Imagine this, you're a Princeton graduate student on a research trip in Iraq, then suddenly you're kidnapped. That's exactly what happened to Elizabeth Tsurkov who was taken last year while working in Baghdad.
She's been held by a Shiite militia group ever since...Word on the street is Elizabeth could be freed soon...
The US currently has Iraq on its highest travel warning level 4, do not travel...If she's released safely, it signals to the world and especially the US that Iraq is making an effort to resolve dangerous situations.
It's not a guarantee but...lifting the travel ban would open doors for tourism, investment and academic exchange...
While freeing 1 person won't automatically erase years of warnings...
sometimes small steps are all it takes to start big change. Here's hoping Elizabeth comes home soon and Iraq move closer to opening its doors once again.
Iraq warns of an escalation of the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz: Damage will affect the global economy
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein explained that the current conflict between Iran and Israel will cause significant damage to the global economy, especially if it extends to the Strait of Hormuz. During a phone call with his British counterpart, David Lammy, Hussein emphasized that Israel is violating Iraqi airspace and that the international community must take action to prevent these violations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received a call from his British counterpart to discuss developments in the regional crisis and ways to de-escalate the situation.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received a phone call from British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which they discussed rapid regional developments and ways to avoid escalation.
During the call, the British minister affirmed his country's support for Iraq's stability and the need to keep it neutral from any attacks or conflicts. He emphasized the importance of controlling the situation and preventing any interference by what he described as "armed groups" in the ongoing conflict. He explained that Britain has not participated in any military operations, and that it is in ongoing contact with France and Germany to coordinate positions, in addition to consulting with the American side on developments in the war.
Minister Lammy also stressed the need to return to the negotiating table regarding the nuclear program, warning of the danger of any attacks on American or British forces deployed in the region, regardless of the perpetrator. He added that the United Kingdom believes that diplomatic solutions are the only way to avoid further escalation, praising Iraq's role in this regard despite the sensitivity of its geographical location and the complexities of the regional situation.
For his part, Mr. Fuad Hussein expressed his gratitude to his British counterpart for this communication, emphasizing the importance of the British role in calming the situation, whether through European tripartite cooperation (Britain, France, and Germany) or through coordination with the United States.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that the continuation of the war would have serious repercussions for the region and the world, explaining that "there are no victors in this war," and that its continuation could cause major economic crises, particularly if it extends to the Strait of Hormuz, which could lead to a global economic crisis.
Fuad Hussein affirmed that Israel continues to violate Iraqi airspace, and that these violations constitute a blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty and international law. He emphasized the need for the international community to take serious steps to halt these violations and work to contain the conflict.
For his part, Minister Lammy noted that closing the Strait of Hormuz would create a severe economic crisis for Britain and Europe and would lead to higher inflation rates. He emphasized the need for joint action to avoid further deterioration and resolve this crisis through political and diplomatic solutions. link
This Week in Markets: Major Interest Rate Announcements from Three Central Banks
DUBAI...Also Iran has been urgently signaling that it seeks an end to hostilities and resumption of talks over its nuclear programs, sending messages to Israel and the U.S. via Arab intermediaries, Middle Eastern and European officials said.
The central bank events and economic data releases impact on markets this week in June 2025:
These events, combined with their accompanying statements, often drive significant volatility across forex, bond, and equity markets also crypto. But the Fed is anticipated to keep rates unchanged.Tuesday
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Interest Rate Decision & Press Conference
The BoJ is expected to maintain its short-term interest rate at 0.5%.
U.S. Retail Sales Data
Retail sales figures will offer a critical gauge of consumer spending, potentially influencing expectations for Federal Reserve policy and broader market sentiment.
Wednesday
Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision & Press Conference
The Fed is widely anticipated to keep rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.5%, reflecting caution due to potential inflationary pressures from tariffs and a solid labor market. Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks will be closely watched for guidance on future rate cuts and the impact of U.S. trade policies.Thursday
European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde’s Press Conference
While no ECB rate decision is scheduled for this week, President Lagarde’s speech is expected to address recent economic projections and monetary policy stance. With eurozone inflation at 1.9% in May, below the ECB’s 2% target, her comments may hint at future rate cuts to support growth amid trade concerns.
Traders and Fund Managers are always prepare for potential market reactions to policy signals and economic data.
Parliamentary Finance: The government is determined to prepare the financial budget schedules
The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed on Thursday that the government is working on preparing budget schedules that are in line with the country's financial reality.
Committee member Atwan Al-Atwani said in a statement followed by Lakma News that "the committee discussed with the Prime Minister the preparation of the budget, and stressed the need for it to arrive before the end of the year to give legal status to government spending, both operational and investment."
He added, "The government is determined to prepare budget schedules in line with the current financial reality, given the increase in operating spending and the need for investment spending to finance projects. We look forward to the budget being presented to the House of Representatives in the coming days."
Al-Atwani pointed out that "the government is keen to secure salaries despite the annual financial deficit," noting that "the government is taking serious steps to provide alternatives to financing the budget other than oil to ensure additional resources." link
MarkZ: Vietnam has made a pretty big announcement legalizing Crypto and a big technology law that allows Vietnam to move to what we call – the QFS. They have embraced
the technology.
Article: “Vietnam legalizes crypto under new digital technology law.”
IMO Vietnam is laying the groundwork for modernization and the new financial system. I believe this is good news for all of us holding VND.
