Thread: Iraq/Dinar News up until March 28th 8PM CT.

Undersecretary of the Iraqi Ministry of Industry : privatization will begin from where other states
Source : Middle East-19 / 03 / 2007

The country's needs for foreign labor and in large numbers in the medium term
A Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ani, undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals Iraqi and supervisor corporate activities, the concept of reservation on the phenomenon of unemployment in Iraq, saying the absence of the so-called employment-performing, but our current neutralization of the labor market and labor force.
Ani added that <situation in the country that is currently causing the elimination of the labor market, but it could be argued that, according to the laws, which recently approved, and especially the investment and the free market, which drafted the Ministry of Industry, a large part of them, capable of putting an end to the concept of unemployment>.

He pointed out that, according to recent studies, it was found that after the completion of the final picture of the Iraqi economy, it is expected that there will be an additional demand for foreign labor, and even non-technical them, pointing out that this means that all labor Iraq will not secure the actual need for the labor market, and this will be achieved over the medium term , or in a few years from now.

He explained that if we Ani a fraction of the files recent investment of the Ministry of Industry, and the establishment of 18 projects for the production of cement, we find they need more than 60 thousand workers, or one third of the staff of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, of 190 thousand workers, covering more than 60 producing company.

Carrying and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry responsibility of the security situation faced by Iraq, saying in context : the challenge now is the security situation, some days ago one of the companies forced to close their doors completely, as a result of receiving a threat from one of the armed groups, either closure or bombing electricity system, in case of continuation of such harassment can build institutions capable of absorbing labor, stressing that unless there the protection of investors and investment funds and production, can be implemented investment laws.

In regard to the orientations of the ministry of privatization of the public sector and transform it into a free-market system, the agent that <the Ministry of Industry and Minerals and since 2003 has a clear and consistent in this regard, although penalized by the three ministers, a file system like outlines turn of the Minister to another without having the ability to change, is based on the frameworks designed carefully, and by qualified professionals, and also contains the experiences of many countries that have preceded us in this direction>.

He added : and the structure of the ministry is now fit and gradual transition to the free market and not sudden transformation, noting that the creation of two Deputy Minister, one representing the Ministry of Industry, in a time of socialism and the public sector, and the other is a free market, explaining that the first companies create and develop, and then deliver them to another project ready to try the free market.

He added in this area that experts of the Ministry of Industry Astvawa much from the experiences of other countries, especially Romania, Russia, Jordan, Egypt and other countries, aware of the failures that Sentjaozha in our experience, which will serve as a pilot experiment, unique, as they start from where they left States>.

And the fact that companies and the Ministry of Industry between <companies affiliated to the ministry, divided into three parts, including production companies, winning the same time, which are subject to development and increase production capacities and this means more profits, including pharmaceutical companies, cement, oil and engineering equipment.

There are also companies that stand on the line of self, or close to the profit and loss, which require the support of the transfer to the category of profit-making companies and then transferred, and finally a loss-making companies and the need to be developed as the study and application of solutions to improve the level gradually until delivery to the projects are to be converted or privatization>.

He stressed Ani in this regard, we do not want to begin the privatization of non-profitable projects, because this would affect the viability of the private sector, but on the contrary Our initiative with the support of the private sector and the advancement of its level in order to be able to take responsibility in the near future, especially as all the world's experiences have proved that the socialist sector the more, and left only in a few countries which are suffering due to this system.

Ani stressed that the door is now open for the free wide, but this does not mean all the conditions failure of public sector management of his companies, there are experiences that have shown just the opposite, and the proof is the success of the company <SABIC> Saudi Arabia, which is still profitable to this day, and its shares are the most popular in the circulation market. They also Ani to the problems facing the industrial sector in its march towards the Iraqi transition, emphasizing in this area : we are still working laws and was born and grew up in an atmosphere of socialist and the prevailing strategies tended to be of concern to military matters and civil negligence.

As is the nature of the prevailing thoughts company has developed a full order to satisfy because of his close associates and administration to get him to sit on a chair, without thinking of the project's success or failure, as were the industry leading to the blow when nationalization was successful industries and turned into dependent industries do not take into account quality of competition and measure it, and despite all that has benefited from this experience and that we all must work to improve the environment, which will be built by the private free, such as the banking and legal without which the private sector could not work and investment and reform of the economy could not be integrated without such an environment.

Achieved and what the Iraqi economy during the past four years explained <that the Iraqi economy, despite what some sensation in her, the economy is good, and when security and stability is achieved, the world will see that one of the most successful experiences, and less of what we have achieved over these years is a departure tests proved successful, and also recognizing the unique laws of its kind, such as the Investment Law and the Law of the oil, gas and process of economic reform, which provide all the success factors, what enjoyed by Iraq to help it is success has everything and needs only to the security, but could not determine the duration of the reform>.

