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Hakim calls for an end to the stage of ballard between the political parties in Iraq
Ammar al-Hakim
Baghdad: Hamza Mustafa
The leader of the wisdom movement in Iraq Ammar al-Hakim, the current trend in the project of political opposition amid the continuing debate on the concepts of government and the state. Al-Hakim said in a speech on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Declaration of the Wisdom Stream after the split of the Islamic Supreme Council that "the stream of national wisdom was and will remain true in the slogans that he raised at the time of the emanation. Religious and sectarian and national, and then contributed mainly to leave sectarian alignments established the national alliances across all affiliations ».
"The stream of national wisdom today has become a true expression of the concerns and suffering of citizens and an effective contributor to alleviating them," Hakim said. He stressed that "the project of the national political opposition constructive to strengthen the democratic process in our country and the allocation of space so that the people clearly recognize who bears the responsibility and end the situation of throwing the ball in the court of the other, as we pledge our people that our opposition will be a clear voice on behalf of the oppressed and the disadvantaged to fight corruption and failure and the restoration of the rights of our youth And end their suffering. " The statements of the Iraqi leadership came after about a week on the exit of the wisdom stream in demonstrations in a number of Iraqi provinces raised slogans and demands of a service nature. It also comes about two months after the announcement of the stream of wisdom left to the opposition at the time of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, a letter to the leader of the stream of wisdom, Ammar al-Hakim on the eve of the departure of his movement demonstrations, asking him to determine the formula of the relationship between the state and the government on the grounds that wisdom announced that he would be opposed to the government He will not participate in cabinet portfolios and not in opposition to the state or the political system. While all expectations were for the possibility of the emergence of the bloc «Sauron», supported by the leader of the Sadrist movement Moqtada al-Sadr and the coalition «victory» led by former Prime Minister Haider Abadi to the opposition, they did not clearly announce the way of their work next at a time leaking information about a great convergence Between Sadr and Abadi, which is interpreted by political observers that it will be against the government of Adel Abdul Mahdi, which was formed by a fragile consensus between the blocs, "Saron" backed by Sadr and "conquest" led by Hadi Amiri. In this context, Nofal Abu Raghef, the official spokesman for the al-Hakam movement, told Asharq Al-Awsat that "the current by going out to the opposition does not support the overthrow of the government." He pointed out that "demonstrating is a constitutional right and can contribute to enhancing political life in the country. The responsibility of the opposition, but part of its basic duties ». Abu Raghef said that "the political opposition is opposed to the political decision and the government team, not the state system." On the nature of political alliances in Iraq and whether they are able to follow the approach of real political opposition, the leader of the reform alliance Haider Mulla said in his speech to «Middle East» that «the alliances formed after the elections in 2018 are all fragile, and the reason that these alliances took place according to The criteria and bases differ from all the understandings that formed alliances from 2003 to 2018 », explaining that« the previous alliances were based on the Shiite-Sunni-Kurdish triangle and was seeking to create a Shiite umbrella for all Shiites and a Sunni umbrella for the year and a Kurdish umbrella for all Kurds and within all these umbrellas There are understandings inside Yeh but they do not go out constants. » On the nature of the confusion between the concepts of government and state in Iraq, which is still one of the obstacles to the crystallization of the formulas of loyalty and opposition, which declared Adel Abdul Mahdi, in his letter to the leader of the stream of wisdom Ammar al-Hakim, calling for "the political majority in exchange for minority, "It is difficult to disengage between the state and the government in Iraq as long as the concept of opposition remains largely ambiguous." "The opposition is a natural context in political action, especially in countries with a democratic approach. The opposition is formed when political parties are unable to form a government because they have not won the confidence of the majority in exchange for confidence. Is either the concept of loyalty and opposition or majority versus minority, which is still very confusing to us because of quotas based on the participation of everyone in power ». "This is one of the things that do not seem unclear because of the difficulty of distinguishing between the positions that are the share of the government, which should be shared according to the electoral entitlement and between positions and positions that are the share of the state, which is right Is available to all citizens as well as the forces and parties, even those that did not participate in the formation of the government President of the Republic confirms Iraq's desire to develop bilateral relations with Britain
Release date: 2019/7/25 12:06 • 38 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) President of the Republic Barham Salih, on Thursday, Iraq's desire to develop bilateral relations with Britain.
"President Barham Salih sent Thursday a cable of congratulations to the new British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on the occasion of assuming office," a presidential statement said.
"The president expressed his congratulations and wishes to Johnson for success in his new tasks," the statement said, stressing "Iraq's desire to develop bilateral relations, expand cooperation horizons and work together for peace and stability in the region and the world." A broad Iraqi refusal to amend the local election law and threatening to boycott it
Expectations of a low rate of popular participation if adopted
Thursday, July 25, 2019 Issue Number [14849]
A voter raises her vote after her ballot in Iraq (AFP)
Baghdad: Fadel Al Nashmi
28 Iraqi human rights and civil rights organizations declared their rejection and condemnation of the first amendment by the parliament to the law of the provincial councils not organized in the province and voted on it last Monday. The organizations threatened to call for peaceful protest and the boycott of local elections scheduled for April 1, 2020.
