Friday, January 22, 2021

WOTS FRI JAN 22 21

 WOTS FRI JAN 22 21

Dollar exchange rates on the local markets and the stock exchange on Friday (January 22, 2021), according to the monitoring of specialists.  

  

The price of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar  

Exchange offices prices:  

The sale price of the dollar is 146,000  

The purchase price of the dollar 145,000  

approximate  



Some Headlines:
Dollar higher after 4 days of losses
Stocks Stumble With Virus Concerns Back in Focus

The Markets:
Asian markets closed mixed  NIK down by .44% HSI down by 1.60% SHANG
The UK markets are currently trading in the red from .64% to 1.78%
Our futures are currently mixed DOW jones at 30863 down by .71% SNP at 3823 up by .59% NDX at 13333 down by .46%

Precious Metals:
Gold is red at 1848 Silver is red at 25.31 Copper is green at 364 Platinum is red at 1097
Brent 54 WTi 51

Favorite Currencies Forex Quotes

SymbolBidAskHighLowOpenChangeTime
 USD/IQD  1431.8000  1481.1000 1458.1000 1457.7000 1457.7000  -0.4000 11:37
 USD/VND  23070.0000  23073.0000 23070.7200 23043.1600 23043.1600  29.9500 04:36
 USD/CNY  6.4769  6.4789 6.4779 6.4604 6.4610  0.0158 05:17
 USD/KWD  0.3024  0.3034 0.3025 0.3024 0.3025  -0.0001 05:16
 GBP/USD  1.3666  1.3667 1.3735 1.3651 1.3731  -0.0065 05:17
 USD/IRR  42000.0000  42210.0000 42097.5000 42097.5000 42097.5000  -914.4000 07:13
 USD/IDR  14081.0000  14089.0000 14114.0000 13958.0000 13991.0000  83.0000 05:15

Things in the News:


Iraqi Articles:

URGENT In the document ... a dangerous intelligence warning about an ISIS plot to be implemented on Friday

link

The Ministry of Interior's intelligence has warned of a dangerous plot that ISIS terrorist gangs intend to implement in the capital, Baghdad, and throughout Iraq, today, Friday.

According to a document by the Elections Directorate, the Euphrates News Agency obtained a copy of it, "Information received from one of the security agencies was issued by the so-called {Wali of Iraq} to ISIS terrorist gangs to all sections of the state above, indicating specific terrorist operations to target mosques and Hussainiyat throughout Iraq, specifically. Friday (Friday prayer) with booby-trapped suicide and suicide bombers. "
Intelligence also warned of ISIS's intention to "target demonstration squares by means of improvised explosive devices and sticky bombs to fuel the security situation, and targeting popular markets that are densely populated, especially in the capital, Baghdad, next to Rusafa."
She pointed out that "the targeting will take place during the next few days."
It is noteworthy that this intelligence warning comes after two bloody suicide bombings that took place in Tayaran Square in Bab al-Sharqi district, in the center of the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday, killing 32 people and wounding 110 wounded.
Against the background of the security breach, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, issued an order exempting five senior security officers and commanders and assigning others in their place, including the Baghdad Operations Commander, the Federal Police, and the General Director of the Intelligent Falcons Cell in the Ministry of Interior.
Al-Kazemi also threatened a "harsh and earth-shattering response, and the leaders of ISIS darkness will see any men they face," he said

Resolving the budget is approaching .. expectations of voting within days

link

Today, Thursday, a member of the Finance Committee, Magda Al-Tamimi, revealed that the vote on the 2021 budget is imminent.

Al-Tamimi said in a statement that "the meetings of the Finance Committee are continuing, with the hosting of several official bodies to find out the accurate data of each ministry and institution to explain some of the articles and the extent of their economic feasibility, in preparation for taking decisions on controversial articles and after reviewing the most prominent obstacles facing each party."

Al-Tamimi pointed to "the diligent work of the sub-committees formed by the Finance Committee to provide detailed reports on the budgets of the three presidencies, ministries, institutions and all bodies, and from the principle of exchanging visions in preparation for resolving what is related to the 2021 budget, especially with regard to reducing expenditures and increasing revenues."

And she continued, "It is hoped that the budget will be presented to a vote within days."

To escape the American sanctions, Iraq is the lifeblood of Iranian trade

link

“Piles of luxurious carpets are lined up on the floors of a shopping center in northern Iraq that hosts merchants from Iran who hope that the shine of their ornate handicrafts will be a lifeline out of poverty.

 

In their country, the economy is in tatters amid crippling US sanctions. 

