Announced ~ Prime Minister Maliki to hold second term ... as Iyad Allawi backs down.
Read more ... later ...Saturday, July 31, 2010
*Breaking news - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to hold second term ...
August 1, 2010
Read more ... later ...
Read more ... later ...
Former Iraqi PM Allawi Testifies Before Congress (wants UN oversight)...
This guy is a looney tune...allawi and friends Purported audio message from Saddam regime official surfaces ...(1999 picture?)
July 25, 2008
Former Iraqi PM Allawi Testifies Before Congress, Blasts Maliki
The former interim PM criticized the surge, the constitution, and warned that Iraqi forces are not loyal to Iraq, but to sectarian militias.
The current Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, is in the news lately over his endorsement of Barack Obama's plan for withdrawing troops on a 16-month timetable, but yesterday in Washington it was a former Iraqi prime minister, Iyad Allawi, who was making news.
Allawi, a former Baathist and an Iraqi nationalist, heads the Iraqi National List party in Iraq, and he served as the first prime minister of a sovereign Iraq until elections gave power to the Shiite religious parties.
Allawi is a Shiite, but a secular one, who tries to appeal to both Sunnis and Shiites. After quitting the Baath party, Allawi lived in exile and he was supported by MI-6 and the CIA, and he returned to Iraq in 2003.
He makes no secret of wanting to replace Maliki, who is a confirmed sectarian with close links to Iran.
Last September, Allawi tried to arrange clandestine meetings between Iraqi resistance forces under Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, a former aide to Saddam Hussein, and U.S. commanders in Iraq.
[On Wednesday] he testified in front of a subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to discuss the proposed U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement (SOFA) and the parallel U.S.-Iraq strategic framework.
Allawi blasted the so-called surge, saying that it failed in its primary objective, namely, to end the Iraqi civil war and foster political reconciliation. He said that General Petraeus personally came to his house early in 2007 to assure him that the surge would accomplish its intended objective.
Instead, things got worse, said Allawi."There is an urgent need to build nonsectarian institutions," he told the committee. Sitting alone, dressed conservatively in a gray suit, Allawi said that Iraq's police and army are still organized on a sectarian basis.
Asked about the importance of U.S. training for Iraqi forces, Allawi said, "The issue is not training. By and large, training is secondary." The problem, he said, is that the police and army are not loyal to Iraq, not loyal to a national chain of command, but report informally to Shiite militias.
Asked by subcommittee chairman Rep. Willian Delahunt (D.-Mass.) if the Iraqi army was composed of sectarian militias that have just "exchanged uniforms," Allawi replied, "Unfortunately, this is the case."
He said that he'd discussed the problem directly with President Bush and General Petraeus, but without answer.
Allawi said that 13 members of his party had been assassinated by thugs tied to the army and police. "They were killed by people in uniforms, dressed in police and army uniforms. We had not only 13 killed, but we had hundreds arrested." Such arrests and killings, Zimbabwe-style, made a sham of the 2005 and 2006 elections.
Backed by more than 100 Iraqi parliamentarians, Allawi is trying to ensure the UN and Arab League observers keep a close watch on provincial and national elections in 2009. (Originally scheduled for October, 2008, the provincial elections will likely be postponed because of Kurdish sabotage of the election law over its Kirkuk provisions.)
Most of the militia gangs who've infiltrated Iraq's security forces are tied to the Iran-backed Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) and its Badr Brigade, who provide Maliki's main political support.
Allawi stressed the Iraq's constitution, which he called "divisive," needs to be rewritten.
Allawi demanded that the Iraqi parliament be given a chance to review any U.S.-Iraq accords signed by Bush and Maliki.
In testimony before Allawi, Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute pooh-poohed Iraqi public opinion, which is strongly opposed to a continuing U.S. presence.
"If we polled Iraqis about the number of Jews in the World Trade Center, their answer is not likely to reflect reality," she huffed. So why take Iraqis seriously when they say that they want U.S. forces to withdraw? She added:
The question of the extension of the United Nations mandate that governs the allied presence in Iraq has received undue attention, and distracted from the very real question of American interests.
Some have suggested that Iraqi parliamentarians who have expressed concern about the shape of any bilateral agreement with the United States should carry the day. Their views, however, are theirs alone. These parliamentarians are responsible to their constituents. Their opinions regarding immunity for American service people, contractors, the nature of American bases in Iraq and all else are questions to bring to their side of the table.
We have our own side. Maliki, who'd like the U.S. to stay in Iraq indefinitely to continue training his security forces, is under great pressure from Iraqi nationalists, including Muqtada al-Sadr, to support the timetable idea.
Sadly, only four -- four! -- members of the House of Representatives bothered to attend the Allawi hearing: Democrats Russ Carnahan, Rosa DeLauro, and Lynn Woolsey, and Republican Dana Rohrabacher.
Iraq's former military commander for Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, releases audio message ...
Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri photographed in Baghdad, Iraq in 1999.
July 31, 2010
Purported audio message from Saddam regime official surfaces
Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- An audio message purportedly from the highest-ranking at-large member of Iraq's Saddam Hussein regime has been released.
The speaker is identified as Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, Iraq's former military commander and vice president who has eluded capture since the fall of the Hussein regime more than seven years ago.
The message -- issued on the occasion of the 1968 bloodless coup that brought the Baath Party to power in Iraq -- saluted people who resist the "occupation."
CNN has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the voice on the tape, posted Friday on a website devoted to national resistance in Iraq.
There have been at least five other purported audio messages from al-Douri.
Al-Douri, 66, served as vice-chairman of Hussein's Revolutionary Command Council. He has been reported killed and captured during the post-U.S. invasion insurgency, but those reports later turned out to be erroneous.
He is the King of Clubs (No. 6) on the U.S. military's card deck of most-wanted regime officials.
In the message, al-Douri calls himself "secretary-general" of the Baath Party.
The U.S. military says he has helped finance the insurgency against U.S. troops in Iraq with Iraqi funds he transferred to Syria before Hussein's government collapsed in April 2003.
However, the military says his influence has waned while he has been in hiding.
U.S. officials say al-Douri played key roles in the chemical attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja in 1988 and in putting down Kurdish and Shiite revolts after the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/07/31/iraq.douri.message/index.html
Iraqi parliament fails again to elect speaker and president ...
Saturday, 31 July 2010 Iraqi parliament fails again to elect speaker and president
Members of the new Iraqi Parliament attend the first session of the Iraqi Parliament
The elected Iraqi parliament failed once again to hold its session to elect a parliamentary speaker and the president of republic.
"Political blocs agreed? to delay the parliamentary session, which was supposed to be held on Tuesday, to elect a speaker of parliament and president of the republic, to an unknown date. This is to give the political blocs a chance to reach a united agreement on forming the government," acting Parliament Speaker Fuad Massum told a news conference on Tuesday, following a meeting of representatives from winning blocs.
"The blocs also agreed to transform the current government of Nuri al-Maliki to a caretaker government," added Massum, noting that the meeting also urged Iraqi leaders intensify their negotiations to accelerate forming a government.
The parliament, which was elected in the March 7 elections, had a constitutional deadline of July 12 to vote for a parliamentary speaker, two deputies and the president of the republic. It suspended voting to allow the winning parties to agree on a candidate for prime minister, a post strongly contested by both Iyad Allawi, whose al-Iraqia list has 91 seats, and current prime minister al-Maliki whose list has 89 seats. Though both need more alliances to complete the required legal majority-half of the parliament's 325 seats-they insist on their constitutional right to form a cabinet.
Since July 12, the country has suffered a crisis of constitutional vacancy. This led President Jalal Talabani to seek a ruling from the Iraqi Supreme Council of Justice. The Supreme Council of Justice admitted a constitutional violation has taken place, but allowed the president to continue his authority until a new president is elected.
Iraqi leaders fear international interference if they fail to form a government by August 4, when the Security Council has scheduled a meeting to discuss the country's political dilemma.
Iraqis don't expect political impasse to be resolved by fall ...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Iraqis don't expect political impasse to be resolved by fall
BAGHDAD -- Nearly five months after disputed parliamentary elections, leading Iraqi politicians say they have all but abandoned hope of resolving an impasse over forming a new government before fall.
The protracted stalemate is a scenario U.S. officials have long dreaded. By the end of August, the United States will declare the end of its combat mission in Iraq -- and reduce troop strength to 50,000 -- amid a deepening political crisis.
In the coming weeks, Washington will install a new ambassador and a new top general in Baghdad. American officials had hoped the next Iraqi administration would have been in place well before their change of guard to help ensure a smooth transition at a delicate time. U.S. officials have long feared that Iraq's first transfer of power as a sovereign nation could be marred by unrest and violence.
Former prime minister Ayad Allawi, one of the contenders for his former post, said in an interview Saturday that months of negotiations among blocs have not led to a resolution on who is entitled to the country's premiership or how other powerful jobs will be allocated. He said a breakthrough is unlikely before September or October because little official business is conducted during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in mid-August.
The looming withdrawal of U.S. troops and rising anger among Iraqis over continuing attacks, joblessness and deteriorating government services have made power-sharing negotiations increasingly contentious.
BAGHDAD -- Nearly five months after disputed parliamentary elections, leading Iraqi politicians say they have all but abandoned hope of resolving an impasse over forming a new government before fall.
The protracted stalemate is a scenario U.S. officials have long dreaded. By the end of August, the United States will declare the end of its combat mission in Iraq -- and reduce troop strength to 50,000 -- amid a deepening political crisis.
In the coming weeks, Washington will install a new ambassador and a new top general in Baghdad. American officials had hoped the next Iraqi administration would have been in place well before their change of guard to help ensure a smooth transition at a delicate time. U.S. officials have long feared that Iraq's first transfer of power as a sovereign nation could be marred by unrest and violence.
Former prime minister Ayad Allawi, one of the contenders for his former post, said in an interview Saturday that months of negotiations among blocs have not led to a resolution on who is entitled to the country's premiership or how other powerful jobs will be allocated. He said a breakthrough is unlikely before September or October because little official business is conducted during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in mid-August.
The looming withdrawal of U.S. troops and rising anger among Iraqis over continuing attacks, joblessness and deteriorating government services have made power-sharing negotiations increasingly contentious.
"The process so far is inadequate, it is not balanced and it is rigged with problems," Allawi said. "A weakened process could easily collapse at the end of the day."
Scores of Iraqis were killed in July in near-daily attacks across the country.
The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, has insisted that political troubles and continuing violence will not keep American troops from leaving the country on schedule, although he said he would be concerned if the issue is not resolved by October.
Allawi's Sunni-backed coalition, Iraqiya, won 91 seats in the new parliament. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's bloc came in a close second, winning 89. Appointing a new prime minister requires at least 163 votes.
Political leaders agree in principle that the new government should be inclusive. But the two leading blocs have quarreled over whether the constitution gives the top vote-getter the right to form the incoming government, or whether a larger coalition assembled after the vote could earn that right.
Smaller political factions that could break the deadlock remain undecided. Neighboring countries, meanwhile, have weighed in forcefully.
This summer, Iraqis took to the streets to protest the government's inability to deliver more than a few hours of electricity per day. Iraqis increasingly speak disparagingly about their leaders, and imams around the country have spoken out against poor governance at Friday prayers.
