Word on the Street Wednesday 2/7/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,166.5000 | 1,166.5000 | 1,166.5000 | | 20:00 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,675.0000 | 22,362.0000 | 22,362.0000 | | 02:43 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.2843 | 6.2462 | 6.2838 | | 06:13 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.2995 | 0.2987 | 0.2992 | | 06:08 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3990 | 1.3874 | 1.3957 | | 06:13 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 13,560.0000 | 13,517.0000 | 13,528.0000 | | 06:12 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
World Bank $ 300 million to improve living in Iraq
The project will start in the provinces of Muthanna, Salah al-Din and Dahuk
The World Bank Group's Executive Board has approved a project to improve the living conditions of more than 1.5 million poor families in Iraq, worth $ 300 million.
The World Bank said in a statement on its official website that the project will provide basic services and increase employment opportunities.
In its statement, the bank said that the Social Fund for Development (SFD) project will fund sub-projects in the areas of education, health, water, small-scale economic infrastructure and access to markets.
The World Bank added that the project will start in the provinces of Muthanna, Salah al-Din and Dahuk, to reflect the effects of poverty and conflict and displacement on those provinces, followed by the expansion of operations to include all the provinces of Iraq within 5 years.
The war against oil prices and low prices since 2014 has had a severe impact on Iraq at the humanitarian, social and economic levels, and increased poverty and unemployment, as well as the areas of health and education, and the decline in agricultural production and food.
Last November , the World Bank approved a $ 400 million financial aid package to support the reconstruction of liberated Iraqi areas and help rehabilitate their basic service structures.
Integrity: Stop the waste of about 36 billion dinars belonging to the Ministry of Construction
Editorial Date: 2018/2/7 12:54 • 58 times read
{Baghdad: Al Furat News} The Integrity Commission announced, stop wasting about 36 billion dinars for the Ministry of Construction and Housing.
A statement issued by the Commission received the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it, "the field teams audit field of the Integrity Commission charged with reviewing and audit transactions of sale and rent property of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Municipalities and Public Works, managed to stop waste of about 36 billion dinars during 2017, General in the Ministry. "
He added that "the teams that checked the records of 14 thousand and 341 drugs in all provinces (excluding Baghdad and the Kurdistan region), managed to stop waste and maintain 35 billion and 966 million and 923 thousand dinars."
The statement pointed out that "the teams found many irregularities that rise to the level of financial and administrative corruption offenses, which were registered as communications, 25 of which were referred to the Office of the Inspector-General of the Ministry of Municipalities, and 18 reports were sent to the investigation directorates and offices of the Investigations Department , Five of which have become criminal cases pending before the Court of Inquiry dealing with integrity cases, and {13} under investigation. "
He added that "the teams identified properties sold or leased contrary to the controls and instructions in force, and the estimated value of the value of real value, in addition to the failure of the committees of appreciation in the municipalities to take care in determining the rental amounts of properties belonging to them, and rely entirely on the amounts of previous rents, The lack of seriousness of some departments of the municipality to follow up their properties not leased, which led to the exploitation of former tenants informally. "
It is worth mentioning that the Integrity Commission made audit teams of its employees on 24/1/2017 to carry out the audit and audit of the sale and lease transactions of the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works in the governorates and to verify their compliance with the laws, regulations and instructions in force.
He added that "the teams that checked the records of 14 thousand and 341 drugs in all provinces (excluding Baghdad and the Kurdistan region), managed to stop waste and maintain 35 billion and 966 million and 923 thousand dinars."
The statement pointed out that "the teams found many irregularities that rise to the level of financial and administrative corruption offenses, which were registered as communications, 25 of which were referred to the Office of the Inspector-General of the Ministry of Municipalities, and 18 reports were sent to the investigation directorates and offices of the Investigations Department , Five of which have become criminal cases pending before the Court of Inquiry dealing with integrity cases, and {13} under investigation. "
He added that "the teams identified properties sold or leased contrary to the controls and instructions in force, and the estimated value of the value of real value, in addition to the failure of the committees of appreciation in the municipalities to take care in determining the rental amounts of properties belonging to them, and rely entirely on the amounts of previous rents, The lack of seriousness of some departments of the municipality to follow up their properties not leased, which led to the exploitation of former tenants informally. "
It is worth mentioning that the Integrity Commission made audit teams of its employees on 24/1/2017 to carry out the audit and audit of the sale and lease transactions of the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works in the governorates and to verify their compliance with the laws, regulations and instructions in force.
Rafidain: awarded more than 1265 housing units for citizens and employees in Basmaya
Rafidain Bank announced the granting of more than 1265 housing units for citizens and employees registered on the Basmaya residential project.
The bank's information office said in a statement that more than 1,265 housing units had been granted to citizens and employees registered for the purpose of obtaining loans in the compound of Basmaya housing.
He pointed out that the branches allocated for grants are Al-Mustansir - Caliphs - Al-Amin - Safety - Paradise - Al-Zahra neighborhood - Bratha - White Palace - Arab neighborhood - Al-Amel district. And citizens and employees wishing to grant them loans can visit their branches and see the instructions for the country
Parliamentary relations: Kuwait conference will launch a fund for the reconstruction of liberated areas
The Foreign Relations Committee confirmed that the donor conference will see the establishment of the reconstruction fund for the destroyed cities and regions of Iraq, which will be under the direct supervision of the government.
"There is an international and regional desire at the level of governments, civil society organizations, companies and major investors to support Iraq and contribute to the process of stability and reconstruction," committee member Hilal al-Sahlani said in a press release. "The donor conference will translate the extent of Iraq's success in attracting more international support. And regional ".
He added that "this conference will be a real portal to stimulate the wheel of economic, commercial and even cultural, as well as services and infrastructure as well as the tourism sector and the entry of investors to the Iraqi market to implement various projects after the security stability in the country," noting that "financial support and the expected loan volume of outputs Donors conference is not limited to money in kind only, because the large companies will provide opportunities and investment projects to work in Iraq with the availability of government guarantees.
He went on to say that "the government is continuing to invest the positive atmosphere for the opening of diplomatic relations with Iraq and the countries of the world and the region, which were achieved by the final victory on the advocate of the terrorist and the liberation of all areas and Iraqi territories," noting that "the House of Representatives and parliamentary committees in direct contact with government agencies to ensure the polarization of support International and attract investments and capital funds to achieve reconstruction and the reconstruction of the national economy. "d
"There is an international and regional desire at the level of governments, civil society organizations, companies and major investors to support Iraq and contribute to the process of stability and reconstruction," committee member Hilal al-Sahlani said in a press release. "The donor conference will translate the extent of Iraq's success in attracting more international support. And regional ".
He added that "this conference will be a real portal to stimulate the wheel of economic, commercial and even cultural, as well as services and infrastructure as well as the tourism sector and the entry of investors to the Iraqi market to implement various projects after the security stability in the country," noting that "financial support and the expected loan volume of outputs Donors conference is not limited to money in kind only, because the large companies will provide opportunities and investment projects to work in Iraq with the availability of government guarantees.
He went on to say that "the government is continuing to invest the positive atmosphere for the opening of diplomatic relations with Iraq and the countries of the world and the region, which were achieved by the final victory on the advocate of the terrorist and the liberation of all areas and Iraqi territories," noting that "the House of Representatives and parliamentary committees in direct contact with government agencies to ensure the polarization of support International and attract investments and capital funds to achieve reconstruction and the reconstruction of the national economy. "d
Iraq promotes tourism and recreational investments in the conference reconstruction
The entertainment area in Khanaqin city, Diyala province
06 February 2018 05:40 PM
Mubasher : The Iraqi National Investment Commission revealed a range of tourism projects within the map of investment opportunities to be presented at the conference donors to support the reconstruction of Iraq.
