If Washington closed the US embassy in Baghdad ... international isolation for Iraq and economic collapse

[Mary B]

Iraqi Sovereignty And The Inputs To The New Political Contract

On October 8, 2020

Mohammed Hassan Al-Saadi

The professor of the constitution agrees that the term state should include three important pillars: the people. Earth . The political system, but the presence of these three elements alone is not sufficient for the establishment of an independent state, so the political jurists have stressed the need for an important element to complete the state’s image.

 

Sovereignty is one of the pillars on which the theory of the state is based in political and legal thought. It is also one of the basic principles that evaluate the structure and edifice of international law and contemporary international relations. Sovereignty is a legal-political concept related to the state as it constitutes one of its most important characteristics and basic conditions, and it is one of the determinants. Political and legal state.

Sovereignty, more briefly, is the people's ownership of all their will in internal decisions and external relations, and future agreements within or outside the framework of its geographical territory, according to the data of its political system, so that sovereignty is the most prominent concept of the administrative decision of the people on its land, sky and water, present or future. Any defect affecting the three elements (the people - the region - the system), it severely affects the sovereignty as the way out for the cohesion and unity of the other elements.

National sovereignty is one of the most important and central political issues in political and legal studies, and its topic still has a prominent importance despite the great and fundamental developments that affected this concept. However, these pillars and pillars have lost much of their authority and prestige in light of the great and tremendous developments that the world has known, especially after the war. Cold, specifically after the emergence of the phenomenon of terrorism in the world.Iraq is one of the countries that suffered from a deficiency in this concept, as a result of what the country was subjected to from the American hegemony over its capabilities, which made it live to dominate the strength of its decision from the White House, which is still trying to reach self-sufficiency in its political decision, but with all the attempts that were made. Or by the politicians in Iraq and efforts to restore Iraqi sovereignty, but it always collides with another concept, which is the security threat that Western powers use as a weapon against Iraq when claiming any sovereignty over its land and its capabilities, so the political forces must take a serious stand with this sensitive and dangerous file. And sitting with the opposing team (the Americans) and determining the conditions and duration of its presence on the Iraqi soil, in a way that achieves independence in the political decision of the country, in addition to finding the appropriate ground in foreign relations with regional and international countries and in a way that achieves the sovereign decision of the Iraqi government wherever it is.

https://www.mustaqila.com/السيادة-العراقية-ومدخلات-العقد-السيا/

[Mary B]

The Iraqi foreign minister told "Arab TV": Communications urging Washington not to close its embassy in Baghdad

The New Arab

08 October 2020

Picture

Hussain: Everyone is concerned about the attacks on the Green Zone and the airport (Dorson Aydemir / Anatolia)

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said said that the decision to withdraw the US diplomacy from Iraq was taken, and "the danger lies in the decision itself."

The Iraqi minister explained, in an exclusive interview with "Arab TV", saying that there is communication and communication with the foreign ministers of Western and Arab countries to urge the United States to return to its decision, and "but at the same time everyone is worried about the attacks on the Green Zone and the airport, and part of the communication. With the states, it was necessary to put pressure on those carrying out these attacks to stop them. " 

 

Hussein denied knowing about the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations reaching an agreement with the "Popular Mobilization", and revealed that he explained to the Iranian side the importance of stopping these attacks and their impact on the Iraqi situation, in addition to the risks of the American withdrawal from Iraq.

The Iraqi foreign minister considered that the US diplomatic withdrawal from Iraq would affect the arming and training of the Iraqi security services, and revealed that the only US request in exchange for maintaining diplomatic representation is not to target the US embassy, and there are several countries that have expressed concern about the security of embassies in Iraq.

Hussein considered that "isolating Iraq from the world was a mistake, and its continuation would be catastrophic, and this diplomatic vacuum may lead to a security vacuum that ISIS" exploits. "

He said that "relations with Iran are good, and there is an attempt to restore historical relations with Turkey," noting that "Iraq is working to build good relations with all neighboring countries." 

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/politics/اتصالات-عراقية-لحث-واشنطن-على-عدم-إغلاق-سفارتها-في-بغداد

[Mary B]

For the first time ... an Israeli-Jordanian airspace agreement that includes countries, including Iraq

 

 

 

For the first time ... an Israeli-Jordanian airspace agreement that includes countries, including Iraq

For the first time ... an Israeli-Jordanian airspace agreement that includes countries, including Iraq

 

EconomyIsraelJordanOperating flights

•  

 2020-10-08 11:02

 

Shafaq News / An Israeli website said on Thursday that his country and Jordan have signed an agreement allowing for the first time flights across the airspace of both countries.

The website "Israel in Arabic" said in a tweet published today on the social networking platforms "Twitter" that the agreement "will lead to shortening the travel hours between the Gulf countries, Asia and the Far East, and between Europe and North America."

The website added that the agreement includes the routes of flights departing from countries such as Iraq  , the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement allows commercial flights to operate through the airspace of the two countries. And that after negotiations that lasted for several years, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation.

The pace of these negotiations was accelerated after the conclusion of a peace treaty between Israel and the UAE and the approval by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the passage of flights originating from Israel in its airspace.

https://shafaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/ل-ول-مرة-تفاقية-سرا-يلية-ردنية-لتسيير-رحلات-جوية-تشمل-دولا-بينها-العراق

[Mary B]

We attended seven rooms, not missiles, at the American embassy

15:52 - 10/08/2020

 

  

Books / Sami Jawad Kazem ...

The story of the US embassy from Baghdad , the withdrawal of the story of its dependencies positive and negative and the apparent withdrawal is unfortunate it Feltrahl irrevocably and Snrma left behind not seven Hjarat as it is said in the Iraqi proverb , but seven million stones, the embassy , which is no different than the two of them from bad and negative role on Iraq this The embassy that enabled this place and this role are two of the rulers of the Gulf who deported to a severely punished Lord, this embassy which is the seat of manipulation of Iraqi politics and the installation of the three presidencies for seventeen years.

