, I do not live in Salt Lake. I was in Sacremento on a business trip and my return flight to Texas took me through Salt Lake. If I left you with the impression I lived in Salt Lake my apologies.

Concerning the Dinar excahnge rate. The "real rate" will only be apparent with dedollarization. Until this happens the CBI will probably not catch the real rate. Once oil derivitives are bought and sold in Dinars will the real exchange rate become apparent.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 3, 2007 10:51 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Steven;

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" (Dinar). :)

I'm just busy with other baskets, I suppose.

I am content with the Dinar which I now hold in this "basket."

With further funds I have other ventures I am keen on.

Dinar isn't the only fish in the (investment) sea!

Sara.

-- September 3, 2007 11:36 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1001)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1001 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/9/4 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1237 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1235 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 108.075.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 18.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 108.075.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 18.000.000 -----

-- September 4, 2007 7:35 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

Thanks for the post about PH.
I will continue to pray for him and add the others he works with and the base to my prayers.
Hope we can hear from him soon, thanks.

Sara.

-- September 4, 2007 8:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Lack of legal framework keeps oil investors out of Iraq

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

04 September 2007 (International Herald Tribune)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi government officials and energy experts presented detailed plans for exploiting the wartorn country's vast petroleum wealth but admitted that the absence of a law regulating the industry is a bigger obstacle than security to attracting foreign investment.

Government officials at the three-day "Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemicals and Electricity Summit" held in Dubai tempered their grandiose projects for exploiting the country's massive oil reserves by admitting that the vital, but contentious, law still needed to be passed.

"Security is not stopping investors coming to Iraq, (it is because) they have no laws to protect their investment," Ali al-Dabbagh, the Iraqi government spokesman, told the Associated Press at the start of the conference.

After months of acrimonious debate, a new draft oil law will be discussed in parliament in the coming weeks, which al-Dabbagh hoped would be adopted by the end of the month.

"The majority of politicians are aware that we cannot go on without it," he said. "The oil law is the future of Iraq."

Despite being some of the largest in the world, Iraq's oil reserves are also some of the least exploited with the worst infrastructure — something Iraq is hoping foreign investors can change.

Talks have been held with Shell, Texaco and Dow Chemical companies on possible investments in various proposed projects, said Fawzi al-Hariri, Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals. He said the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation has also expressed interest.

Al-Hariri hoped that the negotiations would be concluded by the end of the year.

He described a plan for a US$120 million (€87.56 million) upgrade of a Basra petrochemical plant, that could be developed further with another US$1 billion (€0.75 billion).

"We are also considering a second, completely new facility, maybe in the north or central region," he told Dow Jones Newswires at the conference, putting the cost at over US$2 billion (€1.5 billion).

He said that the plant's final location would depend on the security situation.

Even more than new projects, however, it is the country's creaking oil infrastructure that has to be fixed, preferably with foreign investment, said Thamir Ghadban, chairman of Iraq Oil Commission.

Several times over the last three decades, complete overhauls were planned only to be shelved as the country was wracked by devastating wars and then U.N. sanctions.

"We think Iraq needs to bring up the oil production, but it also needs to go into oil exploration," Ghadban said, adding that the government plans to "convert 25 to 30 percent of probable reserves into proven reserves. "

If it succeeds, Iraq could raise production to 6 million of barrels of oil a day, up from an average of around 2 million barrels.

"Four million with national efforts and additional two million in cooperation with foreign oil companies," Ghadban said.

The country's former oil minister, Ibrahim Bahr al-Olom, called for additional domestic involvement in the sector as well, stressing the need for a "balance between national and foreign investment."

"Iraqis deserve a better standard of living," al-Olom said. "The only way they will get it, is by developing oil and gas resources."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 4, 2007 10:07 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq's Parliament Reconvenes After Break
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA 09.04.07, 9:54 AM ET

BAGHDAD - Iraq's parliament reconvened Tuesday after a monthlong summer break. Meanwhile, an Iraqi appeals court upheld death sentences imposed against "Chemical Ali" al-Majid and two other Saddam Hussein lieutenants convicted of crimes against humanity for their roles a massacre of Kurds, a judge said.

Al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and former defense minister, gained the nickname "Chemical Ali" after poison gas attacks on Kurdish towns in the 1980s. Under Iraqi law they must now be executed within the next 30 days.

Parliament in July shrugged off calls from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to cancel, or at least shorten, the traditional summer pause saying after putting the break off for a month that there was no point waiting any longer for the premier to deliver the legislation.

The session opened with 158 members of 275 present - enough to form quorum, but the agenda was not immediately announced.

On Monday, al-Maliki said the de-Baathification draft law - one of the U.S.'s 18 benchmarks - was ready and would be soon be taken to parliament.

"I believe that the parliament ... will approve it," he said.

The U.S. military announced Tuesday that in a single raid the day before, U.S. Special Forces and Iraqi soldiers had captured 46 al-Qaida in Iraq suspects in the northwestern city of Rabiah, breaking up a suspected terrorist cell.

"One of the targeted terrorists is believed to be linked to a brutal attack in Mosul that resulted in the death of seven Iraqi Police, while another detainee is suspected of having financial ties with Syrian intelligence to support the insurgency," the military said. The soldiers searched five buildings and confiscated bomb-making materials and a box of heavy machine-gun ammunition among other items.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/04/ap4078747.html

-- September 4, 2007 12:46 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steven:

How do I know which companies are listed on the ISX? Is this information posted on the website?

Do you know if any Iraqi oil companies are listed on the exchange? If/When the HCL passes, oil stocks will probably soar. Thanks in advance for the information.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 4, 2007 5:04 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Rob N.

The info is all on the ISX site.

The companies listed, their Email address, its all there.

The only down bit is all you have to go on to make up your pic list to buy on the ISX
is from the, Daily Analysis, from the last trading day.

Trading days are, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday

I sent in a pic list on Monday and got an Email today saying it will be done on Thursday

Most days it is Banks trading for about 75% of all trading

At the top of the site it tells you how many companies are trading
and and what sections they are in, and how many are not trading for whatever reason, and why.

That should sort you out, Steve.

-- September 4, 2007 7:50 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Laura,

when you communicate to PH, please tell him he is in my prayers.

Thanks,

Carole

-- September 5, 2007 2:12 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1002)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1002 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/9/ 5 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1237 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1235 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 70.450.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -------
Total offers for buying (US $) 70.450.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------- -----

-- September 5, 2007 7:20 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Ministry of Industry Stresses Importance of Benefiting from Foreign Experiences in Building Iraq’s National Economy

The Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals has stressed that it is a top priority to utilise foreign experience and Iraqi dedication to work at building the national economy to reach high levels of growth
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 5, 2007 10:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Report: Iraq Police Must Be Scrapped
Associated Press | September 05, 2007
WASHINGTON - Awaiting a visit Friday by President Bush to discuss the war, the Pentagon defended its efforts to rid the Iraqi national police of sectarian bias and corruption, even as an independent review found the force too tainted to continue.

In a meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a secure conference room dubbed "the Tank," Bush was expected to hear deep concerns from leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines about strains that are building on the force - and on troops' families - as a result of lengthy and repeated tours in Iraq.

Two independent assessments of the situation in Iraq already have been previewed this week - the latest finding that Iraq's national police are so corrupt and influenced by sectarianism that the corps should be scrapped and replaced with a smaller force.

An independent commission established by Congress to study Iraq's security forces will recommend starting over and reshaping the troubled 25,000-member police organization with a more elite force, a defense official said Friday. He said the report was more positive about progress being made by the Iraqi army.

The report from a commission headed by the former commander of U.S. troops in Europe, retired Gen. James Jones, is to be presented to Congress next week but Gates and other officials were briefed about it this week, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been publicly released.

Asked the Pentagon's view on this, press secretary Geoff Morrell said there already is a program under way to fix the problem of sectarian influence in the national police. He said he had not seen the Jones report.

"It should come as no surprise to anyone that there have been problems with sectarianism within the Iraqi national police force, and we have been working on it along with the Iraqi government for some time to fix that problem," Morrell said.

"We believe we now have a program in place which is showing progress, and that is by what we like to call `reblooming' the Iraqi national police force. We are revetting, retraining and then reintroducing forces into the Iraqi national police force," he added. "The intent of the program is to rid the Iraqi national police force of their sectarian biases that have been present from the get-go."

At least five of the nine police brigades have been taken off duty and sent to be retrained and reintegrated into the force, said Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman. He said the Iraqi government also recently approved a plan to hire some 2,000 internal affairs personnel to investigate problems in the force.

A senior general in Iraq, meanwhile, said in an AP interview Friday that he agrees the Iraqi national police should undergo retraining, adding that their biggest problem is a lack of experienced leadership.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, the commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq, said by telephone that sectarianism had been a problem in one of the two main national police units in his area, but that has since been corrected.

"Certainly some retraining would be beneficial," Mixon said, but he did not endorse the idea of scrapping the current force and starting over. "There is no question that the government of Iraq needs some type of police force that is mobile, that can move into certain areas that require police strengthening for selected periods of time. If that's the way they reshape them I think that would be a good idea."

The Iraqi National Police, a paramilitary organization run by the Interior Ministry, has long been feared and distrusted by the Iraqi people and is considered the weak link in the Iraqi security system. Many of its early senior officers were veterans of the Badr Brigade, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia formed in Iran from among Shiite refugees who had fled Saddam Hussein's rule.

The national police are separate from the far more numerous local police.

The U.S. has been working to weed out corrupt members, taking whole police units out of service and retraining them, as well as removing a number of commanders.

The report on Iraqi forces follows circulation earlier this week of a draft report by the Government Accountability Office, the auditing arm of Congress that found the Iraqi government has failed to meet political and security goals.

A third report - by the nation's intelligence agencies last week - found there has been some progress, but that violence remains high, the Iraqi government will become more precarious over the next six to 12 months and its security forces have not improved enough to operate without outside help.

Training and equipping an Iraqi Army, police force and border corps is key to handing over responsibility for Iraq's security and bringing U.S. troops home. Commanders have said they hoped to have a 390,000 security forces trained by the end of this year, but that they are not yet capable enough in some areas for the U.S. to reduce its troop levels.

Bush's Friday meeting with generals is likely to include an assessment on the long-term impact on U.S. forces of maintaining a heavy troop presence in Iraq in 2008 and beyond. There are more than 160,000 Americans in Iraq, up from around 130,000 before the escalation Bush ordered in January.

The Army and the Marine Corps have shouldered most of the burden in Iraq, creating strains that service leaders fear could hurt their recruiting as well as their preparedness for other military emergencies.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 5, 2007 10:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

McCain Says U.S. Now Winning Iraq Fight
Military.com | By Christian Lowe | September 05, 2007
Presidential hopeful and steadfast Iraq war proponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), said Tuesday that the "surge" strategy launched in March is succeeding and that the U.S. military is turning the corner in Iraq.

Saying all other issues "pale in comparison" on the campaign trail, McCain told Military.com in an exclusive interview that fellow lawmakers pushing for a withdrawal are setting "a date for surrender."

"I not only believe it is winnable, but I think we're succeeding - I think we're winning," McCain said in the Sept. 4 interview. "For us to bail out now would bring on chaos and genocide - the region would deteriorate into chaos - and we would be back and they would follow us home."

"I am as convinced of that as anything I have ever been convinced of in my life," said the former Navy pilot and nearly six-year Vietnam prisoner of war.

Breaking with statements from the British government, which has bristled at criticism of their recent withdrawal from Basra, Iraq's second largest city, McCain said the security vacuum left with the departure of British troops might have to be filled with U.S. and Iraqi troops to "restore some order."

"Basra is a cautionary tale about the failed strategy that Rumsfeld tried to employ and that was not having enough boots on the ground to bring about a secure environment," said McCain, a frequent critic of the former Defense Secretary.

But McCain added that a potential "surge" to Basra would not be a significant strain on U.S. forces since they could be shifted from areas pacified by the surge.

"Ramadi is basically secure today," McCain explained. "It's got some problems. But it's basically secure. ... It's just a fact."

Despite his firm support of the current strategy in Iraq - or perhaps because of it - McCain's standing in the race for the Republican nomination has slipped over the last several months as the debate over withdrawal grows more heated on Capitol Hill.

Some political analysts say it is McCain's emphasis on the importance of the Iraq war that has accelerated his decline in the polls, particularly among an American electorate that has grown weary of a bloody war roiling through its fifth year.

But the candidate doesn't see it that way.

"We've had some bumps in the road - some ups and downs that happen in every campaign," he said.

McCain said that although initial setbacks in Iraq may have tarnished America's reputation around the world, recent policies have begun to turn the tide. The election of pro-American leaders in France and Germany - whose governments were previously outspoken foes of America's invasion of Iraq - are positive signs that the world opinion of the United States is improving.

America could increase that momentum, however, by immediately closing the terrorist prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ban all torture of terror suspects, embrace curbs on global warming, and increase opportunities for national service for Americans at home and overseas, he said.

"We're still the strongest nation in the world, the greatest nation in the world ... we still are a beacon of hope and liberty for people around the world," McCain said.

"We can refurbish our image," he added "We've still got a little bit of work to do."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 5, 2007 10:31 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

U.S. forces arrest Iranian-linked agent in Iraq
Wed Sep 5, 2007 7:15AM EDT

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. soldiers detained a "highly sought individual" suspected of links to senior officers in Iran's Revolutionary Guards in a predawn raid on the Iraqi Shi'ite city of Kerbala on Wednesday, the U.S. military said.

U.S. commanders in Iraq have repeatedly accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards force of training Shi'ite militias in Iraq and supplying them with increasingly sophisticated weaponry to kill American soldiers.

The U.S. military said in a statement that the detained man, an Iraqi, was suspected of liaising with high-level officers in the Guards' elite Qods Force to arrange the transportation of Iraqis to training camps in Iran.

"It is likely that the affiliate is closely linked to individuals at the highest levels of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Qods Force," it said.

The U.S. military statement said troops had confiscated computer equipment, communications devices, documents and photographs from the suspect's home.

"As Iran continues its proxy war against the people of Iraq, Coalition forces will continue to build on recent operations to disrupt the flow of illicit, lethal materials from Iran to Iraq," said military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Garver.

U.S. generals say Iran is also trying to influence debate on the war in Washington by boosting its support for militias.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSCOL52581020070905

-- September 5, 2007 11:47 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Analysis: Industry eager to see passage of Iraq oil law
By Ben Lando
Coming 'in its own time'
By Ben Lando
UPI Energy Editor

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The question is simple on the third and final day of a major Iraqi energy conference where hundreds of oil men and women broke bread with Iraq's industry chiefs, politicians and technocrats: When will Baghdad set the ground rules for the international oil communities?

The answer, evenly nuanced, is clear: A version of the Iraq oil and natural gas law was agreed to by most of Iraq's political leadership last week, and when Parliament resumes this week it will, possibly, debate the law and, perhaps, maybe vote on it soon.

"They have a deal on the government level. Once it comes to the Parliament, it is the Parliament who has to have the say," Abdul-Hadi al-Hasani, deputy head of Parliament's Energy Committee, said on the sidelines of the summit, though he hasn't seen the latest version of the bill yet.

"This is really a discussion taking place between all expertise, members of Parliament, economists, government officials," he said, adding the balance between Iraqi and investor interests isn't a quick resolve. "I wish it could have been passed yesterday. We need it. But simply it has to take its own time to come through maturely."

Law seen certain to pass

Officials United Press International spoke to said if it wasn't the first item on Parliament's agenda, it could be high up there. Ramadan begins next week, but that's not expected to stop debate.

"After the deep discussion among the Council of Ministers and among the political leaders they agreed they would pass this," said Sami al-Askari, a member of Parliament and a top adviser to Maliki. Parliament, he said, is a "reflection" of the membership in the council and those at last week's meeting.

"We all follow the leaders," he said. "This is a formality, to discuss it" in Parliament, where a few minor things will be changed but the law will be passed after a "few weeks talking about it."

Robert Fryklund, vice president of industry relations for energy consultant firm IHS, told UPI last week Parliament must both reconvene and then approve the oil law, "and then anything that's being worked on from the preliminary standpoint would be able to move forward."

Many oil officials refused to talk on the record about Iraqi prospects, but all admitted that getting a law in place, and possibly an improvement in security, is all they are waiting for.

"Iraq is the only country in the world with great reserves, it's not developed," said Orhan Duran, general manager of Genel Enerji, the Turkish company that joined with Canada's Addax Petroleum to sign a production-sharing agreement with the KRG in May 200, and is now preparing a $1 billion development plan for their find. "On the other side, the quality of oil is very good. Plus a lot of exploration potential still is not touched."

http://wpherald.com/articles/5851/1/Analysis-Industry-eager-to-see-passage-of-Iraq-oil-law/Coming-in-its-own-time.html

QUOTE: The law will be passed after a "few weeks talking about it"???
A few WEEKS?
I certainly had hoped for sooner.

Sara.

-- September 5, 2007 12:21 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Germany Stops Massive 9/11 Attack on US Sites
From a shocked AFP:

Germany foils ‘massive’ attack on US citizens
by Juergen Oder

KARLSRUHE, Germany (AFP) - Germany said Wednesday it had foiled a "massive" attack with the arrest of three Islamic extremists who were planning to bomb airports and nightspots popular with Americans.

"They were planning massive attacks," Federal Prosecutor Monika Harms said.

“As possible targets … the suspects named discotheques and pubs and airports frequented by Americans with a view to detonating explosives loaded in cars and killing or injuring many people,” Harms told a press conference.

The men, two Germans and a Turk, had amassed more than 700 kilogrammes (1,500 pounds) of hydrogen peroxide, the same chemical used by suicide bombers in the 2005 attacks on London’s transport system which killed 56 people, Harms said.

The chemicals had been stockpiled in a town in the Black Forest and drums of it had been moved to a rented holiday home recently.

Harms said the men, who were arrested on Tuesday, belonged to an organisation with ties to Al-Qaeda called Islamic Jihad Union, which German authorities have suspected for several months of planning attacks.

The men were aged 22, 28 and 29.

One of the three had been arrested for spying on a US military base in December but was released soon afterwards, federal police chief Joerg Ziercke said.

All three of the men had attended a training camp in Pakistan in 2006.

There was no confirmation of media reports that the men had been targeting Frankfurt international airport and the giant US military base in Ramstein.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said the men were “very dangerous terrorists”.

“They obviously planned these attacks on the orders of an international network,” Schaeuble said.

The minister said one of the men arreseted had links to the Islamist scene in Neu-Ulm in southern Germany. German investigators have suspected for several years that a mosque in Neu-Ulm is used as a base for extremists planning attacks.

A leading member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative Christian Democratic Union, Wolfgang Bosbach, said the men had probably been planning attacks to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

“We have succeeded in preventing these attacks at a highly sensitive time,” Bosbach told N24 television.

The mayor of Medebach-Oberschledorn, the town where the suspects were arrested, said one of them had been shot by police, although this was not confirmed by prosecutors…

==end quote===

Mind you, this is just a bumper-sticker war.

We should just leave it to the police.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 at 8:27 am

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/germany-stops-massive-911-attack-on-us-citizens

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070905/ts_afp/germanyattacks

-- September 5, 2007 12:47 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

The targets were the Frankfurt International Airport and the nearby U.S. Ramstein Air Base:

German Police Arrest 3 in Plot to Attack Americans
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Fox News, AP

BERLIN — Three Islamic militants from an Al Qaeda-influenced group nursing a "profound hatred of U.S. citizens" were arrested on suspicion of plotting imminent, massive bomb attacks targeting Americans in Germany, prosecutors said Wednesday.

In Washington, a senior U.S. State Department official said German investigators had determined the Frankfurt International Airport and the nearby U.S. Ramstein Air Base were the primary targets of the plot but that those arrested may have also been considering strikes on other sites, particularly facilities associated with the United States.

The three men, two German converts to Islam and a Turkish citizen linked to a group based in Central Asia, had some 1,500 pounds of hydrogen peroxide — enough to make a bomb with the explosive power of 1,200 pounds of TNT, prosecutors said at a news conference.

It was the second time in as many days that European officials said they had thwarted a major attack. On Tuesday, Danish authorities arrested eight alleged Islamic militants with links to senior Al Qaeda terrorists. No direct connection between the two groups has been established, officials said.

Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked security officials for foiling the attack, and called the arrests a "very, very great success."

"This shows that terrorist dangers, in our country as well, are not abstract but are real," she said.

Germany's elite GSG-9 anti-terrorist unit arrested two of the suspects Tuesday at a vacation home in Oberschledorn, a town of some 900 people in central Germany. A third suspect fled through a bathroom window, but was caught about 300 yards away, authorities said.

The suspects, appearing behind closed doors Wednesday at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe, were ordered held pending trial.

Prosecutors said the three had undergone training at camps in Pakistan run by the Islamic Jihad Union, and had formed a German cell of the Al Qaeda-influenced group. The Islamic Jihad Union is described as a Sunni Muslim group based in Central Asia that was an offshoot of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, an extremist group with origins in that country.

"This group distinguishes itself through its profound hatred of U.S. citizens," Ziercke said.

The three had no steady work and were collecting unemployment benefits while their main occupation was the plot, officials said.

The arrests were another alarming report following a failed train bombing last year. In July 2006, two gas bombs were placed on German commuter trains but did not explode. Officials said that attack was motivated by anger over cartoons portraying the Prophet Muhammad in a Danish newspaper. Several suspects are on trial in Lebanon, and a Lebanese man has been charged in Germany.

Additionally, three of the four suicide pilots involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, once lived and studied in Hamburg.

Wolfgang Bosbach, a top legislator from Merkel's Christian Democrats, noted the upcoming sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295753,00.html

-- September 5, 2007 1:21 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Let us hope the combined pressure being applied from the Oil companies and by GWB will have some positive effect toward passage of Iraq's HCL.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 5, 2007 3:00 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Rob N.

I am of the opinion that Iraq does not necessarily move due to the pressure of the oil companies to put pressure on the Iraq government. In reading an article from iraqiupdates, the oil minister is stating that oil sharing is being disputed in Basra for who will control the oil. This is a sectarian situation over this resource.

In addition, Maliki has now turned for advice to Imam Sistani and this article is interesting. Maliki is thinking about replacing his cabinet with technocrats. At present, his cabinet is defined by sectarian politicians. He states the lack of people willing to fill vacanties is based on sectarian bias.

I noted that Maliki and the Oil minister are saying the same message. We need to fill positions on the basis of expertise. My thought on this is this is our normal way of filling jobs in the United States. Iraq lacks this ability at present to fill positions in government on the basis of expertise. These articles, to me, give me a sense of hope that Iraq maybe coming around. I think President Bush was right to visit with Maliki and his government at this time. I believe, the visit may have been beneficial to encourage Maliki to make some really important decisions regarding how his government is going to function.

Also noted, is the parliament's concern over Iran's recent comments to fill the power vacuum in Iraq. I don't think parliament or the defense minister appreciated Iran's comments toward their country of Iraq.

In all, I think things are coming along. In creating a free nation, Iraq has had it's problems. So did America in our early days of creating a nation. I believe I agree with the oil minister's view, that everyone involved in Iraq has had some missteps but eventually everyone will work out how the country is going to function. This is not an exact quote, but close to the message he was trying to get out.

Laura Parker

-- September 5, 2007 5:03 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

I think the article you posted yesterday says it best, QUOTE:

After months of acrimonious debate, a new draft oil law will be discussed in parliament in the coming weeks, which Ali al-Dabbagh, the Iraqi government spokesman, hoped would be adopted by the end of the month.

"The majority of politicians are aware that we cannot go on without it," he said. "The oil law is the future of Iraq."

The country's former oil minister, Ibrahim Bahr al-Olom, called for additional domestic involvement in the sector as well, stressing the need for a "balance between national and foreign investment."

"Iraqis deserve a better standard of living," al-Olom said. "The only way they will get it, is by developing oil and gas resources."

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21383

There is no free lunch in this world. The Iraqis have a resource they can sell. Developing oil and gas can make them to have a decent standard of living. I think they know this and will act to preserve their land and heritage by getting their oil laws up and running, and people working and making them wealth.

As for those who think the Iraqis may wish the US to leave right now.. we all know that the Iranians are just hoping for that so they can swoop down and steal all the oil and gas for themselves. That is why the Iranians are behind the ongoing attacks in Iraq. As the Iraqi religious council said today:

Iraqi Religious Council: Iranian Regime behind sectarian fighting in Iraq
Wednesday, 05 September 2007

NCRI - Vice President of the Iraqi Religious Council, Ayash Alkabisi, considers Iranian regime as the main threat to Iraq. He said, “As part of the resistance we announce that the Iranian regime is targeting our country’s unity, wealth and destiny through a dangerous plan.”

He told the Iraqi TV on September 1, “There is no Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Undoubtedly, whatever there is has to do with the extensive plot by the Iranian regime. The threat that people feel in their mosques, streets, markets and homes, especially in Sunni areas have nothing to do with the Al-Qaeda, but the Iranian regime’s conspiracies.

Alkabisi added, “The Iranian Counsel who was kidnapped earlier was freed by Al-Qaeda. All our brothers in resistance and everybody are aware of that. This proves that Al-Qaeda in Iraq is not working for an Islamic agenda but it clearly works for the Iranian regime and has become a strong arm of that regime.

Alkabisi noted that the sectarian difference between Sunnis and Shiites is the outcome of the Iranian regime’s meddling in Iraq. He said, “Throughout the history, there has never been any sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq unless caused by the Iranian regime.”

http://www.ncr-iran.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4054&Itemid=128

I think the Iraqis will do their oil laws and get the workers into Iraq to develop their oil and gas in order to earn the Iraqis wealth. They can be as prosperous as the Saudi Arabians have been. The average person living in Iraq should be able to do as well as those living in Saudi Arabia - once they get their oil and gas industry up and running. The only one ticked off will be Iran, and as Roger observed when he spoke about the buildup in the Gulf, etc - it is very likely the US will not leave the Iraqis to face their fate alone against such wolves - wolves who are only seeking to eat their resources for lunch.. or as Carl put it, to extend their Persian Empire to encompass the lands of Babyon once again.

Sara.

-- September 5, 2007 5:06 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

Good article on the Iranians. It would appear that the Sunni Iraqi's are aware of Iranian intentions too. The first day of Parliament showed that Iraqi politicians wanted to speak with Maliki on the comments of Iran and to get updates on where the country is on what is going on in the Iraqi nation.

I am really hopeful that Iraq is starting to get it's act together for political reconciliation. This process may take a little time but I am starting to see signs of the country coming together.

Laura Parker

-- September 5, 2007 5:20 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

I am seeing evidence from many sources of the Iraqis coming together in unity against these forces seeking to destroy their union and nation, too. I think the Iraqis understand that they are facing enemy nations seeking to undermine their country and take their resources and lives. I think they are far better off united than divided, as the saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall" and the Iraqis wish to stand against their enemies, not fall/lose. One such development of hope was this one mentioned in the news yesterday noting MAJOR PROGRESS towards setting out a "roadmap for peace" for Iraq:

Groups report progress in 'secret' Iraq peace talks - Summary
Posted : Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:32:03 GMT
Author : DPA

London - Participants in secret peace talks between warring Sunni and Shiite Arab factions in Iraq Tuesday reported that major progress has been made towards setting out a "roadmap for peace" for the war-torn country.

Martin McGuinness, the Sinn Fein politician and deputy leader of the regional government of Northern Ireland, said Tuesday that "huge strides" towards peace had been made during four days of talks at a secret location in Finland.

Participants had committed themselves to a 12-point plan outlining principles of non-violence and democracy, and dubbed the Helsinki Agreement.

The Guardian newspaper described the plan as a "roadmap for peace."

McGuinness, who co-chaired the seminar together with reformist former South African government minister Roelf Meyer, described the talks Tuesday as a "major stepping stone towards a resolution of conflict in the troubled region."

"There is no doubt whatsoever that the message from these talks is that we need to do things differently, we need to come together, we need to recognize that, whatever our differences, the only way forward is to unite," said McGuinness.

He described the participants from Iraq as "power-brokers and people with enormous influence in that country."

It was attended by about 30 representatives of Iraq's warring Shiite and Sunni Arab factions, according to the reports.

The 12 points contained clear echoes of the principles of non- violence and democracy proposed by former US Senator George Mitchell, which paved the way for the 1998 Good Friday Agreement peace agreement in Northern Ireland.

In addition to pledging to resolve political differences peacefully, the agreement commits the Iraqi parties to consider the creation of a disarmament commission, and the formation of a group to deal with the legacy of Iraq's past.

They also seek an end to international and regional interference in Iraq's affairs. (READ "IRAN" - Sara)

Among the groups reportedly represented at the talks were representatives of the radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the largest Sunni Arab political group, Adnan al-Dulaimi, and Human Hammoudi, the Shia chairman of the Iraqi parliament's foreign affairs committee, the Guardian reported.

Participants agreed to "deal with militias" by arming and training security forces to become an "effective national force," while also fostering economic development.

Members of armed groups that "are classified as terrorists" would be encouraged to adopt "peaceful political means" and given jobs within the state administration.

McGuinness said that while the political situations in South Africa, Ireland and Iraq were "quite different," there were key lessons to be learnt.

"The important lesson to learn is that if people are serious about bringing about peace in their country, that can only be done through an inclusive negotiating process," he said.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/101946.html

The Iraqis, including these ones, appear to understand the need for security (an "effective national force") and for prosperity ("fostering economic development") as part of the many pronged approach to winning the war for Iraq.

Sara.

-- September 5, 2007 6:10 PM ∞

---

chuck wrote:

this will be my only post, I have followed here for about a year,love to read but never post my question to all is why none of you have ever posted that the national bank of kuwait...NBK.com has for the last year given an avg. of 75-100 Dinar more to the dollar compared to Iraq's own banks CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE.....9/5/07.....1129 DINAR to 1 U.S. DOLLAR ANSWERS????????????????

-- September 5, 2007 11:54 PM ∞

---

Steven wrote:

Chuck,

The way I read it is, in NBK one US dollar buys 1127.6125
CBI one US dollar buys 1238.000

If you are changing dollars into dinar then you want
a lot of dinars for your money, buy from CBI

But if you are changing dinars into dollars
you want less dinars for a dollar sell to NBK

Best you go buy a load of dinars from the CBI
then go sell them to the NBK for you to make money

Well thats about as clear as mud, best we wait for Roger to make sense of it.
Stay lucky, Steve

-- September 6, 2007 1:19 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1003)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1003 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/9/ 6 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1237 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1235 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 103.050.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 103.050.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000

-- September 6, 2007 7:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq economy heading for 6 pct growth: US official

The economy of Iraq is doing better than expected and is headed for growth of over six percent this year, a senior US official said on Wednesday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 6, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Forces Not Ready for Prime Time
Associated Press | September 06, 2007
WASHINGTON - Critical to U.S. plans for redeploying American troops from the battlefield, Iraq's security forces appear far from ready to take over the fight against al-Qaida and insurgents, an independent report concluded.

Retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones, who led the 20-member panel studying Iraqi security forces, was to testify before Congress on Thursday. His report, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, said the Iraq's security forces would be unable to take control of their country in the next 18 months.

The readiness of Iraq's security forces will be an important element in the congressional debate over the war. Republicans see success by the Iraqi forces as key to bringing U.S. troops home, while an increasing number of Democrats say the U.S. should stop training and equipping such units altogether.

The study found that the Iraqi military, in particular its Army, shows the most promise of becoming a viable, independent security force with time. It predicted that an adequate logistics system to support these ground forces is at least two years away.

Worse off is the Iraq national police force. The study, which described the police force as dysfunctional, corrupt and infiltrated by militias, recommended that the force be scrapped and entirely rebuilt.

These units "have the potential to help reduce sectarian violence, but ultimately the (Iraq Security Force) will reflect the society from which they are drawn," according to the report. "Political reconciliation is the key to ending sectarian violence in Iraq."

The United States has spent $19.2 billion on developing Iraq's forces and plans to spend another $5.5 billion next year. According to Jones' study, the Iraqi military comprises more than 152,000 service members operating under the Ministry of Defense, while the Ministry of Interior oversees some 194,000 civilian security personnel, including police and border control.

The review is one of several studies that Congress commissioned in May, when it agreed to fund the war for several more months but demanded that the Bush administration and outside groups assess U.S. progress in the four-year war.

A senior Pentagon official said Wednesday that the U.S. military does not believe the Iraqi national police should be disbanded but acknowledges that getting the Iraqi army up to speed will take a while.

"We've always recognized that this was a long-term project," Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said.

Several lawmakers - many of whom face tough elections next year - said they would be unswayed by the Jones report and other independent assessments. Congress would fare better by finding a bipartisan solution that would bring troops home, they say.

"No matter what these reports suggest or what Congress infers from them, it is clear that it is time to develop a post-surge strategy," 13 lawmakers, including three Republicans, wrote on Wednesday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

According to the study, the panel agreed with U.S. and Iraqi officials that the Iraqi Army is capable of taking over an increasing amount of day-to-day combat responsibilities, but that the military and police force still would be unable to take control and operate independently in such a short time frame.

"They are gaining size and strength, and will increasingly be capable of assuming greater responsibility for Iraq's security," the report states, adding that special forces in particular are "highly capable and extremely effective."

The report is much more pessimistic about Baghdad's police units. It describes them as fragile, ill-equipped and infiltrated by militia forces. And they are led by the Ministry of Interior, which is "a ministry in name only" that is "widely regarded as being dysfunctional and sectarian, and suffers from ineffective leadership."

Accordingly, the study recommends disbanding the national police and starting over.

A group of liberal Democrats said Wednesday the U.S. should stop supporting these forces entirely and withdraw U.S. troops.

"How can we be sure we are not putting guns into the hands of a future enemy and empowering them for generations to come?" said Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif.

Other Democrats say party leaders have set their sights on the $147 billion President Bush requested for the war as a means of forcing a drawdown of U.S. forces.

Rep. James Moran, D-Va., a member of the House panel that oversees the military budget, said an option being considered is a bill that funds the troops, but in three- or four-month installments, and directs that the money be used only to bring them home.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 6, 2007 10:45 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Basra Pullout Will Test Iraqi Forces
Associated Press | September 06, 2007
BAGHDAD - The aftermath of this week's British pullout from Basra will demonstrate whether Iraq's nascent security forces have what it takes to keep the peace in a major city where Shiite militias and gangs have held sway.

If the Iraqis can keep rival Shiite militias at bay in the country's second-largest city, that would significantly boost the confidence of the Bush administration in Iraqi capability.

But failure would raise serious questions about Iraq's army and police as President Bush and leading Democrats prepare for a showdown over the future of the U.S. mission during congressional hearings next week.

British soldiers withdrew Sunday from their last base in Basra and moved to the local airport about 12 miles to the north. The move ended the British military's permanent presence in the city and paves the way for further cuts in the 5,500-strong force.

Iraqi soldiers and police now have responsibility for security in the city, with a population of about 2 million. So far calm has prevailed in Basra, which lies 340 miles southeast of Baghdad near the Iranian border.

The Iraqi army has about 4,000 soldiers in Basra province, according to an Iraqi Defense Ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

That number, he said, was insufficient for such a large area that is not only one of Iraq's most populous but also includes much of the country's oil wealth.

"Iraqi forces and security agencies will face difficulties because there is a major lack of equipment and numbers," said Hakim al-Mayahi, head of the security committee at the Basra Provincial Council. "In order to control security in Basra, we need at least two army divisions and all we have now is a brigade."

For years the city's police force has been under the influence of Shiite militias. To minimize militia influence, the government in Baghdad plans to send troops from outside the city, fearing local troops will be intimidated and their families threatened.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said in a statement Wednesday the British departure from Basra shows the growth of the capabilities of Iraqis and their preparedness to face major challenges. But that is yet to be seen.

Earlier this week, 30 delegates representing various political and religious groups in Basra signed a "charter of honor" to guarantee peace in the city. The pact called for militias to give up their heavy weapons, refrain from attempting to infiltrate security forces and cooperate with security agencies in the hunt for wanted terror suspects.

Significantly, the charter was not signed by representatives of Muqtada al-Sadr, the anti-American Shiite cleric whose Mahdi Army militia is blamed for many of the attacks on British troops.

Basra's other major militias include those of the religious Fadhila Party and the Badr militia, linked to the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council, the country's biggest Shiite party.

Supreme Council supporters have dominated police commando units in Basra and the rest of southern Iraq. Fadhila controls the force that guards oil installations. The Mahdi Army controls the local police force and the port authority.

Columnist Elias Harfoush, writing Wednesday in the pan-Arab daily Al Hayat, warned that the withdrawal of British troops from Basra occurred "before the Iraqi army is ready to take over complete control of the security situation."

But Iraqi commanders speak about Basra's security with confidence.

Lt. Gen. Mohan al-Fireji, the area's Iraqi commander, told The Associated Press that people should not be pessimistic and should have confidence in Iraqi forces.

"It is true that British forces have recently had a major role as a backup force, but I believe that our forces are capable of performing their duty well," he said.

Britain has yet to announce whether it will order its entire contingent in Iraq to return home. But many Iraqis fear that a British withdrawal is imminent, feeding concern about the capabilities of Iraqi security forces to fill in their shoes.

A major British withdrawal from Iraq could pose a serious danger to Iraq's economy, security as well as the work of multinational forces in the country.

Basra province not only includes oil fields but also oil export terminals. The highway to neighboring Kuwait is a major land supply route to U.S. forces throughout the country.

U.S. officials have hinted that some American forces may have to be transferred to the south if the Iraqis can't control the Basra area.

Maj. Gen. Richard Sherlock, director of Operational Planning at the Pentagon, said last month that U.S. commanders may reposition U.S. forces if necessary "so that they don't give up gains that they've made in different areas, including in Basra and in the south."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 6, 2007 10:46 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Missteps and Mistrust Mark the Push for Legislation http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/04/AR2007090402190.html?hpid=topnews

-- September 6, 2007 1:56 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Analysis: Oil, security for Iraq investors

Security in Iraq is a major holdup to investment there, sometimes second only to the lack of a law governing Iraq's vast oil and gas reserves.

Various security plans, by Iraqi and U.S. forces, are intended to break the cycle of violence, but little of the ambitions for Iraq's future will take hold until its citizens face fewer day-to-day threats to their lives.

Inter- and intra-sectarian violence as well as anti-occupation attacks and the multi-national force's response keep Iraq's morgues full, people afraid and development of vital services at bay. Iraqis face both poverty and unemployment estimated at more than 50 percent, and a simultaneous crisis lacking security, fuels, electricity, healthcare, clean water and education, though these vary by region.

The energy sector, which is the bloodline for Iraq's economy, is a frequent target.

Many top executives at an Iraq energy conference this week alternately ranked the security situation and the oil law as the top reasons they aren't rushing into the country to invest. Most spoke off the record to UPI, but shared similar concerns.

"What is the main issue to me, as long as security problem is there, it is very difficult to get service companies to Iraq," said Orhan Duran, general manager of Genel Enerji, a Turkish firm. Genel and Canada's Addax Petroleum formed the Taq Taq Operating Co. to operate a field in the Iraqi Kurdish region, which is relatively safe and semi-autonomous from Baghdad.

Both will be needed for the benefit of investors and Iraqis: the oil law to outline investment guidelines for foreign and private firms; security to ensure a lower risk premium in contracts.

"Of course, the cost Â… is higher than normal countries, because of the security," Duran said, estimating Iraq's deals to be two to three times higher than if it were more stable.

"We are afraid of the present status," said a top official of a major Japanese firm at the Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical and Electricity Summit organized by the London-based Iraq Development Program. "After improvement of security, we can move."

There's no consensus in government on what is more of a roadblock to entering Iraq's market.

"No doubt, the security situation is a fundamental part of the development process, whether the oil sector or the other sectors," said Ibrahim Bahrul-Uloom, a former oil minister who held the post twice since 2003. "We think politics and economic and security are connected together, even thought we made progress in the political process."

The oil law is stuck between various factions who either want a heavy central control or strong regional and governorate rights and either extremely limited foreign investment or the unbridled free market.

It's now up to Parliament to pass the law, though it has yet to receive a finished draft, but leaders of various sides in the highest parts of government agreed to move the law forward. Parliament resumed session Tuesday after an August recess. It didn't take up the law.

"We feel the security for the oil industry is not a crucial issue. The legislation framework is the most important," said Ali al-Dabbagh, top spokesman for the government. Though he said the energy infrastructure could be protected, by stepped up efforts from both Iraq and multi-national forces, he warned against U.S. troop reductions to fight the "devil enemies."

A sizeable amount of Iraq's violence is between Sunnis and Shiites, and among rival Shiite factions. Others, both Iraqi and non-Iraqi, are fighting against the U.S. occupation or the Iraqi government by targeting high-value energy infrastructure.

Attacks on Iraq's oil and electricity sector from April 2003 through the third week of August have been rampant and ongoing, according to an expert in threats and vulnerability to the energy sector ********* who spoke on condition of anonymity. An official with an Iraqi ministry focused on protecting energy infrastructure says that trend will turn around.

The expert's data includes attacks on more than 800 workers and more than 1,000 attacks on infrastructure such as pipelines, oil fields and wells, refineries and tankers, power lines and towers, power stations and substations. The expert cautioned that all the data rely on what is actually reported, assuredly lower than the number of actual attacks.

Iraq recently repaired and turned back on the pipeline from Kirkuk in the north to Turkey's Mediterranean Sea port of Ceyhan. The second-most important pipeline in the country, it has been largely useless since the war began because of attacks.

"All pipelines throughout Iraq are vulnerable to attack, however the levels of attacks reduced recently due to the security measures," said Issa Jaffar Jabir, director general of the Ministry of National Security Affairs.

The ministry operates the Oil Protection Force and uses special Iraqi troops, and Jabir said soon the Iraqi air force would contribute to protecting the energy infrastructure. He wouldn't say how members protect the infrastructure.

He said he won't be able to have "a security vision for the country" until the oil law is approved.

Iraq's oil exports brought in more than 93 percent of the federal budget last year, an amount that would increase if the government's long-term plans to revamp the various energy sectors, as well as other industries, fall in line. Iraq estimates the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors need more than $50 billion in investment through 2016.

Industry Minister Hariri, speaking to reporters in Dubai hours before a flight to Washington, said other industries could deliver up to 20 percent of the country's gross domestic product. That means the energy sector grows as robust as the oil and gas reserves could allow it to; private companies, domestic and foreign, start investing; and the country becomes safer, he said.

"I don't actually blame the companies for not wanting 'either risk my own investment or risk my people.' For people who are looking at it from outside, it looks gloomy. Me from the inside I can see a different picture to the situation. There are large pockets of the country where the environment is safe where potential workers or companies can actually do work."

He points to the economic development in Iraqi Kurdistan, a potential gateway into the rest of Iraq, perhaps employing Iraqis, who would be safer than foreigners right now.

"In the long term Iraq will be the next land for investment," he said. "There will not be another part of this planet that provides so much promise and so many opportunities Â… with quick, great return as Iraq will."

Analysis: Oil, security for Iraq investors : Middle East World
__________________
.

-- September 6, 2007 2:15 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

This came from another sit sounds good.

Anyone Else Get This?

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

Interesting,

Recently two representatives of BB&M International attended the conference meeting in Dubai in late August. All is looking well for a Sept 28 launch of the Iraqi currency on the International market. Should delays occur there is a 90 day extension in place from the IMF International Monetary Fund and BB&M was assure by Mr Al Sistani the minister of Finance in Iraq that they hope to get this bill passed in a timely fashion. Below you\'ll find a copy of the letter received for the conference.

US Ambassadors Letter of Invitation
====================================

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX:
We have not met, but your name came up as someone who has an interest in investment in Iraq. By way of introduction, I work for the US Embassy on economic development initiatives, where I’m currently working on an Iraq investment conference you might be interested in attending. The conference is by invitation only, but I can get you on the list if you like. The admission fee will be nominal ($100 or less, just to cover lunches, refreshments, etc). Following is more information on the conference:

The government of Iraq is holding a conference at the Radisson SAS Diera Creek, in Dubai, UAE for the period 28 – 30 August 2007 under the patronage of HE the Vice President Dr. Adil Abdul Mahdi. This is the first of three planned conferences that will address several topics related to the economic development, business and investment opportunities. The focus of the first conference will be the seven southern Iraqi provinces (namely Basrah, Muthanna, Thi Qar, Qadisiyah, Najaf, Karbala and Missan).

The objective of the conference is to bring together businessmen who have potential economically feasible projects with regional and international investors, banks and financial institutions that are willing and interested in considering business opportunities in Iraq, within the framework of the new investment law and the emerging market economy environment.

Your participation in this conference will certainly add a lot of value. Please find attached the conference agenda. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, and look forward to hearing from you. We hope to see you at the conference.

V/R,

Glenn Corliss
Economic Advisor
US Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq
Mobile: 1 (914) 360-2442
Email: corlissg@state.gov

v

-- September 6, 2007 2:22 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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DNO up on Iraqi oil law hopes

Shares in DNO ASA rose in afternoon trade, outperforming a marginally stronger market, on hopes that the all-important Iraqi oil law could be ratified sooner rather than later, dealers said.

At 1.20 pm, shares in DNO were up 0.17 nkr, or 1.61 pct, at 10.71, while the OSEBX benchmark index was 0.12 pct higher at 480.44.

At the time of its second-quarter results last month, DNO said it expected Iraq's new petroleum law to be ratified by the central government in Baghdad in September, having already been signed off by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

While analysts have said they are sceptical that the law will come into force as quickly as DNO hopes, Orion Securities this morning pointed out that once the law is passed, it will be a powerful share-price driver for DNO.

"We see an eventual oil law in Iraq as a big trigger for DNO," the broker said, de****e the "big risk of delays".

Additionally, Orion said, once the oil law is in place it believes there will be a rise in the number of companies willing to pay handsomely for DNO's Iraqi assets.

Last month DNO said it had rejected a 700 mln usd bid from an unnamed oil firm for its assets in Northern Iraq.

Orion has a 'buy' recommendation on DNO with a 12.7 nkr price target.

DNO up on Iraqi oil law hopes | Iraq Updates
__________________

-- September 6, 2007 2:56 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

British MPs demand Iraq oil info http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/103392.html

-- September 6, 2007 3:00 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

from muskogee
Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 14
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Iraq: Signs of a New Horizon

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Politics
Iraq: Signs of a New Horizon
By Amir Taheri
17 August 2007 (Asharq Alawsat)
Are we witnessing an all-round change of attitude towards Iraq?
Consider the following.
Several Arab powers that had tried to shun new Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 have announced a change of policy, including plans to open their embassies in Baghdad. At least four of them have issued invitations to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for official visits, reversing a policy under which the Iraqi leader was treated as a pariah.
When combined, the two events could indicate the realisation in Arab capitals of the impossibility of replacing Maliki with a man of their choice.
For its part, the Islamic Republic in Tehran has unrolled the red carpet for Maliki, ending the chill that had marked the mullah's attitude since they failed to impose their candidate as prime minister in Baghdad.
Some Iraqi politicians have criticised Maliki’s visit to Tehran. But anyone who claims that Iraq can ignore Iran, regardless of who rules in Tehran, is delusional. Some 90 per cent of Iraq’s population live in areas only 60 miles from the Iranian border. Leaving aside the trade linked to the US-led coalition’s presence in Iraq, almost half of Iraq’s commercial exchanges today are with Iran.
To be sure, the Islamic Republic will do all it can to make the Americans bleed in Iraq. But I doubt that the mullahs want the US-led coalition to cut and run before Iraq is stabilised.
This is one of those deadly ambiguities that have always marked international politics.
Two of Iraq’s neighbours, Turkey and Syria have also indicated what could amount to significant changes in their hitherto negative postures on new Iraq.
Turkey has feted Maliki with great pomp and publicly abandoned its threat of military intervention against Turkish-Kurdish terrorists based in northern Iraq. Turkish Premier Recep Tayyib Erdogan has gone out of his way to throw his support behind Maliki and promise joint action against terrorism.
Erdogan knows that stability in Baghdad would deprive his most vocal opponents within the Turkish military of their favourite nationalistic theme of intervention against terrorists in northern Iraq.
Even more surprising is what looks like a change of attitude by Syria.
For the first time, the Syrian authorities have acknowledged that Islamist terrorists fighting in Iraq have a presence in Syrian authority. The Syrians have even admitted that last week their forces were trapped in an ambush by the terrorists. Six Syrian soldiers died and 11 others were injured. The message is clear: the terrorists killing the Iraqis every day could easily expand the killing fields to Syria and beyond.
The fact that the so-called “security committee”, consisting of Iraq’s neighbours plus the United Sates and Britain appears to have become operational is also significant news.
Add to this what looks like a change of attitude by the United Nations and the new picture becomes clearer. For more than four years, the UN tried to keep its involvement in Iraq to the lowest level decently possible. Former UN secretary-General Kofi Annan always believed that he had made a deal with Saddam Hussein and that the Us and its allies were wrong in toppling the dictator. At the same time, the UN was traumatised by the murder of Sergio de Mello, its charismatic first envoy to new Iraq.
The UN’s new secretary-general, the Korean Ban Ki-moon does not suffer from Annan’s personal hang-ups about Iraq, including the involvement of his son and several of his senior UN aides in the oil-for-food scam ran by Saddam Hussein. Secretary Ban has renewed the UN’s commitment to Iraq, especially on the issue of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.
According to the best sources at least half of Iraq’s population still needs humanitarian relief along the lines established by the UN in the late 1990s.
The UN is also beginning to change its nonchalant attitude towards the Iraqi refugee problem.
No one quite knows how many Iraqis have become refuges as a result of the current violence. Jordan claims to host over a million Iraqis. But when we checked last April he Jordanians had registered no more than 18,000 Iraqi refugees. The overwhelming majority of Iraqis in Jordan regarded themselves as temporary residents and, engaged in business, largely paid their own way.
For its part, Syria claims to have received 750,000 refugees from Iraq. But there, too, the figures do not tally. In Syria, the United Nations’ High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has registered some 40,000 “displaced persons” from Iraq. These include at least 25,000 of Palestinian origin plus an unknown number of Egyptians and Sudanese who had been brought to Iraq under Saddam Hussein as part of his plan to change the sectarian balance there.
At the same time some 1.5 million Iraqis who had been refugees in Turkey and Iran for many years have returned home since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
On balance, therefore, Iraq seems to have generated some half a million refugees since 2003. These new refugees include large numbers of Christians who have had to flee their homes under pressure from both Shiite and Sunni terrorists. There are also large numbers of educated Iraqis, precisely the type of peoples that new Iraq needs to build a viable state and society.
The Maliki government has not paid enough attention to the refugee problem and the more pressing problem of displaced persons inside Iraq itself. (They number over a million people, according to the most conservative estimates.) The $25 million package that Maliki has allocated for the purpose is pitiful, to say the least. (The latest annual national budget presented by Maliki amounts to $44 billion, an all time record for the country).
As we move towards the heart of the summer it seems as if a general consensus is developing that stabilising Iraq under its new system is in everyone’s interest. For all that, however, Iraq is not yet out of the woods. Many people remained committed to destroying Iraq, and quite a few powers still wish to hedge their bets. The struggle for Iraq is far from over.

Iraq: Signs of a New Horizon | Iraq Updates

-- September 6, 2007 8:19 PM ∞

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julie wrote:

Carole,

I am interested in your advertising venture and are you still involved in it? please email me at webnwild at gmail.com

Thank you

-- September 6, 2007 9:38 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From what I am reading I am not sure the GoI will ever revalue by artificial means the Dinars exchange rate; instead, I believe the Dinar is headed to the foreign exchange market.

This conclusion is based on several factors. First, continuted slow growth of the Dinar. In my opinion, this indicates the Dinars stability. Next, the GoI de-dollarization of the Dinar. Finally, oil derivitives based upon Dinars instead of usd. Once Iraq accomplishes the passage of the HCL the above factors will give us all a better sense of the Dinars "real rate". I believe that real rate will be the opening price on the forex market.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 6, 2007 11:23 PM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

ROB,
THE REAL RATE IS THAT WHICH THE WORLD IS WILLING TO ACCEPT. WHAT THEY WILL PAY FOR IT, AND WHAT THEY WILL TRADE FOR IT. I THINK THE RATE OF THE CBI IS ON IT. MOST OF THE WORLD IS NOT CONVINCED THAT THIS CURRENT IRAQ WILL ESTABLISH ITSELF, BECAUSE OF WHAT WE SEE GOING ON AND THE ABSENCE OF HCL ETC. WHEN THIS CURRENT GOVT OF IRAQ BEGINS TO APPEAR AS THOUGH IT CAN REASONABLY SECURE IT'S CITIZENS, AND GAINS THIS CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE, THEN WE WILL SEE WHAT WE ARE WAITING FOR. BUT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT SOME NATIONAL UNITY BETWEEN THE SUNNI & SHIA. THE FOREX WILL BRING SOME CREDIBILITY TO THE DINAR AND THEREFORE SOME INCREASE IN VALUE, BUT THE VALUE OF THE DINAR WILL STILL HINGE ON THE PERCEPTION OF THE STRENGTH OF THE IRAQI GOVT., AND IT'S ABILITY TO RULE IT'S PEOPLE.

-- September 7, 2007 2:48 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Big Oil in Iraq: "World Class Racketeering"
By Charlie Cray

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

07 September 2007 (AlertNet)
Print article Send to friend
It was clear from the start that the Iraqis would not meet the "benchmarks" that Congress and Bush have imposed on it.

But anyone who expected them to is deluded. Not simply because the timelines are unreasonable, but because those who want to hold Iraqis "accountable" (as if they are in a position to make such demands) fail to understand what the benchmarks are about to begin with.

Congress might have learned a great deal about one of those benchmarks had it paid attention to a hearing held by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs back on July 18.

As experts who have followed Iraq's oil sector explained at the hearing, one benchmark Iraq is being pressured to pass involves not one but a series of hydrocarbon laws (i.e. not just a revenue law that divvies up Iraq's oil revenues between the federal government and the different regions, but also three other interrelated laws that would also establish the oil sector legal framework, the Ministry of Oil and the new Iraqi National Oil Company).

The confusion over what Iraq is being asked to do may be a failure that critics can lay at the media's feet, but the more important issue as far as I can tell is the manner in which these laws are being pushed so aggressively -- which, as Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) put it, has the potential to "jeopardize [Iraq's] entire constitutional order."

GAO's Joseph Christoff, a key witness at the hearing, explained that Iraq is being pressured to pass the hydrocarbon laws at a time when we don't even know, for example, what regions will even exist that might lay claim to a portion of the oil revenues.

The committee responsible for drafting changes to the country's constitution has not even been formed. Thus, the role of the regions and whether or not new regions will be formed, such as a Shi'a region in the South, has not yet been determined, and defining the regions will have some bearing on how the oil revenues would be divided.

Other issues that Christoff says should first be resolved include the disposition of Kirkuk and what census would be used to define the populations for purposes of revenue percentages.

"I just can't understand the logic in terms of the sequence here," Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-MA) gasped in astonishment after hearing all this. "It makes little sense to pass a hydrocarbon law in all of its aspects without having the work of the constitutional committees accomplished as a prerequisite."

It's not like there's any need to rush to pass the law for Iraq to produce oil. Iraq has 115 billion barrels of proven reserves in 80 fields (20 of which are currently in production). If it were to build up to a capacity of 10 bbd production, it wouldn't have to discover any new reserves for at least ten years.

Yet for some reason the Iraqis are under a lot of pressure to pass a law allowing for the exploration of additional oil. The reason, of course, is because the multinational oil companies, whose own proven oil reserves have been in steep decline, see Iraq's untapped reserves as the bigger prize.

And as Tariq Shafiq, one of the three-member team charged with drafting the petroleum law for the Iraq Ministry of Oil suggested at the hearing, because Iraq itself doesn't need to develop those untapped reserves for another decade, pressure to immediately implement any provision that would open them up for exploration and development "fuels the argument" that the Americans and British "are there for the oil."

There are many indications that the Iraqi people see the game pretty clearly. A Univ. of Michigan poll cited at the beginning of the hearing found that even before the framework draft was introduced, 76 percent of Iraqis believe the U.S. invaded Iraq to control its oil.

And opposition to the law has grown precipitously, as word about the specific terms of the law spreads.

By pressuring Iraq to pass the benchmark, Bush and Congress risk the perception that they have tried to locked in U.S. control of Iraqi oil before the Iraqi people learn how they were swindled.

"There's a belief that this framework draft would benefit international oil companies to the long-term detriment of Iraq and the Iraqi people…If the passage of this framework draft is interpreted to be an exploitation of Iraq's most coveted natural resource, then our reputation and prestige could very well suffer even further, and a claim that we fought to free Iraq will be rejected out of had, and our national interest will suffer in the long term," Delahunt added.

There has been a lot of obfuscation around these matters, and the oil sector shenanigans are not the only way the Americans can be blamed for fueling the violence and chaos..

But as Rep. Ackerman put it, there is so much corruption in the oil sector that "it's surprising the Iraqi people are not bringing -- are not demanding that we bring the old crooks back."

So where are Ackerman and Delahunt's colleagues on all this?

E.g. where's Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman, who pushed his colleagues to hold numerous hearings on rampant corruption in the oil sector when it was managed by Saddam and the UN?

Why isn't Senator Coleman asking the administration what the 20 "paid American consultants" are doing who currently oversee the ministry of oil -- where corruption is reported to be "pervasive"?

In June, DoD reported that as much as 70 percent of the fuel processed at Iraq's key refinery was sold on the black market. Although neither the Iraqis or Americans know precisely how much oil is being produced, some 100-300,000 barrels of oil per day go unaccounted for.

So where's Norm and the rest of the Congress who raised such a ruckus before about illicit payments and black market sales of Iraqi oil?

"This is world-class racketeering that we're in charge of advising," Rep. Ackerman aptly observed.

But you don't see too many of Ackerman and Delahunt's colleagues making much noise about it.

Charlie Cray is director of the Center for Corporate Policy in Washington, DC.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 7, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Noozz.com | IRAQ

EDITORIAL
Egyptians & Gulf Investors Pump Millions into the Iraq Stock Exchange
Noozz Editorial
Sep 7 2007
Taha Ahmad Abdul-Salam, executive manager of the Iraq Stock Exchange, has disclosed that Egyptian, Gulf and other investors have pumped 2.5 billion Iraqi dinars ($2.02 million) in Iraq’s financial market.

The money has entered Iraq since non-Iraqi’s were permitted to trade in the ISX from August 2nd, who have been involved in the trade of over one billion shares, reported Al-Sharq Al-Awsat.

Abdul-Salam describes these the sums pumped in as “minimal”, and considers these activities as a “feeler” for the Iraqi market, expecting more substantial sums to make their way into Iraq once investors are confident in the stability of the ISX and sporadic price fluctuations have steadied.

He stressed that in addition to the Egyptian investors, there has been interest from from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia whilst other regional speculators are still monitoring the situation. The biggest proportion of foreign money has come from the United States.

The executive manager of Iraq’s Stock Exchange expressed his hope that activity on the ISX may one day propel Iraq’s market to the top three exchanges in the Middle East. De****e his optimism he is under no illusion that this will not be possible until the security situation in Iraq has stabilised, which in turn will aid economic growth and attract large-scale foreign investment.
__________________

-- September 7, 2007 12:19 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Kurdistan’s Gushing Crude Spawns Conflict

A political battle brews over control of the north's substantial oil reserves http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=338513&apc_state=henh

-- September 7, 2007 12:24 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

* Oil Law * Outlawing Unions * Iraq Benchmarks http://www.accuracy.org/newsrelease.php?articleId=1553

-- September 7, 2007 12:25 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

KRG publishes approved Kurdistan Region Oil and Gas Law in Arabic and English, updated model contract http://web.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?smap=02010100&lngnr=12&anr=20040&rnr=223

-- September 7, 2007 12:31 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Julie,

Not involved with advertising any more. Got too complicated. During what they called " restructuring", my family and I got out. Made a little money and invested in a big boat instead.

All: AP reported today ( in a tiny little column on page "500"), that Russia is gettng ready to deliver billions of weapons and m.ilitary might to Indonesia. The article also noted that Indonesia is the most Muslim populated region n the world.
Make of this what you will, but I believe they are ( Russia) the biggest international threat humanity faces in this generation.

AHH! I hear voices again.....Condi Rice sayig "AMEN"

Carole

-- September 8, 2007 6:45 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Chuck,

Can you please quote the actual number the Kuwait Bank is quoting for their Dinar exchange.

If the number is different from the CBI exchange rate, you will for sure see a bank profit, in the difference.

Not your profit, the Kuwaiti Bank gets the profit.

The Kuwait bank get the Dinar for the CBI rate, if you check in the column of "daily auction" most every second day or so there is a certain millions that was transferred abroad to outside banks, and the Kuwaiti bank may very well be one of them, or be in on a pool with other foreign banks.

I just know that you say that you get more, but you don't mention the actual figure the bank is quoting, so without knowing more than you say, I suspect that you are reading it in such a way that you believe that you get more, following the logic that if CBI quotes 1237 and the Kuwaiti Bank quotes 1175, the Kuwaiti bank is giving you a better exchange rate.

If CBI quotes 1 Dollar : 1237 Dinars, and the Kuwait bank quotes (for example) 1175, that doesn't mean you get more Dinars for the Dollar.

You get Dinars for the value of 1237, but you don't get 1237 of them for a Dollar, you get only 1175.

They are still worth only 1:1237 to the Dollar.

CBI sets the exchange value, not the Kuwait bank. The Kuwait bank only tells you how many of them you get from them, for a buck.

Your Dollar bought less Dinars, and the bank gets the difference.

However, I need to have the figures, can you please come back on this and we can look at it further, I strongly suspect that the scenario I described is what we have here, but I need the figures please.

Steven,

The nightly smuggling of Dinars into Kuwait have lead the authorities to stop the camel, mules and pack donkeys at the gate of Kuwait city, in order to avoid the ever so increasing height of manure on their streets.

An emergency session in the Cabinet, with members having dung up to their knees, have ordered that a Caravan can no longer have more than five animals at a time.

Aside from that Steven, I will be back home in about a week and a half from now, and do the bank deals getting my Dinars over to my account.

I will need to have a talk with my accountant though before doing anything, reason is that for tax purposes, there is a $10.000 "red flag" limit here in the US. Transactions above that is reported.

That in itself is very easy handled with doing this in small portions, but my time available back home is limited, and I want to do it in one shot.

It'll be as I say about another week or two, but once that is done and the money is in the account, I need to get back to you on a couple of things.

Especially the ISX, and it's doings.

-- September 8, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Chuck,

Sorry I got a brain fart, you DID quote the exchange rate from the Kuwait bank, and it was lower than the CBI exchange rate, yes, then you have the above described scenario.

-- September 8, 2007 2:49 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Roger,

We have the same thing here in the UK £10,000 and the Bank grasses you up to the Tax man.

ISX no probs, I must get down to the bank on Monday to send some over there myself.

I see on the Warka Bank account, that you can get a Credit Card for your $Dollar account, well pre paid, whatever limet you want, they take that amount out of your account, for you to use, not very interesting you say, AAAAHHH but if and when we make a shed load on the ISX or a RV, we can then contact Warka to have a $10,000,00 limet on the C.C. to spend as you please at home, so the need to have the IRS all over you like white on rice for sending home to your bank account a load of $Dollars, you won't need to, so no 40% tax gone, got this info from the other site, it sounds OK to me, but then again, what the F--- do I know about tax, naff all.

If anyone here thinks will not work, I'm all ears, never got to much info.

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- September 8, 2007 9:17 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From what I am reading it appears the Iraqi's are on the verge of passing the HCL. I think we will no more this week whether parliment has or will pass this important law. I find it strange the GoI is selling oil tenders without the HCL. Further evidence that the passage of the HCL is soon in coming to fruition.

Whether you have 1 million Dinar or physical Dinar in hand, at Warka, and in the ISX if the currency revalues or is released to the forex market speculators stand to make a handsome sum on this investment.

I am cautiously optomisitic at the outcome. I remember Roger on one occasion recommending we fill our boots. This may be the time to do just that.

Though we have not spoken much about the pig roast, we might be as close as we ever have been to realize this celebration. Good News! We may soon be planning this event.

We will have to wait and see.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 9, 2007 12:41 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Steven,

Before I do any move at all, I will get professional tax advice.

The CC from Warka sounds interesting, if it is a prepaid CC, it is then in all essence a Debit card.

If Warka can uphold a continuous balance of 10 000 Dollars on the account by moving it from savings, you have basically another source of instant access to your money in Warka.

Rob N,

One Arabian article are saying that the HCL will be postponed until after Ramadan. Have not seen that in any Western news media though.

Put that in the rumor department.

What's new around here.

-- September 9, 2007 7:05 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1004)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1004 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/9/ 9 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1237 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 76.020.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 76.020.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- September 9, 2007 11:04 AM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraq Parliament Gears Up To Pass Key Draft Laws

Baghdad: The Iraqi parliament is preparing to debate controversial draft laws on oil and gas, accountability, justice, resources and the provinces.

According to Salim Abdullah, a member in the Sunni Accord Front, the parliament will approve the Accountability and Justice Laws concerning the return of the Baathists to senior administrative and military positions, in addition to the Provinces Law that will regulate this week's provincial elections that is a significant step towards forming federal regions in Iraq.

Abdullah added: "The Oil and Gas and the Resources Laws will be subjected to some [amendments and] yet it is likely that the laws will be approved by the parliament because of some understandings between [major] political blocs inside the parliament to legislate the laws."

'Will incite factions'

The Association of Muslim Scholars, a Sunni religious authority, and Khalaf Al Alian from the Accordance Front issued statements warning against ratification of the laws because it would incite factions.

Sources in the Shiite coalition said that US President George W. Bush urged Iraqi leaders to speed up the ratificaton of oil and gas, accountability, justice, resources and the provinces laws during his last visit to Al Anbar.

Muna Kuba, a researcher in economic affairs at Baghdad University, told Gulf News: "There is US pressure on Iraqi leaders to pass some laws [that will favour] American political and economic interests in Iraq. I believe that Americans seek to create [an environment] to assure them of higher profits before investing in Iraq's oil sector, the largest oil reserve in the world."

After the formation of the Shiite-Kurdish Coalition besides the Sunni Islamic Party, political observers in Baghdad believe that ratification of the laws will not face strong opposition.

Waleed Abdul Sahib, a member of the Shiite Dawa Party led by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, told Gulf News: "I think we must have a political consensus in the parliament to pass the laws, [which are] important to promote the reconciliation process."

Sahib added: "The government should [make] Iraqi citizens [aware] that these laws will ensure justice to each Iraqi city and that every Iraqi will have his or her share of natural resources. ... the problem [lies] in media inside and outside Iraq which described the laws as illegal [without] being aware of the nature of the ... laws."

http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Iraq/10152416.html
__________________
.

-- September 9, 2007 2:19 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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Baghdad to let foreign firms develop oilfields --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story...&IssueID=30173
Baghdad to let foreign firms develop oilfields

DUBAI: Iraq will issue tenders for international oil companies (IOCs) to develop its existing fields this year, even if a long-awaited new law to regulate the energy sector is delayed, Oil Minister Hussein Al Shahristani said.

"Although we have been waiting for this new law for political reasons, if it is delayed we will go ahead and start discussions with IOCs, especially in current fields to increase production levels," he told an oil conference in Dubai yesterday."There is no legislation vacuum. There is a prevailing law, which authorises us to carry out any field development contract.

This we will be pursuing and you will see shortly the tendering calling for IOCs to work with us to develop current fields in addition to a gas masterplan," he said.

Asked how soon the tenders would be issued, Shahristani said "well before the end of the year."

Shahristani said last month that Iraq would call an open race for around a third of Iraq's prized fields in September, but only once the new federal oil law was passed.

Now it seems the tenders will be issued with or without the new law, which will decide how Iraq's third-largest proven oil reserves will be shared out and has been mired in political bickering.

A draft bill was approved by the Iraqi government in July after months of talks but has yet to be debated by parliament, which returned this month from its summer break.

Shahristani reiterated comments by other Iraqi officials that the oil law should be passed "within a few weeks", but many disagreements over the details persist.

The Kurdistan Regional Government has already forced the renegotiation of the bill and international oil executives privately say they are wary about entering Iraq before the new legal framework for the energy sector, which provides over 90 per cent of Iraqi government revenue, is in place.

Shahristani said the delay in the law would not delay plans to develop the sector, which is in dire need of investment after a decade of sanctions and four years of violence since the US-led invasion of 2003.

"Iraq has an oil law. It has always had one and it is the prevailing law until the new one is legislated. The ministry of oil can sign any contract to develop capacity and increase oil production," he said. "This is needed for the reconstruction
__________________

-- September 9, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

البرلمان يستعد لبدء معركة برلمانية لإقرار قوانين «البعث» و«النفط» و«الدستور» Parliament is preparing to start a parliamentary battle to approve the laws «Baath», «Oil», «Constitution
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://ahali-iraq.net/detail.aspx%3Fc%3Dnews%26id%3D2653

-- September 9, 2007 2:27 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq Violence Drops as Economy Revives, Officials Say http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/09/07/4742-iraq-violence-drops-as-economy-revives-officials-say/v

-- September 9, 2007 2:53 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

ALL,

I spent some time listening to C-SPAN today on an independent study done to look at the Iraq situation. The committee on this report state that the readiness of the Iraq army falls into two levels of skills. Level 1 the Iraq forces can do insurgent/terrorist duties well with USA assistance. Level 2 the Iraq forces are not as skilled and need USA help for training and assistance for military objectives. The committee reported to congress that there are a number of divisions in level two status that the committee felt were really Level ones. The committee is recommending that these forces take over insurgent duties and then USA forces can be relieved to either come home or be reassigned.

The second recomendation is USA forces turn over all provinces to Iraq control and let the provinces take over security for their own provinces. Of course, each province would have Iraqi control over their own police forces and the defense ministry over the Iraq armed forces. The reason for this recommendation is to get the USA out of the preception that the USA is an occupation of Iraq. This way, the Iraqi's can decide their own fate.

Iraq armed forces would have the job of internal security inside of Iraq. The committee did not believe that Iraq is up to the job of defending the country as of yet.

It was felt that the military was totally taken out and then we are now having to rebuild their capabilities. A command structure with newly trained officers needs to be put in place, in addition to training the Iraqi armed forces. An estimate of 4 to 5 years was made by the committee as to the time frame when the Iraqi armed forces would be able to defend their country to outside threats.

The new USA role would be border security and to deter any outside threat to Iraq during this rebuilding of the country of Iraq and training Iraqi forces. We would put bases inside of Iraq and essentially fly an umbrella over Iraqi skies to protect this country from outside military interventions.

On the oil front, the committee estimated that around 400,000 barrels of oil are diverted to criminal, sectarian and insurgent activities. This information came out when border security was discussed. Iraq has no scanners to scan trucks and what they carry in from Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Saudia Arabia or Syria. In fact, Iran has placed a wall on the other side of the border and Iraqi trucks pass over this point and committee states they do not know what happens to cargo to and from Iran after this entry.

In addition, new measuring machines were put into place (I believe the committee stated this was on the border with Turkey) to measure oil pumped out of the oil wells. One member of the committee witness one of the Iraqi's instructing another to turn this machine off. Corruptions is alive and well!

It was estimated by the committee that only 2 percent of insurgents are from foreign forces and the rest is fighting among Iraqi's themselves. This is why it was felt that Iraqi's should be able to clean up their own internal problems and the USA would guard the borders and any attempted outside military intervention while the Iraqi's sort out their problems.

Laura Parker

The other notation by the committee is that the average education level of members of the army is a fourth grade education. Entire educational system needs to be put in place for military education.

It was noted that Iraq has 10 divisions already trained. By next year, they are hoping to have 13 divisions.

Other questions asked by congress concerned the southern provinces of Iraq and Basra area due to oil and militia violence. Shiites are fighting for control of the oil and also over politics. One of the committee members stated that in talking with one of the Shiites in Basra, he was reassured that Iraqi's would settle these issues. The central issue concerns whether Iraq will stay one country or break apart. He stated (this shiite) that most Iraqi's want a centralized government and for Iraq to stay one country and not to break up into different sectarian groups or provinces. "We will take care of this issue."...the shiite said.

-- September 9, 2007 7:25 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Sorry about the post. I placed inserted my name before the entire posts was completed. The entire post was written by me.

Laura Parker

-- September 9, 2007 7:29 PM ∞

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Steven wrote:

Roger,

It is a VISA credit card from Warka, this seems a way of getting money out of the country, without it going by way of your home bank account, and the IRS not getting their boat load of your, hard earned cash, LOL.

Rob. N.
I also feel it is very close, for some very good news, and about time, Go dinar.

Stay lucky all, Steve.

-- September 10, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1005)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1005 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/9/10 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 114.625.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 114.625.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- September 10, 2007 6:59 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Fox News mentioned the HCL this morning and the possibility of the passage soon. They said that the Kurds were the stumbling block but now have signed on. We'll see!

-- September 10, 2007 7:03 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Violence Drops as Economy Revives, Officials Say
Sep 07, 2007
BY Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service
Iraqi workers dig a new sewer system in Oubaidi, a neighborhood in Baghdad. Before the sewer project was completed raw sewage collected in the streets causing health hazards for residents. The new sewer collection system is now fully operational, having recently been completed by the Gulf Region South district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Photo by Army Corps of Engineers
WASHINGTON (Sept. 7, 2007) - The plus-up of U.S. forces has contributed to a marked decrease in sectarian attacks and other violence across Iraq, while a bevy of programs is breathing life into the country's battered infrastructure and economy, U.S. officials told reporters.

"Together with our Iraqi partners, we are making progress in securing the people of Iraq," coalition spokesman Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner told reporters in Baghdad Sept. 5. "In the coming months, coalition and Iraqi forces will keep the pressure on the enemy, while also supporting important economic and reconstruction efforts in areas where we have already secured the population."

For example, the number of security incidents overall has declined during eight of the past 11 weeks since the surge took hold in June, Maj. Gen. Bergner pointed out.

Last week, the number of security incidents was the lowest in more than a year, the general said. Sectarian-motivated killings also have declined, Maj. Gen. Bergner continued, noting such deaths have been halved since December.

Additionally, there is growing cooperation between Iraqi and coalition security forces and the Iraqi populace, Maj. Gen. Bergner said. This is illustrated, he said, by increased citizen-provided tips that lead to the discovery of enemy weapons caches.

"The number of weapons caches found in all of 2006 was about 2,700. The number found so far through August of this year has already exceeded 4,300," Maj. Gen. Bergner said.

Citizen-supplied tips enabled U.S. and Iraqi forces to uncover a large weapons cache during a recent cordon-and-search operation in Baghdad's Mansour district, Maj. Gen. Bergner said. This cache, he said, contained large quantities of rockets, artillery and mortar rounds, as well as materials suitable for making improvised explosive devices.

Another recent citizen-provided tip resulted in the raid near a suspected al Qaeda leader's home in Baghdad that yielded a cornucopia of enemy weaponry that included machine guns, rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, Maj. Gen. Bergner said.

Acting in concert with coalition troops, Iraqi national police in Baghdad recently found three weapons caches containing rocket-propelled grenades, mortars, hand grenades, IED-making materials and more, he said.

Another recent raid north of Baghdad broke up an al Qaeda operation that preyed on local Iraqis, Maj. Gen. Bergner noted. That al Qaeda cell was "imposing vigilante law on local residents," he said.

Coalition forces also liberated nine Iraqi citizens that were being illegally held by the terrorists, he said. Five al Qaeda agents were killed during the operation.

That al Qaeda in Iraq cell also was disciplining recalcitrant members, Maj. Gen. Bergner noted, demonstrating the degree of pressure the surge is putting on al Qaeda.

However, as U.S. and Iraqi security forces continue to put the squeeze on insurgents in Iraq, there remains "an ever-increasing need" to restore essential services and economic prosperity for the country's people, Maj. Gen. Bergner said.

Reviving Iraq's economy and infrastructure is within the wheelhouse of U.S. Ambassador Charles Ries, the coordinator for economic transition and minister for economic affairs.

"The economy of Iraq is doing better than it has in the last two years," said Amb. Ries, who accompanied Maj. Gen. Bergner at the news conference. The surge is making a positive impact on the country's infrastructure and economy, he noted, as electricity-generating capacity continues to rise and new businesses sprout up across the country.

Iraq's post-Saddam Hussein economy continues to have hiccups, but it is steadily improving, Amb. Ries said, noting that Iraq's real domestic product growth will top 6 percent this year.

Ongoing infrastructure-improvement efforts are aimed at improving water, sewage and electricity services for Iraq's people, Amb. Ries said. The provincial reconstruction teams, he added, are working with their Iraqi partners in finding solutions to pressing infrastructure and economic issues.

Provincial reconstruction team leaders also "are working with their military colleagues to target U.S. resources in the areas that can make the most difference," Amb. Ries explained.

Iraqis are eager to reopen their boarded-up factories, he said. The Iraqi central government, he noted, has earmarked $10 billion in funding to meet public needs throughout the country -- the largest amount allocated for that purpose in Iraq's history. About $2 billion of that money is being directly transferred to Iraq's 18 provinces, he said.

"This is a revolution in fiscal policy and also allows the Iraqi people to see a closer connection between their needs and government expenditures," Amb. Ries said.

In addition, approval of petroleum-regulatory and revenue-sharing legislation slated to come before the Iraqi parliament this month will help to rejuvenate the country's oil and natural gas industries, Vies said. If the legislation is adopted, he said, it would enable world oil and gas companies to help Iraq develop its existing oil and gas deposits and also find new ones.

There's also a need to increase foreign investment in Iraq, Amb. Ries said, adding he's buoyed by recent competitive bidding by Jordanian firms for telecommunications services contract work in Iraq. Such activity, he noted, indicates a growing international interest in investing in Iraq's infrastructure and economy.

"There's new interest in the Iraqi economy from foreigners," Amb. Ries said.

Iraqi business leaders universally cite electricity availability as an obstacle to economic growth, Amb. Ries acknowledged. However, Iraqi and World Bank officials are now working together to plan how to increase the country's power-generating capacity.

A number of ongoing programs are designed to improve Iraq's banking system as part of stimulating the private economic sector, Amb. Ries said. Iraq's banking system, he noted, requires an influx of technology to enable it to employ wire-transfer of funds, rather than using trucks or other conveyances to ferry cash from bank to bank.

Efforts also are under way to improve Iraq's agricultural production, Amb. Ries said. Iraq's fertile region located between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers could one day become a "breadbasket" of the Middle East, he said.

Iraq's airports and water ports also require attention to bring them up to modern standards, he added.

Nonetheless, Iraq's economic future "is really quite bright," Amb. Ries said.

"As oil production increases, as the private sector responds to new opportunities, I think we will see an Iraq that is increasingly self-confident economically, and that can provide the jobs that its young and growing population need," he said.

(http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/09/07/4742-iraq-violence-drops-as-economy-revives-officials-say/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:28 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Oil Min: Hunt Oil Deal With Kurd Regional Government Illegal
9/10/2007

VIENNA -(Dow Jones)- Hunt Oil Co.'s agreement with Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region to explore for oil is illegal, Iraq's oil minister Hussein al- Shahristani said Monday, in his first public reaction to the deal announced over the weekend.

"Any oil deal has no standing as far as the government of Iraq is concerned," said al-Shahristani. "All these contracts have to be approved by the Federal Authority before they are legal. This (contract) was not presented for approval. It has no standing."

His comments, delivered as he arrived for an OPEC ministers meeting in the Austrian capital, underscore the central government's view that exploration contracts with foreign companies should be signed only after the adoption of a new national oil law.

The deal is one of several the Kurds have signed with foreign oil companies in the past few years and the first since the Kurds put their own oil law into effect in August.

These deals have angered Baghdad, but the Kurdish region appears determined to advance oil exploration in the Denmark-sized area they govern in northern Iraq, as Iraq's long-delayed federal oil law remains hobbled by disagreements.

Referring to current OPEC policy, Al-Shahristani said there doesn't seem to be a shortage of crude oil supply now, noting that he expected high oil prices to fall.

"But we'll be looking carefully at the predictions that our secretariat produces for the fourth quarter and if there's a need to supply the world market with what it want then we'll consider," he said.

"The dollar has significantly devalued in the past few months and that has really affected the income of a number of countries," he added.

OPEC ministers will hold their first meeting in six months on Tuesday against a backdrop of turmoil in credit markets and broader concerns about the state of the U.S. economy. Thus far, they've given little indication of a desire to raise output now, though some analysts believe they may communicate a desire to lift oil production later this year.

OPEC - excluding Iraq and Angola - agreed to cut its output by 1.7 million barrels a day in two tranches commencing Nov. 1 last year to head off the prospect of oil prices falling sustainably below $50 a barrel as oil stockpiles swelled on thinning demand caused in part by a mild winter. Though benchmark prices were lower Monday, they are sharply higher than when OPEC announced those cuts, with Brent futures trading at $74.05 a barrel and New York futures trading at $75.81.

New York crude futures hit a record intraday high of $78.77 in early August.

"The price isn't at its typical value now and we expect it to go down," said al-Shahristani.

"OPEC will always be available to increase its production if there's demand for it."

-By Oliver Klaus, Dow Jones Newswires; +9714-3644961; oliver.klaus@ dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
09-10-070922ET
Copyright (c) 2007 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Iraq Oil Min: Hunt Oil Deal With Kurd Regional Government Illegal
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:30 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Sets Aside $120m to Rebuild the Anbar, U.S. Administration Pledges $200m

The Iraqi government has set aside $120m for the reconstruction and development of the Anbar province following the destruction that has affected most its cities due to military operations in the past years.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:31 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush Advisers Favor Current War Strategy

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

Washington, 10 September 2007 (Associated Press)
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President Bush's top two military and political advisers on Iraq will warn Congress on Monday that making any significant changes to the current war strategy will jeopardize the limited security and political progress made so far, The Associated Press has learned.

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, who has been less forthcoming than Gen. David Petraeus in advance of his testimony, will join Petraeus in pushing for maintaining the U.S. troop surge, seeing it as the only viable option to prevent Iraq and the region from plunging into further chaos, U.S. officials said.

Crocker and Petraeus planned to meet on Sunday to go over their remarks and responses to expected tough questioning from lawmakers — including skeptical Republicans. But they will not consult Bush or their immediate bosses before their appearances Monday and Tuesday, in order to preserve the "independence and the integrity of their testimony," said one official.

Petraeus and Crocker did have lengthy discussions with the president, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice when Bush visited Iraq on Labor Day.

Crocker, a career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East who opposed the war when it began in 2003, is pushing for political change where progress has been elusive and the administration's options are limited under the fragile Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Yet the diplomat will say that as poorly as al-Maliki's government has performed, it would not be advisable at the moment for the U.S. to support new leadership or lobby for a different coalition of Iraq's fractious Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, the officials said.

Crocker also will discuss the challenges of corruption, reconciliation, de-Baathification and the difficulties of enacting wide-ranging legislation such as an oil law, according to officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations.

Both Crocker and Petraeus will say the buildup of 30,000 troops, bringing the current U.S. total to nearly 170,000, has achieved some success and is working better than any previous effort to quell the insurgency and restore stability, according to officials familiar with their thinking.

Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, and Crocker were in the Washington area on Saturday working separately on final drafts of opening testimony on Capitol Hill. Later in the week, Bush plans a national address.

The assessments by Petraeus and Crocker are intended to be considered equally. But officials expect Congress to focus on military matters, particularly possible troop withdrawals. Unless there are changes, the increase comes to a natural end starting in the spring and continuing through the end of next summer.

At the same time, officials close to Crocker pointed out that any revisions to the military strategy will have a profound affect on the political side.

"Clearly, the political, economic and diplomatic elements are directly related to what happens with security and our involvement in it," one official said.

The officials disputed suggestions that either Petraeus or Crocker would recommend anything more than a symbolic reduction in troop levels and then only in the spring.

Petraeus offered some insights into his testimony on Friday. In a letter to troops serving in Iraq, he cited "uneven" but quantifiable progress in the security situation and acknowledged that the political side "has not worked out as we had hoped."

"We are, in short, a long way from the goal line, but we do have the ball and we are driving down the field," he wrote. It was perhaps the clearest indication he favors carrying on with the troop increase.

Officials said Crocker is focused on trying to do the best he can with the tools available to him now before completing his tour in Baghdad and retiring. More is at stake for Petraeus because he is believed to have higher ambitions, including possibly elected office.

In their testimony, the two will lay out for Congress the situation on the ground, discuss the merits of possible revisions to Bush's strategy, including troop drawdowns and a reduction in support for embattled al-Maliki and conclude that such changes are unwise, officials told the AP.

The testimony will set the stage for an announcement by Bush on how he will proceed in the face of widespread public unhappiness with the war and criticism from congressional Democrats, especially senators seeking the party's 2008 presidential nomination.

Petraeus and Crocker previewed their thoughts to Bush during his stop in Anbar province last Monday. It is one of several regions where the administration has claimed success with the additional troops, with decisions by local leaders to join with U.S. forces against insurgents, the officials said.

To that end, the presidential advisers will press lawmakers to recognize achievements at the local level and argue that such results will force Iraq's national leaders into action.

But that development is not covered by any of the 18 military and political benchmarks Congress set out for judging the effectiveness when it approved the new policy that was announced by Bush in January and reached its full strength in July.

In their testimony, Petraeus and Crocker are expected to repeat the assertions made in the White House's July report that progress is being made, official said. A new updated report is due Sept. 15.

They also are expected to make the oft-stated case that an independent report by congressional auditors, who found only three of 18 benchmarks fully met, set unfair standards for judging success, the officials said.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:33 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Commerce Seeks Adviser for Iraq Oil Interests
By Walter Pincus

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

10 September 2007 (The Washington Post)
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The United States is getting ready now for the Iraqi government to get its house in order and pass a detailed law that will govern the future handling of its vast oil fields, which contain the world's third-largest proven petroleum reserves.

In preparation for that moment, and in apparent hope that the United States will be central to the process for years to come, the Commerce Department is seeking an international legal adviser who is fluent in Arabic "to provide expert input, when requested" to "U.S. government agencies or to Iraqi authorities as they draft the laws and regulations that will govern Iraq's oil and gas sector."

The Government Accountability Office report on Iraq last week found that the benchmark efforts to develop a new oil system were still in early stages. The framework of a new law with provisions for revenue sharing and restructuring of the Oil Ministry has been drafted, but the single, new Iraq National Oil Co. remains to be formed.

Nonetheless, the Commerce proposal put out Aug. 21 predicts that "as part of a U.S. government inter-agency process, the U.S. Department of Commerce will be providing technical assistance to Iraq to create a legal and tax environment conducive to domestic and foreign investment in Iraq's key economic sectors, starting with the mineral resources sector."

And it added: "Through this initiative, Iraqi officials will be able to access the expertise of world-class professors and practitioners; they will also attend technical workshops which will address Iraq-specific legal and tax issues."

According to the January 2007 Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction report, Iraq's petroleum sector faces serious technical challenges in virtually every aspect of its operations, from procuring, transporting and storing crude and refined products to managing price controls and imports, fighting smuggling and corruption, improving budget execution and sustaining operations.

But Iraq is not a novice in the oil business.

The U.S. Department of Energy reported that in 1989, under Saddam Hussein, Iraq produced almost 3 billion barrels of oil a day. It had an oil ministry at the time and regional oil companies operating its major fields in the north and south of the country. It was a founding member, with Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which was created in Baghdad in September 1960.

Based on the Commerce proposal, the United States has decided that Iraq needs a U.S.-funded expert who will be responsible "to review draft [Iraq] subsoil laws and draft subsoil regulations to ensure their compliance with international legal standards" and share his or her conclusions with U.S. agencies "or with Iraqi authorities."

In addition, the contractor is to review "the draft by-laws of the Iraqi agencies that will be created to grant exploration and exploitation licenses, to enter into joint venture agreements with foreign firms . . . . and to regulate Iraq's hydrocarbon sector." The contractor is "to plan technical workshops and seminars geared toward the legal issues critical to the oil and gas sectors."

This is not viewed as a short-term relationship. The proposal says the contract will run from the date of the award through July 31, 2008, and has two 12-month extension options through July 31, 2010. During that time period, the contract lawyer is expected to spend no less than 360 hours (45 days equivalent full time) on Iraq oil matters. Commerce said it would take into consideration the contractor's teaching and research commitments when setting dates for finishing projects.

There is one recognition that given the situation in Iraq, things may change for the United States in that country. The proposal states that "in case of events beyond the control of the parties," the Commerce Department and the contractor "will agree upon a new schedule and period of performance."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:35 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Pentagon planning base near Iraq-Iran border: report

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

10 September 2007 (Reuters)
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The Pentagon is preparing to build a military base near the Iraq-Iran border to try to curtail the flow of advanced Iranian weaponry to Shiite militants across Iraq, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday in its online edition.

Quoting Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, the Journal said the Pentagon also plans to build fortified checkpoints on major highways leading from the Iranian border to Baghdad, and install X-ray machines and explosives-detecting sensors at the only formal border crossing between the two countries.

The base will be located about four miles from the Iranian border and will be used for at least two years, according to the report. U.S. officials told the paper it is unclear whether it will be among the small number of facilities that would remain in Iraq after any future large-scale U.S. withdrawal.

The report comes on the same day the top U.S. commander in Iraq and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker present a progress report to Congress on the war.

U.S. President George W. Bush, under mounting pressure to change course in Iraq, plans a prime time speech on the war this week. He is unlikely to unveil a major shift in strategy in the 4-year-old war that has claimed the lives of more than 3,700 U.S. troops and tens of thousands of Iraqis.

Early Monday morning, Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington told Reuters he could not comment on the specifics of the report, but said: "Coalition and Iraqi partners will continue to put pressure on the enemy, including disruptions of any supply lines, in an effort to reduce violence and to protect the Iraqi people."

Lynch told the paper, "We've got a major problem with Iranian munitions streaming into Iraq. This Iranian interference is troubling and we have to stop it."

U.S. officials accuse Iran of fomenting violence to destabilize Iraq and of seeking to build nuclear weapons under cover of civilian nuclear program, charges Iran denies.

Maj. Toby Logsdon, the U.S. officer overseeing the project, told the Journal that the new outpost will have living quarters for at least 200 soldiers, who could arrive in November.

"Iran will know this is here -- they will have to rethink how they do things, and the smugglers will have to rethink how they do things," Logsdon told the Journal.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:36 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq studying a $ 2 billion petrochemical plant

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

10 September 2007 (Iraq Directory)
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Iraqi Minister of Industry said on Sunday that Iraq is studying the establishment of a petrochemical plant with investments of $ 2 billion and will possibly begin talks this year with potential foreign investors on the project.

Minister, Fawzi Al-Hariri, said on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai, "We are studying the establishment of completely new facility in the center or north of the country." He explained that the production capacity of the planned complex will be one million tons of ethylene and derivatives.

Al-Hariri had said on Wednesday that Royal Dutch Shell and Dow Chemical were conducting talks with the government for the rehabilitation and expansion of a chemical plant in southern Iraq at a cost of 2.1 billion dollars.

The major oil companies are eager to penetrate the Iraqi oil reserves, which are the third largest reserves in the world but security concerns make companies reluctant to send their crews.

Iraq, which most of its crude production comes from the south of the country, pumped 2.07 million barrels a day last month, and this makes it, according to Reuters survey this month, the fifth largest producer in the Middle East.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 10, 2007 11:39 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq PM says civil war averted as violence drops
Salam Faraj
AFP September 10, 2007

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki said Monday that civil war had been averted in his country, and that violence had dropped 75 percent in the most dangerous provinces.

In a generally upbeat assessment of the situation in Iraq, Maliki, however, told parliament that, despite a "noted" improvement in security in Baghdad, Iraqi forces still needed time to take control of security there.

Maliki's address came just hours before the top US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, was due to give testimony to the US Congress, in which he was expected to plead for more time to pacify the nation.

"We have succeeded in preventing Iraq from sliding into a civil war, in spite of all the destabilizing actions by local and international groups," Maliki told lawmakers.

He said levels of violence in Baghdad and the western province of Anbar had dropped 75 percent since the much-vaunted US troop "surge" was launched in February.

Maliki also said more-than-14,000 fighters linked to Al Qaeda have turned against violence, and joined the Iraqi armed forces.

"The number of fighters from armed groups linked to Al Qaeda who have joined the Iraqi security services now totals 14,178."

Presenting his report card to parliament, Maliki said about 6,000 families had returned to their homes in Baghdad, while 5,941 suspected "terrorists" had been detained.

Of these, 3,396 had been released, he said. A total of 1,914 improvised explosive devices had been defused, and "thousands" of arms caches recovered.

Additionally, 652 "terrorists" were killed in clashes with the Iraqi security forces, 262 car bombs were defused, and 27,500 tribal volunteers joined the fight against Al Qaeda, while 99,373 weapons were seized.

"Since the launch of the operation, the Iraqi government has restored semi-normal life to parts of Baghdad," said Maliki, giving an update for the period between February 14 when the "surge" began and August 14.

Meanwhile, Petraeus faces a hostile reception from the Democrats who control Congress. The general is expected to argue that President George W. Bush's strategy of sending an extra 28,500 troops into Iraq since February has slashed sectarian violence and should be extended.

The US and Iraqi military crackdown has reduced high-profile car bomb attacks in Baghdad, but insurgents have managed to trigger them in other remote areas of the country.

The deadliest such attack came August 14 when four lorries packed with explosives were detonated in two northern villages, targeting the ancient Yazidi community.

More than 400 people were killed in the bombings, the deadliest attack in the world since the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

Petraeus is to be followed before Congress by Ryan Crocker, the US ambassador to Baghdad. Their joint assessments are expected to influence future White House strategy in Iraq.

After their testimony, Bush is expected to deliver a report on the war to lawmakers by September 15.

http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070910-101139-4726r

====

Concerning the attack that killed four hundred people:

====

Ultra behind deadliest Iraq attack killed
Baghdad, September 9

A US air strike killed the Al-Qaida militant who masterminded Iraq’s deadliest bombings which killed more than 400 people on August 14, targeting the Yazidi sect, a US military spokesman said today.

“On September 3, a coalition air strike killed the terrorist responsible for the planning and conducting of the horrific attack against the Yazidis in northern Iraq on August 14,” Rear Admiral Mark Fox told reporters.

Abu Mohammed al-Afri, also known as Abu Jassam, was killed in the air strike 70 miles southwest of the northern city of Mosul, Fox said.

Fox said Abu Jassam was an accomplice of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the Egyptian-born leader of the Al-Qaida in Iraq, the local affiliate of Osama bin Laden’s global jihadist group. — AFP

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070910/world.htm#8

-- September 10, 2007 1:11 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Top U.S. general to give verdict on troops in Iraq
10/09/2007 12:26:54 PM

A top American general and envoy are expected to tell U.S. Congress Monday that pulling their troops out of Iraq at this point would be a mistake.

Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker will deliver their Iraq progress report in the afternoon to members of four congressional committees.

In the report, the two are supposed to assess whether the surge in troops to Iraq over the past year has been a help or a hindrance to the region. About 30,000 troops were deployed over the past year, bringing the total to a record-breaking 168,000 American soldiers.

The testimony is expected to take several days, right through to the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Hours before the testimony was set to begin, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told his government the country's forces were not ready to take over security from the U.S. military.

"There have been tangible improvements in security in the recent period in Baghdad and the provinces but it is not enough," he told parliament.

"Despite the security improvement, we still need more efforts and time in order for our armed forces to be able to take over security in all Iraqi provinces from the multinational forces that helped us in a great way in fighting terrorism and outlaws."

Sources close to the envoys told the Associated Press that Petraeus and Crocker will acknowledge the setbacks in the country's security and political progress but will nonetheless insist the troops stay in Iraq to keep hold of what has already been achieved.

Al-Maliki told parliament that violence had in fact dropped by 75 per cent in the Baghdad area since U.S. troops arrived.

"The key to reconstruction, economic development and improving peoples' standard of living is security," he said.

"This was supposed to be some sort of turning point or defining moment but it's not going to be that," said Mark Plotkin, an U.S. political analyst and Washington radio host. "Democrats will be very displeased by this and there will be no seismic shift in terms of policy," he told CTV Newsnet.

Plotkin said the report will put Petraeus' reputation at risk.

"The general's credibility and the general's independence are now being questioned, mostly by Democrats," he said. "This was supposed to be a definitive and clear shift in strategy. You're not getting that at all."

http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/Top+US+general+to+give+verdict+on+troops+in+Iraq/TopStories/ContentPosting.aspx?isfa=1&newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20070910%2fPetraeus_Iraq_070910&feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V2&show=False&number=5&showbyline=False&subtitle=&det

Awwww.. how sad.
The surge is working so the Dems don't get a radical policy shift to make their anti-war radical base happy.
Too bad we are winning in the war, hey???????????!!!!!!???????? *shock*
Crazy people.. hard to believe they are Americans.
Must be politicians first, Americans very, very, very second, if at all.

Sara.

-- September 10, 2007 1:17 PM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

I rarely comment on things here but am an avid reader and would just like to say a big thank you to those that do post comments as it is you that keeps us non commenters, not only well informed on the situation going on, but also on a lot of other areas. Plese keep it up and I will keep reading, and once again THANK YOU ( just wanted to let you know that you are apreciated)

-- September 10, 2007 4:19 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

your welcome graham do you live in cornwall.?

-- September 10, 2007 7:24 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

As Support for 'Surge' Rises, CBS Loses Interest in Its Polling
By Brent Baker
September 10, 2007

On the day of the long-anticipated report from General David Petraeus on the “surge,” the CBS Evening News ignored how its latest poll discovered the third straight month of an increase in the percent of Americans who believe the surge has “made things better” in Iraq. As the percentage has gone up, CBS's interest in the result has gone down.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brent-baker/2007/09/10/more-americans-think-surge-working-cbss-interest-its-poll-finding-falls

-- September 10, 2007 10:35 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1006)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1006 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/9/11 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 80.525.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.700.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 80.525.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.700.000 -----

-- September 11, 2007 7:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit concludes

The leading figures from within the global energy sector gathered in Dubai on 2-4 September 2007 for the Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical & Electricity Summit, the world's first event organised to consider the future of Iraq's abundant energy resources through direct consultation with the international private sector.

The summit was the first of its kind to bring senior Iraqi officials to a specific event in order to engage in direct consultation with global energy corporations. It was opened on Sunday 2 September with addresses from the Iraqi Minister of Electricity H.E. Kareem Wahid and the Iraqi Minister of Industry & Minerals H.E. Fawzi Hariri. These were complimented by an address from the KRG Minister of Electricity H.E. Hoshyar Sowaily and the Iraqi Government Spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh.

The morning conference continued with a crucial session on Iraq's Oil Strategy, chaired by Ibrahim Bahr-Alolom, a former oil minister and led by Thamir Ghadbban, also a former oil minister and Chairman of Iraq's Oil Commission. After detailed deliberations by both of these key oil figures, the session continued with presentations by the Governors of Kirkuk, Najaf and Missan, each of whom described the various prospective opportunities to be found within their respective provinces.

With the afternoons on each day given over to roundtable meeting sessions between the various Iraqi bodies and the attending corporations, much was achieved in terms of enabling direct face-to-face discussions and the chance for companies to speak specifically about the contribution they could make to Iraq's energy sector.

As has become ever clearer over the last few months, Iraq's energy sector is heavily dependent on the result of the various deliberations regarding the proposed hydrocarbon law. Attending the summit to offer the perspective of the Iraqi Parliament were Dr Abdulmadi Al-Hasani, Deputy Head of the Iraq Energy Committee, Dr Kamal Field Al-Basri, senior economic adviser to Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and executive director of the Iraq Institute for Economic Reform and Sammy Al-Askary, a member of parliament and a senior advisor to the PM. These officials led a hugely informative session on the present status of the law, expectations in light of parliament's imminent return from recess and predictions for when it is expected to be passed in the coming weeks.

The morning continued with a special session led by Khaldoun Subhi, Director General of Geological Survey within the Iraqi Ministry of Industry & Minerals, before a special session on Iraq's Petrochemical Sector, led by Dr Mustafa Al-Jerrah, Director General within the Ministry and also featuring presentations from Nasir Naiam, Director General for Petrochemicals, Faris Taha, Director General for Petrochemical Industries and Haifa Abdulhameed, Director General for Petrochemical Investments. This session proved hugely beneficial in outlining requirements for the petrochemical sector, covering issues such as refinery and petrochemical integration, feedstock flexibility and production availability for petrochemical production.

With so much of Iraq's energy reserves unexplored, the opportunity to discuss with the attending Iraqi delegation potential deals for entering into the sector was one not be missed, with some of the pre-eminent operators holding consultations on the afternoon of Day Two also. These deliberations were held with the likes of Chevron, BP, Conoco Phillips, Marathon Oil, Total, Exxon, Lukoil, Statoil, GE, Cummins, ONGC, Reliance Industries, Dana Gas, Oracle, Raytheon, Crescent Petroleum and Hawker Beechcraft.

Day Three of the summit concluded with a special session on Project Finance, led by Timothy B. Mills, President of the Amercian Chamber of Commerce - Iraq and featuring Zaid A. Mahdi, Business Development Director at the Trade Bank of Iraq and Robert Pingeon, President of Meistre Associates, who gave a special presentation on insurance issues.

The summit was concluded by the Iraqi Ministry of National Security Affairs, for whom Hadi Ibrahim Hani, Director General for National Security and Issa Jaffar Jabir, Director General, Economic Security both gave addresses on the implications held for the energy sector with the volatile security situation in Iraq and in particular the protection of power stations, pipelines, refineries and other associated energy facilities and the various security provisions required.

Overall, much was achieved at the summit, with three days of insightful content and crucial dialogue exchange. A follow-up to the summit is expected to take place in 2008, by which time Iraq's hydrocarbon law will have been approved.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 11, 2007 10:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

10 Sep 2007 23:27:18
Oil 33
Bahr al-Ulum: Iraq could become among biggest oil exporters.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 11, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

What does this mean? Your comments and suggestions are welcomed.
____________________________________________________________

PM hints at forming partnership government instead of national unity

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

Baghdad, 11 September 2007 (Voices of Iraq)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized some political parties participating in the Iraqi government, saying that their role does not cope with the concept of the national unity government.

He urged the parliament and the government to review the concept of forming the national unity government and forming a majority government instead of it.

The premier's statements came during his word delivered before the Iraqi parliament.

Al-Maliki refused to allow reporters to attend the session and allowed only to the state-run al-Iraqiya satellite television to air the parliament's session.

He blamed continued objections made by some participating parties in the government for the failure of the national unity government.

"The national unity government's main focus should be the constitution and the signed agreements," he affirmed.

The withdrawal of a number of political blocs: the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF), the secular Iraqi National List (INL) and the Shiite Sadrists, from Maliki's cabinet caused a big dilemma to the entire political process.

"We should establish a partnership government instead of a national unity government which does not abide by rules of the national unity," the premier also said.

Speaking about the quintuple deal singed a few weeks ago by the parties to the four-way agreement plus the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party, he described it as a "second step on the road to effectuating the political process and refreshing state institutions' performance in different fields."

He admitted that a stagnant situation faced the political process after the withdrawal of some political blocs.

Maliki attended Monday's session upon an invitation extended by parliament last week
Maliki was supposed to hold his weekly news briefing on Monday but it was cancelled due to his scheduled appearance before parliament today.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 11, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

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Graham/Cornwall wrote:

@ Cornish boy Yes Cornwall England (St Austell)

-- September 11, 2007 11:27 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thank you for your helpful post Graham/Cornwall.

===

Petraeus says U.S. surge plan in Iraq 'working'
September 11, 2007

WASHINGTON (BBC) - The military objectives of the U.S. troop surge in Iraq ""are largely being met"", the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, Gen David Petraeus, has said.

Gen Petraeus' comments came as he and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker began testifying before Congress.

The testimony has been billed as ""make or break"" for President George W Bush's resolve to stay the course in Iraq.

A record 168,000 U.S. troops are now in Iraq after the 30,000 arrived in the surge between February and June.

Gen Petraeus also told Congress that troops numbers could be reduced to pre-surge level by next summer without jeopardizing the security situation in Iraq.

He said the number of what he described as security incidents had declined significantly since the surge began.

He said the number of civilian deaths had also gone down.

But he acknowledged that improvements in security had been ""uneven"".

""While noting that the situation in Iraq remains complex, difficult and sometimes downright frustrating, I also believe that it is possible to achieve our objectives in Iraq over time, although doing so will be neither quick, nor easy,"" he said.

Gen Petraeus said his testimony had not been cleared by the Pentagon or the White House before he gave it, and that he had written it himself.

His testimony was slightly delayed after a microphone did not work. Several hecklers were also removed from the hearing.

http://62.193.18.228/index_View.asp?code=152516

-- September 11, 2007 12:26 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

graham ha not far from me st.columb major.

-- September 11, 2007 12:47 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

intresting video http://peswiki.com/index.php/Video:Zeitgeist_-_The_Movie:_Federal_Reserve

-- September 11, 2007 1:09 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Upbeat assessment buys Bush some time on Iraq
Carolyn Lochhead, Chronicle Washington Bureau
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

(09-11) 04:00 PDT Washington -- The upbeat assessment Monday on the state of the war in Iraq by Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker appeared to provide President Bush with the breathing space he needs.

Political analysts had predicted for months that Republican congressional support for the war would crumble come fall, as the election season begins in earnest. Republican leaders themselves said last spring that the Petraeus report could prove pivotal - that some change on the ground would have to be evident by now.

The testimony by Petraeus and Crocker before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees - with just enough charts and statistics showing a decline in violence - appeared to be a successful plea for more time.

"What they're recommending is basically patience, which I don't have any left," said Rep. Ellen Tauscher, a Walnut Creek Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

House GOP leader Rep. John Boehner of Ohio. said Petraeus "outlined a responsible strategy for defeating al Qaeda, bringing stability and security in Iraq, solidifying the gains our troops have made, and bringing our troops home after victory, not defeat."

Petraeus and Crocker argued strongly that the troop increase is working, while at the same time cautioning that fixing Iraq is a long-term project that "will be neither quick nor easy."

Both emphasized gains made against al Qaeda in Iraq with the support of Sunni tribes that had been ferocious enemies of the U.S. occupation. The administration has been calling this turn of events "bottom up reconciliation."

Describing Iraq as a traumatized society utterly deconstructed by former dictator Saddam Hussein and now the war, Crocker said what has occurred is less regime change than a revolution that has Iraqis grappling with what kind of country they want.

"I intend to demonstrate that it is possible for the United States to see its goals realized in Iraq and that Iraqis are capable of tackling and addressing the problems confronting them today," Crocker said.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/09/11/MNF2S2NQM.DTL&type=politics

-- September 11, 2007 1:12 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq and Oil — Why the mainstream media won’t talk about it
Monday, 10 September 2007

Ever since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the mainstream media have deliberately downplayed the role of oil in the invasion, indeed even so-called liberal newspapers like the London Independent, have poured scorn on the idea, going as far as labelling anyone who raised the issue as “conspiracists”. The closest the BBC ever gets to it is when it mentions ‘energy security’ but it never mentions the dreaded ‘O’ word when it comes to the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Back in April 2003, I wrote a piece entitled ‘More about Conspiracies and Oil’, and although a little out of date in that there are now even more studies on the subject, it nevertheless contains a wealth of links to authoritative documents (from both the left and the right) on the subject, all of which reveal the fundamental importance of energy in the imperial equation, what both the state and the MSM euphemistically call “energy security”, which translated means the West’s literally God-given right to take whatever it needs in order to keep the capitalist system going. It’s always been this way and as long as we go along with it, it will always be this way, but I digress… Of course one has to ask the question, given the centrality of ‘energy security’ to the West, why daring to raise the role of oil in the invasion meets such scorn and derision in the Western media? Why is it a taboo subject? What is it the state and the corporates don’t want you to know about the role of oil in imperial foreign policy?

The entire history of the 20th century is bound up with oil, driven first and foremost by the demands of the British Imperial Navy to power its fleet of ‘dreadnoughts’ (even the word reveals the reality of imperial power) and with the advent of WWI (which was in part, fought over access to oil, from Iraq to the Persian Gulf region) the centrality of the internal combustion engine to warfighting.

The archives are choca-block full of evidence, going all the way back to the 19th century, confirming the view that the demands of industrial capitalism for energy, raw materials and of course cheap labour, are the principle driving force behind our foreign (and domestic) policy objectives. To deny this is to deny the historical evidence. Now there are those who claim that this is just history, a view of the ‘bad old days’, that now we’re citizens of a civilised country. But all that has changed are the alleged reasons for the imperium’s actions. Back in the days when the Union Jack ruled half the planet, we saw, we took, end of story. We didn’t need reasons, except to justify it to ourselves, but now we do (so something’s changed then).

Keep it complicated stupid!

What it comes down to is really quite simple: when reporting the ‘news’, just exclude anything that connects our political and military actions from economics. This is how and why the MSM never introduce the issue of oil because oil means talking about the economics of oil and hence the economics of capitalism. Thus, we never see the oil cartels dragged into the dirty waters of making war, yet without them, everything from Humvees to F-16s, don’t work.

Yet it’s so fundamental to understanding how our world works, that by excluding the economics that lies behind the news from our public media shows just how important it is. Venturing into this world, where all is revealed, is strictly verboten. Read the Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times, if you want to get a better handle on things economic, at least from the capitalist’s perspective (the old adage of not trying to bullshit a bullshitter would seem to be apt here).

The task of the mainstream journalist then, is to make sure that when talking about causes and reasons, the uncomfortable subject of the economics of it never raises its ugly head. And perforce, when it absolutely has to be dragged into the discourse, make sure it’s both too complicated to make sense of and that the subject of economics is kept at a safe distance from where the bombs are falling and especially who is dropping them. Notes 1. See ‘Iraq’s oil workers hold summit against oil privatization plans’, September 9, 2007, a press release issued by Naftana (‘Our Oil’ in Arabic), an independent UK-based committee supporting democratic trade unionism in Iraq. It works in solidarity with the IFOU (Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions). Naftana publicises the IFOU’s struggle for Iraqi social and economic rights and its stand against the privatisation of Iraqi oil demanded by the occupying powers. For more information see the IFOU’s website.

Atlantic Free Press - Hard Truths for Hard Times - Iraq and Oil — Why the mainstream media won’t talk about it

-- September 11, 2007 1:16 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US surge goals being met: US general at pivotal hearing
September 11, 2007

US Iraq commander General David Petraeus said today the military goals of the Iraq troop surge strategy were being met, and warned a premature drawdown of American troops would be "devastating."

In an appearance seen as one of the most momentous moments in a four-year war, Petraeus mounted a staunch defence of the strategy.

"As a bottom line up front, the military objectives of the surge are in large measure being met," Petraeus told a joint hearing of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.

And he warned against Democratic party calls for US most combat troops to be pulled out of Iraq by early next year.

"A premature drawdown of our forces would likely have devastating consequences," Petraeus said.

He said that though the 168,000 US troop strength in Iraq could start to be reduced to and beyond levels which existed before the current troop surge, further decision on force numbers could not be made until next March.

"In my professional judgment, it would be premature to make recommendations on the pace of such reductions at this time," Petraeus said.

Petraeus also warned that Iran was using its special forces to fight a "proxy war against the Iraqi state and coalition forces in Iraq."

US ambassador to Baghdad Ryan Crocker meanwhile said a "secure, stable, democratic Iraq at peace with its neighbours is, in my view, attainable."

"The trajectory of political, economic, and diplomat developments in Iraq is upwards, although the slope of that line is not steep," he said.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/us-surge-goals-being-met-us-general-at-pivotal-hearing/2007/09/11/1189276661656.html

-- September 11, 2007 1:17 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Cornish_boy;

You know, cornish_boy.. the thing about the oil interests in Iraq is.. that the world is kind of like a community or neighborhood. The world is really quite small, in spite of the miles, due to modern technology (transportation, media, phones, etc). And when two groups start fighting each other, the world always calls for a police officer to go in there and help the people being beaten up in the domestic dispute. Often, the "police officer" (US) doesn't feel it worth doing because it takes resources, you might end up losing some men, and who wants to be part of a domestic quarrel anyway? So the world then digs at the US for not doing enough.. for letting atrocities happen and just standing there, doing nothing. Not that the neighbors are doing anything, but the police get the blame, nonetheless.

But when there is a bit of a reason to be involved (oil, in this case) and the US does what is right (acts like the cop), those who were being raped, killed, beaten, tortured, shot at, etc.. under Saddam are clearly happy the US did what it did. And then the police (US) get the blame the other way.. the critics do what this article says, "You shouldn't have gone in to help at all, you had impure motives." Well, its damned if you do, damned if you don't, you know. No matter what, the US would be blamed. Either they didn't go in and should have.. or they did and are blamed for not being completely and puritanically pure in motive.. and people will always blame whichever choice you make.

Personally, from all those who are not dead, tortured, raped, kidnapped, shot at for fun, etc... we continue to hear that they are grateful Saddam is gone. Anyone remember the mass graves which were dug up? Or is that too passe? Arguing (as this article did) that the US should never have gone into Iraq is wrong. Saying that oil was THE motive is wrong, it wasn't. So the entire view of this article is particularly flawed and wickedly motivated, because it prejudices the US NOT to help the poor, needy and abused in the world ever again. If Iraq teaches the US not to "interfere" ever again and simply let the next "domestic dispute" go on and look the other way.. I certainly hope the authors of these critical articles are in the middle of the next domestic dispute so they can see a bit of change of perspective. Firsthand experience is a good teacher these "academics" could well use. It certainly softens their stance on things, as Katie Couric has found.

Sara.

cf ... Katie Couric commentary change from liberal media perspective.. to a softened stance toward Iraq:

===

Salon Editor Bashes Katie Couric’s Reports From Iraq
By Noel Sheppard
September 9, 2007

"CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric couldn't possibly expect to be criticized by a fellow, female, liberal journalist when she went to Iraq last week to report firsthand what was going on in that embattled nation.

Yet, on Sunday's "Reliable Sources," Salon editor-in-chief Joan Walsh ripped the leading member of the media sisterhood for "lobbing kind of softball questions," and not "working terribly hard to go beyond that kind of puff piece drop in for a few days kind of journalism."

In fact, Walsh demonstrated what happens when a discernibly liberal press representative dares to do an impartial, balanced report which doesn't exclusively bash Republicans, the president, and the war:

I was disappointed in Katie Couric to be honest with you. I disagree with Michael. I don't think she's been shrill. I think the real issue for Katie is coming across as a hard newswoman, and I think that this was designed to do that. And, I don't think it really worked. I think that she was perceived, and quite accurately, as lobbing kind of softball questions. She did step outside of her persona at one point and say, "Well, I am only seeing what the military wants me to see." But you never got the feeling that she was working terribly hard to go beyond that kind of puff piece drop in for a few days kind of journalism. So I was disappointed.

So, unless Katie completely toed the Democrat Party line about what conditions are like in Iraq, she's throwing softballs in a puff piece. Amazing, wouldn't you agree?

Even host Howard Kurtz thought Walsh was off-base:

I don't know how you can say puff piece. I mean, she talked to Iraqi families, she talked to, uh, uh soldiers, some of whom were not all that positive on the war.

But, regardless of what Kurtz or his other guest, conservative radio host Michael Medved, stated, Walsh was having none of it:

I have enormous respect for her to go there. I think it was important that she went. But I would say, Michael, the real thing that I saw was a kind of tentative, yes, she had to say the situation is not that much better. But, she really didn't use the facts that other people were using. There was a huge debate last week about the GAO report. She didn't really use the details of that. She didn't really confront either Petraeus or General (indiscernible) with the kinds of things that you were hearing in Congress. And, I thought that was problematic.

Fascinating. So, in Walsh's view, Couric should travel thousands of miles to Iraq, putting her life in jeopardy, only to report what was being discussed in Washington?

Fortunately, Medved pointed out the stupidity of Walsh's argument:

With respect, the GAO report is a Washington story, and she was going to Iraq to do Iraqi stories firsthand, to do her own reporting.

Here was Walsh's absurd response:

But, she can't see everything. She did that, but she can't see everything so having, marshalling statistics that are, compliment Iraq, but were being discussed in Washington, I think she could have done more of that.

Amazing. See how the liberal media mind works?

First, we shouldn't believe what Administration officials are saying is going on in Iraq because they're not there. Now, we shouldn't believe what a liberal reporter is saying from there because folks in Washington have a different take.

In the end, what Walsh told viewers is that they should only believe negative opinions about Iraq regardless of where they emanate, and that media members should exclusively be reporting that which supports troop withdrawals.

Sadly, for many folks like Walsh, this is what journalism is all about.

How disgraceful.

—Noel Sheppard is an economist, business owner, and Associate Editor of NewsBusters.

Comments:

1) Using my Joan Walsh decoder ring
September 9, 2007 — Mica the Magnificent

"But she really didn't use the facts that other people were using."

Those democratic talking points, in other words.

- If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber

2) She didn't see everything
September 9, 2007 — bulbasaur

But, she can't see everything.

Someone please tell me what this means, other than Katie did not toe the democrat party line?

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2007/09/09/salon-editor-bashes-katie-couric-s-reports-iraq

-- September 11, 2007 6:43 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Rob N.

As near as I can figure out on your question, it appears that Maliki is frustrated about his inability to get anything done in parliament and his cabinet because people did not show up to make a forum. The government is suppose to be a national unity government. However, without a forum (as everyone keeps boycotting the government) the government is ineffective and Makili simply wants a government with a simple majority. What he means by a partnership government is possibly those who show up to vote on the issues.

Anyone else with any thoughts on this?

Laura Parker

-- September 11, 2007 7:21 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From what I am reading on other forums a discontent is brewing because the HCL has not passed yet and there has not been a revaluation of the Iraqi currency. I am still optimistic about the prospects of this country.

My optimism stems from listening to the testimony from General Pratreus and Ambassador Crocker. Both painted a realistic picture of the situation in Iraq.

Those that may find themselves discouraged on this forum or another, we all knew this is a long term investment. We still have time to pick up more dinars or invest in the Isx. I just picked up another half a million in 25K notes. I echo Roger's past admonition; fill your boots while you still can.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 11, 2007 11:39 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1007)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1007 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/9/12 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1236 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 45.170.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 665.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 45.170.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 665.000 -----

-- September 12, 2007 7:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carl and board.. care to comment on Iran's latest move?

===

“9/11″ Zogby Poll Was Commissioned By Iran

By now you have probably heard of the results of the recent Zogby poll (pdf file), which claims that 42% of Americans believe Bush either caused 9/11 or let it happen.

But what you may not have realized is that the poll was “commissioned” by Press TV, which is owned and operated by the Iranian government.

From Wikipedia:

Press TV

"PRESS TV is an English language international television news channel which is funded by the Iranian government, based in Tehran and broadcasts in English on a round-the-clock schedule. With 26 international correspondents and more than 400 staff around the world, its stated mission is to offer a different and unbiased view of the world events…"

===

This work by Zogby on Iran’s behalf may even be illegal, since American businesses have been restricted from dealing with Iran (pdf file) because of its sponsorship of terrorism. Although some of these sanctions have been subsequently relaxed.

But even if the Iranian sponsorship of this poll wasn’t illegal it is highly questionable.

And of course one wonders what was the purpose of Iran commissioning such a poll at this time in the first place?

And how many polls have they commissioned previously?

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Wednesday, September 12th, 2007.

Comments:

1) Liberals Make Great Speedbumps

Well that explains quite a bit regarding the outcome of this “poll”. I just didn’t believe that it would be possible to get such a ludicrous result unless the official call list for pollsters was the NY Times subscribers list.

2) Lipstick on a PIAPS

Iran, the Democrats, the Syrians and the North Koreans, what’s the difference? They all hate Bush’s effectiveness on the Global War on Terrorism. Equally…….. says a lot about the man.

3) englishqueen01

Oh. My. Goodness.

This is why a Republican needs to win in 2008. If a Democrat wins, I’m-a-Nut-Job will be our president before the end of the decade.

These people are nuts and they’re giving our country to ruthless, Islamofacist dictators.

4) EvaTheFrisbeeDog

Of this sample set, nearly 10% say the US Govt actually carried out the attacks and 11% only somewhat disagree with this statement; therefore, 20% of those polled are out of their minds; the remaining 23% were obviously confused by the the question.

For instance, let’s say you believe that there was sufficient evidence to predict an attack and the FBI held in custody one of the 9/11 hijackers before the attack, but because of their ineptitude or inability to correlate all these events they did nothing, you may respond the same. It’s a confusing statement, especially when you’re peppered with all sort of conspiratorial accusations. It’s a classic implicit association trap. The order in which these questions were asked can lead to a statistical bias, and Zogby knows this. Also, they’re only using “listed” telephone numbers. I wonder if cell phones were called? Probably not. I’m not buying these results.

As for Zogby, he did some amazing work on the 2000 national elections, but he is after all a self-professed liberal Democrat of Lebanese descent; his brother is the founder of Arab American Institute. That’s not to say his not a good pollster, but he’s no fan of the Bush administration and he knows how to skew results.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/latest-zogby-poll-was-commissioned-by-iran

-- September 12, 2007 1:16 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Iran will continue to be a thorn in the side of the United States because they count on playing the role of spoil in the Middle East.

The U.S. has played a role in the country evolving as it has. President Jimmy Carter made a mistake by refusing to authorize a military strike against the country when the hostages were taken.

President Reagan's administration mistakenly chose to fund both Iran and Iraq during that eight year war. The idle threats made by Iran today are a direct result of our faulty policy toward that country.

Once we help the GoI stablize and we build our military bases so close to Tehran and Damascus I think the rhetoric will change dramatically.

The present concern are the Clerics inside Iraq vying for power. It will be interesting to see how the GoI handle this issue. In my opinion we have a little further to go before we see the results we are looking for. As I said on another forum, keep the faith.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 12, 2007 6:01 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Iran is not interested in meeting any goals, or do any commitments.

They are very very interested in keeping a dialog, in order to seem interested in the issues.

The only reason they are talking is to show the world that they are talking, but it has achieved absolutely nothing so far.

They just want to look concerned and interested, and are willing to play charade for the masses indefinitely, because that buys them time for their nuclear development.

So far, when they have talked they have said nothing.

The Iran issue is getting more and more highlighted, latest is the congressional report where it was stated that Iran is having a proxy war inside Iraq.

I am personally of the opinion that they have had a proxy war with the world since their Islamic revolution in the late -70's.

A nation in such an ignorance and arrogance as Iran can by it's nature not stand forever, insanity will in the long run not prevail, but sometimes when a country is in very hard grip of insane dictatorial leaders, they are slapped silly, by the forces they oppose, or internal pressure will eventually overthrow the regime.

Overthrowing the Iranian regime doesn't seem to be possible right now, so the slap silly option seems to be more in the cards.

-- September 12, 2007 6:20 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Remnants of the previous economic downturn when handled

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

Star nautical
انالشعبمنها... The economic plans initiated by Iraq since the year 1968 until the end of that system have not achieved the required ambitious about the welfare of the people and wished them simple ... التنفيذ... Development plans were sound in terms of implementation ... . For this they have failed altogether. . Estimated by poor budgets and field and Ignorance makers of those goals. اورة .. Now Iraq throughout its contracts within Medina (140 billion dollars) and thus those plans had opened loopholes in the economic and social infrastructure, due to wars imposed by the former regime of neighboring States .. والبشرية.. Even sapped the energies of the entire society and human material .. وة..! And so consumed inventories reserve of energy ..! .. Therefore, who have placed their plans then what they can achieve those goals along the calculations according to the Iraqi economy, leading to the degradation and underdevelopment, and atrophy at various levels, as most Iraqi governorates are still poor and disabled empty budgets and projects .. انذاك.. In light of that exclusive point out that the fiscal policy was not planned enough reserves to meet the required development plans then .. لقد). The state budget was (exclusively) for the years 1967-1968 theme of the report is a new principle of the unified budget system for the development Guesses discretionary budgets of any annexation departments and private institutions to the general state budget (central budget). . And thus become Almkhmanh figures of income and expenditures high for the budgets of previous years. عنها.. But in the true reality is not very different from .. جراء المالي.. The failure of the policy of the State Finance and financial miscalculation .. . The government during the decades of dictatorship are continuing deficit in the regular budget for emergency expenditures increase over the normal weight of the budget during the war of June 1967, after an increase of military expenditure in the doors and items and related national security. ديدة. We subscribe this deficit that the government is working on Mlavath continue deducting the amounts from the budget of economic development plan by arresting important agreement on some existing projects or stopping the creation of new projects. 1968). It also resorted to borrowing from the Central Bank of Iraq) where resorted to borrowing 10% of its normal weights borrow the same percentage figures, but any increase consolidated budget borrowing (17 million dinars under the 1666 budget year to about 52 million dinars under the budget year 1968). 3.3دولار. This figure compared to the years that the Iraqi dinar Mr. cash position in any arena that the dinar equivalent of the gold standard for the dollar under 3.3 dollars. ... This is the direct motivation for the then government through the unified budget system ... .. Or perhaps the most serious since the government followed through resorted To meet the fiscal deficit is the method used is shameful forced taxation, expansion and diversification .. . Authorities published during the year 1967-1968 unfair number of instructions and making tax direct and indirect rapidly away from the substantive study and the resulting economic effects of future physical, social and pension to the people. . The taxes imposed multiple times (on behalf of victims of flood relief in 1967 and again on behalf of National Defense) and other legal as amendments to the income tax and customs tariff, which increased tax rates which significantly. حتىUntil now the brunt of taxes mentioned, realized the magnitude and rate of multiple aspects until officials realized during those contracts ruling (issued a statement in which it promised to review all existing tax laws and developed according to the possibilities holders and end of the legislation but proceeded to amend certain taxes individually to achieve rates of staff cuts and workers. The amended tax law Civil Defense (National) on September 1, 1968 and the allocation of petrol prices .. In ****e of this reduction was attributed partly .. but it is a clear recognition of the financial and political power that taxes are high and are lifted from the burden citizens and improve the income level. this quick overview of what it was overburdened Iraqi economy and worries and problems and excessive accumulations on the Iraqi people .. now on the new government in Iraq should consider very seriously for that abysmal financial situation of the previous regime and the Mecca of poverty and deprivation and disease .. We must assume that Iraq not only leaves a gap and backfilling it .. the state debt overhang and resorted to by the government after the overthrow of the system up dropping them from the accounts of creditor nations but effective step is to chase crush those adverse effects. It also requires the abolition of a number of laws and regulations which are underdeveloped commensurate with the Iraqi people to achieve ambitious patient toward freedom and democracy. .. for the passage of legislation with amendments to the Constitution requires accuracy in serving the interests of people who suffer day after day ... in ****e of the terrorism active in the Iraqi arena, which calls for bundles position hard to confront him with .. becoming sustainable ways of reconstruction and development of the infrastructure which is now completely paralyzed .. and the size of the terrible unemployment, which the State must be addressed in full swing providing supplies required.
Translated version of http://ht/
__________________

-- September 12, 2007 7:02 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Crude oil is at an all time hight 80 dollars per barrel plus the us allso has an oil shortage not looking good four the winter.

-- September 12, 2007 7:18 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Rob N and Roger.

Iran appears to be trying very hard to influence the American people's viewpoint concerning having a war with them. They want the American people not to support that option. That they would fund a poll to make the American government seem inept at the least and malevolent (malicious) at the worst is a tactic to undermine confidence in the government's ability to protect and act in the best interests of the country and her people... including the option of engaging the Iranians before they can grow into an imminent nuclear threat to American soil.

Conspiracy theorists run with these kinds of things - like this poll. They cannot see the whole picture so they connect the dots based on flimsy evidence (such as these polls - looking no further as to who commissioned it, why and how, etc).. but such people choose the wrong dots to connect and the picture they come up with is flawed. It seems logical, but it is truly wrong. In this case, they likely presume almost half the population thinks the government in America is corrupt and untrustworthy. This breeds more discontent because the simple believe every word (Prov 14:15) and these words impact them and sway them into believing whatever is said without question, adding to the true number of deluded thinkers this poll has discovered.

You know.. those in denial are the worst. Those who say there is no war (bumper sticker only) and their delusion that if the US pulls out of Iraq then everything will calm down and be peaceful again and they can go back to living their lives in peace and without interruption. If they understood the Middle East, they would see that pullout will be viewed by the enemy as saying that the US is weak.. and strong men use that to tactical advantage in war (and we are in a war). Vietnam showed the US what happens to those who are left when an engagement is reversed. But the Vietcong were not seeking to destroy America nor had they ever said that America would soon "disappear", as Iran has said of the US. What a rude awakening these deluded persons are in for if their mentality prevails, only to find the country in ruins from nuclear weapons. As one commentator said (the Patton video I posted), if Hitler had nuclear weapons.. do we doubt he would have used them? Why do the American people give Iran's intent the benefit of the doubt?

Those who think Iran is reasonable are deluded.. they would as likely hand the country over to Communists (who would behead/kill every intelligent person among them) as make an intelligent decision about dealing with a country who is convinced their Mahdi is about to appear and there needs to be chaos to usher in his return. They have no idea what religious zeal is.. even if it is not zeal according to knowledge and understanding, but delusion and falsehood. Iran isn't their friend.. and they cannot make them into friends without giving up every freedom they now have. If their will prevails, America will have a very, very hard battle to fight to regain her ground. Since all the Democrat candidates are for pulling out, if any of them prevails and wins the country is in for a very devastating defeat at the hands of strong enemies. You cannot walk away from a war because the enemy doesn't walk away, too.. he uses your absence to strengthen and arm.. and then attack.

They are right, you know.. it is a proxy war in Iraq... but not for long. Either way, it will become a real and direct war.. either through the US attacking them (which the poll is intended to discourage and undermine confidence in the government to assess such a threat and act accordingly) or through withdrawl and weakness inviting the enemy to arm and attack (with nukes) on American soil. The choice is clear.. and appears to be according to party affiliation.. attack (Republican) or retreat (Democrat).. resulting in (Repub) taking the engagement to the enemy and forcing them into a posture of defence.. or (Dem) waiting like ducks in a bathtub for when the enemy is truly prepared and on the offensive and can at leisure make their coordinated attack against American soil.

The choice is clear.. which will America choose in her dealings with Iran?

You know what I saw.. a coordinated attack against US soil with multiple nuclear weapons. Is it a warning of what the wrong choice is? Or is it a portent of things inevitably to come?

Sara.

-- September 12, 2007 8:33 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Proxy war...

Petraeus details Iran involvement in Iraq
Cambodian Times
Wednesday 12th September, 2007

In Congressional testimony, General David Petraeus, the top U.S commander in Iraq, has said there is hard evidence of Iranian involvement in attacks on U.S soldiers.

General Petraeus said the evidence included captured hard drives from Qais Khazali, the Lebanese Hezbollah deputy commander.

Khazali is alleged to be an Iraqi member of the Iranian backed cell that stormed a security station in Karbala on January 20th, killing a U.S soldier and kidnapping four others, who were later found dead.

General Petraeus said the captured hard drives contained images and video-taped interrogations of the captured soldiers.

http://story.cambodiantimes.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/2411cd3571b4f088/id/281722/cs/1/

-- September 13, 2007 1:58 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1008)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1008 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/9/13 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 19 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1235 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 128.720.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 128.720.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- September 13, 2007 7:36 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

The Trade agreement with Mexico that Bush pushed through allows for trucks ( commercial cargo) to enter the US without any restrictions applied by our Federal Transportation or HOmeland Security regulations. Simply put, they enter the US freely without any sort of inspection or levies.

SOme Congressmen had some very deep concerns as prompted by their constituents, to develop and introduce to Congress legislation that would apply some limited restrictions for the sake of our National security. Bush vowed to veto any legislation that would remotely hinder these trucks from passing into the US with any type of inspection or scrutiny.

You are a very intelligent person. Can you answer as to why he would do this?

Next question: Do you think that possibly Bush and Condi's visit with Putin during the summer months might have had anything to do with our Intelligence information that Russia was preparing to test the "grandaddy" of bombs? And do you think that Bush and Condi may have warned Putin that if he allowed the testing of this bomb it would put Russia in jeporady of violating serious arms agreements with NATO and other treaties? Which would more than likely cause tremendous sanctions against Russia by the World community.

Well, of course they did. Putin's response-----test the bomb anyway---disolve the status of Russia as a Nation(EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY) NOW who shall the international community deliver any reaction or sanctions to?

I suggest studying the agenda of the North American Union Alliance ( to go into effect 2010) And see if you can connect the dots.

I will also reiterate that Putin is one of the most dangerous men on this planet. And will have supreme influence on "Russian" activity for a long time to come. The man he will push to be " elected" (JOKE!) is and will be his puppet, until the "New Russia" does away with Term Limits---bringing Putin right back into offical power.

Carole

PS: The connection between Russia and Iran is impenetrable! Is it any wonder that Iran is so arrogant in all their ways?
Wouldn't you be if you had the "DADDY" of the GRANDADDY OF BOMBS in your back pocket??

-- September 13, 2007 8:41 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sunni insurgents side with U.S. against al Qaeda
9/12/2007

Editor's note: This is part of a series of reports CNN.com is featuring from an Anderson Cooper special this week, "Live from Iraq," which airs at 10 p.m. ET.

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq (CNN) -- Until recently, Yusufiyah was among the most dangerous places in Iraq.

Located in the so-called "triangle of death," a violent area south of Baghdad, it was the site of frequent clashes between coalition forces and Sunni fighters. In May, two U.S. soldiers went missing in Yusufiyah and were never found, despite a massive search.

But today, Sunni tribal leaders in this town cooperate with U.S. forces in their battle against foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq.

"It's all the roll of the dice. It's people and politics all intertwined down here," said Col. Michael Kershaw, commander of the Second Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

Kershaw now greets his former enemies with kisses, hears their grievances, spends time in their homes and even shares meals with them. He is surprised at how far relations have progressed.

"Our hope a year ago was to establish very basic inroads down here," Kershaw said. "We thought the insurgency was far too deep for us to be able to effectively root it out and develop the relationship with the locals."

As happened in Anbar province to the west, local Sunni leaders from this town south of Baghdad finally turned on the al Qaeda extremists in their midst when the death and destruction became too much to bear.

"Killing people, stealing goats, everything, you name it," said Sheik Hamid Karbouli, when asked why he and his men now oppose al Qaeda. Karbouli has recruited some 150 volunteers to man checkpoints and carry guns. Sunni sheik lists grievances against al Qaeda »

The U.S. military calls the men concerned local citizens.

"I haven't had more than one IED destroy a vehicle in an area where concerned citizens were located ... in the past two months," Kershaw said.

To further encourage local tribesmen to turn against al Qaeda, the U.S. military pays local sheiks to provide security in their area; they receive up to $10 per man. It's a controversial policy, but one that has helped the U.S. military identify and stop insurgents, Kershaw said.

"In the three months since this has started, we have gathered more insurgents up, more terrorists, than we did in the preceding nine months. And that's because they have pointed out to us these people within their own ranks," Kershaw said.

The next step is to have these young Sunnis join the Iraqi police. For that to happen, the U.S. military needs the cooperation of the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad. Cooperation, however, is slow in coming.

Iraq's central government is concerned these gunmen might turn into armed militias if the U.S. pulls out and civil war erupts. To assuage these concerns, Kershaw is registering as many of the local volunteers as possible, taking photographs and retinal scans, hoping leaders in Baghdad will agree to hire them as Iraqi police.

"What we see as being the end state down here is these tribes being brought back full into the government process," Kershaw said.

The Second Brigade has lost 53 men in Iraq. Their photos are proudly displayed in the brigade's headquarters. Some of the U.S. soldiers here have a hard time forgiving the Sunnis for what they might have done in the insurgency.

"Were some of these people part of the insurgency? Sure they were," Kershaw said.

"Our job over here isn't to do what's comfortable for us, and it isn't to do what we want," he said. "Our job is to do the nation's bidding. If this gets our nation closer to a solution for this country ... then that's what we're gonna do."

Sunni insurgents side with U.S. against al Qaeda - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 13, 2007 12:00 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Companies from Malaysia Declare Intention to Execute Service Projects in Kurdistan

Omer Fattah, Vice President of the provincial government of Kurdistan Province, has urged the government of Malaysia to participate in reconstruction projects in Kurdistan, stressing that the Province is stable and secure.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 13, 2007 12:01 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gulf-Iraq meeting to take place in Bahrain
Baghdad (NINA)-The Ministry of Trade said that more than 12,000 participants, representing 900 pioneering companies from different sectors will participate in the first Gulf-Iraqi meeting that will be hosted by Bahrain early next November. It added Thursday that 300 governmental figures will attend.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 13, 2007 12:03 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bomb kills Abu-Reesha at Ramadi
Baghdad (NINA)- Security sources announced Thursday afternoon the death of Sheikh Abdul-Sattar Abu-Reesha, head of the pro-government Anbar Awakiness Council -a tribal anti-Qaeda forces. The sources have reported that Abu-Reesha was killed when an explosive device detonated Thursday afternoon.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 13, 2007 12:04 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

REYADH HUSSEIN

MANAMA: Iraq is capable of becoming a super economic power both regionally and internationally, says Iraqi Ambassador to Bahrain Ghassan Muhsen. At a Press conference held at the Regency Inter-continental yesterday to discuss the upcoming Gulf Iraqi Expo (GIX) in Bahrain, Mr Muhsen said that there are investment opportunities in Iraq and that the security situation there is 75 per cent safer than it was in March last year.

The event will be held from November 1 to 3 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

"The reason for the event being re-scheduled is because of the security factor. We were going to hold the event last March but we decided to postpone it to allow the situation to become more stable in Iraq," Muhsen told the GDN.

He said that the event will definitely be held on its designated date from November 1 to 3 and there will be no postponements or delays.

"GIX is an highly important event which is taking place in Bahrain," Mr Muhsen said. "The exhibition will be for both Iraqis still in the country and those residing outside.

"It is also an important event for business people interested in investing in Iraq as the volume of trade has been modest since the invasion of Kuwait.

Also attending was one of the organisers of the event, I-Vision chairman, Murthada Kamal Aldin, and the marketing and logistics representative for the expo, CTM Management chairman and chief executive Saeed Rajab Z Omar.

"The idea of GIX is to promote business between Iraq and the GCC," Aldin said.

"There will be delegates attending the conference from around the world but the core of the event is to build business links between Iraq and the GCC states.

"Companies from Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia are now investing in the north and south of Iraq in places like Kurdistan, Najaf or Diwaniya.

"The new investment law passed by the Iraqi parliament will help resettle the situation in Iraq and help share the new vision for the country. The aim of GIX is to help build bridges though the Gulf countries."

So far 13 countries have confirmed their participation, including all six GCC states as well as Iraq, Pakistan, India, the US, Egypt, Jordan and France.

The final list of exhibitors will be confirmed on October 1. However, there are already 180 directly registered companies who have completed their registration with the organiser, and 120 companies are currently negotiating space and their type of participation.

"GIX is expected to be a full networking event," Muhsen said.

"As well as the exhibition we have planned conferences to be held to discuss opportunities for investors in Iraq and the correct way in which to enter the Iraqi market.

"The confirmation of the attendance of the Iraq Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, as well as seven Iraqi ministers in sectors of planning, labour, trade, oil, housing, health and industry will aid the commencement of talks.

"Unido will also be present to arrange meetings between officials and businessmen alike.

"We have also asked Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki to attend GIX to boost relations with Bahrain, as Bahrain is an important nation in the GCC.

"We have been working to promote Iraq and the Iraqi Ministry of Trade has opted for Bahrain as they feel it is the right place to organise such an event."

The event is expected to be attended by 12,000 participants of which 1,250 are pre-qualified Iraqi businessmen. business@gdn.com.bh
__________________
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT....IF NOT....THEN TOMORROW NIGHT...OR MAYBE THE NIGHT AFTER

-- September 13, 2007 1:14 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Marshall plan mention

Follow the Money
New York Sun Editorial
September 13, 2007

While the Democrats in the Congress were calling General Petraeus a liar for arguing that things were getting better in Iraq, one of our favorite publications — Grant's Interest Rate Observer — was circulating around town with a cover story called "Strongest currency, best bourse." It turns out that is in neither Switzerland nor Britain nor Japan nor America but Iraq, which, Grant's reports, "has turned into a capital magnet." Says it: "The only thing stronger than the Iraqi currency is the Baghdad stock market." And it adds this classic Grantian formulation: "Money is sometimes misinformed, but it is never insincere. Something is afoot in Iraq.
Grant's says it hasn't gotten to the bottom of what is afoot. "One could mention," it quotes its correspondant Ian McCulley as enumerating, "the country's healthy petrodollar harvest, the central bank's decision to use the exchange rate as a policy tool against inflation, the central bank's 20% overnight interest rate, the declining Iraqi inflation rate (to 30%, year over year, from last year's triple digits) or the simple fact that Iraq has one of the few floating currencies in the Gulf." But it notes that whatever the reason, the dinar has climbed to 1,235 to the dollar from 1,480 at the start of 2004. It says that on the Baghdad bourse, local investors anticipated the opening of the market to foreign capital in August by bidding the market up 58% in July.

Well, neither Grant's nor we would want to make too much of the Iraqi economic indicators. The whole stock market, Grant's notes, is capitalized at but $2 billion. It's a war situation and there can be a lot of distortions. But neither would we want to make too little of it. The key point is which way the arrow is pointing. As well as the potential, which is enormous. One of our favorite moments in the whole Iraq debate is when a broadcaster asked Ahmad Chalabi whether he thought Iraq needed another Karzai, a reference to the Afghanistan strongman. Replied Mr. Chalabi: "No, Iraq needs another Erhard," a reference to the Free German economist Ludwig Erhard, who, in 1948, moved to sound currency and set the stage for the West German economic miracle. Grants noted that the Guardian reported the other day, "There are some tentative signs of political reconciliation in Iraq." Concluded Grant's: "Maybe the smart money saw it coming."

Follow the Money - September 13, 2007 - The New York Sun

-- September 13, 2007 1:30 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Statistics we might not hear repeated very often in the MSM.. if at all:

===

Zogby Says Most Americans Believe Iraq War Not Lost: Press Says...Nothing
By Richard Newcomb
August 30, 2007

A new Zogby Poll says that 54 percent of Americans believe Iraq is not a lost cause. However, the mainstram media have so far not managed to report much if anything on the startling new poll. QUOTE:

"A majority of Americans - 54% - believe the United States has not lost the war in Iraq, but there is dramatic disagreement on the question between Democrats and Republicans, a new UPI/Zogby Interactive poll shows. While two in three Democrats (66%) said the war effort has already failed, just 9% of Republicans say the same." (end quote)

Many Democrats, seeing the fact that the surge appears to be working, have realized that their defeatist attitudes and willingness to surrender may cost them dearly in the next election, have changed their tune somewhat, or, like the New York Times, have merely moved the goalposts of what constitutes victory. However, the major media, who have been overwhelmingly in favor of a precipitous defeat seem to be a little slow in reporting that their years of negative reporting and defeatism have not yet managed to dissuade a majority of their countrymen from wanting to win.

So let me recap- bad news about how Americans view the Iraq conflict gets front page coverage. The news that most Americans believe the United States can win is ignored? Just another day for the liberal media, I gather.

Comments:

1) The new Mantra....... — JayTee

The NEW mantra from the Dems is...

"The Military cannot WIN the Political War."

But I thought taking Saddam out, proping up an Elected Government, WAS a BIG Political Win already ? ? ?

I don't buy that line........I ain't that Dumb.

And if OUR Congress wants to measure Iraq's Congress, then Iraq should do a Vice - Versa, and track the performance of the USA Congress.

What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/richard-newcomb/2007/08/30/zogby-says-most-americans-believe-iraq-war-n ot-lost-press-says-noth

Following on this "suprising" poll is this one:

===

Bush rating on Iraq improves, poll finds
Thursday Sep 13 16:12 AEST

Approval of President George W Bush's handling of the Iraq war has risen, according to a poll released on Wednesday on the eve of a speech by Bush in which he is expected to endorse a plan for a gradual troop withdrawal.

Just 30 per cent of Americans approve of Bush's handling of Iraq, but that was an eight point jump from July, said the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll.

The boost came primarily from Republicans, men and independents, NBC reported.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=67207

I wonder where the Congressional approval rating sits today?

Sara.

-- September 13, 2007 1:46 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Eight terrorists killed, 15 suspects detained in northern Iraq
By MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
Blackanthem Military News

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Eight terrorists were killed and 15 suspected terrorists were detained during Coalition operations Tuesday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting the al-Queda in Iraq network that conducts attacks and facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists in northwestern Iraq. Several armed men engaged Coalition forces during a raid in a desolate area six miles from the Syrian border. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing six armed men. Coalition forces also discovered two men hiding inside a tent, one of whom detonated a suicide vest he was wearing, killing only himself and the other terrorist. Coalition forces found several suicide vests, weapons, rockets, grenades and $18,000 in U.S. currency at the site. They also detained one individual. In the second operation, in the far western part of Ninewa province, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists.

In Bayji, Coalition forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to have taken over the sniper and assassination network in the area after Coalition forces captured his predecessor Aug. 4 (SEE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE - IRAQ PRESS RELEASE A070804a, "Coalition raids nab 33 suspected terrorists," DATED Aug. 4, 2007). Also in the Tigris River Valley, ground forces detained one suspected terrorist near Balad for his alleged ties to a network known to attack Coalition forces.

