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Trump discusses withdrawing his forces from Iraq with Saleh in Davos
2020-01-18 | 05:17
US President Donald Trump intends to speak with President Barham Saleh at the World Economic Forum, which is taking place from January 21 to 24 in Davos, about the exit of his forces from Iraq.
The "CBS" television channel, which reported the news, citing its sources in the American administration, said that "consultations are underway regarding the details of the agenda of the two countries' heads of state meeting, and the White House is optimistic about the possibility of conducting such negotiations."
The attacks of the American army since last December 29 on the popular crowd, and the assassination of his deputy commander, Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, and the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, near the Baghdad airport, have provoked a wide response from the Iraqi authorities, which criticized the actions of the Americans. On January 5, the Iraqi parliament adopted a resolution demanding the full withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country. But Trump refused to heed this demand, and threatened Baghdad with "unprecedented sanctions." The Davos Forum is an annual meeting of representatives of global political and commercial elites, held since the 1980s, and this event constitutes one of the major international events annually relative to politicians, businessmen, representatives of public organizations, academia, cultural figures and media leaders who participate in the discussions of this World Economic Forum.
The Iraqi army reveals security negotiations between Baghdad and Washington
Last update: Saturday 18 January 2020
Source: Dubai - Arab.net
Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces
"The Iraqi government is conducting dialogues with the United States on security relations," Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, confirmed.
Khalaf said to the Russian "RT" channel, that Iraq has observations and proposals related to this file, and will work to make everything not contradict with its sovereignty.
The spokesman pointed out that the mentioned security negotiations are still ongoing.
Iraqi political forces have criticized the American strike by Washington on General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Qods Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, upon his departure from Baghdad International Airport on January 3, using a drone.
Subject you care about ? The Popular Current Party in Tunisia announced that the security services foiled a plot to assassinate the political activist and the former member of parliament ... Tunisian Party: Thwarting the attempt to assassinate Brahmi's widow Tunisian Party: Thwarting the assassination attempt on the Brahmi widow of the Maghreb
And prominent Iraqi personalities considered that the assassination was a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, and in the wake of it the Iraqi parliament took a decision to expel American forces from the country. No attempts were made to implement the said decision.
And Iraqi sovereignty was subjected to another violation from Iran, which retaliated against America with missile strikes, targeting two military bases in Iraq that included American soldiers.
Allawi reveals his replacement in the House of Representatives
18/1/2019
Baghdad / ... President of the National Coalition, Iyad Allawi, confirmed on Saturday that it was agreed that Hassan Shwerd will replace him in the House of Representatives.
Allawi said in a tweet to him, "I called the deputies of the National Coalition in the House of Representatives to continue their work with the aim of modifying the course of the political process and achieving the required reforms."
He added, "We also agreed that Hassan Shwerd should replace me on the council," noting that he is "a person whom everyone attests to competence, integrity and experience in parliamentary work."
And the leader of the National Coalition, Iyad Allawi, announced on the 10th of January, his resignation from the membership of the Iraqi parliament. Finished 2
Iraq's former ambassador to the United States: Baghdad will face four catastrophic consequences after the US exit
18-01-2020 12:25 AM
Baghdad / newsletter:
On Friday, the former Iraqi ambassador to the United States, Rand Rahim, revealed four serious consequences after the US withdrawal from Iraq. The Atlantic Council for Strategic Studies in Washington said in an article written by al-Rahim that the security implications of the decision of the Iraqi parliament is the loss of training and logistical and technical support and the sharing of intelligence information provided by the coalition to Iraqi forces. It adds that this measure coincides with ISIS regrouping, while the Iraqi security forces are still not prepared to face this on their own. On the economic front, the author of the article indicates that the consequences will be serious, especially after the threat of US President Donald Trump to impose severe economic sanctions and seize Iraqi assets abroad. And if this "dreadful" scenario is applied to the ground, the Iraqi oil sector will suffer and revenues will decrease, and the country's economy, which is already suffering from several crises, will collapse. And Rahim adds that there are two other outcomes of equal importance that Iraq’s external relations with the West, not only the United States but also with Europe, will be severely strained, forcing Iraq to go to Russia and China, and increase Iran's control of the country’s politics and economy. Regarding internal policy, the author of the article stresses that the decision may affect the relationship between the main components in Iraq, given that the parliament’s decision was taken in the presence of the Shiite component only. Al-Rahim indicated that the Kurds had reservations about the decision to end the American presence from the country, while the Sunnis expressed their concerns as they see the presence of the coalition forces as important to counter Iranian influence. And stresses that this decision may cause the return of mistrust between the Iraqi components and forces after the cohesion between them was high since it was formed during the war against ISIS. On January 8, the Iraqi parliament called on the government to "end the presence of any foreign forces," including the approximately 5,200 US troops.
The Iraqi "movement" refuses to invite Sadr to demonstrate against America
01/18/2020
Baghdad: "The Gulf", agencies
Yesterday, the demonstrators in Iraq, in Baghdad and the central and southern governorates, continued their protests for the fourth consecutive month despite the recent cold wave, and despite the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, demanding the dissolution of Parliament, the prosecution of those involved in the killing of the demonstrators, and the holding of early elections, while A civilian paramedic died, at Al-Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital, after she was exposed to a silencer bullet by gunmen in the Karbala sit-in square, at a time when Iraqi demonstrators flatly rejected the call of the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr, for what he described as a "millionth demonstration" against the United States and corruption.
The protesters continued to gather in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, despite very cold weather and windstorms. A source from inside Tahrir Square said, “The protesters' tents in Tahrir Square were subjected to great damage, and some were uprooted due to the air storm that hit the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday afternoon.”
He added that «the demonstrators did not leave the scene despite the difficult weather conditions somewhat harsh». A security source said, "The demonstrators have arrived in moderate numbers to the areas of Tahrir, Al-Khilani, Al-Sinak and Al-Gomhoria, where the protests center is in the capital, Baghdad," amid tight security measures.
In Karbala, Iraqi activists confirmed the killing of a young activist and paramedic Hoda Khudair, 23, after being shot by unknown persons in Karbala governorate on Thursday.
It was reported that "Hoda died in the hospital after being shot upon leaving the sit-in square in Karbala Governorate."
The employees of the intensive care department in Karbala mourned their colleague, amid public anger over the increasing cases of assassination of activists, accusing the security forces of not being able to protect them.
Activists on social media called the activist and paramedic Hoda Khudair the title of "Karbala Bride" for her prominent role in helping the wounded of the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Ali al-Bayati, a member of the High Commission for Human Rights in Iraq, called for the protection of teaching staff in schools and universities.
He said in a "tweet" on his account on the site "Twitter": "The teacher and the teaching staff of schools and universities must be protected, and no group can be allowed to attack and insult them for any reason."
On the other hand, a statement, issued by the popular movement, affirmed its categorical rejection of being behind the chest, and a statement of the popular movement said that "the call that is launched from Iranian soil is politicized and does not flow into the Iraqi issue." While this call was welcomed by the supporters of the PMF militia, a "warning" position emerged from the religious authority, Ali Sistani, who warned against exploiting the protests demanding reform to achieve "certain goals", which observers interpreted as not welcome that call.
And a Twitter account named "Iraq Hand Agency" mentioned that the only parties that supported the Sadr demonstration are the militias that receive funding and arms from Iran, and they owe absolute loyalty to them at the expense of their loyalty to Iraq.
Forming a national Iraqi opposition and who will rule Iraq?
Saturday 18 January 2020
He asked with interest: What are your expectations regarding the situation in Iraq? So I told him: The situation is vague, foggy, and originally it was certainly surprising for many parties that did not take into account that the people of Iraq in all its spectrum revolt against the series of injustice, persecution and conspiracy it sees, but there is a need to do a lot if this people wants to restore and rebuild Iraq away from the traitors of Iraq and the Arabs in it.
