Afternoon News with MarkZ. 12/14/2023

"MY CONVERSATION WITH CBI CONTACT" BY MNT GOAT, 14 DEC

 My Conversation with my CBI Contact 12/13/23:

As you know I try to talk to my Iraqi CBI contact each week on Wednesdays and sometimes also on Saturdays. My contact is a very god friend that I met when I was stationed in Iraq during the occupation timeframe. I trust what my contact says to me. Besides we are getting information first hand from an actual citizen living, working and experiencing everything happening in Iraq without bias or propaganda.

We began our conversation with talk about the disputes going on with the US forces and all the bombings. This is important I was told. Who is conducting the bombings and does the US forces have a right to protect themselves? It was confirmed to me that this is all a movement to rid Iraq once again of US forces. There is lots of propaganda being told to the people about this to get pressure on the government to rid them of the US.

 Remember too, the Iranian militia has remained in Iraq post ISIS war. That was over 16 years already since the war ended (2007) and so many look at them now as Arabic, Moslum brothers compared to the western armed forces, at least this is what many Iranian Shia think. Remember there are patriotic Shia and then there are Iranian Shia. This is the middle eastern culture. But even the citizens are afraid (mostly Sunni) of what will happen if the US forces do pull out entirely again. Who will fill the gap this time as there will be a gap and the Iraqi forces are not strong enough yet. It is like a double-edged sword. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. So many Iraqi people are confused.

This time, if the US does pull out, it is widely felt by the average citizen the Iranian Hezbollah militia forces and not ISIS the citizens will fear the most. They walk the streets in their uniforms with arms. They claim they are still here to protect the Iraqi people from ISIS. Really? But, my contact says this is just an excuse to occupy Iraq and a contradiction. Like the US forces, but there are even more Iranians, they too are occupiers. My contact does not understand why the US does not challenge them as occupiers too and put this issue on the table with the government.

Then we changed the subject and talked about the currency reform. I asked about the impact of the confrontations with the US over their military stationed in Iraq. I was told the situation it does impact the progress of the planned events for December as the committee was brought into a meeting with the leadership and told everything was now “on hold”. I know, I know I too was a bit shocked at the news and did not like it. But I know for a fact that January is the best and most opportune time to revalue and drastically change the program rate to an international rate on the global exchanges. But the program rate is already on a pseudo-float within the country.

I asked what the next targeted steps where and I was told that the committee does not even know and were told just to standby and the CBI is going to try to “push” to continue as they are ready for the next step in the process. I was told the IMF is negotiating the new peg for the dinar but to remember it impacts all countries in this new peg not just Iraq.  I was told this is close to being completed an should be done this week ending. This lines us up for next week to begin the currency sway out, but they told me it is delayed until further notice.  So, at least we now have a timeline when they did plan it and still could do it based on what happens with the US bombing issue. My contact did reiterate that the process now is irreversible” and must go forward. The US had already given assurances they would not back out if the CBI moved ahead. So all I can say is let’s sit tight and watch what does happen in the coming week.

https://mntgoatnewsusa.com/latest-mnt-goat-newsletter/

U.S. Support for Israel: A New Low in American Exceptionalism?, 14 DEC

 U.S. Support for Israel: A New Low in American Exceptionalism?

The United States’ policy towards Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza has ignited a storm of debate, with critics arguing that American support for Israeli actions signifies a significant crisis for U.S. democracy. This crisis, they argue, is comparable in severity to the tumultuous events of January 6, 2021, when the U.S. Capitol was stormed by protestors. Both Democrats and Republicans stand accused of creating a repressive atmosphere where criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian resistance is effectively silenced.

The Crumbling Pillars of American Exceptionalism

Reflecting the gravity of this situation, multiple university presidents have been forced to resign, a turn of events that underscores the crisis in American exceptionalism. In a world that has often looked to the U.S. as a beacon of democratic values, the country’s unwavering support for Israel, despite numerous alleged human rights violations, has raised eyebrows.

The U.S.’ History of Double Standards

Such a predicament is not unprecedented. The U.S. has a storied history of double standards, notably its notorious invasion of Iraq under the false pretenses of weapons of mass destruction. The country’s consistent vetoing of United Nations Security Council resolutions supporting Israel adds another layer to this narrative.

The recent U.S. veto of a cease-fire resolution in the Security Council, juxtaposed against its continued supply of military equipment to Israel, further underscores its perceived complicity in the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement that Israel would decide when to end the war, despite escalating civilian casualties, was met with widespread disapproval.

