For those who can't get on OM, and who don't have access to the forum. I will post here the articles I like for the day and some of my thoughts. Check back later
Rafidain Bank announced on Tuesday the payment of the third installment of the salaries of the retired and secured workers of three million dinars.
"The third batch of retired and insured workers' salaries of three million dinars has been disbursed to 159 retirees," the bank's press office said in a statement received by Sky Press.
He added that "the disbursement of this advance was by informing the pensioner by sending him a text message informing him of the grant of the advance, after he completed all the legal procedures to grant it and disbursement through electronic payment tools, which was filled the financial balance to them."
Baghdad Investment Authority: promising projects in Iraq will eliminate unemployment
Chairman of the Baghdad Investment Authority, Shaker Zamili
Ruudao, Baghdad
The head of the Baghdad Investment Authority, Shaker Zamili, that Iraq is ahead of promising projects will contribute significantly to the elimination of unemployment in the country.
"The Investment Authority's projects have provided the state with huge sums of money and opened the doors for job opportunities for thousands of unemployed," Zamili told the RODAO news network.Stressing that we have projects stalled, and in case of facilitating the procedures to start the implementation of these projects, it will provide a million jobs.
Al-Zamili also stressed that "the future of the form is promising in Iraq."And that the Iraqi laws provided a great opportunity for Iraqi and foreign investors and granting them great privileges and the right to insurance projects and tax and customs exemptions.
He also pointed out that the investment law is one of the most important laws in the region, especially after the government's move in 2003 towards the market economy and legislation of the investment law to support the Iraqi private sector and foreign, while before 2003 it was difficult to enter the private sector and investment.
On investment projects completed in Iraq, Zamili stressed that there are two investment projects in Baghdad, namely Basmaya project with 100 thousand housing units and the Dahana project in Abu Ghraib with a capacity of 100 thousand housing units.There are about 70 projects in Baghdad, which make up 130,000 housing units.
The Chairman of the Investment Commission of Baghdad, that all projects completed by the private sector and not the state has only to facilitate procedures and support the investor and provide employment opportunities.
UNHCR: Completion of results audit for publication in three daily newspapers
A member of the Electoral Commission, Al-Musawi, revealed the completion of the final audit of the election results for publication in three daily newspapers.
Moussawi called on the affected entities to submit the appeal either to the National Office or any electoral office in all Iraqi provinces, within a period of 6 days.
"The law clearly indicates in its paragraphs that the judiciary is obliged to consider the appeal and decide it within a period not exceeding ten days, starting from the day following the appeal.
He stressed that 'decisions of the judiciary will be binding and binding, and can not be challenged in any form in accordance with the law. d
Kurdish delegation arrives in Baghdad today to discuss the formation of the next government
A Kurdish source will arrive in Baghdad to meet the winning political forces to discuss the formation of the next government, pointing out that their first stop will be at the head of a coalition of state law Nuri al-Maliki.
The source told "Al-Ghad Press" that "a Kurdish delegation will arrive today, to Baghdad to meet the political forces winning in the elections to discuss the entry into alliances and the formation of the next government."
"Their first stop will be to meet the head of a coalition of state law Nuri al-Maliki, and then coordination to meet with the rest of the political forced
Jubouri and Nujaifi are looking to avoid past mistakes and form the next government
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) Speaker of the House of Representatives Salim al-Jubouri, on Monday evening, with the Vice President of the President of the Iraqi coalition of decision Osama Najafi and the delegation accompanying him to form the next government.
"The meeting discussed the formation of the next government, the importance of focusing on the service reality of citizens and the development of the economy sector, investment and development, and address the problems of the provinces, and ways to crystallize a common vision to correct the political track and avoid past mistakes, And the need for cooperation and joint action in accordance with the national constants and the interest of the country. " The statement added that "the problems that accompanied the counting and counting of votes in the elections were also discussed, and the mistakes resulted from the lack of confidence and dissatisfaction among the citizens in many procedures and decisions, in which the candidates and citizens resorted to submitting appeals and complaints about the results."d
Appearance of Mohammed Saleh - economic adviser to the Iraqi prime minister
Iraq will repay $ 10 billion of its debt by 2022, an adviser to the Iraqi prime minister for economic affairs said.
Saleh said in statements to the Iraqi News Agency, Monday, that the government should hedge for now to pay these large debts through the establishment of the fund to compensate debt by putting funds in it annually.
Saleh stressed that Iraq is able to pay these debts, especially after obtaining a good credit rating, pointing out that the experience proved that Iraq did not delay the payment of debts incurred previously.
The economic adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister , in mid-February this year, that Baghdad began earlier this year to pay the remnants of the war compensation of about $ 4.5 billion dollars. d
{Baghdad: Al-Furat News} The Iraqi government, Russia has been removed from the list of countries that are prohibited in dealing with it.
