cruiser

Iraq and the new geopolitical calculus By Tariq Abdell, Iraq’s political risk analyst, and Founder & CEO of Mesopotamia Insight. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. In light of ongoing socio-political changes in MENA region, Iraq’s massive protests, from Zakho to al-Faw, accentuate the political astuteness and the frustration of the Iraqi people with their elected officials. Disenfranchised Shiites, Sunnis, Kurdish, Arabs, and Christians are all demanding the same: an end to ethno-sectarian quota-sharing system, corruption, and, most importantly, universal access to basic services such as potable water, electricity, housing, education, healthcare, and jobs. Nonetheless, given the legitimacy and urgency of the protestors’ demands, the government nebulous responses (halving of some officials’ salaries, 100-day ultimatum to incumbent ministers, boosting food ration with extra cash, etc…) are mere cosmetic measures to allay people’s frustration and anger. Unarguably, the cumulative effects, hitherto, of the elected officials’ ineptitude and schism are protracting decades of erroneous policies and, subsequently, the people’s tribulations. Impelling the majority of the Iraqi people to question the legitimacy of their government and the effectiveness of its institutions, a dangerous threshold that could hastily throw the country back into its darkest years of sectarian violence and lawlessness. Notwithstanding Iraq’s colossal energy resources, billions of oil and natural gas reserves, Iraq fragile democracy and ineffectual institutions, in a restive region, are the breeding ground for societal and political upheavals and foreign interventions. In fact, Iraq’s daunting and intricate challenges are both internal and regional, namely: Internal challenges: * Lack of basic services, e.g., six million people with no access to clean water -UNICEF. * 20 to 25 percent of Iraqis still live below the country’s poverty line. * Unemployment rates hover around %18, notably among military-age male population. * Higher illiteracy rates, exacerbated with massive brain drain, are eroding Iraq’s skilled and professionally literate workforce. * Rampant corruption and nepotism undermine the efficiency of the State institutions. * Inequitable distribution and mismanagement of oil’s revenues – no hydrocarbon law. * Parliament still faces a backlog of sensitive issues. Regional challenges: * Given the region new geopolitical developments, heightened tensions between Iran and Saudi, Iraq could easily turn into a sectarian proxy war battleground – Shiite Vs. Sunnis. * The fallouts of Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West could easily spillover to Iraq’s already contentious politics and further undermining its stability. * Given Kirkuk’s enormous oil reserves and ethnic diversity (Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen), it’s protracted dispute is a timed bomb, which could expeditiously reignite Iraq’s civil war. * Turkey’s recurrent incursion into Northern Iraq in the pursuit of the Kurdish workers party (PKK) elements and PKK assiduous attacks on the northern oil pipelines are a major threat to the country’s resources and sovereignty. * Given the hostile intentions of some neighboring counties, the U.S. planned troops withdrawal, by the end of the year, could further jeopardise Iraq’s defense capabilities. Thus, given the enormity and complexity of the aforementioned challenges, Iraq only viable mean to fend off political instability and chaos is to renounce its sectarian-based policies and espouse an inclusive and genuine democratic system that heads to the people aspirations and protects their d rights (UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Furthermore, both the government and opposition ought to consolidate their efforts to bolster accountability, eradicate corruption and, subsequently, strengthen the State institutions, an essential prerequisite for Iraq’s socio-economic development. To this end, the new government’s long-term vision should entail an action plan that reflects the country strategic and pressing priorities, namely: * Genuine national reconciliation to overcome sectarian and political schism and violence. * Overhauling of State institutions to rein in corruption and enhance efficiency. * Merit-based appointments to promote efficiency and accountability. * Providing access to basic services (e.g., potable water, electricity, running sewer, etc) * Equitable distribution of oil revenues. * Investing in human capital through education and training. * Job creation to fend off societal and political unrest (Organized crime, for instance). * Advancing the principles of human rights and rule of law. * Diversifying and reviving of Iraq’ strategic industries to curb its dependence on a single commodity – fossil fuel. Conversely, in the absence of a comprehensive and inclusive socio-economic development strategy, aiming at strengthening State institutions, eradicating corruption, and addressing the aspirations of the Iraqi people, regardless of their political and religious believes, Iraq may revert to its darkest years of sectarian violence and lawlessness (05-07), giving regional players (Iran, Saudi, Turkey, Syria) a free hand in Iraq’s affairs – exploiting Iraq’s vulnerabilities (Shiite-Sunni strife, for instance)- to further their national interests and, subsequently, turning Iraq into a prime battleground for proxy wars, or worse, a pariah State. Simply put, “a house divided against itself cannot stand” Abraham Lincoln. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The author, Tariq Abdell, Iraq’s political risk analyst, and Founder & CEO of Mesopotamia Insight http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2011/03/22/iraq-and-the-new-geopolitical-calculus-4/

