| WOTS Friday 1/31/20
WOTS Friday 1/31/20
Forex Rates:
CNBC Link:
CNBC Morning Squawk Link:
No link yet
DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
The Secretary-General of the United Nations confirms his support for the unity and stability of Iraq
31-01-2020 10:42 AM Baghdad / news
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the support for the unity and stability of Iraq.
A statement on the office of Foreign Minister Muhammad al-Hakim said that the latter "received a phone call from Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the recent developments in Iraq and the Middle East region were discussed."
"Guterres expressed the United Nations' willingness to provide the necessary support to Iraq at all levels to ensure its unity and stability," he added.
Kurdistan: We will not be part of any conflict in the region
31-01-2020 12:15 AM
Baghdad / news
The Kurdistan Regional Government announced, on Thursday, that the region will not be part of any conflict in the region, and will not tend to curb at the expense of another, stressing the importance of protecting the rights of the Kurds in Iraq and Syria in particular.
A statement of the Kurdistan government, followed by "Al-Akhbariya," stated that "Deputy Prime Minister of the region, Qubad Talabani, received the Deputy Foreign Minister, the Russian President's envoy to the Middle East and North Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov and his accompanying delegation." Iraq".
Talabani said during the meeting: "The international community should play a more important role to ensure the stability of the situation in the region, while stressing the need not to make Iraq a platform for settling regional and international accounts."
The statement pointed out that the two sides touched on "the historical relations between Russia and Iraqi Kurdistan, especially those that brought together the late President Jalal Talabani and the Russian Federation, as Qubad stressed" the importance of continuing these relations, which were built on firm foundations and principles.
British site: Iraq’s dismantling of a new proxy war ... and these are its consequences *
31/01/2020
Britain's Middle East Eye website reported on the events in Iraq, and said that a new proxy war is about to break out in this country, and it will be so dangerous that the US invasion in 2003 appears to be faded compared to what will happen.
The writer David Hurst said in a report published by the site that the great game has moved to Iraq, where this country, which was strong and relevant one day, faces great risks, noting that the following facts are taken from three high-level Iraqi sources who were aware of the intelligence that the president received Ministers Adel Abdul Mahdi, the actions he took and the talks that took place.
Details of the plan
He explained that nine months ago, a group of Iraqi politicians and businessmen from the governorates of Anbar, Salahuddin and Nineveh were invited to the residence of the Saudi Ambassador to Jordan in Amman. Their host was the Saudi Minister for Gulf Affairs Thamer Al-Sabhan, and it is not known whether Parliament Speaker Muhammad al-Halbousi - who has ties to both Iran and Saudi Arabia - attended this secret conference, but was said to have been informed of the details. On the agenda was a plan to push for the creation of a Sunni, autonomous region, similar to Iraqi Kurdistan.
The writer mentioned that the plan is not new, but the idea that the US has long underestimated has been revived, while Saudi Arabia and Iran are competing for influence and domination. In fact, Anbar province constitutes 31% of the area of Iraq, and it also has large reserves of oil, gas and untapped minerals, and it borders Syria. If the next Iraqi government is forced to force US forces to leave the country, it will have to leave the oil fields in northern Syria as well, because Anbar province is financing this process. For its part, Washington intensified its efforts to divide Iraq in order to counter Iranian influence.
The writer pointed out that western Iraq is a largely desert region, with a population of just over two million. As a self-governing region, it needs a workforce that will be available through Palestinian refugees, which fits neatly with US President Donald Trump's so-called "Deal of the Century" plan to save Israel from its problem.
He points out that Anbar has a Sunni majority, but Salah ad Din and Nineveh are not. If the idea works in Anbar, the other Sunni-dominated provinces will be next.
The writer stated that the meeting ended with a strong agreement, however, the Iraqi and Saudi participants were not the only ones who listened to these data, as Jordanian intelligence was alarmed by the use of Al-Sabhan to the embassy in her country as a base to plan the movements in Iraq. On the other hand, Jordan enjoys close relations with Baghdad, especially after Abdul-Mahdi began providing the Hashemite Kingdom with the oil supplies it needed.
The writer said that the relations between Abdul-Mahdi and Saudi Arabia were good at that time. The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has opened the doors of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca to visiting Iraqi figures and chose them as an intermediary with Iran. For his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister was upset, but he was not aware at the time of the seriousness of this project and whether he was indeed supported by Bin Salman. Shortly thereafter, Abdul-Mahdi raised the issue of Amman's meeting with the Saudi crown prince.
During his tenure as prime minister, sectarian tensions receded, as he withdrew the PMF from most Sunni towns, and he boasted that they had been illegally arrested by government forces. But there was a plan drawn up without his knowledge that would stoke sectarian tensions. On the other hand, Muhammad bin Salman lied about the matter, and told Abdul Mahdi that the plan was "trivial" and that he would order it to be stopped.
The author revealed that the meetings continued, and after a few weeks, a larger meeting was held in Amman, attended by an American and an Israeli delegate. The US representative was not an outspoken supporter and only stayed for part of the meeting, but he told his Saudi counterpart, "If you can do that, we welcome it." More importantly, an emissary from the United Arab Emirates was present at the second meeting in Amman. This was a way to show current Iraqi representatives that the Anbar project file had been transferred from the Saudis to their Emirati allies.
The writer clarified that the second meeting in Amman agreed to provide full support for Al Halbousi in his efforts to weaken the government and raise the issue of the Sunnis, who are constantly disappearing at government checkpoints. In addition, they discussed ways to "refill" the Sunni public opinion against the Iraqi government.
The third meeting was held in Dubai, and the list of people attending was published widely. Al-Halbousi was present, along with Sunni representatives from Iraq, and a well-known media figure. Although Al-Halbousi denied discussing or agreeing to plans to establish a Sunni area, others in the same group that attended appeared to unveil the hidden. Anbar's deputy, Faisal al-Issawi, said that "practical steps" started with the formation of an autonomous governorate similar to the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Momentum force
The writer explained that although this scheme has gained momentum in recent weeks, it precedes the assassination of the Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, and the missile crisis with Iran. But Tehran has responded strongly to this recently. As soon as Tehran learned that the Emiratis had seized the file to promote a Sunni, autonomous boycott in western and northern Iraq, it made clear in the days after Soleimani’s killing that American bases on Emirati territory would be considered legitimate targets.
The writer added that the two secret meetings held in Amman, and the publicly recognized meeting in Dubai, all show the determination of the Saudi crown prince to rule and control the region, whatever the results.
The writer concludes his article by saying that whoever he described as the next king of Saudi Arabia will seek to impose his influence, whatever the cost and the middle of the rubble, noting that if bin Salman's plan succeeds in Anbar, Iraq will only be another model of disjointed countries in the region.
Iraq chairs the emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers on the "deal of the century"
31-01-2020 10:05 PM Baghdad / news
The State Department announced today, Thursday, that Iraq chaired the emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers on the "Deal of the Century" announced by US President Donald Trump at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at a two-state solution.
"Iraq will chair an emergency meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers to discuss the implications of the deal of the century," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf said in a brief statement.
And the League of Arab States announced, next Saturday, an emergency ministerial meeting to discuss ways to confront the US plan for a political settlement in the Middle East, known as the Century Deal.