For the first time in years, a group of organizations belonging to a wide spectrum of Arab provinces, including the provinces of Nineveh, Salah al-Din and Anbar, along with Baghdad and the central and southern provinces, agreed to reject a law amendment in the Iraqi Council of Representatives. "We declare our strong condemnation of the first amendment to the provincial elections law which is not organized in a region," the group of organizations said yesterday. The organizations expressed concern about the equivalence of the counting of votes of persons and entities approved by the law of St. Lego, which rose to 1.9 after 1.7 in the elections on the amended law, which came in light of the previous elections. The statement said that «the amendment is unfair and impede the real representation of voters, because it makes unfair competition between those who seek to participate in the elections, and limits the ability of small political forces and independent figures to access the provincial councils». The statement said that the new wording of the amendment «devote the dominance and control of blocs and parties influential and large on the administrative and executive joints in the provinces». The signatories to the statement called on the Iraqi Council of Representatives to "not adopt these amendments and return at least to 1.3". The organizations demanded the Presidency of the Republic to return the law to the House of Representatives and not ratified for reconsideration in line with the many observations made by civil society and other keen on the democratic approach in Iraq. "It will continue to pursue all nonviolent means of protest, especially calling for boycotting the elections, in order to express our rejection of these amendments," she said. Among the organizations involved in the drafting of the statement were the Madrak Foundation, the Center for Civil Studies and Legal Reform, the Association for the Defense of Press Freedom in Iraq, the Nissan Institute of Awareness, the Forum, the Peace Forum in Hit, the Dhi Qar Social Forum, the Missan Social Forum, The Diwaniyah Environment and Peace Forum, the Fallujah Peace Forum, and the Tikrit Youth Volunteer Team). In turn, a member of the legal committee in the Iraqi parliament Saeb Khader, he understands the campaign against the law because it "will contribute to the lack of access of small blocs and independent figures to the provincial councils and keep control of those councils monopoly of the parties and large blocs. Khaddar said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that the legal committee discussed four formulas to amend the percentage of votes, such as choosing the 1.9 formula and allowing the biggest losers to win if their lists are not won. . "The new amendment is much better than the previous law, and the proportion of counting votes will not make a big difference to the winning lists even if they adopt version 1.3 of the law (Saint Lego)," he said. "The possibility of changing the ratio or amending the new amendment, given the timing of the elections, does not allow any change," Khadr said. Article 9 first, which is the object of opposition to the law, states that "the correct votes for each list shall be divided into serial numbers (9, 7, 5, 3, 1, etc.) and the number of seats in the constituency. Election ". In her turn, the representative of the bloc of "Biyarek al-Khair" on the emirate, yesterday, that the adoption of 1.9 percentage of the electoral law, which was approved by the Parliament recently is to strengthen what it described as "political dictatorship," calling for the presidency of parliament to reconsider it. "The adoption of 1.9 percentage points is a further strengthening of the political dictatorship, which means not allowing the new emerging powers to take their role in the process of change, construction and reform in Iraq," the emirate said in a press conference held at the parliament building. She pointed out that «this ratio restricts the will of the state with a number of citizens and this weakens the oversight role to hold the corrupt and waste the opportunity for many citizens to participate in the upcoming elections of the provincial councils». In a sign that the Iraqi Left and the Sadrist movement are likely to break up in the Saarun alliance as a result of the vote on the new amendment, the leader of the Iraqi Communist Party and the Sason Alliance attacked Jassim al-Hilfi, the new amendment, and wrote on his Facebook page: Lego 1.9 for rotation and not change, he says: The change that guarantees a decent life for the poor of Iraq does not come through elections. He added: «I'm sure ... If the powerful insist on the law of St. Lego 1.9 will not exceed the proportion of those who participate in the upcoming elections 15%, and this is the scandal is expected». Many expect a decline in the percentage of popular participation in the upcoming local elections, due to the decline in the proportion of the last general elections to about 30%, in addition to the anger that controls the broad popular sectors against Iraqi political parties and forces.
UNHCR reveals the benefits of the adoption of the first amendment to the law of local elections and describe it as "historical"
25/07/2019
Baghdad
A member of the Council of Commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission, accredited Almosawi, on Thursday, the adoption of the first amendment to the election law in parliament, a historic achievement, revealing the benefits.
Moussawi said in an interview with "news" that "the adoption of the first amendment to the amended electoral law No. 12 of 2018, is a major achievement and historical."
He added that "the first achievement of this law, is to resolve the node of the province of Kirkuk, which was unresolved 15 years ago, and reduce the number of seats in provincial councils, after it was in the year (456) seat, to (255) seat with quota, according to the latest amendment to the law" , Pointing out that "the law in its final form cancels 201 seats with all its privileges in the provincial councils, and this is a popular demand of a large public."
He added that "the latest amendment in the law abolished the conditional voting, and the vote of the population movement, in addition to resolving the debate on the use of electronic devices, which was voted, which confirms its integrity and accuracy and accuracy."
He explained that "the amendment to separate the special vote for the general vote, where the security services of all types are able to participate in the elections 48 hours before the general ballot."
Kuwait grants 400 visas to Iraqi economic figures
25-07-2019 11:59 PM
Baghdad
Kuwait's Minister of Trade and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan announced the start of the process of granting a multi-entry visa to about 400 Iraqi economic figures as part of efforts to develop relations between the two countries. "A special committee was formed to strengthen trade relations with Iraq, in accordance with the directives of the Amir of Kuwait Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah," Al-Rawi said. He added that his visit to Iraq last week came within the framework of the ambitious state plan to open different markets and the desire of the Emir of Kuwait to open a free market with Iraq. "The objective of these visits is not only economic, but when Iraq stabilizes, Kuwait is settled, then will create economic capabilities and the volume of mutual benefit between the two peoples." The Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations have witnessed a remarkable development, especially after the visit of the Amir of Kuwait Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah to Baghdad.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Sources: Parliament session today may be the last in its current legislative term
Release date: 2019/7/25 12:37 • 52 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) Parliamentary sources suggested that the parliamentary session scheduled for Thursday is the last in the second legislative term after an extension for a month.
The Presidency of the House of Representatives decided on July 2 to extend the current legislative term for one month in order to complete the important laws.
According to this extension, the current legislative term ends on August 2, which is still 9 days d Iraqi High-level Delegation to Visit Kurdistan on Thursday
BasNews 25/07/2019
A high-level delegation from Baghdad will visit Erbil on Thursday to meet with senior Kurdish officials and hold talks on relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
Kurdistan 24 reported that Finance Minister Fuad Hussein, Thamir Ghadhban, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister, National Security Advisor Falih Fayadh, and Abu Jihad al-Hashemi, head of the premier's office, are among the delegates.
Officials from both sides are expected to exchange views on the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, including the resolution of the remaining disputes.
It came after the new prime minister of Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, visited Baghdad and met with his Iraqi counterpart where they agreed on starting a new phase of peaceful dialogue to solve the issues between the sides.
Security forces kill five of the 'dads' in Sinjar
Defense Minister stresses the ability of the Air Force to protect Iraq
- See more at: http://translate.
Defense Minister stresses the ability of the Air Force to protect Iraq
25/07/2019
Baghdad: «Gulf», agencies
Iraqi Defense Minister Najah al-Shammari said yesterday that Iraq has a strong air force capable of protecting the country against external threats. The joint forces announced the end of their operations in the "Second Will of Victory" operations, while the security forces killed five members of the "Daash" In Sinjar, west of Mosul. The Iraqi Defense Ministry said in a statement that «Shammari visited the Air Force Command, was received by the Air Force Commander and senior officers in the leadership», indicating that «the commander provided a detailed summary of the nature of the work of leadership and training mechanism, as well as the importance of the air force is always ready To fight and defend the skies of the country and support the pieces ». Al-Shammari stressed that "Iraq has a strong air force and is capable of protecting the country against foreign threats." On the other hand, the Joint Operations Command announced in a statement that the joint Iraqi forces launched operations east of the series of Mount Sinjar west of Mosul, which led to the killing of five of the "Da'ash" militants. The joint forces said: "The units participating in the second phase of operations (will victory) completed its security tasks to achieve all the objectives of the operation within the areas of northern Baghdad and the surrounding areas in the provinces of Anbar, Salah al-Din and Diyala. Iraqi forces launched military operations under the banner of "Will of Victory" on July 7, with the support of the Iraqi Air Force, Air Force and International Alliance aircraft. In Diyala, a security source said: "The gunmen from the organization of Daash attacked a civilian house in the village of reform in the district of Jalawla north-east of the province." The source pointed out that «the gunmen burned a large car belonging to the citizen and fled, while the security forces took the necessary measures», noting that «the situation now controlled.