"Now, everything is stopped," said Nadjha Khadum, the editor of the Ur News agency Web site. "There's no work, no jobs. People are waiting. People are just buying food and saving money because they are afraid the situation will get worse in the future -- worse than in 2006 and 2007," years marked by a brutal insurgency.
Iraqi lawmakers began collecting their $10,000 monthly paychecks a month ago. But they have convened only twice since the ratification of the election results in June. Both times they adjourned quickly, having failed to elect a speaker.
"The longer this drags on, the more incumbent it is on all of the individuals to look seriously at necessary compromises," Gary Grappo, the U.S. Embassy's top political officer, said Monday in an interview. "Until recently, there has been a bit of hesitation. It has been difficult for any of the sides to make the first gesture or take the first step."
The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday to renew the mandate of the organization's Iraq mission. Iraqi leaders have long wanted the Security Council to completely lift the sanctions imposed on Iraq after the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Iraqis also want more control over Iraqi money seized as part of the sanctions that is now in accounts creditors can't access.
"The slow process might give the U.N. Security Council the chance to pass recommendations unacceptable to the Iraqi people," Sunni lawmaker Ezzedine al-Dawla said recently.
Other Iraqi officials say foreign mediation, while unfortunate, is the best hope for a resolution.
American officials say they would consider taking on a more assertive mediation role if the Iraqis asked.
So far, though, no bloc leaders have asked for greater U.S. intervention, likely fearing that whoever prevails would be seen as an American stooge.
Hanging in the balance is the legacy of the United States' seven-year war in Iraq, which the Obama administration will soon start calling "Operation New Dawn," rather than "Operation Iraqi Freedom."
The longer the process drags on, U.S. officials say, the harder it will be for them to smoothly transfer U.S. initiatives and projects to the Iraqi government. U.S. commanders will also have limited time to forge strong relationships with senior Iraqi security officers if the incoming Iraqi government were to reshuffle the leadership of its security agencies.
Perhaps more significant, Allawi said, are the implications for the U.S. goal of establishing a democracy in the heart of the Middle East. "Right now, if you ask any Iraqi: What do you think of democracy? They will say it's blood, stagnation, unemployment, refugees, cheating," Allawi said.
"If democracy does not succeed in Iraq and tyranny is replaced by another tyranny, there will be no legacy."
Saudi Arabia, Jordan affirm backing to stability of Lebanon, Iraq ...
July 31, 2010Saudi Arabia, Jordan affirm backing to stability of Lebanon, Iraq
Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Jordanian Monarch Abdullah II reiterated support Friday for the Palestinian people to regain their rights, as they backed stability and security of Lebanon and Iraq.
A statement by the Jordanian Royal Court said the two leaders, discussing ways of reaching peace and stability in the Middle East region, supported all effort to end the Palestinian-Israeli cnflict on the basis of the two-state solution, and in a way that guarantee the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.
They called on the international community to exert efforts to achieve the two-state solution - Palestine and Israel living side-by-side in peace and security - to ultimately realize security and stability in the region.
The monarchs underlined necessity of inter-Arab coordination and consultation to addressing challenging facing the region.
They have, meanwhile, suported security and stability of Lebanon as well as backing its national concord and unity, said the statement.
On Iraq, the Saudi and Jordanian leaders said the security and stability of Iraq was importance for the entire region.
They called on Iraqi parties to form an inclusive government of national unity.
The Jordanian King, however, appreciated King Abdullah's support for Jordan's development.
The Saudi monarch arrived here earlier today on the fourth leg of his Arab tour that took him to Egypt, Syria and Lebanon.
Facts about the Iraqi Dinar and its History ... October 15, 2003 ...The Beginning ...
Bumped ~
FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
October 22, 2004
JS-2056
Remarks on the Occasion of the One-Year Anniversary of the Iraq Currency Exchange
Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs
October 22, 2004
One year ago this week the Iraqi people, working with the United States and our coalition partners, embarked on a difficult economic mission: to replace completely Iraq's deteriorating and easily counterfeited currency and to restore economic and financial stability to their ravaged economy.
After years of hyper-inflation and falling incomes under Saddam's regime, everyone knew this was an essential reconstruction task. But many doubted that a nation-wide currency exchange could be accomplished – What if the Iraqis didn't accept a new currency? How would the new currency be distributed to millions of people in hundreds of cities and towns? What if terrorists sabotaged the distribution?
Now, one year later, a new currency is circulating throughout Iraq and the Iraqi currency exchange is hailed as a success. The exchange rate is steady, price stability has been restored, and economic growth this year is 50 percent, one of the highest rates in the world.
The new Iraqi dinar is a sturdy and secure currency, imprinted with traditional Iraqi symbols – altogether a great improvement over the flimsy bills with Saddam's face.
Demand for the new currency has been so strong that the Iraqi government has earned an amazing $5 billion in seignorage during the past year just supplying it. And Iraqis are using the newly-minted dinars to purchase goods-- fresh bananas from the Americas, chickens from around the world, new and used cars--at stable competitive prices in markets in Basra, Baghdad, Irbil and Mosul.
The Iraqis are building upon these successes as they take responsibility for their economic future. Iraqi officials in the newly constituted Central Bank now conduct monetary policy, supervise the banking system, and review the growing number of applications for banking licenses.
At the Finance Ministry, Iraqis are developing next year's budget according to international best practices as laid out in their new Financial Management Law.
Iraq has re-engaged with the international financial community; it just entered into a strong agreement with the International Monetary Fund, approved and welcomed by the all the G7 countries.
Earlier this month, Iraq's Finance Minister was in Washington at the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank to engage with the world's economic leaders and make the case for erasing a large part of the crippling international debt run up by Saddam.
As President Bush mentioned in the St. Louis debate, the Finance Minister was amazed that the U.S. press coverage missed all this good economic news about his country.
The successful introduction of a new currency--one of the crucial first steps in the stabilization of Iraq's economy--did not occur by accident. It was the outcome of extensive and careful advance planning and close international cooperation begun in 2002 and culminating in the final approval by President Bush in the spring of 2003.
I remember putting the plan forward in the White House situation room with the President asking tough questions of all of us--Treasury, Defense and State--about the economic significance, market acceptance, security, and logistics. Only after all his questions were fully answered did he give the go ahead.
Then the plans were put into operation with the Iraqis and the Coalition Provisional Authority working together. To make this all happen, twenty-seven 747 planeloads of the new currency were printed in record time at seven different locations around the world.
The currency was then flown into Baghdad, and distributed to over 250 distribution points all over the country. Millions of Iraqis came with bags full of old currency, and lined up to get the new currency.
Finally, the old currency was destroyed. A retired U.S. general, who had been running a bank in the United States, volunteered to oversee logistical operations.
He sent situation reports from Baghdad to Washington and other coalition capitals everyday. Each report concluded with his motto "Teamwork That Works!" And it did work.
Link ~
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js2056.htm
And ...
USAID gives the Iraqi people a chance to attain economic freedom
New Currency Pays Tribute To The Iraqi People ...
Under Saddam Hussein’s rule, Iraq was marked by many divisions which included religious, political, ethnic, and economic.
Iraq’s currency also reflected a division with two currencies – one in the north and another in the south. Saddam’s mismanagement of the Iraqi currency – running the printing presses whenever he needed cash – disabled the Iraqi economy, causing high inflation and plummeting living standards.
The Iraqi people were forced to use only two denominations of currency: the 250 dinar note and the 10,000 dinar note. This is the rough equivalent of using only dimes and $5 bills for all monetary transactions.
Initiative
Beginning in late 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), with assistance from USAID and the U.S. Department of Treasury, conducted a four-month program to exchange Iraqi’s old currency for a new currency - including the facilitation and management of putting 4.62 trillion new dinars into circulation, while also destroying the old currency.
The old currency which featured Saddam Hussein has been replaced with a new design which pays tribute to the Iraqi nation and its history.
Iraq’s new currency has six denominations which is making daily economic life far more convenient in Iraq and is ensuring that transactions are smooth and accurate. Along with a reform of the banking system, USAID is working to develop an independent central bank, new trade laws, and a modern commercial code.
Results
The conversion to a new currency is a significant accomplishment that is giving the Iraqi people a chance to attain financial freedom in a modern market economy.
This project represents a major economic and logistic effort in Iraq. With the conversion to a new, single currency, one of the last, daily reminders of Saddam Hussein’s rule is being eliminated.
The new Iraqi currency has earned the confidence of the Iraqi people – it is being used throughout the nation and has not only held its value, it has strengthened.
The currency exchange will put Iraq on the path to full membership in the global economy. A stable Iraqi currency will encourage countries interested in trading with Iraq and businesses wanting to invest in the country.
FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
October 22, 2004
JS-2056
Remarks on the Occasion of the One-Year Anniversary of the Iraq Currency Exchange
Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs
October 22, 2004
One year ago this week the Iraqi people, working with the United States and our coalition partners, embarked on a difficult economic mission: to replace completely Iraq's deteriorating and easily counterfeited currency and to restore economic and financial stability to their ravaged economy.
After years of hyper-inflation and falling incomes under Saddam's regime, everyone knew this was an essential reconstruction task. But many doubted that a nation-wide currency exchange could be accomplished – What if the Iraqis didn't accept a new currency? How would the new currency be distributed to millions of people in hundreds of cities and towns? What if terrorists sabotaged the distribution?
Now, one year later, a new currency is circulating throughout Iraq and the Iraqi currency exchange is hailed as a success. The exchange rate is steady, price stability has been restored, and economic growth this year is 50 percent, one of the highest rates in the world.
The new Iraqi dinar is a sturdy and secure currency, imprinted with traditional Iraqi symbols – altogether a great improvement over the flimsy bills with Saddam's face.
Demand for the new currency has been so strong that the Iraqi government has earned an amazing $5 billion in seignorage during the past year just supplying it. And Iraqis are using the newly-minted dinars to purchase goods-- fresh bananas from the Americas, chickens from around the world, new and used cars--at stable competitive prices in markets in Basra, Baghdad, Irbil and Mosul.
The Iraqis are building upon these successes as they take responsibility for their economic future. Iraqi officials in the newly constituted Central Bank now conduct monetary policy, supervise the banking system, and review the growing number of applications for banking licenses.
At the Finance Ministry, Iraqis are developing next year's budget according to international best practices as laid out in their new Financial Management Law.
Iraq has re-engaged with the international financial community; it just entered into a strong agreement with the International Monetary Fund, approved and welcomed by the all the G7 countries.
Earlier this month, Iraq's Finance Minister was in Washington at the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank to engage with the world's economic leaders and make the case for erasing a large part of the crippling international debt run up by Saddam.
As President Bush mentioned in the St. Louis debate, the Finance Minister was amazed that the U.S. press coverage missed all this good economic news about his country.
The successful introduction of a new currency--one of the crucial first steps in the stabilization of Iraq's economy--did not occur by accident. It was the outcome of extensive and careful advance planning and close international cooperation begun in 2002 and culminating in the final approval by President Bush in the spring of 2003.
I remember putting the plan forward in the White House situation room with the President asking tough questions of all of us--Treasury, Defense and State--about the economic significance, market acceptance, security, and logistics. Only after all his questions were fully answered did he give the go ahead.
Then the plans were put into operation with the Iraqis and the Coalition Provisional Authority working together. To make this all happen, twenty-seven 747 planeloads of the new currency were printed in record time at seven different locations around the world.