Iraq is on a hot tin .. Failure to agree on a candidate for prime minister increases the protests .. Violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Al-Khulani and Al-Wathba .. and a UN official: the continuing loss of lives in Baghdad is unbearable Iraq
Thursday, January 30, 2020 11:00 PM
Kamel Books Complete - Ahmed Arafa
The atmosphere is still burning in Iraq, in light of the failure of the Iraqi political blocs to agree on a candidate to head the new Iraqi government, in addition to the Iraqi street's insistence that the new Iraqi Prime Minister be an independent figure, as Al -Arabiya affirmed that after witnessing central Baghdad, in the evening On Wednesday, a number of demonstrators gathered, who renewed their rejection of any new candidate from the parties, especially the name of Muhammad Allawi, who was reported to have agreed to and a direction for his candidacy. The clashes between the demonstrators and the security forces Thursday took place in the Al-Khulani and Al-Wathba areas. The Al-Arabiya website said that the Baghdad Operations Command announced that an officer and an associate had been wounded with an attack bomb in the Al-Khulani intersection in the center of the capital, where a statement issued by the leadership stated that a number of Demonstrators are still present in the Al-Khilani square and its surrounding areas, in case of direct contact with the security forces with the use of Violence, explaining that the security services exercise a high restraint as they perform their security responsibilities in combating violence, noting at the same time that at twelve and fifteen minutes from Thursday morning, an assault bomb was thrown for the second time towards the security forces at the intersection of Al-Khilani Square near a building Secretariat b Baghdad, which resulted in the injury of an officer and an associate. The Baghdad Operations Command also called for peaceful demonstrators to work hard to uncover these groups, and to cooperate with the security forces to protect the demonstrators and secure the demonstration area, and also reiterated that it does not recommend extending outside the area secured to them in Tahrir Square. The Al-Arabiya website indicated that the Iraqi capital witnessed clashes between security forces and demonstrators in the Al-Wathba and Al-Khilani plots in central Baghdad, while hit-and-run operations continued for hours between protesters and riot police in the area between Al-Wathba Square and Al-Khilani Square at the Baghdad Municipality building for the sixth day in a row The security forces and riot police used tear gas bombs heavily, and the security forces also used the air weapons used to hunt birds, injuring at least five protesters in the upper part of the body, while the security forces tried to remove the protesters to al-Khilani Square and push them in Tahrir Square, in order to open the al-Sink Bridge and al-Khilani Square in front of passers- by and cars, and in Karbala, security forces fired live bullets to disperse the demonstrators, and in Wasit Governorate, southern Iraq, a number of protesters organized a demonstration in the governorate center, calling for the dis missal of the governor and police chief of Wasit Current ones. Al-Arabiya website said that Iraq has been witnessing massive protests since the first of October, launched to demand some living improvements and the fight against corruption, before it turned into radical political demands, where the protesters, most of them young men, demanded the reform of a system that they consider to be largely corrupt. About 600 people died during these demonstrations. In a related context, Sky News reported that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jenin Henness Blashardt, called for increased efforts to break the political deadlock, amid continued protests and violence, saying that "the continued loss of young lives in Iraq is unbearable, stressing that with continued violence and injuries in the context of the protests, and before other planned demonstrations, are required to increase efforts to do more to break the political deadlock. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq warned that the use of force costs a precious life, and will not end the crisis, and said that "the continued loss of young lives and the daily bloodshed is unbearable", expressing its regret for the killing of at least 467 demonstrators and wounding more than 9 Thousands of others since the first of October. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
UNAMI: The continuing loss of youth and bloodshed is unbearable
Iraqi demonstrators threaten to escalate if their demands are ignored
Publish date: 01/31/2020
Baghdad: «The Gulf», agencies Yesterday, Iraqi demonstrators in Baghdad and the central and southern governorates continued their demonstrations to demand the implementation of their legitimate demands, which is to choose an independent prime minister to succeed Adel Abdul-Mahdi and ratify the election law, as well as to set a date for early elections, reiterating their rejection of any candidate who comes through political parties and threatened to take an escalation Great, at a time when the United Nations Mission in Iraq "UNAMI" urged to break the political stalemate in Iraq, stressing that the continued loss of young lives and bloodshed is unbearable, calling on the Iraqi authorities to protect the rights of the demonstrators and to provide the perpetrators of the killing and God Illegal gemat for justice. In Baghdad, confrontations broke out between the demonstrators and the security forces in Al-Khilani Square and the surrounding areas, while a second hand grenade was thrown at the security forces at the intersection of Al-Khilani Square near the Baghdad Municipality building, which resulted in the injury of an officer and an associate. Clashes also renewed in Al-Wathba Square, where security forces resorted to firing live bullets and using tear gas bombs heavily to disperse the demonstrators. In the context of the political movement, a political source revealed that Iraqi President Barham Saleh will assign a figure who was previously nominated for prime minister in this position, indicating that Saleh will appoint Mustafa Kadhimi, the head of the current intelligence agency, to head the next government, if the political forces do not reach a final agreement. He added that "Al-Kazemi is supported by most political blocs", pointing out to "the declining opportunities for the other candidates, which are Ali Shukri and Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi in the past hours." In the same regard, the deputy of the "Saeron" coalition, Riyad Al-Masoudi, said that "there are many criteria that we believe are necessary to meet in the personality that will address the position of the Prime Minister", explaining that it is "among those independent and professional standards and the power to accomplish the files." Hot and in the forefront of achieving the demands of the masses and the implementation of the decision to remove foreign forces from Iraq ». He pointed out that «the dialogues have reached advanced stages and we believe that the name of the candidate will be announced and assigned to him formally no later than the beginning of next week» On the other hand, UNAMI said, in a statement, that "with the continued violence and increasing casualties in the protests, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Janine Hennes-Blashart, urges increased efforts to achieve more to break the political deadlock and press ahead with major reforms." , Warning that "the use of force costs a precious life and the crisis will not end." The statement stressed that "the continued loss of young lives and the daily bloodshed is unbearable, expressing regret" at the killing of at least 467 demonstrators and more than 9,000 wounded since last October. In addition, the head of the "National" coalition, Iyad Allawi, revealed yesterday that meetings were held by demonstrators and civil activists with the Arab League, describing them as "fruitful". Allawi said in a tweet on the site «Twitter», that «the meetings conducted by demonstrators and civil activists with the League of Arab States to transfer their injustice and the oppression they were subjected to were very fruitful». Allawi added, "I will continue my effort to facilitate similar meetings with international and legal organizations until the violence against them stops and their just demands are met."
UNAMI: The continuing loss of youth and bloodshed is unbearable
Iraqi demonstrators threaten to escalate if their demands are ignored
Publish date: 01/31/2020
Baghdad: «The Gulf», agencies
Yesterday, Iraqi demonstrators in Baghdad and the central and southern governorates continued their demonstrations to demand the implementation of their legitimate demands, which is to choose an independent prime minister to succeed Adel Abdul-Mahdi and ratify the election law, as well as to set a date for early elections, reiterating their rejection of any candidate who comes through political parties and threatened to take an escalation Great, at a time when the United Nations Mission in Iraq "UNAMI" urged to break the political stalemate in Iraq, stressing that the continued loss of young lives and bloodshed is unbearable, calling on the Iraqi authorities to protect the rights of the demonstrators and to provide the perpetrators of the killing and God Illegal gemat for justice.
In Baghdad, confrontations broke out between the demonstrators and the security forces in Al-Khilani Square and the surrounding areas, while a second hand grenade was thrown at the security forces at the intersection of Al-Khilani Square near the Baghdad Municipality building, which resulted in the injury of an officer and an associate. Clashes also renewed in Al-Wathba Square, where security forces resorted to firing live bullets and using tear gas bombs heavily to disperse the demonstrators.
In the context of the political movement, a political source revealed that Iraqi President Barham Saleh will assign a figure who was previously nominated for prime minister in this position, indicating that
Saleh will appoint Mustafa Kadhimi, the head of the current intelligence agency, to head the next government, if the political forces do not reach a final agreement. He added that "Al-Kazemi is supported by most political blocs", pointing out to "the declining opportunities for the other candidates, which are Ali Shukri and Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi in the past hours."
In the same regard, the deputy of the "Saeron" coalition, Riyad Al-Masoudi, said that "there are many criteria that we believe are necessary to meet in the personality that will address the position of the Prime Minister", explaining that it is "among those independent and professional standards and the power to accomplish the files." Hot and in the forefront of achieving the demands of the masses and the implementation of the decision to remove foreign forces from Iraq ». He pointed out that «the dialogues have reached advanced stages and we believe that the name of the candidate will be announced and assigned to him formally no later than the beginning of next week»
On the other hand, UNAMI said, in a statement, that "with the continued violence and increasing casualties in the protests, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Janine Hennes-Blashart, urges increased efforts to achieve more to break the political deadlock and press ahead with major reforms." , Warning that "the use of force costs a precious life and the crisis will not end." The statement stressed that "the continued loss of young lives and the daily bloodshed is unbearable, expressing regret" at the killing of at least 467 demonstrators and more than 9,000 wounded since last October.
In addition, the head of the "National" coalition, Iyad Allawi, revealed yesterday that meetings were held by demonstrators and civil activists with the Arab League, describing them as "fruitful". Allawi said in a tweet on the site «Twitter», that «the meetings conducted by demonstrators and civil activists with the League of Arab States to transfer their injustice and the oppression they were subjected to were very fruitful». Allawi added, "I will continue my effort to facilitate similar meetings with international and legal organizations until the violence against them stops and their just demands are met."
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
State of Law: Political blocs have not yet agreed on a candidate to head the government
31-01-2020 12:23 PM
Baghdad - news
The State of Law coalition confirmed today, Friday, that the political blocs have not yet agreed on a candidate to head the government, while noting that no candidate has been adopted.