Iraqi and Coalition forces in Kirkuk targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the city's car-bombing network, who also facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists who conduct suicide attacks. The ground forces detained seven suspected terrorists and found a cache of bomb-making materials, which they safely destroyed on site.

http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/Eight_terrorists_killed_15_suspects_detained_in_northern_Iraq10092.shtml

-- September 13, 2007 2:21 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iran supplying rockets.. recently (this week) killing one American, injuring 11 others.
Proxy war continued..

Iran rocket used in attack on key Iraq base: U.S.
Reuters
Thursday, September 13, 2007; 7:36 AM

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Thursday an Iranian-made rocket was believed to have been used in an attack that killed one person on the headquarters of the American military in Iraq this week.

Military spokesman Major-General Kevin Bergner said it appeared followers of the anti-American Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr were responsible for the attack on Tuesday.

"The attack used a 240 mm rocket, which is a weapon that these groups have received from Iranian sources in the past and recently used in other attacks against coalition forces," Bergner said at a news conference.

The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with U.S. officials stepping up accusations that Iran is supplying weapons to Iraqi Shi'ite militias to kill U.S. soldiers, a charge Iran denies.

U.S. commanders say that apart from rockets and mortars, sophisticated roadside bombs made from Iranian components have killed scores of U.S. troops.

While Bergner would not confirm the rocket hit the large Camp Victory military base near Baghdad airport, he said the attack killed one person and wounded 11 others.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/13/AR2007091300570.html

-- September 13, 2007 2:28 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole;

I think the mentality on allowing free access by trucks from Mexico is free trade and unhindered access between the US and Mexico - perhaps also with an eye toward concessions being given to Mexico for safety measures the US is implementing to protect all of North America. The Administration argued unsuccessfully that "adequate inspection procedures were in place to insure Mexican trucks would meet U.S. safety standards" and the House says here "that we have, effectively, stopped this pilot program."

===

Senate votes to kill Mexican truck demo
Bush 'Open Borders' agenda dealt serious bipartisan blow
September 11, 2007
By Jerome R. Corsi

The U.S. Senate has dealt a likely death blow to the Bush administration plans to give Mexican long-haul trucking rigs free access to American roads and highways.

A bipartisan majority voted 74-24 tonight to pass an amendment offered by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., to remove funding from the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Transportation appropriations bill for the Department of Transportation Mexican trucking demonstration project.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., joined Dorgan as a co-sponsor of the amendment.

"The American people have spoken, and Congress has spoken," Hoffa said. "Now it's time for the Bush administration to listen. We don't want to share our highways with dangerous trucks from Mexico."

The vote, taken on the evening of the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, represented a strong sentiment in the Senate that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the DOT inspector general had failed to make the case in their eleventh hour reports submitted to Congress late last Thursday. Administration officials insisted adequate inspection procedures were in place to insure Mexican trucks would meet U.S. safety standards.

Dorgan argued on the Senate floor that Mexico had no national database that would permit the FMCSA or the DOT inspector general to verify accident reports or driver violations of Mexican drivers or the reliability of vehicle inspections conducted in Mexico.

The majority in the House opposing the demonstration project makes almost certain the Dorgan amendment will survive when a conference committee reviews the DOT funding bill that will go to President Bush for his signature.

The Senate is now considered likely to finalize the DOT funding bill today, with the Dorgan amendment included.

"Because my amendment is identical to language already included in the House-passed version of this bill," Dorgan said in the statement issued after the vote, "I expect this provision will not be altered in the House-Senate conference committee and that we have, effectively, stopped this pilot program."

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57597

-- September 13, 2007 2:43 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

FROM THE HALLS OF MALIBU TO THE SHORES OF KENNEDY
September 12, 2007

Democrats claim Gen. David Petraeus' report to Congress on the surge was a put-up job with a pre-ordained conclusion. As if their response wasn't.

Democrats yearn for America to be defeated on the battlefield and oppose any use of the military -- except when they can find individual malcontents in the military willing to denounce the war and call for a humiliating retreat.

It's been the same naysaying from these people since before we even invaded Iraq -- despite the fact that their representatives in Congress voted in favor of that war.

Mark Bowden, author of "Black Hawk Down," warned Americans in the Aug. 30, 2002, Los Angeles Times of 60,000 to 100,000 dead American troops if we invaded Iraq -- comparing an Iraq war to Vietnam and a Russian battle in Chechnya. He said Iraqis would fight the Americans "tenaciously" and raised the prospect of Saddam using weapons of mass destruction against our troops, an attack on Israel "and possibly in the United States."

On Sept. 14, 2002, The New York Times' Frank Rich warned of another al-Qaida attack in the U.S. if we invaded Iraq, noting that since "major al-Qaida attacks are planned well in advance and have historically been separated by intervals of 12 to 24 months, we will find out how much we've been distracted soon enough."

This week makes it six years since a major al-Qaida attack. I guess we weren't distracted. But it looks like al-Qaida has been.

Weeks before the invasion, in March 2003, the Times' Nicholas Kristof warned in a couple of columns that if we invaded Iraq, "the Turks, Kurds, Iraqis and Americans will all end up fighting over the oil fields of Kirkuk or Mosul." He said: "The world has turned its back on the Kurds more times than I can count, and there are signs that we're planning to betray them again." He announced that "the United States is perceived as the world's newest Libya."

The day after we invaded, Kristof cited a Muslim scholar for the proposition that if Iraqis felt defeated, they would embrace Islamic fundamentalism.

We took Baghdad in about 17 days flat with amazingly few casualties. There were no al-Qaida attacks in America, no attacks on Israel, no invasion by Turkey, no attacks on our troops with chemical weapons, no ayatollahs running Iraq. We didn't turn our back on the Kurds. There were certainly not 100,000 dead American troops.

But liberals soon began raising yet more pointless quibbles. For most of 2003, they said the war was a failure because we hadn't captured Saddam Hussein. Then we captured Saddam, and Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean complained that "the capture of Saddam has not made America safer." (On the other hand, Howard Dean's failure to be elected president definitely made America safer.)

Next, liberals said the war was a failure because we hadn't captured Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Then we killed al-Zarqawi and a half-dozen of his aides in an air raid. Then they said the war was a failure because ... you get the picture.

The Democrats' current talking point is that "there can be no military solution in Iraq without a political solution." But back when we were imposing a political solution, Democrats' talking point was that there could be no political solution without a military solution.

They said the first Iraqi election, scheduled for January 2005, wouldn't happen because there was no "security."

Noted Middle East peace and security expert Jimmy Carter told NBC's "Today" show in September 2004 that he was confident the elections would not take place. "I personally do not believe they're going to be ready for the election in January ... because there's no security there," he said.

At the first presidential debate in September 2004, Sen. John Kerry used his closing statement to criticize the scheduled Iraqi elections saying: "They can't have an election right now. The president's not getting the job done."

About the same time, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said he doubted there would be elections in January, saying, "You cannot have credible elections if the security conditions continue as they are now" -- although he may have been referring here to a possible vote of the U.N. Security Council.

In October 2004, Nicholas Lemann wrote in The New Yorker that "it may not be safe enough there for the scheduled elections to be held in January."

Days before the first election in Iraq in January 2005, The New York Times began an article on the election this way:

"Hejaz Hazim, a computer engineer who could not find a job in computers and now cleans clothes, slammed his iron into a dress shirt the other day and let off a burst of steam about the coming election.
"'This election is bogus,' Mr. Hazim said. 'There is no drinking water in this city. There is no security. Why should I vote?'"

If there's a more artful articulation of the time-honored linkage between drinking water and voting, I have yet to hear it.

And then, as scheduled, in January 2005, millions of citizens in a country that has never had a free election risked their lives to cast ballots in a free democratic election. They've voted twice more since then.

Now our forces are killing lots of al-Qaida jihadists, preventing another terrorist attack on U.S. soil, and giving democracy in Iraq a chance -- and Democrats say we are "losing" this war. I think that's a direct quote from their leader in the Senate, Harry Reid, but it may have been the Osama bin Laden tape released this week. I always get those two confused.

OK, they knew what Petraeus was going to say. But we knew what the Democrats were going to say. If liberals are not traitors, their only fallback argument at this point is that they're really stupid.

COPYRIGHT 2007 ANN COULTER
http://www.anncoulter.com/cgi-local/welcome.cgi

-- September 13, 2007 6:54 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Thanks for your response. However,"UNHINDERED ACCESS" converts to insanity!! Again, why do yu think Bush would in anyway solicit this?

Carole

-- September 14, 2007 12:04 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

It is because President Bush can see the handwriting on the wall and that a union between Mexico, Canada and the US must occur and he is moving toward that goal. It is extremely unpopular, but too logical to deny. He is attempting to secure NORTH AMERICA'S borders, not the ones between the US and Mexico or the US and Canada. He is just too far ahead of his time, too forward thinking.. and the steps he is taking are too advanced. He needs smaller baby steps but since he knows it MUST be done for the security of the nation, he is rushing it and trying to do it all in his Presidency. God may take longer doing it than that. (I see God's hand behind all geopolitical and megapolitical shifts in history.)

Ultimately, the sovereignty of both Mexico and Canada will have to give way in a degree of concession toward the more powerful US for the sake of joint territorial safety. This is not going to be a short and quickly won war, and the issues before us will be bequeathed to generations yet to come.. including these issues concerning exactly how to safeguard the North American territorial integrity.

You are still thinking of the US as a territorially secure entity, but it has two very large and difficult to defend borders. The one with Canada is the largest undefended border in the world. The one with Mexico is far too porous to contemplate patrolling. It simply cannot be done within practical limits. The only logical solution is to remove those borders by somehow creating a union and then concentrating on protecting the borders beyond them both. There are NO borders beyond Canada (the Arctic Circle is to the North of them and the US already has Alaska so any Russian border incursions are covered) and below Mexico is a tiny border which is much more easily defended. Can you see the advantage of defending one tiny border along Mexico's southern border and contrast that with the impossible task of patrolling TWO borders north and south?

It is because of this practical reality that inevitably the US must take over these responsibilities, and these two governments North and South of the US do understand that and are cooperating, gaining concessions in trade for giving up their sovereignty in these areas. It MUST be done for our joint security. The only quibble is how quickly and how much Mexico and Canada get in concessions. This is the new reality due to terrorism.

President Bush's attempt to push through immediate concessions to the Mexicans and allow in Mexican trucks was too hasty. There needs to be more time to do inspections and prove that the safety issues are being addressed. But for someone already ten years down the road in their planning, this tiny step seems far too easy and logical. He does not see the US losing any sovereignty, but sees this step as safeguarding American sovereignty and benefitting US interests which are furthered in the new territorial union.

Because he sees the inevitability of the US uniting with Canada and Mexico for mutual territorial security and benefit, he is not alarmed by immigrant issues (which he sees more as internal North American domestic security matters) and does not act in protectionist ways to safeguard Americans from Mexicans or Canadians. Not that he is not a shrewd negotiator, of course, but just not protectionist in that way. His mentality is that these people must in some measure be accomodated and/or assimilated in order to reach an equilibrium within North America all three peoples can live with. He isn't trying to set up a one world government or the antiChrist as conspiracy theorists would tell you.. I don't even think he is trying to look beyond the North American border. Instead, he is trying to find a workable solution to make North American.. (and in particular The United States') territorial concerns to be fully addressed and satisfied... for your safety and mine.

I consider these aims honorable, and not in the least unChristian. Those who fear antiChrist (as have their predecessors for the last 2,000 years) and a one world government as a result of this have so far been proven wrong, historically. In the face of this terrorist threat, I think we can afford to give this North American union the benefit of the doubt since it is logical territorially.. and not evil theologically.. unless you argue that no powers can ever merge at any time in any place (anywhere) or for any reason without the final outcome being the AntiChrist appearing and the end of all time. For those in the endtime mentality, this inevitable territorial union is only confirmation of one worlder intent and a trigger of endtime scenerios.. in such a case, such intense religious zeal is difficult to dissuade.

Since it is only postulated that North American union in the 21st century would give rise to the endtime events, and it is not provable, I think we can give this viewpoint the benefit of the doubt theologically. Certainly, politically, this outcome appears inevitable and logical. Therefore, I think that this union should be watched so that American liberties are safeguarded to the best of our abilities and yet it should be allowed to proceed, cautiously. It also should be a win-win deal with these other countries who will be giving up the most in return for the US guarantee of protection to the best of the (considerable) US abilities, because we have to all live together for many years to come and we need to remain good neighbors even AFTER the deal is struck. But I believe the deal will.. even HAS been struck.. and agreed upon. Therefore, it will come.

For Chrsitians, we need to not resist the will of God, and after much prayer I personally think this union is His plan and not part of the endtime scenerio (which is not yet, nor for this time period in history). Therefore, my beliefs logically mirror President Bush's position.. integration of Canada/Mexico and the US as fast as is possible without compromising safety or vital US interests - safeguarding terroritorial integrity for the benefit of all the people involved.

Sara.

-- September 14, 2007 3:22 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Aha! Sara,

Finally after all these months, I have a better isight into your mind and thinking. It all makes sense now.

The North American Union Agenda was established back the 1950's by the Trilateral Commission. Older Bush was the author.

Maybe you have no idea of what you are promoting allegiance to, but if you do.....shame on you!

Carole

-- September 14, 2007 9:11 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carole;

The only question is..
is it God's will?
If the Union is His will..
(no matter who is promoting it)
it will happen.

Sara.

-- September 14, 2007 11:30 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

Is it possible that you have the chapter and verse from the Bible proving it is not God's will? I'd be interested if you do..

You know, the terrorists advocate a lot of very good things, godly things. Can you say everything that they profess is totally incorrect? No, though these people are wrong, they hold onto some truth. Could this ever possibly apply to these you see as "evil" Trilateralists or any of their views.. perhaps, possibly.. including the North American Union for our mutual safety and territorial integrity against a common foe?

Why don't you pray about it..
Don't be too hasty to condemn before you hear the matter.

Pro 29:20 Do you see a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

So far, the only guilt you impute to the view of preserving our safety from terrorists is that men whom you consider 'evil' also profess this as a goal (the North American Union). That is not a good measuring stick since many deceived people hold to some truth. Without the bait, no fish would bite. Men and women swallow the lies (hook) along with the truth (worm) in any wrong belief system.. be it Islamic radicalism or what you see as "evil" Trilateralism. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Defend why territorial integrity and security is an ignoble goal logically, and not using guilt by association, please. Untangle the truth from the group professing it and examine the evidence for that view apart from the group which you so obviously dispise. I do not condemn a matter before I hear it based solely on who professes it, as you just did - judging from what was written in your post.

It may be unpopular now, but if it is the will of God, no matter who is for or against it.. then it will inevitably prevail, Carole. God doesn't take into account people's viewpoints and who is "holding the truth in unrighteousness" - (professing the truth while simultaneously holding onto lies - Romans 1:18) when He makes His judgement on a matter known in the earth. God judges righteous judgement - an example to us, too. I do not justify the wicked.

I do, however, believe that I know enough to recognise God's hand in a matter. Watch and see if it comes to pass... both Canada and Mexico will cede their sovereignty to the US in return for security, creating a North American Union. Perhaps on paper they already have.

Dan 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will..
Dan 4:25 .. the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will.

Act 5:38 And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing:
Act 5:39 But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God.

Sara.

-- September 14, 2007 12:27 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Presidents Bush Address on oil law --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is what he said :-

"The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks -- and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.

Yet Iraq's national leaders are getting some things done.

For example, they have passed a budget. They are sharing oil revenues with the provinces. They are allowing former Baathists to rejoin Iraq's military or receive government pensions. And local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics. "

__________________

-- September 14, 2007 1:08 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carl, board.. what do you make of this?

===

Khamenei: Bush Will Stand Trial For Atrocities
From Iran’s Alalam:

Iran: Bush Will Be Tried on Atrocities

TEHRAN, Sept 14–US President George W. Bush failed and defeated in his Middle East plan and would one day stand trial for “atrocities” in Iraq, Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Friday.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remark in his second sermon to this week’s Friday prayers at Tehran University on the second day of the fasting month of Ramadhan.

“I have a firm belief that one day this current US president and the American officials will be tried in a fair international supreme court for catastrophes and atrocities committed in Iraq,” he said.

“US Administration will have to answer for why they don’t end occupation of Iraq and why waves of terrorism and insurgency have overwhelmed the country" he added.

“It will not be like this forever and one day they will be stopped as happened to Hitler, Saddam and certain other European leaders.”

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/khamenei-us-should-be-tried-by-world-court

At first blush, his logic is "somewhat skewed" in that he puts Saddam alongside Hitler, but gives no credit to President Bush for removing Saddam... but my concern with Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's sermon is this..

How EXACTLY will the US be brought to the place where "this current US president and the American officials will be tried in an international supreme court"? Isn't that an interesting comment. I don't think he thinks this is a final judgement by God.. but an international supreme court. He expects Iran to prevail against the West and topple the Western powers.. with the Islamic caliphate taking over the earth, SOON.. not in some far flung future day. THIS Administration will be tried, he says.. and he expects them to be condemned. Is he totally out to lunch.. or is this Iranian LEADER basing his opinion upon some intelligence about nuclear capabilities that Iran is going to unleash upon America to bring her to her knees in the near future?

Sara.

-- September 14, 2007 1:10 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Iraq: Energy profile http://www.energypublisher.com/article.asp?id=11033

-- September 14, 2007 1:30 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Follow the Money
New York Sun Editorial
September 13, 2007

While the Democrats in the Congress were calling General Petraeus a liar for arguing that things were getting better in Iraq, one of our favorite publications — Grant's Interest Rate Observer — was circulating around town with a cover story called "Strongest currency, best bourse." It turns out that is in neither Switzerland nor Britain nor Japan nor America but Iraq, which, Grant's reports, "has turned into a capital magnet." Says it: "The only thing stronger than the Iraqi currency is the Baghdad stock market." And it adds this classic Grantian formulation: "Money is sometimes misinformed, but it is never insincere. Something is afoot in Iraq.http://www.dinartrade.com/202.htmv

Grant's says it hasn't gotten to the bottom of what is afoot. "One could mention," it quotes its correspondant Ian McCulley as enumerating, "the country's healthy petrodollar harvest, the central bank's decision to use the exchange rate as a policy tool against inflation, the central bank's 20% overnight interest rate, the declining Iraqi inflation rate (to 30%, year over year, from last year's triple digits) or the simple fact that Iraq has one of the few floating currencies in the Gulf." But it notes that whatever the reason, the dinar has climbed to 1,235 to the dollar from 1,480 at the start of 2004. It says that on the Baghdad bourse, local investors anticipated the opening of the market to foreign capital in August by bidding the market up 58% in July.

Well, neither Grant's nor we would want to make too much of the Iraqi economic indicators. The whole stock market, Grant's notes, is capitalized at but $2 billion. It's a war situation and there can be a lot of distortions. But neither would we want to make too little of it. The key point is which way the arrow is pointing. As well as the potential, which is enormous. One of our favorite moments in the whole Iraq debate is when a broadcaster asked Ahmad Chalabi whether he thought Iraq needed another Karzai, a reference to the Afghanistan strongman. Replied Mr. Chalabi: "No, Iraq needs another Erhard," a reference to the Free German economist Ludwig Erhard, who, in 1948, moved to sound currency and set the stage for the West German economic miracle. Grants noted that the Guardian reported the other day, "There are some tentative signs of political reconciliation in Iraq." Concluded Grant's: "Maybe the smart money saw it coming."

-- September 14, 2007 2:17 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Big non nuclear bombs.

Despite it will make a very big news story, the big non nuclear bombs, terrifying as they are in it's own merits, they are pretty small devices compared with nuclear devices.

They don't really mean much when it comes to any power juggling, because they are at most tactical in nature.

Technologically it is only a matter of how much explosives can you stuff into a gizmo that can be dropped from an airplane.

It have been done successfully in the past by both the Brits and us.

WW2 saw the Brits developed some very big thing.

The battleship Tirpitz was sunk in a Norwegian fjord by British bombers blowing the water out of the fjord, using 10.000 pound bombs.

Later a 22000 pound bomb was developed and used, it was about on the very edge of what a Lancaster bomber could carry. It was overweight and needed very long runways, and had a very poor climb.

The 22000 pound bomb was used a little bit over 70 times in WW2.

It's effect was engineered to make seismic damage, rather than blast damage.

Various airplane bombs, developed and used by us have been developed in different times.

20.000 pounders was dropped from the cargo bay of a transporter, and was engineered to detonate just over the tree tops in the Vietnam jungle foliage, for helicopter clearing operations.

It was technically not really much to it, boxes of explosives, stacked on a pallet with a drag chute attached onto it, and a proxy detonator.

So the Russians have now developed "The Mother Bomb", I'm sorry for not being too impressed.

A single bomb dropped from an aircraft have very limited operational purposes, and it's use need many criteria that have to be identified, at the weapon selection process.

A 20-25 or 30.000 pound bomb is in itself less than half of the possible carrying possibility of a B-52 bomber, that can carry 60.000 pounds. More if it is running with less fuel doing areal refueling.

Line up a few B-52's and do a carpet bombing , and the total devastation will be more than a one big blast from a "super bomb", that will pinpoint one area only.

Big conventional explosive bombs have been in use very long time, and they have a purpose, but a very narrow one, and it is just one more part of the tactical arsenal.

The better guidance system the smaller the ordinance, for doing the same thing.

Late 50's and early 60's the big powers was bragging how big they could do their nuclear bombs.

The biggest one ever blown is a 50 megaton bomb in the Russian Island of Novaya Semlya, in the coast line towards the north pole. (Close to the Kola Peninsula).

Nowadays with precision guidance systems, the nuclear warheads are in fact very small compared with the "biggies" in the early days. Some biggies remain, but the vast majority is smaller devices.

A very very small nuclear device is in the power of the Hiroshima bomb. About 20.000 Kiloton, of TNT in power.

Just to compare the difference here. 1 Kiloton is 1000 kilo, that is (about 2.2 pounds, per kilo)

A 20.000 Kiloton bomb will be written out 20.000.000 kilos.

Times 2.2 is 44.000.000 pounds.

44 Million Pounds of explosives.

Compare with a 20 or 30.000 pound , just "invented" Russian conventional thing.

It doesn't matter if it is a 40 or 50.000 pounder they have come up with, it's in all essential actually nothing more than a clumsy thing that they need to slim down and get a good guidance system to.

It sure will make for a good news story though.

Just say " Biggest bomb in the world" and you now will have the newspapers describing it like the balance of power have shifted , that we are lagging behind some technological development and that we are trailing the Russians in some aspect.

Naa, sleep well.

-- September 14, 2007 6:54 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Roger..

I doubt they will smuggle one through the Mexican border on a truck without someone noticing, could they?

Sara.

-- September 14, 2007 7:37 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara;

Thank you for taking the time to respond. What kind of a verse do you want me to recite? What objective do you want to impose?

This is what you do with scripture....you project an idea, then you find a verse to somehow enhance or validate your idea. And what is even more perposterous is that you then label it "God's Will".

First of all, I have addressed with you before, the various ( for lack of a better word) dimensions of God's will.

While we (at least you and me) know that the sun comes up everymorning because it is God who is in control. I am not at all disputing His power.

But their is a realm of God's will that is permissive only. The effects of His exercising His permissive will, in no way sanctifies the outcome. In fact biblical history shows disasterous outcomes.

When, as believers, we seek God's will, we are in essence asking for His Divine will to be revealed. Jesus exampled that for us.

Concerning the North American Union movement.....

In the process of establishing the NAU, our Constitution will be voided. Ya know the one that was based on Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Its replacement will exclude all reverence to our Creator and religious freedoms thereof. It will be "curtains" for Christians, and we will see unprecedented North American persecutions of Christians who will hold to their faith.

I firmly believe it will and is happening.......and more than likely God's "permissive will" will allow the ushering in of this evil based movement.

We are admonished to resist evil and expose it. Won't you join me in that effort?

The answwer to our security and protection is not in the establishment of the NAU. The answer is found quite profoundly and simply in scripture:

2 Chronicles 7:14 " if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face,and turn from their wicked ways, THEN, will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land..."

Psalm 33:12 " Blessed is the natio whose God is the Lord....."

And there is one more, I can't remember it right now, but I believe it is in Psalms also. It is a promise and perscription for our safetey and security from harm. Something like....." if my people will LISTEN to me.....I will come QUICKLY....AND PROTECT...."

I will find this later and post it.

Anyway, God's permissive will is to be acknowledged and most likely leads to repentance. His Divine will is to be sought, followed and praised.

Carole

-- September 14, 2007 8:36 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Has anyone read that Iran is loping off three zero's to their currency?. I got this off of Iraq Inventor forum. Can anyone throw any more light on what is happening in Iran's economy (if this is true)?.

Laura Parker

-- September 15, 2007 1:05 AM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Has anyone read that Iran is loping off three zero's to their currency?. I got this off of Iraq Inventor forum. Can anyone throw any more light on what is happening in Iran's economy (if this is true)?.

Laura Parker

-- September 15, 2007 1:10 AM ∞

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pat wrote:

I knew it would take about a week before the GOD talk would continue.I know you 2 think I am a total jerk , but I to believe in God . But I STILL don't want to read through that stuff on a Iraqi dinar forum . Please you are killing me and I don't mind saying so. Why don't you 2 spread the word on your own God talk site. Or start one. If it don't stop , I'll star writing about the nitro engine and how it works. Hell , I could go on for hours at a time. The download time on this site would increase daily. Would you like that carol and sara. Just let me know ! Go DINAR !!!!1

-- September 15, 2007 11:38 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Roger,

I doubt the BIG BOMB tested in Russia was to scare or intimidate the US. What their flexing their "Bomb Power" does scares those countries that do not have nuclear or any other kind of bomb power, and that puts pressure on the US to respond. So is the case with N. Korea and Iran. It is the pressure from the Western world as well as some other areas of the world that feel the true threat. In inadverdently, it all affects the US. It also promotes the urgency of other countries to develop nuclear arms......get the picture?
You are brig foolish to dismiss Russian aggressive and devisive activity as something you refer to as your "naa..." list.

Annon,

Thanks for the help. Great piece of scripture....but my memory ain't what it used to be. BTW, I am not a blonde :)

Pat,
You are sooooooooo smart!!! Since you are good at predicting the future, can you tell us when the Dinar will hit? Any other discussion re: the dinar is old, stale and repetitive garbage. I guess that suits your appetite more ...huh?

Carole

-- September 15, 2007 12:17 PM ∞

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Graham/Cornwall wrote:

So how does the nitro engine work???

-- September 15, 2007 1:10 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Graham/Cornwall,

With Gods help and with the ingeniousness in his creation, the Nitro Engine, is based on one of the holy principles of that you can not penolate the nectroflobber, until you get better ram effect in the glyce transformer.

First verse of the book of creation says, -"though shall have Nitro Engines", and thus there was Nitro Engines.

The Master mechanics Son ...when he walked this earth gave us, in his love for us, the instruction book in the Nitro Engines use and maintenance.

The then, only 12 followers, of the Master Mechanics son probably screwed up the publishing works of the instruction book, because the Nitro Engine have not worked since the Son of the Master Mechanic was walking on earth doing miracles with that engine.

He due back though, so don't worry we will get free energy with the Nitro Engine upon his return.

"The earth will be blessed with free energy and all wars will be gone".

"But only the believers in the Nitro Engine will be given Nitro Engines, for the rest, may them rot in Hell, scream from the ditches, but not one ounce of free energy will be given to them."

-"So believe, and tell everyone that you believe and you will be one of the few chosen when the energy crunch comes."

-- September 15, 2007 3:52 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

Russia.....naaa.

-- September 15, 2007 3:56 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

Re the Dinar, the scenario changes constantly, some may stay the same, and no need to rehash, but new developments are happening daily and weekly.

Enough change and development that it is worth having a Dinar chat here.

If ALL is old and not in need of discussing, you just have not kept up lately then.

Update yourself then.

-- September 15, 2007 4:05 PM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

PMSL now can we get on with the serious question "Life the universe and everything"

When will the dinar reap it's reward soon i hope...

-- September 15, 2007 4:06 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Laura,

Yes there is talk about zero loping the Iranian currency.

They fit the bill very much.

They have all the criteria in place for doing so.

Currency falling strongly in value.

Hyper inflation.

Extreme high values on the face of the currency.

This in contrast with the Iraqi currency.

Currency rising in value.

Not hyperinflation.

Moderately high face values in the currency.

Iran have 3 out of 3.

Iraq have 1 out of 3, and the 1 is not in any extreme range.

-- September 15, 2007 4:13 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Graham/Cornwall,

It is more "The restaurant at the end of the universe" before you say "Good buy and thanks for all the fish".

(Loved those books, especially loved the depressed robot)

Well, really you are asking questions that probably only a very few handful sworn people have a knowledge of.

That is if you are looking at an RV, but it is not sure there will be an RV, I am a bit more into believing that the rewards from this Iraqi adventure is more in the long term.

When the country is back in it's grooves, and start producing, this will be the reward phaze.

There might come RV's but in my humble opinion (oh well I have opinions about anything and everything, can give you an opinion about the texture of the s..t paper in the Grand Central Station, and the best part of that is, that you don't even have to ask for it.)....there might be only small incremental RV's.

As long as there is an improvement in Iraq, it will mean it is good for us, investors.

For most people in this and other forums, the knowledge about Iraq in general is sky high compared with the rest of the population, as we have a vested interest with our investment.

THAT will give us an edge , seeing trends, reading reports, and being able to picture in our own mind that this is going to go very well.

Compared that with the public in general, that only get the MSM (Main Stream Media)stream of body parts, and splattered guts, served as their information.

So I would say, if you are into the Dinars, continue to get em, they are still in a dirt cheap range, as are the shares in the Iraqi companies operating in Iraq, if you wish to buy stocks.

Traditionally stocks have always out performed currency, but Iraq is in a very unique situation, where the currency can potentially do a very good number.

If yo do stocks in Iraq, you even have the possibility of doing a double whammy.

The current situation in Iraq, will not stay stagnant, and any change is seen by most to go in the direction of getting better and better. So for you own investment, keep that in mind, you have an investment opportunity right now, but the window might close even so slowly as things are getting better and better.

So get'em while you can.

-- September 15, 2007 4:36 PM ∞

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Graham/Cornwall wrote:

I am, compared to the rest of you, a tiny invester with only the ability to obtain but a few thousand a month but greatly apreciate the posts of you all, yes even the religious ones, it has opend my eyes to what is going on and for this alone i already have the dinar to thank so am already rich with the knowledge obtained form this site and one day hopefully rich in the pocket too

-- September 15, 2007 4:46 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

A sane, healthy and functional North America Union, might very well be a thing of the future, and Bush may very well think ahead in that aspect, but as impossible it was to introduce break dancing in the Teutonic culture, there is a problem with that union.

Mexico.

If a union is to succeed, the players have to be even matched, only the US and Canada are on level ground.

If we fix the China situation , and go into the North American Union, we will only substitute the China problem with the Mexico problem.

Mexico is not even a 2,nd class country, something we call a "developing country", it IS a 3'rd world country.

A North American Union, with the same currency, open borders, and completely open economical and financial game board, WILL have to include a complete acceptance from both Canada and the US, to PAY for the Mexican restructuring.

If this will have to be a healthy union, we have to ask ourselves (US and Canada) is it worth to "buy" Mexico in order to get this thing working.

The financial burden on the US and Canada to completely modernize Mexico, and get it up to standard, will be a back breaking financial commitment.

The industry will invest in Mexico, even more than now, taking our jobs, and exporting what ever little we have left, and for the rest of the build up of the Mexican infrastructure, you can stayed assured it will be governmental help from the US and Canada.

They are financed from our wallets....tax.

All in the name of helping a fellow country in need. Schools, police education, administrative set ups, railroads, subways, communication systems, on and on.

It's hard to go in with a magic wand and transform a country, see Iraq.

Iraq is in it's state because of it's state of mind.

Same with Mexico, they are in their state because of their state of mind.

Corruption and the way of paying into pockets is natural over there.

The missing Billions (yes with a B), is still unaccounted for in Iraq, and a freedom speech in Mexico will not change their corruption. It's just another opportunity to dig into the cash pile.

The cash pile will of course come from naive US and Canadian gov and you and I are paying our taxes for letting them.

The sens morale Sara, is that a union have to be for the benefit for everybody, in this moment in time, a union of that sort will ONLY be a benefit for Mexico.

A Company merger is closely studied, by the bean counters, before it is a done deal. It is analyzed down to the last penny, and if it is not profitable for both, the board members will fire the CEO if he went ahead into a deal that brought down the company, replacing him with another CEO, that will, as his first task be to break up the union.

If the US and Canada would be a commercial company, the idea of merging with Mexico would never even enter their minds.

Accountability for Mexico have never been driven home, still there are over 300 murders in Mexico having murdered here in the US, and they are not brought over here.

Mexico is "exporting" their own social problem, with unemployment to the US, and are doing absolutely zil in even trying to stem the floods, but instead covertly are encouraging it.

Even players, is working on the same common economy, and same ethical and moral grounds.

Go into a union with Mexico would be the same morale as hiring a person that can not produce, are corrupt, and for his survival need favours that others are not granted, and in the process, expecting it.

They just can't pull the load, easy as that.

This is of course not a description of a Latino person, but a description of Mexico as a country.

As it stands right now, NOTHING good will come out of it, there are no gains, and only a tremendous financial burden will be placed on Canada and the US.

A union between Canada and the US alone will work.

-- September 15, 2007 5:26 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Graham/Cornwall,

Go for the Dinars. If you get more or less, it will all help you, remember in the long run it will all add up, so the small pile you think you have now, will eventually be a big pile.

Just keep on piling it up.

...a Q just off the cuff, I have heard that in the very south of Cornwall the weather is warm enough for palm trees to grow, is that true?

-- September 15, 2007 5:36 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

I do not anticipate that a merger of the three North American countries could possibly change the Constitution of the United States.

First of all, the President is the one who negotiates the deal and he swears to uphold the Constitution. Not to mention that even if there was a deal made which was to abolish the Constitution, doesn't the Supreme Court rule on the "Constitutionality" of any legal move, and would it not be overthrown when it was appealed to the Supreme Court? (Not to mention the opposition of both houses of Congress.) The President does not have the power to do such a move.

Secondly, presuming that there was such an agreement in place and it became known.. would the American people stand for it? I sincerely doubt that, be it Democrat or Republican or Libertarian or whatever. And Americans are ARMED, and would feel it was worth hanging the traitors who sold out the Constitution, in my humble opinion. Which brings us to the third thing..

Who would enforce the removal of the Constitution of America? How many of those who are in the Army, Navy and other Armed forces would actually enforce the destruction of the United States Constitution? Wouldn't they who have sworn to uphold the Constitution feel it their duty to continue to do so against ANY traitor, foreign or DOMESTIC?

No, Carole.. the merger I speak of does not remove the Constitution. Instead, Canada and Mexico would have to come under that Constitution OR they would stay separate in name only. THAT is what I mean by a United continent or North American Union. Your scenerio of people being persecuted for trying to uphold the Constitution against those who are abolishing it is very unlikely for the reasons stated above.

Note the highlights in the article below:

===

Summit prompts super-government fears
August 20, 2007

By Jon Ward - OTTAWA — President Bush's two-day summit with the leaders of Canada and Mexico, beginning today in nearby Montebello, is raising fears among some conservatives that the three governments are planning a European Union-style super-government.

The White House dismissed suspicions of a coming North American Union as a "silly" conspiracy theory. "Americans are going to remain Americans, Canadians are going to remain Canadians and Mexicans are going to remain Mexicans," a senior Bush administration official said on the condition of anonymity.

Howard Phillips, a newspaper columnist, conservative activist and one-time Nixon administration official, organized a press conference to be held this morning to announce opposition to the Partnership. "We're not getting a North American Union overnight, but it's headed in that direction incrementally," he said.

The Bush administration official said the White House has made the Partnership, a series of talks begun in 2005, overly complicated. "If people think it's that complicated, then there's something more to it," he said. The purpose of the Partnership is to build upon the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he said has generated $884 billion in trade among the United States, Mexico and Canada over the past 12 years. He said the Partnership adds a security element to the economic and trade partnership.

"We've tried to recognize that this is an economic relationship, but also in a post-9/11 world, we have to have security. You can't have one without the other," he said. "None of these three countries are talking about changing their fundamental political structure or their fundamental constitutional structure in any way, [nor] adding either a common currency or a "bureaucratic superstructure."

But with many of the working groups discussing security measures that the Bush official said cannot be fully disclosed, the element of secrecy continues to raise suspicions. Said the congressional letter to Mr. Bush: "We urge you to bring to the Congress whatever provisions have already been agreed upon and those now being pursued."

President Bush will meet individually with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello resort. Tomorrow, he will take part in three-way meetings and a press conference, and then fly to Minnesota for a fundraiser for Sen. Norm Coleman, Minnesota Republican.

http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/NATION/108200067/1001&template=printart

OK, note that the White House says (and we have no reason to disbelieve them, other than the conspiracy theorists) that, quote:

"Americans are going to remain Americans, Canadians are going to remain Canadians and Mexicans are going to remain Mexicans.... None of these three countries are talking about changing their fundamental political structure or their fundamental constitutional structure in any way."

Therefore, in my view, the American Constitution will remain in place and neither the political nor Constitutional structures will be harmed in the coming union. Though I agree, as stated in the article, "We're not getting a North American Union overnight, but it's headed in that direction incrementally." - I believe that the end product will not be the doomsday scenerio you outlined because there will be no change in the political structure of the United States - including and in particular no change to the Constitution.

Roger, since the agreement is with BOTH countries, it seems to me the deal is similar for them both. Perhaps it is best to think of it as a union of three countries, but I think if any sovereignty is to be given up in return for greater security.. it won't be the sovereignty of the United States.

Sara.

-- September 15, 2007 7:53 PM ∞

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DinarAdmin wrote:

I have removed from the board anonymous posts by people who contribute nothing to the site except criticism of those who do contribute. I understand the Dinar news is slow recently and for those who cannot take discussion which is off topic, they are invited to either contribute Dinar news to the discussion or skip the unrelated posts. Criticism from non-contributors will be deleted. Sorry to Rob N, Carole, etc, if you have taken too many negative posts lately or have been discouraged by the negative tone of the site. Your contributions to the site are appreciated and I will be looking in on the site and editing more often for a while.

DinarAdmin.

-- September 16, 2007 12:16 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq 'can develop into economic powerhouse'
14 September 2007 (Gulf Daily News)

Iraq is capable of becoming a super economic power both regionally and internationally, says Iraqi Ambassador to Bahrain Ghassan Muhsen. At a Press conference held at the Regency Inter-continental yesterday to discuss the upcoming Gulf Iraqi Expo (GIX) in Bahrain, Mr Muhsen said that there are investment opportunities in Iraq and that the security situation there is 75 per cent safer than it was in March last year.

"The idea of GIX is to promote business between Iraq and the GCC," Aldin said.

"There will be delegates attending the conference from around the world but the core of the event is to build business links between Iraq and the GCC states."

"The new investment law passed by the Iraqi parliament will help resettle the situation in Iraq and help share the new vision for the country. The aim of GIX is to help build bridges though the Gulf countries."

So far 13 countries have confirmed their participation, including all six GCC states as well as Iraq, Pakistan, India, the US, Egypt, Jordan and France.

The final list of exhibitors will be confirmed on October 1. However, there are already 180 directly registered companies who have completed their registration with the organiser, and 120 companies are currently negotiating space and their type of participation.

"GIX is expected to be a full networking event," Muhsen said.

"As well as the exhibition we have planned conferences to be held to discuss opportunities for investors in Iraq and the correct way in which to enter the Iraqi market.

"The confirmation of the attendance of the Iraq Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, as well as seven Iraqi ministers in sectors of planning, labour, trade, oil, housing, health and industry will aid the commencement of talks.

The event is expected to be attended by 12,000 participants of which 1,250 are pre-qualified Iraqi businessmen.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21759

-- September 16, 2007 12:48 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

PM's statement on Iraq's victory over al-Qaeda in Baghdad press
Baghdad, 14 September 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

Baghdad press on Thursday focused on Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's statement about the defeat of al-Qaeda by Iraqi security forces, which he said have managed to weed out most "terrorist" groups from the country.

The government-funded al-Sabah newspaper quoted al-Maliki, during his visit to the anti-terrorism department on Wednesday, as saying, "Terrorist organizations have lost balance and refuge after citizens have overcame the barriers of fear and cooperated with security forces." Citing recent incidents in Algeria and Turkey as examples, the premier said that terrorism has no religion or home. "It is now targeting the whole and the whole region," he added.

On recent developments in the Iraqi political process, the newspaper quoted MP Abbas al-Bayyati, who is also a member of the Shiite Unified Iraqi Coalition (UIC), as revealing plans by the main political blocs to negotiate "behind closed doors" on significant laws for national reconciliation. The Shiite Daawa Islamic Party, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Iraqi Islamic Party signed last month an agreement in which they expressed their consensus on a package of laws that they said will support the Iraqi government and push forward the political process.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21737

Good news that MOST terrorist groups have been weeded out of the country...

I wonder why it hasn't made headlines in the MSM news over here?

I also wonder how sacred they hold a signed agreement expressing consensus?

I know over here, your word is your bond - an expression of your integrity and honesty.

That holds true in their culture as well, I suppose?

Sara.

-- September 16, 2007 12:59 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

95 Qaeda militants killed, arrested north of Baghdad - U.S. army
Baghdad, 14 September 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

U.S. forces killed and arrested 95 gunmen in a series of security operations to hunt down elements of al-Qaeda group north of Baghdad, the U.S. army said on Thursday.

"About 1,000 of Iraqi and U.S. personnel killed three al-Qaeda gunmen and arrested 80 more during three days of operations in Hamrien mountains region and the Diala River valley north of Baghdad," the U.S. army said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

"Four senior al-Qaeda leaders are among the captives. The operation ended with the seizing of a large amount of weapons and explosives," it added.

"Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Operations Forces as advisers, conducted an intelligence driven helicopter assault raid Sept. 12 resulting in the detention of 12 suspected insurgents and the destruction of an explosively-rigged structure," another U.S. statement said.

"Assault forces conducted a series of raids in the vicinity of Taji and detained ten targeted individuals and two additional persons of interest. While securing one of the objectives, an assault team discovered a command detonation wire leading from an abandoned structure and the area was immediately evacuated," it also said.

"The targeted individuals are purportedly linked to the Lions of Islam Martyr Group and are suspected of improvised explosive device trafficking, facilitating foreign fighters and conducting murder and intimidation campaigns in the region," the statement also said.

"No Iraqi or U.S. forces were injured during the operation," it added.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21751

-- September 16, 2007 1:03 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

I have kept up on the activity of the Dinar and all the incidentals attached to it. I still see no RV in site and frankly the roller coaster ride gets nauseating at times.

I think the other night listening to our Ambassador to Iraq (coker), it all sort of hit me when he said that " change takes a long time" and then referenced how long it to America to pass the Civil Rights Bill. And we are a relatively progressive people, the Iraqi's are not.

I was told, way back when I first invested to look at this long term. But I caught up in the " ...maybe tomorrow .....a week from thursday.....at the next meeting.....etc" mentality.

The most interesting stuff, I hsve read on this blog all summer is about the Warka bank transactions. More recently, I have really been ihterested it the idea of the Mastercard Accounts. My problem is that I know of 3 very wealthy people who have started banks and failed miserably, leaving depositors ( 100K +) without recovery of their money. I used to call these people my friends, but now Iam ashamed to know them as a few years ago, I was told that wealthy people open banks for the purpose of hiding assests, legally defrauding investors and depositors, etc.

Soooooo, if this can happen here in the US (Palm Springs, Ca) what would make one think that it would be different in some far away country, plagued with ravaging corruption?

My biggest concerns are: #1 zero- loping of any kind does not take place
#2 Governmental decentralization does not take place
#3 War doesn't breakout with Iran before the RV

Now! Concerning Mexico----have you forgotten that Mexico has the richest oil beds on the North American continent?

The biggest problem we would have with Mexico, would be political in nature, because they have no "middle class". We will sort of be in the same political situation
that we see in Iraq, MINUS the Radical Islamic agendas.....at least I would hope so.

Although, last week, I read where a Catholic Bishop, in Ohio, instructed the priests in his dioscies to start to refer to GOd as Allah, in hopes of creating unity between the 2 religions. SOOOOOOO, I guess anything is possible these days.

Roger-----you are extremely intelligent-----BUT MISSING THE MARK ON THE RUSSIA THING.....I'm a bit surprised.

Carole

-- September 16, 2007 1:55 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

I had a pretty long post about Mexico and the North American Union.

You addressed me in your response as Carol????

You need something now, let me give you some medicine.

Let me give you a hug and a back rub...

Huuuug.

Feeling better,

Ok now Sara, while you imagine me giving you a real soothing back rub, picture yourself near a stream,.... birds are softly chirping in the cool mountain air....no one but you knows this secret place....you are in total seclusion from the hectic world...the water is crystal clear and you can easily make out the face of the person you are strangling under the water.

Feeling better now????

That's good Sara, we need a smile.

-- September 16, 2007 5:59 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

Russia....naaaa.

-- September 16, 2007 6:01 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Roger;

Smile. :)

Dreadfully sorry about the mixup 'ol chap..
won't happen again.
Been too long in the hot Iraqi sun.
Terribly sorry and all that.

Just kidding you..
but I am very sorry I muffed up.
I will try not to ever again.
I need a vacation - how about the RV to kick it off?
Think you can arrange a cease-fire.. or cease-squabble..
long enough to get one in Iraq?

I appreciate you and your helpful and interesting posts,

Sara.

- As long as you're on this earth, if everybody likes you, then you're not doing something right.

- Quincy was a just out of boot camp, and was on his first ship. About two hours out of port, he began to get a bit ill from the motion of the ship. He approached an ensign, also just out of training and on his first cruise. He saluted and said, "Excuse me sir, I am feeling seasick, and I wondered if I may have permission to go downstairs to the dispensary." The ensign returned his salute and replied, "Sailor, you are in the Navy now. You don't go downstairs, you go below! There is no dispensary on this ship, there is sickbay. Not only that, that is not the floor, it is a deck; that is not the ceiling, it is the overhead; that is not a pillar, it is a stanchion; that is not a water fountain, it is a scuttlebutt. If I ever hear you using civilian words instead of Naval jargon, I will throw you out of that little round window over there.

-- September 16, 2007 6:27 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Talking about a cease-squabble..
maybe the Lord can start with this
(quite honestly, its going to take Him to make them stop):

===

Oil minister's statement will impede approving oil draft law-Kurdish official
Arbil, 14 September 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

A senior Kurdish official on Thursday criticized statements recently made by the Iraqi oil on the relation between the federal government and Kurdistan region government, saying "it will impede the on-going negotiations on approving the oil draft law."

"The recent statements by Shehristani will neither help the political process nor the on-going negotiations on the oil and gas and wealth sharing draft laws," Falah Mustafa, Foreign Relations Official in Kurdistan region government, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) over the phone.

Mustafa made comments to VOI on a statement made early this week by the Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shehristani in which he said that his ministry would not recognize the oil contracts concluded by the Kurdistan government with foreign companies.

Mustafa accused Shehrstani of being "negative all the way," saying that he should recognize that the moves taken by Kurdistan government on oil investment contracts "come in full conformity with the powers given to it by the Iraqi constitution."

Shehristani made his statement in reference to the oil contracts concluded by Kurdistan government with Hunt Oil Group for oil investment in Duhuk Kurdistan province last week.

The Iraqi Oil Minister's statement sparked a wave of criticism in Iraq's Kurdistan region leading the official spokesman for Kurdistan government to call for al-"Shehrstani's resignation."

Over the last seven months, marathonic negotiations have been underway among Iraqi political blocs on a draft law on oil.

Among the main differences was the relation between the federal government and the local governments in the region(s) as to the conclusion of oil investment contracts.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21754

SEVEN months of negotiating, and one misstatement can derail them into squabbling endlessly..
What is the end of Iraqi "cooperation", then?
If they can't set aside such differences to a later date in order to get anything done,
(later - like when they take up Constitutional powers and amendments, perhaps)
how will they ever manage to get an ongoing country?

Sara.

-- September 16, 2007 6:43 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Zero lop might or might not happen, but if you have an account in Baghdad you would have your assets not in notes (currency bills) but in the form of an account, thus whatever lop that may happen, your original investment would not be lost.

I doubt a lop is going to happen, but of course that is not an absolute.

Decentralization, well I don't see that as being too much of a panic, I think they need to set up their regions with more self autonomous local governments anyway.

We are not talking about splitting Iraq, THAT is a completely different ballgame. That wont happen, as long as Iraq stays Iraq, you will have a central government.

States and Federal Government works very good here. Canada also have their own local governments, so all in all I can't see any panic coming out of that question.

War with Iran, That is a different track, it will of course affect Iraq in one way or the other, but I have a hard time to see that it will change the main course.

Iraq need to pump their oil and get oil revenues, easy as that, and that will not change because a war is on the agenda with a neighbouring country.

Banks going belly up, corruption and risk.

Pick your poison, sit on the Dinars, and hope for the best, or get the stuff over there, and hope for the best.

Warka is the general agent for ISX, are trading on the stock market and have numerous branches.

Someone opening up a bank with the intent to defraud customers, are probably going to pull the rug once the deposits are done, then they move out of their rented corner store, take the sign down and spend some time in Belize, while their lawyers are dealing with their bankruptcy. What you described have happened in the past, seems more in line with that scenario.

If I could, I would set up an investment bank in Iraq.

Then I would make my millions in pure business.

A person setting up an Investment Bank in Iraq, with the intent to walk after some deposits are done, would have to have their heads examined.

The future expansion is almost endless, with one bank branch for every 55000 Iraqis, and future projects that comes with oil revenues.

Whatever project that is coming up, Oil, Telecommunication, Hotels, Freeways, Dams, Electric grid projects, you name it, they all have to go through the banking system.

If you are afraid of it, well don't do it, keep your stash, and that solves that.

I wont, but hey, that's me, ask another person and he might advice you differently.

As for Russia.....naaaa

-- September 16, 2007 6:46 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Seven months and 450 goat barbies later, and they need another reason for more goat barbies.

Saw on the Discovery channel some years back, a documentary on some people in Africa, and their negotiation for the bride.

The bride and groom really had nothing to do with it.

It was a loud and intensive affair where the people involved was a pack of arm waving people.

Everyone and his brother had to say something.

I suspect that something similar is going on here, with 7 months of hard negotiations in Iraq on the HCL law, but they must first involve about five months of it, to try to explain it.

Then about half of them understands it, and the two other months are spend by the one half of the prople that understands it, in trying to explain it to the other half that don't.

-- September 16, 2007 7:08 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Roger,

You're funny....with your consistent "naaa..."

Thank you for the information. Very logical. I am really leaning toward the Warka account. I'm thinking, if the Dinar belly-ups, don't matter where it is ( physically speaking), sooooo maybe in an Iraq bank, or invested in ISX, maybe a good hedge against my bet ( risk).

Also, the "bank owner" scenario you set up is exactly what happened, in one of the cases I mentioned. Dr. Basil Spiritos,MD ( I worked with him and our kids went to the same school). Opened Bank of Palm Springs. Gave a Rolls Royce to the first million dollar depositor and less than 2 yrs later....well you described it perfectly. He's dead now,but whatever litle respect I had for him before the Bank, I had less after.

at any rate, your description of Warka bank sounds very different and encouraging.

Carole

-- September 16, 2007 8:24 AM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

@ Roger yes it is possible to grow palm trees here in fact i look out the window and in a garden about five places down from me there is a palm tree and doing well by the look of it

-- September 16, 2007 11:48 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carol,

In all essence, the account will work as a Swiss bank account.

You will get your own bank ID, and you can online transfer money, to other accounts, or ( and this is the fun part) to any bank in the world.

There is an entry where you fill in the destination to the bank you intend to transfer the funds to.

If that is your day to day account here in the US or a mysteriously owned account in the Cayman island, doesn't matter.

The transfer of currency between IQD accounts and Dollar accounts is especially important, as you need to work your investment in Dinars, and be able to transfer Dollars back to you.

-- September 16, 2007 3:35 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Graham/Cornwall,

I'll be darn, I have heard about it, but never had it confirmed, thanks Graham.

-- September 16, 2007 3:38 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Interesting you took up the endless squabble in Iraq.

History seems to repeat itself.

With the fall of Sweden's superpower (by those days standards), in the early 1600, Poland became independent, and had an early form of democratic government.

Their endless squabble was an amusement and entertainment for the rest of Europe.

Still today in the language, the expression "Polish Reichstag" is used to described something that is ineffective, squabbling, non producing and have no end.

When you have many executives no one with more power than another, and they are all depending on each other for an anonymous decision, nothing gets done.

I am amazed at our forefathers insight in this dilemma, discussion must take place, but action must prevail, so they instituted the Executive Branch of our government.

The Presidency.

There is nothing Democratic about the Presidency, it is a straight command line down the lines.

Git'r doooone!

-- September 16, 2007 3:59 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Not Dinar.. can be skipped by those not wishing to see anything but Dinar news..

Carole;

Remember we talked a bit about the Al-Qaida saying that "those who heal you will kill you".. referring to doctors?
Here is another one.. found in a Michigan park dressed in camoflage and carrying an AK-47..

“Jihadist” Arrested In Dearborn - With AK-47
Not that you would ever know that from this report in the Dearborn, Michigan Press & Guide:

Man with AK-47 assault rifle arrested after leaving Dearborn’s Hemlock Park

DEARBORN - Houssein Zorkot, a 26-year-old Dearborn resident, was arraigned Tuesday in 19th District Court on multiple felony charges, including carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent — a five-year felony.

Zorkot, a third-year medical student at Wayne State University, was allegedly armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and dressed in black clothing with camouflage paint covering his face when he was arrested Saturday in Hemlock Park.

According to police, Zorkot was observed attempting to leave the park in a black SUV after officers had received reports of a man carrying a rifle in the area. He was placed under arrest and is scheduled to undergo a preliminary examination at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 in 19th District Court.

Zorkot has also been charged with one count of possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle and one count of felony firearm. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond (cash, no 10 percent).

==end quote==

But searching Google turns up Zorkot.org which features this image and caption: see url below, guy with gun pointing at you, etc with this caption below:

The Start of My Personal Jihad (in the US)

The operator of the site would appear to be located in Dearborn, according to the WHOIS information:

And, indeed, it would appear to be the same gentleman in the news article.

From the “Lebanese White Pages” Leb.org:

Houssein Zorkot - Hello, I’m here in the States studying to be a doctor. Lebanon is a beautiful country and I am proud to be Lebanese! I’m also an artist and kickboxer and like to read in my spare time.
Medicine
Michigan, USA
Zrarieh - 1981 - http://www.zorkot.org/ (disclaimer)
Record Last Updated on November 19th, 2006
Record Created on August 5th, 2006

If born in 1981, Mr. Zorkot would be 26, just like the man arrested in the article.

Here is a screen grab of the site’s front page: (again, see the url below, sorry the site won't do pics)

It includes these words: I am a practicing Muslim.. my role models are Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, and Imam Husain...

The site’s ”History Of The Resistance In Lebanon” section makes it quite clear that Mr. Zorkot is a big fan of the terrorists Nasrallah and the Hezbollah:

And yet Mr. Zorkot is a medical student and family man (pics, see below).

Sadly, none of this is all that surprising these days.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert September 13th, 2007

Comments:

1) Sharps Rifle

What’s REALLY sickening is that this scumbag is in MEDICAL SCHOOL!!! How many of us would want to go to Dr. al-Jihadi for a checkup????

2) DW

What’s REALLY sickening is that this scumbag is in MEDICAL SCHOOL!!!

More and more, this seems to be a common theme with terrorists. Weren’t the lion’s share of the people involved in the recent bombing attempts on the airports in Scotland and England, doctors? I seem to recall other articles on this site involving Islamic doctors in Iraq doing questionable (to use British understatement) acts.

The gun was purchased the night before in a nearby suburban community,…
An AK-47??? Just what in the hell do you guys hunt down there ?!

3) wardmama4

You know - DW & low profile just might be onto something - I think we (you know, the John and Jane Does who give an damn) must start thinking outside that box and try to figure out exactly why the sudden change to this run of terrorists being within the medical system. The prospects (such as low profile pointed out) are absolutely terrifying.

And we need to do it, as our crapweasels in DC are too busy formenting a new strategy to Impeach/Bring down evil bushitlerburtonco (in the what -15 months left) since their vile ad backfired on them.

Let us all ’suspend disbelief’ and start to figure out what these vile terrorists are up to. Before that next big attack occurs.

4) sheehanjihad

I realize this sounds like profiling…cuz it is…..but to abrogate the possibility of muslim or foreign doctors being allowed to do great harm to infidels…..boycott the bastards! Take your health needs to someone you are positive is from this country, not of middle eastern or a close resemblance, or a practicing devout muslim.

It is stark in it’s simplicity, and if us Jane and John Doe’s who give a damn actually refused to accept a doctor’s care who we arent positive of….they could not earn much of a living, could they?

This is one time where your choice my indeed cost you your life….but hey, I have to go feel bad because I made a gross generalization of middle eastern men between the ages of 18 and 50….namely the demographic of almost every terrorist who exists today.

Do your homework….find out all you can, and if you are suspicious of a medical professional with access to an acute care facility……out the SOB. Tell your friends! If you are wrong, oh well, you are a conservative. If you are correct, you may save someone’s life, albiet being labled a hateful xenophobic anti multi cultural minion of the Bush administration.

5) Lipstick on a PIAPS

Please ignore all Muslim men with guns, like the one who shot up the mall in Utah. The second summer of Hillary hippie love must be continued indefinitely. Remember make love not war. Stupid 60’s Shiite all over again.

6) texaspsue

Good grief! Didn’t anyone do background checks on these Muslim terrorists when they were applying for medical school? I would hate to think that these terrorists were giving medical treatment to Americans and at the same time wishing they would die or dreaming of the day they will die.

And, what does he mean by…”no matter how rough the path, it is always the end result that matters”????
Aw, he had it soo rough, living in America and getting a much coveted medical degree, (probably paid for with our tax dollars). Yeah, I say he was justified in his twisted Muslim way of thinking………………… NOT!

7) DEZ

I have detailed files on human anatomy….
“Makes you a more efficient killing machine”
Exactly…

Terminator, Judgement Day.

8) eagle man

Thank God for observant local folks in the Dearborn Michigan area with cell phones and the area cop response teams who heard them loud and clear. The recently arrested and disarmed Mideastern Islamic zealot guy with a nutty website featuring the 72 virgins wild fantasies of bizzare Dr. Demento Zorkot should explain to the judge listing his bail amount why stalking our parks with a loaded ak-47 is not considered a harmless pursuit. Of course, CAIR will be filing a defamation suit soonest.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/has-a-jihadist-been-arrested-in-dearborn-mi

-- September 16, 2007 4:27 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Great post, Roger.. true. :)

Interesting insight..
They don't have that kind of executive power in their structure..
And those in control are like the Congress of the United States..
Which means the factions squabble but nothing truly gets done..
is that your understanding, then?

Sara.

-- September 16, 2007 4:40 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Yes the executive (git'er dooone) powers in Iraq are weak.

The president of Iraq, don't have the same powers as here, it seems like the PM (Malaki) have most power....and he's not using it.

The smaller factions power are all overwhelming, loud, and contantly on the floor.

The President of Iraq,(Talibani) a person that is refered to only on occasion, is in a conference in a ski resort in Colorado right now.

-- September 16, 2007 8:43 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Yes, I do remember the discussion. I also remember telling you that I do not go to those ethnic doctors. I have one doctor who is a Persian/Israeli, but he has been in the US for many many years and is married to and American woman, who is very aggressive and I doubt would put up with any subversive activity. They have 2 children.

The Fascist Islamic movement in our Universities in California is astounding. Close by in Orange County is the University of California at Irvine. If you can beleive this , they have anti American rallies and are very open about their Jihadist agenda. On top of that they have the Regents Board in a constant state of intimadation and so are given full access to meeting places as well as all of thier other demands beig met( like special/seperate bathroom facilities, disruptive scheduig of classes so they can have their multiple daily prayer times, etc...)

BTW this particular campus will puish any Christian who is seen carrying or reading a bible or in anyway appearing to practice or discuss thier faith.

IT IS AWFUL THAT WE ARE LETTING THIS HAPPEN RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES!!!!

-- September 16, 2007 10:44 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

To contiue....

My brother and I were having a discussion about the weakened position American born citizens have anymore. He is very intelligent and has pretty much always been a moderate, politically speaking. But not so anymore. He has been doing alot of research and studying.
I won't go into all of our discussion, but he brought up a point about America's strength----THE MIDDLE CLASS. No other nation in the world has what we have here regarding the numbers and power potential of the American Middle Class.

His premise is that the SP agenda is to destroy the middle calss and they have taken a good start through the millions of bad mortgage loans that will destroy our "young middle class" generation. He claims that George Soros is behind it all. According to his research, since Aug 1, 2007, there are 800 bankrupcies beinjg filed in Federal Court daily as a result of couples who fell into the bad mortgage loans of 0% interest, keeping the payment low enough for almost anyone to qualify, but noit takijg injto account that these are alligator loans, and eventually the owner can not afford to keep the house. Many people transferred equity from their previous residence and so now they are losing everything.

My brother says that after many months and hours of studying and researching, he sees the only viable solution to the entire BIG picture is Middle CLASS Revolution.

It could start as easily as everyone going to work on Monday and changing your Tax deduction status. Claim the maximum. If 2 million people did this, the country would at the very least recognize that peril is lurking.

He went on and on , and no need to discuss anymore. But I think you get the drift.

Carole

-- September 16, 2007 10:59 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Roger,

Thanks for ur response. If I decide to take some dinar and open account, will you help me?

Carole

-- September 16, 2007 11:01 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sorry for the typos---think faster than I can type, and I had false fingernails put on last week and now I really have a problem typing, as well as doing many other things. Can't wait till they fall off :)

Carole

-- September 16, 2007 11:08 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1010)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1010 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/9/17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1235 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 86.270.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 86.270.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- September 17, 2007 7:08 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

A Vital Oil Law for Iraqis
Thursday, September 13, 2007; Page A18

Joshua Partlow's Sept. 5 article on the Iraqi oil law ["Missteps and Mistrust Mark the Push for Legislation"] mistakenly took issue with the U.S. effort to mediate among Iraqi leaders to achieve an agreement on a law to regulate the country's hydrocarbon sector.

First, the agreement within the Iraqi cabinet on the basic law in February was a major achievement. It is a requirement of the constitution. Moreover, all Iraqi factions said that an agreement on oil and gas revenue was an essential political condition for stabilizing the country. Only if all Iraqi communities knew that they would fairly benefit from these resources would they commit themselves to Iraq's new political order. The issue was fundamental to achieving a national compact.

Second, contrary to implications in the article, Kurdish leaders, including Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, endorsed the key provisions of the law governing control of resources and distribution of revenue.

Third, the law balanced federal and regional interests. It established a federal council -- with representation of the regions -- as the policymaking body for energy. It provided that revenue would go into a single national account and that regions and provinces would directly receive a share of revenue based on population.

Fourth, the article did not critically examine misplaced accusations that the oil law was designed to enable Americans to take control of these resources. Iraqi leaders themselves sought to enable international investment in this sector because they understood the inefficiency of Iraq's past statist and overcentralized policies.

The inability of the Iraqi parliament to complete this and related legislation on model oil contracts and other issues is an indication of how much is at stake and of the difficulty and importance of this legislation.

Achieving stability and prosperity will ultimately require Iraqi leaders to return to this draft law and the fundamentally sound bargain it contains.

ZALMAY KHALILZAD

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
(www.washingtonpost.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 17, 2007 10:40 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Kurdish paper says secret oil prospecting under way in Garmiyan

Garmiyan Province, known for its poverty and lack of humanitarian services - inhabited by poor people, most of whom are the families and relatives of the Anfal victims - is today discovered to contain dozens of oilfields.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 17, 2007 10:45 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

United Iraqi Alliance to negotiate with Al-Sadr bloc
Baghdad, 17 September 2007 (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))

The United Iraqi Alliance announced Monday forming a committee to negotiate with Muqtada Al-Sadr's parliamentary bloc to convince it to stay within the alliance.

The alliance said in a press release that it was surprised by the decision of the bloc on quitting the alliance, as dialogue and discussions were taking place among alliance members.

All parties are ready to discuss the demands and views of Al-Sadr bloc, especially those regarding the vacant ministerial posts, it stressed.

The alliance called the bloc to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of unity among all Iraqi political groups.

Al-Sadr's bloc announced its decision to quit Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's alliance late Saturday.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 17, 2007 10:48 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I have been out of pocket over the weekend. I am still trying to catch up. From what I read Al-Malaki will be in New York next week to meet with the Secretary General of the U.N. I also understand, a delegation of Iraqis are coming to Washington to meet with the President and members of Congress. It would be nice to see the Hydro Carobon Law passed before that trip.

On another note, I have read where the Iraqi people are beginning to want a stronger dinar. Does anyone know of an example where a government did an in-country revaluation only of its currency? Meaning, the in-country rate is different than the rate for foreign investors.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 17, 2007 10:57 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Again, not Dinar, but interesting..
can skip if not interested in US security.

===

Carole, Board - Please read below..

As I said, I believe that there will be no successful attack on US soil while President Bush is in the Whitehouse.
Again, partially because he is a strong leader and the Islamofascists recognise he has not ruled out nasty retaliation -
like nuking Mecca and Medina (their Holy Land) in return.
They know the President is a man of action (ie Iraq), and if you attack his homeland, all possibilities are on the table.
With an angry Congress and upset public on his hands demanding it.. it could happen under his Administration.
Attack what we care about.. get retaliation on what they care about back.. and that means their Holy locations.
But put in a Democrat peacenik into power who has pledged to pull out of Iraq and.. then what?
Already Obama is pledging places he would never nuke... good strategy and comfort to the enemy.
I believe when President Bush is gone from the Whitehouse and they remove that pesky spying on domestic Islamics..
that it will be then when God lifts His hand.

There is trouble brewing - and Radical Islamic plans are afoot - of which the American public is largely unaware.
Here is a post on the sobering reality and truth America faces.
If you do care about American security, read it all carefully and think long and hard about what it is saying:

===

Media Not Interested In American Islamists
By Richard Newcomb
September 14, 2007

Is the mainstream media uninterested in radical Islamists in America? Recent events would seem to indicate that that may indeed be the case.

Today, according to the Dearborn, Michigan Press & Guide, a Muslim medical student named Houssein Zorkot was arrested while wearing full combat gear and carrying an AK-47 rifle. His website contained a plethora of anti-American imagery and included shots of him posing with a picture of Hezbollah leader Sheik Nasrallah. Of course, the local media neglected to mention the Islamic connection when reporting Zorkot's arrest. He was identified only as a 'third-year medical student'.

The Press & Guide appears to think that ostrich-like behavior is the best course of action when confronted by murderous barbarians like Zorkot and his Muslim allies. So far not a single national news organ has picked up this story. This is all too similar to the story of North Carolina terrorist Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar, whose clear motivation for his act of terror was his religion. Despite Taheri claiming that 'Allah is my lawyer' and similar phrases, the local ABC affiliate did not post a single reference to his religion in their story on the attack.

Simultaneously, it appears that the case of the US government against the Holy Land Foundation- a Muslim organization strongly linked with the fundamentalist Muslim organization the Muslim Brotherhood- has managed to fly beneath the mainstream press' mention. Fortunately, despite the disinterest of the major media ogans, Rod Dreher has been attending this trial. As reported by Dreher in the Dallas Morning News, Quote:

(Note) the smoking-gun 1991 document (the) Justice Department introduced into evidence at the Holy Land Foundation trial in Dallas. The FBI captured it in a raid on a Muslim suspect's home in Virginia. This "explanatory memorandum," as it's titled, outlines the "strategic goal" for the North American operation of the extremist Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan). Here's the key paragraph: The process of settlement [of Islam in the United States] is a "Civilization-Jihadist" process with all the word means. The Ikhwan must understand that all their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and "sabotaging" their miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God's religion is made victorious over all religions. Without this level of understanding, we are not up to this challenge and have not prepared ourselves for Jihad yet. It is a Muslim's destiny to perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes, and there is no escape from that destiny except for those who choose to slack. (end quote)

Although virtually ever single American Muslim organization- the Council on Muslim American Relations (CAIR), the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Muslim American Society (MSA) are intricately involved in the Muslim Brotherhood's attempt to destroy the United States and all other Western nations from within, not a single major media outlet has managed to report on this amazing trial as yet. As Dreher concludes in his article:

As long as they commit no crimes, CAIR, ISNA and the other Brotherhood-related groups have the right to advocate for their beliefs. But they don't have the right to escape critical scrutiny, and they deserve informed opposition. Courageous Muslims like Dr. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy are sounding the alarm about radical Islam's stealth takeover of U.S. Muslim institutions. Why are the news media ignoring this? Fear of being called Islamophobic? This has got to stop. Six years after 9/11, we're still asleep. Islamic radicals have declared war on us – and some are fighting here in what looks like a fifth column. Read their strategy document. It's there in black and white, for those with eyes to see.

I agree. The media has too long ignored these groups who claim victimhood. Muslims claimed that the September 11 attacks created a backlash, and the media appears to have bought this argument hook, line and sinker. Since then, they have bent over backwards to avoid exposing the unseemly and downright dangerous motives that underlie many, if not all of these groups. Is it because exposing these groups' ideology would actually buttress the President's claim that the war on Islamic terror really is global? Does partisanship take precedence over protecting our own country and way of life? Or is it because the media are frightened? What ever the cause, the media must remove their blinders regarding the terrorists in our midst, and the organizations that try to manipulate Americans' freedoms to destroy us from within.

Comments:

1) Then the war would be real- Mica the Magnificent

Whatever happened to those two suspicious guys on the ferry in the State of Washington?

If the MSM reports day after day, arrest after arrest, that the young men were muslim, then the MSM would be confirming that the war on terror is real and not a 'bumper sticker' and that Bush isn't using the war on terror to scare Americans into voting for Republicans.

This is just another way the MSM, along with the democrats, gives assistance to the people who are committed to killing us all.

2) So many have been caught and are under the radar SportPolitics

I can't keep track anymore. That college Islamo with the bomb strapped on his back siting next to the buses outside the filled stadium in Oklahoma, and next to Zaccharas Mousaoui's mosque and training center, was stopped from entering the game by FBI agents at all 8 gates according to non msm reports, and he blew up on that park bench next to the buses.

When I checked on the story through local blog investigators, I watched a video of the College's President deny the student was a muslim terrorist, I discovered the President was the longest running intelligence committee chairman in congress, and a Democrat. They covered up a trip by a "close friend" who came in from Pakistan or somewhere over there the very weekend of the bombing... and there were terrorist items recovered fro his dorm.

They just covered it all up. I was pretty astounded then.

I guess it's some kind of "secret plan" to keep everyone cool or something, or to "not tip off" those still here. I suspect it's some FBI "ongoing case" enforcement.

3) Zorkot Arrest Location Near Multiple Schools Junk Science Skeptic

I grew up in Dearborn and I'm familiar with the location of the arrest. The arrest location, Hemlock Park, is only a few hundred yards from a large highschool, and just a few minutes walk from an elementary school.

Between this event and 17 missing school buses in Houston, folks had better be ready to witness some sort of attack like the one in Russia a few years ago. AQ has promised to do this, and the signs of preparation and planning the attack are there for anybody who is willing to pay attention.

Think about it. Steal a bus, spend $5 on the stickers needed to change the school district name/bus number, follow a bus for a few days to learn the route, then go out and collect 50 little hostages while their parents smile and wave to you. By the time somebody realizes there are 15 buses worth of children missing from school, they're all locked up in a warehouse that has been mined to the hilt.

At least on 9/11 the terrorists had the risk of being stopped at security or being shot by an air marshal. In the school bus scenario, the parents would be there rushing their kids onto the bus to make sure they weren't late.

But hey, at least we're safe from those airport bathroom foot tappers.

4) MidAmerica

Junk- You describe a frightful scenario for somebody’s children. But I am heartened by the fact that schools are finally doing something about the horrific practice of letting children play tag at recess. My heart goes out to all the people who now suffer from post traumatic tag syndrome.

5) actually school terrorism was discussed on glenn beck earlier - lunaticcringeradio

earlier this week glenn beck had been talking with an intel guy if i'm not mistaken who had a lot of info regarding the muslim extremists who took over that school in russia and bombed the assembly room filled with kids. he brought to light that several of the children during the standoff while the terrorists were planting the bombs. ****remember this point i'll get back to it later. ****

they had raped and mutilated several of the children before they pushed their bodies out of the windows. details our wonderful media failed to report.

well this intel guy (still not sure on that detail, i was driving and working not sitting on my ass and writing antiamerican liberal crap while collecting government checks to pay my bills) anyway this guy revealed intel on a plot that would involve terrorists taking over a large remote elementary school. these are mainly out in the midwest. remember the terrorist threats against the heartland of our country by one of those weird beards. so the polt goes, take over a large elementary school, the reason being smaller kids won't defy them. the remoteness of the school being a time factor to allow them more time to do what they need before first response gets there. this is all done to attract the media, police, .......and parents to the scene. the reason for this is that the nearby area would have 10s of cars heavily bombed and set off when police and the parents get close enough. those are the main targets parents and police using the children as a bait. then after that they have so much more media time given them.

unfortunately this is where liberals form of mental aids goes into full swing. the liberal mentality can't stand to think of such things, they are too "self aware" and "above and beyond that mental process because they are soooo superior" to think that anyone would do such a thing and they go into complete denial when confronted with a threat. therefore the reason when a liberal is threatened they immediately start blaming others and themselves for inviting such disaster. the simple fact is liberals are incapable of even planning for a threat. everything is someone elses fault or they might even take blame for inviting danger, anything to not blame the real threat. it's mental aids, the have no mental immune system to deflect the threat and fight back.

****ok i wanted to touch back on this since i saw so many assholes this weekend causing traffic jams during rush hour traffic by going over overpasses with their ron paul signs and banners saying 9/11 was an inside job. i can't believe 20 or so losers held up traffic this week, they didn't even have enough people to cover the bridge on the eastbound side of I-10. the point I want to make is it took those muslim extremists hours during a standoff to set bombs in a highly accessible gym building. can you imagine and if you've ever seen the discovery channel or tlc you do, it take weeks to months to plan and place special charges to take out a building the size of the towers. there are miles and miles and miles of det cord run all over. holes drilled prior to that in the concrete, not a quiet process, i was drilling through some little 2 by 2 tiles today at work and you could hear it outside like i was drilling for oil. so there needed to be holes drilled in the concrete, which takes time, miles of det cord run, that nobody ever saw, and all radio and em transmissions and static electric charge generators ie carpets and other items that in daily use could ignite a tnt detonator. nobody ever saw anyone of this in the weeks prior to 9/11, no bomb debris was ever found, not one shred of detcord was found and that stuff is found all over when a demolition happens. of course you could never convince a bush hater that this is any relevent fact to their looney idea that it was an inside job.

If you ever hear a looney cry that compare the two events and ask them how it all happened again, they come up with some kinda carl rove fairy that planted it all in one night with his magic pixie dust or something.

Liberal hate and bigotry, quite possibly the single most strongest thing in the universe.

luanticcringeradio

6) Hmmm...this guy was a Muslim Republic1

Hmmm...this guy was a Muslim with at least some ties to Hezbollah? How surprising (NOT!) that my local Gannett Co. owned newspaper mentioned none of the above.

"Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him." -Muhammad

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/richard-newcomb/2007/09/14/media-not-interested-american-islamists

-- September 17, 2007 1:13 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks for the posts, Rob N. I, too, hope that the HCL law might pass before Maliki comes to America.. as it would be a good thing to show his effectiveness as a leader, and the ability of Iraqis to cooperate in the Parliament for the good of the country. As for your question about an in-country valuation, I cannot see that could apply in this case because Iraq is seeking to trade with the world and open its markets to increase its wealth. It would be counter productive to not make the Dinar worth what the world will pay for it (or at least closer to that mark), rather than continuing with the set amount it now has which is regulated by the bankers. Free market economics work well to bring the best productivity and prosperity, as countless examples show (see the documentary "Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy" for examples of countries embracing free market economics and taking off in prosperity, if interested).

Carole - I didn't notice any typing mistakes, and I think most people typically overlook typos on a blog.. it isn't English class, but casual conversations. You are very understandable as a quick typist. :) Interesting points your brother brought up..

Roger - Is it wrong to wish that the Iraqis would exercise more "git er done" power? It would reflect more favorably on their politics.

Sara.

-- September 17, 2007 2:50 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Board;

There has been something of a tragedy happen in my family and I will be unable to post for some time. I hope others will take up the slack and I will try to peek in on you from time to time as I am able. All my best and maybe the Lord will bless us all with the Dinar upward valuation sometime soon before I can get back.
Take Care,

Sara.

-- September 18, 2007 3:01 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1011)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1011 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/9/18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 93.970.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 93.970.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- September 18, 2007 7:03 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

You will be missed. I appreciate your contribution to this little spot on the world wide web. I hope all works out for you and your family. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 18, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The following article I post in its entirety because it has been written by Henry Kissinger.
------------------------------------------------------------

Putting politics aside to save Iraq
9/17/2007

By Henry A. Kissinger
Tribune Media Services
Monday, September 17, 2007

Two realities define the range of a meaningful debate on Iraq policy: The war cannot be ended by military means alone. But neither is it possible to "end" the war by ceding the battlefield, for the radical jihadist challenge knows no frontiers.

An abrupt withdrawal from Iraq will not end the war; it will only redirect it. Within Iraq, the sectarian conflict could assume genocidal proportions; terrorist base areas could re-emerge.

Under the impact of American abdication, Lebanon may slip into domination by Iran's ally, Hezbollah; a Syria-Israel war or an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities may become more likely as Israel attempts to break the radical encirclement; Turkey and Iran will probably squeeze Kurdish autonomy; and the Taliban in Afghanistan will gain new impetus.

That is what is meant by "precipitate" withdrawal - a withdrawal in which the United States loses the ability to shape events, either within Iraq, on the anti-jihadist battlefield or in the world at large.

The proper troop level in Iraq will not be discovered by political compromise at home. If reducing troop levels turns into the litmus test of American politics, each withdrawal will generate demands for additional ones until the political, military and psychological framework collapses.

An appropriate strategy for Iraq requires political direction. But the political dimension must be the ally of military strategy, not a resignation from it.

Symbolic withdrawals, urged by such wise elder statesmen as Senators John Warner, Republican of Virginia, and Richard Lugar, Republican of Indiana, might indeed assuage the immediate public concerns. They should be understood, however, as palliatives.

The argument that the mission of U.S. forces should be confined to defeating terrorism, protecting the frontiers, preventing the emergence of Taliban-like structures and staying out of the civil-war aspects is also tempting. In practice, it will be very difficult to distinguish among the various aspects of the conflict with any precision.

Some answer that the best political result is most likely to be achieved by total withdrawal. In the end, political leaders will be held responsible - often by their publics, surely by history - not only for what they hoped but for what they should have feared.

Nothing in Middle East history suggests that abdication confers influence. Those who urge this course of action need to put forward what they recommend if the dire consequences of an abrupt withdrawal foreseen by the majority of experts and diplomats occur.

The missing ingredient has not been a withdrawal schedule but a political and diplomatic design connected to a military strategy. The issue is not whether Arab or Muslim societies can ever become democratic; it is whether they can become so under American military guidance in a timeframe for which the U.S. political process will stand.

In homogeneous societies, a minority can aspire to become a majority as a result of elections. That outcome is improbable in societies where historic grievances follow existing ethnic or sectarian lines.

Iraq is multiethnic and multisectarian. The Sunni sect has dominated the majority Shia and subjugated the Kurdish minority for all of Iraq's history of less than a hundred years.

American exhortations for national reconciliation are based on constitutional principles drawn from the Western experience. But it is impossible to achieve this in a six-month period defined by the American troop surge in an artificially created state wracked by the legacy of a thousand years of ethnic and sectarian conflicts.

Experience should teach us that trying to manipulate a fragile political structure - particularly one resulting from American-sponsored elections - is likely to play into radical hands. Nor are the present frustrations with Baghdad's performance a sufficient excuse to impose a strategic disaster on ourselves.

However much Americans may disagree about the decision to intervene or about the policy afterward, the United States is now in Iraq in large part to serve the American commitment to global order and not as a favor to the Baghdad government.

It is possible that the present structure in Baghdad is incapable of national reconciliation because its elected constituents were elected on a sectarian basis. A wiser course would be to concentrate on the three principal regions and promote technocratic, efficient and humane administration in each. More efficient regional government leading to substantial decrease in the level of violence, to progress toward the rule of law and to functioning markets could then, over a period of time, give the Iraqi people an opportunity for national reconciliation - especially if no region was strong enough to impose its will on the others by force.

Failing that, the country may well drift into de facto partition under the label of autonomy, such as already exists in the Kurdish region. That very prospect might encourage the Baghdad political forces to move toward reconciliation.

The second and ultimately decisive route to overcoming the Iraqi crisis is through international diplomacy. Today the United States is bearing the major burden for regional security militarily, politically and economically.

Yet many other nations know that their internal security and, in some cases, their survival will be affected by the outcome in Iraq and are bound to be concerned that they may all face unpredictable risks if the situation gets out of control.

That passivity cannot last. The best way for other countries to give effect to their concerns is to participate in the construction of a civil society. The best way for us to foster it is to turn reconstruction step-by-step into a cooperative international effort under multilateral management.

It will not be possible to achieve these objectives in a single, dramatic move. The military outcome in Iraq will ultimately have to be reflected in some international recognition and some international enforcement of its provisions. The international conference of Iraq's neighbors, including the permanent members of the Security Council, has established a possible forum for this. A UN role in fostering such a political outcome could be helpful.

Such a strategy is the best road to reduce America's military presence in the long run.

None of these objectives can be realized, however, unless two conditions are met: The United States needs to maintain a presence in the region on which its supporters can count and which its adversaries have to take seriously. And above all, the country must recognize that bipartisanship has become a necessity, not a tactic.

Henry A. Kissinger heads the consulting firm Kissinger & Associates. This article was distributed by Tribune Media Services.

Putting politics aside to save Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 18, 2007 10:12 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Minister of Commerce: “Economic and Social Council Issues Decisions Backing Iraqi Economy”

Dr. Abdul-Falah Hassan al-Soodani, the Minister of Commerce, has said that the Arab Social and Economic Council have undertaken a number of decisions backing the Iraqi economy.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 18, 2007 10:13 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Dems to Wait on War Funding Debate
Associated Press | September 18, 2007
WASHINGTON - Democrats are not expected to take up President Bush's war spending request until November, giving them time to calculate their next move and see if Republican support for his policies deteriorates.

The delay in passing the bill, which Bush says is needed by Oct. 1, is likely to intensify the standoff between the Democratic-controlled Congress and Bush, who says at least 130,000 troops are needed in Iraq through next summer.

"Just because this administration wears blinders, we cannot afford the limitations of their shortsighted world view," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a Vietnam veteran and prominent war critic.

Democrats are in a tough spot. Still lacking enough votes in the Senate to pass legislation ordering troops home by spring, they would have to soften their approach if they want to attract more Republicans. But doing so would rile much of the party's rank-and-file, elected on anti-war platforms and eager to cut off money for combat.

"There's a lot of anger out there," Murtha told reporters Monday at the National Press Club. "A lot of people are very unhappy with the Democrats because we haven't been able to get anything done."

In February, Bush requested $147 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in budget year 2008, which begins Oct. 1. As early as this week, Bush is expected to ask for another $40 billion to $50 billion.

Murtha, who chairs the House committee that oversees military spending, estimated Congress is likely to ignore the request until November.

Congress could pass a stopgap funding measure that would include money for the war.

In the meantime, Congress also is expected to approve the Pentagon's nearly half trillion annual budget, which omits war spending. That money covers routine costs, including training, payrolls and weapons procurement.

Under that bill, the military is expected to be granted the authority to transfer money between accounts, potentially keeping the war afloat for several more months.

Murtha and other Democrats say final passage of the annual spending bill - anticipated by early October - curbs the urgency of the separate war spending bill. It also lends breathing space to a party divided on what to do next.

Murtha has said he favors paying for the war in three- or four-month installments. Other Democrats say they don't want to leave the impression that Congress could cut off money for the troops at any given month; they favor bills aimed at forcing a change in policy.

At the Pentagon on Monday, officials released a quarterly report on the war that echoed last week's testimony of Gen. David Petraeus, the top military commander in Iraq. The report cited recent gains in security, including a decrease in sectarian killings, but little political progress in Baghdad.

Recent operations "have started to create the security conditions that will allow the government of Iraq to implement reforms and pursue reconciliation initiatives," the report states.

In the Senate, debate resumed on several war-related policy measures.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said he would recommend a veto of one proposal - a bill by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., that would require troops to spend as much time at their home station as they do in Iraq.

Supporters of Webb's measure say it has at least 57 of the 60 votes needed. It would need 67 votes to override a veto.

A separate proposal by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin, D-Mich., seeks to restrict the troops' mission to fighting terrorists and training the Iraqi security force.

Murtha predicted Monday that Democrats will not be able to pass any meaningful legislation to end the Iraq war until presidential primary elections are over next year.

"As soon as the primaries are over, you're going to see Republicans jumping ship," he said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 18, 2007 10:17 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

His power and love are demonstrated and are ours, during and in our times of weakest moments. I know that you already know that....but I just want to remind you for your hour of apparent need.

I will pray for you daily and as often as the Spirit leads....you can count on that!

Love, your sister,

Carole

-- September 18, 2007 10:55 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

I too want to chime in and I am saddened at your apparent lack of participation on the board due to your family emergency. I hope you can rejoin us soon. My prayers are with you.

Laura Parker

-- September 18, 2007 12:52 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

sara you will be mist take care.

-- September 18, 2007 1:33 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Not dinar has anyone looked at the exchange rate on the zimbabwe dollar.

-- September 18, 2007 2:26 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

See ya, you'll be back, until then, take care.

Zimbabwe,

Isn't that the country that was the former Rhodesia.

Now it's runned by a fascist guy that are acting as a dictator, have no idea about economics, and the country is in dire constant economic emergency.

The currency is so worthless, that barter is about the only way to get something, and whatever currency they have is made of cheap photocopy type paper with no security features what so ever.

Land is confiscated, and redistributed, people are forced to leave what they have developed for generations.

I do believe the dictator is also calling himself a Socialist.

Go figure.

Carole,

I would sell your Dinar and reinvest in a very hot currency, the Zimbabwe currency.

Just joking, about the Warka, am myself learning the ropes, and I don't think I am the very hottest person to talk with regarding this topic.

I would suggest though that you go back and re read posts that both Steven and Cornish boy have written, lot's of info there.

To go to square ONE, just open up the official Warka website, send them an e-mail, and state that you are intending to open up an account, and ask them -"where do we go from here?", and they will send you a step by step info in how to set it up and how to do.

There will be more to it later, but the basic set up is not harder than buying a bicycle.

-- September 18, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I would like your thoughts regarding the news I heard today that Chevron is set to study a particular oil field in Iraq. While LukOil today continued its bid to move forward with an agreement signed with Saddam honored by the current Iraqi Govt.

The GoI instist regardless of whether the HCL is passed or not, they are moving forward with offering tenders for exploration. Is this activity by Chevron and LukOil just prepositioning in hopes of having an advantage post HCL? The intent of the Iraqi government to proceed with offering tenders whether parliment has passed the HCL just preliminary planning necessary post HCL?

Is it possible the big oil companies are covertly investing in the Iraqi petrochemical sector waiting for the passage of the HCL before publicly announcing intentions of such investments? Final question, is the passage of the HCL the public blessing of activity already in progress?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 18, 2007 5:57 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

roger All i now is that Zimbabwe wos one of the richest regions in africa the current exchange rate now is £1= 60.000 zimbabwe dollar i will have to dig a bit deeper.

-- September 18, 2007 6:33 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Arab economic council cancels 70% of Iraq's debt

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

Baghdad, 18 September 2007 (Al-Sabaah)
Print article Send to friend
The Arab economic and social council which follows the Arab League decided canceling 70% of Iraqi debts besides making many decisions to support Iraqi economy, Trade Minister Dr. Falah Sodani said.

He mentioned that these decisions considered major turning point at the council's work towards Iraq and came after the Ministry referred complete work paper to the council which its members approved it unanimously.

-- September 18, 2007 6:48 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

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

Concerning Article 140, Administrative Work to End

Mrs. Narmin Othman deputy head of High committee for the implementation of article 140 told (Kurdistani Nwe) that administratively, Kurdistan Region Government work is to finish.”

There are no problems except that of statistics that are related to Iraqi Ministry of Planning.” She said.

Narmin explained that there is no formal decision to postpone Article 140. Even we try hard to implement works unfinished and our next committee meeting will be on October 1st.

PUKmedia :: English - Concerning Article 140, Administrative Work to End
__________________

-- September 18, 2007 6:51 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

The Next Five Years to Come, Electronic Government System will Be Installed http://pukmedia.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1059&Itemid=1

-- September 18, 2007 6:55 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq sends first shipment of oil to Jordan http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/19/content_6750021.htm

-- September 18, 2007 6:59 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

September 18, 2007: C-Day.StillPhoto/SUNSHINE/Retna (Norris), iStockphoto (flag)

Freedom Now Officially on the March: Karate champion Chuck Norris is on the ground in Iraq visiting fifteen military bases and likely killing terrorists with his bare hands along the way. According to Chuck "the surge is working … It is so much safer and more relaxed, particularly in the Al Anbar province," he says. "It is so much better than often conveyed by the liberal media." Oh, snap! [WorldNetDaily]

Chuck Norris Sent to Iraq — Mission Accomplished! -- Vulture -- Entertainment & Culture Blog -- New York Magazine
__________________
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2007/09/chuck_norris_sent_to_iraq_miss.html

-- September 18, 2007 7:06 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger
Thanks. Will do let you kow how it turns out. Should I put all me Dinar in Bank / ISX?

Carole

-- September 19, 2007 7:03 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1012)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1012 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/9/19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 39.030.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 39.030.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- September 19, 2007 7:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Big oils waiting game over Iraqs reserves
9/18/2007

By Ed Crooks and Sheila McNulty

Published: September 18 2007 23:07 | Last updated: September 18 2007 23:07

In Iraq, oil companies face a dilemma. They can wait for the central government in Baghdad to agree a new oil law that will give them a legal framework in which they can operate, and for the security situation to become manageable.

Or they can press ahead and sign agreements with the Kurdistan Regional Government, the authority in the autonomous north of Iraq, at the risk of souring relations with Baghdad and shutting themselves out of deals in the rest of the country.

It is a decision that has so far divided the smaller operators from the majors.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, the companies that are active include DNO – which has produced the first oil from a new source in Iraq since the invasion of 2003 – Addax, Dana Gas, Sterling Energy and Western Oil Sands, which is spinning off its activities in the region as part of its takeover by Marathon.

Most recently, they have been joined by Hunt Oil, a privately held US independent, which this month signed a deal to explore in Kurdistan.

The majors, on the other hand, have been conspicuous by their absence, aware that Iraq’s central government does not recognise the legality of agreements signed with the KRG.

Hussain al-Shahristani, Iraq’s oil minister, said recently about Hunt Oil’s deal: “All these contracts have to be approved by the Federal Authority before they are legal . . . This was not presented for approval; it has no standing.’’

Only 3 per cent of Iraq’s vast reserves of oil and gas are in Kurdistan, and while the minnows of the oil world might be able to make a good business out of 3 per cent of Iraq’s reserves, the big fish want access to the remaining 97 per cent.

That is why the majors that are interested in Iraq, including Total and Chevron – which plan to collaborate in the country – and Royal Dutch Shell, are all working with the government in Baghdad.

While they wait for contracts to be offered, the majors are building relationships, training engineers and carrying out technical studies for free, in preparation for the day when they might be able to operate.

The question is how long their patience will last. The level of violence is still unacceptably high, and the oil law is stuck in parliament. If anything, the prospect of agreement appears to be receding as tensions between the parties grow.

If the political situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate, there may come a time when the majors decide it is better to have 3 per cent of a large amount than 97 per cent of nothing.

Last week, the US commercial officer in Iraq said Hunt Oil was “smart” for becoming the first US oil company to sign a high- profile exploration and production deal in Iraq, even though the deal was with the KRG.

He was careful, however, not to suggest that other US oil companies should follow the Hunt model, saying: “I can’t recommend that as a US government official.”

DNO said last month it had rejected an offer of $700m from an unnamed international oil company for its Kurdistan assets. The identity of the bidder remains unknown, but the offer is a sign that at least one major has given up on the strategy of getting close to the Baghdad government.

Mr al-Shahristani, the oil minister, suggested recently that some contracts could be offered before the oil law is signed. But even if there are deals on the table, concerns about security will be a powerful deterrent to potential partners.

It looks as though the majors will have to keep waiting for Iraq for some time to come.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 11:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Gates Crafts Long-Term Iraq Plan,
9/19/2007

Defense Secretary Seeks
Bipartisan Agreement;
No Talk of Democracy
By GREG JAFFE
September 19, 2007; Page A3

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates sketched out a long-term vision for securing Iraq that includes a continuing American military force that is a fraction the size of the one there today, no permanent U.S. bases and a significant Navy and Air Force presence in the Persian Gulf region.

In an interview in the Pentagon, Mr. Gates also said part of the long-range security structure would be stronger military partnerships with some of America's friends in the Gulf area, helping them build better counterterrorism forces as well as regional air- and missile-defense systems to check Iranian ambitions.

• The Strategy: Defense Secretary Gates outlined a long-term plan for securing Iraq that entails a small American force in the country -- but no permanent bases -- with an air and sea presence in the Persian Gulf.
• The Omission: He didn't talk about transforming the region or spreading democracy.
• The Next Step: Getting the debate in Washington focused on finding a long-term plan that both Democrats and Republicans can support.What was missing from his vision for Iraq and the broader region was talk about transforming the region and spreading democracy. Instead, the Pentagon chief seemed much more focused on transforming the debate in Washington so the next president inherits a long-term strategy for Iraq and the region that both Republicans and Democrats can support.

"I came here with a pretty clear agenda," Mr. Gates said. "Mainly I was focused on how we can put Iraq in a place where we can have a long-term stabilizing presence that has broad bipartisan support." It is a vision that Mr. Gates, a former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, said was born of his experience as a national-security official during the Cold War. In those years, as in the broader struggle now under way against Islamic extremism, he said, the only successful strategy is one that can be adopted by multiple presidents -- both Republican and Democrat -- over many years.

For now, that view seems to be translating into a much more pragmatic approach both on the ground in Iraq and back home. As recently as last year, U.S. war plans for Iraq focused on building a strong, multisectarian democracy that would serve as a model for the rest of the Middle East. With national reconciliation largely stalled, Mr. Gates and Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, have given local commanders greater latitude to forge alternative strategies that seek to stabilize specific regions across the country as the top priority -- even if it comes at the expense of a strong central government.

The shift has produced some modest improvements in the security situation in Iraq. It has been less successful in changing the tenor of the debate in Washington, where frustration with mounting U.S. casualties and the inability of Iraqis to meet national-reconciliation goals is fueling a divisive debate. The political battle over the war seems likely to grow in intensity as the presidential elections near.

Sen. Carl Levin, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, blasted the Bush administration in a speech this week for "not doing anything to pressure Iraqi leaders to keep their commitments" on meeting national-reconciliation goals. He called for setting a clear timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. forces that would send a message to Sunni, Shiite and Kurd leaders that they had to reach agreement quickly on major issues, such as distribution of oil revenues.

Mr. Gates said he had made limited progress building any sort of consensus around a bipartisan approach for Iraq that would carry over into the next administration. "I am working hard to reach out to people across the spectrum up on the Hill -- to keep the channels of communications open and build trust," Mr. Gates said. "I can't say we have made a lot of headway on that score yet."

Where Mr. Gates's pragmatic approach has had a more profound impact is in Iraq itself. His long-term vision for U.S. forces in Iraq bears a striking resemblance to that offered by moderate Democrats and the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, with U.S. troops focused on fighting al Qaeda, training Iraqi forces and providing a "safety net" in case they get overwhelmed.

In his speech, Sen. Levin outlined the same missions for American forces in the future. The difference is timing. Sen. Levin said he believes the U.S. can take on the more limited role by April 30, 2008. Mr. Gates and Gen. Petraeus believe the surge of U.S. forces has been essential to pulling the country back from the brink of chaos. They have said U.S. forces should shrink in numbers and shift missions more gradually. "It is going to happen at a different pace in different provinces," Mr. Gates said.

The Pentagon chief also has allowed Gen. Petraeus to take a far more decentralized approach in Iraq aimed at bolstering local and tribal leaders, both politically and economically. It is a strategy that bears some similarity to the Democrats' "soft partition" approach, in which Iraq would be ruled by a weak central government that distributes oil revenues, and largely self-governing Shiite, Sunni and Kurd-dominated regions. Mr. Gates said it is "too early to tell" whether Iraq is headed in that direction.

Commanders on the ground seem to be moving that way. Marine commanders have begun to explore whether they can build a free-trade zone in Iraq's Sunni-dominated Anbar province that would allow businessmen in places like Jordan and Saudi Arabia to establish economic ties to the area without going through the bureaucratic, Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad. Such a free-trade zone would require the central government's approval.

"I think the notion of creating the freedom for people to work through the central government and directly with partners around them makes all kinds of sense," Mr. Gates said. "My view is that whatever works economically ought to be tried."

Write to Greg Jaffe at greg.jaffe@wsj.com

Gates Crafts Long-Term Iraq Plan, - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 11:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Maliki: Talks continue to form mini technocrat cabinet
Baghdad (NINA)– Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki announced at a press conference held Wednesday his intention to form a mini cabinet with technocrat ministers, after reaching agreement on the idea with the other factions.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 11:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

MoO: No contract signed with world companies
Baghdad(NINA)-The Ministry of Oil denied the media reports that the ministry has signed a contract with a world company to invest one of Rumeila oilfields.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 12:01 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Non-Iraqi investors concluded 9 contracts in ISX
Baghdad (NINA) - The index of Iraqi stock exchange closed on Tuesday, Sep. 18 at 38.881 points, increasing by 2.306% from the previous session. On Tuesday, 30 out of 93 registered firms traded more than 341 million shares worth of more than 496 million Iraqi Dinars through 256 contracts.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 12:04 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Choppers shoot to protect Iraq oil, power

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

BAGHDAD, 19 September 2007 (UPI)
Print article Send to friend
The Iraqi Defense Ministry has issued a shoot-to-kill order to helicopter gunners guarding Iraq's vulnerable oil and power infrastructure.

Azzaman reports the Ministry of Defense has brought in armed helicopters, possibly Russian, to protect the power and fuel supply to Baghdad.

Iraq as a whole suffers from drought of fuels and electricity, and Baghdad is especially targeted by insurgents looking to choke the country's capital.

The newspaper reports pilots are to shoot at anyone approaching the oil pipelines or power lines and towers.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 12:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Investors Iraq Forum has a link posted on its website named Warka Faqs. This will give you the step by step process of opening a bank account with Warka. I hope this helps.
(http://www.investorsiraq.com/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 19, 2007 3:10 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Completed: 198 Projects for 81 billion ID

The Ministry of Construction and Housing published a report on completed projects and the most important obstacles facing work planned in the ministry investment budget and those for developing regions and governorates.

Minister of Construction and Housing, Bayan Dizah Yi, identified the volume of Ministry completed work at 198 projects (81 billion ID) as of the first of June. These were: 18 projects for roads and bridges at the cost of 7 billion ID, 79 projects for public buildings costing 14.5 billion ID and 101 projects for school buildings at 59.5 billion ID. She indicated the Housing Fund granted 8000 loans for 2007 totaling 47.5 billion ID, to complete 4,100 housing units by April 29th.

She stated the Ministry will initiate 589 projects worth 2,756 billion ID as follows: 349 projects (2,402 billion ID) under the 2007 investment budget, with an annual allocation of 422 billion ID, 170 projects at 191 billion ID for other employers, and eight projects for 123 billion ID under the first two American grants.

She noted that there are further projects under the $135,000,000 World Bank loan -- $92,000,000 on central projects and $43,000,000 for the Kurdistan region. There are also $30,000,000 in projects under the Japanese loan including the establishment of three bridges in the province of Muthanna under the financial agreement in Cabinet awaiting ratification by Parliament.

The report of the Ministry of Construction and Housing also detailed on-going projects like roads and bridges in Kirkuk, Basrah, Thi Qar, Diyala, Salahuddin, Wasit, Baghdad, Muthanna, Karbala, Babel, Diwaniyah and Al-Anbar. The completion rate was 100% as of the first of June, including maintaining and paving external and internal roads as well as maintaining dams and bridges and building new roads.

Projects for public buildings with 100% completion rates in several provinces were under companies Al-Farouq, Fao, Saad, Al-Mansour, Al-Mu'Tasim, the National Center for Engineering Consultants, Al-Salam, and the National Center for construction. These included building 102 schools in various provinces by ministry companies.

The report concluded with work that is still going on in some designated projects: 12 residential complexes costing 304 billion ID, 176 projects for roads and bridges for 831 billion ID, 179 projects at 338 billion ID for public buildings and 170 school building projects for 107 billion ID.

The report pointed out that the completion rates varied depending on the security situation and other circumstances, affirming the ministry's intention to complete all by the end of the year.

http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4559
__________________

-- September 19, 2007 4:13 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Oil breaks 80 dollar/barrel barrier

Crude oil prices recorded a new record on Wednesday exceeding $80 per barrel at the forward contracts in New York Stock Exchange dealings.

Dealers attributed this rise to the significant decline in American crude reserves, and fears a new tropical storm might hit the Gulf of Mexico, where there is a large number of production facilities in offshore fields.

The price per barrel of light October delivery crude was $79.93 at the close, up $1.68; the same crude had closed Wednesday at $80.18, breaking the record set at the beginning of August when prices hit $77.68.

American Reserve…
The sudden rise in prices came after the announcement of the American Ministry of Energy that the United States crude oil reserves fell about 7.1 million barrels last week, more than expected.

Tim Evans, the financial analyst in City Group, said that "this huge decline in the reserve was surprising to the Energy Agency." But other analysts attributed the rise in prices to the continued rise in demand and fears of a decline in supply.

OPEC Announcement
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC announced earlier that it will increase production by 500 thousand barrels a day, but some analysts pointed out that the increase is merely symbolic and warned that prices may continue to rise even if supply increases.

The Twelve members of the OPEC were reluctant at the beginning to increase production, de****e warnings from the International Energy Agency that the market needs more supply. However, pressure from influential members such as Saudi Arabia, which fear negative impact of rising prices on global demand, overcame the opposition of other members.

The step was expected to reduce prices and thus risk to the financial markets of America and the world.

But there are also fears that the market would be flooded with oil supplies if a weak American economy led to reduced energy demand.

OPEC members, who produce more than the third of the world oil supply, exceed their August production ceiling by about 900,000 bbl/day.

http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4560
__________________

-- September 19, 2007 4:17 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Production of the Norwegian D.N.O increases from an Iraqi oil field http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=4562

-- September 19, 2007 4:48 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Chevron, Total Submit Study On Iraq s Majnoon Devt - Oil Min Chevron, Total Submit Study On Iraq s Majnoon Devt - Oil Min

-- September 19, 2007 4:53 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Kurdistan, the Iraq worth fighting for http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/21904

-- September 19, 2007 4:56 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

Iraq gives Russia no oil access promise http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8ROIICO0.htmv

-- September 19, 2007 5:03 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

About you asking me to put all your Dinars in Warka/ISX????

What ever you do, it have to come from your own heart.

That might be a good strategy, some think so, some want to sit on SOME Dinars, keeping it in the drawers. Some want to sit on ALL their currency, no matter what, so what you should do,...only you can answer that.

I can only say what my intentions are, that is to get all of my holdings over to Iraq, and spread them there in ISX, and savings account.

If there is a "middle way" I would probably set it up in this way:

1. One third of the Dinars in the mattress, preferably in very small denominations, in case a zero lop will come up.

That is less possible, but in case that happens, the smaller denominations are sure to survive, and the bigger denominations are most likely to be withdrawn within a time limit.

IF the Dinars hit big, it is also a better to have smaller denominations, they are tax wise a more convenient denomination to exchange. (can be kept under the red flag limits).

2. One third of your holdings in a Dinar savings account, making a whopping 11% interest. Better investment than many funds.

3. One third of your holdings in ISX, in a decent spread amongst investment banks.

That would probably be the best possible spread of the Dinar investment.

Me personally, I am not going that route, I am sending ALL of my Dinars over there, will keep 10 millions in the Warka savings account, and put a decent spread of shares on the ISX for another 30 million Dinars.

You might look at it differently, I am doing it based on my own thinking, but whatever way you go, I wish you luck.

-- September 19, 2007 8:33 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

Thank you so much for your info.

Question: how do I exchange my 25,000 Dinar notes for smaller denominations? All I have ( as well as my family) are in those amounts.
Also, as far as the ISX, do you have to go through a broker? How do you know what to invest in?

Please stay with me on this for a little longer.

Thanks again,

Carole

-- September 19, 2007 11:53 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob N.

Thanks for info. I am sure it will help.

Carole

-- September 19, 2007 11:54 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

All,

On Monday, while driving, I heard on the radio that Allen Keyes was going to run for president. Since then not a peep! Has anyone else heard this?

It would be wonderful if this is true.

Carole

-- September 20, 2007 12:04 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

In my estimation, Mr. Keyes is not likely to attract a broad base. Making him unelectable.

October will find one entrant into the Republican list of candidates. This candidate is Newt. I think the only realistic challenger to both Rudi and Hilliary.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 20, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

How are you sending your Dinars to Iraq? If you have found a secure way to send your Dinars to Warka, please let us know. Are you shipping via Fed Ex? I did not think Warka still accepted Fed Ex packages full of 25000 notes.

I am still thinking about an account at Warka. The savings rate of 11% is appealing. What research have you done regarding their banking and investment laws that has convinced you to take this step? The one thing that would hasten my investment in the ISX is if Iraq privatizes its oil sector and those companies list on the ISX.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 20, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq parliament to discuss key oil law in October

Iraq's parliament should start in early October to debate an oil law, needed to regulate how wealth from world's third largest oil reserves will be shared by its sectarian and ethnic groups, the deputy speaker said.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 20, 2007 10:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Talabani discusses means of boosting ISF’s performance
Baghdad (NINA)-The Republic’s President Jalal Talabani discussed with a delegation of the Multi National Forces the means that ensure boosting the performance of the Iraqi security forces.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 20, 2007 10:40 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Baghdad revealed as bank robbery capital of the world

The attack had been planned with military precision. Twelve men, masked and carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles stormed into the al-Sanik branch of the Bank of Baghdad, disarmed the guards, tied them up and then terrified the staff by firing into the ceiling. About $800,000 (£400,000) in US dollars and Iraqi dinars was grabbed before the gang drove away in three cars, untroubled by the many checkpoints in the area.

The raid was just the latest of a long and lucrative line that sees, on average, a million dollars a month being taken at gunpoint. Bank executives have been kidnapped from their homes for ransoms as high as $6mn. Amid the bombs and gunfire, there is one "industry" is doing remarkably well – Baghdad is now the bank robbery capital of the world.

Iraq holds the world record for both the first and second highest amounts taken in the history of bank robberies. Top of the league is the estimated $800m removed from the Central Bank by Saddam Hussein's son, Qusay, in the dying days of the regime as US tanks were rolling into Baghdad.
In second position is the heist, just two months ago, at the Dar al-Salam Bank at Sadoun Street in central Baghdad when three guards turned on their employers and left with $282m.

Other banks hit recently has been the al-Rafidian which lost $1.2m; the Industry Bank, which had $784,000 taken; Iraqi Trade Bank, $1.8m ; the Bank of Baghdad, $ 1.6m; al-Warka Bank, $750,000; The Middle East Investment Bank, $1.32m... the list goes on.

Four years after "liberation" and the coming of the free market, Iraq is almost entirely a cash economy with a mushrooming group of private banks and vast sums of money being moved daily across the country.

The US authorities praised the rise of the private banking sector as one of the success stories of Iraq.

But the upsurge in robberies has meant that some branches have been unable to pay customers because of lack of cash.

One thing Iraq is not short of is men with guns. The banks, and their money convoys, are easy pickings. The security forces have their hands full with the insurgency and Shia militia groups and, in any case, are themselves suspected of carrying out many of the robberies.

Firas Ali Suleiman, a driver for the Bank of Baghdad described how a van carrying $1.6m from its Hilla branch to Baghdad was ambushed. "It was a Kia van and it was not armoured, but we had four guards with the money inside," he said.

"We were stopped at a checkpoint in Audiya run by the Ministry of Interior commandos. They ordered the back door to be opened and saw the money. The guards were called out and then put in handcuffs and hooded. I could hear them talking about the money and then they took the money out. I was told to drive away and I called the manager on my mobile and told him what happened.

"The next roadblock was by the Mehdi Army (Shia militia). I think they, too, were expecting to get some money but, by then, of course, it was gone. The police were called later but they did nothing."

Khalid Mohammed, the manager called by Mr Suleiman, is convinced most of the robberies take place with inside help. "I have been at a bank branch when the men with guns came. They knew exactly where the money was and, when they left, they went straight past all the checkpoints, no one searched their cars or asked any questions.

"Before the war we just had a few banks, now there are lots of private ones, so less security, and more opportunity for stealing."

Armed convoys, with darkened windows move through Baghdad every day.. They could be ministerial escorts, private security firms, or, as the police point out, robbers – and it is impossible for police to tell which is which.

Iraq's biggest heists

1: Central Bank (2003): $800m (£400m)
2: Dar al-Salam (2007): $282m
3. Iraqi Trade Bank (2007): $1.8m
4: Bank of Baghdad (2007): $1.6m
5: MEI Bank (2007): $1.32m

Baghdad revealed as bank robbery capital of the world | Iraq Updates

-- September 20, 2007 2:36 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

No, you go into a bank, any bank, and send the money to Warka from there.

Don't put any money into a brown bag, and ship it that way.

There might be a pretty high chance that only the brown bag arrives.

For Warka to get the money you send it to a proxy bank in Germany.

Dresden bank.

Warka will give you all the info if you ask them, also Steven and cornish boy had some go info earlier, just scroll back a couple of weeks and you will have most of the basics.

Also just send an e-mail to Warka and say, "I'm lost" and they will help you.

The money have to be shipped as Dollars.

So...you need to exchange your Dinars into Dollars, send it, and then it will be converted back in to Dinars, when it is deposited into your accounts.

I found a very good source for exchanging the Dinars here in the US.

If you have a bank, that are exchanging it, you might do it there, but I have heard some reports of banks doing a very high exchange fee, so you might want to check into that first.

However, the FIRST step is to open up a Warka account , then as a SECOND step you will have to worry about exchanging it for Dollars.

So just dabble around with Warka first, and make them open an account, no fee, just have it there ready waiting for you, you got plenty of time before you need to dump money into it, so you can just forget about it for a while once you have opened it up.

Once it is ready for you, NOW you need to exchange your Dinars for the best rate available.

On this point I found a very good source, have not seen any better rates and faster service, and I am very happy with them.

Dinar Trade. They are located in Bakersfield CA and have a branch in TN.

The rate is about 2%, and the service is fast.

I doubt that even many banks can beat that rate.

I talked with them the day before yesterday, and they told me the routine.

They need a letter authorizing them to buy your Dinars, name telephone address, a void check, and your Dinars.

I sent it UPS that day, and they had it yesterday. They turned around immediately and wired the funds straight onto my B of A account via Wachovia, and this morning I had it all in my account.

I went over to my bank branch and did send it over to Warka this morning.

So all in all, it was very fast action.

I was impressed with them, and the rate was very very good, probably beat most banks I would say. They promises that your Dollars are in your account within 24 hours from the time they receive the Dinars, but it actually went faster.

So Rob N, once you are set up with the account, this is what I did, and if you want to follow my track you are welcome.

-- September 20, 2007 3:19 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

I am doing this in steps, and are researching each step as I go.

I do know that if you want to get in on the ISX, you need an account over there to begin with, so that is what I'm working on right now, I don't have much about the exact procedures regarding ISX, but I'll get there, once my account is filled in Warka.

As for exchanging the bigger denominations, the only source I am aware of is dealers. You are a
CA girl and no bank that I am aware of is doing it in that state.

It was a very nice experience with Dinar Trade, when I was exchanging Dinars to Dollars, but I don't know of their policy or prices when it comes to exchanging bigger denominations to smaller denominations. Well, you could just call I guess, ask them, and perhaps other dealers as well about their prices, and soon you will have a picture in your head what is reasonable and what is rip off.

Again, I had good luck with Dinar Trade, I don't work for them or get anything from them.

The reason I am saying good things about them is that I recognise a good service and fair price when I see it.

Carole, you should also be aware that the ONLY reason you would change your big denominations into small, would be the remote possibility of a zero lop, where bigger denominations might be at risk of being recalled with time limits attached to them. Also if the Dinar hits, lower denominations are better to have if you want to stay under the tax radar screen.

For the first scenario, it is very unlikely but possible. For the second scenario , well, pay your taxes and don't worry about it.

(you will however not be blamed for trying)

If, in your assessment, there might be an advantage of any kind, based on any possible scenario, go ahead and change them for smaller denominations.

Some people might not see the issues important enough, and will argue a counter point.

Again Carole, what does your heart tells you.

I would work harder on getting a Warka account set up, as priority nbr 1, and look into this issue at a more leisure time.

Go with my motto: "why post pone anything until tomorrow....when you can post pone it to the day AFTER tomorrow"

-- September 20, 2007 4:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

How much can U.N. achieve in Iraq?
9/20/2007

The UN secretary-general and Iraqi prime minister meet Saturday in New York.
By Howard LaFranchi | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

UNITED NATIONS, N.Y.
The United States wants the United Nations playing a larger role in Iraq. And the UN – with a new mandate in hand that calls for bulking up its presence on the ground and tackling a wider range of political and social issues – seems willing to try.

But even as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon co-chairs a high-level meeting here Saturday with embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, experts are cautious about how much the UN can do. Even UN officials are saying that the kind of progress now crucial – moves toward political compromise and national reconciliation – largely depends on the Iraqis themselves.

"The last thing I'm going to do is pretend we have some magic formula to make this work," says Lynn Pascoe, the UN's undersecretary-general for political affairs. The UN has the expertise to help in Iraq if the conditions are right, he says, sending what might be seen as a premeeting signal: "We're going to work at it if we're invited."

Yet Mr. Pascoe warns against expectations of a fix-it-fast UN role, saying, "In terms of the relations between a Shiite majority government and the minority Sunni population, it's going to be a process taking a good long while. It's not like we're going to jump in and solve what the Americans couldn't get done in the last several years."

The US, which hasn't always been enthusiastic about a greater UN role in Iraq, has significantly rewritten its tune. That message was clear in President Bush's address on Iraq last week, and it is echoed by officials here. "We're asking the UN to step up and do quite a few different things focused in three areas," says Richard Grenell, spokesman for the US mission to the UN in New York. "A greater political role with the neighbors … an increase in numbers [of UN personnel in Iraq] from about 50 to about 90 … and to promote an internal dialogue among the political factions."

Saturday's meeting is focused on the International Compact With Iraq, a document signed at an international forum on Iraq in Egypt in May. The ICI calls for increased international involvement and financial assistance, largely by Iraq's neighbors, in exchange for Iraqi action on political and economic challenges. Those challenges include some of the same "benchmarks" the US has called on the Iraqi government to meet, such as how revenues from Iraq's oil wealth will be shared.

Indeed, on Saturday, eyes will be focused not just on Mr. Maliki, who is mistrusted by many of Iraq's Sunni neighbors, but on the entourage he brings with him to New York. Having just suffered an image beating as an ineffectual and sectarian leader in Washington's review of Iraq policy, Maliki will be watched for signs that he understands the need for national reconciliation – and that he has the support of other political factions to work toward it.

In addition to the compact with Iraq, the UN also has a new "mandate" for action in Iraq approved by the Security Council in August. The mandate, vigorously sought by the Bush administration, calls for the UN to increase its number of officials and specialists on the ground, and to expand its work program to new areas including the promotion of national dialogue and economic reforms.

Yet the big question hanging over plans for an expanded physical presence of the UN is security. After the UN compound in Baghdad was blown up by a truck bomb in August 2003, killing 22 people including mission director Sergio Vieira de Mello, the safety issue has some UN officials sounding very cautious about the expanded mandate.

"Who's going to provide the security for additional people we'd send in?" asks one UN official with close knowledge of the Security Council's action on Iraq, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It's a dicey problem that could end up limiting how much more we can do."

The official notes, for example, that one level of security that the UN's small delegation has now on the ground is provided by Georgian troops. But Georgia has said it will reduce the 2,000 troops it has in Iraq to about 300 by next summer. "We don't see the number of multinational forces who can provide security for a larger UN presence increasing," says the official.

Even if the security issue is addressed, some experts say that what the UN really needs in Iraq is a "big name" who can raise the profile on the UN and the international community's commitment and get Iraqi leaders to focus on the compromises they have to make.

"The question is, can there be a political process to, in fact, actually start to make these trade-offs? That is where I have argued that the UN needs to be able to play this role – not a business-as-usual UN, but at a very senior, extraordinary level," says Carlos Pascual, director of foreign-policy studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington and until recently director of the State Department's Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization.

Mr. Pascual even has his preferred "shock" candidate for the job, France's new "tough guy" foreign minister, Bernard Kouchner. Noting Mr. Kouchner's previous experience in Kosovo, as a founder of the nongovernmental group Médecins Sans Frontières, and as the intellectual author of a so-called international "right to intervene," Pascual says it will take such an individual if political progress is yet possible. "That is the kind of individual who might be able to get some traction on this, " he says.

Not everyone supports the "big name" idea, however, with the US saying it is not what the Iraqis say they need most. "If there needs to be a bigger name later on who can shake the funding tree, we can do that," says Mr. Grenell of the US mission. "What the Iraqis said they wanted was less of a big name, but someone who would work and live there … coordinating and interacting [with them] on a daily basis."

Still, the US is noticeably more comfortable with the UN's new "can do" approach to Iraq. It wasn't so long ago that former Secretary-General Kofi Annan described the US war in Iraq as "illegal."

Setting a new tone, Secretary-General Ban, who took office in January, "came in with the idea that whether you liked what had transpired [in Iraq] or not, whatever you thought of how things before the invasion or after were handled, we now have a large problem on our hands," says Pascoe, the undersecretary-general. "And so what can the United Nations do to help?"

How much can U.N. achieve in Iraq? - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 21, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

IAF: Delegation not representing Front
Baghdad (NINA)- The delegation, included members of the Iraqi Accord Front that met PM Al-Maliki last Tuesday evening "is not representing the Iraqi Accord Front," according to MP Adnan Al-Dulaymi, head of the Front.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 21, 2007 10:09 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

US Army arrests corrupt Iraqi police chief

US troops in Iraq have arrested a corrupt police chief who is believed to have committed crimes on behalf of Shiite militias, the US military command in Baghdad reported late Thursday. Chief Thamir Mohammed al-Hussaini instructed police officers from his unit to arrest Sunnis at roadblocks and is believed to have arrested certain Sunnis on the orders of the Shiite militias, the Mahdi Army and the Badr Brigade, the report said.

Perpetrators often wear police uniforms when they carry out kidnappings and murders in Baghdad. It is not always clear if they are in fact police officers or whether they are extremists who have stolen the uniforms or purchased them on the black market.

The US Army said that al-Hussaini also locked up some Sunnis and demanded a ransom from their families.

He is believed to have instructed his officers to abuse the prisoners in order to extract confessions from them.

US troops claim to have arrested 11 suspected militia members from within the ranks of the security forces since May.

US Army arrests corrupt Iraqi police chief : Middle East World
__________________

-- September 21, 2007 2:01 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

All:

I think there are three items are needed before the Dinar is revalued by the CBI or openly traded on the forex market. I think the HCL must pass before Iraq can move forward economically. Next, the monetization and then a complete de-dollarization of the Iraqi economy will determine the "real rate" of the Dinar. As I said in an earlier post, once these three events occur the current managed rate cannot be sustained.

The logistics of signing oil contracts with Exxon/Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell is a simple matter compared with physically transporting men and equipment to Iraq. This step may take twelve months or so to accomplish. The repairs necessary to fully resuscitate Iraq's oil sector in may take an additional 24 to 36 months to complete.

Finally, the monetization of oil and the de-dollarization of Iraq may be able to occur fairly quickly once Iraq begins producing the projected 6 million barrels per day (assuming these oil derivitives are paid in Dinars and not dollars). In the meantime, regardless of what party claims the Presidency U.S. troops will continue to have a presence in Iraq. Al-Malaki will continue his efforts to establish his creditability as the Iraqi leader.

The timeline I offer is only my opinion and may be fraught with errors and inaccuracies. If the timeline I propose is correct, we may have to wait until the close of 2011 or the beginning of 2012 before a significant change in monetary policy related to an exchange rate occurs.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 21, 2007 3:22 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

I am with you, if there is an RV in the works, I do believe this would be an adjustment or small increment RV, not an over the night "got rich" RV.

Iraq needs to get off all this "do good" programs other nations, and institutions are cramming down their pipeline.

(The programs have all the good intentions of course)

Iraq needs to work off all those, ...before you can do this ..you must do that..

Also you are stating the same thing as I have been saying, the logistics of getting the oil up is not an overnighter, contract signing is the easy part, but just by the fact that a big oil company have signed some contracts doesn't mean that the Iraqi economy is up and running.

2011 or 2012 might be the year when every thing have got into place, but from there, they have to pump, sell and reinvest in Iraq.

It might even be 7 - 10 years from now, until all the pieces are in place, producing and working, making us money in our investment. (about in time for my retirement, jihaaa)

Of course we can always hope for a big overnight RV that will make us all happy campers.

Did you, by the way, start the process of opening an Warka account???

-- September 21, 2007 4:36 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

About the Warka account, not yet. I am leaning more and more toward the savings account. Instead of selling dinars for cash and transfer that money to Iraq, I think I am going to hold my Dinars I have here in my safety deposit box and established the dual accounts (dollar and dollar) and each month transfer several hundred to Al Warka. The interest alone makes it worth while to have an account at Warka.

What about you? How far are you along in the process?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 21, 2007 5:12 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

I would like to develop a bit more about the possibility of an RV.

I do believe that changes will come, and there might be a jump or two on the Dinar, some may will be very happy seeing a change, and in their eyes it made a big enough difference that it is worth celebrating.

However, the Dinar is closely matched to the Dollar, and the Dollar is a non performer right now, and will possibly stay that way for another year perhaps.

In the past Dollar was the world currency, still is in many aspects, but as it have been heading down it have been bringing other countries with it down.

Many countries have been using the Dollar as their financial security backbone, and guarantee for it's wealth.

Any doubts, just point to the billions of Dollar in their vaults, and they say ahhh...ok you're solid.

It's a wide spread urge now in many countries to get away from the Dollar, especially those countries that have pegged their currency to the Dollar.

Kuwait was the first to break out of the Dollar peg, and latest reports are that Saudi Arabia are not happy sitting in a bind where their currency is handcuffed with the Dollar.

China have problems now, and this is also because they have vast amount of Dollars they want to get rid of, but can't.

If Saudi Arabia get away with their peg, Kuwait already done so, the rest of the Gulf Countries in GCC will most probably follow suit.

Iraq, not a member of the GCC, but in the close sphere of interest, will most probably not sit idle and let it's Dinar go down the drain with the Dollar.

So far the IQD have been performing good, but the increase in value have not been dramatic compared with other currencies, it is more a continous adjustment to the Dollar.

Iraq is in the same bind as everybody else deeply dependant on the Dollar, even more so for Iraq as they are doing Dollar Dinar exchange only in their auction, and they must in their own self interest speed up the "de-Dollarization" process.

The steps for that is unknown for us on the ground at this time, but I can foresee some possible moves.

A decent re-adjustment in Dollar/Dinar exchange rate.

This will not get Iraq out of the jam, but it will give them more time.

This will in our eyes look like an RV, but it will in fact if it happens be a Dollar/Dinar adjustment.

They can expedite the Forex trade, and set the currency free from the Dollar.

The down side with that is that (especially the first couple of weeks) that the Dinar will swing like an ejected pilot in his parachute in a thunderstorm.

Iraq needs stability, and might look for a middle way.

I'm pretty sure that as we speak, they are looking into different possibilities.

If they need to keep their stability, they will stay with the current system, and keep it artificially stable, but then, always be chasing the real value in estimated currency exchange values.

If they want to get away from the falling Dollar, they need to change the system, and be in a high risk of very unwanted swings.

Either way they are in a bind.

I think that they will opt for stability as nbr 1 priority, but search for ways to de-Dollarize faster.

When they de-Dollarize the value will have to go higher, as they are releasing the ties to the Dinar. How that program will look is a matter of financial geniuses ( properly schooled in socialism of course) dreaming up a transition program.

Based on the universal belief, that the Dinar is in general undervalued, and that the true value is from a couple of cents to maybe up to a quarter of a Dollar/per Dinar, and that they have to break out of the Dollar, it is only a matter of how, what and where they will do the actual change.

That change will not be the RV but a readjustment, to get the Dinar where it should have been in the first place.

THEN, from there the value of any of the investments we have made is depending on the oil production, getting the infrastructure working, getting the bank system working, the electricity, the streetlights, and potholes done, the bridges repaired, the oil fields working, the oil delivery system working, The oil ports effectively working, the oil corruption dealt with, and on and on.

THAT is the true value increase we will experience, and that increase have only the sky as the limit.

The current Dinar/Dollar situation, when and if they deal with it,(they need another goat barbie first of course) is more of a "fix".

-- September 21, 2007 5:28 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

I have the account set up, have my Dinars exchanged, have them sent via Dresdner bank in Germany, and will be expecting about a week until the funds have arrived and my account is filled.

I did all in one shot.

Well if you are looking at having them sit in a savings account only, that is fine, an 11% return will compete with a lot of funds, or other investment opportunities.

The fine thing with setting your self up in Warka will be, that you will have the possibility to do ISX if you wish to. If you don't think that you want to do it now, thats fine, but just because you set your self up with an account you have qualified yoursef to trade with stocks in Iraq. No acount, no trade, get an account and you can do it whenever you wish.

I do however have some reservations about your plan to get your funds over there, it has to do with wire fees.

In the intitial set up, you have to get your Dinars into Dollars, sent it to Dresdner Bank, and they send it to Warka into your account.

Once you have your account funded, you will get codes, and instructions on how to do online banking with your Dinar and Dollar account in Warka.

Then you may very well be able to go straight from your account in your bank, and send it to Warka, or vice versa, but there might be high wire fees involved.

I payed BofA 45 Bucks to Wire it to Dresdner, then I will be charged another 50 Bucks to wire it from Dresdner to Warka.

If you intend to do small numbers at a time, you really need to see if there is a wire fee, in account to account transfer.

If they get you on 40-50 bucks at a time, it will eat you alive.

I would do the transfer of your funds in one or two shots only.

The first one -From your bank-to Dresdner- to Warka- you wont get away from the wirecharges.

Your second shot, once it is set up, you really need to find out if account to account ...your US account to your Warka account, have those fees involved.

If it has,... drop the couple of hudred bucks at a time strategy, and go with as much as possible instead.

-- September 21, 2007 6:10 PM ∞

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reval-sal wrote:

It happened !! It freaking happened!!!!!

-- September 21, 2007 9:13 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thank you Rob N, Carole, Laura, Roger and cornish_boy, for your kind thoughts to me. I just managed to pop on and catch up since my last post. Thank you for the good posts, all. I also found this encouraging note in my quick check on Dinar news. It is always good to see some movement on debt relief for Iraq:

Iraq pledges benefits for Russian firms, expects debt relief
Submitted by Dinka on Fri, 2007-09-21 16:30.

Iraq's foreign minister said Friday his country could offer Russian oil and gas companies considerable advantages to operate in Iraq, and expects a deal later to clear 80% of Baghdad's Soviet-era debt.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told a RIA Novosti news conference: "Russian oil and gas producers are welcome in Iraq, and the Iraqi government is ready to grant them significant advantages."

The minister said such benefits could be on the table prior to special oil and gas legislation being approved, but added that the offer should not breach free competition principles.

Zebari also said the benefits will be fixed in a memorandum up for adoption following work to be carried out by the Iraqi-Russian commission later this year.

Zebari added that his country did not feel burdened by contracts signed by the previous regime.

But he recalled that Iraq owed Russia Soviet-era debt worth $13 billion and pointed to certain progress in resolving the issue.

"We have found Russia to be understanding on the issue of settling the debts. We expect to sign an agreement with Russia to write off 80% of Iraq's debts by the end of the year," Zebari said.

The Russian Finance Ministry earlier said the debt was some $10 billion.

Zebari said Russian officials told him that the share to be written off could increase to 90%.

When asked whether the debt settlement issue was connected with benefits promised to Russian oil and gas companies, the minister said: "We are not linking these two problems."

But he stressed that any advance on these issues could "facilitate the signing of a framework agreement between the countries." - RIA Novosti

http://www.huliq.com/35262/iraq-pledges-benefits-for-russian-firms-expects-debt-relief

I won't be back on Dinar for some time still, thanks for your informative posting.

Sara.

-- September 21, 2007 9:26 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

I like your analysis concerning an upward correction in the Dinar rate that is not the full fledged revaluation. I think this coupled with the theory proposed in my earlier post may be worthe considering. Thank you for your contribution.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 22, 2007 12:12 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Thanks for checking in. Its good to see a post from you.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 22, 2007 12:13 AM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

reval-sal

reval-sal wrote:
It happened !! It freaking happened!!!!!

Please elaberate?

-- September 22, 2007 9:05 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

come on reval-sal spill the beans.?

-- September 22, 2007 2:21 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

nothing has happend Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 39.030.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 39.030.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- September 22, 2007 2:25 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Hi, hope you are getting a grip on things in your end of the world.

Cornish and Graham...,

Don't worry, on occasion previous completely unknown posters are popping up claiming something drastic have happened in a one line statement, then they are never to be seen again.

Like kids throwing snowballs on passing cars, and once a car turn around to investigate, the kids run around the corner in a belly laugh, believing they have caused something of significance.

They laugh like Bevis and Butthead. Hu hu hu.....like 12 year old's do.

-- September 22, 2007 6:15 PM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

Yes i did guess that but thought i would briten there day by replying so that they could have there 12 year old stile laughter lol It's always nice to get a replay

-- September 22, 2007 7:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Bush fears Hunt Oil deal will hurt Iraq
9/21/2007

Dallas firm defends keeping White House out of Kurdish plan

08:22 AM CDT on Friday, September 21, 2007

By JIM LANDERS / The Dallas Morning News
jlanders@dallasnews.com

WASHINGTON – President Bush expressed concern Thursday about whether Hunt Oil Co.'s search for oil in the Kurdish region of Iraq could undermine the national government in Baghdad.

"I knew nothing about the deal. I need to know exactly how it happened," Mr. Bush said at a White House news conference. "To the extent that it does undermine the ability for the government to come up with an oil revenue-sharing plan that unifies the country, obviously I'm – if it undermines that, I'm concerned."

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's oil minister has called the deal with the Dallas-based oil company illegal. Negotiations over a national oil law that would divide Iraq's oil revenue among regional and ethnic factions collapsed after the Kurds announced the Hunt exploration deal. Congress and the Bush administration see the law as a crucial benchmark for healing sectarian divisions in Iraqi politics.

Qubad Talabani, Washington representative of the Kurdish Regional Government, said the deal would benefit all Iraqis through a revenue-sharing agreement approved by the Kurdish parliament in August.

"What's undermining the government is the lack of progress on the [national] oil law," said Mr. Talabani, the son of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. "This deal didn't undermine the oil law per se. It will give it a good kick up the backside to get the process moving forward."

Hunt chief executive Ray Hunt is a friend of the president, a major backer of the Bush presidential library at Southern Methodist University and a member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.

Despite those ties, a company spokeswoman said no one in the U.S. government was told of the negotiations leading to Hunt's exploration contract in the Kurdish province of Dahuk, near Iraq's northwestern border with Turkey.

"We're a privately held company. We do not make it a practice to discuss our business dealings with anyone except the involved parties, and in this case the U.S. government is not an involved party," Hunt Oil spokeswoman Jeanne Phillips said.

At his news conference, Mr. Bush said the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, headed by Ambassador Ryan Crocker, had "expressed concern" about the Hunt deal.

Iraq has immense oil reserves but has seen little exploration since Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Ever since, U.N. sanctions, war, corruption and sabotage have crippled oil production.

Once national elections were held in 2005, Iraqi political factions immediately started debating the division of oil revenue, the role of the provinces in petroleum exploration and production, and how much authority should be vested in an Iraqi national oil company.

The Iraqi coalition government of Kurds and Arabs from the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam reached agreement on a national oil law in February. Kurdish negotiators said a religious review board then changed the language in ways they could not accept – pulling authority from the regions back to Baghdad – and the deal has yet to be submitted to the Iraqi parliament.

Meanwhile, oil workers in southern Iraq have objected to provisions in the draft law that would allow international oil companies to participate in exploration and production. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, a Democratic presidential candidate, has taken up their cause by charging that the Bush administration wants to distribute the crude to its allies in the oil industry.

"As I have said for five years, this war is about oil. The Bush administration desires private control of Iraqi oil, but we have no right to force Iraqis to give up control of their oil," Mr. Kucinich said.

Mr. Talabani said the problems with the draft oil law were much deeper than concerns over foreign oil companies.

He said the Iraqi government had lost nearly two years worth of hard-fought compromises over the federal relationship between Iraq's regions and its central government.

"Time and time again, we see people reneging and trying to pull it back to the center," he said. "The constitution is clear. The center can no longer dominate Iraq."

Hunt and its Canadian partner in Iraq, Impulse Energy Corp., expect to begin preliminary exploration work this fall and start drilling next year.

Mr. Talabani said there was still "plenty of time" to pass a national oil law before any Hunt discoveries are brought into production.

Bush fears Hunt Oil deal will hurt Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 22, 2007 8:05 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil Delegation in Kirkuk to Build 150,000 BPD Refinery

A delegtion from the Ministry of Oil has visited Kirkuk in order to select a site for building a new refinery after a special committee has been specifically formed for this purpose, comprising of directorates and concerned authorities.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 22, 2007 8:08 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger/Steve

Since you are involved or about to be involved in the ISX, this article may be of interest.
____________________________________________________________

22 Sep 2007 18:23:00
money laundering
Tough measures to prevent money laundering
Baghdad (NINA)– The executive director of the Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX), Taha Ahmad Abdul Salam, said the exceptionally tough measures employed by the ISX on foreign investors are aimed at preventing money laundering.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 22, 2007 8:13 PM ∞

---

reval-sal wrote:

There will be big news Sun. or Mon. No rumors !!

-- September 22, 2007 10:06 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1014)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1014 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/9/23 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 24.895.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.200.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 24.895.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.200.000 -----

-- September 23, 2007 2:57 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Chris:

Thanks for posting the exchange rate.

Reval-Sal:

What big news are you refering to? Why be so cryptic? Please let us know what news is coming.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 23, 2007 3:43 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Reval sal,

We have been through these numerous times, these one liners, "for sure it will happen",... "inside info",... -"just wait and see"....

Other sites had some savvy members of the blog tracing these people, and in quite a few cases, they were tracked to dealers, trying to boost Dinar sales.

No substance, no data, no referral, not even how the info was gotten, just a one liner....panic, it's going to happen!!!! Mon or Tue.

None have come true.

On other sites this is more common, but they have a special sections for "rumors" where these are posted.

We had, I believe twice, postings from "taxmama" coming out in the same way, info from "impeccable source".

It was all in the works and a matter of hours.

It was traced to a mysterious Dr Q, that was a niece to a cousin that was married with a brother that had a relative in CBI.....well you get the idea, and this Dr Q was charging money for being on different live phone calls broad castings that dealers was sponsoring.

As long as he got payed, he could say anything.

That was a year back, and "Dr Q" have been mysteriously absent ever since.

There have been people on dealers phone lines with voice distortions, and if it would be a live TV broadcasting, they would probably be hooded.

I guess prospective buyers will say Ohhh or Ahh if they are sitting on those conference calls listening to those hooded, voice distorted voices that all have a secret to tell.

If it is secret it is a bit more intriguing I suppose.

Then it is these one liners, that just "know" that it will happen. They are not communicative, and just state that it will happen as a fact.

Where the info is coming from is always of course secret, and if they talk, the facts are based on their own calculation of the planets alignments, the moss on the trees, and how high the ant hill got this year, divided by the zodiac, in twelve sections that each other have to align with the moon if displayed in a northerly fashion if you lay them out in alphabetical order.

Ive seen on other sites, there is at least one prediction a week, that an RV WILL happen, and oh man, are the public applauding, they really wish that it will happen.

Reval-sal, if you have something to say, just say it.

-"The world will go under" is in itself a true statement, but in order to have some significance and importance to it, it have to be in the contents of appropriate time span.

If you don't claim the source if that info, and stay open to discussion about it, it can only be assumed that you picked the statement:

-"it's going to be a reval Mon or Tue"

...out of your ass.

You are not communicating now, and after Mon - Tue, you will be gone, because if you are not communicating now, you for sure will not hang around and discuss why it didn't happen.

You sure like the attention you are getting though.

-- September 23, 2007 7:20 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

More tensions between the U.S. and Iraq. The following is a story from the Associated Press.
____________________________________________________________

U.S. Says Iran Sending Missiles to Iraq


Email this Story

Sep 23, 7:14 PM (ET)

By SAMEER N. YACOUB

(AP) A family crosses from Iran into Iraq at the Zarbatiya border crossing, 160 kilometers (100 miles)...
Full Image



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BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military accused Iran on Sunday of smuggling surface-to-air missiles and other advanced weapons into Iraq for use against American troops. The new allegations came as Iraqi leaders condemned the latest U.S. detention of an Iranian in northern Iraq, saying the man was in their country on official business.

Military spokesman Rear Adm. Mark Fox said U.S. troops were continuing to find Iranian-supplied weaponry including the Misagh 1, a portable surface-to-air missile that uses an infrared guidance system.

Other advanced Iranian weaponry found in Iraq includes the RPG-29 rocket-propelled grenade, 240 mm rockets and armor-piercing roadside bombs known as explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, Fox said.

An American soldier was killed Saturday and another wounded when an EFP hit their patrol in eastern Baghdad, the military said.

(AP) An armored sport-utility vehicle manned by private security contractors passes through central...
Full Image


Iran has denied U.S. allegations that it is smuggling weapons to Shiite militias in Iraq, a denial that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reiterated in an interview with CBS'"60 Minutes" aired Sunday.

"We don't need to do that. We are very much opposed to war and insecurity," said Ahmadinejad, who arrived in New York Sunday to attend the U.N. General Assembly. "The insecurity in Iraq is detrimental to our interests."

Tensions between Iran and the United States have worried Iraqi officials - many of whom are members of political parties with close ties to Tehran.

A 240 mm rocket was fired this month at the main U.S. headquarters base in Iraq, killing one person and wounding 11.

U.S. officials said the rocket was fired from a west Baghdad neighborhood controlled by Shiite militiamen.

(AP) An Iraqi policeman stands guard as nearly 300 Shiite residents of Baghdad's southern Saydiyah...
Full Image


On Thursday, U.S. troops arrested an Iranian in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah. U.S. officials said he was a member of the elite Quds force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards that smuggles weapons into Iraq.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki condemned the Iranian's arrest, saying he understood the man, who has been identified as Mahmudi Farhadi, had been invited to Iraq.

"The government of Iraq is an elected one and sovereign. When it gives a visa, it is responsible for the visa," he told The Associated Press in an interview in New York. "We consider the arrest ... of this individual who holds an Iraqi visa and a (valid) passport to be unacceptable."

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, also demanded the Iranian's release.

The U.S. military said the suspect was being questioned about "his knowledge of, and involvement in," the transportation of EFPs and other roadside bombs from Iran into Iraq and "his facilitation of travel and training in Iran for Iraqi insurgents." The military said no decision had been made about whether to file charges.

(AP) People wait to cross from Iran into Iraq at the Zarbatiya border crossing, 160 kilometers (100...
Full Image


Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said Farhadi was in charge of border transactions in western Iran and went to Iraq on an official invitation.

He said Iran expects the Iraqi government to provide security for Iranian nationals there and warned the arrest could affect relations between the two neighbors as well.

Iraqi authorities, meanwhile, said a shipment of chlorine had crossed the border from Jordan after concerns were raised about shortages of the chemical needed to prevent an outbreak of cholera from spreading.

Officials said earlier that as much as 100,000 tons of chlorine was being held up at the border for fear it would be hijacked and used in explosives. Several chlorine truck bombs blamed on suspected Sunni insurgents earlier this year killed scores of people.

Naeem al-Qabi, the deputy chief of Baghdad's municipal council, said warehouses in the capital were preparing to accept the chlorine, which would help purify water supplies.

(AP) A man crosses from Iran into Iraq at the Zarbatiya border crossing, 160 kilometers (100 miles)...
Full Image


"There is some administrative work needed to be done and it will be finished very soon," al-Qabi said.

Iraq now has a total of 1,652 confirmed cases of cholera after three new cases were confirmed in Salahuddin province, according to an update on the World Health Organization's Web site on Sunday. Earlier, cholera was confirmed in the provinces of Sulaimaniyah, Tamim and Irbil, as well as a case each in Baghdad and in Basra.

"As the weather cools and becomes more favorable for transmission, the organism is expected to spread to other provinces," the WHO's country office in Iraq said on its Web site.

Cholera is endemic to Iraq, with about 30 cases registered each year. The last major outbreak was in 1999, when 20 cases were discovered in one day.

Also Sunday, Iraq's minister of state for national security, Sherwan al-Waili, took over the security operations center in Basra as tensions rose in the southern city following the assassination of a local representative of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

The region has been rocked by violence between rival Shiite militias linked to political parties, raising concerns about security as the British military has pulled back its troops from the city center to a nearby airport to allow Iraqi security forces to take over.

Al-Waili told reporters that he will temporarily head the operations center until a new security plan is implemented "very soon" in the city, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 23, 2007 7:23 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

Yes I am aware of the statement regarding ISX, and don't think that it will be any problems if you intend to play with clean hands.

I'm sure you can dream up schemes on how to launder money, but I strongly believe that we as smaller investors, only dealing via e-mail are considered being less of a risk.

You probably need an insider in ISX plus your own presence to get a significant scheme going if you are into that.

I wouldn't worry.

-- September 23, 2007 7:27 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

I thiiiink I have a clue where the latest rumor round is coming from.

It's a ballooney thing, and one thing is interpreted as being another.

The security act between the US and Iraq is to be extended, and as for now Malaki have not signed it.

The rumor around, is that he is claiming that THEY ARE NOW AN INDEPENDENT NATION AND WILL GO THEIR OWN WAYS.

Iraq IS an independent nation already, and have been so since their election and first government, but in reality they are unable to hold the country together on their own. It's about the forces helping Iraq, the US support and the way US want in exchange from the Iraqis if the US are doing it's part.

The statements that Iraq is now completely independent with regards to what alliances, their economics and their path, and will not be steered by any other powers, is not what Malaki is objecting to.

It is independent already, but can't act independently , and the Iraqis themselves are desperately asking for prolonged stay by US and other forces, because Iraq have no means of holding the fort themselves.

That in itself have nothing to do with the economical and financial contracts they have obliged themselves to, their investment law, their soon up and coming HCL law ( they know that this is the key law) their contract commitments with IMF, the WB and the loan arrangements, debt collection/ forgiveness, and the obligations regarding those.

Their UN involvement is pretty much over whelming, the forces in Iraq is not only US forces, even if the MSM would like you to believe that, it consist of many, many nations forces.

Iraq may very well be in the path to TRUE independence, and with every nations good intention, it will be so, but as it stands now, the Iraqi nation is pretty sick, lame and incompetent.

The Iraqis knows that they need a crouch, for still some time to come, and with that comes obligations to full fill, stipulated by the forces that are helping them. THAT is the issue of controversy here, nothing else.

Someone in the pipeline have got the idea that "Malaki will declare themselves (Iraq) independent, ....and therefore he will revalue the Dinar".

"My grand dad had green bicycle handles on his steering bar....so now the swallows will fly higher".

Same logic.

-- September 23, 2007 8:22 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Roger,

Ref wire transfer of cash to your account with Warka, last Monday at 4 pm I was in my bank HSBC and wired $US to the German Bank, and the next day it was in my Warka account, fast or what.

I hear the GOI want to privatise some comps, there is a, cement comp, but no oil comps, they are state run at the moment.

Have you had a read on IIF site for the Warka Visa Card, get one with a $100 limet, and wait for the dinars or ISX to make us all wealthy, then contact Warka to up the limet on the card to as much as you like, so you do not need to transfer back to your US account large amounts of $Dollars, bring it back in small amounts to all the new bank accounts you will set up and not have the IRS all over you.