Among its bad actions when its president thought to withdraw, he would incite other embassies to withdraw with him with the implicit threat to them if they violated it, in addition to that, any Trump wants to make this movement electoral propaganda or implement a malicious plan in the region, all of this is a little of what the embassy did in secret, but Is it correct bombing it constantly? Here the important

We Shiites are normal that we do not treachery and history bears witness to us. History is the same as Abu Sufyan's terrorist and treacherous acts against the Messenger of God, may God bless him and his family, force him to emigrate, and despite that when Mecca was conquered, the Messenger of God did not revoke him.

Imam Ali, peace be upon him, during his duel with Amr Ibn al-Aas, Ibn al-Aas revealed his nakedness to avoid killing, so he turned his face and left Imam Ali, peace be upon him, although it was a battle and a duel, and because of the nakedness of Ibn al-Aas, the Umayyad state was established. If Imam Ali did not act according to his morals and killed him, he would not be there on the day of arbitration Newspapers were not removed, and the owner of the shop would be able to come from Muawiyah, but this is the ethics of the people of the house, peace be upon them, and we live in the atmosphere of the tuff incident and we are all talking about the incident of Muslim bin Aqeel with Ibn Morjana, who could have killed him in the house of Hani bin Urwa, but he refused to betray him even if he did not bear morals The people of the house, peace be upon them, and he killed him when what happened to the Renaissance of Hussein, peace be upon him.

I tell those who bomb the US embassy with Katyusha rockets that you have provided the opportunity for the enemies to undermine the crowd, the government and the Shiites, and whatever the source of these missiles, whether they are unknown formations or supported by Iran, this action does not agree with what the Messenger of God did with Abu Sufyan and Imam Ali with Ibn Al-Aas and Muslim with Ibn Morgana, we do not disagree with you about the bad role played by America, but bombing the embassy with missiles, and I do not rule out that some of them may be with the knowledge of the embassy or carry out an ISIS agenda until the government of Iraq is accused and mobilized with it. As a result, there are those who bombed the embassy and announced an identity related to the Shiites to make The Iraqi government is in an unenviable position before the Americans who are the holders of the power on the ground in Iraq, while the Iranian side has control over most of the political decisions in Iraq. This is a reality, and between this and that, the bombing operations, along with the spread of the phenomenon of uncontrolled armament, have destabilized the Iraqi situation.

https://www.almaalomah.com/2020/10/08/498991/

[DinarThug]

9 hours ago, Mary B said:

Crocker: America's withdrawal from Iraq is a terrible sign for the allies

10:50 - 10/08/2020

 

  

The information / translation ...
The former US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, stressed, on Thursday, that the United States should keep its embassy open in Iraq despite the risks and that it must exercise strategic patience to support Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi.
"The closure of the US embassy in Iraq would be incredibly unreasonable, and the United States must focus on finding ways to support Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazimi," the American newspaper Al-Monitor quoted in a report translated by the agency / Al-Maalouma / Crocker as saying in an interview that "closing the US embassy in Iraq would be incredibly unreasonable."
He added that "diplomats must be present in countries experiencing conflict, alongside their brothers and sisters of the American military."
He continued, "The United States must exercise strategic patience in Iraq and the region, especially when it has a partner Iraq is like Al-Kazemi, ”according to him, indicating that“ leaving Iraq will send a terrible signal to the allies and partners of the United States in the region, who will raise questions about America's survival strength and commitment. ”
Crocker said, "The problems in Iraq are not of Al-Kazemi's making, and in general, the challenges in the region need a long time to formulate and a long time to solve." End / 25 Z

https://www.almaalomah.com/2020/10/08/498924/

 

LINK

He advised her with "strategic patience." Crocker: America's withdrawal from Iraq is a terrible sign to the allies
 

 

10:54 - 10/08/2020

 

The former US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, stressed, Thursday, that the United States should keep its embassy open in Iraq despite the risks and that it must exercise strategic patience to support Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi.

"The closure of the US embassy in Iraq would be incredibly unreasonable, and the United States must focus on finding ways to support Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi," the American newspaper Al-Monitor quoted in a report translated by the agency / Al-Maalouma / Crocker as saying in an interview that "closing the US embassy in Iraq would be incredibly unreasonable."

He added that "diplomats must be present in countries experiencing conflict, alongside their brothers and sisters of the American military." He continued, "The United States must exercise strategic patience in Iraq and the region, especially when it has a partner in." Iraq is like Al-Kazemi, ”according to him, indicating that“ leaving Iraq will send a horrific signal to the allies and partners of the United States in the region, who will raise questions about America's survival and commitment.

Crocker said, "The problems in Iraq are not of Al-Kazemi's making, and in general, the challenges in the region need a long time to formulate and a long time to solve." 

[Mary B]

Friday, October 09, 2020 10:05 AM

 

The President of the Republic congratulates Sheikh Meshaal on his selection as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait

 

 

 

Barham Salih, President of the Republic, congratulated   Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his selection as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait.

The President of the Republic expressed, in a phone call with Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, his sincere congratulations and congratulations on the occasion of his selection of the Crown Prince, wishing him all success and continued good health and wellness to continue the development and prosperity of the State of Kuwait and its brotherly people, affirming the keenness of Iraq, the people, the president and the government, to Strengthening the deep fraternal relations between the two brotherly peoples and countries.

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/ar/Story/202522/رئيس-الجمهورية-يهنىء-الشيخ-مشعل-بمناسبة-اختياره-وليا-للعهد-بدولة-الكويت

[Mary B]

Saleh calls the new Kuwaiti crown prince and shows Iraq's eagerness to strengthen relations

2020-10-08 | 17:13

 

 

 

 

 

1,720 views

 

 

The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, made a phone call with the new Kuwaiti Crown Prince Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Thursday evening, during which he expressed Iraq's keenness to strengthen the "deep" bilateral relations.