First, let me say this "If you don't know what you are talking about - it's best to keep your comments to yourself". Frankly, you DON'T know what you are talking about. I have a personal connection to Clint. He was, is, and always has been SINCERE. He has NO HIDDEN AGENDA. He was "defensive", as you say, because of people like YOU. Sorry if that offends you .... wait - I take that back - no, I'm not sorry if that offends you ... because you reap what you sow .... and, you seem to be sowing some pretty bad seeds. Manipulative has never been something I've heard anyone call Clint. 98% of all those DV people who remember the post in question will agree .... he spoke in all sincerity. So, my suggestion for those who would make such a comment as the above - would be to spice up the foot you insert in your mouth, so that at least it has some semblance of palatability to one's self indulgence. Peace - and GO RV!!

If DinarSupport.com includes therapy for Dinar Anxiety .... I will be a Platinum Sponsor!!!

Iraq reduces the invitation to Libya to postpone the Arab summit and calls on Arab governments to respect the rights of peoples GMT 13:59 2011-02-22 Alsumaria News / Baghdad Reduced the Iraqi government, on Tuesday, would call for Libya to postpone the Arab summit to be held in Baghdad at the end of next month, affirming that the decision to postpone the summit must be unanimous of all Arab countries, called upon the Arab governments to respect the rights of their people and not to use force against its citizens and to move away from to engage in bloody confrontations "not justified". He said Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh Khalalmwtmr a press conference in the building of the prime minister in Baghdad, attended by "Alsumaria News", "Iraq is committed to the decisions of the Council of the Arab League," noting that "the decision to convene the Arab summit in Baghdad had been taken during the summit, Arab League and, therefore, any decision to postpone the summit must be taken from all Arab countries and not by a single resolution from a member of the university. " The News Agency of Libya, which holds the rotating presidency of the League of Arab States said, on February 18, the current, that the presidency decided to postpone the Arab summit of the 23 scheduled to be held on 29 March in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, because of the turmoil in the Arab world, as said Secretary General of the League Arab States Amr Moussa said the League Secretariat has not received any official request to change the date of the Arab summit, noting that this decision should be taken collectively by all Member States. The government spokesman pointed out that "the Council of Ministers discussed the bloody events taking place in Arab countries," explaining that "the Iraqi government confirms its support and backing of the Arab peoples the right to demonstrate and freedom of expression and the demand for political rights guaranteed by the constitutions and laws in force." Dabbagh said that "The Iraqi government also stresses its solidarity with the right of peoples to adopt their own political and democratic," noting it "calls on Arab governments to respect the rights of their people and not to use force and violence against its citizens, and stay away from indulging in bloody confrontations is justified, and calls on demonstrators to protect property and public interests. " The number of Libyan cities, protests since 0.17 this February, in an unprecedented way, inspired by the tens of thousands of demonstrators, the events of the revolutions of Tunisia and Egypt, which toppled presidents Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Hosni Mubarak. The protesters are demanding in Libya to step down, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi for the presidency and the radical political reforms, and evolved these events to clashes between security forces and protesters that killed hundreds, while the fallen cities of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya several, including Benghazi and Sirte, in the hands of demonstrators after the desertions from the army. Also reached protests Libyans to the middle of the Libyan capital, at a time in which the demonstrators burned the headquarters of official and police stations in the capital, has caught fire at a police station in the suburb east of Tripoli, as the fire broke out at the main government building in the Libyan capital was ransacked channel, "the Libyan II" in Omar Mukhtar Street, the headquarters of the channel, "youth" in the Gargaresh space tourist in the capital, with a fire broke out in the hall of the people the center of Tripoli, in which they are most of the activities and official meetings. The League of Arab States emphasized, the eighth of February, the Arab summit next regular session in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on 29 and 30 of the next month, denying postpone the summit until the end of the crises experienced by some Arab countries, unveiled an Arab diplomatic source, that representatives of the Arab League recently held a meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo, in the presence of high-level representative from the Arab League to consult on the summit. And Iraq participated in the Arab summit twenty-second session held in Sirte in Libya late last March of last year, 2010, at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing Iraq minister Hoshyar Zebari, and discussed the most prominent Arab issues, including the Palestinian issue, and the draft statute of the Iraqi parliament, in the absence of Lebanon to participate at a high level after the announcement of the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, for lack of personal involvement, against the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the Libyan role in the disappearance of Imam Moussa al-Sadr. It is noteworthy that Iraq has hosted the Arab summit twice, in convening the Arab summit, the ninth in 1978 and to decide which province companies and institutions operating in Egypt that deal directly with Israel and disapproval of the Camp David, as well as the convening of the summit of the 12 in 1990, which saw severe tensions between Iraq and Kuwait and the UAE United Arab erupted evacuated the first Gulf War. sorry - link: http://www.alsumarianews.com/ar/1/17753/news-details-.html

