The Fed’s Tightrope, Debt, Real Estate, and the Case for Gold

The Fed’s Tightrope, Debt, Real Estate, and the Case for Gold

APMEX:  12-22-2-24

In a rapidly shifting economic landscape, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) finds itself walking a precarious tightrope. As it navigates the dual pressures of stubborn inflation and mounting national debt, the implications of its monetary policy decisions are echoing throughout the economy.

 With a staggering $36 trillion national debt and interest expenses that are climbing, the Fed’s actions are poised to have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the realm of commercial real estate.

Despite the Fed’s best efforts to rein in inflation, which has remained stubbornly above its target, interest rates have risen sharply in response. These elevated rates are intended to cool off the economy and temper inflationary pressures.

 However, the result has been a cascade of challenges that threaten the financial stability of various sectors. The burden of high interest rates is particularly acute for small and mid-sized banks, which are already feeling the heat from an escalating commercial real estate crisis.

The commercial real estate sector has become a focal point of concern as rising interest rates lead to higher borrowing costs. Property owners who previously benefited from low-interest loans are now facing a stark reality of ballooning debt expenses. Many are unable to refinance, leading to rising defaults and increasing vacancies. This scenario has created a ripple effect, pushing small and mid-sized banks to the brink as they grapple with rising non-performing loans and a tightening credit environment.

Analysts warn that this crisis could exacerbate existing economic vulnerabilities, particularly as many of these banks are heavily invested in commercial real estate. As defaults increase, confidence in the banking sector erodes, potentially leading to a more significant financial downturn.

With the national debt now exceeding $36 trillion, the U.S. government faces a daunting challenge. Interest payments alone are consuming a significant portion of the federal budget, leaving less room for investment in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. As interest rates remain elevated, these expenses will continue to rise, further straining the government’s financial resources.

Moreover, the ever-increasing debt poses a risk of eroding confidence in U.S. Treasury securities, traditionally viewed as a safe haven for investors. If investors begin to question the sustainability of the U.S. debt, it could trigger a more severe economic fallout, including a potential crisis of confidence in the dollar itself.

As the financial system teeters on the brink of uncertainty, many investors are revisiting the historical role of gold and silver as safe havens. Gold has long been viewed as a store of value, particularly in times of economic distress. Its appeal stems from its ability to maintain value even when fiat currencies face volatility and inflation.

The current economic climate, marked by high inflation and rising interest rates, creates a fertile ground for gold and silver to shine. Investors looking for stability amid the chaos are increasingly turning to these precious metals as a hedge against currency devaluation and economic downturns.

Silver, too, offers a dual advantage as both an industrial metal and a precious metal. With the green energy transition and technological advancements driving demand for silver, its value is expected to remain resilient, even in a turbulent economic environment.

The Federal Reserve is indeed walking a tightrope as it attempts to balance inflation control with the mounting pressures of national debt and a commercial real estate crisis. The consequences of its monetary policy decisions are reverberating across the economy, creating a landscape fraught with uncertainty.

In this climate of financial instability, gold and silver emerge as critical players. As traditional safe havens, they offer a refuge for investors seeking to preserve their wealth amidst rising inflation and potential economic turmoil.

As the Fed continues to navigate these choppy waters, the case for gold and silver becomes ever more compelling, reminding us of their enduring value in uncertain times.

https://youtu.be/zGEgxudc0Rc

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 12-23-24

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TRUMP TAPS PRO-CRYPTO ECONOMIST STEPHEN MIRAN TO LEAD COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS

Miran will advise Trump on policy and help shape the administration's economic agenda to achieve its goals.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Stephen Miran, a former Treasury official from his first administration, to lead the Council of Economic Advisers. By selecting Miran, Trump is bringing experienced leadership back to Washington to help shape economic policy.

“Steve will work with the rest of my Economic Team to deliver a Great Economic Boom that lifts up all Americans,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday.

Miran has openly criticized the Biden administration, specifically targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell. He condemned Powell for calling for more aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus in Oct. 2020, just a month before the election, to boost the economic recovery during the pandemic.

Stephen Miran to Help Craft Trump’s Vision for a Booming Economy

The White House Council of Economic Advisers is a three-member team. It advises the president on economic policy. Miran will guide Trump on policy matters and be a key spokesperson to promote those decisions. He will provide insights and recommendations to shape the administration’s economic agenda. His work will help achieve its broader goals.

Currently a senior strategist at hedge fund Hudson Bay Capital Management, Miran said he was honored to be chosen. “I look forward to working to help implement the President’s policy agenda to create a booming, noninflationary economy that brings prosperity to all Americans!” he posted on X.

Miran’s appointment requires Senate confirmation. Last month, Trump named Kevin Hassett as chair of the National Economic Council. And he nominated Paul Atkins to replace Gary Gensler as SEC Chair.

Miran Sees Crypto as Catalyst for Prosperity Under Trump’s Agenda

The crypto community has shown strong support for Miran, including Michael Saylor, executive chairman of MicroStrategy. In a recent interview with The Bitcoin Layer, Miran criticized the current financial regulatory framework, calling it overly restrictive and a barrier to financial institutions.

He also pointed out the importance of innovation for economic growth, highlighting cryptocurrency’s potential role.

“I think crypto will have a big role in innovation and ushering in a Trump administration economic boom,” he said in the interview.

Milan said on X on Sunday that he looks forward “to working to help implement the President’s policy agenda to create a booming, noninflationary economy that brings prosperity to all Americans.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNews

~~~~~~~~~

TRUMP APPOINTS FORMER COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER, GOP HOUSE NOMINEE BO HINES TO HEAD CRYPTO COUNCIL

President-elect Donald Trump announced that Bo Hines, a former college football player who ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives in 2022, to lead his “Crypto Council” as the Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets.

“In his new role, Bo will work with David [Sacks] to foster innovation and growth in the digital assets space, while ensuring industry leaders have the resources they need to succeed,” Trump wrote.

Trump also earlier appointed Stephen Miran to head his Council of Economic Advisers. Miran has previously stated that regulations inhibit innovation in the crypto sector.

In posts on Truth Social Sunday, Donald Trump appointed two new figures as advisers on economic issues.

Foremost of concern to crypto investors, Trump announced on Sunday that Bo Hines, a former college football player who secured the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 13th congressional district before succumbing to his Democratic opponent in the general election, will serve as the Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, which Trump refers to as the "Crypto Council."

Trump had previously appointed David Sacks to spearhead crypto and A.I. issues at the White House, and refers to Hines working alongside Sacks in his announcement.
"In his new role, Bo will work with David to foster innovation and growth in the digital assets space, while ensuring industry leaders have the resources they need to succeed," Trump wrote. "Together, they will create an environment where this industry can flourish, and remain a cornerstone of our Nation's technological advancement."

Hines received funding in his 2022 Congressional race from pro-crypto PACs, The Block previously reported. Some of the money came from FTX executive Ryan Salame, according to Business Insider, who is currently serving a seven-and-a-half year prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges including conspiring to make unlawful political contributions.

Hines ran in the same district in 2024, but failed to secure the Republican nomination, coming in fourth place with 14.4% of the vote. Republican Addison McDowell later won the district in the general election with 69.2% of the overall vote.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump appointed former Treasury Department official Stephen Miran to chair his Council of Economic Advisers.

"I think financial regulation is excessively burdensome and prevents banks from...lending into the economy as much as they as much as they would. And I think sometimes [that] can really inhibit innovation in areas like the crypto-economy," Miran told podcast The Bitcoin Layer earlier this month.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

~~~~~~~~~

🎄 Holiday Announcement from the Seeds of Wisdom Team 🎄

As the holiday season approaches, we want to ensure everyone has time to enjoy their families and count their blessings. We will be closing our rooms for a few days during Christmas and New Year's to celebrate and recharge.

Telegram Holiday Hours:
Rooms will remain open for READ Only

Closed: December 23rd - December 25th
Open: December 26th
Closed for New Year's: December 30th
Reopen: January 2nd

Newshounds will continue to post in the Morning Newsletter during the Holidays except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 

Wishing all of you a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. Enjoy your holidays and see you in the New Year! 

@ Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 12-23-2024

TNT:

Tishwsh Al-Sudani: Iraq has regained its leading role in the region and has become an influential and effective country

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Sunday, that Iraq has regained its leading role in the region and has become an influential and effective country in its surroundings.

Al-Sudani's office stated in a statement received by "Mil" that "Al-Sudani met in the city of Mosul, today, Sunday, with a group of tribal sheikhs and representatives of the various components and spectrums in Nineveh Governorate . "

Al-Sudani stressed his keenness to "meet the sheikhs, dignitaries, religious men and elite of the province's people," indicating that "his visit to Nineveh comes within the government's work methodology to follow up on the affairs of citizens in the various provinces, lay the foundation stone for a number of projects, follow up on work at Mosul International Airport, and set the tenth of next June as the date for its opening . "

The statement continued, "All the projects that were launched today in Nineveh were destroyed by terrorism, and in the days of celebrating Victory Day over the terrorist gangs, we are rebuilding the ruins of the dark era of ISIS and working to launch new projects . "

Al-Sudani confirmed that "a series of infrastructure projects will be launched in the governorate within 30 days, and the second phase of the ring road project will begin to alleviate traffic congestion in the city," stressing that "the wheel of construction and reconstruction in the governorate continues with the solidarity of its people."

