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

Baghdad, June.27 p1
Finance ministry & Iraqi central bank study a suggestion about lifting off the worth of Iraqi diner and returning back as the past,


and the suggestion supported by the international bank. Finance minister Bayan Jabr Zubaidi declared that he suggested on bank governor lifting off three zeros so diner would be equal to dollar, on the other hand, he declared his support for national peace initiative.

Sounds pretty good to me
ÌÑíÏÉ ÇáÕÈÇÍ - IRAQI DINER EQUALITY TO DOLLAR, ZUBAIDI SUGGESTS

Originally Posted by DayDream

July '06

Cheers!
DayDream

thanks i went to his other thread i thought this was a dead issue it was something they were spitballing awhile ago but now have moved onto bigger and better things!!!! i hope this will put it to bed!!

Originally Posted by Hardwood

I believe the daily budget (spending) is far, far less than the intake of Dinar.

True, when the daily amounts were $10-$15 million a day (in 2004) the transactions resulted in a "wash" of sorts when you place the Dinar back into the economy via wages, etc.

Since the end of October 2006, the daily auction amounts have increased nearly ten-fold. I'm no mathmetician, but I think the amount being absorbed into the CBI greatly exceeds the amount going back out...thus the "removal" of Dinar from circulation.


So, how did I do?

Thank you.

In My opinion I think you did just fine. I believe that yes, SOME
of the dinar puchased in the recent large auctions are going back out to cover government expenditures but I do not believe all of it is. If that was the case then why weren't the past auctions this high? If the government needs 100 million USD or so worth of dinars each day now then why didn't they need that much before. Besides which, there have been numerous news articles wherein it was stated by the CBI that "removal of the currency" thus reducing the money supply was part of the plan to battle inflation.

In a while I hope Mr. Knowles comes back on here and tells us if we passed his test. ( LOL )

Originally Posted by chadm

for some reason i feel like there going to hit us with a left hook when we dont expect it, just a gut feeling ,hope im wrong

all things are going on track ease the throttle back and enjoy

Originally Posted by duck2000

is this article from june of 2006 or is there something new???

Defintely a slow news day when 7 month old articles are being rehashed. Although that article was a doozy back then.

Iraqi Kurdish lawmakers urge Turkey to stop intervention

1/26/2007 KUNA
IRBIL -- The National Assembly of Iraq's Kurdistan (the Parliament) called on Friday on the United States and the European Union to exert pressure on Turkey to stop meddling in internal affaris of Iraq and the Kurdish region in the north of the country.

The parliament, in a statement, urged the Turkish Government to hold negotiations with the local authorities to resolve border problems, in line with international laws.

"The parliament of Kurdistan rejects all forms of Turkish intervention in the affairs of Iraq and the province that does not serve the good neighborliness ties between the two countries," the statement said.

Turkey has expressed concern at cross-border activities by Kurdish rebel militias and status of Iraqis of Turkish origin living in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk and towns in the region.

Marines find and destroy IEDs, caches
Friday, 26 January 2007
Story and photo by Cpl. Michael S. Cifuentes
Regimental Combat Team 2


Cpl. Lewis G. Richards IV looks into a possible weapons or munitions cache as Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Barnes provides security in Haffah.AL ANBAR PROVINCE — U.S. Marines here recently spent nearly three weeks seeking and finding significant traces of insurgent activity in a stretch of 40 km. along the Euphrates River Valley.

Task Force 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, a Twentynine Palms, Calif.,-based battalion, launched an 18-day battalion-level operation Dec. 29, 2006, in an effort to disrupt insurgent activity along the Euphrates River Valley in the eastern region of the battalion’s area of combat operations, several miles east of the Iraq-Syria border.

The battalion successfully completed the operation Jan 15, 2006. As a result, roughly 15 weapons and munitions caches were discovered and later destroyed by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines from the task force. Nine improvised explosive devices were also found and later rendered safe by EOD technicians during the operation.

“We disrupted [insurgent] activity. We denied him a place to operate. We’ve deprived him of supplies he needs to target Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces,” said Maj. Joseph M. Turgeon, the battalion operations officer and a 34-year-old Cathlamet, Wash., native.