The Iraqi presidency said in a statement that Alsumaria News received a copy of, that Saleh “expressed in a telephone conversation with Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah his sincere congratulations and congratulations on the occasion of his selection of the Crown Prince, wishing him all success and continued good health and wellness to continue the development and prosperity of the State of Kuwait and its people Brother. "

She added that Saleh affirmed during the call, "the keenness of the Iraqi people, president and government to strengthen the deep fraternal relations between the two brotherly peoples and countries."

It is noteworthy that the Kuwaiti National Assembly (Parliament) agreed on Thursday to appoint Meshaal Al-Ahmad as Crown Prince, after the new Emir of the country recommended him on Wednesday.

https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/سياسة/360890/صالح-يُهاتف-ولي-العهد-الكويتي-الجديد-ويُبدي-حرص-ال

[Mary B]

The bombing of the shelters of Amiri and Khazali ... A report speaks about Washington's 'plan' in case the embassy is closed!

2020.10.09 - 09:58

 

People - Baghdad  

Middle East Eye talked about the US plan that it would implement if it decided to close its embassy in Baghdad, due to its repeated targeting by the Shiite factions linked to Iran.  

The site said in a report followed by "People", Friday (October 9, 2020), that America has put together a list of 80 Iraqi sites, linked to Iranian-backed groups, that seek to target them if it closes its embassy in Baghdad.  

The site includes, according to the report, "the secret headquarters and shelters of Hadi al-Ameri and Qais Khazali, leaders of the Badr Organization and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, in addition to sites linked to Kataib Hezbollah."  

The report stated that "all the armed Shiite groups are supported by Tehran and are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, under the" nominal control "of the Iraqi government.  

Political leaders and leaders of armed groups said, according to the report, "The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, shared hundreds of satellite images of the 80 sites with the Iraqi President, Barham Salih, during a phone call on September 20."  

Pompeo also told Saleh about Washington’s plans to close its embassy, unless the Iraqi government takes measures to stop attacks targeting the Green Zone and convoys that deliver supplies to US and international forces elsewhere in Iraq.  

The report quoted an unnamed prominent Shiite politician, "The Americans' message was clear. If you do not act, we will act ... and allowing this to happen means an open war in Baghdad, and America's exit from Baghdad means that war is imminent."  

The State Department has not released the transcript of Pompeo’s call with Saleh, as it usually does when the secretary of state speaks to foreign officials.  

Pompeo's threat caused "panic in Baghdad," as the report describes, as supporters of Mustafa al-Kazemi's government did not imagine that the Iraqi prime minister, who was warmly welcomed in the White House in August, would be abandoned so quickly by his main international ally.  

They fear that the closure of the US embassy may lead to repercussions, including the withdrawal of other embassies, the political and economic collapse, and the release of sectarianism and ethnic divisions.  

A senior Iraqi official familiar with the dialogue said, according to Middle East, "All indications indicate that we are heading towards a strong storm. The withdrawal of the Americans means an economic collapse within two weeks, followed by a political collapse within two or three months, then a security breakdown and the fall of the government."  

According to the official, US officials are concerned about the possibility of an imminent attack on the embassy by a group linked to Iran ahead of the November presidential elections in America to "embarrass Trump."  

He said, "They did not say that there is a plan or information confirming these concerns. The problem is that they require guarantees to secure the embassy, and this is very difficult in the current circumstances."  

The day after Pompeo called, Salih al-Kazemi and Muhammad al-Halbousi, the speaker of parliament, and Faik Zaidan, the head of the Supreme Court’s Judicial Council, were summoned to a meeting to discuss the government's response.  

Frenzied diplomatic activity followed, as Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein was sent to Tehran on September 26 to request assistance from Iran in controlling armed factions, according to political leaders and officials.  

According to Ahmed Al-Sahhaf, a spokesman for the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Hussein carried a "verbal message" from Al-Kazemi to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, "focusing on developments in the region and the expected possibilities and their consequences."  

However, a leader of a Shiite bloc familiar with the negotiations said, according to the report, "All the government requested from Iran was a 40-day truce, no more ... and they said that they do not support any attacks targeting diplomatic missions, and that the Iraqi government must take the necessary measures to prevent such attacks." Attacks, but are they serious about easing tension or not, that is the question? "  

He likened the Shiite politician in the current situation to "the chaos a year ago when the security forces and militias used deadly force against the Iraqi demonstrators, which led to the resignation of Adel Abdul Mahdi, and paved the way for Al-Kazemi, the former intelligence chief whom America celebrates, to become prime minister."  

He said, "This is an opportunity that the Iranians have been waiting for for a long time ... they see that last October was won by America with the support of the demonstrations and the overthrow of Abdul-Mahdi, and it was their turn to win October this year."  

The report says, "The response of the Shiite militia leaders was defiant, and they considered the threat to close the embassy a mere pressure, and they repeated their claims of independence from Iran and promised to continue attacks on US forces."  

Hussein's visit to Iran was followed by talks the next day in Baghdad between Muhammad Bagheri, the Iranian chief of staff, and Jumah Inad, the Iraqi defense minister, but Bagheri did not meet with any of the leaders of political parties or armed factions.  

The report quoted a "militia leader" loyal to Iran as saying, "We have not received any signals or messages from the Iranians in this regard ... The Iranians will not interfere in this and will not control the armed factions. We hear from them, but this does not mean that we do everything they say."  

He added, "We do not target diplomatic missions, except the Americans, because they carry out security and intelligence activities. As for the convoys, they are military and represent the occupation, and all armed factions participate in their attack."  

The commander of another Iranian-backed faction rejected the threat of closing the embassy as part of a "political game" being played by Washington and its "local allies, including Saleh and Kazemi."  