The Iranian Ramyar Parvez, the organizer of the exhibition, who is originally from Sanadaj, told AFP the money we receive. Whether in dollars or dinars, they are highly valued and worth a lot. 

And at least 24 companies from 15 Iranian cities opened a store this week in Dohuk, in the northern Kurdish-run region of Iraq. From Sanandaj to Bijar, these stores sell precious gems, fine carpets, copper and pottery.

Iran is one of Iraq's largest trading partners

Iran is among the largest trading partners of Iraq, and this cooperation has deepened since 2018 amid the Trump administration's extremist policy towards Iran, which led to the United States withdrawing from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and imposing sanctions on the country. 

Tens of thousands of Iranian pilgrims visit holy sites in Najaf and Karbala every year, boosting Iraq's nascent tourism sector.

More than 100 trucks transport building materials, food, medicine and equipment to Iraq every day.

Iran has increased its dependence on the Iraqi market with the deteriorating economic conditions in Iran.

US sanctions are preventing US and foreign companies from doing business with Iran, affecting Iran's energy, shipping and financial sectors, causing foreign investment to dry up. 

 

Oil exports were the hardest hit, the Iranian economy shrank, unemployment rates rose, and the rural population was affected.

  •  Desperate adventure

The Iranian Companies Fair is usually held every year in the city of Sulaymaniyah, which borders Iran. This is the first year that merchants have ventured to visit Dohuk, which shares closer economic ties with neighboring Turkey, hoping to attract new customers and create greater demand for Iranian goods. 

Pervez said the Dohuk project was a desperate adventure. 

“There is tremendous pressure on people (in Iran), and the cost of living is unimaginably high,” he said. We can't buy anything, and we can't even buy medicine.  

Haji al-Tusi, a businessman from Mashhad, sells his luxurious carpets at a lower price than local Iraqi merchants. He knows that the dollars he takes home in Iran will keep him afloat. 

"The type of carpet we sell here is about $ 200, while the same carpet in the market here sells for $ 300-350," he said. 

Iraq is grappling with an unprecedented liquidity crisis caused by low oil prices. This cut state coffers in half and prompted the government to borrow from foreign exchange reserves with the central bank to pay salaries. 

Some Iranian sellers were skeptical that their goods would be well-received in Dohuk and other regions of Iraq, where Turkish brands dominate the shopping islands. 

Shirin Muhammad, a local resident, said that people demand mainly Turkish goods.

Iraq’s Disappearance From Biden’s Agenda Is a Big Mistake

link

Upcoming elections offer an opportunity to turn Iraq around—and contain Iran in the process.

On Thursday morning, Baghdad witnessed twin suicide bombings in a busy market that killed 32 people and wounded more than 100 others. It was the bloodiest such attack in many years. Coming only a day after the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden, the attack is a reminder that the dangers facing Iraq from extremism remain very real, and that the country’s situation is still precarious in many ways.

The attack also serves as a reminder that Iraq needs to be on the Biden administration’s agenda, even though it does not appear to be a priority at all. Because of its strategic impact on Middle East politics and the implications Iraq’s success or failure has on the United States’ standing in the world, how Biden and his team handle Iraq will be watched closely in the Middle East and beyond.

Iraq is at a critical moment as it prepares for national elections in October that could help the country to finally emerge from the grip of corrupt, sectarian political parties—or reverse the gains it has made.

The Biden team is taking office 10 years after the Arab uprisings that the United States largely mishandled. In today’s Iraq, as elsewhere in the Middle East, there is a nascent but significant movement among young Iraqis to reject identity politics based on sectarianism, which has a bloody history of being exploited to divide Iraqi Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, and other groups from one another. The worst thing that could happen is if the new U.S. administration reverted back to old proposals to deepen Iraq’s sectarian divisions as a way of ruling the country, as Biden has proposed in the past. Instead, Washington should support Iraqi sovereignty, stability, and good governance.

Like Biden, many in the new administration will have an Iraq legacy—even if they do not want to own it. The new president, for one, visited Iraq many times as a U.S. senator and vice president.

 

As the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden played a significant role in giving then-President George W. Bush authorization for the Iraq War in 2002. In a 2006 op-ed in the New York Times, Biden proposed a dismemberment of Iraq along sectarian and ethnic lines. And while sources close to Biden say he has long abandoned that position, he has yet to revoke it directly. As vice president, Biden was assigned by then-President Barack Obama to oversee the Iraq file and was widely considered a kingmaker when he threw his weight behind Nouri al-Maliki getting another term as Iraqi prime minister in 2010. At the same time, however, the Obama administration did its best to ignore Iran’s destructive meddling in Iraq.