Since their arrival in September, the battalion has been conducting combat operations consisting of foot patrols and vehicle patrols in many Euphrates River cities and villages that lie here. They’ve also been tasked with mentoring and monitoring the Iraqi Security Forces in the region in an endeavor to help them become a force that can man their country on their own.

Marines serving in the eastern part of the battalion’s area of combat operations have reported many incidents of insurgent activity since their arrival here, said India Company Marines.

The operation took place in this region because it’s an area that hasn’t had much Coalition presence. The Euphrates River

“The significance of this area is that it’s a gateway for insurgents – most that come from Hit and Rawah,” said 1st Sgt. Ryan F. Blue, India Company, 3/4’s, senior enlisted Marine from Omaha, Neb.

The battalion’s India Company and Weapons Company kicked off the operation patrolling through the battalion’s area of combat operations’ most eastern cities and pushed west. They also left their outposts and spent the cold winter days and nights living in abandoned or unoccupied buildings in the villages to maintain a convenient position in each village or city. The focus of their patrols: to find traces of insurgent activity.

In the villages just south of the Euphrates River, India Company also conducted census patrols, attaining information of the villages’ inhabitants by patrolling from house-to-house and speaking with the residents.

The purpose of the census patrols was to get information on the villages’ residents and the environment they live in, said Cpl. Eleazar Claudio of India Company.

“In the future, if these males where ever to show up on a high valued target list, we know where they live and who they live with,” said the 22-year-old squad leader from San Antonio who led his group of Marines during the patrols.

Another objective for the patrols was to flush insurgents away from the Euphrates River – a popular avenue used by the insurgents, said Claudio.

Blue said he was well aware of the insurgents’ movements, referring to insurgents coming to this region from the east and north of the Euphrates, and crossing over the river to set up IED attacks or hide weapons and munitions.

“Just as planned, they’ll [insurgents] get scared when we come through,” said Claudio, who also believed his company of Marines is a reason why the insurgency is leaving the Euphrates River Valley.

Just two days into the operation, four IEDs were found and rendered safe in New Ubaydi and Nazwah, two of the dozens of cities that lie in this Sunni populated region of western Iraq.

Up until the very last days of the operation, hundreds of machine gun rounds, dozens of mortar or artillery rounds and IED making materials were discovered not far from the river banks of the Euphrates.

“Everything we found and all the information we gathered was a result of combined efforts,” said Claudio. “Every single set of eyes, ears and boots [contributed] by kicking up trash, looking in holes, searching houses and asking questions.”

Marine reservists serving with 4th Combat Engineer Battalion claimed several of the finds after patrolling with metal detectors. “Borris,” a 7-year-old military working dog, handled by Cpl. Nathaniel L. Jordan, a 20-year-old from Ellsworth, Maine, also sniffed out hidden weapons and munitions in and around houses.

Marines also found cell phones with base stations and a cache containing five panes of bullet proof glass. Although an awkward find to some, the Marines confiscated the items.

“If we find something we think the Iraqi’s don’t need, we’ll take it,” said Cpl. Timothy Casteel, a 25-year-old squad leader from Arlington, Texas, who led his Marines during a patrol that discovered the cache of bullet proof glass panes. “Regardless of what we think the insurgents might use it for, it’s one less item they have to use against us.”

By keeping the weapons, ordnance and materials the Marines found out of the hands of the insurgents, hopefully lives of Coalition forces and Iraqi Security Forces who operate in this area in the future will be less at risk, said Turgeon.

Even though the civilians of the villages and cities have, until recently, been caught between insurgent activity and Coalition Forces’ operations, Turgeon said he hopes they too become more comfortable with the Marines’ presence in their land.

“Perhaps they [Iraqi civilians] will be more comfortable commenting on what’s been going on over there,” said Turgeon.

After 18 days of patrolling through dirt streets, farmland, pine groves and the Euphrates River bank, the Marines of India Company and Weapons Company executed thorough searches of roughly 20 villages, which lie a short distance north or south of the river.