The currency was then flown into Baghdad, and distributed to over 250 distribution points all over the country. Millions of Iraqis came with bags full of old currency, and lined up to get the new currency.
Finally, the old currency was destroyed. A retired U.S. general, who had been running a bank in the United States, volunteered to oversee logistical operations.
He sent situation reports from Baghdad to Washington and other coalition capitals everyday. Each report concluded with his motto "Teamwork That Works!" And it did work.
Link ~
http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js2056.htm
And ...
USAID gives the Iraqi people a chance to attain economic freedom
New Currency Pays Tribute To The Iraqi People ...
Under Saddam Hussein’s rule, Iraq was marked by many divisions which included religious, political, ethnic, and economic.
Iraq’s currency also reflected a division with two currencies – one in the north and another in the south. Saddam’s mismanagement of the Iraqi currency – running the printing presses whenever he needed cash – disabled the Iraqi economy, causing high inflation and plummeting living standards.
The Iraqi people were forced to use only two denominations of currency: the 250 dinar note and the 10,000 dinar note. This is the rough equivalent of using only dimes and $5 bills for all monetary transactions.
Initiative
Beginning in late 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), with assistance from USAID and the U.S. Department of Treasury, conducted a four-month program to exchange Iraqi’s old currency for a new currency - including the facilitation and management of putting 4.62 trillion new dinars into circulation, while also destroying the old currency.
The old currency which featured Saddam Hussein has been replaced with a new design which pays tribute to the Iraqi nation and its history.
Iraq’s new currency has six denominations which is making daily economic life far more convenient in Iraq and is ensuring that transactions are smooth and accurate. Along with a reform of the banking system, USAID is working to develop an independent central bank, new trade laws, and a modern commercial code.
Results
The conversion to a new currency is a significant accomplishment that is giving the Iraqi people a chance to attain financial freedom in a modern market economy.
This project represents a major economic and logistic effort in Iraq. With the conversion to a new, single currency, one of the last, daily reminders of Saddam Hussein’s rule is being eliminated.
The new Iraqi currency has earned the confidence of the Iraqi people – it is being used throughout the nation and has not only held its value, it has strengthened.
The currency exchange will put Iraq on the path to full membership in the global economy. A stable Iraqi currency will encourage countries interested in trading with Iraq and businesses wanting to invest in the country.
Links ~
http://www.usaid.gov/stories/iraq/cs_iraq_currency.html
August Horoscope 2010 ...
August Horoscope 2010 by Jeff JawerThis August we're ready to lose our head in the clouds -- but the planets have our feet fixed firmly on the ground! While Mars and Venus join sweetly in Libra, the Sun is moving into Virgo and Mercury goes retrograde, putting the focus on the little details.
Out With the Old
Confidence and creativity abound this month with the Sun in expressive Leo. It's time to make some major decisions, cut out what's no longer necessary and get focused on a realistic future.
Phase one of the great planetary transformation that started in the fall of 2008 is over, and now we're off on phase two. The onset of radical Uranus' opposition to strict Saturn came with the collapse of financial institutions that still has us reeling, as this aspect just ended last month.
But now Jupiter and Pluto join the party to heat up rhetoric, cast thick fingers of blame or, hopefully, lead to real reform for individuals and organizations.
On August 3, inflationary Jupiter's tense square to potent Pluto opens eyes wide to abuses and corruption. Yet, the individual work we face is to question our beliefs while recognizing that accommodating other points of view, even ones we hate, is a key to human survival.
Aggressive Mars joins with Jupiter and Pluto on August 4 to intensify emotions with feelings of urgency and an inclination to fight. But, as usual, the enemy is us; our fears and prejudices, anger and frustration are not meant to fuel fights against others, but to motivate individuals to clean up their own lives. If you're willing to make major changes in behavior, this is a great time to do it.
Courage and creativity are keys to pulling us out of the shadows, shining new lights of potential on our lives. The New Moon in expressive Leo on August 9 plants seeds of leadership in everyone. It is time to be heroic by acting with love and generosity when time, money or energy are in short supply. Tapping into the nobility in our hearts brings out the confident side of ourselves and increases our capacity to solve problems.
August 16 brings a reality check as pragmatic Saturn opposes hopeful Jupiter. It's time to take a good hard look at goals to see if they're off track or impossible to reach. Making adjustments to overcome short-term problems is worth the effort, so patience is recommended.
Mental Mercury turns retrograde on August 20, beginning its three-week backwards period when extra attention to details and communication is vital. Mix-ups with messages and difficulties with equipment and travel can be avoided by double checking details and tying up loose ends.
Sober Saturn's stressful 90-degree square to Pluto on August 21 reinforces the seriousness of these times and the necessity to recognize where holding on to a person, practice, job or attitude costs more than it's worth. Learning to grow by letting go isn't an easy lesson, but can be a very rewarding one.
More August Horoscope 2010
It's All in the Details
Although August begins with the Sun in expressive Leo, where the emphasis is on creativity, personality and the power of persuasion, the influence of analytical Virgo may be even more important. The Sun enters this practical Earth sign on August 23, but its ruling planet Mercury is the central player in professional matters all month. That's because it's turning retrograde on August 20, which starts a three-week cycle when difficulty with details, muddled messages, travel troubles and technical problems tend to be more common. Yet even before the Messenger planet stops dead in its tracks, it begins slowing down as it approaches its turning point on August 20. That means that all of August (and the first two weeks of September) requires more concentration to stay on track if mistakes are to be avoided. Mercury is in its earthy home sign Virgo throughout, which can narrow perspective to concentrate on specific issues. The good side of this is the possibility of untying knots in working relationships or resolving complicated matters. Yet, without a high level of mental focus, errors and misunderstanding may increase.
Although August begins with the Sun in expressive Leo, where the emphasis is on creativity, personality and the power of persuasion, the influence of analytical Virgo may be even more important. The Sun enters this practical Earth sign on August 23, but its ruling planet Mercury is the central player in professional matters all month. That's because it's turning retrograde on August 20, which starts a three-week cycle when difficulty with details, muddled messages, travel troubles and technical problems tend to be more common. Yet even before the Messenger planet stops dead in its tracks, it begins slowing down as it approaches its turning point on August 20. That means that all of August (and the first two weeks of September) requires more concentration to stay on track if mistakes are to be avoided. Mercury is in its earthy home sign Virgo throughout, which can narrow perspective to concentrate on specific issues. The good side of this is the possibility of untying knots in working relationships or resolving complicated matters. Yet, without a high level of mental focus, errors and misunderstanding may increase.
Haider Jourani: Maliki will be named a candidate for the National Alliance, even though it differed in Parliament ...
2010-07-31 Haider Jourani: Maliki will be named a candidate for the National Alliance, even though it differed in Parliament
بغداد ( إيبا )... BAGHDAD (Iba) ...
A member of a coalition of law Haider Jourani - The next two days will witness the announcement of the agreement in the National Alliance to nominate a candidate rule of law, Nuri al-Maliki to head the new government.
Attributes of power and political figures, the reasons for delay in forming a government to problems and crises within the National Alliance and unresolved so far.
He dispatched more in touch with the agency, the independent press (Iba) The period witnessed conversations positive with some strong national coalition that has shown flexibility and a clear acceptance of naming al-Maliki to head the new government, stressing further that a candidate for parliament, even if it differed from certain forces of the National Alliance. He said.
Rejects the major forces in the coalition of the nomination of the National Coalition for the rule of law, Nuri al-Maliki, including the Sadrists and the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq.
Acharaljorani and he will be asked to quickly rename the National Coalition candidate in front of al-Maliki, or be a candidate to move the rule of law only to the other blocs.
Was trading names of the President of the National Reform Movement, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, leader of the Islamic Supreme Council, Adel Abdul Mahdi as candidates for the National Coalition for the Iraqi prime minister to come.
He Jourani - The refusal of some political parties to the current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki stem from a narrow partisan view indicating that the criticism of Maliki's government, prompt them for they were part of the national government.
Agree most of the forces and political figures that the government of Maliki, the outgoing has been unable to resolve the crisis in the country during the storm four years of age and especially in the service, which has deteriorated significantly.
بغداد ( إيبا )... BAGHDAD (Iba) ...
A member of a coalition of law Haider Jourani - The next two days will witness the announcement of the agreement in the National Alliance to nominate a candidate rule of law, Nuri al-Maliki to head the new government.
Attributes of power and political figures, the reasons for delay in forming a government to problems and crises within the National Alliance and unresolved so far.
He dispatched more in touch with the agency, the independent press (Iba) The period witnessed conversations positive with some strong national coalition that has shown flexibility and a clear acceptance of naming al-Maliki to head the new government, stressing further that a candidate for parliament, even if it differed from certain forces of the National Alliance. He said.
Rejects the major forces in the coalition of the nomination of the National Coalition for the rule of law, Nuri al-Maliki, including the Sadrists and the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq.
Acharaljorani and he will be asked to quickly rename the National Coalition candidate in front of al-Maliki, or be a candidate to move the rule of law only to the other blocs.
Was trading names of the President of the National Reform Movement, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, leader of the Islamic Supreme Council, Adel Abdul Mahdi as candidates for the National Coalition for the Iraqi prime minister to come.
He Jourani - The refusal of some political parties to the current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki stem from a narrow partisan view indicating that the criticism of Maliki's government, prompt them for they were part of the national government.
Agree most of the forces and political figures that the government of Maliki, the outgoing has been unable to resolve the crisis in the country during the storm four years of age and especially in the service, which has deteriorated significantly.
Talibani Stressed the need to seize the opportunity to pull the country out of the current crisis ...
July 31, 2010Talabani calls for political blocs to intensify efforts to accelerate the formation of the government
Stressed the need to seize the opportunity to pull the country out of the current crisis
بغداد Ù€ Ø§Ù„ØµØ¨Ø§Ø Baghdad morning
Called Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's political blocs to intensify efforts to agree on a joint work program with a view to speed up the formation of the government.
This came in a telegram sent to the President of Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani on the occasion of the 27 anniversary of the absence of the Barzani tribe, which voted yesterday.
And President Talabani in the cable, the need to seize the opportunity to pull the country out of the current political crisis beginning, to files and construction and the provision of services, which he said was the first step that is consistent with the size of the sacrifices made by the Iraqi people on the road to democracy and freedom.
He said the President of the Republic: «because, in the time that we commemorate the absence of eight thousand Barzani and victims of all of Iraq, we take this sad occasion and we call to preserve the achievements of our people and forces struggling through the struggles and great sacrifices, which is why we all, publishing ranks and unite our words of for the protection and maintenance of the gains achieved », calling« blocs and political forces to intensify their efforts to agree on a common platform to quickly form a government, and everyone involved in it without the marginalization of one, as this has become a requirement of the priorities of all the main forces that believe in democracy to counter critics of the future of Iraq and his Democratic new.
He said that «the people of Kurdistan and political forces as they were always playing a crucial role and important role in the political equation in Iraq, and constitute a truly to call for completion of the responsibilities of everyone, we hope that all the actors in the Iraqi political arena to bear in mind the sacrifices made by Iraqis , and step up to the formation of the government.
For his part, warned Dr. Barham Saleh, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government of the consequences of delay in forming the Iraqi government.
Saleh said in a speech at a ceremony held to mark the anniversary of 27 years on the genocide of Barzanyen that the Kurds are demanding the international community as this genocide process «genocide« and to compensate affected families by the Iraqi government and the international community and speed up the trial of the remnants of the former regime who have been role in the Anfal operation.