The map highlighted a project for the establishment of a recreational tourist zone in the border area of Diyala, Iraq, as well as the rehabilitation and development of Al Habbaniyah leisure resort, the most famous and famous among the Iraqi tourist resorts.
Investment opportunities in the tourism and recreation sector in Iraq also included the construction of a new resort near the Razazah lake, between the provinces of Karbala and Anbar, on the banks of the Euphrates River of Iraq, on an area of 3.8 thousand square kilometers.
The Iraqi Authority said that the "Razaza leisure resort" includes hotels, entertainment area and restaurants, at an initial investment cost of 25 million dollars (29.91 billion dinars).
The plan has also expanded to include the rehabilitation of cinemas and theaters of art and history closed and neglected after the entry of gangs advocating for the Iraqi territory, as well as guest houses, and the establishment of an information city and television channels.
Earlier this year, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi launched a $ 100 billion national reconstruction document .
The reconstruction plan comes in two stages, which will be implemented within 10 years, with the first scheduled to be implemented between 2018 and 2022, while the second will be implemented between 2022 and 2028.
The Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Al-Jarallah said earlier that the donor conference for the reconstruction of Iraq, which will be hosted by his country , will witness a new trend to involve the private sector in the reconstruction process
The Cabinet reviews the government program and votes on issuing loans in liberated areas
Release date: 2018/2/6 20:43 • 40 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The Council of Ministers reviewed in its session on Tuesday, chaired by Haidar al-Abbadi, President of the Council the government program, while voted to release loans in liberated areas.
According to a statement of the Office of the Prime Minister, received the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it today, "The Cabinet reviewed in its meeting today, what has been achieved from the government program, in particular the great achievement of the liberation of the provinces that raped by calling the terrorist and maintain the unity of the country and security progress and economic measures And financial in the light of low oil prices. "
"He also reviewed the achievements of the ministries despite the circumstances of the war and the financial crisis, and the ministers also presented what has been achieved in their ministries within 3 years and the obstacles and challenges faced by their work."
"A council voted on key recommendations to ensure sound investment in Iraq and to launch loans in liberated areas," he said.
"The Council also voted on the instructions to conclude partnership agreements between the public and private sector, and Iraq's accession to the New York Convention of 1958"
"He also reviewed the achievements of the ministries despite the circumstances of the war and the financial crisis, and the ministers also presented what has been achieved in their ministries within 3 years and the obstacles and challenges faced by their work."
"A council voted on key recommendations to ensure sound investment in Iraq and to launch loans in liberated areas," he said.
"The Council also voted on the instructions to conclude partnership agreements between the public and private sector, and Iraq's accession to the New York Convention of 1958"
dd
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:
IMF: Global economic fundamentals strong despite market turmoil
07-02-2018 10:42 AM
Baghdad News -
WASHINGTON (Reuters)
The fundamentals of the global economy are strong, despite recent turmoil in stock markets, with trade and investment increasing and faster-than-expected growth in major economies, the IMF's chief economist Morris Obstfeld said on Tuesday.
"In the last few days we have seen turbulence in markets around the world, but the fundamentals are already strong ... We see these fundamentals improving since mid-2016 and we see very broad-based growth," he said in a live broadcast on Facebook.
Baghdad News -
WASHINGTON (Reuters)
The fundamentals of the global economy are strong, despite recent turmoil in stock markets, with trade and investment increasing and faster-than-expected growth in major economies, the IMF's chief economist Morris Obstfeld said on Tuesday.
"In the last few days we have seen turbulence in markets around the world, but the fundamentals are already strong ... We see these fundamentals improving since mid-2016 and we see very broad-based growth," he said in a live broadcast on Facebook.
Denmark supports Iraq's stability by an additional $ 21 million
Tuesday, 07 February
The Arabs Today -
The Arabs today - Denmark supports the stability of Iraq by an additional $ 21 million
United Nations Development Programme
Baghdad Najla al-Tai
Denmark has announced that it will contribute an additional $ 21 million to $ 400,000 to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for Stabilization in Iraq, which funds fast-track initiatives to stabilize the areas liberated from the Da'ash organization .
"This contribution will make the total amount donated by Denmark since 2015 to date about $ 38.1 million," the UN Development Program (UNDP) said in a statement.
"More than half of the six million people who have fled their homes have returned because of the conflict," said UNDP Representative Liz Gray. "We are trying to accelerate the stabilization process so that 2.6 million people are still homeless and want to return home and rebuild their lives. Iraq's top priorities d
The Arabs today - Denmark supports the stability of Iraq by an additional $ 21 million
United Nations Development Programme
Baghdad Najla al-Tai
Denmark has announced that it will contribute an additional $ 21 million to $ 400,000 to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for Stabilization in Iraq, which funds fast-track initiatives to stabilize the areas liberated from the Da'ash organization .
"This contribution will make the total amount donated by Denmark since 2015 to date about $ 38.1 million," the UN Development Program (UNDP) said in a statement.
"More than half of the six million people who have fled their homes have returned because of the conflict," said UNDP Representative Liz Gray. "We are trying to accelerate the stabilization process so that 2.6 million people are still homeless and want to return home and rebuild their lives. Iraq's top priorities d
Iran announces the opening of three new border ports with the Kurdistan Region
Feb 07, 2018
Iranian consulate in the city of Erbil on Wednesday that the opening of three border ports officially with the Kurdistan Region.
These ports are official to the Government of Kurdistan, but not registered with Baghdad.
The consulate said in a statement that, in agreement with Iran and after obtaining the approval of the federal government and the provincial government has opened the ports of "Shushm", "Serranbar" and "Kelly" with the region.
Passengers and traders can take advantage of these crossings, the statement said.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the province of Sulaymaniyah has announced on Tuesday its final decision to continue the work of border crossings, which is considered by the federal government in Baghdad unofficial.
The Director General of the Customs of the Kurdistan Region, Samal Abdul Rahman, on Saturday denied what was reported by the Kurdish media on the decision to close the unofficial ports in the province.
Abdul Rahman told Ashqaf News that "there is an understanding with the federal government to make these ports official," noting that these ports are official to Kurdistan, but not registered with the federal government. d
Iraq Plans to Secure Oil Route to Iran
https://financialtribune.com/
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Iraqi forces are preparing an operation to consolidate control of an area near the Iran border to be used for the transit of Iraqi oil, two officials said on Monday, highlighting concern about mountainous terrain where armed groups are active.
The operation to secure the Hamrin mountain range could start this week, they told Reuters. The area lies between the Kirkuk oil fields and the town of Khanaqin at the Iranian border.
Iraqi oil officials announced in December plans to transport Kirkuk crude by truck to Iran’s Kermanshah refinery.
The trucking was to start last week and oil officials declined to give reasons for the delay other than it was technical in nature.
The officials did not elaborate on the possible threats to the Hamrin mountain range. But two groups of insurgents are known to be operating there, one formed by remnants of the self-styled Islamic State terror group, while the other known as “White Banners”, is new and little known.
Iraq and Iran have agreed to swap up to 60,000 barrels per day of crude produced from Kirkuk for Iranian oil to be delivered to southern Iraq.d
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Iraqi forces are preparing an operation to consolidate control of an area near the Iran border to be used for the transit of Iraqi oil, two officials said on Monday, highlighting concern about mountainous terrain where armed groups are active.
The operation to secure the Hamrin mountain range could start this week, they told Reuters. The area lies between the Kirkuk oil fields and the town of Khanaqin at the Iranian border.
Iraqi oil officials announced in December plans to transport Kirkuk crude by truck to Iran’s Kermanshah refinery.
