Silver Shorts: Blood In The Water | Bill Holter

Silver Shorts: Blood In The Water | Bill Holter

Liberty and Finance:  9-17-2025

Bill Holter explains why recent gold and silver price action points to a looming short squeeze and possible failure to deliver in the metals markets.

 He argues that central banks worldwide are shifting from U.S. treasuries to gold and silver as the dollar weakens and global financial war intensifies between East and West.

 Domestically, Holter warns that Americans are living "behind enemy lines" in a divided, manipulated system where self-sufficiency is essential. He stresses preparedness—physically, mentally, spiritually, and through community networks—while noting that urban dependence is a major vulnerability.

 Ultimately, he believes that gold will re-emerge as the core collateral for settlement worldwide as the U.S. financial system deteriorates.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

 0:00 Intro

1:30 Silver short squeeze

 6:00 Financial war

 12:21 US debt and stablecoins

14:00 Stock market euphoria

 20:00 Relocation

24:51 Family breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVu2nucNZ3k

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Afternoon 9-18-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

BRICS Expansion in 2025 Shapes Future of World Order, US on Edge

The rapid growth of BRICS membership signals a seismic realignment in global governance and finance, challenging U.S. dominance.

Membership Numbers Reach Historic Levels
The BRICS expansion map has now engineered inclusion of eleven full members after Saudi Arabia completed its membership in July 2025, integrating Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia across several key strategic partnerships.

Over 23 nations have formally applied for membership while another 28 have expressed interest, spanning every continent through major diplomatic initiatives.

The alliance has also established nine partner countries including Belarus, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Thailand. Vietnam joined as a strategic partner while Colombia announced accession intentions, demonstrating continued momentum in BRICS expansion.

Trump Threatens Future Relations
President Trump has escalated tensions by threatening 100% tariffs on BRICS members over what he calls “anti-American policies.” The administration also added 10% tariff threats in July 2025, creating diplomatic friction across multiple channels.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva responded firmly during the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro:

“We are witnessing an unprecedented collapse of multilateralism.”

He also warned that the world “does not want an emperor,” criticizing increased military spending and decreased development assistance.

Global Reach Expands Rapidly
The BRICS expansion map has reshaped geographical diversity. European applicants include Turkey, Serbia, and Belarus, despite Western pressure. Asian and African hopefuls include Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Morocco, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.

Looking ahead, BRICS expansion 2026 is expected to include clearer membership criteria and optimized partner-state frameworks, creating a pathway for gradual integration.

India’s Strategic Position Strengthens
India is leveraging its unique position between Western democracies and emerging economies. The country has secured access to major energy suppliers and new trade partnerships with Egypt and Ethiopia, boosting energy security and export markets.

According to the U.S. Institute of Peace, India views BRICS as a platform to promote global leadership, strategic autonomy, and a multipolar world order.

Financial Cooperation Advances
At the July 2025 Rio Summit, BRICS nations issued three finance-related declarations:

• Support for IMF quota reforms

• Backing of the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation

• Launch of a new multilateral guarantee mechanism via the New Development Bank (NDB)

The NDB continues financing infrastructure projects across BRICS nations, while pilot programs for the new mechanism are expected in 2026.

Global Impact Reshapes Order
BRICS expansion has catalyzed a turning point in international relations. Member countries are demanding greater IMF quotas, representation for emerging economies, and reform of Western-dominated institutions.

The bloc has positioned itself as the voice of developing nations, accelerating a multipolar global system.

Implications for Global Finance

BRICS expansion accelerates the move away from Western-centric financial systems. With new members including major energy exporters and large consumer markets, the bloc is building the foundation for settlement systems that bypass the U.S. dollar.

Tokenization, de-dollarization, and the New Development Bank’s new multilateral guarantee mechanism together set the stage for alternative financing models that challenge the IMF and World Bank.

Impact on the U.S. Dollar System

Trump’s tariff threats underscore Washington’s fear that BRICS could undermine the dollar’s dominance. As more nations apply for membership, the bloc’s combined economic power grows, making dollar alternatives — including gold-backed trade settlements and regional currency swaps — more viable.

If BRICS expands its financial frameworks effectively, U.S. sanctions and tariffs may lose potency in global trade enforcement.

Strategic Outlook

• Short Term (2025–2026): Membership grows, partner-state models expand, and BRICS finance declarations begin implementation.

• Medium Term (2027–2029): BRICS-led institutions rival IMF/World Bank in development lending, with tokenized settlement systems gaining traction.

• Long Term (2030 and beyond): The bloc’s structural reforms could mark the end of unilateral Western dominance in global governance.

Why This Matters
BRICS expansion in 2025 is not only a diplomatic milestone but a financial restructuring event that challenges the U.S.-led order. The implications span global trade, capital markets, and monetary systems.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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News, Rumors and Opinions Thursday 9-18-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  The Iraqi judiciary has recovered two billion dinars from two violating companies for financial fraud involving the exchange rate.

9/18/2025

The Iraqi judiciary announced on Thursday that it had recovered two billion dinars for financial fraud involving exchange rates.

The Judicial Media Department said in a statement that the Second Karkh Investigation Court recovered two billion Iraqi dinars on September 17, 2025, for a financial fraud crime.

He pointed out that the amount was recovered from two companies that violated the law by fraudulently obtaining the dollar exchange rate difference through money transfers outside the country.

The statement indicated that the "Second Karkh Investigation Court," through extensive efforts and under the supervision of the court's first judge, recovered this amount. These efforts are ongoing to take legal action against the remaining companies that employ illegal methods to obtain large profits, thereby harming public funds.  LINK

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Clare:  Iraq signs an agreement and seven trade memoranda of understanding with Lebanon.

9/18/2025

The Iraqi Ministry of Trade and the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade signed an agreement and seven memoranda of understanding today, Thursday, to enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

This came during the second session of the Iraqi-Lebanese Joint Committee held in the capital, Baghdad, headed by Minister of Trade Athir Dawood Al-Ghariri on the Iraqi side, and Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Al-Bassat on the Lebanese side, in the presence of heads and representatives of the Iraqi private sector and their counterparts from the Lebanese side.

The committee's work witnessed the signing of an agreement and seven memoranda of understanding between the two sides, covering areas such as developing trade exchanges and export promotion, cooperation in organizing international and specialized exhibitions, land transport of passengers and goods, investment, and mutual recognition of maritime qualification certificates for seafarers working at sea. This will contribute to supporting economic integration, facilitating the flow of trade, and exchanging technical and scientific expertise.