Biden isn’t alone in having a significant history with Iraq that has remained largely unspoken during the campaign and transition. His nominees for secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, and secretary of state, Antony Blinken, are both well acquainted with Iraq. Austin served as a commander in the 2003 Iraq War and later headed U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw the drawdown of U.S. troops and their consequent return to fight the Islamic State. By naming Barbara Leaf as senior director for the Middle East and North Africa in the National Security Council and Brett McGurk as coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Biden brings two seasoned diplomats who have worked in Iraq to the top of decision-making in national security.

These officials bring experience and personal relationships in Iraq to the table, but Iraq has changed dramatically since they were last in office. The current Iraqi prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, is the first non-Islamist prime minister since 2005. He has advocated civilian, nonsectarian rule in Iraq. President Barham Salih is also an advocate of nonsectarian and progressive politics. The opportunity to work with both of them should not be squandered.

There is a narrow but important opportunity to turn Iraq around—but it won’t be easy. With elections in October, the window to act with Kadhimi and Salih leading Iraq is limited to less than nine months. As the elections are held and the next government is formed, corrupt militia leaders and Iranian proxies in Iraq will do everything in their power to push secular, progressive parties and politicians from power.

To avoid that happening, the U.S. administration should have three priorities in Iraq.

First, Washington should not allow extremist elements, whatever their creed, to attack U.S. interests in the country. These interests include not just the safety of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. troop bases but the stability of Iraq more broadly, including its government, infrastructure, oil installations, and borders with U.S. allies, in particular Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait. The United States should also support the current government by aiding its ability to provide security and basic services to the Iraqi people, helping secular and progressive rule to gain greater legitimacy.

Second, there is a battle of ideas and ideals raging in the Middle East—and the United States is part of that battle. Be it in Iraq or Lebanon, young people are pushing against sectarianism and the corruption and nepotism that come with it. Thirty years have passed since the 1991 uprising, when Iraqis demanded change in their country. Iraqis rose up in 14 out of the country’s 18 provinces in a revolution that few outside Iraq remember—because it was not televised and predated the ability of social media to capture cries for help. When the uprising was quashed following Operation Desert Storm, in which a U.S.-led coalition ejected Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait, the United States stood by and allowed thousands to be killed.

For over a year now, young Iraqis have once again been taking to the streets to demand a better future. The United States should not stand by the wayside again. It should engage in the Iraqi and Middle Eastern battle for progressive ideals and support the secular nation-state over militia and sectarian rule.
Iraq must not be seen only in terms of Iran’s agenda.

 

Third, Washington must counter Iran’s expansionist agenda in the region by helping Iraq regain its sovereignty and limiting foreign intervention in the country. Ensuring Iraq is firmly on a path to becoming a more neutral and influential actor in the region would benefit U.S. interests and bring more stability to the region.

Oddly, Iraq is barely even mentioned in Washington even as there is near-consensus that Iran will be among the top foreign-policy issues the Biden administration will tackle early on. But to address Iran and its nuclear program in isolation is short-sighted. Iran’s expansionist policies in the region, and particularly in Iraq, are part of the problem and have to be addressed and curtailed.

In his Senate confirmation hearing, Blinken said that the Gulf Arab countries and Israel would be involved in potential talks with Iran about its role in the region. There was no mention of Iraq, even though it is at the heart of Iran’s expansionist ambitions in the region.

There is a common misconception that Iran has what is often described as a “natural role” in Iraq, whether because of cultural links or Tehran’s imperial ambitions. Yet there is no reason for Iran to have a political or security role in other sovereign states. Undoubtedly, cultural links are important. But having Iraq-based militias report to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian military commanders freely cross borders goes far beyond cultural influence. Iraq must not be seen only in terms of Iran’s agenda.

The United States has a number of powerful tools of influence it can use in Iraq. A physical presence—whether U.S. troops or embassy staff—is required to show commitment and help stabilize Iraq. Apart from the most ardent of Iran’s allies in Baghdad, who wish to push the United States out of Iraq, political leaders prefer a U.S. presence that creates a counterweight to Iran. Even the radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose followers rail against the United States, would rather keep Washington engaged in order to avoid a complete Iranian takeover. Another tool is sanctions, which the Trump administration used frequently. Sanctions are a clear indicator of whom Washington will work with and with whom they won’t. Being designated by the United States as a militia leader can end the political aspirations of anyone wanting to enter government and wield power.

