SailorDave

Hey Riley, Really appreciate your taking time to share the local news with us. There is a lot to be said for "grass roots" input, especially during the education phase of getting the locals ready to receive their new wealth. IMO I think this is the kind of news that will give us a better understanding of how well democracy and capitalism will take hold in the countryside of Iraq. Take care, keep safe and keep letting us hear along the way. David

Hey Shaneybelle27, Not to be a wisenheimer, but the answer must be "Yes" - because it is Iraq. IMO Truth-be-known, It is all political and it will just take time to sort it out.

JBrookes, IMO I think it will play out that either candidate can put together a coalition. The question will probably more correctly be, who can do it the quickest, with the least amount of bloodshed and with the best results for the Iraqi people. David

Topic 409 - Capital Gains and Losses Almost everything owned and used for personal or investment purposes is a capital asset. Examples are a home, household furnishings, and stocks or bonds held in a personal account. When a capital asset is sold, the difference between the basis in the asset and the amount it is sold for is a capital gain or a capital loss. If you received the asset as a gift or inheritance, refer to Topic 703 for information about your basis. You have a capital gain if you sell the asset for more than your basis. You have a capital loss if you sell the asset for less than your basis. Losses from the sale of personal-use property, such as your home or car, are not deductible. Capital gains and losses are classified as long-term or short-term. If you hold the asset for more than one year before you dispose of it, your capital gain or loss is long-term. If you hold it one year or less, your capital gain or loss is short-term. Capital gains and deductible capital losses are reported on Form 1040, Schedule D (PDF). If you have a net capital gain, that gain may be taxed at a lower tax rate than the ordinary income tax rates. The term "net capital gain" means the amount by which your net long-term capital gain for the year is more than the sum of your net short-term capital loss and any long-term capital loss carried over from the previous year. Currently net capital gain is generally taxed at rates no higher than 15%, although, for 2008 through 2010, some or all net capital gain may be taxed at 0%, if it would otherwise be taxed at lower rates. There are three exceptions: 1. The taxable part of a gain from selling Section 1202 qualified small business stock is taxed at a maximum 28% rate. 2. Net capital gain from selling collectibles (such as coins or art) is taxed at a maximum 28% rate. 3. The part of any net capital gain from selling Section 1250 real property that is required to be recaptured in excess of straight-line depreciation is taxed at a maximum 25% rate. If you have a taxable capital gain, you may be required to make estimated tax payments. Refer to Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, for additional information. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, the amount of the excess loss that can be claimed is the lesser of $3,000, ($1,500 if you are married filing separately) or your total net loss as shown on line 16 of the Form 1040 Schedule D, Capital Gains and Loses. If your net capital loss is more than this limit, you can carry the loss forward to later years. Use the Capital Loss Carryover Worksheet in Publication 550, to figure the amount carried forward. Ref Link http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409.html I hope this helps those persons with questions about the definition of long and short term gains. While this is from the IRS government website, as in all tax cases, you must consult your tax adviser for advice and guidance concerning your personal tax situation. David

Hi Geoyachtsus, Welcome aboard. As with the others here on DV, I came along to see the sights and heave lines as we head into the uncharted waters of Iraqi recovery. It has been an enlightening and entertaining ride. Most of us are small investors and some of us have invested in the past such that we are aware that all trips do not have the added pleasure of fair winds and following seas at all times. This one is no exception. Hope you enjoy your time here as much as I have. David

ANALYSIS-OPEC may face Iraq challenge sooner than expected Forex Yard - [3/12/2010] The storm brewing on OPEC's horizon over future Iraqi oil output could engulf the producer group sooner than it would like. OPEC was unlikely to discuss Iraq at its meeting on March 17 but it may need to do so within a couple of years. "There's only one issue, but it's a big one. It's a tsunami. Iraq," said Leo Drollas at the Centre for Global Energy Studies. .... Complete article at http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=11902

Hi Woody, Thanks for this good news article. Certainly a step in the right direction to get Iraqi commerce flowing better with the rest of the world. Surely makes it look as if the timeline bending in our favor.

Good morning Hazelfour, Welcome to DV and the VIP Section. IMHO You have a great buddy with excellent taste. Adam has put together a really good space that has a wide variety of people looking and posting.

k98 - Thanks for pulling this in

LuckyLucy - Thanks for the posting. It appears the burnoose is tightening, doesn't it. No matter who wins what seats, it is going to come down to who has the best people skills to form the coalition government. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the end.

Hi Woody, As usual, the untwisting of the translated words seem to be the key. IMO it is only reporting that as of the seminar, there is no official decision on "deleting 3 zeros". Other than that it doesn't seem to portend good or bad for investors, at this time. JMO

Hi Woody - Thanks for the post. Looks as if we need to find where the global warming czar is and see if he is advising the losing sides in Iraq

Steve, Excellent logic line. They still say the same thing they have said all along. However, putting them together should allow everyone to follow your logic and better see how you reach your conclusions. I really appreciate your efforts in laying out the pert chart of Iraqi plans. Again, Thanks for the insights into your investigations and analysis. David

I'll add my 3rd to that sentiment. All have done an outstanding job of herding the cats and geese towards the finish line. Thanks a Mil or two. David

*dont promote other sites Sorry to hear you need a break at this time. I hope it works itself out quickly. You'll need positive thoughts if the RV happens within the next few days, and we'll need you back in here to help us sort out the details if it doesn't RV quickly. Always looked forward to hearing your take on the latest...

According to chatroom just a few minutes ago, one of the mods removed it. Believe they also banned jocko for negativism, bashing and other objectionable things.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 10

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 9

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 8

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 7

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 6

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 5

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 4

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 3

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. - Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC - 43 AD) 2