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Make A Totally Private Blog - Today this blog is private !!! yeah!
July 31, 2010ending @ 1,333,512 - hits since March 2009 - 1 year and 4 months
Make A Totally Private Blog
Typically, a blog is for you to share - with your friends, or with one special friend. It doesn't have to be though. It's just as normal to have a blog that only you can read.
If you have a Public blog, and you want to close it down temporarily, you can do that. Just change the Reader list to "Only people I choose", and don't invite anybody to read. When you want to re open the blog, change the Reader list to "Anybody", or "Only blog authors".
While you close the blog, if you have other administrators, and want to keep them out, you may want to suspend their administrator status.
Of course, this won't make any blog completely invisible, on the Internet. All of the search engines - Google, MSN, Yahoo, and the others - will have the blog in their cache. That cache won't go away immediately, or at all in some cases. This will simply make access to the blog, whether from a feed or a search engine, unavailable.
The withdrawal of United States combat troops on August 31st falls during Ramadan ~ Iraq and the American Pullout: Separate We Must ...
Bumped ~
Shiites gather at the holy shrine of Imam Ali to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Najaf, Iraq, last year
August 2010
Iraq and the American Pullout: Separate We Must
The withdrawal of United States combat troops on August 31 falls during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and prayer; a timetable better suited to the American political cycle than to conditions in Iraq. Ramadan usually sees a spike in violence as religious fervour combines with heat and hunger. But delaying the withdrawal another year would mean the Iraq war surpassing the Vietnam war in length. The timing could have been better for Iraq, but withdrawal is overdue for the US. Having never been justified in the first place - legally, strategically, or defensively - it is time to endmilitary engagement in Iraq.
The United States has dug its military into the landscape, requiring enormous sums of taxpayer dollars to maintain its presence. It justifies its Iraq addiction by claiming only its soldiers can prevent Iraqis from killing each other and the Iraqi government from falling apart. For their part, many Iraqi politicians rely extensively on the US military, even as they call for the end of the occupation to score political points against rivals. It is an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship and the withdrawal will be a withdrawal in all senses of the word, possibly incurring further damage in the process if not undertaken responsibly.
IN CHAOS
Iraq's political landscape is in bad shape and likely to get worse, but there is nothing the US military can or should do to prevent this. Some argue that the combat presence should be extended, raising visions of renewed sectarian bloodshed, Arab-Kurd violence, and the lack of Iraqi security force competence as justification for renegotiating Washington's security agreement with Baghdad.
There are very real risks of violence and destabilisation, but committing US troops ad infinitum would have almost no impact on the underlying causes, and escalating violence should not justify another Iraq fix. On the contrary, a continued US military presence would deter Iraqis from taking-on the issues themselves, the only long-term solution to Iraq's problems, particularly in regards to security which is a domestic rather than international issue.
Once American combat troops leave, Shi'a followers of Moqtada al-Sadr will be deprived of their favorite devil and will lose relevance unless they can turn their energies to solving the country's electricity crisis and improving relations with its Arab neighbours.
With fewer US bases, Al Qaeda in Iraq will have a reduced number of targets and its presence there is likely to diminish. After all, it has very few natural allies even among the Sunni Arab population.
Iyad Allawi's Iraqiyya party won a tiny advantage in the March 7 vote, but Allawi has squandered whatever mandate he had by failing to form a coalition with any of the other major political parties. His frequent travels to Sunni Gulf countries further alienate him from the Shi'a population.
The National Alliance, intended to unite the rule of Law party with the Iraqi National Alliance in an undefeatable bloc, has likewise frittered away its mandate by botching the basic issue of who will lead the coalition.
Nuri al-Maliki, supposedly a strong leader, clutches onto the premiership even as the country crumbles around him because of a lack of leadership. Death threats against party leaders abound, and at least three elected officials have already been assassinated.
If a new government has formed by August 31, it may exclude at least one of the main demographic groups: Kurds, Sunni, or Shi'a. As in 2005, there is no appetite for a national unity government that would put all parties into the same tent and force them to compromise on de-Baathification and Kirkuk, issues that Iraqis are willing to kill and die for, rather than make concessions on.
If a national unity government is rammed into existence, the reluctant players will spend their four years in office squabbling rather than tackling the tough issues. The alternative of leaving-out one or more parties, may result in increased violence, but it may also lead to the development of a healthy opposition, able to credibly challenge the government when it acts illegitimately.
WITHDRAW SLOWLY…
The US will not be going cold turkey in its withdrawal. With its remaining fifty thousand support troops and 1,300 civilians and diplomats, it would do well to focus on getting the country electrified and supporting constitutional reform, things Iraqis themselves see as major stumbling blocks for economic and political development.
Nothing would stabilise Iraq more than reliable electricity, which would allow business growth and employment of those who might otherwise join militias to support their families. Electricity would attract investment and make it possible for the oil and gas sectors to expand, increase refrigeration of vaccines and fresh food, benefit schools, and even have allowed more people to watch World Cup games; it is no coincidence that major protests prompting the Electricity Minister to resign occurred in June during the football tournament.
The delay in government formation both in 2005 and this year underscores the vital need to reform the constitution as well as the rest of the legal structure. The constitution's ambiguous, vague wording, written in haste and barely ratified in 2005, resulted in both Iraqiyya and the National Coalition claiming in March to have won the right to form the next government. Without the laws, courts, and constitution for political and legal solutions, Iraqis will rationally choose violence as the most effective means to solve problems.
…AND WITHDRAW RESPONSIBLY
The US should, however, withdraw responsibly. Our departure will have consequences for many Iraqis. To ignore our responsibilities would, in the words of US Congressman Brad Sherman, 'Allow a human rights catastrophe to occur in Iraq just because we are in the process of leaving.' Representative Sherman was referring to the Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK), about three thousand radical Iranians held in Camp Ashraf in Iraq who oppose the Iranian government. Baghdad has no sympathy for the MEK because it assisted Saddam Hussein in suppressing Iraqi Shi'a and Kurds. The US withdrawal could result in a piranha-like feeding frenzy as both Iraq and Iran exact revenge.
MEK also participated in the 1979 take-over of the US Embassy in Tehran and so its members, as designated terrorists, are not eligible for resettlement in the US. Camp Ashraf, however, postpones the inevitable and risks becoming another Guantanamo Bay. MEK members who took part in acts of terror should face justice, possibly through an ad hoc United Nations tribunal that would ensure a fair trial. Those exonerated should then qualify for resettlement.
Even more desperate than the MEK are the estimated one hundred thousand Sahwa members, Sunni insurgents who initially fought against Americans in 2003-4 but then cooperated with them against Al Qaeda from 2005-8. Al Qaeda targets Sahwa members for betraying them, Shi'a militias despise them for working with the Americans, and the Shi'a government is reluctant to include the former insurgents in either the police or security forces.
Like MEK, Sahwa insurgents do not qualify for resettlement in the US. However, without Sahwa's assistance, US forces would almost certainly have been defeated. Having signed a deal with Sawha we should uphold our end of the bargain by protecting remaining members from being picked off by Al Qaeda or Shi'a militias. We should help Sahwa families join the US refugee programme; restrictions on resettlement should not apply to innocent spouses and children. The credibility of America as a strategic partner in the Gulf depends in large part on how we treat our Arab allies, including Sahwa members.
As the military withdraws, thousands of Iraqis will lose their jobs as translators and assistants. Along with income loss they will face death threats for having worked with Americans and will no longer have the protection of nearby forces. Those who want to be resettled in the US should have quick and efficient access to the Refugee Assistance Program. For those who do not wish to leave Iraq, generous severance packages should benegotiated, taking into account their increased need for security as US troops depart.
On August 31, there may not yet be a new government to escort the US out, let alone take responsibility for the country's security. People will undoubtedly still suffer from severe electricity shortages, with no air conditioning or refrigeration for most at the hottest time of the year. Clean water will be scarce and crops will be dying. There will be long, angry lines at fuel stations, rubbish mounting in the streets, and occasional explosions with accompanying screams and sirens. Basically, most people's idea of hell. But separate we must.
Rachel Schneller, Foreign Service Officer, US State Department, currently International Affairs Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. The views in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Government or State Department
http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/2055/
Shiites gather at the holy shrine of Imam Ali to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Najaf, Iraq, last year
August 2010
Iraq and the American Pullout: Separate We Must
The withdrawal of United States combat troops on August 31 falls during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and prayer; a timetable better suited to the American political cycle than to conditions in Iraq. Ramadan usually sees a spike in violence as religious fervour combines with heat and hunger. But delaying the withdrawal another year would mean the Iraq war surpassing the Vietnam war in length. The timing could have been better for Iraq, but withdrawal is overdue for the US. Having never been justified in the first place - legally, strategically, or defensively - it is time to endmilitary engagement in Iraq.
The United States has dug its military into the landscape, requiring enormous sums of taxpayer dollars to maintain its presence. It justifies its Iraq addiction by claiming only its soldiers can prevent Iraqis from killing each other and the Iraqi government from falling apart. For their part, many Iraqi politicians rely extensively on the US military, even as they call for the end of the occupation to score political points against rivals. It is an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship and the withdrawal will be a withdrawal in all senses of the word, possibly incurring further damage in the process if not undertaken responsibly.
IN CHAOS
Iraq's political landscape is in bad shape and likely to get worse, but there is nothing the US military can or should do to prevent this. Some argue that the combat presence should be extended, raising visions of renewed sectarian bloodshed, Arab-Kurd violence, and the lack of Iraqi security force competence as justification for renegotiating Washington's security agreement with Baghdad.
There are very real risks of violence and destabilisation, but committing US troops ad infinitum would have almost no impact on the underlying causes, and escalating violence should not justify another Iraq fix. On the contrary, a continued US military presence would deter Iraqis from taking-on the issues themselves, the only long-term solution to Iraq's problems, particularly in regards to security which is a domestic rather than international issue.
Once American combat troops leave, Shi'a followers of Moqtada al-Sadr will be deprived of their favorite devil and will lose relevance unless they can turn their energies to solving the country's electricity crisis and improving relations with its Arab neighbours.
With fewer US bases, Al Qaeda in Iraq will have a reduced number of targets and its presence there is likely to diminish. After all, it has very few natural allies even among the Sunni Arab population.
Iyad Allawi's Iraqiyya party won a tiny advantage in the March 7 vote, but Allawi has squandered whatever mandate he had by failing to form a coalition with any of the other major political parties. His frequent travels to Sunni Gulf countries further alienate him from the Shi'a population.
The National Alliance, intended to unite the rule of Law party with the Iraqi National Alliance in an undefeatable bloc, has likewise frittered away its mandate by botching the basic issue of who will lead the coalition.
Nuri al-Maliki, supposedly a strong leader, clutches onto the premiership even as the country crumbles around him because of a lack of leadership. Death threats against party leaders abound, and at least three elected officials have already been assassinated.
If a new government has formed by August 31, it may exclude at least one of the main demographic groups: Kurds, Sunni, or Shi'a. As in 2005, there is no appetite for a national unity government that would put all parties into the same tent and force them to compromise on de-Baathification and Kirkuk, issues that Iraqis are willing to kill and die for, rather than make concessions on.
