Wiljor

Nice words divemaster, I gave you a thumbs up. I'm sure if it wasn't for my full time job, my wife and four kids and other things on the go I would be stuck here like glue. But one thing is for sure, I am enjoying the ride :-)

Oops sorry Markinsa didn't mean to neg you there, slip of the finger. Can someone right that PLEASE!!! I apologies :-( Reaching for my glass of vino and, well....enough said,

Great post dontlop and by going to your second link the chart below ( which didn't paste the way it is in the link )gives key information and two areas that caught my eyes right away were the CO which is the index of perceived corruption. And the UR or unemployment rate. Two major hurdles that yet need to be further addressed. Interesting and much appreciated, thanks Short Title Long Title Value Weight Real Min Real Max SWI Min SWI Max HD Human Development Index Weighted index of development indicators 60% 0 1[scale 1] 0 1 CO Perceptions Index Index of perceived corruption 40% 0 10[scale 1] 0 1 PI Political Instability Index Index of political instability (not used any more)[4] 0%[4] 0 10[scale 1] 0 1 PD Public Debt Debt/GDP as %, reflects the economies ability to honour loans. 50% 0 ∞ 15 90 AB Current Account Balance Current account balance as % of GDP, reflects foreign inflows and outflows. 20% -∞ ∞ -20 20 PG GDP Growth Domestic growth an an annual % 10% -1 ∞ -0.1 0.1 IR Consumer Price Index CPI as % 10% -1 ∞ 0.02 0.2 UR Unemployment Rate Rate of unemployment as % 10% 0 1 0.03 0.3 R Rating Result of SWI calculation as % – 0 1 0 1

My wife makes the best guac Eagle and when this clicks you're all invited for Margaritas.

Thanks Thugs, much appreciated. Keep em rollin...