In this regard, the Iraqi Minister of Trade, in a speech delivered on the sidelines of the session, affirmed Iraq's keenness to enhance cooperation with Lebanon and expand the horizons of partnership in various economic, trade, and investment sectors, noting that this session represents an important shift in the path of bilateral relations.

He explained that the signing of the minutes and memoranda during the conference reflects the seriousness of both sides in moving directly to the implementation phase, stressing the Iraqi government's full support for all initiatives that would strengthen the partnership with Lebanon and develop relations in a manner that serves common interests.

Al-Ghariri added that "seven memoranda of understanding were signed, in addition to a cooperation agreement between the Iraqi and Lebanese Ministries of Justice, to enhance legal and institutional cooperation between our two countries." He added, "The government will be a true supporter of the private sector, and we are working to launch an investment forum soon that will open broader horizons for trade and investment cooperation."

He pointed out that "these agreements represent a new beginning for the resumption of private sector activity and business owners, in line with the deep economic and trade relations between Iraq and Lebanon."

He continued, "The memoranda of understanding cover various sectors, such as trade, investment, transportation, and exhibitions, and represent an important step to expand trade exchange and enhance joint economic activity."   LINK

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Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Mnt Goat   I want to first cover something today that is VERY important to everyone and the timing of the RV we all have been looking for.... this reinstatement and revaluation of the Iraqi dinar was part of a much larger plan. The pieces to the plan are all but in place now. This is not decades from now. It is happening now. It is part of a financial “reset” of the US financial system and it will also eventually move downstream to other countries by the nature of it. But remember its “America First”.  The US Treasury is not going to let this opportunity pass by with Iraq...no one knows the entirety of the plan, as they are not sharing it... [Post 1 of 2....stay tuned]​

Mnt Goat   This much we do know and we know something is moving fast to shift the Iraqi dinar into the global arena for a purpose and to reinstate its currency back to the currency trading. The dinar will be repegged to a basket along with other currencies, each supporting the other. We can already see the new Trump foreign policy with Iraq and to bring huge investment opportunities to Iraq.  Remember, however, there must be money enough for both nations or the US will not get  involved ...Just know there is a plan and it is in motion...  [Post 2 of 2]

Mnt Goat   Just remember that the dinar now already trades on the ISX which is the Iraqi Securities Exchange. A link was placed even on FOREX back to the ISX years ago. This made it easier for future investors in the dinar to follow IQD trends. However, it is not on the global exchanges and certainly not at the rate we are waiting to see. The official CBI rate of 1320 is simply not going to help in the Trump reset of the national US debt, get it?

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This Crisis won’t be like 2008, it will be a US Sovereign Debt Crisis

Kitco News:   9-16-2025

The financial world is abuzz with talk of a looming crisis, and prominent economist and investor Peter Schiff is at the forefront of these warnings.

In a recent, exclusive interview with Kitco News Anchor Jeremy Szafron, Schiff laid out a grim picture of a “great repricing” underway, driven by a U.S. sovereign debt crisis and what he calls the Federal Reserve’s “biggest error yet.”

If Schiff’s predictions hold true, the implications for the U.S. dollar, the price of gold, and your personal savings could be profound and far-reaching. This isn’t a rerun of 2008; Schiff argues we’re heading into uncharted and considerably more perilous territory.

https://youtu.be/eqRF_xbYccE

“Tidbits From TNT” Thursday 9-18-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Trade Bank of Iraq launches direct delivery service for electronic cards.

The Trade Bank of Iraq announced today, Thursday, the launch of a direct delivery service for electronic cards.

A statement from the bank, received by Al-Eqtisad News, stated that "to facilitate customers, it has been decided to activate the direct delivery service for electronic cards."

The bank added, "We announce the activation of the electronic card delivery service in Baghdad and all governorates to ensure their safe and timely arrival." link

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Tishwash:  Indonesian Ambassador: Invites Karbala merchants to participate in a trade fair in his country

The Indonesian Ambassador to Iraq, Didik Eko Pujianto, invited merchants from the holy Karbala Governorate to participate in a trade fair to be held in his country next month, stressing his country’s desire to invest in Iraq and Karbala in the fields of medicine, leather industries, electricity, and other projects.

The Indonesian ambassador told Al-Mustaqilla on the sidelines of his visit to the Karbala Chamber of Commerce and his meeting with the chamber’s president, Zaman Sahib Abdul Awad, “We discussed strengthening and deepening bilateral relations between the two countries, opening new horizons for joint cooperation to stimulate trade exchange, and we are working to facilitate procedures for obtaining entry visas.”

 For his part, the head of the Karbala Chamber of Commerce said in a statement to Al-Mustaqilla after his meeting with the Indonesian ambassador, “We invited Indonesian traders, companies and businessmen to see and learn about the most important investment opportunities in the province.”

In addition, the Chamber's Vice President, Saeed Shukr, emphasized to the Indonesian Ambassador the importance of reviewing the Iraqi investment law to benefit from it, and to encourage Indonesian companies to establish projects, especially medical projects, to be of a standard befitting the quality of the holy Karbala Governorate, and the necessity of these companies obtaining approvals from the Iraqi Ministry of Health.

Chamber Board Member Mohammed Al-Hussaini concluded by stressing the need for Indonesian companies to visit Karbala Governorate and see for themselves the investment opportunities.

The delegation called for "facilitating the issuance of entry visas to Karbala merchants, as this would have a positive impact on strengthening and deepening economic relations."  link

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Tishwash:  Parliament on the brink of closure: MPs' salaries exceed 400 billion dinars

The Council has been inactive for 14 months... and Al-Mashhadani was looking for a "religious fatwa"!

MPs are estimated to have received more than 122 billion dinars in wages, salaries, and services during this current session, "without work" due to the suspension of sessions.

Parliament failed to hold more than 100 sessions during its fifth session, including only 12 sessions during the past 11 months.

Based on this poor performance, it is likely that September will be the last day of the parliament's term, which is supposed to extend its term until early 2026.

Last Tuesday, parliament failed to hold its session for the second time in the same week due to a lack of quorum.

Yasser al-Husseini, an independent MP, told Al-Mada, "Political disagreements over important laws led to the suspension," including a law related to Saudi investments in Iraq.

Al-Husseini asserted that "most MPs are busy preparing for the elections," scheduled for November 11. statement issued after a presidential meeting in parliament last Tuesday described MPs' attendance at sessions as "a national duty that cannot be postponed," following the failure of the last two sessions.

The statement, following a meeting between Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and his deputies, Mohsen al-Mandalawi and Shakhwan Abdullah, emphasized "the importance of the presence of parliamentary bloc heads and MPs at the upcoming sessions and their active participation in voting on vital laws."

Parliament published the agenda for the sessions of Monday and Tuesday earlier this week, which included a number of laws described as important.

