WOTS Thursday 5/17/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,173.1000 | 1,173.1000 | 1,173.1000 | | 20:00 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,735.5000 | 22,528.0000 | 22,528.0000 | | 04:15 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.3575 | 6.3293 | 6.3293 | | 06:51 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3012 | 0.3004 | 0.3011 | | 06:50 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3572 | 1.3524 | 1.3562 | | 06:51 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 14,051.0000 | 13,963.0000 | 13,988.0000 | | 06:46 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:
‘If he says die, we die’: Al-Sadr loyalists jubilant at Iraq poll triumph
Updated 52 sec ago
May 17, 201803:35
260
- If, as expected, the Muqtada Al-Sadr's political bloc comes out on top, it will mark an extraordinary transformation for a man best known for his ferocious opposition to the US occupation.
- The vote could leave him with a key role in forming the largest parliamentary bloc, which has the right to nominate Iraq’s prime minister and form a government.
BAGHDAD, IRAQ: Muqtada Al-Sadr, the volatile Shiite cleric who once sent his supporters into battle against US troops, has emerged as the unlikely kingmaker in Iraq’s parliamentary elections.
With his black turban, short grey beard and heavyset build, Sadr’s imposing presence looms over Baghdad literally and metaphorically as the final votes from this week’s poll are counted and campaign posters litter the streets.
Full results are due to be announced later on Thursday and if, as expected, the political bloc led by the 44-year-old comes out on top, it will mark an extraordinary transformation for a man best known for his ferocious opposition to the US occupation.
While Al-Sadr remains inextricably linked with his violent past, the steadfast loyalty of his supporters has enabled him to benefit from the low turnout that hindered his rivals in Saturday’s election.
For his legions of devoted admirers, the cleric’s reputation for independence and his status as the scion of one of Iraq’s most notable Shiite families are more important than his policies.
Ahmad Al-Anbaki, a 28-year-old Al-Sadr supporter, told Arab News: “We are Sadr’s followers. We do what he says without arguing or thinking.
“If he says die, we will die for him. If he says fight, we will fight under his banner. And if he says be peaceful, we will be peaceful. Al-Sadr’s orders are non-negotiable.”
With 92 percent of the votes already counted in 16 of Iraq’s 18 provinces, Sadr’s Sairoon alliance is on course to gain dozens of seats in the country’s 329-seat Parliament.
The cleric owes much of his strength to the legacy of his father, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Mohammed Sadeq Al-Sadr, a vocal opponent of former President Saddam Hussein, who was assassinated with two of his sons in 1999.
Building on his father’s reputation as a defender of the poor, the young Al-Sadr emerged on Iraq’s political scene after the 2003 US-led invasion.
His militia, the Mehdi army, fought pitched battles against American troops in Baghdad’s slums and the holy city of Najaf. It also struck fear into many Sunni Iraqis and was accused of carrying out kidnappings, torture and extrajudicial killings.
But when Al-Sadr began to distance himself from Iran, he found himself sidelined by fellow Shiite politicians more closely aligned with Tehran and his influence dwindled. He has participated in previous elections with limited success.
Saturday’s vote, however, could leave him with a key role in forming the largest parliamentary bloc, which has the right to nominate Iraq’s prime minister and form a government.
Abdulwahid Tuama, an Iraqi political analyst, told Arab News: “Sadr’s strength lies in the blind obedience of his followers. They are ready to follow him anywhere and do whatever he asks them to do without discussions.”
The Sairoon alliance includes Iraq’s Communist Party and is anti-Iranian but also anti-American, while Al-Sadr portrays himself as a nationalist keen to bridge the sectarian divisions of old.
Voter turnout was just 44.52 percent on Saturday, down 15 percent from the previous parliamentary election in 2014.
Second place in the election seems set to go to the Iranian-backed Al-Fattah alliance, which is supported by armed Shiite factions. Another grouping, the Al-Nassir coalition of current Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, is likely to come third.
Al-Sadr’s supporters, meanwhile, are preparing to celebrate his extraordinary victory.
“I completely trust him,” Haider Al-Fraidawi, a 40-year-old voter, told Arab News. “I believe he is able to decide the best for this nation.”
Maliki to Trump envoy: Iraq is looking to form a strong government to achieve its legitimate aspirations
 | |
Brainworks to test investors' appetite for Zimbabwe with fund raise
Following the 2017 change in government, Brainworks' chief executive believes Zimbabwe is primed to be a key investment and tourist destination
Brainworks Limited (JSE:BRA) is refocusing its attention on its core assets of real estate and hospitality as it plans to dispose of its financial services arm as part of a restructuring.
Brett Childs, chief executive of the Zimbabwe-focused group, said financial services had already returned around twenty-times its initial investment and the group had decided to “take the money off the table”.
Following the November 2017 coup in which President Robert Mugabe was ousted by the Zimbabwe military and replaced with former first vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa, Childs believes the country is primed as a key investment and tourist destination, which has driven the decision to regroup around hospitality.
The firm’s initial fundraising plans when it floated on the Johannesburg exchange in October 2017 were scuppered by investor scepticism, given political uncertainty in the country, but given the recent changes, this attitude could be on the turn.
“I think the President is saying the right things, that the country is open for business, and after the inauguration there was an immediate reaction from the investment community” Childs told Proactive.
“We’ve seen the interest pick up tremendously. If the next set of elections are verified by the EU, IMF and other global organisations, we will see Zimbabwe take off as an investment destination.”
Childs added that trading had already improved: “The last quarter at the end of March, which is generally our low season has been our best quarter for a number of years” says Childs.
“In Victoria Falls we have 3 hotels, around 750 beds, and over the Easter weeks we had 94% occupancy, so it is an exciting time to be involved in tourism” he adds.
The company is eyeing up a fund raise
Childs said: “We are looking to bring in US$15mln into the market, as sort of a test to see how investors are viewing Zimbabwe following the changes.”
The fund raise will also allow Brainworks to pay down some debt and give a small war chest to go after some opportunities that are here in Zimbabwe, he added.
The capital raise is expected to close around mid-June of this year.
Acquisitions might include third-party providers of guest activities at its hotels, such as tours and safaris.
“We have already picked out a couple of the best opportunities in our supply chain and we would like to go after those,” says Childs.
“We pick up a commission of about 20% for each guest that books with them, so we think why not pick up 100%?” he adds.
At last close, shares in Johannesburg-listed Brainworks stood at R7.5, with a market cap of around R647mln.
8 things you should know before you go to Zimbabwe
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know there have been political changes afoot in Zimbabwe.
Robert Mugabe is out and there's a new president - Emmerson Mnangagwa - which has brought a more upbeat attitude to the country.
