Middle East Tensions Escalate: Israel and Iran at the Brink, U.S. on the Sidelines, 14 JAN

Middle East Tensions Escalate: Israel and Iran at the Brink, U.S. on the Sidelines

As tensions rise to a fever pitch in the Middle East, Israel and Iran find themselves on the precipice of conflict. With the U.S. sitting in the back seat, the situation raises hard questions about power, alliances, and the cost of war. Amidst this, Israel faces mounting legal challenges, and the Biden administration faces criticism for its stance on the Israeli-U.S. alliance.

The Chessboard of Conflict

The United States and the United Kingdom joined forces on January 11 to strike Houthi military facilities in Yemen, a move condemned by Iran. The Houthis, aiming to control all of Yemen, have continually threatened international shipping in the Red Sea.

Parallel to this, Israel’s military operations across Gaza City have faced serious backlash, with reports of civilian housing being targeted. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks since October 7 have caused at least 23,812 fatalities, including over 10,000 children.

The Web of Alliances

Israel’s actions have led to retaliatory attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against vessels in the Red Sea, placing Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on high alert. Following these strikes, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two companies for shipping Iranian goods to fund the Houthis.

Despite the escalating tensions, the likelihood of these strikes spiralling into a regional war remains limited. Iran, despite being an ally of the Houthis, does not appear eager to engage in a full-scale war, preferring to keep its involvement indirect. Allies of Iran have launched attacks from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, further internationalizing the conflict.

The Blame Game and the Road Ahead

The United States has been accused of operational involvement in the Houthis’ Red Sea attacks, an allegation that Iran denies, insisting that its allies make their own decisions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, an ally of Bahrain, has called for restraint and avoiding escalation.

Amidst the turmoil, the Houthi’s power in Yemen has grown, prompting Saudi Arabia to hold peace talks in an attempt to step back from the war. However, the conflict continues to escalate with no clear end in sight, leaving the region hanging in a precarious balance.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/middle-east-tensions-escalate-israel-and-iran-at-the-brink-u-s-on-the-sidelines/

"RESPONSE TO PIMPY'S POST 1-12-2024" BY FNU LNU, 14 JAN

 Fnu Lnu 

 [Response to Pimpy's Post 1-12-2024 below]

  ...Iraq is an "IMPORT COUNTRY" with, at this time, little to export except oil.  To rebuild the country, they will have to IMPORT almost everything they need so they WANT a very STRONG currency so they get much more for their Dinar...If they were an export country they would want a very cheap Dinar as is the case with Vietnam who profits from a vigorous export business due to cheap DONG.

🔥Iraqi Dinar🔥Exciting News🔥News Guru Intel Update IQD Value to USD🤑💵🤑🎉

Barzani and al-Khazali Discuss Political and Security Challenges in Iraq, 14 JAN

Barzani and al-Khazali Discuss Political and Security Challenges in Iraq

In a crucial diplomatic rendezvous, Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan region, convened with the eminent Shiite leader Qais al-Khazali. As the head of the powerful Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, al-Khazali’s influence in the political arena is immense. Their meeting revolved around the pressing political and security challenges that Iraq currently grapples with. The growing threat of extremist groups and the broader, overarching tensions in the Middle East were among the key issues discussed.

Dialogues for a Resilient Iraq

Barzani and al-Khazali addressed the necessity of fostering an understanding and cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi central government. They emphasized that resolving the ongoing issues that have been plaguing the nation is contingent on this dialogue. Furthermore, both leaders agreed on the critical need to insulate Iraq from regional conflicts. This consensus highlights their mutual commitment to the stability and sovereignty of Iraq.

An Analysis of Recent Provincial Elections

Besides the security and political issues, the outcomes of the recent provincial elections in Iraq were also scrutinized during the meeting. An in-depth review of the electoral results could pave the way for a more democratic and representative political environment. This, in turn, could strengthen Iraq’s governance and its capacity to confront the existing challenges.

Enhancing Iraq’s Foreign Relations

Another key point of discussion was the future of Iraq’s relations with other countries. Both leaders concurred on the necessity to enhance these relations based on mutual interests. Building robust and beneficial foreign relations could significantly bolster Iraq’s global standing and contribute to its socio-economic development.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/iraq/barzani-and-al-khazali-discuss-political-and-security-challenges-in-iraq/

"RV UPDATE" BY MARKZ, 14 JAN

 MarkZ  

 [via PDK]  There is a lot of good news coming out of Iraq… Lots of good group chatter...There is all kinds of exciting rumors.