"The Iraqi government has decided to lift Russia out of the list of banned countries, including importing poultry, birds of the living and frozen species, and eggs of both types," Haidar al-Athari said in a tweet on Twitter. Al-Athari attributed the decision to "the completion of cases of bird flu according to the latest update of the World Health Organization (OIE)." "It is the product of a joint action between Baghdad and Moscow," he said. The Iraqi government imposed a ban on the import and entry of all products of poultry and live birds and frozen during the winter from dozens of countries, including Arab and foreign and even from the Kurdistan region, for bird flu, but gradually lifted the ban from those countries to eliminate the risk of disease.
Kuwait Energy appoints consultant to sell concession in Iraq and separate assets in Egypt
The aim is to provide liquidity to the company for its shareholders and to create a cash reserve to repay its debts
KUWAIT: Kuwait Energy has appointed investment bank Perella Weinberg Partners to advise on a possible sale of all or part of concession area 9 in southern Iraq and the separation of assets in Egypt, informed sources said.
According to Reuters, the move aims to provide liquidity that the company badly needs for its shareholders and to create a cash reserve to repay its debts.
The move comes after Kuwait Energy ended possible merger talks with London-based Soko International, and said the two sides had not met terms to satisfy both sides.
Kuwait Energy has assets in Iraq, Oman, Egypt and Yemen and started merger talks after failing last year to complete an initial public offering of its shares on the London Stock Exchange, in which it hoped to raise about $ 150 million.
Minister of Industry for a Chinese delegation: We seek to attract investors to contribute to the reconstruction of the country
Minister of Industry and Minerals Mohammad Shiaa al-Sudani said on Tuesday that the ministry is seeking to attract investors, businessmen and foreign companies, including China, to contribute to the development of Iraqi industry and the reconstruction and construction campaigns in the country.
"The Minister of Industry and Minerals, Mohammed Shi'a al-Sudani, received at the headquarters of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Iraq, Huang Yucheng, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Ministry's Advisor for Development Affairs, Abbas And the Director General of the Ministry's Investment Department, Saadi Mohammad Ayesh.
He added that "the jar during the meeting discussed ways to strengthen relations of industrial cooperation and opportunities for partnership and investment between Iraq and China in various fields, especially in the industrial field."
"The Ministry of Industry and Minerals is keen to attract and attract investors, businessmen and foreign companies, including China, to contribute to the development of Iraqi industry and the campaigns of reconstruction and construction in the country."
He pointed out that "the ministry has a lot of opportunities and investment projects offered and available to companies and can be used during the next phase," noting that "the ministry is ready to provide all possible facilities in this regard." For his part, the Chinese delegation stressed his country's keenness to "strengthen cooperation relations with Iraq and the readiness of Chinese companies to work with their Iraqi counterparts."
He pointed out that "the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Iraq, an industrial oil training center can be used in the development of young graduates and unemployed and develop the skills of workers in the industrial and oil."
The delegation also invited the minister to visit the Republic of China and learn about the successful industrial experiences and the potential of Chinese companies in various industrial fields.
For the first time after the government decided to unify the US dollar's exchange rate more than a month ago, the Central Bank of Iran has allowed for a minor increase in its rate.
The CBI set the rate at 42,050 rials on its website on Monday, allowing for a 50-rial increase. Although infinitesimal, the change indicates the government's willingness to allow rate alteration as opposed to previous efforts for imposing a fixed rate.
CBI Governor Valiollah Seif on Sunday hinted at an exchange rate hike, saying that it would have 5-6% flexibility until the end of the fiscal year on March 20, 2019.
Addressing a gathering of bank chief executives, Seif noted that CBI will determine the forex rate on the basis of the inflation rate.
The forex unification came on the heels of a sharp slide in the value of rial.d
Hakim discusses with UN representative "Kubic" election results and emphasize "national reconciliation"
The head of the wisdom movement Ammar al-Hakim with the United Nations representative Jan Kubic, on Monday, the results of the elections and the formation of the next government, while Hakim stressed the importance of forming a service government capable of achieving the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
"The head of the wisdom movement, Ammar al-Hakim, received in his office today, the UN representative Jan Kubic, and discussed with him the file of elections and the formation of the next government," Hakim's media office said in a statement received by Sky Press.
Hakim stressed, according to the statement, "the importance of forming a service government capable of achieving the aspirations of the Iraqi people."
"The importance of forming a national majority government as a solution for the next stage," he said, stressing that "achieving stability is through the formation of the national team, which is the component of the government and the national opposition."
Hakim called for "the importance of investing opportunities to remove Iraq from its crises," stressing the "importance of the national decision based on the national interest.
US Secretary of State Sends Letter to Masrour Barzani, Reiterates Support
ERBIL - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a letter to Chancellor of Kurdistan Region Security Council Masrour Barzani has reiterated his country’s commitment to anti-terror and stabilization efforts.
In response to a congratulatory message by Barzani to Pompeo for his new position, the US official also hoped that ties between the sides will be developed.