Deputy: We are hosting the Minister of Oil on the delay in the payment of oil revenues of Kurdistan
Iraq News Now
12:59
BAGHDAD /
The deputy of the alliance Fatah Abdul Amir al-Dabi, on Thursday, that the coalition is working to host the Minister of Oil on the delay of payment of oil revenues of Kurdistan.
Al-Dabbi said in a statement received by Al-Ghad Press that a "Fatah alliance has the intention to host the oil minister and the head of the Financial Control Bureau in the House of Representatives at the same time on the delay of payment of revenues Kurdistan Region oil to the central government, but the oil minister was traveling outside Iraq "He said.
"Hosting has been delayed because of the oil minister's preoccupation with travel and the finance minister was not in Baghdad," he said.
"Corruption in Iraq is a cancer and can only be dealt with by eradicating it. When corruption is eradicated, large heads of the Iraqi state are eradicated."
Boris Johnson Considers Himself a Friend of Iraqis, Kurds: Envoy
BasNews 25/07/2019 - 00:11 Published in Kurdistan
The new prime minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has said that he considers himself a friend of Iraqis, including the Kurds, UK Ambassador to Iraq Jon Wilks said on Wednesday.
UK's former foreign secretary and London mayor, Johnson, made the comments during a meeting with Iraqi President Barham Salih earlier the month, according to the UK envoy.
"Prime Minister Johnson told the President he is a friend of Iraq, including a friend of the Kurds and supports developing the UK/Iraq relationship." Wilks wrote on Twitter.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Johnson on his election as the new premier of the UK, hoping for stronger ties between Erbil and London with his new position in the government.
"I extend my warmest congratulations on your election as the leader of the Conservative Party. I am sure that your experience and leadership will prove invaluable for the United Kingdom," reads a statement by the office of the presidency.
The Kurdish president said that the Kurdistan Region "is proud of its relations with the UK, and I hope that with your new role as the leader of the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister of the UK, the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the UK will improve further."
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
IMF says trade conflicts could make a sluggish global economy even worse The global economy is still sluggish — and an improvement in 2020 is not a sure bet. Read in CNN Business: https://apple.news/ Global growth forecast cut by IMF amid trade tensions The Fund says growth "remains subdued", and trade and technology tensions need to be reduced. Read in BBC News: https://apple.news/ 10 Things to Know for Today Among 10 Things to Know: Mueller to take center stage at Russia probe hearings; Boris Johnson to take office in Britain, aiming to win over doubters; Justice Department puts Big Tech under antitrust microscope Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/AwM4DlW-
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold Heats Up And Silver Joins The Race Now that gold has broken through the $1,450 an ounce level, a six-high year high, the next big test is $1,500. We may end up seeing those conditions emerge sooner rather than later. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/ Gold Dips in Tight Trading Ahead of Expected Rate Cuts Commodities Jul 23, 2019 18:43 GMT Investing.com – Weaker economic data and a stronger dollar battled for the hearts and minds of gold traders on Tuesday as an absence of guidance from the Federal Reserve inhibited sharp moves in the precious metal ahead of a widely expected rate cut. Spot gold, reflective of trades in bullion, traded at $1,419.74 per ounce by 2:33 PM ET (18:33 GMT), down $4.87, or 0.3%, on the day. Gold futures for August delivery, traded on the Comex division of the New York Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Oil Prices Drop as U.K. Calms Nerves Over Iran; U.S. Inventories on Tap Commodities Jul 23, 2019 11:59 GMT Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Oil up on Bets for 6th Weekly Drawdown; U.K.-Iran Tensions Dissipate Commodities Jul 23, 2019 17:34 GMT By Barani Krishnan Investing.com - Crude prices rose on Tuesday, but were off the session highs after Iran struck a conciliatory note with new U.K. Prime Mininister Boris Johnson over the tanker dispute. That demonstrated once again the fleeting impact of geopolitical tensions in the Gulf when faced with ebbing demand for crude. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 22 cents, or 0.4%, at $56.44 per barrel by 1:30 PM ET (17:30 GMT), after trading as high as Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Oil edges lower as traders play down Iran tensions Oil futures edge lower Tuesday, with crude unable to sustain gains tied to rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
HSBC Jade Debit Card
Of Course Jeff Epstein Moved His Dirty Money Through Deutsche BankWhere else?