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- September 23, 2007 10:00 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

International Companies Express Interest in Investing in Najaf

Several Lebanese, Iranian, American and British companies have expressed their desire to invest in the Najaf governorate. Interest was raised as the Najaf governorate took part in the Iraq Investment Conference in Dubai which was specifically focused on mid and southern Iraq.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 24, 2007 10:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

23 Sep 2007 22:26:00
ISX
ISX declined
Baghdad (NINA) - The index of Iraqi stock exchange closed on Sunday, Sep. 23 at 38.863 points, declining by 0.143% from the previous session. On Sunday, 31 out of 93 registered firms traded over 517 million shares worth of more than 822 million Iraqi Dinars through 257 contracts.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 24, 2007 10:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iran-Iraq Border not Properly Manned
Associated Press | September 24, 2007
ZURBATIYA, Iraq - The U.S. colonel had a simple question.

"Where are the signs you were supposed to get?" he asked the Iraqi border guard as they stood on a remote desert road believed to be a smuggling route from Iran.

The Iraqi officer pointed his flashlight at three signs that were intended to alert motorists to checkpoints. The signs were lying on a mound of sand.

"Why haven't you put them up?" Col. Mark Mueller asked during a late-night inspection. "All you have to do is pound the stakes into the ground."

But, the Iraqi explained, he didn't have a shovel.

Such are the obstacles facing U.S. Soldiers as they increase training of Iraqi border guards in this sparsely populated mountainous area southeast of Baghdad, believed to be a major route for weapons and fighters slipping into the country from Iran.

The former Soviet republic of Georgia sent 2,000 troops to help last month, but they haven't yet left a major base in the area. Mueller and his troops are also getting a late start, basically trying to secure the thinly patrolled border from scratch after it was largely ignored during more than four years of war.

The area has attracted new U.S. attention as the military steps up allegations that Tehran is aiding Shiite extremists who have killed hundreds of American troops with powerful bombs known as explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, believed to be brought in from Iran. Tensions between the two countries also have been rising over Iran's nuclear program and the recent detentions of each others' citizens.

Mueller, 48, from Yorktown, Va., is the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's border transition team at the heart of an intensified U.S. push to stop the smuggling. The strategy is similar to American efforts elsewhere in Iraq - build up the infrastructure and train the Iraqi forces to take over eventually.

The 900-mile border between the two countries, however, is laced with ancient smuggling routes and tribes who spent decades bringing in weapons to fight Saddam Hussein's regime and are now believed to be making their living from Shiite militias. The problem is particularly stark along the 90-mile section in predominantly Shiite Wasit province, southeast of Baghdad.

Mueller acknowledges the virtual impossibility of securing such a border but says the U.S. forces can at least disrupt the flow of weapons into the capital.

The centerpiece is a plan to build a new base to house some 100 Georgian troops and as many as 66 Americans just four miles from the Iranian border.

Commanders said the facilities - complete with Internet access, electricity and housing - will enable the troops to spend every day at the border. That's an improvement over making the dangerous, 50-mile commute in convoys from their regional hub near Kut, a violence-ridden city of 350,000.

Maj. Toby Logsdon, 34, of Litchfield, Ill., who is overseeing the $5 million project, said the aim is to have it operational by November.

But he conceded the deadline may be overly optimistic. He stood on a watchtower at an adjacent Iraqi base and pointed to a 150-by-300-yard patch of empty desert with no sign of development except for two working gravel pits in the distance.

The problem has roots in the immediate aftermath of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, when the American military was focused on seizing Baghdad. The U.S. Marines received orders to send patrols to the area southeast of Baghdad - but not to the frontier itself, despite fears it was a tempting entry point for Islamic militants from Iran.

The Iranians took advantage by building a concrete wall separating the two countries at one of four border crossings. The wall blocked views of the trucks being searched and their cargoes loaded into Iraqi vehicles on their territory.

Iran denies it is stoking violence in Iraq, but there's no doubt that Shiite-dominated Iran's influence on trade and politics over the border has grown since the toppling of Saddam's Sunni-dominated regime. That has the U.S. nervous.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, who commands U.S. troops south of the capital in a bid to block the flow of weapons and fighters into Baghdad, said last month that his troops were tracking about 50 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps in their area - the first detailed allegation that Iranians have been training fighters within Iraq's borders.

The charge against an Iranian military unit the White House is considering blacklisting as a terrorist group bolsters previous American claims of Iranian meddling in Iraq.

The top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, also said this month that he had solid evidence, including the explanations of captured Iranian agents, that Iran was behind lethal attacks in Iraq. Petraeus warned Congress that the U.S. already was fighting a "proxy war" with Iran.

For the U.S. Soldiers in Wasit, that means bolstering security at the Zurbatiya border crossing - a wire-enclosed maze through which as many as 1,200 Iranians a day can enter Iraq legally, most pilgrims headed to the Shiite holy cities of Karbala and Najaf. The number of Iraqis traveling to and from Iran is not limited, but they are screened and searched.

The Americans have made progress since arriving on June 20, installing a computer system for their Iraqi counterparts to track wanted suspects, implementing a biometrics system to take iris scans and fingerprints, and building metal hangers and awnings to shield pilgrims as temperatures soar above 120 degrees.

They're providing X-ray machines for luggage, hiring porters to unload trucks and building a watchtower to allow better oversight of trucks being searched and loaded on the Iranian side. The Iranians already have one, although Mueller insists his will be taller.

The military also plans to erect six forts by Nov. 1 manned by the Georgian troops to augment the 17-22 Iraqi checkpoints - most nothing more than concrete bunkers that lack electricity and water - along the porous, unmarked border. Mueller said the goal is to improve their ability to chase smugglers who use backroads.

Currently U.S. teams spend shifts of two or three days patrolling the border entry point, but they have to set up cots outside to spend the night and risk running low on fuel and water. The new base will solve that.

"Right now it's very hard for us to do our job because we've got to drive an hour, 15 minutes and sometimes it's about 2 1/2 hours up north, especially during the rainy season," Mueller said during a recent interview at his office on the Forward Operating Base Delta, a former Iraqi air base that saw heavy use during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

"We spend a lot of time drinking chai and exchanging pleasantries rather than working. So if we're there every day - after a while we're just part of the team," he said.

On two recent days, teams of some two dozen U.S. Soldiers stationed themselves at the entry point and search areas, standing alongside their Iraqi colleagues and donning gloves to sift through suitcases and plastic Barbie bags piled onto stone counters.

Iraqis, Iranians and even some Pakistanis, including men carrying crying toddlers and women shrouded in black, crowded around the counter. They were accompanied by porters, who make a healthy living carting luggage across the compound as the travelers have to walk through to tour buses or other transportation waiting on either side.

Others stood in line to undergo questioning and biometrics in air-conditioned trailers serving as passport control.

Soldiers in the cargo area X-rayed the content of trucks and singled out vehicles to be searched more thoroughly. Some 350-400 trucks are processed daily, Mueller said.

The troops were on alert for three militants believed to be trying to get to Iran for training, but the only contraband found was a batch of bad apples that failed to meet Iraq's food standards.

The apples were shoveled into barrels and burned.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 24, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

Roger wrote:
Reval sal,

We have been through these numerous times, these one liners, "for sure it will happen",... "inside info",... -"just wait and see"....ETC

All I can say is WOW, briliant that was so well put could not have said it better myself

-- September 24, 2007 10:54 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraq Resumes Kirkuk Oil Flow To Ceyhan - Shipper

Iraq has resumed the flow of Kirkuk crude oil to the Turkish export terminal, Ceyhan, for the last two days after a suspension of 10 days, a Middle East shipping agent said Monday.

"Some 700,000-800,000 barrels have been pumped for the past two days," the agent told Dow Jones Newswires by telephone from Ceyhan in Turkey.

"We are expecting around 20,000 barrels to be pumped an hour, or 480,000 barrels a day, Tuesday," he added.

The flow was suspended September 11 because the storage facilities at the Turkish terminal were full with 6.7 million barrels.

The export pipeline was also attacked and damaged September 18, according to Iraqi oil officials.

Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization, or SOMO, awarded some 4.68 million barrels of Kirkuk crude oil in a Sept. 11 tender to four companies - Spain's Cepsa (CEP.MC), Italy's Eni SpA (E), Turkey's Tupras (TUPRS.IS) and Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM).

So far, three vessels belonging to Exxon Mobil, Cepsa and Tupras had completed loading and left Ceyhan, the agent said. An ExxonMobil vessel is loading Monday, while another vessel belonging to Eni is anchored in the terminal which is expected to start loading Tuesday, he added.

Another vessel belonging to Eni is to arrive Tuesday and start loading Wednesday when the companies will finish lifting the 4.68 million barrels of Kirkuk crude, the agent said.

SOMO announced last week another tender to sell 5 million barrels and set Sept. 21 as closing date for that tender.

Results of the new tender are expected to be announced any time, a SOMO official said.

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.

Iraqi Oil Minister, Hussein Al-Shahristani said earlier this month his ministry had started new measures to protect the northern oil export pipeline. He expected Iraq to maintain sustainable crude oil exports from the Kirkuk oil fields.

Nasdaq 100 Flash Quotes
__________________

-- September 24, 2007 2:32 PM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

Saturday's meeting in New York to discuss the reconstruction of Iraq http://www.dinartrade.com/204.htm

-- September 24, 2007 2:38 PM ∞

---

reval-sal wrote:

First of all , I am not going away or hiding from your responce. I work during the day.. 2nd I never called for a revalue on the dinar , although I think it is coming. 3rd , I am not a dream pusher or dinar salesman , I just have a few mil hoping like the rest of you guys! Now , the reason I posted what I did was to cause a little wave , but in a positive sence.I did not think anybody would respond to what I said , BUT something is gonna happen soon.I was told by a good friend in the banking world who has ties over seas , that the dinar would jump to a flat 800 dinar to 1 US and a very good reason for the jump was going to be all over the news soon. My buddy has no reason to bull sh*t me, and I was going on what he told me. NOW the reason for the jump ,I don't know. I was told it would happen this Sun. or Mon.and to look for the news this weekend. I asked what news ? He smiled and said NO RUMORS. So I took it for what it was worth and got a little jumpy myself and posted. But because it has not happened as of yet, it looks like I'm pushing the dinar on a side line. I'm not looking for atention ,hell nobody need respond. I'm just laying it out there for you , now that everyone is pised off. I'm Sorry ! The 800 jump is not gonna make anybody rich , but it sure would be nice to it moving like that .

-- September 24, 2007 5:47 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Graham C,

Thanks Graham, well I don't know how long time you have been on the "Dinar Train" after a little more than a year and a half, (that doesn't even make me a veteran on the Dinar Train)you will see the same patterns start to crystallize, and they go into the same cycles over and over.

It's like the real estate market, It's a boom, then a bust, then a boom then a bust.

Every time the boom comes, there is a new generation of house buyers, that will buy more than they can afford, and then it goes bust.

The "one liners" have been on the Dinar scene pretty regularly, and is part of the scenery. They come with every new generation of Dinar buyers.

I must say though, that I am actually looking forward when there is another RV date to look forward to.

There has been a few that have come forward and explained from where they got the info, what was told and when it was suppose to happen.

They are honestly telling us the source and the circumstances. THAT I really don't mind, I don't really put much weight to it, but the person that posted it, usually is also very aware of the vague possibility, and the shaky way they got their info, but in all honesty posted it.

Usually there is a date or a time period involved in this thing too.

I must ask the old timers on this blog how many we have gone through...oh.. I would say no more than 15 but no less than 10 of them.

I would say that that's a pretty close number.

We have also had guessing games here, and most of us have expressed a possible RV date based on their idea of things.

NONE have come to pass.

I really don't mind if an RV happens ( of course) .

I have seen the word RV, or Revaluation, in Blogs trafficked by investors ONLY.

So far I have not seen ONE word using the word RV or Revalue in the sense of an overnight revalue in any official monetary or economical policy, official issue of statements, or anywhere else that have an official nature over it, from Iraq, IMF or World Bank.

What we know is that the Dinar have been going up(at least seen from the Dollar perspective), that the Iraqi country is probably one of the richest in the WORLD, (The grey masses don't know that, they entertain themselves with shooting each other right now), and that a great expansion is about to happen in Iraq, thus the value of their Currency AND the value of their industry.

So Dinars and stocks have a very great potential, in fact very very great, so the Dinar-Sally's that are posting one liners just read anything into a possible RV.

In the 1920's in northern Sweden and Finland there was a religious sect, or congregation if you will, that just got the idea that Jesus was about to come and bring them to heaven.

The passages in the Bible, the timely events of the day all lined up in the way they interpreted the facts.

A lot of them sold their homes, and on a big frozen lake in Lapland somewhere about 120 people had lined up on the ice, on the predicted day.

From the data they had, they just "knew" it was going to happen.

It didn't.

-- September 24, 2007 6:13 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Reval Sal,

Hey no we're not pissed, I don't know for fact about everybody else, but as far as I am concerned, you are communicating with us now and don't trow us "one liners."

I would say that at least as I am concerned, you are of course welcome to post.

You have already matured with rocket pace.

Just don't believe that a one line statement will be unchallenged.

So... you have heard from a friend that have no reason to B...S... you, on this issue.

That is, was what this was....ok.

Ok, well hope he is right.

-- September 24, 2007 6:23 PM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

I also hope he is right and no i also am not pissed off I found it a bit of light relief a little hope in the never ending.....and so on and soforth etc thank you for explaining and if you here more please feel free to post but try to explain even if only a little of where it comes from it makes it a bit easier to take you seriously.

-- September 24, 2007 6:50 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steve,

Oh boy, you're in the fast lane, doing it from over there.

I did send my funds over the 20th, it's the 24th today and it has involved a weekend. From what I have read over here, the experience can take 5 to 7 workdays.

I have not got a return from the bank, meaning that the funds are in transit. If there would be a return it would usually be within one, perhaps two days at most.

Did read that there have been some confusion when wiring, and the confusion is mostly traced to bank employees, that fill in the wire transfer wrongly.

Don't seems like it happened in my case, so I just have to wait out my 5-7 work days, some have got it there quicker, we will see.

I do believe that what you are doing, just transferring money straight into your account is a bit different from what I am doing. I am in the process of setting it up, and will require bank codes and passwords.

I'm doing the baby step approach.

Once set up I will start looking into the different set ups for ISX and Visa, but I'm not too concerned about that until I am set up.

I wonder about one thing, when you set your self up in the ISX, one of the requirements is a valid passport.

I think that a minority of anyone living in the US even have a passport. Did you have a passport for the ISX registration, or did you do another number?

Guess I have to go and get one.

Another question, I don't know if they have started with this yet or not, I was under the impression that it was a working system.

Warka accounts is suppose to have, (or will have, correct me if I'm wrong) a feature where you can send and receive automatically, from your own bank.

I've seen other bloggers on other sites claiming that they are using this feature, rather than wiring it to and from Warka.

I have not got my bank code and password yet, so I have not visited that site.

-- September 24, 2007 7:23 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger,
I have sent a few over so my line is set up, I was very surprised myself in that it was in my account the next day.

At the moment all you have to go on to make up your pic list of companies to buy shares in, is the last days trading, and there are a few comps that list one day, so you think I will have some of them, so you put them on your next list to buy, and they are not there on that day.

I think there is a bit of a fiddle going on, in that the 20 or so Iraqis on the floor of the ISX buy shares that the Warka guy is going to buy, as he buys shed loads and the price go's up then the locals sell to make a few Dollars/dinars.
But then as some one said it is their country and their game until it is electronic.

I have got most of the banks, and a few in the other sections

I am sending in pic lists for some comps that were not trading the last time, as a way of trying to get them

My last post went up as Anonymous as I did not see that my personal info was not on the remember me here.

Stay lucky guys, Steve.

-- September 24, 2007 8:42 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger,
I have just set up my HSBC account here in the UK with my account with Warka, if I can do it, it;s easy LOL.

On Warka's home page you can read the, User Manual, for your Warka account, I was going to print it off, but then saw it had 53 page's, so that idea went out the window.

Yes I have a full pasport, but do not have an ID card, as we do not have them in the UK, yet

You do not need a Pasport to buy shares in the ISX, it is only for when you want to get the shares in your name from the proxy comp.

I was buying shares long before I got my Password and user info, it is not needed to buy, you only need your account number

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- September 24, 2007 10:33 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Hi Steve,

I was wondering if anyone from the UK had a dinar bank account set up in Iraq, and you seem to have done this. Can I ask if it was difficult for a British person to do this? I have read that Rob N and Roger (please don't curse if I get the names wrong as I read it a few posts back), send money to Germany and then to their accounts in Iraq? Do you need to do the same? Call me paranoid, but I was also wondering if this might by someone on high's imagination as funding terrorism, or money laundering sending it through a few banks. I making any accusations. I just want to know from someone who has done it. Also, do Revenue and Customs want to know about the interest you receive as it may be seen as income? Currently, my dinar holdings are in hard currency.

BritishKnite.

-- September 25, 2007 1:01 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1016)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1016 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/9/25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
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 $) ----- -----

-- September 25, 2007 4:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger and Board,

The following was posted on another forum. I want your opinion(s)whether this means a lop or an increase in the exchange rate. Arablish was not my best subject school. I look forward to reading them.
____________________________________________________________

For frank with Mr. Baker Jabr Zubaidi Finance Minister

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

There is talk in the street to raise the zeroes or else currency cash ..? .
ف. This proposal submitted after I office in the ministry of the Week and presented this proposal to officials in monetary policy at the Central Bank and then the Central Bank was reluctant to accept this idea, but it became a strong dinar against the dollar (1250) after it (1400) I heard that the bank Central will meet to discuss lifting the three zeroes are positive atmosphere within the bank to accept this idea.
يم.. Many complain of low monthly salary of staff, particularly owners of the lowest degrees of taxes imposed on them .. ية. The ministries say that because of the Ministry of Finance.

http://www.google.com/translate?u=ht...&hl=en&ie=UTF8

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 25, 2007 10:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq ready to sign oil deals
9/24/2007

By Mariam Karouny Reuters - Monday, September 24 03:35 pm

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq hopes to sign oilfield deals with multinationals before the end of the year even if a new oil law has not been passed by parliament, Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said on Monday.

Shahristani told Reuters in an interview the new contracts will be in line with rules and guidelines contained in the landmark draft oil law, which he said had been delayed by political infighting.

"As a responsible ministry, we cannot keep waiting. There is no legislative vacuum. The current laws allow the oil ministry to negotiate with firms and to sign contracts," he said.

"We are going to commit ourselves to the draft (oil law) in signing contracts by having free competition and total transparency and announce contracts which achieve the best interests for Iraq."

Iraq's cabinet first agreed a draft law for dividing the world's third largest oil reserves in February, but disputes with the regional government in Kurdistan, as well as objections from Shi'ite and Sunni Arab politicians, have hobbled progress.

Shahristani said it was not clear when the law will be passed because it is facing political, not technical, hurdles.

"We notice that there are manoeuvres to delay the law from different sides and for different motives," he said.

INVESTMENT MODEL

Major oil companies such as Total, Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil are positioning themselves to gain access to Iraq's prized oilfields.

While the industry generally prefers long-term production sharing contracts for development, the Iraqi oil minister signalled more restrictive service contracts may be used.

"We have explored fields whose reserves and production rates we know very well so ... this only needs service contracts," Shahristani said. "For super giants like northern and southern Rumaila and Zubair, we may only need service contracts."

Shahristani said he hoped the tender process for developing Iraq's oilfields could start before the end of the year.

"We have (also) formed a new office, which is called the office of oil contracts and licenses, and it has prepared contract models and a plan for developing fields," he said.

"Which fields will be listed in the first round and which in the second is under final review. We will begin the first round before the end of this year."

Under the new draft oil law, contracts must be reviewed and approved by a Federal Council for Oil and Gas. The council is expected to be set up after parliament approves the law.

But if the ministry does sign contracts before the law goes ahead, Shahristani said the deals will be presented to the cabinet for approval and foreign companies had no qualms about putting pen to paper.

"I have spoken to big and medium oil firms and they have no reservations in signing contracts with the federal government," he said.

KURDISH DEALS "ILLEGAL"

Smaller oil companies have already struck deals with the region of Kurdistan in the north, but Shahristani said those signed after February 2007 were illegal.

The Kurdistan regional government (KRG) signed a contract with a unit of U.S.-based Hunt Oil Co. and with Impulse Energy Corp this month and in April secured a service contract with the United Arab Emirate's Dana Gas.

"All these contracts have no legal base and do not fit with the existing laws, nor with the draft which has been agreed," Shahristani said.

"What worries us about these contracts is their secrecy."

He said only Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) has the right to export crude.

"Any other way of exporting crude is illegal and is considered smuggling."

Shahristani said four other contracts signed with the KRG before Baghdad passed a draft oil law in February will be reviewed by the Federal Council for Oil and Gas.

"We hold these firms to be legally responsible ... and we have warned them that they will bear the consequences."

Iraq ready to sign oil deals - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 25, 2007 10:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq urged to spread power to provinces
The White House hopes local politics spur reconciliation
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of Iraq are slated to discuss Iraq's progress today at the United Nations in New York. The two were photographed during a meeting in Baghdad in February. US officials are urging Maliki to set a date for new provincial elections as soon as possible. (Sabah Arar/Pool/file)
By Farah Stockman, Globe Staff | September 22, 2007

WASHINGTON - Frustrated with Iraq's deadlocked central government, the Bush administration is pushing for more power to be given to Iraq's provincial councils, in the hope that local elected leaders will be more accountable to the people they serve.

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Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts US officials are urging Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to set a date for new provincial elections as soon as possible, hoping that the rise of local politics in Iraq will spur better governance and grass-roots reconciliation between Shi'ites and Sunnis. Sunnis, who boycotted the 2005 provincial elections, are grossly underrepresented on the councils.

The push for new provincial elections - a key benchmark on which Congress is judging Iraq's progress - is part of the Bush administration's increasingly urgent effort to show improvement in Iraq. But it is facing opposition from both Iraqi politicians and officials at the United Nations, who say the 2005 elections were free and fair, and that the country is not yet ready for another vote.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Maliki are slated to discuss Iraq's progress today at the United Nations in New York with international donors and neighbors. But the subject of provincial elections has already been a source of friction.

UN officials advising Iraq's nascent electoral commission say that the country is at least a year away from being ready to hold credible elections in the provinces, due to ongoing resistance to dissolving the current councils, whose mandates expire in 2009, and other difficulties with voter registration and passing an electoral law.

"The United States has pushed for provincial elections without fully understanding the problems," said a UN official who asked that his name not be used because he did not want to offend anyone at today's meeting. "Empowering the Sunnis is a good argument, but at the end of the day, they chose to boycott and these councils are considered democratically elected."

He also told the Globe that the United Nations has complained to US officials about a recent White House report that states that the United Nations, alongside the United States, is "strongly encouraging the Government of Iraq to set a date for provincial elections."

"We are not strongly pushing for elections," he said. "We maintain that this is a sovereign country and it is up to the Iraqis when the elections take place."

Many Iraqi leaders are resisting the US push, fearing that new power centers in the provinces could loosen the central government's already tenuous hold on the country.

Feisal Istrabadi, who recently left a post as Iraq's deputy representative to the UN, said the United States could be creating more problems for Iraq's government by pushing for early elections that extremists will almost certainly win in many provinces. Politicians loyal to anti-US cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who boycotted with Sunnis in 2005, are now poised to sweep elections in Basra and other provinces

But current and former US officials working on Iraq policy insist that holding new provincial elections and providing for a greater role for the provincial councils are crucial to stabilizing Iraq. They point out that in Ninawa Province, which is predominantly Sunni, no Sunnis currently sit on the council. In the Sunni province of Anbar, where only two percent of voters turned out, the council lacks public support.

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Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts The debate is still raging in both Baghdad and Washington about whether new provincial elections should be held everywhere at once, on a rolling basis, or only in places where Sunnis are considered underrepresented. Iraq has 18 provinces, but three make up the Kurdish semi- autonomous region ruled by a single Kurdish assembly.

For years, the US strategy in Iraq centered on the central government in Baghdad in the hope that top-down actions by national politicians would solve Iraq's problems and avert a civil war. But after Maliki's unity government became bogged down in disagreements and failed to deliver basic services to Iraq's population, US officials began to concentrate on building up governance in the provinces as a way to spur progress.

The new strategy for Iraq that President Bush announced in January doubled the number of US diplomats and development workers in the provinces. During the recent round of congressional hearings on Iraq, US officials, including President Bush, touted the successes of local, "bottom up" initiatives.

"Some of [the provincial councils] have made remarkable progress in providing essential services," said Matthias Mitman, director of the Iraq policy office at the White House, in an interview. "Sunnis, Shi'ite, and Kurds are getting together to make decisions about what should be funded."

Joost Hiltermann, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, said that holding new provincial elections is a good idea in theory, but that they could lead to violence. In areas of mixed populations, new elections would force Shi'ite Islamic parties and Kurdish parties to cede some of their power. In predominantly Shi'ite areas, such as Basra, new elections will exacerbate the current struggle between the radical followers of Sadr and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, a powerful party in Maliki's government.

But even if Iraqi leaders agreed to new elections, the country is simply not ready to hold them, UN officials say.

Meanwhile, the UN is focusing on drawing up a voter registry, not preparing new elections.

"If you have any voter exercise, you will need political parties to be on board, you will want them to agree that this is a good thing, so they don't boycott it and they ensure that the turn-out is calm," said the UN official. "The benchmarks have gained momentum in the administration that 'This is what needs to be done,' without understanding the difficulties of doing it quickly and without gaining the full support from the Iraqis."
(http://www.boston.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 25, 2007 10:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Enclosed is the complete article.

____________________________________________________________

For frank with Mr. Baker Jabr Zubaidi Finance Minister

() - 25-09-2007 (Voice of Iraq) - 25-09-2007
ا Send this topic to a friend
لة.. Baker Jabr Al-Zubaidi, Minister of Finance for the passage of more than a year of Astizarkm the Ministry of Finance .. دي في العراق Is improved financial and economic situation in Iraq

ذ And despite the fact that most of Iraq's provinces need to plan explosive doubt we are unable to rebuild the infrastructure in Iraq from water, sewerage and electricity because we are in this situation need to be least $ 100 billion estimate the appreciation I am realistic and as an engineer and as a former Minister believe that the reconstruction of Iraq needs the $ 200 billion for a return to normalcy and building infrastructure for electricity, oil, water and sewage, roads and bridges and all services and this does not mean that I can put in one or two years 200 billion, this also means that I need to more than 8 years and this in turn means that the more we increase the budget whenever we were able to offer more services to ease the burden on the citizen and that our role such as financial ..... انله. This is what happened in the past year and will happen in the coming year, God willing.ر دولار. As regard to debt, the talk is of a modern resonance is significant weight absurd result of the policies and wars that by pushing the dictator of Iraq over the 30 year policy, which overburdened with Iraq, including nearly 140 billion dollars.
لقها . Considerable efforts have been made in this area has grounds for these efforts our brother professor Adel Abdel Mahdi and Allawi, and I am continuing to fight this scourge and eliminate it.
أو اعادة جدولة.. Annaasttana through the International Monetary Fund and the Paris Club of extinguishing more than 90% of Iraq's debt either extinguish or rescheduling .. وبقئل. Our delegation will leave in the middle of Ramadan to Saudi Arabia after it expressed willingness in Sharm El-Sheikh conference to extinguish 80% of the debt and we have other efforts with other Arab states and we Mutawasalon with in an exchange of letters.
ب.. Russia left us with a debt of $ 13 billion and could settle this debt by Paris Club terms, Russia is the only remaining of the Paris Club debt, which has quenched and we hope that this will soon grace of God to keep us then Bulgaria and Poland are continuing messages and meeting with Laws and financial advisers to the Ministry of Finance and the way these international advisers for a global consulting firms ... وضراقة ... We have a plan and we will begin implementation in the end of the year is that Iraq will not continue counting benefits not to accept these debts because they were imposed by the International Monetary Fund, must come to an end and we are continuing to cooperate with these countries to no end ... ع حد لموضوع الديون. We must end this file and must put an end to this we shall issue decisions strong until the end of this year, putting an end to the debt issue.
بخت .... Regarding the Gulf States, in fact, no nation Gulf so far I have not heard that the Gulf state called Iraq debt and the issue of compensation is specifically related to the State of Kuwait .... وفيممثي.. At the recent meeting with our Ambassadors and specifically with the representative of Iraq at the United Nations, which is exerting great efforts in this area .. agreed to begin raise this issue because it was not on Kuwait that international resolution .. ياغة هذا القرار او لاجراء تعديلات عليه ... Security Council resolution .. and the result we need to go to the Security Council for the reformulation of this resolution or for amendments ... فف النسبة... The cancellation of the compensation is very difficult because as I said on Security Council resolutions and the result we need to temper ratio ... من جانلى 1 . Part of the Ministry of Finance believe that if we are able to reduce the rate from 5% to 1% believe that the brothers in Kuwait will agree with us because we do not want to banish religion we want to reduce the ratio because they affect the Iraqi people as figure billion or billion and a half some years .. We therefore seek this trend has sent a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard the Security Council such as financial On our part we will follow this issue in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made substantial efforts in this area.
لقعتب.. Iraq has been able to obtain a number of soft loans, said in an interview earlier that Iraq is one of the pet States if able to obtain a loan from Japan amounted to 3.5 billion dollars ...لدفع.. Incidentally, not all nations of the world give soft loans and interest rate of 0.7% and a loan from Iran (1) billion dollars and interest of 0.4% or get a loan from the International Monetary Fund $ 800 million payment is where over forty years exempt the first ten years the payment .. أتنفيذ.. These loans interest can be built through these projects and projects in the pipeline .. سض . Both Japanese loan or loan Iranian Incidentally, not all countries give such loans.
لا In the recent visit of His Excellency the Minister of Planning to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia promised to provide us with a loan of $ 1 billion grant half and half soft loan We await the Minister of Planning and Follow-up to this topic with Saudi

منلدينا SBA جديدة .. Through Trause of the economic team since the beginning of this year to discuss with the International Monetary Fund we now have the new SBA .. أدولي .. A new convention should be signing with the International Monetary Fund .. نها .. We are now implementing the Convention, signed by Mr. and former Finance Minister Dr Ali Allawi price increase in the subjects we committed ourselves .. ع.. Here I would like to explain this subject ... هل هناك ق .... Are there conditions of the International Monetary Fund, or that there is consensus between Iraq and the International Monetary Fund and the consensus in the interest of Iraq .... دعني أضرب لك مثلا.. Let me give you example .. لو أعتبرنا أن العراق شركة وقد تعرضت هذه الشركة الى هزة مالية .. If we thought that Iraq company has been the company to a financial crisis .. صادي . The debt of $ 140 billion and have a real crisis in their economic and financial Eventually the company resorting to banks and the banks and financial companies operating in the Great Square to move towards this Odak Bank for a loan to extinguish debt and to help through expert Salah economic situation.
أن ق .. That is what actually happened with Iraq .. ق.. We inherited an economy distorted by the former regime .. التب.. The inflation path, and uncontrolled .. قيمةاحد.. The value of the Iraqi dinar reached sometimes thousands 4000 dinars to the dollar .. لالي.. There were not fiscal policy .. كان هناك تهور ... There was reckless ...ا لدي وثيقة تقول : There were one or two give an example to the document says:
بسم الله الرحمن ارحيم Name of God, Arhim
نخوولار زائدا مائة مليون يوروبرفقة وزير المالية ... Nkhul born Qusai receipt of the amount of one hundred million plus Mliardollar Yoroberfugh Finance Minister ... يسرا ... Recognizes amount immediately ... يحملغ لحد الآن ... Carrying this amount in the truck did not know the fate of this amount so far ... هذالأقتصاد العراقي ... This is the way that was managed by the Iraqi economy ... أما اليوم فأن الأقتصاد العراقي يدار بقمة الشفافية وقمة النزاهة وبأشراف دولي هناك لجنة دولية في الأمم المتحدة تشرف على صندوق التنمية العراقية ويتم تسجيل كل دولار يخرج من هذه اللجنة وتتم متابعته حتى صرفه... Today, the Iraqi economy managed summit and the summit of transparency and integrity under international supervision there is an international commission of the United Nations oversees Iraqi Development Fund are registered every dollar out of this committee are cashed up until ... ارئا. Now the Council of Ministers insisted that the Iraqi committee headed by the brother Dr. Abdul Basit Turki, Chief of Staff of financial control with a selection of the finest experts Iraq and the economic and financial monetary went to the International Monetary Fund and our status him and began negotiations d. بل. Adel Abdel Mahdi .. and convince the International Monetary Fund that would serve Iraq and said the economy will lift liter Albanzin after his escape will raise prices of oil products and this affects the citizen and informed that we will accomplish many goals despite the economy will reform the economy, but what we simply return.
اجق يهرب The International Monetary Fund responded: We will reduce 80% of Dionkam, but we are not ready to reduce Dionkam and Banzin flee Iraq
الى الخارج . Abroad.
اذاًعه. If Iraq committed itself to these conditions have signed former Finance Minister on this and I enforce what has been signed.
ونحب. We respect our commitments contrast get 130 billion and extinguish the debt after completing the Gulf, I would like to point out an essential point (there are no conditions imposed on Iraq) from the end of this year there is the insistence by me as minister of finance will not resulted in any (SBA) with the new the International Monetary Fund even one cent of raising the price Albanzin and reassure citizens that could strengthen political, but the financial direction of profiteers citizen will not manipulating.
يمتلك العراقي ... Iraq has now more than 21 billion and a huge quantity of gold to support the Iraqi currency ... هل ار ..؟ Does this mean higher the Iraqi dinar against the dollar ..?

هذThese things do not speak it let the market speak and reassure citizens that the Iraqi dinar today is much better than some currencies and we saw how the World Ishimkh against the dollar and the euro because behind large amounts of gold and hard currency.

هناك كلنقدية..؟. There is talk in the street to raise the zeroes or else currency cash ..? .

قدمفي ه الفكرة. This proposal submitted after I office in the ministry of the Week and presented this proposal to officials in monetary policy at the Central Bank and then the Central Bank was reluctant to accept this idea, but it became a strong dinar against the dollar (1250) after it (1400) I heard that the bank Central will meet to discuss lifting the three zeroes are positive atmosphere within the bank to accept this idea.
يشم.. Many complain of low monthly salary of staff, particularly owners of the lowest degrees of taxes imposed on them .. والوزارات تقول ان هذا بسببه وزارة المالية. The ministries say that because of the Ministry of Finance.
ة We have been discussing this topic in the Cabinet and Ministry of Finance submitted a proposal to reduce this tax and also submitted another proposal for stopping payment of the tax for those receiving salaries or below 700 thousand and this will provide 70 thousand dinars per month for such families either pay more than 700 thousand faith by tax
هل يعد هذا دعم لموظ ترفع عنهم الضريبة وهي 15% . This support these invisible and increase tax will pay high salaries, especially ministers and members of parliament will not waived the tax is 15%.
هناك تباين الصحة والتدريسين . There is considerable variation between ministries such staff salaries personnel of the Ministries of Interior, Defense and the low salaries of the Ministry of Health and Altedresen.
ا.. The topic is not the prerogative of the Ministry of Finance and is the jurisdiction of the House because the Ministry of Finance does not have the right to decide the granting of the employee's salary .. ثم مجلس الوزراء... That requires approval by the House and then the State Consultative Council and the Council of Ministers ... ن. For me as minister of financial I tell you that there is great injustice to the employees and Apportionment also given to people who do not give to others and this matter was discussed in the cabinet and the Prime Minister suggested the formation of a committee headed by the Baban Ajeele Minister of Planning and Minister of Higher Education, Vice Chairman of the Committee and members of the financial and representative the Ministry of Education and other ministries.
انق. This subject needs time until the system consists salaries free negatives or some negatives, but Planning Minister had withdrawn his list and we are awaiting the formation of a new committee or Back minister Baban has summoned experts and Arab worlds to develop this policy and this needs patience until we no injustice system one of the terms that the existing system which is not great injustice between the Ministry and other officials, but the ministry itself between the employee and another, because this system was implemented hastily in a time Braemer.

تشكو الخاصة في الفترة الماضية. Complaining of other ministries and fingers point blame on the Ministry of Finance did not allocate degrees of functional appoint citizens, especially in the last period.
في اازنة لأنار . In the past period has been re-more than 200 thousand employees separated from the political issue has been the heaviest burden of this budget because it is limited and bear a specified number of degrees of functional and a certain level of the increase in salary and therefore we are no energy and open some people believed that the budget is 300 billion and we pass six million There bpd real problem, we export 1.5 million barrels daily, a low level compared with the Gulf countries that export 11 million barrels a day to get a good balance and great Nevertheless, we have tens of thousands of political separated and given 136 thousand degrees and careers in 2007 and this within the budget, even if there is room for other grades are given and this year we will study how a system functional will give Menhaaballpa in many areas, water and reconstruction.
ان ما وضعناين. That is the direction of our financial support of the private sector and we should go with the employee to its private sector to work and this is what we have in the 2007 budget that our new policy is to support the private sector and government in the case of the transfer of staff from the State sector to the private sector will bear half the salary for a period of two years Shari The private sector will contribute the other half to encourage the employee to work in the private sector and I believe that once the renaissance of investment in Iraq after the spread of security and the expansion of the export of oil, which had up to four or five million barrels a day when it will not remain employed in the service because oil companies special and the other companies will be given the astronomical salaries of employees when it would beg people to remain in the post governmental issue is only a matter of time, planners knew that was unknown citizens.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 25, 2007 11:40 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris for the update,

It is peculiar, the Dinar seem to temporarily have stagnated.
Too slow of a change for their own good, even if the Dollar/Dinar range is in equilibrium, they need to push up the Dinar.

You know it, I know it, and they know it, but the frustrating endless low range have apparently some glue stuck to it.

-- September 25, 2007 1:26 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

I need some help here.

I have not read the book :"How to find Warka User Manual , for dummies".

Been clicking back and forth but can't get the 53 page manual you are referring to.

Hold my hand here for a second and guide me in, please.

-- September 25, 2007 1:38 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger,

Goto, http://www.warka-bank.com/internet-banking.html
It is on the bottom left, To download user manual click on picture

That should sort you with all the bank info, Steve.

BritishKnite,

Contact me on, swpsteve@aol.com

Stay Lucky, Steeve.

-- September 25, 2007 1:53 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,

Here we go again...zero lop.

I tried hard to read the article in it's full, but as you pointed out, the translation sucks.

The issue of zero lop was mentioned in two sentences.

From what I can see, the CBI is reluctantly looking at it, , and the author claims that the zero lop is now positively looked at. (???)

Well that is what he claims anyway.

In case this happens, this will be a hardship for those that are holding currency in safety boxes.

I have no reason to believe that they WILL do it, it is fiscally not needed, and the currency need to be reprinted.

I have seen arguments that there are such a spread on the currency that it can use some of the lower denominations in case of a zero lop and therefore don't have to reprint the WHOLE currency, would that be implemented.

Wrong.

You need to reprint the WHOLE currency, even if denominations are overlapping.

If you are sitting on a 1000 Dinar bill, and now it is worth 1 Dinar, You have a face value of 1000 Dinar but a real value of 1 Dinar.

If you continue to use THAT 1000 Dinar note, and say that it is now only worth 1 Dinar, but in the same breath say that the 1000 Dinar note will stay in the system because it will overlap and we need 1000 Dinar bills in the system, then you have made a couple of contradictory statements.

We will use it as a 1000 Dinar bill.

We value it to 1 Dinar.

We need 1000 Dinar bills in the system as being worth 1000 Dinars.

The only Dinar bill that we are going to use for that denomination is the existing 1000 Bill, that is now worth 1 Dinar.

Doesn't make any sense.

Well if it stays, and it says 1000 Dinar, you have now revalued THAT 1000 Dinar bill 1000 TIMES.

You can not have a need for a 1000 Dinar bill in the system, and at the same time do a zero lop on the existing ones, and let them stay, with the function of a 1000 Dinar bill.

You will then have a 1000 Dinar bill in circulation that "everybody knows" is a 1 Dinar bill.

You were not doing a reval, you were doing a zero lop.

The only way they can do it is to continue to use that 1000 Dinar bill, and claim it is worth only 1 Dinar, and the "real" 1000 Dinar bill will have to be REPRINTED with a different face, and exchange that 1000 Dinar bill with a 1 Dinar bill.

These are the problems they run into if they are talking about a zero lop.

The bigger denominations are easier to handle, they either just buy them back as they come in, to the new zero loped value, or do a straight exchange regime , probably with a time limit involved.

It's in the overlapping denominations they run into some difficulties, and however you turn it, you have to do a completely new reprint of the whole Dinar currency.

I say, good luck, it is an operation that is formidable.

My gut feeling is, it will not go anywhere, I don't say it is impossible, but the issue comes up pretty constantly every 3 months.

If you really want to protect yourself I would say, get the money into Warka, and sit on your holdings in an account, not in hard currency, because if you have for example $10.000 worth of Dinars there, then it doesn't matter what number they call the Dinars, Billions, Thousands, Millions, you will still have your $10.0000 worth there.

Again, my word is, that it is not a panic, but other people might say differently.

-- September 25, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

Thx, got it.

R

-- September 25, 2007 2:42 PM ∞

---

Eric A. wrote:

If a zero lop occurs, couldn't Iraq lop the zeros off our Iraqi account totals as well?

-- September 25, 2007 6:08 PM ∞

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Steve wrote:

All,

All, the info for setting up your account with Warka and how to fund the account, is on this site dated at, Aug 8th at 10:58 am , you will have to go to the start, www.truckandbarter.com, then click onto March 6th 2007 and scroll down to the 8th of Aug at 10:58 am, it is about an inch from the bottom, hope this is of use to you all.
Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- September 25, 2007 6:29 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Eric A.,

I'm not an expert, but I think the point of having an Iraqi account is that you don't have to physically swap the notes yourself, even if they do lop zeros in your account or change the notes.

BritishKnite

-- September 26, 2007 12:42 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1017)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1017 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/9/26 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 57.365.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 5.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 57.365.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 5.000.000 -----

-- September 26, 2007 6:55 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

MoF sets plan for stopping accumulated interests
Baghdad (NINA) – The Ministry of Finance is working on a plan to stop the accumulation of interest on Iraqi debts to a number of countries, according to a statement released by the Ministry Wednesday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 26, 2007 9:50 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Today I read that the minister is finance is happy with the Dinars performance against the U.S. Dollar and its strength in combating inflation.

I guess this is why the exchange rate continues to stay the same. I know on other forums talk of a sudden revaluation is a popular topic. While the concept of a sudden revaluation by the CBI is appealing; realistically, to expect it leads to disappointment.

Instead, a long term view I think is more appropriate. In my opinion there are several events that must take place prior to us seeing any specific change in the Dinars exchange rate.

Internal security must continue to improve. The construction of a military base 5 miles from the Iranian border is smart on the part of our U.S. military. Next, Iraqi unity. I am not saying every Iraqi has to agree on every proposal. The reconstruction of Iraq must become the unifying purpose that unites the various political fronts. Until the sectarian in-fighting stops, Iraq cannot move forward politically or economically.
Finally, Iraq must cut its close ties with Iran. This is the source of the political and ethnic fighting hampering Iraq's growth and stability.

Until Iraq can accomplish these three items, I am afraid the progress we want to see in the country will be slow in coming.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 26, 2007 10:27 AM ∞

---

cornish boy wrote:

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

Iraq Stock Exchange index down by 0.110%

The index of Iraq's Stock Exchange (ISX) was down by 0.110% in the eleventh session this month compared to the previous session, closing at 38.820 points.

A statement published on the ISX Web site recorded a trading volume of more than 805 million shares worth over 989 million Iraqi dinars (801,783 U.S. dollars) during the session.

Non-Iraqi investors participated in Tuesday's session with six contracts worth over 5 million dinars in the fields of industry, agriculture and banking.

Al -Hilal Industries, al-Therar for Agricultural Production, the Commercial Bank of Iraq, Warka Bank for Investment, Modern Paint Industries, and National Metallic Industries were the companies traded by non-Iraqi investors.

Shares of 29 joint stock companies, including 13 banking, one investment, one hotel, one agricultural, three service, and 10 industrial companies were traded in the session. Concerning the traded banking companies, a 2.6% increase in the index of Dar Essalam Investment Bank was recorded. The price index of six banks was down, while six others maintained a consistent rate with the previous session.

The bank sector index closed at 37.500 points with a decline of 0.191% compared to the previous session.

The services sector index, at which three companies traded, closed at 77.640 points, 0.141% lower than the previous session, while the industrial sector index ended 11.740 points, same as the previous session.

In the hotels sector, the index closed at 15.156 points, with an increase of 0.238% compared to the previous session.

The statement concluded that 29 companies were traded in Tuesday's session out of 93 companies registered in Iraq's Stock Exchange, of which six indexes went up, 10 dropped, and 13 maintained their previous price.

Iraq Stock Exchange index down by 0.110% | Iraq Updates

-- September 26, 2007 12:59 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

cornish boy,

I do believe that when they finally open up the electronic trading at ISX it will take off.

They are most probably only loafing around now, maneuvering for positions when it opens.

As the ISX have not opened up electronically just yet, I'm pretty sure dealers are stashing stocks, bought now, sold at higher price once the stockmarket opens electronically.

Once it is electronically operated, dealers can not have a lot of elbowroom to maneuver.

I also believe that investors are a bit reluctant to buy as long as they (ISX) are using erasable boards. It probably works as it have been used quite some time, but it is for sure something medieval about it.

The electronic trading should have been started by the beginning of August, and now, late Sep they are still doing the erasable boards.

Most investors are right now buying proxy stocks, like in a fund, you never see the stock certificate, but only an account, and how much your investment are worth.

So all you have done is asking a bank to buy stocks for you, so a bank can easily have a load of shares bought earlier, now sold to you at today's price.

Nothing wrong with that in itself, and I am not aware that this is illegal in Iraq.

An ISX with looming, slow and wobbly trade, and also very minimal trades done, in face of a soon opening electronic trade, oil investments to come and a splendid future for the Iraqi country, is for our part ( as I see it) only good news, it will give us the chance to get in on shares at almost give away prices.

-- September 26, 2007 10:45 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Some fun observations.

Lets say, just for the heck of it, that in one year from now, the Dinar have RV'd to 10 cents.

Ok, if you had 10 million in your drawer, you now have 1 million Bucks, minus the investment cost.

1.000.000

If you had 10 million in your savings account in Warka, you will have 1 million Dollar plus 11% interest, (110 000).

1.110.00 Dollars.

Here is an interesting aspect, if you do stocks, most of them now in give away range, and they rise to a value of 1....ONE dollar in Dinar value, from their value now.

Here it is a bit hard to have a starting point but in general they are in the "cents or less" range.

Let's say ONE cent.

The comparison here is stocks in other countries where the wheels are spinning, and the economy is strong.

Lets just look in a very very general range of values.

By looking at our stock exchange, we find that stocks in companies, banks and industries are mostly in a range from a Dollar to a Hundred Dollar.

Solid big companies are seldom under 15 Dollar.

So the companies offered in Iraq right now are the backbone, the banking industry of that country...and you pay only a couple of Dinars per share.

This is NOT, Ahmed Alibabas Used , and Rebuilt Camel Company.

(stock name AAURCC)

The stocks offered in Iraq is the real backbone industry.

The possibility that the value of those stocks will go up, and continue to go up is very very high. (always a risk ok)

If a company with a stock worth (comparable to the Dollar) ONE Cent, and it goes to ONE Dollar, that is a one hundred times increase in value.

Would you have bought stocks for 10 million Dinars, it RV's to .10 Cents, and the stock goes from ONE Cent, to ONE Dollar, you would now have a value of:

Not 1 Million as if sitting on it, in the drawer.

Not 1.110.000 Like I would have been sitting on it in a Warka Account.

The value would be 100 Million Dollar.

This is not a comprehensible spread sheet, but do a couple of mock spread sheets yourself, using different values, and you will see that if we are talking "Investment", this is a really really good opportunity.

I probably used a bit too much optimistic figures, but even if you use very conservative numbers you will see that the possibility of multiplying your whole investment many times over, is in the stocks.

Just some thoughts.

Your choice.

-- September 26, 2007 11:19 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1018)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1018 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/9/27 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 19 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 71.140.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 6.800.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 71.140.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 6.800.000 -----

-- September 27, 2007 6:46 AM ∞

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samsongold wrote:

Just a quickie. Opened a Warka bank account a couple of months ago. First deposit was sent Fedex. Took 6 days and Warka received all with no problem and deposited US cash and IQD cash. So thought I would see how USPS would work. Sent small deposit in IQD cash to Warka with US Postal Service as a letter. Now missing in action. Not a trace. So everyone, stick with Fedex for now or of course wiring money. Good luck to all. SamsonGold

-- September 27, 2007 2:51 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

samsongold,

Warka have also given out a warning that FedEx might be a risk.

They have received such a number of FedEx packages, that they have got their eyes on them, and after a while it has become pretty obvious what's in the packages, and ...of course...some then went gone with the wind, or was received empty.

FedEx stipulate in their contract that you are not suppose to ship currency in their packages, so in order to use FedEx, you have to falsely label the shipment as "documents" or similar.

If it is then lost, you have no recourse, you can't come back to FedEx, claiming that you lost a big amount of currency.

Warka is not responsible for an empty package, and I am glad it was a very modest and small amount you sent.

I honestly don't believe that the USPS is at fault, here, but rather the very high risk of a long fingered, underpaid Middle East package handler, once the letter/package get's over to that part of the world.

I would say, don't use FedEx at all.

Wire the money.

-- September 27, 2007 3:22 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

You might be a bit ahead of me on this and you might be the one to ask, perhaps cornish boy also have a couple of in's on this also, so it will be a bit of an open question.

I am researching different companies that are trading on ISX, but I am constantly running into either very very simple sites, that in all essence doesn't say anything, seems like some of the sites are made by a 14year old. Very sparse in links, and you would be glad to get a street address plus some PR talk on how good they are.

The official ISX site gives about as much information as the index of a big book.

A couple of spreadsheets, and tables, that's all.

I have tried to go back and forth from site to site, and puzzle together at least a rudimentary picture of the company structure, but I am always ending up in a site that tells you very little or nothing.

Check out the Daares Alam Bank (hope I spelled it right), the site is a joke, still it was announced that HSBC bought that bank.

On the rumor line, I have heard that Daares Alam owns or have a very big stake in Credit Bank of Iraq.

(Watch out, their abbreviation is CBI , same as Central Bank of Iraq, could be confusing).

So, is there a site out there that in depth, gives analysis, and a wealth of information on the different banks, companies and institutions that are trading on the ISX.

In our end of the world, business info, is an industry, and you can read about it at will, for days at end, even if you have a five weeks vacation.

-- September 27, 2007 3:49 PM ∞

---

samsongold wrote:

I agree. And wiring the money is the safest now. But for those of us that have been buying dinar for a few years and want to get in on the stock exchange right away, we must either sell it at a slight loss and wire money or try Fedex. I feel very lucky that mine went through, but I will not send cash again. Oh, and since everyone has an opinion on the dinar increase. I believe it will be slow and easy with the 200-300 dinar change at the end of the year, like last year. But we are getting there. Take care. SamsonGold

-- September 27, 2007 3:51 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

samsongold,

I would agree that it is a good idea to get in on the stocks.

Bummer is, that info about different companies are very sparse.

Comparing the scene in industrial countries, you will see different types of investment when it comes to stocks.

There are basically two "classes", if you want.

The big established firms and companies, that ranges in the high/low Dollar range.

Then there is the up-shots, the unknown, chance taker obscure companies, that have a patented fantastic product that keeps frogs from invading you swimming pool, or a new product you can bolt on to your car and get gasoline back from the atmosphere.

That is the "penny stocks".

In Iraq, ALL companies are right now "penny stocks".

Some will remain there but the established industry, like the bank industry, will not stay there once the country is rolling.

All the established , solid and bigger business will move up to the "Dollar range" , as they do in all other functioning countries.

The difficulty I am having is to try to get info about the different players in the field, and thus trying to establish at least some kind of picture in my head as to where my best chances are.

Some companies will fail or just not take off, and some will go on doing great, so for now I would say that the best medicine is to do a decent spread on the stocks.

If you lose on some, you will for sure make it up great on the ones that WILL make it over the hump.

I doubt that the ISX will move in leaps and bounds just because the electronic trade is implemented, it will for sure boost the market, but the real boost and growth will come when the oil starts flowing.

When the ISX are trading electronically , they are saying:-"We can trade, but we have not much to trade with."

When the business are rolling, oil flows, money flows, goods are exchanged and the trading companies have a hard time getting qualified personnel filling their ranks in an ever increasing demand for their goods and services, then they have something to trade with.

-- September 27, 2007 8:25 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Your chart showing the possibility of your Dinars value increasing exponentially in the ISX is quite enticing. I am of the opinion the lack of information about the various companies trading on the ISX is a symptom of a larger problem I have shared here many times before. Since the stock exchange is in its infancy the precautions we are accustomed to in America do not exist yet in Iraq.

While I believe once the country begins moving forward economically the institutions should begin to make strides toward moderization. For now, do we know what laws are on the books to safeguard investment in the ISX? What laws protect against insider trading? I am aware they have a body similar to our securities and exchange commission.

Will someone explain the process of transfering ISX shares from the proxy to the investor? I agree Iraq has the potential to be very lucrative for investors who are willing to take the risk. I am willing to take a risk, but I think until someone can answer these questions I am not ready to delve into their stock exchange.

On another note, I know Iraq is not progressing at the speed we would hope. I do see some positives concerning potential investment and debt forgiveness. Baghdad says, it will offer oil tenders. How can they do this without the HCL? Would a country like Exxon/Mobil sign an oil contract without the HCL being in place?

I do not believe we will see a zero lop. This type of radical monetary policy is not in the best interest of the GoI or the Iraqi people. I do agree that the Dinar continues to be undervalued. In my opinion, I think we have made a wise decision by investing in the Dinar.

Roger, you mentioned fees associated with wiring money to Al-Warka via the bank in Germany. Are these fees consistent regardless of the amount is wired? Also, can I wire money from my credit union to Al-Warka via the German bank?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 27, 2007 10:12 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Wow you ask questions that are a bit on my shaky grounds, so I do the easy ones first.

You should be able to wire money from ANY institution that are able to do so. Your credit union have most of the criteria as a bank, and if they act as a bank you can do so.

If not just go over the street to the closest bank and they can do it for you.

About fees, Warka charges 50 Bucks for the Germany to Iraq wire, and BofA charged me 45 Bucks for the wire from the US to Germany, so were looking at a total of 95 Bucks.

Warka does not mention any specific sum for a specific amount, neither did Bof A when I did it, so it is safe to say that the amount sent didn't matter, those are the fees.

I have only done this ONCE, and once the account is funded and set up, I will start looking into the other way of doing it, there is a possibility to go straight from your own account to Germany, and then Iraq.

Steven have his stuff set up, and he claims that this is a faster procedure, he had his money in his account THE NEXT DAY.

When it comes to costs for that, I don't know at this moment, but either way, you need to fund you account first, and that can only be done with wire, unless you want to stash what you have in a brown bag, staple it close, and pencil down the Warka address in Iraq.

About the zero lop, I am about where you are on that also.

Iraq can set up anything they like, they can issue oil tenders as much as they want, they could have done that from day one if they had got the idea. The HCL law is about how to share the profit.

Oil prospecting have been put on hold until they have figuring out the sharing of the profit, but there is nothing that says that Iraq can not issue any permit to anyone they like.

My fair guess is, that the GoI believe that now the HCL is so close anyway, that they can start already now to issue the oil permits.

If they issue them now, there will not be any oil pumped before the HCL are passed anyway, so the sharing problem will not be an issue.

The laws are in place about the ISX and foreigners.

To do a short summary.

Either buy proxy stocks, and get a stock account in Warka.

Or, in order to get the stock certificates in you hand, you have to register. If you check on the ISX site you will get the procedure for that.

It's a bit more paper involved, but just go through the hoops one by one and you will eventually get there.

Warka is also ISX broker, at the same time they are a bank, so when things comes to that, you can get hold of Warka.

All this is hypothetical anyway, because the account in Warka needs to be there, and funded, to begin with for anything of the ISX to happen.

I'm sorry Rob N. you as well as I are in the beginning of our Warka steps, and the picture are coming together as times goes by, so I can not give you the perhaps comprehensible answer that you may deserve.

As for the stock market and the prospect of profit from my above posts...well again use it with caution, you might want to use more conservative figures, something that might fall into you own head as being more real and right.

Either way you turn it the stock market is a multiplier of your profit.

Iraq is in such a unique situation that the currency also have some really strong possibilities, but the currency and the stock market will multiply each other....that's the pandora's box we want to crack here.

Traditionally , and that holds true in all other markets, the stock market have always outperformed the currency market.

The Forex is 50 times bigger than NASDAQ, but currency profits are very marginal, and you need enormous volume to make the profit.

The opportunity here is that if the stock rises in value it will multiply the Dinar value in Dollar, or vice versa.

If you invested 1 million Dinar, (about 800 bucks), put it in stocks, it goes up 7 times, you have now the same value as 7 million Dinars (about 5600 Dollars) but if the Dinar appreciated at the same time, you multiply that to the stock value and the figures starts to take off really nice.

The outset here is a country where the currency is undervalued, and the base industry is in the "penny stock" level.

Double whammy as far as I can tell.

-- September 28, 2007 2:14 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Hi... just a check in on the board.
Thought these statistics very encouraging...

U.S. commander in Iraq: Violence in Baghdad cut by 50%
Posted: 20-09-2007 , 13:35 GMT

The No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq stated Thursday that a seven-month-old security operation has reduced violence in Baghdad by half. Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno told reporters that car bombs and suicide attacks in Baghdad have fallen to their lowest level in a year, and civilian casualties have declined from a high of 32 to 12 per day, violence in Baghdad had seen a 50 percent drop.

"What we do know is that there has been a decline in civilian casualties, but I would say again that it's not at the level we want it to be," Odierno said, according to the AP. "There are still way too many civilian casualties inside of Baghdad and Iraq."

Al-Qaeda in Iraq was "increasingly being pushed out of Baghdad, "seeking refuge outside" the capital and "even fleeing Iraq," Odierno said.

Odierno said the U.S. military had separately released at least 50 detainees per day, or a total of at least 250, since beginning an amnesty program for inmates as a goodwill gesture linked to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Iraq/217100

===

U.S. military toll in Iraq set to fall in September
28 Sep 2007 11:21:46 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Dominic Evans

BAGHDAD, Sept 28 (Reuters) - U.S. military deaths in Iraq look set to fall this month to their lowest level in a year, a reduction which army officers say shows their stepped-up security drive around Baghdad is yielding results.

President George W. Bush said his policy of a military "surge" in Iraq is bearing fruit and curbing some of the violence which has raged since he ordered a March 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.

September's figure is on track to be around half of the death toll for May, when extra U.S. forces started deploying in greater strength into dangerous areas.

"What we found is that the current operations ... managed to disrupt a lot of (militant) cells," said a U.S. military spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Rudy Burwell. "We were able to push them from Baghdad and pursue them".

"That's what we attribute the lower casualties to."

"Obviously (the militants) have not been eliminated, but they have been disrupted," he said, adding indicators of violence including shooting attacks and roadside bombs had been "trending downwards" since June.

Twenty-two of the 59 deaths in September were defined by icasualties.org as "non-hostile", many of them road accidents.

Al Qaeda militants in Iraq promised to step up attacks at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, but in the provinces south of Baghdad, another stronghold of insurgents, the U.S. military says civilian casualties have fallen during Ramadan and that overall violence against U.S. troops and Iraqis has declined in recent months.

"We're seeing both attack and casualty levels have consistently dropped since the start of surge operations," said Major Alayne Conway, spokeswoman for U.S. forces in the "beltway" around southern Baghdad and four south Iraq provinces.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/YAT840377.htm

-- September 28, 2007 12:43 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US-Led Forces Kill Top al-Qaida Leader
Friday September 28, 2007 5:01 PM
By PAULINE JELINEK
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S.-led forces have killed one of the most important leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq, a Tunisian believed connected to the kidnapping and killings last summer of American soldiers, a top commander said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson said the death of the suspected terrorist and recent similar operations have left the organization in Iraq fractured.

``Abu Usama al-Tunisi was one of the most senior leaders ... the emir of foreign terrorists in Iraq and part of the inner leadership circle,'' Anderson said.

Al-Tunisi was a leader in helping bring foreign terrorists into the country and his death ``is a key loss'' to al-Qaida leadership there, Anderson told a Pentagon news conference via videoconference from Baghdad.

``He operated in Yusufiyah, southwest of Baghdad, since the Second Battle of Fallujah in November '04 and became the overall emir of Yusufiyah in the summer of '06,'' Anderson said.

``His group was responsible for kidnapping our American soldiers in June 2006,'' Anderson said.

Anderson said recent coalition operations also have helped cut in half the previous flow of foreign fighters into Iraq, which had been at about 60 to 80 a month.

He credited the work of the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement and U.S. teams.

Commanders have said previously that the increase in troops ordered by President Bush in January - and the increased operations that followed - have pushed militants into the remote parts of the north and south of the country. Additional operations have been going after those pockets of fighters.

``We're having great success in isolating these pockets,'' Anderson said.

``They are very broken up, very unable to mass, and conducting very isolated operations,'' he said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6956563,00.html

-- September 28, 2007 12:47 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi Sara.

-- September 28, 2007 1:32 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara,

Its good to see you posting. I hope all is well. Thank you for the articles very encouraging.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 28, 2007 4:22 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Just to let you know, Panhandler is being transferred from Balad Iraq to Ramadi. As you might expect, he is not that happy with this transfer. The transfer is to help Ramadi in its reconstruction. However, security can be a bit lacking.

At present, he has taken leave of absence to spend some time in Thailand for vacation.

Laura Parker

-- September 28, 2007 5:33 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Starts Investment Plan of Central Malls

Iraq has started carrying out a plan to invest in the buildings of its central malls, which used to be managed by the government up to April of 2003, by turning them into modern shopping malls in cooperation with the private sector.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- September 28, 2007 11:38 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger & Rob,

The info you are after on all the companies will all be on paper somwhere.

Iraq's banks had no ATMs, no computers, no Credit cards, no naff all

So all comps were the same, one up from the stone age, no computers, just paper.

And with the few days of looting that went on, Id say piles of paper work lost forever.

On the ISX site you can get each companies, address, tel number, mobil numbers, send them an email.

Thats the way I see it, stay lucky, Steve.

-- September 29, 2007 7:55 PM ∞

---

Sara. wrote:

Thanks, Rob N..
Hi, Roger.
Sorry I cannot be around much anymore.
Here is a very good video.
I thought it worth sharing here with you.

http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm

Sara.

-- September 29, 2007 10:39 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

No exchange rate posted for today

-- September 30, 2007 1:52 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Touching video, liked it. I guess we see you when we see you, in the meanwhile, happy trails.

Steven,

Thanks , well I don't think there is a bigger panic, it's just the way it is, as you say, they are just coming out of the stone age, and are experiencing their medieval times right now, and in the middle of that process, modern western technology was tossed into their laps.

Chris,

I don't think they have auctions during the weekend, I know they have different days of weekend than we do, but I think that the night between Sun and Mon, would be the first auction of the week.

Laura,

Well hope he (Panhandler) can take his new assignment in strides, Ramadi is , (or at least was) one of the hot spots.

Pukhet Sound will do him good.

Rob N.

If you are reluctant to get into the ISX, there is of course always another way of investing your stash, you can get in on a CD account in Warka.

CD = Cash Deposit account.

Basically an ordinary account but with the agreement that you don't touch anything there within a certain time.

I do believe that they are doing a 17% interest on those.

The difference would be that if you are sitting on an 11% savings account, you would be able to get to the money at any convenient time, but a 17% CD will lock them in.

-- September 30, 2007 8:40 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1020)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1020 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/10/1 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 18 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1234 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 85.985.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 85.985.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- October 1, 2007 6:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Your comments about the enclosed article is appreciated.
____________________________________________________________

Iraq's bonds hint at postwar recovery
10/1/2007

By John DizardMon Oct 1, 7:55 AM ET

While the Iraq war continues to drain lives and resources, the political debate within the US has quietened, out of despair and exhaustion on the Democratic side and a dissipation of even empty expressions of optimism on the part of the administration and its supporters.

There has, though, been a rally in the price of Iraq's traded international debt. Since mid-August, the price of the 5.8 per cent Iraqi bonds of 2028 has risen from its all-time low of 55 to a level of about 60. That brings the yield to maturity down to a still high 10.7 per cent, a bit lower than Ecuador's. And that is on significant volume, particularly for an issue that is not rated by the ratings agencies. The most recent numbers for turnover of the 2028s are for the second quarter of this year, during which $779m (EU546m, £380m) changed hands through bond dealers. The bid/ask spread is about 1 point, which indicates that dealers do not have much inventory, but is considerably lower than Ecuador's 2 to 3 points per trade. According to Mr Market, Iraq is a lot safer than Ecuador.

Also, weirdly, Iraq's currency has been steadily gaining on the dollar, as the central bank manages an upward float on the billions flowing in from oil and American spending.

Since November 2004, when Iraq's creditors granted it relief of about 80 per cent of the net present value of its prewar debt, I have been optimistic about the long-term prospects for the country's bonds, even as the military, political, and especially humanitarian situation has worsened. Until 2011, cash debt service is minimal, about $160m annually. After then, principal repayments begin on the country's official debt.

But even that official debt continues to decline with successive stages of debt relief. Right now, there is a little over $56bn of outstanding government debt, down from $131bn before the 2004 settlements. Pieces are still being whittled away from that burden. Right now, Iraqi officials are negotiating with Chinese bureaucrats over consolidating and writing down old credits extended by state entities. The really big prospective reductions should come from the various Gulf states, who hold a lot of defaulted paper. They have frozen settlement discussions to press the sectarian Shia-dominated Iraqi government into doing better by the country's Sunni minority.

By the end of next year, Iraq's total external debt should be down to $32bn, or a little over 45 per cent of gross domestic product. There is little domestic debt. Presently, forex reserves with the central bank are about $18bn. There are also very large amounts of foreign currency in private hands within Iraq, and in the offshore accounts of Iraqi citizens.

Typically, countries come out of wars in a state of financial collapse, with worthless currencies and an unserviceable state debt burden. That will not be the case with Iraq. Also, there are large, easily produced, readily marketable known oil reserves, a much more visible path to prosperity than was evident in other postwar countries.

This is a long way from saying, as a ridiculous American CNBC television host did a few months ago, that "Iraq is booming". While Iraq's finances are not bad and getting better, the population, which is the base of the real economy, is in a far worse state than before the war. More than a quarter of the country's children suffer from malnutrition. The public distribution system for food rations is collapsing, a rather more immediate threat to the Iraqis than their government's failure to pass unenforceable laws. Most doctors have left the country, and the hospitals do not have most necessary supplies. The government has high cash balances thanks not only to high oil prices but also to its inability to administer the repair of vital public works, including water and electrical systems. There are 2m refugees outside the country, and possibly 2m within the country. The long-term hope for getting out of this disaster, when the war finally sputters down, is in the rapid development of the oil reserves and the reconstruction of what had been a fairly advanced infrastructure. That will be a capital-intensive process, and one that cannot be financed from internal resources. The $160m paid out every year now, and the modest principal repayment schedule that starts in a few years, is, in effect, a cheap call option premium payment on access to funds from international capital markets.

The Iraqis recognise this. Their ancestors did, after all, invent banking. For all the internal fighting, there is no serious disagreement among the political parties or sectarian groups about the need to maintain the country's international debt service on the terms agreed three years ago. The only real threat to the serviceability of the national debt would be a violent, non-consensual partition. Outside of Iraqi Kurdistan, it seems that support for a strong central government is growing. The governments of Iraq's neighbouring states have no interest in sectarian partition, which would only lead to questions about the legitimacy of their own borders.

The Iraqi civil war may have a violent peak soon. But the price of the country's bonds indicates there is hope for its longer-term prospects.

Iraq's bonds hint at postwar recovery - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 1, 2007 12:38 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger,

I have had look at the bank of Kudistan, and on their
home page at the bottom they list their shares the bank has
in there portfolio, some big numbers, they have in the
Iraqi Islamic Bank, 144,121,092 shares.
There is some companies I have not seen on the ISX,
so maybe some stock market in Kurdistan?

When buying shares the min is 50,000 shares and
not as I thought 50,000 dinar, wonderd why they
kept telling me that, Whoops

I would like a high RV as we all would, but if it
is going to be a slow grow for a while, so be it,
I can earn some more money to send to Warka.

http://www.kurdistanib.com/en/investinfo.aspx

Have a nice day, and stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 1, 2007 11:49 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steve,

Good read. The Iraqi Islamic Bank doesn't seem to be such a good performer on the ISX though, but the banks in Kurdistan have the advantage of business in a buzzing society and would be a good investment now, when the other banks are sitting in the doldrums before major investments.

They have already started the oil rush on a smaller scale in Kurdistan.

I am sorry to give you the news that I don't have any news, I have been waiting for Warka to send me my acknowledgement that my funds have arrived and are in the account.

I'm pretty sure they arrived within a day or so, as they are wired they would be there within a 24 hr period.

I wired my funds the 20th last month, that's in writing time 12 days from now.

I have not heard of ONE person that have been short shifted or have had their money mysteriously disappeared when wiring it to Warka, and they have over 8000 accounts, but I have heard of plenty of people that have been waiting endlessly until they got confirmation, so I am not worried on that point, just a frustrating wait.

I can understand that they are working with electricity cut offs, ( more often than not, the website is down), bomb threats, and long work hours with a lot of backlog.

It's far from the western standard, where you have the money immediately in the account, you get immmediately statements, you get your monthly bank statement on the day, you get transaction completed while you are at the counter, or at the ATM. If you use your CC card very much in a short period of time, you get a phone call from the CC card issuer, checking if it is stolen, and you can use either your Debit or CC card everywhere.

It's to the point that cash is in itself suspicious.

When you get pulled over in this part of the world, you might be asked if you have guns, other weapons, drugs or large amount of cash.

Iraq seems to still have a person with a rubber stamp, doing everything manually generating three tons of paper for their banking steps.

I agree with you when you say that they are just above the stone age, but they are trying their best, with what they have.

I have another frustration that I am going through, the "how to use the account" download, you know the one with 53 pages, well it wont down load.

Well it will, but it seems like when I am pulling it up, a block comes up. I went to a store and asked why, they claimed that when I bought the computer, I only had a trial period on the Microsoft Windows needed for those particular files.

The clerk that seems o be a computer wizard whispered to me that ...hey there is another program for free, that is doing the same thing.

Ok went to that site, downloaded it, (1 hr and 35 min) , and it came back as, cant download it because of ....then they were talking computer Greek.

Tried another time (1 hr and 35 min) same result, so all in all I have a few of a the normal problems I am trying to solve right now.

It's so darn frustrating with this computer stuff, they are far from consumer friendly, and if you buy a gizmo that you need to stick into your laptop in order to get more range on the WiFi, you can rest assured that you need to program it first with a disc that comes with it.

The product is guaranteed to not work, because the program it came with, will mandatory be outdated and need an upgrade.

You are then expected to talk with someone in India or Pakistan an hour or so, before he/she have gone through his folder step by step and isolated the problem.

If you go back to the store you have no priority, because the sales clerk is just closing a deal for a sucker that is buying another program that is suppose to make him young again, or something.

Consumers are pretty much guinea pigs in the electronic field.

Or they sell you a product that will for sure in the future bring income, by setting a time limit on operating programs, and the new ones you now need will cost 149 bucks.

So far I have never bought a
computer product that you just plug in, and it WORKS.

Just venting my computer frustration.

Anyhow what are we doing here...Dinars.

Oh yes, good read on the Kurdish Bank, and it gave me some thoughts on investment in Iraq in general.

I'm trying to tie together the slow bank service and the ISX trading.

As the Iraqi bank system still have ways to go, and ISX trading, as with other stock trading institutions in other countries are a fluctuating market, with ups and downs, I do believe that when aiming at the ISX market, you have to go really for the long run rather than day to day trade.

Day to day trade is in itself impossible unless you are on the floor in ISX.

Warka as a dealer will take a couple of days to execute the order, and gaming on small day to day fluctuations would probably get you gray hair quicker than quick.

Over here, we have continuous streamers on the bottom of the screen in TV channels that are business channels, and trade can be done just by lifting up the phone, calling your broker.

Both Warka and ISX are far from that now, and with the very few companies that are trading, plus they are not trading every day either, makes this a long runner rather than an instant trader on small fluctuations.

I am glad to see the last trade report where the banks was not in majority for the first time, in the past about 80-85% of the trading was bank stocks, so that means that the main Iraqi industry is starting to be recognized with investors.

There are chances to be taken in that field, Baghdad Soft Drinks..well everybody needs a soda on occasion, and some soft drinks entrepreneurs over here have risen greatly.

Some years back I saw a soda for the first time, it was called "Monster", and had rip claw marks on it.

I laughed and forgot about it, thinking that that is a typical teenage sell.

Monster soft drink have gone over 6000% on the stocks, and you see them in a lot of places now.

OOoooppps.!!!

Car and car repair companies??? Investing in a garage??? na , Once the Hyundai's and Nissan's, or the Chinese cars starts to be everywhere with dealerships , and service facilities independent garages don't have a chance. Garages have a tendency to be a one to five persons operation.

Cement companies, those are interesting.

Heard that the Iraq Govt will privatize their oil company, that is interesting.

Sewing, fishing, agriculture, and so on can be had from so many sources on this planet, that even if they will ride on the oil boom, they will be just that, a fish hatchery, clothes factory or grain producer.

I imagine myself what will happen in Iraq once the money starts getting in there in big numbers.

For sure there will be a building boom.

The two or three biggest construction firms would be very interesting.

Airline industry have by some reason or the other always been on the edge of surviving, running knife sharp margins, and endless Bankruptcy threats, I would not invest in any Iraqi airline systems.

Hotels can be fine, if the hotel is a chain, where they are set on acquiring or building Hotels like a chain.

Resort cabins at Al Habara resort, na.

I think that investments from our perspective also have to have some kind of time limit to it, we must one day benefit from our investment, and the opportunity here is the Dinars possible rise in value, plus the Iraqis industry's rise in value as an effect of oil.

I would look close to industries that will benefit direct from the oil boom, not on garment industry or agriculture.

Industries that will as an effect of the oil boom get orders and contracts. That is as far out in the industry that I would invest.

One industry stands out, that will cover all aspects of it, the bank industry.

I most probably will go very very heavy on the bank industry, and a couple of big contractor type industries on the side.

-- October 2, 2007 3:04 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

The author breath slight optimism seems like.

The reserve was not 18 bill but at last report 21 bill, (but hey who is counting), but all in all, I think he captured most of the situation over there.

It will be a long runner.

The thugs have to go, Iraq can not be served by ignorant arrogant gun waiving Jihads, but they seem to be on the retreat.

No mercy to them...have a look on YouTube, Dial in "gun camera Iraq", and enjoy.

-- October 2, 2007 3:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N, wrote:

Roger:

Your experience in setting both an Al-Warka account and an ISX will be a valuable source to those of us who read and contribute our thoughts on this forum. From our past conversations, I think I have a good understanding of why you are setting up those accounts. While I am still toying with the idea of having an Al-Warka bank account the necessity of having these accounts may not be necessary.

Before we reap great rewards either by holding physical Dinar, electronic Dinar, or an ISX account. Iraq must move forward and begin making economic progress. I think the passage of the Hydro Carbon Law is the necessary ingredient for this to happen. In my opinion, the passage of this law will set the stage for the emergence of an economy that will eventually match or surpass both Dubai and Rhyad.

Once the HCL passes parliment and contracts are signed with the major oil companies, Iraq can begin the de-dollarization of their economy by monetizing oil derivitives in Dinars. Oil bought in Dinars instead of dollars is a necessity for a strong dinar. Because you and I both know a robust economy is predicated on a strong form of currency.

This strong Dinar will evolve much quicker than the ISX for a couple of reasons. All this time we have been watching the CBI manipulate the currency exchange rate. This manipulation has resulted in a stable currency. A stable currency, de-dollarization, and the Iraqi bond market makes Iraq very attractive to outsiders.

These factors coupled with the oil deriviitves paid in Dinars instead of USD will find the Dinars real rate of exchange revealed on the foreign exchange market long before the ISX moves up. The short term investor will look to the Dinar for a quick profit in this senario. The long term investor will see modest gains in the ISX long after the Dinar presence in Iraq been felt.

This is not to say the ISX is not a valid investment choice. I think it could be very profitable in the long term once Iraq has both a sense of their GDP and GNP. The market indicators are not there currently to have the gains everyone is thinking. The real gains can only come after the emergence of a robust economy and a strong dinar.

Because of globalization eventually what happens on Wall Street will have a direct impact on the financial market in Baghdad. As you and I both know this is somewhere in the future. IMy theories could be absoultely wrong, but because of them I am not ready to play in the ISX market. I think the foreign exchange market will be very good to all us. I am not anti-ISX, I see good reward in the short term (comparitively speaking) with the Dinar rather than with stocks on a market not full established.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 2, 2007 11:00 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1022)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1022 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/10/3 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1233 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1231 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 67.730.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 6.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 67.730.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 6.500.000 -----

-- October 3, 2007 5:13 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq Kurds ink four new oil deals
Wed Oct 3, 8:53 AM

ARBIL, Iraq (AFP) - Iraq's Kurdistan regional government announced four more oil deals on Wednesday, ignoring criticism from Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government and Washington.

The regional government said in a statement posted on its website that it had approved four contracts for exploration and production, and had sanctioned two new refinery projects in the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq.

Two production sharing contracts (PSCs) had already been signed, with Heritage Energy Middle East Limited, a subsidiary of the Canadian firm Heritage Oil and Gas, and Perenco S.A., an affiliate of a French company of the same name.

"The signing of the other two PSCs with experienced international companies will follow shortly," the statement said.

"The combined initial exploration investments on the upstream projects will be approximately 500 million dollars," it said. "Estimated investment on the two new refinery projects will be around 300 million dollars."

The Iraqi oil ministry did not immediately comment on the new deals, but Former oil minister Ibrahim Bahr al-Olum said he had advised the Kurdish authorities to postpone signing contracts until a new oil and gas law is passed by the national parliament.

Olum added, however, that such actions were to be expected because the legislative procedure is dragging.

"The procrastination of parliament to pass the law is pushing other parties to behave on their own," he said.

"I'm not sure exactly how helpful it is for either any individual corporate entity or the Kurdistan regional government to be proceeding to make deals and contracts under an arrangement that in fact may be changed ... as a result of overarching national legislation," Casey told reporters in Washington.

The bill opens up the long state-dominated oil and gas sector to foreign investment and provides assurances that receipts will be shared equally between Iraq's 18 provinces, a measure Washington regards as key to efforts to reconcile the country's divided communities.

The draft law was approved by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's national unity cabinet in July but faces a tough passage in the 275-seat parliament, where the Kurdish bloc has 53 seats.

The bill is expected to come before MPs this month.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071003/world/iraq_energy_oil_kurds_2

-- October 3, 2007 6:16 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger,

Send me your email address and I can forward on to you
the Warka banks info, get me on, swpsteve@aol.com.

Send Warka an Email on, mt@warkainvestmentbank.com
For any info concerning wire transfers, they might get their finger out then.

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 3, 2007 11:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

KRG's independent action can either be good or bad. This action taken by them could move Baghdad to finally pass the HCL. Moreover, passage of the HCL is key to what I outlined to Roger.

In contrast, Baghdad could continue to skirt passage of the HCL and regional tensions between Baghdad and the KRG rise to crisis level.

Like everything else in Iraq we will have to wait and see what happens. Thanks for the post.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 3, 2007 11:39 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq oil exports jump
by Reuters on Tuesday, 02 October 2007
(Getty Images)Iraq's oil exports rose in September after the sale of nearly five million barrels of Kirkuk crude from the country's northern fields, shipping sources said on Tuesday.

Exports in September climbed to 1.67 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.52 million bpd in August, according to shipping data compiled by Reuters.

The increase in shipments will bring in more revenue for Iraq as it coincides with a jump in oil prices to a record high of $83.90 a barrel for US crude WTI on September 20.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement

Exports rose because Iraq sold 4.6 million barrels of crude from its northern Kirkuk oilfields, offsetting a decline in shipments from its main terminal Basra in the south.
(/www.arabianbusiness.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 3, 2007 11:45 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I would like to offer some food for thought. Your comments as to what I am about to say are welcomed.

My thinking about the Iraqi Dinar and state of the Iraqi economy continues to evolve as does everyones. The country of Iraq finds itself in a percarious position regarding the value of its Dinar. The position I am speaking of is how to raise the Dinars rate of exchange without causing the cost of the War and reconstruction to sky rocket into the stratosphere.

George W. Bush asked for $190 Billion dollars for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each positive pip in the exchange rate means increased costs to the U.S.. Iraq is not pumping out enough oil to offset some of these expenditures. Therefore, a sudden revaluation I think is a bleak prospect.

In my own opinion, the HCL will be key in getting the Iraqi economy started. Until the war is won and reconstruction complete I think the HCL will continued to be held at bay. What better way to ensure "resonable costs" than an undervalued Dinar.

The movement by the KRG may be a way for the GoI to generate some revenue without a significant change in the Dinars exchange rate. Those of you who may be looking for a sudden revaluation, it looks as though its time to switch gears and perpare for the long haul.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 4, 2007 12:05 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steve,

I hve e-mailed u, thx.

Rob N,

Your analysis is very deep and there is no balloon to puncture, very solid analysis, and there might only be perhaps some aspects to discuss, but all in all I must admire you for your good grip on the situation.

You're right, the picture evolves as time goes by.

At the time of the invasion we had one picture, at the time for the occupation we had another, at the time of the election we had another, and so on.

Looking back, the fast money aspect have bleaked more and more and the solid growth aspect have crystallized more and more.

The invasion was needed, and brought an end to Saddam, and I think most of the population on this earth didn't mind him go, and the feeling was that once he is gone, it will be all dandy.

The occupation era, was plagued by mistakes, wasted spending and a total misread of the Iraqi populations culture, their priority on their solidarity, the Iraqi way of doing business, and the Iraqi states total, bankruptcy. Everything was rusted and neglected, and at the invasion looted, so there was NOTHING to build upon.

The election brought joy to us all, and I think the world was eagerly awaiting the new government, perhaps naively thinking that this is automatically a working institution.

Then came all the miss givings, the insurgency, the disappointments, the Iraqis inability to handle the state, the incompetence of, well, both the US and the Iraqis to get it straight.

This year, the gloves came off, after a very long lag, and now when law and order again seem to get the upper hand, a cautious hope have again emerged.

The invasion gave us the "kick ass" hurray, feeling.

The occupation gave us confusion but we still deeply believed that once the election is done, we have a winner here.

The election gave us hope a very bad regime, and later a lot of disappointments.

Last year, can at best be described as the "lost year".

Both the US and the Iraqi Government was completely lame, inactive and effect of events rather than taking charge.

We are on the cycle where we have hopes again, but this time with a lot of more wisdom than in the beginning.

Establishment is taking place right now, slowly and painfully small in all aspects, but it is happening, the bad guys are having a hard time, and normality seems to again get back into the life of the Iraqis.

From there, to, doing great is a long leap.

Things have turned to the better anyhow, things have reached bottom and are rising up, but is still very low on the grades.

I do believe that the Iraqis themselves having lived through this period of unrest, and upheaval, will not want to go back to it, and things have changed in the head of the Iraqis, because they, as well as we, have now gained this experience.

It's turning around now, slow, slow, but we have just barely left the bottom, and the slow momentum up, can be felt.

The Dinar will follow suit, the ISX will follow suit, but there as well as the picture in the rest of that society, it's slow right now.

But the momentum that I can feel, feels genuine this time around, and now it is only a matter of watching the train rolling faster and faster.

-- October 4, 2007 4:57 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

In itself it was a good thing that the Kurds went ahead and started their drilling and pumping, because now it seems like they are the main producer of the ever so important oil to Iraq.

The Kurds are in on the HCL, So I do believe that the current contracts the Kurds are doing will have to be redone with the Iraqi Oil Ministry, once that time is due.

The Kurds ARE pulling their way though, but in the long run I don't think they will, or can, oppose the Central Regime.

-- October 4, 2007 5:14 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1023)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1023 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/10/4 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1233 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 62.615.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 62.615.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- October 4, 2007 7:05 AM ∞

---

Clyde wrote:

I stumbled up this site,, great reading.
I am starting to think that the Dinar revalue will be slow in coming but I'm still working on the plans for my Monster Garage.
I had read or heard once that a previous Revalu of last August was delayed due to the fact the Bush didn't want to give a financial boost to the insurgents.
I had strange thought the other night. I wonder if the US Gov isn't smart enough to quietly be buying Dinars by the BUTT Loads on the QT, with plans to hold it for the long term.
I think we all agree that at sometime the Dinar will be worth something. The proceeds could go on our ever increasing National DEBT thats continuously spiraling upwards. I doubt that there would be a overall profit for the War. We can never repay the sacrifices our soldiers are giving, nor could a price ever be set, for those who have given their life's.

-- October 5, 2007 3:28 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraqi judge: Corruption undermines Iraq's government, threatens future
By Renee Schoof, McClatchy Newspapers Thu Oct 4, 7:00 PM ET

WASHINGTON — Iraq's top corruption fighter, who's seeking U.S. asylum because of death threats against him, told a congressional panel Thursday that rising corruption cost Iraq $18 billion over the past three years, with enormous sums of oil revenues ending up in the hands of Sunni and Shiite militias.

"I want to thank the American people for trying to help my country. I want people to know that real corruption— from the highest to the lowest levels of government— is destroying my country," Rahdi, an Iraqi judge, said in a statement. "It is impossible to have both democracy and corruption at the same time."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20071004/wl_mcclatchy/20071004bcusiraqcorruption_attn_national_foreign_editors_ytop

===

Interesting article.

I was watching a documentary recently which I highly recommend called "Frontline: House of Saud" and it was nominated for an Emmy.

If you will bear with me, it relates to the corruption charges posted here.

The movie in brief is about, "The house of Saud has controlled every aspect of Saudi life and politics since the Kingdom was established in 1932. But little is known about Saudi Arabia's secretive royal family. Through interviews with members of the family, government officials, and other experts from Saudi Arabia and the U.S., the documentary also traces America's relations with the Saudi royal family from their first alliance in the 1930s through September 11 and today."

The movie gives a fascinating history which explains the history of Saudi Arabia from the time it was under a feudal lord system to today. Interesting and absorbing, with insights into the political and religious underpinnings of the country and how it now functions, I found the part about the allegations of CORRUPTION in it of note in this context of Iraq.

The minister of Oil from 1986 to 1995, Sheikh Hisham Nazer is interviewed. He states that the Saudis were getting in ONE BILLION dollars worth of revenue per WEEK.. or FOUR BILLION dollars per month through the years 1978 to 1980. (Obviously Iraq could have this degree of success and revenue, too.) He said that they were a bit errr.. 'backward' as a people.. undeveloped, and suddenly had these great gobs of cash. What did they do with it? They show a picture of the capital downtown which looks like modern Tokyo.. absolutely AMAZING from shepherders to this incredible modern city with skyscrapers in very little time. He said they were building 2 schools in 3 days, and the biggest concern was whether to import people who were foreigners to do the work which had to be done. They needed skilled workers and their own populace did not have those skills, but they feared "Western Corruption", but eventually said they would remain Muslim and keep them in separate compounds and keep them from contaminating them, etc. So they allowed in the foreign workers, many of which were expatriots (as would be the case with Iraqis going back to work in Iraq.) Bin Laden (YES, THAT BIN LADEN) and his family were the principle builders to the Royal family (and you thought of him as poor, right?) and yes, there were many allegations of CORRUPTION, as you have here with Iraq. Influence peddling, bribes and oversized commissions, Real Estate Fraud with unbelievable prices asked by the Saudi princes for pieces of land to build on...

Prince Ban Dar Bin Sultan Ambassador to the US from 1983 to now says "We have implemented a development program that was approximately close to 400 BILLION DOLLARS - Look at the whole country... where it was.. where it is now. I am confident you could not have done all that for.. say.. less than 350 BILLION. We had misused.. corrupt.. 50 Billion.. yes, but I'll take that anytime (when you see and contrast it with) so many countries in the third world that have oil and still are 50 years behind! More importantly, who are you to tell me this? So what?"

The documentary went on to say/imply from that comment that it was an internal country matter and considering everything, even WITH THE CORRUPTION, they have done commendably well in going from a backward undereducated country to a modern country with metropolis conditions rivaling the best cities in the world. And they are open to technological advancement and reasonable change (while holding to their own beliefs and values). They are an OPEN society and FRIENDLY to western influences.

The point is.. as far as this 18 billion in Iraq corruption.. SO WHAT? .. just as the Saudi Prince noted. It is crying over spilled milk.. let us move on and get an ally like we have in Saudi Arabia and stop bellyaching about the loss of revenue. We can't change the past and they will make up losses to the US in production. The politicians should stop going backward and looking back (the Democrats are perpetual backward looking.. if they were Lot's wife they would be pillars of salt by now) and look forward to getting for the Iraqis (and US!!) a prosperous future.

I get tired of the constant bickering and ridicule.. and looking back at what would have/could have/should have been done better.. let's see the laws pass.. the Dinar RV and the people of Iraq as prosperous, free, advanced and still be able to retain the best and most godly values they cherish, as the Saudis show it has some degree of success and the Iraqis can do one better than that, if they try. And they are fighting for that chance now.. we should let them have it and not stop their efforts with bemoaning this small glitch. And it IS SMALL compared to the revenue of 40 BILLION A MONTH which they will have.. (note the price of oil is 80.00 a Barrel!! will it be MORE?). Even using that statistic of 18 billion total loss and 40 billion a month.. that entire loss is less than half a month's revenue and they are acting like it is a HUGE sum.. well, not in context it isn't. So.... who cares? The fellow who says this "threatens Iraq's future" and those like him are "out to lunch".. it didn't threaten Saudi Arabia's future and they lost 50 BILLION not 18!! It didn't DESTROY their country, now, did it?

That's my opinion and I am stickin to it.

Sara.

-- October 5, 2007 2:09 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I think it was good, too, Roger.. the Kurds doing oil deals.
It puts pressure on Baghdad to find a deal everyone can live with.

Sara.

-- October 5, 2007 2:10 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I have enclosed a couple of articles from Investor's Iraq Forum. Some encouraging news about the HCL. If you have already read it, please skip this post.
____________________________________________________________

Iraq Security Head: Oil Law blues a Deal

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

Iraq's national security adviser says a deal is "very close" on a federal oil law -- one where "everybody goes home partly unhappy."

Mowaffak al-Rubaie was largely optimistic Friday in a speech during a Washington visit, including on plans to protect and bolster the crucial energy sector.

The most prominent part of this has been a national oil law. It's stalled in Parliament over concerns private and foreign companies will be allowed too much access to the currently nationalized oil sector and a larger debate over how much control the federal, regional and provincial powers will have.

"I wouldn't like to say the hydrocarbons law only needs to cross the t's and dot the i's," Rubaie said at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, a Washington think tank. "We've been saying this for long. But I'll tell you what: There is a huge pressure from everywhere, inside and outside the country."

The U.S. government has pushed the Iraqi government on passing the controversial law both publicly and behind closed doors. It is billed as a way toward reconciliation, since sales from the world's third-largest reserves last year brought in 93 percent of the federal budget.

"We need to apply more pressure, on everyone, to agree on a compromise hydrocarbons law whereby all parties go home partly unhappy," Rubaie added. "That's the best compromise I think, whereby everybody goes home partly unhappy. And that compromise, I think we are very close to that. We need some tweaking on that."

He said the debate is more a constitutional one than political. The Kurdistan Regional Government interprets the constitution whereby federalism is decentralized. Many more nationalist blocs in government want the central government to set oil policies.

This week the KRG signed two more oil deals on their own with foreign firms. These and many others it has signed are considered illegal by Baghdad.

Oil security improves, Iraq chief predicts

Security of the oil infrastructure in Iraq is to be less of a priority than the economic factors, Iraq's national security adviser predicts.

"Probably the last two years, one and a half years, we were talking about security, security, security," Mowaffak al-Rubaie said Friday at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, a Washington think tank.

Rubaie, in a mostly optimistic speech and answers to reporters' questions, said the trend in Iraq is that the security situation is improving, along with help and partnership with the United States.

"If we can sustain this level of security until the end of the year, I can tell you next year is going to be about services, services, services. Economy, economy, economy," he said. "And then security."

Iraq's vast oil and natural gas reserves have been hit hard by decades of misuse by Saddam Hussein, stunted by U.N. sanctions, and have survived thus far in the post-invasion war zone. While they need tens of billions of dollars in investment, the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors need a break from the regular attacks that are keeping out investment and hurting repairs.

"We're going to have more capital investment for next year in 2008 in the oil sector," Rubaie said. Iraq has been unable to turn capital allocations into expenditures, another setback.

He said he met with U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman while in Washington this week, and from the meeting produced a list of small "quick fix projects Â… to try to increase the number of barrels every day we get out."

"Protection of the pipelines and the infrastructure, gas as well as oil pipelines, as well as the power lines, these are issues we prioritize for next year," he said.

Iraq currently produces about 2 million bpd, though its reserves could handle much more. A five-year strategic plan has Iraq producing more than 6 million bpd.

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher...572557&start=5

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 5, 2007 9:21 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Reconstruction Efforts Make Meaningful Progress, General Says

WASHINGTON - United States-backed programs designed to jump-start Iraq's battered infrastructure are making meaningful progress, a senior U.S. Army engineer general said in Baghdad today.

The United States has contributed more than $22 billion for projects to reconstruct Iraq's water, electricity and other infrastructure damaged by decades of neglect and war, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region Division, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.

Every day we see successes in the U.S. government's reconstruction program here, Walsh said.

More than 4,100 projects from 4,700 planned projects were completed at the end of fiscal 2007, he said. We still have another 582 projects, ongoing, Walsh said.

Many essential services provided by the U.S. in some areas of Iraq over the past year, such as access to clean water, sewage, paved roads, medical care and schools, didn't exist during the Saddam Hussein regime, the general said. In addition, 75 percent of Iraq now has twice the electrical power that it had before Operation Iraqi Freedom, Walsh reported.

Oil and electricity production and availability constitute the bedrock of Iraq's economic recovery, Walsh pointed out. Refineries need dependable electrical power to process fuel, he noted, and electrical generation requires high-quality petroleum-derived fuel to run plants.

More than 95 percent of Iraq's economy is dependent on petroleum exports, he added. The country's inefficient 1960s- to 1970s-era infrastructure was poorly maintained and requires intensive rehabilitation, he added.

And, you can imagine if you were to drive a sports car for 30 years without changing its oil, its belts and its filters, how well it would run, Walsh said.

However, many petroleum-production goals in post-Saddam Iraq have now been met, Walsh said, noting that about $1.7 billion worth of oil-sector projects were completed in June. Iraqi industry also has reached its daily goals of producing 3,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas, 3 million barrels of crude oil, and 800 million cubic feet of natural gas.

We have set our goals and continue to stay on track to meet them, Walsh said.

The United States had earmarked $4 billion to refurbish Iraq's electrical- generation system, with the goal of achieving an average of 12 hours of power availability daily across the country. Officials have exceeded that goal, and Iraq now averages about 15 hours of electric power availability nationwide, he said.

Iraq produces more than 5,000 megawatts of power daily in pursuing an ever- growing national demand for electricity, now pegged at about 10,000 megawatts, Walsh said.

We're meeting about 50 percent of that (electrical) requirement, Walsh said.

Electrical generation capacity continues to improve across Iraq, but a scarcity of fuels and unwillingness by some communities to share electricity are hampering that effort, he said.

Yet, Iraqi authorities continue to persevere and estimate that their country will achieve 24 hours of power nationwide around 2010-2013, Walsh said.

Great progress also has been achieved in providing health care facilities to the Iraqi people, Walsh reported, noting his Gulf Region Division has provided 64 new or refurbished primary health clinics to Iraqi authorities. Twenty-eight of those clinics are open to the public, he noted, with 12 located in Baghdad. All of the open clinics are now seeing upwards of 350 patients a day, clearly filling a much-needed gap, Walsh said.

In Basra, construction continues on the first new hospital to be built in Iraq since the 1980s, Walsh reported. Basra Children's Hospital is slated to be completed in August 2008, he said.

Other reconstruction programs are geared toward the training and education of future health care, power plant, education, transportation and communication employees.

Intensive efforts also are under way to provide women's vocational training and programs to ensure Iraqi women have employment equal opportunity and the ability to bid on government-let contracts. In 2007, U.S. Army authorities in Iraq awarded about $75 million in contracts to women-owned businesses, he said.

U.S. government-endorsed projects and programs in Iraq are yielding positive, tangible results in everyday reconstruction, and we continue to do so, Walsh said.

Source: Associated Press
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 5, 2007 9:27 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

The reason Saudi Arabia survived this colossal corruption , is probably the fact that the income that country is generating comes in droves, bundles and abundance.

A tight fiscal country where the income really counts, have to be more on the books, but as in Saudi Arabia, ...another billion,...ah, who counts?

So Abdullah Ahmed Ali Ben Hibin, took a Billion,... who cares,... he's my nephew and by the way, here's another Billion, Ive got plenty more, so...don't worry

Rob N,

Thanks for the report. In those periodical reports different figures for different activities are used.

This report claims 93% of Iraq Gov income is from oil, others say 85% or 80%.

Either way, the majority of the income is from oil, thus making it possible to rise the Dinar value, as exports from other fields other than oil is negligible, and the country as a hole will not get hurt on it's export.

There isn't much to hurt. No volume to it.

As to being "very close" to getting the HCL law on the books.

It happens when it happens over in those neck of the woods. It was suppose to be a done deal around last Christmas, and around this time of the year, last year, it was about as hot of a topic as it is now.

Some day....

Clyde,

Welcome to the board.

I have heard that argument on occasion also, that if the Dinar is boosted, it will also boost the insurgency groups, and therefore the Dinar was held down.

Not much credence to that theory, as a strong Dinar will lift up the whole country, getting things going, thus put the masses to work, thus unemployment will be less, and the recruiting grounds for insurgency will be taken away.

The main insurgency is the different groups, sects, with different political, ethnic belongings, not Al Qaeda.

Al Qaeda IS there, (and now having a hard time with it), and are stirring things up, but the insurgency as a whole is more basically big groups of Iraqis disaffected with things, and not terrorist groups.

A stronger Dinar, will make them more income, more to buy, and after a while, when they have acquired some stuff, they see the value in it, and they don't want to have a bullet hole through their plasma TV screen.

-- October 6, 2007 5:33 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1024)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1024 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/10/7 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1233 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 66.055.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 66.055.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- October 7, 2007 8:07 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

Thanks, oh man.. is the Dinar a slow subject now days.

I could as well take a break a couple of weeks, but keep coming back, as a moth to the porch light.

Strange, that porch light is not going to feed the moth, but he still gets drawn to it.

-- October 7, 2007 2:35 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Roger,

The Dinar is extremely slow.

Not much good info out there and a lot of the regulars who posted on other sites seemed to have disappeared.

Is it discouragement and they come back for a periodic "moth burn" or have they cashed out and moved on?

I think the potential is still here. I would rather ride this to the end and see my Dinar become worthless than cash out and tell my grandchildren the alzheimer's story of "how grampa threw millions away" every couple of days.

-- October 7, 2007 2:59 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger

I got my Client ID your account number on the 22/8/07
And I was buying shares on 24/7/07

But as you only need your account number to make your
pic list for buying, so as soon as you have been told
your money is in your account, start buying.

A reply from Mr I

Please note that electronic trading
will only be used by are local brokerage firms for brokers
to execute orders electronically replaceing the manual method.
This method is not for client usage and all investors must
submit a signed request whether its for purchaseing or selling
stocks as this a necessary requirement set by the ISX and a
standard policy of our bank.

Stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 7, 2007 10:30 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1025)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1025 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/10/8 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1230 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 42.700.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 3.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 42.700.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 3.000.000 -----

-- October 8, 2007 7:40 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The realization of the Hydro Carbon Law becoming law may be finally coming to pass. I think the following article is a positive development.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Babylon Talks to Foreign Companies to Execute Major Strategic Projects

The governor of Babylon has disclosed talking to various construction companies to execute a number of major strategic projects the governorate intends to carry out during the next year, 2008.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 8, 2007 6:58 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

Hold on, didnt that dead horse move his ears???

Steven,

So far this is going in it's predictable path.

It's the 8th, have sent 4 e-mails to Warka, and still the money is not in the account.

A wiretransfer is completed within 24 hrs. Had my funds wired the 20th LAST MONTH.

I'M COUNTING 18 DAYS NOW.

-- October 8, 2007 7:14 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Roger,

If you sent a shed load of Dollars they may be just
checking that it is the right amount.

Send an Email to Mr I. on ifrd@warkainvestmentbank.com
He is the gaffer there, and he seems to be able to solve
all sorts of probs, FAST, like when I sent some $Dollars
to the German bank, and forgot to include my Warka account
number, he found the payment and had it in my account very
fast.

Sending to many Emails is only cloging up the system, much
better to wait for a reply to one before sending another one.

Have got a phone number for Warka of the companies listed
on the ISX, 8869880 as for a code for Iraq, no idea
I am fairly sure it took a while for my first lot, and that
was before the rush to get an account there, from every
body and his brother, it is there somewhere, and by wire
it is not as if any one can have it on their toes with
your money, take a chill pill and some Jack and Apple
soon Rog, stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 8, 2007 7:56 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Wow! Now even I am reading the long articals on Iraqi reconstruction projects. We gained another point today, only 1231 to go. Seems to me that the media reporting on Iraq is also slowing, and thats a good thing. When the American public tires of hearing about something they turn it off, and when they do that the media can't sell as many ads. The more success we have, the less drama the media has to report which decreases the public pressure on elected officials giving them an oportunity to think about whats right, and doing just that instead of buckling to the pressure of the ignorant public view created by the media reporting only drama and hype. But what else could they report that the public would understand? I think the republican platform should be that if we lose this effort in Iraq, in 5 years you could be paying $10 a gallon at the pumps, think about that when you go to the poles.

-- October 9, 2007 2:44 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steven,

I have sent one of my e-mails to that particular e-mail address, and addressed it to Mr I.

None of the e-mails have been answered, I have only written 4 so far, so I don't think I have clogged up the system.

I have been courteous, and business like in my e-mails, so I don't think I have stepped on anyone's toes or so.

It's like communicating with a black hole.

The wind in Iraq doesn't blow, it sucks.

-- October 9, 2007 6:27 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Valerio,

Yes, when things return to normalcy the reporters are gone.

There is a good chunk of stability now, and life are returning to normal in Iraq.

A ship that came into port, or an airplane that landed, is not reporter friendly stuff.

In a sense, I feel that it doesn't matter what the reporters are saying anyway, and it's almost as well if they leave Iraq alone, and they can go and chase their sensations elsewhere.

The fact that they are NOT reporting in the same volume as before is in itself an acknowledgement that things are getting back to normal.

Reporters hate "normal".

Their job is to chock us with their findings.

They had a field day last year, when the body parts was numerous, they didn't miss a beat in their reporting then.

It feels like they need chock, terror and hopelessness in order to be able to report, so their reporting have a tendency to report just those things.

A self full filling prophecy, but when it doesn't work, it will just be forgotten, because there is always dead children, hospitals with incurable strains of virus, child pedophiles, and sinkholes in some place or the other.

And those panics, must be served with the morning coffee.

-- October 9, 2007 6:52 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1026)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1026 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/10/9 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 13 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1230 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 71.705.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 71.705.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- October 9, 2007 7:22 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Arab League terms U.S. Senate's plan to divide Iraq "aberrant"
www.chinaview.cn 2007-10-10 06:33:10

CAIRO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Ahmed Bin Helli on Tuesday described the U.S. Senate's plan to divide Iraq into three regions on ethnic and religious bases as "aberrant".

Bin Helli told reporters that the plan would further complicate an already bad situation in Iraq, said an Arab League statement.

Bin Helli also noted that the upcoming meeting of the interior ministers of Iraq's neighboring countries on Oct. 23 would assert the necessity of preserving Iraq's unity and territorial integrity.

He added that the Arab League will take part in the Kuwait-hosted meeting, which will deal with means of helping the Iraqi government and people in the security sphere and pave the way for a plenary meeting on Iraq from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1.

The ministerial meeting of "Countries Neighboring Iraq" will bring together foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbors, the G-8 members and the permanent members of the UN Security Council, is a follow-up to the international conference on Iraq held in Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in May, according to Bin Helli.

Bin Helli also said that the Arab League welcomed the recently-crafted agreement between the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council and al-Sadr.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/10/content_6854556.htm

-- October 9, 2007 7:49 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1027)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1027 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/10/10 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1230 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 24.680.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 24.680.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- October 10, 2007 8:00 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Found this to be entertaining

Headline

The Iraqi government has ordered $100 million worth of weapons made in China.

An Iraqi official said, "We're hoping China makes weapons that are half as deadly as their toys."
-Conan O'Brien

-- October 10, 2007 8:20 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

USACE Completes Over 85 Percent of Reconstruction Projects In Samarra and Kirkuk

In the city of Samarra, Iraq, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed 40 of the 45 planned projects in the Iraq Reconstruction Program.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 10, 2007 10:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

All I have read the last couple of days on another forum that parliment is gearing up to vote on the Hydro Carbon Law next week.

This morning I read that the oil deals made by Kurdistan are legal. This is good news if true.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 10, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Kurdish delegation to head to neighbouring countries
Baghdad (NINA)- The Supreme Council for Kurdish parties has announced intention to start a tour including Iraqi neighbouring countries to discuss the Kurdish attitude regarding political and security situations in Iraq.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 10, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

10 Oct 2007 13:16:00
Currency
USD sales of CBI slump
Baghdad (NINA)-The US Dollar's sales of the Central Bank of Iraq slumped Wednesday to reach 24,680,000 USD while they were 71,705,000 Dollars last Tuesday. The exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar was stable against the US Dollar as the price was 1232 Dinars per one Dollar.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 10, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Funds arrived at Warka.

Puh this was a nail biter, but today I got an e-mail from Mr Issa in Warka.

What happened, that threw the ball in a curve, was that their e-mail confirmation didn't reach me.

The funds was processed, and put into my account already the 27th,of Sep. Only one week after I sent them.

I got in my reply e-mail another copy of the e-mail sent to me the 27th.

I double checked my e-mail box around that date, but it just didn't arrive, so that's what threw the whole thing into an unnecessary spin.

I would say, this was no fault of Warka, but of the e-mail server(s) along the line.

Anyhow, so the report is, it took a week to get into my account, I'm happy with that.

So now, onto next steps in my endeavour.

I'll keep you all posted as to the progress, in case you are considering the "Warka way".

-- October 10, 2007 3:49 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger/Steve:

09 Oct 2007 18:36:00
ISX 22
Over 770 million shares traded in ISX
Baghdad (NINA) - The index of Iraqi stock exchange closed on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 38.139 points, increasing by 0.102% from the previous session. On Tuesday's session, 33 out of 93 registered firms traded over 774 million shares worth of more than 1.081 billion Iraqi Dinars through 301 contracts.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 10, 2007 3:49 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Chris,

Chinese toys on the battle field, and Chinese weapons to the children for the safest predictable outcome.

-- October 10, 2007 3:57 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

ISX is moving, but not too much though, and it will probably not do any super move until the oil is flowing, still, even if it is moving just a bit, why not get in on it.

-- October 10, 2007 4:01 PM ∞

---

Graham/Cornwall wrote:

Roger
So glad to hear you got your money through must have been a big weight off your shoulders, best of luck for future transactions

-- October 10, 2007 5:32 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Graham/Cornwall,

Well, the money had safely arrived, but the communication screwed up, and I was in the dark for a while, and of course , it started to worry me.

I was however prepared for a wait, as I have read about others that had a couple of weeks wait, as most.

I had xx.xxx bucks floating around in cyberspace, and it seemed that they had disappeared into a black hole.

When you don't know, it is easy to fill in the blanks in your own universe, and I could picture me two guys sitting in Baghdad Ritz celebrating with Champagne something that involved my money.

When I got my confirmation, I got it confirmed that I got the 1234 Dinar/Dollar rate.

The fun part was, that when I took out the Dinars, converted them to Dollars, and send them, the rate was stuck on 1234 for that time, so I didn't lose anything in exchange rates either.

Since then, the exchange rate started to move again, so all in all, this came out really good.

I'm celebrating myself right now, but skipped the Champagne in favor of Golden Puffs and milk.

Thanks Graham.

-- October 11, 2007 2:44 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1028)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1028 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/10/11 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 71.275.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 71.275.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- October 11, 2007 6:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

In my opinion, the greatest immediate return is on Iraq's Dinar instead of the ISX. Once Iraq passes the Hydro Carbon Law, Monetizes oil derivities in Dinars, and de-dollarize the economy the result will be a strong dinar coupled with a strong economy.

The ISX being an exchange is a much longer investment. Until Iraq has a sustainable gross national product and gross domestic product its trading volume will pale in comparrison to other established exchanges.

Because of globalization eventually the ISX will suffer the ills of New York, London, or Tokyo. What happens in London or Tokyo effects New York directly.

The other issue I see, is that the ISX really has nothing to trade. Because of this I think an investment made in the dinar has the potential to pay a quicker dividen than an investment in the ISX.

I doubt I will venture into the ISX, though I am still considering an account at Warka.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 11, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Freed Iraqis not rejoining insurgency
10/10/2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- None of the 1,000-plus Iraqi detainees freed in recent weeks have broken a pledge not to return to the insurgency, according to the Marine general who oversees the U.S. detention centers in Iraq.

Speaking in Arabic, Maj. Gen. Doug Stone on Wednesday reassured Iraqis about how the 25,000 detainees -- mostly Sunnis -- are treated after being taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in the insurgency.

Stone described the detention system as "open and transparent," saying it makes the detainees better citizens and helps break the cycle of violence and poverty in the country.

Stone said detainees get free medical care equal to what he gets as a general, food and water made to Islamic standards, educational opportunities, jobs skills and contact with families.

The U.S. detention centers -- at Camp Bucca near the southern port city of Basra and in Camp Cropper near Baghdad -- are political sore points for Sunnis, who make up 83 percent of the detainees held. The main Sunni political coalition -- the Iraqi Accord Front -- cited the centers as one reason for quitting the government during the summer.

Last month, the U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Lion's Paw in which between 50 and 70 detainees would be released daily during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan after taking a pledge not to rejoin the insurgency against the Shiite-led government.

"This pledge is an Iraqi pledge, a pledge before an Iraqi judge, frequently with a family member present," Stone said. "I am pleased to tell you that in the more 1,000 that have gone through this program and taken the pledge, not one has returned to threaten Iraqi or coalition forces."

Stone said the releases would continue at the same pace beyond Ramadan.

Stone's description seems a far cry from the Abu Ghraib prison operated by the U.S. military in the first years after the invasion. That prison was closed down and razed in the wake of an international scandal over prisoner abuse.

"There are no secrets that go on in detention," Stone said.

"Our facilities are open to inspection by any agency that we in the federal government believe is credible. These agencies are welcomed because they are windows for the world."

By the time of their release, "detainees grow in terms of working in an inter-sectarian environment," he said.

Each detainee has a chance to take classes up to a sixth-grade level, and high school classes are being planned, Stone said. About one-third -- or 8,000 -- are in school, with 7,000 having passed the fifth-grade level, he said.

The 860 detainees who are 17 or younger are all in school, Stone said.

The average stay for a detainee is 300 days, but some have been detained for two years or longer, he said. A review board interviews detainees to decide if they are a threat to security, he said. If they are deemed not to be, they are offered freedom in exchange for taking the pledge.

Only 280 detainees are foreigners, mostly from Syria, Egypt, Iran, Sudan and Saudi Arabia, he said.

Other developments

Coalition forces battling insurgents in the Diyala province north of Baghdad killed an estimated 37 suspected terrorists and detained 25 during the past weekend, the U.S. military said. Five safe houses used by al Qaeda in Iraq were destroyed by air strikes Sunday, it said.

A coalition airstrike Wednesday killed a group of 13 suspected terrorists with possible ties to an al Qaeda in Iraq car-bombing network, the U.S. military said. The airstrike west of Baghdad followed a terrorist attack on a residence, the military said. After surveillance identified the attackers gathered in a field, aircraft was called in to engage them, the military said.

At least one policeman was killed and three others wounded Wednesday when a bomb detonated in a parked car near a bank in the northern city of Tikrit, police said.

At least one civilian was killed and four were wounded Wednesday when a roadside bomb detonated near the National Theater in Baghdad, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said. At least six civilians also were wounded when a roadside bomb went off east of Baghdad.

Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq's largest parliamentary bloc, returned to Iraq on Wednesday after completing a phase of cancer treatment in Iran. Al-Hakim is the head of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council -- one of Iraq's most powerful Shiite parties -- and the ruling Shiite alliance known as the United Iraqi Alliance.

The U.S. military said at least 14 people died and 42 others were wounded in dual suicide vehicle bombings Tuesday in Baiji. But Iraqi police said the attacks killed at least 22 people and wounded 30 others.

Freed Iraqis not rejoining insurgency - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 11, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

11 Oct 2007 14:45:00
CBI
IQD rate adopted till Wednesday
Baghdad (NINA)- The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced adopting the US Dollar's exchange rate, registered Thursday Oct. 11, until the end of working hours next Wednesday. According to a statement by the CBI Thursday, the Bank will adopt the IQD 1232 per US Dollar.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 11, 2007 9:43 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Ok, next step in my Warka Experience.

The funds are there, the account is established, so next is being able to manage your account from your computer.

Warka will not release anything on any web site, or give you any password until you have given them a written consent to do so.

So, once you have got the account established, write them a letter, including your account number and authorize Warka to put your account information in their "account computer" so to say.

Just giving you all a step by step account if you are gong the same way.

Rob N.

There is no competition between ISX or Dinars, or Warka accounts in any form.

It doesn't work in such a way that, if you are doing one activity, you have then closed a door, and excluded yourself from the benefit of the other activity.

If you are doing ISX and are going onto stocks, and the Dinar appreciate, you still get the Dinar appreciation.

Then, if there is an opportunity to buy???, well I would say it is, very much so.

There is a lot of things to buy on the ISX market, and I guess that what you mean when you say that there isn't much to buy, is that the Iraqi industry is not worth much right now.

That is correct, and that is the exact reason this is the time to buy.

When buying in stocks, you can't reason in such a way that you will wait until they are worth something, because you might feel that at that point you will buy something valuable.

Your strategy right now is to wait out the Dinar value and hope for your profits in appreciation of the currency.

My strategy is the same.

The difference is, I just get into stocks.

I see the Iraqi experience as a long haul, and if Dinars will appreciate, the industrial base in Iraq better do it also.

They're holding hands, and by doing stocks, you will double dip into possible returns on your investment.

-- October 11, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq insurgent groups form one council
10/11/2007

Six main Iraqi insurgent groups announced the formation of a "political council" aimed at "liberating" Iraq from U.S. occupation in a video aired Thursday on Al-Jazeera television.

The council appeared to be a new attempt to assert the leadership of the groups, which have moved to distance themselves from another coalition of insurgent factions led by al-Qaida in Iraq.

In the video aired on Al-Jazeera, a man identified as the council's spokesman — wearing traditional Iraqi garb, with his face blacked out — announced the council's formation and a "political program to liberate Iraq."

He said the program was based on two principles.

"First, the occupation is an oppression and aggression, rejected by Islamic Sharia law and tradition. Resistance of occupation is a right guaranteed by all religions and laws," he said. "Second, the armed resistance ... is the legitimate representative of Iraq. It is the one that bears responsibility for the leadership of the people to achieve its legitimate hope."

The groups forming the council include the Islamic Army of Iraq, the Mujahideen Army, Ansar al-Sunna, the Fatiheen Army, the Islamic Front for the Iraqi Resistance (Jami) and the Islamic Movement of Hamas-Iraq.

The step could be a bid by the insurgents for a more cohesive political voice at a time of considerable rearrangement among Sunni insurgent groups and Iraq's Sunni Arab minority.

Splinter factions of two insurgent groups, the 1920 Revolution Brigades and the Mujahideen Army, have cooperated with U.S. forces in fighting insurgents allied to al-Qaida in Iraq.

Earlier this year, other groups — the Islamic Army of Iraq, the main faction of the Mujahideen Army, a branch of Ansar al-Sunna and the Fatiheen Army — formed a coalition called the Jihad and Reform Front opposed to al-Qaida in Iraq, though they have continued attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces.

Iraq insurgent groups form one council - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 12, 2007 9:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Analyst warns against partitioning Iraq
10/11/2007

By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer 35 minutes ago

Limiting the power of Iraq's central government and giving more control to ethnically divided regions might lead to large-scale violence and intervention by neighboring countries, an analyst says.

If such proposals, sometimes called federalism or "soft partition," were adopted, widespread bloodletting could occur and "local atrocities seem all too likely," according to Anthony H. Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Political instability could ensue and Iraq's economic development could be crippled, said Cordesman, a former director of intelligence assessment at the Pentagon.

Iran and others would try to exploit Iraq's weakness and divisions, he wrote in a report released Wednesday. He added that Iraq is divided along sectarian and ethnic lines in many areas by the force of extremists. The Kurds are the only faction that shows major popular support for any formal effort at partition.

The federalism proposal is gaining ground in think tanks as a way to ease tensions among Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis.

Edward P. Joseph of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and Michael O'Hanlon, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, are among those who have proposed dividing Iraq into three main regions.

Under the plan, each region would assume primary responsibility for its own security and governance, as the Kurds have done northern Iraq.

The most prominent advocate in Congress is Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate who has sponsored with Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., also a White House hopeful, a nonbinding resolution that won Senate approval last month.

Republicans supported it only after the measure was amended to make clear that President Bush should press for a new federalized system only if the Iraqis wanted it.

The power-sharing idea is similar to the arrangement established in ethnically divided Bosnia in the 1990s.

Biden wrote Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker this month that the proposal does not attempt to partition Iraq or divide it along ethnic or sectarian lines.

The U.S. Embassy and some Iraqi politicians had described the proposal as an attempt to partition Iraq into three separate states.

"To the contrary," Biden wrote, "it calls for keeping Iraq together by bringing to life the federal system enshrined in its constitution."

"A federal Iraq is a united Iraq, but one in which extensive powers devolve to the regions, with the central government responsible for truly common concerns," Biden wrote.

Still, Cordesman said any form of formal federalism or partition could be dangerous.

Deriding the description "soft partition" as a cruel oxymoron, he said "virtually every aspect of sectarian and ethnic struggle to date has been brutal, and come at a high economic cost to those affected."

"The reality is that partitioning must be described as 'hard' by any practical political, economic and humanitarian standard," Cordesman said.

And, he said, "the U.S. is in a poor position to encourage partitioning or federalism when Iraqi public opinion polls show that most Iraqis do not want such divisions to take place."

Analyst warns against partitioning Iraq - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 12, 2007 9:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Crude Oil Rises a Third Day on Middle East Shipment Concern
10/11/2007

Crude Oil Rises a Third Day on Middle East Shipment Concern

By Sophie Tan and Angela Macdonald-Smith

Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Crude oil rose for a third day on concern that Middle East oil shipments may be disrupted as Turkish forces threatened to attack rebels in northern Iraq.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered preparations for a possible military strike on bases of the Kurdistan Workers' Party in Iraq, a move opposed by the U.S. Oil also gained yesterday before the release of the U.S. government's weekly inventory report.

``We haven't seen any real geopolitical disturbances in the past few months and the fact that there are verbal threats is enough to provide support to oil prices despite expectations that U.S. crude oil inventories probably rose this week,'' said Steve Rowles, analyst at CFC Seymour Ltd. in Hong Kong.

Crude oil for November delivery rose as much as 34 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $81.64 barrel in after-hours electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $81.61 at 3:04 p.m. Singapore time.

Yesterday, the contract rose $1.04, or 1.3 percent, to $81.30. Prices are 41 percent higher than a year ago. Futures touched $83.90 on Sept. 20, the highest since the contract was introduced in 1983.

Turkish authorities said yesterday they arrested 20 militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, at Turkey's main border crossing with Iraq. Turkey has vowed a crackdown on rebels of the PKK, including a possible attack on the group's camps in northern Iraq.

``The Turkish government has okayed the use of force against the Kurdish rebels, adding to the general global underlying unease,'' said Jonathan Benjamin, senior analyst at New Wave Energy LLC in Aptos California. ``I would be surprised to see a real downward move before the stats come out and we see more on the fundamentals.''

Brent, Inventories

Brent crude oil for November settlement rose as much as 40 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $79 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. It was at $78.88 a barrel at 2:43 p.m. Singapore time.

U.S. crude-oil inventories probably rose 1.08 million barrels last week as refineries reduce fuel production before they perform seasonal maintenance, a Bloomberg News survey indicated. Supplies of distillate fuels, a category that includes heating oil and diesel, probably fell 775,000 barrels, while gasoline inventories probably declined 375,000 barrels, according to the median of responses by 16 analysts before the Department of Energy's report later today.

``Crude oil inventories will rise in the refinery maintenance season and there hasn't been any unplanned shutdown so far to raise inventories beyond what is being expected,'' said CFC Seymour's Rowles.

Crude oil inventories in the previous week, ended Sept. 28, were 9.3 percent higher than the five-year average, the Energy Department said last week. The department is scheduled to release its weekly report on inventories at 10:30 a.m. in Washington today, a day later than usual because of the Oct. 8 Columbus Day holiday.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 12, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

11 Oct 2007 14:24:00
Currency
USD sales mount, IQD stable
Baghdad (NINA)- The total sales of US Dollar at the Central Bank of Iraq's auction on Thursday mounted to 71,275,000 Dollars, following last Wednesday's sales of USD 24,680,000. As for the Iraqi Dinar's exchange rate, it kept stable at IQD 1232 per Dollar. 16 Iraqi banks participated in Thursday's auction.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 12, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Raid Kills Nineteen Insurgents
Associated Press | October 12, 2007
BAGHDAD - A U.S. attack killed 19 insurgents and 15 civilians, including nine children, northwest of the capital Thursday - one of the heaviest civilian death tolls in an American operation in recent months. The military said it was targeting senior leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq.

American forces have applied fierce and determined pressure on militants, especially al-Qaida in Iraq, since the full contingent of additional U.S. troops arrived June 15. But Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has recently confronted top American commander Gen. David Petraeus about what he sees as overly aggressive U.S. tactics that harm innocent civilians, according to Iraqi officials.

The military statement detailing Thursday's air and ground assault said Soldiers were acting on intelligence reports about an al-Qaida meeting in the Lake Tharthar region. The southern reaches of the big, man-made lake are about 50 miles northwest of the capital.

The American account said U.S. surveillance confirmed "activity consistent with the reports and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target." The first air attack killed "four terrorists," said the statement.

The military said it then tracked some of those who escaped the initial attack to a place south of Lake Tharthar. It said ground forces moved on the site and came under fire. Air support was called in.

"After securing the area, the ground force assessed 15 terrorists, six women and nine children were killed," the statement said. Two suspected al-Qaida members, a woman and three children were wounded, according to the military account.

The military said its troopers "were reviewing information from the scene (of Thursday's attack) as well as assessing the level of damage involved."

The statement also issued regret "that civilians are hurt or killed while Coalition forces search to rid Iraq of terrorism."

On Oct. 5, a pre-dawn U.S. raid on Khalis, a Shiite city north of Baghdad, killed 25 people when U.S. troops called in airstrikes after meeting a fierce barrage while hunting suspected smugglers of arms from Iran to Baghdad. Village leaders said the victims included civilians, but the military insisted the 25 killed were militants.

President Bush ordered the 30,000 American forces to Iraq to stanch sectarian violence and give the government breathing space to foster reconciliation among the country's warring Sunni and Shiite Muslims. U.S. forces have chalked up notable success against militants, but the government has become nearly deadlocked and made no progress on healing wounds among Iraq's sectarian and ethnic groups.

The U.S. military announced the combat death of a Soldier Wednesday in eastern Baghdad.

At least 35 Iraqis were killed or found dead in attacks nationwide Thursday, as suicide car bombers struck a market in the northern city of Kirkuk and a cafe in eastern Baghdad.

Also Thursday, the U.S. military revealed that rockets fired from a nearby abandoned school struck Camp Victory, U.S. military headquarters near Baghdad Airport, killing two members of the U.S.-led coalition and wounding 40 other people on the sprawling headquarters for U.S. forces in Iraq.

Most troops stationed at the base are American but there are small contingents from other countries. The military said those wounded in Wednesday's attack included two "third-country nationals," meaning they were not Americans or Iraqis.

Petraeus said 107 mm rockets were used. A number of other rockets also were found at the launching site, he said, adding the military had strong leads about who was behind the attack. A U.S. military official said the rockets were fired from an abandoned school nearby.

Both the Iraqi officials and the U.S. military official spoke on condition of anonymity because they lacked authorization to release information.

U.S. bases in Iraq frequently face rocket or mortar attacks, but Camp Victory is well-entrenched on the capital's western outskirts and such heavy casualties are rare.

On Sept. 11, one person was killed and 11 were wounded in a rocket attack on the complex, which includes lakeside palaces formerly used by Saddam Hussein that now house the headquarters of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq. The U.S. military said a 240 mm rocket provided to Shiite extremists by Iran was used in that attack.

By contrast, the U.S.-protected Green Zone, which houses the American and British embassies and the Iraqi government headquarters in central Baghdad, is far more vulnerable and has faced a series of deadly strikes in recent months.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 12, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I wonder if people make the differentiation between accidental collateral damage when trying to get the leaders of Al Qaeda and the deaths of innocent children by the terrorists - whose sole intent was to INTENTIONALLY and with criminal intent attack and kill innocent Iraqi children?
The way the press screams about it, you would think there will never, ever be any mistakes made in a war.
While collateral damage is wholly regrettable... I do think INTENT is more important in making moral judgements on the outcome of actions, isn't it?

Iraq bomb in toy cart hits children in playground
12 Oct 2007 14:09:00 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Mussab Al-Khairalla

BAGHDAD, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A bomb hidden in a cart of toys killed two children and wounded 17 others in a playground in northern Iraq on Friday, the first day of a national holiday to celebrate the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Police Colonel Abbas Mohammed said a would-be suicide bomber pushed the cart into a play area in the predominantly Shi'ite northern town of Tuz Khurmato. He said the bomber was wounded.

The town's mayor, Mohammed Rasheed, told Reuters two boys aged between 10 and 12 had died and another 17 people under the age of 18 had been wounded in the deadly attack.

The attack came the day after U.S. forces killed nine children and six women in an air strike northwest of Baghdad targeting suspected al Qaeda leaders. The U.N. mission in Iraq urged U.S. forces to conduct a "vigorous" probe into the strike.

In the same operation, the U.S. military said it also killed 19 insurgents in strikes on two locations. The strikes targeted suspected leaders of al Qaeda, accused of attacking U.S. and Iraqi forces, tribal leaders and civilians across the country.

"We are doing a thorough investigation to understand the events that surround the incident, especially since there was a significant loss of civilian life," U.S. military spokesman Rear Admiral Gregory Smith told Reuters.

"In every instance we take as many precautions as possible to ensure innocent lives are not at risk," he said. "We are committed to working with the affected families and taking care of their needs."

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L12230545.htm

-- October 12, 2007 2:22 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N. wrote:
All:

Iraq insurgent groups form one council
10/11/2007

Six main Iraqi insurgent groups announced the formation of a "political council"...

(end quote)

A council... any ideas on where they might be meeting?
I am sure the American/Iraqi/Coalition forces would like to attend..
particularly those representing the Iraqi children they just blew up in that playground.

Sara.

-- October 12, 2007 2:28 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

To any fellow Brits looking forward to reaping the rewards of a patient wait when the NID revals, it seems the Chancellor is smiling on us! In his latest budget released on Tuesday, he has scrapped the tapering relief over time, as well as relief depending on capital gains value! The GBP 9,2000 capital gains tax (CGT) allowance is still there, and if you make an absolute fortune, you benefit from the flat rate of 18%. He claims that this is a fairer tax for all. Previously, if you made profit of just over the GBP 9,2000 CGT allowance, you paid 10% CGT tapered up to a max of 40%. Now, there is just one flat rate of 18%. Obviously poorer working class people lose out, but the rich gain (again). See the article below.

http://www.fool.co.uk/news/your-money/tax/2007/10/11/a-tax-bombshell-for-investors.aspx?source=ioowftxt0010011

People always moan about rich people taking advantage of tax loop holes, but when you think about it, the tax laws were written for them to use. The truth is that the poor and working class don't earn (or have) enough to need to the reliefs.

Let's hope the world doesn't turn and do as Paris Hilton's famous t-shirt had on it - "Eat the rich".

BritishKnite.

-- October 12, 2007 3:09 PM ∞

---

John Deer wrote:

Prospect Magazine Declares Victory in Iraq:

by Bartle Bull

With most Sunni factions now seeking a deal, the big questions in Iraq have been resolved positively. The country remains one, it has embraced democracy and avoided all-out civil war. What violence remains is largely local and criminal.

The question of what to do in Iraq today must be separated from the decision to topple Saddam Hussein four and a half years ago. That decision is a matter for historians. By any normal ethical standard, the coalition's current project in Iraq is a just one. Britain, America and Iraq's other allies are there as the guests of an elected government given a huge mandate by Iraqi voters under a legitimate constitution. The UN approved the coalition's role in May 2003, and the mandate has been renewed annually since then, most recently this August. Meanwhile, the other side in this war are among the worst people in global politics: Baathists, the Nazis of the middle east; Sunni fundamentalists, the chief opponents of progress in Islam's struggle with modernity; and the government of Iran. Ethically, causes do not come much clearer than this one.

Some just wars, however, are not worth fighting. There are countries that do not matter very much to the rest of the world. Rwanda is one tragic example; and its case illustrates the immorality of a completely pragmatic foreign policy. But Iraq, the world's axial country since the beginning of history and all the more important in the current era for probably possessing the world's largest reserves of oil, is no Rwanda. Nor do two or three improvised explosive devices a day, for all the personal tragedy involved in each casualty, make a Vietnam.

The great question in deciding whether to keep fighting in Iraq is not about the morality and self-interest of supporting a struggling democracy that is also one of the most important countries in the world. The question is whether the war is winnable and whether we can help the winning of it. The answer is made much easier by the fact that three and a half years after the start of the insurgency, most of the big questions in Iraq have been resolved. Moreover, they have been resolved in ways that are mostly towards the positive end of the range of outcomes imagined at the start of the project. The country is whole. It has embraced the ballot box. It has created a fair and popular constitution. It has avoided all-out civil war. It has not been taken over by Iran. It has put an end to Kurdish and marsh Arab genocide, and anti-Shia apartheid. It has rejected mass revenge against the Sunnis. As shown in the great national votes of 2005 and the noisy celebrations of the Iraq football team's success in July, Iraq survived the Saddam Hussein era with a sense of national unity; even the Kurds—whose reluctant commitment to autonomy rather than full independence is in no danger of changing—celebrated. Iraq's condition has not caused a sectarian apocalypse across the region. The country has ceased to be a threat to the world or its region. The only neighbours threatened by its status today are the leaders in Damascus, Riyadh and Tehran.

The mission in Iraq may be on the way to being accomplished, but it has clearly been imperfect and costly. At least 80,000 and perhaps 200,000 or more Iraqis have been killed since the invasion, almost all of them by Iraqis and other Arabs (although this should be weighed against the 1.5m people killed by war and political violence during the 35-year Baath reign). The Sunni insurgency has degraded the country's utilities infrastructure, with the result that services remain patchy in much of the country and very bad in Baghdad: from April to June 2007, Iraq as a whole averaged 12.8 hours of electricity per day, while Baghdad averaged just 9.2. Oil production is down by 20 per cent since the invasion. Many of the country's professionals—doctors, teachers, academics—have left. There has been much local sectarian cleansing, with around 1m people internally displaced since 2003 and up to another 1m externally displaced. The US-led coalition has lost almost 4,100 lives, with many more wounded. Much money has been stolen, and some of Iraq's priceless historical legacy looted. In parts of the country, local disorder has opened opportunities to criminals and fundamentalists. Much of the police force is militantly Shia, and many units are loyal to militias. Although General Petraeus's military "surge" has had some success in reducing violence, Iraqis are still dying violently at an alarming rate—around 1,500 a month.

Understanding this expensive victory is a matter of understanding the remaining violence. Now that Iraq's big questions have been resolved—break-up? No. Shia victory? Yes. Will violence make the Americans go home? No. Do Iraqis like voting? Yes. Do they like Iraq? Yes—Iraq's violence has largely become local and criminal. The biggest fact about Iraq today is that the violence, while tragic, has ceased being political, and is therefore no longer nearly as important as it was.

Some of the violence—that paid for by foreigners or motivated by Islam's crazed fringes—will not recede in a hurry. Iraq has a lot of Islam and long, soft borders. But the rest of Iraq's violence is local: factionalism, revenge cycles, crime, power plays. It will largely cease once Iraq has had a few more years to build up its security apparatus.

There have been four main sources of political violence in Iraq since the invasion. The "insurgency," which means the Sunni violence, comprised three of these four elements: Baathists, Sunni religious fundamentalists (whom we will call Wahhabis after the most important of their closely related strains), and Sunni tribes. (The fourth source of violence is Shia, about which more later.) Baathism, modelled from its birth in the 1940s on German national socialism, is a secular movement. Wahhabism, fighting for a return to the pure days of Islam in the 7th century, is the opposite. It was clear from the beginning that these two tendencies, which today are fighting each other in much of Sunni Iraq, would not get along forever.

Equally clear was that neither could win in their battle for Iraq. The Baathists wanted a return to the privileges they enjoyed under Saddam. The Wahhabis wanted a return to the days of the prophet. Neither was going to happen; for the 85 per cent of the country that is not Sunni Arab, these forms of Sunni Arab totalitarianism were the ultimate non-starter. Sunni power was broken by the invasion: Iraq, finally recognising a group three times as numerous as the Sunnis, had become a Shia country; Baghdad, the dowager capital of Islam, is today a Shia city for the first time since 1534.

All this was foreseen in the first phase of the violence, from the insurgency's start in spring 2004 until the Samarra mosque bombing in February 2006. The Baathists, thugs but rational actors, would eventually give up and sit down to bargain for as much as they could get from the mess they had made. And the Wahhabis, answering to a higher power and mostly foreigners anyway, would keep blowing themselves up. All sides acknowledge that this is what is happening today: the Wahhabis continue to cross the border in search of their 72 virgins in paradise, and the Baathists are negotiating with the Shias and the Americans to come inside the tent.

A third element of the Sunni violence was tribal. This was particularly prevalent in Anbar province in western Iraq, where Sunni tribes have traditionally prospered from banditry on the Damascus road and where even Saddam was not fully in control. Fighting outsiders is an old habit in Iraq's Sunni bandit country. So is making money. Thus the Sunni tribes, like the Baathists, have done precisely what non-ideological observers predicted at the beginning of the violence. Once the victory of the Shias and the resolve of the US administration became clear, the Sunni tribes decided their interest lay in milking what they could from the new dispensation. Thus it is that Anbar today is one of the safer places in Iraq. (Until the pacification of Anbar, about 80 per cent of Iraq's violence happened in four of its 18 provinces: Anbar, Salah ad Din, Nineveh and Baghdad. In nine of the 18 provinces, there is basically no violence.) The importance of the achievement in Anbar cannot be overemphasised: pacifying the heartland of the Sunni insurgency was considered unachievable as recently as this spring. (The assassination in September of Abu Risha—head of the "Anbar Awakening," an organisation of 25 Sunni tribes fighting al Qaeda in Anbar—while unfortunate, will not be material.)

It was always clear that Iraq's Sunni tribes would eventually take up arms against the Saudis, Jordanians and Syrians in their midst who were banning smoking, killing whisky vendors, executing sheikhs of ancient tribes and forcibly marrying local girls to "emirs" of the soi-disant "Islamic state of Iraq." Of course, Anbar's tribal leaders and Baathists could be bought off either directly or by the indirect promise of owning a chunk of what will be a very rich country now that the basic question of who owns Baghdad has been resolved. At least 14,000 Anbari young men have joined the state security services since the surge began in February and the Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, started reaching out to the chiefs.

The tribes and the Baathists also noticed what happened in Fallujah and Ramadi: when those cities ran out of control, America doubled up. In November 2004, the marines surrounded Fallujah, killed every insurgent (and plenty of civilians), started rebuilding the place and left an effective security cordon around it. Ramadi, on a smaller scale, was next. Now the insurgency has decamped to other provinces, where it does not want to be. Beating them there will be even easier, as is proving to be the case in Diyala.

The Sunni insurgents have recognised that there is little point fighting a strong and increasingly skilled enemy—the US—that is on the right side of Iraq's historical destiny and has a political leadership that—unlike that of the British in Basra—responds to setbacks by trying harder. (That is essentially the Petraeus doctrine: more resources more intelligently applied further forward.) There is even less point doing so when you are a discredited minority, as the Sunnis are after 35 years of Baathism followed by their disastrous insurgency, and the enemy is in fact your main guarantor of a fair place at the national table.

Iraq's Sunnis would not be needing the help of the US today had the Sunni leadership not made a historic miscalculation back in 2004. Saddam, a rational man, made an understandable but fatal misjudgement about the people he was up against, and paid for it with his throne and his neck. His Sunni supporters did not learn from this. Thinking they were dealing with the post-Vietnam America of Carter, Reagan and Clinton, they took up arms to prevent the Americans from delivering on their promise of an Iraq that could freely choose its leaders. The habit of centuries of overlordship also fed the Sunni miscalculation: to them, Shia control was unthinkable and so the insurgency was sure to succeed.

By the second half of 2004, the insurgency had had six months to show what it was capable of, and it became clear that its goal could not be the military defeat of the Americans. The Sunnis were now fighting not for a military victory but a political one, to win in the US congress and the newsrooms of CNN and the New York Times the war they could not win in the alleys and date palm groves of Mesopotamia.

With regard to violence against their fellow Iraqis, the Sunni strategy revealed itself quickly to be an effort to provoke the Shias into full-fledged communal violence and civil war. Such a conflagration would be so hot that even Bush's Americans would run for home. The key moment in this strategy was the bombing of the Shia mosque in Samarra. Until then, the Shias had shown great restraint at the stream of Sunni provocations. Shia cells targeted Wahhabis and Baathists, but mostly left the Sunni populace alone. Under the steadying influence of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, their religious leader, the Shias endured mass slaughters in markets, buses and schools throughout 2004, 2005 and early 2006 without large-scale retaliation. As the main beneficiaries from the new Iraq, the Shias could only lose from a prolonged civil war.

The Samarra bombing seemed briefly to be the final straw. The Shia death squads, most associated with the young cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi army, long chafing under Sistani's restraining hand, were let slip. Neighbourhood cleansing began in much of Baghdad and went on for a year until Petraeus's surge began in February. It continues in many places where his troops are not present.

The world held its breath after Samarra: here, we thought, comes the cataclysm, the civil war that many had feared and that others had sought for three years. But it never happened. The Shia backlash in parts of Baghdad was vicious, and the Sunnis were more or less kicked out of much of the city. But over 18 months later, it is clear that the Shias were too sensible to go all the way. It was never a civil war: no battle lines or uniforms, no secession, no attempt to seize power or impose constitutional change, no parallel governments, not even any public leaders or aims. The Sunnis rolled the dice, launched the battle of Baghdad and lost. Now they are begging for an accommodation with Shia Iraq.

What is the evidence for this? This summer, Maliki's office reached out to Baathist ex-soldiers and officers and received 48,600 requests for jobs in uniform; he made room for 5,000 of them, found civil service jobs for another 7,000, and put the rest of them on a full pension. Meanwhile leading Baathists have told Time magazine they want to be in the government; the 1920 Revolution Brigade—a Sunni insurgent group—is reportedly patrolling the streets of Diyala with the 3rd infantry division, and the Sunni Islamic Army in Iraq is telling al Jazeera it may negotiate with the Americans. The anecdotes coming out of Baghdad confirm the trend. The drawing rooms of the capital's dealmakers are full of Baathists, cap in hand. They are terrified of the Shia death squads and want to share in the pie when the oil starts flowing. Both Izzat al-Douri, the more prestigious of the two main Baathist leaders, and Mohamed Younis al Ahmed, the more lethal, have been reaching out from neighbouring countries to negotiate an accommodation. Since the summer, the news coming out on the Sunni front has consistently been in this one, inevitable direction.

The Shia story was different. There have been two broad tendencies in Iraq's Shia politics: the pro-Iranian camp and the nationalist camp. Iraq has two great traditional pro-Iranian Shia parties—Nouri al-Maliki's Dawa party and the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (the former SCIRI). They fought Saddam from exile and spent the wilderness years in Iran. Opposed to these two is the al-Sadr movement, which—under Muqtada al-Sadr's father Mohammad Sadeq, killed by Saddam's men in 1999—fought Saddam from inside Iraq and kept its sense of anti-Iranian Iraqi nationalism intact. Of these tendencies, only al-Sadr's rose up to fight the Americans.

Muqtada al-Sadr's announcement of a unilateral six-month ceasefire on 29th August was significant, but not for the reasons most apparent. Al-Sadr actually stopped fighting the Americans three years ago. He rose up against them twice in 2004, but since the end of his second uprising, his Mahdi army has focused its violence on Wahhabis and Baathists, with frequent clashes against other Shia factions. Al-Sadr's movement is splintered and immature. Its less legitimate fringes have been active in sectarian cleansing. Many who do have ties to his movement frequently work beyond his control. Some of these tendencies continue to direct violence against the coalition, but this is negligible compared to the force of a true Sadrist resistance, as anyone who was in Najaf or Sadr City in 2004 will attest. Since this spring, US troops have been comfortably based in Sadr City—the giant Baghdad slum that is the power base of the Sadrists.

In mid-September, the al-Sadr parliamentary bloc withdrew its support for Maliki's government, without providing a public explanation. This repeats a pattern. In April, al-Sadr withdrew his ministers from the cabinet in ostensible protest at the remaining presence of the coalition forces; while in December 2006 he did the same thing in protest at a meeting between Maliki and Bush. Each of these exercises was greeted as Iraq's latest cataclysm, but, in the latter two cases, a month or two later al-Sadr's chiefs were quietly back fronting the ministries that their minions had continued to run in their absence. The point is that having al-Sadr playing political games rather than military ones is the most positive thing that could be happening in Iraq.

Muqtada al-Sadr, Iraq's most successful, popular and important politician, has underwritten Iraq's progress towards legitimate politics since late 2004. His sense of Iraqi nationalism will never allow Iranian dominance; his fraternal stance towards the peaceful Sunni tendencies, and the sheer size and passion of his movement, make his support for the project of reconstruction and pluralism in Iraq the most important political factor in the country. Prospect readers will not be surprised to read that al-Sadr is on the right side of the key issues, and that this is helping Iraq get over its transition from 35 years of Baathism's murderous apartheid (see "Iraq's rebel democrats," Prospect June 2005). Since 2004 I have pointed out that al-Sadr, as leader of the country's largest popular movement, has more to win from a functioning electoral politics than from fighting the Americans who guaranteed the polls that liberated his people, or from fighting the Iraqi government of which he is himself the joint largest part.

As we have noted, the real al-Sadr ceasefire began three years ago. But by saying publicly, again, that his men are putting down their guns, al-Sadr is declaring in the most unequivocal way that the violence in Iraq is not in his name.

Iranian-made rockets will continue to kill British and American soldiers. Saudi Wahhabis will continue to blow up marketplaces, employment queues and Shia mosques when they can. Iraqi criminals will continue to bully their neighbourhoods into homogeneities that will give the strongest more leverage, although even this tide is turning in most places where Petraeus's surge has reached. Bodies will continue to pile up in the ditches of Doura and east Baghdad as the country goes through the final spasm of the reckoning that was always going to attend the end of 35 years of brutal Sunni rule.

But in terms of national politics, there is nothing left to fight for. The only Iraqis still fighting for more than local factional advantage and criminal dominance are the irrational actors: the Sunni fundamentalists, who number but a thousand or two men-at-arms, most of them not Iraqi. Like other Wahhabi attacks on Iraq in 1805 and 1925, the current one will end soon enough. As the maturing Iraqi state gets control of its borders, and as Iraq's Sunni neighbours recognise that a Shia Iraq must be dealt with, the flow of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Iraq from Syria will start to dry up. Even today, for all the bloodshed it causes, the violence hardly affects the bigger picture: suicide bombs go off, dozens of innocents die, the Shias mostly hold back and Iraq's tough life goes on.

In early September, Nouri al-Maliki said, "We may differ with our American friends about tactics… But my message to them is one of appreciation and gratitude. To them I say, you have liberated a people, brought them into the modern world… We used to be decimated and killed like locusts in Saddam's endless wars, and we have now come into the light." Here is an eloquent answer to the question of when American troops will leave Iraq. They will leave Iraq when the Iraqis, through their elected leadership, tell them to. According to a September poll, 47 per cent of Iraqis would prefer the Americans to leave. The surprise is that it's not 100 per cent. Who, after all, would not want his country rid of foreign troops? But if Iraqis had wanted government by opinion poll, they would have written their constitution that way. Instead, they chose, as do most people when given the choice, representative government.