He came back to ask me: I want a more accurate answer .. Will the Iraqi revolution be victorious or not? I told him: Do you think that someone has the answer to this question as accurately as you want? There is a ray of hope, although the situation is very complicated. Iran has exerted its influence and worked for many years to occupy Iraq internally and made it run by its parties and clients. There are even the Iraqi people before with the Iranian presence and sold its Arabism for the eyes of the Persians in exchange for the failure of the international community and its silence on all that took place. Crimes and transgressions of human values and human rights principles, so he interrupted me: Why do the Arab Gulf states not support the Iraq revolution, in the end, the repercussions of what is happening in Iraq that have a direct relationship to the security and stability of these countries ?! There may be variations in attitudes between the Arab Gulf states regarding many issues, not just the Iraqi issue, which need to be presented at an international, not regional, level, while emphasizing the importance of the Arab League to discuss them. This Arab and international silence may be due to many reasons, one of which is that the people The Iraqi must first organize his ranks, his internal situation, and the union in his position. What happens in Iraq, first and foremost, is a matter for the people of Iraq itself in a state, and if Iran infiltrates it internally, it remains its sovereignty, and it is necessary to respect international conventions and covenants and not to overtake them. Of terrorism and evil question arises who will govern Iraq in the event of the departure of the current power? Is there a convincing alternative capable of managing Iraq and ensuring that it does not turn into a gang state and militia in a more bloody way than what is happening now and divides the land of Iraq into a group of small states, bearing in mind that the Iraqi revolution and the conflicts that occur will not open doors again to penetrate ISIS or entities New terrorist? There is an urgent need today to form an external Iraqi opposition in one of the European countries where there are many immigrants, expatriates, and Iraqi refugees who left Iraq because of sectarian wars and the scourge of Iranian terrorism and because of their threat to kill. There is a responsibility for them to shoulder with the union and to deliver the Iraqi issue to the international community as well as the League of Arab States and the constant pressure with the presentation and documentation of the inhuman crimes taking place that happened to them and the people of their region. This opposition should be the starting point that sets the road map to return Iraq to its Arab depth and to restore its reign as a development country. He is ruled by his free sons, not Iranian tails, and crimes that happened to the Iraqis, such as war crimes, can be submitted to international courts with complaints against Iranian agents and the Iranian regime, as he committed violations of United Nations covenants and the practice of ethnic cleansing of For the Iraqi people, their genocide, and the occupation of many Iraqi regions to settle the Persians and interfere in the sovereignty of Iraq. Iraq today needs a national power that includes a media force, a human rights force, and a political force, and that it has internal and external opposition similar to the opposition that came in the name of a national unity government in Yemen, the Libyan Interim National Transitional Council, and the General National Congress in Libya when forming a transitional Iraqi national council and uniting all Iraqis of their spectrum and sects A leader who leads Iraq to return it as an Arab country and rid it of the series of corruption taking place in it. These steps will be the beginning of attempts to get out of the ongoing bloody Iraqi tunnel. This step may gain Gulf and Arab support while the external opposition will be the back. Whoever supports the afflicted with terrorist operations inside Iraq and the voice that delivers the issues of the Iraqi people to the outside and which Iran’s agents fear and work for it, this opposition will serve as the documentary reference that the world issues the Iraqi issue with its truth and searches for parties that support it and support it and the space will be more open and without restrictions in front of the series of repression and threat to the media and jurists Beating, imprisonment, and killing, as is currently the case on Iraqi soil. And at that time, you will find this national strength if you can gain regional and international parties with absolute support and support in front of trends in the regional and international community. Certainly, you will find from this force a point of salvation for the Iranian presence in Iraq because of which terrorism was exported to many Gulf and Arab countries and has become a source of concern that threatens regional and international security and disrupts With the principles of peace, and you will find the best alternative from those who currently lead Iraq towards the abyss of corruption, theft, bankruptcy and terrorism. Without a doubt, at that time, they will find from this force who is the most suitable to manage the rule of Iraq in the face of the persistence of the Iraqis and their continued demonstration of the departure and withdrawal of all agents. The Tehran regime from Iraq. The continuation of the revolution with this methodology and raising the slogans is not enough. The slogans should be translated into serious demands and movements at home and abroad, bearing in mind that the Iraqi revolution remains peaceful and without arming from any external parties. Today, the Iraqis need, in front of the series of ongoing bloodshed, live shooting, and brutal dealing by the Iranian militias, to deliver their suffering through a recognized official entity that includes influential Iraqi parties and has its position and will, capable of discussing the Iraqi issue and circulating it in a human rights organized way to find urgent international intervention to stop what happens from crimes Faced with the increasing numbers of martyrs, the wounded, and the detainees, and to avoid a repeat of the scenario of Syria with all its rituals inside Iraq and its time, the Iraqis will easily get an answer from who will rule Iraq and who is more suitable for themselves.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:ddd
A cleric calls on Trump to protect Iraq money: for this reason!
January 18, 2020 | 10:59 am - Views: 130 views
Iraqi Position Network
On Saturday, cleric Hassan al-Musawi called on the United Nations and US President Donald Trump to protect Iraqi money, accusing the government of transferring hard currencies from Iraq to Iran.
Al-Musawi wrote on his account on Twitter, a message he sent to the United Nations and US President Donald Trump, in which he said, "We appeal to you to put your hand on the central bank and other Iraqi banks, because the resigned Iraqi government intends to transfer Iraqi money from hard currencies such as the dollar and the euro to Iran is under the pretext of protecting it. We ask you to protect our money. ”
Sunni and Kurdish messages to Washington: The decision to get you out of Iraq is Shiite, not Iraqi
Saturday January 18,2020
Baghdad - Dr. Hamid Abdullah:
Political sources in Baghdad revealed that secret contacts had already begun between Kurdish and Sunni politicians and parties in the American administration about the US withdrawal decision from Iraq!
While the speaker of the Iraqi parliament, Muhammad al-Halbousi, denied any movement to form a Sunni region, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, said that the decision of the Iraqi parliament to remove American forces from Iraq was not a good decision, noting that it was taken by the Shiite blocs only without consulting with the other major components in The country.
And Al-Barzani indicated that the Kurds and Sunnis did not participate in this decision. Moreover, it sets a bad precedent, as the decision was taken by the Shiite bloc without consulting any of the main components of this country, the Kurds and Sunnis. It was a very critical step that was taken without seeking consensus and thus violating the spirit of the Iraqi constitution. This is not good for Iraq now or for the future.
Iraqi parliamentary sources indicated that the American embassy in Baghdad began moving on Sunni and Kurdish representatives to find out what they had actually voted on the decision of the Iraqi parliament to remove the American forces, and if it was proven to Washington that the decision issued by Shiite representatives only would take this as a strong cover for the survival of its forces in Iraq on Consider that the decision was a Shiite par excellence and did not participate in other components of Iraq.
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has revealed that the positions of Iraqi politicians regarding the US withdrawal are contradictory, they are secret in keeping with the American forces and in public they behave differently!
Njerva Barzani has described resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi as a pragmatic politician, not with the removal of American forces, but he wants to reproduce the American presence in another way.
And Abdul-Mahdi is under intense pressure from Iran and its proxies in Iraq to proceed with the removal of American forces, regardless of the consequences of that.
The defeated Khamenei threatens to transfer his battle beyond Iran's borders
Saturday January 18,2020
TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said yesterday that the Revolutionary Guards could take their battle out of Iran’s borders, in response to the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qassem Soleimani in a US attack and internal turmoil over the downing of a plane.
