TEXAS SNAKE
Please be aware those who haven't already noticed we have a 3-day weekend ahead
Need to close a CC has just been announced
Very short call but important intel, steps taken today to insure CBI has taken necessary steps to insure exchange capabilities beginning Monday if release is confirmed.
Steps are in place!!
KTFA
FRANK26: "THE 3 LAWS THAT SUDANI WANTED RATIFIED."..........F26
The source said in an interview with "Baghdad Today" that "President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid approved today, Thursday, the laws of personal status, general amnesty, and the return of properties to their owners."
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Federal Supreme Court decided to reject the appeal filed against the general amnesty, personal status, and property return laws.
The Federal Court also decided, in its special session to consider the appeals submitted against the three controversial laws, to “cancel the state order to suspend the implementation of the general amnesty, personal status, and property return laws.”
The Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court, Jassim Abboud, said during the session: “It is not permissible to enforce a law that contradicts the constitution.”
On February 4, the Federal Supreme Court issued a judicial order to stop the implementation of the general amnesty, personal status, and property return laws. The Supreme Judicial Council rejected the court's decision and confirmed that the law would continue to be implemented, and that the decision issued by the court was not binding on the competent courts.
On Tuesday (January 21, 2025), Parliament voted on the personal status laws, the return of real estate, and the general amnesty in one basket.
The Parliament's media department said in a statement received by "Baghdad Today", "Parliament voted on the Personal Status Law No. (188) of 1959, and voted on the draft law to return real estate to its owners covered by some decisions of the Revolutionary Command Council (dissolved)."
She added, "He also voted on the draft law amending the second amendment to the General Amnesty Law No. (27) of 2016."
SANDY INGRAM: VIETNAM REPORT
As of February 2025, Vietnam’s economy is experiencing strong growth, forecasted by Standard Chartered to expand by 6.7% for the year.
The growth is expected to be robust in the first half at 7.5%, with a slight moderation to 6.1% in the latter half. This positive economic outlook is largely attributed to the Vietnamese government’s proactive measures to stimulate growth through low interest rates, although a normalization is anticipated in the second quarter, with a potential 50 basis point increase.
Inflation is currently manageable at 3.6% year-on-year as of January 2025, remaining below 4% for six consecutive months, but there are concerns about rising costs in essential sectors. In contrast, Haiti’s economic situation is dire, marked by political instability, rampant violence, and severe humanitarian crises.
Food inflation has soared to 30%, with food expenditures consuming up to 70% of household budgets, pushing over 64% of the population into poverty. Given the deteriorating conditions in Haiti, potential investors are advised to consider alternative assets like real estate or agricultural ventures instead of the local currency.
📈 Vietnam’s Economic Strategy: The Vietnamese government is actively working to stimulate growth, indicating a proactive approach to economic management. By maintaining low interest rates, the government aims to encourage business activity and attract foreign investment. However, the planned interest rate hike signals a shift towards normalization, which could impact future growth if not managed carefully. The government’s ambitious GDP target of 8% for 2025 reflects a strong confidence in the economy’s potential, but achieving this will require continuous monitoring of inflation and global economic conditions.
💹 Inflationary Pressures: Although inflation in Vietnam is currently under control, rising costs in healthcare, housing, and food could pose challenges. The government’s vigilance in monitoring these inflationary pressures is crucial for maintaining economic stability. If inflation begins to rise significantly, it could lead to tighter monetary policies, which might slow growth and impact consumer spending.
🌏 Haiti’s Economic Collapse: In stark contrast to Vietnam, Haiti’s economy is grappling with severe challenges due to ongoing political instability and violence. The widespread control of armed gangs has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, making it difficult for citizens to access basic needs. This situation not only deters potential investment but also complicates any efforts to stabilize the economy.
🍽️ Food Security Crisis: The alarming rise in food inflation in Haiti illustrates a critical food security crisis. With food prices consuming a significant portion of household income, families are left vulnerable, exacerbating poverty levels. The link between inflation and poverty highlights the urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms and humanitarian aid.
🏚️ Displacement and Livelihood Losses: The displacement of over a million people due to violence has severe implications for Haiti’s agricultural sector and overall economic productivity. As livelihoods are disrupted, the ability of the population to sustain themselves diminishes, leading to a cycle of poverty and instability.
🏢 Alternative Investment Opportunities: Given the current turmoil in Haiti, investors are encouraged to consider safer assets such as real estate or infrastructure projects. These sectors may provide more stable returns and contribute positively to the economy in the long term, especially if political stability improves.
⚖️ Comparative Economic Resilience: The contrasting economic situations between Vietnam and Haiti underline the importance of stable governance and sound economic policies. Vietnam’s proactive measures demonstrate how strategic planning and investment can foster growth, while Haiti’s challenges illustrate the dangers of political instability and lack of infrastructure investment, ultimately culminating in humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, while Vietnam is on a promising economic trajectory bolstered by strategic government interventions, Haiti continues to face severe hurdles that threaten its economic viability and the well-being of its citizens. The divergent paths of these two nations serve as a reminder of the critical role that governance, policy, and external conditions play in shaping economic outcomes.
KTFA
FRANK26: "IRAN LISTENS TO TRUMP... IRAN WILL OBEY TRUMP.".....F26
2/13/2025
Baghdad Today - Tehran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Thursday (February 13, 2025) that Iran is ready to enter into negotiations, but will not submit to the sanctions imposed on it, stressing that negotiations cannot take place under pressure and threats.
He explained in his statements, which were followed by "Baghdad Today" during his meeting with cultural and intellectual elites in Bushehr Province, southern Iran, that "the parties that are talking about dialogue today are the same ones that imposed the harshest sanctions on the Iranian people, closed all outlets for interaction, and used all tools of pressure against the country."
The Iranian president questioned the seriousness of the calls for negotiations, saying: "If they are sincere in their desire for dialogue, why don't they stop their hostile policies? "
Regarding the regional situation, Pezeshkian stressed that "enemies are seeking to isolate Iran from its regional surroundings, but it will continue to strengthen its brotherly relations with neighboring countries," adding: "All countries in the region are our brothers and friends, and we will not allow policies of sowing division to affect our relations."
The Iranian president stressed that international pressures will not push his country to surrender or retreat, stressing: "They do not want us to negotiate, but rather they want to humiliate us, but we will not accept that. The enemy cannot terrorize Iran, and we will not retreat in the face of the threat."
MAJEED