And there's no shortage of things to do as a visitor.
So, if you're planning to take a trip to Zimbabwe, here are eight things you should know before you go.
1. Communicating is pretty easy
For lazy language learners, it's always helpful if locals speak the same language as you.
English is widely spoken in Zimbabwe making it that much easier to get around.
If you have a bit of confidence, why not try out a few words in Shona, one of Zimbabwe's most-spoken languages?
Mhoro means hello, mangwanani is good morning and wakadini zvako translates to how are you?
2. White rhino trekking is a thrill and a half
Grab the chance to see white rhino on foot. Honestly, you'll never forget it.
The Matobo National Park is the place to go to see both white and black rhino.
3. Victoria Falls: one of the great wonders of the world
If you get as far as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia check out the Victoria Falls.
The falls are the southern boundary of the Great Rift Valley and the amount of water going over the edge is immense.
To get a proper view, book one of the helicopter rides. Walking through the rain forest on the opposite side as you get completely drenched – it's a mind blowing experience.
4. Definitely go on a safari
Always wanted to spot one of the Big Five? Then you need to try a game drive.
The parks here have lions, leopards, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephants and much more.
Or take a boat ride on a river to see hippos.
On safari, wear neutral colours like beige, brown or olive to help you blend in.
Stay alert in the bush. Creatures may be in the vicinity – even in your room.
Robert Mugabe is out and there's a new president - Emmerson Mnangagwa - which has brought a more upbeat attitude to the country.
And there's no shortage of things to do as a visitor.
So, if you're planning to take a trip to Zimbabwe, here are eight things you should know before you go.
1. Communicating is pretty easy
For lazy language learners, it's always helpful if locals speak the same language as you.
English is widely spoken in Zimbabwe making it that much easier to get around.
If you have a bit of confidence, why not try out a few words in Shona, one of Zimbabwe's most-spoken languages?
Mhoro means hello, mangwanani is good morning and wakadini zvako translates to how are you?
2. White rhino trekking is a thrill and a half
Grab the chance to see white rhino on foot. Honestly, you'll never forget it.
The Matobo National Park is the place to go to see both white and black rhino.
3. Victoria Falls: one of the great wonders of the world
If you get as far as the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia check out the Victoria Falls.
The falls are the southern boundary of the Great Rift Valley and the amount of water going over the edge is immense.
To get a proper view, book one of the helicopter rides. Walking through the rain forest on the opposite side as you get completely drenched – it's a mind blowing experience.
4. Definitely go on a safari
Always wanted to spot one of the Big Five? Then you need to try a game drive.
The parks here have lions, leopards, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephants and much more.
Or take a boat ride on a river to see hippos.
On safari, wear neutral colours like beige, brown or olive to help you blend in.
Stay alert in the bush. Creatures may be in the vicinity – even in your room.
My friend found a Black Mamba snake curled up in one of his carrier bags.
5. Be sensible, and stay safe
Check the foreign and commonwealth office advice before going to Zimbabwe.
If there is potential for political unrest, it'll be posted on the site.
I probably don't have to tell you to use common sense.
Keep your phone out of sight and tuck handbags under your arm when walking around in cities.
Put valuables and passports in a safe, if there's one available.
And don't forget to lock doors and windows when you leave your hotel room or lodge.
6. How much money to bring
US Dollars are the preferred currency. But there is a shortage, so try to bring enough for your stay.
You can withdraw $20 – $100 a day from a bank but you'll need $55 on entry to buy a Visa.
Credit cards can also be used.
In destinations like Victoria Falls you can pay for an excursion, like a helicopter ride, with a credit card.
But then for the Zambezi Park fee, you will need cash ($15).
7. Malaria zones
Some areas of Zimbabwe have a high risk of malaria.
This includes Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and the centre of the country.
It's not worth taking any risks, so use insect repellent and talk to your GP or travel nurse about anti-malaria tablets.
8. Chibuku is an acquired taste, but Zambezi beer is fine
Chibuku is an African beer made from malted sorghum and maize. Cheap but really awful (yes, I've tried it).
Opt for Zambezi beer instead, which is quite refreshing.
Chicken and oxtail are popular dishes, but there are also vegetarian options, including corn on the cob, Sadza (cooked maize), butternut squash and Zimbabwe greens.
Locals also eat dried caterpillars from the Emperor moth called mopane worms.
5. Be sensible, and stay safe
Check the foreign and commonwealth office advice before going to Zimbabwe.
If there is potential for political unrest, it'll be posted on the site.
I probably don't have to tell you to use common sense.
Keep your phone out of sight and tuck handbags under your arm when walking around in cities.
Put valuables and passports in a safe, if there's one available.
And don't forget to lock doors and windows when you leave your hotel room or lodge.
6. How much money to bring
US Dollars are the preferred currency. But there is a shortage, so try to bring enough for your stay.
You can withdraw $20 – $100 a day from a bank but you'll need $55 on entry to buy a Visa.
Credit cards can also be used.
In destinations like Victoria Falls you can pay for an excursion, like a helicopter ride, with a credit card.
But then for the Zambezi Park fee, you will need cash ($15).
7. Malaria zones
Some areas of Zimbabwe have a high risk of malaria.
This includes Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and the centre of the country.
It's not worth taking any risks, so use insect repellent and talk to your GP or travel nurse about anti-malaria tablets.
8. Chibuku is an acquired taste, but Zambezi beer is fine
Chibuku is an African beer made from malted sorghum and maize. Cheap but really awful (yes, I've tried it).
Opt for Zambezi beer instead, which is quite refreshing.
Chicken and oxtail are popular dishes, but there are also vegetarian options, including corn on the cob, Sadza (cooked maize), butternut squash and Zimbabwe greens.
Locals also eat dried caterpillars from the Emperor moth called mopane worms.
Iran Set to Create Bank for European Transactions
Tehran has taken preliminary steps to establish a bank for transactions between Iran and the European Union in euro to settle all financial issues that might arise after Washington's recent decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Iranian Ambassador to Germany Ali Majedi said on Monday.
"We have not waited for others to take this move and adopted some measures to set up a euro-based bank … Europe should establish a euro bank to continue banking cooperation with Iran … Certainly, a bank that only works with euro will strengthen euro," Majedi was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.
"The creation of such a bank would allow Europeans to continue trade with Iran, as well as with Russia, which is also under the US sanctions."
The Iranian diplomat suggested that this bank could be private, added that it would be based in Germany, Sputnik reported.
"At present, Iran and the EU, as well as Russia and China, are facing an important test to show to the world through cooperation that in some areas things can be done without the US," he said.