In a video address, Deputy Speaker Shakhwan Abdullah expressed his regret over the lack of a quorum for the parliamentary session last Tuesday, despite the presence of important laws and legislation on the agenda.

He added that no more than 50 MPs were present, despite the 130 MPs who signed the attendance list. He explained that this was unacceptable, given that many MPs travel from outside Baghdad to attend the sessions.

Full salaries, no cuts!

Last August, Parliament imposed fines on MPs who miss sessions, deducting one million dinars from the salary of each MP absent from a single session. The number of absentees ranged between 100 and 150 MPs per session.

However, it appears that MPs have found a way around this punishment, sitting in the parliament cafeteria without attending sessions, thus avoiding salary cuts.

Mohammed al-Ziyadi, a representative of the Muntasiroun bloc, affiliated with Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada leader Abu Alaa al-Wala'i, told Al-Mada: "We are not school students... MPs can express their opinion by boycotting and not attending sessions, but what matters is that they attend parliament."

In the past, al-Mashhadani, the last parliament speaker, hesitated to cut the salaries of absent MPs, although he said in March 2025 that he was seeking a "fatwa from the Najaf Martyrdom" regarding MPs' attendance at sessions, describing the current session as "the worst."

MPs like Yasser al-Husseini believe that "dismissing the absent MP," rather than simply cutting their salaries, will prevent others from being absent, explaining that "constitutionally, parliament's term is supposed to end on January 8, 2026."

The parliamentary term consists of four legislative years, each of which is divided into two terms, each extending for eight months, with a four-month recess.

This parliament was suspended for three months after the elections, and has two presidents since the removal of former President Mohammed al-Halbousi at the end of 2023.

So far, since its first session on January 9, 2022, the current parliament has only been able to hold 149 sessions out of approximately 265.

This means that parliament has not functioned for 14 months, but during that period, it has received full salaries and expenses amounting to more than "122 billion and 500 million dinars."

According to some reports, each member of parliament receives a monthly salary of 8 million dinars, in addition to 16 million dinars in protection allowances and 3 million dinars in rent allowances for members of parliament not residing in Baghdad, bringing the total monthly salary of each member of parliament to 27 million dinars.

The total annual cost of salaries and allowances for all 329 members of parliament amounts to more than 426 billion dinars.

"Hibernation Time"

Ghaleb Al-Dami, a political affairs researcher, says that "Parliament has now entered the winter hibernation phase.

" Al-Dami added to Al-Mada: "Most of the members of parliament are candidates and are busy campaigning in the governorates," predicting that this September will be "the last day of parliament."

The worst performance of the sessions this term occurred during the tenure of its current speaker, al-Mashhadani, who was only able to hold 12 sessions in 11 months, at a rate of one session per month instead of the usual eight.
For his part, Ziad al-Arar, an academic and researcher, said that "political disagreements between bloc leaders from all parties have brought parliamentary work to a near-standstill."

He added to Al-Mada: "There are clear disagreements between Speaker al-Mashhadani and his deputy, al-Mandalawi, and the Sunni forces, as well as a lack of trust among the leaders of the political scene."

Al-Arar pointed out that, due to these disagreements, the heads of the parliamentary blocs are "upset with each other and are not attending the sessions."

The researcher believes that the origin of the disagreement was on the day al-Mashhadani was elected (late October 2024), due to objections to his assumption of the position.

His election was a "gracious response" to the parliament speaker's previous positions with some political parties.  link

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Dang!!! -- These Young ""Felines"" are Tough!!! 

Mot:  . Yes - This actually happened and caused 16 accidents !!!  moose drivers

This actually happened: they dressed up the truck with a guy tied down on the roof, while the driver and passengers wore moose heads.

They drove down Interstate I-35 and caused 16 accidents.

Yes, they went to jail, yes, they were so drunk, and yes, men cannot be left alone.

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 9-18-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Fed Cuts Interest Rates by a Quarter Point, Tees Up Two More Cuts in 2025

The Federal Reserve shifts to rate cuts, signaling concern for jobs over inflation — and the global implications are bigger than just politics.

A Policy Shift at the Fed
In a widely expected decision, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point. Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that weakening labor markets now outweigh inflation risks, signaling a turn in strategy. This sets up two additional cuts later in 2025, putting the U.S. on a clear easing path.

While the move was modest, it represents a broader pivot. The Fed is openly prioritizing employment stability even as the economy grows modestly and trade uncertainties mount under Trump’s tariff push. Markets responded positively, with the Dow surging 400 points.

Trump’s Influence and Fed Independence
President Trump has been vocal in demanding more aggressive cuts and has already positioned his allies within the Fed. His efforts to reshape the institution raise questions about central bank independence. With further cuts on the table, Trump’s hand in monetary policy is increasingly evident.

Economic Outlook
The Fed projects GDP growth at 1.6% for 2025, rising slightly through 2027. Unemployment is forecast to edge up to 4.5% before stabilizing, while inflation is expected to gradually ease toward the 2% target. Consumers may see relief in borrowing costs, but savers will feel the squeeze as returns on deposits and money markets decline.

Why It’s More Than Politics

The Fed’s pivot is not just about domestic economic management — it shows how U.S. monetary policy is now entangled with Trump’s broader trade and tariff agenda. Cutting rates while tariffs disrupt global supply chains reflects a deeper struggle: keeping the U.S. dollar strong and competitive in a shifting international order.

Proof of Global Finance Restructuring

Central bank rate cuts signal to the world that the U.S. is willing to stimulate growth at the expense of traditional inflation discipline. This reshaping of priorities ties into the global reset narrative — where economic stability is increasingly pursued through coordinated monetary adjustments rather than old inflation-first doctrines. The Fed’s move could accelerate demand for alternative systems, including digital assets and gold-backed reserves.

Implications for De-Dollarization & Global Reset

• Lower U.S. rates make dollar assets less attractive globally, pushing investors toward gold, commodities, and even BRICS-led settlement currencies.

• Trump’s pressure on the Fed underscores political risk in U.S. monetary policy — a concern for countries already seeking alternatives to dollar hegemony.

• The easing cycle may align with broader international moves toward asset-backed financial systems, giving momentum to calls for a reset in global reserve structures.

Why This Matters
The Fed’s cuts are a domestic economic response — but they ripple outward. Every shift in U.S. monetary policy recalibrates global capital flows, currency strength, and the ongoing search for alternatives to the dollar. What looks like a small cut is part of a much larger transition.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive
Source: U.S. News & World Report

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SEC Opens Floodgates for Crypto ETFs With Grayscale Approval

The SEC’s approval of Grayscale’s multi-crypto fund and new listing standards clears the way for a wave of digital asset ETFs on Wall Street.