According to the report, he said, "In our estimation, the crisis is fabricated, and the goal is to put as much pressure as possible on the forces hostile America, to give Washington more space in Iraq."  

He added, "The talk about closing the US embassy in Iraq is just a clear lie that no politician with experience can believe."  

Tensions have increased between the government and Iranian-backed forces, since June when Al-Kazemi ordered the arrest of a group of Kataib Hezbollah fighters accused of launching a missile attack on the Green Zone, where most government buildings and diplomatic missions are located.  

These arrests sparked an angry response. About 14 activists have been killed since then, while others have been kidnapped, according to what security sources told the British website.  

There were at least 34 missile and hand-made explosive attacks on the Green Zone, and military bases hosting American and foreign soldiers, while the convoys were attacked with improvised explosive devices and direct fire.  

In response to America's demands to stop the attacks, Al-Kazemi ordered the evacuation of all armed forces from the Green Zone and assigned the 54th Special Forces Brigade to maintain the security of the Green Zone, as was the case before Abdul Mahdi became prime minister in 2018.  

The report shows, "Al-Kazemi was concerned about the units associated with Abu Fadak Al-Muhammadawi, a prominent commander in the Hezbollah Brigades and the Chief of Staff of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and closed, with other orders, the offices used by the security agencies and ministries at Baghdad International Airport, except for those affiliated with the intelligence and the Ministry of Interior."  

The report states, "The government sent Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf to warn of the repercussions of a sudden US withdrawal, according to politicians and officials."  

The report quoted a former minister describing him as "close to Sistani", "The bet is now on the back channels between the Shiite clerics of Najaf and Qom ... We know that Sistani can bring about change in critical times, and we also know that his sense of the seriousness of the threat will push him to speak with the Iranians and ask Them interfering. "  

Al-Kazemi also met with leaders of the armed Shiite factions and political groups in an attempt to convey the seriousness of the situation to them.  

"The political forces and the leaders of the factions are still in denial, and they think that the Americans are not serious about leaving Iraq," said one of the heads of parliamentary blocs, according to the report.  

He added, "Despite the statements published by some of those factions denouncing the targeting of diplomatic missions, their reaction is still below the required level ... and the Iraqi Shiite forces have not yet united on a unified position. The Kurds and Sunnis from acting selfishly and continuing to inflame the situation and present themselves as the ideal alternative to the Shiites. "  

The officials said that Al-Kazemi, Saleh, Hussein and other political leaders contacted representatives of other embassies and international leaders to request their help in persuading the US government to keep its embassy open.
"The European Union and a number of other embassies have promised that they will stay and will not withdraw with the Americans, but we do not think that they will stay for long," said an important adviser to Al-Kazemi.  

He added, "The diplomatic withdrawal has negative effects on military cooperation and aid. The situation is dangerous and worrying."  

The people contacted to convey Iraqi concerns to America included the French President, Emmanuel Macron, the Emirati leadership, Jordan's King Abdullah II and a number of members of the US Congress.  

A senior official close to Al-Kazemi told Middle East Eye, "The government expected for some time that it would find itself stuck in the confrontations between Washington and Tehran, but was surprised by the ferocity of the Shiite armed groups' reactions to the arrests in the ranks of the Hezbollah Brigades and the sudden threat of America to close the embassy." .  

He said, "The government hopes to delay this issue until after the American elections."  

He said, "The prime minister led a diplomatic campaign, by contacting state leaders who can influence the American president, and holding several meetings with European ambassadors, and these efforts succeeded in delaying the implementation of the resolution at least."

https://www.nasnews.com/view.php?cat=42273

[Mary B]

Peshmerga: The Supreme Coordination Committee will visit Baghdad to discuss opening a joint coordination room

2020-10-09 | 04:48

 

 

On Friday, the Ministry of Peshmerga announced that the "High Coordination Committee" will soon conduct a visit to the capital, Baghdad, indicating that the committee will hold discussions regarding the opening of a "joint coordination room" and operations against "ISIS".

The official Iraqi News Agency quoted the Secretary-General of the ministry Jabbar Al-YawarHe said that there is "an upcoming visit toThe Supreme Coordination Committee to me BaghdadNoting that "the committee will discuss the mechanism for implementing the axes that were previously agreed upon."

 

"The discussions include the opening of a joint coordination room and operations against gangs," Al-Yawar added ISIS Terrorist. "

https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/سياسة/360911/البيشمركة-لجنة-التنسيق-العليا-ستجري-زيارة-لبغداد-ل

[Mary B]

Led by an Iraqi .. The Netherlands foils a "huge" terrorist plot

 

Associated Press

08 October 2020

 

 

A secret agent managed to infiltrate the gang and thwart their preparations before any attack

On Thursday, a Dutch court convicted six men of plotting a large-scale terrorist attack on a public event and sentenced them to prison terms ranging from 10 to 17 years.

The Rotterdam court said in a statement that the men were planning to shoot with Kalashnikov assault rifles at a festival and detonate a car bomb in late 2018. They also wanted to wear explosive vests and detonate them when the police arrived.

However, the intelligence services notified the police and a secret agent managed to infiltrate the gang and finally thwart their preparations before any attack. Heavily armed police arrested the suspects in September 2018.

The leader of the group, a man of Iraqi descent, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. The names of the defendants were not disclosed in line with Dutch privacy rules.

The court statement stated that the gang "wanted to hit the civilian population and the police in the Netherlands with a bloody attack resulting in a large number of innocent victims. Thanks to the timely intervention of the Dutch government security services, they were unable to implement their plans."

https://www.alhurra.com/iraq/2020/10/08/يقوده-عراقي-هولندا-تحبط-مخططا-إرهابيا-ضخما

[Mary B]

Parliament moved to question the Minister of Finance in connection with the September salary crisis

by EditorEconomy2 Hours ago

Parliamentary sources uncovered a parliamentary move to interrogate Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi, in light of the salary crisis for last September.