Regarding preparations prepared by the Iraqi industry for the implementation of the Investment Law, it was calculated between him long before, but has worked to develop organizational chart, stressing that the ministry was not surprised by the law and has many files full investment, and investment will be announced soon to reform corporations, it can be said for all investors from the Arabs and foreigners, you enter now it will be a golden opportunity for you.

Allawi in "Secret Talks" with Coalition MPs
Ex-PM to Visit Iran Shortly
Posted 0 hr. 36 min. ago
Iyad Allawi, speaking in a press conference in Cairo on Sunday.
Photo by Khaled Desouki/AFP.
Iyad Allawi, speaking in a press conference in Cairo on Sunday.
The leader of the largest opposition bloc in the Iraqi parliament is conducting “secret negotiations” with members of parliament affiliated with the governing coalition.

Iyad Allawi, leader of the recently formed opposition bloc, is negotiating with members of the governing United Iraqi Coalition in hopes of poaching members from the ruling coalition to bring down the Maliki government an, Al-Melaf reports in Arabic.

The report cites an “insider source,” saying that the former interim prime minister has offered “promises” to these parliamentarians, in the case that he is able to form a bloc large enough to topple the governing coalition.

Allawi plans travel to Iran in the next few days, al-Melaf also reports.

The report does not discuss the purpose of Allawi’s intended visit to Iran or his planned itinerary in the country.

In the last week, Allawi has visited officials in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt.

The role of the United States in Allawi's efforts to orchestrate a withdrawal of parliamentary confidence from the Maliki government is not yet clear. The American ambassador accompanied Allawi on a recent visit to meet with officials in the Kurdish areas, and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt are US allies in the region.

IraqSlogger: Allawi in "Secret Talks" with Coalition MPs

Originally Posted by Escalade

Sounds like a WmKnowles qoute to me! Whoever said it I like it!

Not from me.

All day today CNN has reported nothing but Bad in Iraq. But when you turn on Fox, they had Iraqi families on that says a totally different story.

CNN reported Civil War all day. Fox reported a Poll done with 5000 Iraqi and they said what Civil War.

Infact these families on Fox reported that Iraq, including Baghdad, was better now for the citizen than it has ever been. But to hear it on CNN, it is the worst it has ever been.

My Opinion, News reporting Stations should be held accountable for their reportings. Why not? they hold people accountable for what they say. What is the difference?

Just thought I would share, probably you all already know this. I just got Satellite Radio, and can get but stations now instead of just that CNN at work.

Now I know what danny51 meant be them being Anti-Bush or Liberal.

Could not agree with you more over that ! From day one, the media has had a mission to discount everything positive that our young men and woman are doing over there! I would love for once that the mainstream media report the good that is happening over there and maybe for once, people could see that we are making a difference!!!

Green Zone
Price Check: Baghdad Green Zone Burger King
Have It Your Way -- As Long As You Have a DoD Badge For Entry to PX Food Court
Posted 2 hr. 43 min. ago
Whopper with cheese $3.45

Double Whopper with cheese $4.25

Triple Whopper with cheese $4.95

Big King $4.25

Chicken Whopper with cheese $4.25

Chicken Crisp with cheese $4.25

Chicken Royal with cheese $4.25

Large fries $1.75

Onion rings $1.75

Hershey's piece $2.00

Apple pie $1.25

Coke/Diet Coke/Fanta/Sprite $0.75

Price check today -- March 19, 2007

Permalink Good News Email This PostOnly on Slogger
Baghdad Neighborhoods: Price Check
Slogger Sources: Stable Prices around the City
03/17/2007 3:50 PM ET
Neighborhood Kerosene Cooking gas Marlboros Bread
(1,277 ID = 1 USD) one liter one bottle one pack one loaf

Kerosend Cooking Gas Marlboros Bread
Sadr City 750 12,000 2,250 125

Harthiya 1,100 13,000 2,250 150

Kadhimiya 800 15,000 2,250 100

Washash 900 14,000 2,000 83

'Alawi 900 16,000 2,000 83

South Baghdad 1,000 15,000 2,250 100

Sha'ab 1,000 13,000 2,000 83

Hay Ur 900 15,000 2,250 83

Zayyona 1,000 15,000 1,500 100

Baghdad al-Jadida 1,000 13,000 2,250 100

Rashid 1,000 12,000 2,250 125

BAGHDAD REPORT: Checkpoint and Double Checkpoint
PJM SeattleMarch 19, 2007 10:28 AM





When an Arabs or westerners ask me about the situation and I answer that hope remains and that we’re looking forward to a better future most would say ‘Are you living in this world?’ I answer, ‘Yes, it’s you who live in the parallel world the media built for you with images of only death and destruction’.

by Mohammad Fadhil



STOP! Official Checkpoint By orders of the Prime Minister and Commander of Baghdad Operations Checkpoint No. 4 Sector No. 6
A sign similar to this one greets you at all fixed checkpoints in Baghdad. These words authenticate the legitimacy of the checkpoint and emphasize who’s in charge in this or that area.

With the constant force buildup many streets now host multiple checkpoints, both fixed and mobile. All are positioned in a manner that allows soldiers in one to have visual contact with those in the next one.

