The Baghdad dollar rose on Thursday evening despite the official “easing of restrictions” on money changers, 24 NOV
Friday, November 24, 2023
The Baghdad dollar rose on Thursday evening despite the official “easing of restrictions” on money changers, 24 NOV
American Strikes in Iraq: A Shift in US-Iran Conflict?, 24 NOV
American Strikes in Iraq: A Shift in US-Iran Conflict?
The recent American strikes against Hezbollah Brigades positions in Iraq, particularly in Jurf al-Sakhar and north-west of Baghdad, have ignited a flurry of political activity and speculation. According to a political researcher who spoke to “Asharq Al-Awsat”, these strikes may be indicative of a restructuring and rebalancing of the US-Iran conflict dynamic within Iraq, which had been witnessing a breach that needs recalibration. The strikes have been greeted with condemnations from the federal government and most Shiite parties and factions, fueling fears of Iraq being dragged into a new cycle of warfare.
The Coordination Framework’s Statement
The Coordination Framework, which represents the majority of Shiite forces excluding the Sadrist movement, issued a statement hinting at a desire to maintain amicable relations with Washington. The statement underscored the defined roles of international coalition forces under Iraqi law and condemned any actions beyond combating ISIS remnants as serious violations. The group also appreciated the government’s efforts to protect diplomatic missions and enforce the law.
A Shift in American Strategy
Dr. Ghazi Faisal, head of the Center for Strategic Studies, perceives a shift in American strategy from deterring to attacking militias linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. His interpretation is backed by US sources, which claim the recent strikes were a reaction to over 60 attacks by these factions on US personnel in Iraq and Syria since the Gaza war commenced in early October. Faisal warns that if these militias intensify their operations, the US might escalate to a full confrontation, possibly targeting militia leaders akin to the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and the deputy head of the PMU, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, three years ago.
Adjusting the US-Iran Conflict Balance
Political analyst Ahmed Al-Yasiri views the American strikes as a measure to readjust the US-Iran conflict balance in Iraq, rather than a reaction to the Gaza war’s expansion. Al-Yasiri warns that a failure to respond could embarrass the Biden administration, which has recently seen a setback in polls. He predicts a highly tense period ahead, with Washington eager to keep Israeli involvement minimal to contain the Gaza war.
Temporary Truce between Hamas and Israel
In related news, Mahmoud al-Mardawi, a leader in Hamas, confirmed that mediators in the temporary truce with Israel have pledged that Israel will not re-arrest the released Palestinians once Hamas releases their captives. The truce also involves the entry of food, medical supplies, and fuel into the region, along with the prisoner exchange.
https://bnn.network/world/us/american-strikes-in-iraq-a-shift-in-us-iran-conflict/
Baghdad confirms to the UN that it is able to ensure security, 24 NOV
Baghdad confirms to the UN that it is able to ensure security
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, confirmed on Thursday that the security forces can ensure security and confront any challenge.
Al-Shammari’s statement took place during his meeting with the representative of the UN secretary-general, Volker Peretz, where they discussed the role of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The Iraqi Interior Minister made it clear that the security forces are always evolving and that the Ministry of Interior is making every effort to serve the people to the best of its ability.
The Iraqi official also demonstrated how well border controls, the fight against drugs and crime, and human rights are being upheld.
Al-Shammari’s remarks follow condemnation expressed by the Iraqi government of the strikes carried out by US forces against sites belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Jurf Al-Nasr in Babylon governorate.
The spokesperson of the Iraqi government, Basem Al-Awadi, mentioned in a statement on Wednesday that the Iraqi government considers the recent escalation a dangerous step involving an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
“We strongly condemn the attack that targeted the Jurf Al-Nasr area, which took place without the knowledge of the Iraqi government,” Al-Awadi explained.
At least five people were killed in the early hours of Wednesday after PMF sites southwest of Baghdad were targeted by air strikes carried out by US forces.
US Central Command forces carried out separate and precise strikes on two facilities in Iraq, according to a statement released by the US Army.
The US Army added that the strikes were a direct response to attacks on American and coalition forces by Iran and groups supported by Tehran.
The Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, Sabrina Singh, said in a press briefing last week that US forces in Syria and Iraq have been targeted in 55 attacks since October 17.
“There have been 27 attacks against US forces in Iraq and 28 attacks in Syria,” Singh explained.
Singh illustrated that 59 US personnel have received injuries since these attacks began.
The increase in attacks on US forces is linked to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began after the Palestinian movement carried out a surprise cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7, which, according to the Israeli authorities, killed about 1,400 people.
Following the attack, the United States rushed to provide military support to Israel, which has since launched a relentless air, land, and sea assault on Hamas-controlled Gaza.
About 2,500 American soldiers are deployed in Iraq, providing advisory missions to their Iraqi counterparts as part of the fight against ISIS, while about 900 American soldiers are deployed in Syria.
https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/baghdad-confirms-to-the-un-that-it-is-able-to-ensure-security/
Diversify Foreign Currency Sources to Curb Dollar Dominance, Urges Atwan Al-Atwani, 24 NOV
Diversify Foreign Currency Sources to Curb Dollar Dominance, Urges Atwan Al-Atwani
In a significant turn of events, Atwan Al-Atwani, the head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, asserted the need for diversifying foreign currency sources in commercial transactions. The move is deemed critical in tackling the escalating demand for the US dollar. Al-Atwani lauded the Central Bank of Iraq for its monumental strides in stabilizing the market, curbing the dominance of the US dollar, and bolstering the Iraqi dinar’s role in international trade.
Addressing Dollar Dominance
Al-Atwani underscored the importance of this approach as a comprehensive solution and a well-considered strategy to pave new avenues. These avenues are expected to ensure the smooth execution of commercial transactions on multiple levels. The primary objective, he pointed out, is to reduce the overwhelming reliance on the US dollar and promote the use of other viable currencies in international trade.
Supporting the Central Bank of Iraq
Reiterating his full support for the Central Bank of Iraq, Al-Atwani was positive about the bank’s consistent steps towards rolling out realistic solutions for the crisis. The bank’s initiatives are aimed at reinforcing the Iraqi dinar’s position in global trade and reducing the market’s dependency on the US dollar.
Greenbridge Capital Launch
In related news, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior – Bladex (BLX), TC Latin America Partners and Toesca Asset Management announced the launch of Greenbridge Capital, a regional private lending platform. The first factoring vehicle of this platform will be funded by Bladex. The joint venture is set to commence operations in Chile by the end of 2023, with future expansion plans for other countries in the region, including Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. Greenbridge Capital’s first vehicle, with a financing capacity of up to $200 million, will focus exclusively on the Chilean factoring market.
"STATUS OF THE RV: BY DINR IRAQ & DONG VIETNAM, 24 NOV
Let me explain to you what their next target is, referencing the 2011 Dr Shabibi plan.
Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 11/24/2023
Iraq’s Lingering ISIS Challenge, 24 NOV
Iraq’s Lingering ISIS Challenge Iraq’s Lingering ISIS mission and the position of dialogue in go back and Reintegration KEY TAKEAWAYS: hea...
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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...
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Bank appointment for Currency EXCHANGE Instructions/Checklist Bank Name_________________________________________ Bank 800#____________...
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Walkingstick All these meetings that the CBI had with all these agencies that were helping them with their monetary reform are done. Al...