Wednesday, October 16, 2024
US Extends Restrictions for Commercial Flights Over Iraq Until 2027, 16 OCT
ERBIL — The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday extended restrictions on US commercial flights over Iraq for an additional three years, citing ongoing security risks from Iranian-aligned militias and military operations.
The decision extends the prohibition on flights below certain altitudes through October 2027, underscoring the continued threats in Iraqi airspace, according to Reuters.
The FAA’s restrictions also apply to foreign operators that serve as code-share partners for US airlines. In a recent incident, the US Department of Transportation fined Air Canada $250,000 for conducting flights through restricted Iraqi airspace in 2022 and 2023, in violation of the ban.
The FAA first imposed the airspace restrictions in 2014 due to escalating violence and instability in Iraq, particularly with the rise of the Islamic State.
Though the extremist group has since been largely defeated, the threat from other non-state actors, including Iranian-backed militias, has persisted. The region remains volatile, with militia groups occasionally targeting US military and diplomatic assets, further heightening security concerns.
Tensions have also escalated in recent months amid growing instability in the Middle East, particularly due to US-Iranian tensions. Iraqi territory has often been used as a battleground for proxy conflicts between Iranian-aligned militias and US interests. This environment of uncertainty has necessitated the FAA’s cautious approach to commercial air travel in the region.
The FAA’s action reflects a broader US effort to mitigate risks to civilian aviation in conflict zones. The agency has imposed similar restrictions over other high-risk areas, including parts of Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen, where military conflicts and security threats could endanger commercial aircraft.
Despite Iraq’s efforts to rebuild and stabilize its aviation sector, particularly in the wake of Islamic State’s defeat, the continued presence of Iranian-backed militia groups and their involvement in regional conflicts have raised concerns about the safety of Iraqi airspace. As the country remains a focal point in the broader US-Iran confrontation, the extension of these flight restrictions underscores the fragile security situation.
RV UPDATE BY CLARE, 16 OCT
Clare
Article: "Parliamentary Finance Committee praises Al-Sudani: He has a real will to boost non-oil revenues"
Clare
Article: "Al-Sudani: All I aspire to is to serve the Iraqis"
Quote: " We are turning into a promising country that represents a cornerstone in the stability of the Middle East, he said, adding, Iraq and the United States are bound by the Strategic Framework Agreement in 2008,
and we are working to activate it.
He stressed that the Iraqi people are currently living in a state of hope and optimism."
PM Masrour Barzani, UN Special Representative discuss elections, census, 16 OCT
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed Dr. Mohammed al-Hassan, the newly appointed Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, in a significant diplomatic meeting.
Prime Minister Barzani congratulated al-Hassan on his appointment and pledged the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) full support for his mission in Iraq.
The Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in maintaining peace and security in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
In response, Dr. al-Hassan praised the Kurdistan Region as a shining example of progress and development, suggesting it could serve as a model for other parts of Iraq.
He expressed the UN's readiness to collaborate closely with the KRG on various issues.
A key topic of discussion was the upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections.
Both parties agreed on the importance of conducting the elections in a peaceful, fair environment, free from violations and fraud.
This alignment underscores the international community's interest in the democratic processes of the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting also addressed the planned national census in Iraq, scheduled for Nov. 20 this year.
Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the KRG's support for the census but stressed that it should solely serve to improve public services and benefit all citizens and components of Iraq, without being exploited for political purposes.
The Kurdistan Region has maintained a strong relationship with the United Nations, particularly through UNAMI, which has played a significant role in supporting Iraq's post-conflict recovery and democratic development.
The upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections are a crucial event for the region's democratic process. The KRG's engagement with the UN on this matter reflects its commitment to international standards and transparency in electoral processes.
The national census in Iraq is a sensitive issue due to its potential impact on resource allocation and political representation, especially in Kurdish territories between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq.
The Prime Minister's cautious approach highlights the political complexities surrounding this process.
The UN's role as a neutral mediator continues to be vital in navigating these complex issues.
As the Kurdistan Region prepares for its parliamentary elections and Iraq moves towards a national census, this high-level meeting underscores the importance of international cooperation and oversight in these critical processes.
REDEMPTION CENTERS ARE BANKS BY FNU LNU, 16 OC
Fnu Lnu
[Reference Guru Bruce post 10-14-2024 below.]
Reminder...Redemption centers ARE BANKS.
They are bank offices designed to be off premises for the purpose of validating and verifying the IQD and accrediting your bank account with the exchange amount deposit. They are banks and you WILL NOT get better rates at a BANK EXCHANGE CENTER.
It is AGAINST the LAW to sell a financial instrument for different prices at different places. It is called "THE RULE OF ONE PRICE"...There are laws and they will be followed.
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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...