Now that the outcome of the war in Iraq has been decided, a common argument heard on Capitol Hill and elsewhere is about moral hazard: the longer we stay, the less incentive Iraqis have to get their act together. They will not achieve reconciliation or become capable of keeping order in their own country, because America is doing the work for them.

This presumes that Iraq's elite is not trying on either front. That is nonsense. What is the basis for the presumption that Iraq's government is failing at political reconciliation? Parts of a 15 per cent minority have capped a 35-year reign of terror with four bloody years of a failed effort to drag historic injustices into the new era, and now the other players do not want to treat that failure like a victory. On a partisan basis, Iraq's governing coalition represents about 85 per cent of the country: almost everybody but some of the Sunnis. This means the Shia Dawa, SIIC, Sadrists and others; the Kurdish KDP and PUK; and various secular and moderate Sunnis. At the local level, the government is reaching out to the Sunnis. Federal money is being pumped into Anbar, and in Baghdad 30 Sunni mosques have been reopened, over half of them in the mostly Shia east. For all Iraqis' understandable complaints about corruption, the coalition, public services and safety, Maliki's government would win another big majority tomorrow.

The Sunnis have three specific worries: oil money, federalism and de-Baathification. On oil, revenues are already being shared out among the provinces and, to please the Americans, an oil-sharing law will probably be passed in the next 6 months. On federalism, the principle of regional autonomy is enshrined in the constitution, the Sunnis will benefit from it by being able to run their own affairs, and everyone else will benefit from avoiding a repeat of the Baathist nightmare of a strong central state, when a much looser arrangement worked for 300 years under the Ottomans. On de-Baathification, a new law this autumn should restore pensions and job access to all but the previous top 1,500 Baathists, almost all of whom are in prison, Syria or Jordan.

The other half of the moral hazard argument is about security: if we provide Iraqis' security for them, they will never do it for themselves. This is equally inaccurate. First, Iraqis are increasingly providing their own security. Second, Maliki and his colleagues run an elected government. They are subject to the judgement of their people in two years' time. They have every reason to try as hard as possible to deliver an end to the embarrassing reliance on the foreigner. It would be foolhardy to bet on Iraq, of all places, becoming the first Islamic state in the middle east not to achieve a basic monopoly on domestic violence.

The argument of this article—that with nothing more to resolve from political violence, Iraqis can now settle down to gorge themselves at the oil trough—is based on two premises: Sunni acknowledgement of the failure of their insurgency and the need to reach an accommodation with the new Iraq, and a conjunction of interests between the coalition on one hand and the Kurds and Shias on the other.

We have become very familiar with General Petraeus and the disputed numbers of his surge. Does US strategy reflect the phenomena I have described? The Americans have never argued this way. But reading between the lines, American thinking does seem broadly to accord with the conclusions of this argument, if not its premises. Petraeus has already announced the first marine and army drawdowns for September and December respectively. His boss, defence secretary Robert Gates, is hoping publicly for a net withdrawal of 60,000 troops next year. Bush too is promising cuts. These plans are a recognition that the job in Iraq is moving rapidly towards something closer to Iraqi police work than American war.

-- October 12, 2007 10:49 PM ∞

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John Deer wrote:

Summing up the previous article: events are in motion that will inevitably lead to American victory, Iraq will be a rich country soon, and you all who hold the Dinar will be wealthy! My favorite lines:

"Mission Accomplished...Iraq, the world's axial country since the beginning of history and all the more important in this current era for probably possessing the world's largest reserves of oil...will be a very rich country."

Iraq will be rich. It will hold together. And all you will be rich!

-- October 12, 2007 11:35 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

John Deer:

If victory is ours, to stay victorious we must help the Iraqi's build a strong economy with a strong Dinar.

Thank you for the posts. I hope you are dead on accurate about us being wealthy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 13, 2007 12:05 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

John deer,

You have a grasp on a lot of info, are you Troops on the ground.
I will go along with you on Iraq being the richest country in
the world, about 10 years I think.

And yes Im with you on us all becomeing very wealthy
Stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 13, 2007 12:43 AM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

JOHN DEERE,
I APPRECIATE YOUR POST. ACURATE ANALYSIS IN MY VIEW.

-- October 13, 2007 12:52 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

John Deer,

Oh, what a good article you gave us. Thanks.

The bottom have been reached in Iraq, and we are on the way up now.

It's still ways to go in that country, but I can sense that the fighting spirit in any insurgency in Iraq exhausted, and they see the impossibility in their fight, and new promising realities with hammers, paint brushes, chisels, saws, and shovels, rather than their guns.

-- October 13, 2007 1:24 AM ∞

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Clyde wrote:

John ,, Great article u posted, by Bartle Bull.
I'm going to save it to text, just so I can refer back to it in hopes of helping me keep up with the players in the Fruit Basket of Trail Mix in Iran. ("Fruits & Nuts")

-- October 13, 2007 4:11 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Laura Parker,

I'm just kind of curious about two things.

First, any info from your husband regarding nukes and Iran in any form?

Second, I would like to have Panhandler giving some ideas about companies over there worth buying stocks into.

I know he mentioned two companies, and was suppose to give a bit more detailed report when he's back from Thailand.

When will he be back?

-- October 14, 2007 4:04 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

$13 Billion for the Strategic Baghdad Development Plan

Mu’een al-Kadhimi, head of the Baghdad Governorate Council, has told the press that the strategic 5-year development plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Planning. Baghdad city will be developed according to the plan which will include various projects. The budget for the projects is IQD18 trillion, the equivalent of $13 billion

$13 Billion for the Strategic Baghdad Development Plan

Mu’een al-Kadhimi, head of the Baghdad Governorate Council, has told the press that the strategic 5-year development plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Planning. Baghdad city will be developed according to the plan which will include various projects. The budget for the projects is IQD18 trillion, the equivalent of $13 billion

$13 Billion for the Strategic Baghdad Development Plan

Mu’een al-Kadhimi, head of the Baghdad Governorate Council, has told the press that the strategic 5-year development plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Planning. Baghdad city will be developed according to the plan which will include various projects. The budget for the projects is IQD18 trillion, the equivalent of $13 billion.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 14, 2007 4:49 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

14 Oct 2007 13:00:00
Branches
IAC opens 47 branches in provinces
Baghdad (NINA)-The Iraq Awakening Council (IAC) announced opening 47 branches in many Iraqi provinces. Muayad Al-Dulaimi, member of IAC said Sunday that 47 branches were opened in most of the Iraqi provinces as the experience of the council was successful in combating terrorism.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 14, 2007 4:53 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Rob N.

13 Billion Dollars worth of development and improvement in the city of Baghdad alone the next coming 5 years.

Wouldn't you say that it would be a pretty good idea to get into some stocks in construction, materiel supply and not to mention, all the soda the thirsty workers are going to drink in the hot summertime.

The workers may not afford a TV, cellphone, car or computer just yet, but they can for sure afford a soda. So you might as well toss in some soft drink stocks as well.

Even if you swindle and defraud half of that money, still, those Billions goes as veeeeeeeeeeery long way.

-- October 14, 2007 5:03 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Some Good News. Lets hope the Turks continue to show restraint.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pentagon: No Signs of Turkish Offensive
Associated Press | October 13, 2007
WASHINGTON - There are about 60,000 Turkish troops along the country's southern border, but the U.S. military is seeing no activity to suggest an imminent offensive against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, U.S. officials said.

As tensions mount between the U.S. and Turkey over a congressional resolution condemning the killings of Armenians a century ago as genocide, the Pentagon is both watching the border for troop movements, and planning for contingencies if Turkey restricts access to critical supply routes there.

A U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said Friday that any offensive by Turkey into what has been a relatively peaceful area of northern Iraq would likely involve airstrikes and mortar fire.

But so far, the official said, there has been no evidence of Turkish soldiers massing along the border. The number of troops there isn't unusual, the official said.

U.S. military officials have said they believe they will get some type of warning if the Turks launch an incursion into Iraq against the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. For years, the United States has routinely had military representatives with the Turkish armed forces.

The United States has consistently argued against a Turkish offensive, pushing instead for a broader diplomatic solution between Iraq and Turkey over the problem of the rebel PKK.

But of equal concern, however, is what impact the congressional resolution will have on U.S. military supply routes that have been used recently to move much-needed armored vehicles to troops in Iraq.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee this week passed a resolution labeling the World War I-era killings of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks genocide. Turkey has argued that the toll has been inflated and the killings were the result of civil war and unrest.

Turkish authorities have not said whether further congressional action would prompt Turkey to shut down Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, a major hub for U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Turkey's Mediterranean port of Iskenderun is also used to ferry goods to American troops.

And U.S. military officials said Friday that they have seen no indications of repercussions yet from the Turks.

But the Pentagon has dusted off contingency plans that would reroute supplies and arms if transportation through Turkey or across its airspace is restricted. There is more "focused planning" as a result of the congressional action, the official said.

One key impact could be on the delivery of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) that the Pentagon has been trying to rush to Iraq. The vehicles give troops better protection against roadside bombs.

Officials are looking at plans to reroute those deliveries around Turkey if needed. Other supply routes - including those used during the ramp up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 - could involve Kuwait and Jordan.

There also have been concerns that Turkey may cut off military contracts with the U.S.

Some of Turkey's largest recent purchases through the Pentagon's foreign military sales programs were $1.7 billion for F-16 aircraft; $1.6 billion to upgrade already owned F-16s, and to purchase four Airborne Early Warning Aircraft (AWACS) with an overall value of about $3 billion.

Turkey also bought torpedoes in an $80 million sale as part of a program to modernize its navy.

The U.S. each year budgets money under its foreign military financing program - essentially money given to Turkey to buy U.S. military equipment. Turkey received $34 million in budget year 2005 and $15 million in each of the next two years under that program.

The U.S. also budgeted $3 million in each of the last three fiscal years for Turkey in the international military education and training program, according to the State Department. The money was used to help Turkey transform its military to meet some European Union standards as well as provide other training and skills.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 14, 2007 5:04 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Says Innocent Victims Unavoidable
Associated Press | October 13, 2007
BAGHDAD - Iraq's Shiite-dominated government said the killings of 15 women and children in a U.S. attack on a Sunni area were a "sorrowful matter," but emphasized that civilian deaths are unavoidable in the fight against al-Qaida in Iraq.

The comments Friday by government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh appeared to be tacit approval of Thursday's raid northwest of Baghdad. They suggested the Iraqi government holds the American military to a different standard when it comes to assaults against suspected Sunni insurgents.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has complained loudly to U.S. military officials when Shiite civilians have been killed in American attacks against Mahdi Army militants, and tensions have been high over recent shootings of Iraqi civilians by private security contractors protecting U.S.-government-funded work.

On Friday, al-Dabbagh said the area targeted by American forces was a known base for insurgents, whom he accused of hiding among civilians.

"The issue of 15 civilian victims is a sorrowful matter, but confronting al-Qaida is an essential and vital issue," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "They shouldn't have any place among the civilians."

"We are in a war against those diabolical and wicked groups; therefore during military operations there might be innocents killed," he added. "The victims are an unavoidable matter in fighting al-Qaida."

The assault targeting senior al-Qaida in Iraq leaders near Lake Tharthar, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of the capital, inflicted one of the heaviest civilian death tolls in the offensive against the terror network in recent months. The military said 19 suspected insurgents, six women and nine children died, and two suspected insurgents, one woman and three children were wounded.

U.S. spokesman Rear Adm. Greg Smith said the military would examine surveillance footage and interview troops to confirm the sequence of events. "We certainly will do a very thorough investigation to ensure the force used was appropriate," he said.

"We do what we can to ensure that we minimize to the greatest extent possible the loss of life of civilians," Smith said. "But in instances where your forces are being fired upon, you're going to use all necessary means to reduce that threat." He accused al-Qaida fighters of using their relatives and other innocent people to shield themselves.

The military said ground troops backed by attack aircraft acted on intelligence reports about an al-Qaida meeting at an initial location near the man-made lake, which straddles the volatile Sunni Anbar and Salahuddin provinces. Four insurgents were killed in that strike, but several suspects fled to another location, the military said.

American troops pursuing them faced small-arms fire, and a subsequent airstrike caused most of the casualties.

Tensions are running high in Iraq over the killings of civilians by U.S. forces and private security guards.

A representative of the country's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urged the parliament to take up the issue of unjustified killings of Iraqi civilians, especially by the armed teams from mostly Western companies.

"Iraqi blood has become the cheapest thing in Iraq," Sheik Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai said in a Friday sermon in the Shiite holy city of Karbala. "So we demand the Iraqi parliament meet to discuss the devaluing of Iraqi blood and souls by these companies."

Al-Qaida in Iraq had announced stepped-up attacks during Ramadan, and there has been a spike in car bombings and other attacks usually blamed on the terror network.

In Friday's deadliest attack, a parked car bomb exploded near a police patrol in a central Baghdad shopping district, killing four people, including two policemen, a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

Separately, a bomb planted among toys in a cart left near a children's playground in the religiously mixed city of Tuz Khormato, 210 kilometers (130 miles) north of Baghdad, killed two people and wounded 17, police Col. Abbas Mohammed said. One of the dead was a child.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 14, 2007 5:09 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

I am not saying I will not invest in the ISX. I must continue to educate myself about the various industries available. I suppose I can go to the ISX website to see that list. Moreover, I am still concerned about proxy ownership of the stocks I purchase. Your admonition to purchase stocks in those industries is well taken.

Thanks,

Rob Nowlin

-- October 14, 2007 5:18 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

I read where the ISX is currently up 50% vs. an 11% gain for the Dinar. Score one for the ISX.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 14, 2007 5:20 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Of course, it has to be right in your own head regarding ISX, don't do anything that doesn't fit in your own universe.

I just want you to see in comparison what kind of investment that is done in Baghdad, for the coming years.

13 Billion for reconstruction of Baghdad, well, compare that with New Orleans.

First consider the wages here in the US compared with the wages over there, and then compare the investment of the reconstruction.

Both need reconstruction, and I'm pretty sure New Orleans needs it more than Baghdad, as Baghdad is not wasteland, but have houses, streets and an infrastructure that is in one piece.

You can compare the 13 Billion in reconstruction effort of Baghdad (Dollar value) in comparison with New Orleans.

They were struggling to meet the 1.1 Billion in federal grants, but are now settling on a slimmed down budget of "only" 216 million Dollars.

Both cities will come back to life, but it shows the different in scale of the reconstruction effort, where so much more resources are poured into Baghdad.

And we're only talking about Baghdad here, Iraq as a whole are due for some heavy construction, infrastructure, services, and fixed installations.

Today I sent over to Warka my first purchase order on stocks.

So far a little bit over half of my holdings are placed in stocks, and I may adjust it as I go.

Perhaps I will sell off non performing stocks, and roll it over in areas that moves well.

As for proxy holding stocks, well that is pretty much what we all do in our 401K, but sure, you can get your own certificate.

It's just a bit more papers to fill in, but I would just go with the motions, and do what they request, and soon you will hold your own certificates in your hand.

I'm not there yet, but I'm getting there.

Warka (and the whole Iraq) is closed right now, in celebration of the end of Ramadan, and the Warka Bank will open on the 17th.

I have two pieces of paper in the e-mail for Warka.

One authorization letter for them to put my data on their electronic banking system, and one authorization letter to them giving them ok to dip into my account for the purchase of stocks on the ISX.

I probably wont hear from them until after a couple of days.

I know that they are working very hard to give excellent service, and be top notch, but they are still lagging somewhat in banking technology, and will probably have a backlog when they return after the holidays.

I have intentionally held off somewhat, and didn't put everything into stocks, because as I have described in earlier postings, what will be very interesting investment objects will be when the big Iraqi construction companies goes on public sale.

They are now mostly Govt owned (as most stuff over there) and as far as I know they are due to be privatized. When ...I don't know, and I have been trying to get info about it, but it's hard to come by.

With the help of Steven, that have been most helpful in serving me with websites, I did some research, (well Steven pointed it out for me, but I can only concur after reading up about the phenomenon.)

This is very interesting if you are about to invest into Iraq.

What we found out, with a comparison with Kuwait, was a pattern that most likely will be duplicated in Iraq.

The comparison is not fully representative, as the time period that the comparison was taking place under was the time period from 2000 until now. In the meanwhile Kuwait have had a long number of years to reconstruct on, after it's war, but it showed that when the threat from the north was gone (Saddams Fall), things started to move really nice in Kuwait.

Banks did really good, but was not the top performers, they were a good and steady sluggers, so to say.

The industry that is, or is in a direct relationship to construction, was the top performers by far.

What astonished me, was industries like the Kuwait cement industry, you could see increase figures of 300% annually.

Investment companies did good, but all construction companies were the top performers, in the boom in Kuwait after Saddams fall.

On the ISX that whole segment is missing. You can't find the "Halliburton's" of Iraq, on their ISX.

Also the Cement industry in Iraq is big, and listed as one of their great natural resources, but none of it is on the ISX. I guess they are Govt industries.

The Cement industry, is an industry that is bound to go boom in an Iraq that is under heavy reconstruction.

In Kuwait they topped the list.

Building supply companies are a must.

My advice, take it or leave it, go into Banks as the main investment, and spread out in the ISX existing listing of industry, a bit. The "good" industry is not on the ISX list yet.

Under the listing of "Industry", on the ISX you will find rug-carpets, and fish hatcheries, clothes sawing and such.

You can always sell under performer, causiously have a reserve ready when any bigger construction companies or cement companies starts to trade, and immediately get in, in the beginning of those.

You are right in your observation, the Iraqi stock market is not fully developed, but that doesn't mean that there are gains to have.

There is a lot of interesting stuff to invest into in Iraq right now, even though I wish the list would be much longer and more comprehensive on the participating companies of the ISX.

Just set your self up with a savings account and get your 11% interest to start up with.

Then you can later take a hard look in order to decide if you want to get some stocks, all you have to do then, is to send an authorization letter, and your stock picks, and you're in.

-- October 14, 2007 9:53 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hope the Turks will not go and screw things up in Iraq.

The old Armenia was quite a big empire in it's days, and the today Kurds, the direct descendants from that empire only have Northern Iraq or Kurdistan, left.

Memories are long in those pat of the world, and still there is a band of est 2000 Kurdish guerrilla messing with the Turks since years and years back.

Some Kurds just can't get the idea that their old country was taken many generations ago, and thinks part of Turkey is theirs.

What does that mean for the Turks, well, they have lived with years and years of Kurdish guerrilla attacks in different parts of Turkey, and probably starts to be quite fed up with it.

I think that in order to avoid any mishaps here, both the Iraqi Gov, and the coalition , needs to identify the problem.

So far, the Iraqi's and the coalition have been fighting a war within Iraq, and if no one have been planting bombs in Kurdistan, so much better. All the attention have been directed to the internal struggle, and in the meanwhile the Kurdish guerrilla have been unchecked in Turkey.

The problem is, Turkey is NATO, and the US have most of it's logistics going through Turkey.

If Turkey will go over the border, then it will be precarious situation when an ally will invade a country of our allies.

Probably the very best solution would be to add the Kurdish guerrilla onto the list of enemy combatants, and take them out.

It is an inside problem in Iraq. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Iraqi Gov, because the Kurdish guerrilla is operating from Iraq.

In the heat of the Iraqi battle, this conflict have been under the radar screen for very long, but as things mature in Iraq, it is probably time to grab the bull by the horn, and confront the guerrilla.

If not, Turkey will probably go in and do it's own number, and if that happens, things will get complicated in a hurry.

-- October 14, 2007 10:19 PM ∞

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John Deer wrote:

Interesting analysis:

It’s the Oil
Jim Holt
Iraq is ‘unwinnable’, a ‘quagmire’, a ‘fiasco’: so goes the received opinion. But there is good reason to think that, from the Bush-Cheney perspective, it is none of these things. Indeed, the US may be ‘stuck’ precisely where Bush et al want it to be, which is why there is no ‘exit strategy’.

Iraq has 115 billion barrels of known oil reserves. That is more than five times the total in the United States. And, because of its long isolation, it is the least explored of the world’s oil-rich nations. A mere two thousand wells have been drilled across the entire country; in Texas alone there are a million. It has been estimated, by the Council on Foreign Relations, that Iraq may have a further 220 billion barrels of undiscovered oil; another study puts the figure at 300 billion. If these estimates are anywhere close to the mark, US forces are now sitting on one quarter of the world’s oil resources. The value of Iraqi oil, largely light crude with low production costs, would be of the order of $30 trillion at today’s prices. For purposes of comparison, the projected total cost of the US invasion/occupation is around $1 trillion.

Who will get Iraq’s oil? One of the Bush administration’s ‘benchmarks’ for the Iraqi government is the passage of a law to distribute oil revenues. The draft law that the US has written for the Iraqi congress would cede nearly all the oil to Western companies. The Iraq National Oil Company would retain control of 17 of Iraq’s 80 existing oilfields, leaving the rest – including all yet to be discovered oil – under foreign corporate control for 30 years. ‘The foreign companies would not have to invest their earnings in the Iraqi economy,’ the analyst Antonia Juhasz wrote in the New York Times in March, after the draft law was leaked. ‘They could even ride out Iraq’s current “instability” by signing contracts now, while the Iraqi government is at its weakest, and then wait at least two years before even setting foot in the country.’ As negotiations over the oil law stalled in September, the provincial government in Kurdistan simply signed a separate deal with the Dallas-based Hunt Oil Company, headed by a close political ally of President Bush.

How will the US maintain hegemony over Iraqi oil? By establishing permanent military bases in Iraq. Five self-sufficient ‘super-bases’ are in various stages of completion. All are well away from the urban areas where most casualties have occurred. There has been precious little reporting on these bases in the American press, whose dwindling corps of correspondents in Iraq cannot move around freely because of the dangerous conditions. (It takes a brave reporter to leave the Green Zone without a military escort.) In February last year, the Washington Post reporter Thomas Ricks described one such facility, the Balad Air Base, forty miles north of Baghdad. A piece of (well-fortified) American suburbia in the middle of the Iraqi desert, Balad has fast-food joints, a miniature golf course, a football field, a cinema and distinct neighbourhoods – among them, ‘KBR-land’, named after the Halliburton subsidiary that has done most of the construction work at the base. Although few of the 20,000 American troops stationed there have ever had any contact with an Iraqi, the runway at the base is one of the world’s busiest. ‘We are behind only Heathrow right now,’ an air force commander told Ricks.

The Defense Department was initially coy about these bases. In 2003, Donald Rumsfeld said: ‘I have never, that I can recall, heard the subject of a permanent base in Iraq discussed in any meeting.’ But this summer the Bush administration began to talk openly about stationing American troops in Iraq for years, even decades, to come. Several visitors to the White House have told the New York Times that the president himself has become fond of referring to the ‘Korea model’. When the House of Representatives voted to bar funding for ‘permanent bases’ in Iraq, the new term of choice became ‘enduring bases’, as if three or four decades wasn’t effectively an eternity.

But will the US be able to maintain an indefinite military presence in Iraq? It will plausibly claim a rationale to stay there for as long as civil conflict simmers, or until every groupuscule that conveniently brands itself as ‘al-Qaida’ is exterminated. The civil war may gradually lose intensity as Shias, Sunnis and Kurds withdraw into separate enclaves, reducing the surface area for sectarian friction, and as warlords consolidate local authority. De facto partition will be the result. But this partition can never become de jure. (An independent Kurdistan in the north might upset Turkey, an independent Shia region in the east might become a satellite of Iran, and an independent Sunni region in the west might harbour al-Qaida.) Presiding over this Balkanised Iraq will be a weak federal government in Baghdad, propped up and overseen by the Pentagon-scale US embassy that has just been constructed – a green zone within the Green Zone. As for the number of US troops permanently stationed in Iraq, the defence secretary, Robert Gates, told Congress at the end of September that ‘in his head’ he saw the long-term force as consisting of five combat brigades, a quarter of the current number, which, with support personnel, would mean 35,000 troops at the very minimum, probably accompanied by an equal number of mercenary contractors. (He may have been erring on the side of modesty, since the five super-bases can accommodate between ten and twenty thousand troops each.) These forces will occasionally leave their bases to tamp down civil skirmishes, at a declining cost in casualties. As a senior Bush administration official told the New York Times in June, the long-term bases ‘are all places we could fly in and out of without putting Americans on every street corner’. But their main day-to-day function will be to protect the oil infrastructure.

This is the ‘mess’ that Bush-Cheney is going to hand on to the next administration. What if that administration is a Democratic one? Will it dismantle the bases and withdraw US forces entirely? That seems unlikely, considering the many beneficiaries of the continued occupation of Iraq and the exploitation of its oil resources. The three principal Democratic candidates – Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards – have already hedged their bets, refusing to promise that, if elected, they would remove American forces from Iraq before 2013, the end of their first term.

Among the winners: oil-services companies like Halliburton; the oil companies themselves (the profits will be unimaginable, and even Democrats can be bought); US voters, who will be guaranteed price stability at the gas pump (which sometimes seems to be all they care about); Europe and Japan, which will both benefit from Western control of such a large part of the world’s oil reserves, and whose leaders will therefore wink at the permanent occupation; and, oddly enough, Osama bin Laden, who will never again have to worry about US troops profaning the holy places of Mecca and Medina, since the stability of the House of Saud will no longer be paramount among American concerns. Among the losers is Russia, which will no longer be able to lord its own energy resources over Europe. Another big loser is Opec, and especially Saudi Arabia, whose power to keep oil prices high by enforcing production quotas will be seriously compromised.

Then there is the case of Iran, which is more complicated. In the short term, Iran has done quite well out of the Iraq war. Iraq’s ruling Shia coalition is now dominated by a faction friendly to Tehran, and the US has willy-nilly armed and trained the most pro-Iranian elements in the Iraqi military. As for Iran’s nuclear programme, neither air strikes nor negotiations seem likely to derail it at the moment. But the Iranian regime is precarious. Unpopular mullahs hold onto power by financing internal security services and buying off elites with oil money, which accounts for 70 per cent of government revenues. If the price of oil were suddenly to drop to, say, $40 a barrel (from a current price just north of $80), the repressive regime in Tehran would lose its steady income. And that is an outcome the US could easily achieve by opening the Iraqi oil spigot for as long as necessary (perhaps taking down Venezuela’s oil-cocky Hugo Chávez into the bargain).

And think of the United States vis-à-vis China. As a consequence of our trade deficit, around a trillion dollars’ worth of US denominated debt (including $400 billion in US Treasury bonds) is held by China. This gives Beijing enormous leverage over Washington: by offloading big chunks of US debt, China could bring the American economy to its knees. China’s own economy is, according to official figures, expanding at something like 10 per cent a year. Even if the actual figure is closer to 4 or 5 per cent, as some believe, China’s increasing heft poses a threat to US interests. (One fact: China is acquiring new submarines five times faster than the US.) And the main constraint on China’s growth is its access to energy – which, with the US in control of the biggest share of world oil, would largely be at Washington’s sufferance. Thus is the Chinese threat neutralised.

Many people are still perplexed by exactly what moved Bush-Cheney to invade and occupy Iraq. In the 27 September issue of the New York Review of Books, Thomas Powers, one of the most astute watchers of the intelligence world, admitted to a degree of bafflement. ‘What’s particularly odd,’ he wrote, ‘is that there seems to be no sophisticated, professional, insiders’ version of the thinking that drove events.’ Alan Greenspan, in his just published memoir, is clearer on the matter. ‘I am saddened,’ he writes, ‘that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: the Iraq war is largely about oil.’

Was the strategy of invading Iraq to take control of its oil resources actually hammered out by Cheney’s 2001 energy task force? One can’t know for sure, since the deliberations of that task force, made up largely of oil and energy company executives, have been kept secret by the administration on the grounds of ‘executive privilege’. One can’t say for certain that oil supplied the prime motive. But the hypothesis is quite powerful when it comes to explaining what has actually happened in Iraq. The occupation may seem horribly botched on the face of it, but the Bush administration’s cavalier attitude towards ‘nation-building’ has all but ensured that Iraq will end up as an American protectorate for the next few decades – a necessary condition for the extraction of its oil wealth. If the US had managed to create a strong, democratic government in an Iraq effectively secured by its own army and police force, and had then departed, what would have stopped that government from taking control of its own oil, like every other regime in the Middle East? On the assumption that the Bush-Cheney strategy is oil-centred, the tactics – dissolving the army, de-Baathification, a final ‘surge’ that has hastened internal migration – could scarcely have been more effective. The costs – a few billion dollars a month plus a few dozen American fatalities (a figure which will probably diminish, and which is in any case comparable to the number of US motorcyclists killed because of repealed helmet laws) – are negligible compared to $30 trillion in oil wealth, assured American geopolitical supremacy and cheap gas for voters. In terms of realpolitik, the invasion of Iraq is not a fiasco; it is a resounding success.

Still, there is reason to be sceptical of the picture I have drawn: it implies that a secret and highly ambitious plan turned out just the way its devisers foresaw, and that almost never happens.

-- October 15, 2007 1:10 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Good posting John Deer,

The article however center around the motive behind. Oil.

It is well written and in it's figures and display is very convincing, but I have my own personal doubts that this is...all about oil.

When we invaded Iraq the oil was around 35 Dollar a barrel and now it is over 80 Dollars a barrel.

Would it be that this is all about oil, then we would have moved in with the big oil cahoonas about the time the dust had settled from the tank race to Baghdad.

I am absolutely convinced that oil is one consideration of the events that was planned and executed, but I am far from convinced that this is all about oil.

With all the wrong readings we did on the culture, the religions, their loyalties, and their loves and hates, but we did get one thing really dead spot on.

We got the battle on the terrorists right where we wanted it.

Al Qaeda themselves declared Iraq as the pivotal battle, and (knock on wood) we have not seen any terrorist hit the US since then.

We instead have droves of Jihads, trying with all means to get into Iraq, and blow themselves up.

THAT was not a lucky intelligens shot, this was most probably very very carefully studied.

Place yourself in the middle of Middle East, well the Jihads just haaaaave to go there and do their holy things.

It's an inevitable magnet, a must for them.

Latest report is that we are knocking them off with a number of about 1500 a week.

The oil is the property of Iraq, and they are not selling one barrel to anyone, they are letting oil companies drill and pump it, for them, and then share the profit per contract.

It would be such a better plan, to make the Iraqis our allies, make a Democratic institution out of the whole place, and make the Iraqis be their own bosses.

THAT will be such a different set up from anything in the region, that it will make deep changes in the thinking in the whole region.

Resistance is hard against it, because in a free society the Islamofascists will have no ground, and they know it.

I'm really starting to think that it was also planned that the population that took in AlQaeda, and sheltered them, was let do so, so they could see what it is like under Islamic Fundamentalist Laws.

It turned out that the local Sheiks, Mullahs and local leaders now are abandoning their support for AlQaeda, and are helping in hunting them down.

Instead they're giving the support to the Iraqi Government and the coalition forces.

If we got to win this thing, it can not be from greed, like...it's all about oil.

We have to serve the people of Iraq what they want most...freedom.

The principals about freedom have to be stellar, and lived up to.

Mistakes have been made along the way, and many analyzers have been digging deep into the "real reason why", and have elegantly put forward the notion of oil, or other world power conspiracies.

When it is too simple, like give people their freedom, it is almost always unbelievable, and other causes are sought after.

The further left you are digging on the political scale, the more rolling eyeballs, smiles and shaking heads you will encounter, when that simple fact is displayed.

Freedom.

Sure Iraq will not be served freedom on a silver platter, they have to earn it, and fight for it. They will, as well as we are, suffer deaths, in the process, but eventually they will be there.

-- October 15, 2007 2:31 AM ∞

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bert wrote:

http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Economics-News-Iraq/3-8754-Trade-Ministry-plans-to-improve-Iraq%E2%80%99s-economy.html can iraq do this if they lopped.or even at the rate it is now?

-- October 15, 2007 2:05 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

John Deer:

I appreciate this good post. I do not believe the our troops being deployed to Iraq centers completly on oil. This is a war of ideology, between Islamic extremists and the West.

I do want to pick up on the last line of your post. Though mistakes were made in the excution this war; if Federalism wins in Iraq the Bush administration can say this "highly ambitious plan turned out just the way [our] devisers foresaw."

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 15, 2007 2:53 PM ∞

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Bill1 wrote:

Hello All,

Just thought I'd drop in and see if everyone was still alive and well...

I've been here in Iraq for the last nine months, and have about 3.5 more to go.

Good luck with your NID ... The future is anything but certain.

Bill1

-- October 15, 2007 9:42 PM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

Roger,
I disagree with you on your point. Although there are other important issues besides oil, only the oil has justified this huge investment by the USA. The other issues you memtion are merely media tools to paint a pretty picture for world political interest. I have always felt that this was a courageous investment by the current administration, to protect our economy for the next fifty+ years while we prepare for and finance the transition from focil fuels, which we know will inevitably have to be done as oil resources are limited. When we think in terms of an ever increasing world population, and it's resulting dramatic increase on focil fuel demand, it's easy to understand that the supply must be dramatically increased to prevent soaring oil prices from consuming our already fragile economy as well as the other major economies of the world. It's interesting that John Deere has pointed out that Russia will suffer from this plan of ours if successful, and China will have some problems as well. China is heavily invested in dollars, but they will not succeed in bringing the US economy to it's knees. Look for Iraqi oil output to soar and be purchased in dinars in the future, and China will need to convert their dollars to dinars to buy this cheaper oil from Iraq. This is in part how we will all get rich in my view. But this success will not last forever, for this will cause the Persian nations to join Russia, and China, and their allies to gather for a great war with Israel. Not the state of Israel, but the people Israel, the lost 10 tribes of Jacob who migrated over the caucus mountains into Europe, Great Britain, and eventually the USA, the people who invent most everything, and discover most everything. The state of Israel will also play a crucial role as these other 2 tribes of Jacob (Judah & Benjiman) will most likely make peace with with the Palestinians which could help create another oil outlet into the Mediteranian from Northern Iraq through Jordan. These are speculations of coarse, but we do know from Biblical prophesy that the nations will be gathered in that location for the final battle, those nations will amass a mightly army to finally defeat us, but we will not be defeated. God himself will fight this battle, and will utterly defeat them with the forces of nature as final proof to all that He is God, and there is no other. These are exciting times for us.

-- October 15, 2007 10:56 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Bill1,

Long time no see, can you please develop a bit on what you see over there.

-- October 16, 2007 1:15 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Valerio,

As for the lost tribes, and the Biblical prophecy of intended destruction of Israel, God's hands in that war and all that....I better leave that for the Theology Blog next door.

But for the notion that we went into Iraq for oil only I would say it is narrow thinking.

Would Iraq look like it does, be on the same place and have a Saddam Hussein there, but completely dry of oil, we would have done the same thing.

It's the Iraqis that own their oil, and their minerals .

The benefit we get from it is that they can sell THEIR oil, and develop THEIR own country, invest in THEIR infrastructure, and thus benefit from our own investment as small time investors, by being early on the scene.

The world oil spot price will tell the value of the oil the day it is traded, not a secret CIA program or a profit plan hatched in the White House.

We will not, and can not have any control over the Iraqis ability to produce oil.

Nor can't we ever have any claim as to ownership of that oil.

If they farm out the investment needed to international companies that will drill and pump it, the best we can do, is to associate that with "US manipulation".

But that association is the only thing that will hold up, as to who is in full and complete control over the Iraqi oil.

The Iraqi's are.

The world as a whole will benefit from Iraqi oil when it is starting to flow seriously, but the US still have to import the oil based on the daily spot price.

No country will have an advantage over another when it comes to the oil being produced and sold on the oil market.

It's the same price for everyone, and there is no pipelines in the Iraq desert that goes to secret Iraqi harbors, that will pump it into black painted ships with a CIA crew, that is flying no flag, destined to dock in the dark in a remote area on the American continent, off loading the oil in caves especially blown out in the mountains, that hold enormous secret quantities of oil.

The ONLY gain we (the USA) will see regarding oil, is that by industrialize Iraq, and then THEY (Iraq)raise their pump production, thus letting more of it go to the market, and (hopefully) pressing down the price.

If we would do this "only for the oil", you must for heavens sake give an intelligent answer as to why don't we have control over the oil in that case???

The state of Iraq owns their own oil, and THEY are in full control over how to develop it, with whom to write contracts with, that will invest into it, and when and how to sell it.

THEN, they (The state of Iraq) get the profit.

Not the USA.

The blessing with Iraq is that they HAVE oil and that means that they can finance their own development, so we don't have to do it for them.

Why in the heavens and earth wouldn't we get together a coalition, get Saddam out of the picture, go straight for the oil, confiscating it, and claim it as being "war booty" or put a 75 year enforced lease or whatever onto it, put the Halliburton's to work and get our oil tankers lined up, if we would do it for the oil only.

We would have been easily up to 8 million barrels a day by now, and have special lanes set aside on the Atlantic Ocean for our oil tankers.

We are there for other reasons, and while the oil is a blessing in itself, it for sure confuses the hell out of a lot of people as to intent.

If we went for the oil only, then there is a simple simple question left.

Why didn't we get it????

That's too simple, isn't it?

-- October 16, 2007 2:19 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Valerio,

I'm not accusing you of being narrow minded, I just think the discussion is.

For me it is just another clever conspiracy theory, that will put forth an effort to explain what they see.

It's very easy to buy into it. At the invasion, we (the coalition) had pulled off a blitzkrieg that rivaled the best Germany could do, and with a very small force took Iraq, with a maneuver that was unheard of.

The aftermath had us as occupants with a very very small force, and there was looting.

Key elements of the Iraqi infrastructure was the only thing we could guard, like the Iraqi oil ministry.

With all the good intents of course, but holy macaroni was those TV images "explained" on Aljazeera over and over again as the "real" reason for the invasion.

The Kennedy assassination have been dwelled on forever, with cover ups and conspiracies lurking in every government bureau.

One gunman shot him, and a drunken bar owner shot the assassin.

Two nuts doesn't make a conspiracy, it just makes two nuts.

When it is too simple, some just have to have a big explanation involving all kinds of powers.

You can associate all you want, by putting stuff into comparison, but leave out key data.

"The White House are all run by oil executives"

Wrong, G.W.Bush failed miserable in his oil venture, and Chenney have or have had stocks. So if you have a 401 K plan you are as co conspirator as anyone else, because I'm pretty sure there is an Exxon or Mobil in one of those somewhere.

That is a way to build up a case by association.

"Mr Jones must be Gay, because I saw him go to a meeting , in the dark, with a known Gay man last Thursday."

That sounds very convincing until you tell the rest of the story, that Mr Jones went to a movie theater, where about 150 other people was also watching a movie, and Mr Jones and the Gay man never met, talked or exchanged any kind of communication, and in fact the Gay man was sitting in the front row, and Mr Jones was sitting in the last.

Ad that onto the picture and see how the first statement looks like.

Quite a difference isn't it.

This is how things are weaved into each other until a perfectly sensible "explanation" on why we went for the oil only will be seen as a fact.

The Iraqis own their own oil, if that concept is out of grasp, isn't understood, or just denied, then I can't help.

If we went there for the oil only, then we must have some kind of control over it, and I would be very interested in knowing in what way we have control over it.

Then you know something I don't, and I will be most humble in bowing to the presented facts.

-- October 16, 2007 4:00 AM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

Roger,
Taking ownership of the oil would create a politically incorrect world perception that would bring us into world war, and we must be more subtle than that to achieve the goals. Our aim is to cause a good for all peoples, not to reap for ourselves only by plundering all the wealth of Iraq and leave it destitude. It's not important for us to claim the oil, or to reap all the profit. We will leave that for the benefit of Iraq. What is important is that we have established a govt. that we have good relations with, and a govt. that can put and end to the corruption, while promoting a free market aproach to tapping into the oil, to increase the supplies to the world market driving down the cost to all the world economies. The savings alone from a lower stable price of oil will be more than worth the investment when looked at over the next 30 years. Adding the fact that Iraq will be dependant on the protection of the USA, and it's technological support for a long time, keep the possibilities favorable for our companies to do good business in Iraq, as well as other freely traded companies to which all those with vision can invest in to gain a share in the profits. Those of us who have invested in the currency of Iraq have great potential reward, but also others who have and will invest in the stocks of businesses who make gain from all this, so they too will also have potential gains. And then when you look at the effects of lower overall energy costs to our people who will in turn spend that money on products, techological advancements, research etc. you can see the drastic difference in the situation where energy costs keep escalating to disportionate levels, that over the same thirty years could empty our economic coffers had the oil supplies not been proportionately increased with the demand for it. Think of the record prices of oil per bbl recently $86, then over the next five years we see record after record, $100, then $120, then $150, until who knows. What would that do to the price of gas? What would that do to middle class America that is already being pinched very hard. I'm in private retail business myself, and I have been seeing the effects of this over the past three years, and to me if this were to keep on the current track it would be unimaginable. When I pull into the pumps these days it cost me as much as $90 to fill up every week, compared to $50 not long ago. The $40 difference I used to spend somewhere else, but its not there to spend now and its hurting my barber, state lotto, etc. Now that $40 is taken largely not only out of my local economy, but out of my country never to return. To a country whos govt. don't care about investing to improve the conditions of it's people, or buying a product back from us with our money, or making a product they can sell when their oil is gone, but rather seek a weapon to destroy me with. This is what an American backed democratic govt. in Iraq can change I hope. These are the same reason that radical islam want to keep it's people in chains, wraped up in gravewear, kept unaware if the fruits of freedom. They want to keep them dead, we want to make them come alive. There is glory only in life, and the source of that life is Jesus Christ.

-- October 16, 2007 5:22 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Roger,
The control we have over that oil is that with our leadership, we will make it possible for literally a million or more holes to be drilled in a very short time to let that oil ooze out in great amounts. That will take care of the economics all by itself, but then we will make it possible for new leaders to arise in Iraq. Leaders with a vision who do care for their people, and will lead them into an era where the wealth is shared with them so that they can find courage to invest in themselves to create a strong economy, instead of the cowardly acts of violence and destruction. These kind of leaders where not possible before, they had to flee for their lives into other countries. The days are hopfully over where their leaders are ones who parade before the people in the soldiers uniforms, but rather show by example that success comes through dedication, work, education, planning, and doing what builds instead of doing what destroys. These things don't happen in a year or two, and neither did it in the USA, and it is still a continuing process. We have done the cultivation, we have planted, we have fertilized, we have watered, we have begun the pestiside treatment. Soon we will see the fruit. Remember I wrote that a while back before we started to eliminate the pests because it wasn't time yet because the plants were not sprouted yet, which you commented that it was very eloquent.

-- October 16, 2007 8:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Your comments are welcome concerning the following article.
____________________________________________________________

Iraqi Oil Spoils

The quickening pace of oil deals between Kurdish regional leaders and foreign companies is another sign that Iraq is spinning out of control and the Bush administration has no idea how to stop it.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 16, 2007 2:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Drawdown to Begin in Volatile Area


Email this Story

Oct 16, 10:13 PM (ET)

By ROBERT BURNS

(AP) Troops from the 3rd brigade, 1st Cavalry Division are shown around an outpost in Baqouba Iraq, 35...
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Commanders in Iraq have decided to begin the drawdown of U.S. forces in volatile Diyala province, marking a turning point in the U.S. military mission, The Associated Press has learned.

Instead of replacing the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division, which is returning to its home base at Fort Hood, Texas, in December, soldiers from another brigade in Salahuddin province next door will expand into Diyala, thereby broadening its area of responsibility, several officials said Tuesday.

In this way, the number of Army ground combat brigades in Iraq will fall from 20 to 19. This reflects President Bush's bid to begin reducing the American military force and shifting its role away from fighting the insurgency toward more support functions like training and advising Iraqi security forces.

The December move, which has not yet been announced by the Pentagon, was described to the AP by Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry, in a telephone interview Tuesday. It was confirmed by three other officials in Iraq, including Lt. Col. Michael Donnelly, chief spokesman for the commanding general of U.S. forces in northern Iraq, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon.

The idea is to avoid vacating a contested area, like Diyala, which is northeast of Baghdad, while beginning Bush's announced reduction of at least 21,500 troops, of which 17,000 were sent to the Baghdad area last spring.

The shift in Diyala in December could be a model for follow-on reductions next year, with a redrawing of the U.S. lines of responsibility so that a departing brigade has its battle space consumed by a remaining brigade. At the same time, Iraqi security forces would assume greater responsibility.

Diyala province is a battered landscape of warring tribes, fertile valleys and pockets of al-Qaida fighters. The sectarian and tribal chasms are wide. Commanders cited signs of substantial progress in the months since thousands of U.S. and Iraqi forces stormed the provincial capital of Baqouba in June.

The unit leaving in December, the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry, has been in Iraq since October 2006. When it leaves, the 4th Stryker Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division, now in Salahuddin province, will add Diyala to its area of responsibility.

Donnelly said that even though the number of combat brigades in Iraq will drop by one with the departure of the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry, the total number of soldiers in northern Iraq will remain almost constant. That is because later in December a unit arriving from Fort Hood - the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment - has substantially more soldiers than the unit it will replace.

It is not yet clear how the rest of the five-brigade reduction will be carried out; the cuts are to be completed by July 2008, under a plan recommended by Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, and announced by Bush in September. It probably will include some fresh reductions in the western province of Anbar, where insurgent violence has declined substantially this year.

When Bush announced on Sept. 13 that security in Iraq had improved enough to permit the withdrawal of five brigades between December and next July, commanders said they had not yet figured out how it would be done. The reductions will shrink the U.S. force from 20 combat brigades to 15, which is the total that prevailed before Bush decided in January to add five brigades as the centerpiece of a new strategy designed to tamp down sectarian violence mainly in Baghdad.

The 4th Stryker Brigade that will expand its battle space into Diyala province is one of those five so-called surge brigades. It got to Iraq in April and is scheduled to remain until July 2008.

In remarks at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, the chief of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the pace at which the five Army brigades are withdrawn "isn't mechanical" and will be slowed or accelerated depending on commanders' assessment of security progress.

"It isn't that once it's in motion it will proceed apace - it could, that is the plan," Ham said. "But at each step along the way commanders will make an assessment: Can we go faster? Do we need to go slower?"

Twitty, commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry, in Ninevah province in northwestern Iraq said he believes it would be premature to reduce forces in Ninevah despite an improving capability in the Iraqi army.

"I would be hesitant to reduce from where we are now, and I'll tell you the reason why," Twitty said. "We are focused very heavily on fighting al-Qaida here in Iraq and we have taken the fight to al Qaida over the past several months. I think we need to continue that pressure here."

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 16, 2007 10:33 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1029)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1029 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/10/17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1230 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 117.140.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 117.140.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.000.000 -----

-- October 17, 2007 7:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LUKOIL chief hopes contract in Iraq to be implemented

The president of Russia's oil giant LUKOIL expressed hope that a contract for the development of the West Qurna 2 oil field in Iraq, signed in Saddam Hussein's time, would be implemented.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 17, 2007 10:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

17 Oct 2007 15:36:00
Phone call
Maliki phones Erdogan
Baghdad (NINA)- Prime Minister Noori Al-Maliki has phone called the Turkish Prime Minister Receb T. Erdogan to discuss the Turkish threats of pursing the PKK militants inside Iraqi territories.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 17, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I went to www.theotheriraq.com and watch some of the videos produced for the Kurdish PR promotion. This slick campaign designed to initiate foregin investment in the region.

Beyond Kurdistan is the rest of Iraq where the world seems to be waiting on pins and needles to invest billions of dollars in its oil fields. Malaki has the task to bring stability and peace to the rest of Iraq. Instead of working he chooses to holiday with the rest of the country. From my perspective both GoI and the CBI should do what it takes to foster both reconciliation and reconstruction regardless what holiday is on the calendar. Once peace and prosperity finally arrives I see foreign investment in all of Iraq exponentially increasing. If Malaki and his government cannot foster reconciliation and reconstruction to bring the same stability to southern Iraq like the Kurdish region, I am not sure how long the world will continue to wait.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 17, 2007 10:24 AM ∞

---

Bill1 wrote:

Roger,

I'm in Al Anbar Provice and things have been quieting down now. My daughter is in Al Asad and things are quiet there as well.

I got into country last January and we used to receive IDF (Indirect Fire) aboard the base every other day, but we haven't had any now since last April.

Iraq is a dynamic situation, and as you've all heard one of the biggest things holding up progress is lack of political reconciliation.

Its become obvious for all of us serving over here that we [the U.S.] will have a presence here for at least two to three more years.

Don't let anyone fool you ... there's a long way to go before Iraq will be as well off as we'd all like it to be.

I see everyone's still blogging away with up-to-date news and info about the situation over here, but I truly don't see the Dinar attaining the kind of value we all hope for it to achieve anytime soon ... maybe in another two to three, possibly four years.

You all take care, and enjoy the holidays.

Bill1

-- October 17, 2007 4:03 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Roger;
Just got your messages...I have had heart problems and have been out of circulation for about two weeks...the doctor kept me off of the phones...
Leave your number...as it is not showing up on my cell.....I don't have your number with me as I am on the road again in Tenn...Would love to catch up....
Will be in Miss, La and Florida areas next week

Carl

-- October 17, 2007 9:35 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1030)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1030 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/10/18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 81.945.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 81.945.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- October 18, 2007 6:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Fed: Iraq not corruption free yet: Iraq minister

The Iraq government says it cannot guarantee a repeat of the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) scandal would never happen, but says it is increasingly unlikely as the country battles against corruption.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 18, 2007 9:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

18 Oct 2007 16:27:00
Currency
IQD maintains rate
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar maintained Thursday its previous exchange rate against the US Dollar at IQD 1232 per Dollar. On the Central Bank of Iraq's currency auction Thursday, the total sales of US Dollar declined to reach 81,945,000, following last Wednesday's sales of USD 117,140,000.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 18, 2007 9:40 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Have any of you listened or are currently listening to a call in talk show called Gold Line. The permise of course is to convince one and all to buy gold.

One gentleman called in on tonights program asking about the Iraqi Dinar. The host told him to stay away from the Dinar and make a sound investment in gold. He said, it is foolish to buy the dinar.

I am not saying gold is not a good investment, I am commenting on his statements about the Iraqi Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 18, 2007 11:56 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

U.S. Concerned as Iraq Awards Power Deals to Iran and China

Iraq has agreed to award $1.1 billion in contracts to Iranian and Chinese companies to build a pair of enormous power plants, the Iraqi electricity minister stated. Word of the project prompted serious concerns among American military officials, who fear that Iranian commercial investments can mask military activities at a time of heightened tension with Iran.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 19, 2007 9:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Forces Could Attack Iran if Needed
Associated Press | October 19, 2007
WASHINGTON - While military action against Iran is a last resort, the U.S. has the resources to attack if needed despite the strains of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the top U.S. military officer said Thursday.

Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the focus now is on diplomacy to stem Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for insurgents in Iraq.

But, he told reporters, "there is more than enough reserve to respond (militarily) if that, in fact, is what the national leadership wanted to do."

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons could set of an arms race in the Middle East. "The risk of an accident or a miscalculation or of those weapons or materials falling into the hands of terrorists seem to me to be substantially increased," he said.

Appearing together before reporters for the first time since Mullen became chairman on Oct. 1, they expressed concern about Iran and Turkey - hot spots commanding attention even as the military focuses on the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Both leaders warned of serious repercussions if Congress were to pass a nonbinding resolution labeling as genocide the killing of up to 1.5 million Armenians in the final years of the Ottoman Empire, around World War I.

"I don't think the Turks are bluffing. I think it is that meaningful to them," Gates said. "I think there is a very real risk of perhaps not shutting us down" in terms of access to Turkish airspace for resupplying U.S. troops in Iraq, but of at least restricting it.

"I will say again it has potential to do real harm to our troops in Iraq and would strain - perhaps beyond repair - our relationship with a key ally in a vital region and in the wider war on terror," the Pentagon chief said.

At the same time, Gates said the U.S. and the Iraqis are "prepared to do the appropriate thing" in acting against the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, that has conducted raids into Turkey from northern Iraq.

The Turks have expressed frustration about the lack of action by the U.S. against the group. Gates attributed that largely to a lack of specific intelligence.

The Turkish parliament this week authorized the government to send troops across the border to go after the Kurdish rebels, despite repeated pleas from Washington to focus on diplomatic efforts.

Gates also said he believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about trying to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.

"President Putin takes Iran seriously as a security concern for Russia, and I think they are prepared to take some actions as befits that," Gates said.

Mullen said the U.S. military is working hard to stem the flow from Iran into Afghanistan of high-tech materials for roadside bombs. The military has said that parts from the armor-piercing bombs, which have killed hundreds of troops in Iraq, are now getting into Afghanistan.

Mullen said he is not aware of any high-level Iranian government connection to the weapons in Afghanistan, although officials have said that is a concern in Iraq.

At a separate Pentagon news conference, Afghanistan's defense chief, Abdul Rahim Wardak, told reporters that his government recently obtained evidence that Iranian weapons are entering his country.

He said he raised the matter with Iranian officials last month and they denied any involvement.

Also Thursday, Gates said the private security guards in Iraq - such as those who killed a number of Iraqi citizens - may be hurting the U.S. military's effort to stabilize the country.

The military and the contractors, he said, have conflicting missions. While the contractors are trying to keep alive those people being guarded, the military is striving to improve relations with the Iraqis and solidify the government.

"There have been instances where, to put it mildly, the Iraqis have been offended and not treated properly" by the private guards, Gates said. "So those kinds of activities work at cross-purposes to our larger mission in Iraq."

Gates said he plans to confer with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about tighter controls over the contractors.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 19, 2007 9:26 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,
Those of us that have Iraq dinar in cash and in the ISX, we are called

Contraian Investers

A contraian invester is one who belives in profits over popular opinion.
Cotraian investors are inclined to buck conventional trends, NOT follow
the standard perceptions of the market, and think the majoity of people
out there are usually wrong.

The best contraian invester I have heard of is, George Soros, I think he
made a few bob on the EURO and then the £Pound, hence his nickname the
man who broke the Bank of England, he has had better days, but when you
have made a few Billions, it just gets easer all the time

And as a wise man said, Oh God make me rich so I can prove it will not
change me, words of wisdom from, Del Boy
Stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 19, 2007 9:46 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

I saw your questions. The one on Iran and if my husband has any thoughts on this nuclear situation is that my husband has been so busy with his south Florida electric company that I am sure he is not monitoring the Iranian situation.

On your other question, regarding Panhandler. I got an e-mail from him that he was able to convince the powers that be to let him stay in Balad. He is now working helicopter scheduling for ops on the troops. His days are 12 1/2 hours long, I believe he said.

I am also aware that he promised to drop the blog a line on investments, and I too have been waiting to see when he drops in. I guess, we will have to wait until he shows up.

Laura Parker

-- October 19, 2007 11:27 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Hi all, just popped on to say hi. :)
Bill1, glad to see you.. I was wondering how you and your family were doing.
So glad all is well in your corner of the world. :)
Also glad you popped up to say Hi, Carl.. hope you feel better.
I thought you might take a gander at this which I saw today..
since I think it fits with what you have said all along..

===

Iran threatens to fire 11,000 missiles and shells in 1 minute if attacked
Military and Security
10/20/2007

TEHRAN, Oct. 20t (KUNA) -- Iran is capable to fire 11,000 missiles and shells into enemy bases within the first minute of any possible attack, threatened a top commander in Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps - IRCG.

"Within the first minute of any attack against our country by enemies, our missile and artillery units will be firing some 11,000 missles an shells at hostile targets," said Gen. Mahmoud Chaharbaghi, the missile commander of the Guards on Iranian state-run television.

He said Iran has been capable of making the world's most advanced missiles.

Iran's missile systems benefit from modern science and computer technologies to closely monitor targets and inbound missiles, he added.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1849073&Language=en

Sooo.. that means they have missiles pointed at US troops in Iraq, right?

Sara.

-- October 20, 2007 1:37 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Militia Fighters Detained by U.S.
Associated Press | October 21, 2007
BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi forces, backed by Polish army helicopters, swept through Shiite militia strongholds south of Baghdad on Saturday, rounding up dozens of militants and killing two. The prime minister met the provincial governor, who called for reinforcements to root out "the criminals."

Iraqi police said 30 suspected fighters linked to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army were grabbed in a pre-dawn house-to-house search by U.S. and Iraqi raiders in two eastern neighborhoods in Diwaniyah, 80 miles south of Baghdad.

Rival Shiite militias are engaged in grabs for power in the oil-rich south of the country, as British forces are drawing down. But U.S. commanders have reported significant inroads against both Shiite militias and al-Qaida in Iraq fighters across the fertile agriculture belt nearer to the capital. They credit local residents, emboldened against the terror tactics of both al-Qaida and Shiite militants, with much of the success.

The residents have bought into a trend that started in Iraq's western Anbar province, where Sunni tribesmen rose up against al-Qaida and have methodically hunted them down in conjunction with U.S. forces.

South of the capital, Shiite militiamen are facing the same onslaught in communities where they have terrorized co-religionists.

On Diwaniyah's east side, U.S.-led ground forces backed by two Polish army helicopters came under fire from machine guns and an anti-tank grenade launcher, the military said.

Coalition forces reported no casualties but said two militants were killed in the sweep. The statement reporting the operation said the Polish helicopters were called in after ground forces were attacked with three roadside bombs and small-arms fire.

The governor of the Qadisiyah province, which includes Diwaniyah, met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Saturday to ask for help boosting security in the region.

Gov. Hamid al-Khudhari dismissed concerns of rising tensions between al-Sadr's group and the governor's party, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, whose militia is known as the Badr Brigade. Al-Khudari replaced Gov. Mohammad al-Hassani, who was assassinated by a powerful roadside bomb in August. Mahdi Army militants were suspected in the attack.

"There have been outlawed armed groups trying to take control of the province for a long time," he said at a news conference after the meeting. "They are only criminals and we do not believe that there is political party that backs them."

Al-Sadr and SIIC leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim signed a truce earlier this month. Al-Khudari appeared at pains to give the impression that the cease-fire was holding, and that Shiite fighters involved in the turmoil had broken with al-Sadr.

"We do have problems in the local security forces that make it difficult to ensure security and we asked the prime minister to fill the gaps in this regard," he said without elaborating.

Police also clashed with gunmen in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, during a raid in which they detained a Sadrist leader, local authorities said without identifying the suspect. Late Saturday, a mortar crashed near the Shiite shrine to Imam Al-Abbas in the city center, killing one person and wounding two, according to police and an Associated Press employee who was at the scene.

To the north of Diwaniyah, police broke into the house of a leading al-Qaida member in a village near Hillah. They captured Raed al-Alwani, who was wanted in the slayings of more than 100 Iraqis, according to a police officer in the region who spoke on condition of anonymity because he not authorized to release the information.

In all, at least 26 people were reported killed or found dead in attacks nationwide.

The U.S. military also announced that a U.S. Soldier was killed and eight others wounded in a roadside bombing in eastern Baghdad on Thursday.

Near Baghdad, a roadside bomb hit a minibus full of Shiite civilians traveling to visit relatives south of the capital. Three passengers died and nine were wounded, police said.

The U.S. military said it killed one al-Qaida leader and detained three other members of the group Saturday morning during raids in the dangerous Dora neighborhood of south Baghdad. It also announced capturing what it termed four high-ranking militia leaders during Oct. 12-14 operations in near Iskandariyah, 30 miles from the capital. Use of the word militia indicated the men were rogue members of the Mahdi Army.

In the far north of Iraq, where Turkey is threatening to invade the autonomous Kurdish region to attack guerrilla camps of the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party, rebel leader Murat Karayilan threatened to strike back by blowing up an oil pipeline running into Turkey.

"When Turkey starts a military operation against our bases, we will defend ourselves by targeting economic sites and one of our options is to hit the oil pipeline going from Kurdistan to Turkey," Karayilan said.

An estimated 15,000 Kurds, meanwhile, packed the streets of the border city of Zakho in northern Iraq to protest the Turkish threat and to warn they would defend their territory.

The protesters in Zakho waved the sunburst flag of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region and unfurled banners reading: "No, no to the Turkish military incursion. Yes, yes to peace and security."

Kurdish rebel fighters operating from bases in the mountains of northern Iraq periodically cross the border to stage attacks in their war to win autonomy for Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 21, 2007 10:29 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Sighh... guess Carl is gone.
But it was one of his points, way back. :)

BTW, I thought the board might find this interesting (Carole, particularly), on Global Warming..
"Stossel explains other side of global warming issue.
Debates Al Gore's Movie, inconvenient Truth" -
Worth a few minutes to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO9laiUXS1o

Also of note, today's date article, says the stabilization rate has ended on the Dinar:

Iraq Stock Exchange : Central Bank of Iraq stabilizes exchange rate
Sunday, October 21st 2007

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) decided Oct. 12 to stabilize the dollar exchange rate through Oct. 18.

Ali al-Yasseri, a trader, said: "The Iraqi Central Bank has decided to stabilize the dollar exchange rate at 1,232 dinar per dollar for buying and 1,230 for selling."

It is of note that international trading continues in Iraqi dinar and the stabilized exchange rate is the one being used internationally, according to the U.S. Department of State.

http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Central+Bank+of+Iraq+stabilizes+exchange+rate__1112668.html

-- October 22, 2007 12:13 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I found the following quite interesting.
____________________________________________________________

LEADING STORY

The Need for the Oil Law in Iraq is Urgent

The Iraqi Government should take this chance to push the long-awaited oil law through parliament. Foreign investors need this step to move in, and they will despite the violent climate. Differences between religious groups are holding up the oil law, and they should be resolved.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 22, 2007 11:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

22 Oct 2007 13:58:00
Currency
USD sales of CBI go up
Baghdad(NINA)-The US dollar sales of the Central Bank of Iraq increased considerably Monday to reach $114,880,000 while they were $94,960,000 last Sunday. The Iraqi dinar’s exchange rate was stable again Monday as the selling price was 1232 dianrs per one USD, the same price registered last Sunday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 22, 2007 11:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Those of you planning on voting for Hillary in either a primary or in the general election, please condsider the following.
____________________________________________________________

So you want to work for the Clinton 's

***************************

Just a quick refresher course lest we forget what has
happened to many "friends" of the Clinton 's

1-James McDougal - Clinton 's convicted White water partner died
of an apparent heart attack, while in solitary confinement.
He was a key witness in Ken Starr's investigation.

2 -Mary Mahoney - A former White House intern was murdered July 1997 at a Starbucks Coffee Shop in Georgetown . The murder happened just after she was to go public with her story of sexual harassment in the White House.

3- Vince Foster - Former White House counselor and colleague of Hillary
Clinton at Little Rock 's Rose Law firm. Died of a gunshot wound to the head, ruled a suicide.

4- Ron Brown - Secretary of Commerce and former DNC Chairman.

Reported to have died by impact in a plane crash.

A pathologist close to the investigation reported that there was a hole in the top of
Brown's skull resembling a gunshot wound. At the time of his death
Brown was being investigated, and spoke publicly of his willingness
to cut a deal with prosecutors. The rest of the people on the plane also died.

A few days later the air Traffic controller committed suicide.

5- C. Victor Raiser II- Raiser, a major player in the Clinton fund raising organization died in a private plane crash in July 1992

6-Paul Tulley - Democratic National Committee Political Director found dead in a hotel room in Little Rock , September 1992.

Described by Clinton as a "dear friend and trusted advisor".

7-Ed Willey - Clinton fund raiser, found dead November 1993 deep in the woods in VA of a gunshot wound to the head. Ruled a suicide.

Ed Willey died on the same day his wife Kathleen Willey claimed Bill Clinton groped her in the oval office in the White House.

Ed Willey was involved in several Clinton fund raising events.

8-Jerry Parks -Head of Clinton's gubernatorial security team in Little Rock . Gunned down in his car at a deserted intersection outside Little Rock.

Park's son said his father was building a dossier on Clinton. He allegedly threatened to reveal this information.

After he died the files were mysteriously removed from his house.

9-James Bunch - Died from a gunshot suicide. It was reported that he had a "Black Book" of people which contained

names of influential people who visited prostitutes in Texas and Arkansas .

10-James Wilson - Was found dead in May 1993 from an apparent hanging suicide. He was reported to have ties to Whitewater.

11-Kathy Ferguson- Ex-wife of Arkansas Trooper Danny Ferguson, was found dead in May 1994, in her living room with a gunshot to her head.
It was ruled a suicide even though there were several packed suitcases, as if she were going somewhere.

Danny Ferguson was a co-defendant along with Bill& nbsp; Clinton in the Paula Jones lawsuit.

Kathy Ferguson was a possible corroborating witness for Paula Jones.

12-Bill Shelton - Arkansas State Trooper and fiance of Kathy Ferguson. Critical of the suicide ruling of his fiance, he was found dead in June,
1994 of a gunshot wound also ruled a suicide at the grave site of his fiance.

13-Gandy Baugh - Attorney for Clinton 's friend Dan Lassater, died by jumping out a window of a tall building January, 1994. His client was a convicted drug distributor.

14-Florence Martin - Accountant & subcontractor for the CIA, was related to the Barry Seal (Mena, AR Airport drug smuggling case). He died of three gunshot wounds.

15- Suzanne Coleman - Reportedly had an affair with Clinton when he was Arkansas Attorney General.

Died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head, ruled a suicide. Was pregnant at the time of her death.

16-Paula Grober - Clinton 's speech interpreter for the deaf from 1978 until her death December 9, 1992. She died in a one car accident.

17-Danny Casolaro - Investigative reporter. Investigating Mena Airport and Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

He slit his wrists, apparently, in the middle of his investigation.

18- Paul Wilcher - Attorney investigating corruption at Mena Airport with Casolaro and the 1980 "October Surprise" was found dead on a toilet

June 22, 1993 in his Washington , DC apartment. Had delivered a report to Janet Reno 3 weeks before his death.

19-Jon Parnell Walker - Whitewater investigator for Resolution Trust Corp. Jumped to his death from his Arlington, Virginia apartment balcony August 15, 1993.

He was investigating the Morgan Guaranty scandal.

20-Barbara Wise - Commerce Department staffer. Worked closely with Ron Brown and John Huang. Cause of death unknown. Died November 29, 1996.

Her bruised, nude body was found locked in her office at the Department of Commerce. (Ron Brown's department)

21-Charles Meissner -Assistant Secretary of Commerce who gave John Huang special security clearance, died shortly thereafter in a small plane crash.

22-Dr. Stanley Heard - Chairman of the National Chiropractic Health Care Advisory Committee died with his attorney Steve Dickson in a small plane crash.

Dr. Heard, in addition to serving on Clinton 's advisory council personally treated Clinton 's mother, stepfather and brother.

23-Barry Seal -Drug running pilot out of Mena Arkansas , death was no accident.

24-Johnny Lawhorn Jr. - Mechanic, found a check made out to Bill Clinton in the trunk of a car left at his repair shop. He was found dead after his car had hit a utility pole.

25-Stanley Huggins - Investigated Madison Guaranty. His death was a purported suicide and his report was never released.

26- Hershell Friday - Attorney and Clinton fund raiser died March 1, 1994 when his plane exploded.

27-Kevin Ives & Don Henry - Known as "The boys on the track" case.

Reports say the boys may have stumbled upon the Mena Arkansas airport drug operation.

A controversial case, the initial report of death said, due to falling asleep on railroad tracks.

Later reports claim the 2 boys had been slain before being placed on the tracks.

Many linked to the case died before their testimony could come before a Grand Jury.

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS HAD INFORMATION ON THE IVES/HENRY CASE:

28-Keith Coney - Died when his motorcycle slammed into the back of a truck, 7/88.

29-Keith McMaskle - Died stabbed 113 times, Nov, 1988

30-Gregory Collins - Died from a gunshot wound January 1989.

31-Jeff Rhodes - He was shot, mutilated and found burned in a trash dump in April 1989.

33-James Milan - Found decapitated. However, the Coroner ruled his death was due to "natural causes".

34-Jordan Kettleson - Was found shot to death in the front seat of his pickup truck in June 1990.

35-Richard Winters - A suspect in the Ives / Henry deaths. He was killed in a set-up robbery July 1989.

THE FOLLOWING CLINTON BODYGUARDS ARE DEAD:

36 -Major William S. Barkley Jr.
37-Captain Scott J . Reynolds
38-Sgt. Brian Hanley
39-Sgt. Tim Sabel
40-Major General William Robertson
41-Col. William Densberger
42-Col. Robert Kelly
43-Spec. Gar y Rhodes
44-Steve Willis
45-Robert Williams
46-Conway LeBleu
47-Todd McKeehan

Quite an impressive list!

HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT? Surely you jest!!!

PS:
(Snopes pretty much tries to poo-poo many of these deaths. But, don't YOU find it strange that

so many, with ties to the Clinton's, have ended up dying in suicides or gunshots to the head

in Mafia execution fashion?)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 22, 2007 6:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Good day. :)
Interesting post, Rob.
I just thought I would mention that Hillary Clinton will not be the next President of the United States as this does affect the Dinar (and our investment in it) due to her open stance against the Iraq war.

The most immediate reason I can see is because, right now, among decided voters, a full 50% of the population said they would NEVER give her their Presidential vote. And, that is up from 46% in early March, so the percentage is increasing as people hear more from her. She may be very popular among the Left, but she is too radical and the people know it and won't vote for her. Those who continue to give to her campaign are throwing their money away, IMO:

Quote:

Zogby Poll: Half Say They Would Never Vote for Hillary Clinton for President
Released: October 20, 2007
Other top tier candidates in both parties win more acceptance; Richardson & Huckabee favored most

While she is winning wide support in nationwide samples among Democrats in the race for their party’s presidential nomination, half of likely voters nationwide said they would never vote for New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, a new Zogby Interactive poll shows.

The online survey of 9,718 likely voters nationwide showed that 50% said Clinton would never get their presidential vote. This is up from 46% who said they could never vote for Clinton in a Zogby International telephone survey conducted in early March. Older voters are most resistant to Clinton – 59% of those age 65 and older said they would never vote for the New York senator, but she is much more acceptable to younger voters: 42% of those age 18–29 said they would never vote for Clinton for President.

At the other end of the scale, Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrats Bill Richardson and Barack Obama faired best, as they were least objectionable to likely voters. Richardson was forever objectionable as President to 34%, while 35% said they could never vote for Huckabee and 37% said they would never cast a presidential ballot for Obama, the survey showed.

The Zogby Interactive poll, conducted Oct. 11–15, 2007, included 9,718 likely voters nationwide and carries a margin of error of +/– 1.0 percentage point.

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, who announced Friday he would end his campaign, was included in the poll. He might have sensed the nationwide opposition to his campaign, as 47% said they would never vote for him for President. The survey showed he was tied as the third most objectionable candidate, behind Clinton and Congressman Dennis Kucinich (49%). Tied with Brownback was Democrat Michael Gravel, a former Alaska senator, and GOP Congressman Ron Paul.

For a complete methodological statement on this survey, please visit:
http://www.zogby.com/methodology/readmeth.dbm?ID=1223
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1376

When I read about Huckabee being most favored, I went to see where he stood on the issues here:

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVrVej9
(Image from http://www.2decide.com/table.htm but with Democrats on one side in one color and Republicans on the other in another color for ease of use/comparison.)

I could not decide my vote exclusively by whether a candidate is kind to their dog or not, but I carefully look at how they treat humans. EVERY single Democrat candidate is for killing the unborn (abortion) and experimentation on humans for "scientific research" (stem cell research). Therefore, not one of them could ever expect my vote. Nor could Giuliani, Thompson or McCain, for the same reasons. I could not stand before God and say I endorsed putting in the Whitehouse someone who kills babies or experiments on human beings at the earliest stages of life for the sake of the "betterment of mankind" (a cure for some disease, maybe, one day - or some other scientific advancement). Hitler had the same mentality of using Jews for human experiments to advance science. It doesn't go far with me, and I believe that (all claims to Christianity from those candidates to the contrary) no one who truly cares about the Lord's will would endorse such actions. I will not be an accessory to the commission of murder as:

1Jo 3:15 ... you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

(This is not to say the government does not have the right to punish evildoers, even to the point of war (Rom 13:4) but I speak here concerning killing innocents - babies, and not evildoers.)

Having discounted both frontrunners (Clinton/Giuliani), I looked at this one in the poll said to be favored most as a Republican, Huckabee. He is prolife, both on abortion and human fetal experimentation (stem cell research) and he also stands supportive toward the Iraqi question and for a continuing role in Iraq for the US (no withdrawl). He is also strong on homeland security against terrorism. These are compelling reasons why it appears to me he could be the one to get the conservative GOP base and those who care about the immediate security of the country and its future populace. It also would secure our concerns for a prosperous Iraq and look after our Dinar investment, too... since those who vote to withdraw from Iraq will ruin all our hopes for Iraq, its people and its currency.

Sara.

-- October 23, 2007 9:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

23 Oct 2007 14:01:00
Press Conference
Zebari: We agree on political solutions
Baghdad (NINA)-The Iraqi and Turkish Foreign Ministers confirmed that the issue of combating terrorism and its organizations is an issue of principle for both parties. The Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in a joint press conference held Tuesday in Baghdad with his Turkish counterpart.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 23, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

23 Oct 2007 15:17:00
Currency
USD sales decline, IQD rate stable
Baghdad (NINA)- The total sales of US Dollar declined Tuesday at the currency auction of the Central Bank of Iraq to reach USD 71,645,000 , while last Monday's sales were 114,880,000 Dollars. The Iraqi Dinar maintained Tuesday its previous exchange rate at IQD 1232 per Dollar. 15 Iraqi banks participated.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 23, 2007 10:21 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

SARA,
I HAVE ALREADY DECIDED THAT I WILL SUPPORT HUCKABEE FOR PRESIDENT. I BELIEVE HE IS THE BEST "PERSON" OF THOSE RUNNING FOR THE JOB. THE CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN RELUCTANT TO GIVE HIM THE NOD, BUT THAT DON'T SURPRISE ME, THEY MAY SUPPORT THE MORMON. IF PEOPLE BEGIN TO PAY ATTENTION THEY WILL SEE AND WILL BEGIN SUPPORTING HIM, AND HELPING HIM TO RAISE THE MONEY NEEDED. WE ALL BARE A RESPONABILITY WHEN WE VOTE FOR SOMEONE, AND ARE A PARTAKER IN THEIR REIGN, AND A CONTRIBUTOR. NO ONE SHOULD SUPPORT OR VOTE FOR ANYONE WHO BELIEVES THERE IS JUSTIFICATION FOR MURDERING A LIFE, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT HAS NOT BEEN BORN, FOR ANY REASON. WHEN MARY IMMEDIATELY AFTER CONCEIVING CHRIST IN HER WOMB, WENT TO VISIT HER COUSIN ELIZABETH WHO WAS 6 MOS PREGNANT WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST, THE CHILD LEAPED IN ELIZABETHS WOMB AT THE PRESENTS OF THE LORD. WHEN THERE IS A CONCEPTION, THERE IS A SOUL INVOLVED. IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING IN LEADERS WHO BEEN WORKING TOWARD CHANGING THE HEART OF AMERICA ON THIS VITAL MORAL ISSUE, AND I BELIEVE IT'S TIME TO ELECT A LEADER WHO WILL CARRY ON THE MOVEMENT. IF WE DON'T WE WILL NOT HAVE GODS BLESSING.

-- October 23, 2007 5:26 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Steve...
Roger call me and wanted you to know his computer has been sent in for repairs...it will be about 10-14 days before he is back on line...

Sara...
Just read the above post...Yes! Iran is doing what I stated they would do about a year ago...not only will they fire the missles, but the Iranians will flood the border of Iraq, then start an invasion into Iraq...The iraqi leaders will fold to them, not because they want too, but because the have too...they are not strong enough to hold them off...so to save their political butts...they will turn on the colition troops...most of our troops will either be captured or killed...the survival rate will be little...why? because we simply do not have the men, equipment or logistics to hold them off...we have too many men to air lift out of there...Most of our troops will try to make the borders of Jordan or Turkey, but it will be like running a gaulet...Some will attempt to hold up in isolated areas with air support...but even that will be dicy, as the Iranians have plenty of missles to put on target...

Their weakness is in their gasoline production ability...if we hit their refineries we can handicap their fuel capabilities...this will slow down their forces enough to buy some of guys time...if we have the guts, we will have to launch missles into Iran, that will totally make their country uninhabitable for centuries to come...I believe you are going to see some type of action from the USA within the next 4-6 months...why?...President Bush's term is coming to an end...I don't believe he wants to leave this problem with the new president...thus action is demanded by next spring or early summer...
The best option was to allow the Arab Leaque to solve the problem...apparently either they are unwilling or incapable of doing what needs to be done covertly...thus we will act as a last resort...

-- October 23, 2007 7:46 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Rob...
I think it is fantastic news that Iraq is sharing the business with Iran and China...History shows that given enough time, they will be very reluctant to attack a nation they are doing with business with....the international trade between nations can be a peace maker and problem solver...lets hope...that Iran invest enough that they look at other options other that sending in trainers for the insurgents...you only do things as long as they are beneficial...once the destruction and attacks are no longer beneficial Iran will stop their interference and move on to another course of action...We have always done this and they will also...
Iran will always be an influence in certain parts of Iraq...the key is to hold the top politcal positions so that we can operate within that country and achieve our goal of establishing their oil fields...sharing the pie is much better than leaving the vultures on the outer circle to pick you to death...

-- October 23, 2007 7:58 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Anonymous,
Thank you for keeping me up to speed on Roger.

Stay lucky guys, Steve.

-- October 23, 2007 10:05 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1034)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1034 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/10/24 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 10 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 82.860.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 82.860.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- October 24, 2007 7:05 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thank you, Carl, for your reply.

Sara.

-- October 24, 2007 2:35 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,
For a good read goto, theotheriraq.com

Is news on the dinar slooow or what, the quiet before the storm, maybe.

By storm I mean a shed load of good news, stay lucky guys, Steve.

-- October 24, 2007 7:10 PM ∞

---

Stephen Colbert wrote:

From The Onion Magazine:

BAGHDAD—In a development Pentagon officials are calling not nearly as horrifying as usual, three car bombs ripped through a Baghdad marketplace Monday, killing fewer than 15 innocent civilians, severely injuring no more than 30, and merely maiming one U.S. soldier.

The car bombs, which were detonated by Iraqi insurgents at approximately 2 p.m., left slightly less than complete and utter devastation in their wake. As of press time, barely five families were believed to be trapped beneath the resulting wreckage, although upbeat U.S. authorities have estimated that number could be as low as four.

'[Iraq's] once-appalling conditions become measurably less dreadful with each just barely tragic bombing.'

"Not bad—not bad at all," said Lt. Col. Michael Donnelly, who claimed the attack is conclusive proof that the tide in Iraq is somewhat turning in a vaguely less-ghastly direction. "This is hardly the parade of death and destruction we've grown accustomed to. In fact, I've recently received word that our injured soldier isn't even going to lose his other leg."

"Things are definitely starting to almost look up," Donnelly added.

According to Pentagon sources, the fact that only a handful of the casualties were elderly women is a testament to the success of President Bush's latest troop surge. In addition, because only the easternmost portion of a nearby Sunni mosque experienced severe structural damage, Monday's events will go down in military records as a "relative victory for the U.S."

High-ranking commanders agreed with the assessment, saying that the scarcely atrocious incident of mass violence was just one in a recent string of less than dreadful occurrences in the not quite as, but still very troubled region. Last week's suicide bombing of two schools in Fallujah, for example, left nowhere near 500 Iraqi children dead, and Thursday's sniping of three U.S. soldiers killed just two instantly, while the other, a 19-year-old Marine, was able to survive for nearly a whole day before succumbing to internal injuries.

"This just shows that we are getting to a point where things here aren't absolutely appalling and are now consistently just god- awful," U.S. Iraq commander Gen. David Petraeus said. "And that's great."

(Picture: Baghdadis gather round the wreckage to remark on how much more gory the explosions clearly could have been.)

Noting a minute decrease in helpless cries for mercy, Petraeus added that the blast's aftermath was "not even close" to being as grisly as it could have been. A satisfied Petraeus also told reporters that Baghdad streets and avenues could be more accurately described as "blood-splattered" than "blood-soaked."

"This makes the tragedy that occurred in Samarra—when eight of our men were killed in a helicopter crash, half a dozen water mains were destroyed, a major bridge was bombed to rubble, several oil fields were set on fire, and an attack on an outlying power station caused widespread electrical outages—seem like a distant memory," Petraeus said of the massive damage inflicted four hours earlier in a separate insurgent attack. "Yes, sir, things are definitely starting to virtually go our way."

Upon receiving the not-altogether-hideous news, Defense Secretary Robert Gates was reportedly optimistic, but could not predict a realistic time frame in which the overall conditions in Iraq would become the opposite of terrifying, or even sort of halfway livable. However, Gates did say that if the bombings are any indication of future conditions, the situation in Iraq could be upgraded to "nightmarish" within months.

"We see before us the promise of a new Iraq, one that is only marginally devastating or even, God willing, just temporarily horrific," Gates said. "A couple more days like this and I don't see any reason why our troops won't be able to come home slightly earlier than never."

-- October 25, 2007 12:26 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1035)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1035 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/10/25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1230 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 40.405.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 4.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 40.405.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 4.000.000 -----

-- October 25, 2007 6:59 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Dinar Trade
9005 Overlook Blvd #303
Brentwood TN 37027
Tel: 661 472 8510
Toll Free: 1 877-770-7660
Email: sales@dinartrade.com

All our New Iraqi dinars are uncirculated and authenticated on a De La Rue machine Try our COD service you will have the dinars the next day by fedex * For latest news on Iraq visit our news page* If you would like to sell your dinars to our company we will buy your dinars at the Central bank of Iraq price www.cbiraq.org

Saudi investors awaits for opening embassy in Baghdad to enter Iraqi market

Saudi investors are awaiting the opening of the Saudi embassy in Baghdad in the upcoming stage to enter the Iraqi market and increase their share, while Saudi business sector is planning to open contacts with Saudi authorities to open a new border crossing with Iraq in Hafr al-Baten region, as well as reopening of Jadida Araar crossing.

"The reopening of the Saudi embassy in Baghdad and organizing border crossings between the two countries will contribute in increasing trade volume and raise Saudi exports to Iraq," Saudi officials from the Saudi business sector told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

They said they can make big Saudi investments in Iraq but only within a stable security condition.

Chairman of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce Council Abdul Rahman al-Rashed said "the council will take an official step within the next days to address the ministries of finance, interior, and foreign affairs to reconsider the opening of two crossings: the first in Hafr al-Baten region and the second the Jadida Araar crossing to export goods to Iraqi markets."

"The council's plan aims at increasing goods exported to Iraq," he added, noting that the reopening of Jadida Araar crossing will help exporting Saudi products to Iraq directly without passing through Kuwaitor Jordan, currently used as a transit for Saudi products heading for Iraq.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, during a press conference on August 1, 2007 with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, had said the kingdom was planning to send a diplomatic envoy to Iraq "soon" to prepare for the re-opening of its embassy in Baghdad and enhance bilateral relations.

Diplomatic relations were re-established between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in 2004 after the fall of the former regime, but an embassy was not opened due to deteriorating security conditions.

Iraq, however, re-opened its embassy in Riyadh in February 2007 for the first time since 1990, when it was closed after the outbreak of the 1st Gulf war.

For his part, the Secretary General of Saudi Chambers of Commerce Dr. Fahd al-Sultan explained the mechanism to be adopted after the reopening of Saudi embassy by maintaining contacts with the Saudi ambassador and then coordinating with Iraqi chambers of commerce.

Al-Sultan said that the council is in permanent contact with Kuwait chamber of commerce and industry and Kuwaiti customs authorities to facilitate the passing of Saudi products through the Arab gulf country.
Regarding the reopening of border crossings with Iraq, he said that "Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz gave instructions to prepare a mechanism to organize the reopening of the border crossing of Jadida Araar, but he did not set a date."

"The minister did not rule out the possibility of opening a large free-trade area between the two countries, noting that it is possible to turn al-Eidaa region in Jadida Araar into a large trade area in the future according to Saudi policies and laws and security and stability in Iraq," he also said.

The four border crossings, currently closed, between Iraq and the kingdom are Rafhaam al-Uwayiqieliya, Hafr al-Baten, and Jadida Araar, the last one was reopened to export Saudi products to Iraq directly within the U.N. Food-for-Oil Program, before closing it prior to the U.S.-led invasion.

Dr. Fahd al-Sultan voiced belief that his country is qualified to top the list of Iraq's exporting countries with products valued at no less than USD 5.2 billion annually.

Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh Abdul Aziz al-Azl warned Saudi investors of accelerating the process of investments in Iraq without having enough security guarantees from the Iraqi government and other international organizations, i.e. the U.N.

Saudi non-oil exports to the war-torn country in 2004 hit USD 8.1 billion, according to unofficial statistics.

Source: Voices of Iraq

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 25, 2007 4:41 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Anonymous:

I disagree with your some of your ideas about Iran. Namely, a border breach and our guys retreating. I do not see that happening.

An immenent attack upon Iran is close. Iran must be emliminated. If I were sending bombers into Iran, my first targets are the nuclear installations. Next, the oil facilities including their one refinery. Finally, Tehran University.

Secondary targets are religious and governmental facilities. We must then cut off the water and food supply. Finally, bury the dead (male, female, and children)in pigs blood.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 25, 2007 4:56 PM ∞

---

John Deer wrote:

October 23, 2007
At the Eye of the Storm in Baghdad
An interview with Col. Rick Gibbs.
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online

On a recent visit to Iraq, I was advised to speak with an American colonel at ground zero in the effort to secure Baghdad. There I spoke briefly with Colonel Rick Gibbs, who commands the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (the Dragon Brigade) of the 1st Infantry Division, responsible for perhaps the most volatile area in Iraq — the so-called Rashid Security District in Baghdad's southern portion — east of the Baghdad International Airport and west of the Tigris River. The area covers about 58 square miles with an estimated population of 1.2 million — comparable in size to the city of San Francisco.

The district, while predominately Shia — and therefore heavily influenced by Jaysh al-Mahdi militia operatives and other special groups — also comprises a significant portion of Sunnis in Northeast Rashid, along with a large presence of al Qaeda Iraq and other similar splinter extremist groups. There are also Christian and Kurdish populations interspersed throughout Rashid.

So in some sense, if a violent area like Rashid can be stabilized, it perhaps offers a blueprint of reconciliation for Iraq's various sectarian groups.

Right in the middle of this urban complexity — in such mixed neighborhoods as Doura (East Rashid), Amil, Bayaa, and Saydiyah, the Dragon Brigade has set up coalition outposts (COPs) and joint security stations with soldiers maintaining a 24-hour presence, in accordance with Gen. David Petraeus' Baghdad Security Plan.

Since the arrival of the Dragon Brigade in March 2007, however, there has been a radical decline in violence, even at ground zero of Iraq's explosive sectarianism. Murders have fallen from 553 per month to a tenth of that figure (anticipated for the month of October). IED attacks have fallen by half. The Dragon Brigade has overseen some $100 million in investment in Rashid commerce and infrastructure and there are now 900 businesses open. Something quite significant is going on, and in the United States we aren't exactly sure what to make of it.

In that context, I recently asked the Dragon Brigade commander Col. Rick Gibbs, to expand on our conversation in Baghdad with a more formal interview about the challenges and hopes for this once infamous suburb of Baghdad.

Victor Davis Hanson: Americans seem confused, if almost stunned, by the sudden, unexpected good news coming out of Iraq, especially in areas like Rashid that were at the center of violence. What happened? What exactly explains the turn around — Iraqi exhaustion with the criminality of the militias, improved U.S. tactics and numbers, or a combination of these or other factors?

Col. Rick Gibbs: First of all, I want to say thanks for showing an interest in what the Dragon Brigade is doing in Southern Baghdad and taking the time to help explain it to the American people.

Now, to answer your question about what happened: There are a variety of factors contributing to the success and progress we’re seeing here each day in the almost nine months since we began our operations. Increased coalition and Iraqi Security Force presence in the form of Joint Security Stations and Coalition Outposts has allowed us not only to more effectively coordinate our efforts with our ISF counterparts, but to gradually earn the trust and respect of the Iraqi citizens of the Rashid District as well.

It’s a real tribute to the soldiers and leadership, and you can certainly draw a distinct correlation between the reductions in violence, which is down about 60-percent across the board since we arrived, to the enormous efforts our troops are making each day, seven days a week.

Hanson: How do you see the tactical success that Dragon Brigade has had since March translating into long-term strategic stability? What would be necessary for the growing calm to continue permanently?

Gibbs: The first thing that comes to mind when you talk about long-term strategic stability is the progress our Iraqi Security Force counterparts are making in this fight. We work very closely with Iraqi army, National Police, and Iraqi Police, and we’ve seen improvements in each since we started working and training with them. That said — there is still much work to be done for each branch of ISF to get them to where they will be comfortable and proficient enough to earn the trust and confidence of the Iraqi people.

For them to be successful over the long haul, they must continue training, receive equipment, continue the recruiting efforts to grow their security forces, and most importantly — they need experience and professionalism to manifest in the form of support from the citizens they are sworn to protect. If you see those things, then there is no reason to think that they cannot handle the long-term security needs here.

Hanson: The Iraqi police and army are often criticized here in the United States as unreliable and as hopelessly sectarian. How would you characterize the evolution of these forces you work with and train in Rashid?

Col. Rick Gibbs with two soldiers from the Iraqi Security Forces.
Gibbs: Yes, there are some valid criticisms out there, but you have to remember that standing up the Iraqi Security Forces is an enormous undertaking, just as you have in any organization with a large number of people in it; you have your good people and your substandard ones.

Of the three, the Iraqi Army, in my experience here in Baghdad, has been the most proficient and is the farthest along of the individual ISF formations. They have a good deal of experience and professionalism, and we haven’t seen sectarian problems with them. After the IA, the National Police is next, but we have had some challenges with the predominantly Shia makeup.

Finally, the Iraqi Police or IP — the ones whose mission is to conduct the law enforcement tasks that we associate with our police in America are behind the IA and NP in our operational area. They are short numbers and equipment, but we are actively addressing that with a current IP recruiting drive across the district that will double the roughly 2,500 IPs we currently have in Rashid. We’ve had about 2,450 candidates apply since we began our drive this month which is a good start to significantly increase the force of trained and effective station and patrol IPs working across the district.

We also have Iraqi Security Volunteers operating in the Rashid District. There are more than 2,000 of the ISV in place with more on the way, and like the Iraqi Police, they are assisting in helping to enforce the rule of law, and we feel that AQI is more vulnerable as a result of their efforts. By adding these volunteers to the ranks, the IP are more diverse and representative of the people they are sworn to protect. Our ultimate goal with the ISV is that they will one day officially join the ranks of the IP as paid law enforcement officials or another branch of the ISF.

Hanson: Any comments on the presence of foreign fighters in Rashid, either from Sunni countries like Syria or Saudi Arabia — or Iran? Is their presence overblown, or do they effectively organize, arm, and fund local Iraq terrorists?

Gibbs: I can tell you that we have received reports of foreign fighters operating in our area, and we have indicators of outside influence from Sunni and Shiite countries. What we have actually seen more of is foreign influence in the form of numerous captured Iranian-manufactured weapons and rocket caches. We also believe that some of the extremist groups are getting a significant amount of funding and training from foreign sources.

Hanson: Trying to stabilize an area the size of San Francisco is more than just a military enterprise; what type of experts, civilians or military, do your forces work with to restore the social fabric of the district?

Gibbs: That’s a great question. We have a variety of military, civilian, and even professional American law enforcement subject matter experts assisting us in not only making Rashid more secure, but in improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

Our Brigade Special Troops Battalion has done tremendous work in managing and coordinating the essential services projects we have ongoing in our operational area. These cover a wide range of areas from water, electricity, sewage, medical clinic and school refurbishments, sanitation and trash collection, to infrastructure improvements, such as the rebuilding of roads, reinforcement and protection of marketplaces, and upgrades of government and civic facilities. All go toward making everyday life better for the Iraqis who live here.

We’re also helping neighborhood and district governments to run efficiently thanks to the efforts of our embedded provincial reconstruction team, which consists of both members of the U.S. State Department and soldiers. They’ve helped teach strategies for running productive meetings, and are actively assisting in the development stimulation of the economy through a carefully managed micro-grants-and-mentorship program with business leaders and commercial enterprises across Rashid.

We also have Iraqi cultural advisers who work hand in hand with us to further enhance our understanding of Iraq and the people we’re coming into contact with each day. The old saying that knowledge is power is especially true in this environment, and one act or event on our part that could potentially offend host nation sensibilities is the kind of thing that our Human Terrain Teams and Iraqi Advisory Task Force personnel are helping us to avoid.

I’m extremely pleased at the positive direction we are going here in Rashid — our soldiers and leaders are magnificent! While I’m proud of the work the brigade has done, we also recognize that there is much to be done.

Hanson: Could you also give some idea of what the American forces under your command face? What has a typical day been like for an American twenty-something private under your command?

Gibbs: Every day brings challenges. We conduct what we call steady state operations, which involves operations and patrols that remind the citizens here that we’re committed to their security and overall well being. We don’t set patterns or become predictable in what we do, but a lot of what the soldiers accomplish is similar 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What’s important for our infantrymen who are out in the more difficult areas, or “sectarian fault lines” as we call them, is to interact with the populace and conduct combined patrols and operations with their ISF counterparts to maintain the trust and good relationships they’ve built since day one.

FOB life is different, but also demanding. Our medics, mechanics, staff and support personnel also work extremely hard to make sure that those who are out there at the “pointy end of the spear” are well supplied, informed, and taken care of.

The bottom line is that we have a fantastic team here in the Dragon Brigade and I’m truly honored to be leading such great soldiers!

Hanson: Given the mixed populations of the Rashid district, does the chief challenge to the coalition now arise from Shiite militias or al Qaeda forces?

Gibbs: The challenges are different depending on where you are in the district, but we take the threats from any group or faction operating outside of the law very seriously. Obviously, the AQI are more entrenched in the Sunni areas, while in the Shia-dominated locales we see a variety of militias and special groups who are vying for power and influence. Regardless of who they are or what they represent, our approach is the same: if you are not working in the best interests of the elected government and the law-abiding citizens, then we’re going to go after you.

Hanson: After four years of hard fighting and terrible human and material costs, is there anything that you could say to the American people from your experience in Rashid that would encourage them about the results of their sacrifice?

Gibbs: I would just say that what the brave men and women of the Dragon Brigade are accomplishing here in southern Baghdad is nothing short of amazing. I like to say that “Our soldiers are our greatest ambassadors,” because it is absolutely true. I watch young captains, lieutenants, and sergeants who have but a few years in the army carrying on healthy, effective relationships with local military, government, religious, and tribal officials here that you would expect of people with years and years of service.

I want the American people to know that their most precious resource — your sons and daughters — are doing amazing things here and we are seeing the kind of progress that I hope I’ve successfully illustrated in the previous questions.

I also want to thank our families, family readiness groups, and communities in Fort Riley, Junction City, and Manhattan, Kansas. They have been a great source of support and inspiration for us in the time we’ve been deployed, and we look forward to the day when we can say that our time here is done and we can return home to those who have been there for us the most.

Finally, I want to thank you Victor for giving me the chance to answer your questions. America deserves to know what is going on here in Iraq, and elsewhere our soldiers are deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. I appreciate your interest and willingness to give me the chance to share some of what the Dragon Brigade has done and is doing to contribute to the fight.

©2007 Victor Davis Hanson

-- October 26, 2007 12:18 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Rob N.

Im with you on the hogs blood, it worked for Black Jack P. back in the early 50s, stoped bombers for 50 years, use one of those planes that were droping water on the bush fires and fill it up with a watered down mix of blood with whatever will stop it coagulating, drop it from high enough and should get thousands of them in one go, then they can spend forever with the devil and his hogs in hell.
This is JMO so do not start shooting me, its because there is no dinar info.

Stay lucky Guys Steve.

PS Is there a spell check anywhere on this site, as I need it.

Money saving tip of the day.

Live with your parents untill your children are old enough for you to live with them

-- October 26, 2007 12:43 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

All,
Has anyone gone to the Iraqi Embassey in the US and in the UK,
lots of info on meettings, Im sure some of you can read between
the lines a lot better than I can, and come up with somthing worth
reading, Stay Lucky Guys, Steve.

-- October 26, 2007 8:59 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Imran,

Can you send me George's Email address, swpsteve@aol.com
Its here somewhere, no doubt it will turn up now, Cheers, Steve.

-- October 26, 2007 10:15 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi natural gas one step closer to Europe

Iraq and Syria have agreed to revive a project for linking Iraqi national gas fields in the western regions with the gas treatment plants in Syria. The news comes as the oil ministry has agreed to revive a project for the construction of the Nasiriya Refinery and present a design proposal to parliament.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 28, 2007 12:30 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Orders Diplomats to Serve in Iraq
Associated Press | October 27, 2007
WASHINGTON - In the largest call-up of U.S. diplomats since the Vietnam War, the State Department is planning to order some of its personnel to serve at the American Embassy in Iraq because of a lack of volunteers.

Those designated "prime candidates" - from 200 to 300 diplomats - will be notified Monday that they have been selected for one-year postings to fill the 40 to 50 vacancies expected next year.

They will have 10 days to accept or reject the position. If not enough say yes, some will be ordered to go to Iraq and face dismissal if they refuse, Harry Thomas, director general of the Foreign Service, said Friday.

"Starting Nov. 12, our assignments panel will assign people to Iraq," Thomas told reporters in a conference call. "Under our system, we have all taken an oath to serve our country, we have all signed (up for) worldwide availability.

"If someone decides ... they do not want to go, we will then consider appropriate action," he said. "We have many options, including dismissal from the Foreign Service."

Only those with compelling reasons, such as a medical condition or extreme personal hardship, will be exempt from disciplinary action, Thomas said. He said the process of deciding who will go to Iraq should be complete by Thanksgiving.

Diplomats who are forced into service in Iraq will receive the same extra hardship pay, vacation time and choice of future assignments as those who have volunteered since Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this past summer ordered Baghdad positions to be filled before all others around the world.

About 200 Foreign Service officers work in Iraq.

It is certain to be unpopular due to serious security concerns in Iraq and uncertainty over the status of the private contractors who protect U.S. diplomats there, particularly after a deadly Sept. 16 shooting in which guards from Blackwater USA protecting an embassy convoy were accused of killing 17 Iraqi civilians.

The union that represents U.S. diplomats, the American Foreign Service Association, has expressed deep concerns in the past about a possible move what are known as "directed assignments." But officials with the union could not be reached for comment late Friday.

The move to directed assignments is rare but not unprecedented.

In 1969, an entire class of entry-level diplomats was sent to Vietnam, and on a smaller scale, diplomats were required to work at various embassies in West Africa in the 1970s and 1980s.

More than 1,200 of the department's 11,500 Foreign Service officers have served in Iraq since 2003, but the generous incentives have not persuaded enough diplomats to volunteer for duty in Baghdad or with the State Department's provincial reconstruction teams.

When she ordered that Baghdad be given staffing priority, Rice had warned that unless more volunteers could be found, the department would have to implement directed assignments.

"It is my fervent hope that we will continue to see sufficient numbers ... volunteering for Iraq service, but we must be prepared to meet our requirements in any eventuality," she said in an unclassified cable sent to all diplomatic missions abroad on June 19.

That directive followed an earlier offer for any diplomats wanting to learn Arabic to leave their current post immediately for two years of language training before being posted to Iraq and an appeal from the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad, Ryan Crocker, for the urgency of the Iraq operation to be made clear to all diplomats.

Crocker has repeatedly appealed to the State Department headquarters for more and better trained personnel to staff the embassy. The embassy operation had been due to move into a vast new compound last month, but the move has been indefinitely delayed due to logistical and construction problems.

Iraq is an extremely dangerous hardship post with near daily insurgent mortar attacks on the fortified Green Zone where the embassy is located.

The U.S. military has quietly but repeatedly complained that its forces and other Defense Department personnel have been pressed into service in jobs that should have been filled by State Department personnel.

In particular, Defense Department employees and service members were forced to fill spots on provincial reconstruction teams for months because the State Department could not get personnel there.

Military officials have complained that other federal agencies - including State, Commerce and Agriculture - aren't moving quickly enough to fill critical needs in Iraq. Those agencies, they argue, have the expertise to help Iraqi business people and farmers get back to their jobs and improve the economy.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 28, 2007 12:35 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

UNDP, Japan Bank for International Cooperation to support Iraq reconstruction


26 October 2007 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have signed a landmark agreement for the provision of loans aimed helping reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

“In accordance with this new agreement, UNDP will establish a facility to support the provision of $150 million in soft loans from JBIC to Iraq, which will primarily support the Ministry of Electricity of the Kurdistan Regional Government in its efforts to reconstruct electricity networks in Northern Iraq,” the agency said in a news release.

These soft loans mark the first installment of a $3.5 billion pledge made by the Government of Japan at a 2003 donor's conference held in Madrid.

The agency said the agreement will “serve as a model allowing UNDP and JBIC to explore opportunities for similar agreements around the globe.”
(www.http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=24428&Cr=Iraq&Cr1)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 28, 2007 12:39 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1036)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1036 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2007/10/28 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 20 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 103.850.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 103.850.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- October 28, 2007 9:18 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I was in New York this weekend traveling on business, I had dinner with a broker from Deutsche Bank. Our conversation revolved around emerging markets. He recomended Yen, Yuan, and Won. No mention of the Iraqi Dinar but I did not breech the subject with him. I assumed his presumption about the Dinar is similar to the rest of the investment world

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 28, 2007 9:18 PM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

HAS ANYONE NOTICED HOW MUCH MORE GOOD NEWS IS BEING REPORTED BY OUR MEDIA? COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO ITS AMAZING HOW THEY ARE NOW WILLING TO TELL THESE STORIES, AND WHEN THERES A SET BACK IT SEEMS THEY NO LONGER EXPLOIT AND HYPE UP THE NEGATIVE THE WAY THEY USED TO. WE NEED THIS, AND MORE OF IT. THE DEMS ARE ANOTHER STORY! THEY ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT PARTY THAN THEY ARE ABOUT COUNTRY. THEY WILL CHANGE THEIR TUNES REAL QUICK THOUGH WHEN THEY CAN NO LONGER RIDE ON THE WAVES OF TURMOIL IN IRAQ, OR THEY WILL SINK WITH AL QIADA.

-- October 29, 2007 5:57 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1038)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1038 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/10/30 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1232 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ----- -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 99.515.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) -----
Total offers for buying (US $) 99.515.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ----- -----

-- October 30, 2007 6:57 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Sells $25 Billion Worth Of Oil

Iraq’s oil sales on international markets since the beginning of this year have exceeded $25 billion as a number of European and American companies get ready in the next two days to ship an estimated 5 million barrels of oil through Ceyhan Turkish port.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 30, 2007 5:47 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

30 Oct 2007 16:37:00
Currency
IQD keeps rate for 12th auction
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar kept Tuesday is previous exchange rate at IQD 1232 per Dollar in the Central Bank of Iraq's auction, maintaining the same exchange rate for the 12th auction in a row. The US Dollars sales increased radically Tuesday to reach 99,515,000 Dollars.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 30, 2007 5:48 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Rising oil prices makes reconsideration of the general budget 2008
أرتفاع أسعار النفط يحتم اعادة النظر في موازنة العام 2008 Rising oil prices makes reconsideration of the general budget 2008



أكّد رئيس لجنة النفط والغاز في مجلس النواب يونادم كنا ان ارتفاع اسعار النفط في الاسواق العالمية والذي بلغ اثنين وتسعين دولارا للبرميل الواحد سيحتّم على الحكومة اعادة النظر في موازنة الفين وثمانية التي أعدتها والتي من المؤمل عرضها على البرلمان في الجلسات القادمة للتصويت عليها. The Chairman of the Committee for oil and gas in the House Eonadm we, the high oil prices in world markets, which was ninety-two dollars per barrel will necessitate the government to reconsider the budget of two to eight paper, which will hopefully be submitted to Parliament in the next meetings of the vote.
(www.iraqdirectory.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 30, 2007 5:51 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The economic point of view in the new oil bill, a Russian-Iraqi talks to revive the unexpected oil cooperation
اعداد و تقديم: ناظم ياسين Preparation and submission: Nazim Yasin
تتضمن هذه الحلقة الجديدة من برنامج (التقرير الاقتصادي) مقابلة مع خبير النفط والاقتصاد العراقي الدكتور محمد علي زيني حول مشروع قانون النفط والغاز الجديد الذي يُتوقع أن يبدأ مجلس النواب العراقي بمناقشته خلال الأيام المقبلة. These include the new program (Economic Report) interview with an oil and the Iraqi economy, Dr Mohammad Ali Zeini, a draft law on oil and gas is expected that the new Council will discuss the Iraqi parliament in the coming days.
كما نستمع إلى متابعة من موسكو عن محادثات عراقية – روسية مرتقبة لإحياء التعاون النفطي الثنائي. Also listen to the follow-up of the Moscow talks on the Iraqi-Russian pipeline to revive bilateral cooperation oil.

وجهة نظر اقتصادية في مشروع قانون النفط الجديد The economic point of view in the new oil bill

من المتوقع أن يناقش أعضاء مجلس النواب العراقي مشروع قانون النفط والغاز الجديد لغرض إقراره قبل نهاية العام الحالي. It is expected to discuss members of the House bill Iraqi oil and gas for the purpose of the new approval before the end of this year. هذا فيما يؤكد مسؤولون حكوميون ضرورة الإسراع في إقرار المشروع نظراً لأهميته في تنفيذ خطط النهوض بالاقتصاد العراقي. With this underlines the need for government officials to speed up the adoption of the project because of its importance in the implementation of the plans promote the economy of Iraq.
وفي تصريحاتٍ أدلى بها بعد إقرار المسودة في شباط الماضي، أشاد رئيس الوزراء نوري كامل المالكي بمشروع القانون الذي سينظّم توزيع الثروة النفطية في البلاد مضيفاً أن فوائد هذه الثروة هي بمثابة "دعامة راسخة" من أجل توحيد صف العراقيين، على حد تعبيره. In statements made after the approval of the draft last February, praised Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki entire bill, which will organize the distribution of oil wealth in the country, adding that the benefits of this wealth is a "solid foundation" for the unification of the Iraqi side, as he put it.
وكان مجلس الوزراء العراقي وافق في شباط الماضي على مسودة قانون النفط والغاز التي تنصّ على أن تتقاسم بغداد والمحافظات العراقية السيطرة والإيرادات من الاحتياطيات النفطية في البلاد. The Iraqi Cabinet agreed last February to draft oil and gas law, which states that share Baghdad and other Iraqi control and revenue from oil reserves in the country. وأحالت الحكومة العراقية المسودة بعد تعديلها إلى مجلس النواب لغرض إقرارها الذي كان متوقعاً بحلول نهاية أيار الماضي في بادئ الأمر. The Iraqi government referred the draft amended to the House of Representatives for approval, which was expected by the end of last May in the first instance. لكن اعتراضات قانونية وسياسية تسببت في إرجاء إقراره لكي يصبح قانوناً ساري المفعول. But legal and political objections caused the postponement approval to become legally valid.
يذكر أن الصناعة النفطية العراقية المتهالكة بحاجةٍ إلى استثمارات أجنبية بمليارات الدولارات لإنعاشها. It is noteworthy that the Iraqi oil industry crumbling need to billions of dollars of foreign investment to revive it. وأدلى مسؤولون حكوميون بتصريحاتٍ مفادها أن إقرار مشروع القانون الجديد سيؤدي إلى جذب الشركات العالمية للاستثمار في قطاع النفط العراقي على نحوٍ يرفع من قدرات الإنتاج والتصدير. The statements made by government officials that the adoption of the new bill will attract international companies to invest in Iraq's oil sector to increase the production and export capacities.
وفيما شدد مسؤولون وبرلمانيون على أن قانون النفط والغاز الجديد With officials and parliamentarians stressed that the law of the new oil and gas
من أهم القوانين التي سوف تسهم في دفع عجلة الاقتصاد في حال إقراره أشار عدد من الخبراء في نقاشاتٍ وبياناتٍ وافية خلال الشهور الماضية إلى ضرورة إجراء بعض التعديلات اللازمة عليه وإرجاء مناقشته إلى ما بعد تعديل مواد الدستور العراقي ولا سيما تلك المتعلقة بالثروة النفطية. One of the most important laws that will contribute to advancing the economy in the event of approval A number of experts in the discussions and adequate data in the last few months to the need to make some necessary adjustments and postpone discussion until after the amendment of the Iraqi Constitution, particularly those relating to oil wealth.
وفي المقابلة التالية التي أجريتها عبر الهاتف، يوضح خبير النفط والاقتصاد العراقي الدكتور محمد علي زيني من مركز دراسات الطاقة العالمية في لندن وجهة النظر القائلة بأنه على الرغم من أهمية مشروع القانون فإنه لا توجد حاجة ملحّة لإقراره في الوقت الحالي. In my next interview by phone, shows an oil and the Iraqi economy, Dr Mohammad Ali Zeini, from the Center for Global Energy Studies in London, the view that despite the importance of the bill there is no urgent need for adoption at the current time.
(المقابلة مع خبير النفط والاقتصاد د. محمد علي زيني) (Interview with an oil and the economy d. Muhammad Ali Zaini)

محادثات عراقية - روسية مرتقبة لإحياء التعاون النفطي Talks unexpected Iraqi-Russian cooperation to revive oil

أعلن رئيس إحدى الشركات الروسية النفطية الكبيرة أخيراً أن وفداً حكومياً من بلاده سيتوجه إلى بغداد قريباً لإجراء محادثات بهدف إحياء التعاون النفطي بين العراق وروسيا. The head of a Russian oil companies large Finally, a government delegation from his country would travel to Baghdad soon for talks aimed at reviving the oil cooperation between Iraq and Russia.
وأعرب المسؤول النفطي الروسي خلال محاضرة ألقاها في إحدى الجامعات الأميركية المرموقة في نيويورك عن أمله في أن يتوصل الجانبان إلى اتفاق يتيح للشركة النفطية الروسية أن تستأنف العمل في تطوير أحد الحقول العراقية وفقاً لعقدٍ وقّعته في أواخر التسعينات من القرن الماضي. The official Russian oil during a lecture he delivered at a prestigious American universities in New York hoped that the two sides reached an agreement allowing the Russian oil company to resume work on developing an Iraqi fields according to the contract signed in the late 1990s.
مزيد من التفاصيل في سياق المتابعة التالية التي وافانا بها مراسل إذاعة العراق الحر ميخائيل ألاندارنكو: More details in the context of follow-up briefing by Radio Free Iraq correspondent Mikhail Alandarnko:

"أعرب رئيس شركة (لوك أويل) النفطية الروسية واحد الكبيروف عن أمله بأن شركته ستعمل في حقل غرب القرنة – 2 وفقاً للعقد الذي وقّعت عليه (لوك أويل) والجانب العراقي أواخر التسعينيات. جاء ذلك أثناء محاضرة ألقاها الكبيروف في جامعة كولومبيا الأميركية الأسبوع الماضي. "The head of the company (Lukoil), a Russian oil Alekperov expressed hope that his company will work in the field of West Qurna-2 in accordance with the contract, signed by (Lukoil) and the Iraqi side late 1990s. This came during a lecture he gave at Columbia University Alekperov American last week.
وذكر واحد الكبيروف أنه من المتوقع أن يزور وفد حكومي روسي العراق عما قريب، وسيكون موضوع غرب القرنة من بين المواضيع المطروحة على بساط البحث. The one Alekperov, it is expected that the Russian government delegation will visit Iraq shortly, and will be the subject of the West Qurna Among the topics on the table. ولكن الكبيروف لم يعطِ مزيداً من التفاصيل حول موعد الزيارة وتشكيلة الوفد. Alekperov, but did not give any further details about the trip's timing and composition of the delegation.
يُذكر أن وزير النفط العراقي حسين الشهرستاني زار موسكو في آب الماضي لمناقشة شتى محاور التعاون مع روسيا في مجال استخراج النفط، بما في ذلك غرب القرنة. It is noteworthy that the Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Shahrastani visited Moscow last August to discuss various issues of cooperation with Russia in the field of oil extraction, including the West Qurna. وتحاول روسيا ربط موضوع مشاركتها في غرب القرنة بشطب ما يستحق لها من ديون عراقية. And Russia is trying to link the theme of their participation in the West Qurna write off what it deserves Iraqi debt. إلا أن بعض المسؤولين العراقيين يستبعد ذلك. However, some Iraqi officials exclude that.
مصدر في المكتب الإعلامي لشركة (لول أويل أوفرسيز) التي تمثل مصالح شركة (لول أويل) خارج روسيا رفض في حديث إلى مراسل إذاعة العراق الحر التعليق على آفاق شركة (لوك أويل) في العراق. A source in the media office of the company (Luul Oil Overseas), which represents the interests of the company (Luul Oil) outside Russia refused in an interview with the correspondent of Radio Free Iraq to comment on the prospects of the company (Lukoil) in Iraq. وقال المصدر الذي طلب عدم ذكر اسمه إنه من السابق لأوانه إعطاء أي تعليقات حول هذا الموضوع ما لم يُقرّ العراق قانوناً جديداً للنفط. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that it was premature to give any comments on this subject unless Iraq recognizes a new oil.
وفي سياقٍ متصل، أعربت المحللة السياسية الروسية الدكتورة (إلينا سوبونينا) عن تشاؤمها من أن تستطيع شركة (لوك أويل) استرداد نفوذها في العراق كما كان سابقاً." In a related development, the Russian Political Analyst, Dr. (us Sopponina) on pessimism that the company can (Lukoil) to recover its influence in Iraq as it was before. "
(تعليق المحللة إلينا سوبونينا عن التعاون النفطي مع العراق) (Analyst comment us Sopponina on oil cooperation with Iraq)
الأرشيف Archive
الصفحة الرئيسية Home
(Radio Free Iraq)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 30, 2007 5:54 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

31 Oct 2007 17:17:00
Iraq-Germany
Iraq, Germany to activate joint committee
Baghdad (NINA)- The Minister of Industry and Minerals Fawzi Hareeri has agreed with the new German Ambassador to Iraq Hans Schumacher on activating the joint economic committee with new prospects that would serve the Iraqi interests in the current stage.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- October 31, 2007 11:00 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq preps for regional conference
Oct 31, 2007

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Iraqi foreign minister said Wednesday that this weekend's regional conference in Istanbul must focus only on Iraq's security and stability, not the border crisis over Turkey's threatened incursion against Kurdish rebels.

The high-level meeting on Saturday will be a follow-up to a May meeting in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt. Iraq's neighbors, among other things, promised to stop foreign militants from joining Iraq's insurgency, a pledge that the United States says has not been met.

But it comes as Turkey has threatened military action against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, known as the PKK, who have been staging cross-border hit-and-run attacks into Turkey from their bases in northern Iraq as they seek to create an autonomous Kurdish state in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast.

Turkey also is considering a series of economic sanctions that could affect the self-governing Kurdish administration in Iraq's north.

"This meeting is very important and should not be hijacked by the current tension and crisis over the PKK terrorist activities in Turkey," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in a joint news conference after meeting with his visiting Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki.

"We want this meeting to focus on Iraq's stability and security and not to be diverted to the current problem between the Turkish government and the PKK," said Zebari, himself a Kurd.

He also warned a Turkish military incursion into northern Iraq would have "serious consequences for the entire region and could undermine its stability."

He renewed the Iraqi government readiness "to cooperate actively with the Turkish government to find practical measures" to prevent the Kurdish rebels from working from Iraqi territories to hurt Turkey and its interests.

The meeting will occur as the U.S. military and Iraqi civilians have seen a drop in casualties.

The U.S. military also claimed successes in its fight against Sunni and Shiite extremists.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-10-31-iraq-wednesday_N.htm?csp=34

-- October 31, 2007 3:17 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

For those that do not know, a good read on all of Iraq's industries goto

www.rebuil-iraq-expo.com

All postings are dated so you know if its upto date.
Thanks, Stay lucky, Steve.

-- October 31, 2007 11:20 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

And if I had hit the D key rebuild

Steve.

-- October 31, 2007 11:21 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Remember me? I have been gone for a while, but look in every-so-often. There have been some very interesting powtings and perspectives.
Obviously, positive things are now being reported by the media. Probably for many diverse and various reasons.
Personally, I am keeping the circle tight around my "little " family, as it is the only control and influence anyone can have in this world gone wild.

I do have a question concerning the huge exporting and selling of oil being done by Iraq, internationally.....

Does anyone know what they are selling the oil for, in the way of currencies? Also this enormous amount of production would require massive labor pools,,,,,with what are they paying the workers??? Dinars?

It seems unthinkable that the labor force would settle for the oil industry to be paid in dollars, and workers paid in dinar.

I know such things happen in places like China. But China is under a communist regime.....Iraq is supposed to be a democracy.

Hope someone has some answers or thoughts on these matters.

Sara,

hoping your "bumps in the road" have smoothed out. Think and pray for you often.

Carole

-- November 1, 2007 1:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Crisis with Turkey will not Block Kurdistan Investments

Investment sources in Kurdistan have emphasized that the border tension between Iraq and Turkey has not had any effect on the inflow of investments in Kurdistan Province.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 1, 2007 9:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

01 Nov 2007 16:09:00
Currency
IQD maintains rate
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar kept Thursday its previously registered exchange rate at IQD 1232 per Dollar. The same rate for the 14th consecutive auction of the Central Bank of Iraq. The US Dollar's total sales amounted to 69,745,000 Dollars, a decline from last Wednesday's sales of USD 79,485,00.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 1, 2007 9:51 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

01 Nov 2007 12:07:00
WTO
Discussions over Iraq joining WTO continue
Baghdad (NINA)- It is necessary to elucidate to the Iraqi public opinion the importance of having Iraq joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), said the Minister of Trade Abdul Falah H. Al-Soudani.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 1, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The new math of oil
10/31/2007

The new math of oil
High energy prices are always bad, right? Not necessarily, says Fortune's Geoff Colvin.
By Geoff Colvin, Fortune senior editor-at-large
October 31 2007: 7:20 AM EDT

(Fortune Magazine) -- We're hard-wired to tremble when oil prices rocket, and the past few weeks have looked like another example of why. Whenever stocks fell sharply, as they did several times, traders blamed the fast-rising price of oil.

But that chain of logic is misleading. The bigger picture shows that the relation between oil and the economy is changing, and we'll have to rewire our brains to understand what's happening. Watching oil prices rise and fall is no longer enough; the key now is understanding why they're moving.

You know something strange is going on when you step back and examine the stock market's performance not of the past three weeks but of the past five years. As oil prices have surged, they haven't knocked down stocks or hobbled the economy. Instead just the opposite has happened: Oil has tripled, yet stocks have roared ahead to new records, and the U.S. economy has grown smartly over the whole period. That is not how things work, or so we learned after oil spikes triggered recessions in 1973, 1980, 1981, and 1990.

The critical insight into what's happening comes from Daniel Yergin, chairman of Cambridge Energy Research Associates and a longtime authority on world energy. "This is a demand shock, not a supply shock," he says. "What's causing it is the extraordinary economic growth of the past few years."

Previous oil spikes happened when OPEC closed the spigots; the resulting high prices were a tax on the world economy and slowed everything down. But today's situation is the opposite: Strong global economic growth is pushing oil prices up. As Yergin puts it, "The economy is having a greater impact on oil prices than oil prices are having on the economy."

Oil: No longer a heavyweight
Of course demand isn't the only factor pushing oil up, as Yergin and every other analyst understands. The price rise of the past few weeks, from the high 70s to the high 80s, seems clearly a result of fear that supplies will be disrupted by a possible Turkish incursion into northern Iraq or some kind of crisis with Iran. That makes this latest rise an old-fashioned supply shock, or rather a fear of one, which is why it has hammered the markets.

But the fear factor is responsible for only part of today's high price. The real culprit is broadly growing global demand. We're in the midst of a virtually unprecedented period in which nearly every major nation's economy has been expanding. So to figure out how we feel about rising oil prices, we must now ask why they're rising. If they're caused by constricted supply, they'll probably trigger bad news, like a recession. But if they're caused by strong demand, they're probably the result of good news, a growing world economy.

Here's one more part of the puzzle: Markets clearly expect the price of oil to decline. Specifically, crude oil futures reflect a price that falls further for each additional month they extend. In addition, the stock prices of Exxon Mobil (Charts, Fortune 500), Chevron (Charts, Fortune 500), ConocoPhillips (Charts, Fortune 500), and other giant producers reflect investors' expectations of falling oil prices.

If you take the profits of these companies over the past four quarters and capitalize those profits at the appropriate capital cost, you get what each firm would be worth if it were to continue cranking out the past year's profits every year. But in each case the company's actual market value is lower; that is, the market expects each company's profits to fall, for which the only plausible explanation would be declining oil prices.

Now for a real-world test of our new mental wiring: Should we be cheering or crying over the fact that prices are likely to head lower? A decline of 10% or a bit more, assuming it reflected vaporization of the recent fear premium, would certainly be good.

Beyond that, we can expect downward price pressure from basic, predictable economic forces: increased supply induced by today's high prices, though bringing it online takes a while, and substitution as alternative energy sources start to make sense vs. expensive oil. More downward pressure will come from the world economy continuing to become less energy intensive, producing more GDP per barrel. That's all good.

But we need to remember that recessions in some or all of the world's major economies would also bring oil prices down. So if the market is right and prices do fall, let's check our instinct to cheer and first ask why. It's possible that in today's economy, a declining price of oil could truly be cause to tremble.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 1, 2007 9:55 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Bomb factory found in Iraq
AFP Published:Nov 03, 2007

BAGHDAD - US troops found a large bomb-making factory just north of Baghdad following a tip-off from a local resident, the military said today.

The factory was being used to assemble explosively formed penetrators, the fist-sized bombs that can cut through heavy armour, a statement said.

US commanders say that members of the covert operations arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have been supplying the explosives and training Shiite militiamen in their use, a charge Tehran strongly denies.

The US military said the bomb-making factory was found in the town of Husseiniyah and contained 10 fully assembled EFPs of various sizes.

Troops also found around 90 copper plates and more than 90 kilograms of C-4 explosive, enough material to make at least 150 EFPs, the statement said.

The US military says EFPs have resulted in the deaths of more than 200 soldiers in Iraq over the past two years but the number found or detonated has dropped from 99 in July to 53 in October.

On Thursday, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Iran had promised the Iraqi government that it would halt the flow of the armour-piercing explosives but questioned whether the pledge was genuine.

"It is my understanding that they have provided such assurances. I don’t know whether to believe them," Gates told reporters in Washington.

http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=604108

-- November 3, 2007 2:26 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

Thank you. I think and pray for you often, too. I am also, "keeping the circle tight around my "little " family, as it is the only control and influence anyone can have in this world gone wild." Still working through things but mostly under control now, thank you.

I just had to scale back how much posting I could do, and I am sorry but my posts to TB have suffered. So much more on my "plate", lately so I check the posts but am not a contributor like before. Hope you are well and your contributions and thoughts are always welcome. :) I look forward to hearing from you and reading your posts and thoughts, as well as the others - I appreciate the contributions of all - Rob N and Steve sure have been helping with news and views of late. :)

I hope Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will have a fruitful visit:

US, Turkey, Iraq will repel Kurd attacks
Ap, Ankara
November 3, 2007

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United States, Turkey and Iraq will counter any attacks on Turkey by Kurdish rebels operating out of northern Iraq.

She didn't specify just what that meant in speaking with reporters en route to diplomatic meetings in Turkey and the Middle East, and she warned against doing anything that might worsen the volatile situation on the Turkish-Iraqi border.

Rice arrived in Turkey's capital on Friday for high-level meetings with Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Ali Babacan. She planned to press the US case that Iraqi Kurds and Turkey should back away from an escalating conflict. So far the US has won no public promises to stand down.

Rice rearranged a long-scheduled diplomatic visit to include stops in Ankara. The chief US diplomat was also seeing Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and holding a three-way meeting with Iraqi and Turkish diplomats over the weekend.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=9974

Sara.

-- November 3, 2007 2:42 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Pjuter is repaired, and I for sure have a lot of backlog in a lot of different areas to catch up with.

I have been out of touch and it might take me some hours to get the present time picture back again, let me do some read up and I'll be back in the near future.

I'm sorry if someone felt that I cut the communication in a middle of a thought exchange.

Blame it on the pjuter.

-- November 3, 2007 11:21 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,
I have read that Warren Buffet has put a boatload of money into somthing out of the US and not in his usual type of investment, Stocks and curency, but all he will say is that he will say what and where next year, so Carole and Sara do you have anyone in your circle of friends that may know somthing as to what Warren has done and where it is?

On the ISX when it go's electronic it is only for the traders in the ISX and not for us to use online, we will still have to send in your pic list by email to Mr I. and the ISX Team.

I have just watched on the TV a prog called the USAs next oil, and it is on the west coast of Africa, Nigeria, Chad, Angola and a small island called Sao Tome

It looks like it could get messy as China is also in Africa after the oil, China'a oil comsumption has gone up by 25% in the last 12 months

Have a nice day and stay lucky guys, Steve.

-- November 3, 2007 11:49 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Encouraging news from Iraq. Please read below and share your thoughts.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament

ن Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament on a number of draft laws
بغدراق Baghdad-Iraq votes
مة . Prime Minister Nuri told Al-Maliki and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Saturday, in Istanbul, the atmosphere is now ready for ratification by the Iraqi Parliament on a number of draft laws approved by the government, including a bill of oil, gas and Bill accountability and justice.وقهيئالة ". According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers, Saturday, Maliki said that during the meeting with Rice ", the atmosphere is ready to ratify a number of bills approved by the government and forwarded to the parliament for ratification bill such as oil and gas, bill accountability and justice."
اث". The American administration in Iraq not to take the completion of the ratification of a number of important bills, such as oil and gas law and the law of accountability and justice, which was known as the law of "uprooting the Baath."
ول الثلاث" . The statement added: "During the meeting was to discuss issues of common interest, and the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the United States and Turkey to address the threat of the PKK through the cooperation of the three countries."
قتصادية" . The statement quoted the Maliki as saying that "the PKK terrorist organization is not hazardous to Turkey, but also in Iraq, particularly in the security and economic aspects."
ركيا لنر هم. Maliki was confirmed in his speech to the conference of Iraq's neighbors is being held in Istanbul, Turkey, to Iraq's relations with Turkey would not be affected by the current crisis between the two countries and pledged to take urgent action against members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party based in northern Iraq, including the closure of their offices.
واالمت". Maliki pointed out that "the security situation in Iraq" has improved significantly and returned calm and Alastaqrarali many areas was heated until recently, "adding," This important development is the result of the professionalism of our armed forces and strengthen the confidence of citizens Bajhzatna security, and the success of the initiative of national reconciliation, support and entrusting multinational forces. "
وألة". He Maliki, according to the statement, to "positive reporting to international organizations that improve the economic conditions in Iraq, and the low rates of inflation, a decline in unemployment."فية). The Maliki arrived, Friday, to Turkey to head Iraq's delegation at the conference expanded to the neighboring countries of Iraq, while Foreign Minister arrived in America the day before yesterday, Thursday, and met with Turkish officials in an attempt to urge them not to carry out any military action in northern Iraq to hunt down the PKK, which it considers Turkey (terrorist group).Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament

ن Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament on a number of draft laws
بغدراق Baghdad-Iraq votes
مة . Prime Minister Nuri told Al-Maliki and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Saturday, in Istanbul, the atmosphere is now ready for ratification by the Iraqi Parliament on a number of draft laws approved by the government, including a bill of oil, gas and Bill accountability and justice.وقهيئالة ". According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers, Saturday, Maliki said that during the meeting with Rice ", the atmosphere is ready to ratify a number of bills approved by the government and forwarded to the parliament for ratification bill such as oil and gas, bill accountability and justice."
اث". The American administration in Iraq not to take the completion of the ratification of a number of important bills, such as oil and gas law and the law of accountability and justice, which was known as the law of "uprooting the Baath."
ول الثلاث" . The statement added: "During the meeting was to discuss issues of common interest, and the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the United States and Turkey to address the threat of the PKK through the cooperation of the three countries."
قتصادية" . The statement quoted the Maliki as saying that "the PKK terrorist organization is not hazardous to Turkey, but also in Iraq, particularly in the security and economic aspects."
ركيا لنر هم. Maliki was confirmed in his speech to the conference of Iraq's neighbors is being held in Istanbul, Turkey, to Iraq's relations with Turkey would not be affected by the current crisis between the two countries and pledged to take urgent action against members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party based in northern Iraq, including the closure of their offices.
واالمت". Maliki pointed out that "the security situation in Iraq" has improved significantly and returned calm and Alastaqrarali many areas was heated until recently, "adding," This important development is the result of the professionalism of our armed forces and strengthen the confidence of citizens Bajhzatna security, and the success of the initiative of national reconciliation, support and entrusting multinational forces. "
وألة". He Maliki, according to the statement, to "positive reporting to international organizations that improve the economic conditions in Iraq, and the low rates of inflation, a decline in unemployment."فية). The Maliki arrived, Friday, to Turkey to head Iraq's delegation at the conference expanded to the neighboring countries of Iraq, while Foreign Minister arrived in America the day before yesterday, Thursday, and met with Turkish officials in an attempt to urge them not to carry out any military action in northern Iraq to hunt down the PKK, which it considers Turkey (terrorist group).Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament

ن Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament on a number of draft laws
بغدراق Baghdad-Iraq votes
مة . Prime Minister Nuri told Al-Maliki and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Saturday, in Istanbul, the atmosphere is now ready for ratification by the Iraqi Parliament on a number of draft laws approved by the government, including a bill of oil, gas and Bill accountability and justice.وقهيئالة ". According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers, Saturday, Maliki said that during the meeting with Rice ", the atmosphere is ready to ratify a number of bills approved by the government and forwarded to the parliament for ratification bill such as oil and gas, bill accountability and justice."
اث". The American administration in Iraq not to take the completion of the ratification of a number of important bills, such as oil and gas law and the law of accountability and justice, which was known as the law of "uprooting the Baath."
ول الثلاث" . The statement added: "During the meeting was to discuss issues of common interest, and the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the United States and Turkey to address the threat of the PKK through the cooperation of the three countries."
قتصادية" . The statement quoted the Maliki as saying that "the PKK terrorist organization is not hazardous to Turkey, but also in Iraq, particularly in the security and economic aspects."
ركيا لنر هم. Maliki was confirmed in his speech to the conference of Iraq's neighbors is being held in Istanbul, Turkey, to Iraq's relations with Turkey would not be affected by the current crisis between the two countries and pledged to take urgent action against members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party based in northern Iraq, including the closure of their offices.
واالمت". Maliki pointed out that "the security situation in Iraq" has improved significantly and returned calm and Alastaqrarali many areas was heated until recently, "adding," This important development is the result of the professionalism of our armed forces and strengthen the confidence of citizens Bajhzatna security, and the success of the initiative of national reconciliation, support and entrusting multinational forces. "
وألة". He Maliki, according to the statement, to "positive reporting to international organizations that improve the economic conditions in Iraq, and the low rates of inflation, a decline in unemployment."فية). The Maliki arrived, Friday, to Turkey to head Iraq's delegation at the conference expanded to the neighboring countries of Iraq, while Foreign Minister arrived in America the day before yesterday, Thursday, and met with Turkish officials in an attempt to urge them not to carry out any military action in northern Iraq to hunt down the PKK, which it considers Turkey (terrorist group).Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament

ن Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament on a number of draft laws
بغدراق Baghdad-Iraq votes
مة . Prime Minister Nuri told Al-Maliki and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Saturday, in Istanbul, the atmosphere is now ready for ratification by the Iraqi Parliament on a number of draft laws approved by the government, including a bill of oil, gas and Bill accountability and justice.وقهيئالة ". According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers, Saturday, Maliki said that during the meeting with Rice ", the atmosphere is ready to ratify a number of bills approved by the government and forwarded to the parliament for ratification bill such as oil and gas, bill accountability and justice."
اث". The American administration in Iraq not to take the completion of the ratification of a number of important bills, such as oil and gas law and the law of accountability and justice, which was known as the law of "uprooting the Baath."
ول الثلاث" . The statement added: "During the meeting was to discuss issues of common interest, and the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the United States and Turkey to address the threat of the PKK through the cooperation of the three countries."
قتصادية" . The statement quoted the Maliki as saying that "the PKK terrorist organization is not hazardous to Turkey, but also in Iraq, particularly in the security and economic aspects."
ركيا لنر هم. Maliki was confirmed in his speech to the conference of Iraq's neighbors is being held in Istanbul, Turkey, to Iraq's relations with Turkey would not be affected by the current crisis between the two countries and pledged to take urgent action against members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party based in northern Iraq, including the closure of their offices.
واالمت". Maliki pointed out that "the security situation in Iraq" has improved significantly and returned calm and Alastaqrarali many areas was heated until recently, "adding," This important development is the result of the professionalism of our armed forces and strengthen the confidence of citizens Bajhzatna security, and the success of the initiative of national reconciliation, support and entrusting multinational forces. "
وألة". He Maliki, according to the statement, to "positive reporting to international organizations that improve the economic conditions in Iraq, and the low rates of inflation, a decline in unemployment."فية). The Maliki arrived, Friday, to Turkey to head Iraq's delegation at the conference expanded to the neighboring countries of Iraq, while Foreign Minister arrived in America the day before yesterday, Thursday, and met with Turkish officials in an attempt to urge them not to carry out any military action in northern Iraq to hunt down the PKK, which it considers Turkey (terrorist group).Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament

ن Maliki for Rice: airspace is ready for ratification by Parliament on a number of draft laws
بغدراق Baghdad-Iraq votes
مة . Prime Minister Nuri told Al-Maliki and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Saturday, in Istanbul, the atmosphere is now ready for ratification by the Iraqi Parliament on a number of draft laws approved by the government, including a bill of oil, gas and Bill accountability and justice.وقهيئالة ". According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers, Saturday, Maliki said that during the meeting with Rice ", the atmosphere is ready to ratify a number of bills approved by the government and forwarded to the parliament for ratification bill such as oil and gas, bill accountability and justice."
اث". The American administration in Iraq not to take the completion of the ratification of a number of important bills, such as oil and gas law and the law of accountability and justice, which was known as the law of "uprooting the Baath."
ول الثلاث" . The statement added: "During the meeting was to discuss issues of common interest, and the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the United States and Turkey to address the threat of the PKK through the cooperation of the three countries."
قتصادية" . The statement quoted the Maliki as saying that "the PKK terrorist organization is not hazardous to Turkey, but also in Iraq, particularly in the security and economic aspects."
ركيا لنر هم. Maliki was confirmed in his speech to the conference of Iraq's neighbors is being held in Istanbul, Turkey, to Iraq's relations with Turkey would not be affected by the current crisis between the two countries and pledged to take urgent action against members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party based in northern Iraq, including the closure of their offices.
واالمت". Maliki pointed out that "the security situation in Iraq" has improved significantly and returned calm and Alastaqrarali many areas was heated until recently, "adding," This important development is the result of the professionalism of our armed forces and strengthen the confidence of citizens Bajhzatna security, and the success of the initiative of national reconciliation, support and entrusting multinational forces. "
وألة". He Maliki, according to the statement, to "positive reporting to international organizations that improve the economic conditions in Iraq, and the low rates of inflation, a decline in unemployment."فية). The Maliki arrived, Friday, to Turkey to head Iraq's delegation at the conference expanded to the neighboring countries of Iraq, while Foreign Minister arrived in America the day before yesterday, Thursday, and met with Turkish officials in an attempt to urge them not to carry out any military action in northern Iraq to hunt down the PKK, which it considers Turkey (terrorist group).
(www.investorsiraqforum)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 4, 2007 12:16 AM ∞

---

John Deer wrote:

The Winds of Change with Iran?

(STRATFOR)
By Reva Bhalla

After 27 years of frozen relations, the United States and Iran held their first high-level direct talks in Baghdad on May 28 to negotiate a plan on how to stabilize Iraq. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Kazemi-Qomi, traded accusations about who was the bigger destabilizing force in Iraq. But by the end of the four-hour meeting, both described the negotiations as a positive first step in bringing the two sides together to stabilize Iraq. Kazemi-Qomi even said there probably would be a follow-up meeting within a month if he gets the OK from Tehran.

Iran and the United States evidently have come a long way since the spring of 2003, when Washington double-crossed Tehran on the two countries’ original understanding that a pro-Iranian, Shiite-dominated Iraq would be allowed to emerge in exchange for Iran’s help in effecting regime change in Baghdad. When the United States removed two hostile Sunni regimes from Iran’s border — the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq — the Iranians knew they had to check the United States on the regional chessboard so Washington understood any U.S. exit strategy from Iraq would have to come through Tehran. Only then, Tehran reasoned, could Iran use Iraq as a launchpad to extend Iranian influence in the Arab world.

Feeling a deep sense of betrayal, the Iranian government carried out a variety of deadly maneuvers that ultimately convinced Washington that neither the Iranians nor the Americans were going to succeed in gluing Iraq back together on their own. The negotiations are still marred by mutual distrust, but after four years of explosive negotiating tactics, Iran and the United States have reached a point at which both sides have acknowledged they cannot afford to avoid each other if they want to avoid their worst-case scenarios in Iraq.

As the negotiations grow in intensity, so does the noise. The lead-up to the May 28 talks was punctuated by a series of interesting jabs as each side sought leverage against the other. While the United States sent nine warships with 17,000 troops into the Persian Gulf (which the U.S. military deliberately referred to as the Arabian Gulf in the official press release on the naval exercises) and stepped up threats of broadening sanctions against Tehran due to the latter’s nuclear activities, Iran continued broadcasting its atomic advances and announced it had uncovered Western-run spy rings inside the Islamic republic. The United States is still holding onto five Iranian officials arrested in the northern Iraqi city of Arbil in January as bargaining chips in talks with Iran. Iran has responded with a series of arrests of Iranian-Americans affiliated with think tanks on allegations they are dissidents working to topple the clerical regime. These belligerent tactics are all part of the game, and will flare up even further as the negotiations grow more serious.

The Meat of the Matter

It now becomes all the more critical to cut to the meat of these talks: the negotiating terms put forth by Washington and Tehran over how each plans to fix Iraq.

Iran handed over a proposal to Crocker during a brief encounter at the May 5-6 Sharm el-Sheikh summit in Egypt, but also chose to unofficially publicize its terms for Iraq through the Saudi-owned, British-based daily Al Hayat. The Iranian Foreign Ministry likely chose Al Hayat, a major Arab news outlet, to make a back-channel broadcast of what concessions it is prepared to make to allay Sunni concerns in the region.

In sum, this Iranian proposal called for a non-rushed withdrawal and relocation of U.S. troops to bases inside Iraq, a rejection of all attempts to partition Iraq, a commitment by the Sunni bloc to root out the jihadists and acknowledgement by Washington that the Iranian nuclear file cannot be uncoupled from the Iraq negotiations. In return, Iran would rein in the armed Shiite militias, revise the de-Baathification law and Iraqi Constitution to double Sunni political representation, create a policy to allow for the fair distribution of oil revenues (particularly to the Sunnis) and use its regional influence to quell crises in areas such as Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian territories.

The terms put forth by the Iranians are so close to the U.S. position on Iraq that, with little exception, they could have been printed on State Department stationary and no one would have noticed the difference. If these are the terms Washington and Tehran are in fact discussing, then we are witnessing an extraordinary turn in the Iraq war in which the U.S. and Iranian blueprints for Iraq are finally aligning. It does not surprise us, then, that Crocker said after his meeting in Baghdad that the Iranian position “was very close to our own” at the level of policy and principle.

The Spoilers

The prospect of Washington and Tehran warming up to each other, and of the United States potentially regaining its military bandwidth in the not-too-distant future, is enough to put a number of serious actors into a frenzy. With the exception of the jihadists, most of the actors in question see an Iranian-U.S. accommodation over Iraq as inevitable, and have little choice but to strive to shape what would otherwise be an imposed reality in the coming months — leaving substantial room for error in these negotiations. The Iraqi Sunnis and Arab states, in particular, will not necessarily sabotage the talks, but they will be working to secure Sunni interests and contain the extent to which Iran emerges as the primary beneficiary of any deal it works out with the United States over Iraq.

Jihadists

Within Iraq, the transnational jihadists have the most immediate concerns. A political settlement in Baghdad inevitably would involve a concerted effort by Iraq’s Shia and mainstream Sunnis to uproot the jihadists and deprive them of the chaotic security conditions needed for their operations. The apex leadership of al Qaeda hiding out along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is also betting on continued bedlam in Iraq to keep the transnational jihadist movement alive, and will not be happy to see U.S. forces beefed up in the South Asia theater once a deal is sealed in Iraq. Violence aimed at heightening sectarian tensions to derail the negotiations — particularly attacks aimed at inflaming the Shia — will escalate substantially over the next few weeks and months in Iraq. High-value political targets also likely will be targeted for assassination in an effort to disrupt the leadership structure of the respective factions.

Iraqi Shia

The Iranians face a daunting task in whipping Iraq’s Shiite bloc into shape to follow through with Tehran’s commitment to quell sectarian attacks and consolidate Shiite political power in Iraq for the first time in the country’s history. Factionalism is already hardwired into the structure of the Iraqi Shiite community, whose loyalties are spread among the three largest political groups — the (newly named) Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council, Hizb al-Dawah and the al-Sadrite bloc, as well as a number of smaller Shiite groups in southern Iraq, such as the Fadhila party. The intra-Shiite rivalries within and between these groups are enough to give anyone a headache, but Iran is well aware that violence and a good deal of oil money will be needed to bring the Iraqi Shia in line and make these negotiations work. Though the main political groups are more comfortable with the idea of working with Iran, Tehran has to play its cards carefully to ensure it does not trigger nationalist Arab sentiment among the Shiite actors, who already are deeply suspicious of Iran’s intentions and have the arms and access to Iraq’s southern oil fields to use as tools for stirring up trouble.

Iraqi Sunnis

Though not nearly as fractured as the Iraqi Shia, the Sunni landscape in Iraq has plenty of cracks of its own to make these negotiations troublesome. The Sunni factions in play include:
The existing political blocs, divided between the Islamist Iraqi Accord Front and the secular-leaning Iraqi National Dialogue Front;The tribal groups, such as Anbar Salvation Council, that are actively fighting transnational jihadists to get a seat at the negotiating table;The Sunni religious establishment, led by the hard-line Association of Muslim Scholars of Iraq that has close links with the insurgent groups and has become increasingly anti-Iranian in recent weeks;
The Sunni nationalist insurgents, who are looking for an acceptable opening into the political process, but remain distrustful of Shiite intentions.
The Iraqi Sunnis know they have to drive a hard bargain in these talks to ensure that Iraq’s Sunnis are well-integrated in the state political and security apparatus to counter the Shiite majority. And they will continue to rely on explosives during the talks to make sure their demands are heard. Competing factions within the Sunni bloc and resistance from their former jihadist allies will only further complicate these negotiations, but unlike the jihadists, these Sunni groups are not opposed in principle to a deal that includes the Iranians — they actually want negotiations.

Iraqi Kurds

By the looks of the Iranian proposal, the Kurds have plenty to worry about. Expanding Sunni political representation and changing the constitution to allow for a more “fair” distribution of oil resources leaves the Kurdish bloc in an all-too-familiar scenario in which Kurdish interests will be sacrificed by the United States to protect the interests of Iraq’s neighbors.

Thus far, the Kurds have used the distraction of Sunni-Shiite bloodletting farther south to consolidate power between the two main rival Kurdish blocs (an extremely rare occurrence) and push forward with Kurdish autonomous demands to open Iraq’s northern oil fields to foreign business. Once Iraq’s Shiite and Sunni blocs reach some level of a political understanding in Baghdad, their attention will soon turn to their common adversary in the north, leaving the Kurds to face familiar moves by the Iraqi government to suppress Kurdish autonomy. The Kurds will need to drive a hard bargain by pushing through a Kirkuk referendum by year’s end and resisting radical changes to the constitution and pending hydrocarbons legislation that threaten to put Iraq’s undeveloped fields in the north under state control. The biggest threats the Kurds could make to a U.S.-Iranian deal over Iraq would involve withdrawing Kurdish support for U.S. forces or threatening to pull out of the government. But in the end, a compromise looks inevitable simply because the Kurds have nowhere else to turn.

Ultraconservatives in Washington and Tehran

There are ultraconservative factions in both Tehran and Washington that are not nearly as enthused about a U.S.-Iran rapprochement, and could use their influence to complicate the negotiations. Rumor has it that in Iran there are major disagreements brewing between the president and other senior Iranian officials, particularly on foreign policy matters. There are also growing indications that the apex of the clerical establishment is making moves to sideline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and weaken the influence of his ultraconservative faction as a preventative measure to ensure progress in these talks. Though Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has thus far managed the deep divisions within the Iranian establishment between the ultraconservative and pragmatic conservative factions, his ability to contain these divisions is held hostage by his failing health.

Meanwhile, hard-line elements in Washington are actively spreading information in an allegedly covert campaign signed off on by U.S. President George W. Bush to topple the clerical regime. These actors are more interested in effecting a policy of regime change rather than in a rapprochement with Iran, and they view the negotiations as little more than a smoke screen for a covert campaign to rid the Islamic republic of its ruling ayatollahs. These rumors threaten to fuel even more distrust between the two sides while the negotiations are in full swing, especially as Iran’s greatest fear is that it will end up being backstabbed all over again once Washington recovers from Iraq and has enough bandwidth to entertain military options.