He reiterated that Washington with its allies in the international coalition will make every effort to ensure the security of the Kurdistan Region and the whole world as well to make a more comfortable environment for the people.
Former CIA Director Mike Pompeo was confirmed as the new secretary of the state on April 27 after senators voted 57 to 42, supporting the US President Donald Trump's nominee on Thursday, said a report.d
Kauaihn Economic Times:
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER
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Gold falls to fresh 2018 low after Mnuchin’s cheery China chatter
MarketWatch
Gold futures drop Monday, putting them on track for their lowest settlement so far this year, with the metal and other haven assets selling off as U.S.-China trade tensions ease. Read the full story
Gold Prices Drop as U.S.-China Trade War Put On Hold
Investors with $10 trillion in assets want the oil industry to take responsibility for “all its emissions”
Quartz
Over the next few weeks, many oil companies will hold their annual shareholder meetings. It should be a time of celebration: crude oil is at… Read the full story
Oil prices rise with global markets after China, US put trade war 'on hold'
Oil prices rose on Monday, lifted by news that China and the United States had put a looming trade war "on hold."
British court dismisses charges against Barclays over 2008 capital raiseBusiness Insider
FILE PHOTO: A Barclays sign is seen outside a branch of the bank in London Thomson Reuters By Lawrence White LONDON (Reuters) - A British court has dismissed charges brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) against Barclays over its 2008 capital raising, the bank said on Monday, suspending for now the threat of regulatory sanctions on its business operations over the matter. The SFO was however not prepared to let the case drop. "We are likely to seek to reinstate the charges by applying to the Read the full story
Fifth Third Bancorp to buy MB Financial for about $4.7 billion
Business Insider
A branch location of Fifth Third Bank is shown in Boca Raton, Florida. U.S. regional bank Fifth Third Bancorp on Monday said it would buy MB Financial Inc in a stock-and-cash deal valued at about $4.7 billion. Each MB Financial shareholder will receive $54.20, comprising 1.45 shares of Fifth Third common stock and $5.54 in cash, a 24 percent premium to MB Financial's last close. Fifth Third Bank, which operates 1,300 branches and 2,600 ATMs throughout its 12-state geographic footprint, said the Read the full story
As the payment wars heat up, PayPal could have a leg above Square
CNBC
Mike Binger, senior portfolio manager at Gradient Investments, explains why PayPal's huge iZettle acquisition is bullish. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
US Treasurys mixed as investors await key auctions
U.S. government debt prices were mixed Monday, as investors awaited the release of Treasury Department auctions.
Economic Indicators May 21, 2018 09:17 GMT Investing.com - On Tuesday, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Intuit (NASDAQ:INTU), Kohl’s and Toll Brothers report first-quarter earnings. Minutes of the May meeting of the Fed’s FOMC committee are released on Wednesday. Lowe’s, Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL), Target and Tiffany release earnings on Wednesday. Look for weekly oil inventory data from the API on Tuesday and the EIA on Wednesday. Weekly jobless claims and existing home sales data are due out on Read the full story
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Monday Investing.com
U.S. stock futures jump after Mnuchin says trade war "on hold"
Business Insider
FILE PHOTO: A visitor is seen as market prices are reflected in a glass window at the TSE in Tokyo Thomson Reuters By Hideyuki Sano TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures jumped on Monday as U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the U.S. trade war with China is "on hold" after the world's two largest economic powers agreed to drop their tariff threats while they work on a wider trade agreement. S&P mini futures rose 0.6 percent in early Asian trade on Monday while U.S. 10-year Treasuries Read the full story
Liquidity is down more than 90% since 2006 — and it has further to fall
Business Insider
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange on March 2, 2018 in New York City. President Donald Trump's announcement for new tariffs caused volatility in the markets on Friday. Liquidity has fallen more than 90% in the last decade or so. Low liquidity raises costs for investors. The Federal Reserve has been withdrawing liquidity by hiking rates. Individual investors usually don't think about liquidity. You send a market order for 200 shares of something, it gets filled right away, Read the full story
CRYPTO'S /DIGITAL CURRENCY
Former OKEx Chief Joins Rival Cryptocurrency Exchange Huobi CoinDesk
The former chief executive of Hong Kong-based crypto exchange OKEx has said he is joining rival platform Huobi just a week after his resignation. Read the full story
Why are there so many Russians in crypto? Quartz
No country can claim to be at the center of the crypto world, though many would like to. Bitcoin, after all, was designed to be… Read the full story
Tell us what you think: Which sector needs the most regulation?
In this week's Trader Poll, we want to know which area you think requires the most attention from regulators.
UK: Fiat Exchange LMAX Launches Crypto Trading to ‘Further Legitimize Market’
UK trading platform LMAX has announced its entrance into the cryptocurrency market, launching an exchange targeting institutional investors, Financial Times reports today, May 21.