Thugs, I thought I would post this as a follow up to yours. Its an interview with ex prime minister now in exile. Keep em flowing my friend. HASHIMI: IRAQIS DEMAND CHANGE Daily Sabah spoke to former Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi ahead of upcoming general elections in his home country. The Iraqi leader living in exile says the Iraqi people have lost faith in democracy by Abdülkadir Karakelle Updated : 26.04.2014 00:44:12 Published : 25.04.2014 22:38:45 ISTANBUL — Iraq has been experiencing a new political atmosphere with the upcoming general elections planned to be held on April 30, 2014. The intense atmosphere indicates that even the most optimistic of predictions regarding the results yield no hope. Under the American led occupation and policies of successive governments, Iraq has witnessed huge devastations in infrastructure and socio- economics. Most importantly, the people of Iraq lost their faith in both democracy and politics. Tariq al-Hashimi, the man who was elected by the people as former vice president and now cannot even enter his own country, is the embodiment of the Iraqi people's disbelief in democracy. Al-Hashimi, who has been sentenced to death in his country, based on allegations that he was directly involved in killing a female lawyer and a general in the Iraqi army, spoke to Daily Sabah about upcoming general elections and Iraq's future. Can you evaluate the political atmosphere in Iraq before and after the invasion by the U.S.? The political atmosphere in Iraq post U.S. invasion is an unbelievable mess with a sectarian authoritarian regime that is controlled and manipulated from Tehran. The political process is fragile and security is the worst in the history of Iraq. Prior to 2003, the standard of living was not satisfactory, democracy was lacking, but we at least had stability and safety; we were enjoying sovereignty. Today millions of Sunnis are targeted by virtue of just being that, Sunni. Do you believe that the upcoming elections will reflect the will of all Iraqis? The major demand of the Iraqi people and the key issue is simply change. The upcoming election, however, is insufficient to fulfill this mission. Nori al-Maliki's endeavor to consolidate absolute power is the major threat. In order to achieve this and win the elections, al-Maliki is expected to manipulate the elections through fraud and cheating. Taking this into consideration, even if proven to be conducted as per international standards, there is no guarantee that the winning party is going to form the government - I am specifically referring to the 2010 elections. Generally speaking and taking into account the complexity and range of challenges we are faced with, I am not optimistic about the upcoming elections. What we need more right now is for the election to first stop the ongoing deterioration and to recourse the political process and put it back to on its democratic track. Do you think the Maliki government will ever bring democracy, peace, and prosperity to Iraq? Why, why not? There is no hope whatsoever for Maliki's government to ever bring any democracy, peace, stability, or prosperity to Iraq...no one will benefit under the Maliki reign - not the Shiites, not the Sunnis, not the Kurds nor the minorities. Prosperity will be limited to the hundreds of Daawa officials that are raping Iraq of its wealth and laundering the fruits of corruption in Beirut, Dubai and Amman, but God willing, their day will come. There are tribes in Iraq fighting against Maliki forces. Do you think that they will able to change Maliki's mindset toward his people? The fighting tribes of Iraq are forced to carry weapons to defend themselves from the aggression of al-Maliki's army and the terrorist sectarian militias that he supports. What we have in Anbar and Diyala, the Salahudeen suburb of Baghdad, Kirkuk, Mosul... is an armed revolution heading for political, social, security, economic ....agenda for reform. Therefore the revolution in question is becoming the real glimmer of hope for change in Iraq rather than the elections. Political solution does not seem visible anytime soon in Iraq. How do you evaluate your position in this atmosphere? I am actively monitoring the developments in Iraq in addition to following the events on the ground hour by hour. I advise the honorable Iraqis from all sects as how to oppose this authoritarian and sectarian regime that is controlled from the outside. I am sure that my case will be finalized legally the day the change takes place, but until then, the fate, the destiny of my country has priority over any personal issues. Do you think Turkey is applying reasonable policies with respect to the Iraq issue? Whilst Turkey strengthens cooperation with the Kurdish government how does this affect the Sunnis? Turkey's foreign policy regarding Iraq has always been a wise one. Turkey keeps equal distance with all sects and minorities. The Turkish relationship with the Kurdish people has improved drastically over the past two years and this is something that Iraq's Sunnis encourage. We hope Turkey will do its utmost to work with the United Nations to help save Iraq from this catastrophic downslide due to Maliki's authoritarian rule and Iran's evil meddling in Iraq. Numerous commentators, journalists and experts think that Iraq has gradually been dragged into a sectarian war. Do you agree with those views? No I don't think so. Iraq will never slide into a full sectarian war simply because Iraqi tribes, families, societies are all mixed. The current fighting is manipulated by Nori al-Maliki who absolutely failed as prime minister. He is trying to mislead the Shiite into believing that he is a victim of the Sunnis and that therefore he should be supported for the third time around. The conflict is not between the Shiite and the Sunni, but rather between the Sunni and the Shiite elite - the puppets of Tehran. The campaign against the Sunnis started taking shape after the withdrawal of the U.S. forces in December 2011 and Maliki's campaign against me was the first salvo fired in this regard. We all have common ground - we have shunned Iranian meddling, sectarianism, corruption...and we are all working towards a better future for Iraq. In today's Iraq this makes you a prime target. End.

Thanks Nadita, have a Margarita while your at it, goes good with salsa. Enjoy your down time and tear up the dance floor, show em how it's done.

Thanks Thugs, ok how about some ISX stock tips. You could still CLOWN around but at the same time be the BLOOMBERG OF BAGDAD. Send you a hug brother ;-)

Why do we make investments? In hopes of a payoff, right? That's what this is, another investment with the hopes of a payoff. Now, it could be a "horrible ride" if you have bitten off more then you could chew, but then again you can always resell and at least for the most part break even and in my opinion, that makes for a great opportunity. We all hope for pay day but as long as you are not waiting anxiously for that day and the word here being anxiously you can actually enjoy this ride. Their are so many talented people here who have vast experience in many different areas not related to the Dinar that this "ride" has been very enjoyable. Take Yender's advice brother it really does change your day, also look through the different posts and topics, you learn something and that ain't so bad either. Eliminate the garbage people post, stay away from the so called Gurus, stay focused, and keep your mind set and heart set firmly planted on the ground and don't let your emotions run wild. Control those emotions in a positive way but keep the dream alive and who knows........to be continued