The statement explained that "the true image of the Iraqi people triumphed over what terrorism wanted in targeting security and peaceful coexistence among all components and sects," explaining that "the strife of terrorism and the foreign agenda harmed society in Nineveh, and tried to drive a wedge of division among Iraqis."

He pointed out that "Iraq today is on the right track in building a state that respects the citizen, adheres to the constitution, and builds its institutions in a way that meets the aspirations of the citizens," stressing that "Iraq has regained its leading role in the region and has become an influential and effective country in its surroundings . "

The statement pointed out that "Iraq today is putting forward initiatives, solutions and positions that are consistent with the challenges in the region . "

The statement concluded: "We took the initiative to make contacts and visits with sister countries, and launched an initiative to establish security in Syria. We presented an Iraqi paper at the Aqaba Conference in Jordan regarding Syria, and it was welcomed by all brothers . "link

************

Tishwash:  2025.. The year of cautious optimism in Iraq

The international economics specialist, Nawar Al-Saadi, revealed, on Saturday, the future financial and economic expectations for Iraq at the beginning of the new year 2025 .

Al-Saadi told Shafaq News Agency, "The future economic and financial expectations for Iraq at the beginning of the new year carry a mixture of optimism and caution, as they depend largely on a set of economic, political and regional factors that directly affect the country's financial and economic stability ."

He added that "international estimates indicate an improvement in Iraq's economic growth rates, according to reports from the International Monetary Fund, which expected the Iraqi economy to grow by 1.4% next year, with an expected increase of 5.3% in 2025. This growth reflects the recovery of the economy after the challenges it faced in the past years, especially after the economic contraction of 2.2% in 2022, and economic growth will be mainly driven by the stability of oil prices and increased investments in non-oil sectors ."

Al-Saadi pointed out that “there are fears of a deterioration in the financial situation due to the expected deficit in the state’s general budget, as the deficit is expected to widen to 7.6% of GDP during the coming year, compared to 1.3% this year. This deficit is attributed to fluctuations in oil prices, which are the main source of government revenues, and the economic situation is further complicated by the heavy dependence on oil, which constitutes about 90% of Iraq’s revenues. Any decline in its global prices could lead to severe financial pressures on the government .”

“Other challenges relate to inflation rates, which are expected to rise slightly to 3.5% in 2025. This rise reflects the effects of financial pressures and internal economic challenges, including higher prices for goods and services as a result of increased production and import costs. In terms of oil production, Iraq is expected to continue to maintain a high level of production, with plans to boost its production capacity to around 4 million barrels per day by the first quarter of 2025. However, the success of these efforts will remain linked to political stability and relations with OPEC, in addition to achieving long-term investments in energy infrastructure, ” he added.

Al-Saadi continued: “With regard to the banking sector, the government seeks to implement structural reforms to improve the efficiency of the banking system and increase transparency. These reforms come within a larger vision to develop the Iraqi economy and diversify sources of income away from excessive dependence on oil .”

The international economics expert concluded his speech by referring to all the aforementioned data, saying that “Iraq may be facing hot economic and financial events at the beginning of the new year, and the main challenge lies in the government’s ability to manage these challenges effectively through balanced financial and economic policies that aim to enhance economic stability and diversify the economy to achieve sustainable growth  link

************

Tishwash:  Politician: Iraq has no fear of Trump reaching the White House

Independent politician Wael al-Rikabi confirmed on Sunday that Iraq will not be negatively affected by the arrival of US President Donald Trump to power in the United States, pointing out that there is an Iraqi desire to arm from new sources other than the United States. 

Al-Rikabi said in an interview with Al-Maalouma Agency, “Iraq has nothing to worry about Trump coming to power in the White House or Biden staying, as it is committed to all international agreements and controls in a way that made it a pivotal state, and the visits that the country has witnessed recently are evidence of that," indicating that "Iraq is the focus of attention of all countries for what it possesses of capabilities and energies, and the state of chaos cannot be returned to it, and it has not broken "any official international agreement." 

He added, "The process of changing power in America concerns the United States, and there are agreements between us and them, although the United States violated these agreements," noting that "the Americans did not provide Iraq with the sufficient weapons required, such as air defenses, and Washington did not cooperate with successful Iraqi governments in this file.” 

He pointed out that "there is a desire in Iraq to arm itself with countries other than the United States after the recent events in the region, and Iraq is currently able to overcome this issue, and the existing weapons make the situation reassuring," noting that "everyone knows the extent of the United States' defense and support for the Zionist entity at the expense of the countries of the region." 

It is noteworthy that several representatives and political forces warned of the danger of the Iraqi army's weak armament in light of the events taking place in the region, the latest of which was the control of terrorist groups over Syria and the threat of the Zionist entity to target Iraq.  link

************

Mot .... and now a Christmas - oooooh oooooooh oooooooh 

Mot:  .. Sum just can't Take a Joke --- LOL 

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-Trading Partners-Investment-Trade Bank Iraq-Suspension of Cash Transfers today

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-Trading Partners-Investment-Trade Bank Iraq-Suspension of Cash Transfers today

12-22-2024

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1GltPkVg0M

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 12-22-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

WHAT ARE COMPRESSED NFTS AND MINTING CNFTS

Understanding compressed NFTs

Compressed NFTs are a type of non-fungible token (NFT) designed to reduce the cost of storing and transacting with NFTs on the Solana blockchain.

With the increasing adoption of NFTs, developers face difficulties maximizing storage and lowering minting costs for these digital assets. The Solana blockchain introduced compressed NFTs (cNFTs) to overcome such challenges.

CNFTs are a newer type of non-fungible token that leverages state compression technology to store data more efficiently on Solana. Unlike traditional NFTs, which store all the token’s metadata directly onchain or via external links (like IPFS), cNFTs use Merkle trees to optimize data storage.

In simpler terms, while regular NFTs store individual ownership and metadata records for each token onchain, cNFTs group these records in a highly compressed format. This significantly reduces storage costs and improves transaction speeds.

Although the technology is still in its infancy, it accounts for most NFTs minted on Solana.

Did you know? In March 2023, Crossmint produced the first large-scale mint of compressed NFTs on Solana. Minting 300,000 NFTs the traditional way would cost over $74,000, but with state compression technology, Crossmint reduced this cost to less than $200!

Key features of compressed NFTs

With cNFTs, artists and developers can mint thousands, even millions, of tokens at a fraction of the cost of traditional NFTs, boosting innovation.

Let’s look at some key features and benefits of cNFTs:

Cost efficiency: Minting thousands of compressed NFTs costs only a fraction of what it would for regular NFTs. For instance, as per Solana’s report, about 24,000 SOL are needed to create and mint 1 million traditional NFTs utilizing the traditional metadata route. It is possible to organize cNFTs so that the same setup and mint cost 10 SOL or less. This implies that anyone utilizing NFTs on a large scale may use cNFTs instead of standard NFTs to reduce expenses by more than 1000x. Research by Helius shows cost comparison with and without compression NFTs, as seen below:

Scalability: Designed for high-volume use cases like gaming, social media and metaverse assets, where thousands or millions of tokens might be needed.

Onchain and offchain flexibility: While ownership is tracked onchain, much of the metadata can be stored offchain, further reducing costs without sacrificing utility.

Compressed NFTs offer several key benefits that stand out in the blockchain ecosystem. Their affordability significantly lowers minting and storage costs, enabling creators and businesses to access blockchain technology without financial barriers.

Additionally, cNFTs contribute to greener blockchain practices by reducing storage requirements and, consequently, energy usage. These attributes position cNFTs as a potential game-changer for scalable, eco-friendly and innovative applications.

Did you know? DRiP on Solana has distributed over 4 million free compressed NFTs, making it one of the most accessible NFT platforms for onboarding new users. This innovative approach allows artists to create and share digital art with minimal costs, reshaping how people experience NFTs.

Compressed NFTs vs regular NFTs

While both cNFTs and traditional NFTs aim to tokenize digital assets, their design and use cases differ significantly.

Traditional NFTs are known for their uniqueness and exclusivity, but their minting and storage costs can be prohibitively high for large-scale applications.

Compressed NFTs solve this problem by utilizing state compression, drastically reducing costs and enabling affordable mass production of tokens.

Unlike traditional NFTs, which often store all data onchain, cNFTs offload metadata to offchain systems, maintaining utility while minimizing blockchain storage needs.

Some key differences include:

Regular NFTs are best suited for high-value, one-of-a-kind digital art or collectibles.

