Thread: Iraq/Dinar News. before Febuary 2nd 2006

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1292 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1290 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 92.165.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 830.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 92.165.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 830.000

Originally Posted by bultn

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1292 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1290 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 92.165.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 830.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 92.165.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 830.000

PULL THAT CURRENCY OUT OF CIRCULATION BOYS, PULL IT BIGGGGGGGG!!!!

1. Note : * The sale price of remittances dinars (1290) / $. Sale price * cash (1303) dinars / $. * Cash purchase price (1301) dinars / $. 2. The quantity sold, the amount of cash (14.965.000) dollars and the amount of remittances (77.200.000) dollars.

Little to show for U.S. billions spent on Iraq reconstruction - baltimoresun.com

Originally published January 31, 2007

WASHINGTON // As American military commanders struggle with deteriorating security in Iraq, there are growing indications that the $21 billion U.S. reconstruction effort is at risk, including a new report that casts doubt on Iraq's ability to maintain the reconstruction projects that have been completed.

The government of Iraq has been unable to boost the production of oil or electricity despite U.S. aid and many critical U.S.-funded projects remain unfinished, according to the latest quarterly report by Stuart W. Bowen, the U.S. special inspector general for Iraqi reconstruction. Some of the work done under U.S. supervision has been so shoddy that it will saddle the Iraqi government with additional maintenance headaches, he said.

The dismal outlook for Iraq, including high unemployment, continuing corruption and the inability of the Iraqi government to work effectively, requires "a new phase of investment" to secure the reconstruction done so far, said Bowen's report, which is being released today.

Since 2003, Congress has appropriated $21 billion for the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund, which has been spent or obligated in contracts. An additional $11 billion has been appropriated for reconstruction and other post-invasion initiatives, such as training Iraq's security forces.

Congress set up Bowen's office in 2004 to audit the spending programs.

In an interview, Bowen said international aid donors are $10 billion short of what they have promised, and more international aid for Iraq is needed "urgently."

Iraq's two biggest problems are official corruption and the lack of security, "and the two are linked," he said, citing an Iraqi government report that $1 billion stolen from an oil refinery in northern Iraq ended up in the hands of the insurgency.

"It's a devastating problem," he said.

His worries were reflected yesterday by Adm. William J. Fallon, nominated by President Bush to be the new U.S. military commander in the Middle East. At his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Fallon reiterated that the Iraq war cannot be won "militarily" but requires urgent economic and political action as well.

"The situation in Iraq is serious and clearly in need of new and different actions," Fallon said. "What we have been doing has not been working. ... We have got to be doing, it seems to me, something different."

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

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Nassar spring : the formation of joint committees of the Sunnis and Shiites to support stability
Al-Hamad of Zahi

Baghdad - (Voices of Iraq)Nassar said Rubaie spokesman chest bloc in the House of Representatives today, Wednesday, that the agreement between Vice-President Tariq Al-Hashmi and chest bloc on the formation of joint committees of the Sunnis and Shiites will support security and stability in the spots.
"The spring, in a statement to the News Agency (Voices of Iraq) that the formation of independent commissions such as this will contribute greatly to the process of removing tension and overcome the negative situations that might occur by civilians and calculated on a particular team. "
He had an understanding was reached between the Party and the Islamic bloc chest last Sunday for the formation of various committees for the protection of civilians in areas where Sunnis and Shiites in a step aimed to halt the repeated attacks on civilians and put an end to forced displacements against most families in the hot and both communities.
He pointed out that the spring knowledge of the government formation of such committees Sikharjaha problematic from the militias and the accusations leveled at them, pointing out that the initial agreement which was reached recently between the bloc chest and Tariq Al-Hashmi was the blessing of President Jalal Talabani.
He added that the Sadri trend is fully prepared to activate the agreement at a time when the government deems appropriate.

Translated version of http://www.aswataliraq.info/?newlang=ara

Books : nakr2004 on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 12:20 PM-BT
اThe security cabinet reshuffle and news dominating the concerns of Saudi newspapers

اRiyadh - (Voices of Iraq)Saudi newspapers highlighted today, Wednesday, a number of issues related to the Iraqi affair highlighted acts of violence in various parts of the country during the commemoration of Ashura, the news cabinet reshuffle expected in the government.