In his first Friday sermon in eight years, part of which was devoted to speaking in Arabic, Khamenei said that European countries “cannot be trusted.”
Khamenei said that what he called the resistance must continue "until the region is completely liberated from the tyranny of the enemy", referring to the United States, reiterating its demand for American forces to withdraw from Iraq and the Middle East.
Khamenei's statements seem to signal to its militias and allies abroad, especially in Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon, to prepare for new strikes on American and Western interests, which will ultimately lead to a tense atmosphere.
Iran has made Arab countries an arena for settling scores with the United States, which has hurt the interests of the people of those countries that have demanded in demonstrations against Iranian interference.
Observers said that Khamenei's use of sharp words against the Americans and against President Trump and making threats indicates the difficult psychological situation of Iranian leaders.
Iranian officials are trying to mitigate the impact of the crash of the Ukrainian plane on the internal situation, especially with the continued public protests condemning the incident and the regime's involvement in winning external hostilities.
Khamenei 's "holiness" has been shaken for decades by the impact of the crises that have ravaged Iran since 2018 and the inability of the system directed and managed by the religious establishment to contain these crises and local and international tensions.
The noose began to tighten the Supreme Leader in Iran and the regime as protests grew at home and the Iranians broke the barrier of fear, raising slogans against Khamenei and the leaders of the regime, amid calls for their departure and ending decades of the clerical establishment’s grip on power.
Iyad Allawi: Iraq is subject to Chapter VI .. The ruling authority should think about the interests of the peopleBaghdad / news
18-1-2020
The leader of the National Coalition, Iyad Allawi, affirmed that Iraq is still subject to Chapter VI, indicating that the ruling authority must think about the interests of Iraq and the people first.
Allawi said in a tweet on "Twitter", that "Iraq and its people should not be the scene today of the conflict between the adversaries while facing terrorism and is still under penalty of Chapter VI and the ruling authority should think about the interests of Iraq and its people first and then the safety of the peoples of the region."
He added, "America and Iran chose the conflict at the expense of the people of Iraq and the peoples of the region. So Iraq has become a land of conflict where the opponents agreed to confiscate the decision of the Iraqi people when they voted for the Iraqi coalition that won the 2010 elections."
Allawi: America and Iran chose the conflict at the expense of the people of Iraq and the peoples of the region
Source:
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The head of the Iraqi coalition, Iyad Allawi, stressed on Friday that America and Iran chose the conflict at the expense of the people of Iraq and the peoples of the region, pointing out that the country should not be the scene of the conflict between the opponents today.
"All America and Iran chose the conflict at the expense of the people of Iraq and the peoples of the region, so Iraq has become a land of conflict where the opponents agreed to confiscate the decision of the Iraqi people when they voted for the Iraqi coalition that won the 2010 elections," Allawi said in a Facebook Tweet followed by Alsumaria News.
An Iraqi female journalist announces her candidacy to the US Congress .. and says: "Is the time to defend America?" !!
Editing Date: 1/18/2020
The Iraqi media, Dalia Al-Aqeedi, has officially announced that he will run for the US Congress.
It is time to defend America!" Al-Aqeedi wrote in a tweet on Twitter. I am running for Congress because we are not divided like Ilhan Omar and the extreme right makes us believe. I run to bring us closer.
Bloggers reported the news of al-Aqidi’s candidacy to Congress, as she was the first Iraqi female journalist to enter the US Congress, while announcing their support. Dalia Al-Aqeedi is an Iraqi broadcaster and Iraqi media, born in Baghdad in 1968, and was born in an Iraqi artistic family. In her childhood, she had a tendency to sing, and she became famous for her national song for children, "Ali Ya Tayyar". She graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad. In 1988 she participated in the play (Desmdona) written by Youssef Al-Sayegh and directed by Ibrahim Jalal, and participated in it in the theater festival of Carthage, and there she and her mother arranged the escape operation out of Iraq in total secrecy for fear of the oppression of the Iraqi regime at that time. She then traveled to the United States and worked in news stations and programs, and returned to Iraq after the fall of Baghdad in 2003. After the founding of the American Al Hurra channel, Dalia Al-Aqeedi was the channel’s correspondent from the White House, but after her return to Baghdad she became involved in providing political programs and then headed after that in Providing artistic programs that deal with issues of Iraqi artistic heritage that have won the approval and approval of many critics and the public. In 2008, Dalia moved to Lebanon to work on Alsumaria TV as a news anchor and an introduction to some political programs that have a wide audience to follow and she is still working on this channel.
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Today in History for 17th January 2020
10 Things to Know for TodayGet ready for Friday, January 17th with a few things to know about the day’s news from The Associated Press
Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
Good Morning from CNN
COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold prices aim for back-to-back gain as dollar and bond yields retreat Gold futures on Thursday head for their highest close in more than a week, extending a climb from Wednesday following the completion of the first stage in a trade pact between the U.S. and China. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ China's Gold Hoarding: Will It Cause The Price Of Gold To Rise? Since 2009, China has withdrawn 12,000 tonnes of gold from the rest of the world, where the short and medium-term gold price is set. One of the key drivers in recent decades for the US dollar gold price is real interest rates. China's central bank (which supervises the SGE) and other government departments have been stimulating physical gold ownership. Since the GFC, China has net imported 12,000 tonnes of gold. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ PALL: The Palladium Price Bubble Could Quickly Bring The Metal To $2600+ Despite relatively weak performance of most metals over the past few years, palladium has nearly tripled in value. Because palladium and platinum are often mined together, a significant rise in platinum prices may actually lower palladium prices. Until then, there is little stopping the metal as catalytic converter demand in China rises due to pollution standards and supply falls in South Africa due to power shortages. Despite the run-up, futures speculators are not that bullish and it is Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Precious Metals Leave Base Metals In The Shadows Precious metals and PGMs are the only metals sector showing any real dynamism. The base metals have at best been lackluster. Aluminum has been range-bound for much of the last nine months, as has most of the base metals complex. Catalytic PGMs have ridden a wave of euphoria around demand from the auto sector due to tougher environmental standards and perceptions of a constrained supply base. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Platinum Group Metals - New Highs For 2 Of 3 Palladium continues to defy gravity. Rhodium steams toward record levels. Platinum cannot get out of its own way - some signs of life. Substitution should eventually lift platinum. PPLT is the liquid ETF product for the forlorn metal. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Dr. Copper Could Soon Deliver A Diagnosis Of Inflation Most of the time, Dr. Copper forecasts recessions and recoveries, inflation and deflation, far more accurately than his colleagues in economics. So, it pays to pay attention to his macroeconomic messages. Over the past decade, the metal has been consolidating above long-term support. Now copper prices appear poised to test the upper trend line. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Natural Gas: Price Sell-Off On Temporary Warm Spell Is An Overreaction Over the last 24 hours, ECMWF-EPS first lost ~15 TDDs, then lost another ~9 TDDs, and gained back ~6 TDDs for a total loss of 18 TDDs. TDD losses didn't come from a change in the weather trend, but a brief warm spell in between the colder than normal trend. The Northeast will likely experience very mild conditions again, but this warm spell isn't expected to last as the models quickly transition to a colder than normal outlook. Our view remains the same. The market appears to be over-discounting Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Oil prices tick higher as traders weigh impact of China-trade accord on U.S. crude production Oil futures head modestly higher Thursday as investors attempt to digest the impact of a China-U.S. trade deal that could result in increased purchases of shale oil by Beijing. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