Majedi emphasized the importance of the commitment of Iran and the European states to uphold the Iran nuclear deal, despite the US unilateral withdrawal.
Arash Shahraeini, a board member of the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran, told the Persian newspaper Ta'adol that the establishment of a special bank for Iran would help bypass US sanctions.
"This is perhaps the first time in history that Europe is trying to come out of the US sphere of influence and act independently. It appears that Europe has become the moving engine of JCPOA," he said.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the formal name of the Iran nuclear deal.
EU measures follow the recent US pullout from the nuclear deal five other world powers signed with Iran, citing alleged flaws and demanding the inclusion of non-nuclear provisions.
Other signatories—China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—have opposed the US move.
European politicians, in particular, have opposed the US diktat that EU companies toe the American line and shun Iran.
Since the Iran nuclear deal was signed in June 2015 and came into effect in early 2016, many large EU companies, such as Airbus, Total and Volkswagen, have engaged in deals with the Iranian companies.
Shielding European Firms
The EU is also considering how to protect its companies in Iran as well as retaliatory measures in the wake of the US pullout from JCPOA, French National Assembly member Delphine O said in remarks at the Atlantic Council on Tuesday.
"There are a number of options that we are looking at and I think those options fall into two categories. First category would be how do we simply protect our interests? How do we allow our companies to continue to do business in Iran [and] to invest in Iran?" the lawmaker said.
"How do we shield them from the secondary sanctions?"
The second category, she added, is how to retaliate against US actions that affect European companies and whether the EU should also put in place extraterritorial measures.
O stressed that the message that they would like to convey is that the EU would rather focus on the first category and not have to resort to the second.
Delphine O also told Sputnik that Tehran's idea of settling transactions with the EU in euro was worth looking at in light of the US government’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposition of sanctions.
Asked if Iran’s initiative was worth considering, O said, "Yes, we will look at any mechanisms that would allow us to trade in euros and not in dollars in order not to be affected by the [US] secondary sanctions … We would look into European Investment Fund that would also protect our companies. So, we would look at all sorts of options."
US President Donald Trump announced his withdrawal from JCPOA on May 8 and outlined plans to reimpose sanctions on Iran, which had been lifted as part of the accord. Other signatories to JCPOA, however, criticized Trump’s decision to unilaterally pull out.
The JCPOA requires Tehran to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran has been in full compliance with the terms of JCPOA as verified in 11 International Atomic Energy Agency inspection reports released since the deal’s inception.
CBI, ISX and Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
ISX Update:
Value traded
704,711,213
Shares traded 822,134,121
ISX closed in the green
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke When the CBI a few weeks ago, said they were “Ready & just waiting for a SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT” ...What the CBI TRULY MEANT, was “We need to wait and MAKE SURE the right Prime Minister & his Groups - his PEEPS - is in Place, BEFORE we Publicly & Officially change the currency.”...all because the UN, IMF & U.S. made sure of it. They do not want another Saddam Hussein disaster, which could otherwise escalate very rapidly, with one of the OTHER candidates making Prime Minister in power, bringing strong Iranian influence into their future. This had to be GUARANTEED NOT TO HAPPEN - ONLY AFTER THE ELECTION - NOT BEFORE...and NO, the Election was NOT Rigged. They already knew the overwhelming sentiment and direction things were heading...Waaaaaay IN ADVANCE. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke ...We said over a month ago many times, that Iraq would NOT substantially raise the value of the Dinar Officially & Publicly, BEFORE the Elections...We’ve also been telling you the HUGE IMPORTANCE of North Korea... Now, you SEE...WHY it’s so important in you getting paid SUBSTANTIALLY, on your Currency Investment, with Iraq & Vietnam. REGIONAL PEACE, especially in the Far East, affects your Vietnam Dong currency, as well as, China, and the connections both China & N. Korea have to ISIS, Iran & Syria in the Middle East REGIONS. Do you “SEE” yet? [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 On Monday I said we should see the RV by Friday, but we were expected a release on Monday. Now I really think it will be out by Friday. I don’t understand it all, unless that was the plan to start with. I’d think there is some reason Abadi took the chance, but in any case Abadi is still the PM until 1. July, and he can ask the CBI to release the new rate at any time. The government still operates during Ramadan, so I don’t think that’s an issue. There is nothing holding this back: no laws are needed, Article 140 is not really relevant, and so we are just waiting. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 [via Adept1] ...the official announcement from the Iraqi election will be tomorrow, Thursday, because they are still counting overseas ballots. ...They say that Sadr is first in the count, but they also say not to believe any rumors. Essentially, nothing has happened and nothing will happen until after that count. Sadr says that he doesn’t want to be PM, and he will talk to anyone (although he has been backing Abadi for the last few months). Sadr does have some conditions, and nobody knows what they are yet. Abadi has already said he is going after the corrupt, so that probably won’t be one of the conditions. The only condition I think Sadr can make is the timeframe of the RV, because Abadi is already doing everything else Sadr is likely to ask for. So we are not concerned until the official numbers and the conditions are announced. Then we’ll probably know how much longer we have to wait. I haven’t heard anything from Iraq or from the US banks – everyone is waiting. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Mnt Goat WOW! What a week shaping up after the Iraqi elections. An unexpected candidate once again makes it to the top. ...So the results are in from the “formal” election process: the “Sadrist movement” will get to nominate the next prime minister under Al-Sadr’s terms. Now we have to move towards the final “official” results which could take a week or more. ...How likely is it that Al-Abadi will be the next prime minister? ...We...know that these men have been meeting and al-Sadr has been campaigning for al-Abadi. But we don’t know if this was actually a well thought out plan or it is just turning out that way. ...What difference does it make as long as al-Abadi gets back in to power. I think this will happen...
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Breitling …So what does Iraq have an advantage over Iran? The whole world has access to its [Iraq's] energy and they have access to the whole world’s energy. So why wouldn’t they [Iran] want to participate in Iraq’s economy? So kind of a blessing in disguise…That’s how Iran plans on using Iraq as a backdoor way to get access to whatever it is they need and get away with and get access to US dollars. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Stryker Abadi still has time to shine these next few weeks, and gain his second term along the way!