A Thorn in the Side of Global Justice

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the U.S. for its lone veto, positing that a fair world is not feasible with the current U.S. policies. His sentiment echoes a growing global consensus: the U.S. is increasingly seen as an obstacle to a just world, its policy towards Gaza representing a new low in American exceptionalism.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/u-s-support-for-israel-a-new-low-in-american-exceptionalism/

Awake-in-3D: Why Iraq hasn’t Independently Revalued the IQD Higher (Part 2), 14 DEC

Awake-in-3D: Why Iraq hasn’t Independently Revalued the IQD Higher (Part 2), 14  DEC

On December 13, 2023
By Awake-In-3D

A Pragmatic Analysis of an Iraqi Dinar RV in Today’s Global Financial Landscape

This multi-part article series discusses the following subjects:

Part 1: Iraq’s Dollar Crisis and Lack of Confidence in the IQD
Part 2: Why Iraq hasn’t Independently Revalued the IQD Higher
Part 3: What Would Happen Today if the IQD was Revalued to $3.00?
Part 4: Iraq’s Pivot Towards BRICS and Geopolitical Shift
Part 5: A Gold-Backed “PetroYuan” as an IQD RV Solution
Part 6: Why Saudi Arabia’s Recent Geopolitical Pivot Matters to Our RV/GCR
Part 7: BRICS Alliance and its Potential Gold/Asset-Backed Common Trade Currency
Part 8: A Pragmatic and Realistic Base Case for a Meaningful RV/GCR

In Part 1 of this article series, I outlined Iraq’s Dollar Crisis and Lack of Confidence in the IQD.

Here in Part 2, I discuss Iraq’s current peg to the US dollar and the financial challenges they face in order to revalue (re-peg) the IQD substantially higher against the US Dollar and other major currencies in general.

The question arises: why won’t Iraq simply re-peg the IQD at a higher rate, say $1.00/IQD, and potentially open the door for a substantial revaluation?

Iraq’s currency exchange rate arrangement is classified as a stabilized soft peg anchored to the US dollar.

As Iraq grapples with a crisis of confidence in its national currency, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the Government of Iraq (GOI) maintain a delicate balance by soft-pegging the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) at 1310 IQD/USD. This peg, held with purpose, acts as a stabilizing force in their evolving economic environment.

The question arises: why won’t Iraq simply re-peg the IQD at a higher rate, say $1.00/IQD, and potentially open the door for a substantial revaluation?

The answer lies in the significant economic challenges that Iraq faces. While the CBI and GOI possess the authority to re-peg the IQD at will, the feasibility of maintaining a higher peg rate becomes evident when considering the existing instability and insecurity within Iraq’s borders (not to mention their current economic situation).

The stark reality is that an abrupt shift to a higher peg rate, such as $1.00/IQD, demands a significant reserve of US dollars that Iraq currently cannot sustain at this time.

According to recent article from al-Sabaah News in Iraq, there are an estimated 100 trillion Iraqi Dinar circulating outside of the banking system (out of a total of 173 trillion IQD in circulation).

Let that 100 Trillion IQD number sink in for a moment…

In order for any currency to maintain it’s valuation against other currencies, the economy of the nation must support that valuation.

Iraq must pull in and destroy the a very large portion of those physical 100 trillion IQD notes in order to re-peg the Dinar to a higher rate. If one looks at Iraq’s current economic situation, their GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is only around $260 billion in USD terms.

If one takes a look at all of Iraq’s key 2023 economic indicators compared with it’s neighboring countries that have a much higher exchange rate (including Kuwait), an independent RV approaching $1.00 per IQD is financial suicide today.

This is why Iraq is constantly discussing it’s US dollar problem, the need to bring more IQD into the banking system (in Iraq), and deleting three zeros off of their notes. Yet even deleting three zeros would mean there are still over 173 billion (instead of 173 trillion) IQD in circulation.

Consequently, if Iraq were to RV, they would require a substantially higher GDP, or substantially higher foreign exchange reserves than their current $100 million USD FX reserves they have in the bank.

Understanding these financial constraints provides clarity on why Iraq hesitates to independently revalue the IQD at this time.

The risk of exacerbating instability and compounding the no-confidence crisis at the proposed revaluation rate creates a formidable obstacle. The existing economic landscape demands a cautious approach, prompting Iraq to navigate its economic and currency valuation challenges strategically.

All of this said, the main point is that Iraq cannot just independently RV (float or peg) today as many appear to believe. But there is another path…

While the allure of a higher IQD valuation is enticing, the reality is that Iraq’s financial limitations, coupled with its prevailing geopolitical instability, necessitate a more measured and calculated path for now.

The pivotal question arises: can Iraq sustain a higher peg rate without succumbing to the financial pitfalls described above?

This question underscores the intricate dance that Iraq engages in today as it strives for economic rejuvenation while treading carefully to avoid the certain economic suicide of premature or unsustainable financial maneuvers.

All of this said, the main point is that Iraq cannot just independently RV (float or peg) today as many appear to believe.