Politicians in Iraq recognize that the Biden administration has little time or resources to squander in their country. That worries those who hope to see the United States play a role there and to have close ties. For those aligned with Iran, who see the United States as a challenger to their plans, this is a welcome development. They shouldn’t get what they are hoping for

CBI Update:  Just  a note:

They have been having auctions and the ISX has been trading regularly; the sites just don't update in time to put the information in this report, unless it is 
here.   

Click on the link above for the latest update.

The CBI for rate is 1460

The currency auction For Friday 2021 total sales amount $0. 

including   $0. CASH 

ISX Update:   

www.isx-iq.net/

Shares Traded: not updated for today
Value Traded: not updated for today 


1-21-2021   Newshound Guru MilitiaMan  Article:  "Al-Tamimi reveals the date of the vote on the budget: resolving disputes is imminent"  Quote:  "It stated that "it is hoped that the budget will be presented to a vote within days."   I'll second that motion.. Within days lines up with the WTO, UN, HCL, Taxation of salaries possibly...Lets see what they do...Going to the private sector is going to need an international rate of exchange...imo.

1-21-2021   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   Article:  "PARLIAMENT REVEALS THE COMPLETION OF THE LEGAL DRAFTING OF THE OIL AND GAS LAW"  Quote:  "The Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee revealed, on Thursday, that THE LEGAL DRAFTING OF THE OIL AND GAS LAW HAS BEEN COMPLETED AFTER ALL DISPUTES REGARDING IT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED and the three components agree, indicating that Parliament will vote on it soon and before the end of its current session."

1-21-2021   Newshound Guru MilitiaMan   The HCL is ready to be voted on next week. 0 cash sales in the Auctions. 2021 Budget to be voted on next week as well.  The timing of these things is by no coincidence. It is to be show time.. imo. I highly doubt they came this far to go into a private or market economy at less than a program rate of 1460.. SDR is still $1.44 real close.. imo ~ Things looks very good.

1-21-2021   Intel Guru MarkZ   [via PDK]  Most of my Military sources say watch the 27th…I think we will know by Feb 1st if the reset is pushing forward or will Iraq just go for a 1 to 1…. On a positive note I was told if Iraq pushes forward with a 1 to 1 rate…then Vietnam will came out with a street revaluation of close to .50 cents…that is what I am being told. This is because their treasuries are to inter-related…Consider this rumors only.

1-21-2021   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat  Article:  "IRAQ: CLOSING DOWN THE GREEN ZONE AFTER TWO SUICIDE BOMBINGS"    “security breaches"...This is the deep state and they will use Iran as their scape goat. Do you see they are creating FEAR again just when things were settling down and moving ahead once again. They will continue with these events until they get what they want or they are found out and shut down. This is how the deep state works...

1-21-2021   Intel Guru MarkZ   [via PDK]   Not much news on the RV front…a number of military contacts think it is still in play and we are in the thick of it…There is still great chatter out of Iraq that they are moving forward…and also from Vietnam. So no matter what happens…they are still moving forward with their revaluations.

1-21-2021   Intel Guru Bruce   [via WiserNow]   ...bank contacts we have with one of the major banks and with people we get to talk to occasionally...what we’re hearing from that individual who is getting information from a corporate person – is saying stay tuned for anything for us -  talking about us...to go between now and Saturday...this is what I’m being told that everything is good to go and it seems like they finally have everything ready and there is activity now where there wasn’t before...  

Catnip's Corner:
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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Kadhimi's website)

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi chairs an emergency meeting of security and intelligence leaders

Today, Thursday, the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Mustafa Al-Kazemi chaired an emergency meeting of the security and intelligence leaders at the Baghdad Operations Command headquarters, following the cowardly terrorist attack that affected the safe Iraqi civilians in the Bab al-Sharqi area in central Baghdad.

The Prime Minister ordered that an investigation be opened immediately, to determine the causes of this security breach, and to pursue the terrorist cells that facilitated the passage of terrorists and their committing their heinous crime.

His Excellency also directed the mobilization of the security forces to preserve the security of the citizen and to take measures to ensure that in the field.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces attributed the Iraqi army units and units to provide support to other security forces, and to the army to play its role in preparing field and security support.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces emphasized that the terrorist targeting of civilians from our people confirms that our fight against terrorism is continuous and long-term, and that there is no retreat or complacency in fighting it and undermining its remnants in every inch of the land of Iraq.

His Excellency added: We have put all the capabilities of the state and the efforts of our security and intelligence services, in a state of maximum alert, to punish the architects of this cowardly attack and all who supported them, and we will do our duty to correct any situation of complacency, laxity or weakness in the ranks of the security forces that have thwarted hundreds of operations during the past months. Similar terrorist.