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Breitling What does it [Iran sanctions] mean for Iraq? …as the new sanctions come up…the rest of the world will not have access to Iran’s energy sources and they [Iran] will not have access to most of the world’s energy sources. So how does that translate for Iraq? How is Iraq involved? Because If you look at Iran, Iran is Shia…so they belong to a different church than the Sunni and the Arabs…If there’s going to be big huge sanctions on Iran they are going to use the same backdoor market that they did last time before the sanctions were lifted. And guess what that backdoor market was? Iraq. Because there are more Shia in Iraq than there are Sunni and Kurds. That’s why it’s a good thing for Iraq… [Post 1 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Bruce The morning of the voting...the Baghdad Province billboards were revealed. They were exposed where people could see that the dinar had value and they could see the value of it before they voted. So they knew under Abadi the dinar had revalued...Also at that time which was Sunday, the first business day of the week over there, they were able to begin to use the ATM machines, and see the lower denominations and have it up and running. Where that was sort of the big reveal so the people would know the value and the rate in country, evidently it still hasn’t been put out for the international world to know it yet...We know what the rate is. We know that all the rates populated back on the screens as of Sunday night on the bank screens. ...We are ready to get started. ...We are in the process now of waiting for our turn again. ...It is quite possible we can go anytime in the next couple of days...We are not trying to call it. I am just trying to say it seems based on everything I am getting we are finally ready. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Bruce ...there is some real interesting stuff...going on in Iraq over the last 4 or 5 days. Their election for Prime Minister was Saturday. ...about...4 days prior to the Election Day, they were busy, the military and some of the other people who were chosen, to help set up billboards and increased the number of billboards in Iraq ...and they added a number of digital billboards to that number and came up with just under 8,000 total. You say So What. What was on the digital billboards was pictures of the lower denominations and ...they also had a rate of the dinar as compared to the US Dollar....whether it was a 5, 10, 20, etc....It had a relative value in US Dollars. So someone could look up and say Hey, we got a new value for our dinar and there it is and it is compared to the US Dollar. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Walkingstick [via sunny] ...In place, In place, In place...have been.” What? The electronic boards. ...They will be inside financial institutions and outside in Iraq hanging all over the place. These are two separate things. The billboards and the electronic boards are both for the citizens. Billboards will be outside everywhere and the others, presentation boards, inside financial institutions...Will educate the citizens about the smaller notes.
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke ...We said over a month ago many times, that Iraq would NOT substantially raise the value of the Dinar Officially & Publicly, BEFORE the Elections...We’ve also been telling you the HUGE IMPORTANCE of North Korea... Now, you SEE...WHY it’s so important in you getting paid SUBSTANTIALLY, on your Currency Investment, with Iraq & Vietnam. REGIONAL PEACE, especially in the Far East, affects your Vietnam Dong currency, as well as, China, and the connections both China & N. Korea have to ISIS, Iran & Syria in the Middle East REGIONS. Do you “SEE” yet? [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 On Monday I said we should see the RV by Friday, but we were expected a release on Monday. Now I really think it will be out by Friday. I don’t understand it all, unless that was the plan to start with. I’d think there is some reason Abadi took the chance, but in any case Abadi is still the PM until 1. July, and he can ask the CBI to release the new rate at any time. The government still operates during Ramadan, so I don’t think that’s an issue. There is nothing holding this back: no laws are needed, Article 140 is not really relevant, and so we are just waiting. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 [via Adept1] ...the official announcement from the Iraqi election will be tomorrow, Thursday, because they are still counting overseas ballots. ...They say that Sadr is first in the count, but they also say not to believe any rumors. Essentially, nothing has happened and nothing will happen until after that count. Sadr says that he doesn’t want to be PM, and he will talk to anyone (although he has been backing Abadi for the last few months). Sadr does have some conditions, and nobody knows what they are yet. Abadi has already said he is going after the corrupt, so that probably won’t be one of the conditions. The only condition I think Sadr can make is the timeframe of the RV, because Abadi is already doing everything else Sadr is likely to ask for. So we are not concerned until the official numbers and the conditions are announced. Then we’ll probably know how much longer we have to wait. I haven’t heard anything from Iraq or from the US banks – everyone is waiting. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Mnt Goat WOW! What a week shaping up after the Iraqi elections. An unexpected candidate once again makes it to the top. ...So the results are in from the “formal” election process: the “Sadrist movement” will get to nominate the next prime minister under Al-Sadr’s terms. Now we have to move towards the final “official” results which could take a week or more. ...How likely is it that Al-Abadi will be the next prime minister? ...We...know that these men have been meeting and al-Sadr has been campaigning for al-Abadi. But we don’t know if this was actually a well thought out plan or it is just turning out that way. ...What difference does it make as long as al-Abadi gets back in to power. I think this will happen...
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Breitling …So what does Iraq have an advantage over Iran? The whole world has access to its [Iraq's] energy and they have access to the whole world’s energy. So why wouldn’t they [Iran] want to participate in Iraq’s economy? So kind of a blessing in disguise…That’s how Iran plans on using Iraq as a backdoor way to get access to whatever it is they need and get away with and get access to US dollars. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Stryker Abadi still has time to shine these next few weeks, and gain his second term along the way!
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Breitling What does it [Iran sanctions] mean for Iraq? …as the new sanctions come up…the rest of the world will not have access to Iran’s energy sources and they [Iran] will not have access to most of the world’s energy sources. So how does that translate for Iraq? How is Iraq involved? Because If you look at Iran, Iran is Shia…so they belong to a different church than the Sunni and the Arabs…If there’s going to be big huge sanctions on Iran they are going to use the same backdoor market that they did last time before the sanctions were lifted. And guess what that backdoor market was? Iraq. Because there are more Shia in Iraq than there are Sunni and Kurds. That’s why it’s a good thing for Iraq… [Post 1 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Bruce The morning of the voting...the Baghdad Province billboards were revealed. They were exposed where people could see that the dinar had value and they could see the value of it before they voted. So they knew under Abadi the dinar had revalued...Also at that time which was Sunday, the first business day of the week over there, they were able to begin to use the ATM machines, and see the lower denominations and have it up and running. Where that was sort of the big reveal so the people would know the value and the rate in country, evidently it still hasn’t been put out for the international world to know it yet...We know what the rate is. We know that all the rates populated back on the screens as of Sunday night on the bank screens. ...We are ready to get started. ...We are in the process now of waiting for our turn again. ...It is quite possible we can go anytime in the next couple of days...We are not trying to call it. I am just trying to say it seems based on everything I am getting we are finally ready. [post 2 of 2]
5-16-2018 Intel Guru Bruce ...there is some real interesting stuff...going on in Iraq over the last 4 or 5 days. Their election for Prime Minister was Saturday. ...about...4 days prior to the Election Day, they were busy, the military and some of the other people who were chosen, to help set up billboards and increased the number of billboards in Iraq ...and they added a number of digital billboards to that number and came up with just under 8,000 total. You say So What. What was on the digital billboards was pictures of the lower denominations and ...they also had a rate of the dinar as compared to the US Dollar....whether it was a 5, 10, 20, etc....It had a relative value in US Dollars. So someone could look up and say Hey, we got a new value for our dinar and there it is and it is compared to the US Dollar. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-16-2018 Newshound Guru Walkingstick [via sunny] ...In place, In place, In place...have been.” What? The electronic boards. ...They will be inside financial institutions and outside in Iraq hanging all over the place. These are two separate things. The billboards and the electronic boards are both for the citizens. Billboards will be outside everywhere and the others, presentation boards, inside financial institutions...Will educate the citizens about the smaller notes.