Sunni Regional Powers

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Arab states are extraordinarily nervous about the idea of having the United States and Iran conduct exclusive meetings over a matter that directly concerns their national security interests. As the leader of the Sunni Arabs, the Saudis believe they have every right to be part of the formal negotiating process, but they also see the inevitability of the United States and Iran working toward an Iraq settlement. With the most at stake, the Saudi government normally would be screeching in protest during these U.S.-Iranian bilateral meetings, but instead it is keeping quiet. For now, the Saudis have to rely on the United States to ensure their demands for Sunni representation and Iranian containment are heard.

Meanwhile, the Iranians evidently are working to allay Sunni Arab fears by publicizing Tehran’s Iraq proposal (with considerable concessions to Iraq’s Sunnis) in the mainstream Arab press and stepping up diplomatic engagements with Iran’s Sunni neighbors in the Gulf. But the more the Iranians speak of arming and training the Iraqi army, the more the Saudis have to worry about. The House of Saud does not want to be looking at a scenario down the road in which U.S. troops have withdrawn from Iraq while Iran uses its militant proxies there to create an excuse to intervene militarily, putting Iranian troops within sight of Saudi Arabia’s oil- and Shiite-rich Eastern province. The Saudis are also not looking forward to the day when war-hardened Saudi jihadist veterans in Iraq return home to wage attacks in the kingdom. Though the Saudis might see an Iran-U.S. deal as inevitable, they will keep their ties to the full spectrum of Sunni militants to use as their main deal-breaker should an Iraq settlement fail to address their interests.

Syria

Syrian President Bashar al Assad also probably is lying awake at night over these U.S.-Iran talks. The Alawite-Baathist regime in Syria loved the idea of its allies in Tehran expanding Shiite influence while the United States remained far too militarily occupied in Iraq to bother with Syria. The insurgency in Iraq also provided Syria with a vital pressure release valve for Sunni militants in the country. Like Riyadh, the regime in Damascus does not want to see jihadists returning home from Iraq to carry out attacks on native soil.

Despite these concerns, the Syrians are hoping their alliance with Tehran will pay off and result in serious recognition and security assurances from the United States. For this to happen, Syria has to prove it is an integral piece of this Iraq deal by showing it possesses the ability to clamp down on insurgent traffic (by funneling jihadists into Lebanon for now). While Syria offers limited cooperation over Iraq to show its powers, the al Assad regime will become further emboldened to secure its interests in Lebanon, where Syria’s priorities are rooted.

Russia

But the player with perhaps the most to lose is not even located in the Middle East. That player is Russia. At first glance, Russia is an odd party to even be involved in the Iraqi imbroglio. It has no troops in country and, no matter what happens to Iraq in the long run, Baghdad has no impact on anything Russian. Certainly Moscow was friendly with the previous government, but not to the degree that Saddam Hussein’s fall appreciably impacted Russian political or economic interests.

Russia does, however, have two horses in this race.

The first relates to the Iranian nuclear program, which lists the Russian-built Bushehr power plant as its crown jewel. Despite Iranian protestations to the contrary, Tehran’s nuclear program is largely a result of Russian technology sharing. And, should the Russians walk away, the Iranian program will have suffered a monumental setback. Similarly, so long as Russia has not finished the reactor at Bushehr, the West cannot ignore Moscow’s ability to function as an interlocutor in Tehran. So long as the facility is “under construction,” Russia has leverage over both parties. As soon as Russia’s technicians finish, however, that leverage evaporates.

Second, and far more important: So long as the bulk of the United States’ and Iran’s political and military attention is absorbed in Iraq, neither has any bandwidth to deal with other issues. Iran has deep and lasting interests in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan — states of critical interest to Moscow — yet Iran’s preoccupation with Iraq has prevented Tehran from capitalizing on recent opportunities. Similarly, the United States has faced no foe more challenging than the Soviet Union and its Russian successor. In that vein, there is no country more desirous of challenging Russia’s ongoing efforts to rewire European security arrangements in its own favor than the United States. But that requires a Washington not consumed by the black hole Iraq has become.

A Rough Road Ahead

It took four years of heavy-handed negotiating tactics to bring U.S.-Iranian dealings over Iraq out of the back channels and into the public view.

That was half the battle.

The aligning of the U.S. and Iranian proposals for Iraq marks a significant inflection point in the war, but we still question whether the three big players negotiating this deal — Washington, Tehran and Riyadh — can trust each other enough and carry enough sway among Iraq’s state actors to get them to cooperate and actually produce results on the ground. Once you throw the spoilers into this equation, along with a centuries-old Arab-Persian rivalry centered on containing the very rise that Iran is anticipating this deal will yield, the prospect of a U.S.-Iranian accommodation over Iraq coming to fruition does not look so good. Our hopes are not completely dashed, but we do see a bumpy road ahead.
This report may be distributed or republished with attribution to Strategic Forecasting, Inc. at www.stratfor.com. For media requests, partnership opportunities, or commercial distribution or republication, please contact pr@stratfor.com.

-- November 4, 2007 12:42 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

US Military Deaths Are Near Peacetime Levels

Here are some stunning figures that our watchdog media will never report.

Never mind that they are from an official June 29, 2007 report (pdf file) done by Congress’s very own Congressional Research Service.

The chart on page 7 of the CRS report says it all: (pic)

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV27zkMA

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV27zxfi

You will note that the military’s current casualty rate is just about at or even under that of the average during peace time.

One has to take into account that the size of the military has contracted over the years, thanks to Mr. Clinton.

Still, for the year of peace 1980, the fatality rate (2,159,630 divided into 2,392) was .11%.

Compare that number to the fatality rate near the height of the “insurgency” in 2006 (1,378,014 divided into 1,858) which was .13%.

And with the “surge” of course these numbers have gone down tremendously.

So why isn’t this amazing news being shouted from the rooftops?

And speaking of our unbiased media watchdogs, remember the recent reports about the uptick in suicides in the military in recent years?

As it happens the next chart in the CRS report speaks to that claim: (pic)

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqSZBBS

It would appear that the number of self-inflicted deaths is actually going down.

Of course the steep decline in the number of men and women on active duty and the tremendous reduction of accidental deaths are contributing factors here.

But still, how many people on the street would believe that we lost more solders in 1980 in a time of no war, than in 2006 when we were fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Meanwhile, we have people (well, Democrats and other America-haters) who claim to be so despondent over the numbers of soldiers dying in the war on terror.

And yet, sadly, US soldiers have been dying at roughly that same rate for at least the 25 years — in times of peace and times of war.

Where was their concern for human life then? Or are these folks only concerned about the deaths of US troops when it can be used to hurt America’s interests?

These are rhetorical questions, obviously.

(Kudos to the poster at Free Republic, InfantryMarine, who first got hold of this CRS report.)

Comments:

1) proreason

It does provide the basis for a fascinating analysis. It was safer to be in the military in 2006 than to live in Detroit.

See crime stats in Wiki topic “United States city by crime rate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_cities_by_crime_rate

Detroit had 418 murders with a population of 884,462, for a murder rate of 47.3 per thousand.

The military had 753 combat casualties and 30 homicides with a population of 1,664,014, for a violance-related death rate of 47.1 per thousand.

Considering the probability that a high percentage of the Detroit homicides occured in the 18 to 40 age group, it’s likely that a young adult, in particular, had a MUCH higher chance to avoid a violent death in the military in 2006 than by living in Detroit (and many other cities for that matter). Where is the outrage!!

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/crs-stats-show-troop-deaths-at-peacetime-rate

. . . and no matter how horrific the terrorist attack, it's conducted by losers. Winners don't need to hijack airplanes. Winners have an Air Force. -- P.J. O'Rourke

-- November 4, 2007 9:06 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Good posts, Rob N and John Deer. I do hope we will soon see some movement about the oil laws so that Iraq can finally get a working economy - instead of the stagnation they presently have. Iran plays a role in that (Rob N's post), too.

Welcome back, Roger! Computers are a pain, but it is like losing a right arm not to have one.. they are very useful. Glad you have your arm back.. looking forward to hearing your posts when you get caught up. :)

Steve wrote: All - I have read that Warren Buffet has put a boatload of money into something out of the US and not in his usual type of investment, Stocks and currency, but all he will say is that he will say what and where next year...

Steve, I believe that Mr. Buffet may indeed be in on Iraq, and perhaps the "stocks" are on the ISX. After all, it is money and he does have a good nose for what deals will work.. not to mention inside contacts about the workings which are going on toward getting the Iraqi's feet back on the ground. Iraq will eventually have a working economy.. as we all believe. :)

I also think that rumors of fears about the "redistribution of wealth" by the rich as a result of the RV are unfounded. As you point out here, the big players, such as Buffet, may be in on this in a big way.. but that is just adding to their portfolios, not really making anything new. And as for all the little fellows making some speculation money, I think that the vast majority of Dinar holders will be just like lotto winners.. and lose the windfall they receive from this. Few who attain sudden riches retain the wealth they come into. (Side note, if you are a Christian, PRAY a lot before you do anything with windfall money. Everyone will be telling you how to spend it, only God can guide you in the correct way for you.) Within a year or two things will be back to about normal.. having just stimulated the economy with a few homes and car purchases.. and vacation spots visited. Megamillions are won (and more often, LOST) all the time. The only difference is scale. Likely, the nervous people will find a way to stifle the cashin for those who go over what they see as a "reasonable" amount of speculation profit. Triple digit Dinar holders (100 thousand or more in Dinars) may find rules made for them which the littler guys won't have to deal with, to offset the nervous people who don't like their financial empires.. or parties, rather.. crashed by a bunch of nouveaux riche (newcomers). It is my opinion that the little guys will get their little bits and move on (most to lose it within a couple of years like lotto winners), but the bigger risk takers with a hundred or more thousand in Dinar will have some kind of restrictions on cashout to satisfy the economic "powers that be" that the boat will not get rocked in this historic revaluation. These are my thoughts on the Buffet portfolio now including the Dinar currency.. and our comparatively tiny investment "empires" of a few million each.

Sara.

-- November 4, 2007 9:44 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Have not got all my bearings out yet, had 80 pieces of mail waiting for me, when I got the pjuter out of the shop, and have a lot more to go through , but have got the basic picture of the current situation in hand well enough to start talking again.

So where are we??, another RV date, ok fine, I can live with that.

An observation regarding ISX stocks.

We all know that investments are on hold until the situation in Iraq have stabilized, and once it is stable, the wheels will spin again.

We are hearing good news from Iraq now, a lot of good news actually about how people are moving back, and how life is starting to go back to normal routines again.

Since the insurgency started the ISX stock market have been doing so, so.

Right now the trends of the stocks are still in a slow downtrend, but it is straighten itself out, to a more shallow dive. Last buying session still showed a down trend but very very small, and this is probably the bottom.

My take is, that in one, two perhaps three more trading sessions, you will have the bottom, and see the first up trend.

The good news about Iraq need to sink into the head of investors, so it is more a deal where the news need to be spread more.

It's a lag, we, that are following the progress very close, knows that the insurgency is over and that the peak have passed, that the instability is going away and that normalcy is setting in, but if you say that to a man on the street here, he is still sitting on the old pictures that everything in Iraq is burning, or exploding.

That in my opinion gives an opportunity to buy in on the available Iraq stocks, for a bottom price.

Buy, buy, buy.

John Deer,

Good article, gives all the particulars of the Iranian dilemma.

In the end though the position of the Iranian regime will have to change dramatically from it's current stand towards the rest of the world ...or ... a weapons conflict is unavoidable.

The conflict, that in my opinion I thought would already have started by this summer, may be delayed by Russian maneuvers like the completion of their nuclear power plant, but all in all, the real time machine that is ticking, is the Iranians future ability to make nuclear warheads.

There is a lot of technology floating around in the world of how to make them, and when the Iranians have figured out how to make one, time is up.

Whatever needs to happen have to happen before that point.

Either a regime shift, and that is very unlikely, the current regime have their Brown shirts running the society (Revolutionary Guard).

An effective boycott, or sanction that will cripple the Iranian regime to the point that it will either abandon their nuclear ambition, and renegotiate for foreign aid instead, like the N.Koreans did, is unlikely as long as the Iranians have a buddy relationship with the Russians.

Internal upheaval that will overthrow the regime. There have been some disturbances, with a couple of hundred students protesting and so on, but nothing that amounts to a massive popular uprising. This option could possibly be fed, and tried but I would not rely on that option as the final removal of the nuclear threat.

I think for our part, the problem is not how to strike, we're very good in that, but we have gained some very very good experience with Iraq.

All the mistakes was done there after the invasion.

Lets say we are doing a three day intensive strike on Iran, let them have it, with bombs missiles and all kinds of precision stuff pulverizing the regimes possibility to do anything that make sense.

That's the easy part.

Then what.

THAT is the problem more than anything else. Iraq taught us what not to do, and I'm not too sure that we have a very good plan for Iran for an after strike scenario, that will not involve a lot of troops.

Do a three day strike, and then just leave it to the Iranians to sort it out will most probably NOT be a very good idea.

It might work, but historically that kind of action have had a very bad track record.

It was completely impossible to bomb the Brits or the Germans to submission, the Japanese acted the same way for a very long time, until they had the taste of a super bomb.

Japan, Germany and the Southern Confederacy was occupied after the wars and guided to set up regimes after the victors liking.

The whole Eastern Europe was occupied by the Soviets, and forced to set up regimes liked by Moscow.

We can throw as many bombs as we like onto the Iranians, but that will most probably not change the regime, we've got to get in.

War is :

1. Remove the other party's control, either by removing the controlling party, or removing his ability to control.

2. Substitute that control with your control.

That's how war works, and if point nbr 2 have not been achieved, you didn't have a victory.

So our problem is more on point nbr 2.

Point nbr 2 is working very well if there is a regime in exile waiting to be flown in, once the war is over, but if we don't have that, we have to go in, and hand pick a substitute interim government. That means that we have to use a lot of military personnel, and it have to be quick and resolute.

Perhaps we are waiting for the insurgency in Iraq to slow down enough to free up another occupying force, either way, point nbr 2 is the logistic dilemma.

Steve,

With the oil prices going towards 100 bucks per barrel it might very well be profitable for the US to get our own oil.

We have in oil shale a proven reserve that will dwarf the Middle Easts existing oil.

We have more oil than we know what to do with if we would start processing that stuff.

In a field stretching from western Colorado, into eastern Utah, and southern Wyoming, we could have as much as we would like.

In Alberta Canada, they have already started with that process, getting it from oil shale, and they have got the process cost down to about 30 bucks per barrel.

I'm not aware if they have started on the Colorado Utah Wyoming field as we speak, but in the past there have been a lot of test plants. At the time they were not profitable, but when we are seeing 100 bucks per barrel, you will see that this stuff will soon be up and running.

We're not running out of oil on this earth with any means, it's more like in the Gold rush days in California, the easy pickings went first.

In oiltrade, crude oil per barrel is a lousy 42 gal per barrel.

VALERIO,

I watched a debate not too long ago, and saw this Huckabee, for the first time, and I must say he immediately won my heart.

Sorry, I disappeared some time ago in the middle of an oil debate. I think the subject is pretty stale now anyway. We did empty out the issue pretty much I would say.

Laura P.

Hi, ok your husband is not in a capacity of following the Iranian deal right now, ok.

Well, we're all waiting for Panhandler, and his assessment of the situation over there, would be interesting to see what he has to say about investment opportunities.

I noticed that the two companies he mentioned, does not trade on the ISX.

How'r you doing yourself nowadays....slow on the Dinar lately isn't it?

Rob N.

Have you got your thumb out of your rear end yet, and done something with Warka?

Seems that if you are close to Clintons, you will be cursed and die. Maybe Tutankhamun's curse is spilling over into Clinton's curse.

Hillary and King Tut, is about as attractive in it's present condition as the other.

Sara,

You're right fortunes are lost many times by newly rich, but in my case, don't worry, I have a Blackjack system.

-- November 4, 2007 5:43 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

No, I have not moved forward with my Warka account. I am stil hesitant about opening an account in a foreign nation. In contrast, I can see the merits of doing so. I think what is keeping me from moving forward at this point relates to the wiring of money via Germany to Iraq. What does Warka provide a depositor with so the money can be wired to and from the German bank into your Warka account?

Reading your post and seeing that you are bullish on the Iraqi Stock Market by advising us to buy buy buy. I am still bullish on the Iraqi Dinar itself. I too would reccomend buy buy buy on the Iraqi Dinar.

Sara:

Words well spoken. If/When the Dinar revalues or released to forex with profitable gains, I think I have a stragedy to protect my rewards. I do not expect to loose what I have waited for since October of 2005 when I first purchased my Dinar. What regulations do you envision being put in place for those of us who have 100 thousand or more Iraqi Dinar? Good to see you posting.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 4, 2007 11:13 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

INTERVIEW:Iraq To Boost Output By 500,000 B/D By '10 -Oil Min

By Hassan Hafidh, Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

AMMAN -(Dow Jones)- Iraq is close to hiring five major oil companies to help increase crude output by 500,000 barrels a day by the end of 2009, the country's Oil Minister Hussein Al-Shahristani said late Wednesday.

"They would help us with redevelopment plans and they would choose for us the best machinery to do so, while Iraqi technicians would implement these plans," al-Shahristani told Dow Jones Newswires in an exclusive interview in Amman, Jordan.

The contracts, known as technical service agreements, or TSAs, will help increase output in six oil fields: Rumeila South, Rumeila North, Zubair, Subba/ Luhais and Missan in southern Iraq and Kirkuk, al-Shahristani said.

Iraq is currently producing around 2.2 million barrels a day, mostly from these oil fields.

The minister declined to name the companies involved in the talks although people close to the matter have said Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSB.LN) is being considered.

Earlier this year, a senior Iraqi oil official said Shell had submitted a plans to the Iraqi oil ministry to redevelop Missan in southern Iraq. Gas To Syria

Iraq has also agreed to supply Syria with gas from an Iraqi Western Desert field, Akkaz, near the two countries' border. "We have agreed with the Syrians to supply them with 50 million cubic meters a day of gas from Akkaz," al- Shahristani said.

Syria will build a gas pipeline in its own territory, he said, adding that Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects, or SCOP, would implement the 45-kilometer Iraqi portion of the line.

First gas may be pumped as early as in one or two years' time, he added.

Al-Shahristani said the ministry plans to invite foreign companies to develop the Akkas field, which is expected to produce up to 500 million cubic meters a day of gas, which could be pumped to Europe via a Jordan-Egypt-Syrian gas pipeline. Kirkuk Contract

The minister also said that the State Oil Marketing Organization, or SOMO, is negotiating with a Turkish company to sign a term contract to sell it Kirkuk crude.

The Turkish company, thought to be Tupras, would get limited quantities of Kirkuk crude while the rest would be sold through auctions, al-Shahristani said.

SOMO has been selling Kirkuk crude through auctions because the country couldn't guarantee sustainable exports from its northern oil fields due to frequent incidents of sabotage against the export pipeline following the U.S.- led war in 2003.

Before the U.S. invasion, Iraq used to export around 800,000 barrels a day from the north via the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

Iraq sells the bulk of its crude oil from southern oil fields, exporting around 1.6 million barrels a day.

Wednesday, SOMO issued the sixth tender in two months, selling 6 million barrels a day of Kirkuk crude. It sold 3.45 million a day of the same crude in its fifth tender sale announced Oct. 22.

However, the northern export pipeline has frequently been shut down due to persistent acts of sabotage.

Al-Shahristani said that new measures had been enforced to protect the northern export pipeline.

Iraq's revenues from oil sales from southern and northern oil fields are expected to reach some $36 billion in 2007, an increase of $5 billion over the country's budget expectation, he said.

- By Hassan Hafidh; Dow Jones Newswires; + 962 777 612 111; hassan.hafidh@ dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
11-01-070931ET
Copyright (c) 2007 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

(www.nasdaq.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 5, 2007 11:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq’s Oil Exports at Highest Levels in 3 Years

Marine shipping sources have stated that Iraq’s oil exports jumped this past October to their highest level in more than three years with Iraq selling more quantities of the Kirkuk crude from its northern fields.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 5, 2007 11:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

05 Nov 2007 14:30:00
Currency
IQD hikes against USD
Baghdad(NINA)-The exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar hiked up in Monday’s auction of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to reach 1231 dinars per one US dollar while it was 1232 dinars per one US dollar last Sunday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 5, 2007 11:44 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

When you send your funds to the German bank, you will send it to a Warka account IN the German bank. So technically you have once it is received in Germany, already been sent into Warkas domain.

It's a matter of wiring fees, from the US to Germany and wiring fees from Germany to Iraq, plus some other small "set up" fees. All in all it's not a biggie.

It's well within the realm of a normal persons understanding, and having experienced your persona on this blog, I would say you are above IQ, so on that part it shouldn't pose any problems. For heavens sake Rob N. It's a matter of going to a bank and filling out a form, that's all.

You need to set up your account first, so it have an address to go to once you have sent it.

Regarding stocks, well of course I am also anticipating the Dinars upswing, and in order to buy stocks you have to buy Dinars, and it doesn't matter if you send Dollars to Warka, or buy Dinars first, the trade is in Dinars, so you will still benefit everything from your anticipated Dinar upswing. Difference is you will be able to benefit from the stock at the same time.

Double multiplication if you will.

If the stock market doesn't move, but the Dinar moves, you still get the better of it, with the Dinar increase. If the Dinar doesn't move, but the stock market goes up, you get profit from the stock market move.

If the Dinar goes up, AND the stock market goes up, lit a cigar.

Rob N. the peak of the insurgency is over and while still going on, a thing that belongs to the past, the traffic is moving, the people are moving back and the wheels are starting to spin again, so take a hard look at the stocks now.

One, two, I would say not more than three trading sessions from now, and you will have an upward trend.

It's in the big picture, it's the times, the insurgency have had it's time, and other times have moved in, our times.

Do the best out of it.

-- November 5, 2007 1:54 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Just got my first acknowledgement from Warka, they have received my ISX authorization, and list of stock picks, and it will be promptly executed next trading day Tue. the 6th of Nov.

Will see what that brings???

Not all the companies are trading all the time, so it might be a couple of repeat orders until the list is filled to my satisfaction.

-- November 5, 2007 2:00 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Media Ignore Success in Iraq
by Nancy Morgan
November 05, 2007 02:00 PM EST

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the highest-ranking elected woman in the U.S., was on a Fox morning show Thursday. With the utmost sincerity and barely concealed outrage, she described the situation in Iraq as, "A war without end that is a total failure."

Meanwhile, in Ramadi, once considered the heart of the resistance to the U.S.-led coalition, Iraqis were holding a victory parade, celebrating the defeat of the terrorists (LiveLeak.com - Iraqi Unity Parade see: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=030_1193952924 ). Pelosi's outright falsehood was broadcast widely. The parade in Ramadi was not. (DO CLICK ON THE URL TO SEE THE PARADE, ABOVE.)

On Saturday, it was announced that more than 3,000 Iraqi families driven out of their Baghdad neighborhoods have returned to their homes in the last three months. Again, this news was met with a deafening silence by the mainstream media. They were busy reporting on the Democrat-led effort to deny confirmation to President Bush's nominee for attorney general.

Last Wednesday saw another landmark in Iraq. Sheik Omar Jabouri, spokesman for the Iraqi Islamic Party, said that Al Qaeda had been "defeated mentally, and therefore is defeated physically." In other words, Al Qaeda is toast.

This was also verified by Osama bin Laden's last tape, where he let slip how badly Al Qaeda has been mauled by the Sunni sheiks who have stopped fighting the U.S. troops and turned on him instead. All of a sudden, bin Laden is echoing Rodney King's, “Can't we all just get along?” In Arab-speak, this means Al Qaeda has been defeated. True headline news that, unfortunately, didn't make the news.

What did make the news? The new war on global warming. We learned that the Senate was hard at work crafting a global warming bill that would impose mandatory cuts in greenhouse gases – cuts that will affect virtually every segment of our economy. We also learned that Democrats are going to continue the push for SCHIP (expanded health insurance) knowing that it has no chance of passing. America can rest easy knowing that Democrats are out there “fighting” for the children instead of fighting against the terrorists.

Last week saw a turnaround in Iraq, according to any measure. October marked the lowest monthly death toll for American troops in two years (36 fatalities). On Friday, there were no reported shootings or bombings and it was the second day this year that the sectarian death toll fell below 10.

As Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of the Multinational Corps in Iraq, reported, "There is a clear rejection of Al Qaeda and other extremists by large segments of the population. This is coupled with a bottom-up awakening movement by Sunni and Shia who want a chance to reconcile with the government in Iraq."

This good news went largely unreported. The media focused instead on the truly vital news that Congress will be holding hearings in order to ascertain the link between global warming and the California wildfires.

Last week, British forces announced they are going to transfer responsibility for security in Basra province to Iraq's government in December. Last week, the U.S. military turned over the war-torn Karbala province to Iraqi security forces. In Ramadi, female police officers picked up their first paychecks. Extraordinary news all around. But hey, you can't hear the sound of one hand clapping. At least that's what the left is hoping.

Good news out of Iraq is bad news for Democrats.

The good news is that the left has been unsuccessful in its efforts to sabotage the war on terror and the war in Iraq. Despite great odds, Iraq has stayed unified. As Sky News Australia reported, violence is falling and security is increasing. Iraq's official estimate of civilian deaths from violence is now about 25 a day. Al Qaeda has been crippled. No Iraqi city is under terrorist control. Insurgents rule nowhere. Minority Sunni leaders are now co-operating in the government with Shiite ones. Iraq has a vigorous media. A democratic constitution has been adopted and backed by popular vote. By any measure, it is safe to say our mission is definitely on the way to being accomplished.

Taking a cue from Al Gore, the left has decided to ignore any evidence that doesn't conform with its version of reality. The left, along with its enablers in the mainstream media, cling to the notion that it isn't news unless the mainstream media reports it. This is called cognitive dissonance – the belief that if they don't acknowledge certain realities, maybe they'll just go away. It is the flip side of their “fake but accurate” template.

Success in Iraq is a total refutation of the left. The fact that “Bush's war” may be responsible for freeing 25 million Iraqis from the yoke of a tyrannical dictator is their worst nightmare. And it's becoming a reality. Bad news for Democrats. Good news for America, Iraqis and the rest of the free world. Made possible by the steadfastness of President Bush and the honor, bravery and blood of America's young men and women who have sacrificed so much. They have done America proud. And shame on those who ignore their success.

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/29084.html

-- November 5, 2007 7:42 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Oh what a good article that was. The video clip really cheered me up.

What a difference from only a couple of months ago, here is the girls walking with flowers in their hands, cars parading with decorations on them, and a cheering public when their own boys marched along holding the flags high and proud.

And Pelosi talks about an endless non winnable war.

Reminds me about the jerk that cuts in front of you very close, and make you hit the breaks hard, meanwhile the driver shows his neck to you.

-"What you don't look at, doesn't exist....besides if you hit me, you're responsible for everything anyway, because I can't see you."

If we can't enjoy Pelosi. it doesn't matter, because we can enjoy the Iraqis wholeheartedly.

-- November 5, 2007 8:19 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I believe we are at a significant turning point with this investment. Whether you hold physical Dinar, Warka bank account, or an ISX account, we are beginning to see very positive steps regarding security in Iraq. Now it appears that the government is beginning to take steps to move the country of Iraq forward economically.

It looks as though Iraq has reached a compromise on the oil law, by reverting to the oil law in place during the regime of Saddam. It may not be the perfect solution, but it may give the Iraqi's a basic framework to finally pass the new HCL. While we wait for the new HCL backed by the U.S. Govt, this will serve a temporary purpose.

Without sounding either to optimistic or to pragmatic, it looks as though 2008 may be our year. I am still hoping to see 1000 Dinars per U.S. Dollar by the end of this year and if what I read on another forum today the exchange rate should improve next year.

I am glad to see that displaced Iraqi's are moving back home. This continues to solidify the turn around that Iraq is in the midst of. Let us hope the continued improvement continues. After we completely subdue Al-Qeda and the Islamo-Facist fundalmentalists we must turn our attention to the PKK. If Turkey crosses the border into Kurdistan, this will be a set back for Iraq and our investment. I am glad to see that the U.S. seems to have some influence over Turkey. Unless the PKK is addressed, I am not sure how long the Turks will show restraints.

Finally, I think history will judge this war and GWB in a favorable light. Nancy Pelosi and the radical left will have been long forgotten. I think her sabre rattling on Fox stating the war is a failure is her meager attempt to find significance in her poor pitiful life. Nanci Pelosi is one left wing Democrat who will never be elected President.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 12:45 AM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

ROGER,
HUCKABEE IS DEFINATELY MY CHOICE, AND THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE THAT I HAVE MADE A CONTRIBUTION TO A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. HE HAS THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE HIS MESSAGE, BUT CAN HE COME UP WITH ENOUGH MONEY TO GET IT DONE? IT'S LIKE FRESH AIR TO HAVE A CANDIDATE WHO CAN ACTUALLY ANSWER A QUESTION. THATS WHY HE'S WINNING ALL THE DEBATES, AND WHY PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO PAY ATTENTION TO HIM.

-- November 6, 2007 5:10 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Dinar moved again. Its been stuck on 1232 for weeks after weeks , and yesterday it moved to 1231, and today we're seeing 1230.

To early to tell if this is a trend of something, or a fast fix to another long stay at another level, but every time it moves , it for sure is moving in the right direction.

VALERIO,

Yes, I had seen Huckabee's face before, but he was just on a list of other candidates, and just a face amongst others, and he didn't get more attention from me other than just an acknowledgement that he was one of the runners.

The first time I heard him talk, and convey his ideas he really got my attention quick.

He is definitely one to count on, and far, far in the lead in my choice.

Rob N.

We have good news from Iraq nowadays, the condition it's getting into is the one we were expecting (naively) to go into, just after the invasion and occupation.

It took a couple of years for the Iraqis to figure it out, but they're finally getting there now.

I do believe that this time spent, is the time they had to have, in order to get rid of the biggest ghosts in their heads.

It's pathetic to hear Osama Bin Laden on a tape whining that the Iraqi Sheiks do no longer accept his troops presence there. Then he goes on whining the -"can't we all just get along" theme, ha.

Iraqi citizens themselves is not afraid for these thugs no longer, and are actively helping chasing down those apes.

Was browsing the web and saw pics from Kurdistan where the Norwegian company is located drilling and pumping.

It was pretty amazing to see pics of a stream flowing downhill from a mountain, a stream of oil.

Looking good, looking good.

-- November 6, 2007 12:54 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

ISX had a trading day today, and sure enough, the downtrend have flattened out, to an even level this time.

Very good, it's going in it's predictable path.

-- November 6, 2007 1:06 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq is close to joining WTO

National Committee, which is responsible for completing the requirements for Iraq to acquire full membership in the WTO, has gone a long way in answering the requests of WTO. An official source in the Ministry of Trade, which is heading the Committee, said in a press statement that representatives of the General Authority for Customs have completed tables of Tariff customs, which are an important part of the demands of the World Trade Organization required of Iraq to be presented to the Organization in order to transform Iraq from an observant member to full membership in the Organization wihich include more than 170 countries.

He added that the Committee is about to present these tables to the Cabinet for ratification... He pointed out that a draft plan to facilitate the accession to the Organization will be prepared, as well as completing the procedures concerning the special work team, which begins a new round of talks with the World Organization to complete answering the questions related to the application of laws of its work.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 2:29 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

70% of Kurdistan Contracts go to Turkish Companies

Hirsh Mahram, an official in the investment board in the government of Kurdistan Province, has stressed that Turkish companies continue to work in the province despite the military escalation on the borders.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 2:35 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

06 Nov 2007 15:23:00
Replacement
Government refuses replacing MNF with Iranian forces
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi government has rejected a proposal made by the Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Muttaki during Istanbul conference to replace the Multi-National Forces in Iraq with Iranian-Syrian-International forces.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 2:37 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

06 Nov 2007 17:34:00
Budget
Baban: 2008 budget suffers serious defects
Baghdad (NINA)- The Minister of Planning and development Cooperation Ali Baban has expected Iraq's 2008 budget to amount to USD 42 billion. However, Baban told reporters Tuesday that the budget "doesn't meet expectations and suffers more problems that that of 2007."
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 2:38 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Afghan Official: bin Laden in Pakistan
Military.com | By Christian Lowe | November 06, 2007
The government of Afghanistan believes fugitive al Qaeda kingpin Osama bin Laden is holed up in Pakistan and has not found refuge in Afghanistan.

The Afghan ambassador to the United States, Said Jawad, told Military.com his intelligence services believe bin Laden is hiding in the urban warrens of one of Pakistan's major cities, though he could not specify which one.

The need for sophisticated medical care, communications networks to guide his al Qaeda operations and the flood of U.S., NATO and Afghan troops gunning for his capture in Afghanistan point to a refuge in Pakistan.

"We are certain that he is not in Afghanistan," Jawad told Military.com during a Nov. 1 interview. "And if you look at where they found most of his friends and associates, it has been mostly in major metropolitan centers, not in caves in isolated areas."

Jawad's assertion is at odds with continued denials from Pakistan that bin Laden is in their country. Pakistani officials continually accuse Afghanistan of not properly securing its mountainous border, giving bin Laden an open door to refuge in the friendly tribal regions on the Afghan side.

Bin Laden needs dialysis for kidney disease that's not readily available in Afghanistan, and he's a six foot tall Arab "that cannot easily mix into the local population," Jawad said.

Afghan and U.S. commanders have long asserted that bin Laden is most likely holed up in the tribal areas of Pakistan's North and South Waziristan, a region that has recently been wracked by violence between Pakistan army troops and tribal militias aligned with al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Jawad said Pakistan has recently demonstrated a renewed commitment to fight terrorism and stem the flow of insurgents coming into Afghanistan from across the border - with its violent July raid on the radical Red Mosque in Islamabad showing the government of President Pervez Musharraf is willing to confront radicals head on.

"They are on a positive path," Jawad said of Pakistan's counter-terror effort.

The Afghan government is pressuring NATO allies helping secure the country to build a new "quick reaction force" of soldiers that could take on insurgents who use Afghan civilians as cover. The recent spate of friendly fire casualties caused by misdirected U.S. bombing runs and the erosion of support for the U.S.-led security effort that ensued has lead Afghan president Hamid Karzai to ask U.S. president George W. Bush to curtail high-altitude bombing raids, Jawad confirmed.

"We understand that fighting a counter insurgency is not going to be possible to the exclusion of aerial bombing," Jawad admitted. "Our position has been to improve both the quality of the [NATO] force and to provide them with a rapid deployment capability, particularly more helicopters."

The new quick reaction force could sweep into an area where Taliban insurgents are hiding, removing the possibility of high-casualty mistakes from errant bombs.

While the Afghan government has pleaded with NATO security force members to establish the force, some allies have so-called "caveats" that preclude them from engaging in combat operations - even if it means saving Afghan lives.

"We have asked NATO to have better trained, better equipped and small, but highly mobile units ready and available," Jawad said. "In most cases NATO has agreed to our demands. But the fact is that on the ground we don't see any evidence that this is taking place."
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 2:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

New Military Bill Omits War Funds
Associated Press | November 06, 2007
WASHINGTON - House and Senate negotiators agreed Tuesday on a $460 billion Pentagon bill that bankrolls pricey weapons systems and bomb-resistant vehicles for troops, but has little for Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democrats said they wouldn't leave troops in the lurch, but were reluctant to say when Congress might consider President Bush's $196 billion request to pay expressly for combat operations.

The nearly half-trillion dollar bill covers the 2008 budget year, which began Oct. 1.

Republicans supported the spending measure, but said the lack of war money would cause a tremendous strain on the military. To keep the wars afloat, the Pentagon would have to transfer money from less urgent accounts, such as personnel and training programs.

Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, the top Republican on the Senate defense appropriations panel, said that if Congress didn't act soon, the Army would run out of money by January.

"I do believe that Congress would break the Army if it refuses to fund the troops with what they need now," he said.

Stevens suggested adding $70 billion to the bill for the wars, but Democrats, who hold sway on the panel, declined.

"This amendment would send to the president additional funding for his horrible, misguided war in Iraq without any congressional direction that he change course. No strings attached," said Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

While the bill omits most money for the war, it does include $11 billion for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles. Stevens said the money to produce the vehicles was useless unless Congress approved additional funds to deploy them.

Democrats were considering approving money for the war in a separate bill - a tack that would give party members a chance to oppose war spending and still support the military's annual budget.

Ten months into their reclaimed control of Congress, Democrats have been unable to pass legislation ordering troops home. Republicans are more optimistic than ever that the Iraq war may be turning a corner, and Democrats lack enough votes to overcome procedural hurdles in the Senate or override a presidential veto.

Since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Congress has approved more than $412 billion for the war there, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Most of the money has paid for military operations, while $25 billion went to diplomatic operations and foreign aid. About $19 billion has gone toward training Iraqi security forces.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 6, 2007 2:41 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Iranians approached the Iraqis with a straight face, proposing that Syrian and Iranian troops can take over instead of the international coalition force in Iraq.

The Iran regime must live on another planet.

Pelosi will however probably approve of the idea.

-- November 6, 2007 5:09 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1043)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1043 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/11/6 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1230 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1228 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 128.430.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 128.430.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 500.000 -----

-- November 6, 2007 6:31 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Thanks Chris,

Mov'em out, roun'em up, rawhiiii....

-- November 6, 2007 9:01 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

07 Nov 2007 15:15:00
Currency
IQD resumes hiking on Wednesday
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar registered Wednesday a new ascend against the US Dollar, as the Dollar was sold at IQD 1299, while last Tuesday's exchange rate was IQD 1230 per Dollar. The increase is the third in a row at the Central Bank of Iraq's daily auction.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 7, 2007 9:55 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

07 Nov 2007 13:22:00
Meeting
Talabani urges China to quicken agreement over power station
Baghdad(NINA)- Jalal Talabani, President of the Republic of Iraq has discussed with the political adviser of Chinese embassy in Iraq the means to speed up reaching a final agreement between the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and the Chinese company to build a power station in Wasit province.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 7, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Overview over the past year.

Last year about this time the Dinar started to move, slowly but surely. Up to this time, the Dinar have done sometimes a steady rise, then a slow rise, then on occasion it's been sitting for weeks on one spot.

During this time, on two or three occasions the Dinar went down in value over a day, but went straight back again.

A year have passed, and we did see 1475 Dinars to 1 Dollar in the beginning of the value increase.

10.000.000 Dinars bought 6779 Dollars last year.
This year at the same time it will buy 8136 Dollars

Difference of 1357 Dollars, or pretty close to 20% increase, counting from the original 6779 Dollars.

6779 times 0.2 = 1355 close enough.

I can't think of too many places that pays out this good, so all in all I think we should pat ourselves on the back for hanging in there, and it is a joy to see that this investment are paying out in good numbers. Some have waited very very long time, and we can for sure have even better hopes for the future, as this is only the beginning of things to come in Iraq.

-- November 7, 2007 7:27 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Well said. If 2008 is truly the economic year of Iraq the increase we could see in our investment could be quite impressive. Between a handle on security and the extraction of that black gold, we are on the verge of seeing the formation and incarnation of a peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

Saddam's oil law is a temporary fix. Once they pass the HCL in conjunction with Debit forgivness by both the Kuwaiti's and Saudi's and Dedollarization are the missing pieces. In my opinion, holding either physical dinars or electronic dinars will both be winners. Holding stock in the ISX will also reap a reward.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 7, 2007 10:05 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N,
Same difference

-- November 7, 2007 10:38 PM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

PAT ROBERTSON GIVES HIS NOD TO GUIULIANI FOR THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION. VERY SURPRISING TO ME THAT ROBERTSON FAVORS A PRO-CHOICE, PRO-GAY RIGHTS CANDIDATE, BECAUSE NOT LONG AGO THESE WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES TO THE EVANGELICALS. WHY NOW DO THEY FIND IT APPROPRIATE TO LOOSEN ON THESE ISSUES AND BACK GUIULIANI?

-- November 8, 2007 12:01 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Valerio:

Robertson said it himself, he believes that Rudi is the most electable candidate from the Republican field.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 8, 2007 10:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi officials say thousands of refugees return homeStory Highlights
Iraqi commander says 46,000 Iraqis who fled country returned last month

U.N. agency says 2.2 million Iraqis have left, most to Syria and Jordan

Another Iraqi official says Iraqis who fled within country are returning to homes

Red Crescent counts millions still internally displaced, says problem growing

Next Article in World »

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Some 46,000 Iraqi refugees returned to their war-torn country last month, a sign of hope that the massive population flight since the 2003 U.S. invasion could be reversed, an Iraqi commander said Wednesday.

Iraqi refugees line up at the Iraq-Syria border in September.

Brig. Gen. Qassim Atta said he attributed the return to an improved security situation in Baghdad, where a crackdown has been in place since February.

"We are simply living in a better and obvious security situation," he said, citing the return of families to several Baghdad neighborhoods.

About 10,000 internally displaced families have gone back to their homes in the Iraqi capital, said Sattar Nawruz, spokesman for Iraq's Ministry of Displacement and Migration, also pointing to better security.

The Iraqi officials' assessments contrast with gloomy findings from the U.N. refugee agency and Iraqi Red Crescent Organization documenting an increase in displaced populations in recent months. The latter counted nearly 2.3 million internally displaced people in Iraq during September, a figure that has grown steadily this year.

In addition to the thousands of internally displaced people, more than 2.2 million Iraqis have fled to neighboring countries, mostly to Syria and Jordan, the U.N. refugee agency said. Those countries' social service agencies have been stretched by the presence of the refugees, and they have adopted tougher rules on the refugee flow.

Nawruz, who cited statistics that don't include the Kurdish region, said the number of Iraqi families internally displaced since February 2006 stands at 140,000, which amounts to at least 700,000 people since Iraqi families often average five to six people.

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He said "accurate data" indicates that forcible displacement in Baghdad has stopped in the past three months and ministry data indicates that 10,000 families have returned to their homes in the city since the start of the security plan in February.

A U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees official said the agency is checking the ministry's figures.

Nawruz said Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki ordered a grant of 1 million Iraqi dinars, about $700, to families returning to their homes. He said 3,231 families have received the money and more than 6,000 have applied for the funds.

The ministry on Tuesday started paying displaced families $120 per month for six months.

Nawruz attributes the differences in numbers between the Iraqi Red Crescent Organization and his ministry to dissimilar methods of data collection.

Iraqi Red Crescent President Said Ismail Hakki agreed the organizations' methods of data collection are different but stood by his group's figures.

In a report issued Sunday, Hakki's organization said that nearly 2.3 million people had been displaced by the end of September, a sharp increase from the August figure of 1.93 million and part of a steady rise this year.

"Children less than 12 years [old] comprised more than 65 percent of the total number. The majority of the displaced people [63.6 percent] were in Baghdad governorate," the report said.

The percentage of displaced people who are children has risen from 51.3 percent in August, the Iraqi Red Crescent Organization said.

Hakki attributed the increase to a "lack of services, lack of jobs and despair among the Iraqi people of the whole overall what's happening in Iraq." He said the displacement problem has persisted over the years but spiked with the February 2006 bombing of Al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra.

Baghdad and the Kurdish region were among the worst-hit areas, Hakki said, citing the deterioration of families and suffering of children, whose mothers have abandoned them in some cases "because they're becoming a liability."

He said he believes the "security situation in Iraq is improving at a very good speed" but adds that the lack of social services and jobs are factors in the displacement of people.

He said the increase in the number of displaced children presents new challenges for his organization, including problems of education and the trafficking of girls and boys alike.

"It's a social-economic problem. People are in despair now," Hakki said, adding that he hopes the Iraqi government will make improvements in jobs and social services to reverse the instability.
(www.cnn.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 8, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Oil Minister Announces Construction of Massive Oil Refinery in Nasiriyya

Iraq’s oil minister Dr. Hussain al-Shahristani has claimed the Iraq’s dependence on imported oil byproducts will be greatly reduced once the new Nasiriyya Refinery, with a planned production rate of 14m litres per day, is completed.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 8, 2007 10:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq to solve disputed issues before 2008 - Talabani
Politics 11/8/2007 4:52:00 PM

BAGHDAD, Nov 8 (KUNA) -- Iraqi President Jalal Al-Talabani assured U.S. officials Thursday that his country would solve all disputed issues by the end of 2007.

He made the pledge during his meeting here with the US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and Ambassador David M. Satterfield, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State and Coordinator for Iraq, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi government.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1855667&Language=en

-- November 8, 2007 2:05 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

OK, repeating myself (delete other post, please, DA)

Valerio, Rob N said, "Robertson said it himself, he believes that Rudi is the most electable candidate from the Republican field." (end quote)

When Republicans are willing to give up their principles to get their candidate elected, those who vote for the Republican candidate which opposes the Republican moral base (as you said, "A PRO-CHOICE, PRO-GAY RIGHTS CANDIDATE, - NOT LONG AGO THESE WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES TO THE EVANGELICALS") will cause a split in the party, which means that there will likely be a Republican SPLIT vote, with those with strong moral convictions not voting for the "electable" candidate (Giuliani) in the election, presuming he gets the nomination. This would mean that we would see a Democrat in the Whitehouse, followed by.. well, you know.. disaster. They ALL say they will pull out of Iraq.. well, except for Hillary who will both pull out AND stay:

http://newsbusters.org/static/2007/11/2007-11-05MSNBCHBHillary.wmv

Sara.

-- November 8, 2007 2:36 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

It's still very early in the race, and hard to say if there will be a split or two blocks of conservatives.

As for Hillary, she have not been too stellar lately, and I can see a possibility that she will not do that good after all.

The Democratic party got a whipping from Lieberman today, the most conservative of the Democrats, where he accused the Democratic party to have bigger fear of Bush than Iran.

He kind of put the stuff in perspective.

Iran have very recently boasted that they have reach another high level in Uranium enrichment now.

It's about time we start to really pay attention to those guys, the clock is ticking, and it is only a matter of time.

Latest intelligence (public) analysis estimate that they now will have a functional nuclear warhead in about a year, two at the very most.

The Democrats don't even seem to be aware of it, but instead are fearing Bush in every turn of their way of looking at things.

It's so obvious what world the Iranians are living in, proposing to the Iraqi's that it would be better if Iranian and Syrian troops would "take over" from the UN coalition force.

Sure, and one day after their arrival, the democratic institutions of Iraq would be dismantled, and an Islamic Revolutionary Guard, would be set up, and all the women have to go back to a sack down to their ankles.

I think Lieberman did a good job today, telling his fellas where the real threat is.

-- November 8, 2007 9:15 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

An Explanation..

Roger said, "The Democrats don't even seem to be aware of it, but instead are fearing Bush in every turn of their way of looking at things."

Psa 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God has scattered the bones of him that encamps against you: you have put them to shame, because God has despised them.

Deu 11:25 There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all...

Jer 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you.

But..

Psa 109:5 they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

Sara.

-- November 9, 2007 12:22 AM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

SARA,
I AGREE THAT THIS CAUSES A DIVISION, AND RESULTS IN THE CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE VOTE HAVING LESS IMPACT IN THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT DEFINATELY MEANS A DEMOCTRAT IN THE WHITE HOUSE. I BELIEVE THIS SHOWS THE FEAR THAT THE CHURCH ORGS. HAVE OF HILLARY CLINTON, AND HOW THEY CAN SO QUICKLY SELL THEMSELVES. SHE SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED, BUT TRUE CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER SUPPORT CANDIDATE WHO IS PRO-CHOICE, AND PRO-GAY RIGHTS, UNLESS THERE WAS NO OTHER CHOICE IN WHICH CASE ONE COULD DECIDE ON THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS.

I WROTE TO THE CBN TO EXPRESS MY DISCUST, AND THEY QUICKLY IN RETURN WROTE BACK TO ME THAT MR. RPBERTSON HAS THE RIGHT AS AN INDIVIDUAL TO ENDORSE A CANDIDATE, BUT THEY AS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION DO NOT ENDORSE ANY CANDIDATE.

LIKE THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS. HE HAS A RIGHT TO WORSHIP THE DEVIL ALSO IF HE CHOOSES. THE ISSUE IS ABOUT CHRISTIAN PRINCIPALS, AND THE ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE FAITH FOREMOST ABOVE ALL THINGS.

I NEVER HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH PAT ROBERTSON, HIS TEACHING, OR HIS KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE FOR A SO CALLED TEACHER, AND THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT MY SUSPICIONS WERE JUSTIFIED IN LIGHT OF THIS REVEALING INTO THE MAN. HOWEVER I DO RECOGNIZE THE IMPACT OF HIS ENDORSMENT.

ISN'T A MILLION DINARS OVER 800 DOLLARS? THE ARTICLE ABOVE SAYS IT'S ABOUT $700.

THE VALUE OF THE US DOLLAR, PRICE OF GOLD, PRICE OF OIL, AND THE VALUE OF THE DINAR ALL SEEM TO RUN HAND IN HAND. GOLD NOW AT $835 OZ. AND EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT OIL PRICES

-- November 9, 2007 12:23 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Firms Got More Than $400 Million In Contracts In September

The Defense Department issued more than $400 million in contracts to Iraqi companies in September, a figure that officials tout as a "significant economic stimulus" to the embattled country.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 9, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

A Turkish soldier on patrol along the Iraqi border (file photo)
(epa)
Iraq: Threat Of Turkish Invasion Diminished, For Now
November 8, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- As representatives from Iraq's neighbors and other international organizations gathered in Istanbul on November 3 to discuss ways to improve the security situation in Iraq, Turkey's threats to send troops into Iraq to attack militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) dominated the two-day conference.
(www.rferl.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 9, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi Governor Calls Federalism Best Solution

As'ad Sultan Abu Kulal
(RFE/RL)
PRAGUE, November 6, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- The governor of the Iraqi province of Al-Najaf says that federalism offers the best solution for Iraq's regions to reconstruct and succeed economically.

As'ad Sultan Abu Kulal said on a visit to RFE/RL in Prague today that his region is using the decentralization of power in Baghdad to make many of its own decisions. He says the result it that Al-Najaf has achieved economic self-sufficiency, both in food and fuel.

The Al-Najaf governor acknowledged that his province has many starting advantages -- including a historically thriving tourism industry based on religious pilgrims flocking to the Shi'ite holy city of Al-Najaf.

The religious tourism has boomed since the overthrow in 2003 of Saddam Hussein's regime, which greatly discouraged it. Recent years have seen investors build more than 450 hotels to lodge the pilgrims, many of whom are from neighboring Iran. The trade also supports restaurants and specialty shops, generating enough revenue for the city to enjoy considerable economic security relative to much of the rest of the country.

Benefits Of Devolution

But Abu Kulal says Al-Najaf has prospered in recent years mostly because the decentralized government in Baghdad allows local authorities to make many key decisions on their own. He says the city's goal is to use this freedom to create self-sufficiency in fuel and food -- two key economic staples.

"Our theory as a provincial council and civil administration is to build complementary, self-sufficient institutions for this purpose," he said. "For example, we are building the health sector, to have hospitals, and have medicine depots. For energy, we are building power stations, in order not to need power transferred from other provinces. We are building oil refineries, so as not to be obliged to bring fuel from outside the province."

Al-Najaf has been relatively free of unrest since major fighting between U.S.-backed Iraqi forces and members of the Imam Al-Mahdi Army in 2004. The Al-Mahdi Army is loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who opposes the U.S. presence in Iraq.

Control of the city today is shared between supporters of al-Sadr and supporters of other Shi'ite religious parties, particularly the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. A major moderating influence over the sometimes violent rivalries between factions is the presence of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the preeminent Shi'ite religious authority in Iraq.

The Al-Najaf governor told RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq that federalism offers opportunities for other parts of the country, too, despite resistance to the idea in some quarters.

"We have tried during the last few years to practice a tiny part of decentralization, and you could see the huge change that happened when the state gave [us] a little bit of authority, and a little bit of funds," Abu Kulal said. "Despite the lack of local resources and human resources -- there was development. But the problem that we face is that a part of the Iraqi people lack a knowledge of federalism."

Federalism remains a divisive issue in Iraq, where the Sunni community says it could lead to unequal sharing of the country's oil wealth or even break up of the country. Most oil wells are in the Shi'ite-majority south of the country or in the Kurdish north.

Iraq's Kurds currently enjoy substantial autonomy under Iraq's federal system. Many Shi'ite parties are actively pressing for similar rights for southern areas.
(www.rferl.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 9, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

14 militants killed in Iraq

IRAQI and US forces killed 14 suspected insurgents and detained 44 more in raids over the past 48 hours in northern Iraq.

Iraqi and US soldiers also found weapons caches this week in and around the city of Mosul.

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1781342007

-- November 9, 2007 1:23 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

As we head into YET ANOTHER vote, we pause to ask:

===

58 Votes on Iraq War This Year: Why? Republicans Ask
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
November 09, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she will bring another troops-out-of-Iraq bill to the House floor on Friday.

It will be the 58th "politically motivated" bill on the Iraq war by the House and Senate this year, Republicans complained.

"We are restating the differentiation between us and the president of the United States," Pelosi said at a press conference. "This gives voice to the desires of the American people," she said of the bill, which ties war funding ($50 billion for four months) to an immediate troop withdrawal.

"This is not a blank check for the president," Pelosi said.

House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) criticized Democrats for refusing to recognize the importance of the U.S. military mission as well as the "tremendous progress we've made against all odds in capturing and killing agents of terror, and providing a level of security for political reconciliation to take place.

"This bill is deja-vu all over again," Blunt said. "The last time Democrats tried to tie funding for our troops to a date for surrender, they failed - and that was before the marked turn-around we've witnessed on the ground over the past several months."

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that American forces have routed Al Qaeda in Iraq from every neighborhood of Baghdad, according to a top American general - "allowing American troops involved in the 'surge' to depart as planned."

The newspaper quoted Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr., commander of United States forces in Baghdad, as saying, "there's just no question" that violence had declined since a spike in June.

"General Fil attributed the decline to improvements in the Iraqi security forces, a cease-fire ordered by the Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr, the disruption of financing for insurgents, and, most significant, Iraqis' rejection of 'the rule of the gun,'" the New York Times said.

The upbeat assessment from the New York Times and other major newspapers had some Republicans questioning the Democrats' timing:

Blunt said the House on Friday would be taking up a bill "that has far less to do with building on our continued progress, and far more to do with pandering to their (Democrats') base."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a statement on Thursday questioning the continuing Democratic push for a troop withdrawal.

"What unfortunate timing for Democrats, announcing yet another attempt at a withdrawal date on a day when the papers are filled with encouraging news from Iraq," McConnell said.

President Bush vetoed a bill tying war funding to a troop withdrawal in May, and he undoubtedly would do so again, given the chance. Some troops withdrawal bills, facing the prospect of a presidential veto, have not mustered enough support to pass the Senate.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200711/POL20071109b.html

-- November 9, 2007 1:30 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Bush's Father Comes to His Defense on Iraq
Friday, November 9, 2007 8:03 AM

Critics of President George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq war are "grossly unfair" and have forgotten the brutality of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, Bush's father said in an interview published on Friday.

"Do they want to bring back Saddam Hussein," former President George H. W. Bush said in an interview with USAToday at his presidential library in College Station, Texas.

"I don't know what they are talking about here. Do they think life would be better in the Middle East if Saddam were still there," the elder Bush, who almost never comments on his son's presidency, said in a rare interview. "I think we forget even today the extraordinary brutality of Saddam Hussein."

Speaking of his son, the elder Bush told USAToday: "He has my full, unequivocal support. I feel about him great respect for what he's doing and tries to do and I think much of the criticism is grossly unfair... "

http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Bush_Sr._Defends_son/2007/11/09/48110.html

Absolutely! Well said!

Sara.

-- November 9, 2007 1:36 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Valerio wrote;

"I BELIEVE THIS SHOWS THE FEAR THAT THE CHURCH ORGS. HAVE OF HILLARY CLINTON, AND HOW THEY CAN SO QUICKLY SELL THEMSELVES."

Christians who fear men (humans) over God are no longer salt or light.

Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its savour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men."

With the enemy at the gate with WMD in their hands (chemical and biological weapons having been admitted to, see below), it is foolish to fear men and not the One protecting the nation from decimation at their hands. Being "trampled underfoot by men"... has the church no understanding of what these words mean? Which men? (hint: not friendlies).

As the article below states, "The use of WMD against civilian targets represents the most serious potential international and domestic terrorism threat facing the United States today.... Please note.. FACING THE UNITED STATES TODAY... facing who?

It also states, "Al Qaeda has energetically sought to acquire and experiment with biological, chemical, and radiological weapons of mass destruction". Do principled people - including the church - truly think these "unfriendlies" are only playing games?

Selling themselves (as you called it) and their moral principles can have a price to pay.. and it is very dear.

Sara.

===

FBI: Terrorists Moving Toward Greater Use of WMDs, Attacks on Soft Targets
Wednesday, November 07, 2007

WASHINGTON — Radical Islamists who have been stymied in efforts to hit traditional military and diplomatic targets are increasingly eyeing so-called "soft targets," and could be moving toward greater use of chemical and biological weapons, reads a new terrorism threat report released by the FBI on Wednesday

The 68-page report, called "Terrorism 2002-2005" and obtained by FOX News, offers some information already known to the public but also provides details of new trends.

The review — only the second report of its kind compiled by the FBI since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks — states that the threat of terrorism is expected to continue from both international and domestic sources.

The latest evidence of this trend was demonstrated Tuesday in the arrest of 20 people across Europe accused of recruiting suicide bombers. Italian police who led the investigation said the recruits were being trained to go into Afghanistan and Iraq; investigators found explosives, detonation devices, various poisons and manuals on guerrilla warfare.

In another portion of the report, the top U.S. law enforcement agency also finds that the biggest threat from weapons of mass destruction are smaller, easier to manipulate chemical, biological and radiological weapons, rather than nuclear technology

"The use of WMD against civilian targets represents the most serious potential international and domestic terrorism threat facing the United States today and provides a glimpse into emerging terrorist scenarios of the 21st century. A variety of intelligence reporting indicates that Al Qaeda has energetically sought to acquire and experiment with biological, chemical, and radiological weapons of mass destruction," the report reads.

"Ricin and the bacterial agent anthrax are emerging as the most prevalent agents involved in WMD investigations," the report continues.

The report cites a series of arrests in the United Kingdom and elsewhere involving Ricin

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,309221,00.html

-- November 9, 2007 1:58 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

An update regarding Warka and ISX.

If you are dealing with banks or institutions over there, don't expect the immediate Western Style.

You may already have been frustrated enough dealing with endless delays about the HCL, and with the slowness everything is acted upon over there.

Warka have made some good profits, and are soaring as a Business & Investment Bank, and apart from doing accounts, it is also a very good prospect for buying stocks into.

However as it is over there, the lag between an order or request, until it is served to you, is driving us stressed out westerners crazy.

Two days ago, I got an acknowledgement that my authorization for getting my passwords, and bank codes have been received, and I should get my information shortly. Haven't seen it yet.

From the placement of orders to Warka to purchase stocks, until it is executed and until they are giving you the confirmation e-mail can be 10 days.

I have no problems with this per se, as this is a long term investment, and time in cultivating my investment is plenty.

However I just want to give you a heads up what to expect and what not to expect, if you are going that route.

Just heard on FOX, Shiite mosques are blaring in their loud speakers for the congregation to go after Al qaeda.

Another story, a Sunni militia took upon themselves to go after Al qaeda also, and had an ambush where they got about 15 of them.

Good news are coming daily now, Al qaeda is believed to have been pushed out completely from Baghdad now, and returning families to
Baghdad are getting a Million IQD's in help of the resettlement cost from the Iraqi Govt.

It's a matter of letting these news set in in the head of a lot of people.

You and I that have been following this closely know the new scene, but people in general don't, and I suspect that investments are following the general picture more than anything else.

There active and passive investors.

The active do what we do, follow scenes in the area of interest.

The passive, only know that their company they work for provides them with a 401 K plan, and let the guys that shuffle paper take care of it.

Vast majority of money out there is funds, money pools, that is managed by someone else.

All these people are also following the news, and get their idea about a possible future investment, depending on how many car bombs, they saw in Iraq during the lunch break on the cafetreia TV.

The news have to be good, but it have to continue for a while, so it shows a definite trend, not a fluke.

All this is going in the wanted direction, keep going.

-- November 10, 2007 2:47 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Wasit Executes 7 Agricultural Investment Projects Worth IQD 1.274 Billion

An official source in the agricultural directorate in Wasit governorate has indicated that the central ministries of agriculture and finance have set aside 1.274 billion dinars to execute seven agricultural projects in the governorate.

I find this significant because the figures are in Dinars not USD. Once we fully see the dedollarization of the Iraqi economy will be a good sign toward an increased value of the Dinar.

Thanks,

Rob N.
(www.noozz.com)

-- November 11, 2007 9:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

11 Nov 2007 17:02:00
Debts
MoF: Most Gulf states write off debts
Baghdad (NINA)- Most of the Gulf states have asserted that they would not claim their due debts on Iraq, according to a source in the ministry of finance.

This is another good sign. As their neighbors write of their debit, this will stimulate economic growth. I think we are now waiting for both the Saudi's and the Kuwaiti's to write off their portion.

Thanks,

Rob N.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 11, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I read today where parlimentarians are in intense discussions over the Hydro Carbon Law submitted by Al-Maliki back in Feb. Lets hope everyone can find a solution to this stale-mate. Unless a compromise is forged, those deals already signed by the KRG will be the next source of tension between the Iraqi's and the Kurds.

Honestly, the sooner the HCL can be ratified into law the better for our investment. The longer the KRG and Baghdad are at odds over the deals struck by the Kurdistan region, the development of a serious crisis.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 11, 2007 8:45 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

S.Korean consortium to explore Iraq oilfield-paper

A South Korean consortium led by state-run Korea National Oil Corp (KNOC) has secured exploration rights for an oilfield in Iraq, estimated to hold 500 million tonnes of energy reserves, a local newspaper reported on Monday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 12, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

12 Nov 2007 12:58:00
Currency
CBI’s USD sales slump
Baghdad (NINA)-The US dollar sales of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) slumped Monday to reach $53,170,000 while they were $63,595,000 last Sunday. The exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar was stable as its price was 1229 dinars per one USD Monday, the same price registered last Sunday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 12, 2007 9:38 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1048)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1048 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2007/11/13 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1228 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1226 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 145.300.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 600.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 145.300.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 600.000 -----

-- November 13, 2007 6:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Kerbala and Maysan Receive IQD 97 Billion to Rebuild

Falah Hassan Atiyyah, head of the reconstruction committee in the Kerbala Governorate Council, said this weekend that the sum of IQD90 has been set aside by the Ministry of Finance to carry out development projects and speed up the reconstruction of the Kerbala governorate in 2008.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 13, 2007 11:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

13 Nov 2007 18:38:00
Investments
$ 12 b allocated for investments, says minister
Baghdad (NINA)- The Minister of Finance Baqir Al-Zubaydi invited the companies specialized in contracting and construction to initiate investment projects in Iraq.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 13, 2007 11:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Premier Sees Families Returning to Safer Capital
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By CARA BUCKLEY
Published: November 12, 2007
BAGHDAD, Nov. 11 — The Iraqi prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, said in a news conference on Sunday that increased security in Baghdad had allowed thousands of families to return to their homes in the capital and outlying areas.

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Reach of War
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Related
Security Guard Fires, Killing Iraqi Driver (November 12, 2007) The number of suicide attacks, car bombings and other terrorist acts has fallen 77 percent in Baghdad from last year, Mr. Maliki said, adding that 7,000 families had returned to the capital. Together, Mr. Maliki said, the improvements showed “we were able, after eight months of imposing the law, to drive Baghdad from its dark, black days into a brighter time that people feel optimistic about.”

Mr. Maliki’s assertions were the latest in a series of glowing reports he has offered since the start of the security plan in February. And while his assessment of the decline in violence matches that of American military commanders, it was not clear how he had tallied the number of returning families, which officials say have been exceedingly difficult to locate. The significance of the returns is also a subject of debate.

Most of the capital’s displaced people have yet to return, and the number of those leaving still outpaces those returning, according to Dana Graber Ladek, the Iraqi displacement specialist for the International Organization for Migration.

Over a million Iraqis have fled their homes in the past year and a half, she said, nearly three-quarters of them from Baghdad. And though the Iraqi government is offering one million Iraqi dinars, or roughly $812, to each Baghdad family that returns, she said, only a fraction of residents has done so.

“The security situation is going to have to stabilize for a longer period of time in order for those Iraqis to feel safe,” Ms. Ladek said. “We’re not seeing massive returns yet.” Nearly a third of the people who do return to their homes have found someone else living in them, she said. Most returnees are also going back to religiously homogeneous neighborhoods, she said, where they feel safer and more protected from sectarian strife.

According to recent estimates by the International Organization for Migration, since February 2006 the number of people who have fled their homes countrywide had been approximately 60,000 a month, Ms. Ladek said, adding that that number has dipped markedly in recent months as the violence in Baghdad has ebbed.

The United States military said Sunday that rocket and mortar attacks in Iraq have dipped to their lowest level since February 2006, a decrease it linked to the increase in American troop levels this year.

United States military commanders said creating a safe system in which Iraqis can return home, without forcing any squatters into the streets, will be one of the government’s greatest challenges for the coming year. The government and American military leaders have been conducting censuses in Baghdad neighborhoods since the spring, and have hired local volunteers to patrol the streets in an effort to understand migration patterns.

“They want to get back their homes and their property,” said Col. J. B. Burton, the commander of the Second Brigade Combat Team of the First Infantry Division, which controls northwest Baghdad.

Meanwhile, tensions remained high in Samarra, where, according to the military, the Iraqi police and coalition forces killed seven insurgents on Friday. Fighting between the Islamic Army, a local Sunni group, and Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, a home-grown group that American officials say is led by foreigners, also broke out near Samarra late Friday, a government official said, leaving 23 insurgents dead.

On Sunday, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the Third Infantry Division in Iraq, said the discovery of Iranian-made weapons here was increasing, Reuters reported. General Lynch said it was unclear whether the rise was because more weapons were coming into Iraq or because American troops were finding more caches.
(www.nytimes.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 13, 2007 11:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I looked at www.safedinar.com and their price per million for 25k notes is $920.00. This is just an observation I found interesting.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 13, 2007 11:57 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1049)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1049 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/11/14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1228 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 72.080.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 72.080.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- November 14, 2007 6:44 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1050)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1050 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/11/15 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 14 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1228 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1226 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.195.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 15.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.195.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 15.000.000 -----

-- November 15, 2007 6:52 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Got busy recently and have not had much time for forums.

Now that I can look, I see a considerable decrease in postings on the forums I look at.

Does anybody else interpret this as discouragement or just a decrease in info on the Dinar?

-- November 15, 2007 6:57 AM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Chris,
I think that it has something to do with the writer's strike. LOL

-- November 15, 2007 12:30 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Chris wrote, "Got busy recently and have not had much time for forums."

I think that is the reason right there, Chris.

Sara.

-- November 15, 2007 3:21 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

I believe it shows that the dinar investors have started to settle in on fact that this is a long term investment, and there will not be an overnight revaluation. It has been evident for some time, but there is still a glimmer of hope that something significant can happen. The idea that somehow an instant revaluation would make us instantly rich is now about as ridiculous as the experts said it was all along. Many of us on this forum had stated that this was a 10+ year investment, and it's already been 4 years. It's still an exciting adventure, and it will be worth the wait.

-- November 15, 2007 5:27 PM ∞

---

John Deer wrote:

Victory Is Closer

Interviewee: Stephen Biddle, Senior Fellow for Defense Policy
Interviewer: Bernard Gwertzman, Consulting Editor

The Council of Foreign Relations

November 15, 2007

Stephen Biddle, CFR’s top defense analyst, is just back from his second trip to Iraq this year. He cites positive developments on several fronts. The Anbar experiment, in which local Sunni forces joined up with the U.S. military against al-Qaeda in Iraq, “has taken off outside Anbar province,” he says. Moreover, the new perception that U.S. forces are not about to leave Iraq in large numbers, Biddle says, has allowed the Shiite-led government to “dip its toes” into reconciliation with Sunnis. This involves distributing oil to Sunni areas and hiring former Baathists in security forces.

You’ve just come back from your second trip to Iraq this year. What’s your sense of the situation now? Is it different from your last trip in the spring?

Yes, quite a bit, actually.

My view for a long time had been that Iraq is already in a civil war, and therefore the only way to succeed is to apply the standard civil war termination playbook. There are two basic pieces to that: You negotiate a power-sharing deal that yields a cease-fire, and then you bring in outside peacekeepers to stabilize it.

I had figured that in the particular conditions of Iraq, neither was impossible, but each was unlikely. Maybe a one-in-three shot for either one of them individually, yielding something like a one-in-ten shot for success overall. I think events since the spring have been quite extraordinary, and I think what’s happened is that essentially we’ve hit the one-in-three shot on the first of these two, or very close to it, and that’s something like a cease-fire. What some people call the “Anbar model,” or this process of local cease-fire accommodations between former-combatants and some combination of ourselves and the government of Iraq, really has taken off outside Anbar province in ways that I find quite fascinating and quite surprising. The Sunni insurgency, with a few exceptions, has largely left the field, and is now providing local security under negotiated arrangements with us. Moreover, a significant number of Shiite combatant groups are also in active negotiation and a significant number of them have left the fighting field.

Are they working with us?

Yes. The catch phrase that people in the country use to describe these things are “CLCs,” or “Concerned Local Citizens” groups, which I think is a horrible misnomer.

Do we arm them?

Many of these people are the former combatants we’d been fighting against a few months ago, so they’re pretty well enough armed. What we’ve been doing is providing them uniforms, some degree of training, and, in particular, we’re paying their salaries. And we’re enforcing the agreements they’ve reached. These outfits have reached formal agreements with us that they will not fire against us or the government, and instead they will defend their neighbors against common enemies, typically al-Qaeda in Iraq, but increasingly the Jaish al Mahdi [the Shiite militia force loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr].

There are now something on the order of 70,000 CLCs country-wide, which has gone from essentially zero to something like 70 percent the size of the British army in a matter of about six months. I just find that quite extraordinary and, again, very surprising. I hadn’t anticipated anything like this kind of speed and success level in replicating this model outside Anbar.

I think the press has missed this big story in an important way. If you look over press coverage in the last few weeks or months you can find some good descriptions of this. But the way they tend to describe this phenomenon is: “We’ve got all these improvements or apparently changing tides, but here are all the various ways it could go wrong….”

Well what do you attribute this whole change on the ground to? Is this due to what is called “the surge,” or good diplomacy by the U.S. military, or just luck?

All of those things have some role but I would put “luck” as probably the biggest.

You mean the timing just happens to coincide with the Sunnis getting fed up with al-Qaeda?

Well, that’s a big part of it. I think there are about three or four major reasons for this. One of the principal factors is that the Sunnis lost the battle of Baghdad and understand that they lost it. Interestingly, most people look back at the Samara mosque bombing back in February 2006 and the subsequent sectarian violence as a great disaster. But one of the ironic features of that is that sectarian violence essentially resulted in the Sunnis getting kicked out of the capital city. They lost the fighting with the Jaish al Mahdi in the city of Baghdad and came to recognize that they were not going to win if this came to an all-out war with the United States gone from Iraq.

As a result, Sunnis have come to realize that if this violence goes all out, they lose, they don’t win. A second major factor is the way in which al-Qaeda in Iraq has screwed up—it’s nice to know we’re not the only people who screw things up in Iraq.

AQI brutalized its own prospective allies, especially Sunni tribes in Anbar, but also elsewhere in Iraq. In the course of all that, they made themselves look like a bigger threat to the Sunni population in Iraq than us, or even than the Shiite government.

A third major factor is an apparent change in Iraqis’ perception of how long we’re going to be there. I’ve heard a number of people in Iraq suggest that, partially as a result of General [David] Petraeus’ testimony before congressional committees last September, but also as a result of the changing tenor of the discussion in the United States, many Iraqi factions have gone from an expectation that we’re short timers and we’re leaving soon, and hence they need to prepare the battlefield for the big version of the civil war to come when we leave, to a view that the United States is apparently going to be sticking around for years.

That perception changes their ability to take risks. Previously, the last thing they were interested in doing was anything that might have strengthened their internal opponents, even slightly. Now, on the other hand, they seem to be willing to try it out. For example the Shiite national government is much more willing to tolerate the idea of its former semi-enemies being set up as local territorial police, because they’re more confident that the United States is going to be around to keep these people honest.

Last but not least is the effect of the “surge.” That works together with this change in Iraqi perception of how long we’re sticking around. It’s substantially safer for both the government and Sunni insurgents to experience some reconciliation if they think that there’s somebody around to provide a safety net. The “surge” provided a visible combat presence of an additional five U.S. brigades in Iraq, and a big change in mission when they came out of the forward operating bases (FOBs) and into the cities and were visibly available to stabilize the situation.

I think what a lot of press have been saying is that because the Sunnis have left Baghdad, there’s no reason for any sectarian violence anymore in Baghdad, so that’s why the casualties are down.

Let me say something about this question of sectarian cleansing as a cause of the violence decline. That is a very widespread view, and although it’s not impossible I think it is unlikely to be a very large contributor for a couple of reasons.

One is that the violence in Baghdad was always at the frontiers of the cleansing efforts and, as the cities have gotten progressively cleansed, frontiers have been moved. It doesn’t get smaller, it just moves to the next neighborhood. But the idea that if the city is 10 percent cleansed it will be more violent, if it is eighty percent cleansed it will be much less so, misunderstands the nature of cleansing. All it does is it moves the violence around. It doesn’t reduce it unless the entire city is entirely one group, and even then it wouldn’t end it in Iraq as a whole, because these people have cars. They can move, and they do move quite a bit, from village to village, locality to locality.

If all of Baghdad were rendered uniformly Shiite, the cleansing effort would just move to the Baghdad outskirts like Abu Ghraib. If they all got cleansed it would move to the next cities further out. Cleansing is unlikely to reduce the aggregate volume of killing and violence, it just changes its geographic distribution.

Technically, Baghdad is not in fact completely cleansed. Baghdad went from a Sunni majority to a small Sunni minority; Sunnis did lose the battle, but there is still a significant number of Sunni hold-out neighborhoods within the Baghdad community that are not yet cleansed, and which you could easily imagine being the focal points for a lot of violence if things were continuing as they were a year ago.

So there’s a kind of de facto cease-fire in Baghdad?

Yes, there is still some violence going on, but the large-scale violence that was being caused by big Sunni insurgent groups like the 1920s Brigades, or by the rank-and-file Jaish al Mahdi has largely stopped. I think that’s why all these violence indicators have been going down. The people who had been fighting against us have essentially switched sides and become local police.

Has there been any sign yet of any effort at high-level or even middle-level reconciliation talks between Shiites and Sunnis?

Lots of talks, but not much legislative progress. If you look at the big five legislative initiatives that we’ve been trying to pursue, for example, none of them has been signed as a law yet. But I think what’s going on, on that front, is quite interesting. Take for example hydrocarbon legislation and de-Baathification, the biggest of the big five. There are no laws passed yet on either one of them, and yet the government is distributing oil revenue to Sunni provinces proportionately to their populations. And the government is hiring Sunnis into the Iraqi security forces.

You get this very bizarre situation in which, even though they won’t pass the laws we’re leaning on them so hard to pass, they’re behaving as though the laws had been passed.

I think this phenomenon of the government behaving as though it has passed laws it refuses to pass warrants a couple more observations. I find this bizarre, so I don’t have a complete answer, but let me spin out a hypothesis as to what might be happening. One hypothesis might be that the Shiite government is still scared to death of the Sunnis and they’re reluctant to legislate iron-clad guarantees for the Sunnis yet. What they want to do instead is kind of dip their toe in the water and do some trial experiments with reconciliation.

For example, they are not willing to mandate that they absolutely must give the Sunnis oil revenue, but maybe they’re willing to try it a little bit as long as they retain the right to withdrawal it if it doesn’t work.

But if it works, maybe they’ll take another step forward. And I think a lot of this again has to do with their change in perception of the U.S. role here. If it looks as though the Americans have stabilized things and are willing to stick around, it becomes safe to engage in these little trials, this toe-dipping phenomenon. So maybe if we allow it to continue, it will blossom into something more.

So what should Washington do next?

I think the biggest question, and the biggest source of tension right now, is that given that these local deals are very unstable in all the ways that the press has been reporting lately, and the parties could easily flip sides right back again, it’s very important that we keep enough troops in Iraq to keep these deals stable. And yet there’s going to be huge pressure if the violence levels go down and stay down for awhile, to then pull the troops back out.

If we actually do that, I think there’s a significant chance that all these trends will reverse and all these deals will collapse.

The Democrats lately have not been talking about withdrawals, although all the candidates, as far as I know, are in favor of withdrawals if they win the elections, right?

Well they’re being very cagey about this, actually. As I read their platforms, assuming that they’re using these words advisedly, what they do is they talk about starting the withdrawal of combat troops. They often don’t talk about when to end the withdrawal, that is, when to complete it, and they also don’t talk about troop strength as a whole.

Again, if you parse all that very carefully, that’s not so different from the current administration’s policy. We’re starting a withdrawal of about a fourth of the combat strength already. Petraeus has announced that he’s going to be doing that if conditions continue to permit.

The difference between that and what the Clinton campaign and others have said so far is not as big as it sounds. Now one general interpretation of that is that they know this, and that they’re trying to describe their policies in ways that are as attractive as possible to the Democratic base, while enabling them to continue to influence events in Iraq as forcefully as possible. I don’t know whether that’s really what’s going on or not, but I find the language they use in this context quite interesting.

-- November 15, 2007 10:26 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The anticipation of an overnight RV have petered out, and the initial midnight watch over the CBI exchange rate have disappeared.

I think that from all sides we're all experiencing a pooped out situation right now, a fatigue, that many have taken to apathy in the Dinar game.

After the invasion we all believed in a fast reconstruction.

In Iraq, the Iraqis wanted to settle old scores instead.

For our part, it was this endless battle with the Iraqi naysayers.

The Iraqis battled, and we battled.

As we stand now, many years later, right now, we are in the actual position we were suppose to be in, after the invasion.

The enthusiasm right now should be sky high, but a battle fatigue both in Iraq and on the home front have left the whole Iraqi situation in a kind of after the party stage.

It's like when you went to parties in your youth, had a blast, and your friends went their different ways, and you could not get a ride home, so you're starting to walk home, very very tired, still a bit drunk, but the cold wind is waking you up, and the twilight of the sun is just setting in, while you walk those last miles to your house.

You know that once you reach your home, and your bed, you're home free, the mind is empty, and you could not or would not argue with anyone about anything, you have been to the party, seen it, done it, and now it is just so darn tiresome to walk those last miles home.

-- November 16, 2007 4:20 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

It has happened, the ISX turned upwards.

Check out the index on ISX's official site, it was on a long down trend, during the uprising,as the uprising slowed down, the downtrend flattened out, the two last trading sessions before this one, it was flat, and now, the last trading session, a small creep upwards.

And of course, I'm buying stocks like crazy right now.

-- November 16, 2007 5:56 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

You've got to love the entrepreneurial spirit over there in Iraq.

Many of the banks and bigger institutions have traditional addresses, business phones and websites.

Then there are the smaller entrepreneurial segment of the trading companies.

In the column of address, phone and location of many of the companies that are trading there you can find examples like.

Al-Ahab, Co.

Address, Across the yard from The Train station.

Elmose Insurance ,

3rd floor of Building 16 (at the bridge)

Flooring company Baghdad.

Industrial strip, across from bicycle shop.

Falluja Construction materiel,

Across from the big Cement plant.

Then one or two phone numbers, and a cellphone number.

Most of the e-mails are getting "page can not be displayed"

We're putting a lot of trust in these guys.

Buy, buy, buy.

-- November 16, 2007 7:06 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Despite the turmoil, Iraq has capital plans Government sets costly building program

Iraq will spend an unprecedented $900 million in 2008 on projects in Baghdad and $19 billion on capital projects across the country, senior Iraqi government officials said Wednesday, even as they warned that the fight against insurgencies, gangs and militias was far from over.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 16, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

16 Nov 2007 17:39:00
Operation
Lion Leap starts in Diwaniya
Diwaniya (NINA)- A major security crackdown named "Lion Leap" started Friday morning in Diwaniya. A security source reported that the national police special forces, Iraqi Army and Diwaniya police force, supported by an MNF air cover started the operation at 5:00 a.m.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 16, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

16 Nov 2007 13:01:00
Call
Hashimi calls for wider Gulf role in Iraq
Baghdad (NINA)- Vice-President Tariq al-Hashimi has stressed the importance of a wider Gulf states' role in the Iraqi issue, a matter that would boost Iraq's stability and national reconciliation. The assertion was made during a meeting in Qatar with the Qatari Prime Minister.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 16, 2007 9:55 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

DNO ramps up Iraqi oil in Q3, exports unclear

Norwegian oil producer DNO ramped up oil production in Iraq in the third quarter, helping boost operating results, but its prospects for quickly tapping an export pipeline to Turkey appeared to have faded.

Earnings before interest and tax at DNO, the first foreign firm to drill for oil in post-war Iraq, rose 42 percent to 125 million crowns ($23.14 million) in July-September, against an average forecast of 127 million in a Reuters poll of nine analysts.

Its net profits sank 22 percent to 36 million crowns due to high exploration costs, missing an average forecast of 51 million.

Shares in DNO, a group worth $1.5 billion, were off 2.3 percent at 9.87 crowns at 1243 GMT, on a rising Oslo bourse.

Production from DNO's Tawke field in northern Iraq amounted to 6,863 barrels of oil equivalent (boed) in the third quarter, although already completed wells give the field a total initial production capacity of 67,000 barrels of oil per day, it said.

"Continuous production from the Tawke field... contributed to a strong cash flow but more importantly it manifested DNO's position as a fast track and cost effective operator," Chief Executive Helge Eide told a presentation.

But Eide told Reuters that it was impossible to say when DNO would gain access to the export pipeline, which would allow it to reap full benefits of record prices on international oil markets. DNO sells Iraqi oil locally now at undisclosed prices.
Eide said pressure on Iraqi authorities to facilitate an export solution would build as more and more international oil companies sign production agreements in Iraq's Kurdish north.

"The regional export solution will be developed in close cooperation with the authorities and other operators," DNO said.

DNO had previously hoped to tap Iraq's Northern pipeline in November or January, depending on whether third-party gas would be flowing through it.

"Exports are crucial for profitability," said Carl Christian Bachke, analyst at brokerage Fondsfinans in Oslo. "The local market is limited and they are not able to sell all their oil."

REGIONAL TENSIONS

DNO said it continued to deliver oil from Tawke to local markets by truck, with volumes dictated by local demand. It played down the impact of high tensions between Iraq's Kurdish north and neighbouring Turkey.

"Neither the past nor the recent geopolitical events in the region has to date affected any of the company's operations," DNO ASA said in a statement.

The semi-autonomous Kurdish region, wedged between Syria to the west, Turkey to the north and Iran to the east, is among the most stable in Iraq because it has been spared much of the sectarian violence ripping the country apart.
DNO has repeatedly voiced confidence about the validity of its oil production agreement with Kurdish authorities despite a mandatory review, whose results have not yet been published.

Under its agreement with Kurdish authorities, DNO is entitled to all produced volumes from Tawke until its project costs, seen around 1.2 billion crowns, have been recovered.

Afterwards, revenues will be shared according to the production-sharing agreement in which DNO holds a 55 percent interest, it said.

DNO declined to specify its production costs in Iraq but said that the group's overall lifting costs, including operations in Yemen and offshore Norway, fell to $7.4 per barrel in the third quarter from $10.4 in the second quarter due to lower production costs at Tawke.

DNO maintained its view that average 2007 production would be at 15,000-17,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 16, 2007 9:57 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Basra Violence Down 90 Percent
Associated Press | November 16, 2007
BAGHDAD - Attacks against British and Iraqi forces have plunged by 90 percent in southern Iraq since London withdrew its troops from the main city of Basra, the commander of British forces there said.

The presence of British forces in downtown Basra, Iraq's second-largest city, was the single largest instigator of violence, Maj. Gen. Graham Binns told reporters Thursday on a visit to Baghdad's Green Zone.

"We thought, 'If 90 percent of the violence is directed at us, what would happen if we stepped back?'" Binns said.

Britain's 5,000 troops moved out of a former Saddam Hussein palace at Basra's heart in early September, setting up a garrison at an airport on the city's edge. Since that pullback, there's been a "remarkable and dramatic drop in attacks," Binns said.

"The motivation for attacking us was gone, because we're no longer patrolling the streets," he said.

Last spring, British troops' daily patrols through central Basra led to "steady toe to toe battles with militias fighting some of the most tactically demanding battles of the war," Binns said. Now British forces rarely enter the city center, an area patrolled only by Iraqis.

The majority of attacks now target Iraqi forces, but overall violence now is still a tenth of what it was in May and June.

"They're increasingly in the frame - more at risk - as they take over more responsibility," Binns said of his Iraqi counterparts.

In mid-December, British forces are scheduled to return control of Basra province back to Iraqi officials - officially ending Britain's combat role in Iraq.

"We've been in that de facto role since we moved out of the palace...but we hope the (December) transfer will symbolize the end of a period many in Basra city perceived as occupation," Binns said.

With an overwhelmingly Shiite population, Basra has not seen the level of sectarian violence that has torn Iraq apart since the February 2006 bombing of a Shiite shrine north of Baghdad.

But it has seen major fighting between insurgents and coalition troops, as well as between Shiite militias vying for control of the city and its security forces.

British officials expected a spike in such "intra-militia violence" after they pulled back from the city's center, and were surprised to find none, Binns said.

"That's because the Sadrist militia is all powerful here - more powerful than Badr. If Badr was allowed to take on JAM in Basra, they'd lose pretty quickly," he said, using the Arabic acronym for the Mahdi Army, a militia loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

The Badr Brigade is a rival militia tied to Iraq's largest Shiite party, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. The two militias have fought open street battles, most recently in the Shiite holy city of Karbala.

British officials have been talking with members of al-Sadr's militia since before this past summer, Binns said, in hopes of bringing them into the political process in Basra. He refused to give details of those talks.

"We may get to the point where the main Sadrist strain will support the Iraqi security forces - that's the goal," Binns said. "But not everyone gets it...because there are those who remain irreconcilable. For them, the offer of money to attack us is still too tempting."

Still, Binns said he believes violence is down to a level where it is manageable for Iraqi security forces.

Last month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that Britain will halve its remaining troop contingent in Iraq next spring - bringing the number of troops down to 2,500. The scaling back of forces has already begun, and by the year's end Britain will have 4,500 troops based mainly at Basra's airport.

British officials have also said they cannot guarantee that any troops will remain in Iraq by the end of 2008.

Britain's participation in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion - and the continuing presence of troops in the country four years later - remains deeply unpopular at home. A total of 171 British soldiers have died in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion.

The British presence in Iraq peaked with 46,000 troops - Binns among them - during the March 2003 invasion. It was reduced to 18,000 that May, and 8,600 by the end of May 2004. This past May, there were about 5,500 British troops in Iraq.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 16, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Stronger Iraqi govt behind drop in violence - Iran

A strengthened Iraqi government and a reduction of "foreign interferences" have helped improve security in Iraq, Iran said on Sunday in an apparent reference to the role of U.S.-led forces in its neighbour.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 18, 2007 3:38 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

18 Nov 2007 22:09:00
Investments
56 Investment contracts concluded in Kurdistan
Erbil (NINA)- The investment board of Kurdistan region is said to have concluded 56 investment contracts that worth $ 6 million, to establish major investment projects in the region. Head of the body Hersh Al-Tayar said the unified investment law of the region did not impose taxes on investors.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 18, 2007 3:41 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

18 Nov 2007 19:41:00
Budget
6.493 Trillion ID Kurdistan's budget for 2008
Arbil (NINA) – Kurdistan's Finance under Secretary, Dilshad Othman, said that the region's government reached an agreement with central government regarding the region's budget. In a press conference held on Sunday evening, Nov. 18.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 18, 2007 3:44 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hi All

been away for quite awhile....

Chris and Roger, I don't think we are any less interested in our Dinar investment. Just alittle Battle Fatigue.

I get irked at the barrage of articles posted by.....yu kow who.
Sure they might be interesting to some, but in my opinion dilute the flavor of what I found here over 2 years ago now.

I am very busy oike the rest of us and I have ton oeave a little space in my mind for the tangible committments.

However, having said all that, I still look in from time to time to see if everyone is okay.

My RE investor friend has a new date for some "happenings" Dec.28th , which is the IMF deadline. They have exstended it, 3 times...think the IRAQI's will take this one serious? We will see...

To quote Steve,

stay lucky!
Carole

-- November 18, 2007 8:18 PM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

CAROL,
THERE HASN'T BEEN MUCH POSTED AT ALL LATELY, EVEN YU KOW WHO (AS YOU PUT IT) DON'T POST MUCH. SO INTERESTING OR NOT, THOSE ARTICLES ARE ABOUT ALL WE GET RIGHT NOW.

YOUR RE FRIEND HAS NO CREDIBILITY ANYMORE, AS FAR AS PREDICTING GOES, BUT MAYBE ONE OF THESE TIMES SOMETHING WILL COME TO PASS AND HE WILL SAY "I TOLD YOU SO".

THOSE OF US WHO HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT THIS WAS A LONG TERM DEAL ALL ALONG, ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVE BEEN RIGHT ABOUT ANYTHING. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE SITUATION IN IRAQ IS IMPROVING, AND THIS WILL LEAD TO THOSE INVESTMENT DOLLARS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR TO BE SPENT. THE WORLDS MONEY BEING POURED ALL OVER IRAQ IS WHAT WILL MAKE THE REAL DIFFERENCE.

-- November 19, 2007 12:27 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Valerio,

I think my friend knows he has no more credibility in the area of Dinars predicting.
Right now my family is just trying to survive the realestate slump. I have lived through this before and I know it will turn around i the next 24-36 months, but "hanging in there" gets tough for the young investors........so as you can imagine, my kids are in the nail biting stages.

I try to keep things light and remind them that 100% of us are going to die someday...and 100% of us take nothing with us when we do......

Of course, their usual reaponse is ..."oh mother!"

Carole

-- November 19, 2007 3:52 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Just went back and read sevveral weeks of posts.
Huckabee is my choice at this point also, followed by Hunter.
I have a huge circle of repuican wealthy friends who have all ben very vocal about withoulding usual contributions util they can resurrect a candidate that reflects conservative positions on important social issuew of the repub. base.
Personally , I think I have signed 15 petitions and have withdrawn my usual support also.
Don"t really know if it is a coincidence or not, but it seems in the last month there have been more interviews of Huckabee.

As far as Pat Robertson......it shocked me! Remeber , I have been an advocate of his book New World Order for many years. The "old" Pat R. would have been the first to point out Gulliani as a globalist..very supportive of U N and all the crap surrounding thier anti-american agendas.

The old PAT would have never given a second look at a man who has the morals of an alley cat.

So, he has either succumbed to Alzheimers, or stooped to compromising for money exchange.....as I see it.

Steve.

Was at a social event a few weeks ago and a group across the room was talking about Warren Buffet. I am not aware of exactly what was said... but I do remember someone saying..."well.. let's do it"
It is the middle of the night right now, so I can't call anyone, but I will try to find out what the conversation was about and if it was relative to your question.

-- November 19, 2007 4:35 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Please forgive the typos.....still have the long artificial nails on. They are going after the holidays!! :)

Carole

-- November 19, 2007 4:39 AM ∞

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VALERIO wrote:

CAROL,
EXCELLENT CHOICE IN HUCKABEE. HE NEEDS YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE A RUN AGAINST THE WALLSTREET REPUBLICANS, I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER IT. RE MARKET MAY BE DOWN 48-60 MONTHS IN MANY AREAS, AND I DON'T THINK ITS AT THE BOTTOM YET. PEOPLE ON MAIN STREET HAVE LESS SPENDABLE INCOME RIGHT NOW WITH ENERGY CONSUMING A GREATER AMOUNT, AND INFLATION ON THE RISE. THE FEDS LOWERED THE INTREST RATE AT THE BECKONING OF WALLSTREET, AND THAT IS ONLY TEMPORARY RELIEF. THE BALANCES OF THE ECONOMIC SCALES ARE GOING TO GO THROUGH A MAJOR ADJUSTMENT, AND OUR DINARS COULD BE SAVING GRACE FOR US.

-- November 19, 2007 6:22 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Valerio,

The problem my family has gotten into is that they entered the Realestate investing market at the wrong time.
RE investors will always take interest only loans or what is referred to as Neg/Am loans because they turn around their porperties relatively quickly. Take profits and re-buy to build their property inventory. When my husband and I were active in this arena, it was the way to build wealth.

I tried to advise my kids......but no luck. So they got into loans with 4% margins that accelerated in 18-36 months. I also tried to advise them to incorporate and keep their property investments separated from their personal financial profiles, in case of any unforseen problems. My concern is always in the area of potential marital problems. I have all girls, and they are the most vulnerable gender ( financially). If I had boys, I would probably advise the same way, now that I think about it.

Well, long story-short, they did neither. And they did not keep big enough reserves to hold them over for any future problems, like vacancies, or in this case, a turn in the market.

Sooooo, what they have now are a bunch of houses that have lost value, can not sale and neg/am loans that are about to accelerate, doubling and tripling their monthly payments.

Soooooooooooooooo, just about the time my husband and I thought we were going to experience a little boredom, we are knee deep into helping them take the least "hurt" possible.

Fortunately, they are not alone and the govt. has recognized the dilema, partially created by the mortgaage industry. So we have alot going for us in our fight to get the loans rewritten as well as having the properties reassessed, to help with the tax burdens.
AND they are now willing to incorporate.

Because this market is not going to get better, and as you have commented, probably get alot worse, we have to figure out how to survive and make these properties, at least pay for themselves.

In past years, I owned several properties in Palm Springs for the Purpose of cariNg for the elderly. They are called Board and Care facilities, governed and licensed by The Department of Social Services. So, guess what business we are getting back into? Of course, having 4 daughters that are nurses and 1 daughter that is a healthcare marketing specialist, it is an option they have to excercise to keep from losing a couple million dollars of investments.

Most of their properties are 2 stories, that can"t be used as B&C, but they have 3 properties that are single stories and we will convert them to B&C's.

At the end of the day, they will break even, BUT save their properties, until, in a few years things turn around again OR UNTIL THE DINARS HIT!

Carole

-- November 19, 2007 8:46 AM ∞

---

Joshua wrote:

First timer here i
don't understand why you people would wnat huckabee as pres. he supports illegal aliens. check out what he did when he was gov. he gave these illegal aliens sancktuary. hope that helps

-- November 19, 2007 9:32 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Joshua;

Because it won't matter how many illegal aliens there are in the US if there is no security in the homeland.. ie - terrorists are given a free reign by rescinding the Patriot Act and by the US ceasing to make the Middle East/Iraq the central front in the War on Terror. The wise policy decisions (such as the Patriot Act and making Iraq the central front of the War on Terror) make a great deal of difference to the safety of the Homeland of the U.S.A. If we HAVE to choose.. and we do, between those who are too liberal in the area of illegal immigrants or those who will choose to compromise on moral issues.. because we believe the moral has more drastic consequences to the safety of the country we must choose the lesser of two evils.

Allowing moral evil means God will withdraw His hand of protection from the nation. Correct policy which is presently keeping the nation from attack is obvious in the policy decisions and wisdom given to those whose moral positions line up with the Lord's. And there is an outstanding example in the Bible for us in what happened to those who did not make moral decisions top the agenda of the day, an EXAMPLE of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha.. example.. hmmm.. what would that mean? Quote:

Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

What does this mean that they are an EXAMPLE to us.. suffering God's vengeance? Could it mean that even if the two houses of Congress decide to endorse Sodomy at the highest levels of government.. God likely will not? That, like those cities whose highest authorities all endorsed sodomy.. there will be a higher power who will judge them if they do so? Could it also mean that He may choose to make the place look a heck of a lot like Sodom and Gomorrah did after He was finished with them? At whose hands? The terrorists, likely.. with WMD.

So the moral questions are relevant to our safety and continued existence on the planet as a culture and as a people. When it affects our safety, the moral questions become primary over illegal immigration. I am not minimizing that issue, but putting it within proper perspective. The first priority is to LIVE.. all other issues are truly secondary. What we are facing is a life and death issue concerning the continuation of the nation of America as we know it in our lifetime. Remember that Rome also endorsed sodomy at the highest levels of government.. do you see that empire around anymore?

Personally, I fear God.. that means I totally respect His name and also His ability to protect or reject a nation from rulership in the earth. As God says to any nation:

Jer 18:6 ... can I not do with you as this potter? says the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand...
Jer 18:7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
Jer 18:8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them.
Jer 18:9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
Jer 18:10 If it does evil in my sight, that it does not obey My voice, then I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them.

As you can see, God chooses which nations are "plucked up and pulled down and destroyed" or "built and planted." And He does so based on which ones OBEY His voice (verse 10 - "If it does evil in my sight, that it does not obey My voice...") Since this is the standard any nation will be judged by.. and which, I might add, Saddam was judged by and removed from power... I would prefer the US not be relegated to the dustbin of history as he was. Also remember the Roman Empire - that it, too, was once mighty.. But we see that in time, God spoke to destroy it and it is no longer. And it, also, was in the time AD, as we are.. so what happened to it, happened in the same "dispensation" we are under. America could just as easily become just such a blip on the radar screen. I like the benefits she has now and wish that America would not make the mistakes which will remove her from her position of power.. not blatant political mistakes (according to the will of the majority of the people) but those which cause an empire to fall... moral decay to the point of God's judgement.

No matter how many endorse that which is against God's laws (such as the terrorists celebrating suicide bombings which are against the command of God not to kill innocent people), even if they are in the majority and pass laws endorsing such behavior.. they will be accountable in time and on earth to the Highest Power.. as Sodom and Gomorrha were. The will of the majority can prevail, to the disenfranchisement of the entire nation.. because God may then say they have "disobeyed My voice" and He can "speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it."

It always amazes me how in disaster movies people who do not believe in God cry out, "Oh, God.. help me!", "Oh, God.. NO!".. almost as if they get past the denial they have about who is behind the good.. and evil.. in life circumstances. When the US has her back against the wall, she will remember God.. if it takes that to make her repent and "obey My voice". And I think it will have to come to that.. as I have shared on this site before. I am still waiting for the timeline to catch up.. to me, I see no alternative, as America will not repent of what GOD says is evil and she says is mere "choice".. sexual choice, pregnancy choice, moral choice. Because God has been longsuffering and keeps silent right now, people think that He endorses their evil behaviors.. that He is just like they are. But He is not.

Psa 50:21 These things have you done, and I kept silence; you thought that I was altogether such an one as yourselves: but I will reprove you, and set them in order before your eyes.
Psa 50:22 Now consider this, you that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver....

God has a degree of patience beyond men's.. but consider that when He does finally get angry.. he tears in pieces and there is none to deliver. He speaks this to those who "forget God." Is America forgetting God, to obey His voice? I do not wish this for America.. and so I hope they will choose the right.. the moral, even if it means choosing it over the issue of illegal immigration. Otherwise.. I see no alternative but to one day look on the smouldering remains of American cities that look a lot like the remains of Sodom and Gomorrha.

If you ever saw Star Wars (the original movie), you may remember when Obi-Wan Kenobi suddenly staggered and sat down in Han Solo's ship.. he said that it felt as if millions of voices suddenly cried out and were suddenly silenced... and that he "felt" that something horrible had happened. I have also felt this, and witnessed it. I felt millions of American souls crying out, and being suddenly silenced. It is a horrible feeling of terror unlike anything I can describe in words. I hope America can repent without that happening to them because:

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.

We know the EXAMPLE set forth of Sodom and Gomorrha.. is it far fetched to be concerned that the nation may also reap that destruction if it endorses at the highest levels of government such evils as Sodom and Gomorrha did? Who can oppose God and live? Has the nation of America no longer any fear of God? Must it be taught to them by the edge of a sword - through destruction and misery and much death?

Sara.

-- November 19, 2007 3:36 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

so i guess you mean that its ok to support huckabe even if has already broke our imigration laws just as long as huckabe supports laws aginst abortion i get it now - support this man cuz he says its ok to break one law but not another law whatkind of logic is that? i thouht that anybody running for pres. made a oath to obay all our laws this huckabe feller has already broke our laws he should be put in jail not run for pres. don'tt the bible says somthing about we should obay all our govt laws or does it say we only have to worry about only them 'moral' laws? something like 'render unto cesar' When huckbae was gov. how many terrusts did he let in his state after they crossed our border ? we will never know

-- November 19, 2007 9:36 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Joshua/anonymous;

Who then do you think would be best as President? If not Huckabee.. then who? I would say the best candidate of them all is Tancredo.. he is strong on defense, moral issues and also strongly against illegal immigration. Think he will make the ticket?

As I posted before, in a recent poll, Clinton had 50% of the population who said they would NEVER vote for her under any circumstances, up from 46% during the last poll. But Tancredo has 46% percent saying they will never vote for him as President, whereas Huckabee is only at 35%.. so maybe that means Huckabee has a greater chance at the ticket than Tancredo. Politics is a fickle thing and will change between now and voting time, though.. so we will see.

That survey is at:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1376

Sara.

-- November 20, 2007 12:04 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Carole,
Nice one, any info on Warren Buffet will be more than wellcome, thank you.

Light humour

NEVER SAY TO A COP

I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer

Sorry Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in

Aren't you the guy from the Village People?

I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a police officer

Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so long as one of us knows

When the Officer say's "Gee your eyes look red, have you been drinking?" You probably shouldn't respond with, "Gee officer your eyes look glazed, have you been eating doughnuts?"

Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- November 20, 2007 3:44 AM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

JOSHUA,
BEFORE YOU JUST THROW OUT ACCUSATIONS AGAINST SOMEONE, YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE FACTS. WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR IDEAS? OH SOMEONE SAID IT? LIKE ONE OF HUCKABEES COMPETITORS SAID, "HUCKABEE GAVE SPECIAL TUITION ASSISTANCE TO ILLEGAL ALIENS". SOUNDS REAL BAD HUH? MADE TO SOUND AS THOUGH HE SOUGHT OUT THE ILLEGAL ALIENS TO GIVE ONLY THEM SOME SPECIAL ASSISTANCE THAT EVEN OUR OWN DON'T GET, WHEN ACTUALLY THE CHILDREN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO WERE BROUGHT UP THROUGH THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND WERE IN THE FORMAL PROCESS OF BECOMMING A LEGAL CITIZEN, WERE ALLOWED TO QUALIFY FOR THE TUITION ASSISTANCE THAT WAS AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS OF ARKANSAS BASED ON THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS. HIS IDEA WAS THAT THESE CHILDREN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME THROUGH THE ARKANSAS SCHOOL SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO PAY FOR WHAT WERE THE CRIMES OF THEIR PARENTS, AND IF THEY WERE IN THE FORMAL PROCESS TO BECOMMING A LEGAL CITIZEN AND MADE THE GRADES, THEN HE THOUGHT IT WAS GOOD THAT THEY BECOME PRODUCTIVE TAXPAYING AMERICANS. NOW IF YOU WANT TO DISAGREE WITH THAT DECISSION THATS OK, BUT AT LEAST KNOW THE ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF THE FULL ACCOUNT OF THE FACTS. THIS IS ONLY ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW ONES PLAY ON WORDS, WHILE NOT ENTIRELY FALSE, IS ALSO NOT ENTIRELY TRUE. I WOULD ALSO THINK THAT IF A REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE GOV. IN A HEAVILY DEMOCRATIC STATE WERE TO BREAK THE LAW, HE MOST SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT.

HUCKABEE IS AN HONEST MAN WITH HUMBLE ROOTS WHO CARES ABOUT PEOPLE, AND HE HAS A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTRY, AND A POSSITIVE PLAN TO TAKE US THERE. HE SUPPORTS THE 2ND AMENDMENT TO THE FULLEST, THE ENALIABLE RIGHT TO LIFE, THE WAR ON TERROR AND ISLOMIC FASCISM, A FAIRER TAX SYSTEM THAT WILL PROMOTE PRODUCTIVITY AND BRING BACK THE MADE IN AMERICA BRAND, BELIEVES IN PROTECTING THE SANCTITY OF MARIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN, HAS A PLAN TO REVOLUTIONIZE HEALTH CARE THAT WON'T BANKRUPT THE COUNTRY, SO IF YOUR NOT FOR THESE THINGS YOU CANNOT BE FOR HUCKABEE. TELL ME THEN WHO IS YOUR GUY, AND WHAT IS HIS VISIONS AND PLANS? DOES HE KNOW WHAT THE REALLITY OF BEING MIDDLE AMERICA IS? HAS HE RAISED HIS FAMILY CUTTING COUPONS, HAS HE STOOD IN THE CHECKOUT LINE AT THE GROCERY STORE? HAS HE ALWAYS STOOD FOR WHAT HE NOW SAYS HE STANDS FOR? DON'T THROW MUD AT ANOTHER TO TEAR HIM DOWN, SHOW ME WHAT BUILDS YOU UP HIGHER. YOU WANT LIBERALISM AND UNGODLINESS TO THE MAX THEN VOTE FOR ONE OF THE DEMS. YOU WANT MORE OF THE SAME OLD SAME OLD, CHOOSE RUDY. YOU WANT SOMEONE WHO BASES HIS CHARACTER ON THE LATEST POPULAR POLE, CHOOSE ROMNEY. THIS REPUBLICAN RACE IS NOT ABOUT WHO HOLDS THE ELEPHANT HIGHEST, BUT RATHER WHO HOLDS UP THE EAGLE THE HIGHEST. NO ONE IS PERFECT, AND ALL HAVE MADE MISTAKES, AND NO ONE CAN PLEASE EVERYBODY, BUT HUCKABEE CAN COMMUNICATE WITH THE PEOPLE IN A TOUCHING WAY TO HOLD THE EAGLE HIGH AND UNITE THIS COUNTRY SO THAT WE CAN HEAD IN A NEW DIRECTION, NOT MORE LEFT OR MORE RIGHT, BUT HIGHER. IF GOD HAS FOUND GRACE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND HAS CHOOSEN HUCKABEE, THEN THERES NOTHING THAT CAN STOP HIM. OR HAS GOD DECIDED TO LET US HAVE WHAT WE DESERVE? WE SHALL SEE.

-- November 20, 2007 4:00 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Valerio,

It seems like Joshua may be young and idealistic....I do understand and hear his cry for a good president. The problem is that we have screwed up in this country for the last 40 years on immigration, to the point that there is no black or white solution....there may be no solution at all that is goinjg to be equitable, or aT LEAST NOT ABLE TO TURN BACK THE 40 YEARS OF ERROR.

Your rationale presented to Joshua is one that I hope he can digest and take seriously, because it is without a doubt one of the best expositories I have heard in a long time.

I'd be interested in what you think of Hunter.

I would also like to hear Huckabee's position on the advancing of the North American Union....as well as who would be his choice for UN Ambassador.

Still awaiting call abck from friends who may have info on Buffet.

Carole

-- November 20, 2007 8:42 AM ∞

---

joshua wrote:

here is your huckabe on ilegall alians

http://lonewacko.com/blog/archives/005609.html

check out where he said this

He said he doesn't believe in "blanket amnesty," but illegal immigrants here should be given a way to pay a fine and apply for legal status. They should be required to speak English and pay taxes, he said.

this was back in sept. 2006 of course he may have changed his mind on this like a tipikal slimebag politcal man that he is

-- November 20, 2007 8:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

After doing some additional research I think I know why your RE friend is emphasizing December 28th. Unless another extension is granted by the IMF and World Bank the SBA (Standy By Agreement) expires on this date. I am not sure the expiration of this agreement necessarily constitutes revaluation.

Thanks,
Rob N. (A.K.A by Carole as You Know Who)

-- November 20, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

20 Nov 2007 14:05:00
Currency
IQD value increases against USD
Baghdad (NINA)-The Exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar increased against the US Dollar to reach 1226 Dinars per Dollar Tuesday, while it was IQD 1227 last Monday. The USD sales of the Central Bank of Iraq decreased slightly Tuesday to reach $70,780,000 while they were $71,910,000 last Monday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 20, 2007 9:53 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq says security boost helps oil flow

Published: Nov. 16, 2007 at 3:39 PM
Print story Email to a friend Font size:RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Iraq is producing nearly 2.5 million barrels per day, a giant step forward, as the security situation improves, its oil minister said.

"The security situation in Iraq over the last year has not helped the oil industry in the country to produce as much as Iraq can produce and make available to the world market," Hussain al-Shahristani told reporters this week on the sidelines of an OPEC summit.

"However, in the last couple of months there has been very significant improvement in the security conditions in the country," he said. "We have been producing more oil. As a matter of fact our production has almost reached 2.5 million bpd, up from about 2 million a few months ago."

Iraq has 115 billion barrels of proven reserves, the third largest in the world. But amidst a more than four and a half year war, following U.N. sanctions on development and decades of Saddam Hussein's misuse of the sector, Iraq has been struggling for most of the past year to produce even 2 million barrels per day.

The pipeline from the super giant Kirkuk oil field to a port in Turkey has been a particular victim of insurgents, whose attacks have kept the major export vehicle largely offline since 2003.

But this summer Iraq bolstered security around the pipeline, and it has flowed pretty constant, though not at capacity.

"Now we are seeing tribes that were actually collaborating with the insurgents to attack the pipelines are volunteering to defend those very pipelines," he said. "This has enabled Iraq to increase production by more than 300,000 bpd, making it available to the world market in the last month or so and that has helped quite significantly in making more oil available."

Shahristani said the U.S. surge in troops "has nothing to do with it."

"As a matter of fact the Multi-National Forces are nowhere near our oil field production or pipelines," he said. "It is only the oil protection force which is part of the Ministry of Oil structure that has been providing the protection for the pipelines."
(www.upi.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 20, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Planning Stage Completed for Basra’s IQD 274 Billion Giant Development Projects in 2008

The office for reconstruction in Basra has completed the planning phase for a range of projects submitted by the governorate for execution in 2008, according to engineer Rafid Abdul-Ameer, director of the governorate’s development unit.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 20, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Dear AKA (:

SUPPOSEDLY.... aftr the IMF deadline is met the real value of the dinar will adjust. It weas explained to me, but stil sounds like alot of garble to me. According to my friend it might adjust to 1 penny/USD. Also according to my friend, this is all a very positive step.
I say let's wait and see if any more extensions will be given.

Mt Gosh, they have ahd almost al of their debt forgiven internationally...........WHAT MORE DO THEY WANT?????

OH YEH.... I FORGOT.... TO RULE THE WORLD WITH EVERYOJE ON THEIR KNEES TO ALLAH.............PLEASE LET US NOT FORGET THAT!!!!!!

Carole

-- November 20, 2007 10:17 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Joshua;

If you look at this picture.. you will see on the left side the political platforms of the Democrats running for President.. and would you please note that EVERY SINGLE ONE of them stands FOR "Immigration - Citizenship path for illegals"

http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=868063604&size=o

Therefore, I presume you are not going to vote Democrat.
Am I right?

Sara.

-- November 20, 2007 1:52 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

This is relevant to my next post, so I have to post it first as background..

I thought this worth highlighting and picking out from the below article:

From Wikipedia:

Quote:
"Phelps has run in various Kansas Democratic Party primaries five times, but has never won. These included races for governor in 1990, 1994, and 1998, receiving about 15% of the vote in 1998.[35] In the 1992 Democratic Party primary for U.S. Senate, Phelps received 31% of the vote Phelps ran for mayor of Topeka in 1993 and 1997." (end quote)

Moreover, Mr. Phelps has often supported that Democrat standard bearer and Nobel Laureate, Al Gore.

===

Article:
Westboro Is Not “Baptist” Or “Fundamentalist”
From the Associated Press via (fittingly enough) Pravda:

Grieving father gets nearly 11 million dollars in verdict against military funeral protesters
01.11.2007

Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder was killed in Iraq. His grieving father won a nearly $11 million verdict against a fundamentalist church. The members of the church picketed military funerals out of a belief that the war in Iraq is a punishment for America’s tolerance of homosexuality.

Albert Snyder sued the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church for unspecified damages after members demonstrated at the March 2006 funeral of his son…

The church members testified they are following their religious beliefs by spreading the message that soldiers are dying because America is too tolerant of homosexuality…

Defense lawyer Jonathan Katz said the church has about 75 members and is funded by tithing…

====

This AP story, like every report you will see about the Westboro “Baptist Church,” parrots the claims that they are Baptists and moreover fundamentalists (or evangelicals).

Indeed, a search of Google News reveals that they are called “fundamentalist” or “evangelical” in 884 of the articles posted in the last few days — which is to say practically all of the articles on the subject from the mainstream media:

(see pic at url below, if you wish verification)

But as anyone who has even a passing acquaintance with this miserable operation is well aware, the Westboro Baptist Church is not a Baptist church, evangelical or otherwise.

A detail that even Wikipedia has cottoned on to:

Quote:
Westboro Baptist Church

While its members identify themselves as Baptists, the church is an independent church not affiliated with any known Baptist conventions or associations, nor does any Baptist institution recognize the church as a Bible believing fellowship. The church describes itself as following Primitive Baptist and Calvinist principles.

=====

Of course people are free to claim whatever they want for themselves. I could claim to be the US Ambassador to the Holy See. But that does not make it so.

In its entry for Fred Phelps, Sr., Wikipedia also notes:

Quote:
During 1993–94 interviews with the Topeka Capital-Journal, the four Phelps children (out of thirteen, Mark, Nate, Katherine and Dotty) who had left the church asserted that their father’s religious beliefs were either nonexistent to begin with or have dwindled down to nearly nothing. They insist that Westboro actually serves to enable a paraphilia of Phelps, wherein he is literally addicted to hatred.

===

So why does our watchdog media insist on describing this group as a fundamentalist Baptist church?

When was the last time the Peoples Temple of Jim Jones and the Kool-aid suicide cult was described as part of the Disciples of Christ? (When, in fact, they were affiliated with the DoC.)

Perhaps it is because the Westboro clan actually seek to discredit Baptists and evangelical Christian by taking every stereotypical accusation to an absurdity.

The WBC not only claims to hate homosexuals, but they are also anti-Catholic, anti-Semitic and racist — just for starters.

And as for the implicit but unmistakable implication throughout all the media stories that the Phelps cult is somehow conservative, their only political history seems to be quite in the other direction:

Again, from Wikipedia:

Quote:
Phelps has run in various Kansas Democratic Party primaries five times, but has never won. These included races for governor in 1990, 1994, and 1998, receiving about 15% of the vote in 1998.[35] In the 1992 Democratic Party primary for U.S. Senate, Phelps received 31% of the vote Phelps ran for mayor of Topeka in 1993 and 1997.

Moreover, Mr. Phelps has often supported that Democrat standard bearer and Nobel Laureate, Al Gore.

Still more from Wikipedia:

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV27Fjq9
(Picture, Left to right: Fred Phelps, Tipper Gore, Betty Phelps, Al Gore in 1988.)

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV27FImA
(Picture, Al Gore with Fred and Timothy Phelps.)

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV27FUQi
(Picture, Fred Phelps (left) and Al Gore (center) at a fundraiser held at the Phelps home in Topeka, Kansas in 1989.)

Phelps supported Al Gore in the 1988 Democratic Party primary election. In his 1984 Senate race, Gore opposed a “gay bill of rights” and stated that homosexuality was not something that “society should affirm”. Phelps has stated that he supported Gore because of these earlier comments.

According to Phelps, members of the Westboro Baptist Church helped run Gore’s 1988 campaign in Kansas. Phelps’ son, Fred Phelps Jr., hosted a Gore fundraiser, which Al and Tipper Gore attended, at his home in Topeka.

Fred Phelps, Jr. served as a Gore delegate to the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

Indeed, according to Wikipedia, Mr. Phelps is even a champion of Fidel Castro.

Of course it is no surprise that our mainstream media are so eager to perpetuate the myth that his cult is made up of evangelical Christian conservatives.

After all, the media will lie about anything and anyone to advance their agenda.

It’s their job.

====

See related: ACLU Fights For Fred Phelps Funeral “Protests”

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 8:29 am. You can leave a response.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/westboro-is-neither-baptist-nor-fundamentalist

-- November 20, 2007 2:21 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Joshua and board;

"You may not like where I'm goin...
but you sure know where I stand"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnbUVK9js0g

:)
I was given this by a brother in the Lord yesterday...
And I believe that "I bring more than angels.. to this here fight" :)

I want a free, prosperous and godly nation.. of America.
Preferably without a calamity to cause the introspection necessary to force it to be so.

I am not hateful and the lyrics in this song which say,
"before (things) turn to angry words and hate,
sometimes we should just agree to disagree"
is how I feel about the Democrats who picket against American soldiers (Westboro, above).

The American military is to me the most honorable among men,
fighting for our freedom and some paying the ultimate price to secure our liberty.
These who preach words of hatred against even sodomites I disagree with.
I fear God, not homosexuality.

Here I stand, I can do no other.. "a "man" of my convictions, call me wrong, or call me right"..
as the song says.
May God STILL find it in His heart to Bless America..
(preferably in the short term and not in the long term after a calamity,
but she will choose her own fate by the way she votes).
There is just such a lot at stake..

Sara.

-- November 20, 2007 2:28 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi all,

I am working on a plan to get over to Iraq myself, because I feel strongly that I need to get a hand myself on a couple of things, see where things are standing, and if the investment can be adjusted to do better.

It may take me 6-8 weeks to get everything in order, so still a lot of time before anything of significance will happen.

I have already talked to a subsidiary of Haliburton to see if I would qualify to one of their positions, and the qualification is no problem.

This is my problem I don't seem to get a handle on.

I have transferred all my invested Dinars into Warka, and started to buy stocks.

The stock market is in it's fledgling stage, despite promises of a soon to come electronic trade, plus the foreign investment law making it possible for foreigners to invest on the Iraqi stock market, still the main stocks are mostly Banks, and investment companies.

There are some Hotels, car garages, dade growers, tourist cabins, and other stuff, but not really the heavy hitters I really would like to invest into when a big reconstruction is around the corner.

They've got a stock market, but it's like walking into a K-mart when they are having a closeout sale.

They've got nothing to sell that I want.

The Kuwait market had their biggest winners in construction companies, and companies that are directly related to construction.

Here is the dilemma, Iraq may or may not have such companies, but they are not trading.

They may probably be still Iraqi govt property, as this is a country recovering from a long Socialistic (dictatorial) regime.

Iraq Gov are signing construction contracts left right and center, but they all seem to be foreign companies.

Foreign companies are themselves trading on the stock market in their own home country.

Would there be Iraqi companies with the resources to do the job, they would most probably be favoured in the contract bidding.

Right now the foreign companies are filling the void.

I do believe that this void will step by step be taken over by Iraq companies, as soon as they are ready and capable to do the work.

If this follows the same pattern as in Kuwait, THOSE COMPANIES WILL BE THE WINNERS.

I sure would like to go there and nose around, about what exist or not.

I am looking at investing in companies that can build roads, have 5000 people on the payroll, have asphalt machines, have concrete mixers, have pipeline welders, fleet of trucks, building cranes and a support and supply organization already built up.

So if I go over myself and at the same time have a very well paid tax free job, I would say, it wouldn't hurt the matter.

It'll take some time to put this together, but I'm heading in that direction.

I need to get my passport and a couple of updated licenses, some with a lot of background checking and so on, so it's not a quick overnight flight.

In the meanwhile, don't eat yellow snow.

-- November 20, 2007 11:21 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Roger,

Did you ever receive the login details for your e-banking services with Warka? I'm curious. I set up a pair of accounts with them (USD and NID). They set them up quick enough and got my wire transfer, all within 1.5 weeks. However, it's been 3 weeks since I requested e-banking services, with no word back from them. I have even sent 3 more enquiry e-mails, but nothing back. I feel like my money has disappeared down a black hole. How long did the process take for you?

BritishKnite.

-- November 21, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

I always suspected you were crazy....now I am sure you are crazy!

Along with your list of things to do to get ready for your Iraq trip....be sure to have your will or living trust in order.

Come to your senses, my friend!

Carole

-- November 21, 2007 7:08 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

Wow! Off to Iraq. Interesting scenario. I have a friend that travels to Irbil from time to time. From what I understand a stark contrast to the south. Keep us posted on this aspect of the adventure that is the Iraqi Dinar.

I to have toyed with a trip to Iraq. I am waiting for a significant upswing in the Dinars value. Once this occurs, I think a trip can be justified.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 21, 2007 11:15 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger;

Is it possible that your plans could end up changed.. say, by other intervening circumstances?

For instance.. if the Dinar DID Revalue before you plan to leave.. would that change your choice to go?

(Pro 16:9)

Sara.

-- November 21, 2007 12:43 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

If you have any influence on Roger, I wished you cold talk him out of his plans. Civilian Americans are not protected, even by international law in Iraq.....I just don't have good feelings about his plans.

Carole

-- November 21, 2007 10:04 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

I am sure the Lord will have the say in his plans.
I don't believe he will go.
(Note the Scripture I quoted, above:
Pro 16:9 "A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps..."
Roger still has not answered if he would still be willing to go if the Dinar RVs... :)
Even if he were, do you have peace from the Lord about his going? - Me neither.
We will see.. I think He won't let Roger go, personally.)
Happy Thanksgiving, all! :)

Sara.

===

'Al Qaeda rolodex' found in Iraq

Story Highlights

60 percent of Iraqi foreign fighters from Saudi Arabia, Libya, documents reveal

Documents detailing names of 700 militants in Iraq seized in U.S. raid

Official calls documents, seized near Syrian border, an "al Qaeda rolodex"

U.S. says both Saudi Arabia, Syria have taken steps to stem flow of foreign fighters

From CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/22/iraq.fighters/index.html

-- November 22, 2007 3:32 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Dems Bill on Iraq Wouldn't End War
By ANNE FLAHERTY 11.22.07, 11:19 AM ET

WASHINGTON - The Democrats' flagship proposal on Iraq is aimed at bringing most troops home. Yet if enacted, the law would still allow for tens of thousands of U.S. troops to stay deployed for years to come.

This reality - readily acknowledged by Democrats - has drawn the ire of anti-war groups and bolstered President Bush's prediction that the United States will most likely wind up maintaining a hefty long-term presence in Iraq, much like in South Korea.

Senate Democrats who championed the proposal say it was written deliberately to give the military flexibility and not cap force levels. Unlike their counterparts in the House, many Senate Democrats have opposed stronger measures that would set firm deadlines on troop withdrawals or effectively force an end the war by cutting off money for combat.

"There's no way to say down the line how many insurgency threats there will be, how many militia threats there will be, how many al-Qaida and other terrorist threats there will be," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/11/22/ap4366970.html

-- November 22, 2007 3:36 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Lastly, a true life story about God's hand of protection and keeping..
how He has caused the tables to turn by whom HE protects and whom HE allows to be killed.
By raising up.. and putting down, those whom HE wills to rule over Iraq.
All thanksgiving and glory to His Wonderful Name.

New boss turns the tables on Al Qaeda -
Ex-Sunni insurgent becomes U.S. ally
By Liz Sly, Tribune foreign correspondent;
Nadeem Majeed contributed to this report
November 22, 2007

BAGHDAD - The once-dreaded Al Qaeda in Iraq stronghold of Amariyah has a new boss, and he's not shy about telling the story of the shootout that turned him into a local legend and helped change the tenor of the Iraq war.

Earlier this year, Abul Abed, a disgruntled Sunni insurgent leader, began secret talks with the Americans about ending Al Qaeda's reign of terror in this run-down, formerly middle-class Baghdad neighborhood, renowned as one of the city's most dangerous. He had been gathering intelligence on the group for months.

One day in late May, he said, he decided it was time to act.
He hailed the car carrying the feared leader of Al Qaeda in the neighborhood, a man known as the White Lion, on one of Amariyah's main streets. "We want you to stop destroying our neighborhood," he told the man.

"Do you know who you are talking to?" said the White Lion, getting out of his car. "I am Al Qaeda. I will destroy even your own houses!"

He pulled out his pistol and shot at Abul Abed. The gun jammed. He reloaded and fired again. Again, the gun jammed.

By this time, Abul Abed said, he had pulled his own gun. He fired once, killing the White Lion.

"I walked over to him, stepped on his hand and took his gun," Abul Abed, which is a nom de guerre, said at his new, pink-painted headquarters in a renovated school in Amariyah, as an American Army captain seated in the corner nodded his head in affirmation of the account. "And then the fight started."

It was the beginning of the end for Al Qaeda in Amariyah. The next day, a firefight erupted. Al Qaeda fighters closed in on Abul Abed. Most of the 150 men who had joined him fled. Holed up in a mosque with fewer than a dozen supporters, Abul Abed thought the end was near.

"The blue carpet was soaked red with blood," he recalled. Then the imam of the mosque called in American help.

A friendship was born.

Now Abul Abed, a swaggering former major in the Iraqi army and reputedly a top leader in the influential Islamic Army insurgent group, reigns supreme in Amariyah -- with considerable help from the U.S. military.

Still wearing the White Lion's pistol tucked into his belt, he commands his own 600-member paramilitary force, called the Knights of Mesopotamia. He receives $460,000 a month from the U.S. military to pay, arm and equip them. They wear crisp olive green uniforms with smart red and yellow badges bearing the Knights' horse-head logo. They are well-armed, and some have flak jackets.

But they don't really need them. Since the Knights drove Al Qaeda out of Amariyah after a two-month battle, the neighborhood has become largely safe.

"You can move freely in Amariyah at any time of the day or night," Abul Abed said. "You can even see women without head scarves, wearing tight jeans!"

An 'Awakening' in Iraq

Men like Abul Abed have helped change the face of the war. Following in the footsteps of the late Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, the tribal leader who led the Sunni revolt that drove Al Qaeda from the base of its operations in Iraq's Anbar province, more than 70,000 people, most of them Sunnis, in 148 groups have joined in the so-called Awakening, or Sahwa, movement, according to the U.S. military, turning against Al Qaeda and turning to the Americans for help.

Since Abul Abed's fight in Amariyah, some of the most feared Baghdad neighborhoods, including Abu Ghraib, Fadhil, Ghazaliyah, Dora and Adhamiyah, have followed suit, forming their own brigades of Knights, welcoming the U.S. military and receiving U.S. money.

The real enemy of Iraq now, Abul Abed says, is Iran. He pulled out his mobile phone to show pictures he has saved of the bodies of his four brothers, who were kidnapped and murdered in 2005 by what he suspects was a Shiite death squad with ties to Iran. One of them had a nail driven into his head. Another was missing a hand.

"Even animals wouldn't do that," he said, his face darkening. "Iran is so deeply infiltrated in Iraq, the problem here still cannot be solved. Iran wants to demolish us. If the Americans leave, then you can count Iraq as a second Tehran."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-abulnov22,1,3817399.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

I felt the statement given last worth noting.. "If the Americans leave, then you can count Iraq as a second Tehran."
Much to thank the Lord for.. much yet to do before the work is done.

Sara.

-- November 22, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Karzai: Taliban Asking About Afghan Peace

From a dejected Reuters:
Karzai says Taliban make contact for Afghan peace
By Hamid Shalizi Thu Nov 22

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Thursday Taliban insurgent leaders were increasingly contacting him to try to find ways of making peace.

Afghan and Western military leaders and diplomats recognize talks will ultimately have to be held to end the Taliban insurgency which has claimed some 5,000 lives this year alone. But, they say, talks should be held from a position of strength.

“We have had an increasing number of contacts from Taliban from within Afghanistan and from Pakistan,” Karzai told a news conference.

“These contacts have especially increased in the past seven or eight months. As a matter of fact only this week, I had more than five or six major contacts, approaches by the leadership of the Taliban trying to find out if they can come back to Afghanistan,” he said…

===

More to be thankful for.

One hopes.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Thursday, November 22nd, 2007.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/karzai-taliban-make-contact-for-afghan-peace

-- November 22, 2007 4:29 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

It looks like Terrorists are actually Military Mercenaries...

===

Shocker: Iraqis Become Terrorists For Money

From a shocked and disillusioned Washington Post:
Iraqis Joining Insurgency Less for Cause Than Cash
By Amit R. Paley
Tuesday, November 20, 2007; A01

MOSUL, Iraq — Abu Nawall, a captured al-Qaeda in Iraq leader, said he didn’t join the Sunni insurgent group here to kill Americans or to form a Muslim caliphate. He signed up for the cash.

“I was out of work and needed the money,” said Abu Nawall, the nom de guerre of an unemployed metal worker who was paid as much as $1,300 a month as an insurgent. He spoke in a phone interview from an Iraqi military base where he is being detained. “How else could I support my family?”

U.S. military commanders say that insurgents across the country are increasingly motivated more by money than ideology and that a growing number of insurgent cells, struggling to pay recruits, are turning to gangster-style racketeering operations.

U.S. military officials have responded by launching a major campaign to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq’s financial networks and spread propaganda that portrays its leaders as greedy thugs, an effort the officials describe as a key factor in their recent success beating down the insurgency…

In a 30-minute interview, Abu Nawall described his work managing the $6 million or so annual budget of the Mosul branch of the Islamic State of Iraq, an insurgent umbrella group believed to have been formed by al-Qaeda in Iraq…

Abu Nawall said he joined the group over the summer because his metalworking business had dried up. The 28-year-old said he was responsible for running the bureaucracy and arranging payments to the 500 or so fighters for the group in the city, who he said try to carry out as many as 30 attacks a day.

“Most of our money comes from payments we receive from places like Syria and from kidnappings,” Abu Nawall said, adding that ransoms can reach $50,000 a person. But he denied U.S. claims that attacks in the city had dropped or that the group’s funding had stopped. “We still have money,” he said…

Abu Nawall and his captors agreed that Iraqis were joining the insurgency out of economic necessity. “Of course we hate the Americans and want them gone immediately,” Abu Nawall said. “But the reason I and many others joined the Islamic State of Iraq is to support our families.”

Abu Nawall described himself as a middle-management accountant for the insurgency, but he acknowledged killing four Iraqi police officers because he viewed them as collaborators with the U.S. military. He said he was not primarily involved in ordering violent attacks.

Brig. Gen. Moutaa Habeeb Jassim, commander of the 2nd Division of the Iraqi army, which has been holding Abu Nawall since his capture earlier this fall, said he suspected the detainee was responsible for far more deaths and had been involved with the insurgency since last year. “Abu Nawall is not always telling the truth,” Habeeb said…

American officials said that Abu Nawall is just the latest Sunni financier detained as part of a campaign this year to disrupt the group’s funding networks…

The racketeering operations extended to nearly every type of business in the city, including a Pepsi plant, cement manufacturers and a cellphone company, which paid the insurgents $200,000 a month, Twitty said.

One of the biggest sources of income was a real estate scam, in which insurgents stole 26 ledgers that contained the deeds to at least $88 million worth of property and then resold them, according to Lt. Col. Eric Welsh, commander of the battalion responsible for Mosul.

Mosul is the central hub in Iraq for wiring money to the insurgency from Syria and other countries, Welsh said, with three of the largest banks in the country that transfer money operating branches in the city. He said U.S. forces have shut down several such money exchanges in Mosul.

U.S. forces detained a major al-Qaeda in Iraq financier Sept. 25 with a passport that showed he had been to Syria 30 times, according to a military summary of his capture.

Another man, captured by the Iraqi army Sept. 3, is thought to be the No. 1 al-Qaeda in Iraq financier in Nineveh province, responsible for negotiating the release of kidnapping victims, according to another military summary. It said he was found with checks totaling 775 million dinars, or $600,000…

The challenge for U.S. troops is how to break the racketeering operations controlled by al-Qaeda in Iraq without destroying the legitimate business needed to rebuild the country. “It’s just like gardening,” Welsh said, “I could spray herbicide everywhere and easily kill all the weeds. But what’s the point if I kill all the flowers, too?”

===end quote===

Interestingly enough (at least to me), both the New York Times and the Washington Post ran positive stories about Iraq on their front pages today.

But neither of these stories was featured in their (RSS) feeds. Nor are they featured very prominently on their websites.

Why is that, do you think?

Quote: "Abu Nawall described himself as a middle-management accountant for the insurgency…"

It’s positively Monty Pythonesque.

Except it isn’t funny at all.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Tuesday, November 20, 2007.

Comments:

1) Reality Bytes

Oh, I see, it’s the Little Boy Blue “He needed the money” defense!

Drug dealers do it for the money too. The result is the same. Dead people.

Hangin’s too good for ‘em….Public Hanging. Maybe we can outsource that to Malaki. It’s all the rage in Tehran you know.

2) jimwilson

Wouldnt these guys — being paid privately — actually be called “contractors”???

If so, arent *they* overstepping their bounds??? Let’s have a real investigation and get them on murder charges! (I kid, of course)

It also would seem these people are not insurgents at all, but what everyone used to call MERCENARIES!!!!

When did our entire vocabulary change???

Geez…

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/shocker-iraqis-become-terrorists-for-money

-- November 22, 2007 4:51 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

BritishKnight,

Don't worry, The service is not what we consider Western Standard.

I have not got my codes yet, but I have had several purchases in ISX done, with my stock picks authorized with signature and all, and have had confirmation of what stocks I own.

I have however not had any confirmation of my latest stock purchase, it usually takes a couple of days even up to 10 days to get confirmation on stock purchase.

It has happened in the past that the whole computer system have been down 10 days or so. Seems like they are in the same predicament now. I have read on another site that other people have a hard time getting in contact with them right now.

This is a periodical problem, that is just part of the deal, thats how the Iraqi beast works right now.

When I had my money sent to them, they had the money in the account within a couple of days, and they sent me an e-mail about it.

However the e-mail didn't get to me, and when I asked them, they confirmed again that they were in the account, together with a copy of the e-mail I didn't get in the first place.

I have, at the confirmation of my stock purchases got my account info.

I asked in one of the e-mails Mr M.K Issa, why I hadn't got my account codes and passwords yet, he was surprised I have not gotten it after such a long time, and promised to check into it.

That was the 20th, and I have not got an answer on that yet, but it will turn up eventually.

Send an e-mail to mr M.K.Issa at Warka , he is the main boss, (be nice and formal), also you might want to get in contact with Steve, that is on this blog site on occasion, he have helped me a lot with details like this, he is also in the UK and is closer to you, than I am, and have a lot of experience with the UK/Iraq banking system.

-- November 22, 2007 5:58 PM ∞

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joshua wrote:

lou dobbs for pres if he run

-- November 22, 2007 6:36 PM ∞

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joshua wrote:

i lost 7 tousand dollars in ISX by warka dont do it this is why i am mad at repubs

-- November 22, 2007 6:40 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

All,

I live a life to the fullest, I live it now, and I live it with love and passion.

The idea about something being crazy about going to Iraq is a bit beyond me.

It's a country with over 20 million living human beings there.

Hundreds of thousands of our guys are already there, and the statistic probability of being killed is twice as high in New Orleans, a place I have walked the streets in both night and daytime.

I've seen about 25 countries so far, and another country will be another one of my teachers.

It will take some time to put all this together, and I will try to keep in contact from there, pending pjuter availability.

A rough guestimate is that it will be done in the middle of this coming January or thereabout.

I've learned long ago that, if you ask the people you have around you for their consent on marrying that man/woman, buying that house, or getting that car, they will advice you not to.

I am sorry friends, I am living my life, not yours.

I wish you all a happy Turkey,

Roger

-- November 22, 2007 6:49 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

joshua,

ISX have been going down during the insurgency, and have now turned around, at least have leveled out and have started a slow up trend.

Just stick with the stocks you have, and let them sit for a couple of years, when you are going back and look at that time, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Bush and the Republicans, angry at them, be my guest, they are the cause of Mad Cow Desease, obesity, drunk driving, and traffic congestion.

Any gain or loss in this game is squarely on your own shoulders, you will be a more happy person if you take that viewpoint instead.

That mirror might be a hard thing to look into on occasion, but that image you see , is the person that is 100% responisble.

If there is something that happened with Warka, then you need to communicate with them, not blame the rep's, Bush or your mailman.

$7000 would be in the vicinity of 10 Million Dinars, depending on when this happened.

7000 bucks just don't dissapears, and if this was an administrative error, you are completely able to be at cause, and have it corrected.

If this is a loss in ISX where you bought expensive, got your losses during the ISX downfall during the insurgency, and now are 7000 bucks down, I say, just chill, stay, let it grow back.

-- November 22, 2007 7:08 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger.

HELLLLLLOOOOOO?
We are at war with Iraq! Would you have traveled to Nam in the thick of the war as a civilian?

I appreciate your cusine of travel, but this is the time to sit tight and wait awhioe until it is sanctioned as a safe place to travel for American civilians.

I know I have no onfluence over you, but maybe you should consult with panhandler, or someone who has first hand knowledge of the risks/benefits of going.

Your analogy of " who you should marry, or house to buy.....??????"

Have you ever heard somone say....." oh if I only would have listened to those who tried to tell me....."

Iraq has been aroud for a long time and will be there in the future.....
I just hate to see you put yourself in harms way, on a whim or itch to travel.

Happy turkey day

Carole

ps: remember the 14day click scam.....I listened to you and saved myself a whole lot of grief

-- November 23, 2007 1:02 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Sorry to do an off topic post.. no Iraq here, only USA.. but I must digress.
Looking only for Dinar news.. please skip..

Carole;

What on earth are you Californians up to?!!

Sara.

===

Blackboard Jungle Blackout
By Robert Knight
November 15, 2007

When California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two bills on Oct. 12 that essentially turn the state's public schools over to homosexual and transgender activists, there was virtually no media coverage outside California. There still isn't.

Beginning in January 2008, California public schools must teach children as young as 3 to 5 years old that homosexuality is a normal, healthy lifestyle and that kids can choose their "gender." This means banning the terms "husband" and "wife" for the more progressively inclusive term "partner." "Moms" and "dads" will morph into sexually neutral "parents." Textbooks will be rewritten to blot out any reminder of married-couple-led families as a social norm. Gender-confused kids will get to use the restrooms of their choice. Any expression of negativity toward deviant sexuality will be punished as "bigotry." The coming changes are so radical that they produce gasps or professions of disbelief from people who hear about it from sources outside the mainstream media.

Bruce Shortt, an advocate of private schooling who writes a periodic report called "the Continuing Collapse" about problems in government schools, provides this analysis:

So far, the media have maintained a near total news blackout on this development.

A recent article [at Medill Reports online] on homosexual gains in the schools reflects how the advocates of legislation to mainstream deviant lifestyles plan to respond to queries from naive or fellow travelling reporters, Quote:

"With the October signing of Senate Bill 777, California is the most recent state to have seen a battle between the two sides. Its sponsor, state Rep. Sheila Kuehl of Los Angeles, said the bill did little more than make language in the education code consistent with language in the state's other anti-discrimination laws. Discrimination based on sexual identity, she said, had been illegal in California for eight years." (end quote)

So, the official story line is that SB 777 just makes technical changes that bring the Education Code into conformity with other laws that have been on the books for a long time. In other words, "nothing to see here folks, just move along."

Of course, Kuehl is right in a sense. After all, we could pass legislation requiring Jack Daniel's to be served in school cafeterias, and then claim that we are just making the Education Code consistent with other laws that have been on the books for years (the Volkstead Amendment was repealed over 70 years ago, and drinking alcohol is legal in California).

Leaving aside the question of any prior California legislation regarding deviant lifestyles and ADULTS, the relevant question is whether Zelda's "advanced thoughts" on this subject should be inflicted on children. The reporter, as you will note, didn't really get to this, and she entirely missed the importance of California's brave new definition of "gender."

To get up to date on the rest of the country, visit Linda Harvey's site: http://www.truthatschool.org/

Comments:

1) Kids in Drag by Jimbo

I’m sure Nancy Pelosi is oh so proud of her home State for advancing the far left liberal platform to this point.

I don’t know about other parts of the country, but where I live, California airs a tourism commercial. It has what you would expect to see in it….. The Golden Gate bridge, wine country, picturesque scenes of Hollywood, celebrities, etc.

Given this new law, I think they should add pictures of kindergarteners walking to school dressed in drag after having “chosen their gender”.

I’ve always said that if we weren’t careful, the country as we know it would be lost forever. I am really starting to believe that it is already gone.

2) Yup by well99

Parents should sue the school and state for child abuse. Children should not suffer indoctrination by politicians.

They have the right to be children. This violates that right.

3) Exactly by dscott

The various unlisted rights of individuals exist as the understood, unspoken qualities of humanity that we "CHOSE NOT" to submit to government. All power (freedom) flows from the people, the governed, not from the government. The government does not and is not allowed to decide what rights we have, their job is to police the rights we chose not to have in order to maintain a civil society. This is precisely why liberals want a "living document" interpretation of the Constitution, they get to decide arbitrarily what our rights are and then we are supposed to grovel at their feet for giving us freedom.

4) The 9th Amendment:The by dscott

The 9th Amendment:

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10th Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

The 9th Amendment is the right of individuals not to have their rights usurpted by the State or Federal government, that includes raising children. Our silence to any government advance of power is de facto condoning of said usurptation. The 10th Amendment means the federal government has no right to usurpt individual rights reserved to the people.

For a thorough understanding: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment09/

Aside from contending that a bill of rights was unnecessary, the Federalists responded to those opposing ratification of the Constitution because of the lack of a declaration of fundamental rights by arguing that inasmuch as it would be impossible to list all rights it would be dangerous to list some because there would be those who would seize on the absence of the omitted rights to assert that government was unrestrained as to those. 1 Madison adverted to this argument in presenting his proposed amendments to the House of Representatives. ''It has been objected also against a bill of rights, that, by enumerating particular exceptions to the grant of power, it would disparage those rights which were not placed in that enumeration; and it might follow by implication, that those rights which were not singled out, were intended to be assigned into the hands of the General Government, and were consequently insecure. This is one of the most plausible arguments I have ever heard against the admission of a bill of rights into this system; but, I conceive, that it may be guarded against. I have attempted it, as gentlemen may see by turning to the last clause of the fourth resolution.'' 2 It is clear from its text and from Madison's statement that the Amendment states but a rule of construction, making clear that a Bill of Rights might not by implication be taken to increase the powers of the national government in areas not enumerated, and that it does not contain within itself any guarantee of a right or a proscription of an infringement. 3 Recently, however, the Amendment has been construed to be positive affirmation of the existence of rights which are not enumerated but which are nonetheless protected by other provisions.

5) How many guys do you think by motherbelt

How many guys do you think are suddenly going to decide they might be girls, and go into the female locker room?

Nah...that wouldn't happen, would it????

6) Can you be a girl only when by MightyMouth

Can you be a girl only when in close "proximity" to the female locker room? I could live with that lifestyle. :-0

Within a 100 foot radius I am a girl... outside of that I am guy again! I may just turn liberal if this is the kind of stuff I can get away with!

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill

7) Virtue, Morality, Liberty by Ten7s

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim tribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness -- these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. . . . reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles." ~George Washington

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." ~Benjamin Franklin

"No government can continue good but under the control of the people; and . . . . their minds are to be informed by education what is right and what wrong; to be encouraged in habits of virtue and to be deterred from those of vice . . . . These are the inculcations necessary to render the people a sure basis for the structure and order of government." ~Thomas Jefferson

". . . Virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone that renders us invincible. These are the tactics we should study. If we lose these, we are conquered, fallen indeed . . . so long as our manners and principles remain sound, there is no danger." ~Patrick Henry

"Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other." ~John Adams

"The diminuition of public virtue is usually attended with that of public happiness, and the public liberty will not long survive the total extinction of morals." ~Samuel Adams

8) I think we can make it by dscott

I think we can make it official, Schwarzenegger is not a Conservative nor a Republican. I vote we boot him from the Party. All inclusive my eye, that just means you enable people who have no principles. Just to make the point, whenever you refer to Party affliation in regards to Schwarzenegger, he is a Democrat.

Did the voters of CA elect Maria Shriver or Arnold Schwarzenegger? What is this nonsense, since when is Co-governorship a legally recognized position? This is the same lunacy of the Clintons, having Hillary elected POTUS this time around means also having Bill for 8 more years, a clever sidestep of the Law. There needs to be some truth in advertising here, but according to the Courts, politicians are legally allowed to lie to the public and misrepresent their positions. This is not Democracy, this is salesmenship.

Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. dscott's corollary: The line between malice and stupidity is called depraved indifference.

9) God's Revenge by NoMoreClintons

Quote: "I think the concept of God is pretty much out of California."

I think I feel a big ol' earthquake warming up in the bullpen.

10) Once more I must ask: Why by Sonny Lykos

Once more I must ask: Why are you all so surprised?

Items from the list of Communist Goals as given to Congress in 1963:

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

As I've stated before, while they are disasembling the US and reassembling it as they want, we watch Oprah, Friends, and any sports game on TV. Americans deserve what is happening. And the far left knows it. And as CA goes, so goes the country.

Folks, it's too late!

11) Shhh! You're giving away the by balboa

Shhh! You're giving away the special surprise ending we have planned!