China to maintain ‘prudent’ monetary policy given positive impact of US trade deal, central bank says China’s central bank said on Thursday that the positive impact of the just-signed phase one trade deal with the United States will allow it to continue its “prudent” monetary policy this year, with only “limited” room for further cuts in banks’ reserve… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/A3_NiDyVNS- European Central Bank sees a few upbeat signs in eurozone Europe's shaky economy is showing signs of stabilizing Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/A2_tqNo_ Libor no more: New warning issued The Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority are demanding to see "clear evidence of engagement" from firms to make sure they move away from scandal-tainted LIBOR by next year. The shift is proving tricky, as the rate underpins $350T of financial products around the world, though regulators are pushing alternatives like SONIA. The BOE is "keeping the potential use of supervisory tools under review" if banks and insurers do not comply, meaning senior managers could be in the line of fire Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Why Banks Should Be Taking Clients’ Soft Assets Into Account Aligning investments to a greater purpose might sound like a moonshot to some, but this is not only becoming increasingly possible it's becoming a necessity. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AYax_ The key to banks’ blockbuster year: Your debt Consumers' shift away from cash and towards online shopping has made credit cards ubiquitous, industry analysts say. Meanwhile, the strong economy and low unemployment has kept delinquencies low. Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/ How To Get Traction On Paying Off Your Credit Cards In 2020 After Ashli Smith, 23, graduated from college last May, she wanted to pay off her credit card debts as soon as possible. Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AU_ The United Explorer card is currently offering up to 65,000 miles — but only for one more week The United Explorer Card is currently offering new cardholders up to 65,000 United miles. You'll earn 40,000 miles after you spend $2,000 in the first three months, and another 25,000 miles after you spend $10,000 total in the first six months from account opening. This is a limited-time offer, and the end date is approaching: January 22, 2020. The Explorer card includes some useful benefits for United flyers, including a free checked bag and the most access to the lowest-priced award flights. Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/ This App is Better at Paying Your Credit Cards Than You Are One More Way to Make Life Easier Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/A7JK-
TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS
5 charts on the global economy and markets to watch this year Will we see a recession in 2020? Keep an eye on these key indicators. Read in Yahoo Finance Australia: https://apple.news/ The 2020 Melt-Up And Aftermath The market melt-up is in full swing. A melt-up with a subsequent crash similar to 2000 is now all but certain. History shows us that markets tend to melt up 100% or more before bursting in major bubbles. Timing melt-ups and their aftermath is extraordinarily difficult, but not impossible. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AP48yFR_ Markets Look For New Cues With U.S.-China Trade Pact Signed New record highs in the US equity indices gave Asia-Pacific stocks a lift, though China and Taiwan were notable exceptions. Europe's Dow Jones Stoxx 600 is firm at new record highs set last week. The dollar is trading lower against the major currencies, but the Japanese yen is in quiet turnover. Emerging market currencies are mostly lower ahead, though the yuan recouped yesterday's decline. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ U.S. government bond yields hold steady as market awaits a batch of data U.S. Treasury yields are little-changed on Thursday as fixed-income investors watch for a barrage of economic reports that could help guide sentiment for bonds, which have mostly been bought despite gains in stocks that ordinarily rise in step with yields for government paper. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Friday, 17th January
Investing.com -- China's economy grew at the slowest rate in 30 years last year, but markets took solace from signs of a pick up in retail and factory activity at the end of the year. European stocks hit new all-time highs in response, and U.S. markets are set to do likewise (again) when they open later. There's another dump of U.S. data coming down the line today, led by industrial production figures, housing starts and consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, another grim set of retail sales figures in the U.K. strengthened the arguments for an interest rate cut. Here's what you need to know in financial markets on Friday, 17th January.
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch for Jan. 17
Investing.com - Here are three things that could rock the markets
The Dow Looks Set to Hit Another New High. Thanks China. Futures suggested the rally in U.S. stocks wasn’t about to stop soon, as data from China underscored optimism the global economy will continue to expand. Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/AQ4_
CRYPTO/DIGITAL CURRENCIES
Bull Breather? Bitcoin Market Turns Indecisive at Two-Month HighBitcoin's bulls are showing signs of exhaustion, having engineered a speedy rally to $8,900.
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Increasing Bitcoin demand can drive up value: Cryptocurrency investorInvestdiva.com CEO and 'Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies' author Kiana Danial discusses the Bitcoin's performance at the start of 2020 and the demand for the cryptocurrency.
Read in Fox Business: https://apple.news/
Bitcoin Price Rally to $9K in Danger as a Double Top Pattern AppearsOver the last few hours, Bitcoin price (BTC) swiftly dropped 3% from $8,863 to $8,557 and for the third time in 24 hours bulls were forced to defend the $8,600 support level, which has currently been bought into on each dip. The pullback came after the digital asset struggled to rise above $9,000, twice testing $8,863 over the past day, which could be interpreted as a take profit signal for traders. Cryptocurrency market weekly overview. Source: Coin360 BTC USD daily chart. Source: TradingView
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Binance Exchange to Restrict Access to Japan ResidentsIn a Jan. 15 announcement on Binance’s Japanese support website, the exchange revealed it would restrict access to residents of Japan at an unspecified later date. The restriction is said to be implemented gradually, with details to be revealed later, according to the announcement. Currently, there are no restrictions in place and Japanese users are able to operate the exchange normally. Binance was previously headquartered in Japan after exiting China. As Cointelegraph reported in March 2018,
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Russia’s New Prime Minister Sets Course for Digital EconomyThe Prime Minister of the Russian Federation has called on the country to prioritize the development of the digital economy. As domestic news outlet RIA Novosti reported on Jan. 16, Mikhail Mishustin — who was confirmed in the position as the Prime Minister earlier today — noted some key priorities for his work and outlined the need for institutional reforms in Russia. Mishustin said that the country should implement modern information technologies, including the development of a national
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
CURRENCIES
FX Weekly: Consensus Favors Lower USDThe USD strength we observed in the past two years has caught many participants by surprise as higher uncertainty globally has been favoring safe assets such as the greenback. However, since its high reached in early October, the USD has been weakening as global yield curves have steepened. Any bounce back on the dollar should be considered as a good opportunity to sell it. In addition, we also think that US 10y yield should gradually continue to normalize to higher levels in the medium term ( Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AT3XJx9T- GBP/USD Drops On Weak Retail Sales | Action ForexUK data this week has been dismal. UK retail sales was the latest release to disappoint: MoM -0.6% vs +0.6% exp. YoY +0.9% vs 2.9% exp. Expectations were running high for December retail sales as the data included black Friday and Cyber Monday as well as an expected rebound in confidence following the UK general […] The post GBP/USD Drops On Weak Retail Sales appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/A_ USDCAD Needs Rally Above 1.3100 For Bulls To Gain Traction | Action ForexUSDCAD is retreating below the 50- period simple moving average (SMA) in the four-hour chart which nicely kept the bears under control on Thursday. Technically the pair could perform neutral to negative in the short-term as the RSI is slipping below 50 and the MACD is fluctuating marginally below its zero and signal lines, whilst […] The post USDCAD Needs Rally Above 1.3100 For Bulls To Gain Traction appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/ Pound to euro exchange rate: Pound sees minor boost ahead of Brexit deadlineTHE POUND remains modest against the Euro ahead of the retail sales report. Currently up 0.04 percent, what impact will this have Britons heading to Europe in the coming days? The pound is trading modestly against the Euro after markets priced in a higher chance to the Bank of England cutting rates. The news follows “lacklustre” inflation results, however with little in the way of major political decisions this week, it is thought the pound will continue to tread water. Read in Express: https://apple.news/ NZDJPY Cautiously Positive In Short-Term, Golden Cross Registered | Action ForexNZDJPY restored positive momentum after diving as low as 71.22 last week and is now approaching the 73.51 top registered in late-December. The upward-sloping RSI is endorsing the positive move, but some caution could be justified as the Stochastics have already posted a bearish cross above the 20 oversold level, while the MACD, although somewhat […] The post NZDJPY Cautiously Positive In Short-Term, Golden Cross Registered appeared first on Action Forex. Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/ West Africa's new 'eco' currency sparks division over timetable and euro pegPowerful governments in Ghana and Nigeria have rejected the incoming currency bloc. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
Forex - Yuan Pushes Higher After Data Release
Investing.com - The Chinese yuan is flying Friday, climbing to six month highs against the U.S. dollar in the wake of the release of the country’s latest economic growth figures.