"The newspaper said the "Today" issued in the eastern region under the title "government reshuffle in the prospective coalition government of Maliki and to expand Sunni participation" that the cabinet reshuffle, which he intends to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will be done in a period not exceeding two weeks. "
The newspaper quoted sources as saying that the selection of the new ministers will be on political grounds, and this is not necessary to be of technocrats, as part of the cabinet announced the appointment of agents and ministries of technocrats and the direct responsibility in the area of the Ministry's work.
"She added that at a time in which the Sadri trend, which was to suspend its participation governmental and parliamentary recently, it will strongly in the new government of the owners, said members of the Accord Front requested anonymity that the "talks to expand Sunni participation in the new government did not reach decisions and specific agreements between Sunni blocs which seeks to form a coalition within the parliament yet."

"She pointed out that "talks are being annexation bloc reconciliation and liberation of the paper Al-Jabouri and the Front national dialogue for the benefit of Almtalk, which did not take part in the current government, the Accord Front, the Vice-President Tariq Al-Hashmi, to support the claim unexpected expansion of portfolios for the year in the new government, which is expected to be on the new alliance towards the 60th seat parliamentary body, which may happen provoke new political with blocs of the coalition, the Kurdistan Alliance, which Sttalban to abandon some checked cabinet in the event of the announcement of the alliance."
"The newspaper cited by Bahaa Al-Araji leader in the Sadri movement saying that the "six ministers from the Sadri trend in the government of Nuri al-Maliki will be independent and support of the owners and the success of the political process."
And on the security file, the newspaper said "Akadh" issued in Jeddah under the title "the killing of 38 people during the commemoration of Ashura in Iraq that" dozens of people killed in suicide bombings and other acts of violence targeting the Shiite community gatherings in various parts of Iraq yesterday during the commemoration of Ashura, for the fifth time since the fall of the regime in 2003.
She added that in the province of Diyala, Baquba (57 km northeast of Baghdad), killing at least 23 people and injured 57 others wounded in a suicide bombing inside a Shiite shrine in the Shiite district Bldroz of Diyala province."She added, "also killed three people sniper bullets while they were distributing food occasion of the commemoration of Ashura in the city, in Khanaqin police announced that 12 of the Faili Kurds were killed and 39 others wounded by an explosive device during the commemoration of Ashura in the city, which is located near the border with Iran, killing 12 people in separate incidents across Iraq."
As for "Al-Watan" blood developments process, which targeted the religious group of armed "Soldiers of the sky" near Najaf and quoted the spokesman for the Ministry of Defense as saying that the military final outcome of the operation which targeted religious group of armed "Soldiers of the sky" near Najaf reached 263 dead and 502 prisoners, including 210 injured.

The fierce clashes took place since last Sunday between the "Jund sky" and Iraqi forces used American Airlines which the coalition forces heavily in the Shebaa Blue (north of Najaf).
The newspaper reported that unidentified gunmen released late yesterday from the first four country, one of the ruling family, for ransom financial detention after three days of Samawa south of the Muthanna Governorate.
Pay attention to the newspaper "Al-Jazeera" statements U.S. President George W. Bush last Monday, in which it undertook to respond firmly to any attempt by Iran to trigger violence in Iraq.
"Bush said, "If Iran escalated its military action in Iraq to undermine Bjnodna or innocent Iraqis Vsnerd firmly.""Bush stressed that he would do anything possible to protect the American forces in Iraq from Iranian attacks. He said, "I do not know how one could say then : that the protection of forces mean we Singso Iran."
Under the title "AMERICAN GENERAL : Most of the resistance in Anbar Iraqis," the newspaper said, "Akadh" issued in Jeddah that Gen. Richard Zilmer commander of the American forces in Anbar province confirmed that the majority of the resistance who are fighting the American forces in the province are local Iraqis associated with Al-Qaida, not foreign fighters.

He added that the resistance intends to establish an Islamic state, as a Taliban in Afghanistan before its overthrow in 2001, pointing out that about 4000 soldiers from the Marines will be arriving in Anbar under the plan President Bush to help restore order and chased the armed elements.
For its part, took newspaper "Al-Riyadh" statements, General William Falun candidate for the leadership of the American forces in the Middle East, and quoted him as saying that the previous American strategy in Iraq did not succeed and that "time is short" for the application of a new strategy.
"He said Falun, who nominated to succeed John Abizaid head of the American Central Command, "N. American forces will be at greater risk, but there is a need to experience different approach."