A statement of the media office of the coalition, "Al-Ikhbaria" received a copy of it, "while we categorically deny the reports that some media reported about Mr. Nuri al-Maliki's objection to the political bloc agreement on one of the candidates for prime minister."
The coalition stressed, "No agreement has ever occurred between the political blocs, and the political parties are still deliberating the names of a number of candidates to choose the best candidate for the mission, and we have said and we now confirm with whom the political and social powers agree."
Al-Maliki's coalition renewed, according to the statement, to ensure that "we do not adopt any special candidate as we explained previously, but we find it necessary for the candidate to have this responsibility with characteristics consistent with the nature of the mission and the stage in terms of his competence and independence of his decision and not being affiliated with an internal or external political party and its impartial and strong protector of the country's unity And its sovereignty applies to it the specifications launched by the reference and the demands of the demonstrators. "
The Iraqi president puts the political blocs in front of the deadline
January 31, 2020
Agreement between Baghdad and NATO on new foundations for relations
Baghdad - Abdul-Hussein Ghazal
Iraqi President Barham Saleh has given the political blocs exclusively Shiite with the most influence in the Iraqi parliament even The first of next February to assign a candidate to form the new government in order to create the resigned Adel Abdul Mahdi government . On Wednesday, Saleh said in a letter to the parliamentary blocs : “You definitely appreciate that the President of the Republic has a duty National and constitutional to push towards resolving the crisis, and if the concerned blocs are not able to resolve the nomination order in No later than next Saturday, I see an obligation to exercise my constitutional powers by assigning someone whom I find most acceptable Parliamentary and popular, and in the framework of the outcomes of the consultations that I held during the period The last with popular political forces and events », according to German news agency. The Iraqi president, who had previously met a number of delegations of the demonstrators, listened to the opinions of several parties and consulted With the UN envoy in Baghdad : “ I call on the parliamentary blocs concerned with the nomination of the Prime Minister, To resume constructive and serious political dialogue in order to agree on a new candidate for prime minister who is satisfied My people and raise it to the Presidency of the Republic in order to issue a mandate order » . He continued : « The events are accelerating and the scene is getting more complicated on the official and popular levels, there are numbers An increasing number of martyrs and victims of peaceful demonstrators and security forces, and we believe that the major knot lies in reaching Reasonable limits to agree on the new candidate for prime minister, and certainly that the continuation of the current situation is impossible It warns of great danger and greater complexity .
In the natural case, the Iraqi constitution stipulates that the largest parliamentary bloc be nominated as a candidate for prime minister, within 15 days after the legislative elections. Then the President of the Republic assigns the Prime Minister to form his government within one month.
But the Iraqi constitution does not mention in its articles the possibility of the resignation of the Prime Minister. Consequently, the 15- day period has passed since Abdul-Mahdi's resignation.
Any candidate will need approval from divided political blocs, the highest Shi'a religious authority, and Iran Its enemy is the United States, in addition to the street rising about four months ago.
In late December, Saleh announced his readiness to submit his resignation, after he refused to submit the next coalition candidate To Iran, the governor of Basra, Asaad al-Eidani, for the post of prime minister to parliament, considering him a " polemical " figure . In his message on Wednesday, Saleh added that Iraq faces " dangerous political turns " , calling for " Resuming constructive and serious political dialogue .
He continued « We believe that the biggest node lies in reaching reasonable limits to agree on the new presidential candidate The Council of Ministers, and certainly that the continuation of the current situation is impossible and portends a great danger and greater complexity » .
Demand protests continue, in which the younger generation is the actor, despite the repression and violence that have killed More than 480 people, the vast majority of them demonstrators, since the outbreak of demonstrations on October 1 / October, in Baghdad and the cities of the south of the country. The protesters are demanding early elections based on a new electoral law, the naming of a prime minister, and accountability for those responsible The bloodshed of the demonstrators and the trial of the corrupt. Regarding "We are in dialogue with member states of the coalition, " said Major General Abdel Karim Khalaf, the military spokesman for the prime minister France, the United Kingdom and Canada, on a range of scenarios . ”
" The main thing is not to have combat forces and not to use our field, " Khalaf told AFP Air » .
Two Western officials said Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi asked them to " formulate some options . " These options were presented directly to the Prime Minister. The options included forming a non-US-led coalition, or a revised mandate setting out coalition activities or a role Expanding separate missions for NATO in Iraq. The Canadian-led NATO mission was formed in 2018 , and includes about 500 soldiers training Iraqi forces. But even this force has suspended its missions since the US strike.
But the international coalition formed in 2014 has about 8,000 soldiers in Iraq, the majority of whom are Americans.
Washington imposes new sanctions on Iran
31-1-2020 Baghdad / news
The US Treasury announced today, Thursday, that the United States imposed new sanctions on the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization and its chief, Ali Akbar Salehi.
The news agency "Reuters" quoted informed sources that the United States will allow Russian, Chinese and European companies to continue to work on Iranian nuclear sites to make it more difficult for Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon.
The sources added that the US President Donald Trump's administration, which withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, would allow continued work by issuing sanctions exemptions that prevent non-US companies from dealing with the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization.
The renewal of exemptions for an additional sixty-day period opens the door for continued work on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons at the Arak heavy water research reactor, the Bushehr nuclear power reactor, the Tehran research reactor and other nuclear cooperation initiatives. Iraq is on a hot tin .. Failure to agree on a candidate for prime minister increases the protests .. Violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Al-Khulani and Al-Wathba .. And an international official: The continuing loss of lives in Baghdad is unbearable
Iraqi President Issues Ultimatum for Shia Factions to Nominate New PM
31/01/2020
Iraqi President Barham Salih issued an ultimatum for Shia factions at the parliament to nominate a new prime minister before 1st February.
Salih said he will fulfill his constitutional duties by appointing an interim prime minister if the factions fail again to reach a consensus on one candidate.
However, he warned that any candidate should be also accepted by the protesters.
Since October last year, thousands of Iraqis have been protesting against the government, calling for fundamental reforms to improve people’s living conditions. Under their pressure, and at the request of Iraq’s grand Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani, Adil Abdul Mahdi resigned from premiership in November 2019.
However, Abdul Mahdi remains in the position as the caretake prime minister, waiting for the largest parliamentary blocks to agree on a successor for him.
Erbil seizes 22 passports and detains a person at its international airport
In the local Jan 31, 2020 111 visits
Baghdad / SNG-
Erbil Governorate Police Directorate announced the arrest of two suspects in possession of 22 passports at the international airport of the governorate.
"After we received information about the presence of 22 suspicious passports, our teams were quick to investigate and follow closely, and we were able to seize those passports," Police Director Brigadier General Delir Al-Najjar said in a statement published by the Directorate on its official Facebook page.
He referred to the seizure of passports in Erbil International Airport and the arrest of a suspect named (R, R, K) by a judicial decision in accordance with Article (299) of the Penal Code, as well as the issuance of an arrest warrant in accordance with Article (289) and (298) against the person called (B, R, K ) Who is outside the country, indicating that the defendants were planning to deal with the passports illegally.
Trump Says Planning to Reduce Troops Number in Iraq Below 5,000
31/01/2020 - Published in Iraq
US President Donald Trump indicated that he is planning to further reduce the number of US troops in Iraq to below 5,000 through a resolution sent to the House of Representatives.
“On the Iraq War Resolution being voted on tomorrow in the House of Representatives, we are down to 5000 soldiers, and going down,” Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
He called on Republicans and Democrats “to vote their HEART!”.
US military presence in Iraq has recently been challenged by Iraq’s Shia majority pushing for ousting the US troops.
In the wake of the killing of Iran’s top general Qasem Soleimani earlier this month in Baghdad, pro-Iran Shia factions at the Iraqi parliament passed a non-biding resolution to ask the government to prepare for US troops’ departure from Iraq.
