Kurdistan producers warn no quick restart to Iraq-Turkey pipeline, 4 OCT
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
George W. Bush’s Reflections: A Look Back at Middle East Turmoil and U.S. Engagement, 4 OCT
George W. Bush’s Reflections: A Look Back at Middle East Turmoil and U.S. Engagement, 4 OCT
The Middle East has long been a crucible of geopolitical complexities and tensions, and the early 2000s were no exception. As the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, presided over a critical period in the region’s history. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his reflections on the Middle East violence of 2002 and the enduring U.S. presence in the region.
The Bush Doctrine: A New Approach and George W. Bush’s Perspective
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, President Bush had initiated a robust and controversial response. The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001 aimed at dismantling Al-Qaeda and toppling the Taliban regime. However, by 2002, the administration’s focus began to shift toward Iraq.
In our interview, President Bush acknowledged the complexity of the Middle East situation in 2002 and his administration’s determination to address it. He emphasized the importance of understanding the broader context within which U.S. decisions were made.
“The events of September 11th were a turning point not only for the United States but also for our approach to international security,” President Bush stated. “The Bush Doctrine, which I articulated during that time, asserted that the United States had the right to preemptive action against countries and organizations that posed a significant threat to our national security.”
Middle East Peace: An Elusive Goal
President Bush expressed his deep concern for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that was escalating in 2002. “Achieving lasting peace in the Middle East was one of my administration’s key foreign policy objectives,” he said. “We believed that a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, was not only possible but essential for regional stability.”
However, he acknowledged the challenges faced in brokering such a peace deal. “The situation was incredibly complex, with deep-rooted historical grievances and a lack of trust on both sides,” he noted. “Our efforts, including the Roadmap for Peace, were met with setbacks and frustrations.”
The Iraq Question
As our conversation turned to Iraq, President Bush spoke about the decision to confront Saddam Hussein’s regime. “Iraq was a deeply divisive issue, both domestically and internationally,” he recalled. “We believed, based on the intelligence available at the time, that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and posed a grave threat to regional and global security.”
He continued, “It’s essential to remember that the decisions made in those years were not taken lightly. We believed we were acting in the best interests of the United States and the world, even though subsequent investigations found no evidence of such weapons.”
Lessons Learned: A Complex Legacy
Reflecting on the years since his presidency, George W. Bush discussed the enduring U.S. presence in the Middle East. “The Middle East remains a region of critical importance to global stability,” he said. “Our actions in the early 2000s had far-reaching consequences, some of which we’re still grappling with today.”
He emphasized the importance of constant evaluation and learning. “It’s essential to learn from history and adapt our strategies accordingly. While we aimed for democracy and stability, the region has experienced significant upheaval and challenges.”
President Bush’s reflections provide valuable insights into a period of U.S. history marked by pivotal decisions and their consequences. The Middle East remains a region where the echoes of those decisions continue to resonate, and as the world grapples with evolving dynamics, the lessons learned from the early 2000s continue to inform contemporary foreign policy
"RV UPDATE" BY MNT GOAT & WALKINGSTICK, 4 OCT
Mnt Goat
Article: "THE CENTRAL BANK INTENDS TO ADOPT FOUR CURRENCIES INSTEAD OF THE DOLLAR FOR EXTERNAL TRANSFER" Yes, they are finally going to pay for imports outside of the dollar. Wonderfull news for us… Yet another sign the currency auctions to pay for imports solely in US dollars is coming to an end and fast. This yet more WOW! News!
Walkingstick
[Iraqi banking friend Aki update]
Why October 1st [to open your bank]?
AKI: This date was chosen. That date was based on when the HCL would come out. Also this date was picked to pay the Iraqi citizens their oil sales proceeds through the HCL. 'As of yesterday [October 1st] all Iraqi citizens past the age of 16 years old should have opened an account or one was opened for them...
As of [October 1st] Iraqi citizens from around the world can open in these banks. They've been coming in to my bank to open up because of the monetary reform education...
[Iraqi banking friend Aki update]
Your bank opened?
Yes it did...The bank was not open until now to the public...Due to the United States Treasury giving them a new license they now can run as an international bank inside of the United States of America that will have to follow all international banking laws inside of America.
This is not the only one [bank] that has an opening around the world...As of this hour we're in right now, worldwide 138 of these banks have opened so far...