The sources said that about fifty deputies have collected signatures that will be attached to a formal request to question the Minister of Finance and will be submitted to the Presidency of Parliament, pointing out that the interrogations will be about Allawi's management of the Ministry of Finance, as well as the delay in paying the salaries of state employees, and not preserving borrowing funds and disbursing them in ways that violate the law.

https://altaghier.tv/2020/10/09/تحرك-نيابي-لاستجواب-وزير-المالية-على-خ/

[Mary B]

50 mPs move to question Iraqi Finance Minister

Borrowing Act
 2020-10-09 05:58
  
Shafq News / The Parliamentary Al-Hikma Bloc revealed on Friday that a parliamentary move to question Finance Minister Ali Abdul Amir Allawi, following a financial crisis that caused delays in the payment of salaries to employees.

"This move has now collected more than 50 parliamentary signatures, which will be accompanied by an official request for questioning and will be submitted to the presidency of parliament," Bloc MP Star Jabbar al-Jabri told Shafq News.

"The topics of questioning about Allawi's administration of the Ministry of Finance are incorrect, the delay in paying state employees' salaries, and the failure to maintain and spend borrowing money in contravention of the law, in addition to the fact that the introduction of the new borrowing project to the Parliament is not successful for the government and may be rejected by parliament and expose stowaways the minister of finance to be dismissed in the coming period," he said.

The Iraqi Ministry of Finance on Wednesday launched employee salaries for September, as the Iraqi government struggles to secure employee salaries and other operating expenses due to the collapse of oil prices due to the Corona pandemic, which crippled large sectors of the world's economy.

https://shafaq.com/ar/سیاسة/تحرك-يقوده-50-نا-با-لاستجواب-وزير-المالية-العراقي

[Mary B]

The Egyptian Minister of Electricity will visit Iraq "soon" in response to an official invitation

2020-10-09 | 07:03

 

 

 

 

 

907 views

 

 

On Friday, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the intention of the Egyptian Minister of Electricity, Muhammad Shaker, to visit Iraq "as soon as possible", in response to an official invitation.

"The ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Cairo And its permanent representative to the Arab League, Ahmed Al-Dulaimi, met with the Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohammed Shaker".

 

 

 

 

 

According to the statement, the ambassador expressed his aspiration for "cooperation between the Iraqi and Egyptian governments in all fields, especially the transfer of Egyptian experiences and expertise in the field of electric energy, and the wide presence and strong participation of Egyptian energy companies in Iraq."

The two sides discussed, according to the statement, “the mechanism for preparing and coordinating the meetings of the joint Iraqi-Egyptian Supreme Committee to be held in Baghdad In the coming period, the prime ministers of the two countries will be headed. "

In this context, Minister Shaker referred to his government's keenness to convene this committee as soon as possible, pointing to the "strategic importance of relations between EgyptAnd Iraq, and the momentum and remarkable development it has witnessed in the recent period. ”

Ambassador Al-Dulaimi addressed an official invitation by the Iraqi Minister of Electricity to his counterpartMohammed Shaker To visit Iraq, "which he accepted with grace, affirming that it will be met as soon as possible."

https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/سياسة/360927/وزير-الكهرباء-المصري-يزور-العراق-قريباً-تلبية-لدعو?src=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_source=Rss-articles&utm_term=Rss&utm_medium=Rss-360927

 

[Mary B]

POSTED ON 2020-10-09 BY SOTALIRAQ

Iranian parliamentarian: Washington's threat to close its embassy in Baghdad is a political trick

A member of the Iranian Internal Affairs Committee and Iranian Parliamentary Councils, Ahmed Ali Reza Begi, described Washington's "threat" to close its embassy in Baghdad as a "political trick."

The MP for the people of Tabriz said, "The withdrawal of US terrorist forces from Iraq is the will of the people and a law passed by the Iraqi parliament."

He added, "On the other hand, it was noted that Trump, in view of this popular demand, demanded that the cost of the presence of US forces be paid in Iraq."

The Iranian deputy continued: “Therefore, it can be seen that this recently raised topic indicates that Washington has no desire to leave Iraq and is only pretending to threaten,” indicating that “the Americans are trying to say, by raising such issues, that if they leave Iraq, he will suffer a disaster. “.

And he considered that "Washington's threat to close its embassy in Baghdad is a political trick," noting that "this will not happen according to Al-Kazemi's agreements with Trump."

http://www.sotaliraq.com/2020/10/09/برلماني-إيراني-تهديد-واشنطن-بإغلاق-سف/

[Mary B]

An American delegation discusses enhancing investment and trade with the Kurdistan Region

 

An American delegation discusses enhancing investment and trade with the Kurdistan Region

Economy News - Baghdad The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, David Copley, met, Thursday, with a number of businessmen and the American Chamber of Commerce in Erbil, to discuss the trade environment and international investment opportunities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Copley emphasized that the United States wants to bring investment into Iraq, but the ability to do so is linked to the security situation and corruption. Copley was accompanied by Consul General Rob Waller and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kurdistan Region Abu Zaid League, economic relations advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the Kurdistan Region, and representatives of 8 companies and businessmen. Copley announced to the attendees that the United States of America is ready to strengthen relations with the Kurdistan Region, especially in the trade sector. During his visit to Erbil, he held several meetings, including his meeting with the political leadership in the Kurdistan Region. Copley and Waller announced the commitment of the United States of America to support all forms of economic openness in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, and the US Consulate General in Erbil is working with a number of American organizations, including the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kurdistan Region and the American Trade Council in the Kurdistan Region, to bring in a large number of trade delegations. The American Council for the Kurdistan Region in order to identify and clarify the opportunities, which resulted in opening branches of many American brands and opening offices for sale in the Kurdistan Region. The Kurdistan Regional Government Investment Commission confirmed the creation of US investments to implement hundreds of investment projects in the Kurdistan Region, and the Kurdistan Regional Government announced its support for US investment in the Kurdistan Region. One of the goals of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kurdistan Region is to build a bridge for relationships between American merchants and their counterparts in the Kurdistan Region. The Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kurdistan Region, Barbara Apple, said: "We are here as a source of reassurance for American merchants, and if we do not have the answers, we will continue to find answers. We are the bridge of communication between the US government and businessmen and merchants' mentors in the Kurdistan Region, so that we can connect representatives of merchants and the economy All parties are in the Kurdistan Region, and we can support putting the economy on its feet. "