Cryptocurrency Confirmed as Property in Russia, Justice Minister Says
The lack of clarity in Russia on cryptocurrency regulations has become a cause of frustration for many who invested in it and operate exchanges in the country.
In the midst of the Russian Duma’s failure to pass a comprehensive law that regulates the cryptocurrency market, regulation is taking shape through the ministries and legal precedents in court cases. The latest of these is the declaration of cryptocurrency as property by justice minister Alexander Konovalov.
Cryptocurrencies Rise Despite Bitfinex’s Plan to Turn Info Over to Governments
Investing.com - Cryptocurrencies gained across the board on Monday, despite news that Bitfinex would comply with handing customer information over to governments.
Dollar index shoots to highest level since late 2017 on trade optimism
MarketWatch
The greenback surged anew on Monday, with a key dollar index at its best level since late last year, as investors cheered news that the U.S. and China may be putting an end to a months-long trade dispute. Read the full story
This is the impact the Italian populist government could have on the euro
CNBC
The resurgence of a populist government in Italy is unlikely to push the euro significantly higher amid concerns the country will be spending more than what its economy generates. Read the full story
London Metal Exchange to launch yuan-denominated futures in sign of Chinese currency’s growing cachet
South China Morning Post
Monday, 21 May 2018, 7:33:AM The London Metal Exchange is planning to introduce yuan-denominated metal products, according its chief executive, a sign the currency’s status in international finance is on the rise. “At present, investors are trading our products in US dollars. We would definitely like to explore the possibility of launching products denominated in offshore renminbi,” Matthew Chamberlain said in an interview in Hong Kong. The LME, owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), Read the full story
Currencies, armies, oil: Extensive repositioning of major world players
Following the removal of the last of the bolts imposed by the previous world order, and in line with our anticipations, vast amounts of until now restrained transforming energy are now being released along paths that have long been marked out but were previously forbidden. The challenges raised by this transition are immense, but the major global players seem to be in a position to handle – and no longer endure – this huge reconfiguration. As a matter of fact, we are beginning to see more clearly who they are and what their strategies are. This is precisely what we aim to report in this GEAB issue... Public Announcement (for free
INSURANCE / HEALTH
A Personal Trainer Shares the 4 Things You Must Do to Get Stronger POPSUGAR
Getting stronger doesn't happen overnight, although that would save us a lot of time and soreness. If your goal is to improve your overall strength, you're going to need to make sure the way you're training is helping you get there. Instead of having you do a billion Google searches, we spoke with p ... Read the full story
Why are so many people denied the painkillers they need?
BBC News US
Opioids - the most effective pain killers - are too hard to get hold of in developing nations. Read the full story
Ebola Is Back & Here's Why Officials Are Especially Worried This Time
Bustle
The last time this virus ravaged Africa, borders were sealed and even foreign health care staff were killed. The West African outbreak resulted in nearly 30,000 cases and more than 10,000 deaths. And now Ebola is back in Congo, worrying health care o… Read the full story
British PM May calls on health, tech sectors to work on cancer
Business Insider
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during the Welsh Conservative Party Conference in Kidwelly Thomson Reuters LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May will call on Britain's health service, charities and artificial intelligence sector to work together to better identify patients with the early stages of cancer and stop thousands dying each year. May, who is struggling to unite her top ministers over plans to leave the European Union, wants to broaden her agenda to try to show she Read the full story
USA/CANADA
Wilbur Ross: Have framework with China on tradeFox News
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on U.S. trade negotiations with China. Read the full story
More eruptions from Kilauea are possible, but laze and lava are the biggest hazards right now
CNN
Residents on the Big Island face several threats Monday from Kilauea. In addition to the possibility of more eruptions, lava is oozing into the ocean, sending hydrochloric acid and volcanic glass particles into the air. Read the full story
US weighs plans to curb Chinese investment
BBC News US
Washington is worried about Chinese investors. Is the rest of America? Read the full story
RIP the Trans-Atlantic Alliance, 1945-2018
Business Insider
US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the NATO summit at their new headquarters in Brussels, Belgium May 25, 2017. The alliance between the US and Europe flourished during the Cold War, but has cooled off since then. President Donald Trump drove the final nail in the coffin by withdrawing the US from the Iran nuclear deal. America's isolationist attitude could endure long after Trump is out of office. The Atlantic alliance, built to contain the Soviet Union in the Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
US likely to slap tough oil sanctions on Venezuela — and that's a 'game changer' for Maduro CNBC
The U.S. is almost certainly preparing to impose targeted crude sanctions against Venezuela, analysts told CNBC on Monday. Read the full story
Poor Venezuelans crowd pro-Maduro stations in hope of vote 'prize'Reuters
Poor Venezuelans scanned state-issued "fatherland cards" at red tents after voting on Sunday in hope of receiving a prize promised by President Nicolas Maduro, a practice opponents said was akin to vote-buying. Read the full story
This is what Venezuela needs to fix its economy
CNN
The Venezuelan economy is still crippled by soaring inflation and a lack of investment in its oil industry. CNN's Paula Newton reports from Caracas, Venezuela. Read the full story