The trucking was to start last week and oil officials declined to give reasons for the delay other than it was technical in nature.
The officials did not elaborate on the possible threats to the Hamrin mountain range. But two groups of insurgents are known to be operating there, one formed by remnants of the self-styled Islamic State terror group, while the other known as “White Banners”, is new and little known.
Iraq and Iran have agreed to swap up to 60,000 barrels per day of crude produced from Kirkuk for Iranian oil to be delivered to southern Iraq.d
Jordan approves pipeline project to transport oil from Basra to Aqaba port
Feb 07, 2018
The Jordanian government has given the green light to an oil pipeline project from the southernmost city of Basra to the southern port of Aqaba, Jordan's state media reported Tuesday.
"The Cabinet decided at its meeting on Monday evening to approve a framework agreement to be signed between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil," the government daily Al Rai reported.
Adding that the project aims to extend "a pipeline for the export of Iraqi oil through the territory of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the port of Aqaba and supply Jordan with part of its needs of oil."
She explained that the project «strategic projects» that serve the interests of the two countries, as it believes «a new export outlet for Iraqi oil, as it works to promote energy strategy in Jordan». On April 9, 2013, Jordan and Iraq signed a framework agreement to build a 1,700 km pipeline to transport Iraqi crude oil from Basra to export ports in the port of Aqaba, at a cost of about $ 18 billion and a capacity of 1 million barrels per day. The pipeline is supposed to transport crude oil from the giant Rumaila field in Basra (545 km south of Baghdad) to export ports at the port of Aqaba (325 km south of Amman).
Iraq, which has the third largest oil reserves in the world, estimated at 143 billion barrels after Saudi Arabia and Iran, hopes that this extension will increase its oil exports and diversify its competitors.
The kingdom, which imports 98 percent of its energy needs, hopes the pipeline will supply crude oil needs of about 100,000 bpd and 100 million cubic feet of natural gas. d
"The Cabinet decided at its meeting on Monday evening to approve a framework agreement to be signed between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil," the government daily Al Rai reported.
Adding that the project aims to extend "a pipeline for the export of Iraqi oil through the territory of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the port of Aqaba and supply Jordan with part of its needs of oil."
She explained that the project «strategic projects» that serve the interests of the two countries, as it believes «a new export outlet for Iraqi oil, as it works to promote energy strategy in Jordan». On April 9, 2013, Jordan and Iraq signed a framework agreement to build a 1,700 km pipeline to transport Iraqi crude oil from Basra to export ports in the port of Aqaba, at a cost of about $ 18 billion and a capacity of 1 million barrels per day. The pipeline is supposed to transport crude oil from the giant Rumaila field in Basra (545 km south of Baghdad) to export ports at the port of Aqaba (325 km south of Amman).
Iraq, which has the third largest oil reserves in the world, estimated at 143 billion barrels after Saudi Arabia and Iran, hopes that this extension will increase its oil exports and diversify its competitors.
The kingdom, which imports 98 percent of its energy needs, hopes the pipeline will supply crude oil needs of about 100,000 bpd and 100 million cubic feet of natural gas. d
Central Bank of Iran to Issue Forex Bonds for the First Time
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Valiollah Seif made the statement as part of the banks’ efforts to dissuade investors away from the forex market that is experiencing volatile days with rial weakening to record lows
The rollercoaster of exchange rates in the past couple of weeks seems to have undermined the markets’ faith in officials promising more stable days for the forex market
T he Central Bank of Iran has announced a plan to issue foreign currency bonds for the first time to provide those interested in forex investment with more mainstream instruments.
CBI Governor Valiollah Seif told IRNA that by issuing foreign currency bonds, CBI aims to lure investors keen on dabbling in the foreign exchange market.
The forex bond plan will be unveiled within two weeks.
Seif made the statement as part of the banks’ efforts to dissuade investors away from the forex market that is experiencing volatile days with rial weakening to record lows.
“Currently, there are a variety of choices for investors, including the monetary market, the stock market, the bond market and the housing sector,” he said.
Seif noted that the National Iranian Oil Company is also planning to issue foreign currency bonds of its own, which will take place when the permits are granted.
The official added that CBI’s menu of currency investment includes measures that would provide safe investment options combined with reasonable yields for the public.
After repeatedly warning investors speculating about the fall of the rial that they were heading for losses because his bank could control the foreign exchange market, the CBI chief has resorted to forex bonds to curb the heated demand for hard currency.
The rial dropped to 46,500 against the dollar in the open market late January from 37,700 in mid-2017. Stopping short of touching the prohibitively psychological threshold of 48,000 on Monday, it finally bowed to CBI’s heavy intervention and was quoted at 46,680 against the greenback on Tuesday.
However, the rollercoaster of exchange rates in the past couple of weeks seems to have undermined the markets’ faith in officials promising more stable days for the forex market.
Analysts have advised the government to address the root causes of high inflation and launch foreign exchange reforms instead of alleviating the symptoms through hard currency injection.
On Tuesday, Economy Minister Masoud Karbasian also commented on the situation in the forex market. He cautioned investors expecting high and quick gains to keep away from the currency market or face losses when the market stabilizes.
Even President Hassan Rouhani echoed similar remarks in his news conference on Tuesday. The president urged investors to shun the forex market, saying it will not yield profits for them.
“Our foreign exchange position is even better than before since we have negotiated $30 billion of foreign finance and $12-13 of which have been finalized,” Rouhani said.
In a rush of foreign finance after the lifting of sanctions, Iran signed a $5 billion deal with Italy in January, which marked the biggest finance package received by the country from a European country.
The agreement was signed in Rome between the Iranian state-owned Bank of Industry and Mine and the private-run Middle East Bank, with the investment arm of Italian state-owned holding Invitalia.
Also In late September, Austria’s Oberbank signed a major finance deal with over a dozen Iranian banks, based on which it would provide €1 billion in credits to Italian companies that invest in the Iranian economy.
Forex Rally Linked to Trump
In an interview with ISNA, Seif attributed the forex market volatility to attempts by US President Donald Trump to target the Iranian economy.
“The reality is that the US, especially after the election of its new president, has used its position in the global economy to target the stability of Iranian economy through artificial volatility and spreading anxiety among investors,” he said.
Seif also referred to banking restrictions hindering Iran’s economic relations with the world due to US sanctions as another sign of Washington’s detrimental efforts in this regard.
After the nuclear deal, Washington has maintained financial restrictions, making international private banks wary of financing deals with Iran.
CBI Governor Valiollah Seif told IRNA that by issuing foreign currency bonds, CBI aims to lure investors keen on dabbling in the foreign exchange market.
The forex bond plan will be unveiled within two weeks.
Seif made the statement as part of the banks’ efforts to dissuade investors away from the forex market that is experiencing volatile days with rial weakening to record lows.
“Currently, there are a variety of choices for investors, including the monetary market, the stock market, the bond market and the housing sector,” he said.
Seif noted that the National Iranian Oil Company is also planning to issue foreign currency bonds of its own, which will take place when the permits are granted.
The official added that CBI’s menu of currency investment includes measures that would provide safe investment options combined with reasonable yields for the public.
After repeatedly warning investors speculating about the fall of the rial that they were heading for losses because his bank could control the foreign exchange market, the CBI chief has resorted to forex bonds to curb the heated demand for hard currency.
The rial dropped to 46,500 against the dollar in the open market late January from 37,700 in mid-2017. Stopping short of touching the prohibitively psychological threshold of 48,000 on Monday, it finally bowed to CBI’s heavy intervention and was quoted at 46,680 against the greenback on Tuesday.