If a national unity government is rammed into existence, the reluctant players will spend their four years in office squabbling rather than tackling the tough issues. The alternative of leaving-out one or more parties, may result in increased violence, but it may also lead to the development of a healthy opposition, able to credibly challenge the government when it acts illegitimately.
WITHDRAW SLOWLY…
The US will not be going cold turkey in its withdrawal. With its remaining fifty thousand support troops and 1,300 civilians and diplomats, it would do well to focus on getting the country electrified and supporting constitutional reform, things Iraqis themselves see as major stumbling blocks for economic and political development.
Nothing would stabilise Iraq more than reliable electricity, which would allow business growth and employment of those who might otherwise join militias to support their families. Electricity would attract investment and make it possible for the oil and gas sectors to expand, increase refrigeration of vaccines and fresh food, benefit schools, and even have allowed more people to watch World Cup games; it is no coincidence that major protests prompting the Electricity Minister to resign occurred in June during the football tournament.
The delay in government formation both in 2005 and this year underscores the vital need to reform the constitution as well as the rest of the legal structure. The constitution's ambiguous, vague wording, written in haste and barely ratified in 2005, resulted in both Iraqiyya and the National Coalition claiming in March to have won the right to form the next government. Without the laws, courts, and constitution for political and legal solutions, Iraqis will rationally choose violence as the most effective means to solve problems.
…AND WITHDRAW RESPONSIBLY
The US should, however, withdraw responsibly. Our departure will have consequences for many Iraqis. To ignore our responsibilities would, in the words of US Congressman Brad Sherman, 'Allow a human rights catastrophe to occur in Iraq just because we are in the process of leaving.' Representative Sherman was referring to the Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK), about three thousand radical Iranians held in Camp Ashraf in Iraq who oppose the Iranian government. Baghdad has no sympathy for the MEK because it assisted Saddam Hussein in suppressing Iraqi Shi'a and Kurds. The US withdrawal could result in a piranha-like feeding frenzy as both Iraq and Iran exact revenge.
MEK also participated in the 1979 take-over of the US Embassy in Tehran and so its members, as designated terrorists, are not eligible for resettlement in the US. Camp Ashraf, however, postpones the inevitable and risks becoming another Guantanamo Bay. MEK members who took part in acts of terror should face justice, possibly through an ad hoc United Nations tribunal that would ensure a fair trial. Those exonerated should then qualify for resettlement.
Even more desperate than the MEK are the estimated one hundred thousand Sahwa members, Sunni insurgents who initially fought against Americans in 2003-4 but then cooperated with them against Al Qaeda from 2005-8. Al Qaeda targets Sahwa members for betraying them, Shi'a militias despise them for working with the Americans, and the Shi'a government is reluctant to include the former insurgents in either the police or security forces.
Like MEK, Sahwa insurgents do not qualify for resettlement in the US. However, without Sahwa's assistance, US forces would almost certainly have been defeated. Having signed a deal with Sawha we should uphold our end of the bargain by protecting remaining members from being picked off by Al Qaeda or Shi'a militias. We should help Sahwa families join the US refugee programme; restrictions on resettlement should not apply to innocent spouses and children. The credibility of America as a strategic partner in the Gulf depends in large part on how we treat our Arab allies, including Sahwa members.
As the military withdraws, thousands of Iraqis will lose their jobs as translators and assistants. Along with income loss they will face death threats for having worked with Americans and will no longer have the protection of nearby forces. Those who want to be resettled in the US should have quick and efficient access to the Refugee Assistance Program. For those who do not wish to leave Iraq, generous severance packages should benegotiated, taking into account their increased need for security as US troops depart.
On August 31, there may not yet be a new government to escort the US out, let alone take responsibility for the country's security. People will undoubtedly still suffer from severe electricity shortages, with no air conditioning or refrigeration for most at the hottest time of the year. Clean water will be scarce and crops will be dying. There will be long, angry lines at fuel stations, rubbish mounting in the streets, and occasional explosions with accompanying screams and sirens. Basically, most people's idea of hell. But separate we must.
Rachel Schneller, Foreign Service Officer, US State Department, currently International Affairs Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. The views in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Government or State Department
http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/2055/
Baghdad was forming a committee to activate the investment relations with Arbil
31/07/2010
Baghdad was forming a committee to activate the investment relations with Arbil
Baghdad, Adviser said the Iraqi government ended its mandate on Saturday, said the prime minister formed a committee to develop economic ties between Baghdad and Arbil, in particular with regard to attracting investment companies, which worked in the region.
The Chancellor, who preferred anonymity, told news Kurdistan (Akaniwz) announced today that "The Iraqi government has formed a committee comprising a number of economic experts Iraqis to develop prospects of cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil for the work of investment companies operating in the region."
He added that "the major problems facing the Iraqi government in the selection of investment companies for the implementation of important projects and strategy, which requires reliance on companies that have successfully implemented projects with the same importance in the province of Kurdistan."
He added that "the economic relations between the Iraqi government and the provincial government has already begun to take a different turn after the debates are important and several key for development of relations between the two governments in line with the requirements stage."
He said the "government of the province succeeded in attracting hundreds international companies on investment projects after the development of laws and clear frameworks for the work of those companies in the territory of the province."
The head of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Barham Salih, arrived in Baghdad on Thursday to discuss relations between the Government of the province and Baghdad, and to overcome the pending problems between the two sides.
Baghdad was forming a committee to activate the investment relations with Arbil
Baghdad, Adviser said the Iraqi government ended its mandate on Saturday, said the prime minister formed a committee to develop economic ties between Baghdad and Arbil, in particular with regard to attracting investment companies, which worked in the region.
The Chancellor, who preferred anonymity, told news Kurdistan (Akaniwz) announced today that "The Iraqi government has formed a committee comprising a number of economic experts Iraqis to develop prospects of cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil for the work of investment companies operating in the region."
He added that "the major problems facing the Iraqi government in the selection of investment companies for the implementation of important projects and strategy, which requires reliance on companies that have successfully implemented projects with the same importance in the province of Kurdistan."
He added that "the economic relations between the Iraqi government and the provincial government has already begun to take a different turn after the debates are important and several key for development of relations between the two governments in line with the requirements stage."
He said the "government of the province succeeded in attracting hundreds international companies on investment projects after the development of laws and clear frameworks for the work of those companies in the territory of the province."
The head of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Barham Salih, arrived in Baghdad on Thursday to discuss relations between the Government of the province and Baghdad, and to overcome the pending problems between the two sides.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Economic: the Iraqi economy away from being affected by political variables ...
30/07/2010Economic: the Iraqi economy away from being affected by political variables
Baghdad, The specialist in the field of economy, the Iraqi economy began to move away from emotion variables in the political arena, noting that the conversion of the current government to a caretaker administration that will not affect the economic terms.
Ali told Kji Kurdistan News, The "transfer of the Iraqi government to the outgoing caretaker government will not affect the economic reality in Iraq"
Citing the "success achieved in the separation of the economic system for the political system."
He continued that "the real problems faced Iraqi economy in the last period due to poor management of the system affected by the economic and political variables"
Mady said, "but the infrastructure of the Iraqi economy today rely on oil exports to Iraq, which began moving away from being affected by political variables."
Kji and that "the government should do next ministries that support the Iraqi economy and professional approach to distance it from the political quota system as much as possible."
China says convertible yuan the ultimate goal ...
30 July 2010China says convertible yuan the ultimate goal
BEIJING — China wants the yuan to be fully convertible and such currencies are generally free-floating, a top central bank official said Friday, six weeks after Beijing pledged to loosen its grip on the yuan.
Yi Gang, a vice-governor of the People’s Bank of China and also the head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), however gave no timetable for convertibility to be achieved.
“Our ultimate goal is to make the yuan a convertible currency,” Yi said in an interview with China Reform magazine, according to a transcript posted on the SAFE website.
“Generally speaking, the exchange rate of a convertible currency is free-floating,” Yi said, adding there was no “official timetable” as China is vast and its development is not balanced, making it hard to reach a consensus.
China in July 2005 freed the yuan from an 11-year-old peg to the dollar and moved to a tightly managed floating exchange rate.
But in mid-2008, policymakers effectively pegged the currency at about 6.8 to the dollar to prop up its exporters during the global financial crisis. Critics say the yuan could be undervalued by as much as 40 percent.
Last month, the central bank pledged to loosen its grip on the yuan exchange rate and allow the currency to trade more freely against the dollar, albeit within a tight band.
Yi said there were “no foundations for sharp fluctuations” in the yuan’s rate, but added the government had “conditions to keep the foreign exchange regime flexible”.
This week, Beijing allowed an IMF staff report that said the currency was “substantially” undervalued to be made public for the first time in four years, reflecting its confidence that it can control the global debate on the yuan.
In response to a question about the possibility of the yuan becoming a world reserve currency, Yi said Beijing would rather leave it to market demand than push for international acceptance of the unit.
“First of all, it depends on the economic power of the country or the alliance of states; secondly, the cohesion and attractiveness of its culture; and thirdly, its political and military powers,” he said.
“The culture and values behind a real reserve currency must be influential in the whole world.”
AFP
Links ~ China Currency Articles ...
Scams ~ Trust Scams and Scammers - What to watch for ... Where to report ...
In addition to the below ... check out - MLM: Once Legitimate, Now a Scam @ http://www.quatloos.com/mlm/mlm.htm
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July 30, 2010
Asset Protection Corporation
Unfortunately, asset protection planning has brought about a good number of “scammers.” This section has articles that deal with illegal trusts, which include Abusive Trusts, Pure Trusts, Charitable Trusts and Equipment Trusts. These articles describe in detail how these trusts are set up and, just as quickly, brought down by courts of law.
July 30, 2010Internet's leading resource for current, up to the minute information on Asset Protection and Annuities.
Asset Protection Corporation
Unfortunately, asset protection planning has brought about a good number of “scammers.” This section has articles that deal with illegal trusts, which include Abusive Trusts, Pure Trusts, Charitable Trusts and Equipment Trusts. These articles describe in detail how these trusts are set up and, just as quickly, brought down by courts of law.
Example ~ Question:
What is a Complex, Non-Grantor, Irrevocable, Discretionary Trust?
What is a Complex, Non-Grantor, Irrevocable, Discretionary Trust?
Links to more Trust Scam and Scammers and where to report abuse ~
http://www.assetprotectioncorp.com/mc-trust%20scams.html and another link ~ http://www.assetprotectioncorp.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=1
report abuse ~ https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
September 20-22, 2010 ~ United Nations ~ MDG Summit 2010 - High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly ...
*** September 21st - Currency Transaction Tax ~ Tobin Tax ~ 60 Nations to Lobby U.N. for Currency Transaction Tax ...
July 30, 2010
July 30, 2010September 20-22, 2010 ~ MDG Summit 2010 - High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly
UNHQ General Assembly Hall
20 - 22 September, 2010
The High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly will focus on accelerating progress towards the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, taking into account the progress made with regard to the internationally agreed development goals, through a comprehensive review of successes, best practices and lessons learned, obstacles and gaps, challenges and opportunities, leading to concrete strategies for action, and requests the Secretary-General to submit a comprehensive report in this regard in March 2010.
The High-level Plenary Meeting will consist of a total of six meetings, on the basis of two meetings a day, as follows:
Monday, 20 September 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The podium in the General Assembly Hall will have three seats to accommodate the two Co-Chairpersons and the Secretary-General.