Compressed NFTs, on the other hand, excel in scenarios that require high scalability, such as distributing gaming assets or digital collectibles to millions of users.

How to mint cNFTs: A step-by-step guide

CNFTs use state compression and Merkle trees to store data in a compact format.

Minting cNFTs may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a straightforward process to mint and distribute. While each platform will have its own instructions, here is a general guide to get started on cNFTs:

Step 1: Set up a wallet: Use a Solana-compatible wallet like Phantom or Solflare to manage your funds and interact with blockchain tools.

Step 2: Fund your wallet: Add SOL (Solana’s native cryptocurrency) to cover the cost of minting. CNFTs are highly cost-efficient, so even small amounts are sufficient.

Step 3: Select a minting platform: Platforms like Crossmint, Metaplex and Candy Machine (on Solana) support cNFTs. Based on your project’s scale and features, choose one.

Step 4: Prepare metadata: Define the details of your NFT collection, including artwork, descriptions, attributes and other metadata. Use offchain storage solutions like IPFS if needed.

Step 5: Mint your cNFTs and set up a Merkle tree: CNFTs use Merkle trees to organize data. Most minting platforms automate this process. Follow the platform’s interface to mint your compressed NFTs. Confirm transactions through your wallet, and voila — your cNFTs are live!

Where are compressed NFTs stored?

Unlike ordinary NFTs, in cNFTs, the Merkle root is stored onchain, and the Merkle leaves are stored offchain.

CNFTs leverage a hybrid storage model that balances onchain and offchain storage, ensuring cost efficiency and scalability. Ownership of cNFTs is always tracked onchain, ensuring the authenticity and provenance of the asset.

Still, much of the asset’s metadata, including images or detailed information, is typically stored offchain. This decentralized offchain storage often uses protocols like IPFS to ensure that the data is distributed and can be accessed by anyone.

This combination of onchain ownership with offchain metadata helps to reduce costs significantly, as storing large amounts of data directly on the blockchain can be expensive and inefficient.

In the case of Solana’s cNFTs, the metadata is compressed and stored in a way that drastically reduces the blockchain’s storage needs while maintaining the integrity of the asset’s information.
@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

Someone asked in our Living room 'how will we know when the RV will happen?'

Here was the response:

If you have not signed up for the 64 Group I urge you to do so.  Salty Toes will try to get everyone signed up into the group so you will receive an email from them when the RV happens. No promises but she does have some contacts. Read her post above.  

More about the group in the Seeds of Wisdom Team Newsletter here.  And you can go directly to the website to sign up for 64 Group and dont forget to check the box to allow the group to send you an email.  

Also Salty Toes will be sending out a Newsletter as well with all the information she has when the time comes.  You can subscribe to the Seeds of Wisdom Team Newsletter here:   Newsletter

Have a blessed Christmas.❤️

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Some Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 12-22-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Kirkuk Governorate suspends official working hours next Wednesday

12/22/2024

Kirkuk Governor Ribwar Taha Mustafa decided to suspend official work in all Kirkuk departments and all schools next Wednesday, coinciding with the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).

A statement from his office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, stated: “The Governor of Kirkuk decided to suspend official work in all Kirkuk departments and all schools next Wednesday, coinciding with the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), while universities and colleges will continue to conduct semester exams based on the request of university presidents in all government institutions.”  LINK

************

Clare:  Trade Bank of Iraq: Temporarily suspending cash transfers

12/22/2024 Baghdad

Today, Sunday, the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) announced the suspension of all cash transfers to TBI.

The bank stated in a statement that: All cash transfers to TBI Bank have been suspended as of today until January 7, 2025, due to the annual inventory procedures and the end of the fiscal year.  LINK

************

Clare:  Al-Sudani visits London in the middle of next month to discuss bilateral relations and attract British investments

12/22/2024  Baghdad - Economy News

An informed source told Al-Eqtisad News that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will visit the British capital, London, during the period from January 13 to 16, 2025. 

The source said that the visit will be at the head of a high-level government delegation, and aims to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, and enhance opportunities for attracting British companies to invest and work in Iraq.

He added that the visit schedule includes Al-Sudani meeting with the Iraqi community in Britain, as well as meetings with a number of British officials, most notably Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This comes within the framework of the Iraqi government's efforts to consolidate international relations and open new horizons for investment and joint projects.  LINK

************

Clare:  Al-Sudani returns to Baghdad after concluding his visit to Nineveh Governorate

12/22/2024

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani returned to the capital, Baghdad, after concluding his visit to Nineveh Governorate.

According to a statement from his office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, “Al-Sudani’s visit to Nineveh included the following:  

- Launching the executive work on the North Thermal Power Plant Project/Phase One, with a capacity of (700 megawatts), out of the total project capacity of (1400 megawatts).

- Launching the executive work on the (local administration) stadium and indoor sports hall project, and directing to increase the stadium’s capacity. 

- Launching the executive works of the project to organize and rehabilitate the riverfront of the old city in the right side of Mosul.

- Field follow-up of the Mosul International Airport reconstruction project, which has reached more than 80% completion, and directing its opening in the coming month of June.

- Follow up on the ongoing work on the rehabilitation project of the ancient Nineveh Wall.

- Opening of the new Nineveh Governorate building.

- Announcing the launch of a series of new projects in Nineveh Governorate, including those related to infrastructure, the second phase of the ring road project, and the project to transform the military base in Qayyarah into a model base.

- Chairing a meeting of the leaders of the security and military services in the governorate.

- Meeting of tribal sheikhs and representatives of various components and nationalities in Nineveh LINK

************

Clare:  Al-Sudani directs the opening of Mosul International Airport on June 10

12/22/2024

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed the opening of Mosul International Airport on June 10.

This came during his field follow-up of the progress of work at Mosul International Airport, during his visit to Nineveh Governorate, which he arrived at this morning, according to a statement issued by Al-Sudani's media office.

The statement said that Al-Sudani was briefed on the work related to the construction of the airport runway and its various halls, the current completion rate of which is more than 80%. He also listened to the officials of the implementing company, and directed the removal of all obstacles that hinder their current work.

The statement added that Al-Sudani directed that the airport be opened on June 10, which marks the anniversary of the occupation of Mosul, to be a message of defiance in the face of terrorism.

Mosul Airport is one of the most important airports at the governorate level after Baghdad and Basra airports, and it was destroyed by ISIS in a systematic manner and at a rate of 100%.

According to a statement from Al-Sudani's office, the project encountered many technical and administrative problems, which were overcome with direct support from the Prime Minister.

The completion rate of the project, which is part of the regional development projects, did not exceed (30%) last March, and work progressed during the past eight months, reaching more than (80%), and all the conditions approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Navigation Company were implemented.  LINK

************

Clare:  The dollar market is on “one leg”.. A ​​new mechanism and the exchange rate is threatened!

12/22/2024

The Central Bank of Iraq is preparing to stop dealing with the electronic platform for dollar transfers abroad, at a time when experts have warned against raising the exchange rate to a higher level in light of the news circulating about this.

The electronic platform was launched in early 2023, and it represents a system for auditing dollar transfers before they are executed, instead of the audit that the US Federal Reserve used to conduct after execution.

Banks, companies and merchants in Iraq faced some challenges before adapting to the new method, but they finally underwent a series of trainings that the employees of these banks received before fully adapting to the platform’s work.

 Exchange rate hike

In light of these moves, news has been raised about a move towards a new adjustment to the exchange rate, which has raised economists’ concerns about the potential impact of this move on the economic process in general.

Experts stressed that sudden changes in monetary policy could create additional confusion in the markets and undermine confidence in the financial system.

Economic expert Mustafa Akram Hantoush said, “Changing the exchange rate in the current situation is useless, because the problem is not in purchasing power, but in the demand for the dollar outside the platform due to small traders, trade with Iran, and some materials that are imported outside the platform due to high customs duties or their ban, in addition to the citizens’ desire to save the dollar.”

Hantoush added to Al Jarida that “it is better to find solutions to the increasing demand for the dollar outside the platform instead of resorting to changing the exchange rate, because that will complicate the monetary situation even more than it is now.”

clear policy

According to an official at the Central Bank of Iraq, dealing with the dollar file was based on various opinions built on a series of studies and field research.

The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained to Al Jarida that “the bank adopted two main approaches to address the crisis. The first is to expand the use of international currencies such as the Chinese yuan, the Indian rupee, the UAE dirham, and finally the Saudi riyal, with the aim of reducing dependence on the dollar. The second approach focuses on developing the operational capabilities of local banks to become more qualified to participate in transfer operations.”

For his part, banking researcher Mahmoud Dagher explained that “the fluctuation of the Iraqi dinar exchange rate came as a result of two decisions to reduce the value of the dinar in 2020 and then raise it in 2023, which represents a clear intervention in the fixed exchange rate system, which created ongoing economic confusion.”