Hong Kong dollar no longer ‘safe haven’ for investors as protests cast doubt, ‘father of dollar peg’ saysHong Kong is no longer the “safe haven” financial centre it once was, according to the economist credited as the architect of the Hong Kong dollar peg. John Greenwood, who is known in financial circles as the “father of the Hong Kong dollar peg”, said the… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
HEALTH / SCIENCE
The Truth About Whether Skin Care Supplements Really WorkThe market is saturated with beauty pills and powders that claim to boost your skin care routine. But do you need them? Read in HuffPost: https://apple.news/A_ 3 African countries trying out 1st malaria vaccine in babiesBabies in three African nations are getting the first vaccine for malaria in an unusual pilot program Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ 7 rules to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and keep your brain healthyResearch finds that living a brain-healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ Possible Missing Link in Alzheimer's Pathology IdentifiedAlzheimer’s disease has long been characterized by the buildup of two distinct proteins in the brain: first beta-amyloid, which accumulates in clumps, or plaques, and then tau, which forms toxic tangles that lead to cell death. But how beta-amyloid leads to the devastation of tau has never been precisely clear. Now a new study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham appears to describe that missing mechanism. The study details a cascade of events. Buildup of beta-amyloid activates a receptor Read in Scientific American: https://apple.news/ Anxiety is different for kidsHere's what parents should watch for, and how to help Read in The Week: https://apple.news/ German researchers develop 1st test for new virus from ChinaGerman researchers said Thursday they have developed the first diagnostic test for a new virus that has emerged in central China Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ New vaccines to protect infants from infectionsA new Penn Medicine study puts researchers within closer reach of vaccines that can protect infants against infections by overcoming a mother’s antibodies, which are known to shut down immune defenses initiated by conventional vaccines. That hurdle largely explains why vaccinations for infectious diseases like influenza and measles not given until six to 12 months of age. Findings from the preclinical study were published online today in Science Translational Medicine. The research team, led by Read in Science Blog: https://apple.news/
USA/CANADA
Small Business Doing Its Part To Sustain Economic GrowthIn August 2018, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index hit a high of 108.8. Since then the NFIB Index has declined to 102.7. Some commentary in the report is noting the three-point drop in "Cost of Labor" on the NFIB's list of "single most important problem." Overall the report does suggest a tight labor market remains as an important issue for small businesses. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ On My Mind: Will The U.S. Economy Survive The Politics In 2020?I believe US politics will be the main source of volatility as we head toward the 2020 US presidential election in November. In 2020, I think the Fed will aim to stay put and keep short-term rates anchored at current levels. Overall, I do not expect any dramatic shifts in the macro outlook in 2020; if anything, I believe the consensus remains too pessimistic. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A6G_ The Growth Of U.S. New Home Sale PricesThe rate of growth of new home sale prices in the U.S. has slowed significantly from historical rates. Starting from January 1963, the earliest that monthly data for the statistic is available., the median sale price of a new home sold in the U.S. has sustainably doubled four times, with the most recent doubling period ending in October 2014. In the period since January 2000, new home sale prices hit a peak in December 2017 before slowly declining in the months since. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ Weakness in home sales hits remodel marketCNBC's Diana Olick reports on why home remodeling is slowing down. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ U.S. import prices climb 0.3% in December on fuel costsWASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The cost of imports rose 0.3% in December to mark the biggest advance in nine months, but most of the increase was tied to higher oil prices. If fuel is excluded import prices were unchanged in the final month of 2019, the government said Thursday. Import prices rose a scant 0.5% last year after a nearly 1% decline in 2018. Other U.S. inflation barometers such as wholesale and consumer prices also show that price pressures were weak at the end of 2019. The cost of Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ New jobless claims fall 5th straight week to 204,000 in sign of strong U.S. labor marketThe number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in early January fell for the fifth week in a row, giving a clean bill of health to strong U.S. labor market as 2020 got underway. Initial jobless claims declined by 10,000 to 204,000. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ Trump administration abruptly cancels 4 classified Iran-related briefings The Trump administration has abruptly canceled four classified congressional briefings related to the ongoing Iran crisis, in some cases providing little or no explanation for doing so. Read in CNN Politics: https://apple.news/
EMERGING MARKETS
Affiliate Programmes Going Global as E-Commerce Booms in Emerging MarketsThis year will see brands expanding globally as e-commerce booms in emerging markets, according to new research from CJ Affiliate, who revealed that more retailers and brands will be expanding their affiliate programmes beyond mature markets like the UK and ...
Read in PerformanceIN: https://apple.news/
China guidelines to help develop junk bond marketPositive feedback from bond markets as authorities are keen on injecting credit risk into financial system
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Diversification is so important in investing and Southeast Asia is a great market, says Citi's BailinDavid Bailin of Citi Private Bank emphasizes the importance of diversification in investing, particularly in emerging markets such as in Southeast Asia. He also cautions of imminent risks in cyclical sectors like energy.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
Emerging Markets End 2019 On A High NoteOptimism surrounding the government's economic agenda has resulted in a more favorable investment climate in Brazil. Trade and slowing growth fears have largely overshadowed China's initiatives to strengthen and diversify its economy. Kuwait is undergoing a multi-year effort to introduce fiscal reforms, increase investment and diversify away from oil dependence.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/Af_
Copper Rebound Brightens Emerging Markets Outlook
Copper stockpiles have declined drastically and new production is down. The red metal's supply picture paints a bullish backdrop for 2020. Rising copper prices also assume continued emerging markets strength. Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
MIDDLE EAST
Look to Japan and China: can the Middle East learn from East Asia’s success story?Middle Eastern states can take a leaf out of East Asia’s playbook, but differences in governance could stand in the way of their successful adoption of models from countries such as China, according to experts. Speaking at the Middle East Institute’s…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
Iraq's top cleric recovering from surgery after accidentIraq's most revered Shiite cleric underwent a surgery for a fractured bone and is recovering
Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
Qatar FM visits Iraq, seeks to ease regional tensionQatar's foreign minister met his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad for talks on easing tension and respecting Iraq's sovereignty after attacks by the US and Iran on Iraqi soil brought the region to a brink of war. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met Mohamed Ali Alhakim on Wednesday in Baghdad and was expected to meet the speaker of the parliament, the president and the prime minister later. More: Iraq braces for 'difficult days' after Soleimani's killing Iran in mourning, vows
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/AvUL1lwrtP_
Put the spring back in the Arab SpringAnother year, another decade, another round of bad news in the Middle East. Last week's headlines featured: death in Egyptian prisons, clashes in Sudan, worsening humanitarian crises in Yemen and Syria, illegal Israeli settlement expansion in Palestine, political paralysis in Tunisia, failure of Libyan ceasefire talks, all in addition to the American-Iranian showdown in Iraq and the downing of a Ukrainian civilian airliner with 176 people onboard over Tehran - and the list goes on. The situation
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/A-
Killing of Iran's top general was a 'wake-up call' to Tehran: Saudi prince Turki
The U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's top commander showed Tehran that it can't get away with its provocations, but won't stop the country from continuing with its agenda, Saudi Arabian Prince Turki Al-Faisal told CNBC. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AEmidM-
Iranian Government Is Heading for 'Final Implosion': Shah's SonJanuary 15, 2020 Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran, has called on Americans and their representatives to help the Iranian people overthrow the regime in Tehran as its leaders grapple with anti-government protests. Speaking at an event at the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Pahlavi said the current unrest shows that the end is near for the 40-year theocracy. Protests have erupted in Tehran and other major cities after Iran admitted downing
Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/
The Iranian government is turning on its military after it lied about the downing of a Ukrainian passenger planePresident Hassan Rouhani at a military parade outside Tehran, Iran, on September 22. Iran's leadership has turned on its military over its response to the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 last week. While Iran initially insisted that the plane crashed because of technical issues, it later said its Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down the commercial plane down by mistake. President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran must "compensate" for the crash and demanded that the
Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/A2q9i8_
Iran is enriching more uranium now than before the nuclear deal, Rouhani saysIran is enriching more uranium per day now than before the country signed a nuclear deal with major world powers, President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday.