“We patrolled in small groups trying to bait insurgents to attack us – nothing happened,” said Claudio. “In the mean time, we [gathered] a lot of information from the males that live in these villages and found [a lot] of equipment that belonged to insurgents. I think we did [well], and that’s what we’re here for.”

After President George W. Bush afforded the battalion more time for combat operations by extending their deployment 60 to 90 days, the Marines here say they anticipate less insurgent activity along the Euphrates River Valley here, and more time to gain the “hearts and minds” of the innocent civilians who live and work in the area. has been an obstacle that Marines have difficulty operating around, and it seems the insurgents have exploited it, said Turgeon.

Iraqis celebrate school reopening
Friday, 26 January 2007

An Iraqi policeman gives thumbs up to Iraqi children during a school opening in Baghdad, Jan. 10, 2007. Official Department of Defense photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Tierney P. Nowland.BAGHDAD — A neighborhood north of Ramadi celebrated the reopening of a school Tuesday. Also this week, U.S. and Iraqi forces provided aid to citizens in Adhamiyah, and Iraqi Forces distributed winter clothes and blankets to students in Tal Afar Monday.
Iraqi Soldiers and Coalition troops joined the celebration in Ramadi, and community leaders asked Maj. Derek Horst, civil affairs team leader, 4th Civil Affairs Group, to cut the ribbon for al Haitham School. The school provides classes for the children of Abu Jassim tribe.

The school temporarily closed in November for renovations. Tribal leader Sheik Taher, who oversaw the renovations, led the group of military and community leaders on a brief tour of the building after the ribbon cutting.

"We're making progress day after day," said 1st Lt. Stuart Barnes, civil affairs team leader, Company B, 486th Civil Affairs Battalion. Barnes said school attendance proves the increase in stability there.

The school, which began holding classes again earlier this month, has an estimated 200 to 300 students, Barnes said.

In other news, residents of the Adhamiyah section of eastern Baghdad picked up needed supplies this week following a visit by Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and their Iraqi Army counterparts.

U.S. Forces and Iraqi troops cooperated with the Adhamiyah district council to deliver clothes, toys, vitamins and toiletries to more than 500 residents.

“Soccer balls and comic books were especially popular with the children,” said Capt. Drew Corbin, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. “This would have been impossible without cooperation between both the Iraqi’s and the Americans.

The Iraqi police were very helpful today. They provided security and helped distribute the humanitarian assistance bags."

The humanitarian assistance drop is part of a U.S.-Iraqi effort to reduce sectarian violence and help bring security to Baghdad.

In another operation in Tal Afar, students from the Kawla and Darar Primary Schools received an assortment of winter clothing, school supplies, and additional treats from Tal Afar's Mayor Najim, Iraqi Police officers, and Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, during Operation Warm-Up Jan. 22.

Mayor Najim and the delegation traveled from classroom to classroom, providing the students with winter clothing and Iraqi flags. In addition, the school headmaster at each location received a first-aid kit and instructions for medication.

The total items distributed included 280 items of winter clothing, 650 pencils, 250 pens, 200 erasers, 60 spiral notebooks and 30 folders. Every child received school supplies and candy.

Operation Warm-Up was part of the ongoing Iraqi Police and Coalition humanitarian assistance program Operation Kids.

(Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)

Iraqi maintenance shop proves vital
Friday, 26 January 2007
By Pfc. Benjamin Gable
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment



Staff Sgt. Brandon Alcorn, a light wheel vehicle mechanic with the 512th Maintenance Co., 15th Sustainment Brigade, inspects the body work of an Iraqi Army vehicle by an Iraqi civilian in the repair shop in Camp Taji. Official Department of Defense photo by Pfc. Marcus GableCAMP TAJI — The Iraqis working in the Iraqi Maintenance Contract Wheeled Vehicle Facility at here can’t predict how many vehicles will come in for maintenance on any given day. What they do know, is no matter what size the vehicle may be, they are trained and ready to get the vehicles back into the fight.

“These Iraqis are skillful and smart and have the knowledge and experience to work on their own with little supervision and get the vehicles back to their units,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Alcorn, a wheeled vehicle mechanic and technical representative for the facility.