How emerging markets are paying the price of skittish bond investors
South China Morning Post Nicholas Spiro says debt investors are being undulym pessimistic about the impact of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes Read the full story
U.S. underscores importance of concluding new NAFTA deal
Business Insider
FILE PHOTO: The flags of Canada Mexico and the U.S. are seen on a lectern before a joint news conference on the closing of the seventh round of NAFTA talks in Mexico City Thomson Reuters MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan underscored the importance of concluding a new NAFTA trade deal in talks on Sunday with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on the sidelines of the G-20 foreign ministers meeting in Buenos Aires. Sullivan and Videgaray discussed "continued Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
The EU’s support for the Iran deal is ‘not sufficient,’ Tehran saysCNBC
European leaders have been scrambling to save the Iranian nuclear deal after the Donald Trump administration announced its withdrawal on May 8. Read the full story
Iranian general's visit draws protest in Baghdad
Fox News
If last weekend's federal elections demonstrated anything, it was that much of the Iraqi population is done with foreign intervention. Read the full story
Washington Still Doesn’t Understand Iraq
The National Interest
Ted Galen Carpenter Security, Middle East It is time for America to recognize the limits of U.S. influence and reassess its disastrous policy. The results of Iraq’s parliamentary elections confirm that U.S. leaders and the American news media still don’t have a clue about the complex political dynamics in that country. Experts and pundits expected U.S.-backed incumbent Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi’s party to prevail. Instead the party headed by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr won a Read the full story
Oil hit $80 but OPEC isn't about to start ramping up production
Business Insider
Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi left, listens to Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi, right, during the Iraq Energy Forum in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Iraq says OPEC will decide by the end of this year whether to extend production cuts and by how long. Despite rising oil prices, OPEC has yet to decide to wind down production cuts. Saudi Arabia in particular is said to be looking fo a $80 barrel or more price first in order to balance its budget. The countries will meet on June Read the full story
AFRICA
South Africans are among the hardest workers in the worldQuartz
South Africans may be some of the hardest workers in the world—they’re three times more likely to work 60 hours a week than Americans. On… Read the full story
Ghana Cocoa Board appoints lenders for $1.3b syndicated loan
FurtherAfrica
Ghana Cocoa Board said it has appointed five lenders, including Amro Bank and Bank of China, to arrange its $1.3 billion syndicated loan to meet the financing needs of the 2018/19 cocoa season. Read the full story
Africans show growing interest in Chinese language studies
FurtherAfrica
Since the first Confucius Institute was established in 2004 at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, more and more African students have picked up Chinese language studies amid ever strengthening China-Africa ties, said Ma Jianfei, Deputy Chief Executive of Confucius Institute Headquarters. Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Australia’s Prospect Resources closing in on lithium financing
FurtherAfrica
Expects to produce concentrates for export in the next 14 months Read the full story
Ethiopian Airlines' acquisition spree unsettles Kenya Airways
FurtherAfrica
Ethiopian Airlines appears set to crush other carriers on the continent. And Kenya's national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) appears among those that will feel the impact of Ethiopian’s accelerated expansion. Read the full story
Swiss make raids in probe linked to Angola sovereign wealth fund
FurtherAfrica
Swiss authorities have raided several locations in Switzerland as they ramp up a criminal investigation into suspected money laundering connected to crimes involving Angola’s sovereign wealth fund and its central bank, prosecutors said on Friday. Read the full story
South Africa: ANC Must Give Direction On Expropriation Without Compensation - Ramaphosa
AllAfrica
The ANC must explore all options in order to bring about meaningful restitution, redistribution and tenure reform in South Africa. This is the task laid out by President Cyril Ramaphosa to party members as he opened its inaugural land summit on Saturday. "To our people, indeed to all people. Land is about dignity, it's about identity, it is about security," said the president. The historical workshop which took place in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, dealt with what Ramaphosa described as the "biggest Read the full story
How a three-year drought changed life in Cape Town
NBC News
Strict water codes are in place in Cape Town, South Africa, forcing residents to reuse water and take 90-second showers with a limit of just 13 gallons a day per person to save every drop. Read the full story
ASIA
Drugs and medical waste still wash up on Hong Kong beaches – posing toxic dangerSouth China Morning Post
As well as the plastic waste on Hong Kong’s shoreline, clinical waste is washing up on beaches on Lamma and Lantau islands, thought to be brought in on the tide from the south of Hong Kong Island Read the full story
China is digging for gold right next to its disputed border with India
Quartz
China has reportedly commenced a large-scale mining operation near its border along the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, potentially increasing the friction between the… Read the full story
China's space ambitions continue with reported launch of satellite to explore far side of the moon
China launched a relay satellite on Monday designed to establish a communication link between earth and a planned lunar probe that will explore the dark side of the moon, the official Xinhua news agency said.
