Thread: Iraq/Dinar News. 09/05 to 01/14/07

Date: 2006-12-21

Half of Iraq's Christians Have Fled, Says Prelate

Church Aiding 35,000 Refugees in Syria

BAGHDAD, Iraq, DEC. 21, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The violence in Iraq has prompted half of the country's Christians to emigrate, says an official of the Chaldean patriarchate of Baghdad.

Auxiliary Bishop Andraos Abouna explained to the international charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) the work that ecclesial leaders are carrying out to shelter the more than 35,000 Christians who have sought refuge in Syria.

The Church is helping to provide shelter, food and medical support for these and other refugees. Benedict XVI appealed for aid for these refugees last Sunday.

ACN has offered emergency aid to Christians desperate to flee the religious conflict and the dire poverty engulfing Iraq.

The charity is working closely with Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo, Syria, who launched a humanitarian aid program for refugees, especially in the capital, Damascus. The project includes food parcels and funding for emergency hospital operations.

Bishop Abouna said: "There is a big need to help the people and we are doing whatever we can. We are very grateful to Aid to the Church in Need for all its help."

The 63-year-old bishop underlined the increasing dangers for Christians still in Iraq. He said the refugees in Syria had reported how Christians and others had received death threats and how women, including girls, were being forced to wear the veil in keeping with Islamic law.

Up to a dozen churches, monasteries and other church buildings in the Al Dora district of Baghdad have been forced to close, Bishop Abouna said.

Islamists bent on ethnic cleansing have flushed Christians out of Al Dora, formerly known as "the Vatican of Iraq," he reported.

"Of course the people are frightened," the prelate added. "But there is something stronger than the fear -- it is their faith."

SDR1 = US$ 1.50578 (The reciprocal of the value of the U.S dollar in terms of the SDR, rounded to six significant digits.) 2.53SDR x 1.50578USD = 3.80962USD x .75 = 2.85721USD

Holland shows more interest in Kurdistan


Sunday, December 24, 2006

KurdishMedia.com - By Vladimir van Wilgenburg


Photo: Dutch flag

According to a report of the Dutch newspaper the “Financial Daily” [Financieele Dagblad], Dutch companies have shown an increasing interest in Iraq, especially in the Kurdish region. More than 40 companies participated in a conference organised by the “Netherlands Council for Trade promotion”. The purpose of the conference was to increase the trade with Iraq.

The spokesman of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Dutch government will open a consulate in Kurdistan. The task of this consulate is to “improve the relations between Kurdistan and the Netherlands”. It’s not known in which city the new consulate will be build.

The Dutch ministry of Economic Affaires declared that they will locate three million Euros to support the economic activities in the region. This money comes from the fund called the “Iraq Facility”. This money can be used after the consulate is opened.

According to Jaap Vaandrager, one of the organisators of the seminar, “North-Iraq” is completely safe. Untill recently the Dutch government removed all travel restrictions on “North-Iraq”. Vaandrager sees opportunities for Dutch companies in several sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, health care, education, the food industry and the chemical industries. “North-Iraq is a very fertile area. There is a need for investments in agriculture. Next to this, soon hospitals, airports, bridges, dams, roads and even a university will be builT.”

According to him the goods transports goes through the road by Turkey.
“Oil goes from Iraq to Turkey and refined products come back. They would like to build a refinery in North-Iraq.”

The Iraqi ambassador in Holland, is also from Kurdistan. According to the report of the Iraq Study Group, the economy in Kurdistan prospers. The agriculture production and the importation of consumegoods have increased seriously in the Kurdish region.

The report of the Dutch newspaper also mentions that Austrian Airlines, the first international carrier to start flying scheduled services into Kurdistan, will also fly via Dutch capital Amsterdam. Other companies such as the Dutch diary product Campina has discussed plans to build a new milk factory in Kurdistan

U.S. Soldiers extend olive branch
Monday, 25 December 2006
Story and photo by Spc. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
210th MPAD

LSA ANACONDA — The olive tree. It has long held deep-seeded symbolism in several cultures; the crown of Olympic champions in ancient Greece, a sign of peace in Christian and Jewish faiths, and an icon of the Prophet Mohammed in Islam.

Shajarat zaytun in Arabic, the olive tree is very hearty and long-lived, and can survive in conditions of almost total neglect. The tree is not especially remarkable in appearance or stature, but its meaning and practical use is where this little tree leaves its mark.

A few centuries of symbolism combined with three Iraqi citizens, two U.S. Army colonels, and one Army Reserve unit, and you are left with a lasting legacy of the partnership between U.S. forces and the people of Iraq.

On Dec. 23, a ceremony was held by the 164th Corps Support Group which falls under the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), to begin the planting of 164 olive trees on Anaconda.

“The olive tree is a symbol of peace and this is the message we want to leave the citizens of Iraq,” said Master Sgt. Patricia A. Marsano, the field ordering officer for the 164th.