ECONOMIC TIMES/CHATTER
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
Morning Brief: Big investors cut Apple holdings by most since financial crisis
Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance
Top news and what to watch in the markets on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Read the full story
5 steps to ease your worries about money, health in retirement
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
We asked financial planners what their clients who are planning for or living in retirement worry about, and what can be done to ease those fears. Read the full story
Security camera appears to capture angel floating over truck
Fox News
A Michigan man claims that his motion sensor security camera captured the image of an angel floating above his truck last week. Read the full story
How Much Money Do You Need to Be Wealthy in America?
Bloomberg
Non-stop business knowledge Get more on The Bloomberg App Many Americans cite leading a stress-free life and having “peace of mind” as their personal definition of wealth. That doesn’t sound too money-centric on the face of it—until you consider that money, or specifically the lack of it, is a major source of stress. Americans don’t like to admit that assets can buy happiness—just 11 percent of those surveyed for the second annual Modern Wealth Index from Charles Schwab chose “having lots of Read the full story
How Much Money Do You Need to Be Wealthy in America?
Bloomberg
Non-stop business knowledge Get more on The Bloomberg App Many Americans cite leading a stress-free life and having “peace of mind” as their personal definition of wealth. That doesn’t sound too money-centric on the face of it—until you consider that money, or specifically the lack of it, is a major source of stress. Americans don’t like to admit that assets can buy happiness—just 11 percent of those surveyed for the second annual Modern Wealth Index from Charles Schwab chose “having lots of Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Investing.com
© Reuters. Gold prices push higher, still below $1,300 level Read the full story
Gold Prices Fall below $1,300 as Dollar Rallies
Investing.com
Crude Oil Prices Settle Higher Ahead of Inventory Data
Investing.com
Commodities May 15, 2018 18:33 GMT Investing.com – WTI crude oil prices settled higher Tuesday as expectations for reduced global supplies following U.S. sanctions on Iran offset concerns over rising U.S. crude output. On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures for June delivery rose 35 cents to settle at $71.31 a barrel, while on London’s Intercontinental Exchange, Brent rose 19 cents to trade at $78.42 a barrel. In a monthly report released Monday, the Energy Information Administration Read the full story
IEA Cuts Global Oil Demand Forecast
© Reuters. IEA cut its global oil demand forecast. Read the full story
Oil Prices Slip Ahead Of EIA Supply Data But Stay Near 2014 Highs
© Reuters. Oil slips ahead of US supply data Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
CNBC
A Q&A with JP Morgan Chase's co-president Daniel Pinto. Read the full story
Mexico central bank to create cyber security unit after hack
Reuters
Mexico's central bank said on Tuesday that it was creating a cyber security unit, following a hack on a domestic payments system at the end of April that affected Mexican banks. Read the full story
Solid economy may not stay that way, says financial advisor. Here's how to protect your portfolio
CNBC
Market sell-offs are an opportunity to insulate investor portfolios with stocks "resilient" to a recession, says one financial advisor. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Investing.com
© Reuters. Top 5 things to know today in financial markets Read the full story
Stocks- U.S. Futures Struggle As North Korea, Treasury Yields Weigh
© Reuters. U.S. Futures pointed to a flat opening bell on Wall Street. Read the full story
Meet Tesla's new bondholder: Billionaire George Soros
Reuters
The investment firm founded and chaired by billionaire George Soros took a stake in Tesla Inc bonds during the first three months of the year, giving the electric carmaker run by Elon Musk a prominent supporter. Read the full story
Opinion: Here’s how you’ll know when this bull market is just about done
MarketWatch
Look out below if investors become stubbornly optimistic about stocks, writes Mark Hulbert. Read the full story
Art Cashin: If the S&P 500 gets much lower then I'll really start to worry
CNBC
"For now, we'll call it a consolidation until it begins to worsen," Art Cashin says. Read the full story
Treasury 10-year yield hits seven-year high
Fox Business
Consumers and businesses could face a boost in borrowing costs. Read the full story
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch
© Reuters. What to watch out for in tomorrow's session Read the full story
What if Wall Street is waiting for the wrong disaster?
Business Insider
A worker deflates a Chicago Bears inflatable mascot prior to the NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals in Chicago, Illinois, September 8, 2013. Inflation indicators that were flashing red at the beginning of the year have faded away. At the same time, central banks around the world have continued to tighten their policy, fearful that the global economy will heat up. This could be a deflationary trap. What if the entire world of money is preparing for the wrong Read the full story
Bonds, stocks and gold all falling at the same time means there is almost nowhere to hide
MarketWatch
There was nearly nowhere to hide for investors on Tuesday, with a selloff in stocks failing to lift traditional havens. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Regulators have blown up bitcoin trade in Africa’s most active crypto currency market
Quartz
Quartz
Harare, Zimbabwe Tech savvy Zimbabweans have long used bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to plug foreign currency and liquidity gaps plaguing the country, so much so… Read the full story
Feds eye major regulations on cryptocurrency
New York PostBitcoin as we know it could soon be over. The feds are looking at regulations that could erode two of the most popular and controversial aspects of digital money — anonymity and its unregulated status, three enforcement officials said at a Manhattan conference Tuesday. “One of our major concerns is that we don’t know who has access to these virtual currencies, and who is using them,” Sujit Raman, an assistant deputy attorney general at the Justice Department, one of three regulators of the Read the full story
Social Investing Platform eToro Expanding Crypto Trading to US
CoinDesk
Social investing platform eToro will launch a full-fledged cryptocurrency exchange and mobile wallet and expand to the U.S. this year. Read the full story
Winklevoss Crypto Exchange Wins Approval to Trade Zcash
CoinDesk
Gemini exchange has added zcash trading and custody services in New York after receiving authorization from state's Department of Financial Services. Read the full story
Regulators have blown up bitcoin trade in Africa’s most active crypto currency market
Quartz
Harare, Zimbabwe Tech savvy Zimbabweans have long used bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to plug foreign currency and liquidity gaps plaguing the country, so much so… Read the full story
Cryptocurrency Exchange Circle Valued at Nearly $3 Billion After Poloniex Deal
FORTUNE
Jeremy Allaire, cofounder and CEO of cryptocurrency startup Circle Circle, one of the biggest U.S. cryptocurrency startups, has raised a new round of funding that lifts its private valuation to nearly $3 billion—more than six times what it was worth in 2016. The deal comes just a few months after Circle purchased Poloniex, a Boston-based cryptocurrency exchange, for roughly $400 million, as Fortune’s reporting first revealed. Bitmain, the biggest Bitcoin mining company in China, has led the $110 Read the full story
CURRENCIES
© Reuters. Dollar eases, remains close to 5-month highs Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Surges Higher after U.S. Retail Data
