IRAQI GOVERNMENT'S STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN TRUCE WITH ARMED FACTIONS

DINAR REVALUATION UPDATE: CONCERNS ABOUT THE STABLE SECURITY IN IRAQ, IRAQ IS SEVERELY TESTED ABOUT THIS, AUGUST 23

Iraqi Government's Struggle to Sustain Truce with Armed Factions

As of August 23, 2024, the Iraqi government has indeed faced challenges in maintaining a truce with armed factions, particularly those supported by Iran. 1 The truce, which was initially agreed upon in October 2023, has been under strain due to the perceived lack of commitment from both the Iraqi and US governments in scheduling the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. 6 This has led to a resurgence in tensions, with the factions declaring the end of the unofficial truce and threatening new attacks against US military convoys and bases. 6

Stance of Armed Factions

The positions and statements of the armed factions operating under the umbrella of the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" have been clear and consistent, expressing that they are no longer bound by the truce with Washington and that the option of resuming attacks on American bases has become available again . 6 These factions have cited the failure of the Iraqi and US governments to set a clear timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces as a key reason for their decision.  6

Impact of US Military Presence

The US military presence in Iraq has been a contentious issue, especially after the January 2020 US assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of several Shia armed factions. 6 This event significantly increased pressure on the Iraqi government to demand the withdrawal of foreign forces. Despite the announcement of plans to withdraw US-led coalition troops according to timetables determined by joint technical military committees in April 2024, the actual withdrawal process has not met the expectations of the armed factions. 6

Escalation of Attacks

The recent attacks, including a missile strike on the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq's western desert, where US forces are stationed, underscore the growing tensions and the potential for a significant escalation of violence. 6 At least one missile landed inside the base, though no casualties were reported. 6 These incidents are indicative of the fragile security situation in Iraq and the challenges faced by the government in managing the presence of foreign troops while appeasing domestic armed factions.

Outlook

The Iraqi government's efforts to maintain peace and stability are being severely tested by the breakdown of the truce with armed factions. Ongoing dialogue and negotiations are crucial to finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. However, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further attacks and increased military confrontations if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. 

Did the Iraqi government fail to maintain the truce between the factions and Washington?, 23 AUGUST

  Did the Iraqi government fail to maintain the truce between the factions and Washington?

The positions and statements of the Iraqi armed factions operating under the umbrella of the " Islamic Resistance in Iraq " continue, confirming that they are no longer in the truce with Washington, and that the option of resuming attacks on American bases has become available again. This comes after statements by the Iraqi government confirming the postponement of the withdrawal of international coalition forces from the country following recent attacks on the Ain al-Assad base, which houses American soldiers and is located in Anbar Governorate in the west of the country. The advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Diaa al-Nasiri, also confirmed the freezing of dialogue with the United States on the file.

The government's retraction of its promises to end the international coalition's mission has provoked the Iraqi armed factions. Although they have not yet issued any unified position on ending the truce, positions have begun to emerge following successive statements by each faction separately, indicating a lack of prior coordination between them, at a time when the government is seeking to control the factions' rhythm and avoid dragging the country into a new escalation.

In a press statement, Haidar al-Lami, a member of the political council of the al-Nujaba group, confirmed that the truce, which was intended to give the government time to negotiate the withdrawal of American forces from the country, has ended, and that options for targeting military bases are now available. He pointed out that the Iraqi armed factions “ended this truce, after procrastination and stalling by America regarding the withdrawal of its forces during the talks with the Iraqi government.”

As for the security official of the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, Abu Ali al-Askari, he confirmed that "we have no commitment to stop operations against the American occupation forces in Iraq." He said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening, "We have no commitment to stop operations against the American occupation forces... All that matters is that the work is subject to the balances specific to the stage."

Two days ago, Kazem al-Fartousi, spokesman for the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, one of the most prominent Iraqi armed factions, confirmed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the position of the Iraqi resistance factions has been clear and announced from the beginning, that the failure of diplomatic efforts to end the American presence in Iraq will push them to resume their operations to liberate all Iraqi territory. This matter is fixed and announced, and we are awaiting the government’s official position regarding the latest developments in its negotiations, even though we know that there is no American seriousness in withdrawing.

For his part, a deputy in the Coordination Framework Alliance confirmed that the positions of these factions are not yet official, especially since the government is seeking to extend the truce, explaining to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “the Al-Nujaba Movement and Hezbollah are among the most hardline resistance factions in their positions against Washington, and that there are less hardline voices within the resistance.” The deputy, who requested anonymity, confirmed that “these factions have taken a position to end the truce unilaterally, and that they have confirmed that they will strike American bases in Iraq if America strikes the factions in response to targeting the Ain al-Assad base,” indicating that “the government, in turn, has provided them with guarantees that Washington will not carry out any strike, in an attempt to calm the situation.”