Iraqi Prime Minister Scheduled to Discuss Bilateral Relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, 4 OCT
Iraqi Prime Minister Scheduled to Discuss Bilateral Relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, 4 OCT
The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, is expected to visit Moscow in the coming weeks, according to a statement from the Iraqi foreign ministry. While specific details about the visit and the agenda for the meeting have not been disclosed, it is anticipated that discussions could touch on bilateral relations, regional issues, and other topics of mutual interest between Iraq and Russia.
Strengthening Iraq-Russia Relations
The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein after a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, both leaders discussed the prospects of joint cooperation and the potential for strengthening relations between the two countries.
“The Iraqi side is working on completing necessary preparations for a visit by Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al Sudani to the capital Moscow during the coming weeks,” stated Mr Hussein. He further highlighted that the talks between the two sides could provide an excellent opportunity to discuss cooperation in the political and economic fields.
It was also suggested that a meeting of the joint Iraqi-Russian committee could be held in conjunction with this visit. Sergey Lavrov echoed his counterpart’s sentiments, emphasizing Russia’s eagerness to develop relations with Iraq and expressing anticipation for Mr Al Sudani’s visit to Moscow.
Decades of Bilateral Relations
Over the years, Iraq and Russia have built a robust bilateral relationship, primarily focusing on energy, military, and security. Major Russian oil companies, including Gazprom Neft and Lukoil, are actively working in Iraq, particularly in the oil-rich south. In his visit earlier this year, Mr Lavrov mentioned that Russian companies had made substantial investments in Iraq, totaling around $13 billion.
This relationship is further solidified by Iraq’s position as the second-largest producer of crude oil in OPEC, following Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, the US and EU have yet to impose sanctions on Russia’s oil sector, despite the punitive measures designed to impact its economy and financial system following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Iraq-Russia Collaboration Against ISIS
In addition to their bilateral cooperation in various fields, Iraq has also been coordinating with Moscow in the fight against ISIS. In 2014, Iraq, Russia, Iran, and Syria established a security coordination committee a few months after the US formed an international coalition in the war against the extremist group.
When the UN General Assembly passed a US-led resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iraq abstained, along with China, Iran, India, Pakistan, Armenia, and 16 African countries. The resolution was ultimately adopted with the support of 141 countries out of 193.
"RV UPDATE" BY FRANK26, 4 OCT
Frank26
Now they will only use the auctions for the GOI to run its businesses from now on making it very difficult for Iran to steal dinars through the auctions because that's where they used to steal the dollar through the auctions but there are no more dollars and that's why your security and stability is so strong right now. That's why we believe you're article VIII and the whole world is pouring in right now because they know that.
Oh my goodness the float is going to be fantastic. You think the float is going to take a few months? No. It may take a few hours!
One of the mandates, rules, orders, laws of the WTO is not for you to have an international currency value but for you to have a currency with no restrictions...
That's why you'll [Iraq] be part of the WTO because you won't have any restrictions...Everyday you get closer and closer and closer. The inchworm, it's getting there isn't it. All these pieces are snapping together perfect...
A long time ago, I told you, the moment you see the HCL, seconds later you'll see the new exchange rate...
There are a lot of rumors saying this guy got all this [HCL] money, they're going to get it every month for now on. No. No. If it's true, show me. It's been 5 or 6 days now and you still have not shown the internet...The rumors have some truth to them.
IMO the HCL is being distributed in tranches. These increments are only being done specifically. But the HCL is not out yet...The moment you see the HCL, BOOM! You'll see the new exchange rate.
The WTO...you don't have to have a high exchange rate. But what do you have to have in order to be part of the WTO? Your currency must be what? Sanction free. There must not be any restrictions on your bank or your currency to join the WTO.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Al-Sudani Directs To Equip Border Forces With Modern Weapons And Secure All Their Technical And Security Requirements /Expanded, 23 NOV
Al-Sudani Directs To Equip Border Forces With Modern Weapons And Secure All Their Technical And Security Requirements /Expanded Thursday 2...
-
Frank26 [Bank story] This time we didn't go down, we just called [the bank]... We said we want to see if we can exchange some cu...
-
Bank appointment for Currency EXCHANGE Instructions/Checklist Bank Name_________________________________________ Bank 800#____________...
-
Walkingstick All these meetings that the CBI had with all these agencies that were helping them with their monetary reform are done. Al...