Forex May 15, 2018 13:07 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar rose to the best levels of the day on Tuesday, nearing last week’s four-and-a-half month highs after a slightly stronger than expected U.S. retail sales report. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, was up 0.58% to 93.09 by 08:50 AM ET (12:51 GMT), re-approaching last Wednesday’s highs of 93.26, the most since December 19. The Commerce Department reported that while Read the full story
Forex May 15, 2018 17:15 GMT Investing.com – The dollar rose to a new high for the year against its rivals supported by a strong wave of buying on the back of surging bond yields and economic data pointing to underlying strength in the U.S. economy. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.43% to 92.95. The greenback hit a fresh high for the year of 93.35. The Commerce Department said on Wednesday that Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Hits Almost 6-Month Highs, Euro Falls Below $1.18
© Reuters. Dollar hits almost 6-month highs, euro falls below $1.18 Read the full story
More pain could be in the works for the Indian rupee and Indonesian rupiah
CNBC
Emerging market currencies are likely to feel the pressure amid the broader move higher in U.S. bond yields, a Deutsche Bank economist said. Read the full story
Circle raises $110 million, plans to create dollar-pegged cryptocurrency
Representations of the Ripple, Bitcoin, Etherum and Litecoin virtual currencies are seen on motherboard in this illustration picture Thomson Reuters By Anna Irrera NEW YORK (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs-backed cryptocurrency startup Circle has raised $110 million in an investment round led by Chinese virtual coin mining giant Bitmain Technologies, Circle said on Tuesday. Boston-based Circle also said it would create a new cryptocurrency pegged to the price of the U.S. dollar, enabling businesses and Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH
What causes multiple sclerosis? Landmark study finds clue
Medical News Today
Medical News Today
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, the causes of which remain mysterious. But a new study may now have uncovered a key factor in its development. Read the full story
What is the Difference Between Cancer and a Tumor?
Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteA common question, answered. Read the full story
Is This Stem Cell Clinic Really Making Cancer Vaccines?
WIRED
In a Facebook live video, the CSO of one of the largest networks of stem cell clinics in the country touted a new, unregulated treatment. Read the full story
Body clock linked to mood disorders
BBC News US
Researchers say it is a warning to urban societies becoming less in tune with nature. Read the full story
10 Things Your Hands Can Reveal About Your Health
Hands rely on a symphony of body systems to function properly, so doctors often look to these appendages for signs of illness and disease. Read the full story
Maintaining a daily rhythm is important for mental health, study suggests
CNNSticking to a normal daily rhythm — being active during the day and sleeping at night — can have more benefits than you might expect. Read the full story
Deadly new pig virus could pose threat to humans
CBS News
CBS News
The pig virus was able to get into lab-cultured cells of people and other species, raising concerns about potential outbreaks in humans Read the full story
USA/CANADA
CNBC
On the heels of surging Treasury yields, a popular homebuilder-tracking ETF, the ITB, posted its worst day in three months. Read the full story
Hawaii on 'Red Alert' After Huge Ash Cloud Bursts From Kilauea Volcano
TIMEThe ash cloud was as high as 10,000 to 12,000 feet Read the full story
Hawaii volcano eruption intensifies, triggering 'red' warning
Fox News
Hawaii residents are facing the highest volcanic activity alert after officials warned Tuesday that the Big Island's Kilauea volcano is growing more explosive. Read the full story
Federal Reserve likely to raise rates four times: Chris Versace
Fox News
Tematica Research co-founder Chris Versace says the Federal Reserve will likely raise interest rates four times this year, but investors should stay in the market. Read the full story
The national debt rises by more in a second than the typical US worker earns in an entire year — and it's not slowing down
Business Insider
The National debt is shown behind Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, left, as he makes the semiannual monetary policy report to the House Financial Services Committee, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Washington. The US national debt stands at more than $21 trillion- a milestone hit roughly two months ago. The national debt is already larger than the size of the entire US economy. On average, nearly $1.5 billion is added to the national debt every single day. On October 22, 1981, the national Read the full story
Supreme Court's embrace of states' rights could aid California in its battle with the Trump administration
Los Angeles Times
The Supreme Court decision upholding states’ rights to offer sports betting was backed mostly by conservative justices, but it may also give a Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
Trump could 'punish' Venezuela with oil sanctions immediately after presidential vote
CNBC
CNBC
Venezuela's oil industry could be directly targeted by the U.S. immediately after the crisis-hit nation's upcoming presidential election, oil experts warned Wednesday. Read the full story
2 important emerging markets are seeing historic breakouts
Business InsiderTraders in the Eurodollar options pit at the Chicago Board of Trade signal orders, shortly after the Federal Reserve's decision to leave short-term interest rates untouched between zero and 0.25 percent, in Chicago December 16, 2009. People suggest that the stock market is overheating but stocks have the potential to go higher as financial markets are now much more global. Emerging markets like Thailand and Taiwan are seeing historic breakthroughs. By ignoring emerging markets, the bigger Read the full story
Mexico Doesn’t See Nafta Talks Wrapping Up Before Deadline
The Wall Street Journal
Mexico’s chief trade negotiator said he doesn’t expect talks on Nafta to be wrapped up by Thursday, increasing the likelihood that a new version of the pact won’t be voted on by the current U.S. Congress. Read the full story
The Senate Is Freaking Out About Mexico Buying Cheese From Europe
The Daily Caller
A quarter of the U.S. Senate urged the Trump administration to look for ways to prevent Mexico from signing a trade deal with Europe that could edge out U.S. dairies. Read the full story
Maduro vows economic change for Venezuela's 'rebirth' before vote
Reuters
Widely blamed for Venezuela's unprecedented economic crisis, President Nicolas Maduro vowed on Tuesday to make "great changes" in the OPEC nation reeling from hyperinflation and shortages if re-elected this weekend. Read the full story
EU says Cuba could help broker government-opposition dialogue in Venezuela
Reuters
The European Union's top diplomat said on Tuesday Communist-run Cuba could help broker fresh dialogue between the government and opposition in Venezuela, despite Havana's frequent assurances the crisis afflicting its leftist ally was a sovereign matter. Read the full story
Puerto Rico is not ready for hurricane season, groups warn
NBC NewsAs the start of hurricane season looms, 20,000 customers in Puerto Rico still have no power and federal aid is falling short, say groups. Read the full story
Why Puerto Rico deserves statehood
NBC News
The months-long recovery effort in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria has reignited the debate around statehood for the U.S. territory. Jose Fuentes, former Attorney General for Puerto Rico, explains why it’s time to make Puerto Rico the 51st state. Read the full story
Is Turkey’s Tumble a Warning to Emerging Market Investors?