Dagher told Al Jarida that “any new change in the exchange rate reflects the absence of benefit from previous mistakes, as wrong interventions in monetary policy lead to adverse results that increase the instability of the financial market.”

As for the economic expert, Adi Al-Alawi, he confirmed that “the biggest mistake that the government can make is to manipulate the dollar exchange rate through sudden decisions, because that has a direct impact on the national economy and shakes investors’ confidence in the financial system.”

Al-Alawi added to Al-Jarida that “the government’s continued taking of ill-considered decisions regarding the exchange rate will lead to the erosion of international and local confidence in the Iraqi economy, which will weaken the ability to attract the investments necessary to improve the economic reality.”  LINK

How a New BRICS Currency may Affect the Dollar

How a New BRICS Currency may Affect the Dollar

Geopolitical Analyst: 12-22-2024

As nations increasingly seek to assert their economic independence, the geopolitical landscape is evolving, with an eye on alternatives to the longstanding dominance of the U.S. dollar. Among the most notable developments in this sphere is the potential introduction of a new currency by the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

This article explores how this currency could affect the dollar’s status, international trade, and the broader financial system.

BRICS was founded as a coalition of emerging markets to foster economic cooperation and development. The common aspiration is not merely to compete with the G7 nations but to establish a more balanced global economic framework.

In recent years, these nations have been forging closer ties, driven by their mutual interests of reducing reliance on Western economies, particularly the United States.

The idea of a BRICS currency has gained traction, especially as these countries navigate economic sanctions, volatile exchange rates, and the challenges posed by the fluctuating dollar. In 2023, discussions among BRICS nations intensified, with calls for a shared currency aimed at facilitating trade and investment among member states while offering a viable alternative to the dollar.

The U.S. dollar has reigned as the world’s primary reserve currency for decades, accounting for approximately 60% of global reserves. This dominance has afforded the United States substantial advantages, including lower borrowing costs and the ability to impose economic sanctions with relative ease.

A new BRICS currency could disrupt this status quo by encouraging member countries to engage in trade and investment using the new currency instead.

As countries explore alternatives to the dollar, there is potential for a reduction in dollar-denominated trade, which could undermine the currency’s global hegemony.

The emergence of a BRICS currency could induce greater volatility in currency markets. As nations shift their reserves and trading practices toward the new currency, the dollar may experience fluctuations in value. Commodities currently priced in dollars, such as oil and gold, may find new price benchmarks, leading to further instability in their markets as well. Such volatility could impact not only the U.S. economy but also the global economy at large.

A shift towards a new BRICS currency could exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. has historically wielded its financial clout to influence global politics, and any threat to dollar dominance may prompt a defensive stance. The potential weaponization of the dollar by the U.S.—in the form of sanctions—could push other nations to accelerate the move toward alternatives, thereby solidifying the divide between Eastern and Western powers.

In this context, the introduction of a BRICS currency could be more than just an economic move; it could be viewed as a political statement against perceived Western hegemony.

A BRICS currency could significantly alter global trade dynamics, especially in regions where BRICS nations hold considerable sway. Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America may find it advantageous to trade within this new framework, thereby lessening dependency on the dollar. For smaller economies, trading in a BRICS currency could mean lower transaction costs and reduced exposure to the risks associated with dollar fluctuations.

This shift could give BRICS nations more power in setting the terms of trade, establishing new partnerships, and enhancing their influence on the global stage.

The introduction of a BRICS currency is not without challenges. Questions remain regarding its stability, backing, and the mechanisms for implementation. Moreover, member nations would need to overcome significant economic disparities and ensure that the new currency is widely accepted and trusted.

Regardless, the contemplation of a BRICS currency signals a potential seismic shift in the geopolitical landscape. As these nations band together in their quest for economic autonomy, the consequences for the U.S. dollar may be profound.

While the full implications of a new BRICS currency remain to be seen, its potential to challenge the dollar’s supremacy could reshape the global economic order. The world watches with anticipation as BRICS members deliberate their next steps, with the possibility of marking a new era in international finance.

The dollar’s future may very well depend on how effectively the U.S. can adapt to these emerging developments and address the core grievances fueling the push for an alternative currency. Ultimately, the unfolding story of the BRICS currency will be one to watch as it unfolds in the coming years.

https://youtu.be/1oHyQE2tCwk

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Late Saturday Night 12-21-24

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Late Saturday Night 12-21-24

An Expert Predicts Iraq's Economic Future In 2025
 
Reports Saturday, December 21, 2024 (70 views)  Sky Press/Baghdad  On Saturday, international economist Nawar Al-Saadi revealed the financial and economic future expectations for Iraq at the beginning of the new year 2025. Al-Saadi said,
 
"Iraq's economic and financial future expectations at the beginning of the new year carry a mixture of optimism and caution, as they depend largely on a group of economic, political, and regional factors that directly affect the country's financial and economic stability."

 He added, "International estimates indicate an improvement in Iraq's economic growth rates, according to reports from the International Monetary Fund, where
 
it is expected that the Iraqi economy will witness growth of 1.4% during the next year, with an expected increase of up to 5.3% in 2025.
 
This growth reflects the recovery of the economy."
 
After the challenges it faced in recent years, especially after the economic contraction that reached 2.2% in 2022, economic growth will be mainly driven by stabilizing oil prices and increasing investments in non-oil sectors.” Al-Saadi pointed out,
 
“There are fears of a deterioration in the financial situation due to the expected deficit in the state’s general budget, as the deficit is expected to expand to 7.6% of the gross domestic product during the next year, compared to 1.3% in the current year.
 
This deficit is due to fluctuations in oil prices, which are the main source of government revenues.
 
The economic situation is further complicated by the heavy dependence on oil, as it constitutes about 90% of Iraq’s revenues.
 
Any decrease in its global prices may lead to severe financial pressure on the government.” He pointed out that
 
 “other challenges relate to inflation rates, which are expected to rise slightly to reach 3.5% in 2025.
 
This rise reflects the effects of financial pressures and internal economic challenges, including the rise in prices of goods and services as a result of increased production and import costs.
 
Oil production:
 
Iraq is expected to continue to maintain a high level of production, with plans to enhance its production capacity to reach about 4 million barrels per day by the first quarter of 2025. However, the
 
success of these efforts will remain linked to stability. political and relations with OPEC, in addition to achieving long-term investments in energy infrastructure.”

Al-Saadi continued:
 
“At the banking sector level, the government seeks to implement structural reforms to
 
     improve the efficiency of the banking system and
     increase transparency, and
 
these reforms come within a larger vision to
 
     develop the Iraqi economy and
     diversify sources of income away from excessive dependence on oil.”
 
The specialist in international economics concluded his speech by referring to all the aforementioned data, by saying that
 
“Iraq may be facing hot economic and financial events with the beginning of the new year, and the
 
main challenge lies in the government’s ability to manage these challenges effectively through balanced financial and economic policies aimed at Promoting economic stability and diversifying the economy to achieve sustainable growth.”   
 
https://www.skypressiq.net/2024/12/21/خبير-يتوقع-مستقبل-العراق-الاقتصادي-في-عام-2025   

An Economist Urges Those In Charge Of The Industrial Project Financing Initiative To Take Measures That “Attract Investors”
 
Economy | Yesterday, |Baghdad today – Baghdad   Economist Manar Al-Obaidi confirmed today, Saturday (December 21, 2024), that the 
 
industrial project financing initiative is one of the main initiatives that aims to support the industrial sector in Iraq and enhance its role in achieving economic development, noting 

a package of measures that must be taken to ensure that it is directed in the right way. Serves its national goals "attracting investors."
 
Al-Obaidi said in a post on the “Facebook” platform, followed by “ Baghdad Today ,” that
 
“the initiative comes as part of the efforts made to stimulate industrial activity by providing financing on easy terms, including low interest rates, flexible payment periods, and encouraging guarantees,” noting that
 
“These advantages make the initiative attractive to investors, as it gives them the opportunity to establish industrial projects that support the local economy and reduce dependence on imported goods.”

Al-Obaidi added,    “Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed that the country’s import bill exceeded 100 trillion Iraqi dinars this year, which highlights the urgent need to activate such initiatives to reduce this economic burden,” stressing
 
“the necessity of setting clear controls and goals for the initiative to ensure its success.” and achieve its goals.” He continued,
 
"Setting measurable goals helps direct efforts effectively and ensures achieving the desired results.
 
The general goal of promoting industry, despite its importance, is a broad goal and not subject to precise follow-up," stressing that
 
"it is necessary to formulate specific goals linked to indicators." Measurable performance, so that the extent to which the initiative achieves these goals can be evaluated.” He stated,
 
"Unfortunately, Iraq's experience with the Small and Medium Enterprises Financing Initiative shows the importance of this point.
 
