Saturday, May 17, 2025
PRESIDENT TRUMP CRITICIZES BAGHDAD IN RIYADH SPEECH
PRESIDENT TRUMP CRITICIZES BAGHDAD IN RIYADH SPEECH
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – During a speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, President Donald Trump referred to Baghdad—once regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the Arab world—as a “failing city,” drawing sharp reactions from Iraqis.
In his remarks, Trump praised the rapid modernization of Gulf capitals while criticizing past U.S. foreign policy efforts. He stated:
“The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders… who spent trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad… the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought about by the people of the region themselves.”
While the former president’s speech was aimed at promoting Gulf-led development and investment, local Iraqis found the comments disheartening. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Trump himself has previously criticized, led to widespread destruction, instability, and the loss of countless Iraqi lives.
For many, hearing a U.S. president—especially one speaking in the region and addressing allies—refer to Baghdad in such dismissive terms adds insult to injury.
The statement has reignited debates around the legacy of American involvement in Iraq and the enduring consequences of war. For many Iraqis, the remarks serve as a painful reminder of promises broken and a city still seeking to recover.
WALKINGSTICK : Iraqi banking friend Aki update: Aki will give us a list of the private banks that will collect the 3-zero notes for the CBI
Walkingstick
[Iraqi banking friend Aki update]
Aki will give us a list of the private banks that will collect the 3-zero notes for the CBI...these banks are going to be all over the world.
If people live in Canada.. .Australia...Japan...London, they will be able to turn in their currency for the currency of that region.
Not only Aki's bank but thousands of private banks around the world the CBI has contracts and agreements with to collect the 3-zeros and turn them in to the CBI. Our American banks will open their doors to American citizens only..
Friday, May 16, 2025
Thursday Coffee with MarkZ. 05/15/2025
Thursday Coffee with MarkZ. 05/15/2025
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 Mark and mods….Really hope this is our week.
Member: I believe the shift has occurred and we are in process for the events.
MZ: That checks out for what I am seeing.
Member: MZ, do you think /Trumps trip to Mid East and deals he is cutting with the countries there will have anything to do with the RV?
Member: What news from the bond side?
MZ: I do have someone who had a bond meeting last night at 7:00. I do not yet know the outcome of that. There are others I heard with appointments starting yesterday afternoon throughout the evening. Some today. I just do not have an update yet. Very frustrating, but hopefully I have one before tonights podcast.
Member: If they are signing NDA’s you may not get an update- which is good.
MZ: “Why is the Arab summit in Baghdad distinct from its predecessors?” I find these articles interesting. There is so many expectations. Can’t you guys feel it in the air? They keep pointing out that this is different from any other time period.
Member: I wonder if Trump will go to the Arab summit?
MZ: I think there is a 50/50 chance that he will appear. Also, will he show up in Turkey as well?? There are so many balls being juggled in the air right now.
Member: I wonder if Al-Sudani’s surprise at the Arab summit will be the RV? Heard all the ME leaders are sending delegates.
Member: I sure hope we don't see a float. I'd rather see an RI just to get it done.
MZ: “Iraq calls on the European Union to remove its name from the list of high-risk countries” this is all about being “international”
MZ: “Trump says they are close to completing a deal with Iran” They are close to a breakthrough. It is a hopeful time to be alive.
MZ: “Geologist’s discover the largest copper, gold and silver deposit in the last 3 decades” This is in Argentina. This is pretty exciting and we are constantly seeing massive new discoveries. It’s like the world is preparing for a gold/commodity backed currencies.
MZ: We get a commodity super cycle when fiat tanks and asset backed currencies rule the day with prosperity for us all. We are at the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. We just have to survive the transition.
Mod: Mark's next travel schedule. He leaves on May 17th (which is Mark's dad 80th B-Day) and comes back on May 21st. Zester will host the podcast when Mark is gone. Mark will pop in when he can.
Member: Thank you Mark, Mods and you great Patriots
Member: Everyone have a great day. Expect a miracle.
Stacie Z joins the stream at the end. Please listen to the replay for her information
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
Iran is preparing for a potential escalation with the United States
Iran is preparing for a potential escalation with the United States
Iran is preparing for a potential escalation with the United States by positioning military assets on key islands in the Persian Gulf and signaling its intent to target US bases, commercial shipping, and regional allies.
Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) Chief Major General Mohammad Bagheri inspected military positions in southern Iran on May 12 to prepare for a possible escalation against the United States and approved deployments of military assets to the Nazeat islands around the Strait of Hormuz. Bagheri ordered the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy,
in coordination with local and tactical commanders, to implement a new operational plan around the Nazeat Islands to enhance missile and drone strike capabilities, fortify air defenses, and integrate advanced command and control infrastructure. Bagheri explicitly stated that Iran would retaliate against US military bases, disrupt international commercial shipping, and attack regional states hosting US forces “if the US military makes a mistake.”
The Nazeat islands—including Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Abu Musa, and Siri Island—are key positions for controlling maritime access to the Persian Gulf. The IRGC has recently deployed naval mines, ballistic and anti-ship cruise missiles, and fast attack craft to these islands, though it is unclear if Bagheri ordered these specific deployments. AFGS-affiliated media published an article on May 13 showcasing IRGC Navy surveillance footage of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower from a Mohajer-6 drone and highlighted a new underground drone hangar in Hormozgan Province, likely to signal Iranian capability to surveil and strike US naval assets.
Iran previously responded to the US “maximum pressure” campaign in 2019 by attacking oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, seizing a foreign vessel, and harassing US and British naval ships. The deployments to Nazeat could enable similar activities again. These activities follow new implicit US threats, including a statement by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on May 9 that raised the possibility of renewed military action against Iran if ongoing US-Iran talks fail.
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: I did hear lots of reports from groups and bankers that rates were “populating” today
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
MZ: I did hear lots of reports from groups and bankers that rates were “populating” today….and all throughout the day. Very encouraging, but does it mean anything more than a test……that is the question.
Member: I heard a rumor our rate will be around $3.22
MZ: We have seen everything from $.1.70 or so for much of the day…then we saw around $3.22 …but rates have been all over the board. $3.22 would make sense for a RI (Re-instatement) and one of the easiest things for them to do. imo
Member: did you hear from your bond contacts today?
MZ: No, but one of the contacts who will not comment on what has occurred yesterday evening at their appointment…has let me know that they are seeing rates populating. Others have said the same and they all used that same terminology. So could it be a test? Or does it mean “now?” I don’t know.
Member: Isaac just posted and said “Hello appt was today and I should get the confirmation Tuesday Wednesday, blessings.”
MZ: Sounds like his meeting with closing documents went well and he hopes to have dollars Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
MZ: I was told on the bond deals it would take 3-5 business days to move and complete transactions.
🌍 Dinar Revaluation & Global Financial Reset: March 2026 Updates
📰 March 2026: Key Dinar & Global Finance Updates March 2026 has been a busy month for Dinarians, with multiple updates spanning the I...
-
A groundbreaking and irreversible shift is occurring in the global financial system as it rapidly transitions to a gold-backed structure. T...
-
Global Currency Reset: Mon. 19 May 2025 NESARA & QFS REDEMPTION EXPOSED: THE FINAL PHASE HAS BEGUN · The RV Redemption is LIVE. The fin...
-
Confirmed on Live TV – Announced Exchange Rate: $6.02! – Take Advantage!🔊 Highlights Summary Here are reports on the officially confirmed...