As the operations continue, the interior ministry is introducing new identification measures for vehicles used by its personnel. The new armored vehicles are unique and leave no room for confusion, while the SUV’s are getting new light-green paint with the words ‘National Police’ well visible on the sides.

From my personal experience I can tell that the men staffing the checkpoints do not take their job lightly. One can feel that a long month of hard work did not exhaust them, and I am awed by the courage of those soldiers and policemen. In a city which has absorbed more suicide bombings than all other cities in the world combined every passing vehicle or motorcycle is a threat.

I can’t imagine myself in a position where my job requires I open dozens of trunks every day and each one of those moments might be the end of my life and those of the people around me. The physical and psychological pressure is enormous, yet those brave men continue to be our shield.

I was listening to the radio this morning and the first headline was ‘Policeman killed in an explosion south of Baghdad’. The story later explains that ‘south of Baghdad’ actually meant Babil. Babil is actually 60 miles away from Baghdad. The misleading headline underscored again how most media try to associate every piece of bad news with Baghdad to maintain the image of violence associated with the city.
No doubt people who follow the news as it is being reported in the West get the impression that we’re fighting a lost war, and I feel that there won’t be a day when our struggle to live a normal life and what we achieve in this path will make headlines that run above those of death.

You look around in Baghdad now and see hundreds of men working in the streets to pick up garbage; to plant flowers and paint the blast walls in joyful colors. Many of Baghdad’s squares are becoming green and clean. The picture isn’t perfect, but it’s a clear attempt to beat violence and ease pain through giving the spring a chance to shine.
Nights in Baghdad now are far from quiet, but the sounds cause less anxiety for me than they did before. I recognize the rumble of armor and thump of guns and they assure me that the gangs and militias do not dominate the night as they once did.

When an Arabs or westerners ask me about the situation and I answer that hope remains and that we’re looking forward to a better future most would say ‘Are you living in this world?’ I answer, ‘Yes, it’s you who live in the parallel world the media built for you with images of only death and destruction’.

If it surprised some of them that a poll found Iraqis optimistic, then I’m surprised that someone finally bothered to ask Iraqis how they feel.
Just as free birds would never return to the cage, we don’t want to return to the days of the tyrant. Birds do not care that beasts roam outside and would not feel nostalgic for a home or meal mixed with humiliation.

All that a free bird cares about is to spread wings and fly as it pleases.

———

Originally Posted by michael16

BAGHDAD REPORT: Checkpoint and Double Checkpoint
PJM SeattleMarch 19, 2007 10:28 AM

When an Arabs or westerners ask me about the situation and I answer that hope remains and that we’re looking forward to a better future most would say ‘Are you living in this world?’ I answer, ‘Yes, it’s you who live in the parallel world the media built for you with images of only death and destruction’.

Thanks Michael! That says it all!!

Interesting,

No doubt with all the news on these new poles, makes you wonder how quickly these numbers would change if parliament got off their dead head a$$es and put the oil wealth into the hands of the poor.

We keep hearing about the violence as the number one issue with citizens, and rightly so, but put a million dinar in everyone's hand and see what the pole would now show. Money talks, nobody walks, as the old slogan goes. (g) With average income going up from $150. per month to $286., this is a start, but a far cry from what it should be given the oil wealth.

Good luck to all, Mike

Originally Posted by michael16

Green Zone
Price Check: Baghdad Green Zone Burger King
Have It Your Way -- As Long As You Have a DoD Badge For Entry to PX Food Court
Posted 2 hr. 43 min. ago
Whopper with cheese $3.45

Double Whopper with cheese $4.25

Triple Whopper with cheese $4.95

Big King $4.25

Chicken Whopper with cheese $4.25

Chicken Crisp with cheese $4.25

Chicken Royal with cheese $4.25

Large fries $1.75

Onion rings $1.75

Hershey's piece $2.00

Apple pie $1.25

Coke/Diet Coke/Fanta/Sprite $0.75

Price check today -- March 19, 2007

Permalink Good News Email This PostOnly on Slogger
Baghdad Neighborhoods: Price Check
Slogger Sources: Stable Prices around the City
03/17/2007 3:50 PM ET
Neighborhood Kerosene Cooking gas Marlboros Bread
(1,277 ID = 1 USD) one liter one bottle one pack one loaf

Kerosend Cooking Gas Marlboros Bread
Sadr City 750 12,000 2,250 125

Harthiya 1,100 13,000 2,250 150

Kadhimiya 800 15,000 2,250 100

Washash 900 14,000 2,000 83

'Alawi 900 16,000 2,000 83

South Baghdad 1,000 15,000 2,250 100

Sha'ab 1,000 13,000 2,000 83

Hay Ur 900 15,000 2,250 83

Zayyona 1,000 15,000 1,500 100

Baghdad al-Jadida 1,000 13,000 2,250 100

Rashid 1,000 12,000 2,250 125

So does Burger King take Dinar.