He pointed out that "the government side is exploiting the period of the Arbaeen pilgrimage and the factions' preoccupation with it, to move towards not violating the truce," indicating that "the situation is not reassuring, and the biggest role is for the government, which is working hard to control the rhythm of the two parties."

Forces in the Coordination Framework are working to remove the circle of confrontation

Forces within the Coordination Framework are also seeking to remove the issue from the circle of military confrontation, calling on parliament to intervene. Al-Fatah Alliance leader Ali Al-Fatlawi said in a press statement on Wednesday that "the political forces are determined to expel American forces from the country and have no intention of backing down from this decision at all." He called on the House of Representatives to intervene "in the upcoming sessions to discuss the expulsion of these forces, because this presence threatens security and stability in Iraq."

On August 5, the Ain al-Asad base was subjected to a missile attack, for which a new group calling itself “the Revolutionaries” claimed responsibility, and which resulted in the injury of a number of American soldiers within the US-led international coalition forces. Two days later, the Iraqi authorities announced the arrest of five people who they said were involved in the attack on the base, while no details about them have been revealed so far.

Since the beginning of last February, the Iraqi resistance factions have entered into a truce with the American side following the assassination of the leader of the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, Abu Baqir al-Saadi, stressing that this comes to pave the way for the Iraqi government to take the initiative towards developing solutions to end the presence of the international coalition in the country.  link

GINGER AND MARKZ ARE ON THE SAME SITE ABOUT THE FARM CLAIMS LIQUIDITY, 23 AUGUST

MARKZ 

Thurs. 22 Aug. 2024 MarkZ

 “We have good news on the Farm Claims, the original Pigford Black Minority Farm Claims. I am sure you all have seen the article over the last few weeks that the 

“Farmers who faced USDA discrimination received historic $2B payout.”

 My understanding is Pigford farm claims first…then the original 14 claims….of which 2 people have checked in telling me they do have money…not everything but a “chunk” ….So for me it is well underway and happening. The question is when will the “rank and file” of the bond world get paid? The bond market appears to be on hold right now, but still lots of expectations for this week.”  https://www.agriculturedive.com/news/usda-black-minority-farmers-discrimination-payments/723051/

--

GINGER NOTE ABOUT 2024 FARM CLAIMS LIQUIDITY

Thurs. 15 Aug. 2024 Farm Claims liquidity, Ginger’s Liberty Lounge

Reports regarding Farm Claims settlements being paid are accurate; and this is a very nice item which we can happily check off our “non negotiable list”. I was unable to share the exact details from my own confirmed contact, so I am sharing this other news passed along from someone else. 8.14.24. 

Lamb: “I just got off the phone with a friend of mine, she told me that her friend that had registered with the farm claim packages … He woke up to $500,000 in their bank account with no explanation, no nothing, he showed her the bank statement and knows this other person had “no pot to piss in” before (per se). So the statement about farm claims being paid is 100%.”

https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/2024/08/ginger-note-about-2024-farm-claims_0851464821.html

Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 08/23/2024

Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 08/23/2024

MarkZ  Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: Good morning Markz, Zester & special family & friends

Member: Welcome to another weekend

Member: IMO Something or someone is stopping this reset/RV from going through…..Bad guys must still be in control or it would already be done. 

Member: Praying for MARK, RV and med beds please Lord let this crap be over with soon!!

Member: Hopefully good news from Mark and Mr. C this morning

MZ: From the bond side and group side it’s still very quiet. 

​​Member: Frank26 has said that the Iraqi Citizens are being shown the new lower denominations on the street level. They are being distributed in Iraq…If so , I assume this puts us in a short window until it’s on forex for us. 

MZ: If they are being distributed…yes.  We do know they have printed them…we have seen the contracts with DeLaRue in 2018 when they were printed. We know they have sent “cut sheets” or samples to banks , large retailers ect….showing all the security features ect. So they have printed them, prepared everyone, educated the exchange houses. They have also formed a committee to educate people on price changes. 

MZ: It’s clear they are going to lower denominations. If they are finally releasing them at the street level… Well, that is huge news. …

Member: my brother has a friend who contacted him the other day who is working in Iraq as a contractor and he told my brother he got paid in Dinar. Idk if this is relevant or not just wanted to share

Member: Melanie Hines just got last minute Intel that this weekend looks really promising

MZ: That fits with what I am hearing….hope its accurate. 