Read in Vanity Fair: https://apple.news/AUVOu-
Deutsche Bank reportedly flagged Jeffrey Epstein transactions to US watchdog
The transactions, which involved Jeffrey Epstein moving money out of the United States, were flagged after Deutsche Bank reportedly began looking for indications that the former friend of Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton was using his money for sex trafficking. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/Aa- Exclusive: Deutsche Bank's problem derivatives cloud recovery - sources Deutsche Bank AG's turnaround strategy rests in large part on shedding 288 billion euros of unwanted assets. Three bank insiders said it will take years, tying up capital that could have generated income of 500 million euros ($557 million) a year. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A90_eP-haT- Australia's bank watchdog orders Macquarie, HSBC, Rabobank to tighten funding Australia's banking regulator said on Wednesday it has forced Macquarie Group Ltd and the domestic units of Rabobank and HSBC to tighten funding arrangements in Australia, saying they had been in breach of reporting requirements. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ European banks, states have serious dirty-money shortcomings- EU Commission The European Commission saidon Wednesday more should be done to counter themulti-billion-euro flow of dirty money in the European Union asmajor shortcomings have emerged in the way banks and governmentshandle the issue. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ Bank of America adopt Ripple Blockchain in New Interbank Application In the US, Bank of America (BOA) is one of the leading holders of blockchain patents. Yet, they have just registered another one. The new patent filing on Google Patents states that BOA will adopt the power of the Ripple blockchain within a new interbank settlement and communication system. What is blockchain A blockchain is […] The post Bank of America adopt Ripple Blockchain in New Interbank Application appeared first on LearnBonds.com. Read in Learn Bonds Financial News: https://apple.news/ UBS Profit Rises Slightly but Hampered by Wealth Management, Investment Banking The Swiss bank says operating income in the second quarter fell at its wealth management and investment banking divisions. Swiss-based financial services company UBS (UBS) posted a slight increase in second-quarter earnings thought the results were hampered in part by its sluggish wealth management and investment banking divisions. The bank also warned that lower interest rates and politics could impede growth in future profits. Profit after taxes in the quarter was $1.392 billion, slightly Read in TheStreet: https://apple.news/ UBS puts FT reporter on blast as Swiss bank is angered by earnings story Swiss bank publicly blasts Financial Times reporter over earnings story. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ Banker Bonuses Face Crackdown in Australia After Scandals Bank executives in Australia may have to wait as long as seven years to receive their bonuses and face a greater emphasis on improving culture and governance, under regulatory proposals spurred by a string of scandals across the financial industry. Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/Aqn_ China unlikely to follow US Federal Reserve interest rate cut, central bank governor suggests China’s interest rates are at an “appropriate” level, according to central bank governor Yi Gang, a strong suggestion that Beijing is unlikely to follow the US Federal Reserve in making an expected rate cut later this month. Yi pointed to the fact that… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AqYZOrI-
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on WednesdayEconomy Jul 24, 2019 09:45 GMT Investing.com -- Here are the top five things to know about in financial markets on Wednesday, July 24th. 1. Stocks set to open lower on DoJ tech action U.S. stock indexes are set to open lower as the Department of Justice’s announcement that it will conduct a broad review into the workings of some of the largest tech companies weighs on some of the market’s biggest blue-chips. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Facebook and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) all fell over 1% in after-hours Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Recessions and Bear MarketsMark Hulbert writes that you can be a perfect economic forecaster and still lose money. Stock market investors are too concerned about whether a recession is imminent. That statement seems ludicrous on its face, of course. But in this column I hope to convince you that it's true. So bear with me. The notion that stock market investors should worry about an economic downturn derives from a perfectly reasonable concern about what that downturn would do to corporate profits. Aren't stock prices a Read in TheStreet: https://apple.news/ Municipal Bonds: Funding The Infrastructure Of ConnectionsFor investors seeking to fund infrastructure improvements, municipal bonds are a compelling option. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/ 10 Market Bubbles Just Waiting to Pop Another round of global easing would likely fuel existing asset bubbles and create new ones that could turn a “run-of-the-mill recession into a full-blown financial crisis,” one strategist says. Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/ Treasury yields rise as traders look ahead to central bank decisions U.S. government debt prices fell on Tuesday as traders await monetary policy decisions from the European Central Bank (ECB) this week and the Federal Reserve next week. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A4HTQZ_ Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch Stock Markets Jul 23, 2019 20:58 GMT 1. Facebook and Tesla Headline Earnings Card Diving right into the earnings, the most market-moving reports could be after the close of trading tomorrow. Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) will report postmarket, while a $5 billion settlement over privacy practices with the FTC could be announced as early as this week, according to published reports. On average, analysts expect Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) to post a profit of $1.82 per share, with revenue of $16.5 billion, Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Turning Points For The Upcoming Week Of July 22-26 Corporate earnings are softer.The belly of the yield curve is still inverted; 1-unit building starts are softer.While retail sales have improved, industrial production is still weak. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Bitcoin back below $10,000 as institutional interest-led FUD teases crypto-market Bitcoin is back to the four-figure mark, dipping below $10,000 after the week began with a stutter. Following the Libra onslaught of the previous week, a massive correction was expected this week. However, it was anything but. With Bakkt commencing their test phase for the hotly anticipated Bitcoin [BTC] Futures platform, institutional interest in the... Read in AMBCrypto: https://apple.news/ Iran Gives Nod to Cryptocurrency Mining - Bitcoinist.com Iran’s government has given the green light to a cryptocurrency mining mechanism, thus recognizing the Bitcoin and crypto industry, local media portal TehranTimes reported on Monday, citing news agency Mehr. Crypto Mining Has Legal Grounds in Iran It’s official – the Iranian governments’ economic committee on Sunday said yes to a cryptocurrency mining mechanism. The decision is a natural result of Iran’s plans to frame the rapidly expanding mining farms into its legal system. Abdolnaser Hemmati, Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/ADn8YINd6P_ Bitcoin Drops Below Long-Term Price Support at $10K Bitcoin fell below key support above $10,000 earlier today and could be facing a deeper drop, according to price and volume analysis. Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/ Bitcoin and the 'wild west' crypto-market are entering their final phase, claims report Libra is a wolf in sheep's clothing to Bitcoin. Facebook's Libra was heralded as the harbinger of a massive wave of crypto-adoption. In light of Facebook's well-established user base, widespread messaging applications, and strong foundations, the cryptocurrency world looked at Libra as a possible bridge for the uninitiated to the decentralized currency industry. However, it... Read in AMBCrypto: https://apple.news/ Has Top Cryptocurrency Website CoinMarketCap Completely Given Up on Data Accuracy? The reported trading volume on CoinMarketCap is largely false. Here is what the company has done about it so far. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AWFr2_ Has Top Cryptocurrency Website CoinMarketCap Completely Given Up on Data Accuracy? The reported trading volume on CoinMarketCap is largely false. Here is what the company has done about it so far. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AWFr2_ Prefer to pay property tax with Bitcoin? Richmond Hill will soon accept it If you live in Richmond Hill, you’ll soon be able to pay your property taxes with Bitcoin. Read in CBC News: https://apple.news/
CURRENCIES