He added before the Armed Forces Committee in the American Senate, "I think that the situation in Iraq can be changed, but the time is short", pointing out that "there are no guarantees, but you can rest assured that I will do my best."
It also looked at "newspaper" Al-Riyadh ", the President visited Adnan Al-Dulaimi the Iraqi Accord Front to Brussels now to attend a meeting of the European Union, and quoted a statement issued by Dulaimi that he bore with him," a set of documents and files on the crimes committed by the militias and (terrorist) and death squads backed by government security services and the support and guidance of external these militias. Genocide and crimes against the Sunnis in Iraq. "
The storm of criticism directed at the Dlimi recently by the government and political parties, especially after the statements of Dulaimi described what is being done by the armed militias that "the genocide" against the Sunni Arabs in Iraq.
Under the headline "Egyptian sources reveal" Al-Watan "reasons for accusing Iran of killing Ambassador Sharif," said Al-Watan that Egyptian sources disclosed yesterday revealed the reasons for accusing Iran of the assassination of the Egyptian ambassador in Baghdad, Ihab Al-Sherif.
The sources said that "Cairo has received information from several sources including the Iraqi authorities, and that this information did not rule out the involvement of Iran in the assassination operations taking place in Iraqi territory."
The sources added that information received pointed to Iranian support for a number of armed Iraqi groups, and Iraqi officials revealed themselves on the side of the support and the names of those who receive.

The sources pointed out that the Declaration of the Abu Musab Al Zarqawi and published pictures of identity cards of the Egyptian ambassador has been through the international information network, "Internet", which could be from any point and any place, and there is no other evidence on Zarqawi responsibility for that crime.
he sources pointed out that the majority of assassinations carried out by the group Tawhid and Jihad, led by al-Zarqawi were found on the bodies of the victims, either in the assassination of the Egyptian ambassador has been found on the body - to-day as it was in the very difficult for the guard presence in the group.
The sources added that no one can deny the Iranian role in Iraq, and also the question of the Iranian presence inside Iraq, did not rule out the possibility that the assassination was the instructions of Foreign Affairs was implemented Iraqi hands, and the sources did not rule out that the assassination of the Egyptian ambassador was in the framework of a plan aimed at the expulsion of any Arab diplomatic presence.

The sources revealed that Cairo after the abduction - such as the implementation of the assassination-made contacts with several bodies, including Iran, for help in ending the crisis of the Egyptian ambassador kidnapped, but the announcement of the killers of those contacts frozen because it is ineffective, and sources declined to be accusing Iran for political purposes or because of external pressure against Cairo.

Translated version of http://www.aswataliraq.info/?newlang=ara

The arrest of six suspects and the seizure of weapons near Kirkuk
Essam of Gibraltar
Kirkuk - (Voices of Iraq)

An official source in the Iraqi police said today, Wednesday, that the strength of the Iraqi police and multinational forces have arrested six suspects and seized quantities of weapons during a raid carried out by the West of Kirkuk.
The source explained. , Who asked to remain anonymous. News Agency (Voices of Iraq) that the independent joint force of police forces and the multinational forces had stormed a dawn today in the district of Al-Dabas (35 km) west of Kirkuk.
He added, "resulted from the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of unauthorized weapons.
He pointed out that the transfer of suspects to the one used for investigation, explaining that the process did not witness Clashes between security forces and any person.
And after the fall of Kirkuk (250 km) north-east of Baghdad.

Translated version of http://www.aswataliraq.info/?newlang=ara

KRG US Representative says sound oil policy promotes stability
Washington, 31 January 2007 (KRG)
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Qubad Talabany, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, last Thursday testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the political strategy for Iraq. He said that a sound petroleum policy was necessary and could help to stabilise Iraq. He also stressed the need to follow the already agreed timetable for resolving the status of Kirkuk.

Talabany said that any successful strategy in Iraq “must come from within Iraq and not Washington.” Imposing a policy that ignores the realities on the ground would inevitably fail, he said.