The Crestline, Ohio native said the olive tree project was a challenge from her command to leave her unit’s area on Anaconda better than how they found it.

“There are so many trees dying around here, so we researched what kind would survive best in this environment. Also, it’s the symbol of peace which we all hope for,” Marsano said. She said the unit thought trees would be a fitting gesture for both their practical use in this country and their symbolism.

Marsano, along with the help of 1st Sgt. Roberto Galicia of Ontario, Calif., also of the 164th, approached the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc., in September, and submitted the request for a donation of olive trees to plant in Iraq.

The CRFG responded with great interest in assisting the Soldiers and set out to find a grower who would help with the project. In the end, 164 olive trees of five different varieties were sent to Iraq via Federal Express, who footed the shipping bill.

The trees were shipped Dec. 7 and arrived on Anaconda in time to be planted as an unconventional kind of Christmas tree.

“It holds extra meaning, especially this time of year … it is the spirit of giving,” Marsano said.

At the ceremony, three trees were planted; two by U.S. Army colonels, and one by a group of three Iraqi citizens who work on the base. The remainder of the 164 trees will be planted along Anaconda’s main road, Pennsylvania Avenue, within the next few days.

Maithan Saeed, an Iraqi citizen and translator on the base, was one of the three Iraqis who took part in the ceremony.

“It’s a small contract for friends,” Saeed said of the trees. From the small town of Dujail near Balad, Saeed grew up in a farming area and knows the worth of this versatile tree.

Olives are a staple of the Iraqi diet. The fruit’s oil can be used for cooking, lamp oil, cosmetics, and medicine, and the tree bears strong timber. The versatility of the tree, and the fact that every part of it can be used, demonstrate how the plant is invaluable to the Iraqi people.

“We respect this tree because it came from heaven,” Saeed said of the tree’s significance in the Muslim faith.

Saeed, who has been an interpreter for U.S. troops for two years and a security guard on this base before then, said the act shows the friendship between the two nations.

“I believe there is too much wrong in this country,” Saeed said of why he wanted to work for the Americans. Since coming to work on Anaconda, Saeed has been shot at twice on visits to his village and can no longer return to his own home. He is currently working on obtaining a visa to the United States where he may be awarded American citizenship for aiding the troops here.

Just in time for Christmas, this gesture can be an example of how future relations in Iraq would hope to be seen. Hearty, strong, and lasting as the olive tree.

“It represents the very essence of why we serve, and ultimately represents the hope for this nation, and for the peaceful existence of all the people of Iraq,” said Col. Megan P. Tatu, commander of the 164th.

Simultaneously on this day in a different time zone, the CRFG orchestrated a planting in San Luis Obispo, Calif., to demonstrate the gift of peace from the American people, to their Iraqi counterparts.

2nd Iraqi Army Division assumes authority of Mosul battle space
Monday, 25 December 2006
Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FOB TIGER — The 2nd Iraqi Army Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Jamal, assumed independent authority to control all actions in their battle space during a transfer of authority ceremony Dec. 18 at Forward Operating Base Tiger in Mosul.

“This ceremony marks a special time in the 2nd Iraqi Army Division’s history,” said Maj. Gen. Randy Mixon, commander, 25th Infantry Division. “This day also signifies the last [Iraqi Army] division to assume Iraqi Army lead in Multi-National Division – North, and the 2nd Iraqi Army Division will fall under the control of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command on Jan. 15.”

The ceremony consisted of Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, command sergeant major, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, removing the 4th BCT colors from the flag stand, making way for the placement of the 2nd Iraqi Army Division colors.

“Today we recognize that the 2nd Iraqi Army is fully capable and ready to take over security operations in Mosul and Ninewa Province,” said Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of the 4th BCT. “We applaud your bravery and courage, standing in the face of the enemy and defeating the terrorists.”

Jamal espoused the 2nd Iraqi Army Division’s origins as well as referencing its future responsibilities now that it was in the lead. “This division was established on Oct. 23, 2004, when there was still a state of much lawlessness. We rose to the responsibility of fighting the terrorists as well as simultaneously outfitting the division with materials and equipment. Together with the [Iraqi Police} we have carried on fighting terror, day and night, and providing security for Mosul.”

Successful completion of the three-day validation exercise, dubbed Operation Lion Assault Dec. 4, removed the final hurdle toward full autonomy of operations and independence of maneuver in their own battle space.

Jamal praised the support and assistance offered by Coalition Forces in standing up the division and offered continued mutual support and assistance to the Coalition Forces whenever they needed it.

While celebrating the 2nd Iraqi Army Division’s new authority, Jamal took a moment to renew their pledge to the citizens of the Ninewa Province. “Terrorists have been at work attempting to ‘kidnap’ Iraq. They target and kill the scientists, the teachers, and the thinkers; attempting to divide us along sectarian lines. Brothers and friends, it’s time to track down and kill the terrorists. Mosul is a city of a civilization blessed by God. Let us pray to God to bring security and stability to all of our country.”