Grayscale’s First-of-Its-Kind Fund
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Grayscale’s Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) to trade as the first multi-crypto exchange-traded product (ETP). The fund offers exposure to five major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg hailed the approval as a landmark, thanking the SEC’s Crypto Task Force for “bringing the regulatory clarity our industry deserves.” The fund, valued at $57.7 per share with over $915 million under management, had previously traded over-the-counter before its conversion to an ETP on NYSE Arca.

Generic Standards: A Fast Track for Crypto ETFs
Alongside Grayscale’s win, the SEC approved generic listing standards for crypto ETFs — a move expected to accelerate dozens of applications. Under the new rules, exchanges such as Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX can list certain crypto ETFs without lengthy, case-by-case reviews.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins framed the decision as market modernization:
“By approving these generic listing standards, we are ensuring that our capital markets remain the best place in the world to engage in the cutting-edge innovation of digital assets.”

The streamlined process could unleash a wave of new crypto funds, with Bloomberg ETF analysts predicting more than 100 launches within the next year. Eligible assets include XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and others with sufficient market and surveillance structures.

Balancing Opportunity and Risk
Not all commissioners were fully supportive. SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw warned that looser standards could flood markets with products lacking rigorous vetting:
“The Commission is passing the buck on reviewing these proposals … in favor of fast tracking these new and arguably unproven products to market.”

Still, the broader response has been bullish, with analysts and fund managers viewing the shift as a watershed moment for institutional adoption of crypto assets.

Why It’s More Than Politics

This decision reflects more than regulatory housekeeping. By fast-tracking crypto ETFs, the SEC is legitimizing digital assets inside U.S. capital markets, linking America’s financial future to blockchain adoption. Politics may shape the rhetoric, but the real story is regulatory alignment with innovation to keep Wall Street globally competitive.

Proof of Global Finance Restructuring

The SEC’s shift shows how digital assets are becoming integrated into mainstream financial products. Crypto ETFs, once delayed and contested, are now moving into mass-market availability. This marks a restructuring of global finance: investment flows that once went into stocks and bonds are now being systematically rerouted into tokenized assets.

Implications for De-Dollarization & Global Reset

• The institutionalization of crypto ETFs may accelerate global diversification away from dollar-only reserves.

• With XRP, Solana, and other altcoins in approved funds, the U.S. is acknowledging assets that BRICS nations already see as alternatives to the dollar.

• Generic standards could be the infrastructure blueprint for tokenized commodities and CBDCs — tools that could reshape reserve systems in a global financial reset.

Why This Matters
The SEC’s dual approval of Grayscale’s multi-crypto fund and new listing standards may prove a watershed in U.S. financial history. The regulator is signaling openness to a crypto-integrated market structure — one that could both strengthen Wall Street’s dominance and simultaneously speed up global shifts away from a purely dollar-centered system.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™  Exclusive
Sources: The Block, Cointelegraph

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Ripple at the Core: DBS and Franklin Templeton Launch Tokenized Lending on XRP Ledger

The partnership places Ripple’s XRP Ledger at the center of a new tokenized ecosystem for global institutions.

Partnership for Tokenized Finance
DBS, Franklin Templeton, and Ripple have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to roll out tokenized trading and lending services for institutional investors. The system, built on the XRP Ledger, is designed to help investors navigate volatile markets by enabling seamless movement between stablecoins and yield-bearing funds.

DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) will list sgBENJI, a tokenized version of Franklin Templeton’s U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund, alongside Ripple USD (RLUSD), a stablecoin issued on the XRP Ledger. Together, the assets will allow institutions to trade and rebalance portfolios 24/7 while capturing yield opportunities.

From Trading to Tokenized Lending
In its next phase, DBS will allow clients to use sgBENJI as collateral to unlock credit, either through repo agreements with the bank or through third-party lending platforms — with DBS acting as collateral agent. Franklin Templeton will issue sgBENJI directly on the XRP Ledger, citing its speed and low fees as key advantages.

Ripple executive Nigel Khakoo called the partnership a breakthrough:
“Investors can move between a stablecoin and a tokenized fund within a single, trusted ecosystem, unlocking real-world capital efficiency, utility and liquidity that institutions demand.”

Institutional Adoption on the Rise
Demand for such products is growing quickly. A recent survey by Coinbase and EY-Parthenon showed 87% of institutional investors expect to allocate to digital assets by 2025. Tokenization, in particular, is gaining traction as banks and asset managers look for blockchain-native solutions that maintain regulatory clarity.

Cross-Border Ambitions
The collaboration also dovetails with broader global experiments in tokenized banking. SBI Shinsei Bank, Singapore’s Partior, and Japan’s DeCurret DCP recently announced work on multicurrency tokenized deposits for real-time, cross-border settlement. DBS’s move positions it as a bridge between regional experiments and institutional adoption.

Why It’s More Than Politics

Ripple’s XRP Ledger is now being embedded in institutional financial architecture — not as a fringe experiment, but as the infrastructure for tokenized money markets and collateral lending. This is a transformation of core capital flows, where blockchain becomes the operational standard.

Proof of Global Finance Restructuring

• Money market funds — the backbone of short-term U.S. dollar liquidity — are now tokenized on the XRP Ledger.

• DBS’s willingness to accept tokenized funds as collateral moves blockchain finance into traditional credit markets.

• Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin and sgBENJI together create a seamless pathway between stable value and yield-bearing assets — a model designed for institutional scale.

Implications for De-Dollarization & Global Reset

• Tokenized lending on XRP Ledger offers a global alternative to dollar-clearing through traditional correspondent banks.

• By placing real-world funds onchain, institutions may bypass parts of the dollar-dominated settlement system.

• Ripple’s role in powering tokenized lending infrastructure could accelerate a broader reset toward blockchain-based reserves and settlement networks.

Why This Matters
Ripple is no longer just an industry advocate or payments provider — it is now underpinning tokenized collateral and lending for some of the world’s biggest financial institutions. As DBS, Franklin Templeton, and Ripple push this forward, the transition to blockchain-based financial infrastructure is not a future possibility, but a present reality.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive
Source: Cointelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

4 Ways To Avoid Bank Fees and Keep More of Your Money

4 Ways To Avoid Bank Fees and Keep More of Your Money

Laura Bogart  Wed, September 17, 2025  GOBankingRates

You work hard for your money — to quote the great Donna Summer, “so hard, honey, honey.” Your emergency and retirement funds can vouch for your saving and budgeting skills. Your financial advisor is on speed dial, and no coupon is left unused. So why does your bank statement feel like it’s working against you?