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/robert-knight/2007/11/15/blackboard-jungle-blackout

-- November 23, 2007 1:44 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

General Raymond Odierno Says There is a "Window" for Success in Iraq
Military Leader Brings Message of Optimism While Touring U.S. Bases
Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, is the commanding general of Multi-National Corps-Iraq, where he has served in his current leadership capacity since Dec. 2006.
From World News with Charles Gibson
TERRY McCARTHY
Nov. 22, 2007

Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno will not say the U.S. is winning the war in Iraq – but he clearly thinks it.

"I think we have created a window. I think we can be successful here," he told ABC News today during a whistle-stop Thanksgiving tour of 9 U.S. military bases in and outside Baghdad.

Other top military and civilian leaders have talked up the situation in Iraq in the past. But Odierno, the number two general in Iraq under General David Petraeus, is known as a straight shooter - not given to hype.

His barely suppressed optimism was reinforced by a series of interviews with commanders on the ground. Casualties and roadside bomb attacks are down. An increasing number of local citizens are abandoning the insurgency and coming over to the American side, registering as community policemen to bring back security to their neighborhoods.

"We're cautiously optimistic [about] the direction we're heading," said Lt. Colonel John Kolasheski at Combat Outpost Cashe, southwest of Baghdad.

"It is a positive trend right now," said Lt. Colonel Myron Reineke at Combat Outpost Aztec, south of Baghdad's troubled Dora neighborhood, "I am certainly grateful for that."

General Odierno, whose troops captured Saddam Hussein during a previous deployment in 2003, said the U.S. has pushed al Qaeda extremists out of Baghdad. This has helped to sharply reduce violence in the capital, and they are now attempting to mop up al Qaeda cells in the provinces to the north, south and west.

Odierno said that a campaign of raids targeting Shiite militias, which began in December of last year, also contributed to the drop in killings in Baghdad.

But the General is not yet convinced that Iran has reduced its supply of weapons to militants in Iraq. He said that the US has had some success in reducing foreign fighters crossing the border from Syria, and that has helped reduce the number of suicide bombings in Baghdad.

Expressing his frustration at the slow level of political reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites in the national government, Odierno said that, at a local level, Sunnis and Shi'ites who used to live together peacefully for decades are now starting to reconcile with each other as they are tired of the violence.

And as security improves, he said, Iraq becomes more of an economic and political challenge than a military challenge.

"This is about jobs. It is not only about security – it is about people getting paychecks, and that is very important."

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=3903404&page=1

RV and getting the oil development in place would help a lot with the economic situation and jobs.. wouldn't it?

Sara.

-- November 23, 2007 1:58 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Turkey signals reduced chance of Iraq assault

ANKARA: Turkey's president said on Wednesday "common sense" was gaining ground in northern Iraq, in comments that seemed to signal a reduced chance of Turkish military intervention against Kurdish rebels.

Ankara has massed up to 100,000 troops near its mountainous border with Iraq, backed up by tanks, artillery and warplanes, in preparation for a possible incursion to root out militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) hiding there.

But analysts say improved intelligence sharing between North Atlantic Tretary Organisation allies the United States and Turkey and measures taken by the autonomous Kurdish administration in northern Iraq have lessened the likelihood of a major Turkish cross-border incursion.

http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=50&Section=MiddleEast

-- November 23, 2007 2:01 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

23 Nov 2007 17:01:00
Diwaniya security
Vehicles ban imposed in Diwaniya troubled areas
Diwaniya (NINA)- The military and security authorities in Diwaniya southern city imposed on Friday morning a vehicles' ban in the flashpoints of Diwaniya. According to a security source, the measure comes within the course of the security operation Lion Pounce, which has entered its second week.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 23, 2007 12:25 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

23 Nov 2007 17:01:00
Battles
Diyala Fierce battles yield killing 42 Qaeda militants
Baquba, Diyala (NINA)- The three-day long violent clashes between Al-Qaeda militants and Abi-Sayda district's locals have left 42 Qaeda fighters killed, according to a source in Muqdadiya town's anti-Qaeda local gunmen, known as the "local committees."
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 23, 2007 12:26 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iranian Official Advocates TORTURE and Killing of Gays, MSM Silent
By Justin McCarthy
November 13, 2007

A major political figure calls for the torture and execution of homosexuals and the mainstream media ignores it. Why? Could it be because the individual is a high level Iranian official? The story "Gays Deserve Torture, Death Penalty, Iranian Minister Says" appeared on the front page of FoxNews.com, yet it was nowhere to be found on CNN’s, MSNBC’s, ABC News’, or CBS News’ websites.

The Fox News story, lifted from The Times of London, reports that in a "peace conference" with British MP’s in May, the leader of the Iranian delegation, Mohsen Yahyavi, stated according to the article that "homosexuals deserve to be executed, or tortured, and possibly both."

With such inflammatory statements and documented human rights violations, where is the mainstream media holding these leaders accountable? What does Rosie O’Donnell, who previously defended Iran, have to say?

—Justin McCarthy is a news analyst at Media Research Center.

Comments

1) Wow by well99

So when did all the gay rights group speak out about this? Are there demonstrations in SF?

2) If a Christian says by mattm

If a Christian says homosexuality is a sin or a developmental disorder the Left calls it religious bigotry, but if an Islamic says gays should be tortured and killed....silence...

3) Yup by well99

Funny how it works out that way.

4) Did anyone make by Jseitler

Did anyone make the mistake like I did in watching "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry"? In one scene, Rob Corddry (formerly of The Daily Show) plays a "minister" leading a protest outside of a gay club. He portrays the man and his follower as loud-mouth hateful bigots, and in the end is punched-out by Adam Sandler's character, after repeatedly taunting him by calling him a "faggot". Earlier, Jessica Biel's character tells Chuck and Larry (who for anyone who doesn't know are pretending to be a gay couple so Larry can collect benefits for his children who lost their mother) to ignore the church group, saying, "They just want everyone to be as miserable as they are".

Funny, I've been a born-again Christian since I was 5, and although I view homosexuality as a sin, I've never once treated a gay person any differently than anyone else who's lifestyle I don't agree with, and neither have I seen that kind of hateful "intolerance" from my pastors or brothers and sisters in the Lord.

But we don't have a billion-dollar production company that we can use to make a movie about how the majority of Christians preach the truth in love, and that we accept the "gays", just not the "gay". Everyone who saw that movie and didn't know the truth had their minds made up for them about Christians in about 25 seconds.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/justin-mccarthy/2007/11/13/iranian-official-advocates-killing-gays-msm-silent

-- November 23, 2007 2:17 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,
Yes we are all aware of the Schwarz/aka:kennedy frontman,alliance and allegiance with the far hard core left aka:/marxist/communists
in this state.

Be assured that this is not going down without a fight. Even Bill Oreily and Hannity have taken this on as a personal venture.

Christians here in California know that we are in the midst of "Soddom and Gahmorrah".

I believe that while the devil lurks in all corners, the nation"s strongest Chrisitans and advocates are based here also. The battle lines are clearly drawn.

Many of us are in amazement at the patience of God, and expect an overdue judgement. In the meantime we pray for His mercy and constraint as thousands of conversions occur monthy. Our evanglical churches are overflowing with vibrant Spirit-filled beleivers and leaders.

We just have to trust that God will have His way in all things...and we must all fight the good fight....and be good and faithful servants. Remembering that Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.

Please keep California in your prayers. Cause it is true if it goes in Californua,,,,it will eventually hit your state, family country or world.

Draw your circles tight and rememebr to pass on to your young ones EVERY DAY God's word. Sear it in their hearts....mostly so they won't be deceived as most of the world is and will be.

Sometimes, I get so anxious, I just want to pick up my family and run.....but to where? The prince of the world reigns in alll corners of the world util the Lord returns. No, He has put us here for His purpose andd the ultimate goal is to reign with christ forever, but until then the Great Commission must be reached for everyday.

Thanks for the article and your comments. Now, please barrage us with your prayers(:

Carole

-- November 23, 2007 2:28 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole - camel knees, will add you to prayertime. :)

Oh.. did you hear Iran gave their nuclear bomb plans to the UN recently?....
Isn't it amazing that, quote:

Both the IAEA and other experts have categorized the instructions outlined in the blueprints as having no value outside of a nuclear weapons program.

===

Iran Finally Gives Nuclear Blueprints To UN

From those lovers of nuclear proliferation at the Associated Press:
Iran gives UN blueprints of how to make uranium warheads

After years of stonewalling, Iran has given the UN nuclear agency blueprints showing how to mold uranium metal into the shape of warheads, diplomats said Tuesday, in an apparent concession meant to head off the threat of new UN sanctions.

But the diplomats said Tehran has failed to meet other requests made by the International Atomic Energy Agency in its attempts to end nearly two decades of nuclear secrecy on the part of the Islamic Republic.

The diplomats spoke to The Associated Press as IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei put the finishing touches on his latest report to his agency’s 35-nation board of governors, for consideration next week. While ElBaradei is expected to say that Iran has improved its cooperation with his agency’s probe, the findings are unlikely to deter the United States, France and Britain from pushing for a third set of UN sanctions.

The agency has been seeking possession of the blueprints since 2005, when it stumbled upon them among a batch of other documents during its examination of suspect Iranian nuclear activities. While agency inspectors had been allowed to examine them in the country, Tehran had up to now refused to let the IAEA have a copy for closer perusal.

Both the IAEA and other experts have categorized the instructions outlined in the blueprints as having no value outside of a nuclear weapons program.

While ElBaradei’s report is likely to mention the Iranian concession on the drawings and other progress made in clearing up ambiguities in Iran’s nuclear activities, it was unclear whether it would also detail examples of what the diplomats said was continued Iranian stonewalling.

Senior IAEA officials were refused interviews with at least two top Iranian nuclear officials suspected of possible involvement in a weapons program, they said. One was the leader of a physics laboratory at Lavizan, outside Tehran, which was razed before the agency had a chance to investigate activities there. The other was in charge of developing Iran’s centrifuges, used to enrich uranium.

===end quote===

Gee, Iran finally hands over blueprints of something they claim they never had, and never had any interest in having. And we are supposed to be impressed — even grateful.

I hope the UN made sure they didn’t make any copies.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert November 13, 2007.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/shocker-iran-had-nuke-warheads-blueprints

-- November 23, 2007 2:49 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I read on another forum where Warak bank allowed its online certificate to lapse. Those of you who have a Dinar account there may want to be leary of logging in until this matter is corrected.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 23, 2007 5:42 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Didn't know you have to have a licence to be on the Internet doing banking, but hey, it's Iraq, and they may have a licence for such a thing.

To whom should I apply to, to get a licence for my pet Halibut?

Carole,

No we're not in a war with Iraq. We were, for a week or so just prior to the occupation.

Half a million went to Vietnam. I didn't go,a friend of mine did at the time, we were all hippies, and he was trafficing in drugs from Thailand to Vietnam, was invoved in VietCong to help him move the stuff, paddling down the Mekong river loaded with drugs. He came back and did hard time for something, haven't heard about him since.

Different times.

There are over 20 million civilians in Iraq. One more or less don't make a difference.

-- November 23, 2007 6:29 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Roger:

The certificate lapsing has to do with internet security. Until it is corrected, I would be leary logging onto your Warka account.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 24, 2007 5:57 PM ∞

---

leeair wrote:

can anyone tell me about Bill Burbank and the AmIraq Fund? Just trying to do some due diligence and on him and the fund for my investors. Thanks for the help.

-- November 25, 2007 12:46 PM ∞

---

Question wrote:

Hi, can anyone tell me if any major banks are selling Iraqi Dinars? I live in the Pacific Northwest.

-- November 25, 2007 7:03 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Hi,

The Chase Bank Bank of America Wells Fargo
There maybe some more, other people on this site will know if there is more,

Steve.

-- November 25, 2007 7:48 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Rob N.

Thanks, Warka have not been giving out my account code, not even to me, and will probably not do so until this is fixed.

Question,

Pacific Northwest, dunno, the whole west coast is a bit meager when it comes to banks dealing with Dinars. If you have a Chase One in Seattle or there about, you can do it, BofA do it only in a few banks on the East coast.

There is one more bank, (have forgot the name of it) that deals in Dinars, they are located around the Great lakes, and have their headquarter in Wisconsin.

If you get stuck with banks, you can always do dealers. They are plentiful.

I would suggest that you avoid E-bay.

leeair,

'My investors" ok you are running an investment deal....cool.

I can see you're asking about another guy that is also doing investments, and are doing Dinars.

Dunno about that other guy you're asking about, and I think it shouldn't be important either as if you are investing other peoples money, there is no need to farm out what you're doing to someone else.

It's just one more on the chain, and less cut for you and your investors.

If I were you, and had a lot of investors, I would do the following.

Start your own fund, and let people invest DOLLAR into it.

No need to make them buy funny looking pieces of paper.

You yourself or with a partner operating in Iraq, open up a good spread of accounts in established banks, 4 to 6 different banks.

THAT is the basis of your fund, now you fund those accounts with the investors money, and you do an even spread of CD's, savings accounts, and stocks.

Most Iraqi banks have ISX stockbroker status as well, and any stocks can be held proxy to your accounts.

In this way, your investors (and you) will have the benefit of Dinar appreciation, as well as stock market payouts.

Dinars have been doing 20% the last year.

Savings (in Warka Bank) gives 11%. (Plus the Dinar appreciation

CD gives on a 2 year locked in, 17% . (Plus the Dinar appreciation)

And the stock market can go wherever it wants. (Plus the Dinar appreciation) With the rebellion over, the wheels have been starting to roll right now, and the likelihood of a steep upwards reconstruction trend is most possible.

If you want it done, do it yourself, and screw the "other" guy wanting your money in his hands.

-- November 25, 2007 7:53 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Steve,

I believe that the Wells Fargo deal is very local as well as the B of A bank.

The Wells Fargo in my hometown (West coast) is saying Duh...when asked about the Dinars.

AS I am aware of, if you're on the west coast your pretty starved when it comes to banks dealing in Dinars.

I'm with B of A, and when walking into a B of A on the east coast, my name is not even in their computer, strange considering the ATM's work all over the country, but any reasonable bank transaction, except the most basic ones, seems to be impossible to do with a west coast account.

-- November 25, 2007 8:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Phase 2 of Developing the Majnoon Oil Field Almost Complete, Output Rises to 2 Million BPD

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has announced that Phase 2 of the Majnoon Island oil field development will soon be completed, adding that once online it will help raise Iraq’s export capacity to 2m bpd.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 25, 2007 10:18 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

25 Nov 2007 13:40:00
Currency
IQD hikes against USD
Baghdad(NINA)-The Iraqi Dinar exchange rate hiked against the US Dollar Sunday as the rate was 1224 Dinars per Dollar, while it was 1225 Dinars per one Dollar last Thursday. This is the fourth rise of the Dinar against the US Dollar in the past six auctions.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 25, 2007 10:21 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

24 Nov 2007 17:43:00
Trading system
ISX denies Turkish contract for E-trading system
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Stock Exchange ISX has denied the news reports suggesting that the market has concluded an agreement with a Turkish company to assist in establishing an electronic stocks trading system in the market.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 25, 2007 10:22 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Stock Exchange begins electronic trading early next year

Executive Director of the ISX said the Market will start early next year the electronic trading of stocks contributing in the Iraqi market.

Taha Ahmed Abdul-Salam added that the technical teams ended the installation of devices and electronic trading programs and linkages with the global markets in preparation for the start of electronic trading of Iraqi stocks contributing in the market early next year.

He explained that the Board of Governors of the Market agreed to transfer the records of 10 participating companies to the Iraqi Center for Deposit which will be responsible for maintaining the balances of shareholders of the shares and documenting sales and purchases so that they can conduct these two processes at the same session.

Abdul-Salam talked about the importance of electronic trading which will expedite the conclusion of contracts and recording them during a short period... As well as "activating the role of foreign investors in the sale and purchase of shares in the same session, which will result in profits for Iraqi investors and help them to the open new companies, and all this is for the development of Iraqi economy." He continued that the increase of circulation will increase the days of the opening of the Market from three days a week to five days.

With regard to the volume of foreign capital invested in ISX, Abdul-Salam pointed to its decline in the last period due to the instructions of the securities' body which obliges foreign investor to "transfer the funds to be invested in the Market through banks involved with their Iraqi counterparts, in addition to the ratification of these funds at the Iraqi embassy in the country of the investor; however, using electronic trading will reduce these obstacles which decrease the volume of foreign capital in the Iraqi Market."

According to Abdul-Salam, the market experts emphasized the increasing foreign capital early next year, pointing out the readiness of a number of international companies to trade in the Iraqi Market after starting the electronic trading.

ISX was founded on 18 April 2004, an economic market with financial and administrative independence which is administered by a council of nine members representing various segments of the economic sectors called the Board of Governors.

Abdul-Salam said, "The Market has joined the Agency of International Numbering in Germany to develop international figures for the participating companies." He pointed out that "the donor nations financed the Iraqi Market with seven billion dollars disbursed in the form of equipments and devices used by the staff of the Market."

Currently, ISX is still working according to law No. 74 issued by the civil administrator of Iraq, Paul Bremer, in April 2004. But a joint committee between the Market and the Securities' Body has been working for eight months to organize a draft law specified to the market and this committee was briefed on a number of laws in the capital markets of the region for use in drafting the new law for the Iraqi Market for Securities.

The law No. 74 issued by Bremer on 18 April 2004 provides the establishment of two institutions for the capital, namely: the Iraqi Market for Securities and the Iraqi Securities' Body. In accordance with the rules of procedure for the Stock Market, three sessions are held in a week: on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, during which the sale and purchase of shares of joint stock companies are done manually by professional intermediaries for these companies.

The circulation index of shareholding companies in the market are from 300 to more than one billion shares per day with a value hitting between 600 million dinars to more than three billion in a session, as indicated in the daily, weekly and monthly press published by the Market.
(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 25, 2007 10:25 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Turkey president sees common sense in N. Iraq
12/21/2007

ANKARA, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Turkey's president said on Wednesday "common sense" was gaining ground in northern Iraq, in comments that seemed to signal a reduced chance of Turkish military intervention against Kurdish rebels.

Ankara has massed up to 100,000 troops near its mountainous border with Iraq, backed up by tanks, artillery and warplanes, in preparation for a possible incursion to root out militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) hiding there.

But analysts say improved intelligence sharing between NATO allies the United States and Turkey and measures taken by the autonomous Kurdish administration in northern Iraq have lessened the likelihood of a major Turkish cross-border incursion. Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government has set up roadblocks to stop the flow of food and fuel to the PKK guerrillas, who use the region as a launchpad for attacks on targets inside Turkey.

"We see that common sense has slowly started to dominate in northern Iraq," Turkey's Anatolian state news agency quoted President Abdullah Gul as saying during a visit to Tbilisi in neighbouring Georgia. "The northern Iraq administration must assess carefully the costs of using the PKK and the benefits of cooperating with Turkey," Gul said.

Turkey has long accused Masoud Barzani's administration of giving PKK guerrillas free rein in the region. Barzani has refused repeated requests from Ankara to crack down on the rebels but has begun to act after increased U.S. pressure.

Both Washington and Baghdad are anxious to avert a major Turkish incursion into northern Iraq, fearing this could destabilise the wider region.

"The question of whether an operation is made must be left to the political and military experts," said Gul, stressing the need for a "cool-headed" approach to fighting terrorism.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Tuesday in Brussels he saw a reduced risk of a major Turkish incursion because of improved cooperation between Ankara and Washington.

Also on Tuesday, two senior U.S. generals visited Ankara to discuss intelligence sharing with Turkey's military.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was due to discuss the northern Iraq situation on Wednesday with General Yasar Buyukanit, head of Turkey's poweful military General Staff.

Ankara blames the PKK for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people since the group launched its armed campaign for an ethnic homeland in southeast Turkey in 1984. The United States and European Union, like Turkey, consider it a terrorist group.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 25, 2007 10:28 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US general says Iran halting flow of weapons to Iraq
11/20/2007

Iran-Iraq-US
Iran appears to be honoring an informal pledge to halt the smuggling of explosives and other weapons into Iraq, contributing to a drop of bombings by nearly a half since March, a senior US general has said quoted by the New York Times.

"We have not seen any recent evidence that weapons continue to come across the border into Iraq," Major General James Simmons said.

"We believe that the initiatives and the commitments that the Iranians have made appear to be holding up."
Bomb attacks have dropped from 3,239 incidents in March to 1,560 in October, their lowest level since September 2005.

The majority of attacks are occurring north of Baghdad, from the town of Taji, just outside the capital, to the provinces of Nineveh and al-Tamim, he said.

Simmons, the deputy commanding general of the Multinational Corps in Iraq, defined attacks as bombs that explode or were found before they detonated.

The reduction of such attacks coincides with the overall decrease in violence since the start of the Baghdad security plan, which saw an additional 28,500 American soldiers arrive in Iraq from February to June.

Al Qaeda in Iraq and splinter groups from Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr's Mahdi Army militia are behind many of the attacks still occurring, Simmons said.

Iranian officials have long denied the government in Tehran has played any role in smuggling weapons into Iraq.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran assured Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of Iraq during an August meeting in Tehran that Iran would crack down on any weapons coming across its borders.

The United States has accused Iran of providing armor-piercing bombs, called explosively formed penetrators, and rockets to the Mahdi militia. EFPs, which can puncture a tank, are among the deadliest weapons US troops face.

Simmons' comments were among the most upbeat so far by an American official regarding Iran's alleged role in Iraqi violence.

On November 2, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also noted Iran's pledge but stressed that Washington needed to wait and see.

US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker told reporters last month that rocket and mortar attacks by the Mahdi militia on the Green Zone had diminished but that it remained unclear what role Iran's pledge might have played.

"Last week the military released nine Iranian detainees from its custody, including two men the Americans had charged with belonging to the Quds Force, an elite branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guard," it said.

Iraq's foreign minister, Hoshyar Zebari, said he is hopeful a fourth meeting of US and Iranian officials regarding Iraqi security would take place this month.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 25, 2007 10:29 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

I have spent some time in prayer, and would have preferred to have had an email to write to you concerning this, but since you have never given one..

I do not believe the Lord is in a gracious frame of mind over the current situation there in California. The wildfires have not been without Omnipotent direction and further destructions are called for upon the cities.

Suggestion? Seeking the Lord for yourself and your family about exactly where you should live would be prudent. I am not sure where you live.. but He will guide you if you ask Him to in this as in everything else. I will pray God's continuing Grace and mercy for you and yours in the midst this developing situation.

Sara.

-- November 26, 2007 10:51 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Oil being Iraq's number one export, it should be interesting to see what is determined:

OPEC president puts focus on Dec policy meeting
ISLAMABAD
SyriaTimes
economy
14-11-2007

OPEC President Mohammed bin Dhaen al-Hamli said on Tuesday the group would take its next decision on output policy in December...

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries` next policy meeting is set for December 5 in Abu Dhabi...‏

Asked whether he believed that OPEC needed to increase production, Hamli said: "The next OPEC meeting is going to take place in early December and there we have to look at the market fundamentals and we will take a decision accordingly." ‏

Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said on Sunday that OPEC would discuss an increase in production when it meets...‏

http://syriatimes.tishreen.info/_economy.asp?FileName=34482577020071114111352

-- November 26, 2007 10:59 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

How a dismantling of protection for the American people from domestic terrorist threats may work...

'State Secrets' Doctrine Draws Scrutiny From Congress, Courts
Monday, November 26, 2007

WASHINGTON — In federal courts and on Capitol Hill, challenges are brewing to a key legal strategy President Bush is using to protect a secret surveillance program that monitors phone calls and e-mails inside the United States.

Privacy and civil liberties groups say the warrantless surveillance violates FISA's prohibition on domestic surveillance without court orders. But for someone to sue the government for FISA violations, they must prove they were directly injured by the government's action. That is nearly impossible because the government will not disclose its targets or methods.

One organization, however, believes it can demonstrate it has standing to sue because of an accidental document release in 2004. That February, the Bush administration froze the assets of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, a Muslim charity the United Nations Security Council alleges is associated with al-Qaida. In preparation for a legal proceeding on the terrorist designation in August, the Treasury Department inadvertently gave the foundation's lawyers and directors a top secret document dated May 24, 2004.

The document appeared to be a government summary of phone conversations it monitored between foundation lawyers and directors, according to a Washington Post reporter who received a copy from the foundation.

The FBI took the document from the Washington Post and Al Haramain in October 2004.

Fourteen months later, The New York Times revealed the existence of the Terrorist Surveillance Program. That is when the foundation's lawyers realized what the top secret document was: proof the organization had been targeted for warrantless electronic surveillance under TSP. They believe that proves standing, unique among plaintiffs in dozens of surveillance cases filed across the country.

Whatever the lower court decides, its decision will almost certainly be appealed to the Supreme Court, legal experts and attorneys on the case say. The high court is unlikely to be friendly to a challenge to the state secrets doctrine. In October it unanimously declined to hear a CIA torture allegation case that the Bush administration wanted dismissed on secrecy grounds. And in 2005, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the state secrets doctrine in an espionage contract case.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312843,00.html

-- November 26, 2007 11:19 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq war critics stick to script, ignore gains
Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post Writers Group
November 26, 2007

WASHINGTON - It does not have the drama of the Inchon landing or the sweep of the Union comeback in summer 1864. But the turnabout of American fortunes in Iraq over the last several months is of equal moment -- a war seemingly lost, now winnable. The violence in Iraq has been dramatically reduced. Political allegiances have been radically reversed. The revival of ordinary life in many cities is palpable. Something important is happening.

And what is the reaction of the war critics? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stoutly maintains her state of denial, saying this about the war just two weeks ago: "This is not working. ... We must reverse it." A euphemism for "abandon the field," which is what every Democratic presidential candidate is promising, with variations only in how precipitous to make the retreat.

How do they avoid acknowledging the realities on the ground? By asserting that we have not achieved political benchmarks -- mostly legislative actions by the Baghdad government -- that were set months ago. And that these benchmarks are paramount. And that all the current progress is ultimately vitiated by the absence of centrally legislated national reconciliation.

I can understand Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the No. 2 commander in Iraq, saying that the central government needs to seize the window provided by the surge to achieve political reconciliation. We would all love to have the leaders of the various factions -- Kurd, Shiite and Sunni -- sign nice pieces of paper tying up all the knotty questions of federalism, de-Baathification and oil revenues.

What commander would not want such a silver bullet that would obviate the need for any further ground action? But it is not going to happen for the same reason it has not already happened: The al-Maliki government is too sectarian and paralyzed to be able to end the war in a stroke of reconciliation.

But does the absence of this deus ex machina invalidate our hard-won gains? Why does this mean that we cannot achieve success by other means?

Sure, there is no oil law. But the central government is nonetheless distributing oil revenues to the provinces, where the funds are being used for reconstruction.

Sure, the de-Baathification law has not been modified. But the whole purpose of modification was to entice Sunni insurgents to give up the insurgency and join the new order. This is already happening on a widening scale all over the country in the absence of a relaxed de-Baathification law.

As for federalism, the Kurds are running their own region, the Sunni sheiks in Anbar and elsewhere are exercising not just autonomy but control of their own security, and the southern Shiites are essentially governing themselves, the British having withdrawn in all but name.

Yes, a provincial powers law would be nice because it would allow for provincial elections. We should push hard for it. But we already have effective provincial and tribal autonomy in pivotal regions of the country.

Why is top-down national reconciliation as yet unattainable? Because decades of Saddam Hussein's totalitarianism followed by the brutality of the post-invasion insurgency destroyed much of the political infrastructure of the country, causing the Iraqis to revert to the most basic political attachment -- tribe and locality. Gen. David Petraeus' genius has been to adapt American strategy to capitalize on that development, encouraging the emergence of and allying ourselves with tribal and provincial leaders without waiting for cosmic national deliverance from the newly constructed and still dysfunctional constitutional apparatus in Baghdad.

Al Qaeda in Iraq is in disarray, the Sunni insurgency in decline, the Shiite militias quiescent, the capital city reviving. Are we now to reverse course and abandon all this because parliament cannot ratify the reconciliation already occurring on the ground?

Do the critics forget their own arguments about the irrelevance of formal political benchmarks? The transfer of power in 2004. The two elections in 2005. The ratification of the constitution. Those were all supposed to be turning points to pacify the country and bring stability, and were all blown to smithereens by the Samarra bombing in February 2006, which precipitated an orgy of sectarian violence and a descent into civil war.

So, just as we have learned this hard lesson of the disconnect between political benchmarks and real stability, the critics now claim the reverse, that benchmarks are what really count.

This is to fundamentally mistake ends and means. The benchmarks would be a wonderful shortcut to success in Iraq. But it is folly to abandon the pursuit of that success when a different route, more arduous but still doable, is at hand and working.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped1126krauthammernov26,0,7098978.story
E-mail: letters @charleskrauthammer.com

-- November 26, 2007 4:36 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Shocker: Iraq Seeks Long Term US Presence

From an appalled Associated Press:
Iraqis may offer US deal to stay longer
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD - Iraq’s government, seeking protection against foreign threats and internal coups, will offer the U.S. a long-term troop presence in Iraq in return for U.S. security guarantees as part of a strategic partnership, two Iraqi officials said Monday.

The proposal, described to The Associated Press by two senior Iraqi officials familiar with the issue, is one of the first indications that the United States and Iraq are beginning to explore what their relationship might look like once the U.S. significantly draws down its troop presence.

In Washington, President Bush’s adviser on the Iraqi war, Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, confirmed the proposal, calling it “a set of principles from which to begin formal negotiations.”

As part of the package, the Iraqis want an end to the current U.N.-mandated multinational forces mission, and also an end to all U.N.-ordered restrictions on Iraq’s sovereignty.

Iraq has been living under some form of U.N. restriction since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the officials said.

U.S. troops and other foreign forces operate in Iraq under a U.N. Security Council mandate, which has been renewed annually since 2003. Iraqi officials have said they want that next renewal — which must be approved by the U.N. Security Council by the end of this year — to be the last…

The new agreement on principles spells out what the formal, final document will contain regarding political, economic and security matters.

“We believe, and Iraqis’ national leaders believe, that a long-term relationship with the United States is in our mutual interest,” Lute said…

The Iraqi officials said that under the proposed formula, Iraq would get full responsibility for internal security and U.S. troops would relocate to bases outside the cities. Iraqi officials foresee a long-term presence of about 50,000 U.S. troops, down from the current figure of more than 160,000.

Haidar al-Abadi, a senior Dawa member of al-Maliki’s Dawa party, told Alhurra television that the prime minister was due to write parliament in the next few days to inform lawmakers that his government would seek the renewal of the mandate of the U.S.-led multinational forces next month for “one last time.” …

One official said the Iraqis expect objections from Iraq’s neighbors. Iran and Syria will object because they oppose a U.S. presence in the region…

==end of quote==

What’s this?

Aren’t we told daily by our objective watchdog media that the Iraqis can’t wait for us to leave?

Somebody has been pulling our leg(s).

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Monday, November 26.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/shocker-iraq-seeks-long-term-us-presence

-- November 26, 2007 4:39 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The following snipit could be a black fly in our chardonay. Isn't ironic.

Iraq Kurds defy Baghdad on oil deals

The autonomous Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq defied Baghdad on Monday, vowing to sign more contracts with international oil firms despite the national government's opposition.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 27, 2007 11:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

27 Nov 2007 17:46:00
Basra
Commander: ISF to assume Basra security by mid Dec.
Basra (NINA)- The Iraqi Security Forces will officially take over security responsibility from the British forces in Basra on December 17, according to Basra police commander. Maj. Gen. Abdul-Jaleel Khalaf told a press conference, held at Basra police command Tuesday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 27, 2007 11:33 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

2 Oil wells discovered in Maysan
Amara, Maysan (NINA)- The board of Maysan province oilfields has announced discovering two new oil wells within Noor oilfield northeast of Amara city. A source in the board said Tuesday that the production capacity of theses wells would be 2000 barrels/day, which would contribute to raising the production.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 27, 2007 11:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

27 Nov 2007 14:23:00
Currency
IQD rises against USD
Baghdad (NINA)-The exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar hiked against US Dollar Tuesday to reach 1222 dinarss per one Dollar while it was IQD1223 per Dollar last Monday. This is the sixth rise for the IQD against the USD during the last Central Bank of iraq's eight auctions.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 27, 2007 11:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

3rd round of negotiations on Iraq-EU association deal – official

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Tuesday , 27 /11 /2007 Time 5:52:28




Baghdad, Nov 26, (VOI) – An Iraqi delegation is currently in the Belgian capital Brussels for a fresh round of negotiations on the association agreement between Iraq and the European Union (EU), an Iraqi foreign ministry official said on Monday.
"The Iraqi delegation, which arrived five days ago in Brussels, will have lengthy negotiations before inking the partnership agreement with the EU," Muhammad al-Hadj Hammoud, an undersecretary of Iraq's foreign ministry, who leads his country's delegation to the meetings in Brussles, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) by telephone.
"The partnership agreement falls within the EU's support for Iraq's political process and re-building through trade ties between the two sides," said Hammoud.
He added that the delegation will also discuss cooperation in the economic, industrial, scientific, technological, cultural, energy and health fields as well as combating "terrorism."
The first round of Iraq-EU negotiations on the partnership deal was launched in November 2006, while the second was held in June 2007.
(www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=61308&NrIssue=2&NrSection=2)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 27, 2007 11:39 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

My own PC crashed and was down for several months. I was using work computer.
Since the Board is not as amicable to me as much as to you I hesitate to post my new e-mail address. And I have lost yours. Could you send it again and I will e-mail you mine.

I wholeheartedly agree with your spiritual perceptions. I doubt moving is in the near future, ut I just realized that I have loads of money invested in tax free municipal bonds up and down this state. They are insure by AIG and LLoyds of London....but not sure if against war, disaster or calamity(terrorist activity).

Oh! won't it be great when all this is behind us, and the glory of our Lord will be our daily existence?????

Carole

-- November 28, 2007 6:31 AM ∞

---

joshua wrote:

i have a questun how many dianars are now printed how you gonna make money when dianars are in trillons printed

also have more info on huckabe http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/huckabee_record

-- November 28, 2007 1:53 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Jushua.
What makes you think that there will be that many dinars printed

I think you have been on the IIF site with the danceing banana's

Its allways good a laugh and they are mostly upbeat and happy

But they do come out with some well weird idea's

There must have been about 8 dates this year that the dinar would RV

If I had a date that it was going to RV, I would sell the farm and buy more dinar

Stay lucky, Steve.

-- November 29, 2007 9:14 AM ∞

---

paul wrote:

http://www.fxstreet.com/news/forex-news/article.aspx?StoryId=fce85a1a-81d2-4920-a13d-0d6ab052864c

UPDATE: Iraq Plans To Rebase Its Dinar Early 2008 - Fin Min
Thu, Nov 29 2007, 15:19 GMT
http://www.djnewswires.com/eu

UPDATE: Iraq Plans To Rebase Its Dinar Early 2008 - Fin Min

(adds more interview details)

By Hassan Hafidh

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

AMMAN (Dow Jones)-The Central Bank of Iraq is contemplating rebasing the Iraqi dinar and issuing new banknotes early next year, the country's Finance Minister said Thursday.

"The Central Bank will take a decision in three months time from now, taking off three zeros from the current Iraqi dinar value," Bayan Jabor said in an exclusive interview with Dow Jones Newswires in Amman.

On Thursday, the dinar traded 1,230 dinars against the dollar, according to a trader in Baghdad. If the rebase decision is taken, it means that a dollar will equal only 1.23 dinars at current prices, the minister said.

Currency rebasings usually are monetarily neutral and are introduced to make commercial calculations easier. Turkey knocked six zeroes off its lira currency on Jan 1 2005, for example.

Before the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, the dinar was trading at 2,500 against the dollar. During early 1980s an Iraqi dinar was traded by Iraqi state-run banks at 3 dollars.

The Central Bank of Iraq has been working to improve the value of the dinar against the dollar through holding a daily auction to sell dollars to private and government banks. The bank sells between $35 and $50 million in each auction it holds, bank officials said.

The Iraqi minister said, however, printing new bank notes and fully replacing old notes would take two years.

In July 2004, the now dissolved U.S. civilian authority in Iraq decided to print the current Iraqi bank notes replacing those used to bear the picture of the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Iraqis then had three months to swap their old dinars with the new ones.

According to Central Bank officials some 10,000 tons of old dinars were then collected and burned.

The current banknotes were printed by Britain's De La Rue Plc (DLAR.L), the world's biggest commercial printer of bank notes. Jabor didn't say which company would print the new banknotes.

Jabor said that the government was able to bring down inflation from a record figure of 60% last year to a current 16%. He said Iraq's economy is growing at a rate of 6% this year and that the government wants to increase that figure with more crude oil exports, tourism and agriculture in 2008. Iraq sits on the third largest oil reserves in the world and depends on oil sales for almost all of its foreign currency earnings. Jabor announced earlier this month that the country's budget for 2008 would be $48.4 billion up from $42 billion in 2007. Some 88% percent of that budget would be financed from oil revenues which are expected to reach $36 billion, according to Iraqi officials.

He said that his ministry has allocated $15.5 billion for investment in various industrial, oil, agricultural, housing and service projects in 2008. He said some $5 billion that the government was not able to spend in 2007 would be moved to 2008 investment plan.

-- November 29, 2007 1:03 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Paul,

I know that you are only reporting what you have read, but how can they can 2 different sets of notes meaning the same thing, in circulation for 2 years? Will there need to be an exchange rate between them, such as when holders of the old Saddam and "swiss" dinars traded so many for the NIDs? Does anyone care to comment?

BritishKnite.

-- November 29, 2007 3:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

This article has some contradictions in it. Rebasing a currency in and of itself does not mean lopping it. The term alone would mean the Dinar may be realigned in the manner described (1USD=1.23IQD).

The problem with this article stems from the Ministers reference to Turkey. It is no secret what Turkey did to the Lira. Unfortunately, we do not know anymore than that. A condratiction leaving investors and speculators in the lurch again.

Some see in this article clear indication of a revaluation others comment how it clearly points to a lop. Instead of rushing out in a hoard to buy more dinar or in cotrast, sell all the dinar you have. We will have to wait and see what the end results are in three months.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 29, 2007 5:50 PM ∞

---

joshua wrote:

"taking off three zeros from the current Iraqi dinar value," this is what man says

he talks abowt LOP with no valu increes now you no what i was talkin abot i try to warn you but you dont hear me i know this two weeks past dinar will be no more valu than what it is now no profit for you you make no monee off this dinar from Iraq dont sell dont buy just traid ur dinar when time comes sory for bad news

-- November 29, 2007 8:25 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

Well here we have George sneaky bastard Soros
haveing lunch with Khalilzad in new york

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0.2933,313447.00.html

Any idea's guys

Stay lucky, Steve.

PS can we get a spell check on here, mostly for me and a few other's

-- November 29, 2007 8:30 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Jushua,

There is no bad news, just some that is not as good as other news

I try to look at my glass is halve full, LOL

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- November 29, 2007 8:34 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Brain fart or somthing, or can't get right, try this one,

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,313447,00.html

Get there in the end, somtimes, Steve.

-- November 29, 2007 8:44 PM ∞

---

Paul wrote:

Sorry, I could not post earlier. My previous post was taken from another message board. I do not know if it is true or a hoax. It was said to be from Dow Jones news wire, but I can not find it anywhere. Yes, information is vague and contradictory. It can be taken as a re-issue of currency with the removal of three zeros or it can be taken as the removal of three zeros from the exchange rate.
Here perhaps is a better description.

If you go to the Central Bank of Iraq ’s website, you will see that the official (bank to bank) exchange rate of the Dinar is 1220. This means that for every US dollar you get 1,220 Iraqi Dinars.

If you look at it in an Iraqi’s eyes they convert it the other way. In other words they convert it to how much one Dinar is worth is US dollars. In this case it’s worth .00081967 USD (United States Dollars).

We know that .01 USD is a penny, so .00081967 USD is much less, obviously.

Now this is where “zero lopping” comes into play. If you lop off one zero in the exchange rate of .00081967 USD to one Iraqi Dinar, then you get .0081967. If you convert that to how many Dinars to the Dollar, it comes out to 122 Iraqi Dinars.

Now if we apply that to what 1 million Dinars would be worth, it comes out to $8,1967 USD. A jump of 10 times, or 1000 percent.

If they “lopped” another zero off, your 1 million Dinars would now be worth $81,967. Another would be $819,670 and so on.

So the “zero lopping” is not taking zeros off the actual currency, but the exchange rate. This is what was done in Afghanistan on January 3rd of 2003.

Also, for those people that you may contact that still think that they would just lop off zeros from the actual currency, just remember that not only does a 25,000 Dinar note have the actual figure of “25,000” imprinted on it, but it also says “Twenty Five Thousand Dinars”. I would think that this fact alone would counter any arguments to the contrary.

So, in the case that this article is true, a 250,000 Dinar note would still say "“Twenty Five Thousand Dinars” on it but would be worth about $20,250.00 dollars.

-- November 29, 2007 9:52 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I have one further thought concerning the article posted by Paul. Since the Minister did reference Turkey some have automatically thought zero lop. Turkey did realign its currency by lopping zeros from it. The ministers comments could be taken to mean that Iraq like Turkey will realign its currencies exchange rate. The Minister indicates their method is to lop three zeros not from the currency itself, but from the value of the Dinar.

Am I grasping at straws or could this be a plausible explanation?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 29, 2007 11:48 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Paul,

I think this is the source of the original article.

http://www.fxstreet.com/news/forex-news/article.aspx?StoryId=fce85a1a-81d2-4920-a13d-0d6ab052864c

BritishKnite

-- November 30, 2007 12:39 AM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

The article mentions an actual change of notes, and reprinting.

BritishKnite.

-- November 30, 2007 12:53 AM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

JASHUA,
CLEARLY YOU DON'T SUPPORT HUCHABEE. THATS YOUR RIGHT. ANY POLITICIANS RECORD CAN BE DISTORTED AND TWISTED TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED EFFECT, BUT THE FACT IS THAT HUCKABEE IMPROVED SCHOOLS, ROADS AND BRIDGES FROM AMONG THE WORST IN THE NATION, AND THE PEOPLE OF ARKANSAS PAID LESS IN OVER ALL TAXES AT THE END OF HIS TENURE. THATS WHY, AMONG OTHER REASONS, HE WAS VOTED AS A TOP FIVE GOVERNOR IN THE NATION. THERE IS A FEAR OF HUCKABEE AMONG THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR SUPPORTERS, BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE MIKE AND HIS VISION FOR AMERICA. THE SINCERITY IN HIS PRESENTATION COMES THROUGH TOUCHING PEOPLE, AND LEAVES THEM WITH A SENSE OF HOPE THAT SOMETHING GOOD MAY TRUELY BE OBTAINABLE. YOU WHO OPPOSE HIM SHOULD FEAR HIM, BECAUSE HE COMES FROM THE PEOPLE WITH HUMBLE ROOTS, WORKED TO PAY HIS WAY THROUGH COLLEGE, HE'S HONEST AND RESPECTABLE, HE'S A GREAT SPEAKER IN AN UNREHEARSED KINDA WAY, AND THE MORE PEOPLE GET TO KNOW HIM THE MORE WE LIKE HIM, THEREFORE THOSE WITH THE MONEY AND THE POWER OF THE MEDIA IN THEIR CONTROL HAVE TO TRY TO ATTACK HIM IN ANY MANNER THEY CAN DREAM UP, BECAUSE THEY CANNOT DEFEAT HIM ON THE MERIT OF THE OWN IDEAS, RECORD, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND PERSONALITY. WHAT THEY FEAR THE MOST IS THAT HIS CLOSET DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN, AND HE SPEAKS PLAINLY SO PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT HE MEANS.

I ASK YOU ONCE AGAIN, WHO IS YOUR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE THAT YOU SUPPORT? TELL ME WHY I SHOULD VOTE FOR THEM. I'M LISTENING.

-- November 30, 2007 4:19 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

Read this if you have not allready done so, it is old but good
http://www.whithouse.gov/ask/20031120.hyml

We have the small question of, Presidential Order Number 13303
That gave all Americans the same right to invest in Iraq as an Iraqi has

So I think any talk of changing the money or screwing with US people
about is going to start a s--tstorm in the States

And the article did say they MAY change the money, but then the Iraqi
Government has said a lot and done very little about anything
other than their pay rise and when they are going on vacation again

Changing the money is a long winded afair, and so far the GOI has shown
us that they could not set up a p--s up in a brewrey

I think it is all a load of BS myself

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- November 30, 2007 9:03 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

Again, it is, http://www.whitehouse.gov/ask/20031120.html

-- November 30, 2007 9:07 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Any mention of new currency may have direct reference to the lower denominations rumored to already exist.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 30, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Joshua, Paul posted:

UPDATE: Iraq Plans To Rebase Its Dinar Early 2008 - Fin Min
By Hassan Hafidh
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

AMMAN (Dow Jones)-The Central Bank of Iraq is contemplating rebasing the Iraqi dinar and issuing new banknotes early next year, the country's Finance Minister said Thursday.

==end quote===

You know.. I have been contemplating moving.. quite often, really.. since I started this Dinar venture. However.. it isn't really CONCRETE until I actually DO something more than contemplate about it. I think you are crossing a lot of bridges before you even have come to one of them. It isn't even in the form of an INTENTION.. just a contemplation. The same word we use for monks who contemplate their bellybuttons and go Ummmmmm (no offense to monks). But very little economic activity has resulted from such contemplations.. so I think we must wait and see and stop jumping off bridges which are not even fully constructed yet.. all the while yelling "I told you so!" Doom and gloomers tend to love negative news and thrive on it.. look at the MSM news on Iraq. They have been very reluctant to allow any progress to cross their negative lips, and quick to contemplate any negatives about Iraq that they can. I think this a similar thing here.

Carole, my email is saraand-at-fastmail-dot-fm And I, too am looking forward to that day of ending this life, as soon as our time and mission here is accomplished. I believe we each are given a purpose to fulfil and we don't pass "GO" or collect our reward of "$200.00" until we have made it around the entire board of life. I think the stangest/funniest thing is, many people think the board has no rules or consequences in the Game. Why is that, do you think? I got my "get out of jail free" card from Jesus lickety split once I realized one could end up there. :)

As for Dinar.. can you say MISINFORMATION? I have seen a lot of dates come and go.. and lots of sincere folks give seemingly good leads about the Dinar.. you and your friend included.. all to no avail. Obviously, there are larger forces involved, and much misinformation. I believe this article posted about the CONTEMPLATION of the CBI is yet another form of the same misinformation stream. Iraq is doing GREAT on the security front and the political front.. better than ever before. Why would that mean that Iraq will now be relegated to the status of a third world country (or LESS) rather than a prosperous one?

Sara.

===

Mullen sees security improving in Iraq and Afghanistan
By Martha Raffaele
Associated Press Writer November 28, 2007

CARLISLE, Pa.— Security is improving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it's too early to predict how much longer U.S. troops will be needed in the region, President Bush's senior military adviser said Wednesday.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2007/11/28/mullen_see_security_improving_in_iraq_and_afghanistan/

===

US official expresses satisfaction at conditions in Iraq
Politics
11/29/2007 11:30:00 AM

IRBIL, North Iraq, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- A visiting US official has expressed satisfaction at improvement of political and security conditions in Iraq where authorities made headways in restoration of normal conditions despite a bloody insurgency.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, speaking at a news conference in the northern resort town of Salah-Eddine late on Wednesday, described as very significant the Iraqis' achievements on the political front. He added that he would get acquainted with detailed work concerning the national conciliation and efforts to work out a law for the distribution of oil returns among provinces of the country.

The Sunni natives of Iraq, majority of whom live in central Iraq, have campaigned for fair distribution of the yields of oil among the provinces of the country.

The bulk of the country's oil wealth is located in the mainly-Shiite South Iraq and predominantly-Kurdish northern regions.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1861429&Language=en

-- November 30, 2007 1:52 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Enclosed, is the email I sent to the author of the article Paul posted. I will let you know of the response I receive.

Mr. Hafidh:

I found your article that appeared on www.fxstreet.com quite intriguing. Why would the Minister of Finance offer such information when there has not been any word from other government sources
including the Central Bank of Iraq. Did the Minister offer any evidence why Iraq needs to rebase its currency? What forces inside or outside
the country are involved leading them to contemplate such a move?

Will you please define the term rebase as you understood it from the Minister of Finance? You sight the Turkish Lira as an example of
rebasing. Is this the model Iraq is leaning toward following? In other words, is the Minister of Finance saying they are contemplating
removing three zero's from the current currency turning the 25000 note into a 25 note and reprint new notes to reflect this change? Any
additional insight you could provide would be most helpful.

Warmest Regards,

Rob N.

-- November 30, 2007 2:17 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

I for one do not think there are any smaller denoms
as it would mean to many people not saying anything

From the order to design the new notes
The printing of the notes
The shipping of them
The transport to where ever they are in Iraq, CBI maybe

No way, to many people from that lot to keep quiet

WMD we knew about
Printing up some paper notes, nothing
I do not think so, no way pedro, as Del Boy would say.

Might win the Lotto tonight
But then again, if frogs had wings
they would not bump their green arse as they hop about

Stay lucky, Steve.

-- November 30, 2007 3:29 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Zero lop again,

Each three months this is circling around, however this time the statement is from official sources.

There are words like "contemplating" and make "future decision" and such in the announcement.

What exactly would you do to get a bunch of Dinar bills back.

Put a possible threat to the Dinar.

The Dinar have been hoarded by a lot of small time investors in the hope that it will be paying out good in the future.

Problem is, it is stuck in the drawers of small time investors and in order to make the Dinar more valuable, they need to pull out a lot of those Dinars, so there will be much less Dinars in existence.

What risk are investors facing now????

A stack of Dinars that in the close future must be exchanged.

Other things to worry about??? What if this will be an exchange in Iraq only, meaning that there will be either very very hard to get rid of these Dinars, by sending it to Iraq, or it will be very very expensive to exchange it going through Dealers.

Worrying, well this is the exact message we have all gotten the last couple of days regarding the zero lop, and for sure a lot of Dinars will now suddenly be released back into the market, from a lot of investors that fear the Dinars they are holding will be worthless wallpaper, with no chance to exchange them.

If you study the dealers ads, you will suddenly see a surge in "Will buy your Dinars", and a lot of dinars will in fact be back again, in circulation, released from safety boxes, and drawers and other hidden stashes.

Now, the CBI can get their hands on even more Dinars, and truly make a push for increasing the value of the Dinar.

They might or might not make the zero lop, but if I was the architect of this operation, I would do exactly what they are doing right now.

The whole country is standing in front of excellent times right now, are just in the beginning of a reconstruction that have been upheld because of an ended insurgency, and the Iraqis have many times in the future expressed a strong wish to increase the value of the Dinar.

Their "stand by agreement" with the IFF is ending very soon, and now is the time for radical changes.

This is a very risky time for the investors.

No decision have been taken by the IMF about the zero lop, remember this announcement is not done by the CBI but a minister.

The CBI is a bank that is independent from the STATE of Iraq, just like the Federal Reserve Bank here in the US.

The ONLY effect this announcement will do is to release Dinars on the market, something that CBI is buying up in ever increasing numbers.

I would caution here, don't panic on anything, instead closely watch the indicators a couple of months.

If the CBI is getting into a Dollar/Dinar buying frenzy shortly, and are keeping up the volume, then the "zero lop" possibility, is a scare tactic to make you sell.

(will most probably succeed with many investors)

If you see the normal routine with CBI, then you might want to check for how to either get your Dinars to Warka, or how to exchange it locally.

Apart from an RV, a zero lop will not change the value of the currency, just the face numbers, and this can be announced in beforehand.

An RV have to be kept secret until after the fact.

Remember if you do a zero lop, the WHOLE currency have to be exchanged, and that is a considerable cost, to pay for the convenience of not having to type in three extra zeroes.

I would say, the scare is planned.

The idea is, exactly the idea many are contemplating...."so I didn't become millionaire, well that was naive in the first place, ..bu...I should have known...well, better sell the Dinars while I still can, and move on....I tried...."

And you do, and the Dinar gets out from the drawers, and the Dinar gets out on the market, and the Dinars can now be bought up by the CBI, and now, the Dinar can be appreciated in value.

The idea is, you have to get rid of it first.

I think you are getting the idea.

-- November 30, 2007 3:56 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

i have spell check now

valerio all is say is read website that i put up you prove he didnt say those words on that place huckabe got a big mouth cause he needs it to speak out of both sides of his big mouth huckabe is political scumbag he talk big but do little i laugh at what you write you fall in love with this man i not fear him no not at all why would i fear a looser such as hucabe i not care where huckabe was once a child and then is a man he is political scum-bag read the place where i put up before huckabe is just political scum-bag you like him that is ok i do not like him you think

-- November 30, 2007 4:06 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Announcement from the "authorities".

"-We are contemplating to make your pink slip not legal binding for you car in three months time".

(Wow, then anyone can get a set of keys, take my car and I have no recourse....I better sell my car first)

"-We will consider in in three months time, the decision of having a three year full time course as a prerequisite for a driver license, and you must do it every time you renew it. This does not apply to foreign driver licenses."

(Wow, I don't want to sit three years in school every time I need to drive, where do I apply for Canadian citizenship?)

"-We are considering in three months of time from now, the possibility to have a law that says it is a Felony to collect rent from property."

(Wow, I better talk with my Real Estate Agent right now, I gotta sell my houses quick)

-"We are contemplating in three months time to zero lop the Dinar."

(Where do I get rid of my Dinars ?)

Aren't you grateful that they kindly give you three months to act upon, in the way they want????

-- November 30, 2007 4:20 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I checked my email this afternoon and have a response from Mr. Hassan Hafidh the author of the article Paul posted. Below you can read his reply to me.

Yes removing three zeros from the current banknotes. 2500 will become 25. In Iraq a finance minister is more influential than a central bank governor.

Rgds

Hassan Hafidh
Dow Jones Newswires
Mobile + 962 777 612 111
P.O.Box: 841272 AMMAN 11181
Hotmail IM: hafidh8@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- November 30, 2007 5:43 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger, your points are well taken.. such as:

QUOTE: "The Central Bank will take a decision in three months time from now, taking off three zeros from the current Iraqi dinar value," Bayan Jabor said in an exclusive interview with Dow Jones Newswires in Amman.

Interesting.. as you pointed out Roger.. three months notice is a strange anomaly to be given to people before such a move is taken.. unless there is another agenda.

As for Rob's post about the Dow Jones Newswire man, I have no doubt the DJ man thinks a finance minister has "influence" in government matters, we all do. But he is selling newspapers, hence, that is why they did the interview. And his saying that the "finance minister is more influential than a central bank governor" is a bit steep for me to believe. Remember, this is only a CONTEMPLATION of this minister, not the official policy of the government of Iraq or of the CBI itself, which is independent of the state, as Roger pointed out when he said, "The CBI is a bank that is independent from the STATE of Iraq, just like the Federal Reserve Bank here in the US." This means the STATE of Iraq's minister of finance hasn't that much say in the policies of their "fed."

I still don't see this interview/announcement as anything more than another in the long chain of misinformation we have seen about the Dinar. YES, the lop is what the finance minister was saying he thought would be good.. does that mean that it will happen? Can he can wave his magic wand of "influence" and the CBI will jump to do his bidding? I think not. I believe the CBI is not DICTATED TO by the Iraqi finance minister.. because "The CBI is a bank that is independent from the STATE of Iraq.. as well as its ministers.. including this Iraqi finance minister.

I agree with you Roger, the strategy is "Now, the CBI can get their hands on even more Dinars, and truly make a push for increasing the value of the Dinar" and "the Dinar gets out from the drawers, and the Dinar gets out on the market, and the Dinars can now be bought up by the CBI, and now, the Dinar can be appreciated in value." It is a shakeout for those who are scared to make them cash in their Dinars at the last possible minute in my view, too.

Sara.

-- November 30, 2007 7:43 PM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

JOSHUA,
YOUR NEW SPELL CHECK IS NOT WORKING. IF YOU CAN'T SPELL, HOW CAN I BELIEVE YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU READ? NOT ONLY IS YOUR SPELLING POOR, YOUR GRAMMER IS POOR AS WELL, AND YOUR MANNERISMS ARE VERY LOW CLASS. THIS IS A GOOD INDICATOR OF YOUR LEVEL OF INTELLIGENCE. PROVE THAT IT'S NOT TRUE!

-- November 30, 2007 8:04 PM ∞

---

joshua wrote:

VALEIRO SAYS: "YOUR NEW SPELL CHECK IS NOT WORKING. IF YOU CAN'T SPELL, HOW CAN I BELIEVE YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU READ?

you must not have good spell check either you spell a word wrong in your post you spell like this in your post you say "grammer" my spell check say "grammer" is supposed to be "grammar" my spell check is correct you misspell this word in your last post to me i do not no good english or spelling i just learn to try and learn english so i misspelling words but you no english and spelling so what is your excuse do you "understand what you read when you are misspelling also

-- November 30, 2007 9:40 PM ∞

---

BritishKnite wrote:

Having seen quite a few discussions now about zero lopping and revals, and comparing it to Turkey's recent conversion, I thought I would find out a bit more about Turkey's process. I found the following link to the Central Bank of Turkey's site. Some of you may have already done your own research, but for those who have not, it provides some interesting insight.

http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/yeni/iletisimgm/NTL_faq.htm

The first two point explain why they changed the currency, and point 5 explains the conversion rate between the old and the new - much like exchanging old IQDs for the NIDs.

The last sentence in point 14 (and repeated in point 15), seems interesting in that it states that "The zero-removal operation was not expected to have either a favorable or an unfavorable effect on exchange rates or interest rates, apart from its positive impact on expectations, since the main factors determining the general level of exchange rates and interest rates are the economic fundamentals and the current stabilization program".

Point 25 is also interesting for those with bank accounts in the old currency as it states that "Bank accounts were converted into YTL as of January 1, 2005".

If Iraq was to follow along this path, our IQD's would be worth the same as the new issued ones in real terms (if they do decide to re-issue the currency), and we would not have made any real term gains as far as this transition is concerned.

Please feel free to comment. I am just drawing conclusions from what I have read, and these are only my own interpretations.

BritishKnite.

-- December 1, 2007 5:43 AM ∞

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mrs wrote:

Anyone can dress up with spell check......how about getting a little grammar check as well, Amigo.

-- December 1, 2007 1:05 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

VALERIO,joshua,

I am yur neuwt Enklistetcheret.

Siegen after mich.

Ich am, Du are, We is all happy.

BritishKnite,

Absolutely, you are completely right, a zero lop will not change anything, not the value of the currency, not the exchange rate, not the buying power, not... not anything.

The idea of zero lop is the same as putting lipstick on a pig, trying to sell it as an improvement.

Look... this is ridiculous, imagine reprinting a WHOLE currency for ONE benefit only,... not having to write three zeros.

I have a feeling that this stuff is put out there to try to control speculation of the currency, this is also not wanted or needed, the Iraqi Dinar is already one of the most speculated currencies in the world.

If the Dinar is going up, people will buy it, in order to anticipate a future gain.

If they want to increase the value of the currency they need to make it a bit more scarce.

They are already on that path, and need to continue, but as long as they continue, the investors will hold onto it, making it hard to make the currency scarce.

Catch 22. Just because they rise the value of the currency, they (the Dinar) will stop flowing on the market, and have a tendency to be stuck in jars, drawers, safety boxes, and under mattresses.

So the effect is, they can't continue to raise the value, without the risk of inflation (inflation, too much currency floating around compared with the available exchangeable goods on the market)

So, if the intent is to raise the value, (apparently it is, as they ARE doing it) you just got to haul in Dinars from the field, and burn a couple of stacks.

You need less Dinars out there.

I would caution though, to closely watch the effect on the CBI currency auction, this latest statement have caused.

My prediction is, that now more Dinars will float around, making it possible to buy more with Dollars on their auction.

Any statement that comes from CBI is official, any statement from a ministry regarding affairs that relates to Iraq's Central Bank, is not an official statement.

Note here, this latest scare, where did it come from.

AN INTERVIEW WITH A NEWS PAPERMAN.

THAT is not how any Finance Ministry is runned, nor any Central Bank, nor any other function in any government.

If you want to take some kind of action, and are in the Government, you take that action, and you take it while exerting your power with the tools you have on hand.

You don't bring in a journalist, and make him print a story, and hope to get your desirable effect that way.

There is a reason this Finance Minister gave this interview, and said what he said.

I am pretty sure, that the CBI and the Finance ministry are closely working with each other, and know pretty much what the other is doing.

I am also convinced that the main players in this game know each other by first name, and for sure have been invited to dinner to each others home.

CBI is hopelessly chasing the vanishing point.

The vanishing point is the real Dinar value in relationship to the artificial set daily value.

So far they have gone far far to carefully, and have not moved the Dinar aggressively, but have chosen a very very shallow rise.

Perhaps with IMF and WB over their shoulders, telling them what to do (and of course, IMF and WB is screwing it up again, as usually)

With all commitments at an end with those Yahoos, they can start doing what they really want, RAISE THE VALUE OF THE DINAR.

Problem is, we invaded, had some high school economists, going to Iraq, printed up their new currency and exchanged it 1 to 1 with the already worthless "Saddam Dinar", and implemented it, and dumped it in their lap.

So they are sitting with a currency that is valued very low, because we insisted on flooding the country with the New Iraqi Dinar.

Since then, they have been buying up the currency in big numbers, but still they need to get it more scarce.

If they do, they can actually do a decent RV if they wanted to.

Right now, is the time when Iraq will start their recovery, right now, they have been doing all the Debt consolidation, doing all the IMF and WB programs, doing budgets, and at the same time amassed a substantial amount of reserve in their coffers.

On this latest zero lop scare, I say, cool off, and watch the daily auctions, especially starting in a couple of weeks, when the Dinars show up, that was scared out of the drawers from a big amount of investors.

-- December 1, 2007 7:16 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

I recalled about a year and a half ago, something like that, this Jojo, that bailed out of his Dinars, when the zero lop rumor at the time, got so real to him, that he took a dump in his pants.

As a goodbye he blamed you for him holding onto them.

I still laugh when I think about it.

Oh well....

-- December 1, 2007 7:25 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

VALERIO,joshua,

Just joking with you, English is my 3rd, perhaps 4th language, and sometimes it is a bit on the tricky side, to get it just right.

English is built up backwards, from a foreign languages perspective.

If you on top of it, are trying to practice the American English version, you will get a handicap from the start.

Next Exit, in English means....NOT THIS exit, but the one that comes AFTER this exit.

They don't know that around here, and mean,...THIS exit.

Was overhearing a discussion on a fast food restaurant between two (I assume) thirteen year old girls.

...-"I was all, wow, ... and he was all ahhh... then we both went phui...and when he went goey, I got ah ooo, and we both dropped ahh's and we were all jihaaa..."

Then both girls stopped talking with each other flipping out their cellphone, and each one of them continued a similar conversation with an unknown person on the other end of their respective phones.

Wonder what they are saying???

-- December 1, 2007 7:59 PM ∞

---

VALERIO wrote:

JOSHUA,
NICE CATCH ON MY SPELLING ERROR, I DON'T USE SPELL CHECK.

IT'S INTERESTING THAT SOMEONE WHO IS STILL LEARNING OUR LANGUAGE IS CRITICAL OF A POLITICAL CANDIDATES SO CALLED SOFT STANCE ON THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE.

ROGER,
WHATS YOUR FIRST LANGUAGES?

-- December 2, 2007 3:05 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

i come to this country the right way i was make to wait 4 years to become a citizen huckabe says that we can come here the wrong way while many people wait to come the right way he says let the wrong people get ahead of the right people read that internet page post where i put on this page why why you take up for this huckabe man he is not what it seem you vote for him thats okay you are a citizen i vote against him i am a citizen also i hope political scum-bag like huckabe loses like i say you like huckabe that is okay i do not like huckabe you think ha

-- December 2, 2007 3:18 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

VALERIO,

If you don't mind, I have experienced, that if you put out too much on yourself there is always someone on a blog that will use it against you in one way or the other.

I don't mind talking about it in private, but hesitate to go too personal on an open blog site.

I can say as much right now that it will take about a month for me to get all my background checks and licenses pertaining to the position, in Iraq, I am applying to, as a contractor.

I don't know what opportunities I will have over there to get back onto this blog, but if I have, I will certainly report on things as much as possible (pending the availability of pjuters).

Sara,

Was in contact with Carl a couple of months ago, he had been ill for some time, and out of the loop for two weeks before that.

Tried to call with a couple of weeks interval since, but no one picking up.

Don't have Carls e-mail, I do believe you have.

It's a bit worrying, as he have had a heart attack in the past, and now his health is sliding.

Don't know if he is dead or alive.

Can you please check and see if he is alive?

anonymous,

4 years since you become a citizen???

Your English still suck.

By this time you should have been able to pick it up pretty good.

May I suggest, it worked for me.

Dive into books, read a lot.

Friends family and relatives from the old country will (with good intent) send you literature, memorabilia, videos, and all kind of things, in their language, with the hope that you don't "lose touch".

If this become too overwhelming, cut it off or curb the inflow, and instead live the American reality.

As soon as you open your mouth, the clerk at the store will demand to know where you were born.

You will be reminded daily...."you're not one of us"...and it is easy to see yourself as something else.

If you start to agree with it, your language skills will decline, as you're "not really one of them anyway".

Instead disagree, defend your space, your integrity, and ignore the request to tell your birth place every time you open your mouth.

Insist on getting your shoes, cheeseburger or Root Beer Float without them having to know where you're from.

It's an attitude thing.

I'm not sure in detail how this thing hang together, but it sure help with the language.

Change your attitude from being in effect position, defending yourself or explaining yourself and endlessly have to bring up the issue of your origin,....to a cause position, with demand on your environment.

I guess it can be said like this:

If you are in effect by them, THEY are something different from you.

If you are at cause over them, they are no longer separate from you, but instead a part of you.

I don't know if this make sens to you, but it worked for me. I live a successful life, and even if I still talk funny, I'm like the fish in the water.

In one way or the other your language skill will improve dramatically with that attitude.

I wish you well, and good luck.

-- December 2, 2007 5:54 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

thank you kind sir i will take this advice with a grateful heart

-- December 2, 2007 6:49 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

JOSHUA,
I DID READ THE ARTICLE IN YOUR LINK. I GUESS YOU BELIEVE SOMETHING IS FACT JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY WROTE IT IN AN ARTICLE. THE TRUTH IS THAT ARTICLE WAS NOT ACCURATE AT ALL, AND WAS DISTORTED TO DECEIVE PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF INTO BELIEVING EXACTLY WHAT YOU STATED. THE FACT IS HUCKABEE IS NOT OK WITH IMMIGRANTS COMMING HERE ILLEGALLY, AND ANYONE WHO CARES TO LOOK FOR THEMSELVES CAN SEE HIS POSITION ON BORDER SECURITY IS STRONG. BUT WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE ARE CHILDREN, AND THESE CHILDREN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PARENTS NOT COMMING TO THIS COUNTRY "THE RIGHT WAY", AS YOU SAY IT. FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT THE STATES EDUCATE THESE CHILDREN, AND CANNOT REFUSE THEM INTO THEIR SCHOOL SYSTEMS. HUCKABEE BELEIVED THAT IF THESE CHILDREN WHO WERE EDUCATED IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF FORMAL CITIZENSHIP, WERE DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE, AND MET THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS, THEY SHOULD BE AS ELIGABLE FOR ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS LIKE ANY OTHER STUDENT. AND I MUST AGREE THAT IT MAKES NO SENSE NOT TO ALLOW THEM TO BE ELIGABLE FOR REWARDS FOR DOING OUTSTANDING IN THE EDUCATION THAT FEDERAL LAW SAYS THEY MUST RECEIVE. NOW IF HE BELIEVED AS YOU APPARENTLY DO, (FOR EXAMPLE) YOUR OWN CHILDREN, WHO ARE BEING EDUCATED IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM, SHOULD BE PUT BEHIND NATUAL BORN CITIZENS, EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY HAVE HIGHER ACADEMIC MERITS. I COMMEND YOU FOR COMMING HERE "THE RIGHT WAY", BECAUSE WE NEED TO KNOW WHO IS COMMING INTO OUR COUNRTY FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS. WE HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM FOR GOOD, HARD WORKING, PRODUCTIVE, TAX PAYING PEOPLE TO COME HERE "THE RIGHT WAY". THERE ARE SOME NATUAL CITIZENS THAT ARE EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE, AND THINK IT IS THEIR RIGHT TO BE LAZY, NON-WORKING TAX TAKERS.

WE ARE A COMPASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO VALUE EVERY LIFE, PROTECT THE INNOCENT, PROVIDE FOR THE DISABLED, FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE ENALIABLE RIGHT OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. THESE ARE THE BOUNDRY STONES THAT OUR FOREFATHERS LAID TO ESTABLISH A MORE PERFECT UNION, AND WE SHOULD LOOK TO LEADERSHIP THAT HOLDS STEADFAST TO THESE VALUES.

-- December 3, 2007 3:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

03 Dec 2007 17:37:00
Oil contracts
Attitude over contracts represents government's, says Shahristani
Baghdad (NINA)- The Minister of Oil Husayn Al-Shahristani has asserted that the ministry's attitude in rejecting the oil contracts signed by Kurdistan regional government coincides with the Iraqi government's attitude.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 3, 2007 10:00 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

03 Dec 2007 14:50:00
Currency
IQD rate resumes ascent
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar's exchange rate against the US Dollar resumed rising Monday at the Central Bank of Iraq currency auction. The Dollar was sold for 1219 Dinars on Monday while last Sunday's rate was IQD 1220 per Dollar.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 3, 2007 10:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

02 Dec 2007 17:23:00
Oil refining
Oil refining investments ratified
Baghdad (NINA)- The presidency council –the president and his two vice-presidents- approved during a council's meeting on Sunday the law of investments in crude oil refining.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 3, 2007 10:42 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger;

I have been blamed by a couple of folks for either helping them get into or retain Iraqi Dinar when they "didn't want to."
I suppose that now, since they have gotten rid of the Dinar they had,
they will also blame me for not helping them retain it after they are proven wrong and the value of the Dinar increases.
As you know, each person gets something different from our forthright and frank Dinar discussions...
as with all investment opportunities, it takes a willingness to take risks to get into something with upside potential.
I believe, as you say, that the view that the Dinar will increase in value has merit. Those who bailed did not.
Their loss, really.
I believe that they will be sorry for bailing out, and hopefully ashamed for blaming me for their own individual choices.
But such people rarely think in terms of THEIR choice being the deciding factor. For some strange reason..
they think that other people's views and opinions FORCE them to spend their money on Dinar..
or FORCE them to retain it once they have it in their hands... or (once it values upwards) FORCED them to sell.
I still have difficulty with that viewpoint...
I am glad you see the humor in it. :)

Will check on Carl.. thanks for the heads up.

Sara.

PS In the article below, quote:

Police said three women in a village 18 miles north of the provincial capital, Baqubah, were stabbed to death after they refused to marry three men from Al Qaeda in Iraq.

I think women should be free to choose whom they wish to marry. It is this kind of FREEDOM to choose which is being determined and given to the Iraqis through the fighting of this war in Iraq. I commend the bravery of these young women who exercised their freedom to choose and would not submit themselves to marriages to terrorists which they did not want. They should not have had to die because they chose not to submit to a coerced marriage. They stood on principles of freedom and paid the dearest cost for it. In time, future Iraqi (and Afghani) citizens I pray will have the freedom to choose without coersion both in their personal choices (marriages) and in their choice of religion as well. By the way.. did you hear the leftist feminists denouncing this on the news? It seems they cannot support the terrorists and a US withdrawl from Iraq, AND freedom for Iraqi women at the same time. Interesting which of the two causes gets the limelight in the MSM coverage, and which is downplayed or forgotten.

Thanks again to all those who are continuing to serve the cause of freedom over there in Iraq and Afghanistan, you remain firmly in our hearts and prayers.

===

US advises swift political progress in Iraq as violence slows
By Tina Susman
Los Angeles Times
December 3, 2007

BAGHDAD - Top American diplomatic and military officials yesterday urged Iraq's lawmakers to speed up political progress, a sign of Washington's concern that security gains could be squandered amid legislative infighting.

What is giving US officials a new sense of urgency is the reduced violence across the country and in particular the capital, Baghdad. They say higher violence levels will return if parliament does not use the calmer environment to improve essential services nationwide, forge ties with local and provincial leaders, and sort out disputes blocking major bills splitting Sunni Arabs, Shi'ites and Kurds.

The pending legislation would manage Iraq's oil wealth and lift rules limiting employment opportunities for former members of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who served as ambassador to Iraq in 2004, said six days of touring Iraq had left him encouraged by the improved security.

"Now progress on political reconciliation . . . is needed to consolidate the gains made thus far," he said at a news conference. "If progress is not made on these fronts, we risk falling back to the more violent patterns of the past."

In separate comments, the No. 2 commander of US troops in Iraq, Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, said the lowered violence showed that things "are clearly moving in the right direction."

But Odierno, speaking to CNN's "Late Edition," echoed Negroponte's comments that the national government should pick up the pace of reconciliation.

"I think now we have security at a level where we have to now look at other things. The increase of services to the people, the increase of political accommodation at the local level, the provincial level," he said.

Both officials said they saw signs of progress on the national level. Negroponte expressed optimism that the oil bill and the so-called de-Ba'athification law would pass. Odierno said that "some movement with some laws" inside parliament. "But obviously we have not made the progress we want to yet," he said.

Odierno also said the US military had made headway yesterday on one major issue: persuading Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government to move more quickly to bring volunteer security workers onto Iraqi government payrolls.

Ali Dabbagh, government spokesman, said Maliki had agreed to incorporate volunteer forces in numbers based on estimated needs from the field. He said those not incorporated into security forces would be rehabilitated and trained for civil-service jobs.

Volunteers will work only in their communities of origin, Dabbagh said.

Signs of the violence still haunting Iraq were clear yesterday, particularly in Diyala province north of Baghdad.

Police said three women in a village 18 miles north of the provincial capital, Baqubah, were stabbed to death after they refused to marry three men from Al Qaeda in Iraq. Police said gunmen circled the village, dragged the women from their homes and killed them.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/12/03/amid_iraq_lull_an_urgent_plea/

-- December 3, 2007 10:52 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Roger;

I talked to Carl. He is well. In discussing the Dinar, he said the situation on the ground is working and that the political situation will inevitably follow. His argument is valid, you can't argue with success... as Rep John Murtha conceded recently:

CNN Covers, ‘Big 3' Networks Ignore Murtha ‘Surge is Working’ Story
By Matthew Balan
November 30, 2007

The "Big Three" networks’ morning shows all ignored Representative John Murtha’s "the surge [in Iraq] is working" comments during a recent video conference. On the other hand, CNN’s "American Morning," during its 6 am Eastern hour "Political Ticker" segment, covered the Pennsylvania Congressman’s apparent shift in opinion.

Murtha, who became a bit of a media darling for his anti-Iraq war stance, recently came back from a trip to Iraq. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette quoted Murtha as saying, "I think the 'surge' is working." Murtha then went on to say that the Iraqis "have got to take care of themselves."

CNN’s John Roberts made the following brief on Murtha’s shift in opinion 43 minutes into the 6 am hour Eastern hour of "American Morning."

QUOTE:

ROBERTS: First, he was a hawk, then he was a dove. But now, Democratic congressman John Murtha has changed his mind again apparently. He's just back from Iraq and says the troop build-up there, the so-called surge, is working. His criticism of the war was a driving force for Democrats opposing President Bush.

As recently as July, Murtha, during an interview with Roberts himself on "American Morning," had dismissed the improving situation in Iraq due to the surge, saying, "It's rhetorical is what is getting better. It's over-optimist. It's an illusion."

Comments

1) Another major flip-flop by Blonde

This from the man who called George Bush's perspective on Iraq totally delusional?

2) A Marine Saying by ThisnThat

There's a saying in the Marines: "There's no such thing as an ex-Marine, or a former Marine. There are only Active Duty Marines and non-Active Duty Marines".

I think Murtha is the one and only exception to this rule.

3) Murtha senile again by Scrapiron

Old, Retired and glad of it.
A few hours after regaining his sanity (partially) the democrats have him back on his meds and he's his same old senile self, spouting the same silly anti-american/anti-military stuff. There's no hope for Murtha other than the rubber room or death. Totally crazy people are never cured.

4) Murtha by Lame Cherry

Murtha - THE ONLY REASON NOW YOU ARE SAYING THE SURGE IS WORKING SO DEMOCRATS CAN PUT IT BEHIND THEM AS ALL OF IRAQ AND NOT BE DEFEATED BY IT IN 2008!

You are despicable. Morally reprehensible is the definition of despicable and that is the definition of pork barrel Murtha.

4) Interview by Jerry Mack

Saw his interview with Chris M. today. Sounded like a defeated and straw grasping idiot. Now says real problem is Iraqi government and that it will not be a success until the troops leave. Repeated himself many times. Nice to see him squirm.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-balan/2007/11/30/cnn-covers-big-3-networks-ignore-murtha-surge-working-story

-- December 4, 2007 9:41 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

This sounds very good for the political scene...

Power-Sharing Ends Northern Iraq Dispute
By LAUREN FRAYER, Associated Press Writer
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
(12-04) 04:07 PST KIRKUK, Iraq (AP) --

Sunni Arab lawmakers ended a yearlong boycott of politics in this disputed northern Iraqi city Tuesday, after the Kurdish majority agreed to allot one-third of government jobs to Arabs and appoint an Arab as deputy governor.

Kurdish and Arab lawmakers signed a pledge on Sunday to cooperate. The Arabs attended their first council meeting in more than a year on Tuesday.

The council's Kurdish majority agreed to two key demands: that a Sunni Arab be appointed to the newly created position of deputy governor, and that 32 percent of the province's government jobs be filled by Arabs.

The Kurdish majority "doesn't need the Arabs to govern, but that they want a unity government anyway is significant," said Howard Keegan, head of the U.S. State Department's Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team, or PRT.

Tuesday's move represents the Arab lawmakers' tacit approval of the Iraqi constitution...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/12/04/international/i040755S78.DTL&type=politics

-- December 4, 2007 11:05 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq Reopens Mosul Airport to Civilian Flights After 14 Years
By VOA News
04 December 2007

Iraq has reopened an airport in the northern city of Mosul to commercial flights for the first time in 14 years.

The U.S. military said Tuesday the inaugural Iraqi Airways flight left Mosul Sunday, carrying 152 pilgrims to Baghdad for an onward connection to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. government contributed $3 million to renovate the airport's passenger terminal.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-12-04-voa9.cfm

-- December 4, 2007 11:10 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Iraq witnesses lowest death toll since February 2006
Baghdad | December 03, 2007 1:05:21 AM IST

The death toll across Iraq in November dropped to its lowest level since the breakout of sectarian strife in February last year, a government report said.

The casualties of November are the lowest since the sectarian bloodshed came to an escalation following the blast at a holy Shia mosque in February 2006.

Several factors were attributed to the low death toll in the past month, which include a surge of US troops, the ceasefire of a major Shia militia force and the uprising against Al Qaeda by tribal and neighbourhood armed groups.

http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/Asia/20071203/839988.html

-- December 4, 2007 11:12 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

This is from another forum. It is a good read and seems encouraging. Some of you may have already seen this.

Zubaidi: Iraqi's commitment to provide Jordan with oil at preferential prices

عمان - الدستور - احمد فياض Amman-Constitution-Ahmad Fayyad استقبل رئيس الوزراء نادر الذهبي في مكتبه برئاسة الوزراء ، امس ، وزير المالية العراقي ، باقر جبر الزبيدي وبحث معه آليات تعزيز التعاون الثنائي بين البلدين الشقيقين في شتى المجالات وخصوصا الاقتصادية منها. Nader met with the Prime Minister in his office headed by Golden Minister, yesterday, Iraqi Finance Minister, Baqir Jabr Zubaidi and discussed with him bilateral mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the two fraternal countries in various fields, especially economic them. واكد رئيس الوزراء على الموقف الاردني الثابت والداعم للعراق الشقيق ، مشيرا الى التوجيهات الملكية السامية لتقديم كل السبل الممكنة والكفيلة بالتخفيف من حدة المعاناة التي يواجهها الشعب العراقي. The premier said that the Jordanian firm position in support of brotherly Iraq, pointing to the guidance Royal Commissioner to provide all possible means, to alleviate the suffering faced by the Iraqi people. وأبدى الذهبي اهتمام الحكومة بتشجيع حركة الاستثمارات والحركة التجارية بين البلدين الشقيقين ، مؤكدا حرص الحكومة على تقديم كل التسهيلات والحوافز الاستثمارية والتي من شأنها أن تسهم في تعظيم الفرص الاقتصادية وبما يخدم مصلحة الشعبين الشقيقين وزيادة تنافسية القطاع الخاص في البلدين. He expressed his government's interest in promoting the Golden investments and commercial traffic between the two sister countries, stressing the government's keenness to provide all facilities and investment incentives that would contribute to enhancing economic opportunities and serve the interests of the two fraternal peoples and increase competitive private sector in the two countries. وأشار رئيس الوزراء إلى أهمية اتخاذ التدابير والإجراءات اللازمة لتنشيط حركة النقل ما بين ميناء العقبة وميناء أم قصر العراقي وخاصة وان ميناء العقبة يتميز بمزايا تنافسية عديدة توهله لخدمة القطاع التجاري والصناعي للعراق. The Premier pointed out the importance of taking the necessary actions and measures to stimulate traffic between the port of Aqaba and the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr and especially since the port of Aqaba has many competitive advantages Tohlh to serve the commercial and industrial sector of Iraq. كما تم خلال اللقاء الذي حضره وزير المالية الدكتور حمد الكساسبه بحث واستعراض القضايا المتعلقة بملف العلاقات المالية بين البلدين ليصار إلى دراستها من قبل اللجان المالية والمصرفية المختصة في البلدين وخصوصا ملف المستحقات المالية للبنك المركزي الأردني على البنك المركزي العراقي. Also during the meeting, which was attended by Finance Minister Dr. Hamad Alexasabh discuss and review issues related to file financial relations between the two countries are to be studied by the committee of financial and banking competent in the two countries, especially file financial dues of the Central Bank of Jordan to the Central Bank of Iraq. من ناحية أخرى أكد وزيرالمالية العراقي باقر جبر الزبيدي عزم الحكومة العراقية على تمتين أواصر العلاقات الاقتصادية والتجارية الثنائية مع الاردن وإزالة كل المعيقات التي تحول دون تطورها والارتقاء بها . On the other hand, and the Iraqi Ziralamalih Baqir Jabr Zubaidi determination of the Iraqi government to strengthen the ties of bilateral economic and commercial relations with Jordan and the removal of all impediments to the development and upgrading. وقال الزبيدي في لقاء مع وزيري المالية الدكتور حمد الكساسبة والصناعة والتجارة عامرالحديدي بحضور ممثلين عن القطاعات الاقتصادية في غرفة تجارة الاردن بأن الحكومة العراقية ستعمل على انشاء مصرف عراقي أردني مشترك لتسهيل التعاملات المالية والمبادلات التجارية ، وقال بأن الجانبين الاردني والعراقي اتفقا على بحث وحل مشكلة ديون القطاع الخاص الاردني خارج إتفاقيات البروتوكول التجاري سابقا ، حيث ستكون على رأس جدول أعمال المباحثات الاقتصادية التي سيعقدها الجانبان الاردني والعراقي بعد عيد الاضحى المبارك ، كما سيبحث الجانبان عقد إتفاقية للتجارة الحرة بين البلدين . Zubaidi said in a meeting with the Ministers of Finance Dr. Hamad Alexasabh, Industry and Trade Ameralhdede the presence of representatives from economic sectors in Jordan Chamber of Commerce, that the Iraqi government will work to establish a joint Jordanian-Iraqi bank to facilitate financial transactions and trade exchanges, he said, adding that the Jordanian and Iraqi sides agreed to discuss and resolve the debt problem of the sector Special conventions outside the Jordanian Trade Protocol earlier, which would be on top of the agenda of the economic talks held by Jordanian and Iraqi sides after Eid Al-Fitr, as the two sides will discuss concluding an agreement on free trade between the two countries. وبين أن الحكومة العراقية ملتزمة بتقديم النفط للاردن بأسعار تفضيلية تقل من 18الى 22 دولارا للبرميل عن الاسعار العالمية ، حيث أن المشكلة في عدم إنسياب النفط الى الاردن سابقا عائد لآلية إستقدامه والظروف الامنية المتعلقة بطرق شحن النفط مؤكدا زوال كل المعيقات التي كانت تحول دون تزويد الاردن بالنفط العراقي ، مشيرا الى أنه بحث مع رئيس الوزراء المهندس نادر الذهبي أهمية إقامة مشروع خط أنابيب لنقل النفط من مدينة الحديثة العراقية وصولا الى ميناء العقبة التي وصفها بأنها الرئة التي يتنفس منها العراق ، كما بحث مع الجانب السوري إصلاح انبوب النفط العراقي القادم من كركوك عبر الاراضي السورية . He said the Iraqi government was committed to provide oil to Jordan at preferential rates of less than 18 to 22 dollars a barrel on world prices, as the problem is not the flow of oil to Jordan, formerly of the dividend comes and security conditions for the shipment of oil through confirming the demise of all impediments that prevented supply Jordan with oil Iraqi, pointing out that he discussed with Prime Minister Eng rare golden importance of establishing pipeline project to transport oil from the Iraqi city of modern access to the port of Aqaba, which it described as the breath of lung Iraq, was also discussed with the Syrian side reform of the next Iraqi oil pipeline from Kirkuk through territory Republic. ودعا الزبيدي رجال الاعمال والمستثمرين والتجار والصناعيين والمقاولين الاردنيين الى اغتنام الفرص التي توفرها السوق العراقية ، حيث ستتعامل الحكومة العراقية مع القطاع الخاص الاردني على قدم المساواة مع الفاعليات والقطاعات الاقتصادية العراقية والجنسيات الاخرى ، وبدون تحيز في مجال المشروعات والعطاءات العراقية ، داعيا المقاولين الاردنيين الى التقدم نحو مشروعات البنية التحتية وإعادة إلاعمار حيث أن العراق بحاجة الى 1,5 مليون وحدة سكنية حاليا وسيتضاعف العدد خلال السنوات المقبلة ، مشيرا الى وجود مقاولين اردنيين في العراق رست عليهم عطاءات إنشائية في البصرة وغيرها من المدن العراقية . He called Zubaidi businessmen, investors, traders, industrialists and entrepreneurs Jordanians to seize the opportunities offered by the Iraqi market, where the Iraqi government will deal with the Jordanian private sector on an equal footing with figures and economic sectors Iraqi and other nationals, without bias in projects and tenders of Iraq, calling on Jordanian contractors to progress towards infrastructure projects and reconstruction in Iraq needs to be 1.5 million housing units currently number will double in the coming years, pointing to the existence of Jordanian contractors in Iraq awarded tenders to construction in Basra and other Iraqi cities. واستعرض الزبيدي واقع الاقتصاد العراقي وقال : بأن الحكومة العراقية إستطاعت إطفاء 90 مليار دولار من أصل الديون العراقية البالغة 140 مليار دولار ، وعملت على تقليص حجم التضخم من 66 في المائة الى مابين 16 - 18 في المائة ، كما أن لدى البنك المركزي العراقي 22 مليار دولار و3 طن من الذهب خصيصا لدعم الدينار العراقي ، حيث إرتفعت قيمة الدينار العراقي مقابل الدولار من 3 الاف دينار عام 2004 الى ما بين 1200 1000و دينار العام الحالي ، مؤكدا أن كل الجهود العراقية ستنصب على حذف 3 أصفار من قيمة الدينار العراقي ، وصولا الى دينار عراقي واحد مقابل كل دولار ... Reviewed Zubaidi reality the Iraqi economy and said: that the Iraqi government was able to extinguish the 90 billion dollars of Iraqi debt stock of $ 140 billion dollars, and has worked to reduce the size of inflation from 66 per cent to Between 16 - 18 per cent, and that the Central Bank of Iraq 22 billion dollars , 3 tons of gold specifically to support the Iraqi dinar, rising value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar from 3 thousand dinars in 2004 to between 1200 1000, the dinar this year, stressing that every effort will focus on Iraqi deleted 3 zeroes of the value of the Iraqi dinar, leading to ID one for every dollar ... وأشار في هذا السياق الى أن الموازنة العراقية لعام 2008 الذي سيكون عام الإعمار ستبلغ 53,5 مليار دولار ، منها 15,5مليار دولار لتنمية وإعمار المحافظات ، 23و مليار دولار نفقات استثمارية . He noted in this context that the budget Iraqi in 2008, which will be in ages will be 53.5 billion dollars, including 15.5 billion dollars for reconstruction and development governorates, 23, billion dollar investment expenditure. مشيرا الى أن عام 2010 ستبلغ موازنة العراق 100 مليار دولار . He pointed out that in 2010 will balance the Iraq $ 100 billion. من جهته قال وزير الصناعة والتجارة عامر الحديدي بأن الاردن سيعمل على تعزيز وتنمية العلاقات الاقتصادية والتجارية بين الجانبين وإزالة المعوقات كافة بهدف تسهيل إنسيابية البضائع والمبادلات التجارية بين الجانبين ، مؤكدا التزام الحكومة الاردنية بتقديم كل ما تستطيعه في مجال إعادة إعمار العراق ، وتقديم الخبرات الفنية للجانب العراقي في مجالات العضوية لمنظمة التجارة العالمية . For his part, Minister of Industry and Trade Amer railway that Jordan would work to strengthen and develop economic relations and trade between the two sides and the removal of all obstacles aimed at facilitating cruise goods and trade exchanges between the two sides, the Jordanian government confirmed its commitment to present all it can in the reconstruction of Iraq, and providing expertise to the Iraqi side in the areas of membership of the World Trade Organization. وقال الحديدي بأن رئيس الوزراء المهندس نادر الذهبي قد أكد على الجهات المعنية كافة ضرورة تسهيل إقامة رجال الاعمال العراقيين ، والعمل على حل المشكلات والعوائق التي تواجههم . Ferro said that the Prime Minister Nadir Al Golden has stressed the need for all concerned to facilitate the establishment of Iraqi businessmen and action to solve the problems and obstacles facing them. وأكد الحديدي في تصريحات صحفية بأن تطوير القطاع الصناعي ورفع درجة تنافسيته والعمل على جذب المزيد من الاستثمارات ستكون على رأس أولويات المرحلة المقبلة. The railway said in press statements that the development of the industrial sector and raise competitive and to attract more investments will be on the top priorities of the next stage

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 4, 2007 11:51 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

04 Dec 2007 14:21:00
Currency
IQD hikes against USD
Baghdad(NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar exchange rate hiked against the US Dollar as the Dollar's selling price was 1218 Dinars per Dollar Tuesday, while it was 1219 Dinars per Dollar last Monday. The USD sales of the Central Bank of Iraq decreased Tuesday to reach $22,650,000 while they were $64,205,000.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 4, 2007 12:04 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

CARL... I would appreciate your commenting on this. :)
Anyone else can, too.. :)
It is just that Carl did a lot of research on the GCC and has often shared keen insights on the topic...
and its relation to the Dinar.

Sara.

===

GCC leaders welcome launch of common market
DOHA, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Arab Gulf leaders welcomed on Tuesday the declaration of the common market which is due to be launched by January 2008.

Ending two days of talks, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, said that the market would deepen ties and achieve full equality among Gulf nationals on practicing economic and investment professions and owning real estate.

On implementing the monetary union's timetable, the council instructed the financial and monetary authorities in the six member states to outline a detailed program on completing all the requirements for this union and refer them to the next summit.

They also welcomed the growing economic cooperation between the GCC and Yemen, noting that Gulf states have finance over 50 development projects in various Yemeni regions within the 2007-2010 plan of the Investment Program.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=1045618

-- December 4, 2007 12:17 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

05 Dec 2007 15:45:00
Currency
IQD: New ascent VS Dollar
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar resumed Wednesday its recent ascending trend against the US Dollar. The Dollar was sold on the Central Bank of Iraq's auction at IQD 1217, while the exchange rate was IQD 1218 per Dollar last Tuesday. The CBI's total sales of Dollar were 88,230,000 on Wednesday.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 5, 2007 10:17 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Gates says secure Iraq within reach
Wednesday, December 05, 2007 10:39:27 AM

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday he believes a secure and stable Iraq is within reach.

"I believe that a secure, stable Iraq is within reach," Gates said, "We need to be patient."

Gates noted a decline in overall violence in Iraq during recent months, which has led to a substantial increase in the number of refugees returning home as well as international investment in the country despite nearly five years of war.

This, he said, has "led to a growing sense of normalcy and hope."

Gates acknowledged militant and terrorist activities in northern Iraq, a situation he discussed with U.S. commanders during his first visit to Mosul earlier Wednesday. He said he was pleased to learn that Iraqi troops were fighting back.

"I know the Iraqi people are more than up to the challenges," Gates said.

Army Col. Tony Thomas, a brigade commander, told reporters traveling with Gates that he and other senior commanders in the north are looking for additional U.S. troops and also would like the return of 1,400 Iraqi troops sent to Baghdad to provide "more combat power" to help stabilize areas such as Diyala province, Mosul and Samara to counter an uptick in violence, including suicide bombings.

Overall, there has been a steady decline in violence in Iraq in recent months, including dips in roadside bombs, other attacks and in both U.S. and Iraqi casualties. The U.S. is pressing Iraqi leaders to take advantage of the improved security to make the political reforms needed to stabilize the fledgling democracy.

Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi said he and Gates discussed requirements to better prepare the Iraqi Army. He said they are "working very hard" to accomplish all the goals for 2007, including training and equipping the Iraqi armed forces as well as building a strong system of command and control.

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/ap/article.html?mi=D8TBCDF00&apc=9009
http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/gates_iraq/2007/12/05/54697.html

-- December 5, 2007 2:15 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Re Carl, Thanks. Talked with him, and as Frankenstein said..."It's alive, it's aliiiiive"

Rob N.

What will be of interest now is the Dollar amount on auction, if it stays in high range, then they're buying Dinars, as an effect of the latest rumor of zero lop.

Probably no effect will be visible for a couple of days, but about in the middle of next week or so I would start keeping a close eye on it.

There ARE rumors about ready made printed bills, in smaller denominations, and have been so for quite some time.

IF they are true, that doesn't necessarily mean a zero lop, but can also be used if the currency is RV'd, but only after prices are down.

IF they RV, most probably there have to be a Govt price control in Iraq for a while to align goods with the value of the currency.

If the rumor could be confirmed to be NOT true, that is, there are no currency in existence in lower denominations, then the zero lop will be a physical impossibility.

Steven is doing something right now on that, and better await what he came up with.

Right now Iraq is in a position that can perhaps be loosely translated as being at the crossroads.

They can go in any direction.

Most probably, they will continue with a "creeping RV" as they are doing right now, as a drastic step in the Dinar increase will kill their fledgling industry, and jobs in Iraq are right now, something that is a very valuable commodity.

Even if the main income is from oil, the majority of people in Iraq doesn't work with oil, and any movement by CBI will have consequences on the whole population.

As they are right now in the very aftermath of a costly and devastating insurgency, I'm not so sure they CBI are too willing to experiment in a drastic way, but wants to go for stability over any other possible option.

They can, but if they RV tomorrow, many work places will have to shut down, as they are then outcompetided from their export market.

Their export is very small, but whatever they have is with people that are going to work, and if they are jobless tomorrow, chances are pretty high that they will go home, strip, clean and oil up their Kalashnikov's again.

Then again, the CBI can't sit and do nothing, if they want their currency to rise in value, and be a strong and viable international currency.

This can go either way now, but my bet is, the slow creeping RV.

I think that they are badly aware of the "vanishing point" (the difference in the true value of the currency and the artificial low set value.) but are doing a careful walk rather than a chock treatment.

Watch the news, watch the statistics, hear the rumors, and watch the indicators.

Wait and see.......

-- December 5, 2007 8:54 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here is todays exchange rate from the Central Bank if Iraq's site (www.cbiraq.org)

Announcement No.(1065)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1065 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/12/6 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 10 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1216 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1214 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 13.560.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 5.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 13.560.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 5.000.000 -----
Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 6, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole and board;

The Fifth Column...

from
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fifth%20column

"Fifth column"

- A clandestine subversive organization working within a country to further an invading enemy's military and political aims.

- A group of people who act traitorously and subversively out of a secret sympathy with an enemy of their country.

- People willing to cooperate with an aggressor against their own country.

- A subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst.

Do you know what a fifth column is? A fifth column is where the enemy seeks to infiltrate your ranks and further their agenda from within instead of acting from the outside. In the case of a government, like Iraq, they know they have some terrorists who are seeking to take over their country by joining the political process to destroy their democracy from the inside and are seeking to stop this inward corruption from taking over their country. My question to you is.. do the American people think this can only happen "over there" and never in America itself?

As I listened to President Bush speak at the Whitehouse press conference yesterday, he said there is a great deal of disagreement between the Senate and Congressional Democrats so that they do not speak with a united voice. While Congress wastes time not funding the troops and seeking withdrawl in the war budget OVER AND OVER, the Senate Democrats understand the security issues and are acting in the role of those who defend the country from all comers... foreign and domestic. This disparity within the party can be explained by thinking of this as A FIFTH COLUMN WITHIN THE PARTY ITSELF. This is the real issue in my mind, and this is why I see this as the issue...

A devastating terrorist attack on US soil (such as what I saw) cannot happen without cooperation from within the US government. That degree of devastation requires at least allowing the enemies seeking to perpetrate such an act both freedom of movement and ability to coordinate without surveillance (whether Islamic fundamentalist terrorists or other enemies of the US who will just make into a scapegoat for their actions the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists). The only people positioning themselves in keeping with allowing this to happen are those who advocate that we must stop having domestic surveillance and allow greater personal freedom at the cost of national security. This public proclaimation of "peace, peace" when there is no peace and the world is at war, and advocating "personal freedom" at the expense of national security are erroneous policies as the US citizenry acknowledges.

It is no coincidence that the citizens of the US continue to give the Congress the lowest marks EVER in polls taking the public's approval ratings of them - as low as 11% approval in one poll I saw. But do they see that these are more than just badly deceived and misguided Americans cooperating with Code Pink America haters? ( http://sweetness-light.com/archive/code-pink-they-totally-terrorized-us ) Do they understand that this is a fifth column which, if sucessful, will be like electing Hitler... to the decimation of the US homeland and populace?

As I see it, Democrats already prove by their solid votes and position that they don't care about the deaths of millions of American citizens which is done in the dark as abortion. EVERY Democrat candidate is for abortion and for human experimentation (stem cell research - see url below for documentation showing their support of BOTH these aims), which shows they have a blatant disregard for human.. and American lives. It is not a big step to take for a party in favor of death to - in all peacenik sincerity or with the help and direction of a fifth column's intentional and malicious guidance - take the step into allowing the terrorists the room they need. They can do so by merely reversing policies which are currently keeping the US safe.. such as The Patriot Act.

http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=868063604&size=o

At the moment we have safeguards in place which ARE protecting the USA. It is not mere COINCIDENCE that the US has such hostile enemies who openly plot her destruction and yet have been unable to do so. That is a result of prudence and careful planning (and the hand of God guiding those in a position of authority). The Democrats are promising to reverse all of that if they attain to the power of the Whitehouse. There is so much at stake that even the radical leftists are drawing a line in the sand and saying so openly. As the LAT's Tim Rutten said, quote, "Selecting a president is, more than ever, a life and death business." That quote is from his article titled "CNN: Corrupt News Network" where he alleges, "When one considers CNN's performance, the adjectives that leap to mind are corrupt and incompetent." I ask you, how deeply does such corruption reach? Is CNN the only ones acting in that role? Does it affect the national fabric, and will the US select a president whose decisions will lead to a holocaust on US soil in the future? We live without terrorist attack on US soil now.. will that continue in the future if the proven successful policies of the Bush Administration are reversed? Hitler used the Jews as scapegoats.. are the Democrats seeking to call into question any person or group of people as responsible for all that ails the nation? If such criticism is deserved.. why is the country remaining safe? And if those who are elected reverse the current policies - tampering with the mechanisms which are working to keep our collective safety.. what will be the result?

===
LA Times Columnist Blasts CNN as the 'Corrupt News Network'
By Jason Aslinger
December 2, 2007

It's one thing for NewsBusters and conservative commentators to blast CNN for its shoddy "moderation" of the recent Republican YouTube debate. It's quite another thing to see CNN get eaten by one if its own. And that's exactly what happened in the surprising LA Times article titled "CNN: Corrupt News Network."

LA Times Columnist Tim Rutten (who is no stranger to NewsBusters) pulls no punches in blasting CNN. Quote:

[T]his most recent debacle masquerading as a presidential debate raises serious questions about whether CNN is ethically or professionally suitable to play the political role the Democratic and Republican parties recently have conceded it.

Selecting a president is, more than ever, a life and death business, and a news organization that consciously injects itself into the process, as CNN did by hosting Wednesday's debate, incurs a special responsibility to conduct itself in a dispassionate and, most of all, disinterested fashion. When one considers CNN's performance, however, the adjectives that leap to mind are corrupt and incompetent.

(end quote)

In a fabulous irony, Rutten uses liberal arguments to prove CNN's corruption. Rutten's basic argument is that most Americans "think the war in Iraq is the most important issue facing the United States, followed by the economy, healthcare, and energy prices." According to Rutten (and backed by a Pew poll), "Americans do not think immigration is the most important issue confronting the country."

As Rutten said, quote, "In other words, CNN intentionally directed the Republicans' debate to advance its own interests. That's corruption, and it's why the Republican candidates had to spend more than half an hour "debating" an issue on which their differences are essentially marginal -- and, more important, why GOP voters had to sit and wait, mostly in vain, for the issues that really concern them to be discussed."

Rutten (not nearly finished) also accuses CNN of "intellectual venality" in choosing questions designed to create "moments of conventional television conflict." In this regard, Rutten cites to CNN's questions about gun control, which according to Rutten and his polling data "doesn't even show up in surveys of voters' concerns."

Rutten further bashes CNN for its emphasis on religion over policy, citing to CNN's:

... wickedness of using some crackpot's query about the candidates' stand on Biblical inerrancy to do something that's anathema in our system -- to probe people's individual religious consciences. American journalists quite legitimately ask candidates about policy issues -- say, abortion -- that might be influenced by their religious or philosophical convictions. We do not and should not ask them about those convictions themselves. It's nobody's business whether a candidate believes in the virgin birth, whether God gave an oral Torah to Moses at Sinai, whether the Buddha escaped the round of birth and rebirth or whether an angel appeared to Joseph Smith.

The latter point is relevant because CNN's noxious laundering of this question through the goofy YouTube mechanism quite clearly was designed to embarrass Mitt Romney -- who happens to be a Mormon -- and, secondarily, to help Mike Huckabee -- who, as a Baptist minister, had a ready answer, and who happens to be television's campaign flavor of the month.

(end quote)

Rutten states that CNN's failure to properly screen the questioners "pales" in comparison to its other failures. Rutten concludes that CNN, having "failed in its responsibilities to the political process," should be excluded from future presidential debates.

The entire article is an interesting juxtaposition of Rutten's scathing rebuke of CNN (with which most conservative would agree) based upon Rutten's own prioritization of the importance of various issues (with which most conservatives would disagree).

It is also remarkable to see one of the nation's most liberal newspapers directly attack one of the nation's most liberal cable news outlets. It is increasingly clear that CNN has done irreparable damage to itself with its debate debacle.

—Jason Aslinger is a private practice attorney in Greenville, Ohio.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jason-aslinger/2007/12/02/la-times-columnist-blasts-cnn-corrupt-news-network

===

It is remarkable to see one of the nation's most liberal newspapers directly attack one of the nation's most liberal cable news outlets, just as it is remarkable to note the Congressional and Senate Democrats at odds with one another as well. I propose to you for your consideration the fifth column as the agitation factor making this split in opinion evidence itself.

While we can all agree that illegal immigration is an important issue, the American people should not take their eye off the ball of their own safety and security and who will guarantee them the first right and ideal they fight for.. LIFE. The second and third (liberty, pursuit of happiness) flow from the first but are useless without it, as the Germans found when they elected Hitler and his political party into government to "fix" their very serious national problems. He certainly was a firey person who seemed to have the answer to getting the peace and stability they demanded a leader deliver to them.

I don't think the German people were stupid, just deceived as to HOW someone would accomplish those objectives for them when sitting in the highest office of power over the German people and how his policies would affect their personal lives. The chain of events they set in motion by electing Hitler and what happened to the German people under Hitler is in the history books and easy to read.. and he came to power on a platform of help for their problems and peace.. but it cost the German people in the area of their collective national security. Quote, "By 1941 more than 70,000 German people had been killed under this program of Hitler's, many by gassing, and their bodies incinerated: a foreshadowing of the coming Holocaust against the Jews." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Resistance Another article puts the figure at "200-300 thousand" of those least able to defend themselves http://www.turkishweekly.net/articles.php?id=201 and this scholar notes, "only about 25% of the German population had voted for the Nazi party in the 1939 elections." The point is, Hitler's policies removed collective security for segments of the German population. We have collective security now.. but can we maintain it if Democrats are elected and wish to reverse the mechanisms protecting the nation and its people from fifth column enemies and the leanings of radical fringe groups (like Code Pink, above)?

Is history repeating itself? Today so many are saying that the US cannot pull out of Iraq precipitously without dire consequences that MOST of the Democrats have reversed themselves from immediate pullout to a more modified stance. It was also admitted that such a pullout would have terrible consequences to the Iraqis who would be slaughtered wholesale if such an event took place. What other disastrous military and defense policy mistakes would such a party make with US collective security if given a free hand? They just "overlooked" the wholesale slaughter of the Iraqi people as a factor? Could that happen again.. only with it being AMERICAN lives at stake? - (all in the name of no need for "domestic surveillance" and advocating "personal freedom", no doubt.) As the fringe groups push the Democrat party to try over and over and over again to force a withdrawl of the troops from Iraq using the budget, they only show that the party is listening to radical extremists and fifth column elements whose main objective is not the safety and security of the United States. I ask you.. what will be the price to pay if they are given a free hand in the upcoming election?

In the article above, Rutten's basic argument is that most Americans "think the war in Iraq is the most important issue facing the United States.... According to Rutten (and backed by a Pew poll), "Americans do not think immigration is the most important issue confronting the country." This gives me hope that the American people DO think their own safety and the safety of their children trumps the illegal immigration question and may vote accordingly. One very strong reason that the Bush Administration is in power is because they are strong on defense and national security, while the Democrats continue their tradition of being weak in this area - and Americans care if they live or die. In a time when making the wrong decisions can affect whether US citizens live or die on US soil (whether from peacenik intents - for "greater personal liberty" or from a fifth column within the party)... it behooves the US to continue to make the most important issue the WAR and national defense and safety. Mr. Rutten's saying that "Americans do not think immigration is the most important issue confronting the country" but "most Americans think the war in Iraq is the most important issue facing the United States" gives me hope that the US will choose a party and a President who will be in the best position to prevent terrorist catastrophe on US soil.

In the event that the people act like the Germans did and go with the "itching ears" candidate, electing someone who promises them their mirage of peace during the time when the world is at war.. electing people with a proven pro-death perspective, those who listen sympathetically to the far-left peacenik camp who want us all to put down our weapons and "make love, not war" like a retro of the 1960s... listening to those whose agenda is able to be hijacked and used by fifth column elements.. I will acknowledge that God's hand is against the country to cause her destruction in order to bring her to her knees in repentance. The amount of devastation Germany went through was great, and though it did not cease to be a nation, it was not an enviable pathway for any nation to follow. I agree with Tim Rutten that, "Selecting a president is, more than ever, a life and death business" and that much more than illegal immigrants is at stake. I think America must keep its collective eye on the ball in the game.. or the consequences may suprise and devastate the nation.

Sara.

-- December 6, 2007 11:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From my reading it looks as though the Hydro Carbon Law is still mired in sectarian differences. On the bright side, as a temporary solution Iraq will use Saddam's oil law.

If Saddam's oil law is used with great success and attracts foreign investment via technical assistance and ultimately cash to their oil sector the importance of the HCL will diminish.

It is my personal belief the HCL is being delayed to protect Iraqi interest in their own country. Instead of outside oil companies controlling those vast fields it is Iraq that wishes to control that oil. At this point I really cannot blame them for wanting to do so.

Iraq currenty finds itself in a precarious predicament. It needs outside technical assistance and foreign capital. On the other hand, they do not wish to relinquish control of their natural resources to those foriegn investors.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 7, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,
Thanks for your e-mail address. Also, posting good articles.
Concerning Patriot Act: reading a book by Judge Napolitano that has kept me up nights. The Patriot Act, while on the surface dupes the American citizen, has the provendial potential to actually rob every citizen of their most valuable freedoms, with incredible consequences for those who oppose it.
As I get into this more, I will post more. I so very much want to change my mind about Bush, but at this point there is more evidence that he just may be the wolf in sheep's clothing.

Carole

-- December 7, 2007 10:06 AM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

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

Arabs set to supply EU with gas next year

CAIRO: Arab countries including Egypt and Iraq will supply natural gas to Europe through a pipeline by the end of next year, Arab and European officials said yesterday. Arab officials said the final phase of the project, linking the Syrian gas network with Turkey, will begin on November 17 in northern Syrian city of Aleppo and last about 15 months.

"The Arab gas pipeline will be ready to pump gas to the EU by the end of 2008," Iraq's Assistant Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Al Hakim said.

Hakim and other Arab ministers held talks with EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner during an energy security conference which brought together officials from the EU, Africa, Middle East in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Ferrero-Waldner described the news as "a new era" for natural gas. She said the gas would be pumped through Jordan, Syria and "maybe Iraq" to Turkey and then into Europe.

"We have started discussions with the Iraqis to link an Iraqi gas field near the Syrian border to the Arab pipeline," Syrian Oil Minister Sufian Alao said.

Iraq joined the Arab Gas Pipeline Agreement in 2004 but has not so far been an active member.

Egyptian Oil Minister Sameh Fahmy said the Arab countries need European support to finance the final phases of the project through loans with long grace periods and low interest rates.

Ferrero-Waldner said Arab gas could reach Europe possibly through the 3,300km Nabucco pipeline that passes via Turkey and the Balkans to Austria.

So far the five signatory countries to the 4.6 billion euro ($6.6bn) Nabucco pipeline - Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria - have not secured any gas, which analysts said would make it difficult to raise the necessary funds.

-- December 7, 2007 3:38 PM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

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

Al Maliki: 2008 year of Iraq economic rise

While receiving members of the Supreme Agricultural Committee, Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki confirmed that next year would be the year of economic rise for Iraq following major security achievements attained this year. Al Maliki noted that the government will work on supporting sources that have been blacked out by the former regime and hindered for security reasons from introducing researches and proposals to rise the agricultural productivity level since agriculture sector has a major importance in the country’s economy, directly contributing to improve living standards of citizens.

On the other hand, the office of speaker Mahmoud Al Mashhadani considered in a statement that the mechanism adopted to vote for the Heath and Agriculture Ministers positions two days ago is void.

-- December 7, 2007 3:42 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

Judge Napolitano endorses Ron Paul for President. Whom you choose to pick to represent your voice by your vote for President says much for the values and beliefs that a person holds. Do you realize that the man writing the book you are reading endorses as "one of us" the only Republican candidate against the Iraq war and for a withdrawl? Some say Ron Paul is a RINO (Republican In Name Only). Do you realize that Napolitano's candidate has not issued where he stands on same-sex unions but says he opposes a constitutional amendment explaining that marriage should continue to have its traditional understanding of one man and one woman and not be modified to suit any special interest group (next multiple wives, then multiple "partners", then marrying children (pedophilia), then marriage within families (incest) and finally with animals, perhaps?.. outrageous, right.. well, your GRANDparents would have been shocked at the thought that marriage could be construed as meaning anything BUT a man and woman.. where are we headed?). Note who is heading up this moral change.. those who legislate from the bench, not the governmental amendments being implemented to ban same sex "marriage" which are by vote of the people.

Judge Andrew Napolitano endorses Ron Paul at FFF 2007

http://www.jumpcut.com/view?id=01B86AFC195B11DCA92B000423CF382E

74 seconds of audio-visual, containing the quote where Napolitano gives his ringing endorsement of Ron Paul calling him the "Thomas Jefferson" of our time and "one of us".

ALSO;

Judge Andrew Napolitano not long ago and he made reference to Ron Paul being our only hope to save our civil liberties. A great quote from Napolitano in the interview: "Government grows in wartime because people are afraid, and they accept the satanic bargain that government offers: Give us your liberty and we will keep you safe."

http://pursueliberty.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/ron-paul-is-redefining-political-language/

===

A Messianic usage of words Judge Andrew Napolitano used here, saying Ron Paul is our "only hope" to save our civil liberties (call him "savior"??). I don't see it in quite so dire terms (I serve another savior). Yes, I do understand Napolitano's concerns, but as I see it, he is antigovernment and for the letter of the law instead of its intent. I have been concerned with the use of the judiciary to remove the elected official's power and institute laws from the bench which are not endorsed by the people. I wonder if this is the case with this judge who seems to be pro-gay "marriage" and perhaps has legislated that way when the vast majority of the population has been against it. I always am concerned with those who "dispise government" and "speak evil of dignitaries".. as these people are warned against in the Word of God:

2Pe 2:9-10 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished, but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. They are presumptuous, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.

When I say he appears to be for the letter of the law instead of the intent of those who framed it, I ask you.. would the founding fathers have endorsed the Democrat Fred Phelps and his anti-American servicemen demonstrations? Should such really be tolerated in the name of "freedom"? But Judge Napolitano did support and endorse Phelps and the ACLU.. the letter of the law being more important than the intent of it:

Judge Napolitano sides with ACLU in Phelps case, much to O'Reilly's dismay
Reported by Chrish
July 25, 2006

Judge Andrew Napolitano was on The O'Reilly Factor tonight 7/24/06 discussing, among other things, the case brought by the ACLU on the behalf of the hate-filled Westboro Church based in Topeks, Kansas. Fred Phelps, the so-called "reverend" and founder of the so-called "church", is the leader of the gang that pickets events featuring gay performers and, more recently, the funerals of Americans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They disrupt these funerals to make their beliefs known, that their god hates America because we as a nation tolerate Americans who are gay and lesbian.

I don't know of one single person, young or old, liberal or conservative, man or woman, who approves of or agrees with their hateful message. But some think that they have a Constitutionally protected right to say it on public property. It's a dilemma that several states are struggling with, and Missouri recently passed a law meant to keep these vile protesters away from grieving families. The Plelps' gang is challenging the law and the ACLU is representing them.

O'Reilly, ever indignant and outraged, wants to attack the ACLU for defending the outrageous behavior, but the Judge takes the wind out of his sails by saying that the First Amendment is intended to protect that type of speech which we find offensive. If the protests were occurring on private property, the owners could kick Phelps out, but on public property, i.e. Arlington and other cemeteries, they're within their rights to protest.

O'Reilly cites a case from 1988, Frisby v. Schultz, (487 US 474, 486) where the Supreme Court upheld a ban on picketing in front of a private residence, which sought not to disseminate a message but to intrude upon the targeted resident. O'Reilly insists that Phelps (the ACLU) is going to lose because of the 1988 ruling, but Napolitano holds that the government is going to lose, because pushing the picketers back 300 feet is too far.

http://www.newshounds.us/2006/07/25/judge_napolitano_sides_with_aclu_in_phelps_case_much_to_oreillys_dismay.php

And what has happened judicially recently concerning the Phelps case when tried before the people?

Phelps family loses in court

Father of slain Marine wins case against foul Phelps family
By Michelle Malkin
October 31, 2007

I pointed you last week to the legal case of Albert Synder, who took the foul Phelps family to court over their reprehensible protests of fallen military heroes. Snyder claimed invasion of privacy and emotional harm from the radical haters’ demonstration at his son’s funeral. Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder died in Anbar province in a vehicle accident last year. The verdict is just in from the Baltimore Sun:

Albert Snyder of York, Pa., the father of a Westminster Marine who was killed in Iraq, today won his case in a Baltimore federal court against members of Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Church who protested at his son’s funeral last year.

The jury of five women and four men awarded Snyder $2.9 million in compensatory damages. The amount of punitive damages to be awarded has not yet been decided. The jury deliberated for about two hours yesterday and much of today.

Snyder was the first in the nation to attempt to hold members of Westboro Church legally liable for their shock protests at military funerals after the church protested the military’s inclusion of gays at the funeral of Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Snyder, a 2003 Westminster High School graduate who died March 3, 2006, in a vehicle accident in Anbar province.

In June 2006, Snyder sued the church and three of its members individually. The father argued that Westboro’s demonstrations exacerbated his pain and suffering in March 2006 while he mourned the death of his only son.

Specifically, he charged that they violated his privacy, intentionally inflicted emotional harm and engaged in a conspiracy to carry out their activities. The jury decided in Snyder’s favor on every count.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/political-views/232302-phelps-family-loses-court.html#post1696026

It seems remarkable to me that these jurists, taken randomly from the population - so they are like you and I - they were all so "stupid" and without the "common sense" of Judge Napolitano so that the jury decided in Snyder's favor on every count. Obviously justice miscarried and they need to read his book to become "enlightened" with his "clear thinking" and opinions.... ?? Hmmmmm...

Similarly, if the Napolitano/Ron Paul viewpoint DOES end up winning.. and the "greater freedom" idea wins out over Collective Security (CS being that which we traditionally have always allowed to take precedence during times of crisis/war - allowing some infringement of freedom during such times to the authorities)... I can see some very devastating consequences of seeking to keep liberties during wartime that traditionally we have had to give up to some extent - such as the issue of allowing domestic surveillance of potential terrorists (also, note we cannot say that the government never did domestic surveillance before in previous wartime scenerios).

When Napolitano says, "Government grows in wartime because people are afraid, and they accept the satanic bargain that government offers: Give us your liberty and we will keep you safe." That statement forgets that government is instituted by God, not satan, and the protection of the American people is the civil servant's sworn oath, from the lowest office to the highest. It presumes corruption and the desire (equivalent to satanic intent) to rob the people of their liberty rather than safeguard it. Do you believe the authorities to be "satanic" in their desire to "take" our liberties (viewpoint taken from the quote of Judge Napolitano above, "give us your liberties")?

I think I have told you I try to research and understand conspiracy theories because I find mankind falls for them with devastating consequences historically. I hope we can avoid that wrong call.. but you are making me doubt the common sense of the American people. If you will become an endorser of a fringe group supporter and Ron Paul endorser.. and fear government instead of trusting God and His delegated authority through them (with eyes open, not closed).. then others will do so, too. If you can be convinced not to be prudent (fear serves good purposes, it keeps us from putting our hands on a hot oven or running out in front of parked cars.. or letting terrorists go unchecked in our midst... because those behaviors can end up hurting us), others will be, also. Perhaps the vision I saw truly is inevitable, my friend. The Lord tells me it is still what awaits us in the future. No homeland security measure or government body has yet removed the threat, only paused it at the door where it crouches awaiting an opening at the right time (not on President Bush's watch, that I know for sure). Perhaps all you are doing is helping me understand the "handwriting on the wall".. and how the timeline will play itself out. I do appreciate the post, even if it is discouraging to view the implications of what you are saying.

Sara.

-- December 7, 2007 5:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

US troops kill 12 suspected Qaeda militants in Iraq
Sat Dec 8, 7:34 AM

BAGHDAD (AFP) - US air and ground assault teams killed 12 suspected Al-Qaeda militants and detained 13 more in raids across Iraq on Saturday, the American military said.

Ten suspected militants were killed near Yusifiyah south of Baghdad in an operation targeting Al-Qaeda members, it said in a statement.

The raid was aimed at militants believed to be planning an attack on coalition forces, it added.

During the raid the ground troops called for air support and in the ensuing firefight 12 suspected militants were killed, the military said.

In two other separate raids two more suspected militants were killed and a large weapons cache was also found, it said, adding that the raids also led to detention of 13 other suspects.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071208/world/iraq_unrest_us_qaeda

-- December 8, 2007 1:27 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's economy shows positive signs says Finance Minister (07/12/07)

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

The Iraq Minister of Finance, Bayan Jubur Al-Zubaydi has said that there are positive indications merging in the Iraqi economy, adding the cabinet decided to cancel the income tax imposed on government employees whose salaries were less than 700,000 Iraqi dinars.


"The Iraqi cabinet has decided to exempt government employees with salaries lower than 700,000 Iraqi dinars from the income tax, which amounts to 10% of the monthly payment," said Zubaydi in a joint press conference with Iraqi Minister of Planning Ali Baban in Baghdad.
Zubaydi expected the decision to improve civil servants' salaries, criticising the "dollarisation" of Iraqi traders and businessmen's use of dollars and euros instead of the national Iraqi currency.

"It is a painful and harmful disease in the Iraqi economy," Zubaydi regretted, pointing out his ministry has been fighting the phenomenon through various economic policies.

He noted the Ministry of Finance increased the interest, leading to augmented bank savings.

"Al-Rafidayn bank upped the interest rate from 4% in the past to about 12-14%, which would encourage the people to save their funds in banks," he said.

He added the Aqari (real estate) bank has started giving loans to people, offering an opportunity for activating 25 types of workers.

He indicated that these policies managed to lower unemployment from 70% to 20% and inflation from 60% to 20% in 2004-2005, noting the government embarked on policies encouraging the private sector and fighting unemployment.

eanwhile, Baban said the new budget allocated $10 billion dollars to subsidise ration card items and the salaries of government employees and pensioners.

"There are extensive studies to set five-year plans in which the investment budget increases at the expense of government subsidy," said the Minister of Planning, stressing the need to have "The government subsidy, a wrong practice imposed by the current abnormal state of affairs in Iraq, decreased."

Baban said the future plan of his ministry aimed at eliminating unemployment and extending subsidy to the worthy poor groups in Iraq.

(www.iraqidevelopmentprogram.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 9, 2007 11:00 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Speech of Iraqi PM
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki said on Thursday the International Compact for Iraq (ICI) initiative basically aims at building a federal, democratic and united Iraq where all Iraqis are equally treated regardless of their belongings.

Despite the numerous challenges besetting Iraq, it is taking steady steps towards building a democratic state where security and stability prevail and all citizens have the same rights and duties, he noted.

Maliki said the Iraqi government and all Iraqi national powers are working hard to bring about prosperity, justice, equality, security and progress for all Iraqis.

Since the first day of its formation, the Iraqi government, Maliki said, decided to go ahead with national economy reforms to guarantee a successful transformation from a central economy to a market one.

He said Iraq expects an assistance from neighboring and friendly countries in the political, administrative and financial domains to help face current challenges and address economic problems.

The Iraqi prime minister made clear that security is very much linked to economic progress, saying one cannot talk about security and stability without talking about economic progress that benefits all segments of society.

He said any ambitious economic programme cannot succeed without considering fighting poverty, unemployment and financial and administrative corruption.

Maliki said the government is keen on addressing these problems as part of an integrated plan to provide financial and social protection to poor and deprived brackets.

He hoped the ICI initiative would start a new stage in Iraq's relations with all world states based on mutual respect and joint interests.

But in order for this ICI to succeed, there must be an international commitment to this initiative, he added.

At the end, Maliki thanked all countries that wrote off all or some of Iraq's debts, saying this move will help the Iraqi government enhance democracy, reinforce the rule of law and start big projects for reconstruction.
(www.sis.gov.eg)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 9, 2007 11:26 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

09 Dec 2007 17:15:00
Economic openness
Next stage requires openness on world states, says minister
Baghdad (NINA)- The Minister of Finance Baqir Jabur Al-Zubaydi asserted that the upcoming period requires openness towards world states to enhance monetary and economic cooperation, as Iraq has an evident need to reconstruct all its institutions and infrastructures.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 9, 2007 11:30 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

08 Dec 2007 16:22:00
IQD notes
No intention to issue IQD 100,000 note, says ministry
Baghdad (NINA)- The Ministry of Finance has denied the news suggesting the Central Bank of Iraq's intention to issue a 100,000-Dinar notes. A ministry source said Saturday that the news, spread among local currency brokers that the CBI intends to issue a 100,000 Iraqi Dinar notes, are untrue.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 9, 2007 11:32 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Thank you sooooo much for settong the record straight on the Judge! I know very little about his intrinsic views and values. I guess I error to give him an undue confidence because of his involvement with Fox news.

Thank you so much for your tenacity in your research! My life right now does not allow me to spend but a few minutes a day, nd an hour or so a day to read,,,,,,,so I am obviously grossly impaired to contribute to any meaningful conversation.

During times when I am so involved in my mother's care and decline, I tend to get overwhelmed by bits and peices of info that comes my way or I stumble on. It is scary, becasue I probably do represent millions....!!

Again thank you, and I am only glad that I posted what I did or I would have not been so eloquently and intelligently corrected.

Carole

-- December 9, 2007 7:29 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

ICB policy drives inflation rate down-MP

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Sunday , 09 /12 /2007 Time 2:22:50




Baghdad, Dec 8, (VOI) - Head of the parliament's economic committee said on Saturday that the monetary policy pursued by the Iraqi Central Bank (ICB) over 2007 had contributed to driving the country's inflation rate down.
"The Iraqi dinar value has increased against the dollar leading Iraqis to keep their reserves in dinars rather than in dollars as was the case before 2003," MP Haider al-Ibadi told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
Al-Ibadi, who blamed the high prices of most commodities and services in the local market for the international decrease in the dollar rate against other currencies, also said "Two more causes (local) contributed to the hike in the prices: first, Iraq has not completely transferred to the free market economy and second the monopoly of some wholesales traders on particular commodities and services."
"The economic recess seen in Iraq for the past year is attributed to the high inflation rate that cripples the local market," the Shiite legislator said.
In July 2007, the inflation rate reached 41 percent according to statements made by the Iraqi Central Bank's governor Sinan al-Shabebi.
The Iraqi parliament's economic committee chief told VOI "the Iraqi Central Bank now controls the monetary market in the country, and its efforts have contributed to driving the inflation rate of the consumable commodities down by 15% from 57%."
The government, according to al-Ibadi, will raise the salaries of the civil-servants and the retired in order to enhance their purchasing power and create a balance in the Iraqi market.
"A highly ranked committee was set up to draw up a clear vision to the future Iraqi economy," he explained.
The legislator also noted that there were many factors that would strengthen the country's economy by introducing the economic reforms and controlling the excessive imports in order to protect the local products.
"Laws organizing the entry of commodities should be enacted provided that the new acts are not contrary to the Iraqi economy transfer to the free market," al-Ibadi concluded.
(www.aswataliraq.info)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 10, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole. :)

And I do appreciate all the informative posts of yours, Rob N.. as I haven't a lot of time to go looking myself all the time. Some days I can contribute, but when I am too busy with other things, it is nice to have a good source of good news in your postings.. I appreciate it.

Oh.. Carole.. I pray God bless you in your care for your mother. We need more caring individuals like you to help with elderly care. Compassionate nursing and palliative care are options not explained as thoroughly as they should be to this culture. Pain relief care (palliative care) is so advanced in the medical field that no one needs to fear a lingering and painful death, or the necessity to end their lives to avoid such pain. Those who rush to try and give the "option" of self-murder (suicide) to those who are facing the end of their lives commit great folly, and do not recognise that murder (even self-murder) is encompassed in the Ten Commandments command of "Thou Shalt not Kill" (murder - even yourself).

Our culture has far to go to reclaim itself from the grip of those whose viewpoint is uncompassionate, impatient, uncaring and pro-death at every stage of life. Thank you for being a part of the solution..

Sara.

-- December 10, 2007 4:56 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Thank you for your kind words. Mom came to live with us at the first signs of dementia, after dad's passing. Her decline was so fast that the doctors gave her less than a year to live.....that was 4 years ago. It has been a challenge, but more than anything A PRIVILEGE!

God has given our entire family thousands of gifts through this whole experience. I think I can pretty much sum up some of the richest gifts by sharing with you my most touching moment......

Walking into mother's room finding my 7year old grandaughter sitting on her bed wiping her drooling mouth so that she could kiss her and make her smile.

Watching my 18 year old grandsons carry mother to the living room on her birthday, so she could be with the family ( she was soaking wet and diaper falling off....but didn't seem to bother or deter their comitment to get her up).

And of course, her 5 grandaughters that are constntly bringing her frilly nightgowns and "doing her make-up and hair" everytime they comeinto her presence. I try to tell them that gramma doesn't know the difference and they remind me that they are only doing for her what she can't do for herself.....and vanity was mom's theme (:

I know that this is off the dinar subject.....but I have worked hard over the last 20 years (professionally) to fight the subtle injection of the euthansia spirit in our medical community. As an administrator, I made sure that the Hospice companies that serviced our patients were clear on exactly what palliative care prescribed. Trust me, it has been a fight! Somehow, killing the elderly and infirmed is more acceptable than abortion....BUT IT IS ALL MURDER! Without the tremendous efforts of many like minded people as myself, nursing homes could turn into "death camps".

Statistics of the lifeline of the caregiver, are not good. Seven out of 10 caregivers die before the patient.( I think this is because usually their elderly spouse is giving the care). My health has certainly declined, but you know God knows all about that.......and everyday, I wake up and so does mom ( now 87) and at the end of the day both of our needs have well been care for ( an Awesome Lord)

Not everyone , though willing, are able to take care of their parents, and I am very sensitive to that, but mostly grateful for the opporotunity .....truly a blessing!

Carole

-- December 11, 2007 9:29 AM ∞

---

carole wrote:

Sara,

One more comment....the vast majority focus on the concept of "quality of life". And this gives permission for many to see a need to end or promote the ending of life.

We must fight that concept and exchange it for "purpose of life". A sick child, and unwanted pregnancy or a terminally ill person, so long as they have life within them HAVE A PURPOSE!

There are numerous valuable purposes, but if for no other reason, it helps us as individuals to deal with our own mortality, and many times is a life-changing wake-up call.

God gave us our life, it is HIS to take in His time, and I have found that He never shows up late! (:

Carole

-- December 11, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Thank you. I try to find relevant and timely articles related to our investment.

Carole:

From time to time you and I bite at each other, but I must confess how impressed I am that you have stepped up to the plate to take care of your Mom. In a disposable society it is refreshing to see the love and commitment a grown adult has toward an ederly parent.

God Bless,

Rob N.

-- December 11, 2007 10:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's economy shows positive signs – minister

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Tuesday , 11 /12 /2007 Time 2:10:23




Baghdad, Dec 7, (VOI) – Positive indications‌ were emerging in the Iraqi economy, said Iraqi Minister of Finance Bayan Jubur al-Zubaydi, adding the cabinet decided to cancel the income tax imposed on government employees whose salaries were less than 700,000 Iraqi dinars (roughly 574 U.S. dollars).
"The Iraqi cabinet decided to exempt government employees with salaries lower than 700,000 Iraqi dinars from the income tax, which amounts to 10% of the monthly payment," said Zubaydi in a joint press conference with Iraqi Minister of Planning Ali Baban in Baghdad on Thursday.
Zubaydi expected the decision to improve civil servants' salaries, criticizing the "dollarization,"‌ or Iraqi traders and businessmen's use of dollars and euros instead of the national Iraqi currency.
"It is a painful and harmful disease in the Iraqi economy," Zubaydi regretted, pointing out his ministry has been fighting the phenomenon through various economic policies.
He noted the ministry of finance increased the interest, leading to augmented bank savings.
"Al-Rafidayn bank upped the interest rate from 4% in the past to about 12-14%, which would encourage the people to save their funds in banks," he said.
He added the Aqari (real estate) bank has started giving loans to people, offering an opportunity for activating 25 types of workers.
He indicated that these policies managed to lower unemployment from 70% to 20% and inflation from 60% to 20% in 2004-2005, noting the government embarked on policies encouraging the private sector and fighting unemployment.
Meanwhile, Baban said the new budget allocated ten billion dollars to subsidize ration card items and the salaries of government employees and pensioners.
"There are extensive studies to set five-year plans in which the investment budget increases at the expense of government subsidy," said the minister of planning, stressing the need to have "the government subsidy, a wrong practice imposed by the current abnormal state of affairs in Iraq, decreased."
Baban said the future plan of his ministry aimed at eliminating unemployment and extending subsidy to the worthy poor groups in Iraq.
(www.aswataliraq.info)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 11, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

11 Dec 2007 16:34:00
Iraq-Sweden
Maliki invites Sweden to participate in reconstruction
Baghdad (NINA)- Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has invited the Swedish government, during a meeting with the Swedish Ambassador to Iraq Niclas Trouvé, to participate in Iraq's reconstruction via establishing investment projects that would promote and upgrade Iraqi economy.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 11, 2007 10:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

09 Dec 2007 22:19:00
Iraq-Italy
Zubaidi invites Italian firms to invest in Iraq
Baghdad (NINA) – The Finance Ministry affirmed that the $ 600 million Italian Loan to Iraq would be used to supply Iraq with Italian machinery and equipments in four stages. Source at the Ministry of Finance told NINA on Sunday, Dec. 9.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 11, 2007 10:23 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Poll: More in US See Progress in Iraq
By ALAN FRAM 12.11.07, 11:09 AM ET

WASHINGTON - Growing numbers of people think the U.S. is making progress in Iraq and will eventually be able to claim some success there, a poll showed Tuesday in a sign the politics of the war could become more complicated for Democrats.

"I still have hopes the people in Iraq will appreciate us being there," said Daniel Laird, 30, a firefighter from Yuba City, Calif., who leans Republican and was questioned in the survey. "It just seems like we are making a difference."

The poll showed a nearly even division over whether President Bush's troop increase this year has helped stabilize the country, with 50 percent saying no and 47 percent yes. Just three months ago, only 36 percent said yes.

By 52 percent to 41 percent, most said the U.S. is making progress in Iraq. When AP-Ipsos last asked that question in September 2006 - a time when vicious sectarian attacks resembled a civil war - just 39 percent saw improvements under way.

While far greater proportions of Republicans than Democrats think progress is being made, even growing numbers of Democrats agree. The portion of Democrats saying the troop increase has helped stabilize the country has nearly doubled since September to 26 percent, and the number saying the U.S. is making progress has shown similar growth.

By some measures, peoples' longer-range views of U.S. accomplishments are also becoming more optimistic.

By 55 percent to 42 percent, more said they think history will consider the war a failure than a success. While most remain negative about the conflict's legacy, in September only 34 percent predicted success.

Democratic voters are still strongly against the war and the party's presidential candidates compete for ways to criticize it. Such a tactic, though, might prove less effective when it is time to appeal to the more moderate voters who will participate in next year's general election.

So far, the public's improved mood has helped Bush - slightly.

Thirty-six percent now approve of the overall job he is doing - up four percentage points from last month. Eight in 10 Republicans, three in 10 independents and one in 10 Democrats approve. His highest marks - 42 percent approval - are for handling foreign policy and terrorism.

Congress' approval remains mired at 25 percent - near its January low of 22 percent.

Violence has dropped considerably since June and there have been signs that Baghdad is becoming less chaotic. U.S. casualties have fallen from 101 in June to 37 in November, according to an AP count, and Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in the country, says there has been a 60 percent decline in violence over the past half year.

Among Iraqi civilians, the number of deaths from war-related violence have dropped from 1,640 in June to 718 last month, according to the AP.

The poll involved telephone interviews with 1,009 adults conducted from Dec. 3-5. It had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/12/11/ap4426771.html

-- December 11, 2007 12:38 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Rob,

Thanks for your comments. They are very much appreciated.

Carole

-- December 12, 2007 9:34 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Lukoil, ConocoPhilips Prepare Supplements For More Costly West Qurna-2

Increased costs in the ten years since signing the contract to the West Qurna-2 field in Iraq have prompted Russian Lukoil and its American partner ConocoPhilips to prepare supplements to the stalled project, Lukoil Overseas Vice President Azat Shamsuarov said.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 12, 2007 10:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

12 Dec 2007 17:05:00
Basra reconstruction
Maliki announces embarking on Basra reconstruction
Baghdad (NINA)- The Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has announced initiating a reconstruction campaign in Basra city "the heart of Iraq," as he put it. Addressing the third meeting for Basra Reconstruction, held in the city Wednesday, Al-Maliki said that he has allocated 400 billion Iraqi Dinars.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 12, 2007 10:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Is it correct to view the selling of the US Dollar to purchase back more Dinar?
If I am correct, then the volume of dollars sold is good news for our investment.
____________________________________________________________
12 Dec 2007 15:08:00
Currency
IQD rate stable, USD sales rise
Baghdad (NINA)- The Iraqi Dinar kept on Wednesday its previous exchange rate on the Central Bank of Iraq's currency auction. Wednesday's rate was IQD 1216 per Dollar. The total CBI's sales of Dollar mounted to USD 29,830,000, while last Tuesday's sales were only 11,940,000 Dollars.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 12, 2007 10:36 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carole;

Your comments warmed my heart. Thanks again.. :)
Wonderful posts on the value of life.

Sara.

-- December 12, 2007 2:30 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Number of Arab & Foreign Investors in Iraq’s Bourse Triples

A source at the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) has disclosed that Gulf, Arab and foreign investors have invested more than IQD 16.6 billion (US $14m) in the bourse since non-Iraqis were permitted to trade shares at the end of August.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 13, 2007 11:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

House Passes $696B Defense Policy Bill
Associated Press | December 13, 2007
WASHINGTON - The House passed a defense policy bill on Dec. 12 that would authorize $696 billion in military programs, including $189 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The measure, which covers the budget year that began Oct. 1, does not send money to the Pentagon. But it is considered a crucial policy measure because it guides companion spending legislation and dictates the acquisition and management of weapons programs.

The Senate intended to follow suit this week and send the bill to President Bush, who is expected to sign it. The House vote was 370-49.

"It's good for our troops, good for our families," said Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, which wrote the bill. "It will help improve readiness for our armed forces and bring new oversight to the Department of Defense in areas where oversight was sorely needed in the past."

The legislation includes a 3.5 percent pay raise authorized for uniformed service personnel and a guarantee that combat veterans receive swift health evaluations. It also would block fee increases proposed as part of the military's Tricare health care system.

The bill has several provisions intended to increase the oversight of contractors and the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan. More specifically, it would require that private security contractors working in a war zone comply with military regulations and orders issued by commanders.

It would establish an auditing system to oversee reconstruction contracts in Afghanistan that would be modeled after the special watchdog for Iraq reconstruction.

Final action on the bill comes as Democrats struggle for a way to pay for combat operations overseas without appearing to support Bush's policies in Iraq.

Senate Republicans are insisting that war money be added to a government-wide spending bill. Democrats were expected to agree, but the legislation stalled this week after Republicans objected to domestic spending added by the Democrats.

As the budget feud continues, the Pentagon is preparing to notify some civilian contractors that they will be laid off in February. The notices would arrive shortly before Christmas, per union contract rules that require the employees are given 60 days notice.

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the situation was unprecedented.

"Not even in Vietnam, at the height of that conflict with the demonstrations in the street and so forth, did Congress not fund the war effort," he said. "We are really in a difficult situation and there are many, many people trying to figure out what the full impact will be."

A group of Washington-area House members, including Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., and Tom Davis, R-Va., counter that the layoff notices could be delayed until after Christmas, at which point the spending dispute would be resolved. They cited a new Dec. 13 report by the Congressional Research Service that found the Army could potentially keep combat operations afloat through the end of March.

But doing so would require the Army to slow down its expenditures considerably and defer depot maintenance work, CRS warned.

Moran and Davis said the alternatives were preferable because it would prevent crippling the military's civilian work force.

"We don't believe that federal employees should be used as bargaining chips," said Moran.

Additional time also could be bought if the military invokes the Feed and Forage Act, a mechanism dating to the Civil War. It would permit the Defense Department to buy clothing, food, fuel, medical supplies and other provisions in excess of its budget. The last time the law was invoked was after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Or, the CRS says, the Defense Department could take unprecedented measures, such as using the Navy and Air Force to pay the costs of the Army abroad.

But "such measures may weaken congressional war powers and erode congressional controls on the use of the funds," the CRS said.
(www.military.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 13, 2007 11:18 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sebastian River Holding's Adds an Additional 100,000,000 Iraqi Dinar to Its Foreign...
Thu Dec 6, 2007 2:00pm EST Email | Print | Share| Reprints | Single Page | Recommend (1) [-] Text [+]

powered by Sphere
Featured Broker sponsored link
$0 stock trades. 10 free per month. Sebastian River Holding's Adds an Additional 100,000,000 Iraqi Dinar to Its
Foreign Currency Division

SEBASTIAN, Fla., Dec 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sebastian River Holding's
Inc. (Pink Sheets: SBRV), today announced that the company has added an
additional 100,000,000 Iraqi Dinar to its portfolio. This gives Sebastian
River Holding's a total of 235,000,000 Iraqi Dinar in its foreign currency
division.
"With all the great news coming out of Iraq, the rate of the Dinar rising
every day and people by the busloads returning daily back to their homes in
Baghdad, it was an easy decision to increase our holdings in what the company
believes to be the best investment in foreign currency today," stated Daniel
Duffy, president of Sebastian River Holding's Inc. "People don't realize that
prior to the war with Iraq the Dinar was $3.00+ per US Dollar. Today the
country is almost debt free; Iraq is one of the leaders in oil, natural gas
and holds a huge amount of gold in its country, and the rate is 822.37 per
million, which is up from $784.93 when we first started in March 2007."
The Company believes in the near future there will be a revalue of the
Iraq Currency, it is the Company's opinion after doing its due diligence and
public statements from Iraq's government officials, that the revalue could
come in at between .82 and 1.00 per US Dollar. This would give Sebastian River
Holdings a profit of between $192,000,000 and $235,000,000.
The article below was taken from a daily address to the people from Iraq's
finance minister: Baqir Jabr Zubaidi.
"That the Iraqi government was able to extinguish the 90 billion dollars
of Iraqi debt and has worked to reduce the size of inflation from 66 per cent
to Between 16 - 18%, and that the Central Bank of Iraq22 billion dollars , 3
tons of gold specifically to support the Iraqi dinar, rising value of the
Iraqi dinar against the dollar from 3 thousand dinars in 2004 to between 1200
1000, the dinar this year, stressing that every effort will focus on Iraqi
deleted 3 zeroes off the value of the Iraqi dinar, leading to 1 Iraqi Dinar
for every one dollar."
(www.reuters.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 13, 2007 11:30 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob posted:

The Company believes in the near future there will be a revalue of the Iraq Currency, it is the Company's opinion after doing its due diligence and public statements from Iraq's government officials, that the revalue could come in at between .82 and 1.00 per US Dollar. This would give Sebastian River Holdings a profit of between $192,000,000 and $235,000,000.

That is interesting speculative rumor.. obviously they think it is based on something real or they would not have put their money where their mouth is. I would presume with that kind and degree of speculation out there the ICB will have to issue a denial that this is their intent.. or else it might end up a "gold rush". I wonder - if this is the real deal for a RV - I wonder if this might scuttle it.. are they going to be that worried it has to be done covertly, or will they simply get the job done?

Sara.

-- December 13, 2007 12:55 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

As I thought..

Also, wasn't it the Financial minister of Iraq talking about the removing of zeros from the Dinar?
Now totally denied by the CBI here..
so he wasn't that good a source for solid news now, was he?
Or was he????
Where there is smoke, there is fire?
Sebastian (Robs post) and the finance minister indicating something.. here the CBI denying it..
but not using a NAMED source.. (who said that?.. you reporters must have got the story wrong..)
I do wonder what we are not seeing.
How would a REAL rv play out.. would there be denials before it happened?
Anyone care to speculate?

===

Iraq bank denies plan to quickly revalue the dinar
Agencies
Published: December 13, 2007, 16:33

Baghdad: Iraq's central bank denied a plan to quickly revalue the dinar, saying a rumour had been spread by speculators.

The bank said in a statement on Thursday, "An authorised source at the Central Bank of Iraq denies rumours that claimed the bank wished to value the dollar at 1,000 dinars, or less or more, or change the currency denominations, or remove the zeros from the present currency."

The Iraqi dinar has been gaining value slowly for months after the government announced a plan to gradually raise the exchange rate, now officially 1,210 to the US dollar.

Rumours spread through Baghdad that the government was planning to suddenly move the official rate to 1,000 and perhaps remove three zeros to achieve 1:1 parity with the dollar.

http://www.gulf-news.com/business/Economy/10174537.html

-- December 13, 2007 1:40 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Coalition says Iranian rockets found in Iraq
Thursday, December 13, 2007

BAGHDAD: Iraqi civil defence members have found 14 Iranian-made rockets and handed them to coalition forces, the US-led military said on Thursday.

The 107 mm rockets, which the military said were made in Iran and dated from 2006, were handed to Khazak soldiers serving in Wasit province, southeast of Baghdad on December 4.

Meanwhile, North of Baghdad, police said they had killed five suspected members of Al-Qaeda and arrested 24, after discovering a hideout in Jelam village, east of Samarra.

Police Colonel Akram Hatem said the five killed were wearing explosive vests. Police had also found an underground container used as a prison, torture room and execution chamber.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=33885

-- December 13, 2007 1:55 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Rob,

I am sure that I brought Sebastian River Holdings to the forums attention a while ago and that somone on the forum did some diging into their back ground and it turned out they were a very, iffy company with a lot of shadey dealings going on, and the changing of the companies people named as the chairman or running the company, so whoever you were can you do it again please
Have a nice day and stay lucky, Steve.