More than 18 trillion Iraqi dinars have been allocated to this initiative,
 
but a large portion of the funding was directed toward projects not related to supporting the productive economy, such as construction and housing projects." He noted that
 
“this approach did not achieve the desired goals of the economic initiative and led to a reduction in its effectiveness.” He stated,
 
 “To ensure that the initiative’s funding is directed towards projects that achieve national goals, key criteria must be determined to evaluate projects applying for funding, which include:
 
1- Reducing the import bill:
 
One of the main goals of any industrial project is to reduce dependence on imports.
 
However, it should be noted that some projects may claim to reduce the import bill, but in reality they replace the import of the finished product with the import of raw materials.
 
This trend does not contribute to reducing the total value of imports, but rather leads to additional losses, such as the state losing customs revenues on imported goods, as imported raw materials are exempt from customs under investment laws.
 
Therefore, priority should be given to projects that rely on local raw materials or that operate in the field of extractive and recycling industries, compared to manufacturing industries that depend on importing raw materials.

2- Providing job opportunities:
 
Modern technology has reduced the need for manpower in many industries, as production lines have become semi-automated.
 
Therefore, funding priority should be for projects that provide significant direct and indirect employment opportunities.
 
The ultimate goal of strengthening the industrial sector is to create job opportunities for youth and job seekers, and
 
if the initiative does not achieve this goal, its benefit will be limited.
 
3- Relying on energy alternatives:
 
Energy costs are considered one of the biggest challenges facing the local industry in Iraq, as they directly affect the competitiveness of products.
 
Therefore, projects that rely on alternative energy sources such as solar energy and other clean energy should be encouraged.
 
Although investment in these alternatives may be high initially, in the long term it can reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of local products.
 
4- Encouraging exports:
 
Most industrial projects in Iraq focus on the large local market, but it is necessary to direct part of production towards export.
 
Iraq enjoys a strategic location that allows it to benefit from the large volume of trade exchange between the Gulf countries and Turkey, which exceeds 20 billion dollars annually.
 
Iraq can also benefit from its geographical proximity to Europe and Asia to reduce logistical costs and expand the target market base.
 
Projects that allocate part of their production to export should receive priority funding.
 
5- Localization of industries and technical knowledge:
 
The initiative should seek to encourage the localization of global industries within Iraq, especially in the areas of electronic devices and cars.

Attracting international companies to work inside Iraq will not only strengthen the local industry, but will contribute to the transfer of technical knowledge and encourage foreign direct investment.
 
Projects targeting the localization of major industries deserve top priority in funding.
 
6- Additional factors for evaluation
 
• Future expansion plans for the project.
 
• The extent of women’s empowerment in the project.
 
• Environmental impact and waste handling mechanisms.
 
• The location of the project and the extent of its impact on the geographical distribution of development. He stressed
 
Initiative implementation mechanism
 
"the need for financing decisions to be based on a comprehensive evaluation system that goes beyond the feasibility study submitted by investors," stressing
 
"the need for the evaluation to include clear and specific goals for the state, with relative weights for each goal to determine funding priorities." Al-Obaidi pointed out,
 
“This system ensures that funding is directed towards projects that achieve the highest added value to the national economy,” noting that the industrial project financing initiative has great potential to stimulate the industrial sector and promote economic development in Iraq. 
https://baghdadtoday.news/264347-اقتصادي-يحث-القائمين-على-مبادرة-تمويل-المشاريع-الصناعية-باتخاذ-إجراءات-تجذب-المستثمرين.html   

What Are The Goals Of Expanding External Transfer Channels By The Central Bank Of Iraq?  
Economy ​ 12-19-2024, |Baghdad today – Baghdad  Today, Thursday (December 19, 2024), economic affairs specialist Alaa Al-Fahd revealed the  goal of the Central Bank of Iraq to expand external transfer channels for local banks.
 
Al-Fahd said, in an interview with “Baghdad Today,” that  “as part of the Central Bank’s policy and its ongoing attempts to control foreign transfers to finance trade, especially in dollars,  there is a continuous effort to expand the basket of foreign currencies that are used for imports, especially
 
with the countries that we have.” Import transactions, the transfer is in the currencies of the countries, and  there was an agreement regarding this with the Turkish side, as well as the Emirates, China, and today with Jordan and Saudi Arabia.”

 He stated,  "This step reduces the demand for the dollar to finance foreign trade.
 
Most of the demand for the dollar is to finance foreign trade, and  with the expansion of the basket of currencies, the pressure in the parallel (black) market on the dollar decreases, and  this reduces the exchange rate in the local market." He added,
 
"This step will also allow many banks to deal with many countries according to the currencies of those countries, and
 
this enhances a major role in developing the work of banks in terms of experience.
 
Its main goal is to control the dollar exchange rate and work to reduce it." 
 
https://baghdadtoday.news/264256-ما-اهداف-توسيع-قنوات-التحويل-الخارجي-من-قبل-البنك-المركزي-العراقي؟.html   

Did Non-Oil Revenues Contribute To Iraq's Budget?
 
Money and business  Economy News – Baghdad   Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed today, Saturday, that non-oil revenues have witnessed a significant change in their contribution to budget resources, while he stated that the government program seeks to raise them to 20%.
 
Saleh told the official agency, followed by Al-Eqtisad News, that
 
“there are two paths in the rise in non-oil revenues, which have witnessed a significant change in their contribution to the federal general budget resources, as indicated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani,” indicating that “the
 
first path is an increase in the growth rate.” in the non-oil GDP to reach 6% annually, and
 
it represents a leap in the development of the productive activities of the non-oil sectors of the economy, headed by the
 
     transportation sector,
     digital communications technology, and
     housing. Construction,
     infrastructure,
     agriculture, and
     clear industrial transformation.” He added, "The
 
other path is the development taking place in the general budget resources other than the oil resource as a result of the high discipline in tax and customs collection after the introduction of digital processes and automation and the expansion of touching on neglected tax bases," pointing out that "the
 
progress achieved is consistent with the government program to seek to raise the share of non-oil revenues." Oil revenues over time and within the economic reform packages by making it 20% instead of less than 10%. Saleh explained,
 
“This issue is related to
 
     growth in non-oil gross domestic product on the one hand, and
     maximizing the budget’s resources financially from traditional revenue sources, whether
          direct and indirect taxes, and
          various related government revenues,
 
which generates a complementary relationship between financial sustainability and economic sustainability over time, which is a higher goal than Objectives of the government program.
 
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani had confirmed that
 
“non-oil revenues reached 14 percent from 7 percent,” noting that “the
 
unemployment rate decreased from 16.5 to 14.4, and the
poverty rate was reduced from 23 percent to 17 percent.”
 
views 224    Added 12/21/2024 -  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=51117   

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Morning 12-22-24

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

XRP LAWSUIT NEWS: EX-SEC LAWYER REVEALS RIPPLE WAS DISCUSSED WEEKLY, PREDICTS POSSIBLE DISMISSAL OF APPEAL

Ripple-SEC closed meeting sparks rumors of potential case dismissal, fueling XRP community's hope for a major rally ahead.

Former SEC lawyer predicts possible XRP case closure, as government shutdowns and RLUSD launch impact Ripple's future prospects.

There are rumors that Ripple and the SEC will have a closed meeting, which could lead to a significant development in the XRP case. Speculation suggests that the meeting may result in the case being closed or dropped entirely, with answers expected soon.

A user reacted to this, praising the XRP community for its unwavering perseverance. Despite being wrong many times, the community continues to stay positive and hopeful, showing up every month for updates.

Ex-SEC lawyer Marc Fagel believes the SEC will continue on its current path for now, filing the opening brief as planned. He also pointed out that the new SEC chair could take some time to be confirmed, and it’s possible that they may vote to dismiss the appeal. Though it’s an unusual step, Fagel thinks it’s a possibility if the right people are in charge.

SEC’s Shutdown, RLUSD Live and More

In other news, the SEC is preparing for a government shutdown, which could impact its operations. Government shutdowns and financial instability, like the US government’s debt issues, have added pressure on the market.

Ripple’s RLUSD launch had positive price action initially but has since been impacted by market downturns. Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, believes RLUSD will be big for the company’s future. With SEC’s clarity and possible case dismissal, XRP might be up for a massive rally.

@ Newshounds News™

 Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

GOOGLE TO REQUIRE UK CRYPTO ADS TO REGISTER WITH FINANCIAL REGULATOR STARTING JANUARY 2025

The new policy will take effect on January 15, 2025.

Google has announced a policy update requiring advertisements for digital asset exchanges and wallets in the United Kingdom to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before being allowed to run on its platform.

The new policy will take effect on January 15, 2025, the search engine company said in a recent announcement.

Under the updated rules, advertisers offering crypto exchange services or software wallets in the UK must meet specific conditions to promote their products.

UK Crypto Firms Need to Register with FCA

Chief among these is registration with the FCA, ensuring compliance with the country’s financial regulations.

Additionally, Google will permit advertisements for hardware wallets that store cryptocurrency private keys, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), or other digital assets.