Barron's
Turkey's currency and stock market are tumbling, raising concerns that a repeat of 2013 could be in the offing. We're not there...yet. Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
EU leaders explore ways to save Iran economic ties from U.S. sanctions
Business Insider
Business Insider
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif leaves the EU council headquarters in Brussels Thomson Reuters By Gabriela Baczynska SOFIA (Reuters) - European Union leaders will explore options on Wednesday for keeping the Iran nuclear deal alive and shielding their reviving economic cooperation with Tehran after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the pact. But the 28 EU leaders are not expected to make any quick decisions during their first meeting on the matter since Trump quit the accord Read the full story
Merkel backs Iran deal, cautious on euro zone reform
Reuters
Germany's Angela Merkel on Wednesday defended the Iran nuclear deal following its rejection by Washington, arguing the pact is the best way to tackle concerns about Tehran's role in Syria and its ballistic missile program. Read the full story
Gulf Arab states rebuke Israel, but alliances inch closer
ABC News
Arab states have condemned Israel's violent response to Gaza's border protests, but behind the scenes a quiet realignment may be underway Read the full story
The U.S. Intensifies Pressure on Iran by Imposing Sanctions on Its Central Bank Chief
TIME
It's a further blow to European hopes of salvaging the Iranian nuclear deal Read the full story
Gaza violence: Israelis and Palestinians in fierce exchanges at UN
BBC News US
Palestinian and Israeli UN envoys trade bitter accusations after Monday's killing of 58 Palestinians. Read the full story
EU launches nine-point economic plan to rescue Iran nuclear deal
Aljazeera
Foreign ministers from France, Germany and UK, along with Iran's foreign minister, have agreed on a nine-point economic plan to keep the Iran nuclear deal alive. Meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, the minister rushed to discuss alternative solutions after US President Donald Trump on May 8 withdrew from the deal, vowing to impose tough economic sanctions against Tehran. "There was awareness of the urgency," Federica Mogherini, European Union's foreign policy chief, said after the meeting. Heiko Read the full story
AFRICA
Zimbabwe entrenches state TV monopoly with second broadcasting license
Reuters
Reuters
Zimbabwe has given its second-ever television broadcasting license to a state-owned newspaper group, entrenching the government's monopoly over the broadcast media ahead of elections expected in a few months. Read the full story
An Amazonian trade strategy for Africa
Source
By Carl Manlan - At a recent summit in Kigali, Rwanda, 44 African heads of state signed a new free-trade agreement aimed at changing the way the region does business. If every African Union country were to join the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the resulting single market would be one of the world’s largest... Read the full story
Zimbabwe inflation edges up to 2.71 percent in April
Source
HARARE, May 15 (The Source) - Zimbabwe’s consumer price inflation gained 0.03 percentage points to 2.71 percent on an annualised basis in April, the national statistics agency said on Tuesday. On a monthly basis, the inflation rate gained 0.33 percentage points on the March rate of -0.25 percent to 0.08 percent, Zimstats said. Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Govt Rolls Out Anti-Cancer Vaccine in Schools
AllAfrica
Government yesterday began the national roll-out of anti-cancer vaccine to girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years with a sizable number of girls agreeing to receiving the treatment in Harare. In Harare, the programme will run for a week in schools and for a month at health centres. Parirenyatwa Hospital primary healthcare clinic sister-in-charge Mrs Sekeni Nyakubaya, said they managed to vaccinate about 400 girls from David Livingstone Primary School yesterday. She said although they Read the full story
Zimbabwe: 10% Export Incentive for Cotton Growers
AllAfrica
Cotton growers will be paid an export incentive of 10 percent as Government moves to boost production of the crop. In a statement yesterday Reserve Bank governor, Dr John Mangudya, said farmers will also get $40 cash per each bale sold with the balance being deposited into the grower's account or mobile wallet account. "In preparation of the impeding cotton marketing season, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe wishes to advise cotton growers, cotton merchants and other stakeholders on the financing Read the full story
South Africa: New Middle-Power Country Partners for South Africa?