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/A2cihOMv9T-
AFRICA
Zimbabwe: Police Arrest 900 Illegal Gold Panners At Jumbo, Shamva MinesOver 900 illegal gold panners arrested Tuesday in Mazowe and Shamva district in Mashonaland Central province in one of the biggest raids on the miners by the police as they try to contain marauding machete wielding gangs causing terror among mining communities in the country. In a statement, police said a total 907 people had been arrested in the two gold-rich mining areas. "A total of 907 people were arrested on 14 January at Shamva, Jumbo Mine and Mazowe River in the ongoing operation against Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Sanctions to Remain Until Reforms Are Implemented - U.S.The restrictive measures imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States will remain in place until President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration implemented the necessary political and economic reforms key to restoring the troubled country's democracy and prosperity, the US Ambassador to Zimbabwe said Wednesday. Nichols challenged the government to satisfy conditions laid out in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) or remain under sanctions. Speaking to the media after paying a Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Raw Materials Dominate Zim's Export ListZimbabwe's export list continues to be dominated by raw materials despite the existence of vibrant policies aimed at boosting industrial productivity. The latest Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's (RBZ) monthly economic review shows that there was no transformation in the quality of goods leaving the country. "The country's export basket continued to be biased towards primary commodities, with gold, nickel and flue-cured tobacco contributing about 72.0% of the country's export earnings, during the Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: More Skeletons Tumble in VP-Wife Saga - Marry Demands U.S.$47 000 Maintenance, Claims VP On Drugs As Presidential Ambitions CrumbleMarry, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has filed papers at the High Court demanding US$47 000 per month for maintenance as she also revealed the VP was taking unprescribed drugs as he believed his ascendancy to be Zimbabwe's President was in jeopardy. In her papers, the ex-model further claims Chiwenga purchased several upmarket properties outside the country using relatives as proxies in order to avoid the west targeting the assets under the ongoing sanctions regime Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Zimbabwe: Act Fast On Machete Gangs, Diamond Mining Workers Tell GovtZimbabwe Diamonds and Allied workers Union ( ZIDAWU) has urged government to act fast before the machete gang menace degenerates into anarchy. In a statement released yesterday, ZIDAWU exonerated gold miners from the atrocities saying these are criminals out to take advantage of the violent activities happening in the gold sector. "With Zimbabwe's reputation as a country with best security forces in Africa surely something stern has to be done before this degenerate into anarchy. As ZIDAWU we Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AbCx- Zimbabwe: How Politics and Poverty Affect Electricity Provision in Zimbabwe(Photo: Pixabay) Zimbabwe's economic challenges are numerous, but one of the most pressing is electricity scarcity. Around 40% of the country's population has access to electricity. The country has access to vast and diverse possible energy resources. These include about 12 billion metric tonnes of coal, hydro power potential concentrated along the Zambezi River and untapped solar power potential. This is not peculiar to Zimbabwe. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, only 16% of the Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Mozambique Anticipates New Era of Peace and Economic Boom Maputo Incumbent Felipe Nyusi has been sworn in for a second term as President of Mozambique, heralding the beginning of what is anticipated to be an era of lasting peace and economic prosperity in the resources-rich Southern African country whose progress has been curtailed by conflict. Nyusi (60) has been sworn-in following a victory, by a wide margin during elections held in October last year. During the ceremony attended by international leaders in the capital Maputo on Wednesday (toda), Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Nigeria: How Indiscriminate Location of Oil Facilities, Regulatory Failure Endanger Nigerian LivesThe streets leading into Tipper Garage axis of Abule-egba area of Lagos are usually crowded. At an end of one of the streets, a group of shirtless kids played football on a dusty field. Behind them stood a make-shift football viewing centre, built with bamboo sticks. Adjacent the football pitch are makeshift mechanic workshops, occupied by numerous apprentices. Some metres away from the workshop stood the crowded tipper garage itself, buzzing with activities. The clumsy nature of the Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Nigeria: How Introduction of N50 Charge on POS Transaction Threatens Financial InclusionJane David sat on a stone close to her newly constructed kiosk for her daily business as a Point of Sale agent popularly referred to as a mobile bank agent. Mrs David looked exhausted, her gaze fixed on the Point Of Sale (POS) machine. It was a few minutes to 6 p.m. on a Saturday in November. It was already dusk – the sun had calmed, preparing to take its rest. Mrs David told PREMIUM TIMES that the business moved well during the weekends, so she closes late. The 35-year-old would soon complain Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ Record 45 million people across Southern Africa face hunger: U.N. food agencyThe United Nations World Food Programme said on Thursday that a record 45 million people in the 16-nation Southern African Development Community faced growing hunger following repeated drought, widespread flooding and economic disarray. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/Aw_FyU_
ASIA
US-China phase one trade deal could boost A shares as earnings growth comes through, analysts say A phase one trade deal between the United States and China could be another positive for the latter’s A-share market this year, as earnings growth is expected to be strong in sectors ranging from the software industry to the financial sector, according to… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
Trade war: China, US face tough reality ahead after the pomp of phase one deal signing
A US-China trade deal that had long been in the works was signed with all the pomp we have come to expect from President Donald Trump, and for some the setting was fitting as this has been billed as a victory for style over substance. While Trump…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AQwb81_ China phase one deal with US will allow chance for domestic reform, despite short-term sting
China’s phase one trade deal with the United States could generate short-term pain for the economy, but help it in the long run by creating a stable trading environment and introducing competition to its increasingly rigid state-led development model,…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AnV7V_ Future of Hong Kong does not lie with TaiwanHongkongers watched Taiwan’s elections with mixed feelings. On one hand, the extradition bill fiasco has helped President Tsai Ing-wen win a second term with her anti-mainland platform. On the other, we are still unable to elect the chief executive with a… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ China’s deal to buy more US goods is ‘distortion of the market’, Europeans complainChina’s pledge to ramp up purchases of US goods and services in an interim trade deal has drawn concern from other trading partners, with a leading European business group calling it a “distortion of the market” and saying the pact was “rewriting… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ Investment in Hong Kong commercial property dropped 52 per cent last year, as protests hit demand across sector, CBRE says Investment in Hong Kong office and retail properties plunged by 52 per cent last year to HK$$68.9 billion (US$8.9 billion), the largest decline in a single year since 2011, property consultancy CBRE said on Wednesday. The ongoing anti-government protests… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ Xi Jinping says China, Vietnam should resolve their disputes ‘properly’ China and Vietnam should deepen their relationship and seek to resolve their disputes “properly”, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Vietnamese counterpart, President Nguyen Phu Trong, on Thursday as the two nations remain locked in a territorial clash… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
EUROPE
Merkel warns of 'Brexit wake-up call'
Brexit should be a "wake-up call" for the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned in a rare interview with FT. "I see the European Union as our life insurance. Germany is far too small to exert geopolitical influence on its own, and that’s why we need to make use of all the benefits of the single market." "There's been a shift," she added. "President Obama already spoke about the Asian century, as seen from the U.S. perspective. This also means that Europe is no longer, so to say,
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A_
Brexit travel: How will the EU departure affect travel money? Should you get euros now?