Before you spiral into spreadsheet mode to dissect every expense, Andrea Woroch — a nationally recognized consumer finance expert, writer, and regular on-air contributor — wants you to zoom in on something else: bank fees.

Woroch spoke with GOBankingRates as part of our Top 100 Money Experts series to about how surprise bank fees can chip away at the money you specifically put in the bank to keep it safe. Here are Woroch’s top strategies to sidestep those fees and keep more of your hard-earned cash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpEqyNeIjEw

1. Know the Most Common Fees

Whether you’re navigating a budgeting app or simply trying to stop the drip of small charges, rule number one is: Know thy enemy.

“Where you choose to bank can impact your finances as some charge high fees which can add up quickly if you aren’t paying attention,” said Woroch. “Some of the most common bank fees include checking account maintenance fees, overdraft fees and out-of-network ATM fees.”

First, Woroch advises that you find out what the minimum balance is, to avoid monthly maintenance fees. Set up an alert that will warn you when your balance drops to near that amount, then move money to the account to bring your balance back up again.

You could also shop around for a bank that offers free checking, removing the problem altogether.

Woroch also cited those irritating ATM fees.

ATM fees are easier to avoid as you can use digital wallets to make purchases these days,” she said. “If you need cash and can’t find an in-network ATM, head to a grocery or drugstore that offers cash back for no charge. You can then make a small purchase using your debit card and request money back from the cashier without paying high fees to access your cash.”

2. Say Sayonara to Overdraft Fees With Proper Planning

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/4-ways-avoid-bank-fees-163350701.html

Fed Rate Cut: How It Affects Your Bank Accounts, Loans, Credit Cards, And Investments

Fed Rate Cut: How It Affects Your Bank Accounts, Loans, Credit Cards, And Investments

Hal Bundrick, CFP®  Yahoo Personal Finance   September 17, 2025

Finally. The Federal Reserve delivered a long-awaited quarter-point rate cut on Sept. 17.

Wall Street expects two more rate cuts at both of the Fed's next meetings before the end of the year.

Here's how the long-running interest rate pause has impacted deposits, credit, and debt so far. And what a rate cut could do for — or to — your money.

How a Fed rate cut affects checking and savings accounts

2025 has been a year of modest earnings on deposit accounts. A rate cut won't help.

Checking accounts

Your checking account is a money-in-motion machine. The convenience of liquidity limits your earning power.

The national average of interest paid on checking accounts has barely budged much this year and remains at 0.07%. Imagine that moving even lower. Is it possible? Yes.

Savings accounts

Interest rates on savings accounts are only marginally better and are up a fraction to 0.40%. But savings accounts are for near-term money.

High-yield savings accounts have been more effective interest payers. Rates are still barely clinging to 4%, with some financial providers slightly above or below that.

This is one category where rate shopping really pays off. Especially as interest rates move lower.

Money market accounts

If you have $10,000 or more that you want to keep on the sidelines but are ready to put in play, money market accounts have been convenient — but low-paying. National average payouts remain at 0.59%.

A better option might be a high-yield money market account, where interest rates are still near or a little better than 4%.

What a rate cut does to CDs

CD rates have crept slightly higher in the last month or so. A 12-month CD is averaging 1.70%, but you can find better deals if you're willing to take the time to hunt them down — and move your money online.

Your minimum deposit and term will affect your rate.

What a rate cut will mean for mortgages and personal loans

Home mortgages

TO READ MORE:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/personal-finance/banking/article/fed-rate-cut-how-it-affects-your-bank-accounts-loans-credit-cards-and-investments-220526007.html    

Global Debt Crisis Erupts Threatening Massive US Selloff

Global Debt Crisis Erupts Threatening Massive US Selloff

Taylor Kenny:  9-16-2025

Something profound is stirring in the global financial markets, and it’s not just another economic blip. We’re witnessing a transformative shift in the global bond market – one that could fundamentally reset our monetary system and deeply impact the value of the US dollar, along with your financial future.

This isn’t just financial jargon; it’s a looming reality that affects everything from your mortgage rates to the stability of your savings.

Across the globe, from Washington D.C. to Tokyo, long-term government bond yields are climbing. This isn’t isolated to one region; it’s a synchronized movement signifying serious economic consequences beyond routine market fluctuations.

Higher yields mean higher borrowing costs for governments, businesses, and ultimately, you. Think elevated mortgage rates, pricier credit cards, and increased business credit costs, all of which can dampen economic growth and stock market valuations.

A key driver of this seismic shift stems from an unexpected corner: Japan. For decades, Japan maintained ultra-low bond yields through aggressive bond-buying and “yield curve control” policies. But that era is ending. Japan is retreating from these policies, causing its bond yields to rapidly soar to levels not seen since the 1990s.

Why does Japan matter so much? Because Japan is the largest foreign holder of US debt. As Japanese bond yields rise, the narrowing gap between their bonds and US Treasuries makes US debt less attractive for Japanese investors.

This threatens the crucial demand for US Treasuries, potentially forcing Japanese investors to pull funds from US debt holdings. The implications for the US dollar and its stability are immense.

A desperate US government might then pressure the Federal Reserve to intervene by buying government debt, a move historically associated with sparking severe inflation.

We’ve already seen a preview of this fragility. The 2024 yen carry trade unwind, where investors rapidly reversed positions in yen-funded, higher-yielding assets, caused a sharp sell-off in US assets and significant volatility in Treasury yields. It was a stark warning of the interconnectedness and vulnerability of our current system.

Despite central banks hinting at potential rate cuts due to weakening labor markets, inflation continues to accelerate. This creates a contradictory and dangerous economic environment prone to stagflation – a toxic combination of stagnant growth, high inflation, and rising unemployment, eerily reminiscent of the challenging 1970s.

The current behavior of the bond market, where yields rise despite central bank efforts to keep them down, signals a “broken illusion” and a fundamental structural reset in the global financial system. The old rules are breaking down, and a new financial era is dawning.

CHAPTERS:

 0:00 Global Bond Market Warning

1:53 Japan Dumps Treasuries

4:01 Yen Carry Trade Unwind

 6:26 Welcome Back Stagflation

8:15 Gold’s Next Big Move?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYti_V2T4bQ

Silver Shortage Alert: Bullion Bank Crisis | Andy Schectman

Silver Shortage Alert: Bullion Bank Crisis | Andy Schectman

Liberty and Finance:  9-16-2025

Andy Schectman, CEO of Miles Franklin, joins Liberty and Finance for a critical weekly market.

 With silver up 43% this year and lease rates in London spiking to record highs, he warns that bullion banks face mounting pressure and potential delivery defaults.

Andy explains how silver’s status as a Giffen good, combined with shrinking liquidity and surging industrial demand, sets the stage for a severe shortage.