However, the rollercoaster of exchange rates in the past couple of weeks seems to have undermined the markets’ faith in officials promising more stable days for the forex market.
Analysts have advised the government to address the root causes of high inflation and launch foreign exchange reforms instead of alleviating the symptoms through hard currency injection.
On Tuesday, Economy Minister Masoud Karbasian also commented on the situation in the forex market. He cautioned investors expecting high and quick gains to keep away from the currency market or face losses when the market stabilizes.
Even President Hassan Rouhani echoed similar remarks in his news conference on Tuesday. The president urged investors to shun the forex market, saying it will not yield profits for them.
“Our foreign exchange position is even better than before since we have negotiated $30 billion of foreign finance and $12-13 of which have been finalized,” Rouhani said.
In a rush of foreign finance after the lifting of sanctions, Iran signed a $5 billion deal with Italy in January, which marked the biggest finance package received by the country from a European country.
The agreement was signed in Rome between the Iranian state-owned Bank of Industry and Mine and the private-run Middle East Bank, with the investment arm of Italian state-owned holding Invitalia.
Also In late September, Austria’s Oberbank signed a major finance deal with over a dozen Iranian banks, based on which it would provide €1 billion in credits to Italian companies that invest in the Iranian economy.
Forex Rally Linked to Trump
In an interview with ISNA, Seif attributed the forex market volatility to attempts by US President Donald Trump to target the Iranian economy.
“The reality is that the US, especially after the election of its new president, has used its position in the global economy to target the stability of Iranian economy through artificial volatility and spreading anxiety among investors,” he said.
Seif also referred to banking restrictions hindering Iran’s economic relations with the world due to US sanctions as another sign of Washington’s detrimental efforts in this regard.
After the nuclear deal, Washington has maintained financial restrictions, making international private banks wary of financing deals with Iran.
d
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How Does Your Credit Score Compare With the Average?
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OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Markets fallout: Oil prices ravaged by financial turmoil
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Investing.com
© Reuters. U.S. natural gas futures edge lower Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Central banks were behind the complacency in markets, now investors are spooked, economist says
CNBC
The U.S. tax changes added to the euphoria in markets, which left many ill-prepared for a potential upswing in inflation, says Bank J. Safra Sarasin. Read the full story
Week ahead: Investors await data on economy, jobs and credit cards
USA TODAY
Banks ease standards on business loans in fourth quarter but demand stays flat
MarketWatch
Bank of Japan must deal with side effects of different-dimension monetary easing
My San Antonio
The following editorial appeared in Monday's Yomiuri Shimbun: The Bank of Japan's different-dimension monetary relaxation has been effective in promoting economic expansion, but at the same time, it is beginning to produce adverse side effects in many areas. The new task facing the central bank is how to secure a balanced policy. Read the full story
USA TODAY
Wall Street turns its eye to fresh reports on consumer credit and the services segment of the U.S. economy. Read the full story
MarketWatch
Banks eased underwriting standards on business loans, but demand stayed flat, the Federal Reserve reported Monday in its fourth-quarter senior loan officer survey. Read the full story
My San Antonio
The following editorial appeared in Monday's Yomiuri Shimbun: The Bank of Japan's different-dimension monetary relaxation has been effective in promoting economic expansion, but at the same time, it is beginning to produce adverse side effects in many areas. The new task facing the central bank is how to secure a balanced policy. Read the full story
Gulf Business
The bank does not currently have a branch or representative office in Saudi Arabia The post UAE’s First Abu Dhabi Bank gets Saudi securities licence appeared first on Gulf Business. Read the full story
Business Insider
The sign outside the Wells Fargo & Co. bank in downtown Denver Thomson Reuters By Aparajita Saxena (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co's shares fell as much as 9.4 percent to $58.05 on Monday, sparking a sector-wide sell off after the Federal Reserve imposed regulatory restrictions on the bank, forcing it to improve its governance and controls in the wake of the sales scandal. Bank of America fell nearly 2 percent, Citigroup fell 1.5 percent, while JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley dipped nearly 0.8 percent Read the full story
Bloomberg
Sure, the Federal Reserve's unexpected sanctions on Wells Fargo & Co. will hurt. But after the initial reaction, investors may want to think twice before they flee. On Monday, the bank's shares tumbled more than 8 percent in intraday trading, their biggest single-day decline since October 2011. The reaction, which shaved some $25 billion from the company's market value, is more than four times the expected extent if you take CEO Tim Sloan at his word. Sloan said late Friday that the regulator's Read the full story
Fed's Wells Fargo punishment sets precedent for harsher era
Chron.com
Chron.com
The Federal Reserve just devised a harsh new punishment after Wells Fargo landed in scandal after scandal - one that may haunt every big bank. The San Francisco-based lender was banned late Friday from growing until it convinces authorities it's addressing shortcomings - an action that could cost it $400 million in profit this year and pushed shares down by the most in more than two years on Monday. Untested is how the cap on total assets will affect the company long term by handing its largest Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
What happened on the Dow's worst single-day point fall
CNN
Stocks went into free fall on Monday, and the Dow plunged almost 1,600 points — easily the biggest point decline in history during a trading day. CNNMoney's Richard Quest explains what went wrong. Read the full story
Art Cashin: The stock market 'snapped like a twig' and may take a day or two still to find bottom
CNBC
Market fear is back in a big way
CNN Money
Stock market meltdown post mortem
Yahoo Finance
CNBC
"The fear builds on itself," says the director of floor operations for UBS. Read the full story
CNN Money
The VIX volatility index surged 106% on Monday — the highest one-day gain ever. Read the full story
Yahoo Finance
Today’s market rout is a continuation of Friday’s meltdown in the US equity markets, which capped off the worst weekly performance by all three major equity market indices in over a year. The Dow Industrials (^DJI, DIA) (-665.75 pts/2.54%) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC, QQQ) (144.94pts/-1.96%) traded lower in lockstep. On Friday NYSE volume surged 8.89%. Read the full story
The stock market is plunging: Here’s what advisers say you should do
MarketWatch
Opinion: Stock and bond investors are now paying the price for the Fed’s dangerous experiment
MarketWatch
Monday's market volatility reflects the new economic reality. Here’s how
PBS NewsHour
MarketWatch
There is suddenly stock-market carnage on Wall Street. How unnatural it must feel to wall Street investors after a protracted period of low volatility and a mostly unmitigated pitch straight up for stocks. Read the full story
MarketWatch
Financial markets got a windfall from central bankers, but here comes the Great Giveback, writes Vitaliy Katsenelson. Read the full story
PBS NewsHour
The sell-off that hit Wall Street on Friday whipsawed the market again on Monday. In one furious, 15-minute stretch, the Dow dropped and recouped 700 points. What made markets plunge? John Yang gets analysis from Gillian Tett of the Financial Times and Diane Swonk of DS Economics. Read the full story
Opinion: Here’s one more threat to the stock market that investors should really fear
MarketWatch
Bonds turn back into safe haven as stocks plummet
CNBC
Market Rout Wipes $114 Billion From Fortunes of World's Richest
Bloomberg
MarketWatch
A protectionist trade war could be a big blow to the bulls, writes Mark Hulbert. Read the full story
CNBC
Stocks plunged in the first major correction in two years, sending investors to the safety of bonds — the very market that started the wild sell off. Read the full story
Bloomberg
A plunge in U.S. stocks Monday cut the fortunes of the world’s 500 richest people by $114 billion as the optimism over tax cuts that fueled January’s gains gave way to worries about inflation. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Chairman Warren Buffett, the world’s third-richest person, was hardest hit, losing $5.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Berkshire is the biggest shareholder of Wells Fargo & Co., which plunged 9.2 percent, the most in the S&P 500. Buffett, 87, was one of 18 Read the full story
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Tuesday
Investing.com
© Reuters. Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Tuesday Read the full story
Investing.com
© Reuters. Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Tuesday Read the full story
INSURANCE/HEALTH
Got the flu? Here's what works to lessen the misery
USA TODAY
No drug cures the flu overnight. But prescription antivirals can help you feel better sooner. Some drug store and home remedies help too. Read the full story
Bustle
When you're laid up with the flu, surrounded by a nest of sweaty blankets and four hours deep into a day of Friends reruns, two questions become all-consuming. First, what type of medicine do you take when you have the flu? Second, how do you get you… Read the full story
Rapid flu tests only 50 to 70 percent reliable, CDC says
CBS News
CBS News
They're the most common flu test performed at hospitals and clinics during flu season Read the full story
Have they found a cure for our cancer?