Number of observations 647   Date of addendum 10/08/2020 https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=22169

[Mary B]

Payroll after the "bankruptcy statement" ... Where did the government get the money?

08 October 2020

 

The government does not have the ability to borrow without referring to Parliament (Facebook)

Ultra Iraq Editorial Team

Confusion hangs over the popular and parliamentary circles alike, after Minister of Finance Ali Allawi surprised everyone by releasing employees ’salaries for the month of September, following previous assurances that sufficient funds were not available in a statement that amounted to an explicit" declaration of bankruptcy ".

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Amid tensions and mounting accusations and frightening expectations, on October 6 the Finance Ministry surprisingly announced the release of employee salaries

And after a round of tensions between the government, especially the Ministry of Finance, on the one hand, and the House of Representatives on the other hand, against the background of the Finance Ministry restricting the issue of September salaries to the House of Representatives vote on the Borrowing Law, which was considered by the Parliamentary Finance Committee as attempts to "shirk responsibility." Embarrassing the parliament in front of the people, stressing that providing salaries is a matter for the executive authority and that Parliament is not responsible for it.

Also read:  Income Taxes: Citizen's "own" money on a date with the most prominent weapon in the financial bet

In a previous statement , the Ministry of Finance tracked the amount of money entering the treasury and what was spent from it during the previous months of the current year to conclude that the remainder in its treasury does not exceed 1.8 trillion dinars, which means that the ministry needs an additional 5 trillion dinars in order to be able to disburse the amount of salaries 7 trillion dinars per month.

Amid tensions and mounting accusations and frightening expectations, the Finance Ministry surprisingly announced on October 6 the release of employee salaries.

In a statement received by "Ultra Iraq" a copy of it, the ministry said, "Based on the directives of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, the Ministry of Finance confirms that late payments of public sector salaries for the month of September will begin to be paid in full, starting on Wednesday, October 7 and the following days." ".

According to the statement, the ministry indicated that it is "obligated to fulfill its legal obligations despite the acute shortage in revenues facing the country, and looks forward to cooperating with the House of Representatives and the relevant authorities in order to develop quick solutions to address the current economic and financial crisis", noting that "the financial pressure in The country will continue for the foreseeable future, as the country's main source of income from oil exports will be constantly affected by the global decline in demand and the massive outbreak of the Corona pandemic.

The surprise announcement of the Ministry of Finance launched a series of questions and question marks about how salaries were disbursed after a round of announcements and confirmations about the lack of funds, whether the finance allegations about the lack of liquidity were real and the source of the funds obtained by the ministry to disburse salaries.

Parliament is "confused"

 Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jamal Cougar announced a parliamentary move to host Finance Minister Ali Allawi to find out the source of funding for employees' salaries for the month of September.

Cougar said, in press statements, followed by "Ultra Iraq", that "until now we do not know where the Iraqi government came from with the salaries of employees, especially since Finance Minister Ali Allawi is subject to the distribution of salaries with the approval of the Iraqi parliament on the borrowing law."

He added that "there are powers for the Iraqi Minister of Finance, according to the Financial Management Law, so he can work with (the treasury document), and through this procedure he can withdraw funds from one to 90 days, renewable to 180 days, and take the loan he wants from within. At the same time, the borrowing law is submitted to the House of Representatives or the budget law, and it is legislated and the crisis ends, but he did not do so, and that is why he resorted to his authority to work with the treasury document.

Cougar explained that, "With the beginning of the return of the Iraqi Council of Representatives sessions, the Minister of Finance, Ali Allawi, will be hosted, to find out where the Iraqi government came with the salaries of employees, and if it had cash, why was it late in distributing it, and then Parliament will have a position."

Does the ministry have the money?

In a paper revealing the value of the Finance Ministry's obligations to the Central Bank, the debt that the Finance Ministry owed to the bank showed an increase of about 5 trillion more at the end of last August.

The document seen by "Ultra Iraq" shows that the obligations of the Ministry of Finance to the Central Bank on August 31 last reached more than 30 trillion dinars, up from its value on July 31 of 25 trillion dinars.

The economic expert, Nabil Al-Marsoumi, in an interview with "Ultra Iraq", stressed that the government cannot borrow without referring to parliament, indicating that "the government can only borrow by law."

Al-Marsoumi indicated that "according to my private information, the salaries were released from the account of the Ministry of Finance," without revealing further details.

 

https://ultrairaq.ultrasawt.com/صرف-الرواتب-بعد-بيان-الإفلاس-من-أين-أتت-الحكومة-بالأموال؟/الترا-عراق/اقتصاد

[Mary B]

The internal debt heralds a major collapse of the Iraqi economy

Parliamentary moves to question the Minister of Finance after paying the salaries of state employees in a surprising way

Ahmed Al-Suhail is a reporter @ aalsuhail8 

Friday 9 October 2020 22:36

    

Unofficial estimates indicate that about 8 million people are entitled to salaries from the state treasury (page of the Iraqi Prime Minister's Media Office)

After the Iraqi government announced the release of employee salaries for the month of September, several questions arose about how to provide these funds, especially after the Iraqi Ministry of Finance had previously linked the launch of salaries to the parliament's vote on the borrowing law, given the financial scarcity the state is going through.
In parallel, indicators of bankruptcy seem clear in Iraq, as observers indicate, especially with the continued collapse of the oil market, and the large volume of salaries that reach about $ 5 billion per month, while the value of oil imports last September reached about $ 3.1 billion, which means that the crisis continues Cumulatively with indications that the oil market situation has not improved.
Unofficial estimates indicate that the number of those entitled to salaries from the state treasury is about 8 million people, including civil and military employees, retirees, subject to the Social Welfare Fund, and others.