BREXIT is right around the corner, with Boris Johnson’s government ploughing towards the January 31 departure date. With many Britons booking their holidays for the year, will Brexit affect travel money rates? Brexit is fast approaching, with the Conservative government working at speed to meet the January 31 departure deadline. Although little is known about whether a deal will actually be solidified before the deadline, it is likely the departure will have some impact on the exchange rate.
Read in Express: https://apple.news/
Putin's move for permanent power
How the Russian president is weaponizing the trappings of democracy to retain control of the ...
Read in The Week: https://apple.news/
CBI, ISX, Dinar Guru::
CBI Update:
Closed on Friday and Saturday
Closed Friday and Saturday
Shares Traded:
Value Traded:
ISX ended in Green
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
1-18-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...I want to caution everyone in believing that Iraq needs a robust economy or that they need a partial or total reconstruction of their country to reinstate their currency...These ideas of needing a robust economy and a reconstructed Iraq is NOT the case. In fact, it is just the opposite. Iraq will need the funds from the reinstatement and the currency to attract investors and the funding for the reconstruction effort...Why in hell are we seeing all of a sudden, the US pushing to get rid of the Iranian influence and all its corrupt politicians from Iraq. Folks – it is time for the reinstatement and the US must secure its investment along with China. The CBI is ready and the world is ready for Iraq. It is time….
1-17-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru BGG Article: "The Central Bank of Iraq file … an employee reveals the hidden" Quote: “White House sources assured her that the US administration has started investigations with senior influential employees of the Central Bank of Iraq after it became clear that pro-Iranian banks are trying to break US economic sanctions by smuggling the dollar to Iran and its allies in the region.” Once the US gets serious about putting pressure on Iran through the CBI (of Iraq), it could well mean good news for us… with any luck at all. The end of the CBI currency auctions, which is the main door through which Iran transports US dollars into their economy, means the beginning of economic and currency reform in Iraq. This scenario may turn out to be the “Golden Unicorn” for us.
1-17-2020 Intel Guru Bruce [via WiserNow] ...we’re going to take you all the way to the end of this line...through the finish line – we know the finish is close...we’ve got a 3 day weekend coming up...We are probably going to start Tuesday with [800] numbers late morning and start of exchanges a couple hours later – that’s the scenario we’re hearing right now...Iraq is supposed to finally RV their currency Saturday and put their new rate in the gazette – FINALLY...we heard this a couple days ago that Saturday was supposed to be the day - that Iraq will do a full revaluation...I think we are really set to start...We’re in good shape...
1-17-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat However, the banks could not circulate these 50k and 100k notes and they are meant only for “inter-banking” transactions ONLY. In other words, they do not go out to the general public and are ONLY to be used within the banks. Why would they need such large denominations? They need them now because they are getting ready for the “international Monetary Exchange” between countries. If they are going to shut off currency auctions and use strictly Iraqi dinar, they will need these much larger denominations. ...This is part of the overall monetary reform plan...No, we didn’t get our reinstatement yet but we did get this VERY good news this week. Things are still moving ahead and will continue until the day they pull the trigger. [post 2 of 2]
1-17-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat There is some good news this week. ...when the banks turn in the larger 3 zero notes they get a “credit” from the CBI. This means the CBI owes them the sum of the balance of what they just turned in...So, this week the CBI started issuing 50k and 100k notes to the banks to satisfy these credits. Folks this is...really fantastic news for us. If you remember the 50k notes were already issued way back in 2003 but were quickly recalled since they did not serve their purpose at that time. Next remember we have been told many times that these larger 3 zero notes will “coincide” with the smaller category notes. So, these 50k and 100k notes fit right into what the CBI has been telling us all along. The best part of this story is they are NOW doing it. WOW! Are they getting ready for something? [post 1 of 2....stay tuned] 1-17-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ [via PDK] This morning they [Redemption Centers] are on call…not fully staffed today... Folks I talked with are now looking at early next week. I know we are close...and every time we have a 3 day weekend we all wonder “is this it?” My banking contacts still say we are here…right on top of it…but they have notoriously been wrong. Do I think they deliberately give me bad information? I think they have been given wrong information many times… [I think they (banks) smell...the frustration of people wanting to give up.] I agree…they smell how close this is... 1-17-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff It only cost Iraq $15 to extract oil out of the ground. Fifteen bucks for a barrel of oil and they're turning around selling it...around $65 a barrel...their deficit is under control...so we're looking good... 1-17-2020 Newshound Guru Kaperoni ...The auctions are still a problem and must continue for now to maintain stability of the exchange rate. The daily currency auctions cannot end until the CBI accepts IMF Article VIII and begins floating the dinar. [Reference Guru Frank26 two part post 1-16-2020]
1-16-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff ...Parliament is going to be implementing about a month and a half long recess so they'll probably resume somewhere around early March...IMO I feel that what that is telling us is that they are not or can not even start the approval process of the budget until after the rate has changed...everything within Iraq right now is waiting on the rate change. The budget is waiting on the rate change now. All of the demonstrators demands are waiting on the rate change. Everything they did through the entire freaking year of '19 is waiting on the rate change. Guys it does not get any better than that. We're looking good...
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website)
At the time this report was submitted, there are no new articles posted on PM Mahdi's website.
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ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
At the time this report was submitted, there are no new tweets posted on the Government of Iraq twitter account.
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ARTICLE 3
After China ... Iraq is approaching 3 countries to sign partnership agreements
1/17/1920 18:25
[Baghdad-where]
The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, announced today, Friday, the opening of three countries to sign partnership agreements similar to the one that took place with China. Saleh said in a press statement today, Saturday, that "the government has approached the United States, Japan and South Korea to sign partnership agreements, related to infrastructure, direct production and development of the agricultural sector in addition to other sectors." He added that "the American side welcomed the idea and promised to study it and respond to it," noting that "Iraq has an agreement on the strategic framework in various fields, but it needs a diplomatic move to activate it."
Saleh concluded by saying that "Iraq welcomes openness to all countries."
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ARTICLE 4
Barzani: The presence of the American forces is necessary for Iraq and the parliament’s decision set a bad precedent
1/17/2020 13:07
[Follow-up]
Kurdistan region, Nechirvan Barzani, that the decision of the Iraqi parliament to remove the American forces from Iraq was not a good decision as it was taken by the Shiite bloc only without consulting with the other major components in the country.
Noting that "it is better now is the serious participation and dialogue between Iraq and the United States on the future form of the deployment of the United States because the presence of American and coalition forces is necessary for all of Iraq."