BBC News US
When Simon Cox was first diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), he feared the worst. But now there are promising developments. Read the full story
BBC News US
When Simon Cox was first diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), he feared the worst. But now there are promising developments. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies tank
CNN Money
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies take a dive as the Dow loses 1,000 points. Read the full story
MarketWatch
The world’s largest cryprocurrency was last down 9% in late Monday trading, at $6,471.54, its first foray below $7,000 since mid-November. Read the full story
ECB looking at risk to banks from digital currencies
Reuters
Reuters
The European Central Bank is working to identify any financial stability risk from digital currencies but banks so far seem to be showing little appetite to invest in Bitcoin, ECB President Mario Draghi said on Monday. Read the full story
Bitcoin continues to tumble, briefly breaking below $6,000
USA TODAY
The digital currency briefly falls below $6,000 to its lowest since mid-November, according to CoinDesk. Read the full story
Bitcoin price falls below $6,000 as banker signals crackdown
the guardian
the guardian
BIS head says cryptocurrency is a ‘Ponzi scheme’ that poses a threat to financial stability The price of bitcoin fell below $6,000 for the first time this year as a leading central banker said it posed a threat to financial stability and signalled a global clampdown on the cryptocurrency. The new head of the Bank for International Settlements, Agustín Carstens, said bitcoin had become a combination of “a bubble, a Ponzi scheme and an environmental disaster” that threatened to undermine public Read the full story
Over $550 billion of value wiped off cryptocurrencies since their record high just under a month ago
CNBC
Bitcoin is off around 70 percent from its all time-high hit in mid-November. Read the full story
CNBC
Bitcoin is off around 70 percent from its all time-high hit in mid-November. Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Forex - Dollar Pauses After Recent Climb, Turns Lower
Investing.com
Dollar retreats following recent U.S. data-related climb Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Slips Lower as U.S. Futures Reverse Declines
Investing.com
Pound to euro exchange rate: Sterling ‘tumbles’ amid government disagreement over Brexit
Express
Forex - Aussie Slips Lower After Data, RBA; Kiwi Turns HigherInvesting.com
© Reuters. Dollar slips lower as U.S. futures reverse declines Read the full story
Express
THE POUND is currently trading against the euro at £1.128, having fallen from yesterday’s figures amid government division over the Brexit deal. The pound has dropped from yesterday’s figures of £1.133, trading against the euro at £1.128. It suffered last week after disappointing manufacturing data that showed a slowing in growth, marking a seven-month low. Read the full story
Investing.com
Aussie edges lower, kiwi gains ground in late trade Read the full story
Investing.com
© Reuters. Aussie falls in Asia Read the full story
Forex - PBOC Sets Yuan Parity At 6.3072 Against Dollar
Investing.com
Yuan parity Read the full story
Investing.com
Yuan parity Read the full story
Jerome Powell Is Sworn In as Federal Reserve Chairman
The New York Times
Mr. Powell faces a growing set of challenges in his new role, including a second day of major stock market declines. Read the full story
Markets putting Powell to the test, even quicker than other Fed chairs
CNBC
House GOP plans vote on short-term spending bill and defense spending
CBS News
CNBC
Markets are putting Fed Chair Jerome Powell to the test on his first day, as stocks spiral lower in one of the most violent sell-offs since June 2016. Read the full story
CBS News
The House is expected to vote on the measure Tuesday. It doesn't address a fix to help DACA recipients or increased border security Read the full story
Federal Reserve could cause a further market selloff
Fox News
Fox News
Kingsview Asset Management chief investment officer Scott Martin, Kaltbaum Capital Management President Gary Kaltbaum, Former Dallas Federal Reserve adviser Danielle DiMartino Booth and FBN's Nicole Petallides discuss the massive market selloff and how the Federal Reserve will impact the economy if it continues to raise interest rates. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
Mexican leftist says can't let oil back in hands of foreignersReuters
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, currently leading polls for Mexico's July presidential election, said on Monday he would try to stop the country's oil from falling into foreign hands and reiterated that he would review recently handed out contracts. Read the full story
Shell Sweeps Nine of 19 Blocks Awarded in Mexico Oil Auction - Oil and Gas News
Oil and Gas People
Oil and Gas People
Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) snapped up nine of 19 Gulf of Mexico oil and gas blocks awarded in a Mexican auction on Wednesday, as the global oil major raised its big bet on Latin America’s deep waters. Mexican officials estimated the auction, the most important since the country’s energy sector opened to foreign firms in 2014, could bring $93 billion in investment to the country as oil firms develop the areas they won. The stakes were high for Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and his Read the full story
U.S. potential ban on Venezuelan oil may hit Valero hardest
My San Antonio
If the U.S. bans oil imports from Venezuela, Valero Energy Corp. and Chevron Corp. may end up paying the price. The U.S. is considering a ban on oil imports from Venezuela and exports of petroleum products, but is wary of the damage to American companies, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday. In addition to exporting oil to America, Venezuela’s state-controlled oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA also exports jet fuel to the U.S., and imports Permian oil and diluent naphtha used to Read the full story
Business Insider
Puerto Rico Governor Rossello speaks during a Facebook live broadcast, in San Juan Thomson Reuters Puerto Rico's governor said his administration will unveil a broad education reform bill on Tuesday, which will include the introduction of school vouchers and charter schools to the bankrupt U.S. territory. Speaking in a radio address on Monday, Governor Ricardo Rossello added that every public school teacher in Puerto Rico would receive a $1,500 annual salary increase next school year. (Reporting Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
Iraq plans military operation to secure oil route to Iran: security sources
Reuters
Iraqi forces are preparing an operation to consolidate control of an area near the Iran border to be used for the transit of Iraqi oil, two officials said on Monday, highlighting concern about mountainous terrain where two armed groups are active. Read the full story
US-led coalition says 'adjusting' down forces in Iraq
The New Arab
The New Arab
US-led coalition says 'adjusting' down forces in Iraq Read the full story
VAT sees UAE firm's costs rise at sharpest pace since 2011
Gulf Business
Gulf Business
Emirates NBD's survey indicated business confidence and hiring was on the up despite the cost increase The post VAT sees UAE firm’s costs rise at sharpest pace since 2011 appeared first on Gulf Business. Read the full story
Egypt nets $100bn inflows since currency float – CBE Governor
Mubasher
Mubasher
Cairo – Mubasher: The Egyptian economy has seen more than $100 billion (EGP 1.76 trillion) in investment since the liberalisation of the exchange rate in November 2016, CentralBank of Egypt’s (CBE) governor Tarek Amer said. This came on the … Read the full story
Saudi Arabia selects ACWA Power for 300MW solar project
Gulf Business
The project will reach financial close by February 28 The post Saudi Arabia selects ACWA Power for 300MW solar project appeared first on Gulf Business. Read the full story
Gulf Business
The project will reach financial close by February 28 The post Saudi Arabia selects ACWA Power for 300MW solar project appeared first on Gulf Business. Read the full story
AFRICA