Talabany testifies at Senate Foreign Relations Committee

His testimony was part of an ongoing series called for by Joseph Biden, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Democratic Presidential candidate, to gain a better understanding of the problems in Iraq and possible strategies to stabilise it. Senator Biden visited the Kurdistan Region in 2003 before the liberation of Iraq. Others that testified in recent weeks included US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and newly appointed commander of US forces in Iraq General David Patraeus.

The hearing also received testimony from Dr Laith Kubba, Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the National Endowment for Democracy, Dr. Toby Dodge, Consulting Senior Fellow for the Middle East at the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, and Rend al-Rahim, Executive Director of the Iraq Foundation.

Agreement on oil depends on respect for regional rights

Talabany explained that a sound natural resources policy presents an opportunity to bring peace and stability to Iraq. He discussed the significant progress that has been made in trying to establish a cooperative agreement on oil: a draft oil law prepared in December 2006 that includes the creation of an intergovernmental entity, the “Federal Council for Oil and Gas,” with both federal and regional membership. He informed the committee that a revenue sharing law would soon be prepared as well.

Talabany stressed that these two laws currently contain “major concessions” by the KRG. Although the Iraqi constitution gives the KRG the sole authority to develop new fields in the Kurdistan Region and receive revenue from those fields, it has agreed to share those revenues with the rest of Iraq.

He made it clear, however, that this cooperative agreement “will depend on it respecting the right of regions to make the final decision on petroleum contracting in the region, while at the same time respecting the right of regions to receive their proportionate share of the national revenue.” These rights cannot be violated, warned Talabany.

Keep to Kirkuk referendum timetable to minimise crisis

On the issue of Kirkuk, Talabany said that it would be wise for the US to allow the situation to progress naturally and according to a timetable that Iraq’s leaders agreed upon under article 140 of Iraq’s constitution. He added that delaying the proposed referendum, in which voters will decide whether Kirkuk will be administered by the KRG or by the federal government, will only increase the risk of the situation erupting out of control.

Talabany also expressed some of the grievances of people in the Kurdistan Region. Many Kurds feel that the Kurdish good will and positive engagement in the new Iraq has yielded limited gains for the people of the Region. He asked for assurances that, in any event, the US guarantee the protection of the Kurdistan Region: “It is in the United States’ strategic interest and should be your moral obligation”.

KRG US Representative says sound oil policy promotes stability | Iraq Updates

31 January 2007 (M2 Presswire - UK)
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The Iraqi Government is making encouraging strides in its efforts to curb violence in the country, the Defence Secretary Des Browne said on a visit to Basra today.

Mr Browne, who began his visit to Iraq with a series of meetings in the capital Baghdad, today landed in Basra where he paid tribute to the work of British troops involved in Operation Sinbad, a successful joint Multi National Forces and Iraqi Army reconstruction programme.

So far the operation has helped regenerate key infrastructure and civic services in Basra City whilst also providing valuable mentoring for the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police Service.

Speaking during his visit, Mr Browne said:

"Every time I visit Iraq, and this is the fourth time I have been here, I am struck by the progress the Iraqi Government is making. Of course there remain serious challenges, especially in Baghdad.

However, after meeting with senior Iraqi and US officials, I am confident that the Coalition is helping the Iraqi authorities to deal with them.

"In Basra, in particular, I have met many of our own brave and dedicated people. I am pleased with the early assessments of Operation Sinbad and the positive effect it has had on this city and its people."

Operation Sinbad has seen a total of $77 million invested in the Basra area including the laying of new water pipes, improved distribution of electricity to tens of thousands of people, the provision of equipment to schools, the planting of 70,000 date palms and the creation of more than 20,000 short to medium term job opportunities.

During his visit, Mr Browne was shown the new Bulldog armoured vehicle by troops from the Royal Green Jackets who told them it provided excellent protection and had proved a major success so far.

He said: "It is good to hear that Bulldog is working well, and everybody who worked so hard to get it here in quick time deserves praise."

Notes to Editors

1. Operation Sinbad has seen a total of $77 million dollars spent since it began in October 2006 including $15 million on water, $12 million on date palm projects, $20 million on electricity and a further $30 million on general improvements across the city. Day to day control of Op Sinbad has now been handed over to the Iraqi authorities, with Multi National Forces providing a supporting role where required to ensure projects are completed.

2. For more information Visit the Defence website at Defence Internet | home

UK Government: Defence Secretary in Basra: "Iraqi progress is encouraging" | Iraq Updates