Iran’s top envoy to China calls on Beijing to help safeguard nuclear deal
South China Morning Post
Ali Asghar Khaji says nation will look to ‘other options’ if its interests are threatened by US sanctions Read the full story
EUROPE
U.K. stocks set for record after U.S.-China trade war looks averted for now MarketWatch
U.K. stocks rose on Monday, on track for a record closing high as traders welcomed news over the weekend that China and the U.S. reached an agreement that eases trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.Read the full story
Never mind Brexit, political chaos in Italy could be the fatal blow for European unity
South China Morning Post
David Brown says current European unity is largely a reaction to Brexit and will eventually fade, with new turmoil on the cards thanks to the end of the ECB’s stimulus and Italy’s political uncertainty Read the full story
UK turns blind eye to dirty Russian money, say MPs
BBC News US
The City is being used as "a base for the corrupt assets" of President Putin's allies, says a report. Read the full story
Russian 'dirty money' flowing through London damages Britain: UK lawmakers Business Insider
The Canary Wharf financial district is reflected in the river Thames on a sunny morning in London Thomson Reuters By William James LONDON (Reuters) - Russian money hidden in British assets and laundered through City of London financial institutions damages the government's efforts to take a tough stance against Moscow's aggressive foreign policy, a committee of lawmakers said on Monday. Britain's financial center has been a major beneficiary of the massive flight of Russian cash since the 1991 Read the full story d
5-21-2018Newshound Guru Kaperoni [correction] ...the 3 month IMF requirement...I want to correct how much time is left. Our countdown indicates 24 days. June/July going to be interesting months. [reference Guru Kaperoni post 5-21-18] 5-21-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 [via MilitiaMan] Frank26 Quotes: "...THE 3, THE BILLBOARDS, THE BOARDS IN THE BANK AND THE 2ND FINAL ARTICLE…WHAT WE HAVE GIVEN YOU IS THE ULTIMATE..." "...YOU NOW HAVE 3 THINGS THAT YOU KNOW, IMO, THAT WILL SOON BE COMING OUT…IT WILL BE IMO, WITHIN HOURS, TO DAYS THAT THE RI WILL BE OUT...I TOLD YOU TO WAIT FOR THESE BILLBOARDS….I TOLD YOU I WILL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE" "IMO, THSE 3 THINGS ARE READY!! THEY HAVE BEEN!! THEY ARE BEING PROTECTED TO BE LAUCNCHED WHEN CONDITIONS ARE SUITABLE THESE BILLBOARDS CAN BE PROGRAMMED AT ANY MOMENT, AT ANY TIME WHEN THE CONDITIONS ARE SUITABLE..."
5-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat I told everyone that if I make a mistake I will be the first to admit it openly and freely. So now I am stating that I may have made a mistake on the ending date of the MCP (90 day) audit monitoring by the IMF. What I have learned is that the MCP monitoring did occur but it is not ending until June not the end of March. So the start date I heard was off mid-March which was actually the start date. The date was technically not moved but the process was “restarted” again due to violations. The previous time period the IMF did begin monitoring process however they encountered a violation and has to start the clock all over again. That clock started in mid March. It was not easy to get real-time information on this topic and it was confusing at first. It was finally sorted out. I know this sounds phony and fake news but I assure you this is occurring and is confirmed.
5-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Just in on Sunday morning - MOQTADA AL-SADR, AGREED TO GIVE PRIME MINISTER HAIDER ABADI A SECOND TERM, DURING THE MEETING THEY HAD JUST GATHERED IN BAGHDAD. ...Folks this is really happening. The unexpected miracle already did happen with the Sadar Movement (the underdogs) having won the popular vote...So for our investment these recent events are all very good and the news could not possibly get any better than if they did announce the RV. But they didn’t however we know it is coming shortly and sooner than you might think... [post 2 of 2]
5-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat The Independent High Electoral Commission announced Saturday the results of the final elections of parliament. We know that Nori al-Malaki is contesting the voting process and demands a recount. The electoral commission has said there is no reason for it and the judiciary has ruled also in favor of the same. So, I do not believe there will be a recount. Remember: 1. the judiciary still has to ratify these results from the electoral commission and so this is part of the 90 day timeline too. 2. The new Parliament members must also be sworn in on the first session of the new Parliament expected to take place on June 1st. So the Sadr Movement had to submit its candidate to lead the country as prime minister shortly afterwards. 3. Parliament must ratify this candidate (give its approval) then the prime minister will have 30 days to put the new government together once this clock starts to tick. Got a total of 90 days to complete this entire process. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-21-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni The truth is MCP has nothing to do with dual currencies, or using one currency over another, it has to do with a spread that exists of more than 2% between the Official Rate and Market Rate. In the case of Iraq, they are currently meeting that requirement hoping to fulfill the 3 month condition. About 28 days to go. The fact is, Iraq will always have more than one currency in the country. They will have dinar as the official currency of Iraq and dollars as a currency that comes in from oil sales.