Kauaihn Economic Times:
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER
FOR TWITTER ACCT
Just send a text message from your cell phone to:
40404 (may have to add 40404 as a contact first) Then send a message that says: Follow @FactsnOpinion1 and you will join their twitter feed and instantly get the doc. You do NOT have to join twitter to get tweets
ONLY SPACE IS AFTER FOLLOW
who are on their computers to go to:
to get to our twitter feedd
GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
Today in History: January 30https://www.historynet.com/
10 things you need to know today: January 30, 2020Senators question both sides in new phase of Trump's trial, national security officials threa...Read in The Week: https://apple.news/
Wayne T. Essex Essex and Associates IncForget winter-tax season is here, and the time to start getting ready is right now. The last thing you want to do is wait until the week before April 15 to try setting up an appointment with a tax advisor or to start digging through all your files looking for receipts from last July. We want you to be prepared to tackle your taxes before they tackle you. And to do that, we're going to dig into what's new for this tax season and what's staying the same. Let's break down the details and find out how those changes impact you this tax season!Changes for the 2020 Tax Season That Affect Your 2019 TaxesOK, first a quick recap. When the 2018 tax reform law was passed, it changed tax rates and deductions and had millions of Americans taking a closer look at how they did their taxes.Most of those changes went into effect when you filed your taxes last spring for the 2018 tax year, but there are still a few things that will be different when you file your 2019 taxes that are due April 15, 2020.
So what exactly is going to be different when you file your taxes this year? Here are the main highlights:Income tax brackets increased in 2019 to account for inflation.The standard deduction increased to $12,200 for single filers and $24,400 for married couples filing jointly.There is no longer a penalty for not having health insurance coverage.So, how much of a difference will you see in your tax bill this year? Let's say you're married filing jointly and your taxable income didn't change from 2018 to 2019. If your taxable income is $100,000, you'd shave about $162 off your tax bill, but that's about it. So, if your income or marital status hasn't changed, you probably won't notice much of a difference at all.
Keep in mind that every situation is different as far as whether you should take the standard deduction or whether you should itemize. Talk to a tax pro to figure out what's best for you.Everything That's Staying the Same for the 2020 Tax SeasonWhile some things have been tweaked for the 2020 tax season, a lot of the changes that went into effect last tax season are still just as relevant today as they were back then.Just as a refresher, here are some other things that changed last year that still might have an impact on how you file your taxes this year:The Child Tax Credit: The 2018 tax reform law increased the credit to $2,000 per qualified child and raised the income limits for the credit to $400,000 jointly and $200,000 individually.Using 529 Plans: If you have a 529 college savings plan for your child, you can now use it for education other than college (like private school or tutoring for your child in kindergarten through twelfth grade) tax-free. But be careful, because withdrawing too much money too soon can leave Junior with a dried-up college fund.
Mortgage Deductions for Homeowners: In 2018, the maximum mortgage principal in the tax reform law was lowered to $750,000. But before you worry, if you had an existing mortgage in between $750,000 and $1 million before 2018, it can be grandfathered into the old deduction.No More Home Equity Debt Deduction: Borrowing against your home has always been a dumb idea. Now it's even dumber since you're no longer allowed to deduct interest paid on home equity debt.The SALT Deduction: You can still deduct state and local income, sales and property taxes if you decide to itemize your deductions, but only up to $10,000 worth.Charitable Donations Deduction: You can deduct up to 60% of your income in qualified charitable donations-that's great news if you like to give like no one else! While Tax Day isn't until April, waiting until then is a recipe for disaster. Not only is waiting until April 15 more stressful than going Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve, but you'll miss out on some of the benefits of filing your taxes early.In our very long and complex tax code, tax deductions come in all shapes and sizes, and have a lot of sticky rules attached to them.If you itemize deductions, you can deduct medical expenses paid for yourself, spouse and dependents to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income.Review the following list of less known expenses to help minimize your tax liability.
Medical Expenses
DeductibleAlcoholism Treatment: Amounts paid for inpatient treatment at a therapeutic center for alcohol addiction, including meals and lodging provided by the center during treatment.Fertility Enhancement: The cost of the following procedures to overcome an inability to have children:In vitro fertilization, including temporary storage of eggs or sperm.Surgery, including an operation to reverse prior surgery that prevented you from having children.Guide Dog and Service Animals: The cost of buying, training and maintaining a guide dog or other service animal to help a person who is visually impaired, hearing disabled or has another physical disability. Expenses include food, grooming and veterinary care to maintain the health of the animal so it can perform its duties.Stop Smoking Programs: However, you cannot include amounts paid for drugs that don't require a prescription, such as nicotine gum or patches.
Not Deductible
Weight Loss Programs: You're not allowed to deduct the cost of a weight loss program if the purpose is the improvement of appearance, general health or sense of well-being. However, you can deduct the expenses if the weight loss treatment is for a specific disease diagnosed by a doctor (e.g. obesity, hypertension or heart disease)Nonprescription Drugs and Medicine (except for insulin): A prescribed drug requires a prescription by a doctor to be deductible.Health Club Dues: Includes amounts paid to improve your general health. Or to relieve your physical or mental discomfort. And is not related to a medical condition.Cosmetic Surgery: Includes procedures directed at improving one's appearance but does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat an illness or disease. Examples include face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal or liposuction. You can deduct cosmetic surgery if it is necessary to improve a deformity arising from a congenital abnormality, personal injury or disfiguring disease.Miscellaneous DeductionsDeductibleGambling Losses to the Extent of Gambling Winnings: Gambling losses include wagers plus expenses incurred in connection with the conduct of a gambling activity, such as travel.
Casualty and Theft Losses on Income-Producing Property: Investment property includes stocks, notes, bonds, gold, silver, vacant lots and works of art.Federal Estate Tax on Income in Respect of a Decedent: This is gross income the decedent would have received if the death didn't happen and was not properly included on the decedent's final tax return.Losses from Ponzi-Type Investment Schemes: Deductible as theft losses from income-producing property.
Not DeductibleUnreimbursed Employee Expenses are not deductible, unless you fall into one of these categories: Armed Forces reservist, Qualified performing artist, Fee-basis state or local government official, Employee with impairment-related work expensesCampaign Expenses: This applies to a candidate for any office and includes qualification and registration fees and legal fees.Commuting Expenses: The transportation cost going from your home to your main or regular place of work is not deductible.
Fines and Penalties: Amounts paid to settle your actual or potential liability for a fine or penalty (civil or criminal).Parking tickets and tax penalties.Lobbying Expenses
Club Dues: This includes the membership in any club organized for business, pleasure, recreation or social purpose. Examples include athletic, luncheon, sporting, airline, hotel and country club.
Political Contributions
The key to minimizing your taxes is to utilize every legitimate tax deduction.
COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold little changed as investors assess cornoavirus, corporate earnings Gold futures hover near unchanged as traders weigh the spread of coronavirus cases, while equities appear poised for furthe r gains as U.S. earnings season moves into full swing. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AJ6- Gold Prices Gain as WHO Considers Designating Virus Outbreak a Global ConcernCommodities Jan 30, 2020 06:39 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Gold prices gained on Thursday in Asia amid continuing concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in China. Gold Futures gained 0.5% to $1,577.65 by 1:45 AM ET (05:45 GMT). Overnight, British Airway and Lufthansa announced they had canceled all flights to China, while Toyota said it would suspend vehicle production in the country. The World Health Organization will meet later today to decide whether to label the outbreak a matter Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Oil Prices Down After EIA Says Oil Inventories Rise More Than ExpectedCommodities Jan 30, 2020 06:36 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Oil prices were down on Thursday in Asia after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said stockpiles of U.S. oil rose more than expected last week. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures dropped 1.1% to $52.78 by 1:30 AM ET (05:30 GMT), while international Brent Oil Futures also fell 1.1% to $58.27. Oil inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels for the week ended Jan. 24, the EIA said. Analysts predicted a build of 482,000 barrels, according Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AXnn- Oil boosted by fall in inventories, talk of extended OPEC cuts Oil futures trade higher, buoyed ahead of government data on U.S. inventories after a trade group reported a fall in stocks. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ Losses for oil companies and Diageo weigh on FTSE 100 The FTSE 100 struggled for gains on Wednesday, weighed down by losses for oil companies and beverage maker Diageo, while investors looked ahead to the outcome of the Federal Reserve meeting. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ Oil Stocks: The Bulls Must Hold Here The Oil/Gas Exploration & Production ETF fell 8% last week after running into a brick wall of resistance at $24.55 in early January. Breadth remains strong for the sector, but it is pivotal that the bulls play defense here to avoid any deterioration in this breadth. While I continue to see Oil/Gas Exploration & Production ETF as a potential winner in 2020, I am focused on the leaders in the group, with no positions currently. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ U.S. Petroleum Production, Prices, Policy And Power The shale drilling and fracking revolution has helped make the US energy independent, but that newfound status may disappear in the next recession. The nature of the economics of the shale revolution actually makes us vulnerable to demand shocks due to rapid decline curves in shale plays. Currently, the shale plays have reached operational limits imposed by negative cash flows and renewed skepticism amongst bankers and the capital markets. If net importing of oil returns to the US, so does our Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AyBeiT- Graphite Miners News For The Month Of January 2020 China Graphite flake spot prices were only very slightly lower in January. Graphite market news - Graphite Outlook 2020: Supply cuts to balance market. Graphite company news - Syrah Resources quarterly graphite flake output down 67%, and first purified spherical graphite produced. SRG Mining sells 60% of its future graphite production via Off-take Agreements. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Lebanon PM asks government, banks for plan to restore confidence Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab asked the government and the country's banks on Wednesday for a plan to restore confidence as the country faces its worst economic and financial crisis in decades. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ Exclusive: HSBC considering exit from Turkey - sources HSBC is considering selling its Turkey business amid concerns about the country's volatile currency and economic outlook, sources familiar with the matter said. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ Coronavirus, repo market and the reserve rate: What to watch from the Fed Practically no one expects the central bank to move its benchmark borrowing rate until at least September. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ Banks looking to sell toxic product that fueled financial crisis Banks are rushing to sell investors synthetic collateralized debt obligations for the first time since the financial crisis, International Financing Review reported Friday. The assets are related to those that fueled the financial industry's collapse and the Great Recession. Money managers seeking high yields are eyeing the sale of collateralized synthetic obligations, which use pools of credit default swaps tied to corporate debt, instead of toxic sub-prime mortgages. The financial turmoil Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/AAMqcEEs_ British Banks Spark Outrage In The UK Finance chiefs now want to stiff the very people that kept them in business a decade ago. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/ JPMorgan Plans To Cut Hundreds of Jobs Across Consumer Division JPMorgan Chase & Co. plans to dismiss several hundred workers from its consumer unit as the lender seeks to rein in costs, according to people briefed on the matter. Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/ Banks and tech firms tell employees to avoid traveling to China From Facebook to Goldman Sachs, big companies are taking measures to limit employees' exposure. Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/ Fed likely to keep interest rates on hold, focus on balance sheet The Federal Reserve will conclude its latest policy meeting on Wednesday with interest rates almost certainly to remain on hold but officials likely to discuss possible changes to how they manage the U.S. central bank's key overnight borrowing rate. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS
Treasury yields edge lower on coronavirus worries, even as stocks trend higher U.S. Treasury yields slip lower early Wednesday as the spread of the coronavirus again draws unease from bond investors, while stocks continue to shrug off fears that global economic growth would succumb to the illness. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ S&P 500 Market Capitalization As of the end of 2019, the total market capitalization of the S&P 500 was approximately $26.76 trillion. That's 14.8 times the value of the S&P 500's market capitalization at the end of 1988-Q1, when the index's market cap stood at $1.81 trillion. Measured a little differently, the market cap of the S&P 500 as a percentage of U.S. GDP at the end of 2019-Q3, the most recent quarter for which we have a somewhat finalized estimate, was 114.7%. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Assessing The Market Impact Of The Wuhan Coronavirus The global financial market has been concerned by the growing number of coronavirus cases and fatalities. Historically, major episodes of contagion have impacted economies and markets. While the incubation period for SARS was 2-7 days, the incubation period for the Wuhan coronavirus has been reported to be approximately 10-14 days. Chinese health care service providers have learned and improved notably over the past 17 years and are much more sophisticated in their ability to handle the viral Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A53I3Pu_ How The Coronavirus Outbreak Could Impact Markets The outbreak of the coronavirus in China commanded the attention of financial markets the week of Jan. 20, Eitelman said, leading to an increase in market volatility. Switching gears to earnings season, Eitelman said that of the roughly 20% of U.S. companies that have reported so far, approximately 70% are surpassing expectations. New data released the week of Jan. 20 offered an early read on global economic performance during January, Eitelman said, explaining that the initial signs are Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Focus On Fundamentals, Not Predictions It seems like the market is really focused on external factors that are very difficult to predict. I think the most important risk that we focus on today is disruption risk. I think one of the things to think about in this lower-growth environment is that perhaps it used to be that, given higher growth, certain businesses just did well regardless. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Thursday
Investing.com -- The death toll from the coronavirus jumped again, although there were tentative signs of a slowdown in reports of new cases. Global stock and oil prices tumbled, and Wall Street is also set for a lower opening as a result. Tesla is set to surge to new record highs after a better-than-expected fourth quarter, while the U.S. will get its first reading of fourth-quarter GDP at 8:30 AM ET. And Mark Carney may do what Jerome Powell chose not to do and cut interest rates at the Bank of England, in what will be the Canadian's last meeting before giving up the governorship. Here's what you need to know in financial markets on Thursday, 30th January.
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch for Jan. 30
Stock Markets Jan 30, 2020 00:12 GMT Investing.com - Here are three things that could rock the market tomorrow. 1. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Keeps Earnings Assembly Line Rolling As earnings season rolls on, another of the famed FAANG stocks reports numbers tomorrow. Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) will issues earnings after the bell Thursday, reporting on its all-important holiday quarter with investors curious for more updates on how one-day shipping is shaking out. On average, analysts expect that the Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/Azac-
CRYPTO / DIGITAL CURRENCIES
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/A-
Bitcoin, gold ETFs soar as Wuhan coronavirus fuels demand for havensInvestors are piling into bitcoin and gold as the Wuhan coronavirus infects markets. Bitcoin climbed 8% in a week to $9,380, its highest level since November. The amount of gold in exchange-traded funds surged to a seven-year high of 2,561 tons, Bloomberg reported. The Wuhan coronavirus has infected more than 6,000 people and killed 132 so far. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Investors are plowing cash into bitcoin and gold to minimize their exposure to the fast-spreading
Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/
Still To Early To Declare Longer-Term Bitcoin Trend ChangeFinancial analyst and trader John Bollinger said he sees positive structure on bitcoin’s chart, but its too soon to declare a longer-term bullish trend reversal.
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
Safe Haven Bitcoin Taps 3 Month High, Is $10,000 On The Cards?Bitcoin has made another sustained move higher today tapping a high not seen for almost three months. From here there is a very short ride to $10,000 again but will it get there this week? Bitcoin Adds Another 5% For the fourth day this week bitcoin has added further gains. This latest move, which began a few hours ago during Asian trading, propelled prices to highs not seen since early November. The 5 percent pump lifted BTC from around $8,950 to top out at $9,400 according to Tradingview.com
Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/
Bitcoin Price Rallies to Set a 2020 High Near $9.5K – Is $10K Next?Bitcoin (BTC) price has rallied to $9,439 and bulls have again shown that they have no intention of letting the crypto market’s most valuable asset stay below the $9K mark. Bitcoin daily price chart. Source: Coin360 Earlier in the day Bitcoin’s price dropped below $9,000 to a daily low at $8,879, which led some analysts to issue dismayed calls for a revisit and consolidation around the $8,300 to $8,500 range. While the thought of a pullback was the least desired scenario amongst traders, it
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Trend Continues For Countries Looking To Evade U.S. Sanctions Using CryptoAs recent as this Sunday, a report by Asharq Al-Awsat, an Arabic international newspaper headquartered in London, indicated how Iran looks to Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, as a way of evading the impact of U. S. sanctions on its country.