At the opening plenary meeting, on Monday morning, 20 September 2010, the initial speakers will be the two Co-Chairpersons, the Secretary-General, the head of the delegation of the host country of the Organization, the President of the Economic and Social Council, the President of the World Bank, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, as the Chair of the United Nations Development Group.
UNHQ General Assembly Hall
20 - 22 September, 2010
The High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly will focus on accelerating progress towards the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, taking into account the progress made with regard to the internationally agreed development goals, through a comprehensive review of successes, best practices and lessons learned, obstacles and gaps, challenges and opportunities, leading to concrete strategies for action, and requests the Secretary-General to submit a comprehensive report in this regard in March 2010.
The High-level Plenary Meeting will consist of a total of six meetings, on the basis of two meetings a day, as follows:
Monday, 20 September 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The podium in the General Assembly Hall will have three seats to accommodate the two Co-Chairpersons and the Secretary-General.
At the opening plenary meeting, on Monday morning, 20 September 2010, the initial speakers will be the two Co-Chairpersons, the Secretary-General, the head of the delegation of the host country of the Organization, the President of the Economic and Social Council, the President of the World Bank, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, as the Chair of the United Nations Development Group.
Iraq likely to delay gas fields auction until end of October ...
*workshop in Istanbul on August 1-2
*auction was to have taken place on September 1.
*extension - end of October or start of November
31 July 2010
Iraq likely to delay gas fields auction
BAGHDAD - Iraq is considering postponing an auction for companies who want to develop its gas fields to give them more time, its oil ministry said.
The ministry will hold a workshop in Istanbul on August 1-2 to discuss details of the gas bidding round and contract terms with interested bidders.
Baghdad had said it will invite all 45 international companies, who were prequalified in the two oil auctions last year, to bid to develop three gas fields and the auction was to have taken place on September 1.
“It’s unlikely it will be at that time (September 1), to allow more time for... the companies,” said oil ministry spokesman Asim Jihad. “I think there will be an extension for the period... It could be by the end of October or start of November, until now the date has not been agreed upon.” The fields on offer are Akkas in the western desert, Siba in the southern hub of Basra and Mansuriyah in eastern Iraq.
Kyle McEneaney, head of Ergo’s Middle East practice, an Iraq-focused research firm, said despite interest in Iraq’s gas reserves, there was some uncertainty regarding the auction. “Discussions in Istanbul should help Iraq to calibrate the contract terms and set a new auction date; if these things happen, there will be more concrete interest. If not, expect more delays,” he said.
“The delay in forming a government has given investors in many sectors pause. Progress on this front will be positive generally for interest in gas projects; of course, it will be even more positive if the terms established in Istanbul are not roundly rejected in Baghdad.”
Iraq has no new government since a March election produced no outright winner.
Two of the gas fields to be tendered — the 2.1 trillion cubic feet Akkas field, and Mansuriyah with estimated reserves of 3.3 trillion cubic feet of gas — were unsuccessfully put on the auction block last year. The third field — Siba — had initially been included in Iraq’s second oilfield auction in December but was taken out of the list of reservoirs on offer because the ministry decided it was small enough for Iraq to develop on its own.
Iraq has said companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, Total and South Korea’s KOGAS were favoured because of their experience
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/
*auction was to have taken place on September 1.
*extension - end of October or start of November
31 July 2010Iraq likely to delay gas fields auction
BAGHDAD - Iraq is considering postponing an auction for companies who want to develop its gas fields to give them more time, its oil ministry said.
The ministry will hold a workshop in Istanbul on August 1-2 to discuss details of the gas bidding round and contract terms with interested bidders.
Baghdad had said it will invite all 45 international companies, who were prequalified in the two oil auctions last year, to bid to develop three gas fields and the auction was to have taken place on September 1.
“It’s unlikely it will be at that time (September 1), to allow more time for... the companies,” said oil ministry spokesman Asim Jihad. “I think there will be an extension for the period... It could be by the end of October or start of November, until now the date has not been agreed upon.” The fields on offer are Akkas in the western desert, Siba in the southern hub of Basra and Mansuriyah in eastern Iraq.
Kyle McEneaney, head of Ergo’s Middle East practice, an Iraq-focused research firm, said despite interest in Iraq’s gas reserves, there was some uncertainty regarding the auction. “Discussions in Istanbul should help Iraq to calibrate the contract terms and set a new auction date; if these things happen, there will be more concrete interest. If not, expect more delays,” he said.
“The delay in forming a government has given investors in many sectors pause. Progress on this front will be positive generally for interest in gas projects; of course, it will be even more positive if the terms established in Istanbul are not roundly rejected in Baghdad.”
Iraq has no new government since a March election produced no outright winner.
Two of the gas fields to be tendered — the 2.1 trillion cubic feet Akkas field, and Mansuriyah with estimated reserves of 3.3 trillion cubic feet of gas — were unsuccessfully put on the auction block last year. The third field — Siba — had initially been included in Iraq’s second oilfield auction in December but was taken out of the list of reservoirs on offer because the ministry decided it was small enough for Iraq to develop on its own.
Iraq has said companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, Total and South Korea’s KOGAS were favoured because of their experience
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/
House approves oil spill reform bill ...
House approves oil spill reform bill
The House of Representatives on Friday approved the toughest reforms ever to offshore energy drilling practices, as Democrats narrowly pushed through an election-year response to BP's massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Passing the bill as the House leaves for its six-week recess gives lawmakers the opportunity to return home boasting they reined in Big Oil and held BP responsible for the worst offshore oil disaster in U.S. history.
The vote was 209-193 on the bill supported by President Barack Obama.
But first, Gulf Coast Democrats won an amendment ending the federal moratorium on deepwater drilling for oil companies that met new safety requirements.
The Obama administration's moratorium would end in November. By the time the full Congress completes action on this offshore drilling bill -- and it is uncertain that it will -- it could be November or later.
A similar offshore drilling bill is pending in the Senate, without the House's new provision to end the drilling moratorium. But it was unlikely that measure would pass before that chamber begins its summer recess on August 6.
House Republicans warned the bill would slash U.S. oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, a major supplier of domestic energy, and cut high-paying drilling jobs.
"The Obama moratorium on deepwater drilling has already costs thousands of jobs and this bill will eliminate even more American energy jobs, making it harder and more expensive to produce both energy on and offshore," said Republican Representative Pete Sessions.
"It will drive American companies out of the Gulf," said Republican Representative Kevin Brady. "This is a choice between American energy workers and foreign oil."
Democrats said the bill would make offshore drilling safer for workers, while also protecting the environment and Gulf Coast business from future oil spills like the one caused by BP that damaged wetlands and hurt the region's fishing and tourism industries.
"This legislation is about safety, about establishing new safety standards, safety for the workers on the rigs," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"If you want to apologize for Big Oil, go right ahead, but the American people are not on your side on this one," Democratic Representative Jim McGovern told his Republican colleagues during a long day of debate.
Before passing the bill, the House also approved an amendment to help smaller oil companies compete for Gulf of Mexico drilling projects under the proposed reforms. The amendment would let them pool their resources in demonstrating they have the financial resources to deal with potential oil spills.
The House vote on the bill was close, as several Democrats representing districts with strong oil industry interests joined Republicans in opposition.
Representative Gene Green, from the oil industry-dominated city of Houston, was one of those Democrats. "There are a lot of things in there that have nothing to do with safety" of offshore drilling operations, Green told reporters.
A sticking point in the Senate is opposition from Republicans and some moderate Democrats to removing all liability limits oil companies would face for economic damages stemming from the BP disaster and any future spills.
Current law requires companies to only cover up to $75 million for damages to local economies. The BP spill could end up costing billions of dollars in lost tourism, fishing and other Gulf Coast revenues.
BP has said it would pay for all costs related to the spill, but many lawmakers worry that the company could put victims through years of litigation.
The Senate energy bill has an added component: new incentives to encourage more natural gas-powered trucks and electric vehicles to clean up the environment. It also provides $5 billion to help improve home energy efficiency.
But Senate Democrats abandoned attempts to attach climate change provisions that would have set mandatory limits on some companies' carbon dioxide emissions.
Senate leaders plan to hold a test vote next Wednesday to gauge support for the bill, according to a Democratic aide. But Republicans, and possibly some moderate Democrats, might block a full debate, forcing senators to take it up in September.
The House also approved a separate bill on Friday to give whistle-blower protection to workers who report violations in offshore drilling rules.
AFP
Passing the bill as the House leaves for its six-week recess gives lawmakers the opportunity to return home boasting they reined in Big Oil and held BP responsible for the worst offshore oil disaster in U.S. history.
The vote was 209-193 on the bill supported by President Barack Obama.
But first, Gulf Coast Democrats won an amendment ending the federal moratorium on deepwater drilling for oil companies that met new safety requirements.
The Obama administration's moratorium would end in November. By the time the full Congress completes action on this offshore drilling bill -- and it is uncertain that it will -- it could be November or later.
A similar offshore drilling bill is pending in the Senate, without the House's new provision to end the drilling moratorium. But it was unlikely that measure would pass before that chamber begins its summer recess on August 6.
House Republicans warned the bill would slash U.S. oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, a major supplier of domestic energy, and cut high-paying drilling jobs.
"The Obama moratorium on deepwater drilling has already costs thousands of jobs and this bill will eliminate even more American energy jobs, making it harder and more expensive to produce both energy on and offshore," said Republican Representative Pete Sessions.
"It will drive American companies out of the Gulf," said Republican Representative Kevin Brady. "This is a choice between American energy workers and foreign oil."
Democrats said the bill would make offshore drilling safer for workers, while also protecting the environment and Gulf Coast business from future oil spills like the one caused by BP that damaged wetlands and hurt the region's fishing and tourism industries.
"This legislation is about safety, about establishing new safety standards, safety for the workers on the rigs," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"If you want to apologize for Big Oil, go right ahead, but the American people are not on your side on this one," Democratic Representative Jim McGovern told his Republican colleagues during a long day of debate.
Before passing the bill, the House also approved an amendment to help smaller oil companies compete for Gulf of Mexico drilling projects under the proposed reforms. The amendment would let them pool their resources in demonstrating they have the financial resources to deal with potential oil spills.
The House vote on the bill was close, as several Democrats representing districts with strong oil industry interests joined Republicans in opposition.
Representative Gene Green, from the oil industry-dominated city of Houston, was one of those Democrats. "There are a lot of things in there that have nothing to do with safety" of offshore drilling operations, Green told reporters.
A sticking point in the Senate is opposition from Republicans and some moderate Democrats to removing all liability limits oil companies would face for economic damages stemming from the BP disaster and any future spills.
Current law requires companies to only cover up to $75 million for damages to local economies. The BP spill could end up costing billions of dollars in lost tourism, fishing and other Gulf Coast revenues.
BP has said it would pay for all costs related to the spill, but many lawmakers worry that the company could put victims through years of litigation.
The Senate energy bill has an added component: new incentives to encourage more natural gas-powered trucks and electric vehicles to clean up the environment. It also provides $5 billion to help improve home energy efficiency.
But Senate Democrats abandoned attempts to attach climate change provisions that would have set mandatory limits on some companies' carbon dioxide emissions.
Senate leaders plan to hold a test vote next Wednesday to gauge support for the bill, according to a Democratic aide. But Republicans, and possibly some moderate Democrats, might block a full debate, forcing senators to take it up in September.