5-21-2018 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan ...we had articles out on 05/09/2018 saying they were having to put off travelers for the Hajj, as the banks in the Iranian region had no currency infrastructure to accommodate the people, yet, today we learn they will be using IQD by this coming Tuesday in that region...Now, if one thinks about it there has been ample time to gear for this to be initiated. The very last of the process may take hours to a few days, but, it is now presently after elections, thus, the process is said to be un-abating, therefore logic suggests the timing is very powerful going forward now.. imo. [post 2 of 2]
5-21-2018 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Article: "IRANIAN CONSULATES IN IRAQ REPLACE THE DOLLAR WITH DINAR IN ITS DEALING" There is effectively one thing we wait for and that is the RI to complete the process that is underway, imo. That process as of today is proceeding just fine, as we see the very recent call for ceasing of the Multi Currency Practices (MCPs) which is an IMF mandate, whereby now, Iran has given the order to her embassies to cease using the Dollar and use Dinar only. It apparently stems from the USA sanctions imposed on 05/08/2018 in this instance anyway. imo [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
5-20-2018Newshound/Intel Guru BGG Folks are constantly wanting a “run down” on where we’re at in this investment…Unfortunately, this is a tough call. ...For instance, until late last night, we were still waiting for the real results to be published by the IHEC. Up until then, everything was speculation. Will Sadr have a much bigger hand in the next GOI? Highly likely. Is he the overall winner? Now we know for sure… but he still needs help. He needs a legitimate coalition. Will Abadi be in the next GOI? Also highly likely. Will he remain as the next PM? Maybe, maybe not. You get what I’m saying. Let this thing play out a little bit... My bet? We have a couple of twists and turns coming real soon. So relax… and even if Abadi isn’t the next PM – RELAX. He may not be the best thing for Iraq’s future. Since you are betting on Iraq and their economy, you want the best for them. As do I.
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr. Haider Al-Abadi briefed on the inspections and disinfection carried out by our heroic forces
The Prime Minister briefed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr. Haider Al-Abbadi during his visit to the Joint Operations Command on the inspections and disinfection carried out by our heroic forces
After the liberation of the entire territory of terror-supporting gangs, and the tracking and elimination of sleeper terrorist cells.
A number of directives have also been issued regarding securing the Iraqi border to prevent infiltration of terrorists as well as strikes by terrorist gangs outside the Iraqi border.
He praised the great development of the capabilities of our heroic forces and the intelligence effort that resulted from the sound and strategic planning that was put in place for the development of the armed forces in all its forms and the importance of continuing this right approach to maintain the victory achieved and provide a safe and stable environment for our country and our citizens.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
21 May 2018
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ARTICLE 2
Tweet posted on Government of Iraq twitter account:
On World Day for
Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we celebrate Iraq’s rich
cultures and diverse communities and their role in fostering sustainable
development, protecting our shared history and promoting our common
heritage
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ARTICLE 3
Hakim receives Sadr in his office to complete the talks
2018/5/21 21:05
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The head of the National Alliance Ammar al-Hakim with the leader of the Sadrist movement Moqtada al-Sadr form alliances and form the next government.
"Hakim received in his office in Baghdad on Monday, Sadr to complete the talks on alliances and the formation of the next government.
It is noteworthy that this meeting is the second between the two leaders within a week, where he visited Hakim last Thursday Sadr in his home in Najaf and held a lengthy meeting to map the political alliances and talks to form the next government.
After the meeting, al-Hakim and al-Sadr held a press conference in which they announced the formation of a strong, patriotic national government based on the free Iraqi will, which will serve the components of the Iraqi people.
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ARTICLE 4
A competition and a prize to choose the logo and design of Baghdad, capital of Arab youth 2020
2018/5/22 8:53
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The Ministry of Youth and Sports launched a competition and a prize for the selection of the logo and design of Baghdad, capital of Arab youth 2020.
The ministry said in a statement that "participation is available to Iraqi and Arab youth, and requires that the design be contemporary and express the Arab youth content in concise words, reflects the spirit of Iraqi identity and the cultural and cultural depth of Iraqi youth and the design in Arabic and English either in one slogan or separately With more than one color format [color - one color - black and white].
"The electronic version of the design is presented in [PSD - PDF] with an explanation of the meaning and idea of design in a paragraph of at least 200 words and an explanation of pictures of how to use the logo and its applications as well as providing the participant with his basic data [Copy of personal identity - Character]".
The Ministry of Youth and Sports called on "those wishing to participate in this competition to send all their work to the Ministry building on Palestine Street by CD [CD] or [flash memory] or send it to the email ministry [infosportyouth2005@gmail.com] Is on 20/6/2018, and the Ministry allocated valuable financial prizes for the slogan and winning design, namely three million dinars for the first winner and 1.5 million dinars for the second winner and five hundred thousand dinars for the third winner.