AllAfrica
After a decade in the foreign policy wilderness, South Africa is looking to reshape its global and African footprint. An Institute for Security Studies (ISS) analysis of international power suggests that under President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa could benefit from fresh thinking on new peer-group partnerships. Speaking in Parliament in February, Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor summarised the essence of an emerging foreign policy under Ramaphosa. 'Africa lies at the heart of South Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Fuel Prices Skyrocket
AllAfrica
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has blamed skyrocketing fuel prices on the surge in crude oil prices in recent weeks. Petrol prices have gone up from $1,33 to between $1,39 and $1,40 a litre while that of diesel has shot up from $1,23 to $1,26 per litre in the past two months. Zera acting CEO Misheck Siyakatshana told Standardbusiness that the surge in the fuel prices locally was a reflection of international trends. "The market witnessed a surge in fuel prices from an average Read the full story
ASIA
© Reuters. Asian equities were mixed in afternoon trade Read the full story
Asian shares lower as North Korea suspends talks, U.S. yields shoot higher
Reuters
Asian markets fell in early trade on Wednesday after Pyongyang called off talks with Seoul, throwing a major U.S.-North Korean summit into question, and a spike in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield to a seven-year high knocked sentiment on Wall Street. Read the full story
North Korea threatens to cancel Trump summit over US nuke demands
CNN
North Korea has threatened to abandon planned talks between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in June if Washington insists on pushing it "into a corner" on nuclear disarmament. Read the full story
Xi Jinping says ‘China can come out of trade war in better shape than US’
South China Morning Post
Chinese president’s comments recounted by Britain’s ambassador to China Read the full story
Trump's sanctions on Iran may be creating an oil trading boom — in China
CNBC
Trade in Chinese yuan-denominated crude oil futures has surged since President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal. Read the full story
Trump talks trade with China as project linked to his company gets Chinese business
CNN Money
President Trump is negotiating with China on trade while the Trump Organization is involved in deals linked to Chinese developers. Read the full story
Trump reportedly told the military to evacuate the families of military service members living in South Korea before the Winter Olympics
Business Insider
President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump reportedly told former national security adviser H.R. McMaster to prepare for a possible evacuation of the 8,000 military dependents living in South Korea. The plan was never carried out, but if it had been, it would have raised alarms for US allies and North Korea. Defense Secretary James Mattis and White House chief of staff John Kelly reportedly persuaded Trump not to pull military dependents out, and instead, prohibit service Read the full story
Japan's economy shrinks for first time in two years
BBC News US
The world's third-largest economy shrinks for the first time in two years amid slower private consumption. Read the full story
Exclusive: China's Tianqi nears $4.3 billion deal to buy stake in Chile's SQM - sources
Reuters
China's Tianqi Lithium is nearing a deal to buy a 24 percent stake in Chile's Sociedad Quimica Y Minera (SQM), one of the world's biggest lithium producers, for about $4.3 billion, two people close to the transaction said. Read the full story
EUROPE
The New York Times
America’s allies met with Iran to try to preserve the nuclear deal, while criticizing the bloodshed surrounding the U.S. Embassy’s move to Jerusalem. Read the full story
Europe Exposes Its Weakness to Russia and China in the Balkans
Bloomberg
Non-stop business knowledge Get more on The Bloomberg App Three times a week at 6:30 a.m., Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic sits down for his Russian class. The aim, he says, is to be able to chat as fluently with Vladimir Putin as he does with western leaders in English. The desire for language parity reflects the traditional geopolitical balancing act by Serbia, a country historically and culturally pulled both east and west. With European Union membership still years away, Vucic is Read the full story
Italy's populists aim to challenge EU on debt and migrants
BBC News US
The parties say they are close to a government deal and one plan is to wipe out billions in debt. Read the full story
Britain will not ask for longer Brexit transition period: minister
Reuters
Britain will not ask for an extension to the near-two year transition period with the European Union after Brexit when the government publishes its new detailed plans next month, Cabinet Office minister David Lidington said on Wednesday. Read the full story
Britain to publish Brexit position paper ahead of June summit
Business Insider
Britain's PM Mayarrives for a EU summit in Brussels Thomson Reuters LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish detailed plans for its future relationship with the European Union next month, according to a government official, in an attempt to break the deadlock in Brexit negotiations. A so-called White Paper is likely to outline the position for sectors including financial services, agricultural and automotives and will be published before next month's summit of EU Read the full story
Thomson Reuters shifts foreign exchange arm ahead of Brexit
BBC News US
The firm is moving foreign exchange derivatives trading from London ahead of Brexit. Read the full story
Macron's party seen outperforming French rivals in 2019 EU elections - poll
Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron's party is seen easily outperforming its rivals in next year's European Parliament elections, the first poll on the issue showed on Wednesday, which could give a boost to his EU reform plans. Read the full story
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi congratulates the Muslims in Iraq and the world by the holy month of Ramadan
"I congratulate the Muslims of Iraq and the world for the month of Ramadan, the month of good, mercy and forgiveness. This year, we are faced with a stage in which we moved in unity, brotherhood and coexistence to the security and stability of our people.
On this blessed occasion, I call upon God Almighty to give this year's Ramadan a good shadow and generosity to all Iraqis and to preserve our country and provide it with the reasons of strength to continue the process of building and reconstruction after the victory over terrorism and preserve the dignity and dignity of our people and the gains achieved by For his sacrifices Iraqis, and that inspired the meanings of this holy month and Nrschha in the service of progress and prosperity and well-being of our beloved Iraq,
God saved all Iraqis and returned the holy month of Ramadan good and Yemen and peace and blessings,
Dr. Haider Abadi
Prime Minister
16 May-2018
*************
ARTICLE 2
URGENT Al-Sistani's office announces tomorrow the holy month of Ramadan
2018/5/16 19:12
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The Office of the Supreme Religious Authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, announced in Najaf that Thursday is the first of the holy month of Ramadan 1439 AH.
A statement issued by the office of the supreme authority said that "tomorrow is Thursday the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1439 Hijri."
*************
ARTICLE 3
Tweet from Government of Iraq twitter account:
- Government of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 5-16-2018 around 10:45 am EasternProactive planning and close coordination between Iraq’s defence and law enforcement agencies ensured that Iraqis were able to cast their vote in the parliamentary elections on 12 May in a safe & secure environment #IraqVotes #IraqiElections2018
*************
ARTICLE 4
*******The Central Bank prevents the entry of an Iraqi bank from the auction of currency after a US decision
2018/5/16 21:52
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The Central Bank of Iraq decided to stop the Islamic Bank of Iraq after the decision of the US Treasury Board.
"As the country's nominal bank and its chairman [Aras Habib Abdulkarim] are listed on the [American Asset Control Bureau] list and based on international agreements [OFAC]
Signed by the Iraqi side and to maintain the integrity of the financial and banking system in Iraq decided to take precautionary measures to stop the bank from entering the window to sell and buy foreign currency, and the reservation on all accounts of the bank and the accounts of the Chairman of the Board referred to him raised and felt those accounts.
The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on financial institutions and individuals in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon as part of the re-imposition of sanctions on the Islamic Republic following the withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear deal with Tehran.
In a statement, the ministry imposed sanctions on the Islamic Bank of Iraq and its director, Aras Habib, for helping the Iranian Quds Force to use the banking sector to transfer funds to Hezbollah.
Secretary General of the National Congress Party (NCP) and bank chief Aras Habib confirmed that he had conclusive evidence that refuted the "fabrications" of the US Treasury Department after being classified on the terrorism list.
*************
ARTICLE 5
Maliki to MacGurke: People are looking to form a strong government
2018/5/17 11:00
[Ayna-Baghdad]
Vice President Nuri al-Maliki discussed today with the special envoy of the United States President, Brett McGurk, the latest developments in the political and security situation in Iraq and the region and means of enhancing the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
"The post-election phase will be a phase of building, reconstruction and upgrading of services, especially in areas affected by the war on terrorism," Maliki said, according to a statement issued by his office. "The need for joint cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in various fields "He said.
"The Iraqi people look forward to forming a strong government capable of achieving their legitimate aspirations," the vice president said.
link
Iraqi Vice President Nuri al-Maliki said on Thursday that the Iraqi people are looking forward to forming a strong government capable of achieving their legitimate aspirations.
"The post-election phase will be a phase of building, reconstruction and upgrading of services especially in the areas affected by the war on terrorism," Maliki said, stressing the need for "joint cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in various fields."
"The Iraqi people are looking forward to forming a strong government capable of achieving their legitimate aspirations," he said.