Fears of bankruptcy

Despite the Ministry of Finance's assurances at the beginning of this month, that it was unable to pay the salaries of employees without the approval of Parliament on the borrowing law, it began to pay the salaries on the instructions of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi.
"The Ministry of Finance confirms that late payments of public sector salaries for the month of September will begin to be paid in full, based on the directives of the Prime Minister," the minister's office said in a statement. The statement added, "The Ministry indicates that it is obligated to fulfill its legal obligations, despite the acute shortage of revenues facing the country, and looks forward to cooperating with the House of Representatives and the relevant authorities in order to develop quick solutions to address the current economic and financial crisis."
The Ministry of Finance warned that "the financial pressure in the country will continue in the foreseeable future, as the country's main source of income from oil exports will be constantly affected by the decrease in global demand and the massive outbreak of the Corona pandemic."
Regarding the economic reform paper, the statement affirmed that "the task force led by the ministry has completed the white paper for economic reform, and the ministry is about to finalize the 2021-2022 budget."
The Ministry of Finance talk showed the size of the economic problem that Iraq is going through, and support for observers' concerns that the country is heading towards "bankruptcy" and pressure on the economy with additional debts.

Questioning the Minister of Finance

 The delay in salaries sparked a sharp wave of dissatisfaction among state employees, and while the ministry justified not releasing salaries due to its need to pass the borrowing law in the Iraqi parliament, MPs in the Parliamentary Finance Committee considered, earlier, that the government is deliberately throwing the ball in the court of Parliament, to force it to Voting on the borrowing law without submitting an economic reform paper.
A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Representative Shirwan Mirza, expressed his surprise at the possibility of the Ministry of Finance providing cash to release employees ’salaries without the borrowing law, indicating that“ the ministry insisted earlier on its inability to pay salaries without passing the borrowing law. ”
Mirza pointed out that what drives the deputies to the reservations about voting on the second borrowing law is "trying to know the size of revenues and expenditures, and how the previous borrowing was spent, as well as how to face the economic crisis." He added in an interview with The Independent Arabia, "We are still waiting for the economic reform paper that has not yet arrived, in addition to the 2020 budget law that has not been sent to Parliament." He asked, "We do not know whether the Ministry of Finance will continue to resort to borrowing in the face of the financial crisis or That it has a plan or program to confront the crisis. "
Mirza revealed movements among parliamentarians to question the Minister of Finance, stressing that "the minister will be asked about how to provide these funds, in addition to several questions about the ministry's balances, the volume of imports and hard currency in it."
Despite the Parliament’s Finance Committee’s talk about the ministry’s attempt to pressure Parliament to pass borrowing without submitting a financial reform paper, observers believe that the ministry is forced to borrow, especially with the fact that the monthly oil imports do not cover the money owed by the government to pay the salaries of its employees, With the continued decline in oil prices as a result of the Corona pandemic and shrinking global demand.

Undermining economic development

 Perhaps the economic concerns go beyond the possibility of the Iraqi government providing salaries for employees, as economists indicate that continuing to borrow and flood the country with large debts will undermine economic development, and make the budgets of the coming years mere tools to serve the debt and provide salaries.
In the context, the former director of financial operations at the Central Bank of Iraq, Mahmoud Dagher said, "The increase in debt, especially in the short term, makes debt payments (interest and installments) large, which prevents the establishment of investment projects later," indicating that "this is a dilemma that keeps Iraq rentier par excellence." .
Dagher revealed to "The Independent Arabia", that "debt service in 2019 amounted to about 9 trillion dinars (about 7.5 billion dollars), and it may reach the limits of 20 trillion dinars (about 17 billion dollars) next year," indicating that this "will prevent Activating any investment projects in Iraq. "
"The general budget is the most reliable financial policy weapon in achieving growth and diversifying the Iraqi economy and removing it from unilateral dilemmas, through the investment part therein," he said.
The Iraqi economy depends almost entirely on oil to supplement its financial imports, in the absence of economic investments, the deterioration of the local industrial and agricultural sectors and their inability to support the country's general budget, while annual estimates indicate that the size of the intervention of economic sectors outside oil does not exceed the best Conditions are within 9 percent of the country's budget.

Application of the World Bank program

 With the increasing fears of the continuation of the financial crisis, and the lack of feasible solutions to it, specialists in the economy revealed the possibility that the continuation of internal borrowing would lead to an economic collapse at the end of 2021, and a very large decrease in the reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq.
Political economy professor Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani said, "The World Bank expects an increase in the internal debt of Iraq from 43 trillion dinars in 2019 to 93 trillion at the end of 2021." Dollars to 3.5 billion dollars at the end of next year. " He added to "The Independent Arabia", "The Minister of Finance is trying to pressure Parliament to authorize him to obtain open borrowing without submitting a reform plan or sending a budget for the remainder of the current year."
Al-Mashhadani pointed out that "the Minister of Finance is trying to implement the World Bank's reform program, and its goal is to raise the exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar, lift subsidies on oil derivative prices, resort to domestic borrowing, and other items."

https://www.independentarabia.com/node/158986/الأخبار/العالم-العربي/الديون-الداخلية-تنذر-بانهيار-كبير-للاقتصاد-العراقي

[DinarThug]

British report: Washington is selecting 80 "loyalty" targets to strike it if it closes its embassy in Baghdad, among them Hadi Al Ameri and Qais Khazali!