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ARTICLE 5
12 thugs were killed by the bombing of their large tunnel in central Mosul
2018/5/21 23:11
[Ayna-Baghdad]
A coalition airliner with Iraqi military intelligence on Monday launched an air strike that destroyed a large tunnel to kill and kill terrorist elements inside.
A spokesman for the Center for Security Information, Brigadier General Yehia Rasool, said in a statement that "as part of its operations in the search and search for gang sanctuaries and terrorist intelligence and accurate intelligence, the detachments of the Military Intelligence Directorate in the 20th Division can reach one of the tunnels Large and important for those gangs in the Husseiniya district of central Mosul. "
He added that "because of the length of the tunnel and the presence of many branches and ramifications that hinder the process of clearing it with the presence of a number of terrorists inside it has been coordinated with the coalition aircraft for an air strike that led to the destruction Tunnel and the killing of terrorist elements within him, which is estimated to be more than ten criminals were dormant cells planning to carry out terrorist operations in the coming days.
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ARTICLE 6
An invention that makes hope for the end of leukemia in children
2018/5/22 11:54 • 6 times read
[Where - Continue]
A leading British scientist has discovered the potential cause of childhood leukemia, known as leukemia, in a scientific breakthrough that opens up hope for prevention of the disease, which affects many children in the world.
Kidney leukemia is caused by a genetic mutation when the fetus is in the womb, a bacterial infection or an unknown virus, said Professor Mel Graves of the Cancer Research Institute in Britain.
Acute lymphoid leukemia is the most common type, with 500 cases diagnosed in the UK every year, 90 percent of which are cured.
Professor Graves, who studied childhood leukemia more than 40 years ago, refutes earlier theories about the causes of the disease, which were attributed to radiation, high-voltage electricity or chemicals.
"I have always realized that something is missing, that there is a gap in our knowledge of how healthy children are affected by leukemia and whether this cancer can be prevented," he said.
Professor Graves identified two causes of childhood cancer: the first occurs in the womb due to a random genetic mutation, with 1 percent of children born in this mutation continuing to develop the disease.
The second is caused by exposure to one or more external infections, especially in clean breeding environments, while simultaneously exposing insects and interacting with a contagious environment.
The results of the study, published in the journal Nature, suggest that childhood leukemia has a clear biological cause, and is evident in children who have not developed immune systems correctly.
"The current treatment for childhood cancer is not always successful, so the search for new ways to treat it is very important," said Alasdir Rankin, research director of the Baldaways Charitable Society for Blood Cancer.
He added: "We urge parents not to be disturbed by this study. Blood cancer in childhood is very rare, and develops only in one child out of 2000 children."
"Being able to stop this type of leukemia in the first place is very exciting," sa
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ARTICLE 7
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Africa is preparing to launch again in a different dress
01:16 PM 22/05/2018
The leader of the terrorist group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who is currently in Syria, is likely to be transferred to an African country to take off again, a Syrian official said on Tuesday.
Badruddin told Russian news agency Sputnik that what the Washington Post published about al-Baghdadi's existence and preparing him for attacks using children was based on speculation rather than information.
"He may be alive now, but he will never be in Syria, because the leader of a terrorist organization whose sole aim is almost a year ago is to survive the siege of the organization in Iraq and Syria and start establishing an alternative state," he said.
He said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "is currently in one of the African countries, the candidate to be a new starting point for a new organization, including elements and leaders of the current organization, but in a different dress, expected to be announced this new organization before the end of this year."
Badr al-Din pointed out that the fate of al-Baghdadi is "very controversial in the last year." The Russians hinted that they managed to kill him in one of the raids and that the Americans were tempted to kill him in a limited operation and that he was raised in a Turkish prison after a joint Turkish- , Everyone hopes that the man is over. "
"All the signs indicate that the organization of the preacher of terrorism ends in Syria and in Iraq as well, and the disappearance of Baghdadi in this way means that he is in Africa as is likely to many. There are specifically in Somalia indications that a new organization is being built and equipped to announce it, Different have already been advocated ".
The Syrian expert stressed that the new organization "will never be in an encouraging force, but at the same time looking for areas that can enhance its influence and power easily, and can also govern and defend the areas it will occupy easily, And defend it. "
The Washington Post reported that it had intelligence information confirming that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the terrorist organization, was still alive and was overseeing a long-term strategy to lead the remaining numbers of the organization in eastern Syria.
The newspaper claimed that al-Baghdadi chose to be hidden even within the organization, despite the assurances of officials in calling for his arrest in a joint operation carried out by Turkish and Iraqi officers earlier in 2018.
The newspaper pointed out that Baghdadi personally invited a meeting near the Syrian city of Deir al-Zour to discuss the re-writing of the educational curriculum of the organization, where intelligence indicates that al-Baghdadi recently focused his attention to escape the destruction of the organization in Iraq and Syria.
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ARTICLE 8 (shared verbally on yesterday's report; here's the link to the story itself)
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