He also highlights how gold is massively outperforming equities—even during the AI stock boom—as central banks and insiders quietly accumulate.

Together, Andy and Dunagun Kaiser expose how mainstream media ignores the biggest wealth transfer of our time, leaving most investors dangerously unprepared.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

 0:00 Intro

2:00 Institutional buying of gold & silver

31:00 New metals warehouses

37:35 Dedollarization

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIDCjWiEZck

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Afternoon 9-17-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

BRICS Members Russia & India Continue Oil Deals Despite Sanctions

Energy trade exposes the limits of U.S. sanctions and highlights the financial restructuring already underway.

BRICS Oil Remains in the Limelight
Russia and India, both BRICS members, are continuing oil deals despite U.S. sanctions and direct pressure from President Trump. According to British analytics firm Vortexa, Russian crude will remain a key part of India’s import basket because it is simply too competitive to ignore.

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“Despite tightening fleet dynamics and Western pressure, Russian supply is too significant and competitively priced for India and China,” Vortexa analysts wrote.

This demonstrates a fundamental truth: political sanctions can set the tone, but economics and financial systems determine the outcomes. Energy trade has become one of the clearest arenas where de-dollarization is not just talked about, but actively practiced.

Settlements Outside the Dollar
Russia’s energy sales to India and China are increasingly settled in yuan, rubles, and even rupees — not in U.S. dollars. This bypass of dollar-denominated oil markets is a direct example of global finance restructuring in real time.

• China pays in yuan through its expanding trade settlement system.

• India experiments with ruble and rupee arrangements to secure supplies.

• Russia gains strategic advantage by pricing outside the U.S. financial network.

This is not just politics; it’s a rewiring of how the world pays for energy — the backbone of the global economy.

Western Pressure Meets Economic Reality
The U.S. and its allies argue that buying Russian oil supports the conflict in Ukraine. Sanctions and threats are designed to choke off Russia’s revenues. Yet, as Vortexa notes, India and China cannot afford to cut ties when Russian oil is priced below global market levels.

This clash illustrates the tagline point: the structure of trade and settlement is shifting beneath the surface, weakening the dollar’s central role and empowering alternative systems.

Why This Matters
Energy is the foundation of global finance. If BRICS members normalize oil trade outside the dollar — whether in yuan, rubles, or rupees — it accelerates the broader de-dollarization trend. The White House may try to enforce sanctions, but the balance of power is moving.

This shift in oil trade shows that sanctions are no longer a guarantee of compliance. Instead, they are hastening the diversification of global finance and exposing the limits of U.S. influence.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive
Sources: Watcher Guru, Vortexa

~~~~~~~~~

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Jon Dowling & Mark Z Discuss The Revaluation Of The Worlds Currencies Updates

Jon Dowling & Mark Z Discuss The Revaluation Of The Worlds Currencies Updates

Chris Real World:  9-17-2025

They touch on:

The Financial Reset

Iraqs HCL law and article 140

Russia says the USA is tying to a stablecoin type setup for a gold backed currency so they can revalue gold

Venezuela and new leadership

Nesara/Gesara

And much more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHLsNpyjBb8

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Morning 9-17-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

U.S. House Reattaches Anti-CBDC Bill to CLARITY Act Ahead of Senate Review

Lawmakers push to block a Federal Reserve digital dollar by embedding anti-CBDC language into the broader crypto market structure bill.

What’s Happening Now
The U.S. House has reattached provisions from the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act (H.R. 1919) to the CLARITY Act (H.R. 3633) before sending it to the Senate for review. The move combines two major pieces of legislation:

• The CLARITY Act: Seeks to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, defining oversight responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC.

• The Anti-CBDC Act: Prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to individuals or creating retail Fed accounts.

By embedding the CBDC ban inside the broader, more likely-to-pass CLARITY Act, lawmakers are raising the odds that these restrictions make it through Senate negotiations.

Implications for CBDC Development
If enacted, the anti-CBDC provisions would create legal barriers to a digital dollar. The Federal Reserve would face restrictions on directly offering digital currency to the public, severely limiting potential CBDC designs. Any future attempt would either require new exemptions (such as for national security) or a significantly scaled-back version of a digital dollar.

Regulatory Clarity for Crypto
The CLARITY Act itself provides long-sought regulatory boundaries by clarifying which federal agencies have authority over crypto assets and intermediaries. For crypto firms, exchanges, and stablecoin issuers, this could reduce compliance ambiguity. However, the attachment of anti-CBDC language adds political complexity — potentially alienating moderate senators or prompting efforts to dilute the ban.

Bigger Picture: Structural Finance at Stake
This legislation is not just about crypto — it’s about the future control of money and digital infrastructure. Several dynamics stand out:

• Monetary Sovereignty vs. Surveillance: Whether the state has direct power over citizens’ wallets.

• Agency Authority: Defining long-term jurisdiction between SEC, CFTC, Treasury, and the Fed.

• Global Competition: With China, the EU, and dozens of nations advancing CBDCs, U.S. hesitation reshapes the competitive landscape for payments and standards.

• Privacy vs. Innovation: Balancing innovation in fintech with civil liberties and systemic risk.

What to Watch Next

• Senate Banking Committee’s stance: whether they keep or strip the anti-CBDC provisions.

• White House position: a veto or amendment could reshape the bill.

• Fed and Treasury response: whether they pause or adapt internal CBDC research.

• International pressure: how U.S. caution contrasts with global CBDC adoption trends.

Why This Matters
The House’s decision to pair a ban on CBDCs with a framework for digital asset regulation signals a deeper fight over who controls the future of money. Beyond politics, this is about the architecture of the U.S. and global financial system — how money is issued, who regulates it, and what privacy rights survive in the digital era.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™
Sources: Coingape, Congress.gov   

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De-Dollarization Reaches Critical Phase: China’s Yuan Adoption for Cross-Border Flows Tops 50%

China’s yuan surpasses the halfway mark in cross-border trade flows, marking a milestone in global de-dollarization.

Milestone in De-Dollarization
China’s efforts to internationalize the yuan have reached a new benchmark: over 50% of national cross-border flows are now settled in yuan, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. This represents a doubling of yuan usage since 2022 and underscores how China is accelerating the global shift away from dollar reliance.

While the yuan still represents less than 4% of all international trade, the momentum is undeniable. Analysts note that yuan usage is boosted by China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) — its domestic alternative to SWIFT — which may even undercount true flows.

Why It’s More Than Politics
The yuan crossing 50% of China’s cross-border settlement flows shows a structural financial shift, not just a political talking point. It’s about real-world changes in how nations trade and settle debts. Politics may set the tone — sanctions, tariffs, or foreign policy uncertainty under Trump — but the deeper effect is a weakening reliance on the U.S. dollar and a growing acceptance of alternatives like the yuan.

Proof of Global Finance Restructuring
The shift is visible across multiple fronts:

• Yuan Adoption Milestone: Over 50% of Chinese cross-border flows now settled in yuan.

• SWIFT Alternative (CIPS): China’s settlement system bypasses Western financial choke points.

• Sovereign Debt in Yuan: Hungary issued $5B in panda bonds; Russia and Brazil preparing yuan-based debt.

• Reserves Shift: China cut U.S. Treasuries to a 16-year low while increasing gold purchases for 10 straight months.

These aren’t just political maneuvers; they are structural financial realignments in trade, debt, and reserves — exactly what a global reset looks like.

Implications for De-Dollarization
The U.S. dollar remains dominant, but its share is eroding at the edges. The yuan, though still under 4% of global trade, has doubled its footprint since 2022. Geopolitical pressures like sanctions and trade wars are accelerating the trend, forcing nations to transact in national or alternative currencies.

Through the Seeds of Wisdom lens, this is clear: while some frame de-dollarization as “just political fights,” in reality, the underlying economic architecture is being restructured — trade, reserves, debt, and payments.

Why This Matters
The yuan’s rise to more than half of China’s cross-border flows is more than just a trade statistic — it’s the clearest proof yet of systemic de-dollarization in action. With new debt markets, alternative payment rails, and shifting reserves, the world’s financial foundation is being remade step by step.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™  Exclusive  
Source: Bitcoin.com, Atlantic Council   

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France Targets EU-Licensed Crypto Firms, Malta Opposes Centralized Oversight

EU divisions over crypto oversight highlight deeper struggles in building a unified financial system.

France Pushes for Stronger EU Crypto Oversight
France is weighing blocking crypto firms licensed in other EU countries from operating domestically, a sharp response to concerns about uneven enforcement under the EU’s new MiCA framework.

MiCA, which allows firms licensed in one member state to “passport” services across the entire EU, has exposed cracks in the system. France’s financial regulator, the AMF, argues some firms are exploiting lenient licensing regimes to bypass stricter oversight elsewhere.

France has joined Italy and Austria in calling for the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to directly supervise major crypto firms, effectively centralizing oversight at the EU level.

AMF President Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani warned: “We do not exclude the possibility of refusing the EU passport. It’s very complex legally and not a very good signal for the single market – it’s a bit like the ‘atomic weapon’ but it’s still a possibility we hold in reserve.”

Push for ESMA Control
Supporters of ESMA oversight argue that national regulators are supervising crypto markets differently, creating inconsistencies that could harm investors. France, Italy, and Austria want direct EU supervision, stronger rules for firms outside the bloc, and tighter controls on token offerings and cybersecurity.

Malta Pushes Back
Not all member states agree. Malta, long considered an “early adopter” of digital asset regulation, opposes giving ESMA sweeping control. Its regulator, the MFSA, warned that full centralization could add bureaucracy and stifle efficiency just as Europe is competing globally in digital finance.

Earlier this year, Malta faced criticism after an ESMA review found weaknesses in its licensing process, but the country maintains that local regulators can act quickly and effectively without ceding all authority to Brussels.

Why This Matters
This fight goes far beyond a regulatory turf war. The EU is attempting to balance sovereignty, efficiency, and investor protection in a financial system where money now flows digitally across borders. France’s hardline stance, Malta’s resistance, and ESMA’s growing role are signs that the rules of global finance are being rewritten through regulation.

For the EU, how this dispute is resolved will shape whether Europe’s digital economy speaks with one unified voice or remains fragmented — a question that affects its competitiveness against the U.S. and China.

This is not just politics — it’s global finance restructuring before our eyes.

@ Newshounds News™ Exclusive
Sources: Coinpedia, Reuters   