Missed you yesterday Nadita but did get caught up this morning. Thanks a lot for your refreshing approach to the days events, much appreciated sister :-)

Wow, gives a new meaning "they grow so fast" I have 4 children and all are now teenagers. Thanks for making me think. Great video Puckster :-)

Yep, I called Dinar Trade today and as I have purchased from them recently they did say that the bank transfer is not in Poland anymore but now a bank in Florida and they also said that soon you will be able to pay for your purchase via credit card as apposed to a bank transfer. Ali seems to be expanding his business, nothing more.

If anything, it keeps people on their toes. I'll just keep my feet planted and not let the emotions fly. Thanks Thugs for the post.

Interesting, thanks Yota.

Short, straight and to the point. Thanks Adam.

Sounds like the boarder towns here in Mexico. Thanks K98, this will not stop Irak from moving forward but will perhaps slow the process as potential foreign investment may think twice about setting up shop there.

Good morning all, I just saw this thread now. Yes I imagined something was up as my most recent purchases from Dinar Trade were successful but difficult to process. They had requested some additional information and copy of my passport which in the past was not necessary. The transactions were successful as always but attribute the delay with the new gig Ali has. Thanks Rayzur for the update, it seems like all the cards are falling into place for something to happen. I however in the mean time will keep my feet planted firmly on the ground and maintain one eye on vigilant.

Great, it looks like Maliki is ramping up his presidential campaign to win yet another term.

Buenas días Nadita, as always I enjoy very much your spin and appreciate the time and effort you dedicate to keeping us all informed. Have a spectacular day :-)

Thanks Yota, hope everything goes off without a hitch, might be asking to much but keeping my fingers crossed.

So nice to have a morning java and read Nadita File, get caught up on the most recent events. Thank you Nadita, love your spin.