 

 

Policy  ,   10/10/2020 10:38   

 

Baghdad - Iraq today:
 

The London-based Middle East Eye website (MEE) published a report indicating that Washington has prepared a list of 80 important targets related to the armed states' factions, which it plans to strike if it continues its threats to close the US embassy to Baghdad.

The report stated that the targets set by the US administration include secret headquarters and shelters used by the leader of the Badr Hadi al-Amiri organization and the Secretary General of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq Qais Khazali, as well as the prominent leaders of the two factions, and the list also includes targets for Kataib Hezbollah.

Political analyst Ahmed Al-Sharifi confirmed on Tuesday that the US forces will move very soon to strike the armed factions, as happened previously in the air stripping operations by targeting warehouses and headquarters of those factions.

Al-Sharifi explained, "The American side gave a time limit to the Iraqi government to stop the missile attacks against international missions and their embassy in Baghdad in particular, but that period expired without stopping these attacks, and this means the start of the American side's move to respond to the attacks by itself."

Returning to the MEE website report, it was reported by those it described as political leaders and leaders of armed groups that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed Iraqi President Barham Salih about the targets that Washington plans to strike, during a phone call between the two sides last month.

There was no official comment from the presidency on this information.

The report stated that the US Secretary of State informed the Iraqi President of Washington’s plans to close its embassy unless Baghdad put an end to the attacks targeting the Green Zone and the convoys that transport logistical supplies to the US forces and the international coalition in other regions of Iraq.

The report quoted a prominent Shiite politician, whose name has not been revealed, that “the Americans’ message was clear. If you do not respond, we are the ones who will take charge of that ... and allowing that to happen means an open war in Baghdad. ”

And he continued, "America's exit from Baghdad means that this war is imminent."

The US State Department has not released a statement on the conversation between Pompeo and Saleh, unlike what was prevalent when the Secretary of State held telephone talks with foreign leaders.

The report says that Pompeo's threat has so worried supporters of Mustafa al-Kazemi's government that they never imagined that Washington would abandon its ally so quickly.

The team supporting Al-Kazemi fears that the closure of the embassy will have catastrophic consequences, including the withdrawal of other diplomatic missions, the economic and political collapse, and the exacerbation of sectarian and ethnic divisions.

And the "Middle East Eye" website quoted an Iraqi official who said that he was "familiar with the consultations", that all indications indicate "that we are on the verge of a global storm."

The Iraqi official added that American officials are concerned about the possibility of an attack on their embassy by armed factions before The US presidential elections to topple President Donald Trump.

“They did not say that there is a plan or information confirming these concerns (storming the embassy). The problem is that they want guarantees to secure the embassy.”

The official, who did not name the site, said, “This is very difficult in the current circumstances.” .

this is what was the former adviser to the international Alliance Kazem al - Waeli, warned Tuesday of the danger of the loss of US President Donald Trump , the US elections on the leaders of armed factions in Iraq and Iran as well.

Al-Waeli clarified that, "If Trump loses the elections, he will remain president of the United States of America for a period of 3 months and with full powers, and during that period he can unleash the special forces and drones by targeting and eliminating the leaders of the factions, given that he will not consider the impact of those steps on American public opinion after losing The election".

Pointing out - and what has been said by Al-Waili - that “Trump’s loss will be the most dangerous phase ever to pass for Iran in general, and for the state factions in Iraq in particular, especially since the 3-month period is not a short period.

LINK

[DinarThug]

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The "Iraqi resistance" announces that it will stop its operations against the American forces

 

10th October, 2020

On Saturday, the "Iraqi Resistance" group announced a halt to military operations against American and foreign forces in the country to allow them to withdraw from the country.

This came in a statement by the Coordinating Body of the "Iraqi Resistance", which is largely unknown. It is believed that it includes armed Shiite factions close to Iran, including the "Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades", "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq" and "Harakat al-Nujaba".

In its statement, the "Iraqi Resistance" stated, "We give foreign forces a conditional opportunity - in respect of the good efforts made by some national and political figures - to set a limited and specific timetable for the implementation of the decision of the people and the parliament to expel them."

The statement warned the Americans, "a severe warning against the consequences of evasive, procrastination and procrastination in achieving the demand of the first people; otherwise, we will have to move to an advanced combat phase, taking advantage of the capabilities of the resistance in quantity and quality."

The "Iraqi resistance" acknowledged its targeting of the American forces in Iraq, saying, "Some of your brothers took the mujahideen at the forefront of their resistance activities using simple means as a first step in a long road they had planned" after Washington did not respond to the Iraqi parliament’s decision to withdraw from the country. She added, "The American occupier took a groan, and could not continue to endure these blows, so he resorted to the psychological war card, to change the convictions of the Iraqi society through the threat of the political and economic repercussions that could befall Iraq if Saffar is closed."

It pointed out that "the occupier found himself unable to protect his soldiers, even in their fortified bases with the most modern air defense systems, so he started sending mediations to stop the resistance operations, even for a while."

For months, the Green Zone (which includes government headquarters and foreign embassy missions) in Baghdad, along with military bases hosting the international coalition forces, and convoys transporting logistical equipment, have been subjected to missile strikes and IED attacks by unidentified parties.

The frequency of these attacks has clearly increased in recent weeks, but they have stopped completely since a meeting between the Deputy Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Authority, Abdul Aziz Al-Muhammadawi, known as "Abu Fadak", with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, on the second of the month. Ongoing.

It appears that Plasschaert was mediating with "Abu Fadak" to stop the attacks against American forces and interests, after Washington threatened to close its embassy in Baghdad and impose sanctions on Iraq.  Abu Fadak is a leader in the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, accused of launching attacks on American forces and interests in the country.