This wasn’t always the case for this particular maintenance shop.

Alcorn, a member of the 512th Maintenance Company, 15th Sustainment Brigade, said when he arrived at the shop four months earlier, the five-acre maintenance area was total chaos. He said his fist mission was to establish a foundation for site organization, which stood up July 2005, to help the Iraqi civilian mechanics work more efficiently.

Alcorn said he volunteered for the job of technical representative for the shop because of his background in maintenance. He saw it as a new challenge. After making some adjustments in everyday operations, the shop made dramatic improvements.

“My job was to get them more organized, and set a pattern for them to be successful, and so far, so good,” said Alcorn, who was born in Mannheim, Germany.

Before the Iraqis make it to the shop, they must first be trained.

The Iraqi civilians who work in the maintenance shop go through a rigorous three-month training program. The first two weeks, technical representatives provide classroom instruction for the would-be mechanics. There, Iraqis learn the basics of repairing body work and general upkeep of vehicles. The remainder of the training is hands-on in the shop. The course teaches the Iraqis how to quickly repair damaged vehicles and get them back into the field and ready for the fight.

Many of the Iraqis who finish the class make their way to an Iraqi unit to continue upkeep of the vehicles. After the Iraqis complete the course, they become certified mechanics.

“There are so many educated and talented Iraqis out there who come in and do a great job in the shop,” said Tommy Sosebee, the site manager of the National Maintenance Wheeled Center and a former Army first sergeant. “Once they get some experience in here, they are able to sustain themselves in the field.”
After graduation, the mechanics must be ready for any and all types of vehicles.

More than 200 Iraqis work in the shop on Camp Taji, repairing and maintaining vehicles used by the Iraqi police, the national police, the highway police and the Iraqi Army. Wheeled vehicles from motorcycles to up-armored humvees roll through their shop at a swift pace.

The mechanics perform oil changes, tire changes, general fluid services, glass repair and major body work, among other tasks. The shop also offers a one-for-one battery exchange, where Iraqi units bring in a bad battery in exchange for a new one.

“We are the busiest of the ten shops like this in Iraq,” said Sosebee. “Since November, we have pushed more than 15,000 vehicles back into the fight.”

Other shops in El Asad, Talil, Mahmudiyah, Baghdad International Airport and Rustamiyah work to ensure that all Iraqi units have access to repair facilities. According to Sosebee, organizational, intermediate and direct support level maintenance is the primary focus at the repair shops.

Behind every Iraqi security force vehicle rolling out of the gate is a maintenance support system. As the Iraqi security forces grow and prepare to take over operations in Iraq, they learn to adopt this system as their own.

“I look at this operation as Iraqis being better prepared to take over,” Alcorn said, “and as one step closer to Americans leaving.”

Japan says will keep supporting Iraq





TOKYO, Jan 26, 2007 (AFP) - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe insisted Friday that Japan will continue to support Iraq after his defense minister lashed out at the US decision to topple Saddam Hussein's regime.

"Peace and stability in the Middle East are indispensable for the peace of the entire world and will also affect our own country directly," Abe said in a speech to parliament.

"As a severe situation has continued in Iraq, we will continue providing the support that our country is supposed to offer," he said.

Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma said Wednesday that US President George W. Bush was wrong to invade Iraq, in unusually outspoken criticism from one of Washington's close allies.

Kyuma on Friday played down his remarks, saying they did not reflect the government position.

"I was talking about how I felt at the time" of the invasion, said Kyuma, who took his position in September.

"I should have been more careful in phrasing what I said. Even though it was my personal impression about things, I shouldn't have said it," he said.

Former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, a close friend of Bush, strongly supported the 2003 invasion and took the landmark step of deploying Japanese troops to Iraq.

Koizumi withdrew the troops last year before leaving office. But Japan has continued to deploy its air force, which hauls personnel and goods into Iraq for the US-led coalition and the United Nations.

Kyuma had warned on Wednesday that Japan had not decided whether to extend the mission when it expires in July.

si-hih/sct/mc

Japan-politics-US-Iraq