~~~~~~~~~

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“Tidbits From TNT” Wednesday Morning 9-17-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Iraq and the Kurdistan Region reached an oil agreement

The Iraqi Council of Ministers voted on two decisions on the mechanism of dealing with foreign oil companies and the issue of oil in the Kurdistan Region.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi Federal Government have reached an agreement on the handover of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) oil to Baghdad. According to the new agreement, only 50,000 barrels of oil produced in the Kurdistan Region will be recycled for domestic consumption, while the rest will be handed over directly to SOMO.

The Iraqi Council of Ministers has welcomed the latest steps taken by the Oil Ministry and the Ministry of Natural Resources to resume oil exports.

The Council of Ministers decided that the oil extraction fee for foreign companies, which is set at $ 16 per barrel, will no longer be paid in cash and instead, the amount of oil equivalent to their financial entitlements and companies themselves will be responsible for selling it It is oil in the markets.

Second: Approval of a tripartite agreement between the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad and companies: The Iraqi Council of Ministers gave initial approval to conclude a tripartite agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Iraqi Federal Government and foreign oil companies.

The condition for implementing this decision is that the Iraqi government submits the contract to the advisory committee of the Iraqi Oil Ministry. The committee is expected to give its final answer within the next 48 hours, so that the tripartite deal can be formalized and go into effect.  link

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Tishwash:  cover for currency smuggling

The Shadow Economy in Numbers: Tons of Gold Worth Billions of Dollars to Make Up for the "Black Dollar" Shortage

In a volatile economic landscape dominated by weak oversight and a fluctuating local currency, gold in Iraq has transformed from a traditional commodity into a central financial instrument, simultaneously reflecting internal crises and external conflicts.

Figures announced for the first half of 2025 revealed imports exceeding $30 billion from five major countries, led by the UAE with $10.5 billion, followed by China with $8.8 billion, Turkey with $4.9 billion, the European Union with $3 billion, and India with $1.8 billion.

Among these imports, precious metals—led by gold—were valued at $3.3 billion, confirming that this sector now occupies an exceptional position in the structure of Iraqi trade.

Given the restrictions imposed by the US Treasury Department since 2023 on bank transfers, gold has emerged as an alternative channel to compensate for the dollar shortage. Instead of outflowing hard currency through official remittances, importing gold in large quantities has become a means of recirculating funds, whether by re-exporting it to neighboring countries such as Turkey, bartering it for Iranian goods, or even using it as an asset that can be easily liquidated away from the banking system.

According to economic estimates, gold has become a "practical cover" for dollar smuggling operations, as it is imported through official outlets but redirected through unregulated financial channels. This dual role makes the precious metal not just a commodity, but an alternative instrument that rivals the dollar in influence.