The House also approved a separate bill on Friday to give whistle-blower protection to workers who report violations in offshore drilling rules.
AFP
Al-Mashhadani: U.S. behind to derail the government ...
"Under the former speaker, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, discussions often drifted into minutiae, prompting many lawmakers to start side chats, talk on cellphones or read newspapers. No wonder they couldn't pass any laws"
30-07-2010
Al-Mashhadani: U.S. behind to derail the government
بغداد/ اور نيوز Baghdad / Orr News
Accused the former Iraqi parliament speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the United States to disrupt the formation of the new Iraqi government in order to produce a compromise candidate to head the new government to serve its interests in the next four years.
Mashhadani said that the Americans do not want to form a government of national partnership and real, because they have red lines on three sides by Iraqi political actors is the Supreme Islamic Council, the Sadrists and the National Dialogue Front.
He stressed that the recent elections which took place on the seventh of last March, did not confirm the presence of point winner in the sense concept of democracy, but which received a substantial convergence of results, which held the question of forming the new government, because every point you want to provision.
Al-Mashhadani called for political leaders to put the national interest of Iraq to the narrow interests of each other.
Warning that the candidate would be the settlement agent from any American has come and this should not be because the Iraqi people have sacrificed a lot and must be respected politicians such sacrifices by agreeing to form a new government.
Al-Mashhadani: U.S. behind to derail the government
بغداد/ اور نيوز Baghdad / Orr News
Accused the former Iraqi parliament speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the United States to disrupt the formation of the new Iraqi government in order to produce a compromise candidate to head the new government to serve its interests in the next four years.
Mashhadani said that the Americans do not want to form a government of national partnership and real, because they have red lines on three sides by Iraqi political actors is the Supreme Islamic Council, the Sadrists and the National Dialogue Front.
He stressed that the recent elections which took place on the seventh of last March, did not confirm the presence of point winner in the sense concept of democracy, but which received a substantial convergence of results, which held the question of forming the new government, because every point you want to provision.
Al-Mashhadani called for political leaders to put the national interest of Iraq to the narrow interests of each other.
Warning that the candidate would be the settlement agent from any American has come and this should not be because the Iraqi people have sacrificed a lot and must be respected politicians such sacrifices by agreeing to form a new government.
*Allawi is willing to relinquish candidacy for prime minister ~ And national preferred a compromise candidate ~ The Kurds are worried about delay ...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Efforts to ease the crisis to form a government ..and political blocs exclude Internationalization
*Allawi is willing to relinquish candidacy for prime minister ..
*And national preferred a compromise candidate ..
*The Kurds are worried about the delay
بغداد- Ø§Ù„ØµØ¨Ø§Ø BAGHDAD - morning
The figures are trying to get out of the political blocs the impasse that hangs over the dialogues to form a new government through the expansion of negotiations and exchange of ideas that may contribute to the settlement of the government crisis And soften the entrenched positions of blocks behind the ceiling of demands do not allow to reach compromise solutions.
In this atmosphere reduces the parliamentary forces, the probability of internationalization of the crisis, the Government through the presentation of the report UN special envoy to the situation in the country on the Security Council on the fourth of next month.
عبد المهدي – ØµØ§Ù„Ø Abdul-Mahdi - Saleh
In the framework of consultations political leaders on forming a government, research vice-president of the National Coalition leader, Adel Abdul-Mahdi with the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government Barham Salih in Baghdad yesterday, attempts to form a government.
A presidential source said in a press statement: "The Mahdi Saleh discussed the latest developments in the political scene, and efforts to form a new government", noting that "the two sides stressed the importance of speeding up the formation of the Government of a national partnership involving all parties and political blocs winning elections to fill the void by the constitution passing through the country and enhance the march of the country's democracy and its constitutional institutions. "
الصدر - ميلكيرت Chest - Melkert
In the meantime, he stressed cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's connection to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ad Melkert by the need to speed up the formation of a government of national partnership.
The Information Office of the Deputy for cluster Liberal bright Nagy in a press statement that "Sadr received a telephone call yesterday from Ad Melkert, and the two sides addressed the nature of the political scene since last March." The statement added that "The two sides stressed the necessity of forming a government of national partnership with the dye service especially that Iraq is currently undergoing a very tough burden of the Iraqi citizen. "
قلق كردي من تأخر الØكومة Kurdish concerns of the government's delay
In Erbil, politicians considered the offices of the Patriotic Union and the Democratic Party Alcardstanian at a meeting yesterday evening, the line from the first, the latest developments form a government.
And cross-site parties, according to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan "concern of delaying the formation of the government, and the lack of agreement between political parties."
During the meeting which was held under the supervision of Rasool First Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Fazil Mirani, secretary of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, discuss the latest political developments and efforts to form a new government and discuss the negotiations conducted by the coalition blocs Kurdistan in Baghdad.
Allawi is willing to relinquish
For his part, President Iyad Allawi's Iraqi List, readiness to give up the nomination for the post of prime minister and not stick to it without any reservation, stressing that that does not mean willing to give up the right of the Iraqi new government is formed.
Allawi said in a press statement yesterday: "I'm ready to leave the question of the nomination for prime minister, nor didst seize it, but I am not ready to concede the right of Iraq to highlight another candidate to be prime minister and I do not have the slightest reservation that," .
Allawi added that "with the honor it by electing me as a candidate for the presidency of the Iraqi minister had, but I put up with any other person for the job and there are many in the Iraqi fit for that."
The President of the Iraqi List passion that "Kurds are part of a coalition of Iraq for many reasons, including historical and factual and future, and we are keen to be the next government, the Government of national partnership, but we have to make clear what the partnership and its mechanisms and accessories," noting that "alliances current depend on the alliance with the Kurds "and that" Barzani will meet soon. "
He continued: "We have substantive issues before entering into positions by offering things to clarify whether the question of the Government of national partnership and how the decision was" expected "The new cabinet is formed of blocks four winning," and expressed his penchant for "the participation of popular sectors are not present Parliament for example, the Awakening, which had been acting great to fight the forces of extremism. "
On the other hand saw the leader of the Kurdistan Alliance Faryad Raundozi that "The Kurds They can not provide support for the list at the expense of the Iraqi National Alliance."
Raundozi added in a statement carried by news agency Iba: "It is difficult to pack and hurry, the National Alliance does not solve its problems and crises", calling "the forces of the National Alliance to move rapidly to resolve their internal problems in order to clear things more."
He Raundozi "In addition to Mayaanih National Alliance of the problems affecting the nature of the alliances the coming period, the problems affecting the distribution of posts sovereign is also a statement of the position of the new Kurdish Alliance."
In a related expressed frustration on the compatibility list of the ongoing negotiations between the political blocs to form a government and the reduction of talk about positions only.
A spokesman for the list Salim Abdullah Jabouri: "The talk is being to search for positions only, and no talk about the government program and a mechanism implemented," he said, adding that "the House of Representatives to begin to assume oversight responsibilities for the next government will be under surveillance."
تØذيرات Warnings
In the meantime, warned Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that failure to form a new government after more than five months since the election puts the country in a "critical" and impedes the long-term decisions.
He said Zebari in a press statement that "the outgoing government began to deviate from its course and therefore do not take decisions of strategy," as he put it, pointing out that he was forced to cancel several visits abroad because he felt he could not explain why the formation of a new government in Baghdad to other countries.
Debates the nomination for prime minister
A dossier of the positions of blocks over the effort to form the government, said the leadership of the coalition of the rule of law that Kamal Saadi did not provide the National Coalition candidate for prime minister formally so far, the rule of law while his candidate Nouri al-Maliki officially.
He Saadi, quoted in the Agency News News he was "not there any concerns the relationship between coalitions and on the contrary we seek to strengthen the relationship and work in the coming days to revive," and said "I did not hear from the National Coalition or the Supreme Council that he had submitted any candidate officially until this moment ".
And "there is no candidate for prime minister, but al-Maliki during his nomination by the State Law and the National Coalition did not tell us officially on behalf of the candidate, as the conversation is going on in just the media either did not officially offer any candidate."
Was also confirmed by a member of the National Coalition Bahaa al-His coalition is heading for a candidate of compromise to resolve the political crisis and there are the names of candidates.
He Araji leadership in a cluster Liberal, quoted in the agency (Voices of Iraq) that the National Coalition "is heading for a candidate compromise to resolve the political crisis," adding that "the candidate of the settlement will resolve the crisis and we're moving to it, names candidates are Ibrahim al-Jaafari and Ahmad Chalabi, Jaafar al-Sadr" . and Araji added: "The intention to accelerate the formation of the government found at the political blocs, but the node is prime minister that stand," noting that "the rule of law have begun to push the President of the cluster to be replaced in order to resolve the crisis, and so that the allowance should get the acceptance of all sides. "
For his part, member of the National Coalition Amer Thamer said "the political process is currently experiencing a political deadlock and a real crisis four months after the elections." Said Thamer was quoted by the agency Nina's news that there are a number of reasons for this crisis, including the absence of systematic dialogues and the absence of intentions real and determination to build a state government and not industry, "explaining that what happened from the meetings did not lead to break the impasse."
He pointed out that "the economic situation and the service is being driven by political matters," calling for "respect for the Constitution to speed up the formation of the government."
The center of the photo said the Iraqi spokesman for Mason Damluji that her grand coalition "continues to hold talks with the political blocs without significant progress", stating that "dialogues with the National Coalition has Convergences."
Damluji explained in a press statement that "Iraq is still in talks with the political blocs, but without significant progress, there are interviews with the National Coalition has Convergences is expected to yield positive results."
Political attitudes about the UN report
In a UN Security Council meeting to be held early next month to discuss developments in the political situation and security situation in Iraq amid differences in attitudes about the possibilities that the internationalization of the crisis, media sources reported that a technical error in translation led to a change in the words if he wants to Representative internationalist during his meeting with the vice president is leadership in Tareq al-Hashemi Iraqi List, as the statement of the Office of the Vice-President cited the words "The report will be a surprise to them," while the intention of the Mleckert is that the report will be objective. "
The al-Hashemi, Melkert met yesterday, where the UN official stressed that "the Security Council members expect a positive report on Iraq," Hashemi's office said in a statement.
The statement said that the vice president discussed with Melkert UN report to be submitted to the UN Security Council session on the fourth of August next, in the framework of a survey the views of all Iraqi politicians from the United Nations. "
The statement quoted Hashemi as saying: "It has to be collaborative efforts to resolve the crisis to form a government within the framework of democratic standards," noting that "the idea of the round table is acceptable, however, important before sitting around this table is Aigan everyone and their recognition of the right of Iraq being a winner, he says. "Hashemi stressed the need to" agree on a package of fundamental reforms to satisfy all parties because everyone's afraid of the future, "pointing out that" errors committed by the Federal Court recently explained the biggest bloc blew the election result and the right of the Iraqi government formation which requires emphasis on reform the judicial system. "
In the context of attitudes about the UNODC report, played down the rule of law, a coalition member Adnan al-Sarraj of the importance of the report submitted by the President of the United Nations mission in Iraq, Ad Melkert to the Security Council on the fourth of August next.
The OS: "The report will not affect the situation in Iraq, as the head of the mission is sending monthly report to the United Nations on the situation in Iraq," adding that "the length of the formation of the government is allow others to interfere and the more long-term, there will be other interventions" .