Dollar Sails Higher, Boris Becomes Prime Minister | Action Forex Dollar advances on US debt ceiling accord; may have more room to climb Boris Johnson to become new UK Prime Minister – watch his Cabinet picks Loonie and kiwi lose ground, earnings season fires up Greenback catches a bid after US debt ceiling deal Market movements were relatively subdued on Monday, with most major currency […] The post Dollar Sails Higher, Boris Becomes Prime Minister appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/A_ Dollar Rises in Mixed Markets, Resumes Rally Against Euro | Action Forex Dollar strengthens broadly today and breaks near term support against Euro. There is no clear sign of strength in other pairs yet. More is needed to the greenback to prove itself. Meanwhile, markets remain relatively mixed elsewhere. Canadian Dollar is the strongest yet New Zealand Dollar and Australian Dollar are two of the weakest ones. […] The post Dollar Rises in Mixed Markets, Resumes Rally Against Euro appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/ Dollar Extends Rebound, Sterling Soft after Brief Recovery | Action Forex Sterling has a very brief recovery today after Boris Johnson reaches the most important checkpoint to become the next UK prime minister. But the Pound quickly lost momentum and is back under pressure. Though, for now, New Zealand Dollar is the weakest one, followed by Euro, then Sterling. On the other hand, Dollar is extending […] The post Dollar Extends Rebound, Sterling Soft after Brief Recovery appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/ Forex - Euro Hits 2-Month Lows before ECB; Sterling Sags Forex Jul 24, 2019 07:43 GMT Investing.com - The euro slid to its lowest level in two months on Wednesday amid expectations that the European Central Bank could pave the way for monetary easing, while the pound was trading near two-year lows, pressured by growing fears over the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. The single currency was 0.17% lower at 1.1131 by 03:31 AM ET (07:30 GMT), its weakest since May 31. It had already lost more than 0.5% the previous day and shed nearly 0.7% so far this week. Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Pound euro exchange rate: GBP/EUR falls as BoE’s Saunders turns dovish, new PM in focus This morning, the pound slipped against the euro and the pairing is currently trading around €1.110. On Tuesday, the pound edged down as one of the Bank of England’s most hawkish policymakers Michael Saunders warned the UK economy looks weak. In a dovish turn, Mr Saunders said it was uncertain that Britain would leave the EU smoothly and explained: “The economy right now is clearly not overheating – the underlying pace of growth, stripping out all of the funny effects, inventories, car shutdowns Read in Express: https://apple.news/AfPQb- Soaring Swiss franc raises intervention stakes as ECB prepares to ease * Swiss franc surges to two-year high against euro Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ Swedish Krona Set To Decline Further The Swedish krona has been declining.While Swedish exports have been rising, this has not necessarily had particularly positive effects on GDP growth.I take a bearish view on the Swedish krona. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Facebook’s Libra currency spawns a wave of fakes, including on Facebook itself The fakes could undermine Facebook's efforts to inspire confidence and satisfy the regulators now scrutinizing the global currency. Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/AldIK- The 'cold currency war' is heating up, says Pimco Joachim Fels of Pimco says the currency was is being fought without "outright intervention" in the foreign exchange markets. Instead, they're being fought with rate cuts and quantitative easing, he says. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A5qj4_
HEALTH / SCIENCE
Deadly fungal infections may increase with global warming Very sick patients in the hospital are most vulnerable to Candida auris, which is resistant to most drugs. Read in NBC News: https://apple.news/
Health alert is issued as heatwave set bring record temperatures
Daytime temperatures are likely to hit 97F (36C) by Thursday - and could beat the record for July of 98.1F (36.7C) set in 2015 as boiling air originating from Africa will sweep over Europe towards Britain. Read in Daily Mail: https://apple.news/ America’s Beach Water Can Pose A Health Risk This Summer U.S. beaches may pose a public health threat due to high amounts of fecal bacteria. Read in HuffPost: https://apple.news/ Why the WHO's Emergency Declaration for Ebola Is a Big Deal The World Health Organization last week drew global attention to a nearly year-old outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling it a “public health emergency of international concern.” The designation signals a public health risk to other countries and indicates that a coordinated international response might be needed. The agency based its decision in part on the first confirmed case of Ebola in Goma, a DRC city of nearly two million people on the country’s eastern Read in Scientific American: https://apple.news/ Research shows high prices of healthy foods contribute to malnutrition worldwide First global examination of affordability of both healthy and unhealthy foods shows prices matter for diet and health outcomes Poor diets are the now the leading risk factor for the global burden of disease, accounting for one-fifth of all deaths worldwide. While the causes of poor diets are complex, new research finds the affordability of... Read in SCIENMAG: https://apple.news/Aay_ Study: Malaria Drugs Are Failing At An 'Alarming' Rate In Southeast Asia Mutant parasites have built up resistance to first-line malaria drugs, according to two new studies in The Lancet. Scientists worry that this could overturn global progress against the disease. Read in NPR: https://apple.news/ FDA launches anti-vaping ads The Food and Drug administration is launching its first TV ads to fight vaping by teenagers. The FDA’s nearly $60 million initiative, called “The Real Cost,” includes new commercials featuring street magician Julius Dein, who uses tricks to educate teens on the risks of e-cigarettes. "CBS This Morning" consumer investigative national correspondent Anna Werner and CBS News medical contributor Tara Narula discuss the initiative. Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/
USA / CANADA
The Financial Future Of The Country Is Getting Scary The national debt is growing so quickly that soon interest payments will be the third largest budget item. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AQhsEHsmEQ- 'From The Government And Here To Help': Budget Deal In Washington Could Lift Spirits An apparent budget deal in Washington is one more worry off of Wall Street’s mind, and could be helpful today for stocks. At the same time, earnings are mostly beating low expectations, so companies aren’t getting rewarded too much by investors. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/ The Fed can’t stop a market meltdown, warns forecaster who called the 2008 housing bust Expectations over the Fed’s ability to fix all that ails the economy and markets may be running a little too hot, warns our call of the day, from James Stack, president of Stack Financial Management and owner of InvesTech Research. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
EMERGING MARKETS
How Emerging Technologies are Changing the Fintech Landscape Emerging technology is changing the fintech space. Lisa Ellis, a partner at MoffettNathanson and lead analyst for Payments, Processors and IT Services, breaks down how emerging technology is changing fintech. The fintech sector is hot, hot, hot. Or, as Jim Cramer wrote in his Real Money column on July 2, "...this market's gaga for anything fintech. It's a believer in any sort of payment processor, even if it isn't making any money." And, with different technologies--such as Facebook's (FB) Libra Read in TheStreet: https://apple.news/ What's next for emerging markets as America continues to outperform Ruchir Sharma, chief global strategist and head of emerging markets at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, joins CNBC's "Closing Bell" to discuss what's next for emerging markets. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ Get The Most Out Of Emerging Markets While global equities largely recovered 2018's losses to begin the year, the latter half of 2019 may prolong the existing uncertainty.Emerging markets have the potential to offer investors much more than just diversified global exposure, including additional dividend income, volatility management and attractive valuations.While it is often difficult to find a comprehensive strategy that can help maximize this potential for investors, the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A9- Trump says he's considering options after Guatemala halts 'safe third country' designation U.S. President Donald Trump said he is now considering a "ban," tariffs and remittance fees after Guatemala decided to not move forward with a safe third country agreement that would have required the Central American country to take in more asylum seekers. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ Sales to emerging markets a bright spot for Harley Davidson Harley-Davidson Inc on Tuesday reported stronger sales in China and other Asian markets and said U.S. sales should improve in the second half of the year, positive news that offset a cut to its full-year motorcycle forecast and sent shares up 5.3 percent. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
MIDDLE EAST