However, these hardware wallet providers must avoid offering ancillary services such as buying, selling, or trading digital assets.

While the search giant did not provide additional requirements for hardware wallet ads, it emphasized that all advertisers must adhere to local laws in their targeted regions.

“As a reminder, we expect all advertisers to comply with the local laws for any area that their ads target. This policy will apply globally to all accounts that advertise these financial products,” Google said.

The new policy underscores the growing scrutiny of crypto-related advertisements worldwide as regulators attempt to curb misleading promotions.

In the UK, the FCA recently issued a warning about the Solana-based memecoin and NFT project “Retardio.”

The regulator flagged the project for unauthorized promotions targeting UK consumers, cautioning that investors might face financial losses if the company fails.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also introduced stricter advertising guidelines for crypto products.

The SEC now requires virtual asset service providers and influencers to secure agency approval before publishing promotional materials.

Google Ads Promotes Fake Crypto Websites

As reported, a sponsored Google ad posing as a link to Sony’s blockchain project, Soneium, was exposed as a cleverly disguised crypto wallet drainer.

In October, a search for “soneium” on Google led users to a phishing site designed to steal crypto assets.

The ad linked to a website with a domain name similar to Soneium’s official site, which appeared as a legitimate yet unfinished landing page for a radiology service based in the UK.

In another incident, a fraudulent cryptocurrency wallet app on Google Play reportedly stole $70,000 from users in a sophisticated scam that has been described as a world-first for targeting mobile users exclusively.

The malicious app, named WalletConnect, mimicked the reputable WalletConnect protocol but was, in fact, a sophisticated scheme to drain crypto wallets.

The deceptive app managed to deceive over 10,000 users into downloading it, according to Check Point Research (CPR), the cybersecurity firm that uncovered the scam.

The scammers behind the app were well aware of the typical challenges faced by web3 users, such as compatibility issues and the lack of widespread support for WalletConnect across different wallets.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNews

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

“Tidbits From TNT” Sunday Morning 12-22-2024

TNT:

Tishwash:  The Parliamentary Legal Committee reveals to (Al-Mada) the date for resuming Parliament sessions.. This is the most important thing that will be passed

The Parliamentary Legal Committee set, on Saturday, the date for resuming the sessions of the House of Representatives, while revealing the most prominent laws that will be passed during the current session.

Committee member Raed Al-Maliki said in an interview with (Al-Mada), "Parliament sessions will resume on January 9, 2025, which is the first chapter of the fourth year of the current session of the Council."

He added, "Parliament will proceed with the legislation of a number of laws, most notably amending the Drug Law, the Intelligence Service Law, the laws regulating the right to demonstrate, the Iraqi Media Network, amending the amnesty and personal status laws, and other laws."
These developments come at a time when the Iraqi parliament is witnessing repeated disputes over controversial laws, such as personal status, general amnesty, land recovery, oil and gas, which has led to the postponement of sessions or the disruption of the passage of laws on more than one occasion.

Parliament is currently seeking to avoid political tensions and ensure the passage of laws in a manner that serves the stability of legislative work.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, confirmed after his election to the position that the controversial laws will be put to a unanimous vote, away from political bickering that may hinder the progress of legislative work.  link

************

Tishwash:  Masrour Barzani discusses regional developments with Trump's national security nominee

The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, discussed, in a phone call today, Saturday, with Congressman Michael Waltz, who was recently chosen by US President-elect Donald Trump as an advisor to the National Security Council, a number of important issues.

A statement by the regional government received by Shafaq News Agency stated that during the phone call, the two sides discussed the latest developments in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the region in general, and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and joint work to maintain security and stability in the region.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Congressman on his selection as an advisor to the National Security Council, praising his extensive experience in security files and issues related to the region.

The two sides also exchanged views on the results of the recent elections in the Kurdistan Region and the United States, and stressed the importance of democratic change and enhancing joint international cooperation and coordination in this context.

Part of the talks was devoted to discussing the pivotal role of the Kurdistan Region as a reliable partner in the region, as well as its commitment to shared values ​​and goals that promote peace and security. Both sides agreed on the need to intensify joint efforts to overcome challenges and obstacles, in order to ensure the continuation of stability in the region.  link

************

Tishwash:  Fluctuating Dinar: economic experts urge action as dollar soars in Iraq

Iraq’s dinar continues its erratic trajectory against the US dollar, with no resolution in sight despite years of governmental and central bank efforts, experts attributed the instability to weak policies and unchecked market manipulation.

Root Causes of Volatility

The dollar is surging against the dinar at Baghdad’s main currency exchanges, Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya, surpassing 1,510 dinars per $1. On the streets, exchange shops are marking up selling prices to more than 1,520 dinars.

“The instability in dollar prices reflects the Iraqi Central Bank and government’s inadequate monetary policies, which fail to address the core of the issue,” said Mustafa Faraj, an economic expert. “Their hesitant measures have left them unable to control the dollar’s value.”

Faraj cited US sanctions on neighboring Syria and Iran as a major factor. “The lack of legitimate trade channels with these countries, combined with restrictions on dollar transfers to them, has led to dollar smuggling, driving up its price,” he told Shafaq News Agency.

“When the dollar rises, it pushes up the cost of basic goods, food, and even commercial activity. This cascade of price hikes stems from a failure to find comprehensive solutions and punish manipulators,” Faraj explained.

Emerging Pressures

New dynamics have exacerbated the crisis. Ahmed Eid, an economic researcher, linked heightened demand for dollars to the fallout from the conflict in Syria. “The shift in Syria has disrupted the interests of militia leaders and influential figures, many of whom are now stockpiling dollars to secure alternative income streams,” he said.

Eid pointed to the closure of Syria’s border with Iraq as a catalyst, forcing traders to seek new suppliers in countries like Turkiye and Egypt. “This transition requires substantial dollar liquidity, which further squeezes the market,” he said.

Currency smuggling and money laundering also continue to erode market stability. “These illicit activities persist unchecked, compounding the dollar’s rise,” Eid warned.

Future Uncertainty Amid Policy Shifts

Concerns are mounting about the impact of Iraq’s planned phase-out of its electronic transfer platform for dollar transactions. Introduced in early 2023, the platform was designed to monitor transfers more effectively. However, the Iraqi Central Bank announced in September that it would be discontinued by year-end.

“The Central Bank’s plan to shift dollar transactions exclusively to foreign banks with correspondent relationships is a blow to local banks,” said economist Ahmed Abdul Rabih. “Four dominant banks will monopolize the sector, sidelining smaller institutions and creating a bottleneck for dollar supply.”

“These banks will dictate the exchange rate, likely driving up prices. The Central Bank must advocate for local banks to establish accounts with international institutions like J.P. Morgan and Citibank,” Abdul Rabih urged.

Reassurances from the Central Bank

In response to public concerns, the Iraqi Central Bank has downplayed fears of major disruptions.

In a statement, it described the transition as part of a phased strategy to align with international standards, emphasizing that 95% of transfers had already shifted from the platform to direct banking relationships.

“The transition will be completed gradually, ensuring continuity,” the bank stated, adding that partnerships with foreign banks in China, India, Turkiye, and the UAE would facilitate trade using non-dollar currencies, such as the yuan and euro.

Thirteen Iraqi banks have already begun operations under the new framework, offering pre-approved transfers and enabling global payment systems for personal and commercial needs, the statement said. These steps aim to “stabilize the currency and curb inflation, reinforcing official exchange rates as the benchmark for legitimate economic activities.”

“The official rate reflects real market dynamics,” the Central Bank stressed, warning against unofficial rates driven by “those engaging in unauthorized practices.”

The bank emphasized that it has structured external transfer operations and the fulfillment of dollar demand along proper channels, aligned with international practices, standards, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Law.

"Providing these channels for all purposes at the official dollar exchange rate makes this rate the true benchmark for economic practices, as evidenced by price stability and inflation control. Any other rate traded outside these channels is considered irregular and utilized by those engaging in non-compliant or illicit practices who avoid official channels in their dealings. These individuals bear the additional costs of purchasing at higher rates than the official price to create the illusion of a disparity between the official and unofficial rates." The statement concluded.

Despite reassurances, skepticism lingers among economic experts, who argue that without stricter enforcement and comprehensive reforms, the dinar’s fluctuations will persist. For many Iraqis, the cost of living remains tightly bound to the fate of the dollar. link

*************

Mot:  Marital Moments at Christmas!!!

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Afternoon 12-21-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

NOT BRICS, THIS COUNTRY POSES BIGGEST THREAT TO THE US DOLLAR

The BRICS alliance aims to pull the US dollar down from the global reserve currency and trample its dominance. Despite multiple efforts to uproot the USD, the bloc remains unsuccessful in attempts to de-dollarize.

The greenback remains the dominant currency and a force to reckon with in the forex markets. Around 58% of the world’s reserves are in the USD, and cutting ties with the currency will prove fatal to the prospects of emerging economies.

