High-profile Iraqi security delegation visits Tehran to advance regional security agreement, 2 OCT
Shafaq News/ A senior Iraqi security delegation arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials on the implementation of the security agreement between the two neighbors, an official press release said on Sunday.
The deal includes disarming anti-Tehran Kurdish groups operating from the Kurdistan
region of Iraq.
The press release issued by the media office of Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji said that he is heading the delegation himself on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The delegation includes the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan region, Rebar Ahmed, and a slew of high-ranking Iraqi security and government officials.
Operation Against Terror: Successful Air Strikes in Northern Iraq, 2 OCT
In an escalating effort to eradicate terror activities that threaten international security, a significant air operation was recently executed in the northern regions of Iraq. The operation was successful in achieving its primary objective – to target and eliminate sites associated with terrorist activities. This event underlines the ongoing global attempts to combat terrorism and neutralize threats to national and international security.
Operation Details and Impact
This air operation meticulously targeted sites associated with terror activities, leading to the successful destruction of these targets. The operation was carried out in the northern regions of Iraq, a location known to harbor various terror groups. The precise location of the operation or the entities responsible for carrying out this operation haven’t been explicitly specified. However, the aftermath of the operation clearly signifies a significant blow to the terrorist organizations operating within the region.
It’s worth noting that, during the operation, the utmost attention and sensitivity were given to the safety of civilian life, property, environment, and the protection of historical, religious, and cultural assets. This operation showcases the commitment to fighting terrorism while upholding the sanctity of innocent lives and preserving cultural heritage.
Global Efforts Against Terrorism
The operation in Iraq is a part of a larger global effort against terrorism. The Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners, for instance, have been striking ISIS targets in designated parts of Syria and Iraq. Their actions demonstrate that contending with Daesh and other terror groups remains an ongoing international mission. The coalition continuously exerts pressure on senior terrorist leaders and their associates across multiple networks to degrade, disrupt, and dismantle their structures.
In one such instance, between February 2 and February 8, 2018, the coalition conducted 41 strikes consisting of 65 engagements against ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq. These ongoing operations underscore the international commitment to defeating terrorism and preventing such groups from regrouping and threatening citizens worldwide.
Terror Organizations and Designations
The Department of State in the United States and several other leading nations have designated various groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). These designations expose and isolate the said organizations, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and creating significant criminal and immigration consequences for their members and supporters. This strategy complements the law enforcement actions of other U.S. agencies and governments.
For instance, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), responsible for a 40-year terror campaign against Turkey that resulted in over 40,000 deaths, is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Similarly, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its Qods Force (IRGC-QF), was designated as an FTO in 2019. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and its aliases have also been included in these designations.
Conclusion
The recent successful air operation in northern Iraq is a testament to the relentless global efforts to tackle terrorism. It reinforces the commitment to neutralize threats to national and international security, targeting terror sites while ensuring the safety of civilian life and cultural assets. These operations, along with the strategic designation of FTOs, are crucial tactics in the ongoing global fight against terrorism. As the world continues to witness terror activities, such operations are essential to maintain peace and security.
...One of my contractor sources verified that yes, HCL money is indeed moving & people are getting paid...one was told to hang onto as much as he could because they are expecting a value change in the very near future...So is it possible this week? Absolutely. Things are lining up. Lots of comments going on for this week ...and we are expecting some announcements out of Iraq on Wednesday on that front...
I continue to hear we will not have taxes on this exchange. I suggest everyone plan on having taxes…but hopefully there will be none. [NOTE: Some gurus feel this will be taxed as ordinary income, others feel capital gains. The only opinion that matters is the IRS's. Always consult with your tax professionals at the appropriate time to figure out the right tax for your unique situation.]
Question: Does the RV (Revaluation) have to happen before Iraq ascends to the World Trade organization on Oct. 4th? Not...but the dinar has to be a fully accepted international currency all around the world without any restrictions…this would be a massive change.
I am continuing to hear very positive stuff on expectations of a rate change. They are giving us dates from this weekend to sometime in the first week of October.
The Hydo Carbon Law...Its where they share money, profits, revenues from oil-natural gas etc…with the citizens of Iraq including the Kurdish region. We have been told for many years this is a key piece. And Very soon after the HCL was implemented we were told that we would see the dinar value changes.
Thank you MarkZ for all your time, and encouragement daily….. PDK
MarkZ Monday Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context
. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Member: Welcome to October, And new financial 4th quarter and a new 2024 fiscal year for the US
Member: Good morning everyone and let’s hope for Iraq WTO inclusion this week
Member: Good morning to everyone!!! Iraq's Independence Day is tomorrow, Oct 3rd!!! Yay!!!
MZ: This morning podcast will be short…..hoping for a longer one tonight.
