Coffee with MarkZ. 12/18/2023

Iran-Backed Militias Attack U.S. Targets in Iraq: Implications for Iraq’s Stability, 18 DEC

 Iran-Backed Militias Attack U.S. Targets in Iraq: Implications for Iraq’s Stability

Recent attacks by Iran-aligned groups on U.S. targets in Iraq have rattled the foundations of Iraq’s security and stability. These attacks, which include assaults on diplomatic headquarters, military bases, and troops, are closely interconnected with the Israeli-Gaza conflict, and notably escalated following Operation Al Aqsa Flood on October 7.

Government Response and the Militia Challenge

The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, has firmly condemned these attacks, blaming them on Iranian-backed militias such as the Badr Organization, Kata’ib Hezbollah, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, and Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada. Despite attempts to rein these groups in, the continued proliferation of weapons among non-state actors and the glaring inability of the Iraqi state to maintain control over security decisions persist.

Post-Operation Al Aqsa Flood meetings in Baghdad, involving Iranian officials and Iraqi militia commanders, underscore the overreach of non-state actors and the blatant undermining of Iraqi sovereignty.

Iran’s Strategic Calculus

The attacks, spearheaded by pro-Iran militias, are seen to harbor deeper motives than merely supporting the Palestinian cause. As per some Iranian experts, these actions are part of Iran’s strategic intent to expel U.S. forces from Iraq and expand its influence within the country unopposed. These developments risk escalating the conflict into a regional war, with profound implications for the Middle East and beyond.

Implications for Iraq’s Future

The current state of affairs threatens to derail Iraq’s journey towards economic and security improvements. Trade agreements execution and international assistance efforts are being obstructed, casting a dark cloud over the future of the nation. The resurgence of security turmoil in Iraq is hindering regional and international assistance, thereby impeding potential investments and trade agreements.

https://bnnbreaking.com/international-affairs/iran-backed-militias-attack-u-s-targets-in-iraq-implications-for-iraqs-stability/

"RV UPDATE" BY MARKZ, 18 DEC

 MarkZ 

 [via PDK]  I am not worried about a float. None of my bankers are worried about a float...I was told that because of the “Oil for Dinar“ program –the redeeming banks or redemption centers that this will be our best price.  All my bankers agree

They have been very upfront over the last couple of days that we are very close to the finish line for the Iraqi people.  This is about all they can say without giving away to much.  It is very exciting what we are hearing in Iraq. ...The leaders are telling the people that they are about to have an imminent change coming to their valuations and to pay attention when they shop...Most people believe they are setting us up for the next few days. I believe they may be accurate...It is coming from many different angles and directions.

 From Iraq:  “Statement of the Iraq Economic Contact Group of the G &, European Union and World Bank” They had some phenomenal meetings over the week about the tremendous progress that they have made in Iraq. This is coming from our own US embassy and consulate in Iraq. They talk about the budget and how it is “life changing” to Iraqis…. 

 Even more important is what is going on in the streets of Iraq in the last day. Sudani is explaining to the citizens that they need to pay attention to “valuations”. Especially in shopping and in stores. This is because they are strengthening the dinar.

Iraq Dinar - Iraq Internationalism - IMF - WB -Ernst & Young - WTO - LIVE BY MILITIAMAN

🔥Iraqi Dinar🔥A Big Change🔥News Guru Intel Update IQD Value to USD🤑💵🤑🎉

"RV UPDATE" BY FRANK26, 18 DEC

 Frank26 (KTFA)

There is hidden information being revealed in these [This week’s bank story] phone calls…They’re running out of time…The Venturi effect of the whole monetary reform is becoming so narrow he can barely get everything through fast enough right now.  The employees are being educated/updated.  Very good.  They are telling them the dinar…we’ll be doing it, sure…

The banks know when and they’re getting the customers ready and preparing them…This is what I am coming across…You may be still getting a lot of denials and that’s still to be expected, but I am a central hub of information.  People call me because they want me to share it with you…these bank stories are powerful.

If you held your dinars for 1 year and you have the receipt to prove that, the date, then more than likely you’ll be somewhere in the 20% range of taxes.  If you…have no receipt, oh boy, you might be in the 40%.  Yikes. 

 You have 1 million, you’ll have to give Uncle Sam $400,000.  I’d rather give him $200,000 because I have a receipt where I’ve held my dinars for at least 1 year.  For those of you…that just bought your dinars last month.  Hmmm.  You may have to consider to hold on to them for another 11 more months for tax purposes.

Iraq's financial revenues surpass 106 trillion IQD over 10 months, 18 DEC

Iraq's financial revenues surpass 106 trillion IQD over 10 months

Shafaq News / The Ministry of Finance disclosed on Monday that Iraq's revenue in the federal budget surpassed 106 trillion dinars over ten months, confirming a rise in oil contributions to the budget to 95%. However, an economic expert cautioned against the country's continued dependence on oil in its general budget. 

According to data released by the Ministry of Finance in December for the calculations spanning ten months of the current fiscal year, oil revenues remain the primary resource for Iraq's general budget, reaching 95%. This indicates that the country's economy heavily relies on oil revenues, forming the foundation of the national budget. 

Financial reports indicated that total revenues until October amounted to 106,843,096,310,000 dinars, excluding transfer revenues totaling 1,676,486,640,000 dinars. The total expenditures, including advances, reached 84,454,214,761,000 dinars. 

Furthermore, oil revenues accounted for 101,940,380,000,000 dinars, constituting 95% of the general budget. Conversely, non-oil revenues reached 5, 477,559,979,000 dinars. 

On the other hand, economic expert Mohammed Al-Hasani warned against "Iraq's persistent reliance solely on oil in its general budget," citing the volatility of global oil prices. He pointed out that "oil prices dropped from $90 to $70 per barrel, significantly affecting Iraq's overall budget." 

He further remarked, "Iraq has failed to diversify its other economic sectors despite financial surpluses," highlighting that "these surpluses were used in operational rather than investment expenditures." 

Earlier in March 2021, Prime Minister's financial affairs advisor Mudhhir Mohammad Saleh emphasized that the persisting reliance on oil as the sole source for the general budget stemmed from wars, economic blockades in past eras, and current political conflicts. This has led to a dispersion of economic resources. 

Continued dependence on oil as Iraq's sole budget source places the country at risk during global crises that periodically impact oil, prompting Iraq to address deficits by borrowing domestically or internationally, emphasizing the challenges in effectively managing state funds and the inability to find alternative financial solutions.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-s-financial-revenues-surpass-106-trillion-IQD-over-10-months