The US pressing sanctions on countries of their dislike is what led to the de-dollarization process in the first place. Countries such as Russia, Iran, and Belarus, among others, have been severely impacted by sanctions pressed by the US. 

On the other hand, BRICS member China has teamed up with these nations to further the de-dollarization agenda. China is looking to capture the global economy by pushing the Chinese yuan ahead for trade and not the US dollar.

BRICS: US Biggest Threat to the Dollar

A recent Bloomberg opinion report states that the biggest threat to the dollar is not BRICS but the US itself. The report explains that Trump’s threats won’t do much as the USD’s power is mostly dependent on American reliability.

 America’s larger-than-life GDP made it gain an “exorbitant privilege” to control the reserves of the world’s central banks. The development made the Federal Reserve, US officials, and politicians tolerate deficits that could have tanked the economies of any other country.

Therefore, the US poses the biggest threat to the dollar compared to BRICS or any other alliances of developing countries. “If Trump wants to maintain the dollar’s primacy, he should recognize that its value is not dependent on American power and threats, but on American reliability.

Overreach — whether through ad hoc sanctions, meddling with the Federal Reserve, unilateral tariffs or geopolitical confrontations — poses a far greater threat to the US currency than anything the BRICS countries could possibly devise,” it read.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

HEDERA (HBAR) GAINS INSTITUTIONAL TRACTION WITH STRONG BACKING FROM TECH GIANTS AND FINANCIAL SECTORS

▪️Hedera’s key partnerships with NVIDIA and Intel aim to leverage its technology for creating “Verifiable Compute,” a hardware-based solution.

▪️Valour Digital Securities Limited (VDSL) and The Hashgraph Group (THG) have introduced the first physically-backed Hedera HBAR Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on Euronext Amsterdam.

Hedera (HBAR) finds its standing in a majorly leading light as it associates with the traditional finance setting, the enterprise technology sectors, and artificial intelligence. This could potentially lay the groundwork for the network growth curve this year, 2025.

European Markets Register First Physically-Backed Hedera ETP

Valour Digital Securities Limited (VDSL), in partnership with The Hashgraph Group (THG), has launched the first physically-backed Hedera HBAR Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) on Euronext Amsterdam. This is a landmark step toward making HBAR accessible to institutional and retail investors through regulated financial channels.

The product is launched under the prospectus of VDSL, allowing investors to approach HBAR in a depository-regulated manner without facing exposure to direct cryptocurrency investment. Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of DeFi Technologies, which owns Valour, further adds that “this listing expands the scope for institutional and retail investors to engage with Hedera’s dynamic, sustainable ecosystem.”

NVIDIA and Intel are going to utilize the hashgraph technology offered by Hedera to produce their chips. Along with EQTY Lab, the new “Verifiable Compute” has been born, a hardware-based solution made to meet EU regulations surrounding AI operations, per the CNF report.

This will log the decentralized cryptographic certificates verifying the computations the AI does on the said network, hence accurate and accountable. Slated for 2025 release, this will be providing impenetrable records on AI processes.

What’s Next For HBAR Price?

Santiment has ranked Hedera among the top three cryptocurrencies in terms of activity over the past month, along with Internet Computer and Chainlink. Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart of Bloomberg highlighted that Hedera may lead the list to secure U.S. ETF approval, putting it at the same level as Bitcoin and Ethereum, reported CNF.

One benefit is that the native Hedera token, HBAR, was not classified as a security. In that regard, it stands at an advantage over some others, such as XRP or Solana, in their pursuit through regulatory processes.

Although the main focus remains on combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, Canary Capital has emerged as the sole applicant for a Hedera ETF. This signals early interest in bringing HBAR into mainstream investment portfolios.

At press time, HBAR price stood at $0.2638, down 10.26% in the last 24 hours. However, the token has gained 113% over the last 30 days and 411% over the last 90 days. Hedera’s critical support level is $0.270. Moreover, it is now eyeing breaking the resistance level of $0.31.

The HBAR price chart highlights a symmetric triangle on the 4-hour timeframe. Thus, Market forecasts suggest that HBAR may target $0.37 and $0.61, with projections hinting at a potential surge to $1.00. Analysts attribute these price targets to:

• Growing institutional interest
• Prospects of ETF approval
• Collaboration with prominent tech firms
• Sustained development activity
• Hedera Receives Recognition for Tokenization Innovation