Middle East & Africa Roofing Materials Market To Reach US$ 4 Bn in 2019 With A CAGR Of 2.70% During The Period 2019 - 2028 New York City, NY: July 23, 2019 - Published via (Wired Release) - The global Middle East & Africa Roofing Materials market valued at US$ 4 Bn in 2019 and is projected to reach Mn US$ by 2028, with CAGR of 2.70% between 2019 to 2028. The study, Global Middle East & Africa Roofing Materials Market:... Read in Market Research Biz Reports: https://apple.news/ UN compensation panel pays out $270M for Kuwait oil company A United Nations panel that oversees compensation claims stemming from Iraq's 1990-1991 invasion of Kuwait says it has paid out $270 million to Kuwait's national oil company Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ADMfX_ Turkish Diplomat Killed | Pakistan’s Gold Mine | Nigeria’s Shia Sheikh Turkish Diplomat Killed | Pakistan’s Gold Mine | Nigeria’s Shia Sheikh Read in TRT World: https://apple.news/ Rare strife breaks out over Saudi bills in Senate Foreign Relations committee The public tension between Jim Risch and Robert Menendez is unusual for the Foreign Relations Committee, which prides itself on collegiality. Read in POLITICO: https://apple.news/A3_ Iran observes all U.S. ships in Gulf region: Iran navy chief Iran observes all U.S. ships in the Gulf region and has an archive of images of their daily movements, the head of Iran's navy, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, said on Tuesday, according to the Young Journalists Club news site. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ ‘Israeli missiles’ strike strategic hill near Golan Heights – state media Missiles presumably fired by Israeli jets have struck a strategic mountain area of Tal al-Hara in the Daraa province of Syria, causing material damage but no casualties, state media has reported. Read in RT News: https://apple.news/AqnQ_
AFRICA
Why does Zimbabwe have a new currency? The return of the Zimbabwean dollar has raised fears about a return to hyperinflation. Read in BBC News: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: ZCTU's Money-Spinning Scheme Exposed The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)s' continuous calls for protests in the country have been exposed as a way of trying to position the body for the UNI Global Union's Breaking Through Award, which comes with a US$200 000 prize money. Awarded in Switzerland, the Breaking Through Award is aimed at recognising trade unions from around the world that have recorded "exceptional victories" in union density and mobilisations. ZCTU has been planning to mobilise workers for a mass stayaway Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ACkUxoz_ Zimbabwe: Power-Short Zimbabwe Removes Barriers to Solar Energy Expansion Bulawayo, Zimbabwe With climate change hitting hydropower, boosting solar power could help ease blackouts and support growth, the government says Power-short Zimbabwe has removed import duties on solar-energy-related products, from batteries to cables, and mandated that all new construction in the country include solar systems, government officials said. To deal with power shortages, in part as repeated droughts hits hydropower, the country will now "promote the importation (and) local Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Ay_ Zimbabwe: Call to Expedite Mines, Minerals Bill Amendment Bulawayo The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has implored Government to speed up the amendment of the Mines and Minerals Bill, which is set to address sticking issues in the mining sector. President Mnangagwa last year ordered that the Mines and Minerals Bill be taken back to Parliament for further scrutiny after miners cried foul that they were left out of the crafting process. Since then, there has been little progress in the process, a situation that has hampered progress in the mining Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Af_ Zimbabwe: Econet Warns of Dire Consequences If Load Shedding Persists (Photo: Jerry Chifamba/allAfrica) Econet Wireless has warned that it will soon implement new measures if power utility, Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) fails to guarantee uninterrupted power supply. The announcement comes two days after there was complete shutdown of the giant telecoms facility which left millions of subscribers and businesses stranded. The shutdown which lasted over half a day on Saturday was attributed load shedding. The mobile operator said the impact of load Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: MPs Blast Govt Over Slow Law Paced Reforms, Regurgitating Posa MDC-T Bulawayo legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga has hit out at government's half-hearted approach to bringing about law reforms in the country. Her Zanu-PF counterpart Kindness Paradza also blasted the powers that be for replicating past laws under the guise of law reforms. Misihairabwi-Mushonga, a member of the Paradza chaired committee said locals were not pleased with the slow alignment of existing laws with the national constitution as well as amendments on the rest. Committee Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Southern Africa: Govt Unhappy About South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi Trade Restrictions (Photo: VOA) Cape Town Mozambique's Minister of Industry and Commerce Ragendra de Sousa has accused South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe of creating administrative difficulties that have prevented Mozambican companies from exporting their products under the SADC Protocol, Verdadereports. According to the report, in 2016 a Mozambican brand of soft drinks under the Trade Protocol of the Southern African Countries Communities, began exporting their product to Malawi where, thanks to the low price, Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Premier African Minerals says RHA mine now a priority for Zimbabwe government Premier African Minerals Limited (LON:PREM) says Zimbabwe's electricity company ZESA has started work to electrify the RHA tungsten mine ahead of a possible re-start of production. RHA is now considered a priority project for the country’s government, Premier African added. George Roach, chief executive, said: "We believe the value of the in-country funds provided by the Zimbabwe Government to support this project has still been generally misunderstood. "For example, the Zimbabwe Electricity Read in Proactive Investors: https://apple.news/AgKcC-
ASIA
The Federal Reserve should not be helping the US become a closet currency manipulatorThe futures market has assigned a 100 per cent probability to a Fed rate cut of at least 25 basis points on July 31, which would be the first such move in over a decade. In late May, the expected likelihood had been less than a fifth. But in congressional…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
China unlikely to follow US Federal Reserve interest rate cut, central bank governor suggestsChina’s interest rates are at an “appropriate” level, according to central bank governor Yi Gang, a strong suggestion that Beijing is unlikely to follow the US Federal Reserve in making an expected rate cut later this month. Yi pointed to the fact that…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AqYZOrI- US-China trade war caused ‘self-inflicted’ damage to the global economy, says IMF after third 2019 forecast cut China’s trade war with the United States has caused “self-inflicted” damage that has already made global growth “sluggish and precarious” and could create further financial vulnerabilities by depressing both consumer and business sentiment, the… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ First Russian-Chinese air patrol in Asia-Pacific draws shots from South Korea Russia carried out what it said was its first long-range joint air patrol in the Asia-Pacific region with China on Tuesday, a mission that triggered hundreds of warning shots, according to South Korean officials, and a strong protest from Japan. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ People’s Bank of China Cuts Foreign Exchange Assets by a Third A pedestrian walks past the People’s Bank of China, also known as China’s Central Bank in Beijing on Aug. 22, 2007. The People’s Bank of China high-quality foreign exchange assets peaked in June 2014 and has fallen by a third as the bank sold high quality and bought lower quality assets. People’s Bank of China (PBoC) balance sheet was tiny in 1980 with just $2.3 billion, or 40 percent of assets, in high-quality foreign exchange treasury debt. The other 60 percent was in low-quality “other assets Read in The Epoch Times: https://apple.news/ABPr_ Crude Oil Climbs On New Hopes For U.S.-China Talks Crude oil rose with equities on word that U.S. officials will be in China on July 29 for the first high-level negotiations since trade talks broke down in May. Read in Investor's Business Daily: https://apple.news/
EUROPE
Backing Boris To Deliver Brexit Boris Johnson has been elected leader on the U.K. Conservative Party. He will inherit a difficult task of delivering a Brexit deal that can be passed within the House of Commons. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/ Boris Johnson wins race to become next British prime minister He beat Jeremy Hunt in a ballot of party members and will enter Downing Street on Wednesday. Read in BBC News: https://apple.news/ The future under Boris Johnson is terrifying – but a re-energised and truly unified Remain campaign will end the nightmare The results of an election with a foregone conclusion are finally in. The outcome was inevitable, and yet the horrific reality of Boris Johnson elevation to the role of prime minister induces deep emotions of frustration and anger, as well as dread and disbelief. Despite the Tory leadership contest – an intense exchange of nationalist one-upmanship – being the preserve of a tiny fraction of the British population, today’s result will have profound ramifications in the lives of every individual Read in The Independent: https://apple.news/ No-deal Brexit would be 'tragedy', EU will stick to agreement: official Any no-deal Brexit would be a "tragedy" for both the EU and Britain but the bloc will stick to the withdrawal agreement with London, a deputy head of the European Commission said on Tuesday. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
The CBI for Thursday 7/25/19 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is 194,093,050
There is one news and announcements.