The Prime Minister continued: We will not allow the dispersion of the intelligence effort or the multiplicity of decision sources in the security forces.

He added that we will work to implement security changes as required by field necessities, and that these changes will not be subject to political pressures and wills.

And he indicated that this is not the time for political auctions, but rather a time for Iraqis to unite, close ranks and strengthen our brave army and security forces of all kinds, to protect our people's national entitlements, foremost of which is their quest for fair and fair elections.

His Excellency indicated that the Iraqis have renewed their will to prove their will by rejecting the dark forces and sticking to life, which was embodied in the scenes of popular solidarity, starting from the scene of the accident itself and spreading to all parts of Iraq.

Mercy and honor for the victims who ascended innocent martyrs, and the speedy recovery of the wounded, shame and shame for terrorism and those who stand behind it or collude with it.

Media Office of the Prime Minister
21-Jan-2021

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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

Al-Rikabi: The necessity to invest the funds of the Social Protection Fund in profitable projects
01/21/2021 16:25 •
[Baghdad-Where]
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Adel Al-Rikabi stressed, on Thursday, the need to invest the funds of the Social Protection Fund in profitable projects.
"Al-Rikabi emphasized the necessity of investing the funds of the Social Protection Fund in profitable investment projects under successful management and after setting up solid mechanisms with specialists and in accordance with legal controls and contexts to enable the fund to finance its revenues by itself and contribute to enhancing its revenues," the minister’s media office said in a statement.
The face of the stapes, during his meeting with the Fund Board of Social Protection to form a committee comprising a number of ministries, agencies and associations concerned with the task of putting plans and ideas and fleshed out before the holding of each meeting of the Governing Council. "
He stressed that follow - up ministries are not bound to pay the dues Bzmtha Fund, according to the policies included in the law in force Indicating that "a number of topics were discussed, the most important of which are the priorities for opening an investment account, the possibility of investing in the monetary field as fixed deposits, and investment fields."
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ARTICLE 4

The Iraqi Stock Exchange trades shares worth 500 million dinars
    01/21/2021 14:11 •
    [Baghdad-Where]
    The Iraq Stock Exchange announced at the conclusion of its sessions on Thursday that more than 300 million shares were traded, with a financial value of 500 million dinars.
    The market said in a report, "The number of companies whose shares are traded during the day amounted to 34 companies out of 104 companies listed on the market," indicating that "the number of companies suspended by the decision of the Securities Commission for not adhering to financial disclosure instructions reached 24 companies."

    He added that "the number of shares traded for today reached 3.9 million shares, with a financial value of 508 million dinars, through the implementation of 477 deals," noting that "the ISX60 traded price index closed at 491.56 points, recording stable than it closed in the previous session."

    He pointed out that "the shares purchased from non-Iraqi investors amounted to 14 million shares, with a financial value of 53 million dinars through the implementation of 37 transactions on the shares of 4 companies, while the shares sold by non-Iraqis in the market amounted to one million shares, with a financial value of 7 million dinars through Execution of 2 transactions on the shares of one company.

    He continued, "The most profitable companies were the Petroleum Products Transport Company, with a change of 20%, followed by the Mosul Bank Company, with a change of 7.69%, while the most losing companies were the Islamic Al-Attaa Bank, with a change of -6.67%, followed by a date manufacturing and marketing company with a change of 4% ".

    It is noteworthy that the Iraq Stock Exchange has used electronic trading and central depository systems since 2009 and seeks to launch an Internet trading system for investors, and organizes five trading sessions per week from Sunday to Thursday, and it includes 104 Iraqi joint stock companies representing the sectors of banking, communications, industry, agriculture, insurance, financial investment and tourism And hotels.

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    ARTICLE 5

    State real estate file .. Parliament prepares to form a committee to find out its numbers
    01/21/2021 15:17 
    [Baghdad-Where]

    Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hassan Al-Kaabi, announced on Thursday that the parliament is preparing to form a committee to find out the number of state properties.

    According to government media, Al-Kaabi said, "The state real estate file is a thorny and complex file, and there are many government institutions in Baghdad and the governorates that have not put their hands on these hundreds of thousands of real estate, because the pre-2003 Iraqi state owned a large number of real estate located in regions." Commercial in Baghdad, near Al-Karkh and Al-Rusafa, such as Al-Shorja, Al-Bab Al-Sharqi and Al-Saadoun.

    He added, "There is a tendency for the Iraqi parliament to form a committee to know the numbers of real estate, as there are a number of these properties worn out and some of them are rented or sold for low wages, whose value in the market is estimated at hundreds of millions and does not match their real value, and they are distributed between Baghdad and the Iraqi provinces."

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