-- December 13, 2007 9:50 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

I have been getting caught up on my reading of this forum to see what is going on in everyone's situation. I noted that Roger is going to Iraq as a contractor?!??? Is this correct. Fill me in on this.

Also, Carl is sick. Anyone heard from him?

In addition, Carole is carrying quite a load as a caretaker. Quite a responsiblity and admirable.

Ron N. is still posting articles and making comments on the rv. Thanks for information and your faithfulness in keeping everyone informed.

Sara is still researching backgrounds of anything of interest in this forum.

Others that I have not mentioned are making contributions in other ways.

As for me, I continue to keep watch on what you all are doing from time to time. I have gotten caught up in the holidays! Mostly shopping and wraping presents. I am getting ready to leave Florida in the upper 70 degrees to go to Ohio in the 32 degree F range and freeze my toes, fingers and the rest of me to see extended family. I must be crazy!

I hope everyone in the dinar family is well and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!. For those who do not share the meaning of Christmas as being centered around Christ, I wish you a pleasant holiday.

Laura Parker

-- December 13, 2007 11:02 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Laura;

Roger does appear to be thinking about going to Iraq.. we will see if it pans out for him to do as a practical thing to do. An RV could change things.. hope so. :)

Carl is fine now. He was under the weather there for a bit as you said, but he is fine and chipper and busy now. He checks on the forum about once a week and catches up on the news.

I think Carole's caretaking admirable, too. :)

And I, too, appreciate the continuing posts of Rob N, and continue to throw in my two-bits from time to time. I think the Sebastian holdings one Rob contributed yesterday, along with the acknowledgement of the CBI that there is a lot of buzz on the street about RV.. enough that they felt compelled to comment.. bodes well for Dinar investment.

I wish you and the board Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope your time with family in that region of cold will be warming to your heart if not to your face and feet. It is what log fireplaces are all about, I suppose. :)

All the best,

Sara.

-- December 14, 2007 9:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Steve:

I did not post that article as an endorsement of them and I also understand their business practices may be questionable. I posted the article about Sebastian River because I found that their purchase of another one hundred million Dinar significant.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2007 10:13 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq Update: What a Difference a Year Makes
Nicholas Guariglia
Published: December 12, 2007

From mid-2003 throughout the end of 2006, no one was more disheartened over the course of U.S. involvement in Iraq than I. What was a clean, successful, three-week liberation somehow devolved into an unnecessary and counterproductive occupation.

As always, our soldiers were doing everything their superiors were asking them to do – and effectively, too. On merely a tactical level, insurgents stood little to no chance against any U.S. unit deployed against them. For the military, however, the problem was not one of efficiency, but one of theory. In sum, the flawed Iraq strategy from 2003 until late 2006 was based on the premise that politics proceeded security.

What a difference one year makes.

Things, to say the least, have changed. What seemed like probable defeat in December 2006 is today correctly seen as unprecedented, and perhaps irreversible, momentum. Widely considered one of our most brilliant commanders, General David Petraeus was nominated and overwhelmingly confirmed to salvage the war last January. Along with General James Mattis of the Marine Corps, he had already coauthored Field Manual 3-24, the military’s first innovative study on counterinsurgency in years (I encourage every diplomacy student to download Adobe and take the time to read it online). Determined to implement this new doctrine in Iraq, Petraeus brought in an entirely new war-team staffed with some of our most intelligent counterinsurgency theorists: Lt. General Raymond Odierno, Colonel J.R. McMaster, Colonel Sean MacFarland, Colonel David Sutherland, Colonel Rick Gibbs, and others all espoused a new confidence and credo.

Their strategy was in many ways the antithesis to the Casey-Abizaid strategy of 2003-2006: politics does not precede security – protection precedes politics. Iraq’s slow but beautiful democratization of 2004-2006 was necessary, but not sufficient. Neither parliamentary elections, nor greater Sunni political participation, nor passed constitutional referendums changed the conditions on the ground. Violence continued unabated; in fact, it got worse. Petraeus offered an alternative to the politicos in Washington, who insisted the magic wand would come in the form of trifurcating the country, or an oil-sharing deal, or some other abstract “agreement.”

Rather, securing Iraqi territory was now to be done by abjectly securing territory. All of the other necessary but insufficient variables – reconciliation, nonsectarianism, liberalization, economic connectivity, reconstruction, etc. – were to now come after the necessary and irreplaceable responsibility of the U.S. to protect the Iraqi populace; to provide as a militia for those who had no militia. This required greater contact with the population, which meant getting out of our bases and spreading across those dangerous urban streets Lt. General Chiarelli warned Mr. Bush about. Any sustainable partnership with the Iraqi people necessitated a “surge” – hence its moniker, the surge – of an additional five Army combat brigades (or roughly 21,500 soldiers) to secure Baghdad. Anbar and the “wild west” provinces would see new Marine battalions (or upwards of 4,000 leathernecks).

The pendulum began to swing the moment the Iraqi population communally decided who they felt should win. Counterinsurgencies, after all, are won by the indigenous. The British never would have succeeded in Malaysia or Oman without support from the natives. The U.S. never would have quelled the 1902-1913 Filipino insurrection without the help of the Philippine Constabulary. But in Iraq, it was not possible to rally the masses against foreign intrusion – and by “foreign,” I mean Salafist and Khomeinist, not Western – until the Iraqi citizenry, Sunni and Shi’a, felt secure enough to stick their collective necks out for our common behalf.

The surge was not designed to simply throw more numbers at the problem or to “rearrange chairs on the deck of the Titanic,” as one commentator phrased it. The fundamental rules of engagement were in flux. Unlike the whack-a-mole practice of yesteryear, the newly arrived infantry reinforcements now allowed the U.S. to first clear territory of insurgents, and then hold it for perpetuity. Once urban security had been established, rebuilding infrastructure, generating economic opportunity, and fostering grass-roots compromise and reconciliation – all impossible under the yoke of Islamist intimidation – were capable of moving forward.

Domestically, the idea had its fair share of critics. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) condemned the plan, concluding “We have overestimated what (our) military can achieve.” Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) concurred, stating “Our troops today are an impediment… towards reaching a political solution in Iraq.” Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) proclaimed “the president’s plan for more troops will make matters worse in Iraq.” Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), and Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) all co-sponsored a non-binding resolution saying it is “not in the national interest of the United States to deepen its military involvement in Iraq.”

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell agreed, admitting he was not “persuaded that another surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes of suppressing (the) communitarian violence, (the) civil war, will work.” Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) declared “this war is lost and the surge is not accomplishing anything,” three months before the troop-reinforcements were actually deployed. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) had a more cynical interpretation, suggesting the surge was solely about deploying “enough kids” to get their “heads blown off for the president’s amusement.” Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) felt that “the strategy that is being put forth… inspires skepticism for good reason.”

Skepticism is a healthy characteristic in any circumstance, but reverse-propagandizing oneself at the moment of a seemingly improbable battlefield turnaround is a strange phenomenon. But it is sadly not uncommon. House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) would go on to worry that positive developments in Iraq, and an upbeat war report to Congress by General Petraeus, would constitute “a real big problem for us” – the “us” being the politicians who opposed it all along.

From the get-go, Petraeus preached patience, warning it could take anywhere between 12 to 18 months to see even a modicum of positive change on the ground. Yet no such time was needed. The very idea of a war-weary, tired coalition upping the ante, escalating force-levels, and promising to beef up its omnipresence in Jihadist sanctuary cities served as a wonderful psychological blow to the broader insurgent movement across the theater. Could it be that after years of unyielding misery and death, the United States and enlisted Iraqi tribesmen and servicemen were beginning to out-persevere al Qaeda in its war of attrition?

It has only been a few months since the surge has been in full effect, and thus far, the results are empirical and speak for themselves. Terrorist attacks in and around Baghdad have dropped some 60%, and attacks are down 80% countrywide. Car bomb fatalities are down by over 80%, whereas overall casualties from insurgent assaults are down by about 77%. Iraqi civilians, specifically, have seen an 88% decrease in fatalities per month since a peak during last year’s sectarian spats. U.S. casualties have been on a steep decline for months.

The vast and hostile province of Anbar, which the Marine Corps uncharacteristically declared “lost” to al Qaeda in 2006, is now almost entirely pacified. Ramadi has been cleared of all al Qaeda, and Fallujah and Karmah are free of terrorist thuggery as well. Baqubah has been cleared of Jihadists and violence has gone down remarkably. After high tea with Colonel Sean MacFarland, some 28 out of Anbar’s 31 tribes – the so-called “Anbar Awakening” – decided to flip against al Qaeda and side with the United States and Iraqi government. Tens of thousands of Anbar tribesmen – most former insurgents – are now embedded with Marine battalions. Over 12,000 new Anbaris have joined the Iraqi security forces, and over 60,000 Iraqi civilians have established “concerned citizen” patrols across the country – many of which are joint Sunni-Shi’ite initiatives.

Sunni and Shi’a elders in Baghdad recently signed an agreement to end sectarian violence and cease all attacks on U.S. forces. Sheikhs from Anbar are meeting with sheikhs from Karbala province to discuss joint-security operations. Diyala tribal goodwill is a case study on conflict-resolution if there ever was one. The opaque cities of Kirkuk and Samarra no longer act as safe havens for al Qaedists; they too have been pacified. Whereas in the past we would stay in our forward operating bases, since Petraeus took over, the U.S. has been able to chase fleeing insurgents from village to village. Dora, Ameriyah, and other once no-go Baghdad neighborhoods are now patrolled by newly arrived U.S. Army units.Over five dozen Joint Security Stations (JSS) have been established by U.S. and Iraqi units (another 60 or so more are to follow). The abundance of JSS posts augments the amount of “tips” the populace gives us, and as a result anti-IED and anti-EFP sweeps are now being conducted massively and unlike ever before.

Iraqi refugees are going home in droves. Economic connectivity and reconstruction are reaching parts of Iraq for the first time. Some semblance of city nightlife is returning. Our enemies in Iraq, diverse all, are feeling the heat. Muqtada al Sadr – either rebel punk or Khomeini incarnate, still to be determined – is quickly losing control of his top brass, as well as his populist support. At the beginning of the year, he fled to Tehran for months without warning, only to return looking weak and feebly declaring a ceasefire with the United States.

But it is his Shi’a brethren who have grown tired of his antics. Iraqi security forces in Diwaniyah recently launched Operation Lion’s Leap to tackle the gangsterism of his Mahdi militia. The 5th Brigade of the Iraqi military, recently graduated from Besmaya, teamed up with the Iraqis’ 8th Division, 1st Brigade, and a brigade from the 9th Division and have, to date, captured 74 members of the Sadrist army (including Shakir Katkoun, Sadr’s top henchmen), along the way killing dozens of Mahdi guerrillas and finding large caches of Iran-manufactured weapons.

An Iraqi court in Diwaniyah has sentenced 17 members of the militia to death for killing Iraqi soldiers. The groundswell opposition to Mahdi murderers is extending throughout the country, as well. A businessman in the Shi’ite Baghdad neighborhood of Ur has been quoted stating “Everything is changing...Now in our area for the first time everyone (will) say, ‘To hell with the Mahdi Army.’”

The fat, perspiring Muqtada is not the only Iranian puppet with his back against the wall. Since January 2007, when the administration finally (after almost four years) expanded the rules of engagement to allow countering Iranians in Iraq, the U.S. and Iraqis have accumulated mounting evidence to discover just precisely how much the mullahs have been involved in the insurgency. Testimony and forensic evidence has been plentiful. Ali Mussa Dakdouk, Ali al Khazaali, Qais al Kazaali, and many others – senior members of Lebanese Hezbollah, mind you – had infiltrated Iraq (on the orders of Tehran); they were “training between 20 and 60 Iraqis at a time,” with the assistance of the Quds Force (which answers directly to Ayatollah Khamenei); they had worked with Sadr and others; and they had inflicted death and devastating carnage on Americans in places like Karbala. Now, for the first time, Central Command had the go-ahead to capture and actually detain these individuals. Shahriar Ahy, an Iranian entrepreneur who helped Iraq build its new broadcasting networks in the post-Saddam era, says in Tehran, “they are now referring to the United States as the Mar-rouve Domesh Vastadeh – the Cobra on his tail.”

The Sunni insurrection, financed by windfall Saudi petrodollars, is also largely dissipated. After battling the strongest military in the world for more than three years, and thereby restoring the perceived lost honor of the Ba’ath’s three-week trounce, the clansmen of Iraq decided they did not, alas, want their daughters marrying the al Qaeda guests they so begrudgingly hosted. Somehow, someway, we proved we would both out-last the native insurgents, and, unlike the al Qaeda outsiders, leave when the time came. Documents recently recovered from senior al Qaeda leader Abu Usama al Tunisi depict an organization on the run, rapidly running out of places to operate and hide. Brigadier General Joseph Anderson quoted al Tunisi, who whined that “he is surrounded, communications have been cut, and he is desperate for help.”

Nothing is permanent – especially in such a volatile region – but it seems were are in fact on the cusp of handing both al Qaeda and the Islamic Republic of Iran substantial battlefield humiliations. Certainly it should be recognized that this counts for at least something. Judging from where we were just twelve months ago, this is as astounding as it was unanticipated. But this wartime uncertainty is not uncommon in American history. It is a mistruth to believe most conflicts are easy to predict early on, that they are either quickly identified as fruitless (like Vietnam), or a sure success (like Bosnia).

To the contrary, most wars – particularly those of attrition – exhibit an uneasy back-and-forth pendulum, which alters the domestic political scene with the pulse of the battlefield. The White House was torched in August 1814, yet four months later the Red Coats were overpowered in New Orleans. Lincoln was a lame duck loser in the summer of 1864, certain for defeat in war and at the ballot box; before, of course, General Sherman took Atlanta and saved the Union. The once-revered Douglas MacArthur oversaw the largest retreat in U.S. history and left the peninsula in shame; his replacement, Ridgeway, pushed the Chinese back to the 38th parallel and ensured over a half-century of South Korean autonomy.

“There is no military solution in Iraq” had become our ad usum proprium, a pathetic refrain most “regional experts” resorted to when explaining away the consequences of their unwise propositions. In war, there is only a military solution; that is, if one views war through the Clausewitzian prism as an extension of politics by other means. It is disingenuous to cast aside the large tactical attainments the military is making against the Jihadists in Iraq simply because the Iraqis have not crafted a top-bottom “political solution.” Those who shrugged off the constitutional progress of 2004-2006 were spry to remind us all that such democratization did not temper the insurrection.

But now, with a sustainable peace seeming more probable, many are redefining victory as the Iraqis agreeing to pass a particular piece legislature. That is all well and good –– and can only help the cause of an Iraqi peace in the long run –– but an oil deal or an agreement on federalism alone is not going to “win the war.” This premise views the conflict through the wrong context, as a civil and ethnic problem requiring trifurcation –– not as the vortex of a regional conflagration which will endure well beyond the final outcome in Iraq.

So here we stand, in the once highly unlikely position of creating our own realities in the tragedy that has been this Iraq war. What has been born of this? The perception-is-reality mantra has become a truism. Had the United States left Iraq without first visibly quelling the insurgency, the Arab street and Pentagon war-gamers alike would have walked away from this conflict with two increasingly similar impressions: the United States could never again permit itself to enter the domain of sustained asymmetrical intrastate combat. We would be forever granting our opponents veto power over our deployments, based upon something as banal as four years of persistent petty small arms fire. Au contraire to the snarls and snipes of cave-hopping men in robes, a degeneration of U.S. national will, and a lack of domestic confidence in military proficiency, would have been exceedingly detrimental to international stability.

Rather, we are witnessing the birth of a new indispensable doctrine, as well as the ascension of brilliant field officers, who, soon to come off the hardest and unlikeliest of victories, will go on to lead this finest of institutions for a generation or more. Occasionally some still gripe that Iraq served as a cause célèbre for the bin Ladenists. Rather, we are more likely to view Iraq as Salafism’s first own personal Middle Eastern cemetery; they chose to fight us there, and in doing so, and in losing, they sewed the seeds of their own discrediting. Al Qaida ended up somehow managing to come across as looking both cruel and weak. And in the Arab world, that’s suicide (no pun intended).

The Sunni “awakening” in Anbar represents yet another birth, the creation of a new Sunni body politic aside from ex-Ba’athists and Tariq Hashemi’s Islamist bloc. In all of Iraq’s demographic inquiries, this war has taught the West something Arabs already knew perfectly well: it is ultimately the tribes, not the clerics, which hold final sway in Iraqi polity. Thirty years of dictatorship, war, and sanctions destroyed Iraqi political infrastructure, persuading Iraqis of all sects to turn to their most basic attachments of locality. This interpretation of identity is non-ideological, and by default less prone to exploitation by sectarians and xenophobes running for office. The next Iraqi elections will be far different, and the fact that there will be “next” elections, and that this is no longer seen as implausible but rather commonplace, still amazes me.

The argument is no longer “can we win” but rather if victory will be worth the aggregate costs, and as James Clyburn stated, this poses as a “problem” for some. This is all very tangible. How can one explain away actuality? The narrative has changed for the better and those who challenged the wisdom of an eleventh hour escalation are slowly inserting their collective feet in their collective mouths. You can almost feel the triangulation occurring by the hour, as politicians of all stripes posture themselves into an expedient façade. Those who opposed ending the Hussein crime family’s grasp on Iraqi society, for whatever reasons they held and still may hold, should still take delight in this turn of events. We must study this moment and understand why it happened. Investing one’s own personal vindication in an unsuccessful outcome is reactionary and shortsighted. The only chance for a peaceful Iraq is for these current trends to continue. Let’s hope they do.

">http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/global.php?id=1385861>

-- December 14, 2007 10:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

IQD 700 Billion for Basra Redevelopment

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced on Wednesday that the federal government has approved a IQD 700 billion (US$ 575m) reconstruction package for the city of Basra, to include an investment fund, in addition to proposals to demilitarize the city and an oil subsidy.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2007 10:18 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

14 Dec 2007 15:36:00
Embassy role
US Embassy assumes no role in IAF-Gov. talks, says spokeswoman
Baghdad (NINA)- The spokeswoman for the US embassy in Baghdad has denied any role for the embassy in the negotiations between the Iraqi Accord Front and the Iraqi government, over the IAF resigning ministers' return to the cabinet.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2007 10:19 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Off Topic! Off Topic! Off Topic! More information regarding Global warming.
____________________________________________________________

Attention News, Political, Science and Environment Editors:

Foundations of Bali climate conference condemned by leading experts
UN Climate Change Conference based on flawed science and economics

BALI, Indonesia and OTTAWA, Dec. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - An open letter to the
United Nations Secretary-General characterizes attempts to prevent global
climate change as "futile" and "a tragic misallocation of resources that would
be better spent on humanity's real and pressing problems."

Endorsed by more than 100 independent scientists, engineers and
economists who work in the field of climate change, the open letter calls on
world leaders to abandon the goal of 'stopping climate change' and focus
instead on helping nations become resilient to natural changes by promoting
environmentally-responsible economic growth.

The signatories to the letter include many distinguished professional
persons who have occupied leading positions in national and international
science organizations, government organizations and universities, and have
been elected as fellows of distinguished scientific academies or awarded
prestigious science prizes.

These endorsers emphasize that the reports of the UN's Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are an "inadequate" foundation on which to base
policies that will markedly diminish future prosperity. The IPCC reports do
not reflect many of the most recent peer-reviewed findings in climate science,
discoveries that shed serious doubt on the increasingly improbable hypothesis
that human carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are having a significant impact on
global climate.

The writers of the open letter detail some of the serious science
misrepresentations in the IPCC summaries for policymakers, call attention to
the outdated nature of some IPCC conclusions, and assert that balanced
economic analyses do not support measures to restrict energy consumption for
the purpose of diminishing CO2 emissions. The signatories further explain
that, because attempts to drastically cut CO2 emissions will slow development,
the current UN approach of curbing CO2 emissions is likely to increase human
suffering from future climate change rather than to decrease it.
(http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/December2007/13/c2742.html)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2007 10:25 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Off Topic!
______________________________
Open Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Dec. 13, 2007

His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon

Secretary-General, United Nations

New York, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Secretary-General,

Re: UN climate conference taking the World in entirely the wrong direction

It is not possible to stop climate change, a natural phenomenon that has affected humanity through the ages. Geological, archaeological, oral and written histories all attest to the dramatic challenges posed to past societies from unanticipated changes in temperature, precipitation, winds and other climatic variables. We therefore need to equip nations to become resilient to the full range of these natural phenomena by promoting economic growth and wealth generation.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued increasingly alarming conclusions about the climatic influences of human-produced carbon dioxide (CO2), a non-polluting gas that is essential to plant photosynthesis. While we understand the evidence that has led them to view CO2 emissions as harmful, the IPCC's conclusions are quite inadequate as justification for implementing policies that will markedly diminish future prosperity. In particular, it is not established that it is possible to significantly alter global climate through cuts in human greenhouse gas emissions. On top of which, because attempts to cut emissions will slow development, the current UN approach of CO2 reduction is likely to increase human suffering from future climate change rather than to decrease it.

The IPCC Summaries for Policy Makers are the most widely read IPCC reports amongst politicians and non-scientists and are the basis for most climate change policy formulation. Yet these Summaries are prepared by a relatively small core writing team with the final drafts approved line-by-line

by ­government ­representatives. The great ­majority of IPCC contributors and ­reviewers, and the tens of thousands of other scientists who are qualified to comment on these matters, are not involved in the preparation of these documents. The summaries therefore cannot properly be represented as a consensus view among experts.

Contrary to the impression left by the IPCC Summary reports:

z Recent observations of phenomena such as glacial retreats, sea-level rise and the migration of temperature-sensitive species are not evidence for abnormal climate change, for none of these changes has been shown to lie outside the bounds of known natural variability.

z The average rate of warming of 0.1 to 0. 2 degrees Celsius per decade recorded by satellites during the late 20th century falls within known natural rates of warming and cooling over the last 10,000 years.

z Leading scientists, including some senior IPCC representatives, acknowledge that today's computer models cannot predict climate. Consistent with this, and despite computer projections of temperature rises, there has been no net global warming since 1998. That the current temperature plateau follows a late 20th-century period of warming is consistent with the continuation today of natural multi-decadal or millennial climate cycling.

In stark contrast to the often repeated assertion that the science of climate change is "settled," significant new peer-reviewed research has cast even more doubt on the hypothesis of dangerous human-caused global warming. But because IPCC working groups were generally instructed (see http://ipcc-wg1.ucar.edu/wg1/docs/wg1_timetable_2006-08-14.pdf) to consider work published only through May, 2005, these important findings are not included in their reports; i.e., the IPCC assessment reports are already materially outdated.

The UN climate conference in Bali has been planned to take the world along a path of severe CO2 restrictions, ignoring the lessons apparent from the failure of the Kyoto Protocol, the chaotic nature of the European CO2 trading market, and the ineffectiveness of other costly initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Balanced cost/benefit analyses provide no support for the introduction of global measures to cap and reduce energy consumption for the purpose of restricting CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it is irrational to apply the "precautionary principle" because many scientists recognize that both climatic coolings and warmings are realistic possibilities over the medium-term future.

The current UN focus on "fighting climate change," as illustrated in the Nov. 27 UN Development Programme's Human Development Report, is distracting governments from adapting to the threat of inevitable natural climate changes, whatever forms they may take. National and international planning for such changes is needed, with a focus on helping our most vulnerable citizens adapt to conditions that lie ahead. Attempts to prevent global climate change from occurring are ultimately futile, and constitute a tragic misallocation of resources that would be better spent on humanity's real and pressing problems.

Yours faithfully,

[List of signatories]

(http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=164002)

Enclosed, are the list of signatories:

Leading scientists, engineers and economists active in research of climate-related areas who signed the open letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Don Aitkin, PhD, Professor, social scientist, retired Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Canberra, Australia

Syun-Ichi Akasofu, PhD, Professor of Physics, Emeritus and Founding Director, International Arctic Research Center of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, U.S.

William J.R. Alexander, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Member, UN Scientific and Technical Committee on Natural Disasters, 1994-2000

Bjarne Andresen, PhD, physicist, Professor, The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Geoff L. Austin, PhD, FNZIP, FRSNZ, Professor, Dept. of Physics, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Timothy F. Ball, PhD, environmental consultant, former climatology professor, University of Winnipeg, Canada

Ernst-Georg Beck, Dipl. Biol., Biologist, Merian-Schule Freiburg, Germany

Sonja A. Boehmer-Christiansen, PhD, Reader, Dept. of Geography, Hull University, UK; Editor, Energy & Environment journal

Chris C. Borel, PhD, remote sensing scientist, U.S.

Reid A. Bryson, Ph.D. D.Sc. D.Engr., UNEP Global 500 Laureate; Senior Scientist, Center for Climatic Research; Emeritus Professor of Meteorology, of Geography, and of Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, U.S.

Dan Carruthers, M.Sc., wildlife biology consultant specializing in animal ecology in Arctic and Subarctic regions, Alberta, Canada

Robert M. Carter, PhD, Professor, Marine Geophysical Laboratory, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia

Ian D. Clark, PhD, Professor, isotope hydrogeology and paleoclimatology, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada

Richard S. Courtney, PhD, climate and atmospheric science consultant, IPCC expert reviewer, U.K.

Willem de Lange, PhD, Dept. of Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Science and Engineering, Waikato University, New Zealand

David Deming, PhD (Geophysics), Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma, U.S.

Freeman J. Dyson, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Physics, Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton, N.J., U.S.

Don J. Easterbrook, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Geology, Western Washington University, U.S.

Lance Endersbee, Emeritus Professor, former Dean of Engineering and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Monasy University, Australia

Hans Erren, Doctorandus, geophysicist and climate specialist, Sittard, The Netherlands

Robert H. Essenhigh, PhD, E.G. Bailey Professor of Energy Conversion, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University, U.S.

Christopher Essex, PhD, Professor of Applied Mathematics and Associate Director of the Program in Theoretical Physics, University of Western Ontario, Canada

David Evans, PhD, mathematician, carbon accountant, computer and electrical engineer and head of 'Science Speak', Australia

William Evans, PhD, Editor, American Midland Naturalist; Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, U.S.

Stewart Franks, PhD, Associate Professor, Hydroclimatologist, University of Newcastle, Australia

R. W. Gauldie, PhD, Research Professor, Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, School of Ocean Earth Sciences and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa

Lee C. Gerhard, PhD, Senior Scientist Emeritus, University of Kansas; former director and state geologist, Kansas Geological Survey, U.S.

Gerhard Gerlich, Professor for Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, Institut für Mathematische Physik der TU Braunschweig, Germany

Albrecht Glatzle, PhD, sc.agr., Agro-Biologist and Gerente ejecutivo, INTTAS, Paraguay

Fred Goldberg, PhD, Adj Professor, Royal Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Stockholm, Sweden

Vincent Gray, PhD, expert reviewer for the IPCC and author of The Greenhouse Delusion: A Critique of 'Climate Change 2001,' Wellington, New Zealand

William M. Gray, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University and Head of the Tropical Meteorology Project, U.S.

Howard Hayden, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Physics, University of Connecticut, U.S.

Louis Hissink M.Sc. M.A.I.G., Editor AIG News and Consulting Geologist, Perth, Western Australia

Craig D. Idso, PhD, Chairman, Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change, Arizona, U.S.

Sherwood B. Idso, PhD, President, Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change, AZ, USA

Andrei Illarionov, PhD, Senior Fellow, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, U.S.; founder and director of the Institute of Economic Analysis, Russia

Zbigniew Jaworowski, PhD, physicist, Chairman - Scientific Council of Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection, Warsaw, Poland

Jon Jenkins, PhD, MD, computer modelling - virology, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Wibjorn Karlen, PhD, Emeritus Professor, Dept. of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, Sweden

Olavi Kärner, Ph.D., Research Associate, Dept. of Atmospheric Physics, Institute of Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics, Toravere, Estonia

Joel M. Kauffman, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, U.S.

David Kear, PhD, FRSNZ, CMG, geologist, former Director-General of NZ Dept. of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Zealand

Madhav Khandekar, PhD, former Research Scientist Environment Canada; Editor "Climate Research” (03-05); Editorial Board Member "Natural Hazards, IPCC Expert Reviewer 2007

William Kininmonth M.Sc., M.Admin., former head of Australia’s National Climate Centre and a consultant to the World Meteorological organization’s Commission for Climatology

Jan J.H. Kop, M.Sc. Ceng FICE (Civil Engineer Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers), Emeritus Professor of Public Health Engineering, Technical University Delft, The Netherlands

Professor R.W.J. Kouffeld, Emeritus Professor, Energy Conversion, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Salomon Kroonenberg, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Geotechnology, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Hans H.J. Labohm, PhD, economist, former advisor to the executive board, Clingendael Institute (The Netherlands Institute of International Relations), The Netherlands

The Rt. Hon. Lord Lawson of Blaby, economist; Chairman of the Central Europe Trust; former Chancellor of the Exchequer, U.K.

Douglas Leahey, PhD, meteorologist and air-quality consultant, Calgary, Canada

David R. Legates, PhD, Director, Center for Climatic Research, University of Delaware, U.S.

Marcel Leroux, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Climatology, University of Lyon, France; former director of Laboratory of Climatology, Risks and Environment, CNRS

Bryan Leyland, International Climate Science Coalition, consultant - power engineer, Auckland, New Zealand

William Lindqvist, PhD, consulting geologist and company director, Tiburon, California, U.S.

Richard S. Lindzen, PhD, Alfred P. Sloan Professor of Meteorology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.

A.J. Tom van Loon, PhD, Professor of Geology (Quaternary Geology), Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland; former President of the European Association of Science Editors

Anthony R. Lupo, PhD, Associate Professor of Atmospheric Science, Dept. of Soil, Environmental, and Atmospheric Science, University of Missouri-Columbia, U.S.

Richard Mackey, PhD, Statistician, Australia

Horst Malberg, PhD, Professor for Meteorology and Climatology, Institut für Meteorologie, Berlin, Germany

John Maunder, PhD, Climatologist, former President of the Commission for Climatology of the World Meteorological Organization (89-97), New Zealand

Alister McFarquhar, PhD, international economist, Downing College, Cambridge, U.K.

Ross McKitrick, PhD, Associate Professor, Dept. of Economics, University of Guelph, Canada

John McLean, Climate Data Analyst, computer scientist, Melbourne, Australia

Owen McShane, B. Arch., Master of City and Regional Planning (UC Berkeley), economist and policy analyst, joint founder of the International Climate Science Coalition, Director - Centre for Resource Management Studies, New Zealand

Fred Michel, PhD, Director, Institute of Environmental Sciences and Associate Professor of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, Canada

Frank Milne, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Economics, Queen's University, Canada

Asmunn Moene, PhD, former head of the Forecasting Centre, Meteorological Institute, Norway

Alan Moran, PhD, Energy Economist, Director of the IPA's Deregulation Unit, Australia

Nils-Axel Morner, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Paleogeophysics & Geodynamics, Stockholm University, Sweden

Lubos Motl, PhD, physicist, former Harvard string theorist, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

John Nicol, PhD, physicist, James Cook University, Australia

Mr. David Nowell, M.Sc., Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, former chairman of the NATO Meteorological Group, Ottawa, Canada

James J. O'Brien, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Meteorology and Oceanography, Florida State University, U.S.

Cliff Ollier, PhD, Professor Emeritus (Geology), Research Fellow, University of Western Australia

Garth W. Paltridge, PhD, atmospheric physicist, Emeritus Professor and former Director of the Institute of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

R. Timothy Patterson, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Earth Sciences (paleoclimatology), Carleton University, Canada

Al Pekarek, PhD, Associate Professor of Geology, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Dept., St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, U.S.

Ian Plimer, PhD, Professor of Geology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide and Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia

Brian Pratt, PhD, Professor of Geology, Sedimentology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Harry N.A. Priem, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Planetary Geology and Isotope Geophysics, Utrecht University; former director of the Netherlands Institute for Isotope Geosciences

Alex Robson, PhD, Economics, Australian National University

Colonel F.P.M. Rombouts, Branch Chief - Safety, Quality and Environment, Royal Netherlands Air Force

R.G. Roper, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Sciences, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.

Arthur Rorsch, PhD, Emeritus Professor, Molecular Genetics, Leiden University, The Netherlands

Rob Scagel, M.Sc., forest microclimate specialist, principal consultant, Pacific Phytometric Consultants, B.C., Canada

Tom V. Segalstad, PhD, (Geology/Geochemistry), Head of the Geological Museum and Associate Professor of Resource and Environmental Geology, University of Oslo, Norway

Gary D. Sharp, PhD, Center for Climate/Ocean Resources Study, Salinas, CA, U.S.

S. Fred Singer, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia and former director, U.S. Weather Satellite Service

L. Graham Smith, PhD, Associate Professor, Dept. of Geography, University of Western Ontario, Canada

Roy W. Spencer, PhD, climatologist, Principal Research Scientist, Earth System Science Center, The University of Alabama, Huntsville, U.S.

Peter Stilbs, TeknD, Professor of Physical Chemistry, Research Leader, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm, Sweden

Hendrik Tennekes, PhD, former Director of Research, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute

Dick Thoenes, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands

Brian G Valentine, PhD, PE (Chem.), Technology Manager - Industrial Energy Efficiency, Adjunct Associate Professor of Engineering Science, University of Maryland at College Park; Dept of Energy, Washington, DC, U.S.

Gerrit J. van der Lingen, PhD, geologist and paleoclimatologist, climate change consultant, Geoscience Research and Investigations, New Zealand

Len Walker, PhD, power engineering, Pict Energy, Melbourne, Australia

Edward J. Wegman, Bernard J. Dunn Professor, Department of Statistics and Department Computational and Data Sciences, George Mason University, Virginia, U.S.

Stephan Wilksch, PhD, Professor for Innovation and Technology Management, Production Management and Logistics, University of Technology and Economics Berlin, Germany

Boris Winterhalter, PhD, senior marine researcher (retired), Geological Survey of Finland, former professor in marine geology, University of Helsinki, Finland

David E. Wojick, PhD, P.Eng., UN IPCC Expert Reviewer, energy consultant, Virginia, U.S.

Raphael Wust, PhD, Lecturer, Marine Geology/Sedimentology, James Cook University, Australia

A. Zichichi, PhD, President of the World Federation of Scientists, Geneva, Switzerland; Emeritus Professor of Advanced Physics, University of Bologna, Italy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2007 10:28 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Rob,
Nothing meant by my comment, OK

Watched a program about the troops fight for Saddams Palace in Basra

It was film that the troops took themselves, with their phones and digi vids

It looked bad, and has only got better since the troops pulled out
and left the Iraqi's to sort themselves out

If they could drag their heads out of their arse holes and stop killing
each other, and playing silly sods, then we will see things getting better a lot faster
Stay lucky, Steve.

-- December 14, 2007 3:26 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Heavy Taliban losses in Musa Qala

Kabul (13 December) - The Afghan Ministry of Defence says that hundreds of Taliban soldiers have been killed, wounded or taken prisoner in the fighting in and around the Afghan town of Musa Qala.

Musa Qala was the only town in the country to be occupied by the Taliban. It was re-taken by the Afghan military and NATO troops on Tuesday, after several days of heavy fighting.

The British newspaper The Times is reporting that the fleeing Taliban have left behind a fortune in opium, worth approximately 200 million euros.

http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5558515/Heavy-Taliban-losses-in-Musa-Qala

-- December 14, 2007 5:10 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,

Press Release: Iraq completed early repayment of entire outstanding obligations to the IMF

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2007/pr07288.htm

This can only be good news, stay lucky, Steve.

-- December 14, 2007 7:44 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi all,

Are in the midst of making preparations for going to Iraq, and have quite a pile of paper licenses, passports , finger printing, background checks and other things to care about, and my visit here unfortunately must be somewhat sporadic.

Can see that the jewel and nugget of the month was delivered by Steve.

This might not seem to be a MSM affair, and will probably be relegated to the back sides in boring financial news magazines, or made into short notices, or only brief articles in other media.

Iraq to pay off early any IMF obligation.

THIS my friends means that even though Iraq is still bound by international currency laws, they are getting rid of the master of the house.

When you don't owe you don't have a master.

The original plan was to pay all the obligations in still a couple of years, but the Iraqis have decided to pay off early.

With other words, they want to get rid of people or organizations that (with good intent of course) wants to run the Iraqi economy.

As long as the Iraqis owed, they had to adhere to this "stand by agreement" that basically says, "-As long as you owe, us, we will run the show...for you".

The interesting thing is, that the Iraqis have voluntarily shortened the period, by a very early "pay out".

The World Bank(WB) have placed a couple of people in Baghdad, and the CBI and the Finance Ministry are probably by this time completely sick and tired of them coming around and trying to run the place.

This means that the CBI will be on a very independent footing, and can address financial and economical situations as they see fit, not as a couple of kids think, from the US, that had two semesters in economics between their binge drinking sessions in College.

This means that the Iraqis can ....for example ...RV, and they can RV because THEY want it.

There is a reason the Iraqis see the current "stand by agreement" as a hindrance nowadays, and are eager to get out of it as quick as possible.

The whole Iraqi nation is right now in a very good spot, right in the beginning of big things (delayed because of insurgency) to come.

This following year, will probably be one of the most dramatic change in Iraq that have ever been, and there are no turning back.

Iraq have grown out of the condition of having to be mastered, and led in the hand with every footstep, being told what to do, and given programs that have to be followed.

This early payment of all the IMF obligations show that the Iraqis are serious about making their situation better, and in the process, making a point of making sure it is done their way.

It can be said that this is also one way of clearly stating who is the master of the house.

It is not a sign that they will RV, they might or might not, but they are putting themselves in a condition where they easily CAN RV.

-- December 14, 2007 11:22 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sara,

Thank you for you nice reply and Merry Christmas to you.

I have not left Florida as of yet. A snow storm is delaying my departure in the Middle easterned states. My family is planning on leaving on Sunday morning for Ohio. Hopefully, this will put us behind the snow storm.

It is nice to hear that Carl is ok and doing well.

I am somewhat worried about Roger's well-being (His taking a new job in Iraq and all.).

Roger,

I noted you have just written. Hopefully, you can write me at: LLPParker at Aol.Com and let me know the details of your Iraq decision. I am deeply concerned about your safety in going there. I know security is improving, however, I am not certain that security is totally under control at this moment in time.

I am thinking that you must know something about this safety issue that I do not. Please write to me and let me know what brought this decision to fruitation.

Also, an e-mail address would be good too from you.

All,

Again, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and many blessings for the new year!

Laura Parker

-- December 15, 2007 11:51 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Roger,

It is good to hear from you. However, I am concerned about your plans to go to Iraq. This country is not yet secured as far as the security situation as of yet. Unless you know something I do not, I am very concerned about your safety over there. Please write me at: LLPParker at Aol.Com and share with me about what brought all of this up for you and how it is that you can reasonably secure your safety in Iraq. Oh, and another thing, "Are you going to learn Arabic for this new assignment?".

I too noted the positive development of Iraq paying off it's debt early. I am of the same opinion as you on this matter. I think they are setting themselves up to be in the best position to RV.

Oh, and another item of interest to you and me, "Did you note the recent U.S. intellence report on Iran? The one saying that Iran is not seeking atomic weapons?. I personally do not believe it. I go along with Ambassor Bolton. He does not believe it either. I kind of think, President Bush allowed it's release to leasen anxiety about the USA bombing Iran, to allow oil prices to come down and to also allow him and his staff to plan a surprize attack of Iran's nuclear facilities. It a hunch I have.

Well anyway, write to me when you get time.

Sara,

Thank you for you nice reply to my inquires.

My family and I have delayed our trip to Ohio due to a winter snow storm over Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee regions. We are also concerned about Ice and sleet. We are hoping our delay will place us behind the storm in our travels.

Again, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very blessed new year. Write to me when you can. Ok?. I will keep a watch out for your mail.

Laura Parker

-- December 16, 2007 12:14 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Sorry about double postings. I thought, I lost the first posting as the computer did not acknowledge that it was posted and it did not appear on the blog.

I subsquencely rewrote my comments!

Laura Parker

-- December 16, 2007 12:21 AM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

Iraqis swap dollars for dinars as confidence and families flood back http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3054267.ece

-- December 16, 2007 6:04 PM ∞

---

ahire wrote:

This is too true to be very funny

The next time you hear a politician use the
word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about
whether you want the 'politicians' spending
YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,
but one advertising agency did a good job of
putting that figure into some perspective in
one of its releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were
living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and
20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division . . Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number, what does it mean?

A. Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of
New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you
each get $516,528.

B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in
New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family
gets $2,066,012.

Washington, D.C .. HELLO!!! ... Are all your calculators broken??

Tax his land,
Tax his wage,
Tax his bed in which he lays.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes is the rule.
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirts,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.

Tax his booze,
Tax his beers,
If he cries,
Tax his tears.

Tax his bills,
Tax his gas,
Tax his notes,
Tax his cash.

Tax him good and let him know
That after taxes, he has no dough.

If he hollers,
Tax h im more,
Tax hi m until he's good and sore.

Tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he lays.
Put these words upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me to my doom!'

And when he's gone,
We won't relax,
We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
F uel Pe rm it Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Tax,
Marriage License Tax,
Medicare Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service charge taxes,
Social Security Tax,
Road Usage Tax (Truckers),
Sales Taxes,
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fe e Tax,
Telephone Federal, State and Local Su rcharge Tax,
Telephone Minimum Usage Su rcharge Tax,
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,
Telephone State and Local Tax,
Telephone Usage Charge Tax,
Utility Tax,
Vehicle License Registration Tax,
Vehicle Sales Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax,
Well Permit Tax,
Workers Compensation Tax.

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'

And I still have to 'press

1' for English.

I hope this goes around TH E
USA at least 100 times

What the heck happened??

-- December 17, 2007 12:09 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

17 Dec 2007 13:41:00
Currency
CBI’s USD sales increase
Baghdad(NINA)-The US dollar sales of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) rose Monday to reach $28,390,000 Monday while they were $10,380,000 last Sunday. The Iraqi dinar price was stable against the USD’s in the sixth auction in a row as IQD selling price was 1216 dianrs per one USD Monday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2007 9:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

US denies backing Turkish raid in Iraq

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

17 December 2007 (Gulf News)
Print article Send to friend
The United States has denied it permitted the Turkish military to carry out deadly air strikes against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq.

Turkey bombed 10 Iraqi villages near the border on Sunday, killing one woman, Iraqi officials said. Kurdish rebels, however, said seven people were killed.

The Turkish military said US "intelligence" aided the operation involving up to 50 planes. The military said only "terrorist" targets were hit.

"But what is more important is that the United States last night opened northern Iraqi airspace to us. By doing that, the United States approved the operation," said Turkey’s most senior general, Yasar Buyukanit.

The US embassy in Iraq said commanders had not approved the attacks, but had been informed before they took place.

The US has urged Turkey to step back from a major operation against the PKK in northern Iraq because it fears military action could destabilize the region.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, hailed the raids a "success" and said his government was determined to use all means to root out Turkish rebels in Iraq.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2007 9:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

For those of you that have accounts at Al-Warka Bank the following may bear watching.

Monday 17th December, 2007

Shady Deals Catch-Up with Al-Bunnia Family

IraqSlogger reported this first a few days ago, but nothing about it made it to the major media outlets even though the story carries serious implications for doing business in Iraq. The Higher Council of the Judiciary has issued arrest warrants for Khalil Bunnia, Sa’adoun Bunnia, and two other members of the Bunnia family as well as one of their managers on the charge of terrorism. Furthermore, the court has instructed Iraqi banks to freeze the assets of the Bunnia family. It should be noted that the Bunnias control the private Al-Warka’ Bank.

The founder of the family’s fortunes had three sons and they established three branches in the Bunnia family: the Abdel-Latif Bunnia branch, the Abdel-Wahhab Bunnia Branch and the Sa’adoun Bunnia branch. The family claims descent from the ‘Ubeid tribe, but they could be of South Asian extraction.

The charge stems from an official inquiry into a murder that occurred on July 10, 2007 in Sadr City in which several members of the Bunnia family are allegedly implicated. This could be the tip of the iceberg since there are many allegations against the Bunnia family, especially against Khalil Bunnia, for his mercantile role as a front for Saddam’s intelligence service, the mukhaberat, especially in Athens. The Bunnias have allegedly maintained their relationships with members of the ex-regime which could account for other allegations of shady wire transfers that may have ended up supporting the insurgency.

The family is decrying these investigations as “sectarian-driven” (the Bunnias are Sunni) and are claiming that it is all part of a shake-down racket involving an investigator called Salim Muheibis.

This is a copy of the order from the Central Bank freezing the Bunnia assets:

Here's the translation:

In the Name of Allah the Merciful
[Republican Logo]
Central Bank of Iraq
General Directorate for Overview of Exchange and Credit
(The Credit Information Sharing Branch)
[handwritten, Issue no. 9/4/3564]
[handwritten, Date December 4, 2007]
To: Banks licensed to perform all exchange [operations]
Subject: Putting the term of “hold”
In reference to the order from the Higher Council of the Judiciary, the Central Investigations Court, Kharkh [District], serialized 10640 and dated on November 14, 2007.
We are listing the full names of the following escaped defendants in whose names an arrest warrant has been issued according to article 4 “Terrorism”; kindly fulfill the decision of this court in their case by freezing their mobile and immobile assets.
1. Saad Sa’adoun Mahmoud Jasim [Bunnia] Mother's Name: Samira Sa’id
2. Khalil Abdel-Wahhab Mahmoud Jasim [Bunnia] Nahideh Ibrahim Rahmani
3. Jasim Abdel-Wahhab Mahmoud Jasim [Bunnia] Nahideh Ibrahim Rahmani
4. Hassan Abdel-Wahhab Mahmoud Jasim [Bunnia] Nahideh Ibrahim Rahmani
5. Abdul-Ghaffar Ahmed Muhammed ____________
Kindly do what is appropriate to execute what was ordered by the decision above and to disseminate this to all your branches and to let us know of that.
With Regards…
[signature]
General Director
For the Overview of Exchange and Credit
Ali Hassan Abu Nayleh
Copy to:
-the Office of the Chairman [of the Central Bank] …
- Higher Council of the Judiciary, the Central Investigations Court, …
The Bunnias have made hundreds of millions of dollars through subcontracting deals with American corporate giants (such as Bechtel) and the US military over the last four years, according to several sources. However, there have been persistent rumors that part of the Bunnia family “style” is to bribe US executives and officials in order to have business diverted their way.

One of the initial goals set for the Higher National Commission for De-Ba’athification was to go after families like the Bunnias who had made a lot of money under the Saddam regime and by performing intelligence services for the latter in order to deny them prosperity in the new Iraq. Yet it seems that the Bunnias seem to have deflected these attempts by “sharing” their good fortune with some Iraqi officials. Other leading targets that seem to have gotten off the hook and have made billions of dollars over the last few years in addition to what they managed to get under Saddam are the Khawwam family, Tariq Al-Abdullah [Al-Halbousi], the Khirbeet family and the Hmayim family.

It should be noted that one of the defendants, Sa'ad Sa'adoun Mahmoud Bunnia, was briefly detained in May 2005. But in October 2006, new arrest warrants were issued for Saad Bunniya in relation to the Hazem Shalan, Ziyad Gattan, and Na'er al-Jumaili Ministry of Defense scandals.

http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2007 2:26 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1072)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1072 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2007/12/17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1216 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1214 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 28.390.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 22.160.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 28.390.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 22.160.000 -----

-- December 18, 2007 7:41 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Last post was yesterday's rate. It was news to me since I have been disengaged.

Will post the new rate IF it shows up

-- December 18, 2007 7:43 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

18 Dec 2007 16:50:00
ISX
ISX ceases sessions for holidays
Baghdad (NINA)- Iraq stock exchange ISX has announced ceasing trading sessions and considering last Sunday's the concluding session of 2007, due to Eid Al-Adha and Christmas holidays. The trading sessions would be resumed after the holidays, said an ISX source Tuesday.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2007 10:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Village takes reconciliation into its own hands

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

Muelha, Iraq, 18 December 2007 (Reuters)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi police Captain Abdul Rahman Al Tamimi lined up the men to give them what he called the first rule on manning a road checkpoint.

"If your father comes here at night. Do not trust him. Frisk him," he said, leaning on his AK-47 automatic rifle.

"No sectarianism at this checkpoint. We are all Iraqis. Your aim is the same aim of the police: Get rid of terrorism."

While the majority of neighbourhood police units across Iraq are made up exclusively from Sunni or Shiites, this unit in the village of Muelha in Babel province south of Baghdad is an unusual example of efforts towards national reconciliation.

The 11 men present, wearing reflective yellow belts and armed with AK-47s, are members of four tribes from the two sects that have been locked in a vicious cycle of tit- for-tat violence that has killed tens of thousands of people.

Their tribal shaikhs say they are fed up with slow progress towards reconciliation by Shiite and Sunni politicians and the fighting between Shiite militias and Sunni Al Qaida gunmen, who have infiltrated their communities to recruit fighters.

Road cutting

Two joint checkpoints were set up in religiously mixed Muelha last week to control a road cutting through crop fields dividing Sunni and Shiite communities in the village. Militants from both sects have been using the road to launch attacks.

"There was some tension that the killings caused," said Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Getchell, commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 502 Infantry Regiment, part of the 3rd Infantry Division Taskforce.

"But I think that them coming together, and manning checkpoints together, has eased some of that tension," he said.

Assassination

US and Iraqi officials credit neighbourhood police units, along with the deployment of 30,000 extra US troops, for a big drop in bloodshed across Iraq in recent months.

In the provinces south of Baghdad, 26,000 men have enrolled in the neighbourhood police patrols. Out of 96 units, only 16 are mixed, while 50 are exclusively Sunni and 30 are Shiite, the US military says.

The incident that led to the creation of the two joint checkpoints in Muelha was the assassination of Emad Al Gertani, a prominent Sunni tribal shaikh more than a month ago by a suspected Al Qaida suicide bomber from a fellow Sunni tribe.

'We are one family'

The killing sparked tension among Sunnis in the village. Some of them also accused Shiite tribes of allowing the assassin to pass through their areas.

"That was a very tense time for the people of Muelha," Getchell told Reuters. "I was very concerned that it would trigger ... [mutual] accusations and violence."

Shortly afterwards, however, tribal leaders from both sects agreed to set up the two joint checkpoints to improve security and stem sectarian tension.

"We are one family. We are Iraqis. No Sunnis and Shiites," said Riyadh Salama, a Sunni, standing at one checkpoint.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2007 10:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

19 Dec 2007 16:15:00
Bombardment
Turkish jet fighters bombard northern Iraq
Baghdad (NINA)- The Turkish military jet fighters renewed bombarding northern Iraq's territories in the border area with Turkey. A source of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan said in a press release that the strikes have targeted Sawsiocan border area in Rawendouz district of Erbil province.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2007 9:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

19 Dec 2007 15:59:00
Meeting
Iraqi forces attain remarkable progress, says Maliki
Baghdad (NINA)- The Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has asserted that Iraq is witnessing remarkable progress and developments, that include in addition to security, economy and public services. During a meeting in Baghdad on Wednesday with Chief of Staff of the US Army Gen. George W. Casey.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2007 9:37 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

UN official says Iraq oil metering still deficient

A U.N. official said on Tuesday the Iraqi government has made 'very slow' progress in its efforts to properly monitor how much oil it is exporting, refining and storing.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2007 2:14 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Interesting post on Warka, Rob.
I found this url with pictures of the paperwork:

http://talismangate.blogspot.com/2007/12/shady-deals-catch-up-with-al-bunnia.html

Sara.

-- December 19, 2007 10:46 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

I have been on the fence concerning a bank account at Al-Warka. For the moment, this has prompted me to continue my current course of action of holding physical Dinar.

I would like Roger's take on it as others who may have an account there.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2007 11:32 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

PM says government resolved to realize economic achievements

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Wednesday said that the Iraqi government is resolved to realize economic achievements next year after the success realized in the security field.

This came during his meeting with General George Casey, the U.S. army chief of staff.

"There is a significant political and economic development in Iraq now," the premier also said in a statement released by his office and received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

"Our armed forces are now able to face challenges and maintain security in the country and we seek to develop their capabilities," he also said.

"The Iraqi government is resolved to realize economic and constructional achievements in the coming stage," he asserted.

For his part, General Casey praised the development of Iraqi armed forces' capabilities, reiterating his country's support to the Iraqi government.

The general was the commander of the Multinational forces in Iraq till last February, when General David Petraeus replaced him.

(www.dinartrade.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2007 9:54 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Al-Zubaidi Invites British Companies to Invest in Iraq

Iraq’s Minister of Finance Baqir Jabr al-Zubaidi has called upon British companies to invest in Iraq, stressing the vital role that they can play due to their practical investment experience.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2007 9:56 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Industry is rehabilitating 21 inoperative companies
Within its plan for 2008

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

20 December 2007 (Iraq Directory)
Print article Send to friend
The Ministry of Industry and Minerals formed an emergency operation room headed by the minister to study and follow-up requirements of the investment plan for the coming year.

Official source in the ministry said in a press statement that the mission of the emergency operation room also includes supervising the rehabilitation of 21 companies, affiliated to the ministry, nominated to achieve self-sufficiency to them in 2010. These companies include: the General Company for Petrochemical Industries, Iron and Steel, Phosphate and Fertilizers, Diyala and Al-Faris companies, Mechanical Engineering Industries and the companies of the textile sector. The nomination of these companies was due to the large numbers of workers as well as the exploitation of national natural resources in production and the clear and quick economic returns they achieve. He pointed out that the ministry selected these companies because operating them supports and provides the raw materials, equipments and the required machinery for the production of those companies, and one of the important projects covered by the draft plan is iron and steel industry which experts consider as the pillar for the building and development of heavy industries, and the existence of such industries is a standard reflects the technological and economic progress of nations. He stressed that iron and steel industry is one of the basic industries that provide materials required for other industries and to meet the needs and requirements of economic development. The idea of iron and steel project and benefiting from the ruins of iron and steel in the country, started first in Iraq... This industry will raise the value of rubble after conversion into steel products five times the original price and this has a great benefit for national wealth. Figures of the industrial survey showed that the Iron and Steel Project in Basrah had produced 300 tons in 1970, 450 tons in 1975, and more than 500 tons in 1980; the need for iron and steel reached more than ¾ million in 1985, and most of the required quantity of iron and steel in Iraq is construction bars, which comprise 70% of the quantities listed. The production of the Iron and Steel Project varied to include most of the important materials used in construction.

Another important project covered by the investment plan for the coming year is the textile industry sector. This sector includes textile industry, woolen and silk textile, medical cotton industry, jute industry and weaving. Textile industry is one of the oldest and most important industries in Iraq because the raw materials like, cotton, leather and wool are available in addition to the availability of industrial expertise and the local market in addition to its economic and social benefits… It is the most important industry that absorbs a lot of manpower and attracts individual and private capitals as well as investments, which is why most of the technology in the industry enterprises in this sector belongs to the private sector.

There are many textile industry companies such as: the Company of Spinning and Weaving in Mosul, founded in 1957 at a cost of $ 3.5 million dinars at the time, the Public National Company for Fabric, founded in 1970, and it includes a jute factory, mechanical-made carpets factory and another one for hand-made carpets. There is also the Public Company for Cotton Fabric in Kut, which includes two main factories: one for spinning and supplying, and the second for weaving and stockings; later, both factories were merged because they complete each other and for increasing production.

The investment plan also covered the metal products industry which includes: household tools, metal and aluminum furniture, nails, steel products and telecommunications industry, spare parts and batteries, machinery industry and electrical appliances, heaters and refrigerators and many others.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2007 9:59 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

IMF approves Iraq loan agreement
Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:56pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund on Thursday approved a $744 million loan agreement to Iraq through March 2009 designed to support the country's economic program.

"The authorities' program for 2008 aims to allocate resources toward investment, including in the oil sector, and to improve the provision of public services, while containing current government spending, notably on the wage and pension bill," Takatoshi Kato, the IMF's deputy managing director and acting chair, said in a statement.

Iraq last week cleared its debts with the IMF with the early repayment of about $470 million. The country's ability to repay early reflected its strong international reserves position against a background of high oil prices, the IMF said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2019905020071220

-- December 20, 2007 5:01 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carl and board.. interesting viewpoint:

Exile group says Iran still pursuing nuclear arms
Tue Dec 11, 2007
By Mark John

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - An Iranian exile group accused Tehran on Tuesday of pursuing efforts to develop nuclear weapons, dismissing as incomplete a U.S. intelligence report that Iran's nuclear arms program was frozen in 2003.

NCRI officials said they checked back with sources inside Iran after the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) was released, and those informants reported that work on nuclear weapons was still being pursued at three sites.

Mohaddessin said the NCRI agreed with the NIE assessment that activities were suspended in 2003, and specified that in March 2003 Iran closed down a weaponization site in Lavisan, northeast Tehran, fearing it might be detected.

But it transferred the weapons activities to a new site in Lavisan and later to two additional sites, information the NCRI had made public from November 2004 onwards, he said.

In a second briefing in Washington on Tuesday, former NCRI spokesman Alireza Jafarzadeh presented photographs and lists of sites around Tehran, including Imam Hossein University, that he said played major ongoing roles in nuclear arms development.

Asked how Washington's entire intelligence community and the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, could have missed evidence of this, Mohaddessin said: "Exactly as they missed Natanz (Iran's uranium enrichment plant) and (the original) Lavisan."

NCRI officials said their sources included people with contacts with high-ranking Iranian officials, military officers and the Revolutionary Guard, as well as individuals working inside the new Lavisan facility.

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1146212420071211

-- December 20, 2007 5:08 PM ∞

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Steve wrote:

All,
I can still get on line to my Warka account, and can transfer money from my dinar accout and then onto my Dollar account and onto my Bank account with HSBC here in the UK, so as of this moment am not worried at all about this minor detail, Warka has benn checked for money laundering two years ago, they got off it and got a letter from the US Army, saying there was no case to investegate, Warka share's have gone up by 12% over the last few days, an email from Mr I at Warka said it is a long running in famiely fued that has gone on for a few years,. we all know have slooooow thing's get done in Iraq, so this will blow over in time, at this moment there are a lot of people running around like so many headless chicken's, when shares are low thats the time to buy, come to daddy, will have to wait till the ISX opens up on Jan 3rd ish, like I said when I first started to get my account with Warka, there is only three things you can do with dinars, cash in hand-cash in warka account and cash in the ISX, at this moment I have 14 million in cash, mostly small bills, a few million in the Warka account and about 8 million shares in 34 diferent companies, all the banks and the rest in all the other sections of the ISX, so to be honest with you all, I do not give a flying **** what they do with one thing or the other, I am in all three, cannot think of anything else I can do, as I think that is al there is, I hope you all have a nice day and a great time at Christmas and the new year, stay lucky all, Steve.

-- December 20, 2007 11:23 PM ∞

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SamsonGold wrote:

Happy Holidays to ALL...Keep up the good work with the Posting. Good things will come in 2008. Take care.

-- December 21, 2007 6:25 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Having heard from others (on this board) that the TV series 24 is the most politically "right" series on TV (and therefore the least waste of time), I decided it was worth taking the time to review it.
My review of the TV series 24 (billed as "rightwing"):

The TV series 24 is like a cult. They give enough (political rightwing) "truth" to hook their viewers into it then gradually deprogram them from every good and godly value their new "cult member" once believed by introducing first one and then another of the cult's radical ideas and getting them accepted as truth. Over time, the very cherished values once held are systematically removed. The stereotyping and redefining of semantics which characterize cults are also present. Words like "Democrat" and "Republican" are redefined in the imaginary scenerios to fit the leftist agenda of the Hollywood elite. By portraying a scenerio of how a nuclear or biological attack on US soil could be played out, they give a false sense of security, as though the people watching their program have actually gone through those times without defeat. The real thing will be very different. Those who live in the fantasy life of The Hollywood Times - and script writers of such fantasy programs as 24 is - will find it a rude awakening to find that no Jack Bauer will appear to remove the danger.. and that war is quite a different scenerio than the fantasies of the ghost writers and producers of 24. On a scale of 1 to ten.. I rate the entire series to date at a mere one (1) and would not recommend anyone wishing to retain Christian and Republican values to watch any of the episodes. There are lines of morality in life and in the political realm.. 24 crosses them indiscriminately and pretends it can be justified. The sense of outrage at their audacity knows no bounds. We can only wish that on Judgement Day, God has had mercy on such lost and friendless souls whose inspiration comes from a very different place than where the Lord is.

Sara.

-- December 21, 2007 7:42 AM ∞

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AKADJJAM wrote:

Hello all,
First off Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!

Rob N thanks for all of the good work on the board…I for one greatly appreciate it…

I have too also been down in health as of late, after being hit by a drunk driver and after surgery doing much better.

So Rob N I once again thank you for all of your work, has made it easy to catch up.

Laura,

I also live in Florida, Tampa area, and am heading north for the Holidays also,

Honestly are we nuts…. Going to miss my flops….lol

Everyone stay safe….Crazy people out there …..

AKADJJAM

-- December 21, 2007 8:23 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Akadjjam:

Thanks. I try to post timely articles.

All:

LEADING STORY

IQD 3 Trillion for the Governorate Development Programmes – Ministry of Planning

The Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation (MOPDC) has set aside IQD 3 trillion (US$2.5 billion) to be distributed among the 18 governorates of the country for reconstruction and development in 2008.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2007 12:27 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

US not satisfied with pace of political progress in Baghdad - Bush

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

Washington, 21 December 2007 (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
Print article Send to friend
The United States is not satisfied with the pace of political progress in Baghdad, President George W. Bush said on Thursday.

"Are we satisfied with the progress in Baghdad?" No," Bush said during a White House press conference. "But to say nothing is happening is just simply not the case." Asked what benchmarks the Iraqi government can meet that would change the pace of progress toward political reconciliation in Iraq, Bush said there is a functioning government in Iraq.

"They did pass a budget last year," he said of the Iraqi government. "They are in the process of passing their budget this year. I am pleased to report that there has been two readings of a de-Baathification law to the Council of Assemblies." However, Bush acknowledged that members of the Iraqi government have a lot of work to do.

"I am not suggesting that we should not as a government continue to press them," Bush said. "What I am suggesting, though, there is a functioning government." The United States will continue to press the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on a de-Baath-fication law, provincial election laws, power sharing with the central government and the provinces and an oil law, Bush said.

The President noted that the central Iraqi government is distributing oil revenues to the provinces.

"There is revenue sharing, and there is local reconciliation taking place," he said. "And a lot of times, it is local politics that will drive national politics."
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2007 12:29 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Secret meeting in Syria

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

21 December 2007 (KurdishMedia)
Print article Send to friend
Yesterday’s headline of the new Turkish daily Taraf read, “A secret meeting in Syria”. The liberal daily wrote that a large Turkish delegation flew to Syria before Turkey began its raids against the terrorist bases in northern Iraq. Officials from the General Staff, the Foreign Ministry and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), as well as officials from the US, Syria, Iran and Iraq, discussed the details of cooperation against the PKK in northern Iraq. The daily quoted its sources as having said that not only the operation, but also its aftermath was planned out during the top-secret meeting.

Meanwhile, another meeting between Turkish officials and representatives of the regional administration of northern Iraq had taken place in Vienna, Taraf wrote.

Source: Taraf, Turkey, December 20, 2007

Courtesy of Mezopotamian Development Society
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2007 12:31 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

OK, one more about "24" - because it relates to where we are in history and is important to our collective security and future.

Jack Bauer is not the Savior. That title belongs to Jesus Christ, of whom Peter said:

Act 4:12 There is no salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

God does not appreciate Superheros, such as Superman. I was reading an article which says that every one who has played the role of Superman has met with what Hollywood calls.. a curse. Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from his horse in a cross country riding event, George Reeves (who also played Superman), only days before he was to be married, was found dead of a gunshot wound at his home. If they were the only ones, it might be "coincidental", but they are not.

From wikipedia:

The Superman curse refers to a series of misfortunes that have plagued creative people involved in adaptations of Superman in various mediums, particularly actors who have played the role of Superman on film and television. The curse basically states,

If you intend to play the strongest man on Earth, you will either die or end up in the weakest position possible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_curse

Hero worship is still WORSHIP and worship belongs to God alone. He may be merciful to some who play the role and judge them less harshly, but He dispises all who take the glory and worship to themselves, setting themselves up as a rival God to Him in the hearts of men, women, and particularly the young (Mark 9:42).

Isa 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory I will not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

He alone is worthy of worship and He alone can save nations from all threats - foreign and domestic. A Christian nation such as the US professes to be should know this. ( http://www.grace24u.org/cnation.html )

Every Christian has been SAVED by THE Savior from having an eternity without God and apart from His goodness. Those who do not even know they need saving are like drowning men who will not take the lifesaver they are thrown - choosing instead to drown in the sea because they are still alive now and strong and can keep afloat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.. for a time. But their time to realize their folly and turn to help is limited.

Pro 22:3 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

NOT forseeing the evil to come, they pass up the "lifesaver" (Jesus) and pass on into eternity and are punished for their sins. Those who trust in Jack Bauer or governmental institutions alone to protect them are likewise plotting an unwise course for the nation. Unless the LORD protects us, those in their governmental positions of protection to protect the nation labour in vain:

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.

These are good watchmen, the Jack Bauers in life.. but they are not what keeps the city from destruction by an enemy (including terrorists). Those who trust in Jack Bauers to remove this threat of terrorism from the nations are foolish to trust in the arm of flesh:

Jer 17:5 Thus says the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD.

(By the way, that is the real Superman curse.)

America cannot make flesh their arm and trust in men and their cleverness and governmental institutions.. not even "superheros" like Jack Bauer, or real heros on the front line (whom we rightfully honor - being prospered by God in their missions):

Fort Lewis officer receiving Silver Star for combat valor in Iraq
Nov 29, 11:17 AM EST

FORT LEWIS, Wash. (AP) -- An officer is being awarded the Silver Star at Fort Lewis for military valor in combat in Iraq.

Maj. Brent Clemmer of the Third Stryker brigade moved his company of 170 soldiers to the scene of a helicopter crash last January and defeated insurgent attacks.

Clemmer directed the recovery of the bodies of two helicopter pilots and led a night of combat that resulted in about 250 insurgents being killed, 81 being wounded and more than 400 people being captured.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WA_SILVER_STAR_WAOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

While acknowledging the heroism and bravery of men and women in sacrificial service, we must yet hold to God as the only One who can protect any nation. Yes, God USES delegated authority to protect a nation, such as governmental authority and institutions:

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Rom 13:2 Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Governmental powers are ordained of God.. and are a delegated authority from Him to protect us. But we cannot TRUST in them, making FLESH our arm, and allowing our hearts to depart from trusting in God alone for our protection because, "Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD" (Jer 17:5, above).

God can and has in history withdrawn His protection from nations and blinded their authorities to what He is doing.. and if He does so with us, the results will be catastrophic, as it was in World War two. MILLIONS died trying to stop the Nazi threat, and millions more may have to pay with their lives now if we make the wrong moves. President Bush is right, we do face a world war three.. it is on our doorstep. Do the wrong thing at this point in history and millions will pay for it with their lives in the future.

There are spiritual forces trying to obstruct the truth coming out and proper appreciation/apprehension of the threats we face and the right actions we should take. They work best in the dark, but if they cannot have darkness, they will have distortion. That is why news like this concerns me:

Exile group says Iran still pursuing nuclear arms
Tue Dec 11, 2007
By Mark John

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - An Iranian exile group accused Tehran on Tuesday of pursuing efforts to develop nuclear weapons, dismissing as incomplete a U.S. intelligence report that Iran's nuclear arms program was frozen in 2003.

NCRI officials said they checked back with sources inside Iran after the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) was released, and those informants reported that work on nuclear weapons was still being pursued at three sites.

Mohaddessin said the NCRI agreed with the NIE assessment that activities were suspended in 2003, and specified that in March 2003 Iran closed down a weaponization site in Lavisan, northeast Tehran, fearing it might be detected.

But it transferred the weapons activities to a new site in Lavisan and later to two additional sites, information the NCRI had made public from November 2004 onwards, he said.

In a second briefing in Washington on Tuesday, former NCRI spokesman Alireza Jafarzadeh presented photographs and lists of sites around Tehran, including Imam Hossein University, that he said played major ongoing roles in nuclear arms development.

Asked how Washington's entire intelligence community and the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, could have missed evidence of this, Mohaddessin said: "Exactly as they missed Natanz (Iran's uranium enrichment plant) and (the original) Lavisan."

NCRI officials said their sources included people with contacts with high-ranking Iranian officials, military officers and the Revolutionary Guard, as well as individuals working inside the new Lavisan facility.

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1146212420071211

Jews, Russians, Christians, Catholics and all other good and godly people should take note of this because the moment we forget a lesson of history, mankind has proven it is because they are doomed to repeat it:

THE HOLOCAUST...DID IT REALLY HAPPEN?
Remember This

It is a matter of history that when the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, General Dwight Eisenhower found the victims of the death camps, he ordered all possible photographs to be taken and for the German people from the surrounding villages to be ushered through the camps and even made to bury the dead. He did this he said, in words to this effect; "Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the track of history some ******* will get up and say that this never happened.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke

IN MEMORIAL

This week, the UK removed the Holocaust from it's school curriculum because it "offended" the Muslim population because they say it never occurred.

This is a frightening portent of the fear that is gripping the world and how easy each country is giving into it.

It is now more than 60 years since the 2nd. World War in Europe ended. This e-mail is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the 6 million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, starved, burned and humiliated while German and Russian people looked the other way!

Now more than ever, with Iran among others, claiming the Holocaust to be a myth, it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets.

May God Bless

cf:
Teachers drop the Holocaust to avoid offending Muslims
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=445979&in_page_id=1770

I ask you.. can we really take Iran's threats to wipe Israel off the map lightly? Can we afford to be wrong? (Suprised voice: "WOW, that really IS a nuclear dust cloud over Jerusalem - how suprising.. we really didn't think the Iranians would have a nuke for a few more years... and certainly we didn't pay any attention to their ability to deploy it, as that didn't seem relevant at the time. We guess that - like our expectation that the WMD would remain in huge stockpiles in Iraq for us to find - we were wrong about this piece of intelligence. So sorry about that.. do give our condolences to all the Jews worldwide whose families died, won't you?" - the same intelligence services which didn't produce massive stockpiles of WMD in Iraq and now say that Iran is no threat.)

Report: Iran Produces New Missile Capable of Reaching the Mideast
Tuesday, November 27, 2007

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said Tuesday it has manufactured a new missile with a range of 1,200 miles capable of reaching Israel and U.S. bases in the Mideast, the official news agency IRNA reported.

Iran's Defense Minister Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said the Ashoura missile was produced by factories affiliated with the ministry, according to IRNA. He did not say whether Iran has test fired the missile or has plans to do so.

Many of Iran's weapons development claims have not been independently verified.

Iran launched an arms development program during its war with Iraq to compensate for a U.S. weapons embargo. Since 1992, Iran has reportedly produced its own jets, torpedoes, radar-avoiding missiles, tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Recent weapons development has been motivated by Iran's standoff with the U.S. over its controversial nuclear program, which Washington claims is a cover for weapons development — a charge Tehran denies.

Iran is known to possess a medium-range ballistic missile known as the Shahab-3, with a range of at least 800 miles. In 2005, Iranian officials said they had improved the range of the Shahab-3 to 1,200 miles, equal to the new missile announced Tuesday.

Najjar did not elaborate about the differences between the Ashoura missile and the Shahab-3 missile.

In September during a military parade, Iran introduced the Ghadr missile, which has a range of 1,119 miles.

Experts also believe Iran is developing the Shahab-4 missile, thought to have a range between 1,200 and 1,900 miles, that would enable it to hit much of Europe.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,313102,00.html

No concerns there, right? Only nukes are a worry.. and the intelligence services say they won't have one for quite some time. Oh, just wondering.. can these be outfitted with nuclear armaments.. ?? (Just in case they are wrong this second time.)

QUOTE:

The SS 4 is a large, single-stage, nuclear-capable weapon with a range of approximately 1,800-2,000 km.

In July 1998, Iran took a giant step forward by flight-testing a version of North Korea's medium-range NoDong missile, components of which Iran had imported. This liquid-fueled, road mobile, nuclear capable ballistic missile became known as the Shahab 3 in Iran. According to Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization, the Shahab 3 is designed to carry a 1,200 kg payload 1,300 km; however, another report estimates the missile's payload at around 750 kg. Prototypes of the missile have been on public display.

http://www.iranwatch.org/wmd/wmd-iranmissileessay.htm

One last thought and application to "24" in this..

24 also excels in distortion. One example which leaps to mind is where they have a hotel full of people exposed to weaponized biological agents and instead of making them comfortable with drugs (palliative care) until the inevitable end... they defy God and give the sufferers all a choice of dying in agony or taking a suicide pill to end the pain. I prayed about the morality involved and asked the Lord about how He felt about it. He was angry. I asked about the "legitimate" use of the suicide pills given in the movie - to prevent those in the intelligence community from torture/exploitation if they were captured. He said that was warranted and He did not condemn it (suprised me - I expected a blanket condemnation of all suicide - but He who died on a cross understands torture far better than we and Judges correctly about war issues - His being the Supreme Commander-in-Chief over the heavenly armies).

In the series "24", their blanket advocating of taking your own life when the option of palliative care exists is absolutely morally wrong and condemned in no uncertain terms - in Scripture and by the Lord Himself. His sixth commandment - "Thou Shalt Not Kill (Murder)" applies to taking your own life and has very, very few exceptions. Lastly, their distortions aimed at the current sitting President are so dastardly in their attempts to undermine his authority and ability to act in the best interests of the country that I am at a loss at this time to communicate about it to you in words.

Sara.

-- December 21, 2007 3:48 PM ∞

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collin wrote:

WOW!

Hold on while I burn my "24" DVD's

-- December 21, 2007 4:32 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hi all,

Sitting in a cafe, with my feet raised and a vacuumcleaner going on the floor, gotta go, but just wanted to drop in and say hello to all of you, Hopefully I will be coming back soon with something that have a bit more substance to it, but in the meanwhile , see ya.

Roger

-- December 21, 2007 9:45 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Interesting idea, collin. :)
Hiya Roger. :)
See ya soon, hopefully.

I was thinking.. My pointing out the need to rely on God for protection is in no way meant to deprecate the stellar job of the intelligence community in (so far, under President Bush's direction) keeping us safe. Nor do I think their human mistake impossible to understand where they thought they would find stockpiles of WMD in Iraq.. though it might have been wiser to think that those who are prewarned of an imminent invasion are not very likely to keep such stockpiles around to be found in vast quantities. I agree with those who question the MSM logic of the NYT in this article:

Pretzel Logic at the NYT: No Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Soil = Black Mark for CIA?
By Clay Waters
December 13, 2007

The New York Times' Scott Shane has a history of slanted reporting on intelligence (most notoriously his credulous acceptance of everything said by anti-war huckster Joe Wilson). But a sentence in his Thursday "news analysis," "The C.I.A. and the Tapes: Sensing Support Shifting Away From Its Methods," was either clumsily written or just plain bizarre.

Shane began by likening the CIA to a group of grifters afraid their luck may finally be running out.

QUOTE:

"For six years, Central Intelligence Agency officers have worried that someday the tide of post-Sept. 11 opinion would turn, and their harsh treatment of prisoners from Al Qaeda would be subjected to hostile scrutiny and possible criminal prosecution.

"Now that day may have arrived, after years of shifting legal advice, searing criticism from rights groups -- and no new terrorist attacks on American soil."

"The Justice Department, which in 2002 gave the C.I.A. legal approval for waterboarding and other tough interrogation methods, is reviewing whether agency officials broke the law by destroying videotapes of those very methods.

"The Congressional intelligence committees, whose leaders in 2002 gave at least tacit approval for the tough tactics, have voted in conference to ban all coercive techniques, and they have announced investigations of the destruction of the videotapes and the methods they documented."

===end quote==

NOTICE: That part about "no new terrorist attacks," which Shane is apparently using to bash the CIA, reminds us of the infamous Times headline from September 1997:

"Crime Keeps on Falling, But Prisons Keep on Filling."

Just like that old headline writer couldn't comprehend that putting more criminals in jail leads to less crime, Shane apparently hasn't considered that the CIA's harsh interrogation of Al Qaeda suspects may have enabled them to gather the vital intelligence necessary to prevent "terrorist attacks on American soil" in the first place.

See TimesWatch for the complete version of this article.

—Clay Waters is the director of Times Watch, an MRC project tracking the New York Times.

Comments

1) CIA did something right here by Lame Cherry

The CIA, Porter Goss and Gen. Hayden have been doing something right and that includes destroying this non sense of waterboarding.

Of course dimwits would not like seeing this, that is the reason it is effective as it is uncomfortable. The New York Times should actually research water torture to find the Dutch were quite brutal at it in putting a basket on a person's head, filling it with water and letting them drink themselves to death.
From the records I have looked through, people looked quite ghastly after a few days of that conversation but they did all talk.

The real problem with the CIA has been the globalist Clintonistas like Val Plame and the ilk left by Slam Dunk to thwart Goss in his reforms.

Frankly these saboteurs should all be arrested in the CIA and State with appropriate sentencing as numbers of people have died from these "leaks" to..........who??????? Oh yes the New York Times.

2) That is the way the liberals think. by c5then

No attacks = no danger and the CIA was doing it all for nothing.

Attacks = CIA not doing their job.

You see, using their twisted logic it's always a lose/lose situation for the current administration.

3) Regarding these destroyed by Cortillaen

Regarding these destroyed tapes, what reason is there to keep them? After they've been reviewed multiple times to glean as much information as possible from the detainee's non-verbal communication and that information has been logged, why should the CIA bother with keeping them? There's this assumption in the media that the CIA should keep the tapes indefinitely, but no reason as to why. I suppose it's just the standard MSM non-thought-process when dealing with any governmental body under the Bush administration: guilty until proven innocent, so, obviously, the CIA destroying evidence is self-incrimination. *sigh* Idiots...

"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." -Miyamoto Musashi

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/clay-waters/2007/12/13/pretzel-logic-nyt-no-terrorist-attacks-u-s-soil-black-mark-cia

-- December 22, 2007 12:18 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hi All:

First let me wish you all the most Blessed Christmas ever! That the event in the manger more than 2000 years ago will come to life for you and your famlies, bringing all the joy and HOPE for which the birth of Christ was intended.

I have been away for awhile....my annual big blanket project....again shipping them out at the last minute!

Soooo Roger are you in Iraq? If not, Thank you Jesus! If so, wear bullet proof vest and more than anything keep your salty mouth shut! (:

Somehow BLEND IN! Or you just might find yourself akin to John the Baptist! At any rate a very Merry Christmas to you!

Sara

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to address the REAL AND PERTINENT issues of life(: apprecitate your willinginess and tenacity.

Your fighting the good fight....a good and faithful servant!

Finally to all my dinar cronies.......pray that the Pig Roast will become a reality sooooooon!

Carole

-- December 22, 2007 4:03 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole. :)

Hope the blanket project goes well.
Tis a busy season, and I wish you and the board a blessed Christmas or holiday, as the case may be.

Sara.

-- December 23, 2007 12:15 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Qaeda operative accused of Killing nine U.S. soldiers nabbed in Iraq
Military and Security
12/22/2007

BAGHDAD, Dec 22 (KUNA) -- The Multi-National Force (MNF) said Saturday soldiers arrested an alleged terrorist technical advisor and an improvised explosive device cell leader during two raids in the Doura neighborhoods in the Rashid District on December 17.

According to an MNF release, the man is believed to be a Qaeda technical advisor for an IED strike that killed nine soldiers.

The suspected terrorist, who has multiple sworn statements against him, was taken to a Coalition Forces detention facility for further questioning.

Also that day, soldiers arrested the suspected leader of an IED cell during a cordon and knock operation.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1869945&Language=en

-- December 23, 2007 12:18 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Suspects detained, killed
By VOA News
22 December 2007

In a statement Saturday, the U.S. military says coalition forces and Iraqi troops killed five suspected al-Qaida members during an operation in the southeastern city of Busayefi.

The statement said the troops detained 10 other suspected militants during the security raid Friday. It said coalition forces also cleared al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents from a vast majority of the city.

In other news, the U.S. military said coalition forces detained six suspects and disrupted propaganda and finance operations of al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents during operations in Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul today.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-12-22-voa7.cfm

-- December 23, 2007 12:24 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Al-Qaeda confirms death of top operative in Iraq
AP Cairo, December 23, 2007
23/12/2007

The purported leader of Al-Qaeda's umbrella group in Iraq has confirmed the death of a top operative who the US military said was killed in an attack last month, according to a new audiotape.

The US military had said it captured or killed 40 Al-Qaeda fighters last month, including a Syrian who died in a November 17 raid on a reported propaganda house. The Syrian, identified as Abu Maysara, had escaped from an Iraqi prison in March.

In the 46-minite long audio tape posted on an Islamic militant website on Saturday, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq, also said Maysara was the author of "Abu Zubaida Security Manual," which was used as a training guideline by the terror group in Iraq.

Al-Baghdadi also announced the death of two other terrorists, which he identified as Abu Ra'ed and Abu Abdellah, which he also called Mohammed Suleiman, but he made no mention of their nationalities or backgrounds.

No photo has ever appeared of al-Baghdadi, whom the US describes as a fictitious character used to give an Iraqi face to an organization dominated by foreigners. The US has said that under interrogation, a top Al-Qaeda member revealed that al-Baghdadi's speeches are read by an actor.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=eb8904c3-5488-46d1-b950-8f130b9ed299&&Headline=Al-Qaeda+confirms+death+of+top+operative+in+Iraq+

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/world/mheykfqlmhql/

-- December 23, 2007 12:42 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Is the CBI on a holiday session. I see no dinar sales since 17th?

-- December 24, 2007 8:11 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Iraq...
Paid off the IMF loan of 470 million early last week....The IMF then gave them another 744 million loan for the reconstruction that is expected to get started in 2008...

It also appears for the first time, the Iraq banks will be set to enter into the International Banking System in about 4 months...They are completing their training on the International guidelines...

This is probably one of the first steps needed to bring the Dinar into the international currency market...but then again this is just speculation on my part

-- December 24, 2007 8:48 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Just read where the al-Waka Bank was holding a company in close proxy without disclosing it to CBI. It seems they were selling this company's stock on the ISX, without revealing that the bank actually owned the company...The CBI found out and ask for documentation and demanded full disclosure...the bank re?
fused to release the documents on their Banks Liquidiy...The CBI then issued a fine of 1 million dinar a day until they came into compliance...The penalty went on for 16 months before the bank complied...
The question remains as to what they were hiding...had their liquidy got so low, that they could no longer meet the guidelines of the CBI...?

If this was the issue, then it brings into mind, just what else are they hiding they we do not know about...I know Roger and Steve took the plunge into the pit of "OH! SHIT"..and they may come out of it smelling like a rose...Roger! does seem to carry that aura ...as I have met him a few times and I can verify he smells like a rose...

-- December 24, 2007 8:57 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carl:

It is good to see you posting again. How are you feeling? To answer your question, it appears the CBI will resume currency auctions after the observance of Christmas on 12/26/07. I still cannot get over an Islamic Nation observing the Christmas Holiday.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2007 9:26 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

UK invests hope in Basra economy (20/12/07)
12/21/2007

UK invests hope in Basra economy (20/12/07)
After handing control of Basra province to Iraqi authorities at the weekend, British officials are hoping the region’s economic development will hasten its path towards stability.


A core element of UK strategy is to establish a Basra Development Commission. Days before the hand-over, it was announced that Michael Wareing, chief executive of KPMG International, would be one of the body’s international advisers.
The provincial council has also agreed in principle to provide $25 million. Both agencies will be run by Iraqis.

The UK Department for International Development – which has pledged £744 million to the reconstruction and development of Iraq since 2003 – is providing about £750,000 in start-up costs. All three institutions are set to be operational in March.

But economic progress will be beholden to an improvement in security, which prevents western development workers from entering Basra city. Success will also depend on Iraqi parties working together, particularly the central government and provincial council.

“By itself the commission can do very little unless it really gets the buy-in of all the parties involved, and yes, of course it would be foolish to suggest there weren’t a lot of challenges to that. But I do believe and hope that actually there is quite a lot of common ground,” Mr Wareing, who has yet to visit Iraq, told the FT.

“If nothing else, we can absolutely make sure that as and when the security situation improves such that business is able to function more normally, and I think it’s quite clear that the security position is improving,” he added.

Basra is an important economic centre for Iraq, mainly because of its oil resources, as well as being the country’s only seaport.

At an economic forum in Basra last week, Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq’s prime minister, described Basra as “the lung” of Iraq. The region accounts for 90 per cent of government revenue and is home to 70% of its proven oil reserves.

“It’s economic redevelopment that has taken a while to establish,” says Major General Graham Binns, the commanding officer of multi-national troops in the southeast. “We have been unable to meet the aspirations of the Basrawi public at the speed they were expecting, so meeting the Basrawi expectation is a thing that I would like to have done better.”
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2007 9:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

This could get interesting.
____________________________________________________________

LEADING STORY

Iraq threatens to stop crude oil to S.Korea-Yonhap

Iraq warned South Korea it could suspend crude oil exports if a South Korean consortium led by a state-run company proceeds with an oil exploration project in a Kurdish-controlled region, Yonhap news agency reported on Monday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2007 9:31 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I just wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. It seems we may be seeing some light at the end of this tunnel. I read an article on another forum stating the HCL will be passed by December 30th. Just like everything else in Iraq we will see.

After tomorrow I will be out of pocket for about two weeks helping my in-laws move to Tennessee. I will check in when I can.

Carole:

I hope your mother is doing well and is able to be with you and the rest of your family tomorrow.

Sara:

Thank you for your contributions to the board they are very helpful. May you have a blessed Christmas.

Roger:

Be careful in your travels please let us know how you are doing in Iraq from time to time. Merry Christmas.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2007 3:52 PM ∞

---

collin wrote:

Hi All,

Here is a currency renumeration report for 2005 that was released on 12/17/2007 by the world bank which gives some very clear information as to how currency is valued in the global economic sphere.

The numbers look very positive for Iraq and the data is based upon data which is two years old.

The fact that the GDP has doubled in Iraq since 05 and oil production is slated to triple in the near term(2-5years) make these 2005 valuations look extremely promising for the valuation of the currency in the coming years.

siteresources.worldbank.org/ICPINT/Resources/ICPreportprelim.pdf

Merry Christmas all

-- December 24, 2007 4:09 PM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Rob...
Things got a little dicey for a while...but I got through that little bump in the road...
I am now looking forward to proceeding with cashing my dinar upon its RV...

-- December 24, 2007 10:42 PM ∞

---

ahire wrote:

Hey Rob what part of Tennessee they moving to?

-- December 25, 2007 12:55 AM ∞

---

santa wrote:

merry christmas ! ho ho ho !!

-- December 25, 2007 10:41 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob;

They are not celebrating "Christmas" but their own festival, called "EID festival" (no relationship to IEDs - Improvised Explosive Devices). Pictures of that festival can be viewed here from the wire services around the world:

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/this-years-eid-festival-from-around-the-world

Actually, some people do dislike the festival and their comments follow the (gruesome) pictures with comments like:

“Was that Dasher and Dancer !?!?!?!”
I’m drawing the line at Rudolph!

Some on the page even refer to it as "the ritualistic throat slashing, blood collecting, and gutting of an animal in front of children." Is it any wonder you and most others in the West have no idea what they are celebrating? Some on the page wonder, "Where is PETA?"

To each culture be their own... Merry Christmas.
Have some blessed time afk, Rob. :)

===

Carl - Good notes on the positive outlook for the Iraqi economy and Dinar.

Collin, too.. on the currency renumeration report.. thanks. :)

Rob - Great news on the passing of the HCL law.. by the end of the year.

Concerning the HCL law, I believe it is being referred to in this article where it says "A related law is now pending in Iraq's parliament."

===

Iraq threatens Korea over oil exploration deal with Kurds
December 26, 2007

Concerns about high oil prices have met Middle Eastern politics as Iraq warned Korea that it will suspend crude oil exports next month if Korean companies continue an exploration project under an agreement with the Kurdish regional government in the fractious country. Iraq accounts for about 5 percent of Korea’s crude imports.

Kim Man-sik, president of UI Energy, said in a statement yesterday, “We will never give up the production-sharing contract with the Kurdish regional government. And Korea National Oil has the same position.”

A Korea National Oil representative, who refused to be identified, also said the contract will not be canceled.

“The threat has resulted from the friction between Iraq’s central government and the Kurdish government over control of new mining areas. A related law is now pending in Iraq’s parliament,” Kim said.

“We will solve this problem through negotiations with the Iraqi government,” said an official of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy.

He added that even if the Iraq government suspends oil shipments, it would not likely cause problems here because Korea can source imports from elsewhere, but oil prices could see more upward pressure in the domestic market.

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2884339

===

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all.

Sara.

-- December 25, 2007 3:22 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

ahire:

They are moving to Jonesboro outside of Johnson City.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 25, 2007 3:30 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

If you are wondering why the MSM never explains such things in detail, perhaps this will help:

===

Lawrence O'Donnell: I'm Too Afraid to Criticize Islam
By Matthew Sheffield
December 12, 2007

Say what you will about liberal pundit Lawrence O'Donnell but you have to give him credit on occasion for fessing up and saying what media liberals really think but are too circumspect for fear of public backlash.

Appearing on Hugh Hewitt's radio show to speak about his earlier rant against the Mormon religion and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's belief in it, O'Donnell let loose, revealing what most everyone on the center-right already knew: left-wing media pundits are too afraid to criticize Islam as much as they do Christianity or Judaism:

LAWRENCE O'DONNELL: I don’t think he [Mitt Romney] believes everything in the Book of Mormon. I think he’s lying about that. It’s an insane document produced by a madman who was a criminal and a rapist. [...]

HUGH HEWITT: Would you say the same things about Mohammed as you just said about Joseph Smith?

O'DONNELL: Oh, well, I’m afraid of what the…that’s where I’m really afraid. I would like to criticize Islam much more than I do publicly, but I’m afraid for my life if I do.

HEWITT: Well, that’s candid.

O'DONNELL: Mormons are the nicest people in the world. They’re not going to ever…

HEWITT: So you can be bigoted towards Mormons, because they’ll just send you a strudel.

O'DONNELL: They’ll never take a shot at me. Those other people, I’m not going to say a word about them.

HEWITT: They’ll send you a strudel. The Mormons will bake you a cake and be nice to you.

O'DONNELL: I agree.

HEWITT: Lawrence O’Donnell, I appreciate your candor.

===

Quite an admission indeed. (Full transcript can be downloaded here.) And of course, while there is much you can say in the negative about Mormonism, there is much more you can say about Islam as Christopher Hitchens did earlier this year at a debate with leftist former New York Times reporter Chris Hedges about Islam:

QUOTE:

It's exact equivalent of the evil nonsense taught by Hedges and friends of his, who say the suicide bombers in Palestine are driven to it by despair. Have you read the manifestos of these suicide bombers? Have you seen the videos they make? Have you seen the manifestos they put out? The propaganda that they generate? These are not people in despair.

These are people in a state of religious exultation. Who are promised everything. Who are in a state of hope. Who are in a state of adoration for their evil mullahs. And for their filthy religion. It's this that makes them think they have the right to kill others while taking their own lives.

If despair among Palestinians was enough to create psychopathic criminal behavior, there's been enough despair for a long time, and enough misery to go around. It is to excuse the vicious, filthy forces of Islamic jihad to offer any other explanation but that it is their own evil preaching, their own vile religion, their own racism, their own apocalyptic ideology that makes them think they have the right to kill everyone in this room, and go to paradise as a reward.

I won't listen, nor should you, to anyone who euphemizes or excuses this evil wicked thing.

==end quote==

Excusing, however is exactly what's going on. For all their constant talk about "speaking truth to power," the liberal media rarely are interested in doing that. Whether it's Islamic terrorists bent on creating a worldwide theocracy or regional dictators like Fidel Castro, the liberal media are silent when standing up and saying something that could actually be meaningful.

Hat tip: Conservathink.

—Matthew Sheffield is Executive Editor of NewsBusters and president of Dialog New Media, a web marketing firm.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-sheffield/2007/12/12/lawrence-odonnell-too-afraid-criticize-islam

-- December 25, 2007 3:47 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1074)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1074 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2007/12/26 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 7 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1216 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1214 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 12.800.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.390.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 12.800.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.390.000 -----

-- December 26, 2007 7:06 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi all,

Just want to say Hi and hello, I have honestly been dong so many other things for the last couple of weeks, that I am a bit disengaged with the Iraqi economy.

Carl,

I am happy that I didn't smell too bad when you saw me last time. I knew that taking a bath every full moon will do wonders. Hey, I'll call you one of these days, we just gotta have a BS session before I am taking off.

About the Warka thingie, the arrest, the prospect of stuff being showed under the doormat in order to cover something....well it is Iraq after all, and we're all taking our chances, however, this particular story is something that happened last year, and is investigated back and forth, and Warka came out with shining colors.

It all was a "Black PR" emanating from a power struggle between two families, where in a long and extended fashion Warka was related because of some family ties.

ALL international affairs have to be approved by CBI, so is Warkas affairs, and they plainly can't be in business if that was not so.

Warka have been cleared and this is about a year and a half ago this happened.

I do however remember Warkas website at the time, and had a thought that they maybe have not really understood the PR value in their use of the open media.

I'm still having a chuckle when remembering reading, "because of our CEO's arrest, it will not affect any of our valued customers, and we will continue to serve excellently and promptly to the best level of service...."

In the business world, any arrest, any discrepancy and any other irregularities is something that you NOT put on your front page.

Imagine a car commercial..."After the IRS raid, and subsequently arrest of our book keeper, CEO and Sales Director, we ask our valued customers to continue to buy cars from us, and in an extra effort to serve the public we will have a Blow Out Sale this weekend , come downtown to "Honest Ernies" car lot and we make you a deal you can't refuse".

The Iraqi business world need to get with the program of what is appropriate and what is not, but I think they're catching up pretty quick.

-- December 26, 2007 3:50 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Hi all
I have been extremely busy like everyone else and I do hope tht everyone had a great holiday.

My brother told me that he heard that Bush sold out the border fence to get his budget passed! Has anyone heard of that?

Carole

-- December 26, 2007 3:57 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1075)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1075 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2007/12/27 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1216 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1214 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 79.040.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.560.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 79.040.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.560.000 -----

-- December 27, 2007 7:13 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

As for that last post on fear of the terrorists..

I was thinking about that article about those who fear the terrorists and do not speak against them.. And these are my thoughts on our collective security and those who hold some say in it through the influence they hold - such as those in the media which help to inform the nation's understanding:

Ecc 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

This states that because the suicide bombers are not immediately apprehended and the wicked who plan, attack and kill innocent people in the name of God falsely are not punished quickly and immediately for their crimes, they think they are getting away with it and therefore the hearts of those terrorists are "fully set" in them to continue in this wicked path and to keep on killing the innocent.

As for those who fear men and not God:

Mat 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul: but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The problem with Western culture is that they have stopped preaching the truth about the God we serve, that He destroys body and soul in hell and is to be feared above men. And because the wicked are not immediately destroyed but have their day in the sun, spreading themselves like a large green bay tree does upon the earth.. men regard that tree that they can see instead of the unseen God who will cause the evil to be destroyed, even as He once did Hitler:

Psa 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Psa 37:36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more: Indeed, I sought him, but he could not be found.

In time, like the confrontation with Hitler, the wicked will be no more.. but such things historically take time. And as we look to see this happen - the evil passing away and being no more - and also act in prudence to protect ourselves and our interests; it is in our collective interest that all those who fight against the terrorists should not set up those who protect their nations in their intelligence services as superheros. They are super people, and by that I mean terrific or great.. but not in a way that takes glory for their actions from God. God Himself will destroy the wicked Himself so that they will not be found anymore.. perhaps on His own, or using the rightful authorities under His hand. Yet in the fear of God I say this.. if the US does not fear God but fears man, and if they will not speak the truth in love but exalt mere men who are His instruments and do not give God the glory, God will be obligated to remove that idolatry from the land. I fear what that will mean.

When a mere man was once giving a speech and it was inspired by God above.. but he did not give the glory to God when people cried out saying "It is not the voice of a man but the voice of God which speaks to us!".... then that man was immediately struck dead by God for not giving Him the glory due to His name. We must not walk on his same path, for it is set down as a warning in Scripture:

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, "The voice of a god and not of a man!"
Act 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory: and he died.

I was in Walmart the other day and noticed beside the superman hero gear and playthings that 24 now has superhero action figures out for children to play with. CHILDREN to play with.. what are they doing watching 24 anyway? If the intelligence services are set up as superheros and people trust in the arm of flesh to protect the nation, there will be the greatest intelligence failure in history.. as God judges those who take the glory due only to His name (perhaps this is what I have seen? I hope not.. but if a people are without fear of God.. they will in time be destroyed.)

Concerning those who fear God and remain right with Him (righteous), the end of that person is peace, but of the wicked it says:

Psa 37:38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psa 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble.
Psa 37:40 And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.

Why are we delivered from them? Because we trust in Him. Putting your bet on the right 'horse' in a 'horse race' is crucial to winning the race. The Lord wins in the 'game' of life every time.. maybe not immediately, but in time ('spreading himself like a green bay tree... Yet he passed away and he was not...'). It is in our best interests NOT to be walking with or abetting the losing 'horse':

Pro 4:14 Do not enter into the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men.
Pro 4:15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.
Pro 4:16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone to fall.
Pro 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
Pro 4:19 The way of the wicked is like darkness: they do not know what makes them stumble.

These who plot in the dark, losing sleep to cause more souls to fall by their suicide bombers and other evil means.. drinking the wine of violence.. are very evil, corrupt and wicked men (and women). Such wicked people cannot avoid the laws enacted by God which state that what they sow (terror, murder, criminal acts) they will also reap:

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Gal 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men..

As we do good to the Iraqi and Afghani people, assisting them to stand against the attacks of the terrorists and supporting them in justice against those who perpetrate criminal acts within these and other countries.. we will reap good in return.

The terrorists will be defeated, eventually.
But as for the fearful and unbelieving:

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Those who are foolish enough not to fear God but instead fear mere men will pay for it dearly.. They will join the terrorist murderers and idolaters and liars which they are supporting in their fate before God one day (supporting - "all it takes for evil to prevail is good men to do nothing"). If people such as this man who spoke about his fear and how it is silencing him... and others like him in the MSM.. if such persons insist on such folly and choose to fear the terrorists over the fear of the LORD God Almighty, I pray that they may go to that place and join the terrorists in their fate alone.. not leading or taking the nation down that path with them. This is not to say that they should not temper their words with respect.. but it should be respect for the opinion of GOD and not respect of the terrorists, because it is God alone who can protect a life from calamity (Ps 91):

Pro 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursues them: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Sara.

-- December 28, 2007 7:02 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

Bravo! Amen and Amen!

God Bless you mightly

Carole

-- December 28, 2007 7:53 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

To All

I am sorry for the murder of anyone. But to eulogize Bhutto as a saint is absurd!

She ralked a good talk but ruled with corruption and did absolutely nothing for the average Pakastini when she ruled. She stole from the npoor and gaave to the elite rich with lots of dipping in for herself.

The poor people of Pakastin were going to have a grim choice on election day.......Musharf--a sympathizer and overall leader of Radical Islamicism or Bhutto, the essence of Marxist Communism.

Carole

-- December 28, 2007 7:59 AM ∞

---

worked wrote:

you 2 women are out there , on another planet. What the hell does any thing you to spew out have to do with dinar??

-- December 28, 2007 5:07 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Worked

Your ignorance and shortsightedness will make you unable to handle the dinar when they do hit!

Carole

-- December 28, 2007 11:56 PM ∞

---

Nash wrote:

With the Dinar about, to break loose,, isn't it about time, we got a new sheet,, ,, the page is getting rather lengthy,, ,, so who's got the pull to get it done. ?

-- December 30, 2007 12:14 AM ∞

---

worked wrote:

Thats funny. You , the bible pusher on this site is "judging " me. You need to go read your bible. Judge not , you idiot! or something like that. Oh ya , I take care of the money I already have . I don't think it will be a problem. Back to you shallow and narrow little minded one

-- December 30, 2007 3:07 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Hi Worked,
All the talk on JC and big G used to get up my nose as well, but it is because dinar news is thin on the ground at this moment in time, as the GOI and the CBI and the whole country is on vacation but then we can just scroll right by it, that way it keeps the blood presure down, and a few glass's of what you like always helps, and we are in the middle of the drunk season, so hope you had a good christmas and have a great time on new years eve.

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- December 30, 2007 9:45 PM ∞

---

Dean wrote:

On Today's Date: 12-30-07

One Dollar = 1,214.60 Dinars

I bought my dinars a couple years ago when they were about 1 = 1460. So we are going in the right direction!! That's good news!

Only problem is, if this thing ever pays off, where would I cash these dinars in for dollars?

A while back, somebody told me to take them to any International Bank in the United States and they will change them for dollars. Is this true? Anyone try this yet? Is there a fee? or catch?

Sincerely,
Dean
(also a Jesus Fan & Bible Thumper!)
LOL

-- December 30, 2007 10:20 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Carole. :)

Without meaning to put anyone down (I swear it)... as I see the spiritual reality on forum,
the problem with open forums is - it has all kinds of people in it.
Both the wise and foolish (spiritually).
Their reactions differ:

Pro 9:7 He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
Pro 9:8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

With the same action.. some will hate you and others will love you.
I recognise the shame and harm involved in seeking the truth..
seeking the path which is not crooked before those who scoff or scorn us.
It was always this way.

Jesus Himself said:

Mat 10:24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
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!

They would say the same of Jesus Christ (the master) that they think of those of us who are of His household.
It was not kind words or tolerance which caused them to call Jesus the prince of the devils (Beelzebub/Satan).
Such persons hate all which serve God, including the master whom we serve.
It is always so.

But even though it means getting to one's self shame and harm to do it..
God sometimes compels those of us who serve Him to speak and not keep silent..
and the reason is because we love peace and judgement... justice and equity, unlike some:

Isa 59:8 The way of peace they have not known; and there is no judgement in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace.
Isa 59:14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

Remember with our Lord how He was so often hated.. and loved.. when He spoke the truth.
Few wished to hear His words then.
Will the reaction to the words of those who follow Him truly be any different?

Sara.

-- December 31, 2007 5:23 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

I think if Bin Laden is correct..
and this is NEW news and not the same old rather obvious agenda the US has had all along..
If it is truly something new and fresh and vibrant and working..
Then this will be good news for the Iraqi people! :)

The implementation of a new government plan which the terrorists dislike will be in the Iraqi national interest -
though obviously not in the interest of those who are seeking by unlawful and murderous means to seize power in Iraq for themselves.
When the outlaws dislike what you are doing..
it is likely a good thing brewing for the government of Iraq. :)

==

Bin Laden says U.S. plans new Iraqi government: Web
Sat Dec 29, 2007

DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden said the United States wants to create a new national unity government in Iraq...

The militant leader urged Iraqis in a recording posted on the Internet on Saturday to reject the envisaged plan....

It is meant "to give the American all they wish of Iraq's oil," he said.

http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAL298501820071229?rpc=401&

===

This makes me wonder if Bin Laden has his own designs on getting all he wishes of Iraq's oil.. ??
and... is it simply true that he doesn't like the legitimate and invited forces in Iraq getting some instead?
Sounds like Jesse James (the outlaw) lamenting that he cannot get his hands on the bank's vault or cash,
and accusing the sheriff (from a safe distance) that he must be stealing it from the bank for himself (as he, Jesse, knows he would if given the chance).

Sara.

-- December 31, 2007 5:48 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Hi Dean,

You can buy and sell Iraqi dinar at your Chase Bank in the US

Carole,
J.C. Jesus Christ and big G God the two gaffer's

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- December 31, 2007 10:44 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Civilian casualties drop in Iraq
Jan 1, 2008 3:54 PM

Violent civilian deaths in Iraq in December were down 75% from a year ago, new figures released on Monday showed as Iraqis partied in the streets of some parts of the capital Baghdad to bring in the New Year.

A year ago, the scenes of unrestrained revelry would have been unthinkable in a country racked by savage sectarian violence that by the most conservative estimates has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced some four million.

Since then, the US military has adopted a new counter- insurgency strategy, Sunni Arab tribes have rebelled against al Qaeda, and anti-American Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has ordered his Mehdi Army militia to observe a six-month ceasefire.

Levels of violence are sharply down in most parts of Iraq... December is also one of the least deadly months of the war for US soldiers in Iraq with 21 reported deaths so far.

Petraeus said al Qaeda remained the biggest threat to Iraq's security and that his troops would continue to target the Sunni Islamist group in offensive operations in 2008.

For people partying in Karrada district in Baghdad on Monday night, 2008 offered the promise of peace after a year which saw sectarian violence stemmed if not entirely quelled. For the first time in years, people were celebrating New Year.

"We will say prayers thanking God that we are still alive and asking him for a better coming year, and for the situation to improve, to be more peaceful and secure," said Qais Mansour, a 70-year-old Catholic priest, earlier in the day.

"We wish the political parties will reach agreement next year that we are all human, to respect one another and to live in peace."

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1320238/1528681

-- January 1, 2008 12:36 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq says most of Al-Qaeda network destroyed in 2007
Dec 31, 07

BAGHDAD (AFP) — The Iraqi interior ministry lauded its achievements over the past year on Saturday, saying that 75 percent of Al-Qaeda's networks in the country had been destroyed in 12 months.

Ministry spokesman Abdul Karim Khalaf also outlined sharp falls in the numbers of assassinations, kidnappings and death squad murders.

He told a news conference that increased patrols along the borders with Saudi Arabia and Syria had slowed infiltration by militants and played a key role in Iraq's improved security situation.

"We have destroyed 75 percent of Al-Qaeda hide-outs, and we broke up major criminal networks that supported Al-Qaeda in Baghdad," he said.

"After eliminating safe houses in Anbar province, which used to be Al-Qaeda's base, we moved into areas surrounding Baghdad and into Diyala province. Al-Qaeda headed north and we are pursuing them," he said.

Khalaf said kidnappings were down 70 percent and that an average of three to five people killed by death squads were being found each day in Baghdad compared with 15 to 20 a day in February.

Personnel with militant or criminal links had been weeded out from Iraqi security forces, he said, adding that Sunni-US alliances against Al-Qaeda had also significantly contributed to the drop in violence.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jfANve80Rk_7VBhVaujgmKmMO7VQ

-- January 1, 2008 12:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Surge 101: Lessons From Iraq
Posted 12-31-2007

There are lessons to be learned from the dazzling success of the surge strategy in Iraq.

Lesson one is that just about no mission is impossible for the United States military. A year ago it was widely thought, not just by the new Democratic leaders in Congress but also in many parts of the Pentagon, that containing the violence in Iraq was impossible. Now we have seen it done.

We have seen this before in American history. George Washington's forces seemed on the brink of defeat many times in the agonizing years before Yorktown. Abraham Lincoln's generals seemed so unsuccessful in the Civil War that in August 1864 it was widely believed he would be defeated for re-election. But finally Lincoln found the right generals. Sherman took Atlanta and marched to the sea; Grant pressed forward in Virginia.

Franklin Roosevelt picked the right generals and admirals from the start in World War II, but the first years of the war were filled with errors and mistakes. Even Vietnam is not necessarily a counterexample. As Lewis Sorley argues persuasively in A Better War: The Unexamined Victories and Final Tragedy of America's Last Years in Vietnam, Gen. Creighton Abrams came up with a winning strategy by 1972. South Vietnam fell three years later when the North Vietnamese army attacked en masse, and Congress refused to allow the aid the U.S. had promised.

George W. Bush, like Lincoln, took his time finding the right generals. But it's clear now that the forward-moving surge strategy devised by Gens. David Petraeus and Raymond Odierno has succeeded where the stand-aside strategy employed by their predecessors failed. American troops are surely the most capable military force in history. They just need to be given the right orders.

Lesson two is that societies can more easily be transformed from the bottom up than from the top down. Bush's critics are still concentrating on the failure of the central Iraqi government to reach agreement on important issues -- even though the oil revenues are already being distributed to the provinces. We persuaded the Iraqis to elect their parliament from national party lists (reportedly so that it would include more women) rather than to elect them from single-member districts that would have elected community leaders more in touch with local opinion.

But the impetus for change has come from the bottom up, from tribal sheiks in Anbar province who got tired of the violence and oppression of al Qaeda in Iraq, from Shiites and Sunnis who, once confident of the protection of American forces and of the new Iraqi military, decided to quit killing each other. They did not wait for orders from Baghdad or for legislation to be passed with all the i's dotted and t's crossed.

Our own recent history should have taught us that bottom-up transformation, in local laboratories of reform, can often achieve results that seemed impossible to national leaders. At the beginning of the 1990s we seemed to have intractable problems of high crime and welfare dependency. Experts argued that we couldn't hope for improvement. But state and local leaders got to work and showed that change for the better was possible. They included Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson on welfare and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on crime control and many others, mostly Republicans but many Democrats as well. The federal government came charging in only after success was achieved in states and cities across the country. By now welfare dependency and crime have fallen by more than half, and they have virtually disappeared as political issues.

Lesson three is that it doesn't pay to bet against America. As Walter Russell Mead explains in his trenchant (and entertaining) God and Gold: Britain and America and the Making of the Modern World, first Britain and then America have built the most prosperous and creative economies the world has ever seen and have prevailed in every major military conflict (except when they fought each other) since the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Many of those victories have been achieved in conflicts far more grueling than what we have faced in Iraq.

Some of George W. Bush's critics seem to have relished the prospect of American defeat and some refuse to acknowledge the success that has been achieved. But it appears that they have "misunderestimated" him once again, and have "misunderestimated" the competence of the American military and of free peoples working from the bottom up to transform their societies for the better. It's something to be thankful for as the new year begins.

By Michael Barone
Creators Syndicate Inc.

http://www.aina.org/news/20071231133419.htm

QUOTE: "It's something to be thankful for as the new year begins."

Amen, it all is.
Thank YOU, LORD! :)

Sara.

-- January 1, 2008 12:55 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

NOTE...
Look at how much dinar was purchased from CBI today...It is a significant increase over the standard day to day purchases...
Do the insiders know something that we have not heard of yet?...If not! Why the sudden spike...?

-- January 2, 2008 7:05 AM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

To you all, hope you have a happy new year, and also on a happier note from Iraq.....

BAGHDAD, Jan 1 (Reuters) - On New Year's Eve Ridaa al-Azzawi squeezed into his pointy snakeskin boots, his tight black sweater and his snazzy corduroy flared jeans, hustled down to a Baghdad hotel ballroom and partied for peace.

2008 arrived in a less-violent Baghdad, and residents said it was the first real party they had seen in years.

At the stroke of midnight, exuberant locals fired into the air with automatic rifles, sending red tracer fire streaking over the city, as fireworks lit up the sky.

While the city is still far from peaceful and many of the festive gatherings had a tentative feel, many said it was a happier occasion than they could have dared to hope just a few months ago.

"The security has changed and it took us by surprise. We're very happy. Especially us young people," said al-Azzawi, a 22-year-old student taking a break from dancing to a traditional Iraqi band in the ballroom of the Palestine Hotel.

"I haven't seen a happy place like this in so long. I wanted to see if I could maybe meet a few girls!" he said. "I only hope the Iraqi people can enjoy more happy times like this."

Salah al-Lami, 27, the singer who performed at the Palestine ballroom and then for another New Year's Eve crowd at the Sheraton Hotel across the street, said it was the first time he had sung before a live audience in four years.

"This will be the year that we take our freedom!" he told Reuters after singing through a boisterous set in front of a packed dancefloor.

"When I went up on the stage and started singing I felt like I was performing for my family."

Belly dancers also took the stage, and revellers showered a female singer with dinar notes, the Iraqi audience's ultimate sign of approval.

VIOLENCE DECREASES

Violence in Iraq has declined dramatically in the past few months. U.S. forces say attacks are down 60 percent since June.

Although 2007 was the deadliest year of the war for U.S. troops, December was the least deadly month for the U.S.-led coalition since the war began. Just 22 U.S. and allied soldiers were killed in December, compared with 131 in May.

Still, violence has not ceased. A suicide car bomb in a town north of Baghdad killed 11 people including five children on New Year's Eve morning. Two suicide bombs killed at least 33 people on Christmas Day.

But as the New Year's parties went on, the violence seemed to be forgotten.

In Karrada, the downtown Baghdad shopping neighbourhood, young people came out with fireworks to celebrate the New Year, laughing and spraying each other with aerosol foam.

Economics student Afir Ali, 21, turned up at the Palestine ballroom in a faux-suede blazer and jeans.

"We thank god. This is a beautiful feeling. We wish we could do this every day," he said.

"We want to enjoy life. We've had enough of violence."

-- January 2, 2008 12:11 PM ∞

---

DinarAdmin wrote:

Steve and Carole, et al:

Please cease the personal attacks and banter and get back to Dinar discussion.

DinarAdmin.

-- January 2, 2008 7:31 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

In Iraq's success, Bush's vindication

- 'None of the American mistakes invalidate the war - any more than the Dresden bombings invalidated the fight against Hitler'

Bruce Gilley, National Post
December 2007

For the past two years, I have taught a course on the Iraq war -- first at the graduate level at The New School university in New York, and now at the undergraduate level at my new home at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont. We spend a lot of time on the background to the war before moving onto its consequences. At a certain point, I pop the question: Is democracy a failure in Iraq? Students usually eye me suspiciously before offering up a series of conditionals: If so and so happens then failure is more or less likely, while so and so suggests the possibility of success.

In a world of instant opinions and impatient journalistic commentary, discussions of democratic development in Iraq -- and with it, the judgment of the war itself -- have become well-nigh impossible. In the classroom, however, it is possible to take the long view. And while my students are usually skeptical about the prospects of success, my own view is more positive: Iraqi democracy is on the right track. As it continues to develop in the decades to come, George W. Bush's war will be vindicated.

Let me explain with reference to two key considerations: legacies and time-horizons.

It is no secret that Iraq labours under several legacies -- a history of imperial mis-design, an economy and a political culture devastated by the consequences of Saddam Hussein's regime, ethnic divides, the oil curse and a wholly undemocratic regional setting -- all of which makes democracy-building a tall order.

Yet Iraq is rising to the challenge. The only semi-democratic states in the Arab world are Jordan and Kuwait. Iraq is rapidly surpassing them in terms of its electoral, civil and media freedoms.

Democracies with income levels similar to Iraq include the Philippines, Indonesia and Nicaragua. They represent the proper standard of comparison for the quality of democracy in Iraq. And by that standard, the country is doing fairly well. Iraq's legislature is, albeit slowly, making real progress. Laws governing oil revenues, the re-integration of ex-Baathists and the country's first national budget are either already agreed upon or close to it. The rights of provincial governors are to be clarified by another new law.

Meanwhile, the government is sharing out oil revenues, hiring ex-Baathists and spending on capital construction through consensus arrangements. Through it all, the give-and-take of coalitional politics is emerging.

As for time horizons, the government elected in 2005 has served only two years in office. We usually give our politicians at least a four-to five-year term in order to engineer even minor changes in public policy. Why would we expect Iraq to build a functioning democracy in terrible conditions in a shorter time? Talk about double standards.

"Sure," you might say, "the Iraqis may yet establish a decent democracy of some sort. But why would this vindicate the war itself ? Wasn't the Bush administration deceitful in its use of weapons-of-mass-destruction as a pretext for launching the invasion? And didn't the absence of a UN Security Council resolution explicitly authorizing war make it an illegal act?"

Yes, on both counts, but that does not undermine the justification of the war.

While American citizens are rightly angered by the Bush administration's mendacity on WMD, the failure of democratic checks and balances prior to the war, and the war's mounting costs (which will make every American about $10,000 poorer according to economist Joseph Stiglitz), as an outsider my concern was simply the elimination of a rogue regime and the provision of better life prospects for its citizens. On this count, there was a robust humanitarian justification for the war against Saddam's Iraq.

Of course, the war had to meet certain conditions.

First, the war had to be fought justly. Lots of mistakes have been made in fighting this war -- the early emphasis on "force protection" that resulted in needlessly high civilian casualty rates, for instance, and the travesty of dozens of prisoners being mistreated at Abu Ghraib (the prison where Saddam's regime tortured and executed an estimated 7,000 dissidents between 1984 and 1999). But none of these mistakes are serious enough to invalidate the war as a whole, any more than the Dresden bombings invalidated the fight against Hitler.

Secondly, the war had to do on balance more good than harm -- the so-called "proportionality" condition. The more than 100,000 Iraqi deaths since the war's onset -- roughly 0.4% of the population -- has been a horrible price to pay for removing Saddam from power. This figure, however, must be compared with the number of lives that would eventually be lost when Saddam's unpopular and sadistic regime fell by indigenous hands -- say, by a Shia-led assassination or an internal Baath-party coup.

Virtually every analysis of such a scenario predicts a bloody mess that would make the chaos that actually unfolded in post-invasion Iraq look like a petty squabble by comparison. When Idi Amin's similarly loathed regime in Uganda fell to an internal rebel insurgency in 1979, 200,000 lives -- 1.6% of the population -- were lost before order was restored in 1986. Yugoslavia's wars of succession had already claimed just over 1% of the local population be-fore NATO interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo (neither endorsed by the UN) ended the killings there. By any measure, the "proportionality" condition has been met in Iraq.

Finally, there had to be a reasonable probability of success. This is where the establishment of a democratic government comes in.

The developments described above are vindicating, not undermining, the original case for war. The U.S. Congress is right to set demanding benchmarks for the Iraqi parliament as part of plans for a drawdown of U.S. forces as early as 2009. But this bureaucratic imperative is no substitute for objective analysis. Iraq's democracy may be failing some congressional benchmarks, but it is succeeding beyond appropriate expectations that account for Iraq's cruel legacies, its income level, and its short lifespan.

I'm no fan of Bush. But I am a fan of the Iraq war. As Iraq's democracy emerges -- the next parliamentary elections are due in late 2009 -- my appreciation of the tragic need for this war will continue to grow.

-Bruce Gilley is an assistant professor of political studies at Queen's University.

http://www.nationalpost.com/most_popular/story.html?id=191722

-- January 2, 2008 8:14 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Sara,
If you have a look here, www.iraqembassy.org.uk/
Go to the link at the top right of the page
click on for short history of Iraq, as there
may be somthing of use to you

Not only but also if you check you will find that
a lot of the problems in the world date back to
the British Empire, as soon as we gave the locals
back their own country, we had divided it all up all over
the place, look at the state of the borders around Iraq
Its a pige ear
Im still lucky, Steve.

-- January 3, 2008 12:07 AM ∞

---

CPA wrote:

Dean & Steve,

I called Chase Bank yesterday (1/2/2008)and you can sell your Dinar to them at .00075840 and you can buy Dinar from Chase Bank at .00092290 on 1/2/2008.

For example, 1M IQD x .00075840 = $758.40 if you sold to Chase Bank. If you want to buy $1M IQD it will cost you $922.90. That is quite a spread for the bank (21%).

I bought mine in October of 2006 from Chase at .00076760. The spread then was 18.5%. So it has been more than a year and I still haven't hit the breakeven point. Nevertheless, the value of the Dinar, through Chase Bank anyways, has risen 17% since October 2006.

I don't know if I got a good deal at the time but I felt comfortable purchasing from a national bank in the US.

-- January 3, 2008 2:17 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Hi CPA,

Its just a case of phoneing around and asking the Banks, the Bank of America and Wells Fargo were selling dinar at some time , do not know at this time

It seems Mr I from Warka has said yes they are takeing out all the coins, by the end of jan this year, and useing the notes they have in use now, no new small denominations paper notes

There is still a lot of hype going on the other site, about it happening any day now, we have all heard that one before, but it has to happen some time, sooner rather than later
Stay Lucky Guys, Steve.

-- January 3, 2008 3:19 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Thursday...
A jump from 119 million to 181 million...sold at auction...
Any spectculation as to why such a jump..?

-- January 3, 2008 5:40 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

THINGS OF INTEREST
Maliki has flow to London for a UHHHHHH! exhaustion checkup they report, however, he may also have a heart checkup while there....words to take note of ...Maliki, states..."I HOPE to return soon"....Yep! Sounds like exhaustion to me..

Iraq's oil production is up for november, however, I really don't know how they can tell, for even after 3 years of knowing the oil is being stolen...the oil ministry as yet to change the metering system from the way Saddam did it...
Sometimes, it is just plain hard to kick the fat bores away from the feeding bin...

Iraq has is going down the tubes...it is reported that for the first time in years, Iraqi's went out and celebrated the New year with fireworks..(I bet they have better cherry bombs than we have)...drinking, sex, dancing.....they are starting to act like the rest of the world at New Years...Well! at least we tried to improve their view of the world..

Roger! Just in case you need this...its Foggy and 45 degrees in Baghdad this AM...I suggest getting rid of the shorts ole buddy...

-- January 3, 2008 6:02 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

FROM
10 MILLION AT THE AUCTIONS TO 181 MILLION DINAR SOLD AT THE AUCTION IN ONE DAY, IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS...Let me ask you this...if a mouse whispered in your ear...that Google stock which was selling for 10.00 a share was about to increase significantly would you run out and buy all you could...?

-- January 3, 2008 6:10 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1078)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1078 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2008/1/3 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1215 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 181.280.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 181.280.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------ -----

-- January 3, 2008 6:40 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Carl;

That sure looks INTERESTING! :)

Thanks for the info url, Steve. :)

The British Empire's rule did cause some carving up of places, didn't it? And those places had such diverse cultures, Steve. Cultural differences may hinder or prosper business ventures. Adapting to what WORKS while holding on to one's precious values means people can move forward and progress without losing anything. Being modern isn't bad for Iraq... it is good for business! Although some cultures seem to hold their prosperity for only short times.. I think Iraq has and is adapting enough to retain its prosperity and freedom. So long as they don't bite the hands which set them on this road, they will continue to succeed into the future (see the post yesterday on vindication for the war - which was balanced and good).

Sara.

==DinarAdmin== delete first one?

-- January 3, 2008 1:48 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,
For upto date info on oil comps world wide goto, http://oilvoice.com/open/
On the right hand side, click on, Select Region, then Middle East for lots
of info about the oil comps in Kurdistan, lots more oil than thought as it
is the same all over Iraq

You can sign on for free weekly updates from then, on any country you wish
Have a nice read, Steve.

-- January 3, 2008 9:42 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All,
On Tuesday January 8th, Presidend Bush will travel to Israel, the West Bank, Kuwait, Bahrain the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, for the full upcoming trips list goto,
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080103-2.html
It is always worth stoping by the Whitehouse for info

Sara I note the date of the last listing and then start there, to keep upto date
you only have to miss a few days, and you have a shed load of postings to catch up on LOL

Have a read, Steve, if the link works.

-- January 4, 2008 12:43 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Carl - unfortunately, a friend posted this to me about the extra demand you noticed...

QUOTE:

Record demand for the dollar in daily auction
Baghdad, 04 January 2008 (Voices of Iraq)

Demand for the dollar was at a record high in the Iraqi Central Bank's auction on Thursday, reaching $181.280 million, the highest in its history, compared to $119.535 million on Monday.

In its daily statement, the bank said it had covered all bids, including $13.370 million in cash and $167.910 in foreign transfers at a stable exchange rate of 1,215 dinars per dollar, unchanged for the second session in a row.

None of the 12 banks that participated in Thursday's session offered to sell dollars, the first absence in three weeks.

In statements to the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), an advisor from the Central Bank, Madhhar Muhammad Saleh, linked the hike in the demand for the dollar to the suspension of several sessions during official holidays. Considering that the Central Bank is the primary source of dollars for local markets, the suspension of sessions has resulted in an accumulative demand for the dollar, Saleh explained.

Meanwhile, Ali al-Yasseri, a trader, said that the difference in the exchange rate between the bank's auction and local markets has further increased overall demand for the dollar.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/25759

-- January 4, 2008 9:55 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Key al Qaeda deputy killed in Iraq
Jan 4, 08

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- An al Qaeda in Iraq leader who was suspected of helping to plan a large scale attack against coalition forces "in the near future" was killed by a U.S. air strike south of Baghdad last week, the U.S. military said.

The military also said it captured "dozens of suspected extremists" connected to al Qaeda in an assault south of Baghdad on Saturday.

Muhammad Khalil Ibrahim, identified as the deputy military leader for the al Qaeda's network south of Baghdad, was killed along with two other terrorists in the air strike on their vehicle on Dec. 27, the military said.

On Saturday, the U.S. military and Iraqi Army launched an assault south of Baghdad in the Ubaydi farmland area, described by one U.S. soldier as a place where "people are either aligned with al Qaeda in Iraq or they've been killed or chased away."

More than 40 suspected extremists were captured, including 32 that were on the Iraqi Army's "most-wanted list," the military said.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces banned cars and trucks from the roads of Baquba and two other cities in the Diyala province Friday to protect caravans of pilgrims returning from the the hajj in Mecca, an Iraqi military spokesman said.

The hajj is the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and adult Muslims are required to go on the pilgrimage at least once during their lives.

But the journey has its risks for people traveling through a country at war.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/04/iraq.main/index.html?eref=rss_latest

===

Side Note: I sure am glad Christianity does not require any pilgrimmage to any holy site as a condition to entering heaven.. particularly one in a war zone..
Salvation by grace alone through faith alone.. means all Christians do is believe in Jesus and the work He did for them on the cross in forgiving their sins - nothing more.

Sara.

-- January 4, 2008 10:40 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Sara!
Apparently, I read the auction list wrong...I overlooked the fact the bank was buying back dinar at the dollar rate and not selling dinar at dollar rate...

That is definitely not a good sign...why would so much dinar all of a sudden be cashed in for the dollar...?

It appears somebody has said something...but what? A rush like that does not happen without a catalyst...

-- January 4, 2008 8:30 PM ∞

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pat wrote:

It was just a higher demand for the dollar because of the build up over the holiday , there was fewer auction. it all works out. ...... Nothing more no less

-- January 4, 2008 10:11 PM ∞

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ahire wrote:

http://www.investorsiraq.com/showthread.php?t=64184

What do ya'll think?

-- January 5, 2008 12:25 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

ahire;

Read it all. Munson's post was excellent, mentioning that "since the CBI began these auctions in January of 2004, they have bought more than 50 TRILLION dinar, at a cost exceeding $40 BILLION USD." - an excellent point, showing that the Dinar comes into the CBI for its use or cancellation.

The original post idea of the coins being put into circulation first before a RV happens would mean at least the end of Jan for a RV to occur if not later by this accounting. Interesting deductive reasoning.. but I like insider info as they tend to know more than we surmise. Have to see if anyone in-the-know mentions anything nearer to that time as a confirmation of this speculative reasoning. For now, that thread is good reasoning for those watsons at the IIF, but the master of the situation would be the many Sherlock Holmes-es who know something for sure from the inside.. that would truly solve the Dinar RV mystery.. wouldn't it? Till then I take the "wait and see" mentality on these provocative and interesting viewpoints people present from their own deductions on Dinar sites, because those in the know have not publicly said what they know.

Sara.

-- January 5, 2008 8:20 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

The ounce of prevention gets little of the headline grabbing news:

===

Coalition Forces Target Al-Qaeda in Iraq Leadership; Six Suspects Detained
- Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists yesterday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks along the Tigris River Valley.

During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be the deputy al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network operating in the city. Reports indicate the suspect is responsible for approving targets for terrorist attacks and previously served as a judge of an illegal court system involved in ordering and approving abductions and executions. The wanted individual is also believed to be associated with several terrorists targeted by Coalition forces recently, to include a leader of the al-Qaeda network in west Mosul killed Dec. 25, and two other associates detained Dec. 13.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Rusafah. The wanted individual has close ties to an alleged terrorist attack coordinator who was recruited by the al-Qaeda senior leader in Baghdad. The two individuals were reportedly planning a suicide attack targeting Coalition forces and Concerned Local Citizens operating in the area. The ground force detained the wanted individual without incident along with another suspect assessed to be his brother.

Coalition forces detained three additional suspected terrorists during an operation in Tikrit targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the region. The targeted individual is reportedly involved in attacks against Coalition forces and has ties to improvised explosive device operations near Ad Dawr.

"Al-Qaeda Iraq is on the run," said Lt. Patrick Evans. "Coalition and Iraq forces will continue to target their networks in Iraq to degrade their ability to conduct horrific attacks."

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq

http://interestalert.com/story/01070004aaa023d4.nb/siteia/WORLDNEW/world.html

-- January 7, 2008 1:32 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

True Heroism.. Is this the emphasis you see in the accounts in the MSM?

IRAQI SOLDIERS DIE ATTEMPTING TO SUBDUE SUICIDE BOMBER

Three Iraqi soldiers were killed on January 6 as they tried to prevent a suicide bomber from blowing himself up in the middle of an Iraqi Army Day celebration in Baghdad, international media reported the same day. The celebration commemorated the 87th anniversary of the army's founding. According to a statement by the U.S.-led coalition, the bomber tried to detonate his explosives vest outside the neighborhood advisory council building in Karradah. "The selfless sacrifice of the three Iraqi soldiers should not be forgotten. These martyrs gave their lives so that others might live," spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Steven Stover said. "The valor and devotion to the mission displayed by these Iraqi soldiers embodies the character of the Iraqi Army, especially on the Iraqi Army Day." The coalition said two civilians were killed and four wounded in the attack. Other media quoted Iraqi police as saying nine civilians were killed and 12 wounded. KR

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/6-swa/swa-070108.asp

-- January 7, 2008 1:35 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Ranger in another chat room is saying that Bank of America is listing Kuwait Dinar at $4.05. Not sure on how true that is but we should know soon. He said that's about a $.75 reval increase. Please don't get your hopes up as people have different motives in their postings. If it is untrue I apologize for this posting.

-- January 8, 2008 1:32 AM ∞

---

Nash wrote:

this is off the Bank of America's foreign exchange rate site.

U.S. Dollar Equivalent Chart:

As of January 08, 2008, at 07:33 AM G.M.T.
Kuwait Dinar Value U.S. Dollar Equivalent
100 Kuwait Dinars 405.49
500 Kuwait Dinars 2,027.45
1000 Kuwait Dinars 4,054.90
5000 Kuwait Dinars 20,274.50
10000 Kuwait Dinars 40,549.00
25000 Kuwait Dinars 101,372.50
50000 Kuwait Dinars 202,745.00
100000 Kuwait Dinars 405,490.00
150000 Kuwait Dinars 608,235.00
250000 Kuwait Dinars 1,013,725.00
500000 Kuwait Dinars 2,027,450.00
1000000 Kuwait Dinars 4,054,900.00

-- January 8, 2008 2:35 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(1080)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 1080 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2008/1/8 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 16 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1215 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1213 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 124.615.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 124.615.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.500.000 -----

-- January 8, 2008 6:45 AM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

Currency Conversion Results
Symbol Kuwaiti Dinar Exchange
Rate British Pound Bid Ask
KWDGBP=X 1 8 Jan 1.8516 1.8516 1.8516 1.8555

Add to Portfolio Set Alert Download Data

-- January 8, 2008 9:01 AM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

Currency Conversion Results
Symbol British Pound Exchange
Rate U.S. Dollar Bid Ask
GBPUSD=X 185 8 Jan 1.9749 365.3657 1.9749 1.9751

-- January 8, 2008 9:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Good afternoon I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and celebratory New Years Eve. I am now back from moving my in-laws ready to get back to contributing to the board.

From what I read, it looks as though the Dinar may stay at 1215 for sometime. The GoI and the CBI are running out of time relating to the Dinars value. At some point they must either continue to increase interest rates (burdening their people further) or increase the value of their currency to stave off inflation.

In my view, the foreign speculator has played a larger role in the Iraqi enviroment than could have been imagined. When President Bush issued his order validating investment in Iraq it seems the Iraqi Government welcomed our money with open arms. Now, they wish we were not involved in the development and evolution of their country.

I read one post stating the Iraqi currency is like holding a winning lottery ticket though we do not know when the drawing will be. I also have read, where Sebastian River Holdings acquired another 100,000,000 million dinars. The GoI and the CBI will continue the managed rate hoping for discouragment. As I said, at somepoint the Iraqi's must alter this course.

Altering the course does not necessiarily mean a revaluation all though it could mean that. I still believe once the oil contracts are signed where exploration and extraction can begin Iraq will have to monetize their oil (Petro Dinars)and aggressively de-dollarize their economy. At this point the foreign exchange market seems to be the logical outcome. Continuing the managed rate could not keep pace with the expected economic growth and an overly large revaluation of the currency could lead to monetary issues not forseen by the CBI.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 8, 2008 5:54 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Rob, Glad to hear you are back. Hope you enjoyed your time away. :)

I appreciate your view that, quote, "As I said, at somepoint the Iraqi's must alter this course." BECAUSE, quote, "At some point they must either continue to increase interest rates (burdening their people further) or increase the value of their currency to stave off inflation."

That is the most sensible and logical view to my mind, too. We will have to see if logic and reasoning prevail.. through God I trust they eventually will. :)

An interesting statistical trend which also fits with the saying, "You can fool some of the people some of the time..." BUT:

Americans Slam News Media on Believability -
FOX NEWS tops poll of the BEST
Tue Jan 8, 2008 10:01am EST

Americans see:

-- Growing media attempts to influence public opinion and policies

-- Poor quality

-- A strong liberal bent in most media

-- Fox News, CNN and NBC as the most accurate

FAIRFIELD, Conn., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Sacred Heart University Poll found significantly declining percentages of Americans saying they believe all or most of media news reporting. In the current national poll, just 19.6% of those surveyed could say they believe all or most news media reporting. This is down from 27.4% in 2003. Just under one-quarter, 23.9%, in 2007 said they believe little or none of reporting while 55.3% suggested they believe some media news reporting.

The most trusted national TV news organizations, for accurate reporting, in declining order included: Fox News (27.0%), CNN (14.6%), and NBC News (10.90%). These were followed by ABC News (7.0%), local news (6.9%), CBS News (6.8%) MSNBC (4.0%), PBS News (3.0%), CNBC (0.6%) and CBN (0.5%).

In 2003, CNN led Fox News on "trust most for accurate reporting" 23.8% to 14.6%.

By four-to-one margins, Americans surveyed see The New York Times (41.9% to 11.8%) and National Public Radio (40.3% to 11.2%) as mostly or somewhat liberal over mostly or somewhat conservative.

By a three-to-one margin, Americans see news media journalists and broadcasters (45.4% to 15.7%) as mostly or somewhat liberal over mostly or somewhat conservative.

And, by a two-to-one margin, Americans see CNN (44.9% to 18.4%) and MSNBC (38.8% to 15.8%) as mostly or somewhat liberal over mostly or somewhat conservative.

Just Fox News was seen as mostly and somewhat conservative (48.7%) over mostly or somewhat liberal (22.3%).

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS160770+08-Jan-2008+PRN20080108

Interesting the dip between FOX at 27% and CNN at 14%, almost dropping in HALF...

Sara.

-- January 9, 2008 8:05 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Interesting posts on the Kuwaiti exchange rate - willie (hat tip to Ranger) nash, cornishboy.. and thanks for the continued Dinar rate exchange posts, Chris. Interesting input.

Sara.

-- January 9, 2008 8:28 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Just in case you were wondering why the American people are skeptical of the media..
some "damned lies and statistics" to fill in the blanks..
Suprisingly(?), I found this link quoted at a middle eastern news site:

==

New Iraqi, WHO study puts violent death toll in Iraq at 151,000 people
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Helen Branswell, Medical Reporter,
THE CANADIAN PRESS

An estimated 151,000 Iraqis died in war-related violence in the three years after the U.S.-led invasion of that country, newly published research suggests.

The figure, contained in a study produced jointly by Iraq's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, is roughly four times lower than the nearly 655,000 death estimate contained in the report of an earlier survey, published in the fall of 2006.

The authors of the new study and some outside experts said the large size of the most recent work adds credence to the findings. But few believe this caps the debate over how many Iraqis have died in war-related violence.

The study is based on an extensive survey of nearly 9,345 Iraqi households conducted in 2006 and 2007.
Because of a variety of unknowns - including the current population of Iraq - many figures used in the calculations had to be adjusted based on assumptions of what, say, the death rate might have been in areas where many households were abandoned or destroyed.

Consequently the confidence interval on the death estimate is wide, meaning the researchers believe it ranges from a possible low of 104,000 to a possible high of 223,000.

"This is the best estimate that we can provide based on a large scale survey where a lot has been done to ensure the quality of the data. But the uncertainty around the number is fairly large," admitted Dr. Ties Boerma, director of the WHO's department of measurement and health information systems.

Still, Iraq's minister of health called the research sound.

"I think it is a sound survey and the sample is also a good sample. So regarding me as minister of health, certainly I believe in these numbers," Dr. Salih Mahdi Motlab Al-Hasanawi said in a teleconference for reporters.

http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en.do?pn=world&articleID=2850674
===

Let's just say that again..

roughly four times lower than the nearly 655,000 death estimate contained in the report of an earlier survey, published in the fall of 2006.
roughly four times lower than the nearly 655,000 death estimate contained in the report of an earlier survey, published in the fall of 2006.
roughly four times lower than the nearly 655,000 death estimate contained in the report of an earlier survey, published in the fall of 2006.

See? FOUR TIMES LOWER... So.. that could mean that from the lowest estimate of 104,000 deaths to the largest estimate of 655,000...
a mere HALF A MILLION IRAQIS did NOT die.. 551,000 people.. did NOT die.
The media just said they did.

You can fool some of the people some of the time..

-- January 9, 2008 8:54 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

raq seeks Kuwait "compromise" over debt, compensation

The United Nations should reduce the percentage money it takes from Iraqi oil revenues to pay compensation for victims of Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait because the country is in dire need of cash for reconstruction, the Iraqi vice president said Wednesday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 10, 2008 10:52 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Remarks by the President / Iraq Provincial Reconstruction
1/9/2008

Remarks by the President After a Video Teleconference with Iraq Provincial Reconstruction...

Remarks by the President After a Video Teleconference with Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders and Brigade Combat Commanders

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--Rose Garden

2:12 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. I had a series of good
meetings today to discuss the situation in Iraq, including a video
teleconference this morning with General Petraeus, Ambassador Crocker,
and members of the national security team. I also spoke by video with
Prime Minister Maliki to discuss the return of the Iraqi parliament
that -- it was clear from my discussions that there's great hope in
Iraq, that the Iraqis are beginning to see political progress that is
matching the dramatic security gains for the past year. There's still
work to be done, but it was a very hopeful conversation.

Today I just had a good discussion with some of our bravest
citizens -- members of our nation's provincial reconstruction teams
and their brigade commanders in Iraq, three of whom are with me today,
along with the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Thank you all for
coming. And the others were by SVTS, by video from Baghdad. I first of
all thanked them for the progress they've helped make possible during
the past year, and the important work that they're doing in the
communities all across Iraq.

Provincial reconstruction teams are called PRTs, are a central
part of the new strategy in Iraq that I announced a year ago. The
strategy was built around three key elements: First was a surge of
additional troops into Iraq, with a new mission to protect the Iraqi
people from terrorists, insurgents and illegal militias; second was a
surge of operations that began in June once the troops were in place,
with new offenses across the country to drive the terrorists and
militias out of their strongholds; and third was a surge of provincial
reconstruction teams, was a civilian surge, which deployed across Iraq
to ensure the military progress was quickly followed up with real
improvements in the daily lives of the Iraqi citizens.

Over the past year, we've doubled the number of PRTs in Iraq.
There are now 24 of these teams serving in all 18 Iraqi provinces.
Many are embedded with military units and work closely with our troops
to support their operations. Their mission is to help strengthen
moderate leaders at the local, municipal and provincial level by
providing assistance to help create jobs, deliver basic services and
build up local economies. The teams are helping provincial governments
spend their money more effectively. Across the country, these teams
are helping to bring Iraqis together so that reconciliation can happen
from the ground up.

The leaders I met today updated me on important work they're doing
and the progress they have made. For example, our PRT leaders in
Baghdad report they have now mentored district councils and public
work departments in several neighborhoods, provided funding for
generators to help build up local markets and support a micro-grant
program to help small businesses reopen across their district in the
city.

Our PRT leaders in Kirkuk report that they helped broker a
settlement that brought Sunnis back into the provincial council after
a year-long boycott. They also helped the provincial government
successfully execute the budget, assisted local enterprises with small
business loans, and helped establish a major crimes court in a
province -- in the province that is providing citizens with equal
justice under the law.

Our PRT leaders in Najaf, which happens to be one of Shia Islam's
holiest cities, report that they're working with Iraqis to build a
modern airport that will allow Shia Muslims from around the world to
travel to the city on pilgrimage. The PRT leaders briefed us on the
changes they're seeing on the ground in Iraq. Because they live and
work among the Iraqi people, they see the progress that is taking
firsthand.

Here's what they tell me: Violence across the country continues to
decrease. Tens of thousands of Iraqis have stepped forward to join
Concerned Local Citizens groups that are fighting al Qaeda and other
extremists. And as the security improves, life is returning to normal
in communities across Iraq, with children back in school and shops
reopening and markets bustling with commerce.

Improvements on the ground in Iraq are allowing some U.S. forces
to return home. The strategy is called "return on success." It has now
begun. I don't think most Americans know this, but one Army brigade
and one Marine expeditionary unit have come home -- and will not be
replaced. And in the coming months, four additional brigades and two
Marine battalions will follow suit.

As we withdraw these forces, we will continue to pursue al Qaeda
and other extremists in Iraq. Our enemies in Iraq have suffered blows
in recent months, but they are -- they're still dangerous. They're not
yet defeated. As we saw yesterday, when terrorists killed the leader
of a Concerned Local Citizens group, the enemy remains capable of
horrific violence. We're not going to allow these terrorists to find
respite anywhere in Iraq, and we're not going to allow them to regain
the strongholds that they've lost.

The PRT leaders have gotten to know the Iraqi people. They
understand the vast majority of Iraqis want to live in freedom and
peace; that's what they know. You know why? Because the citizens tell
them just that. They're helping give ordinary Iraqis confidence by
rejecting the extremists and reconciling with one another so they can
claim their place in a free Iraq and build a better life for their
families.

The men and women of our PRTs are serving on the front lines in
the war on terror. These are courageous souls. They could be doing a
lot of other things, but they chose to go to the front line where they
can make a difference in world peace. And I can't thank you enough for
the vital work you've done, and for helping 2007, particularly the end
of 2007, become incredibly successful beyond anybody's expectations.
And we believe 2008 is going to see continued progress.

These people are helping improve the lives of citizens they've
never met before, and in so doing they're making this country more
secure, and they're helping lay down a foundation for peace. And I
want to thank them from the bottom of my heart, and I thank your
families as well for the sacrifices they have made. We are so honored
to have such courageous citizens such as yourself. And now I'll answer
a couple of questions.

Knoller.

Q Mr. President, what do you make of the incident in the Strait of
Hormuz with Iran on Sunday? Do you think they were trying to provoke a
fight with the U.S.?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Mark, we viewed it as a provocative act. It
is a dangerous situation, and they should not have done it, pure and
simple.

Q What do you think they were up to?

THE PRESIDENT: I don't know what I think -- what their thinking
was, but I'm telling you what I think it was. I think it was a
provocative act.

Q What will your message be to the Fifth Fleet when you're there
in Bahrain?

THE PRESIDENT: My message is, thanks for serving the United States
of America; we're proud of you. And my message today to the Iranians
is, they shouldn't have done what they did.

Roger.

Q Yes, Mr. President, the index of people buying used homes fell
more than expected in a report that came out today. And Secretary
Paulson says that the housing really has not yet reached bottom. Does
that nudge you further towards some sort of economic stimulus package?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know, I'm optimistic about the economy.
I'm optimistic because I've seen this economy go through periods of
uncertainty. I mean, in the seven years that I've been the President,
we've had a recession, corporate scandals, the 9/11 attack, major
national disasters, two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. All that created
was uncertainty, each one of those incidences, and we've been able to
come through it because we've been resilient.

And as I said yesterday, and a couple of days earlier than that, I
am -- I like the fundamentals, they look strong, but there are new
signals that should cause concern. And one of the signals is the fact
that the housing market is soft, and it's going to take a while to
work through the downturn. The number you just reflected is an
indication of softness.

And so what can you do about it? Well, one thing we can do about
it is to help people who are credit-worthy stay in their homes. And
that's why Secretary Paulson and Secretary Jackson have put together
what's called a HOPE NOW project, all aiming to get lenders and
borrowers and investors and counselors together to help people find
out how to renegotiate a loan, and then get it done.

As I told the people yesterday in Chicago, in the old days you'd
walk in and borrow your -- borrow the money to buy a home, and then if
you got in a bind, you'd go back to the loan officer. Well, what
happens in these days is, you'll borrow the money and all of a sudden
that loan is sold somewhere else, and you're not sure who to negotiate
with. And so it's a much more complex world for many homeowners, and
we're helping them as best as we possibly can find out how to
renegotiate the home so they can stay in.