Member: My gut says we are seriously close, lol seriously.

MZ: Mine does too….Let’s hope the rumors for this weekend coming out of Iraq are correct.

MZ: I think this one is  important: ( From Awake-In-3D)  “Iraq Now Moving Backwards in Battle to Strengthen the IQD”

 

 MZ:  Iraq is having problems with the US dollar. To many people still want to use the US dollar instead of the Iraqi dinar. This is causing problems for Iraq. This problem will not go away…it will not disappear until the value of the dinar is closer to the dollar or more than the dollar. It will completely go away the moment the dinar is worth more than the US dollar. 

MZ: I am told this is part of the push coming out of the CBI right now because they know its causing issues for them if they do not go ahead and increase that value. I am told this is part of why in Iraq- this weekend is in the crosshairs. Will they do it? Will they raise the value? I don’t know but that is certainly the chatter right now. This is from my finance ministry connection and a couple contractors over there. 

MZ: “ Iraq moves to profit sharing and new oil contracts” This is a few days old but they are changing how they work their strategic partnerships. They are distributing pieces and parts from ongoing revenue from oil –if you invest on those projects. This means they are looking for very long term investments both in and outside the country. This points toward long term stability. I was told this is an important leg for the RV. They will become a regional powerhouse and influencer .

Member: The federal Register and the IRS are meeting on Oct 28 to finalize the tax laws , they have been working on since June 15th, concerning the taxing of foreign currency.

Member: That is not good news for all of us. 

Member: KEEP THE FAITH …..ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Member: Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.

Member: I have a strange feeling something big is coming….Thanks Mark and mods…See you all tonight

MZ: Tonight Zester may be taking the lead as I continue to heal…..Supposed to be 2 to 4 weeks before I really see the big difference. 

Mr. Cottrell and CBD Guru’s join the stream today. Please listen to the replay for their information and opinions

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

IRAQ'S BOLD MOVE TO STABILIZE THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IN 2024

DINAR REVALUATION UPDATE: HOW IRAQ IS REDUCING THE INFLUENCE OF THE US DOLLAR IN THE LOCAL MARKET, 23 AUGUST

 Iraq's Economic Strategy to Lower the Dollar Exchange Rate in 2024

In the midst of a complex global financial landscape, Iraq has been implementing measures aimed at stabilizing its economy and reducing the influence of the US dollar in its local market. 

As of August 23, 2024, these efforts have been met with a degree of success, according to economic experts. 3 The Central Bank of Iraq's (CBI) measures to control the usage of foreign currencies have led to a stabilization of the dollar exchange rate, which had soared to an unprecedented 1,700 dinars per dollar before gradually declining to a range between 1,470 to 1,450 dinars per dollar.  3 These developments are significant in the context of Iraq's economic challenges and its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues.  2

The Central Bank's Measures

The CBI's platform, designed to manage foreign currency requests specifically for financing foreign trade in the private sector, has played a critical role in controlling the dollar's exchange rate.  3 The platform's effectiveness has been evident in the stabilization of the dollar rate, despite fluctuations in demand. However, the budget increases have widened the gap, leading to higher total demand and consequently increasing pressure on the dollar.  3

Challenges and Solutions

The Iraqi government's decision to suspend the use of the Chinese yuan in foreign transactions, following accusations from the US Federal Reserve, has added to the complexity of the situation. 4 This move has been described as a "misstep" by economists, who warn that it could lead to an increase in the dollar exchange rate and inflation, negatively impacting Iraqi families. 4 In response, three potential solutions have been suggested for the CBI to maintain remittances to China: increasing assets in yuan through the Singaporean Development Bank, boosting assets in UAE dirhams, and negotiating for euro-denominated assets for trade with the EU. 4

The Broader Economic Context

Iraq's economy, heavily dependent on oil revenues, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and volatile oil prices.

 2 The country's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil have been crucial in the face of these challenges. The World Bank has noted that Iraq's economy is gradually recovering from the shocks of 2020, with both oil and non-oil sectors showing growth. 2

Conclusion

Iraq's journey toward stabilizing its economy and reducing the influence of the US dollar is a multifaceted endeavor.

 While the CBI's measures have yielded some success, challenges such as budget increases and geopolitical tensions continue to impact the country's economic stability. 

The government's decision to halt yuan transactions and its impact on the dollar exchange rate highlight the delicate balance between domestic policy and international relations in shaping Iraq's economic future.

 As of August 23, 2024, Iraq's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and stabilize its currency remain critical to its long-term economic health and resilience.