Africa Roundup: Partech Ventures launches $70M fund, TPG Growth acquires TRACE, Rensource raises $3.5M
TechCrunch
Last month we characterized 2017 as the year Sub-Saharan Africa’s startup scene found its stride. Twenty-eighteen looks to be the year of numerous VC investments. ... Read the full story
Mining Weekly Africa
De Beers may follow its resumption of exploration for diamonds in South Africa’s Northern Cape by looking at opportunities in Zimbabwe and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "I’m excited about what I’m seeing in Zimbabwe," said Phillip Barton, chief executive officer of De Beers’ South African unit. "If we get licenses, we would have a further look." Read the full story
Zimbabwe and China sign 5,000 tonnes oranges export deal
POST Online Media
Zimbabwe: Free, Fair Polls a Must - SB Moyo
AllAfrica
POST Online Media
In conjunction with ZimTrade, the Zimbabwean Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement has managed to facilitate agreements which will enable local farmers to export in excess of 40,000 tonnes of oranges annually to the Chinese market, as early as June. In a statement, ZimTrade said a four-member delegation... Read the full story
AllAfrica
Events that led to the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe were not a military takeover, but a spontaneous reaction by the generality of Zimbabweans who demanded change, and the subsequent holding of free, fair and credible elections will endorse the process, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Moyo (Retired) has said. Minister Moyo said this at a reorientation workshop for Zimbabwe's heads of diplomatic missions yesterday. He said the coming Read the full story
Zimbabwe Needs U.S.$1,5 Billion Annually for InfrastructureAllAfrica
Zimbabwe Needs U.S.$1,5 Billion Annually for Infrastructure Finance and Economic Planning Minister Patrick Chinamasa has told parliament that a significant fund should be reserved yearly to develop the energy, water, rail and information and communications technology sectors. Zimbabwe:'U.S.$1.5 Billion Needed Annually for Infrastructure' Southern Africa:Zimbabwe 'Has Lost 20 Years' and It Needs to Catch Up Zimbabwe:A Cashless Solution for Zimbabwe's Crippling Cash-Crisis Zimbabwe:Emmerson Read the full story
Zimbabwe Needs U.S.$1,5 Billion Annually for Infrastructure Finance and Economic Planning Minister Patrick Chinamasa has told parliament that a significant fund should be reserved yearly to develop the energy, water, rail and information and communications technology sectors. Zimbabwe:'U.S.$1.5 Billion Needed Annually for Infrastructure' Southern Africa:Zimbabwe 'Has Lost 20 Years' and It Needs to Catch Up Zimbabwe:A Cashless Solution for Zimbabwe's Crippling Cash-Crisis Zimbabwe:Emmerson Read the full story
ASIA
China is moving to eliminate all cryptocurrency trading with a ban on foreign exchanges
Business Insider
China has previously taken steps to curb cryptocurrency trading in the country, but recent moves may eliminate trading in the country completely. People's Bank of China said on Sunday that it would block access to all domestic and foreign cryptocurrency exchanges and ICO websites. China already banned Bitcoin exchanges in late 2017 as a way to stem online trading, but the attempt failed to eliminate cryptocurrency trading completely. The cryptocurrency market has lost $340 billion of value since Read the full story
China’s forex new year resolution: hit illegal currency outflows hard in 2018
South China Morning Post
Asian markets fall hard, continuing global selloff
MarketWatch
Asian stock markets fell sharply following a severe rout in the U.S., with declines deepening from a day earlier. Read the full story
South China Morning Post
Foreign exchange regulator promises to tackle underground banks in the interest of national security Read the full story
MarketWatch
Asian stock markets fell sharply following a severe rout in the U.S., with declines deepening from a day earlier. Read the full story
EUROPE
Britain hits back at Trump over public health system tweet
USA TODAY
Trump says Britain's fee health system is 'going broke and not working.' Britons disagreed. Read the full story
Theresa May is taking Britain out of the EU’s customs union – but what comes next?
The Independent
Whether Britain should stay in the EU’s customs union, has become the issue now levering Britain’s Brexit divisions open. Read the full story
Brexit talks: What barriers does the UK face to getting an EU withdrawal deal?
The Independent
The Independent
Brexit talks are back underway in earnest again, with European Commission chief negotiator Michel Barnier over in London for a change. Read the full story
Prepare for a HARD Brexit! ECB boss warns there could be NO Brexit transition deal
Express
BRITAIN could be heading for a hard Brexit as European Central Bank boss Mario Draghi warned institutions must be ready for transition talks to fail. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said “frictions” from Britain’s EU exit are likely to surface as transition talks get underway. Speaking in European Parliament on Monday, Mr Draghi said: “We always prepare for any eventuality but at the same time we are assessing the direction, probability and potential impact of risk. Read the full story
Express
BRITAIN could be heading for a hard Brexit as European Central Bank boss Mario Draghi warned institutions must be ready for transition talks to fail. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said “frictions” from Britain’s EU exit are likely to surface as transition talks get underway. Speaking in European Parliament on Monday, Mr Draghi said: “We always prepare for any eventuality but at the same time we are assessing the direction, probability and potential impact of risk. Read the full story
dd
Blessed and Highly Favored:
The CBI for Wednesday 2/7/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1184
The currency auction is 183,287,165
There are no news and announcements for Wednesday 2/7/18
ISX Update:
Value Traded
1,662,271,478
Shares Traded
2,982,488,547
ISX ended in Green
d
Kauaihn Chatter:
dd
2-7-2018 Newshound Guru mike Article: "Corruption in Iraq file reaches the most dangerous stages" Quote: "The general amnesty issued by parliament earlier in an important outlet for corrupt law in Iraq, provides them with a cover legislative..." ...Abadi is Maliki-Lite, he just has better optics and represents hope for change. It's all smoke and mirrors, both are from the Dawa Party and answer to Iran. Going after the Kurd's and Sunni's for their corruption and ignoring the ruling Shia is typical but...hopefully the IMF sees it as well. You can bet those who attend the "donor" conference in Kuwait know what's going on, imagine putting money into a country that has laws on the books that protect the corrupt politicians. That's a pretty tough sell, it's throwing good money after bad. This conference starts in six days on Monday and Parliament isn't even going to meet again until Sunday, I don't think the odds of them completing a budget in time for the donor conference are very good.
2-6-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke ‘Kuwait allotted 6 weeks to exchange their old Dinars.’ So, the old Kuwait Dinar was being phased out and people had 6 weeks in which to exchange the old for the new Kuwait currency. ...could February (this month) produce the same dynamics? ie could Iraq rv their Iraqi Dinar in a similar way to how Kuwait did in ‘91? ...the rv of the Iraqi Dinar is not happening in an obvious way, ie. as the Intel being shared around the internet is telling us it is. So I conclude, it is unfolding in an unobvious way, so not to get hung up on the details that are coming from ‘sources’. I hope this helps. To me it’s simple, it’s a trap to overthink and get in our own way with trying to figure it out. Relax and know it’s happening! "In Chess…..Who cares when you Sacrifice the Day of a Battle, if you’re Guaranteed to WIN THE WAR...IN FEBRUARY?" CHECKMATE.
2-6-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru tman23 ...The IMF is telling Iraq to get on the move otherwise the upcoming conference may be a bust...all this money raised this week might find itself in another coffer and Iraq on an island....I like the one statement/question ...Has Abadi overplayed his hand?