The ceremony concluded with a presentation of gifts to the Iraqi Army commanders, tribal leaders, distinguished guests, and government officials, as well as a full-coarse meal served to the rear of the presentation hall for all those in attendance.

US arrested two Iranian officials in Iraq: Iraq presidency





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BAGHDAD, Dec 25, 2006 (AFP) - US forces have detained two Iranians who were invited to Iraq by President Jalal Talabani as part of an agreement to build better security links between the countries, an Iraqi spokesman said Monday.

"Two people who were invited by the president to Iraq have now been apprehended by the Americans, and the president is unhappy with the arrests," Hiwa Osman, President Talabani's media adviser, told AFP.

"The invitation was within the framework of an agreement between Iran and Iraq to improve the security situation," he added.

Talabani's confirmation of the arrests came after the New York Times, citing senior US officials, reported that a total of four Iranians were arrested by US forces in Iraq last week on suspicion of planning attacks on Iraqi troops.

Osman could confirm only two arrests, but did not rule out that there could have been more. "I can't confirm the number of arrests," he said.

dc/bpz

Originally Posted by day dreamer

Top Shiite cleric balks at plan for Iraq By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer
22 minutes ago



BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S.-backed plan to form a political coalition of Iraq's Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds — a glimmer of hope in a nation torn by sectarian violence — failed to win the crucial support of the top Shiite cleric Saturday.

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"He will give his final decision whether to rejoin the government and parliament after Eid al-Adha," Khaled al-Attiya, an independent who is parliament's deputy speaker, said after the meeting. Iraq's Shiites will celebrate the holiday from Dec. 31 to Jan. 4.

The dates. Confirmed.

Originally Posted by wciappetta

This is saying that they intend to restore the currency value to 75% of its true value. That value according to the US government is about $1.60
Library of Congress / Federal Research Division / Country Studies / Area Handbook Series/ Iraq / Glossary

Seventy-five percent is about $1.20 USD Happy Days folks!!!!!!!

This is a range we have heard over and over again…….And this is for starters...Yipeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Ward the evidence is indisputable: YOU DA MAN!!

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

READ MY SIGNATURE!!!! DIDNT I TELL YOU SO??? LMAO!!!!!

I am just part of the Gang that needs all the proof we possibly can get. You have my respect. I am still trying to see tho, when the date will possibly be for this to happen. All I can say sofar is, it looks great.

Sotaliraq.com

Budget 2007 will provide 136 job opportunities

(Voice of Iraq) - 12-25-2006 | The Republic of Iraq
Council of Ministers-the governmental communications
Media Relations
/ Press ReleaseA press statement / Press Release
25-12-2006 Monday 12-25-2006

First deputy chairman of the House announced that the budget for 2007 will provide 136 job opportunities

Sheikh Khalid al-Attiyah, first deputy chairman of the Iraqi parliament, said that the Presidency of the Council received the federal budget for Iraq for 2007 by the Council of Ministers was forwarded to the competent committees of the Council for presentation to the Council at its first meeting after the holiday of Eid Al-Adha holiday, pointing out that this budget will provide more of the (136) jobs.

And said al-Attiyah, in the press conference of which was mounted in the building of the parliament and the presence of the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Safaa net debt "that had been of receipt of the federal budget the Iraqi today by the the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Having validated by the Council of Ministers on Thursday 21 / 12 / 2006, it was referred to the Finance Committee and the Commission of Economy and investment and Construction for the purpose of studied and was establishing order put in the first meeting of the Council of Deputies after the Eid al-Adha celebrations for discussion and ratify it, and added," The Constitution in article 62 paragraph (Secondly : for the House of Representatives, conduct transfers between sections and, the chapters of public budget, the reduction of the overall their amounts, and it has when necessary may propose to the Council of Ministers increase the total expenditure amounts). In light of this paragraph is incumbent upon the study this budget extensive study for the purpose of Tendeijaha will be presented to the Council ", and said" you know that we in the legislative II and the right of the Chamber of Deputies to extend this chapter for a period of one month, or does not extend, and we are now in an open meeting and continuing in reconvene order We do not need Quorum to hold the meeting, and, as we know that the Constitution envisions that the Council of Deputies son of terminate the he had been defrocked legislature in the event of put up public budget, and thus we can not end this legislative only after approving the budget.

And said the Minister of State in his response to a question, "reached the budgetary Assembly for 2007 (41) billion, which balancing encouraging and large compared Balmwaznat years, and we emphasized the investment expenditure amounted to (10) billion dollars while expenditure amounted Security (7.5) billion dollars and expenditure amounted of Education, and which represents double the amount allocated last year (2.6) billion dollars and the health sector (1.8) and a hike of 71%, As for on governorates, they hit (2.5) billion dollars, an increase of $ half billion dollar in the last year.