Spokesman for the Iraqi List Shaker Book Download part blocks that had delayed the formation of the government responsible for the internationalization of the Iraq issue and presented to the Security Council.
The book: "The blocs failed to reach a solution on forming a government four months ago and this impact negatively on the situation in Iraq, what will the Iraqi issue to internationalization," saying that by saying "I do not expect something big from the Security Council session on the fourth of August as it will urge the UN report to speed up the formation of the government, and described the government as a specific and demanding respect the election results and respect for the Constitution. "
In a similar context called for a coalition member Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish political blocs to continue to make efforts to resolve differences without waiting for the outcome of the meeting of the Security Council.
Osman said: "It is not expected to result in this meeting about anything an emergency or a sudden, more than urge political blocs on the understanding and efforts and to assist them in reaching a solution to the crisis of government," noting that "the interest of the country and the political process to reach a solution to the crisis to be reflected positively in the Security Council meeting and give a positive image contribute to removing Iraq from Chapter VII. "
Is scheduled to hold the UN Security Council on the fourth of August, the next special meeting to discuss developments in the political and security situation in Iraq and how to apply the international resolutions issued against him under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations after the invasion of the former regime of Kuwait in August 1990.
*Allawi is willing to relinquish candidacy for prime minister ..
*And national preferred a compromise candidate ..
*The Kurds are worried about the delay
بغداد- Ø§Ù„ØµØ¨Ø§Ø BAGHDAD - morning
The figures are trying to get out of the political blocs the impasse that hangs over the dialogues to form a new government through the expansion of negotiations and exchange of ideas that may contribute to the settlement of the government crisis And soften the entrenched positions of blocks behind the ceiling of demands do not allow to reach compromise solutions.
In this atmosphere reduces the parliamentary forces, the probability of internationalization of the crisis, the Government through the presentation of the report UN special envoy to the situation in the country on the Security Council on the fourth of next month.
عبد المهدي – ØµØ§Ù„Ø Abdul-Mahdi - Saleh
In the framework of consultations political leaders on forming a government, research vice-president of the National Coalition leader, Adel Abdul-Mahdi with the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government Barham Salih in Baghdad yesterday, attempts to form a government.
A presidential source said in a press statement: "The Mahdi Saleh discussed the latest developments in the political scene, and efforts to form a new government", noting that "the two sides stressed the importance of speeding up the formation of the Government of a national partnership involving all parties and political blocs winning elections to fill the void by the constitution passing through the country and enhance the march of the country's democracy and its constitutional institutions. "
الصدر - ميلكيرت Chest - Melkert
In the meantime, he stressed cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's connection to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ad Melkert by the need to speed up the formation of a government of national partnership.
The Information Office of the Deputy for cluster Liberal bright Nagy in a press statement that "Sadr received a telephone call yesterday from Ad Melkert, and the two sides addressed the nature of the political scene since last March." The statement added that "The two sides stressed the necessity of forming a government of national partnership with the dye service especially that Iraq is currently undergoing a very tough burden of the Iraqi citizen. "
قلق كردي من تأخر الØكومة Kurdish concerns of the government's delay
In Erbil, politicians considered the offices of the Patriotic Union and the Democratic Party Alcardstanian at a meeting yesterday evening, the line from the first, the latest developments form a government.
And cross-site parties, according to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan "concern of delaying the formation of the government, and the lack of agreement between political parties."
During the meeting which was held under the supervision of Rasool First Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Fazil Mirani, secretary of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, discuss the latest political developments and efforts to form a new government and discuss the negotiations conducted by the coalition blocs Kurdistan in Baghdad.
Allawi is willing to relinquish
For his part, President Iyad Allawi's Iraqi List, readiness to give up the nomination for the post of prime minister and not stick to it without any reservation, stressing that that does not mean willing to give up the right of the Iraqi new government is formed.
Allawi said in a press statement yesterday: "I'm ready to leave the question of the nomination for prime minister, nor didst seize it, but I am not ready to concede the right of Iraq to highlight another candidate to be prime minister and I do not have the slightest reservation that," .
Allawi added that "with the honor it by electing me as a candidate for the presidency of the Iraqi minister had, but I put up with any other person for the job and there are many in the Iraqi fit for that."
The President of the Iraqi List passion that "Kurds are part of a coalition of Iraq for many reasons, including historical and factual and future, and we are keen to be the next government, the Government of national partnership, but we have to make clear what the partnership and its mechanisms and accessories," noting that "alliances current depend on the alliance with the Kurds "and that" Barzani will meet soon. "
He continued: "We have substantive issues before entering into positions by offering things to clarify whether the question of the Government of national partnership and how the decision was" expected "The new cabinet is formed of blocks four winning," and expressed his penchant for "the participation of popular sectors are not present Parliament for example, the Awakening, which had been acting great to fight the forces of extremism. "
On the other hand saw the leader of the Kurdistan Alliance Faryad Raundozi that "The Kurds They can not provide support for the list at the expense of the Iraqi National Alliance."
Raundozi added in a statement carried by news agency Iba: "It is difficult to pack and hurry, the National Alliance does not solve its problems and crises", calling "the forces of the National Alliance to move rapidly to resolve their internal problems in order to clear things more."
He Raundozi "In addition to Mayaanih National Alliance of the problems affecting the nature of the alliances the coming period, the problems affecting the distribution of posts sovereign is also a statement of the position of the new Kurdish Alliance."
In a related expressed frustration on the compatibility list of the ongoing negotiations between the political blocs to form a government and the reduction of talk about positions only.
A spokesman for the list Salim Abdullah Jabouri: "The talk is being to search for positions only, and no talk about the government program and a mechanism implemented," he said, adding that "the House of Representatives to begin to assume oversight responsibilities for the next government will be under surveillance."
تØذيرات Warnings
In the meantime, warned Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that failure to form a new government after more than five months since the election puts the country in a "critical" and impedes the long-term decisions.
He said Zebari in a press statement that "the outgoing government began to deviate from its course and therefore do not take decisions of strategy," as he put it, pointing out that he was forced to cancel several visits abroad because he felt he could not explain why the formation of a new government in Baghdad to other countries.
Debates the nomination for prime minister
A dossier of the positions of blocks over the effort to form the government, said the leadership of the coalition of the rule of law that Kamal Saadi did not provide the National Coalition candidate for prime minister formally so far, the rule of law while his candidate Nouri al-Maliki officially.
He Saadi, quoted in the Agency News News he was "not there any concerns the relationship between coalitions and on the contrary we seek to strengthen the relationship and work in the coming days to revive," and said "I did not hear from the National Coalition or the Supreme Council that he had submitted any candidate officially until this moment ".
And "there is no candidate for prime minister, but al-Maliki during his nomination by the State Law and the National Coalition did not tell us officially on behalf of the candidate, as the conversation is going on in just the media either did not officially offer any candidate."
Was also confirmed by a member of the National Coalition Bahaa al-His coalition is heading for a candidate of compromise to resolve the political crisis and there are the names of candidates.
He Araji leadership in a cluster Liberal, quoted in the agency (Voices of Iraq) that the National Coalition "is heading for a candidate compromise to resolve the political crisis," adding that "the candidate of the settlement will resolve the crisis and we're moving to it, names candidates are Ibrahim al-Jaafari and Ahmad Chalabi, Jaafar al-Sadr" . and Araji added: "The intention to accelerate the formation of the government found at the political blocs, but the node is prime minister that stand," noting that "the rule of law have begun to push the President of the cluster to be replaced in order to resolve the crisis, and so that the allowance should get the acceptance of all sides. "
For his part, member of the National Coalition Amer Thamer said "the political process is currently experiencing a political deadlock and a real crisis four months after the elections." Said Thamer was quoted by the agency Nina's news that there are a number of reasons for this crisis, including the absence of systematic dialogues and the absence of intentions real and determination to build a state government and not industry, "explaining that what happened from the meetings did not lead to break the impasse."
He pointed out that "the economic situation and the service is being driven by political matters," calling for "respect for the Constitution to speed up the formation of the government."
The center of the photo said the Iraqi spokesman for Mason Damluji that her grand coalition "continues to hold talks with the political blocs without significant progress", stating that "dialogues with the National Coalition has Convergences."
Damluji explained in a press statement that "Iraq is still in talks with the political blocs, but without significant progress, there are interviews with the National Coalition has Convergences is expected to yield positive results."
Political attitudes about the UN report
In a UN Security Council meeting to be held early next month to discuss developments in the political situation and security situation in Iraq amid differences in attitudes about the possibilities that the internationalization of the crisis, media sources reported that a technical error in translation led to a change in the words if he wants to Representative internationalist during his meeting with the vice president is leadership in Tareq al-Hashemi Iraqi List, as the statement of the Office of the Vice-President cited the words "The report will be a surprise to them," while the intention of the Mleckert is that the report will be objective. "
The al-Hashemi, Melkert met yesterday, where the UN official stressed that "the Security Council members expect a positive report on Iraq," Hashemi's office said in a statement.
The statement said that the vice president discussed with Melkert UN report to be submitted to the UN Security Council session on the fourth of August next, in the framework of a survey the views of all Iraqi politicians from the United Nations. "
The statement quoted Hashemi as saying: "It has to be collaborative efforts to resolve the crisis to form a government within the framework of democratic standards," noting that "the idea of the round table is acceptable, however, important before sitting around this table is Aigan everyone and their recognition of the right of Iraq being a winner, he says. "Hashemi stressed the need to" agree on a package of fundamental reforms to satisfy all parties because everyone's afraid of the future, "pointing out that" errors committed by the Federal Court recently explained the biggest bloc blew the election result and the right of the Iraqi government formation which requires emphasis on reform the judicial system. "
In the context of attitudes about the UNODC report, played down the rule of law, a coalition member Adnan al-Sarraj of the importance of the report submitted by the President of the United Nations mission in Iraq, Ad Melkert to the Security Council on the fourth of August next.
The OS: "The report will not affect the situation in Iraq, as the head of the mission is sending monthly report to the United Nations on the situation in Iraq," adding that "the length of the formation of the government is allow others to interfere and the more long-term, there will be other interventions" .
Spokesman for the Iraqi List Shaker Book Download part blocks that had delayed the formation of the government responsible for the internationalization of the Iraq issue and presented to the Security Council.
The book: "The blocs failed to reach a solution on forming a government four months ago and this impact negatively on the situation in Iraq, what will the Iraqi issue to internationalization," saying that by saying "I do not expect something big from the Security Council session on the fourth of August as it will urge the UN report to speed up the formation of the government, and described the government as a specific and demanding respect the election results and respect for the Constitution. "
In a similar context called for a coalition member Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish political blocs to continue to make efforts to resolve differences without waiting for the outcome of the meeting of the Security Council.
Osman said: "It is not expected to result in this meeting about anything an emergency or a sudden, more than urge political blocs on the understanding and efforts and to assist them in reaching a solution to the crisis of government," noting that "the interest of the country and the political process to reach a solution to the crisis to be reflected positively in the Security Council meeting and give a positive image contribute to removing Iraq from Chapter VII. "
Is scheduled to hold the UN Security Council on the fourth of August, the next special meeting to discuss developments in the political and security situation in Iraq and how to apply the international resolutions issued against him under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations after the invasion of the former regime of Kuwait in August 1990.
Alsabah
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