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
City of Zermatt Switzerland Now Accepts Tax Payments in BitcoinThe municipality of Zermatt, Switzerland — home to the iconic Matterhorn — is now the second location in Switzerland where taxpayers are officially allowed to pay their taxes in Bitcoin (BTC). In order to unlock the new tax payment option, the authorities of the Zermatt have partnered with Switzerland’s major crypto financial services company Bitcoin Suisse. Bitcoin Suisse to convert Bitcoin into Swiss francs According to an announcement by Bitcoin Suisse, Zermatt started accepting Bitcoin as a
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Largest Japanese Consulting Firm to Launch New Cryptocurrency Index
Leading Japanese consulting firm Nomura Research Institute (NRI) partnered with cryptocurrency investment solution provider Intelligence Unit (IU) to launch a tradable cryptocurrency index. According to a press release published on Jan. 29, the new index’s name is NRI/IO Crypto-Asset Index and it is meant for use by financial institutions. The index also draws data from crypto index platform MVIS and major cryptocurrency data platform CryptoCompare. The dedicated website explains that the index Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Crypto Payments on Darknet Markets Doubled for First Time Since 2015The volume of cryptocurrency flows coming on darknet markets have doubled for the first time in four years, a new study says. In part of its 2020 Crypto Crime Report published on Jan. 28, Chainalysis — a New York-based blockchain analytics firm — found that darknet markets have significantly increased their share of total incoming crypto transactions in 2019, doubling from 0.04% in 2018 to 0.08%. Crypto on darknets is resilient to scrutiny by law enforcement According to the study, total market
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
CURRENCIES
Forex - Dollar Little Changed as Fed Stands Pat on RatesForex Jan 29, 2020 19:41 GMT By Yasin Ebrahim Investing.com – The dollar was little changed Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept rates steady and signaled that it was in no hurry to move off the sidelines. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.06% to 97.88. In a unanimous decision, the Federal Open Market Committee left its benchmark rate unchanged in the range of 1.5% to 1.75%. "The committee judges that the Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AK_ Forex - Dollar in Demand; Sterling Could Be VolatileForex Jan 30, 2020 07:58 GMT By Peter Nurse Investing.com - The U.S. dollar remains in demand Thursday, as concerns about the spreading of China’s deadly coronavirus mount. However, sterling could be the currency to keep an eye on as the Bank of England meets to decide on its monetary policy. At 03:00 ET (0800 GMT), the US Dollar Index Futures, which tracks the greenback against a basket of other currencies, pushed up 0.1% to 97.88, trading near a two month high. The greenback is the best Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ Forex - U.S. Dollar Inches Up After Fed Holds Rates Unchanged as ExpectedForex Jan 30, 2020 06:22 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - The U.S. dollar inched up on Thursday in Asia after the Federal Reserve said it will hold its benchmark rates steady as expected. The U.S. dollar index inched up 0.1% to 97.875 by 1:20 AM ET (05:20 GMT). The central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee said it will hold the rates between 1.5% and 1.75%. It was the second straight meeting the Fed made no changes to rates following three rate cuts in 2019. During his post-meeting news Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ The Euro Currency Sits And Waits A bearish trend since 2008 against the dollar and gold. Weekly technical indicators continue to point lower. Historical volatility is too low. An owl replaces a dove at the ECB. The euro could rally because of two compelling factors. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Pound Resilience Is Here to Stay, With or Without a BOE Rate Cut Sterling traders are sounding confident on the currency’s prospects as they head into one of the most uncertain U.K. interest-rate decisions in years. Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/ 4 Reasons To Sell The British Pound Four reasons to short the British pound - specifically, against the Australian dollar. GBPAUD is trading within an ascending channel, but is approaching its upper bound. UK trade negotiations is a major source of instability. The chances for a 25bp rate cut by the Bank of England on Jan. 30 are rising. The British pounds is one of the most overvalued currency in the forex market right now. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ AUD/USD Outlook: Bears Continue After Taking A Breather On Tuesday | Action Forex The Australian dollar returned to weakness on Wednesday after the action on Tuesday ended in bullish long-tailed Doji which is usually seen as initial reversal signal. Positive impact on slightly better than expected Australian CPI, released earlier today, was short-lived (the pair peaked at 0.6777 in Asia, before turning south again). Mounting fears of coronavirus […] The post AUD/USD Outlook: Bears Continue After Taking A Breather On Tuesday appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/ Drought, Weaker AUD & Recovering Dwelling Prices Are Only Just Lifting Australian Inflation | Action Forex December Quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) Headline CPI 0.69%qtr/1.8%yr, Trimmed mean 0.43%qtr/1.8%yr, Weighted median 0.36%qtr/1.3%yr Fuel & tobacco are the key sources of inflationary pressure. There is some sign we are seeing very modest pass-through from a weaker AUD, plus some drought effect in food prices but they are nowhere near enough to change overall […] The post Drought, Weaker AUD & Recovering Dwelling Prices Are Only Just Lifting Australian Inflation appeared first on Action Forex Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/ Australian dollar down - Inside Retail Aussie dollar falls against US counterpart. The post Australian dollar down appeared first on Inside Retail. Read in Inside Retail: https://apple.news/AwYfCcB1_
Trading liquidity tops FX market's concerns in 2020: surveyThe ability to buy and sell foreign exchange whenever needed with minimal market impact is seen by currency traders as the biggest challenge for 2020, according to an annual client survey by JP Morgan published on Thursday.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
HEALTH / SCIENCE
6 of the Worst Pandemics in HistoryFive of them have happened in the last century alone.
Read in Health: https://apple.news/
This map tracks the coronavirus in real timeThe number of novel coronavirus cases is changing quickly. A real-time tracking map shows us just how quickly. Read in CNN: https://apple.news/ Coronavirus Breakthrough As Strain Grown in Lab Outside ChinaJanuary 29, 2020 Scientists in Australia are the first outside China to grow a copy of the new coronavirus that has killed over 100 people, which they hope will boost efforts to tackle it. The team at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity grew the virus in cell culture after taking a sample from a patient who attended the Royal Melbourne Hospital's Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory on Friday. Australia is among the countries where the virus has been confirmed in Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/ Why we panic about coronavirus, but not the fluIf you’re freaking out about coronavirus but you didn’t get a flu shot, you’ve got it backwards. The big picture: A novel outbreak will always command more attention than a common illness, and the coronavirus is a serious health threat. But our newfound hyper-vigilance about infections might be more helpful if we could redirect some of it toward influenza — a significantly deadlier virus that strikes every year. Read in Axios: https://apple.news/ FDA: Purell doesn't prevent the flu — or EbolaRegulators warn manufacturer against claiming that its hand sanitizer products can protect against viruses. Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/ Even short-term exposure to low levels of air pollution can increase risk of cardiac arrestShort-term exposure to air pollution is linked to a higher risk of sudden heart problems, especially among older people, according to a study published Monday. Read in CNN: https://apple.news/ AI Driven Biomarkers Could Help Prevent Age-Related DiseasesAI will allow for enhanced precision in creating panels of actionable biomarkers obtained via digital wearable devices. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/ Despite new regulations, FDA still fails to protect youth from e-cigarette epidemic, American Lung Association saysThe US Food and Drug Administration received its fourth consecutive failing grade on regulation of tobacco products in the American Lung Association's annual State of Tobacco Control report. Read in CNN: https://apple.news/AK8E5LT-
USA / CANADA
U.S. trade deficit in goods jumps 8.5% in December, points to softer 4th quarter GDPThe U.S. trade deficit in goods jumped 8.5% in December, reflecting a big increase in imports after trade tensions with China eased. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ Economic Screws: The Tight And The LooseTalk of recession has greatly decreased, but the market pullback that seems to be developing makes us reexamine the 'screws' that are holding the economy together. The majority of economic screws are tight. A few screws, especially in the manufacturing sector, are loose. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ 2020 FOMC In our view, the FOMC will not make any policy changes, consistent with the rate assumptions in the December dot plots. Comparing the pre-December 2019 Beige Book with the current one, we see little change. Perhaps the most telling information about how strong the economy is concerns the job market. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A9zEB_
White House threatens veto of Democrats’ Iran measures GOP lawmakers, meanwhile, complained they’re being unfairly deprived of a procedural motion to recommit on major legislation. Read in POLITICO: https://apple.news/
Canada kicks off USMCA ratification process, urges bi-partisan co-operation
OTTAWA, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Canada's minority Liberal government kicked off the ratification process for a new continental trade pact on Monday and urged opposition lawmakers to formally approve the deal as quickly as possible.
EMERGING MARKETS
'This is the signal': Emerging markets are flashing a buying opportunityTrading the emerging markets amid China's coronavirus scare can prove challenging, but two top traders have some ideas.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
Analysts warn that markets are too complacent over coronavirus risksMarkets are underestimating the potential fallout of the coronavirus outbreak, according to economic research firm AdMacro.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
World Health Organization Says No Need To Evacuate Wuhan As Market Panic SubsidesStay put, says WHO director. Meanwhile, markets bored with bad news. Hong Kong tests a coronavirus vaccine.