There is a path towards a successful and sustainable RV or $3.00 (or higher) for the IQD

Part 3 of this article series specifically addresses a scenario where Iraq independently RV’s at a value of $3.00 per IQD and introduces a likely “existential” solution for achieving this exchange rate.

Global Efforts to Boost Inbound Tourism: A Three-Year Plan Unveiled, 14 DEC

 In an ambitious, three-year pursuit to amplify inbound tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is embarking on a series of strategic initiatives aimed at elevating the tourism experience and ensuring widespread benefits. The plan includes refining the policy environment, mitigating existing obstacles, fostering unity within the industry, and stimulating product innovation.

Shanghai’s Global Tourism Ambassadors

Shanghai has kickstarted the ‘Visit Shanghai’ campaign, launching a fresh wave in its tourism industry. The city has designated seven international ambassadors, each hailing from a different country, to represent ‘Shanghai Global Tourism’. This initiative also saw the release of a new culture and tourism promotional video, and the signing of cooperation agreements with Shanghai Global News Network, SMG International, and China Tourism Academy. The city’s inbound tourism market has shown promising growth, with 2.299 million visits recorded in the first three quarters of the year. Going forward, 2024 will witness a series of cultural activities, sports events, and continuous optimization of the inbound tourism environment.

Religious Tourism: Iraq and Punjab

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Iraq engaged in discussions with Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on promoting bilateral relations and religious tourism. The conversation touched upon the potential of religious tourism between the two countries and the Punjab government’s endeavors to create an investment-friendly environment. To streamline this process, a Facilitation Centre has been set up in Lahore, with similar centers planned for other cities. The Iraqi ambassador expressed keen interest in leveraging the investment opportunities in Punjab.

Boosting Tourism in Karnataka

Elsewhere, Karnataka’s tourism minister HK Patil unveiled a new tourism policy aimed at enhancing tourism in the state. This initiative includes infrastructure improvement at tourist spots, promoting public-private participation in monument adoption, and resolution of disputes between government departments and stakeholders. The state government has identified 856 monuments for conservation, with plans to notify 500 more next year, inviting private firms, NGOs, and public participation in the conservation efforts. Initiatives for education, agriculture, adventure, wildlife, and religious tourism are also part of this comprehensive plan.

Focus on Sustainable Development in Greek Tourism

In Greece, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni announced a new legal framework for spatial plan defining land use for tourism purposes. This will prioritize sustainable development, diversifying and improving the competitiveness of the tourism product, upgrading tourism education, and strengthening the promotion of Greek tourism. Significant emphasis is being placed on marine tourism and the upgradation of tourist port infrastructure. The first Mediterranean Coastal and Maritime Tourism Observatory is also in the pipeline, marking a new phase in tourism promotion through digital transformation.

https://bnnbreaking.com/travel-tourism/global-efforts-to-boost-inbound-tourism-a-three-year-plan-unveiled/

Iraq International Plan - World Bank - World Trade Organization - Europe... by MILITIAMAN

COP28: Iraq’s Reservations, Credit Agricole’s Shift, and Billionaires’ Influence, 14 DEC

 In an unprecedented move, Iraq voiced concerns regarding a clause in the final agreement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai on December 13, 2023. The Iraqi delegation argued that the stipulation could hamper its ability to fulfill its commitments to the people and national interests. The Iraqi government praised the efforts of its negotiators, who successfully preserved the role of fossil fuels in the country’s development and avoided potentially detrimental measures proposed by developed countries.

Global Stance on Fossil Fuel Consumption

Simultaneously, France’s second-largest listed bank, Credit Agricole, announced its decision to discontinue financing new fossil fuel projects, aligning with its climate objectives. The bank also vowed to disclose its sector exposure. The announcement comes in the wake of nearly 200 countries at COP28 agreeing to curtail global fossil fuel consumption—a move cherished by U.S. President Joe Biden as a historic milestone despite the looming challenges in meeting global climate goals.

Saudi Arabia’s Support and Unresolved Issues

Saudi Arabia also backed the COP28 agreement, underscoring the sovereignty of countries to determine their routes to cleaner energy. However, the summit left various intricate issues, such as climate change adaptation and financing, unresolved.

Delay in Arms Supply to Israel

In a separate development, the Biden administration delayed the sale of over 20,000 U.S.-made rifles to Israel due to concerns around violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Unveiling the Billionaires’ Influence

An analysis by Oxfam revealed that at least a quarter of the billionaires registered as delegates at COP28 amassed their fortunes from high-polluting industries like petrochemicals, mining, and beef production. The report raises questions about the influence of ultra-rich, mega-emitters on global efforts to tackle the climate crisis. The study also showed that fewer than one in 10 businesses represented at COP28 have lobbying efforts that support Paris-aligned climate policy.

https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/climate-environment/cop28-iraqs-reservations-credit-agricoles-shift-and-billionaires-influence/