Announcement of Auction Results (ICD405) for the sale of Islamic certificates of deposit
The Central Bank announced on 22/7/2019 the auction of Islamic certificates of deposit (ICD405). July 25, 2019
The Central Bank announced on 22/7/2019 the auction of Islamic certificates of deposit (ICD405) in the amount of (50) billion dinars for a period (91) days and was sold (5) billion dinars for one bank at a rate of return (1.50%)
ISX Update:
Click on the link above for the latest update.
Shares Traded:
Value Traded:
ISX ended in Green
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
7-24-2019 Newshound Guru Kaperoni The rate has not moved...its pegged to the dollar. Monitoring any kind of Forex or other service is a waste of time because it's just reflecting the dollar strengthening or weakening...the only official site for the dinar is CBI. IQ. The Official Rate of the Iraqi dinar is 1190 and as I stated it is pegged. The Market Rate or Street Rate is the rate that the dinar is sold in Iraq which is currently around 1205 within the IMF 2% compliance... [Note: You can always see the CBI's latest reported official rate and market rate for the dinar on the left side of this page.]
7-24-2019 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Iraq is currently in the final stages of preparation to return to their previous status in the world. They are not a country that has been in poverty for centuries...they are barely over a decade into their current situation. They have had a short setback in their financial situation, but at their core they are a rich country and this is not a huge mental shift for them to return to prosperity. The budget, in my opinion, is not something that will hold them back. A few strokes of the pen and some clicks of a mouse and the Budget is adjusted... [post 2 of 2]
7-24-2019 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Iraq is currently in the final stages of preparation to return to their previous status in the world. They are not a country that has been in poverty for centuries...they are barely over a decade into their current situation. They have had a short setback in their financial situation, but at their core they are a rich country and this is not a huge mental shift for them to return to prosperity. The budget, in my opinion, is not something that will hold them back. A few strokes of the pen and some clicks of a mouse and the Budget is adjusted... [post 2 of 2]
7-24-2019 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Iraq is currently operating on a budget fit for a pauper, even through by rights Iraq should be one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Iraq has, in the past, operated on budgets and status befitting their actual situation - that situation being one of the wealthiest nations in the world... The People who hold physical Dinar simply benefit by the increase in value, just like we will. A new printed currency comes out within weeks or even days of the rate change, and we're all aware that the new notes are ready to be printed, if not already printed and being held for distribution. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned] 7-24-2019 Intel Guru MarkZ [via PDK] Folks in Zurich are expecting appointments at 4 pm today. My guys in Asia did not get to exchange yet…I spoke to contacts in Hong Kong, Sinapore and China...they are also waiting. My guys at the redemption center are just sitting there twiddling their thumbs…I still believe the hold up is our US treasury…I could be wrong but that is what I believe. I have very good sources in Iraq and in the military and they both say it could happen at any time between now and Mid-August. They are very confident. They must have some intel they have seen that they cannot share with me just yet. Many intel people say this is the week…by Friday…by the 26th. 7-24-2019 Intel Guru Bruce This is only my theory. I believe that some of this flashing of the Dinar is absolutely manipulated. It is not Iraq is not ready. They have been ready. We haven’t been ready for them to go live. The US and in some cases some of the countries aren’t really ready. Now, I think everything is about ready now. My theory is that the Dinar flashing will stop, and the rate will be live and fluctuating when everything else is ready for this to go. ...So, the point is even though the rates are still flashing on the Iraqi Dinar, that could change in an instant. Redemption Center Staff...were on 24 hour call this afternoon [Tuesday]. So, that tells me that they know it is imminent. They know it can go at any moment... [post 2 of 2] 7-24-2019 Intel Guru Bruce What is interesting about Iraq is that the rate would be flashing which means it is not tradable...Then all of a sudden it would not be flashing and we would have fluctuation of the rate...It would come up for 2, 4, or 6 hours and then it would come back to flashing... I am sure they were fluctuating and being traded upward, and they want them to be traded towards the higher end where the Dinar supposed to start. ...We know that the Dinar because it is gold back, it has a good value, and it will have a good value... [post 1 of 2....stay tuned] 7-24-2019 Newshound Guru Kaperoni ...I think it's funny nobody ever knew what Article VIII was until me and [Guru] Enorrste started talking about this seven or eight years ago...What Article VIII is an international standard that the IMF has created...All the central banks around the world try to achieve that level and the way it's worded...'they should constantly be striving to move to Article VIII'. You don't want to sit in Article XIV...