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AAI-
Egypt named among top 10 emerging economies
Egypt is among the top ten emerging economies worldwide, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala Al-Saeed said on the sidelines of the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 in London. Saeed claimed that now is the best time to invest in Egypt, adding that the economic reforms undertaken by the Egyptian government are what helped the country to make the list of the world’s top ten emerging economies. She explained that Egypt has a very large market, with 60 per cent being the youth Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/
EMQQ: Will The Next Internet Revolution Come From Emerging Markets? (Podcast)EMQQ founder Kevin Carter believes emerging market internet companies provide the "greatest growth opportunity of our lifetime." Starting out as a classic value investor, Carter's initial pivot to high-octane EM tech growth names saw him promoting already existing ETFs like ECON to friends and colleagues. Not satisfied with the makeup of these funds, he ultimately decided to construct his own highly targeted EM Internet & Ecommerce ETF, in the form of the now $400M EMQQ.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AF4PtAysZO-
Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean: New Challenges to Growth
By Alejandro Werner
Economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean stagnated in 2019, continuing with the weak growth momentum of the previous five years and adding more urgency and new challenges to reignite growth. Indeed, real GDP per capita in the region has declined by 0.6 percent per year on average during 2014–2019—a sharp contrast
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. hopes to discuss 'entire strategic framework' with Iraq soonThe United States hopes to discuss the entire strategic framework of its relationship with Iraq soon, a U.S. envoy said on Tuesday, as the fate of a U.S. military mission there remains in doubt after a drone strike that killed an Iranian general.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Violence escalates in Iraq as government pushes to end protestsGunmen shot dead two protesters in Iraq’s southern city of Nassiriya overnight and a Baghdad district became a battlefield on the third day of a push by security forces to end months of demonstrations.
Read in New York Post: https://apple.news/AksPOk_
Iraq economic crisis: 'Everyone is suffering'
Many of Iraq's protesters have been driven by worries about the economy and high unemployment levels. But months of demonstrations, along with a weak government, have pushed an already struggling economy to the brink. On top of that, there is a threat of direct US sanctions if American forces are ordered out of Iraq. Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid reports from Baghdad. Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/
Iraq, Syria Oppose Trump's Mideast Peace Plan, Creating Further TensionsJanuary 29, 2020 Donald Trump Unveils Middle East Peace Plan: 'No Palestinians Or Israelis Will Be Uprooted From Their Homes' Iraq and Syria, two Middle Eastern powers where U.S. troops are deployed in active combat zones, have come out against President Donald Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, further raising questions about Washington's foreign policies at a time of heightened tensions across the region. The political side to Trump's "Vision for Peace, Prosperity and a Brighter Future"
Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/
Iran's Khamenei says Trump's Middle East peace plan is doomed to failIran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for the Israel-Palestinian conflict was doomed to fail and all Muslim nations should oppose it.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A2nwNc7DxS-
The painful truth for Saudi Arabia: it needs the Iranian regime to survive | Kim GhattasFor all its fiery rhetoric, Riyadh actually benefits from a standoff between Iran and the US In a video animation released in December 2017 the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, oversees an invasion of Iran after Iranian boats attack a Saudi humanitarian ship. At the end of the video, Saudi troops storm a military compound where a haggard, trembling Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Quds force, surrenders on his knees. The video, created by an outfit calling itself Saudi Strike Force
Read in the guardian: https://apple.news/
Iran Blasts Saudi Foreign Minister’s Comments
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi has strongly criticized the recent comments made by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister in an interview with CNN. Read in IFP News: https://apple.news/
AFRICA
Zimbabwe: Coronavirus Fight - China Ready to Work With Zim China has built an all-round and multi-level containment and mitigation system focusing on Wuhan and Hubei provinces and covering the country at all levels in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The virus had by yesterday claimed at least 106 lives and affected 4 500 people. In a statement yesterday, the Chinese Embassy in Harare said the Asian country attached great importance to fighting the epidemic and that President Xi Jinping had repeatedly given important instructions on its containment Read in Healthtian: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Govt Injects U.S.$50 Per Ha to Support Farmers The government injected US$50 per hectare for farmers under the command agriculture scheme, leaving thousands of needy producers across the country stranded and unable to plant crops, a recent report by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has revealed. On average, a farmer needs US$200 to plant one hectare of the maize crop. The report titled, 'Zimbabwe Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Survey' shows glaring statistics indicating how government was under-funding the Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Govt Blamed for Mining Sector Chaos A coalition of extractive sector non-governmental organisations have called for adoption of legal reforms which foster transparency as a long lasting panacea to rampant violence in the artisanal and small scale mining. In press statement released by the Publish What You Pay (Zimbabwe), the civic groups called on government to embrace transparency reforms, saying the opaque nature of mining operations and governance are part of the root cause of Machete violence. They also urged government to Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: U.S.$100,000 for Mpilo Hospital Radiotherapy Upgrade People of Bulawayo and surrounding areas are set to benefit from the radiotherapy special system that has been installed at Mpilo Central Hospital at a cost of US$100 000. In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com at the medical facility, Clinical Director, Solwayo Ngwenya said the project will now ease power cut challenges especially when treating cancer patients. He said interrupted power cuts during treatment of cancer patients pose life threatening challenges. "Our hospital's uninterrupted power Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AaiViNu_ FEATURE-Storm-hit Zimbabweans endure another rainy season in risky homes Albert Sabawe, 25, is waiting to eat lunch, resting against the wall of his flimsy wooden home in a small village in eastern Zimbabwe's Chimanimani district. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Coronavirus - Zim, China Urge Delays in Travel ZIMBABWE and Chinese authorities are encouraging travellers between the two countries to either delay or cancel unnecessary journeys to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) which has killed 81 people in the Asian country from 2 886 confirmed cases of infection in the past month. Surveillance systems in Zimbabwe have also been activated with special focus being put on the main ports of entry and exit; Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Nkomo International Airport Read in Healthtian: https://apple.news/ Botswana Diamonds raises £250k for exploration Aim-listed Botswana Diamonds has undertaken a placing with existing and new investors to raise £250,000 to fund exploration activities in Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The company will issue about 41-million new ordinary shares, at a placing price of 0.6p apiece. Each placing share has one warrant attached, which allows investors to subscribe for one new ordinary share at 0.6p apiece for two years. In South Africa, the company is exploring prospective rights together with Vutomi Mining, Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Will RBZ Win Fight Against Cash Cartels? The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) recent cautionary statements against companies alleged to be complicit in the foreign exchange deals on the parallel market are turning into empty hype, short of action. For the benefit of doubt, let's presuppose the Central Bank's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been doing its job with utmost competence, how then does it so happen that every time a company is linked to the illicit activities, it does how ever go free after "investigations"? In fact, each Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ South Africa: Coronavirus Fears Affect Africa's Most Mature Economy (Photo: NIAID in collaboration with Colorado State University/Flickr) South African officials say they're ready for the possible spread of coronavirus to African shores. The pneumonia-like virus, which has sickened more than 4,500 people in China since it was identified in the city of Wuhan on Dec. 31, has African governments on alert. Professor Cheryl Cohen of South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases says the nation is taking precautions at the continent's busiest airport, in Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AIbF_ Kenya and Ghana rank high in foreign remittances in AfricaThe growth of digital and mobile penetration across the continent has contributed to the growth in remittances. Leading mobile payments company WorldRemit saw a 43% growth in remittances to Africa from higher-income nations in 2019. The top five countries receiving remittances from the diaspora in 2019 included Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, with Nigeria receiving the most remittances. The top sending countries to the region included the United States, Australia, Canada, and Sweden, with the UK Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/
ASIA
A $1.5 Trillion Wipeout and More: Virus Fallout Across Assets The ink was barely dry on Wall Street’s 2020 outlooks when the first case surfaced in Wuhan. But what began as a single patient suffering pneumonia-like symptoms on Dec. 12 has morphed into a deadly virus that’s sent global markets reeling. Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/ China has been a tough market for airlines before coronavirus: Kaplan Research principal Seth Kaplan, Kaplan Research principal, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss which airlines are most at risk from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ Confined at home, Chinese get creative to beat boredom Chinese confined to their apartments either by choice or by order are making the best of the situation as cities remain in lockdown in a desperate bid to contain a new, dangerous virus Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ British Airways, Lion Air and Seoul Air suspend all flights to China; others cut back service as virus fears grow British Airways, Lion Air and Seoul Air suspend all flights to China; others cut back service as virus fears grow Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ Japan almost a ‘sixth eye’ as Five Eyes keep closer watch on Chinese military, North Korea Tokyo has become nearly a “sixth eye” to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance that shares information on North Korean ballistic missile launches, a United States government source said, as the spy group last week joined hands with three new partners. … Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ US warship ‘sailed close to’ Chinese-occupied reefs in South China Sea An American warship sailed as close as 8.5 nautical miles to Fiery Cross Reef – one of Beijing’s artificial islands in the South China Sea – in the US Navy’s first such operation this year, a Chinese think tank said. The USS Montgomery, a littoral combat… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ What to expect from China’s economy in 2020: a solid first half followed by a loss of steamGlobal markets got off to a positive start in 2020, with risky assets hitting new highs. Two macro factors contributed to this strength: tentative signs of the global economy bottoming out and the US-China “phase one” trade deal helping to remove risks… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
EUROPE
EU Commission advises staff to suspend non-essential travel to ChinaThe European Commission is advising its staff to delay \"non-essential\" travel to China, the top official in charge of crisis management said on Wednesday, as the number of deaths from a new coronavirus leapt. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
'I'll be celebrating Brexit on Friday': Nigel Farage looks forward to not being an MEP'I'll be celebrating Brexit on Friday'
Read in Sky News: https://apple.news/ When Brexit happens Friday, nothing will change. But it does spark a massive to-do list.The biggest jolt to British politics in a generation won’t be felt immediately. Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/AC-9QSi_ Say hello to invisible BrexitBrexit arrived with a thunderclap, but it is leaving with a whimper. Read in POLITICO: https://apple.news/ The end is nigh: European Parliament to approve BrexitThe European Parliament is set to seal Britain's departure from the European Union in a vote Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ Into the Brexit unknown, a dis-United Kingdom exits the European UnionThe United Kingdom leaves the European Union an hour before midnight on Friday, casting off into an uncertain Brexit future that also challenges Europe's post-World War Two project of forging unity from the ruins of conflict. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A-_
CBI, ISX, Dinar Guru:
CBI Update:
Closed on Friday and Saturday
1-30-2020 Intel Guru Footforward Article quote: "Sairoon & Fatah Coalitions agree on nomination of Mohammed Allawi as next PM." Mohamed is the guy we want...Alot of news going around. I do expect Allawi to be the next PM. [Did you think will see dr. Shabibi involved in the new government?] I sure hope so but it doesn't look like it at the moment. But that can change. They may make him the finance minister.