Feb 25th in Iraq is most certainly NOT a RUMOR. You can rest assured that Iraq has not seen anything like what will happen on that day since the war. These people are, quite simply, FED UP!!! It was through Facebook, Twitter and other readily available internet communication mediums, that the entire process for the Middle Eastern uprisings began - specifically related to coordination and inciting. I went to 4 such sites and interpreted the sentiment of the average Iraqi citizen. Trust me when I say - THEY ARE NOT HAPPY, THEY NO LONGER TRUST MALIKI or THE PARLIAMENT. I realize they have not had a GOI for very long .... but, I realize that from over here .... I'm not the one starving. These people are rummaging through trash for clothing and food. They know they have resources in the ground. They know the GOI can and should do something about it now .... and that they are dragging their feet. They want action ... and the only quick and sure fix is ..... RV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After translating some of these people's postings to this Revolution Facebook page, it is obvious they are ready to absolutely LYNCH Maliki and Parliament: Here is a link, hope it works (very long): http://www.facebook.com/pages/%D8%AB%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%81%D9%8A-25-%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B7-Iraq-revolution-on-25th-of-february/152120691511358?sk=wall#!/pages/%D8%AB%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%81%D9%8A-25-%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B7-Iraq-revolution-on-25th-of-february/152120691511358?sk=info If the link does not work, go to Facebook and in the search field type "Iraq Revolution", there are actually about 10-12 Revolution Groups, with tons of followers ...

Well, well, well ..... we'll just be tickled pink to get your "factual" results back from Mr. Ambassador and Mr. Minister of Finance. Then, we'll all be IN THE KNOW!!!

Frankly, I'm shocked someone hasn't picked up on the Editorial Footnote at the bottom of this article already ... "(ed.note: Special thanks to TPM Reader TK for sending along word of this developent.)" Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/south-carolina-could-adopt-its-own-currency-2011-2#ixzz1E2NVsnQF