7-24-2019 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat [reference Mnt Goat post 7-23-2019] This re-rating process has occurred already since 2012 over and over again when the new system was initiated. It should be obvious to everyone that there were still errors/bugs in the algorithms back then that needed fixing. Also an other problems was how to represent the Contractor rates separate from the market rates. This too is now all fixed. The rates change because they re-run the application from time to time, just as they will do when it all goes live someday. So right now, it is still in a “BETA Test” mode. They are still flushing out bugs but it is now very stable. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
*************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website; posted on both the Arabic and the English sides)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi receives the delegations of the European Union countries
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi received today the delegations of the European Union countries. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between Iraq and the European countries in the fight against terrorism and exchanged views on how to deal with the large numbers of detainees who are motivated to receive their fair punishment according to the law.
The Prime Minister expressed his great welcome to the European delegations representing France, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden, wishing them a good stay in Baghdad and stressed that the presence of this great delegation is evidence of interest in this growing relationship and the desire to develop it. The rapprochement and understanding between Iraq and the European Union contribute to achieving Our common interests and our security and serve security and stability in the region and the world.
The members of the delegation and ambassadors of the European Union welcomed the positions of the Iraqi government and its initiatives and open a dialogue between Iraq and Europe on this subject.
Media Office of the Prime Minister
24 - July - 2019
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ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
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ARTICLE 3
Sources: Parliament session today may be the last in its current legislative term
2019/7/25 12:37
(Baghdad): Parliamentary sources suggested that the parliamentary session scheduled for Thursday is the last in the second legislative term after an extension for a month.
The Presidency of the House of Representatives decided on July 2 to extend the current legislative term for one month in order to complete the important laws.
According to this extension, the current legislative term ends on August 2, which is still 9 days
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ARTICLE 4
Iraqis and Iranians are among the top buyers of real estate in Turkey
2019/7/24 15:20
[Follow-up]
The Iraqis retained the first rank among the most foreign buyers of real estate in Turkey during the first half of this year with 3337 properties, according to a report published by the agency "Anatolia".
The Iranians came in second place with 2202 properties, followed by the Russian with 1264 real estate, the Saudis ranked fourth with 1094 properties, Afghans with 987 properties.
According to the report, property sales to foreigners in Turkey registered a record in the first half of this year, and amounted to 19952 property, with revenues of $ 3 billion.
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ARTICLE 5
Iraq could be Francis’s shot at ‘most important papal trip of all timeJuly23, 2019
ROME - Within just the last few days, two senior Catholic prelates from Iraq have referred to plans for Pope Francis to visit the country next year as, essentially, a done deal.
Of course, this is the Middle East we’re talking about, where the best-laid plans go to die. St. John Paul II had every intention of visiting the Iraqi city of Ur as part of his pilgrimage to the origins of the faith for the Great Jubilee of 2000, but security concerns derailed those hopes. A widening conflict between the U.S. and Iran is merely one scenario that might have a similar impact on Francis’s agenda this time around.
If the pontiff does end up going, however, it may be Francis’s best shot at the title of “most important papal trip of all time.”
Last week in Rome, Cardinal Raphael Louis Sako of Baghdad, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, told a Rome conference on anti-Christian persecution that he hopes Francis will use the occasion to sign an agreement with leaders of Shi’a Islam similar to the document he issued jointly with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the leading institution in the Sunni world, when he was in the United Arab Emirates in February.
On Wednesday, Chaldean Archbishop Alnaufali Habib Jajou of Basra in southern Iraq told the Asia News agency that the pope’s trip could represent a moment of “rebirth” for the Christian community. (Last year all the church’s extra-liturgical activities in Basra had to be suspended due to violence generated by anti-corruption protests.)
The drumbeat suggests just how keenly anticipated the pope’s presence in Iraq is, and how high the stakes would be.
Since St. John XXIII first set foot outside Rome in 1962 by taking a train to Loretto, ending more than a century of popes considering themselves “prisoners of Rome,” pontiffs have made a grand total of 168 overseas journeys, by now having touched down in virtually every nation on earth at one point or another.
Just as every presidential trip can’t be Nixon in China, it’s probably no surprise that only a handful of these papal outings seem to have passed the test of time, leaving a permanent mark on the popular imagination - Paul VI’s 1964 trip to the Holy Land, for instance, featuring his historic meeting with Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras in Jerusalem, or John Paul II’s first homecoming to Poland in 1979, which set the dominoes tumbling that would eventually bring down the Soviet empire.
For sheer drama, it would be hard to beat Benedict XVI’s 2006 visit to Turkey, which took place just a couple of months after his infamous Regensburg speech set off a firestorm of protest across the Muslim world and stirred fears of a global “clash of civilizations” between Christianity and Islam.
In terms of iconography, John Paul’s 2000 visit to the Holy Land, with its indelible image of this Polish pope who grew up in the shadow of the Holocaust standing alone at the Western Wall and leaving behind a handwritten note apologizing for centuries of Christian anti-Semitism, likely remains unsurpassed.
To date, Francis has already made several memorable outings of his own, though few seem quite in that league.
There was his 2013 trip to Brazil, which featured the “Who am I to judge?” soundbite; a February 2016 trip to Mexico, which included a prayerful stop at the U.S./Mexico border and the pontiff questioning then-candidate Donald Trump’s credentials as a Christian; a 2016 day trip to the Greek island of Lesbos, which ended with the pontiff bringing a dozen Syrian refugees with him back to Rome aboard the papal plane; and his brief but dramatic outing earlier this year to the UAE, offering a powerful counter-narrative to extremism and Christian-Muslim tension.
It’s possible, however, a trip to Iraq could tower above them all in terms of the images it would create and the impact it might have.
This would be the first time a pope has ever visited Iraq, and in the present context, no other outing by any major world leader likely would be as scrutinized, dissected and analyzed. In effect, it would afford Francis the opportunity to be a game-changer, rolling out his vision for reconciliation and a “culture of encounter” in one of the most contested pieces of real estate on the planet. If he succeeds, he could embolden moderates all across the region.
Beyond its political, diplomatic and strategic significance, a papal visit would have an almost incalculable impact on the Christian minority in Iraq.
Christianity there is presently on life support after centuries of second-class citizenship and decades of attrition due to economic and political upheaval, on top of the more recent genocidal carnage inflicted by ISIS. The presence of a pope would literally mean the world to these people - as in, the world hasn’t forgotten them and won’t abandon them.
One can imagine that if Francis goes to Iraq and Christianity does somehow endure, decades from now the world will remember the moment a pontiff stood on Iraqi soil as a pivotal turning point.
Of course, popes don’t make their travel decisions based on grubby considerations such as cracking a “most important trip” list. The rest of us, however, sometimes can’t help thinking in such terms - and, in this case, dreaming of what might be.
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Thursday, July 25, 2019
WOTS Thursday 7/25/19
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