Three stellar tunes Umbertino, muchas gracias hermano

I found this in a web paper called the Daily Sabah and found it interesting, it consists of a list of issues hurting the upcoming Iraki elections. If someone has already posted this, my apologies. The ban on campaigning before the April 30 national elections in Iraq was lifted on April 1 and the campaign season started. However, the ongoing security problems and political instability prevents political parties from properly executing their campaigns. Moreover, the fact that candidates' lists were not published before political parties and groups started campaigning cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the elections. According to Iraqi election laws, constituents may vote for whichever candidate they want on the party lists. In other words, personal campaigning is crucial. When a party or a group gets enough votes to win a seat or seats in parliament, irrespective of the placement on the list, the candidates who attracted the most votes may become deputies. That is why the failure to release the candidates' list before the ban was lifted created doubts. The lists were submitted by parties and groups to Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in early February. However, the IHEC is yet to decide the eligibility of candidates who are on trial. The candidacies of former Finance Minister Rafi Isavi, Heydar Molla, Salim al-Jubouri and Jawad Shuheydi were annulled for being charged for various crimes or having outstanding arrest warrants issued. This created political chaos and significant pressure is being exerted on the IHEC. The Iraqi Parliament on March 19 increased pressure on the IHEC by changing the election law to obligate the IHEC not to annul the candidacy of anyone who was not found guilty in a court of law. As a result of this law, the political pressure on the IHEC to reinstate the candidacies of those who lost the right increased. The IHEC's response was to announce that there was political pressure exerted on it and that the new law contradicted the regulations of the body. The IHEC's members also submitted their resignations. IHEC President Sarbast Mustafa Rashid discussed the matter with Usama al-Nujayfi, the Iraqi parliament speaker, and received assurances IHEC members would receive immunity from prosecution. And as a result, IHEC members withdrew their resignations. However, the parliament is yet to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, parties and groups are still amending their candidates' lists. They are trying to restore candidacies of people who were rejected by the IHEC but do not have court decisions against them. This creates political tension, while the failure to agree on the new budget is at the top of the agenda. Four months into 2014, the 2014 budget is yet to be passed by parliament. The first assessment of the budget was made but the parliament has yet to find the necessary numbers to meet for a second time. A three-person committee consisting of the State of Law Coalition president and the Parliament Finance Committee chairman Haidar al-Abadi, Kurdistan Alliance Group Chairman Fouad Masoom and al-Iraqiya Group President Adnan al-Janabi, met with relevant parties and groups but failing to reach a consensus, dissolved itself. During the parliamentary session on April 6, proceedings were suspended until a deal is reached on the budget. It appears the failure to reach a deal on the budget before the elections will become part of the post-election negotiations. All the parties and groups are trying to exploit the budget crisis to their advantage. Al-Nujayfi, who is trying to become the leader of the Sunnis, withdrew his deputies from parliament in protest against the government attacks on the demonstrators in Anbar. Kurds, meanwhile, are boycotting the parliament in protest against the budget articles that curtail the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) exports of gas and oil. Moreover, there is a serious political crisis between the KRG and the central government in Baghdad. There is a significant difference in opinion between the two sides about how much money should be allocated to the KRG from the central budget and who is responsible for the energy exports made by the KRG. Also, the KRG's efforts to increase its influence in areas outside its direct control are creating a risk of conflict with Baghdad. The instability in the country, coupled with these political problems, is hurting the elections. The al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is escalating its attacks. Chaos created by ISIL in Mosul, Salahaddin, Diyala, Anbar and Baghdad is deepening. ISIL is said to be totally in control of some areas. There are news reports that claim that ISIL is dominant outside Abu Ghraib, which is a key intersection between Anbar and Baghdad. When one considers that ISIL was recently picking targets such as military transfer points and bridges, it would not be wrong to say that the group's strategy is aimed to harm the elections. The government needs to focus on security, ignoring the elections for now. At this point, there are three main problems for political parties. Politically, the resignations of and subsequent backtracking by IHEC members just before the lifting of the campaign ban harmed the election process. These events even caused some to consider a postponement and created consternation among politicians. On the other hand, violence and the number of casualties are increasing, especially attacks against candidates. It is highly likely that attacks targeting candidates will increase dramatically after the candidates' lists are released, and this will also affect campaigning by political parties. ISIL members are said to be distributing leaflets in Sunni-majority areas threatening the public not to participate in the elections. That is why many expect significant problems in participation in the elections. Moreover, the General Military Council for Iraqi Revolutionaries, formed by Sunni tribes fighting the Iraqi military during the Anbar operation, is said to be fighting the army once again in the south of the capital. These clashes further complicate security concerns. Military versus ISIL, military versus tribes and tribes versus ISIL affects the country's security in many ways. There are also sectarian tensions. A few weeks ago, 33 Sunnis were killed by armed civilians in Diyala. Some claimed those responsible were from a group that split from Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi army. The massacre increased sectarian tensions throughout the country. If it escalates further, a postelection deepening of tensions along sectarian lines is possible. The public is also cool toward politics and political participation. The public has very low expectations about what politicians can do to end violence and instability. This could be seen as a factor that will motivate political parties and leaders during their campaigning. On the other hand, this could also be seen as an impediment to free and fair elections. Elections, without significant voter participation or competition between parties in a country where political differences frequently devolve into open armed confrontation should not give us too much confidence about what the next government can do, which will probably be little more than trying to deal with current problems without any opportunity create progress in the country. Perhaps just a continuation from your post Thugs, thanks

Agreed BigWave, but the same thing happens as well in our own cities. Maybe we are not blowing each other up but violence against one another is almost the same my friend. Their are areas where we will not go even perhaps a couple of miles from where we call home sweet home.

Another great post Nadita. I have to say that I thought you adopted a little child but not one with so much fur :-) either way I'm sure your a super mom.