Previous data reveals that 2024 marked a shocking turning point, when the value of gold imports reached $12.5 billion, equivalent to 16% of the country's total imports. This figure is roughly equivalent to the Central Bank's entire gold reserve of $18 billion. In the absence of accurate data on the entry points through which the gold was imported or its internal distribution mechanisms, questions have grown about the final destination of these quantities:

Was it actually consumed in the local market, re-exported, or used as a barter instrument in undisclosed trade relations?

This shift is no longer a purely financial matter. In the markets, rising gold prices have directly impacted daily life. A Baghdad Today correspondent observed a widespread recession in goldsmith shops, with the price of a 21-karat gold misqal exceeding 730,000 dinars, while 24-karat gold jumped to more than 830,000 dinars, coinciding with the global price of an ounce exceeding $3,600.

 These figures have prompted many young people to postpone marriage and imposed new burdens on families with the inflated dowries. Social affairs experts warn that the phenomenon is no longer merely a market crisis, but rather a threat to the fabric of society by deepening the phenomenon of aversion to marriage and delaying the age of starting a family.

Given these facts, economic expert Manar Al-Abidi stressed that "government efforts to control imports face significant challenges, particularly with the attempt to include all goods in the reform at once." He called for "focusing primarily on high-value goods such as gold, and linking transactions with them to transparent electronic payment mechanisms that allow tracking of sales and purchases and identifying the ultimate beneficiary." According to institutional estimates, automating the gold sector alone is sufficient to expose financial loopholes and close the door to its exploitation as a cover for parallel operations.

From a different perspective, economic expert Nasser Al-Kanani believes that the crisis is not limited to Iraq alone. "The recent rise in gold prices in the Iraqi market is inseparable from the global wave affecting the precious metal," Al-Kanani says, explaining that "the local market is affected by a dual effect: the movement of international stock exchanges and the dollar exchange rate on the parallel market."

 This approach reveals that Iraq, despite its unique crises, remains part of a global cycle that makes gold a safe haven for investors amid escalating geopolitical tensions. He also notes that the price rise is not just a local result, but a reflection of global shocks.

In a move described as a strategic shift, Al-Kanani revealed that "Iraq's purchase of more than 20 tons of gold in one year, and its rise to seventh place globally in this field, reflects a calculated move by the Central Bank to protect the national economy from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates."

This move, according to Al-Kanani, "gives Iraq greater flexibility in managing monetary policy, enhances confidence in the local economy, and may positively impact the value of the dinar and market stability."

However, this path remains fraught with risks, as gold could transform from a strategic asset into an open channel if smuggling operations continue or oversight is absent.

In conclusion, gold in Iraq has transcended its status as a commodity and has become a crossroads between three possibilities: an economic buffer, a pressing social burden, and a card of political influence. However, the lack of strict oversight also makes it an open loophole that could transform into a permanent channel for dollar smuggling or bartering with neighboring countries, away from the banking system.

This exposes the country to further exposure to external pressures. The future of this resource will not be determined by the volume of tons entering the market, but rather by the state's ability to control its flow and prevent its leakage into the shadow economy. This would transform it from a source of concern to an element of strength, and from a parallel tool for currency smuggling to a strategic asset that reinforces confidence in the dinar and Iraqi financial policy, according to observers.  link

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Tishwash:  Judicial expert: Implementing Article 140 will solve Khanaqin's problems

Judicial expert Arkan Kakayi stressed the need to implement Article 140 of the Constitution to address the problems facing Khanaqin district, emphasizing the need to hold those who fail to perform their duties accountable and to monitor the implementation of projects in the district.

During his appearance on the Iraqi Affairs program with Faiq Yazidi, Kakai said that Khanaqin is a disputed area and a city of peaceful coexistence. He added that Khanaqin suffers, especially during the summer, from power outages, water scarcity, and a lack of job opportunities and appointments for young people and university graduates.

He pointed out that the failure to implement Article 140 of the Constitution is the most prominent problem facing Khanaqin district, stressing that implementing Article 140 has become a dream for the people of  Khanaqin and other disputed areas

Arkan Kakayi: Khanaqin has the makings of a province

Kakayi added that there has been no practical step so far from either the Kurdistan Region or the federal government to implement Article 140 of the Constitution, stressing that implementing Article 140 is a popular demand of the people of Khanaqin to address many of the judiciary's problems, including the non-recognition of graduates of Garmian University, agricultural land issues, and others.

He called for resolving the judiciary's problems and for there to be a clear path to achieving this.

Kakai pointed out that there are many problems regarding agricultural lands in Khanaqin, noting that the regime of the late Saddam Hussein deported many Kurdish citizens from the district, displacing them and confiscating their lands at that time. He noted that they demanded the formation of special committees to address this problem, expressing his hope that solutions would be reached and that the judiciary would move towards a better outcome on this issue.

Arkan Kakayi: There are many problems regarding agricultural lands in Khanaqin.

Kakai called for transforming Khanaqin district into a governorate, stressing that transforming the sub-districts into districts within Khanaqin's borders threatens the district and its geographical area. He pointed out that the late President Mam Jalal, the safety valve of Iraq, used to say, "Welcome to Khanaqin Governorate."

He emphasized that the people of Khanaqin hope that their district will be transformed into a governorate, stressing that the components of a governorate are available in Khanaqin district.

 Kakayi pointed out that the disagreements between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government regarding Khanaqin stem from the failure to implement Article 140 of the Constitution, stressing that if this constitutional article were implemented, there would be no disagreements between the two sides regarding Khanaqin.

He emphasized that Khanaqin encompasses all ethnicities and sects, all of whom demand the implementation of Article 140 because its implementation is the final solution to the district's problems and the suffering of its people.

Arkan Kakayi: Khanaqin's water is polluted

On the other hand, Kakai pointed out that Khanaqin district suffers from contaminated drinking water, and citizens buy bottled water because the district's water is not fit for drinking and the water project in Khanaqin is old. He criticized the lack of oversight of the departments and institutions responsible for providing water to citizens, stressing that they are demanding the implementation of a new water project that serves the district's residents.

He also pointed out that the district is also suffering from an electricity crisis, as electricity has become non-existent and private generators are the ones that supply electricity to citizens' homes.

Regarding solutions and remedies for the judiciary's problems, Kakai said the judiciary needs to implement numerous projects, noting that a tourism project could be implemented at the Alwand Dam to attract tourists to the judiciary.

He also highlighted the need to implement service projects in the judiciary, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those who fail to perform their duties and to enact laws that punish those who obstruct projects and their implementation.  link

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Mot: .. In Case YOu Ever Wondered - The Truth Be Known!!! 

Mot: Ya Gots to Do - What Ya Gots to Do!!!!