2-6-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article quote: "...continuous meetings between the parliamentary blocs to resolve differences on the financial budget for 2018, in the presence of Prime Minister Haider Abadi for two consecutive days to parliament to accelerate the adoption of the budget." I am convinced now that there is some connection with getting the budget passed and getting the re-instatement of the currency. This is noteworthy to pay attention to. Quote: "...the importance of Iraq does not lose the respect of the international community us, through demands do not lead to a result. For the Kuwait conference,HOW CAN IRAQ GO TO THE CONFERENCE AND UNDERSTAND WITH DONOR COUNTRIES AND HE WAS UNABLE TO APPROVE HIS BUDGET? This is a very negative signal, and therefore the budget must be approved before the Kuwait Conference.
2-6-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru tman23 ...The IMF is telling Iraq to get on the move otherwise the upcoming conference may be a bust...all this money raised this week might find itself in another coffer and Iraq on an island....I like the one statement/question ...Has Abadi overplayed his hand?
2-6-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article quote: "...continuous meetings between the parliamentary blocs to resolve differences on the financial budget for 2018, in the presence of Prime Minister Haider Abadi for two consecutive days to parliament to accelerate the adoption of the budget." I am convinced now that there is some connection with getting the budget passed and getting the re-instatement of the currency. This is noteworthy to pay attention to. Quote: "...the importance of Iraq does not lose the respect of the international community us, through demands do not lead to a result. For the Kuwait conference,HOW CAN IRAQ GO TO THE CONFERENCE AND UNDERSTAND WITH DONOR COUNTRIES AND HE WAS UNABLE TO APPROVE HIS BUDGET? This is a very negative signal, and therefore the budget must be approved before the Kuwait Conference.
2-6-2018 Newshound Guru Don961 Do they truly think no one knows what was done with all the money...or who was/is responsible? ...these same faces and political parties want to be in position to do it again...there are over 200 parties registered for the upcoming elections...is this to distance themselves from the parties who blew it before? Do they truly want to help...or is that also a ploy to fool the world into thinking things are really changing...only to have the same people join right back together again in their "alliances" to continue what they were doing under a different name? ...If they are sincere about helping the citizens, are peaceful, want to truly do business in a safe way in a safe environment...then there is a long line of people who want to do business and are chomping at the bit to help build a wealthy, prosperous nation... Now up to 1800 companies and businessmen!! ...they must love that pretty girl and her colorful currency! We see much progress...more than ever before...we'll see how it goes...imo. [post 2 of 2]
2-6-2018 Newshound Guru Don961 Article: "Kuwait announces hosting a new meeting of the International Alliance against Daqash and reveals the most prominent contents expected" Quote: "70 countries and 4 international organizations and bodies were participating in a ministerial meeting of the countries participating in the international alliance against Daqash, scheduled for February 13 in Kuwait." All these "leaders" want everyone to come in and help rebuild Iraq... the world has tried to help do that before...Poured billions upon billions in money, equipment, expertise, other resources into the country...and precious lives...enough to rebuild Iraq several times over...only to have it stolen, misappropriated...and countless other ways wealth was redirected to someone's personal bank account... [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
2-6-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 [Do you think they need a real RI/RV rate before the kuwait conference begins? IYO?] YES.2-6-2018 Newshound Guru mike Article: "The House of Representatives completes reading the proposal of the second amendment law to the law of elections of the House of Representatives" ...this is a telling article. There are so many agenda's it boggles the mind, it seems most are happy to hold things up by keeping it in committee. The last thing I want to see is more seats added to the government, with the Sunni's displaced and the Kurd's infighting, this would only benefit the Shia, everyone else is disorganized. Hopefully they can get this deal sorted out quickly, Free and open elections are kind of important when building a Iraqi democracy; For better or worse, the quote [quota ?] system is still a big deal in Iraq "He pointed out that the quota is granted" d
2-6-2018 Newshound Guru Don961 Article: "Kuwait announces hosting a new meeting of the International Alliance against Daqash and reveals the most prominent contents expected" Quote: "70 countries and 4 international organizations and bodies were participating in a ministerial meeting of the countries participating in the international alliance against Daqash, scheduled for February 13 in Kuwait." All these "leaders" want everyone to come in and help rebuild Iraq... the world has tried to help do that before...Poured billions upon billions in money, equipment, expertise, other resources into the country...and precious lives...enough to rebuild Iraq several times over...only to have it stolen, misappropriated...and countless other ways wealth was redirected to someone's personal bank account... [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
2-6-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 [Do you think they need a real RI/RV rate before the kuwait conference begins? IYO?] YES.2-6-2018 Newshound Guru mike Article: "The House of Representatives completes reading the proposal of the second amendment law to the law of elections of the House of Representatives" ...this is a telling article. There are so many agenda's it boggles the mind, it seems most are happy to hold things up by keeping it in committee. The last thing I want to see is more seats added to the government, with the Sunni's displaced and the Kurd's infighting, this would only benefit the Shia, everyone else is disorganized. Hopefully they can get this deal sorted out quickly, Free and open elections are kind of important when building a Iraqi democracy; For better or worse, the quote [quota ?] system is still a big deal in Iraq "He pointed out that the quota is granted" d
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Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 3
![Good Morning America]()
CATHERINE THORBECKE and CHRISTY DUAN MD.,Good Morning America 14 hours ago
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ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Abadi's website; posted only on the Arabic side, not posted on the English side)
The Council of Ministers holds its regular session chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi
6 February 2018
The Cabinet held its regular session on Tuesday 6 February 2018 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi.
The Council of Ministers allocated part of its session today to review the achievements of the government program, in particular the great achievement of liberating the provinces that were raped by the terrorist and maintaining the unity of the country and the security progress and economic and financial measures in light of the low oil prices. The ministers also presented the achievements of their ministries within 3 years and the obstacles and challenges facing their work.
The Cabinet voted on key recommendations to ensure sound investment in Iraq.Loans were voted on in liberated areas.The Council voted on the instructions to conclude partnership contracts between the public and private sectors.
The Cabinet also voted on Iraq's accession to the 1958 New York Convention.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
6 February 2018
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ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Abadi's website; posted on both the Arabic and English sides)
Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abbadi receives a telephone call from the British Foreign Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson
6 February 2018
Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi received a telephone call from British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson Tuesday evening.
During the meeting, they discussed enhancing cooperation between the two countries and the Iraq reconstruction conference in Kuwait, in addition to the political and economic situation.
Mr. Johnson stressed his country's support for Iraq in the fields of investment, activating the private sector and the entry of British investment companies to work in Iraq as well as other sectors.
Mr. Johnson renewed the invitation from British Prime Minister Theresa May to Dr. Haider Al Abadi to visit the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
6 February 2018
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ARTICLE 2-A
Tweets from PM Abadi's twitter account/
@HaiderAlAbadi, 2-6-2018, around 2:20 pm Eastern
We call on the House of Representatives not to delay the approval of the budget.
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ARTICLE 2-B
Tweets from Government of Iraq twitter account:
- PM @HaiderAlAbadi: The @IraqiGovt is taking measures to remove barriers to investment. We are determined to make Iraq one of the most attractive environments for investors
Government of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 2-6-2018, around 2:30 pm Eastern
PM @HaiderAlAbadi: The number of major European companies registering to take part in the Iraq Reconstruction Conference in Kuwait has doubled over the last few days. This is a reflection of the broader global interest in the rebuilding of our countryGovernment of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 2-6-2018, around 2:30 pm Eastern PM @HaiderAlAbadi: We are finalising our preparations for the Iraq Reconstruction Conference in Kuwait. Governments from around the world, and major companies from Europe, the USA, the Gulf, Japan and China have all confirmed that they will be attending the conference
Government of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 2-6-2018, around 2:30 pm Eastern
PM @HaiderAlAbadi: One of the @IraqiGovt’s top priorities is ensuring the voluntary, safe and dignified return of IDPs. We will not force anyone to return against their willGovernment of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 2-6-2018, around 2:30 pm Eastern
PM @HaiderAlAbadi: The number of Global Coalition troops in Iraq will be reduced gradually, but we will continue to need air support from our Coalition partners as we hunt down Daesh remnantsGovernment of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 2-6-2018 around 2:30 pm Eastern
PM @HaiderAlAbadi: It is vital that Parliament approves the federal budget for 2018; any delay is wrong and unacceptable because it hurts our citizens and undermines our ability to deliver public services- PM @HaiderAlAbadi holds his weekly press conference in Baghdad, briefs media on latest national development.