My first read of this doc - so am unaware of when it was posted on the MoP's site ... how long has this been out there? http://www.mop.gov.iq/mop/index.jsp?sid=1&id=308&pid=295&lng=en The Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency in Economic Feasibility Studies Below are the central controls related to the exchange rate of the foreign currency to convert the project inputs and outputs from foreign currency to its equivalent in the local currency, and that is by calculating the net discounted present value standard and the internal return on investments in economic analysis that governs investment projects that costs excess one million dinars. Estimate the shadow price of foreign currency: 1. It is necessary to put central controls to amend the official exchange rate * to reflect the shadow price of the foreign currency, and that is considered one of the necessary requirements to implement the net discounted present value standard and the internal return rate on investment in the economic calculation stated in the instructions, paragraph nine. The central controls for adjusting market prices distinguished a group of outputs and inputs traded internationally, where the projects production or usage of them is reflected on the abundance of foreign currency in the economy and thus project outputs or inputs used of such are considered purely foreign currency outputs or inputs. * What is meant by exchange rate: the number of units of foreign currency, expressed in dollar per one dinar. In particular the following outputs and inputs of foreign currency were distinguished: · Export-outputs. · Outputs marketed locally that substitute imports. · Imported inputs. · Inputs produced locally that usually go to exports. · Foreign labor. According to the pricing rules the value of the output and input (traded) is calculated using export prices (FOB) and import prices (CIF), according to what is listed in the pricing rules. In other words the pricing rules calculate what the project produces from foreign currency (quantity of exports multiplied by the export price (FOB) in foreign currency or the quantity of substitute imports multiplied by the import price (CIF) in foreign currency, as well as what the project uses from foreign currency and imported inputs multiplied by the import price (CIF) in foreign currency .... etc.). In a later step, project outputs and inputs must be converted from the foreign currency to its equivalent in local currency (dinars) by using a specific exchange rate for the foreign currency. 2. Justifications for exchange-rate adjustment: there are a number of important and powerful arguments which support the view that the official exchange rate reduces the real value of foreign currency for purposes of calculating the economic national profitability for investment projects and hence for the purposes of investment planning. It is demonstrated in this context to call for assessing the dinar for less than (3.208) dollar (official exchange rate) when assessing project outputs and inputs of traded goods of exports, substitute imports and imports... etc. The justifications to call for the use of an exchange rate that is lower than the official exchange rate are: · The use of an exchange rate that is lower than the official rate is the appropriate action at the investment planning level to translate the country’s economic strategy aiming at stimulating central investments in the sectors that encourage the development of non-oil exports, as well as sectors that encourage the expansion of domestic production base in order to reduce imports and compensate it with local commodities. This helps to reduce reliance on foreign exchange earnings from crude oil exports and increases the share of non-oil sectors in the local production. · The application of the amended exchange rate on project imported inputs will assist in directing investments away from aggregated sectors dependent on imported inputs and the preference of those sectors that rely on locally produced inputs. · The use of the amended exchange rate helps to correct the balance in favor of the traded goods sectors compared to non-traded goods. · The real exchange rate has declined rapidly since the early seventies, through rapid rise of the level of prices and local costs which led by the steadiness of the official exchange rate to change in prices and actual local rate costs that gave an advantage for imported goods at the expense of locally produced goods, meaning that it led to deterioration of the competitiveness of alternative replacement goods and export commodities. · This action shows that the official exchange rate overestimates the value of the dinar, compared to the foreign currency and from the promoting goods substituting imports and export commodities point of view of. And in support to this view is the state’s utilization and in a broad approach to the customs and quantitative protection policies especially for consumer goods, as well as export subsidies that exports have through an amended export exchange rate. 3. Estimate the amended exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar to be used in technical and economical feasibility studies and for (1.134) dollar per dinar. This price should be approved for 3 years until re-appreciation by the competent authorities.

Well - I guess the Muslim Brotherhood would be better ..... hmmmmm

2 Answers: #1: The analytical answer - The obvious is that there is no such town. Getting past that and assuming there were, there is no mention that the traveler ever actually "leaves" the hundred dollar bill on the counter prior to his inspection, thereby negating the remainder of the scenario. #2: The philosophical answer - (assuming that $100 stayed on the counter) It worked only because the U.S. government was not involved in the transaction, or by the 3rd transaction, no money would have been left to exchange hands!!!

Forget the "intel", forget the "dates", forget the "rates" .... Anyone who believes that Shabs has the best interest of the little guy at heart is sadly mistaken!!! Shabs was INSERTED folks...... who do you think he was "INSERTED" by??? Maliki may well be a moron in our eyes ... he may well be an "American hating - Islamic Radical - Kill the Infidel - FUNDAMENTALIST" .... Get this .... Shabs is a MONEY GRUBBIN FOOL ... inserted by the IMF & World Bank to make the Big Boys rich!!! If he has his way - you and I will eat the table scraps. If you believe anything else, we need to have a talk - a "Come to Jesus Meeting" .... He has only one objective - Do as the IMF & World Bank direct. I am NOT a Maliki "Jonestown" follower .... I am just saying - give this guy a chance. I truly believe he wants to be the Messiah to he CAN and WILL reach this objective by revaluating the IQD. He has brought the game in-house by taking the opportunity away from CBI (IMF & World Bank). He currently appears to be the "Dictator" - does he not? However, at the single "press of a button" - he can now be the SAVIOR of the Iraqi people. Hard for me to believe how many people don't get this. We are there people - sit tight and watch what happens next ...... RV ME ..... I'm ready!!!! Low and Go - I don't care .... just show me some game!!!