  “Sudani: We are proceeding in the wheel of reconstruction and construction despite the challenges facing us”  Sudani says they are meeting and fulfilling their promises to the Iraqi people.  Part of the wheel of reconstruction is the Monetary reform and the White Papers and making the dinar stronger and more valuable.

The news continues to be great…Things look great and I’m not hearing anything negative...We just have to wait and see what is real …We are getting so many things thrown at us…we don’t know yet what is accurate... Most groups are looking for over the weekend or first of next week…let’s see what happens

”Here is a great article written last August..”The Kuwaiti Dinar: A closer look at the world’s strongest currency”   this talks about the history of the Kuwait dinar and why it is so valued…They have many of the same things going for it that Iraq now has.  What does that tell us? The Iraqi dinar should be worth the same or higher…imo

PM Al-Sudani's Commitment Fulfilling Promises to the Iraqi People | Iraq...

Banks in race to boost charter capital, 14 JAN

 Henig: Vietnam

Banks in race to boost charter capital

January 12, 2024 - 10:06

It is anticipated that there will be significant changes in the scale of the banking sector's charter capital this year.

HÀ NỘI — It is anticipated that there will be significant changes in the scale of the banking sector's charter capital this year as several joint-stock commercial banks have announced their plans to raise capital.

In a recently issued official dispatch, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has granted approval to a number of banks to increase their charter capital through various methods, such as issuing shares for dividend distribution, conducting private placements and issuing shares to foreign strategic investors.

The banks include Liên Việt Post Joint Stock Commercial Bank (LPBank), National Citizen Commercial Joint Stock Bank (NCB) and SaigonBank.

NCB on January 2 said that the SBV allowed it to increase its charter capital to over VNĐ11.8 trillion (US$484.5 million). The lender will issue 620 million shares at VNĐ10,000 per share, bringing its charter capital from VNĐ5.6 trillion to VNĐ11.8 trillion.

The increase is to supplement capital for business activities and strengthen the bank's financial capacity.

The plan will be implemented after being approved by the State Securities Commission (SSC), expected in the second quarter of 2024. The transfer of these shares is restricted within one year from the date of completing the offering.

Similarly, LPBank was approved to increase its charter capital from nearly VNĐ20.6 trillion to VNĐ25.6 trillion.

Previously, the bank had already been granted permission to raise its charter capital by a maximum of nearly VNĐ11.4 trillion, as approved at the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Accordingly, it released over 328.5 million shares for dividend distribution at a rate of 19 per cent and also issued additional shares to existing shareholders with a total value of VNĐ5 trillion.

With the increased charter capital, LPBank continues to rank among the top private joint-stock commercial banks with the largest charter capital in the banking system.

In late December 2023, SaigonBank also obtained approval to raise its charter capital by up to VNĐ308 billion through a share issuance aimed at paying dividends to existing shareholders.

The bank's representative said that the increase in charter capital is essential for SaigonBank to enhance its financial strength and embrace technological advancements in line with industry trends.

On January 12, BacABank will finalise the list of shareholders receiving 2022's share dividends.

In particular, BacABank plans to issue more than 62.5 million shares to pay dividends at a rate of 7.5 per cent, meaning a shareholder owning 1,000 shares will receive 75 new shares. The number of fractional shares (if any) will be distributed to the bank union.

Charter capital plays a crucial role in measuring the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and determining the credit ratings of financial institutions. The CAR ratio is computed in accordance with Circular No. 41, which adopts internationally recognised Basel II standards and sets a minimum requirement of 8 per cent.

However, experts noted that despite the continuous plans of banks to increase their capital, especially in the fourth quarter of 2023, with numerous banks actively completing the necessary procedures to distribute shares to increase charter capital and provide additional resources, the Vietnamese banking system still faces capital constraints, with a significantly lower Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) compared to many other countries in the region.

In particular, several countries in the region have already implemented or partially adopted Basel III.

According to the latest data released by the SBV, as of May 2023, the total charter capital of the entire credit institution system reached more than VNĐ888.8 trillion, up 1.35 per cent from the end of 2022. — VNS     LINK