Presidential Meeting Calls for Dialogue, Infrastructure Enhancement, and Special Amnesty for Women, 2 OCT
A recent presidential meeting held to discuss the overall developments and general conditions in the country has culminated in several key decisions aimed at national enhancement and the promotion of peace. The meeting highlighted the need for continued dialogue, improved infrastructure, and a special amnesty for women, among other things.
Condolences for Hamdaniya Incident
The meeting began with expressing condolences for the victims of the tragic Hamdaniya incident. The circumstances leading up to the incident were discussed at length, with a focus on understanding the root causes and exploring strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident has been a source of national grief, prompting the need for reflection and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
Reflections on the UN General Assembly Visit
The outcomes of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to New York and his participation in the United Nations General Assembly were reviewed. The discussions highlighted the importance of active involvement in international platforms to voice the country’s perspective and to contribute to global discourse. The Prime Minister’s engagement in the assembly was deemed instrumental in fostering international relations and enhancing the nation’s global standing.
Emphasis on Infrastructure and Services
The meeting underscored the importance of supporting the government in implementing its program, particularly in terms of providing services to citizens and enhancing infrastructure. The discussions revolved around the need to bolster public services and make them more accessible and efficient. Infrastructure development, in particular, was identified as a crucial area that requires immediate attention and sustained investment, with the aim of fostering socio-economic growth and improving the standard of living for citizens.
Rejection of Aggression and Proposal for Special Amnesty
The meeting participants affirmed their rejection of any aggression targeting Iraqi lands, emphasizing the need for dialogue as a means to resolve disputes. This stance reflects the country’s commitment to peace and its firm belief in negotiation and diplomacy as the most effective strategies for conflict resolution.
A notable focus was the examination of a proposal for a special amnesty for women. This proposed amnesty could be a significant step towards gender justice, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the issues faced by women, particularly those who have been victims of conflict and social discrimination.
The meeting concluded with a show of solidarity and unity, along with well wishes for the new academic year. The discussions and decisions from the meeting demonstrate an ongoing commitment to national development, peace, and social justice. They also reflect a firm belief in dialogue, infrastructure enhancement, and the promotion of women’s rights as key pillars for a prosperous and harmonious nation.
Turkey to Resume Iraqi Oil Pipeline Operations Following Dispute Resolution, 2 OCT
Turkey has announced the resumption of operations of an Iraqi oil pipeline that had been inactive since March. The pipeline had been shut down due to a complex payment dispute involving the Kurdish autonomous region. This development carries significant implications for international relations and the oil industry.
The Core of the Dispute
The discord between Turkey and Iraq originated from a longstanding disagreement about independent Kurdish oil exports. In 2014, Ankara and Erbil reached an agreement that permitted oil pumped in landlocked Iraqi Kurdistan to be independently sold via Turkey’s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Iraq, however, contended that this arrangement violated a 1973 pipeline agreement, as it allowed oil exports from Iraqi Kurdistan without Iraq’s permission.
In March, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ruled in favor of Iraq, leading to the cessation of the pipeline’s operations. Despite rumors of a potential diplomatic visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad to discuss the resumption of the pipeline, the dispute’s economic, political, and legal repercussions continue to magnify.
The Impact on Global Oil Markets and Local Economies
The pipeline’s suspension has significantly influenced global oil markets and local economies. The pipeline carried approximately 0.5% of global oil production, and its sudden shutdown spurred global oil prices to rise above $70 a barrel.
This issue is particularly pertinent for the European Union, which had increased its imports of Iraqi oil to replace Russian gas. With the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) oil flow cut off, Europe now faces a precarious situation. The blockade has already cost the KRG over $2 billion, which could potentially devastate northern Iraq’s economy and lead to the collapse of the semi-autonomous KRG.
The Potential Fallout and Risks
The ongoing crisis carries severe risks and potential fallout. International oil companies operating in Iraq have already cut investment by $400 million, threatened legal action against the governments deemed responsible, and laid off hundreds of workers. If the situation persists, Iraq’s reputation among investors could be severely damaged.
One of the biggest risks involves the potential collapse of the KRG due to the loss of oil revenues from the pipeline dispute. Some of its oil is likely to be diverted via Iran, while Turkey may turn to Iranian and Russian oil to meet its own demands. This could trigger a bureaucratic conflict between the two main rival factions in the KRG, potentially escalating into a full-blown civil war.
Efforts to Resolve the Dispute
Despite the complexity of the dispute, diplomatic efforts have been made to resolve the issue. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has met with Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abd al-Ghani in Ankara, emphasizing the importance of restarting the flow of oil. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also visited Baghdad and the Kurdish regional capital of Erbil. However, an agreement to resume oil exports still seems elusive unless significant concessions are made.
With the potential resumption of the oil pipeline’s operations, there is hope for a resolution. However, the dispute’s lingering effects continue to pose significant challenges to regional stability, global oil markets, and the economies of both Turkey and Iraq.