- Through Iraq’s Industrial Bank the @IraqiGovt is making discounted interest rate loans available to support small & medium size businesses, encourage innovation & entrepreneurship and promote private-sector growth #InvestIraq
Iraq joins the Convention on International Arbitration in Commercial Disputes
2018/2/6 21:38
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The Iraqi cabinet voted Tuesday to accede to the 1958 New York Convention on International Arbitration in Commercial Disputes.
"The Cabinet held its ordinary session under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi and the Cabinet allocated part of its session today to review the achievements of the government program, in particular the great achievement of the liberation of the provinces Which was raided by the terrorist and the maintenance of the unity of the country and security progress and economic and financial measures in the light of the low oil prices, and what was accomplished by the ministries despite the circumstances of the war and the financial crisis. The ministers also presented what has been achieved in their ministries within 3 years, Inspirational".
The cabinet voted "on key recommendations to ensure sound investment in Iraq and voted to release loans in liberated areas."
The Cabinet voted "on the instructions to conclude partnership contracts between the public and private sectors."
The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards [New York, 1958] is called the [New York Convention] and entered into force on 7 June 1959.
The objectives of the Convention are to recognize the growing importance of international arbitration as a means of settling international trade disputes. The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards seeks to provide common legislative criteria for the recognition of arbitration agreements as well as the recognition and enforcement of foreign and non-domestic arbitral awards by the courts.
The term "non-domestic" appears to include arbitral awards which, although issued in the enforcement State, are treated as "foreign" under the law of that State because of the presence of a foreign element in the proceedings, for example in the application of the procedural laws of another State.
The main objective of the Convention is to seek non-discrimination against foreign and non-domestic arbitral awards; therefore, the Convention obliges States parties to ensure that such decisions are recognized and generally considered enforceable in their jurisdictions in the same way as domestic arbitral awards. A further objective of the Convention is that it requires the courts of States parties to make arbitration agreements fully effective by requiring the courts to deny the parties access to the court in breach of their agreement to refer a dispute to an arbitral tribunal.
The Convention shall be open to any State Member of the United Nations, any other State member of any specialized agency of the United Nations system or a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.
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ARTICLE 4
Observatory calls on Abadi to investigate allegations of corruption in the offices of state institutions
2018/2/6 22:42
[Ayna-Baghdad]
Iraqi Observatory for Press Freedoms called on Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to open an urgent investigation into allegations of corruption in the offices of media ministries, departments and state institutions.
"When we review the information offices in some government departments to obtain advertisements, we are shocked by strange and odd requests, such as paying up to half of the amount of the declaration as a commission for the people in the media office, and the request The ugliest is the signals issued by the sending representatives of the Declaration of Ishkin in fact of bargaining and some of them weep for the excess of sadness and shock to be the ethics on the altar of vice.
The newspaper's editor asked "to remove the media managers of those institutions who took advantage of their long presence in the office for high financial gains and were financial empires. Some of them bought luxury homes in high-rise neighborhoods of the capital Baghdad with hundreds of millions. Others asked for financial ratios for advertising, Including the sending of a girl with special specifications and under the age of twenty-five years and does not have a spray and not veiled !! "
"Some of them refuse to send an advertising representative from the men and say, 'I want [a girl].'"
The Observatory of Freedoms said that "it preserves the testimony of the press organizations on the matter."
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ARTICLE 5
A new Iraqi list of wanted people includes Baghdadi
2018/2/6 18:42
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The Iraqi authorities on Tuesday published a new list of internationally wanted leaders, led by a leader calling on terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, nine Iraqis and five Arab nationals, including Saudi, Qatari, Jordanian and Yemeni.
"These names are more dangerous than the first list, and they are wanted for the international judiciary and not just for the Iraqi judiciary," a senior Iraqi official said.
The most wanted is the leader of the preacher, called [Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri Samarrai] known as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Waleed al-Baghdadi is on the list, his deputy and the second man in Daqash Abdul Rahman Mustafa al-Qaduli, known as "Abu Alaa al-Afri", who comes from the province of Nineveh, which was the center of the organization during the period of taking over vast areas of the country.
The Iraqi authorities for the first time, the first Sunday, the names of 60 people of the most wanted for belonging to the organization called and Al Qaeda and the Baath Party, which was headed by Saddam and the list was free from the name of al-Baghdadi.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the liberation of Iraq from the gangs of terrorist gangs on Dec. 9 last year.
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ARTICLE 6
Grapes antidepressants and new anxieties
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - February 6 - Grapes contain a natural chemical element that can treat depression if taken regularly, a new study suggests. This component targets cells in the brain that recent studies have revealed play an important role in the development of depression.
According to the study conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, polyphenols in grapes target the pathway that leads to the development of depression and anxiety.
The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Sharing, and described grape intake regularly in the diet as a treatment that helps to resist the symptoms of depression and anxiety targets the neurotransmitters better than the antidepressants currently available.
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ARTICLE 7
Follow-up to article reported yesterday; the following article appeared in Yahoo "News" on 2-6-2018:
Consuming very hot tea may increase esophageal cancer risk for smokers and drinkers, study finds
Smokers and drinkers may want to wait for their morning cup of tea to cool off before they start drinking it, in order to decrease their risk of developing esophageal cancer, a new study suggests.
The study, published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that people who smoke or drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day (measured as 15 grams of alcohol or approximately one 12-ounce beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor) could be at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer if they also consume tea at a very high temperature
Researchers in China examined 456,155 people between the ages of 30 to 79 over a more than nine-year period, monitoring their smoking habits, alcohol and tea consumption. Tea drinkers were asked to self-report whether the tea they consumed was room temperature, warm, hot or burning hot.
Those who reported drinking hot or burning hot tea daily and who also drank more than one alcoholic beverage every day had a 127 percent increased risk of esophageal cancer. Meanwhile, daily tea drinkers who consumed hot or burning hot tea and smoked had a 56 percent higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, according to the study.
Those who did all three -- drinking hot or burning hot tea daily, smoking and consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day -- increased their risk of esophageal cancer by five times, the researchers found.
While this is one of the largest studies of its type, it did not ask participants to measure the exact temperature of their daily cup of tea, instead asking participants to select from the four categories of room temperature, or warm, hot or burning hot.
This particular study was conducted in China and asked specifically about drinking hot tea. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, however, has classified drinking "very hot beverages" -- not just limited to tea -- as "probably carcinogenic to humans."
An editorial accompanying the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine noted, however, that recent medical literature suggests that there is little risk from consuming hot beverages at temperatures below 149 degrees Fahrenheit, adding that in the U.S., coffee is typically consumed at the around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, for those who neither smoked nor consumed more than one alcoholic drink a day, there was no elevated risk.
While the study may cause concern for those who prefer scalding hot beverages, "most people drink their tea and coffee at a temperature that seems unlikely to cause cancer," the editorial stated.
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