For what it's worth ... On 1/7/2011 ... I found this ad at market-iraq.com and used Google Translator .... Here is the translated version: http://www.market-iraq.com/index.php?aa=ad&category2=left1 Atlas International Forex Company (Atlas International) for the exchange of currencies. Company officially registered to deal in this area, based in Toronto Canada, Inc. (Atlas of Iraq) for the exchange of currencies, the company officially registered to deal in this area, based in Baghdad, Iraq. Our company is working on the performance of a single message – is to provide foreign currency exchange services to our customers. And consulting necessary to help them in the performance of their dealings in foreign currencies, effectively. And the best means appropriate to the circumstances of each individual customer. Check the company’s communications. And conduct operations and exchange transactions across the world currencies following major: – ($ U.S., Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, and dealing in gold and silver and oil as well as other currencies … the lowest amount for Investment = ($ 500) U.S. minimum to open account real … ((trading platform fully insured)) for m ore information and booking: – webmaster – Baghdad: – Haider Zaidi / Mobile: – ((009647503276259-

will keep you posted ... but, still not able to access ... initially thought we had an internal network problem, then were advised by others they could not access either - strange indeed!

Anyone else having trouble accessing the below sites? Mobile version (via phone) seems to be available, but, that's all. Been using most of these for many years ... not sure what's up .... quote.com futuresource.com ragingbull.com eSignal.com

Absolutely no disrespect Dude - All I am saying is this ..... I read numerous posts .... and simply because I do so - DOES NOT mean I shall respect one simply because other subscribers believe a poster is the DINAR GOD, or that he is the Moderator, or Originator, etc..... I respect the fact that there was a post on the Jordan Bank issue, and that you believe what you read from Adam .... I, for one, choose to remain open to the possibility. Cheers Mate!

So, is there a Dinar God that I should bow to? .... THAT is my point!!!! I can read every post on here - for days, my friend! "Debunk" is an objective term .... get it?

I personally did - and what is your point???? Is this the rumor section? Because someone (even if it is an "all knowing" posts), are we to either "debunk" or disregard?? Please .... follow the Kool-Aide distribution if you must!

Indeed - your math is backward - see above

2 things here: First - I noticed this DOHA exchange rate very early today, prior to seeing this post. I notified several of my friends of the .35USD exchange rate, according to DOHA bank. Yes - the math is correct, don't try a different calculation. The easiest way is the easiest way ..... it's against the KWD ... so, if the KWD is 3.54 to the USD, and they show a .1 IQD to the KWD, math does not need to be complicated. KWD is 3.54 against the USD. The USD is listed as .2812 against the KWD. That makes the exchange = .995448USD ..... get it? The IQD is listed as .1 against the KWD. That makes the exchange = .35USD. To confirm - look at the 2 rates ... divide the IQD by the USD = .35556 This does not take a degree ... not 1 ... not 2 ... not 3, or even 4. I don't understand all the bashing of others or the different mathmatical equations being made up out of thin air. Second - I have communicated with the New York branch of DOHA today .... just an hour ago. They do not do currency exchanges here ... so, we are left with the option of traveling to Kuwait to make this exchange, should we be so inclined to do so. Personally, I am delighted with the rate - but, cannot make that trip. I am hoping we see an accelerated rate soon. The authenticity of the "site" is valid. Is the rate real? .... I have no clue - as the New York branch could not confirm this. Is it a misprint??? ... maybe ... I don't deal in "rumors" per se' - so, I await xe or forex to confirm. I can only surmise, should DOHA actually be willing to exchange at this rate, that they have much more insight into the upcoming RV than we do ... and, they are trying to gather up as much IQD as possible. Food for thought.