1-30-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat So how can Iraq fix this mess? They MUST select a new prime minister that is pro-Iraqi and not go along with this plan to block the project to delete the zeros and redenominate the currency (currency reform) by Iran anymore...At this junction in Iraq this currency reform is a critical reform...needed NOW if Iraq is to move ahead with reconstruction and attracting investors. It is needed even for the deal with China and don’t forget the same sort of deal is also on the table with the US. ... So the protestors have been told by the CBI this demand is coming shortly and would have already happened if not for this mess... So how long will the protestors wait for this demand to happen? ...There is still a ton of gold at the end of the rainbow for us but we just have to wait until the storm is over... [post 2 of 2] 1-30-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...in April 2012 the currency auctions has increased daily from 150 million to 400 million and the money was being funneled to Syria and Iran. Today we know that in 2019 alone nearly $40 billion dollars was stolen out of the CBI this way. So, the corruption with the currency auctions had already begun even back in 2012 and has been ongoing since. So could this be why Maliki wanted to halt the redenomination Dr Shabibi was moving ahead with? Shabibi's plans to redenominate would have stopped the currency auctions and ended this "piggy bank" for Iran and Syria. ...Fast forward to today 2020. Could this be why Iran insists on having a pro-Iranian prime minister? Could this be why the CBI is deadly afraid of conducting the redenomination without the FULL support of the GOI and the prime minister?... [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
1-30-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Article: "Iran cannot access $5 billion of its energy money in Iraq: Official" Quote: "Iran’s money from exports of gas and electricity has piled up to $5 billion in a bank account in Iraq, but Tehran cannot transfer it because of the US sanctions, an official says." US sanctions are starting to play a huuuuuuuuge role in separating Iran and Iraq. Anyone who thinks we don't have a hand in this is simply not looking at the whole picture.
1-30-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ Very little news last night…Zurich is still waiting…sitting in a conference room waiting on the release. I am looking for things to start happening in the next 2 days. 1-30-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff ...What is the deficit? They told us in the news it's simply the reforms which is the number one thing the demonstrators are requesting and seeking...the demonstrators want the reforms. The reforms are the deficit within the budget. That's post rate change...you have a lot of post rate change steps in the 2020 budget proving to you that the 2020 budget is married to the rate change and can only happen after the rate has changed. That's why they're delaying this 2020 budget. They said they're delaying the budget due to the formation of the government but that's a complete lie...they're trying to use formation of the government as an excuse or scapegoat...they can't tell you everything...in reality they can't approve the budget until after the rate change...
1-30-2020 Intel Guru Frank26 ...Allaq IMO was scheduled by the CBI to announce to the citizens the new category notes, the descriptions of them, the exchange rate, the reason for the removal of the 3 zeros, everything. But every weekend there seems to be something that stops it. IMO right now the CBI is huddling up with all its banks. And everything Allaq was about to release is what they are reviewing and going over. They know everything they want to do. Ironically the only thing they don't know is a date.
1-29-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ [via PDK] I am hearing the [Dong] rate will come out at .47 and float up…Its already traded and I really think it will be the “sleeper” in the GCR…low cost and potentially great return.
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
*************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website)
At the time this report was submitted, there are no new articles posted on PM Madhi's website.
*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
The first training centre for Paralympic and disabled athletes opens in Baghdad
30 Jan 2020 - 3:19 pm
A world class Paralympic sport training centre opened in Baghdad earlier in January.
It is the first such facility to be inaugurated in Iraq.
Iraq’s National Paralympic Committee officials are confident that the new training facility will contribute to the development of Iraq national teams and reduce the need for Paralympic and disabled athletes to join training camps abroad.
Disabled and Paralympic athletes attending the opening ceremony say that the new training facility will boost opportunities to develop their careers, qualify for international tournament and win more medals.
Mo’yad Hashim Salman, a wheelchair basketball player, says:
While Qusay Ghassan Abbas, Coach, Iraqi National Wheelchair Basketball Team, says:
The new training centre can accommodate up to 1000 spectators, is equipped with video cameras to film events, modern cooling and heating systems that conform to international standards, external broadcast control, a commentary studio, gym facilities and other services to meet the needs of athletes, including non Paralympian athletes.
The Prime Minister’s advisor on Sport, Iyad Benyan, who attended the opening ceremony, described the centre as a landmark event, and one which reflected the government of Iraq’s strong commitment to supporting sport and athletes at all levels, adding that Iraq’s constitution recognises sport participation as a right.
In 2019, Iraq Paralympic athletes won 189 medals in various Arab, regional and Asian tournaments in various sports, including 63 gold.
*************
ARTICLE 3
A close source indicates that the prime minister's file is close to choosing this candidate ...
1/30/2020 13:11
{Baghdad _ WHERE}
A political source confirmed, today, Thursday, that the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, will assign a person who was previously nominated for prime minister to manage this position, while he indicated that this would be in the event that the blocs did not agree on nominating an acceptable figure for the prime minister.
The source said, "The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, will assign the current head of the Intelligence Agency, Mustafa al-Kazemi, to head the next government, in case the political forces do not reach a final agreement." He added that "Al-Kazemi is supported by most of the political blocs," noting that "the chances of the other candidates have declined, and they are Ali Shukri and Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi in the past hours." A well-informed source said yesterday, Wednesday, that there is a consensus between the Al-Sayer and Al-Fatah coalitions on the nomination of Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi for the post of prime minister.
*************
ARTICLE 4
Gulf Air announces flights with the region and resumes with Baghdad and Najaf
1/30/2020 21:12
[Baghdad-where]
Gulf Air [Gulf Air] has announced the start of flights to the Kurdistan region in early February.
The company said in a statement today, Thursday, that it will resume its flights to Baghdad and Najaf airports, noting that it will begin conducting flights to the region's airports starting on Saturday, February 2 next.
The Bahraini company indicated, "This step comes in coordination with its country's consulate in Baghdad and Najaf." Gulf Air decided to suspend its flights to Baghdad and Najaf from the third this month until further notice, against the backdrop of the tense situation in Iraq.
*************
ARTICLE 5
Doctors decide who should not eat tomatoes
1/30/2020 21:21
[Follow-up]
Elena Solomatina, a Russian dietician, said in an interview that eating tomatoes does not always bring benefit to the body, but rather does harm to it in some cases.
According to a medical study she cited, people suffering from kidney stones and those with stomach diseases - gastritis and stomach ulcers are not allowed to eat tomatoes, because they contain a large amount of organic acids.
The expert stressed that people with stomach problems should avoid eating tomato derivatives, such as ketchup and tomato paste. At the same time, this doctor reminded, that tomatoes contain many vitamins, microelements and key nutrients, as well as lycopene, which has an antioxidant effect on all organs, and has a beneficial effect on the prostate gland. These nutritionists indicated that heat treated tomatoes are more beneficial than fresh tomatoes, so before using them, they should be cooked for a short period on low heat. |
Friday, January 31, 2020
WOTS Friday 1/31/20
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)