In this interview with Al-Monitor, Nechirvan Barzani said about the impact of the killing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Commander Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis in a US drone air raid on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region: “This event triggered a flood of emotions in Iraq and the United States, including the reaction of Parliament The Iraqi and the Iraqi Prime Minister, and by the same token, the response of Washington to the American forces will remain in Iraq regardless of what the parliament or the government and the like say, in my opinion it was also expressed with enthusiasm at the present moment, and the priority should be to put emotions aside, because we Now we need To contain the position, to control it. " He added, "Our opinion is that the decision taken by the Iraqi parliament was not a good decision and the Kurds and Sunnis did not participate in this decision, moreover, it sets a bad precedent, as the decision was taken by the Shiite bloc without consulting any of the main components of this country, the Kurds And the Sunnah (the Arabs) was a very decisive step that was taken without seeking consensus and thus violating the spirit of the Iraqi constitution. This is not good for Iraq, now or for the future. Pointing out that "the question that must be addressed first is: Why are American forces present here? They are here at the invitation of the Iraqi government in 2014 and in consultation with the United Nations Security Council when ISIS was on the outskirts of Baghdad, and the second: Does the current situation in Iraq justify The withdrawal of American and coalition forces, given their mission, which is to help defeat ISIS? As much as we are the Kurdistan Regional Government, we are concerned that the answer is not clear, as all intelligence indicates that ISIS has regrouped and that they carry out attacks against Iraqi targets on a daily basis. Here, the interest of Kurdistan Iraq charges for US forces as they are in the interest of Iraq as a whole. " Negervan Barzani said about the pressures that Iran is under to remove the American forces from Iraq that "during the visit of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi here a few days ago, the impression we reached was that he was looking to solve this issue through dialogue rather than confrontation, it will be The idea is to come up with a new formula, to reshape, if you will, the future presence of American and coalition forces in Iraq. " Noting that "the presence of American and coalition forces is necessary for all of Iraq," stressing that "the Iraqi Prime Minister is a pragmatic man looking to reformulate and redefine the future presence of these forces in Iraq, I do not think that relations between Iraq and the United States should be legislated through the media This is not helpful. " Regarding the statements of the Iraqi Prime Minister that the American forces should leave the country, he said: "The Prime Minister of Iraq has the right to submit his complaint and the fact that such a major operation was conducted on Iraqi soil near the airport without his knowledge would have provoked a negative response from Baghdad." Noting that "it is better now is the serious participation and dialogue between Iraq and the United States on the future shape of the deployment of the United States. On assessing the Iranian missile attack on the Americans, which also targeted Erbil, Barzani said: "The Iraqi leadership must maintain the interests, security and stability of the country, the Iraqi people, above all. The missile launch was a very clear message to everyone that Iran has the will and the ability to strike inside Any part of Iraq. " He stressed that "we do not want Iraq to become a battleground between Iran and America, and at the same time Iran is our old neighbor, and the Iraqi Prime Minister since he took office has worked to avoid falling into the conflict between Iran and the United States." Regarding the transfer of US Vice President Mike Pines in November, an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend the President of the Kurdistan Region at a meeting at the White House, he explained that "there is a permanent invitation, but no date has been set yet, the invitation was submitted before any of this occurred (Suleimani's murder as well Abdul-Mahdi’s resignation on November 29. The United States sees us as part of Iraq and they treat us that way. ” On the possibility of meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos, Negervan Barzani said: "I have to ask the Secretary of State, it is not clear whether Trump will come to Davos, but I will meet Vice President Pence in Davos." Regarding the relations between Washington and the Kurdistan Region after the death of Qassem Soleimani, the President of the Kurdistan Region pointed out that "the Kurdistan Regional Government enjoys its legal and constitutional status of special importance within the Iraqi equation, and American policy towards Iraq, that is, one Iraqi policy." And on the possibility that the Kurdistan Region could be a potential mediator between Washington and Baghdad, between that "certainly we do and will do our part in this regard. We believe that it is really in the interest of Iraq to do that and that the relations between Washington and Baghdad remain stable, and we are ready to do our best within the limits of our capabilities." Humble to contribute to stability and peace in this region. " The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, noted about the role of Russia in Iraq after he had been active in Syria and Libya, saying: "It is clear that Russia has an important role in this region." Regarding his opinion on concluding an agreement between the Kurds in Syria and the Syrian government, Nechirvan Barzani said: “In principle we believe that the issue of the Kurds in Syria should be resolved within the borders of Syria. I think that the Syrian government should be more prepared than it is now. The Kurds in Syria are Part of Syria, and the Russians can make a difference, but when I interviewed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov specifically asked him to help offer a deal between the Kurds and the regime I think President Putin should do more in this regard. " He added, "Our advice in the past, present and future is that the Syrian Kurds find a way to reach an agreement with the regime, as I have repeatedly told them to cut their ties with the PKK in Qandil." "I always said that they did their best to provoke Turkey by placing the flags of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and huge photos of the leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, on the Turkish border directly, and for years we have been asking them to separate from the PKK and try to understand Turkey's fears to avoid this outcome." That we have today. " On the relationship of the Kurdistan Region with Turkey, Nechirvan Barzani said: "Our relations with Turkey have always been important and good, and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, held a good meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and we will continue in this way." Stressing that: "We cannot allow Iraqi Kurdistan to become a launching pad for attacks against any of our neighbors, and this problem must be solved in Turkey by peaceful means, whenever I meet Turkish officials, I remind them of this, that this problem needs to be resolved through dialogue, not from Through military means, this is in the interest of both sides. " Stressing that "the Kurdistan Region has a constitutional legal status inside Iraq. This is a recognized fact inside Iraq and internationally, so it makes sense in this regard to draw similarities between Iraqi Kurdistan and Rojava. For us in Iraqi Kurdistan, whenever we feel an opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Rojava and the Kurds in places Other than to solve their problems peacefully within the countries in which they live, we are always happy to do so. I would also like to take this opportunity to salute my brothers and sisters in Rojava for their great sacrifices on the frontline in the war against ISIS, for their courage and dedication. The large number of injuries sustained I did not Be only to defend themselves and Syria, but to defend humanity and for this we owe them a big thanks, and it must be, there is a constitutional protection for all their rights within the framework of a united Syria, they must be equal citizens and express themselves freely as a Kurd. " The Kurdistan Region President talked about the agreement with Baghdad about the budget, revenue sharing and oil, saying: “After long discussions and many trips to Baghdad, we have already reached an agreement. We almost finished the deal at the end of September, we were supposed to deliver more than 250,000 barrels of oil. To the Iraqi National Oil Company SOMO at the export terminals in the Turkish port of Ceyhan overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, they will market it and the revenues will go to the Iraqi treasury from which the Kurdistan Regional Government will obtain its share. " On Turkey’s share he said: “They have nothing to do with it. So what will happen mainly is that we have to pay transit fees to the Turkish side and this is Iraqi oil, regardless of where it is extracted. We have the remaining 200,000 barrels we have that cover payments to oil companies for their services. Some of our debts are theirs, but this deal is now forgotten and this uncertainty is clearly not good. However, as I mentioned, since March of last year, part of the salaries of public officials has been paid by the central government in Baghdad regularly About 55% We are talking about 380 million dollars a month It does not cover all salaries Our salary is for government employees, and social security is $ 700 million per month; 1.2 million people receive government salaries, of whom 700,000 are employees directly employed by the government, peshmerga, civil servants, etc. " "If you look at the performance of the previous government, we were often in a crisis management situation, with the budget dispute with Baghdad, then ISIS, a lot has been achieved in the past ten years, but mistakes have been made as well. The government has started," Barzani said. Al-Jadida has a better relationship with Baghdad and the regional defeat of the Islamic State, and it has strongly embraced the reform process and the implementation of reforms and is trying to do a better job. And I think the prime minister is doing a good job. He has achieved a good balance in the cabinet, he is doing a good job. ” President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani concluded the interview by talking about the PUK conference, saying: "They held a party conference and it was successful despite all speculation. They formed a committee to solve all their internal issues, until now it is still not clear who will actually head the party, but I think the president will be The Iraqi Barham Salih. " |
Monday, January 20, 2020
WOTS Saturday 1/18/20
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