Secondly, Congress needs to pass the Federal Housing
Administration Reform Act so that we can get more people better
refinancing to stay in their home. There's some practical things that
can be done. And so I'm -- we're watching very carefully, and we're
listening to different ideas about what may or may not need to happen.
And it's -- we'll work through this. We'll work through this period of
time. And the entrepreneurial spirit is strong. And, any rate -- yes.

Q Thoughts about a tax cut?

THE PRESIDENT: Pardon me?

Q Thoughts about a tax cut?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I can tell you something about taxes.
Congress doesn't need to raise taxes, for starters. I know a bunch of
them up there would like to. They'd like to get a little more money
out of the people's pocket. But in times of uncertainty, you don't
need to be raising taxes.

Secondly, in times of uncertainty, it seems like Congress ought to
be sending a message that we're not going to raise your taxes in the
next three years by making the tax cuts permanent. And beyond that,
we'll look at all different options.

Listen, thank you. I'm looking forward to going on the trip. I
hope people are coming. Does any of you get to come with me? That's
too bad. (Laughter.)

Here's what we're going to do. We're going to go over and stress
three themes. First theme is, is that it's important to lay out a
vision in order for there to be a Palestinian state once road map
obligations are met. What has to happen in order for there to be a
peaceful settlement of a longstanding dispute is there to be a
outlines of a state clearly defined, so that at some point in time,
the Palestinians who agree that Israel ought to be -- exist, and agree
that a state ought to live side by side with Israel in peace, have
something to be for. They need to have a vision that's clearly defined
that competes with the terrorists and the killers who murder the
innocent people to stop the advance of democracy.

Secondly, I intend to work with our Arab friends and allies on
this very issue, and remind them about, one, the strategy; and two,
the obligations they have to help this vision become a reality; and
thirdly, remind our friends and allies that the United States is
committed to security in the region.

One of the problems we have is that the intelligence report on
Iran sent a mixed signal. And I'm going to remind them what I said in
that press conference when I sat there and answered some of your
questions: Iran was a threat, Iran is a threat, and Iran will continue
to be a threat if they are allowed to learn how to enrich uranium.

And so I'm looking forward to making it clear that the United
States of America sees clearly the threats of this world, and we
intend to work with our friends and allies to make the -- that part of
the world more secure.

Thank you all very much. See you when I get back.

END 2:25 P.M. EST

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580

Copyright Business Wire 2008
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 10, 2008 11:10 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks, Rob N. An excellent post with the remarks by President Bush on Iraq.

For a Break...

My husband and I were married in January in Montana. My family, from southern California, had never been this far north before, and the evening of our wedding, the temperature dropped to -30°F. After the reception, my family piled into my in-laws' van for the ride back to their farm. About halfway there, the inside windows suddenly fogged up. My father-in-law, who was driving, couldn't see outside and put on the brakes. There was a chorus of "What happened?" "We hit a chinook," my father-in-law explained. A worried voice in the back asked, "Is it dead?"

===

Laughter tickles our souls and massages our hearts.

===

The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

===

I'm not smart. I merely try to observe. Millions saw the apple fall but Newton was the only one who asked why.

===

-- January 10, 2008 3:13 PM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

Iraq opens doors to foreign oil companies to boost output
By Jon Nones
09 Jan 2008 at 11:52 AM

Iraq has invited foreign companies to bid in the country's first exploration and production license round since the U.S. invasion in 2003. Companies have until Jan. 31 this year to submit documents to pre-qualify to drill the world's third-largest crude oil reserves.

Iraq has an estimated 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, placing it behind Saudi Arabia and Iran. The country is aiming to boost production to 4 million barrels a day by 2009, but the lack of security and the government's failure to pass a federal energy law have deterred international oil companies.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Total SA are reportedly bidding to develop the Akkas gasfield in Anbar province, northwest of Baghdad. However, Ivanhoe Energy, frequently covered by RI (see our coverage in June, April and March of 2007), hopes to co-develop an oilfield in North Central Iraq with Japan's Inpex Corp.

Ivanhoe believes the field is suitable for its heavy-oil upgrading technology. David Martin, Executive Co-Chairman of Ivanhoe Energy, admitted that almost every oil field in Iraq contains over 1 billion barrels, and it would probably be “safe to assume” the same here. http://www.resourceinvestor.com/pebble.asp?relid=39331

-- January 10, 2008 3:49 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

The 1081 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2008/1/10 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 17 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1215 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1213 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 199.375.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 8.000.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 199.375.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 8.000.000 -----

-- January 11, 2008 8:45 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

It's 'make or break' time for Iraq's Nuri al-Maliki
By David Ignatius
Daily Star staff
Friday, January 11, 2008

A new movement to oust Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is gathering force in Baghdad. And although the United States is counseling against this change of government, a senior US official in the Iraqi capital says it's a moment of "breakthrough or breakdown" for Maliki's regime.

Although US officials are counseling against removing Maliki, they agree that the prime minister must govern more effectively and inclusively in coming months - or suffer the "breakdown" described by the senior US official. "Clearly there is a sense among the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites that the government isn't doing what it's supposed to do," he explained. "It needs to get better quick."

The rumor mill in Baghdad is already floating the names of officials who would take Cabinet posts in a new government...

Though Bush administration officials share the Iraqi frustration with Maliki, they fear that a change of regime would add delay and distrust to the already chaotic political scene in Baghdad. "How long would such a transition take? How long before they would form a new government?" worries a second senior US official.

Rather than dumping Maliki, the administration hopes to work around him, by operating through a coalition known as the "three plus one." That group includes, in addition to Maliki, Talabani and vice presidents Mahdi and Tariq al-Hashimi. "Our message to Maliki is that you can't govern solo. You have to govern as part of a group," says the second senior US official. With a push from this governing alliance, Crocker hopes the Iraqi Parliament will pass a law easing de-Baathification as early as the end of this week, and a budget by mid-January - finally breaking the political logjam.

For an America caught up in its own political drama, the Baghdad primary seems remote. But what happens in Iraq during the next several weeks will shape events there for the rest of 2008. For Maliki, just back in Baghdad after a visit to London doctors for treatment for exhaustion, it's "make or break" time.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=87942

-- January 11, 2008 11:49 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Can anyone confirm the following:
____________________________________________________________

Rumors: Hashimi to replace Talabani as president of Iraq
Aliraqnews reported today the following:

Reliable information that the meeting took place between British Prime Minister Gordon Brown with al-Maliki with the presence of the American ambassador in London, al-Maliki was informed that there will be changes in the formation of the Iraqi state.

Jalal Talabani abjures his post as president of Iraq to Tariq Hashimi, and Nuri al-Maliki on the premiership Adel Abdel Mahdi.

The presidency of the so-called Iraqi parliament to a member of the Kurdish alliance is expected to be Fouad Massoum, and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari will be replaced by Hamed Al-Bayati Iraqi ambassador to the United Nations.
(http://www.roadstoiraq.com/2008/01/11/rumors-hashimi-to-replace-talabani-as-president-of-iraq/)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 11, 2008 6:02 PM ∞

---

Dorrel Brock wrote:

I left the train station, here on T & B with the first thread years ago. Just been lerking for quite some time. Seams there's nothing new to be said. We've all been on this ride so long, the view is now starting to look the same at every bend. Maybe the fourth PM will be what we are looking for. Go Dinar

-- January 11, 2008 7:56 PM ∞

---

donald wrote:

Hi guys,

By reevaluating dinar does it mean CBI might discontinued large denominations bills right now and change it to smaller bill. for example 25000 become 25 dinar and the value will be the same such as US$25, 5000 dinar become 5 dinar and so on.

or

they will slowly printing smaller denomination that replacing the bigger denomination and increasing their value at the same time?

i am just a little bit confused about the reevaluation. i apologize if theres any spelling or gramar error.

-- January 12, 2008 5:49 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Dorrel Brock wrote: "We've all been on this ride so long, the view is now starting to look the same at every bend."

My problem is keeping awake as it drones on. I do fine thinking of the troops and caring for those fighting terrorism, but the Dinar stuff blows by like the previous scenery.. been there, done that.. and now wearing multiple T-shirts. Glad to have you on board, Dorrel. :) Speak up once in a while so I don't fall asleep..

Rob N; Interesting rumor in light of the url I gave just before it about Maliki being in "make or break time." We will have to see if it is idle speculation or not. It seems to me Maliki being replaced or Talibani abjuring would make headline news. The fact it hasn't turned up yet on every major station makes me say.. hmmmmm.. maybe this is just premature wishful posting? But there is definitely something in the wind.. I'm just not willing to "jump the gun" and so I am choosing to take the "wait and see" approach..

Sara.

-- January 12, 2008 5:54 AM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

Iraq to reinstate Saddam party followers http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080112/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- January 12, 2008 9:12 PM ∞

---

sanm wrote:

Hi people.
I have heard about the Dinar however this is the first time I gave it enough attention to look it up.
I just found this site after I googled Dinar investment. I first read post that were dated early 2004. At that time everyone was saying that they were going to be millionairs with their Dinar investment. I know NOTHING about the exchange rate or how the value has gone up or down, BUT after ALMOST 4 Years are you people, in general Happy that you purchased Dinars or do you think that you could have made a more wise investment?
All the talk about the Dinar sounded SO MUCH like the Real Estate bubble? Was there a Dinar bubble? and has it burst?
I wanted to buy Dinars but I don't know if that would be sound at this time.
One person said that Chase Bank in Arizona would buy and sell Dinars. Is that still True?
Thanks everyone. This is truly a great service for people seeking info.

-- January 13, 2008 1:43 AM ∞

---

Dean wrote:

Yes, this dinar train ride is becoming a long, long, ride. I think I'm getting motion sickness.

I hope I don't get stuck with these 25,000 dinar denomination bills if they take them out of circulation.

Listen to this amazing testimony of an ex-Muslim terrorist that becomes a Christian after marrying a Christian woman that convinces him to read the Bible for the first time.
Here's the link: http://stlouisbingo.com/WhyILeftJihad.html

-- January 13, 2008 10:21 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Good morning all,

Just got back from my trip to Ohio. I had to read a while to get caught up on all the postings!

Glad to see Carl and Roger posting!

My trip to Ohio got extended as my husband hit a deer on Christmas Eve. GM was closed from Christmas Eve until January 2nd., 2008. No part to be had by the auto shop for repairs. The deer was ok. It kept running and never missed a step according to my husband. However, the front headlight on driver's side was completely broken out as well as other parts to car. Oh well, all is well. We finally got the car back fully repaired late Friday and we packed and made the trip on Saturday.

I hope everyone had a great holiday. And yes, Akadjjam, we are crazy for going north into this cold weather. We left on Saturday to avoid another winter snow storm hitting the mid western states to start on Sunday.

Lots of interesting speculation... from Warka Bank, to leadership in Iraq being replaced, to Iran's new strategy, to the buying of dinar by the banking interests in Iraq. Makes for great conversation. It makes the train ride more interesting.

Laura Parker

-- January 14, 2008 4:13 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Dean

An excellent find! I can't wait to get the book. I am so bad with computer skills that I don't know how to save the tape or pass it on.

You know, myself and others have been chastised for, purportedly, deviating from the Dinar message on this blog when we bring in any spiritual conversation to this blog. It amazes me that people have such tunnel vision concerning the Dinar. There is no way to seperate a nations currency from the socio-economic issues of their culture. Islamic nations ( where we decided to invest in their currency) is no different.

One would be very foolish to turn a deaf ear to the message of Islam, which is held steadfast and dear to all entities and dignitaries responsible for the future of their country and currency.

Will it ever re-val and make us rich? Who knows? Unless someone cashws in their gold or refinanced their house, or facts simili, the investment was miniscule. People spend more money on videos, cell phones and other American pass time toys, than the average Dinar investor.

So, let's just roll with the adventure. I am almost sure that no one will end up on skid row if it never hits!

Thanks again so much for sharing your VERY GOOD FIND!

Carole

-- January 14, 2008 6:39 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq to reinstate Saddam party followers By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer
Sat Jan 12, 3:12 PM ET

BAGHDAD - Iraq's parliament passed a benchmark law Saturday allowing lower-ranking former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party to reclaim government jobs, the first major piece of U.S.-backed legislation it has adopted.

ADVERTISEMENT

Traveling in Manama, Bahrain, President Bush hailed the law as "an important step toward reconciliation."

"It's an important sign that the leaders of that country understand that they must work together to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people," he said.

The seismic piece of legislation had been demanded by the United States since November 2006 and represented the first legislative payoff for Bush's decision to deploy 30,000 additional troops to the country to quell violence.

In announcing the troop buildup more than a year ago, Bush said it would provide the Iraqi government "breathing space" to begin tackling legislation designed to reconcile Iraq's Shiite and Sunni Arabs as well as Kurds.

Other benchmarks languish, though, including legislation to divvy up the country's vast oil wealth, constitutional amendments demanded by the Sunni Arabs and a bill spelling out rules for local elections.

It was not immediately clear how many former Baathists would benefit from the new legislation, titled the Accountability and Justice law. But the move was seen as a key step in the reconciliation process.

Before the party was outlawed — the first official act of L. Paul Bremer's Coalition Provisional Authority — its membership was estimated at between 2 million and 6 million.

The strict implementation of so-called de-Baathification rules meant that many senior bureaucrats who knew how to run ministries, university departments and state companies were fired after 35 years of Baath party rule.

Bremer's Coalition Provisional Authority order No. 1 of May 16, 2003, had effectively stripped key government ministries, the military and top economic institutions of centuries of cumulative experience.

The order also was blamed for fueling the Sunni-dominated insurgency that took root in the late summer of 2003, under the leadership of ousted Sunni Baathists who sought vengeance against what they saw as their American tormentors.

The leadership cadres drew primarily from the Sunni Muslim community, reflecting Saddam's sectarian base — a minority in Iraq. Because advancement in government and professional circles during the Saddam era depended on Baath Party membership, majority Shiites also made up a large portion of the party rank-and-file.

The bill was approved by an unanimous show of hands on each of its 30 clauses. The measure seeks to relax restrictions on the rights of former party members to fill government posts. It also would allow reinstatement of thousands of lower-ranking Baathists dismissed from government jobs on Bremer's order in the first month after Baghdad fell to invading American forces.

Ali al-Lami, a senior official who has worked on the new legislation, said 3,500 former high-ranking Baathists would be offered retirement and pensions. He said 13,000 lower-ranking Baathists would be offered reinstatement. Also, 7,000 people now holding government jobs but who had been members of Saddam's security service would be retired and given pensions.

Iraq's military already had worked through the Baath Party problem, declaring that anyone who had served above the rank of major in Saddam's time would be automatically retired and put on pension. Those who held the rank of major or below were allowed to return to the military if qualified.

The Bush administration initially had promoted de-Baathification as a worthy and necessary goal, but later claimed that Iraqi authorities went beyond even what the Americans had contemplated to keep Saddam's supporters out of important jobs.

With the Sunni insurgency raging and political leaders making little progress in reconciliation, the Americans switched positions and urged the dismantling of de-Baathification laws.

Later, enacting and implementing legislation reinstating the fired Baath supporters became one of 18 so-called benchmark issues the U.S. sought as measures for progress in national reconciliation.

The legislation can become law only when approved by Iraq's presidential council. The council, comprised of Iraq's president and two vice presidents, is expected to ratify the measure.
(www.news.yahoo.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 14, 2008 10:22 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Oil Companies that Signed Contracts with Kurdistan Excluded from IFBs

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil announced on Friday that it has excluded the foreign companies that have signed agreements with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) from taking part in federal oil contracts issued by the ministry.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 14, 2008 10:24 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi MPs pass law to rehabilitate Baathists
Baghdad, 14 January 2008
In a major boost for reconciliation in deeply divided Iraq, Shiite and Sunni members of Iraq's parliament buried their differences on Saturday to pass a law allowing ex-officials of Saddam Hussein's Baath party to return to public life.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 14, 2008 10:27 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Now that De-Baath seems to have been passed, I look forward to the oil law being passed. Once that is passed the flood gates will opened. Money pouring into Iraq and oil coming out. Iraq's economy will quickly surpass the current managed rate imposed by the CBI. The best part of this ride is yet to come.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 14, 2008 10:15 PM ∞

---

cornishboy wrote:

Economic boost gives hope to Iraqis http://www.dinartrade.com/latestnews.htm

-- January 15, 2008 9:13 AM ∞

---

DinarAdmin wrote:

Rob N;

You knew it would be deleted, didn't you? However, it is best just to remove the offensive posts and any replies to them rather than take the board off course into mudslinging. There was no offense intended toward you by the deletion. Do consider, for next time, that you really don't need to waste your time replying. You can expect that I will simply delete such offensive posts and their replies, so if you do post, it will just end up removing your comment from the board. It is up to you if you wish to vent before it is deleted, and if you just have to reply, please continue to keep the reply in a civil tone, as you did in this one I just removed. Thanks.

DinarAdmin.

-- January 15, 2008 4:37 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dinar Admin:

Yes, I knew it would be deleted. I apologize to you and the board for my untoward comments.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 15, 2008 5:39 PM ∞

---

sanm wrote:

Hi People.
I just read a post by Ron. Ron mentions that once an "OIL LAW" is passed the Flood Gates will open and Money will pour into Iraq and Oil will flow out of Iraq.
Ron, do you REALLY Believe that an "Oil Law" will Transform Iraq into a Money Tree?
PLEASE give this some thought.
The ONLY People that got RICH from Iraq were the ELITE HALIBURTON Insiders.
I thought of Buying the Iraqi Dollar, But after doing some research I will stay with the Stock Market.
Why don't you people trade currencies on the FX Market?
Anyway it was nice to find this site.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. WE ARE AMERICAN'S and PROUD OF IT!!!!!!

-- January 16, 2008 1:48 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

Sanm,

What folks on this forum are looking at and speculating on the dinar is that the dinar will go up (re-value) as the Iraqi economy improves. Part of what folks on this forum look at is the first war that George Bush's father fight to free Kuwait. Their own currency rebounded and the reasoning here is why could not the Iraqi dinar do the same?.

There are a couple of differences. One is that the currency in Kuwait was already in the international markets. Iraq's banking system for the dinar was not a free floating currency like that of Kuwait's. Therefore, it has taken Iraq a longer period of time to reduce it's debts and improve it's economy. Rebuilding the country of Iraq is the number one priority of Iraq and of the United States of America. After all, America did break this country in war.

What Ron is speaking to on the oil front is that Iraq is known to have very large volumes of oil. It is this forum's belief that this oil will make Iraq a very wealty nation, when all is said and done to revive this nation and bring it's national economy on the world stage.

So yes, we do believe that the dinar could do very well on the international currency stage. It may take time-- but this is what our forum is speculation on in thier currency. As you state, there is a risk that they could do away with their currency and place another in its place. Nothing in our world is without some type of risk. This is not an investment, and therefore, putting money in the dinar speculation of it's currency should be viewed as a gamble.

Laura Parker

-- January 16, 2008 2:12 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Have you all been paying attention to the politics of the Iraqi Government and that of the USA on Iraq lately?. News articles in last couple of days and what kind of got my attention was the Kurds leaders criticizing the americans for allowing the country of Turkey to bomb areas around Kirkuk. Although the american's denied that they knowingly did give Turkey permission to bomb the PKK camps, I believe that our military with the knowledge of our president and ambassadors made it possible for Turkey to bomb those sites. I found this interesting.

--USA policy on the Kurds is changing. What is happening?.

I knew that the PKK was trying to incorporate the large oil fields of Kirkuk and the original people who lived there were being threatened with their lives if they did not leave. --Reports from Christians (the original Ninevah residents) as reported to USA congress in testimony.

I wondered, Are the american's now wanting to do something about this situation?. However, I did not know what exactly was happening with the american military allowing Turkey to attack the PKK.

Now, recent new articles are surfacing. Read today's. It would appear that Maliki agreed to give Kirkuk to the Kurds for their political support to his central government when he lost the political support of Sadr and the Iraqi Front parties and Sunni's. The Kurds gave Maliki political support.

Someone asked "Why Maliki was going to London for his exhaustion?". I think it was Carl. The recent news article reported that Sunni's and other political groups met with Maliki in London to work about a new reshaping of political loyalites. The Baath Party's new law of inclusion looks to be part of Maliki's concessions to get the much needed political support he needs to survive politically.

Just thought I would share these observations!

Laura Parker

-- January 16, 2008 2:45 AM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

All
Try and make some sence out of this them

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.cfm?sk=21601.0

Steve.

-- January 16, 2008 1:10 PM ∞

---

mattuk wrote:

Hi all,

BAGHDAD, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The United Nations envoy to Baghdad said on Wednesday he would present a positive picture of progress in Iraq in a report to the Security Council despite earlier having serious misgivings about reconciliation efforts. U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura said the passing of a key law allowing former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party to return to government jobs had changed what had been a pessimistic view of progress in a crucial year for Iraq.

"At the beginning of the year we were worried ... we were genuinely concerned by the lack of progress on national dialogue," de Mistura told Reuters by telephone.

"Today that has substantially changed. It has changed our mind from being worried or from being pessimistic," he said.

That view was echoed on Tuesday by visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who said it was a time of hope because of a "spirit of cooperation" between Iraq's ethnic and religious groups.

The law on reintegrating former Baathists passed on Saturday. It was the first in a series of bills Washington has pressed the Shi'ite Islamist-led government to pass to draw minority Sunni Arabs who held sway under Saddam back into the political process.

De Mistura had said in an interview with France's Le Figaro newspaper, published earlier on Wednesday but conducted almost a week before the bill was passed, that Iraq's sectarian groups lacked any true spirit of reconciliation.

He said in that interview that Iraq was running out of time and had six months to overcome distrust between the Shi'ite-dominated cabinet and Sunni Arabs and make political progress or risk a swift return to violence.

SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS

The passage of the bill was even more encouraging because it came at a time of sustained security improvements, de Mistura said, with attacks across Iraq down by 60 percent since 30,000 extra U.S. troops became fully deployed last June.

"The current dialogue we are seeing between the government and Sunnis is also encouraging," de Mistura said, referring to efforts to get the main Sunni Arab bloc to return to the government, from which it withdrew last August.

De Mistura said he would leave later this week to deliver a progress report to the Security Council.

"We are going to compliment the government," he said.

The government must nevertheless press ahead with reconciliation efforts and pass other key laws, including a revenue-sharing oil law and a provincial elections law, he said.

"Iraq needs to maintain the momentum, 2008 is going to be a crucial year," he said.

De Mistura told Le Figaro that progress was needed, otherwise insurgents would be tempted to return to violence.

"Iraq will not be the same country at the end of 2008: the U.S. officials will have changed...the international community will have modified its positions," he told the newspaper.

-- January 16, 2008 5:39 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Shocker: Soros Funded Fake Iraq Body Count
From the UK’s Times:
Anti-war Soros funded Iraq study
Brendan Montague
Sunday, January 13, 2008

A study that claimed 650,000 people were killed as a result of the invasion of Iraq was partly funded by the antiwar billionaire George Soros.

Soros, 77, provided almost half the nearly $100,000 cost of the research, which appeared in The Lancet, the medical journal. Its claim was 10 times higher than consensus estimates of the number of war dead.

The study, published in 2006, was hailed by antiwar campaigners as evidence of the scale of the disaster caused by the invasion, but Downing Street and President George Bush challenged its methodology…

“The authors should have disclosed the [Soros] donation and for many people that would have been a disqualifying factor in terms of publishing the research,” said Michael Spagat, economics professor at Royal Holloway, University of London.

The Lancet study was commissioned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and led by Les Roberts, an associate professor and epidemiologist at Columbia University. He reportedly opposed the war from the outset…

Professor John Tirman of MIT said this weekend that $46,000 of the approximate $100,000 cost of the study had come from Soros’s Open Society Institute.

Roberts said this weekend: “In retrospect, it was probably unwise to have taken money that could have looked like it would result in a political slant. I am adamant this could not have affected the outcome of the research.”

The Lancet did not break any rules by failing to disclose Soros’s sponsorship.

====

Surprise, surprise, eh?

This finding will now run at the top of every news cast and on the front page of every newspaper, just like the original bogus study did.

Of course it will.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Sunday, January 13th, 2008.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/shocker-soros-funded-fake-iraq-body-count

The Lancet did not break any rules by failing to disclose Soros’s sponsorship.

Anyone in favor of making a new rule? :)

Sara.

-- January 16, 2008 8:49 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Thanks for the observations, Laura! :)
Nice article mattuk.. and thanks Rob N for your contributions.

Steve - IMF documents.. did you notice this?

IMF sees Iraq economy, oil output recovering
01/16/08 01:02 pm (EST)

WASHINGTON (Thomson Financial) - Iraq's economy is expected to find stability in 2008-2009 despite political and security problems as oil production recovers and the government moves ahead with reforms, the IMF said.

Mohsin Khan, director of the International Monetary Fund's Middle East and Central Asia department, said that Iraqi gross domestic product (GDP) growth would likely top seven percent this year and hold between 7 and 8 pct in 2009.

Oil production, which accounts for 70 pct of the war-ravaged country's GDP activity, is expected to increase "at least" by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2008, he said in a news teleconference.

The IMF estimates Iraq produced two million bpd in 2006-2007.

Khan said the IMF's full-year 2007 forecast of 1.3 pct GDP growth for Iraq was based on non-oil data from the first six months and probably will be revised upward.

"There was an improvement in economic activity" in the second half of the year with an improvement in security, he said, citing "anecdotal" evidence.

Oil production picked up in the fourth quarter and retail services are improving, he said.

"We're expecting a significant jump in growth," he said.

http://www.forextv.com/Forex/News/ShowStory.jsp?seq=255161

-- January 16, 2008 8:55 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

As for the critical comments of late.. remember David with a small stone in a sling? There was a lot of mocking going on then about how that tiny stone was not enough to deal with the monolithic problem of Goliath. Similarly, taking the small measure of a true upward valuation of the Dinar would be similar to slinging that stone.. and the large results economically would indeed dwarf the tiny measure when implemented. Those who mocked on Goliath's side.. were running for their lives a short time later as David took up the giant's sword to deal the final blow to that which was destroying the hope of his people. Under Goliath, David's people would have been perpetual slaves. I believe Iraq can be free from the slavery of terrorism and the tyranny of the Goliaths who are seeking to impose their laws and worldview upon the Iraqi people. I wish to see the stone in the sling released to hit its economic mark in the international trading community. We will see after that who is laughing.

Sara.

-- January 16, 2008 9:17 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

The other implication to my previous write up is that the Iraqi Government is talking privately about replacing the President of the Kurds and other posts, i.e., Vice President post and the Speaker of the Parliament. Leadership maybe changing to reflect new loyalities. This shift appears to be Sunni and Shiites working together and excluding the Kurds cooperation because of lack of incorporation of Kirkuk related to oil fields. The Kurds wanted the oil resources of Kirkuk.....plain and simple.

Also, notice that the Kurds are getting a lot of lack of cooperation from the central government of Baghdad on their foreign oil contracts. News reports are reporting that Baghdad is excluding these oil company contracts that the Kurds have made with these companies and voiding them.

It will be interesting to see how Baghdad works out these political situations and what impact these decisions have on national reconciliation.

Sara, nice observation on Soro's funding of the research project.

Laura Parker

-- January 16, 2008 10:50 PM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

Hi all, alive and well in Balad. . .don't have any real news about anything. . .hope all had a great holiday season. . .I made it to the West coast for New Years, and got snowed in in Oregon. . .not sure about next months predicted re-val, but if I hear anything, I'll let y'all know. . .Going back to Thailand in April. . .don't get much computer time these days. . .Hi Laura, Carole, Roger, Carl, Okie, Rob, and anyone else I missed. . .Panhandler. . .

-- January 17, 2008 2:29 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Panhandler:

Hello. It is good to hear from you. Please continue to check in from time to time to let us know how you are doing.

Is Thailand business or pleasure? I do not get excited at rumors of a revaluation. My excitement will come when it actually happens. Until next time.

Cheers,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:35 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

IMF sees Iraq economy, oil output recovering
1/16/2008

IMF sees Iraq economy, oil output recovering

WASHINGTON (Thomson Financial) - Iraq's economy is expected to find stability in 2008-2009 despite political and security problems as oil production recovers and the government moves ahead with reforms, the IMF said.

Mohsin Khan, director of the International Monetary Fund's Middle East and Central Asia department, said that Iraqi gross domestic product (GDP) growth would likely top seven percent this year and hold between 7 and 8 pct in 2009.

Oil production, which accounts for 70 pct of the war-ravaged country's GDP activity, is expected to increase 'at least' by 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2008, he said in a news teleconference.

The IMF estimates Iraq produced two million bpd in 2006-2007.

Khan said the IMF's full-year 2007 forecast of 1.3 pct GDP growth for Iraq was based on non-oil data from the first six months and probably will be revised upward.

'There was an improvement in economic activity' in the second half of the year with an improvement in security, he said, citing 'anecdotal' evidence.

Oil production picked up in the fourth quarter and retail services are improving, he said.

'We're expecting a significant jump in growth,' he said.

newsdesk@thomson.com

AFP/ajb

COPYRIGHT

Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

IMF sees Iraq economy, oil output recovering - Source
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:38 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

LEADING STORY

Iraqi Spending to Rebuild Has Slowed, Report Says

Highly promising figures that the administration cited to demonstrate economic progress in Iraq last fall, when Congress was considering whether to continue financing the war, cannot be substantiated by official Iraqi budget records.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:41 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

USAID loan program pushed forward economy in Iraq- report

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Thursday , 17 /01 /2008 Time 6:36:28




Baghdad, Jan 16, (VOI) – A loan program offered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has helped achieve significant progress and rebuild Iraq's infrastructure and economy, according to an economic report submitted to the United Nations.

"Reconstruction always has been a focus of the coalition, but recent improvements in security have given coalition forces even more opportunities to repair facilities that have fallen into disrepair or have been destroyed by terrorists, build new facilities and other critical infrastructure, and assist Iraqis in gaining self-sufficiency," read the report that was published on the UN official website.
"The renovation of the Ramana municipal government building in Anbar province after it was destroyed by a suicide bomber in July 2007. Coalition forces partnered with local Iraqi contractors to renovate the building so that the local government could return to work," the report quoted a spokesman for the Multi-National Force (MNF) in Iraq, Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, citing examples of reconstruction throughout Iraq.
"The repair of a water treatment facility northwest of Fallujah that now provides clean water for about 6,000 Iraqis. The resurgence of a market in Yusifiyah that was essentially deserted before Iraqi and coalition forces secured the area in October. The marketplace was cleaned up, shops were repaired and the market came back to life. Shoppers from outside Yusifiyah now come to the market, new shops have opened, and the market gets 18 to 20 hours of electricity a day," Smith indicated.
"Smith also highlighted grant programs that have benefited local Iraqi entrepreneurs."
"Also on the economic front, the United States Agency for International Development is providing microfinance loans to Iraqi entrepreneurs," the report said.
According to USAID deputy director, Denise Herbol, the report explained that USAID is partnering with coalition forces in the Sunni Anbar province to "create locally owned microfinance operations that are consistent with Islamic principles."
"The program in Anbar has generated nearly $530,000 in loans to entrepreneurs, with 139 loans totaling $334,000 distributed in Al Qaim, 18 loans totaling nearly $47,000 in Ramadi, and 72 loans totaling $148,000 in Fallujah, Herbol said."
(http://www.aswataliraq.info/look/english/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrArticle=66257&NrIssue=2&NrSection=2)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:42 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Petraeus: Iranians still training Iraqi insurgents
17 January 2008
The commander of US forces in Iraq said Wednesday that Iran was continuing to train militants despite Tehran's pledge to cut all support for the insurgency, while the head of the US missile-defense program said Iran had sped up efforts to develop long-range missiles, demonstrating the need for a proposed missile-defense system in Europe.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:44 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Regardless of the validity of Sebastian River Holdings as a bonified company, their Dinar holdings is significant.
____________________________________________________________

Sebastian River updates shareholders on Dinar investment
Sebastian River Holdings Inc. (Pink Sheets: SBRV), updates developments in their Iraq Dinar investment.

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

17 January 2008 (AME Info FZ LLC)
Print article Send to friend
Last week the Iraqi parliament took an important step to open the way for low-ranking members of Saddam's Baath party to reclaim government posts and pensions. The law is seen as a major step in Iraq's national reconciliation. The seismic piece of legislation had been demanded by the United States since November 2006 and represented the first legislative payoff for Bush's decision to deploy 30,000 additional troops to the country to quell violence.

'The passage of this law is another piece of the puzzle,' stated Daniel Duffy, president of Sebastian River Holdings Inc. 'We expect that this is the beginning of the final stage in the path of Iraq revaluing the Dinar.'

The Company believes in the near future there will be a revalue of the Iraq Currency. It is the Company's opinion after doing its due diligence and public statements from Iraq's government officials, that the revalue could come in at between .82 and 1.00 per US Dollar. This would give Sebastian River Holdings a profit of between $192,000,000 and $235,000,000.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in Iraq stated, 'It is clearly a step forward for national reconciliation -- a step forward for healing the wounds of the past -- and it will have to be followed up by implementation that is in the same spirit of national reconciliation, I hope we will focus on what needs to be done, but also on how much has been done.'
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi archaeologists excavate new sites and find ‘rare’ artifacts
By Amar Imad

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

17 January 2008 (Azzaman)
Print article Send to friend
Iraqi archaeologists have resumed excavations in southern Iraq uncovering three important ancient sites and collecting magnificent items some of them more than 4000 years old.

The Iraq Museum has received 700 artifacts from official diggings in these sites, one of them belonging to the Sumerian civilization which flourished in southern Iraq at about 2500 BBC.

The museum’s information officer, Abdulzahara al-Talaqani, said there were 400 Sumerian pieces among the finds including cylinder seals and a variety of pottery items.

Talaqani said 11 Iraqi excavation teams were busy digging sites in southern Iraq “and more finds are on their way to the museum.”

The resumption of official digging signals relative calm in these areas.

Talaqani said Iraqi diggers have come across “a very important” Parthian site which has so far yielded “200 rare pieces”.

The Parthians, or ancient Persians of Iran, ruled most of ancient Iraq in 200 B.C.

The head of the excavation team of the Parthian site, Mohammed Abbas, said: “Most of the finds are unique. We have a silver statue of a woman, another silver piece representing a cobra, household utensils, legendary animals, incised pots and various other magnificent items.”

An Islamic site yielded 119 pieces. Saleh Yousef who led the excavation there said the artifacts represented inscribed pots, glassware and beautiful beakers.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2008 10:49 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

UN, IMF Predict Economic Growth, Political Stability In Iraq
1/17/2008

Assessments by the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations suggest that war-torn Iraq faces a period of economic growth and political progress in the next two years.

The IMF predicts a 7% increase in growth in 2008 and 2009, while oil revenues from booming exports should be up by 200,000 bpd.

The UN secretary-general's new special representative in Iraq, Staffan de Mistura while praising the work of the government of Nouri al-Maliki, welcomed dialogue between the Sunni and Shia communities. de Mistura said he would present a positive picture of progress in Iraq in a report to the UN Security Council despite earlier reservations.

"At the beginning of 2007... we were genuinely concerned by the lack of progress on national dialogue," he said adding that "today that has substantially changed. It has changed our mind from being worried or from being pessimistic."

The UN report would "compliment" Iraq's government on its work at fostering reconciliation. "Iraq needs to maintain the momentum, 2008 is going to be a crucial year," de Mistura added.

http://www.rttnews.com/sp/todaystop.asp?item=25

-- January 17, 2008 12:19 PM ∞

---

SamsonGold wrote:

Greetings,

Anyone else having trouble accessing Warka bank site? Looks like they have a new server. warka-bank-iq.com .... they don't exactly elaborate on changes. I suppose it could take a couple of days for the web to update. Any comments? Thanks. SamsonGold

-- January 17, 2008 1:51 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Bill Clinton Refers to Hillary Supporters as "Insurgents"
by Tammy Bruce

And he meant it as a compliment, of course. A euphemistic term for terrorists who are killing our troops and innocents in Iraq and Afghanistan, is now a term being used as a positive for some American voters. In the same speech to voters at a YWCA in Nevada, Billy Jeff also referred to Obama as the "establishment" candidate which he is, but they all are. That is the national headline, but the real story is the obscenity of Clinton romanticizing the "insurgent" term. This is nothing less than a pandering to the Moonbat support and sympathy for the enemy, and the moral relativism that is at the rotten core of the entire Democrat Party.

Make no mistake--Clinton tries two things here--pandering the the far-left with using 'insurgent' in a romantic way, and then sends a message to Republicans and conservatives, for the general election of course, that they, the Clintons, are anti-union. In a way. Especially when they don't endorse her.

http://tammybruce.com/

Quote:
Bill Clinton paints Obama as 'establishment' candidate
Jan 17 2008

SPARKS, Nev. (AP) — Bill Clinton urged voters Tuesday to buck labor endorsements for Sen. Barack Obama and support his wife in Saturday's hotly contested presidential caucuses as the only Democratic candidate with the experience necessary to change the country.

The former president trumpeted New York Sen. Hillary Clinton's accomplishments while painting Obama as the "establishment" candidate who would bring only the "feeling of change."

In a speech to nearly 2,000 people in neighboring Reno on Monday, Obama portrayed himself as the candidate for change, his campaign's theme from the onset.

After trailing Hillary Clinton by a 2-1 margin in Nevada as recently as November, a poll published this week showed Obama had moved into a virtual tie with her and former Sen. John Edwards.

Buoyed by an endorsement from the largest union in the state, Obama had 32%, Clinton 30% and Edwards 27%, according to the poll conducted for the Reno Gazette-Journal with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Bill Clinton said he talked with many of the 60,000-member Culinary Union's rank-and-file who intend to ignore the endorsement and vote for his wife.

"In this case the establishment organization is with him and the insurgents are with her," Clinton said in his speech. He then asked for a show of hands from about 50 precinct captains in the audience and challenged them to stand up to the union's leadership.

"They think they're better than you are at identifying and physically getting people to their caucus sites. And I bet they're wrong," he said to cheers.

Edwards and Sen. Clinton both planned campaign appearance in Reno on Wednesday. Sens. Clinton and Obama also planned to appear on Friday in Elko.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-15-bill-clinton-nevada_N.htm?1

-- January 17, 2008 3:22 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Ann Coulter finally tells us who she endorses for President.

I appreciate her opinion and thought you may, too:

===

The elephant in the room
Posted: January 16, 2008

Assuming any actual Republicans are voting for McCain – or for liberals' new favorite candidate for us, Mike Huckabee – this column is for you.

I've been casually taking swipes at Mitt Romney for the past year based on the assumption that, in the end, Republicans would choose him as our nominee. My thinking was that Romney would be our nominee because he is manifestly the best candidate.

I had no idea that Republican voters in Iowa and New Hampshire planned to do absolutely zero research on the candidates and vote on the basis of random impulses.

Dear Republicans: Please do one-tenth as much research before casting a vote in a presidential election as you do before buying a new car.

One clue that Romney is our strongest candidate is the fact that Democrats keep viciously attacking him while expressing their deep respect for Mike Huckabee and John McCain.

This point was already extensively covered in Chapter 1 of "How To Talk to a Liberal (If You Must)": Never take advice from your political enemies.

Turn on any cable news show right now, and you will see Democratic pundits attacking Romney, calling him a "flip-flopper," and heaping praise on McCain and Huckleberry – almost as if they were reading some sort of "talking points."

Doesn't that raise the tiniest suspicions in any of you? Are you too busy boning up on Consumer Reports' reviews of microwave ovens to spend one day thinking about who should be the next leader of the free world? Are you familiar with our "no exchange/no return" policy on presidential candidates? Voting for McCain because he was a POW a quarter-century ago or Huckabee because he was a Baptist preacher is like buying a new car because you like the color.

The candidate Republicans should be clamoring for is the one liberals are feverishly denouncing. That is Mitt Romney by a landslide.

New York Times columnist Frank Rich says Romney "is trying to sell himself as a leader," but he "is actually a follower and a panderer, as confirmed by his flip-flops on nearly every issue."

But Rich is in a swoon over Huckabee. I haven't seen Rich this excited since they announced "Hairspray" was coming to Broadway.

Rich has continued to hyperventilate over "populist" charmer Huckabee even after it came to light that Huckabee had called homosexuality an "abomination." Normally, any aspersions on sodomy or any favorable mentions of Christianity would lead to at least a dozen hysterical columns by Frank Rich.

Rich treated Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" as if it were a Leni Riefenstahl Nazi propaganda film. (On a whim, I checked to see if Rich had actually compared Gibson to Riefenstahl in one of his many "Passion" reviews and yes, of course he had.)

Curiously, however, Huckabee's Christianity doesn't bother Rich. In column after column, Rich hails Huckabee as the only legitimate leader of the Republican Party. This is like a girl in high school who hates you telling you your hair looks great.

Liberals claim to be enraged at Romney for being a "flip-flopper." I've looked and looked, and the only issue I can find that Romney has "flipped" on is abortion. When running for office in Massachusetts – or, for short, "the Soviet Union" – Romney said that Massachusetts was a pro-choice state and that he would not seek to change laws on abortion.

Romney's first race was against Sen. Teddy Kennedy – whom he came closer to beating than any Republican ever had. If Romney needed to quote "The Communist Manifesto" to take out that corpulent drunk, all men of good will would owe him a debt of gratitude.

Even when Romney was claiming to support Roe v. Wade, he won the endorsement of Massachusetts Citizens for Life – a group I trust more than the editorial board of the New York Times. Romney's Democratic opponents always won the endorsements of the very same pro-choice groups now attacking him as a "flip-flopper."

After his term as governor, NARAL Pro-Choice America assailed Romney, saying: "(A)s governor he initially expressed pro-choice beliefs but had a generally anti-choice record. His position on choice has changed. His position is now anti-choice."

Pro-abortion groups like the Republican Majority for Choice – the evil doppelganger to my own group, Democratic Majority for Life – are now running videos attacking Romney for "flip-flopping" on abortion.

Of all the Republican candidates for president, Romney and Rudy Giuliani are the only ones who had to be elected in pro-choice districts. Romney governed as a pro-lifer and has been viciously attacked by pro-abortion groups.

By contrast, Giuliani cleverly avoids the heinous "flip-flopper" label by continuing to embrace baby-killing. (Rudy flip-flops only on trivial matters like illegal immigration and his own marital vows.)

And, of course, Romney is a Mormon. Even a loser Mormon like Sen. Harry Reid claims to be pro-life. So having a candidate with a wacky religion isn't all bad.

At worst, Romney will turn out to be a moderate Republican – a high-IQ, articulate, moral, wildly successful, moderate Republican. Of the top five Republican candidates for president, Romney is the only one who hasn't dumped his first wife (as well as the second, in the case of Giuliani) – except Huckabee. And unlike Huckabee, Romney doesn't have a son who hanged a dog at summer camp. So there won't be any intern issues and there won't be any Billy Carter issues.

It's also possible that Romney will turn out to be a conservative Republican – at least more conservative than he was as governor of Massachusetts. Whatever problems Romney's Mormonism gives voters, remember: Bill Clinton came in third in heavily Mormon Utah in 1992.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59734

-- January 17, 2008 4:24 PM ∞

---

Steve wrote:

Hi Samsongold,

I can get on with the new home page

Try, http:///www.warka-bank.com?

-- January 17, 2008 6:39 PM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Isn't it interesting to note that the Kurd leaders are distancing themselves from the PKK (as this organization has been listed by USA as a terrorist organization).

I also find it interesting that the PKK did the work of getting rid of the real residents of Kirkuk by threatening to kill the residents, if they did not leave. This was in line with incorporation Kirkuk plan.

Just food for thought. Exactly, who is leading the PKK?

PANHANDLER,

Good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.

Laura Parker

-- January 18, 2008 2:08 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
I for one don't respects Ann's opinion at all, and not because I support Huckabee either. I'm disappointed in the fact that you do.

Romney is a morman. I don't know exactly what that means. but I do know they have their own book they follow besides the Bible, and they also have their own profit. Not exactly your fundamental Christian denomonation most of us consider as part of the family of believers.

Notice how Ann doesn't mention anything about Romney's record, his message, his positions on issues (except abortion so she could downplay his flip-flopping), or any of his plans and ideas to take the country into the future.

She said abortion was the only thing he flip-flopped on, oh my give me a break (do your own research).

He's never divorced his wife, and his adolescent son never hung a dog.
Wow, make him president then.

She used to take pot shots at him herself in passing, whatever that means, because she expected he would be the nominee, because he was "manifestly the best candidate". What does that mean? Tall, handsome, deep voice, big hands, or what?
What kind of person takes pot shots at the candidate they know they will support anyway?

Poor Romney gets bashed by everyone? What plannet does she live on? The media is doing everything they can for him, he's a partner in the company that owns FOX or something.

Pro-abortion groups viciously attack anyone who's pro-life, even if they used to be on their team. So what?

It's posible Romney will turn out to be a conservative republican. Is she saying he's not now, but we hope he will change?

She imply's that Frank Rich is gay or a sodomist, maybe he is but I don't know, and that he call's Huckabee the only real leader on the ticket, even though he despises everything Huckabee stands for. Thats because he's the only one really saying anything, and he puts his faith, his life, his ideas, his record, his vision, and his plan right in front for people to decide. Change, and fix-it retoric ain't gonna cut it anymore.

I'm asking "what can you do for this country"?
Change- Why? How? when?

There is no doubt that many fear a true Christian who supports amending the constitution to be in line with the word of the living God on the issues of marrage, and abortion. What would our founding fathers think if they knew we had to amend the constitution to specify that marrage was between a man and a woman, and killing unborn children in the womb is prohibited? Had they even imagined that the people of this great nation would ever permitt such abomination, they would have witten the constitution more specific in the first place. They considered some things to be self evident, and inherant, enalliable rights endowed by our creator.

Personnally I cannot fathem how anyone can vote for someone outside of their religious principals and values, if there be a choice. How can they say to themselves that there is something more important? A promise of change, or a new handout program, tax relief, free medicine, more money? These things are meaningless outside the grace of God. And if ye be Christian (inwardly) you should think.

I don't respect Ann's support for Romney, because of her reasoning for doing so. If someone likes Romney because of business savy, experiences, political positions, ideas, plans, visions, or maybe they're a morman too, I can respect that.

-- January 18, 2008 2:36 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq stops cooperation with oil firms that signed deals with Kurds

The Iraqi Oil Ministry has decided to stop cooperating with international oil companies participating in production-sharing contracts with the Kurdish regional administration in northern Iraq, an official said Thursday.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 18, 2008 10:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Assuming the level of violence continues to be quelled by the surge Iraq's economy is expected to grow at a rate of 7% to 8% for 2008 and 2009. As reported earlier, oil output is suppose to increase during this period as well.

I am not sure how the CBI will justify continuing the current managed rate. Once the oil is monetized (petro dinars) we should see continue upward movement of the Iraqi economy. At a rate of 7 to 8 percent they will be outpacing the U.S. since we have our own problems with the subprime mortgage market and issues with the credit derivitives.

The CBI will be forced to either modify the rate to match economic growth or allow the currency to float freely. The other gulf currencies are expected to adjust their exchange rates in April. A free floating Iraqi Dinar would also make this same adjustment. The Irai's have a bright future ahead of them. We are riding into this bright future with them.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 18, 2008 1:02 PM ∞

---

Not Sara wrote:

Valerio:

The U.S. Constitution, Article VI, section 3:

"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any public office or public trust, under the United States."

Amen.

-- January 18, 2008 2:16 PM ∞

---

Not Sara wrote:

Valerio:

The U.S. Constitution, Article VI, section 3:

"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any public office or public trust, under the United States."

Amen.

-- January 18, 2008 2:16 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Well said, Valerio. I respect your opinion as I do Ann's.
I'm keeping my head down on the election and am not actively researching because the Lord explained to me who He will put in the Whitehouse and why and so I don't wish to disclose my viewpoint. Your comments are interesting to me, as are hers, but I think we all expect the Lord's will to prevail in the end and pray to that end - for His Glory.

Rob N - Thanks so much for your words about the bright future for Iraq and its currency and people. Well written and easy to say AMEN to the sentiment you expressed.. We will have to wait and see on the timing. :)

Did you notice that I said earlier on the board that Iraq would have "further war" and an "escalation of war"? Then shortly after that the Kurds began their attacks on the northern border. That was what I was referring to.. as the Lord had told me they would. It has continued for some time now, and is almost a part of the regular war news from Iraq.. It is like there is another front for the Iraqis to deal with - the incessant incursions on their border.

Sara.

If you hamper the war effort of one side, you automatically help out that of the other. --George Orwell

===

Turkish army: Military operations deliver heavy blow to PKK camps in Northern Iraq
www.chinaview.cn
2008-01-18

Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

ANKARA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish General Staff on Friday said that the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) suffered heavy loss in the air strike carried out by Turkish Security Forces on Jan. 15, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

The General Staff said in a statement that during the operation, Turkish jets destroyed five command centers, two communication centers, 15 training centers, 12 logistic centers, 18 hideouts, two anti-aircraft positions and four arms depots of the PKK in northern Iraq.

"Turkish Armed Forces will continue staging military operations with determination," it added.

The Turkish military has recently launched several attacks to fight against the PKK separatists, which use the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq as a launch pad for attacks against Turkey.

The PKK, listed by the United States and Turkey as a terrorist group, took up arms against Turkey in 1984 with the aim of creating an ethnic homeland in the southeast. More than 30,000 people have been killed in the over-two-decade conflict.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/18/content_7449034.htm

-- January 18, 2008 2:20 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

That Not Sara person who posted just before my last post was not me.. I was busy composing (in preview mode) when it was posted and did not see it until I posted.

Sara.

-- January 18, 2008 2:26 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I guess I will weigh in on this current crop of Presidential contestants. Without going into a long drawn out analysis on each candidate it appears at this juncture that John McCain will likely be the Republican nominee. In my opinion, he is the most electable GOP candidate in the current field.

Call me a bigot or religiously intolerant but under no circumstances will I cast a vote in favor of a Mormon. Mike Huckaby in my view is not electable either. He is not the social or political conservative he protrays himself to be. While John McCain has his own issues he is the likely GOP nominee and and can beat either Hiliary or Barack in the general election.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 18, 2008 3:20 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Rob N;

Yours are also good points and I appreciate your view concerning McCain as well as the other views.
However, I read this article, dated January 17th (that was yesterday) and it says that your facts are incorrect.
Therefore, only in the interest of truth and for no other reason (I swear) I thought I should post it...
I just feel we should see things as they are, not as the media wishes them to be.

===

GOP Contest Truth: Mitt's Winning
By Michael J. Gaynor
MichNews.com
Jan 17, 2008

Mitt Romney has been winning, but the media has refused to admit it and helped his less Reaganesque rivals, John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani.

The truth about the Republican presidential race is that media bias is again a disgrace.

Mitt Romney has been winning, but the media has refused to admit it and helped his less Reaganesque rivals, John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani.

The media seemed to be hoping that Mitt would be forced out of the race (like Mitt's National Review endorsement, a strong sign that he should be nominated!).

Nevertheless, Mitt's been the first choice of a large plurality of those who voted in Republican primaries and caucuses to date and has won the lion's share of the delegates.

Of the 92 Republican delegates chosen so far, 42 support Mitt. Together, John McCain and Mike Huckabee have 40 (21 for the Huck, 19 for McCain).

The media is against racial or gender bias in the Democrat presidential race, of course, but, when it comes to anti-Mormon bias, that serves the media.

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/GOP_Contest_Truth_Mitt_Romney_Winning.shtml

-- January 18, 2008 5:21 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

As for McCain.. this is necessary to be said in the interests of truth:

===

Senator McCain's Basic Flaws
By Michael J. Gaynor
MichNews.com
Jan 15, 2008

After Mr. Levin noted that McCain is trying to recast himself as more conservative now that he is seeking the GOP presidential nomination, Senator Santorum frankly explained: “It’s amazing to hear what John McCain is trying to convince the voters he is all about. The bottom line is, I served 12 years with him, six years in the Senate as one of the leaders of the Senate, trying to put together the conservative agenda, and almost at every turn, on domestic policy, John McCain was not only against us, but leading the charge on the other side.”

Senator McCain's desire to treat illegal immigrants liberally is well known.

Then there are the Bush Tax cuts, now in need of being made permanent.

Senator McCain was one of only two Republicans to vote against them.

That's not all.

Senator Santorum also cited Senator McCain’s opposition to conservative positions on drug re-importation, federally funded embryonic stem cell research, the questioning of terror detainees and other issues (including immigration), and admitted he has a “big fear” of a McCain presidency.

Why?

Because it would create a “huge rift” in the Republican Party.

Senator Santorum on Senator McCain and the danger he posed to the Republican Party and conservatives:

“I think he’s been solid in the war on terror … but on domestic policy, he’s very, very dangerous for Republicans.

“There’s nothing worse than having a Democratic Congress and a Republican president who would act like a Democrat in matters that are important to conservatives.”

That's more than enough, but not all.

Senator Santorum explained that Senator McCain was a leader of Senate moderates who often stopped Republicans from pushing strong pro-life legislation.

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_19017.shtml

-- January 18, 2008 5:31 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

As a person who feels truth must be adhered to at all cost...
I feel honor bound to also point out Huckabee's negative opinions.
Again, without rancour or any ill-will, but only in the interest of truth -
Valerio, please note:

===

Ann Coulter versus Mike Huckabee
By Michael J. Gaynor
MichNews.com
Jan 17, 2008

Ann Coulter on Huck:

"He supports a nationwide smoking ban anyplace where people work, constitutional protection for sodomy, big government, higher taxes and government benefits for illegal aliens. According to my calculations, that puts him about three earmarks away from being Nancy Pelosi.

"Liberals adore Huckabee because he fits their image of what an evangelical should be: stupid and easily led."

The former Arkansas Governor seems to be on the same page with Ann in rejecting Darwinian evolution, but Ann really means it and Huck made the mistake of "rush[ing] to assure [Larry] King that he has no interest in altering textbooks that foist this fraud on innocent schoolchildren."

Huck confused Ann, and HE was the problem.

Ann:

"I don't understand that. Does Huckabee believe Darwinism is a hoax or not? If he knows it's a fraud, then why does he want it taught to schoolchildren? What other discredited mystery religions -- as mathematician David Berlinski calls Darwinism -- does Huckabee want to teach children? Sorcery? Phrenology? Alchemy?

"Admittedly, the truth about Darwinism would be jarring in textbooks that promote other frauds and hoaxes, such as 'man-made global warming.' Why confuse the little tykes with fact-based textbooks?"

Ann would not let Huck get away with what, at best, is fuzzy thinking.

Especially on sodomy and the Constitution.

Ann: "Huckabee claims he opposes gay marriage and says Scalia is his favorite justice, but he supports a Supreme Court decision denounced by Scalia for paving the way to a 'constitutional right' to gay marriage. I guess Huckabee is one of those pro-sodomy, pro-gay marriage, pro-evolution evangelical Christians."

Ann not only mocked Huck, but explained why Huck is absurd as well as amusing.

"...Huckabee has said he agrees with the Supreme Court's lunatic opinion that sodomy is a constitutional right. "

"Lawrence was promptly denounced not only by Republican governors and Christian groups across the nation, but also by anyone with sufficient reading comprehension skills to see that the Constitution says nothing about a right to sodomy.

"But when Huckabee was asked about this jaw-dropping ruling from the high court, he said the majority opinion 'probably was appropriate.'

"He made these remarks on his monthly radio show, 'Ask the Governor,' as was widely reported at the time, including a July 3, 2003, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article titled, 'Huckabee Says Sex Lives of Adults Not State Affair.' I stress that 'Ask the Governor' was not a wacky, comedy-based, morning zoo-type radio program. It was supposed to be serious."

But that's nonsense, as Ann deftly demonstrated.

"Employing the ACLU's 'any law I don't like is unconstitutional' test, Huckabee said he supported the court's decision because a law 'that prohibited private behavior among adults' would be difficult to enforce. Next he'll be telling us which of the Ten Commandments he considers 'nonstarters.'

"How about adults who privately operate meth labs? How about a private contract between an employer and employee for a salary less than the minimum wage?

"Hey! How about adults privately smoking cigarettes in their homes? Nope, Huckabee wants a federal law banning smoking but thinks state laws banning sodomy are 'probably' unconstitutional.

"Justice Antonin Scalia wrote a spirited dissent in Lawrence, joined by Justices William Rehnquist and Clarence Thomas, raising the somewhat embarrassing point that homosexual sodomy is not technically mentioned in the Constitution. Otherwise, our Founding Fathers would have been our 'Founding Life Partners.'

"Scalia said that inasmuch as the Texas law furthered 'the same interest furthered by criminal laws against fornication, bigamy, adultery, adult incest, bestiality and obscenity,' the court's ruling placed all these laws in jeopardy.

"Most important, Scalia said: 'Today's opinion dismantles the structure of constitutional law that has permitted a distinction to be made between heterosexual and homosexual unions.'

Huck tried to excuse his radio opinion after Ann highlighted it, only to give an excuse that Ann immediately used to show that that Huck as Pres would be dangerous... (see full article for in depth on this point..)

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/Ann_Coulter_versus_Mike_Huckabee.shtml

-- January 18, 2008 5:50 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Lastly, this quote from Mitt Romney shows something I feel should be said about the man in the context of the Presidential debate and his religious views:

Mitt Romney Coming On
By Michael J. Gaynor
MichNews.com
Jan 8, 2008

Ms. Noonan is also right about Mr. Huckabee's supporters deserving better.

They deserve much better.

Ms. Noonan:

"They believe that Mr. Huckabee, the minister who speaks their language, shares, down to the bone, their anxieties, concerns and beliefs. They fear that the other Republican candidates are caught up in a million smaller issues--taxing, spending, the global economy, Sunnis and Shia--and missing the central issue: again, our culture. They are populists who vote Republican, and as I have read their letters, I have felt nothing but respect.

"But there are two problems. One is that while the presidency, as an office, can actually make real changes in the areas of economic and foreign policy, the federal government has a limited ability to change the culture of America. That is something conservatives used to know. Second, I'm sorry to say it is my sense that Mr. Huckabee is not so much leading a movement as riding a wave. One senses he brilliantly discerned and pursued an underserved part of the voting demographic, and went for it. Clever fellow. To me, the tipoff was 'Don't Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?'

"My sense is that Mr. Huckabee's good supporters deserve a better leader."

They definitely do! They deserve a candidate who believes in God and family and America and will promote their shared values, not a fellow whose folksy performance calls to mind Sinclair Lewis's Elmer Gantry.

They need the leadership of the candidate who told America:

"[I]n recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong.

"The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation 'Under God' and in God, we do indeed trust.

"We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders – in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'

"Nor would I separate us from our religious heritage."

Mr. Romney is the candidate who would deliver what Huckabee supporters really want.

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_18925.shtml

===

Perhaps this helps us in some measure to see why Mitt is winning, even if there are those who disagree with that.
If it came down to choosing who will be President..
Mitt Romney or Hillary Clinton..
which would you choose to safeguard the religious heritage we hold dear?

Sara.

-- January 18, 2008 6:06 PM ∞

---

Not Sara wrote:

Rob N:

You said, in your last post, and I quote,

"Call me a bigot or religiously intolerant but under no circumstances will I cast a vote in favor of a Mormon."

All right then. Have it your way. You are a bigot or religiously intolerant.

-- January 18, 2008 7:46 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Another issue which many are concerned about is clemency. Set to a popular song, this was very cleverly presented on a recent youtube I watched. Valerio.. what do you make of this?

Sara.

===

http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=faKzzgXVAv8&rel=1&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//img.youtube.com/vi/faKzzgXVAv8/default.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskI-N50kh4j2HZZ_pg3seKTZ&border=1

-- January 18, 2008 8:04 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
I for one don't need any man to safegaurd the religious hertitage of God. God himself can and will do just fine in perserving for himself a remnant who hold to His unchanging truth, even in the face of that old serpent who deceives the world, the same who have been choosen before the foundations of the earth to carry forth the oracles, and to be conformed to the image of the holy one of the house of Jacob.

There comes a defining moment in every generation when the children of God have an opportunity to make the choice to tear down the altars of secular idolatry, and restore His standard, or not. If we (collectively) choose not to uphold the standard of God, then the nation will get exactly what it deserves, but if we choose righteously we make intercession for the nation. I choose not to listen to the council of men, but instead to the word of God. What choice Gods people make will be the deciding factor in this presidential election. Contrary to what any man says, or what the media says, Gods people alone have the power to decide the outcome. Now is the time to make our nominee choice based foremost on who most unashamely represents the standards we hold true.
Now is not the time to be deceived into believing we must conceed our primary principles in order to gain secondary acheivements.

I make no claim to know by the word of the Lord what will be the outcome of these elections, and the reason why, neither do I seek my own glory of men, but rather I seek to glorify God in all things. I'm not ashamed to be a voice in the wilderness, or to stand against deception. We do have a choice, and we are accountable for what choice we make. And if I have the opportunity to choose the lesser of two evils, I will choose neither.

-- January 18, 2008 10:41 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Dear Administrator , can we have a new page,, it takes for ever for me, to get down to the political section, of the Dinar forum. Thanks in advance.

-- January 18, 2008 11:03 PM ∞

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NEIL wrote:

I haven't posted in a while but I continued to read everything that that was posted and appreciated the good information. We are on a subject now that I feel compelled to jump in and state my opinion.

I consider Mitt Romney to be one of the most upright, moral and trustworthy politicians that I have seen
and he has been given a raw deal by the media who calls him a flip-flopper. He has only changed his mind on abortion which is a positive.

President Bush is a devout christian but I can't see that his faith has impacted upon anything. Religion should not be a consideration in electing a president.

Mr. Huckabee is probably a good man but if he visited other countries, I doubt that they could stop laughing long enought to take our foriegn policy seriously. We had a situation in Alabama a few years back when Bill Baxley won the democratic primary but was filmed later leaving the room of a lady who later bacame his wife at 3:00 A.M.
The religous community became so incensed that they waged a condemnation campaign that ultimately got Guy Hunt, a republican elected. Guy Hunt was an unknown part-time preacher and a Probate Judge in the small county of Cullman. He was dumb a a bucket of rocks and I cringed everytime he spoke on TV. Bill Baxley was a friend of mine and one of the sharpest politicians that this state has produced,
but he lost the governorship because of an indescretion.
Hunt resigned his office over some type of scandal.

A lot of issues such as amnesty,national debt, trade deficit, terrorism, abortion and many others that beg for a real leader to cope with them. Mitt Romney most nearly meets that criteria.

NEIL

-- January 18, 2008 11:11 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
I have seen the youtube video, and yes I have researched all the positions, and records of the candidates, before I ever decided who I would vote for. There are always 3 sides to every story, the 3rd being the truth (just having a little fun). First let me point out that he was re-elected 3 times by the people of Arkansas. After being elected as Lt. Gov. to replace (D) Tucker who became Gov. due to (D) Clinton becoming President, Huckabee was re-elected as Lt. Gov.. After Tucker was thrown out of office Huckabee became Gov., and was then re-elected twice for two additional full terms, even though Arkansas is a heavily democrat state. The people liked him, and they kept electing him. Do you think they would have if he was letting 1000 murderers out on clemency to go and kill again over, and over, and over? The Clinton political dynasty hated him, but he continued to beat them.
The fact is he was serious about doing his job as Gov., and he was sent over 8000 cases by recomendation from the (clinton appointed) parol board during his terms, and he actually looked over every case. A great majority of these cases were simply good people who had made youthfull mistakes that were already passed them, and couldn't get meaningfull employment due to todays background checks showing criminal record of something they long ago had put behind them after paying the price. Some were proven innocent by new evidence. In any case his intent was to act as a gov. should in doing what's in the best intrest of the people as a whole. Interestingly he upheld every death sentence that came before him, and signed every order to carry it out 17 or 18 times as gov. Does that not tell you anything? He's not the soft hearted liberal who let's everybody go unpunished according to the sentence given them by the rule of law. The highly publicized Dumond case wasn't even his doing. Although he was in favour of his release, he didn't give him clemency, or commutation. Theres alot to this case maybe you should dig into it. You can make an argument that he's too forgiving, or too compassionate, but to paint him as someone who loves to let murderers go free so they can murder again when he carried out more executions than just about anyone ever has as gov. is absolutely ridiculous and unfair. You know, I would expect you Sara to be much more decerning concerning media agenda, and opponent agenda spins and slants. You surely do when it comes to this war in Iraq as it relates to our dinar investment (or gamble), and when it comes to Bush.
Romney issued no clemencies or commutation, not 1. In all of Mass, there was never a wrongfull imprisonment, prosecution, or person deserving of a 2nd chance, not one deserving of compassion from the highest office of gov. in his entire term. Or was there? Did he even look at a case?

One of these guys is definately mascarading in a costume.

Our lord was continuously asked religious questions, not in earnest, but to find fault that they might destroy him.
Our Lord was wrongly accused, wrongly prosecuted, and denied justice. I'm against those things.

-- January 19, 2008 1:10 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

OK, Valerio, I will call you on this.

When you say, "I make no claim to know by the word of the Lord what will be the outcome of these elections" you are admitting then that you are going by your own understanding and wisdom and not by the Lord's. This betrays your very next words of, "and the reason why, neither do I seek my own glory of men, but rather I seek to glorify God in all things." If you were to seek the Lord about such a choice, will He be silent to you and not guide your choice? May I remind you the Holy Scripture says in Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." You challenge me for disclosing that I am led of the Spirit of God and know what the Lord has planned, thereby deprecating that leading... but with what will you replace that leading.. your own will and reasoning?

You say that you do not seek your own glory, but whose else can it possibly be if it is not the Lord's will you have sought BUT your own glory? If you say you do not know the will of the Lord when you openly state "I make no claim to know by the word of the Lord what will be the outcome of these elections", will you call that ignorance a Christian VIRTUE? Is it not obvious then that the only will you are exalting is your own opinion and you are not more humble before the Lord but far, far less because you have not sought Him. Do you bring glory to Christ by not seeking His will? If you do not know by the Lord what you should choose and you believe that, quote, "if I have the opportunity to choose the lesser of two evils, I will choose neither" then that is your choice. But do not pretend that you do not seek your own glory of men, "but rather I seek to glorify God in all things" when you have not been led of Him and have not sought the Lord concerning the choice He would have for you.

When you say, "Now is the time to make our nominee choice based foremost on who most unashamely represents the standards we hold true." - I agree. Exactly who is it then who you see as representing "most unashamedly" the standards you hold to be true? Huckabee? That is the candidate you said up until now that you support. As Ann Coulter pointed out, "Huckabee has said he agrees with the Supreme Court's lunatic opinion that sodomy is a constitutional right." and "I guess Huckabee is one of those pro-sodomy, pro-gay marriage, pro-evolution evangelical Christians." (Not to mention he is for "big government, higher taxes and government benefits for illegal aliens.") Is that then the candidate who "most unashamedly" holds the standards you hold to be true?

Am I become your enemy for pointing out that the candidate you said publicly on this forum that you support is far less than worthy of the support of a God-fearing Christian? Do you think the Lord endorses a candidate who stands pro-sodomy and pro-gay marriage when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for those very sins as a warning to people of His wrath against this behavior? Will you take me to task as evil for saying I have sought in His name what His will is and believe I have been personally led by Him, then smugly look down on me as lesser than you and seeking my own glory for it? As Jesus said in Mat 22:29 "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." and ".. wisdom is justified of her children." (Mat 11:19)

Neil - thank you for your thoughts. I appreciate your perspective also.

I think we would all prefer Jesus to rule over all the nations personally, but until that day we have to choose and the choices we have are necessarily between mortals which have some good and some bad in them - what Valerio refers to as choosing "the lesser of two evils". As a result, apart from Valerio's choice of not choosing at all, we must choose wisely and prayerfully the candidate we feel most represents our view and sacred values.

Nobody will be a perfect match when set against the Lord's rulership. Therefore I think we must seek God's wisdom and choose between what is presented.. choosing the "lesser of two evils" - the mortal man who best represents the values we own as inviolate. Thank you for your good input and post. I appreciate your words of wisdom and agree with you when you say, "I consider Mitt Romney to be one of the most upright, moral and trustworthy politicians that I have seen and he has been given a raw deal by the media who calls him a flip-flopper. He has only changed his mind on abortion which is a positive."

I continue to pray the Lord's will be done on earth (as regarding the outcome of the Presidential election..) as it is in heaven.

And, for the record, I have not said Mr. Romney will be the next President, nor have I intended my comments to be construed as that endorsement. I have sought to keep my perspective far from public scrutiny because the Lord has shown me it is unwise to share personal leadings He gives to me for my own life unless He directly leads me to. My comments dealt specifically with the comments attributed to the candidates in the light of the Scripture, nothing more.

Sara.

-- January 19, 2008 1:36 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Iraq's Economy Looking Up for a Change
IMF Predicts Good News for Iraq's Economy
By HILARY BROWN
BAGHDAD, Jan. 19, 2008

Iraqis received a rare piece of good news this week, when the International Monetary Fund predicted that the country would see an overall growth rate of 7 percent in the coming year.

The country will benefit from oil prices reaching record highs and the forecast that Iraq's own oil production would go up by 200,000 barrels a day, to a daily output of 2.2 million barrels, the IMF predicted.

The optimism is visible everywhere on the streets of Baghdad. The shops are full of produce and electronics and clothes and dry goods. People are out with their families, and they have a little money to spend.

"There's a big difference from last year," says Ali Shayal, who owns a men's clothing store in the up-market district of Corrada. "There's much more demand now from our customers."

"When it's safe outside, business is better," owner Ahmed Salah said with a smile.

"Every month is getting better than the one before," he said as he carefully folded and stacked brightly colored blouses on his shelves. "Before, it was the other way round."

(see full three page article here:)

http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=4159193&page=1

-- January 19, 2008 5:43 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Valerio - As far as Huckabee choosing to allow Drumond to go free 24 years before he should have been released, and his then raping and killing an innocent young woman named Carol Sue Shields, I think you will agree that that was a wrong choice. As I said, the candidates all are human. It comes down to what "errors" in judgement we each think are allowable. In the case of that family, I just cannot see that they will feel Huckabee deserves the Whitehouse, in spite of your quoted record of his being "tough" on criminals in general during the past. Youtube video clip:

Lois Davidson: "My name is Lois Davidson. My daughter was raped and murdered by Wayne Dumond."
Carol Sue Shields was brutally murdered by Wayne Dumond.
Dumond was in an Arkansas prison for raping a 17 year old high school cheerleader, until Governor Mike Huckabee helped him get out. Thanks to Mike Huckabee, Dumond was released from his Arkansas prison. Then, less than one year later, he raped and murdered Carol Sue Shields.
Lois Davidson: "If not for Mike Huckabee, Wayne Dumond would've been in prison and Carol Sue would be with us."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y18NQcByIyI&NR=1

This was a serious error in judgement, I think you will agree. Certainly Huckabee may be in your view a "lesser of two evils" but that he has some evils which are to be considered I think is important to be discerning over.

Also, Ann Coulter pointing out that he has been very accomodating with the issues of sodomy and evolution to the point of supporting the Supreme Court when it has erred in judgement is an important point in my opinion. The issue does concern us all because God judges nations and not just individuals by what is allowed or disallowed morally (note Saddam), and He has proven in history that He WILL judge any nation which allows this sin to become prevalent. (That is the meaning of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah being "set forth as an example" in the Scriptures.) I wouldn't give a rat's hind end what the homosexual community did if God had not clearly shown His punishment for the proliferation of such behavior does involve widespread retribution. (Sodom and Gomorrah were cities, not individuals.) Collective security does indeed appear to be tied to morality, Biblically.

Sara.

-- January 20, 2008 2:05 AM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Sara,
You remind me of those long winded wise men who tried to give council to Job.

I never said I didn't seek the Lord's will and guidance, but that I had not received the divine vision, or revelation of the future outcome as you state you have. Are you saying that all Christians who don't receive personal revelations outside the written word are not seeking God, and are ignorant and seeking glory from men? Surely you wouldn't receive the revelation of who God has choosen, and the reasons why, and then champion another outside Gods will. I suppose we shall see.

I have read all your posts for three years now, and you are the one who continually writes about your revelations, and visions, and about all that God tells you, which you never reveal unless in a non-specific generality. Who's glory are you seeking when you proclaim devine revelation from God without revealing it? It surely doesn't glorify anyone but you. You take for yourself your place in the front, and I'll just sit in the back.

My comments must have really stung, the way you struck me with your absurdities. You have shown me something

-- January 20, 2008 11:02 AM ∞

---

A Fan wrote:

Sara is a very good writer, with much good to say, and uncommon insight into the situation in Iraq, among many other things. We are very lucky to have her here. If some people can't stand that she has a unique and rare point of view, mixing high intelligence, strong morality, good research, with religious knowledge and intuitive insight, then, Tonka toys are fun to play with, for some. Myself, I really appreciate her rare gifts. She's amazing.

-- January 20, 2008 11:39 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

How very gracious and kind of you, A Fan, to post as you did! :) I do expect opposition and support is so very rare. Thank You.

It is true I have mentioned things the Lord has spoken to me... such as President Bush will not be impeached (he has not been and will not be), there will be no attack on US soil during his Presidency (not because the GOP are scaremongering but due to the Grace of Almighty God) and the fact that there will be an escalation of war on Iraqi soil (which we now see daily with the Turks interfering on their northern border). I have also mentioned that the upward valuation of the Dinar is the Lord's will, but that there are huge spirits in the region working against it who hate the Lord and His people - they appear to be (at least similar to, if not the exact same) spirits of Persia as mentioned by Daniel in that book of the Old Testament.

As for Job, Valerio, it was God who stood with him against his accusers in the end of the book. If we are brethren, perhaps we should not pit ourselves one against another so that He must appear to set in order before His face? It is wiser to allow God His will and merely say, "The Lord's will be done on earth as in heaven" and await to see the outcome. I will not be goaded into saying what the Lord has revealed to me on the question.

You say, "Are you saying that all Christians who don't receive personal revelations outside the written word are not seeking God, and are ignorant and seeking glory from men?" We are all led differently and yet, we are all led by the Spirit of God or we are not His sons (according to the Scripture - Rom 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."). We are all led in some way to know God's will in a situation when we seek Him. Did you seek Him on the question or not? And what was the result... ?? Was it that you feel God has led you to support Huckabee? So it appears. Therefore, we shall see if that is the final choice God makes in making him the President or not.. ok? Let us leave it at that.

You also say, "Surely you wouldn't receive the revelation of who God has choosen, and the reasons why, and then champion another outside Gods will." Hmmm.. if I answer this question I will tip my hat as to what God has said to me. It is necessary to understand the reasons of why God would make the choice to understand who He is choosing. I cannot reveal that (He has not allowed me to), so I am stymied in replying. I will rather be thought silly by you (or inconsistent) than disobedient by God. So once again, let us resort to prayer praying for the Lord's will to be done.

Sara.

-- January 20, 2008 2:46 PM ∞

---

been here, heard that wrote:

just because there is a lull in Dinar news, doesn't mean that the forum, should be hijacked by Religious zealots. While those writers, are knowledgeable, and gifted and can offer a gem of insight at times. I find it disrespectful to the board in general, for this banter to go back and forth on such a regular basis. Just goes to prove the Administrators are asleep at the wheel again. Why don't we just invited the kids in,, to give up all the lyrics to the foul mouthed rap songs that we can't understand,thats forced upon us to listen to in traffic.
To be an American carries responsibilities.

-- January 21, 2008 2:06 AM ∞

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sanm wrote:

SARA:
I quote you as writting, "I have also mentioned that the upward VALUATION of the Dinar is the LORD'S WILL".
Sara is YOUR GOD a BANKER, a FINANCIER, a CEO? Does Your GOD Care about MONEY?
Does Your GOD like to watch Countries and People be Murdered and Destoryed so that currency can be
RE-VALUED and a group of GREEDY, ILLUSIONISTIC, KNOWING ALL and yet NOT KNOWING ANYTHING people can become MILLIONAIRES?
If so then that makes it EASY. I will Pray to your GOD and BUY the DINAR.
It's all so clear now.

-- January 21, 2008 2:29 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Hi Guys,

Have a look around on here for some interesting info on oil comps

http://oilvoice.com/open/

Lots of meetings from people in the oil industry

You can sign on for free updates from Oilvoice.com

Stay Lucky, Steve.

-- January 21, 2008 5:59 AM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Sara,
No goading intended. It was meant to be a comment not a question. Nothing else need be said.

Yes I'm led to my choice based on prayer, and knowledge of the scriptures. I have my thoughts on who I actually think will win this election, and I think we will see that the voters in this nation are only toying with the idea of change, and in the end they will feel more comfortable staying with who they know in both parties. I like Mike because he is the only one who publicly supports, and is committed to ammending the constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman, and also to make killing the unborn illegal. The only one!

There was a time when a certain royal one came in the most humble way, who was born as king of kings, king of peace, king of righteousness, and he was not received. He was rejected by men, it was the will of God that it be so for now. But there were some who did receive him, and hoped for the resoration of Gods standard in that day. Even though it was not to be at that time, they were truely within the will of God in their choice, and also those who supported the opposition and carried out the will of God have their place outside Gods will. For now its the will of God to let the prince of darkness have his reign in this world, and he will eventually sit where he ought not, presenting himself as the king, and the entire world will believe upon him and worship him. It has been written, and it will come to pass, but still I will not be part of it. I will always hold up the standard, which is the truth, until the King of Kings come.

Though one sees visions of what will be, they may err if by their right hand this work is accomplished, instead of being a voice of warning.

Been here, heard that,
In four years the dinar has officially made gains of around 20%, but is still valued less than what most of us have paid for them. People have been tunning in to this board all this time searching for clues and encouragement, spent countless hours researching, and discussing, but what impact has it had? I assure you that when some news about a significant change in the dinar value emerges, it will be discussed on here at length. Suffer us to digress from dinar discussion to other things until those dinar issues do arise.

-- January 21, 2008 8:00 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Shi'ites end relatively peaceful holiday in Iraq
Fewer slain in festival than in past years
By Steven R. Hurst
Associated Press / January 20, 2008

BAGHDAD - Hundreds of thousands of Shi'ite Muslims climbed aboard buses or began trekking homeward on foot yesterday at the end of Ashoura, a 10-day ritual to cleanse the spirit and scourge the body in honor of the sect's founder.

Despite two days of fighting that killed at least 72 people farther south and a series of attacks north of Baghdad, the high holy days in Karbala passed without the slaughter of pilgrims witnessed in the years since the US-led invasion nearly half a decade ago.

A relatively uneventful passage of Ashoura had been seen by US and Iraqi officials as a rigorous test of the decline in violence in the country since Washington sent in 30,000 additional troops last year and many Sunni insurgents suddenly joined American forces in the fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq.

In Karbala, provincial Governor Aqil al-Khazali said 2 million Ashoura pilgrims passed peacefully through the holy city, home to the golden domed mosques of Imam Hussein and his half-brother, Imam Abbas.

While there was no catastrophic attack during Ashoura, Sunni and Shi'ite militants kept up a steady, although diminished, level of violence yesterday in regions to the north.

Bombs, suicide assaults, rockets, and death squad murder killed at least 21 more Iraqis, including those killed in Kirkuk and Tal Afar.

In Basra and Nasiriyah, south of Karbala, authorities put the final death toll at 72 when fighting ended yesterday after security forces stormed a mosque and ousted holdout members of the Soldiers of Heaven cult.

The militants, some of whom reportedly have a number tattooed in blue ink on the back of their necks, seek to invoke chaos as a means of inspiring the return of the "Hidden Imam" - also known as the Mahdi - a descendant of Mohammed who disappeared as a child in the ninth century. Shi'ites believe he will return one day to bring justice to the world.

Alwan said the standoff ended when Iraqi security forces stormed a mosque sheltering followers of the group, discovering explosives and yellow headbands signifying allegiance to the cult.

Alwan said the militants had targeted Ashoura worshipers, but police intervened to thwart the plot by the radical Shi'ite group. Last year, the group mounted a ferocious attack after Iraqi security forces raided its stronghold near Najaf to foil an alleged plot to slaughter pilgrims and leading clerics during Ashoura.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2008/01/20/shiites_end_relatively_peaceful_holi day_in_iraq/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

-- January 21, 2008 9:27 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

US says Warplanes Pound Al-Qaeda in Iraq Targets
21/01/2008

BAGHDAD (AFP) - US warplanes overnight pounded suspected Al-Qaeda havens on the southern edge of Baghdad for the third time this month, hitting more than 30 targets in a 35-bomb blitz, the military said on Monday.

The mainly Sunni Arab Jabour rural area was hit with bombs weighing a total of 19,000 pounds (9,000 kilogrammes) during the air raids, which aimed to destroy roadside bombs and arms caches, a military statement said.

The operation Sunday night involved precision air strikes by air force, navy and marine F-18 fighter jets and B-1 bombers, it added.

"The strikes that we conducted were focused on IEDs (bombs) and caches that we have targeted, that will allow us to get our ground troops further into the zone," military commander Colonel Terry Ferrell said.

"These targets, the IEDs specifically, are designed as part of the defensive belt to prevent our forces from entering into areas that we have not been before."

The raid follows air strikes in the Arab Jabour area on January 10 and January 16 in which, according to the statement, "a combined total of 99 targets has been hit, with a total weight of 99,000 pounds of bombs."

The raid was part of Operation Phantom Phoenix, an assault by Iraqi and US forces launched January 8 against Al-Qaeda in Iraq strongholds across the country.

US military spokesman Rear Admiral Gregory Smith told a news conference in Baghdad on Sunday that 1,023 suspected extremists had been arrested and 121 killed since the assault was launched.

The United States has not released casualty figures from any of three air raids but a leader of an anti-Qaeda "Awakening" front in Arab Jabour said at least 21 suspected Al-Qaeda fighters were killed in the January 10 strike.

http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=11525

-- January 21, 2008 9:29 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks, Valerio.. I must admit with you that Huckabee is doing a stellar job of upholding the Biblical standard. Your notes on the Will of God and those who choose within His will as well as those who choose outside of it all truly having their place in God's ultimate will being manifest were stellar. I totally agree. God's will has to be done. Whether we will like it or approve is inconsequential.. we must defer to the will of God in all things. I also appreciate your integrity in keeping to what the Lord has shown you and you know in your heart to be the right choice. As for being a voice of warning.. that is not always God's will, either. Quote:

Eze 3:26 And I will make your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, that you shall be dumb, and shall not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.
Eze 3:27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD; He that hears, let him hear; and he that forbears, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

And as samn has just illustrated, plus a few other comments on here, you can see that there is a very definite rebellious house in evidence.

Let us pray the Lord's will be done.

Sara.

-- January 21, 2008 9:40 AM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Valerio - See? I do sometimes open my mouth to be a reprover..

Been here, heard that;

Nothing is forced upon you.. you may skip any post you do not wish to read. You say, "I find it disrespectful to the board in general, for this banter to go back and forth.. To be an American carries responsibilities." Well, we have freedom of speech and religion and if you find it "disrespectful" to discuss things which are off topic to what exactly you wish to hear (itching ears?) you can skip them or go elsewhere. If you were truly an American, you would welcome diversity of opinion not seek to suppress it. Rather than complain, why don't you try contributing? You have given nothing of value to this board but complaints. I see no reason your words should stand.

==

samn;

When you ask if God is a banker, a financier or a CEO.. and if God cares about money, the answer is YES. God says He owns all the silver and gold (MONEY) in the entire world. It belongs to HIM not to men:

Hag 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts.
Psa 50:10 ... every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Psa 50:11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

God quite literally owns all material possessions, including money, oil, gold, silver, cattle, etc. He IS the world's financier.
If He prospers a financial venture it goes well and great prosperity results. If He chooses to "blow" upon the venture.. it comes to little to nothing.

Hag 1:9 You looked for much, and, behold it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it.

You ask, "Does Your GOD like to watch Countries and People be Murdered and Destoryed so that currency can be RE-VALUED and a group of GREEDY, ILLUSIONISTIC, KNOWING ALL and yet NOT KNOWING ANYTHING people can become MILLIONAIRES? If so then that makes it EASY. I will Pray to your GOD and BUY the DINAR."

This shows how incredibly ignorant of God you truly are. That is so insulting to His Grace I marvel when He doesn't immediately strike people like you dead out of the clear blue sky just to make other people fear Him (Bill Maher included - Bill Maher: ‘At Least Half of the [Ten] Commandments Are Stupid!’ http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/01/19/bill-maher-least-half-ten-commandments-are-stupid The only explanation must be His incredible love, good will and mercy toward such evil people as would indict Him so.

As for your characterization within that rail against the Almighty where you accuse His people of being greedy, illusionistic, know alls, etc.. have you EVER read any of the Bible to see how God directed His people to act? When God had them go to war against AI (a city) and kill every last single person in the city - men and women - then take all the spoil of the city for themselves... do you say God was evil to do so? And the people who obediently took the spoil and did the killing.. they were wicked and not following God? You do greatly err:

Jos 8:1 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
Jos 8:2 And you shall do to Ai and her king as you did to Jericho and her king: only the spoil of it, and the cattle of it, shall you take for a prey to yourselves: lay an ambush for the city behind it.

===

Jos 8:25 And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.
Jos 8:27 Only the cattle and the spoil of that city they took for a prey to themselves, according to the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.

===

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

===

You may not understand that God is a commander-in-chief of the armies of heaven and earth, but I assure you, He does command and it does happen. His people do His will and who are you to say to God that what He does displeases YOU and so He should not do it? You are in great error concerning God by judging HIM when He will one day be your judge. How rightly do the Scriptures say of such as you:

Jud 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints,
Jud 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.
Jud 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers...

Indeed, you are a great complainer.. and contribute nothing by your words but heaping up more judgement on your own head towards the Day of Judgement when your words will be brought before Him and He will judge you for your "hard speech" which you have "spoken against Him." You ought to fear now, but if you do not, you will be in great fear then and no one will be able to save you from the punishment which He will choose. Then you will see how foolish you were to indict God with being evil.

If you think what God has or is interested in is money or can be purchased with money (including Dinars), you are gravely mistaken:

Act 8:20 But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
Act 8:23 For I perceive that tyou are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Sara.

-- January 21, 2008 10:27 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

More than 14,000 small loans okayed

The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has announced that more than 14,000 easy loans to finance small business projects throughout Iraq’s governorates have been accepted in order to encourage citizens to set up small business projects.
(www.noozz.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 21, 2008 10:33 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

There is a huge difference between hate speech and rebuking speech. Hate speech disrespects a person. What the church speaks of is rebuking speech. You do these things that God says you shouldn't (and don't repent) and you will be condemned. Let's face it in the end with a just God at judgement we will all be judged by our words and actions and there will be no sugarcoating it.

-tater from newsbusters

-- January 21, 2008 10:55 AM ∞

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Been here, heard that; wrote:

I'm not denying your right to speech, nor the fact that u have the right to your religious thoughts and beliefs. I"m merely pointing out, that all the discussion of what politician is the Anti Christ, or the most Christian, is not Dinar Related. The fact that u can associate a bible verse with every utterance of a post, while amusing to some, still does not alter that fact, that the posting doesn't come close to the realm of being related to Iraq or the Dinar. If you want to talk politics, then tell me, how a certain candidate's views relates to the Dinar. That would be related to the forum.

The off subject quip is far too over used, and the just read past it, or scroll down remark, is for the birds. Yes i can play my music loud, even when i

I'm not in the car, and can easily say, well ignore it, or don't listen,, or its my right, but the fact that I can or that I insist that its my right to do so, doesn't meant that it's correct and acceptable.

I'm exerting my right (isn't my donkey as good as your's ) to bring to light, that while off subject discussion have been tolerated and overlooked in the past on slow news days, the over prolification of subjects not Dinar related is what brings this discussion board down.

-- January 21, 2008 3:28 PM ∞

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Been here, heard that; wrote:

The government has endorsed a plan calling for the mobilization of additional forces to protect the national grid against acts of sabotage.
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/26402

-- January 21, 2008 3:41 PM ∞

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pat fed up!! wrote:

SARA , you win. I can't take your babble any more. I done here. I get angry every time I see your phyco crap.How the heck do you find a way to put god in every thing. You can never let up. People have asked you nicely to stop with the god talk and you don't. You don't because you don't care about any body or there opinions. Its not worth it to me to get angry about other peoples words , but your never ending words keep getting in the way. So I am done here.You have ruined this site.The only good sence that came from this site was ROGER. Thanks Roger for all your insite. And take care !

-- January 21, 2008 4:28 PM ∞

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Guest wrote:

Been there, heard that:

Sara is a very religiously minded person. What does that have to do with Iraq and the Dinar? Everything. Many people see life, not from a secular point of view. That isn't their overall worldview. Instead, a lot of people in this world see life and politics from a very religious worldview. A deeply religious point of view, in fact, is the majority view in the world, and especially in the world of Islam. Whoever does not understand this, doesn't understand the war in Iraq, which is about deeply held religious views, among other things; whether you accept any of those views, or not. For secular people, Sara is a window into that world.

You say your name is Been there, done that...Have you really? I'm not sure you have. If you think Sara's comments have nothing to do with Iraq, or the Dinar, then I suggest your perception and understanding of the conflict in Iraq may be lacking. In fact, Sara's comments are the most helpful, in understanding that conflict, if you'd take the time to read between the lines, of what she is saying, to understand the religious dimension of this conflict, for example on the motivation of the insurgents, and the motivation for the noble sacrifice of American soldiers. Sara's comments are, in my opinion, the closest to the truth of this conflict that anyone has come up with, on this blog. And since the conflict in Iraq also affects the future of the Dinar, Sara's comments are extremely pertinent. If you can't understand them, or their value, I suggest just skipping over them.

-- January 21, 2008 4:51 PM ∞

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ya right wrote:

C'mon sara we know that you wrote that booby mess under the name " Guest". You are a farse. Talking about reading there own material. Wow !!

-- January 21, 2008 8:18 PM ∞

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Been here, heard that wrote:

Wait,, New Flash,, Presidential Nominee ties his shoes, , ( insert bible verse)
Does understanding the fact that Iraq is full of Religious Zealots need further discussion? If so I would think it would warrant a new forum topic.

I don't need a weather man to tell me.. all the reasons why it raining, when the important issue at hand is that the water is already, ankle deep and rising fast.

-- January 21, 2008 9:22 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Been here, done that,

The political changes in the U.S. will potentially have a huge impact on Iraq and the dinar value. I hope I'm right in thinking that we may reach a point where by the time the change in adminstrations occur, and any changes in policies are actually implemented, the Iraqi government will be strong enough to endure. Not only will the Iraqi economy and the dinar value be effected by U.S policy and troop levels, but also terrorist activities on our own soil. We are now forcing them to exhaust their resorces to fight to maintain their own strongholds, and thats one reason why it's very unlikely we'll see any significant attacks on U.S. soil at this time. It may be much more meaningfull to discuss and debate current political situations that acually have a potential effect on our lives, and the Iraqi dinar, rather than yesterdays news in Iraq.

Sara,
That one line where you said, "I marvel when He(God)doesn't immediately strike people like you dead out of the clear blue sky", I had to laugh at that one. If anyone else would have said that the dinarAdmin would have immediately removed it.

-- January 21, 2008 9:57 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Pat fed up.... Sara cannot help herself when it comes of the things of God. Scripture saids" Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks". This occurs when an individual accepts the Lord as their saviour. She is sanctified and set apart for His purpose. It is only when we are in the Spirit that we have fellowship with each other. So don't think it strange when we have a hard time communicating. Like I said 2 years ago, Sara is a perfect example of a Proverb 31 woman.

-- January 21, 2008 10:25 PM ∞

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sanm wrote:

Sara
God does not care about Gold or Silver or the Dinar. These are “Man-made” fables.
You see the Human mind can only process a finite “slice” of information. His “Primitive” emotions for survival and reproduction are what created and directs his belief systems. Even to this day.
Humans cannot create belief systems that do not support his primal sensory perceptions. This is basic survival in all living intelligent and semi-intelligent living creatures.
Through the thousands of years of Human development Man has always manifested a “Fear”. In order to “explain” this “fear” to man’s intellect, he has created a belief system.
This belief system “comforts” man as he faces the unknown.
Albert Einstein was correct in his studies about Dark Matter and Dark Energy, however his “belief” system and lack of mental intelligence created a hinder that prohibited him from moving forward.
Knowledge is not intelligence. Knowledge is knowledge, everyone has knowledge.
You, Sara can quote book verses and through your quotes you reveal that you have very limited intelligence. You rely on existing knowledge; repeat this knowledge with conviction and passion.
I do not say this to offend. Man needs people who can “Quote” and because you quote with such knowledge most people’s belief system will mentally associate you with being intelligent.
Man needs a belief system. Without a belief that the job can get done, that we can get through this, that there is good in the world…. That there is a GOD, man has no reason to survive.
I will not reveal how I know circumstances, it is not important and I would not be believed.
I can say that man in his present evolutionary expansion will not survive much longer. He must and will capitulate.
The people who “quote”, such as you Sara will bring calm to a scared and frighten human, who’s “Man-made” belief system will make him “feel” better as he dies and returns from which he came…Star Dust.
Only Astronauts know the truth, but they will not tell.

Live Safe and Happy when possible. Sanm

-- January 21, 2008 11:27 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Sanm,
There is no evolutionary process of man. If we evolved from an ape to become humans in some process, and since we still have apes with us today, it would stand to reason that we would also have some with us that are in mid-process development, but we don't. There is a reason they cannot find the missing link between man and ape, because there isn't one.
We have had many space probes looking around in space for decades. They have traveled 1000's of times further than any astronuat has. They have passed by other planets and moons in our solar system, sampling atmospheres and matter, and they have landed on some also. They are still traveling further out at this moment sending back diverse images, there has never been found as much as microbal life anywhere, or evidence that there ever was any anywhere else. The earth is indeed a special place where life exists abundantly in many forms. The human mind cannot comprehend the breadth of the universe with hundreds of billions of galaxy's each containing hundreds of billions of stars. We cannot comprehend the smallness of the smallest particles yet they can all be numbered, and the universe itself couldn't contain all the zeros of that number. Every human that has ever lived is unique, and each have their very own unique DNA that contains the building information down to the very number of hairs on your head. And all that is contained in a cell at conception, and in nine short months it "evolves" into a complete human being in flesh, and also breaths into them the breath of life being the soul. Can you comprehend the magnitude of that? God makes a single cell into a complete beautiful human being in nine months, why would it take millions of years? What does a man think he knows? What man can say there is no God, and not be able to answer all the questions?

-- January 22, 2008 1:40 AM ∞

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DinarAdmin wrote:

Pat and ya right are the same person (IP) posting, Sara was not posting the other comments attributed to her (Guest).

DinarAdmin.

-- January 22, 2008 12:35 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Valerio,

Last post is well said. We have far too many questions about our existence (limited by our knowledge and intelligence). However, we are all given the ability (that is if we are given normal functioning) to reason.

My own opinion is that evolution doesn't make sense to me either due to Valerio 's stated statement on same.

All,

I have the strongest admiration for Sara's knowledge of God's character and of his word. I am sorry to say that there are many on this forum who do not appreciate this special knowledge and world view. I am, however not one of them. I believe, what I am witnessing are presonal attacks on Sara and I would like these attacks to stop.

Laura Parker

-- January 22, 2008 1:06 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

ya right/pat - It wasn't me who posted that, but I do appreciate the Guest comments and willie's and Laura's too.. thank you to you very much for the kindness.

Valerio; I thought other comments should be deleted. All I said was not that I HOPED God would strike such people dead, but that I marvelled He didn't take offense so easily. But the Lord was kind to me and reminded me:

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

In other words, the reason He does not smite immediately is because He is giving them a great degree of opportunity to repent.. (He is, "longsuffering.. not willing that any should perish") He is far more patient and loving than any man.

sanm wrote, "God does not care about Gold or Silver or the Dinar. These are “Man-made” fables."

Interesting that you now are speaking for God and what He does or does not care about.. then go on to say He is made up? Can you please make up your mind? Is God real and does not care or is He a figment of men's imaginations? And if in your opinion He is a figment of mankind's imaginings, then the vast majority of mankind does disagree with your opinion and view. You therefore are being offensive and insensitive to the majority view, but that does not seem to bother you...

Boiling it all down to survival instinct is an interesting viewpoint.. and where did that view come from.. wasn't it from Darwin and his survival of the fittest mentality? It seems your knowledge is not your own ideas, but those of another, too. You are following his lead and I follow Jesus. And where does your master lead you to? To the fittest surviving and killing the others who are less fit ... that is what caused the Nazi holocaust. You must take into account the direction of your view (Darwin's view) and where it has taken mankind when given a chance to assert power over men's lives - physically (World War II) and also spiritually.

As for spiritually, where you boil belief in God down to fear and the need to allay that fear with some belief system, I can tell you something about that. Christians are not in bondage to fear, but those who have not accepted Jesus Christ ARE:

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And to deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Jesus came to deliver those humans who were all their lifetimes subject to the fear of death.

Ever heard of martyrdom? Not the sort where a desperate depressed person is about to commit suicide by jumping off a cliff and they pump up their courage and take that leap, HOPING they will die when they hit the bottom and not suffer a long time before death comes... but the sort which allowed real martyrs with real faith in God to actually rejoice and praise God and face death with peace so that there were those who were to kill them who chose to become Christians and face death with that peace rather than continue on as torturers and executioners (see Foxes Book of Martyrs).

No, you have no idea what it is to be free from fear. The true case is exactly the opposite of what you assert here. The Christian religion is not founded on fear, it delivers from it. People who have ideas that they enjoy and which "make them feel better", if you put a gun to their head and say "renounce that belief or die" they will gladly comply because it was only feel-good ideas anyway. But if the person smiles and with complete calm, absolute assurance and peace, they look such prosecution in the eye and say, "I cannot do that, you will have to pull the trigger".. that person has something more than just something to "make them feel better." There is a peace beyond understanding God gives to His own which is not based on mere intellectual knowledge or emotional feelings. As Jesus said:

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

We are NOT afraid.. not even in the face of death.. because we have eternal life, and a peace in the face of death that even death cannot take from us. You say man needs a belief system. He does, because THROUGH fear of death mankind is subject to bondage. Jesus came to deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Man needs help with that bondage and fear of death and Jesus gives the real McCoy - real eternal life, a certain deliverance from the fear of death - and the witness of that deliverance by a real peace beyond mere intellect or understanding. It is not a fake, as evidenced by His followers (apostles) who all died martyrs and without renouncing their faith. If they had been charlatans, they would have recanted to save their own skins. They did not but were true because they had that peace where they KNEW they had eternal life as a PRESENT POSSESSION and no man could take it from them.

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.

These men KNEW - in and experiential way, not as mere intellectual knowledge - that they had eternal life. They had the peace Jesus gave them inside them ("My peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you." Joh 14, above) so they were not afraid even in the face of martyrdom (and some of the ways they died were quite horrible.) Christianity does not depend on fear to proliferate itself, it delivers from the fear of death by giving a REAL peace and KNOWING that you have eternal life and will not be extinquished or destroyed.. The survival of the self.. self-preservation, is not evil - when dealing with real life situations.. and it is also not evil when it is the same thing which drives reasonable people to seek survival of the self beyond death.

What is a wonder is someone who thinks that "instinct" for survival should be dismissed and not listened to. If you advocated ignoring it when in a situation of bodily danger you would not be seen by mankind as reasonable. (Don't be afraid of traffic, just step out and die... how reasonable does that sound?) Here, you are also not reasonable in saying mankind should not listen to what they know instinctually is important.. when you say to stop seeking to secure their survival eternally through obtaining a REAL faith which can deliver them from the bondage they feel of fear of death. (Don't seek a faith which will deliver you from fear and bondage to death, just ignore it and don't worry if it feels like death is a monster waiting in the dark to pounce on you.. a monster which will one day have you for its supper... how reasonable does that sound?)

After I posted the reply yesterday, I asked the Lord how it would be received by you. He replied with this passage:

Mat 15:12 Then came His disciples, and said to Him, Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Mat 15:13 But He answered and said, Every plant, which My heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Is your post not proof that you are being unreasonable and blind by your seeking to lead others to suppress their instinct for survival.. in the spiritual? If you believe what you wrote, then you are indeed a blind leader of the blind. Those who follow this lead to ignore their better instincts (of spiritual self-preservation) will fall into the ditch with you.

As for taking your cues from astronauts when you say, "Only Astronauts know the truth, but they will not tell." Perhaps they would say if they were not hindered from speaking by the likes of you. Let me say that the first men who went to the moon celebrated Communion on the moon and thanked God for their safe voyage. There were also other astronauts who were men of faith (Apollo 8, see below). Quote from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11

Neil Armstrong's first words after landing were, "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." This partially confused the staff at Mission Control since Armstrong had only given the name Tranquility Base to the landing site immediately after touchdown. Shortly after landing, before preparations began for the EVA, Aldrin broadcast that:

“ "This is the LM pilot. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way." ”

He then took Communion privately. At this time NASA was still fighting a lawsuit brought by atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair (who had objected to the Apollo 8 crew reading from the Book of Genesis) which demanded that their astronauts refrain from religious activities while in space. As such, Aldrin (a Presbyterian) chose to refrain from directly mentioning this. He had kept the plan quiet (not even mentioning it to his wife) and did not reveal it publicly for several years.

At 2:56 UTC on July 21, Armstrong made his descent to the Moon's surface and spoke his famous line "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind" exactly six and a half hours after landing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11

As for knowing the truth.. Jesus said it will set you free.. including from the fear of death:

Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those which believed on Him, If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

And He assures us HE IS THE TRUTH:

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me.
Joh 8:23 And he said to them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world.
Joh 8:24 I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you do not believe that I am he, you shall die in your sins.

Sara.

-- January 22, 2008 1:36 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

It is NORMAL to be afraid of death.. just as
It is NORMAL to be afraid of rush hour traffic... or bottomless pits, or jumping out of an airplane (without a chute), etc.
These ae all very reasonable fears of very real danger.

There was a lady in church who told us that she works in the children's hospital. One of the patients was a child with terminal cancer. She was dealing with her soon approaching death and she was so very, very young. One day she was making up the little girl's bed when the little girl asked her abruptly, "Why is God mad at me?" The nurse was embarrassed by the question. She had been told not to share her faith or anything of a religious nature with any of the patients. So she shrugged the question off and left. The next shift when she came on the little girl had passed away. That nurse stood in the front of the church and cried. With tears running down her cheeks she asked why she was not allowed to tell her that God was angry at her because of her sins and then to explain to her that Jesus came to take them away. It is a crime when we are silenced.. a crime which says we must never tell what we believe or speak the faith in our hearts.

And "little children" die (eternally) because of it.

Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Allow the little children, and do not forbid them to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Ecc 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters: for you shall find it after many days.

Sara.

-- January 22, 2008 2:14 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Thanks for your post on the absurdity of evolution, Valerio..
You fed me. :)

Long Handled Spoons..

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'
The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.
In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.
The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.
But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.
The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'
It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.

-- January 22, 2008 2:25 PM ∞

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Pest wrote:

Sanm,

You raise some excellent point, but you seem awfully sure of yourself. Let's see if we can do something about that.

Bear with me. I'll start from an odd place.

The known universe is about 15 billion years old, according to the Big Bang Theory. From memory, the earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Human evolutionary theory postulates that humans have very recently evolved, from simian ancestors, within the last few million years, which is a blink of an evolutionary eye, relative to the age of the earth, or the age of the universe.

Let's do a thought experiment, ok? Are you with me? Follow my logic, for a minute:

Suppose for a minute that a lifeform, call it Lifeform X, has also evolved elsewhere, in the universe, and suppose that they started their evolutionary journey two billion years before we began ours. Two billion years is a long time. It's long enough on earth to change single cell organisms into humans, according to evolutionary theory. Suppose for a minute that their species, Lifeform X, survived till now, and that this lifeform was now a billion years more advanced than ours, in evolutionary terms. Now, in our thought experiment, let us form a general, very rough opinion, or estimate, of the intelligence of such a species, that has been evolving for two billion years more than have humans.

How smart would they be? How smart compared to humans? A few million years on earth, according to Darwin's theory, is enough to turn a monkey-like creature, into a human, capable of forming complex equations, like E=Mc2, to explain time, energy and matter, for the entire known cosmos. This impresses humans, but from the point of view of Lifeform X, how impressive would the thought processes of the most intelligent humans be? If intelligence is an evolutionary process, and continues to evolve, over time, and if lifeforms have been evolving theirs, for a billion years longer than we have been evolving ours, and if, since a million years turns a simian into a human, and a billion would do much, much more, then, wouldn't such a species that has evolved this length of time look at our so-called intelligence as hopelessly pitifully primative, and simple, and might these creatures, Lifeform X, not look at humans much like we might look at an amoeba?

Sanm, you yourself say, quote "You see the Human mind can only process a finite "slice" of information." Well said....That's my point exactly. You too can only process a finite slice of information. You too, are human, and constrained by the limits implied, and inherent in, the fate of being part of the human race.

So, if, in relative terms, humans, including you, are like an amoeba, in terms of intelligence, and if we are biologically constrained by the limits of our intelligence, in how well we understand reality; and if we agree that human intelligence, compared to other lifeforms, must be more than pitifully inadequate, then how can we trust declarative statements about the ultimate meanings and origins of life, from humans?

The reason I bring this up, is you seem awfully sure of yourself, in terms of your theories about God, why people believe in God, how such beliefs supposedly evolved in evolutionary terms. Are you really that sure of all your God-less beliefs? If you too, like all humans, are like an amoeba, in terms of the limits of your relative intelligence, why should we trust your opinion, more than anyone's, for answers to these ultimate questions? Aren't you constrained, like everyone else, by the biological limits of being human, when it comes to your capacity to understand reality?

And doesn't all this mean, humans can have their theories, one way or another, about God, or the origins of life, but that at the core of it, isn't life really about mystery? And isn't this what faith really is?

Just asking....Think I'll go light a joint.

-- January 22, 2008 2:44 PM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Someone else's snoring is so obnoxious. WAKE UP!!!!

Iraqi parliament passes new flag design removing the 3 stars representing Saddam's faith, unity, and socialism, and changed "god is great" from Saddam's own handwriting to another script.

While we think there are much more important issues for parliament to be considering, they consider a new flag to bring unity as an important milestone. This new flag is a temporary flag pending a totally new design to be determined in the next year. I think this is a good thing. One of the first orders of business for any new nation is a flag to symbolize unity, and patriotism. The old flag was a subject of division, and it is best to remove anything that adds to division when possible. When the people are moved to become more united, putting away barriers of the past, the parliament will follow. So this may be more important than we can imagine. I hope this small step will be a start of soon bigger steps.

Sara,
I was perfectly aware of your words and what you were saying.

-- January 22, 2008 10:16 PM ∞

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Steve wrote:

All,

Anyone like to read about Iraq and its oil?

http://www.gasandoil.com/ogel/

Stay lucky, Steve.

-- January 22, 2008 10:31 PM ∞

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Steve wrote:

All,

It all looks well for Kudistan and Turkey with oil.

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=105392

Have a nice day, Steve.

-- January 23, 2008 2:30 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

No certain posts conditioned to return to government, says MP 23/01/2008 11:46:00

Baghdad (NINA)- Omar Abdul-Sattar, member of the Iraqi Accord Front, said that the understanding memorandum that was signed between the Iraqi Islamic Party and the two Kurdish parties has initiated unprecedented political developments.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 23, 2008 5:20 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq's flag redesign erases one of the last symbols of Hussein regime
Some see the move by parliament as an encouraging sign of unity and compromise.
By Peter Smith
from the January 24, 2008 edition

E-mail Print Letter to the Editor Republish del.icio.us digg

The most recent Iraqi flag – a red, white, and black field with green Arabic script and three green stars – was retired by the parliament this week and replaced. While agreement on a new – if temporary – flag was hailed as a sign of progress and a more unified national identity, for some, the latest version represents continued ethnic divide.

The background colors of the flag is the same: red, white, and black. The inscription, the calligraphic style of which was changed in 2004, will remain. But the banner's three stars have disappeared in a bid to strip the flag of a key reminder of Saddam Hussein's rule, reports Al Jazeera.

[T]hree green stars in the centre, which represented Saddam's Baath party motto of unity, freedom and socialism, have been removed. ... The script was originally in Saddam's handwriting but was changed unofficially in 2004 to Kufic, an early form of Arabic calligraphy that originated in [Southern] Iraq.

The flag change appeared to be a step in the right direction, according to The Times of London:

"The new flag has no signs of Saddam's regime and is a sign that change has been achieved in the country," said Humam Hamoudi, a leading Shia politician. It will also be seen as further evidence that the Parliament is beginning to tackle difficult issues.

Iraq has had numerous flags since the country's 1921 inception by British mandate. White, black, green, and red appeared on most of the flags, representing Arab-Islamic powers. In 1958, a yellow sun was added to symbolize Iraqi Kurds. In 1963, Arab nationalists replaced the sun with three stars. The handwritten script, Allahu akbar ("God is great"), was added by Saddam Hussein during the 1991 Gulf War.

The conservative blogger and occasional Wall Street Journal columnist, Omar Fadhil, on the blog Iraq the Model, writes that the past two flags were not sufficiently representative.]

"The old flag was not an Iraqi flag. It was the flag of the Arab nationalist and didn't represent the various components of the complex Iraqi society, and after Saddam had put the holy words on it, it became Saddam's flag.]"

After the invasion of Iraq in 2003, some sought to change the flag as part of an effort to remove all public symbols of Hussein's legacy. Much of the opposition to the Iraqi flag, reports The New York Times, came from Iraq's northern region, largely populated by ethnic Kurds, thousands of whom were killed in chemical attacks in the 1980s.

Kurdish politicians, many of whom survived the genocidal gas bombings by Hussein forces in the Anfal, or spoils of war, campaign of the 1980s, were among the fiercest critics of the old flag. In 2006, Massoud Barzani, president of the semiautonomous Kurdistan Regional Government, refused to fly the flag from government offices, prompting fear of Kurdish separatism.

Last September, Mr. Barzani called for the flag's removal, according to Agence France-Presse:

"[T]he present flag is not the flag of Iraq, but of the Baath Party and chemical strikes, drainage of the marshes, putting down uprisings and mass graves."

The most recent changes precede a pan-Arab meeting in Arbil, in the largely autonomous Kurdistan region, planned for February or March this year.

On Tuesday ... Kurdish lawmakers pushed for a compromise, dropping their insistence on yellow lettering for the Arabic inscription, for a design without Baathist references.

Zuhair Humadi, a senior adviser to the Shiite-led Iraqi government, said the Kurds sought the deal before an international conference of members of Arab Parliaments in weeks.

"They won't come if only the Kurdish flag is flying," Mr. Humadi said of the Arab leaders. "And Barzani wanted that meeting to be in Kurdistan, and he will not allow Saddam Hussein's flag to be flown. So they agreed to this."

Some considered the action rushed, and Reuters reported that the changes would likely be temporary and the new flag will fly for only a year.

Lawmakers loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who hold 30 seats in parliament, voted against the proposal for that reason, saying they would prefer to keep the existing flag until a permanent one was chosen.

Other ethnic parties remained unsatisfied with the changes, saying they believe the Kurdish regional government was simply pursuing its own agenda, which has included recent contracts with foreign oil companies, The Washington Post reports.

"It was an organized conspiracy to change the flag," said Khalaf al-Alayan, a Sunni member of parliament.

Nothing goes unchallenged in Iraq's parliament, and the legislation adopted Tuesday to create a new, temporary Iraqi flag proved no exception. If anything, the contentious process reflected the larger sectarian differences that consistently tug at this country.

The recent changes are part of a slew of recent debates over the flag. In 2004, a redesign caused an ever greater stir. The American-appointed Iraqi Governing Council announced a version by London architect Rifat Chadirji. It was white, blue, and yellow, with a prominent Islamic crescent. Even the United States military paper Stars and Stripes said the crescent was "an unfortunate shade of blue" that bore a striking resemblance to Israel's flag.

Others suggested the flag evoked new post-Soviet states that wanted to emphasize Islamic heritage – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. That left out Iraq's Christians and other religious or ethnic groups.

Reactions to the most recent change appeared tame, compared to the 2004 embroglio, reports The Boston Globe, which caused protests. Still, on Wednesday, the Iraq Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS) told the Iraqi daily Aswat Aliraq that the decision was "illegitimate."

"The AMS is convinced that every thing approved or adopted in the time of occupation will not continue after its withdrawal," the AMS said in a statement received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI). "This came within a series of decisions that affect Iraq's sovereignty."
(www.csmonitor.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 24, 2008 10:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Conoco Open to E&P in Iraq and Iran; If Safety Improves
By Phaedra Friend

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

24 January 2008 (Rigzone)
Print article Send to friend
ConocoPhillips Chief Executive Jim Mulva stated that the company is interested in doing business in Iraq and Iran, as long as security concerns and political issues are resolved.

"To the extent that we have security, we'd like to be doing things in Iraq," he said, reported Dow Jones, in a conference call on Jan. 23. "To the extent that … sanctions get lifted and better political relations (exist), we seriously would like to take a look at Iran.

Mulva expanded the company's future reach, including Kuwait as a potential geographic locale for the company to conduct business.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 24, 2008 10:09 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Press Release Source: Chrysler LLC
Solider Serving in Iraq Surprised with Keys to an All-New 2008 Jeep Liberty
Thursday January 24, 3:34 pm ET

- Keys placed in 300,000th Operation Gratitude care package delivered to Specialist Michael Gallagher at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Iraq on Jan. 22
- Vehicle donated by Jeep brand as an expression of gratitude to all those serving overseas

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Specialist (Spc.) Michael Gallagher from Fort Lewis, Wash., and currently serving in Iraq, found a nice surprise in the package he received from Operation Gratitude on Jan. 22. The non-profit organization that sends care packages and letters of support to troops deployed overseas personally delivered its 300,000th package, containing keys to an all-new 2008 Jeep® Liberty vehicle, to a surprised Spc. Gallagher at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Iraq.

The package was delivered by Operation Gratitude's founder, Carolyn Blashek, and director of operations, Charlie Othold.

"When my commander ordered me to show up to this ceremony, I thought it was just another care package and they were making a big deal about it because it was the 300,000th one," said Gallagher. "When I opened up the envelope (containing the keys to the Jeep inside), it completely blew my mind."

The Jeep brand, with its long history of supporting the military, donated the vehicle as an expression of gratitude to all the men and women currently serving with the U.S. military overseas. In addition to the Jeep Liberty keys, the package contained a letter from John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing and Global Communications, and other gifts from U.S. citizens and companies that generously support the operation.

Addressed to "Dear American Hero," Plecha's letter read, "As the recipient of the 300,000th Operation Gratitude care package, the Jeep brand is delighted to award you a Jeep vehicle of your own as a symbol of our appreciation, as you represent all those who bravely go in harm's way in service to our country."

Gallagher is a vehicle commander from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash. His name was randomly placed on the 300,000th package. He will receive his new Jeep Liberty upon returning to the U.S.

With its origin dating back to WWII, the Jeep brand has long supported Operation Gratitude and the U.S. military. Chrysler LLC recently partnered with The Freedom Calls Foundation to make the company's video conferencing facilities in southeast Michigan available to connect families and soldiers during the holiday season.

http://ca.us.biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080124/clth117.html?.v=40

-- January 24, 2008 4:56 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

German accused of helping terrorists in Iraq sentenced to prison
The Associated Press
Published: January 24, 2008

SCHLESWIG, Germany: A German court on Thursday convicted a man of helping al-Qaida in Iraq and sentenced him to nearly six years in prison.

The state court in Schleswig found Redouane El Habhab, a 38-year-old German of Moroccan heritage, guilty on six counts of supporting a foreign terrorist organization, and ruled that he also founded a terror group himself.

During his trial, which opened last July, federal prosecutors accused El Habhab of raising money for al-Qaida in Iraq and helping supply fighters for the insurgency there.

During the trial, the defendant acknowledged taking an oath of loyalty to al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden but said he had no direct contact to his organization.

Prosecutors had sought a 6 1/2-year prison sentence and appeared satisfied with the verdict.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/24/europe/EU-GEN-Germany-Terror-Trial.php

-- January 24, 2008 4:58 PM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Would the Democrats use a situation to scaremonger for political gain?

===

Trader Defrauds French Bank Of $7.1 Billion
From those haters of wicked capitalists at Reuters: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080124/bs_nm/socgen_dc

SocGen says hit by $7.1 billion fraud
By Sudip Kar-Gupta

PARIS (Reuters) - French bank Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) said fraud by a single trader had caused it a 4.9 billion euro ($7.1 billion) loss and that it would seek emergency funds as a result, shocking battered markets.

If fraud is proved, the loss will be the biggest caused by a rogue trader, ahead of the $2.6 billion hit to Sumitomo Corp caused by copper trader Yasuo Hamanaka and the $1.4 billion loss caused to Barings by Nick Leeson, both in the 1990s. It also eclipses a $6 billion loss racked up by hedge fund Amaranth trader Brian Hunter and his team ahead of its collapse in 2006.

SocGen, France’s second-biggest listed bank, announced plans to raise 5.5 billion euros through a capital increase to shore up its balance sheet, also reeling from a crisis in global credit markets. It unveiled a further writedown of 2.05 billion euros related to the global credit crunch on Thursday.

The announcement sent a shiver through the world banking industry, which is suffering a credit crunch as high-risk mortgage borrowers default on their loans…

“The most serious thing is that this puts into doubt the risk management systems at some banks,” said Fortis analyst Carlos Garcia. “You can’t suddenly announce this from one day to the next a hit of $7 billion. In the light of this what we’ve done is to downgrade banks that are very linked to trading income or whose capital base is weak.”

SocGen said it was in the process of dismissing the Paris-based trader, who it did not name, and added that the trader’s managers would leave the company. Chairman Daniel Bouton later said he did not know where the trader was.

A source at SocGen said the trader was “not one of its stars” and was relatively young. SocGen said the trader had been handling futures contracts on European stock market indices, betting on broad share market movements.

It added that its board had rejected an offer by Chairman and Chief Executive Daniel Bouton to resign.

SocGen shares were suspended…

===end quote===

Gee, is it not possible that the news of this massive fraud had leaked out and helped to contribute to the decline in the foreign markets over the last few days?

I guess not. Or the media would have told us.

After all, why would they want to blame it all on fears of a US recession?

Quote:

SocGen said it was in the process of dismissing the Paris-based trader, who it did not name, and added that the trader’s managers would leave the company. Chairman Daniel Bouton later said he did not know where the trader was.

==end quote==

How harsh.

I hope he doesn’t sue.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Thursday, January 24th, 2008.

http://sweetness-light.com/archive/trader-defrauds-french-bank-of-71-billion

-- January 24, 2008 5:29 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraqi oil exports rose by 9.2%-oil ministry

Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Thursday , 24 /01 /2008 Time 10:03:21




Baghdad, Jan 24, (VOI)-Iraqi oil ministry on Thursday said the levels of exported oil and revenues in 2007 rose by 9.2 compared to the previous year.

“The revenues of exporting oil amounted to 39.8 billion dollar, while the total quantities of the exported crude by the Iraqi marketing company reached 1.634.125 million barrels over 2007," the ministry said in a statement received by Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq-(VOI).
The announcement noted the Southern Oil Company held the major share by exporting 556.605.655 millions barrel, while the share of Kirkuk ’s oil company, in northern Iraq, was 39.849.791 millions barrel.
The turnovers of oil exports yielded $39.8 millions dollars, of which 31 millions went to the fiscal budget for the calendar year 2007.
AM/SK
(http://www.aswataliraq.info)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 25, 2008 11:19 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Cutting down troops to feature government's policy 25/01/2008 15:42:00

Baghdad (NINA)- MP Hasan Al-Sinaid, of the United Iraqi Alliance, has stated that cutting down the foreign troops in Iraq would be a basic orientation in the government's policy in the forthcoming period.
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 25, 2008 11:21 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Maliki: Forces mobilized for decisive battle in Mosul 25/01/2008 13:58:00

Baghdad (NINA)- Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has announced the Iraqi Army's plans to move to Nineveh province, in the wake of the recent security breaches in Mosul city, to fight what he described as "the decisive battle with Al-Qaeda."
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 25, 2008 11:22 AM ∞

---

Sara wrote:

Interesting.. Gadhafi's son
Terrorist... or humanitarian?

===

Gadhafi's son said tied to Iraq attack
2008-01-27

BAGHDAD -- A son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is behind a group of foreign and Iraqi fighters responsible for this week's devastating explosion in northern Iraq, a security chief for Sunni tribesmen who rose up against al-Qaida said Saturday.

At least 38 people were killed and 225 wounded last Wednesday when a huge blast destroyed about 50 buildings in a Mosul slum. The next day, a suicide bomber killed the provincial police chief and two other officers as they surveyed the blast site.

Col. Jubair Rashid Naief, who also is a police official in Anbar province, said those attacks were carried out by about 150 foreign and Iraqi fighters who slipped into the country several months ago from Syria.

Naief said they are working with al-Qaida in Iraq, and are supported by Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, 36, the eldest son of the Libyan leader.

"I am sure of what I am talking about, and it is documented," Naief said, adding that he was "100 percent sure" of the younger Gadhafi's role with the terror group.

Naief told The Associated Press his information about the Seifaddin Regiment and the younger Gadhafi's purported role came from "reliable sources" maintained by his Anbar Awakening Council within the ranks of al-Qaida in Mosul and elsewhere.

He said the information was passed to the US military two or three months ago.

"They crossed the Syrian border nearest to Mosul within the last two to three months," Naief said of the Seifaddin Regiment. "Since then, they have taken up positions in the city and begun blowing up cars and launching other terror operations."

Last Monday, The Washington Post reported that US military officials as saying that 19 percent of the foreign fighters come from Libya. Overall, North Africans account for 40 percent of the foreign fighter ranks, the newspaper said.

Seif al-Islam, however, seems an unlikely figure as a sponsor of terrorism. Touted as a reformer, the younger Gadhafi has been reaching out to the West to soften Libya's image and return it to the international mainstream.

Known in Libya as "The Engineer," he won praise last year for helping release five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor who were jailed in Libya for allegedly infecting Libyan children with HIV.

Educated at a British university and fluent in English, German and French, he also has gained exposure as head of the Gadhafi International Association for Charitable Organizations, a non-governmental network concerned with issues like human rights and education.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-01/27/content_6423652.htm

-- January 27, 2008 9:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq hopes to boost '08 oil production
1/27/2008

Iraq hopes to boost '08 oil production

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Iraq expects to increase oil production this year to 2.7 million barrels a day and hopes to sign contracts to boost output from oil fields that aren't producing to capacity, Iraq's oil minister said.
Iraq's oil production is at its highest level since before Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled in 2003, Hussein al-Shahristani said Thursday night on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting.
"We have increased our production by 400,000 barrels a day over the last three months," he said. "This has been a very big increase ... from 1.9 million barrels a day. ... The 400,000-barrel increase has all gone to exports."
"In 2008, we expect another increase of similar size," Mr. al-Shahristani said.
Iraq's Oil Ministry said Thursday that output has soared from 1.9 million barrels per day in January 2006 to 2.4 million in November 2007 and inched up to 2.475 daily barrels last month.
The Iraqi minister said the recent rise in oil prices was not a result of a shortage of crude oil.
"On the contrary, there is as much crude oil on the market as people want," he said. "It has been gambling by speculators, just betting on the prices really, disregarding the fundamentals of the oil markets."
Oil prices have retreated from record levels of about $100 a barrel late last year on worries that a flagging U.S. economy would dampen fuel demand. Yesterday, light, sweet crude for March delivery rose $1.82 to $91.23 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on the oil market's view that worries about a U.S. recession may be overblown.
Mr. al-Shahristani will be participating in an "exceptional meeting" of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries next month in Vienna, Austria, to discuss the oil market situation.
"The recent rise in price, although you have noticed there's been a decline, was not really because of shortage of supply of crude oil in the market," he said.
"Therefore, there was no action that OPEC or any other producers could take really to balance the situation — just put in the market as much oil as the buyers need, and OPEC has done this," he said.
(www.safedinar.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 12:26 PM ∞

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Rob N, wrote:

All:

ISF to assume responsibility of Airport security 27/01/2008 12:49:00

Baghdad(NINA)-The Adviser of the National Security Muwaffaq Al-Rubayi said that this year will witness the take over of Iraqi Security Forces of Baghdad International Airport, completely. He added during a field tour in the airport
(www.ninanews.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 12:34 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Economists warn of long-term effects of oil prices over Iraq ’s economy

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

25 January 2008 (Voices of Iraq)
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Economists on Friday warned the ongoing rise of oil prices will leave negative consequences on the Iraqi economy.

Experts agreed that the rise of oil revenues could worsen inflation rates and affect the country's balance of trade based on the fact that the rise of imports would eat away all exports turnovers and plunge the market into sticking stagnation.

"The positive effects of the hikes in the crude oil prices could increase the country’s account of foreign currency that might enable the government to meet essential requirements like building on the army, installing new oil refineries and enhancing public services," Dr. Abdul Jabar Abdul Sattar, professor at the Economic department of Baghdad University told Aswat al-Iraq-Voices of Iraq (VOI).

Yet he considered these effects will be short-term if the "oil revenues were not wisely spent."

"The dependence on imported commodities will eat away the oil turnovers and wear out the infrastructures and social security issues," Abdul Sattar highlighted the long-term impact of oil prices over economy.

The expert added "these conditions would increase the imported items, decrease the average revenues and weaken the competitive ability for exports as well as paralyzing the domestic manufactures.

"Rises in oil prices will not continue for ever, as importers will seek cheaper alternatives," he pointed out.

Hilal al-Taan, economist, referred to the negative impact of dependence on importing 90% of commodities which could lead to a deficit in the total Iraqi balance of trade.

He pointed out "the government can not benefit from the hikes in oil prices as the money gained from the increase will not be wisely invested due to rampant financial and administrative corruption.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 12:40 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sunni party about to join 4-way alliance – SIIC

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

Baghdad, 25 January 2008 (Voices of Iraq)
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A key member of Shiite leader's Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim's Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council revealed on Friday a memo of understanding would be signed by the SIIC and the Sunni Vice President's Tareq al-Hashimi's Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP) pertaining to an agreement on a host of political and security issues.

"A committee was set up from both sides to reach common understanding between the IIP and the SIIC," Sheikh Jalal al-Din al-Saghir told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

"The memo is focusing on the need to unify political views on the management of the political process as well as convergence on some other issues like security," said Saghir, noting the memo would "bring the IIP closer to join the four-way alliance."

The two main Kurdish parties – Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barazani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) – had signed a deal with two main Shiite parties – the SIIC and Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki's Dawa (Call) Party – in mid-August 2007.

"The IIP had signed a memo with the PUK and KDP, and with this step the IIP has stepped closer to the alliance," indicated Saghir.

The IIP had signed a trilateral deal with the PUK and KDP in late December 2007.

On the reasons behind the IIP's dialogue with the SIIC, not directly with the ruling (Shiite) Unified Iraqi Coalition (UIC), led by Hakim, Saghir replied that the SIIC has brought the parties closer to the IIP, adding "there has been historical ties between the IIP and the SIIC."

The UIC is the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament with 83 out of a total 275 seats.

"The IIP is having similar dialogues with the Dawa Party to bring views closer," he said.

On the IIP's return to the Iraqi government, Saghir said the IIP is very close to join the government lineup.
"The reason behind the IIP's delay to join the government was problems within its larger coalition: the (Sunni) Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF). A delegation from the IAF would discuss with a government delegation on Sunday the bloc's return to government," he said.

The IAF, which has 44 seats, had quit the Iraqi government in August 2007 after it certain conditions including genuine participation in the decision-making process and the release of Iraqi detainees.
(www.iraqupdates.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 12:43 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Huckabee: Iraq’s WMD Were Hidden Like ‘Easter Eggs’ And Then Moved To Jordan
During the Republican presidential debate last night, Mike Huckabee suggested that Iraq did have weapons of mass destruction, but that they were moved prior to the war. In making this observation, Huckabee compared Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction to an Easter egg hunt:

Everybody can look back and say, oh well we didn’t find the weapons. Doesn’t meet that they weren’t there. Just because you didn’t find every Easter egg didn’t mean it wasn’t planted.

Chris Matthews pressed Huckabee on this point in an interview after the debate. “Do you believe there are WMD in Iraq that hasn’t been found that would have justified the war had we discovered it?” he asked. Huckabee offered this response:

I think it’s more likely that that weapons of mass destruction that we know that he at one time had, he used weapons against the Kurds, good chance they may have gone to Jordan. We don’t know where they are.

Watch it:

Josh Marshall points out that, “if you keep up on right-wing moonbat orthodoxy,” you’ll know that it’s Syria — not Jordan — where they allege the weapons were supposedly smuggled to.

The Bush-commissioned Iraq Survey Group, charged with determining the truth regarding Saddam’s weapons programs, declared in its final assessment that “it was unlikely” that any such official transfer to Syria took place:

The investigation centered on the possibility that WMD materials were moved to Syria. … ISG found no senior policy, program, or intelligence officials who admitted any direct knowledge of such movement of WMD. Indeed, they uniformly denied any knowledge of residual WMD that could have been secreted to Syria. […]

Based on the evidence available at present, ISG judged that it was unlikely that an official transfer of WMD material from Iraq to Syria took place. However, ISG was unable to rule out unofficial movement of limited WMD-related materials.

The ISG concluded that “Iraq unilaterally destroyed its undeclared chemical weapons stockpile in 1991.”
(www.thinkprogress.org)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 12:51 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

U.S. Asking Iraq for Wide Rights on War
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By THOM SHANKER and STEVEN LEE MYERS
Published: January 25, 2008
WASHINGTON — With its international mandate in Iraq set to expire in 11 months, the Bush administration will insist that the government in Baghdad give the United States broad authority to conduct combat operations and guarantee civilian contractors specific legal protections from Iraqi law, according to administration and military officials.

Skip to next paragraph
World View: Thom Shanker on the negotiations (mp3)This emerging American negotiating position faces a potential buzz saw of opposition from Iraq, with its fragmented Parliament, weak central government and deep sensitivities about being seen as a dependent state, according to these officials.

At the same time, the administration faces opposition from Democrats at home, who warn that the agreements that the White House seeks would bind the next president by locking in Mr. Bush’s policies and a long-term military presence.

The American negotiating position for a formal military-to-military relationship, one that would replace the current United Nations mandate, is laid out in a draft proposal that was described by White House, Pentagon, State Department and military officials on ground rules of anonymity. It also includes less controversial demands that American troops be immune from Iraqi prosecution, and that they maintain the power to detain Iraqi prisoners.

However, the American quest for protections for civilian contractors is expected to be particularly vexing, because in no other country are contractors working with the American military granted protection from local laws. Some American officials want contractors to have full immunity from Iraqi law, while others envision less sweeping protections. These officials said the negotiations with the Iraqis, expected to begin next month, would also determine whether the American authority to conduct combat operations in the future would be unilateral, as it is now, or whether it would require consultation with the Iraqis or even Iraqi approval.

“These are going to be tough negotiations,” said one senior Bush administration official preparing for negotiations with the Iraqis. “They’re not supplicants.”

Democrats in Congress, as well as the party’s two leading presidential contenders, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, have accused the White House of sponsoring negotiations that will set into law a long-term security relationship with Iraq.

But administration officials said that the American proposal specifically did not set future troop levels in Iraq or ask for permanent American bases there. Nor, they said, did it offer a security guarantee defining Washington’s specific responsibilities should Iraq come under attack.

Including such long-term commitments in the agreement would turn the accord into a bilateral treaty, one that would require Senate approval. The Bush administration faces the political reality that it cannot count on the two-thirds vote that would be required to approve a treaty with Iraq setting out such a military commitment.

Administration officials are describing their draft proposal in terms of a traditional status-of-forces agreement, an accord that has historically been negotiated by the executive branch and signed by the executive branch without a Senate vote.

“I think it’s pretty clear that such an agreement would not talk about force levels,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Thursday. “We have no interest in permanent bases. I think the way to think about the framework agreement is an approach to normalizing the relationship between the United States and Iraq.”

While the United States currently has military agreements with more than 80 countries around the world, including Japan, Germany, South Korea and a number of Iraq’s neighbors, none of those countries are at war. And none has a population outraged over civilian deaths at the hands of armed American security contractors who are not answerable to Iraqi law.

Democratic critics have complained that the initial announcement about the administration’s intention to negotiate an agreement, made Nov. 26, included an American pledge to support Iraq “in defending its democratic system against internal and external threats.”

Representative Bill Delahunt, Democrat of Massachusetts, said that what the administration was negotiating amounted to a treaty and should be subjected to Congressional oversight and ultimately ratification.

“Where have we ever had an agreement to defend a foreign country from external attack and internal attack that was not a treaty?” he said Wednesday at a hearing of a foreign affairs subcommittee held to review the matter. “This could very well implicate our military forces in a full-blown civil war in Iraq. If a commitment of this magnitude does not rise to the level of a treaty, then it is difficult to imagine what could.”

Senator Jim Webb, Democrat of Virginia, who raised concerns in a letter to the White House in December, said the negotiations were an unprecedented step toward making an agreement on status of forces without the overarching security guarantees like those provided in the NATO treaty. He added that the Democratic majority would seek to block any agreements with the Iraqis, unless the administration was clear about its ultimate intentions in Iraq.

“There’s no exit strategy, because the administration doesn’t have one,” Senator Webb said in a telephone interview on Thursday. “By entering this agreement, they avoid a debate and they validate their unspoken strategy.”

Over recent days, administration officials acknowledged that the language of the Nov. 26 announcement went too far. The officials said that they were limiting the scope of the pending negotiations to issues that could be resolved this year, before the Security Council resolution expired.

To that end, administration officials said the draft text was narrowly written to codify what the administration regarded as four essential requirements for the American armed forces to continue the mission in Iraq.

In seeking immunity for contractors, the administration is requesting protections for the 154,000 civilian contractors working for the Defense Department in Iraq; most carry out such duties as driving trucks, preparing meals and the like. The administration says it depends heavily on those contractors, including about 13,000 private security contractors working for the Pentagon.

Under an earlier agreement between the United States and Iraq, those contractors have been exempt from Iraqi law. Justice Department officials have said it is not clear whether any crimes committed by contractors in Iraq, including the role played by Blackwater employees in a September shooting in Baghdad, would be subject to American law, but the administration has taken steps intended to close any loopholes.

In seeking authority to conduct combat operations, the Bush administration is seeking something similar to the current United Nations Security Council resolution, which allows the United States and other coalition forces to operate in Iraq “in support of mutual goals,” one Bush administration official said.

The official said the agreement sought by the United States could allow Iraq to “rescind that authority at a later date as the security environment improves and they take over the mission.”

In contrast to the contractors, the immunity being sought for American military personnel is a standard part of most recent agreements for basing American forces on foreign soil. Such agreements grant exclusive jurisdiction over American forces to American law, specifically the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

In terms of prisoners, the administration and military would like the Iraqis eventually to take control of all battlefield detainees. But they say that the United States still needs the authority to hold those prisoners, because Baghdad does not yet have the capacity — in personnel, facilities or legal structures — to manage the current detainee population of about 26,000.

Senior administration officials say concerns that the agreement will limit the decisions of the next president are not justified.

“More than 90 percent of this will be a pretty standard status-of-forces agreement,” said one senior official involved in drafting the American proposal. “It is not something that will tie the hands of the next president.”

The military-to-military aspect of the relationship is to be negotiated by July 31, well ahead of the Dec. 31 expiration date for the United Nations Security Council Resolution that has been the core legal authority for the American-led military mission in Iraq. Diplomats will also negotiate political and economic relations between the two countries.

The draft American text on military-to-military relations, now under discussion at the White House, Pentagon and State Department, is short, running fewer than 15 pages.

“It’s not ‘War and Peace,’ and it doesn’t have a lot of hard-to-read legal jargon,” said one military officer.

American officials are keenly aware that any agreement must be approved by Iraq’s fractured Council of Representatives, where Sunni and Shiite factions feud and even Shiite blocs loyal to competing leaders cannot agree.
(www.nytimes.com)

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 12:57 PM ∞

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Michael Coren fan wrote:

By MICHAEL COREN

The Toronto Sun Newspaper

I am not an American and cannot vote in any U.S. election. If I could, however, I would vote for virtually anyone other than Barack Obama. Not because of his colour. Condoleezza Rice, for example, would make an outstanding president of the United States. No, it is because Obama is affiliated with racists and bigots.

Almost 20 years ago he became a member of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. There he gave his support to a program the church calls a Black Value System, which has nothing to do with Christianity, but encourages the separation of the races.

At its best the philosophy encourages the empowerment of black America. At its worst it blames white people for every problem in the black community and tells adherents that they must not be "captive" to white society.

Most worrying is the preacher at the church, Jeremiah Wright, who is not only Obama's "spiritual guide," but also baptized his daughters and advises him as he attempts to become the most powerful politician in the world.

Speaking of Africa, Wright has said that he and his followers, "remain true to our native land, the mother continent" and Obama's church has given militant racist and anti-Semitic rabble-rouser Louis Farrakhan a lifetime achievement award.

More than this, Wright actually went to Libya with Farrakhan for a personal audience with controversial Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi, who has been linked by some to international terrorism against civilian targets.

Obama frequently praises Wright and Wright frequently praises Farrakhan, who has said that, "Hitler was a very great man," whites are "blue-eyed devils" and "these false Jews promote the filth of Hollywood. It's the wicked Jews, the false Jews, that are promoting lesbianism, homosexuality."

He has referred to Asians as "bloodsuckers" and made the most vitriolic comments about gay men and women.

So Obama's church is hardly the stuff of mainstream Christianity. Obama himself was raised by two Muslim fathers and attended an Islamic school in Indonesia. His Kenyan brother, Abongo Roy Obama, is still a Muslim and has stated that black people must free themselves from, "the poisoning influences of European culture."

Barack Obama may despise his brother's opinions, but he has never said so. He may disappprove of preacher Wright's extreme afrocentrism and close association with a racist madman, but if he does he says precious little about it and continues to praise Wright and to laud the man's influence whenever he can.

Yet he receives little criticism about all this. Can we imagine Hilary Clinton, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney or any other candidate being let off so lightly?

What appears to make the horribly inexperienced and lightweight Obama so immune to criticism is, paradoxically, his colour.

As a black man he escapes the criticism so routinely thrown at his white rivals, which is racism.

All people should be treated equally, irrespective of colour, class and creed. For Obama to be apparently allowed such indulgences and so many worrying and worryingly close connections is patronizing and unhelpful.

Perhaps we can only hope that Oprah Winfrey holds a rally or broadcasts a week of shows holding her new friend up to scrutiny and telling him off for being so close to so many nasty racists.

Otherwise we might think that there was a double standard out there.

Surely not!

PS: Obama intends to remove American troops from Iraq, if he becomes President. I think he means it. How will that effect our investment?

-- January 27, 2008 1:39 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

The longer I am in this investment the more I am convinced the prospect for a sudden or overnight revaluation of the currency is unlikely. From my understanding of history and my current observations regarding Iraq it makes more sense to see Iraq's development from an incremental approach. Improvements in the country are undenialable, the surge has had a positive affect. Oil production is up though passage of the Hydro Carbon Law does not seem to be on the horizon. One other positive item worth mentioning is the 7% to 8% growth in the Iraqi economy.

Iraq will continue making incremental progress toward achieving nation status long after George W. Bush leaves office. A prosperous and functioning Iraq where the currency is on par with other GCC nations is still sometime away. How far away is anyone's guess. I still believe before any advancement in the exchange rate there must be a economy where all sectors are involved in the growth of a nations GDP and GNP. Oil is not the singular answer in Iraq. Oil may be sufficient in the short term to bring some needed revenue, it cannot sustain a bourgeoninig economy. It is imperitive agriculture and industrialization take its rightful place in the Iraqi economy. Oil, agriculture, and industrialization are the key items to bring Iraq into nation status.

Until these sectors are inplace the performance of the ISX and the exchange rate of the dinar will have little impact on the commmon Iraqi. Furthermore, I do not believe the expected influx of foreign investment (inside or outside the Arab world)will come to fruition in the absent of these economic indicators. I am not saying the major oil companies will not enter iraq, but sustainable and longterm growth cannot be built on oil alone. I further believe the exchange rate cannot exponentially grow without these three economic indicators. It may be true we may not see the introduction of the Dinar to the forex market until we see measurable growth in all economic sectors not just oil. If agriculture and industrialization are equally important as oil the importance of the Hyro Carbon law may indeed be of less importance than originally thought. The extraction and distribution of oil and oil revenues can occur under the framework already inplace by Saddam's Oil Law.

Our thinking and beliefs about Iraq bringing us untold wealth in the short term in my opinion is wishful thinking. It takes years, decades, and sometimes centuries for a nation to come to prominence. The best example I can think of is China. It has taken China centuries to achieve the status of producer and consumer. While it is true the U.S. is still the worlds largest consumer, China will soon eclipse our very own economy. The rising up of China has been because of patient incrementalism. In contrast, our culture of instant gratification wishes Iraq to grow and reach its zenith in a matter of five years. If you think about it, is not this short term vision short sided on our part. I think we have been expecting to reap a reward before a proper foundation has been layed. I am not sure the Arab's are in a position to understand the foundation of representive democracy. Tribal tradition and representitive democracy do not coincide. I am unsure of wheather Al-Malaki is the person with the ability to bring about this radical change in ideology.

In October of 2005 I purchased my first two million Dinars with an expectation of an overnight revaluation. I think back now and realize how naive I was. I continued to purchase Dinar in an almost frantic pace. I reached the amount I wanted to purchase within a year. Looking to the future, I will continue to purchase dinar but with the realization the return on my investment will not be immediate. This investment contrary to what some believe is long term any realization of a return is anyone's guess.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 27, 2008 1:56 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

Rob N;

You wrote, "I still believe before any advancement in the exchange rate there must be a economy where all sectors are involved in the growth of a nations GDP and GNP. Oil is not the singular answer in Iraq. Oil may be sufficient in the short term to bring some needed revenue, it cannot sustain a bourgeoning economy."

Would you be so kind as to post your thoughts on Saudi Arabia, whose entire economy appears to be "sustained" and "bourgeoning" based solely on its number one export - oil exports? Then contrast it with how Iraq, whose resources rival those of Saudi Arabia.. differs in such an extreme way that one can end up a backwater and the other filled with untold wealth and advancement.. and envied by their neighbors in the region?

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0922041.html

MichaelCorenfan - interesting on the double standard concerning racism pointed out in that article. It would not be good if Obama were to get the Whitehouse from this perspective because there are enough problems to deal with without adding to them by constantly referring to race every time an issue comes up. If a diplomat says something which CAN be taken as having the least bit of racial tinge to it, the media will play it all up as racial slurs forever if he gets in. It would be worse than the Hollywood tabloids and gossip columns. And yes, if Obama pulled out of Iraq, that would not be good for the fortunes of the Iraqis or the Dinar.. I think Iran would take advantage of the hole left and fill it. Considering the number of dead in the last Iran/Iraq conflict, I would think the death toll would be high for the Iraqis. It does not seem fair that the US elections will determine if those Iraqis are allowed to struggle on and live... or left by such as Obama to die by the hands of their enemies.. all based on whether the American public cares for about the issue or not. I am glad God is the One who will justly judge the electoral choices of each person and the outcome they are responsible for voting for. I am sure some people will have a lot to account for on Judgement Day..

Sara.

-- January 27, 2008 8:12 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

FIRE DAMAGES IRAQI CENTRAL BANK

A fire broke out at Iraq's Central Bank on January 28, international media reported. The blaze broke out after midnight and engulfed the bank building, damaging the top four floors of the six-story facility, including the Central Bank governor's office. It took firefighters more than six hours to put out the fire, Reuters reported. The news agency also reported that guards prevented the press from taking pictures of the building, which is surrounded by concrete blast walls. The Central Bank is located outside the green zone in the central Baghdad. KR

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/6-swa/swa-280108.asp

-- January 28, 2008 3:40 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

JAPAN SIGNS LOAN AGREEMENT WITH IRAQ

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation announced on January 28 that it has signed an agreement with Iraq to provide loans for reconstruction projects, Japanese media reported. The bank, a government lending institution, will provide up to 182.68 billion yen ($1.72 billion) in soft loans. The agreement is part of a 2003 pledge by Tokyo to provide Iraq with loans totaling up to $3.5 billion. The loans will be used to develop Iraq's electricity, refinery, and port infrastructure, Jiji Press reported. The bulk of the money will apparently be directed to infrastructure projects in southern Iraq. Japanese troops were based in the southern governorate of Al-Muthanna in support of coalition forces until July 2006 (see "RFE/RL Newsline," July 17, 2006). KR

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/6-swa/swa-280108.asp

-- January 28, 2008 3:43 PM ∞

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Sara wrote:

MAJORITY OF SUICIDE ATTACKS CARRIED OUT BY FOREIGNERS

Regarding insurgent attacks, Smith told reporters that "90 percent of the suicide murders inflicted on the Iraqi people are committed by foreigners brought in by Al-Qaeda to spread destruction." He noted Al-Qaeda's use of children as attackers. "This past week, you have already seen two children exploited for murderous suicide. In Mosul and Tikrit, fifteen-year-olds were exploited to deal death," he said.

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/6-swa/swa-280108.asp

-- January 28, 2008 3:46 PM ∞

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DinarAdmin wrote:

Time for a new page:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2008/01/iraqidinardiscu.html

-- January 28, 2008 5:55 PM ∞