Moreover, the list of Hedera’s achievements is growing, with analysts predicting the HBAR price rally to $3 by 2025, reported CNF. The team announced on X that its Asset Tokenization Studio has been nominated for the INATBA Awards 2025 in the “Most Exciting Tokenization Solution” category.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

~~~~~~~~~

ISAAC'S LEADERSHIP UNLEASHES FINANCIAL FREEDOM  |  Youtube

Relax and wait for Isaac to post "VICTORY"!

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Some Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 12-21-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  The Currency of Iraq: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is the official currency of Iraq, serving as a critical component of the nation's economic infrastructure. For businesses, investors, and speculators alike, understanding the dynamics of the Dinar is essential for navigating Iraq's market.

The exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar plays a pivotal role in shaping the country's trade and investment environment, influencing everything from the cost of imports and exports to the profitability of foreign investments.

Meanwhile, the currency has also garnered significant interest from speculators, who are drawn to the potential-however remote-of significant shifts in its value.

The current official exchange rates for the dinar can be found at the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) website - https://cbi.iq/.

The Importance of the Exchange Rate for Trade and Investment

The exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar is a key determinant of the country's economic competitiveness on the global stage. A stable and predictable exchange rate is vital for businesses engaged in international trade, as it impacts the cost of importing goods and services and the profitability of exporting to foreign markets. For foreign investors, the exchange rate is a crucial factor in determining the potential returns on investments in Iraq.

Fluctuations in the Dinar's value can significantly affect the cost of doing business, as well as the repatriation of profits. As such, understanding the factors that influence the Dinar's exchange rate-such as oil prices, political stability, and central bank policies-is essential for making informed business and investment decisions in Iraq.

Interest from Speculators

In recent years, the Iraqi Dinar has attracted attention from a specific group of financial actors: currency speculators. These individuals and entities buy and hold large amounts of Dinar in the hope that its value will appreciate dramatically, allowing them to sell it at a significant profit.

This speculative interest is often fuelled by rumours and theories about an imminent revaluation of the Dinar, despite the lack of credible evidence supporting such a scenario. Speculators are drawn to the high-risk, high-reward nature of currency trading, but it is important to note that such activities are highly speculative and carry substantial risks.   LINK

 ************

Donald Trump and the "Great Iraqi Dinar Revaluation"

21st December 2024 in Iraq Banking & Finance News

By a Guest Blogger. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Anecdotal evidence, including inquiries to Iraq Business News, seems to suggest that supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump are more likely to believe that the Iraqi currency, the Dinar (IQD), will increase in value by an unprecedented multiple, some saying by as much as 1,000-fold!

The correlation between being a Trump voter and believing in a significant revaluation of the Iraqi dinar (often called the "dinar RV" theory) is not rigorously studied, but there are social and cultural dynamics that might help explain the connection between the two groups.

The Dinar revaluation theory emerged after the 2003 Iraq War: The basic premise is that the Iraqi Dinar, which traded at around 3 IQD per USD before the 1991 Gulf War but crashed to roughly 1,310 IQD per USD, would suddenly revalue back to its previous rate or even higher. Believers often hold large quantities of physical Dinar notes, sometimes investing tens of thousands of dollars.

The theory's spread among Trump supporters was facilitated by several factors:

The "Global Reset" Narrative:

Many believers connected the Dinar revaluation to a broader theory about Trump leading a massive reorganization of the global financial system

This often tied into QAnon-adjacent beliefs about Trump secretly fighting a "deep state" that was suppressing the Dinar's true value

Some proponents claimed Trump and his team were directly involved in orchestrating a coming revaluation

Social Media Dynamics:

The theory spread rapidly through Facebook groups, YouTube channels, and forums that also shared pro-Trump content

Many of these platforms used similar language about "mainstream media suppression" of both Trump and the "truth" about the Dinar

Currency speculators and scammers actively targeted these communities, recognizing their receptiveness to anti-establishment financial narratives

Political Context:

The theory appealed to a desire for both financial windfall and validation of political beliefs

Some promoters claimed Trump's Middle East policies, particularly regarding Iraq and Saudi Arabia, would trigger the revaluation

The belief often aligned with broader skepticism of traditional financial institutions and expertise

Psychological Factors:

The combination of potential financial reward and political validation created a powerful motivational force

Believers often interpreted skepticism from financial experts as further evidence of a cover-up

The complexity of international currency markets made it easier for promoters to make plausible-sounding but false claims

Investment in the theory often strengthened social bonds within these communities, making it harder to abandon the belief

Despite years of failed predictions, the theory continues to circulate; some believers have modified the timeline but maintain their basic conviction. The persistence of this belief system despite contrary evidence and expert warnings illustrates how financial conspiracy theories can become deeply intertwined with political identity and resistant to contrary evidence. Both Trump supporters and proponents of the dinar revaluation theory often demonstrate a tendency toward belief in conspiracy theories or "hidden truths" that challenge mainstream narratives.

For more information on the Iraqi dinar, check out IBN's Dinar Page here: https://www.iraq-businessnews.com/the-dinar-page/?swcfpc=1    LINK

************

Clare:  Italian Defense Minister arrives in Baghdad

12/21/2024

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in the capital, Baghdad, on Saturday, on an official visit to Iraq.

The Minister of Defense, Thabet Mohammed Al-Abbasi, received his Italian counterpart and the country's ambassador to Iraq, Nicolo Fontana, and the accompanying delegation at the ministry's headquarters in Baghdad.

An official reception ceremony was held for the guest, during which the national anthems of the Italian and Iraqi republics were played, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

During the meeting that brought together the two sides, he stressed Italy's efforts and its great role through the Italian experts and trainers present within the NATO mission and their support for Iraq through the training and development courses held for the Ministry of Defense cadres inside and outside Iraq.

During an expanded meeting attended by a number of senior leaders and officers in the ministry, the two parties discussed ways to develop future relations between Iraq and the Italian Republic, in addition to the two countries’ efforts to open avenues of joint cooperation in the future.  LINK

************

Clare:  Renewing the Iraqi-Japanese partnership with $11 billion in loans for vital projects and development policy

12/21/2024

The United Nations Development Program and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Iraq renewed their long-standing partnership to promote social and economic development in Iraq through funding from the Government of Japan and JICA.

This partnership, which has spanned more than fifteen years of cooperation with the Government of Iraq, reflects the strong commitment of the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Japan/JICA to meet Iraq's need for basic services and an efficient, stable and reliable economic infrastructure, according to a JICA report seen by Shafaq News Agency.

He added that this partnership has contributed significantly to human and economic growth in Iraq, in line with Iraq's national development plans and programmes that focus on economic diversification, infrastructure modernisation and improving social services.

In support of reconstruction and development, Iraq has received 36 ODA loans from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, totaling about US$11 billion. These loans include 34 loans for vital sector projects and two development policy loans.

This development assistance aims to support Iraq in achieving its sustainable development goals, with a focus on improving living conditions nationwide and restoring infrastructure to promote inclusive growth.

“JICA remains committed to addressing development challenges with the Government of Iraq through this impactful partnership with UNDP. This partnership provides comprehensive support to Iraqi officials to achieve international standards in project management, combining technical expertise, capacity development and development finance. All of this aims to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development in the country,” said Hiroshi Suzuki, Chief Representative of JICA in Iraq. Under this renewed partnership agreement, and in line with the Iraq National Development Plan 2024-2028, UNDP continues to provide critical support to the Government of Iraq to facilitate the smooth implementation of key socio-economic projects financed by JICA ODA loans. This support includes coordination at senior level, fiduciary supervision, progress monitoring, technical assistance, knowledge sharing and capacity development. Furthermore, by enhancing transparency, accountability and adherence to international standards, the partnership ensures the successful implementation of these vital projects.

“This renewed partnership between UNDP and JICA highlights our shared commitment to supporting Iraq’s development goals, with a focus on infrastructure development, sustainable economic growth and human capital. Together, we aim to facilitate the successful implementation of vital projects that will not only rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure, but also enhance long-term socio-economic resilience and improve the lives of Iraqis across the country,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Auke Lootsma.

This unique and renewed partnership underscores the benefits of effective trilateral cooperation in promoting prosperity, driving sustainable growth, and improving service delivery and infrastructure for a stable and prosperous Iraq. It also highlights the strong ownership by the Government of Iraq and serves as a model for impactful and sustainable partnerships that can contribute to long-term development in Iraq.  LINK

“Tidbits From TNT” Saturday 12-21-2024

TNT:

Tishwash:  The region .. great efforts to attract investment companies

The Kurdistan Region Investment Board seeks to increase the number of local and foreign investors to work in the provinces and cities of the region, by providing full facilities to motivate and encourage them to increase the volume of investment.

Private sector growth

The head of the Kurdistan Region Investment Board, Mohammed Shukri, said in an interview with “Sabah”: The board, through its eight directorates spread across the provinces and independent administrations in the region, is seriously and diligently seeking to provide full facilities to investors and increase the volume of investments and the number of local, Arab and foreign investors and increase the work of projects by the private sector in the region, indicating that the regional government has invested more than 68 billion dollars, of which Erbil’s share amounted to more than 61 percent.

Statistics and figures

Shukri added that since the establishment of the Investment Board in the region, more than 1,400 investment licenses have been granted, some of which were cancelled due to shortcomings in the work of their investors, while work continued with more than 1,250 investment licenses, noting that during the past five years, approximately 430 new investment licenses have been issued.

He pointed out that significant progress and qualitative steps have been made in the comprehensive investment process in establishing a strong economic infrastructure despite the crises and obstacles that have plagued the country and the region in general, stressing that intensive efforts are continuing to encourage investors according to the needs of the regions and the importance of the projects. Encouraging

investors

Shukri stated that the regional government seeks to facilitate the procedures for attracting investors, as eight branches of the authority have been opened in the governorates and independent administrations of the region and have full powers to grant investment licenses to investors, considering it a basic and primary step to provide facilities according to the city, region, geographical location and sector that needs investment and work in it.

Government privileges

The head of the Kurdistan Investment Board pointed out that the regional government has given great privileges to investors, including a 10-year tax exemption through the investment law, to which additional years are added if the investor is a foreigner or a partner of a local investor, as well as providing privileges and facilities to the less developed areas in the region according to the decision of the regional council of ministers, noting that the challenges facing investors, including local ones, are great, and we consider them a wealth for the region, as they have contributed with the support of the government to many large and pioneering projects, overcoming obstacles and impediments, and moving forward in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, trade, housing, services, education, health, and others.

The qualifications of the region,

and he pointed out that the Kurdistan Region encourages and provides facilities to investors more than other countries in the region through a package of privileges and incentives included in the Investment Law No. 4 of 2006 in the region, in addition to other facilities provided by the Supreme Investment Council, including the favorable conditions that the Kurdistan Region enjoys for foreign investors, such as political stability, cultural pluralism, democracy and security, stressing that these conditions make the Kurdistan Region more attractive to investors among many countries in the region.  link

************

Tishwash:  Fluctuating Dinar: economic experts urge action as dollar soars in Iraq

 Iraq’s dinar continues its erratic trajectory against the US dollar, with no resolution in sight despite years of governmental and central bank efforts, experts attributed the instability to weak policies and unchecked market manipulation.

Root Causes of Volatility

The dollar is surging against the dinar at Baghdad’s main currency exchanges, Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya, surpassing 1,510 dinars per $1. On the streets, exchange shops are marking up selling prices to more than 1,520 dinars.

“The instability in dollar prices reflects the Iraqi Central Bank and government’s inadequate monetary policies, which fail to address the core of the issue,” said Mustafa Faraj, an economic expert. “Their hesitant measures have left them unable to control the dollar’s value.”

Faraj cited US sanctions on neighboring Syria and Iran as a major factor. “The lack of legitimate trade channels with these countries, combined with restrictions on dollar transfers to them, has led to dollar smuggling, driving up its price,” he told Shafaq News Agency.

“When the dollar rises, it pushes up the cost of basic goods, food, and even commercial activity. This cascade of price hikes stems from a failure to find comprehensive solutions and punish manipulators,” Faraj explained.

Emerging Pressures

New dynamics have exacerbated the crisis. Ahmed Eid, an economic researcher, linked heightened demand for dollars to the fallout from the conflict in Syria. “The shift in Syria has disrupted the interests of militia leaders and influential figures, many of whom are now stockpiling dollars to secure alternative income streams,” he said.

Eid pointed to the closure of Syria’s border with Iraq as a catalyst, forcing traders to seek new suppliers in countries like Turkiye and Egypt. “This transition requires substantial dollar liquidity, which further squeezes the market,” he said.

Currency smuggling and money laundering also continue to erode market stability. “These illicit activities persist unchecked, compounding the dollar’s rise,” Eid warned.

Future Uncertainty Amid Policy Shifts

Concerns are mounting about the impact of Iraq’s planned phase-out of its electronic transfer platform for dollar transactions. Introduced in early 2023, the platform was designed to monitor transfers more effectively. However, the Iraqi Central Bank announced in September that it would be discontinued by year-end.

“The Central Bank’s plan to shift dollar transactions exclusively to foreign banks with correspondent relationships is a blow to local banks,” said economist Ahmed Abdul Rabih. “Four dominant banks will monopolize the sector, sidelining smaller institutions and creating a bottleneck for dollar supply.”

“These banks will dictate the exchange rate, likely driving up prices. The Central Bank must advocate for local banks to establish accounts with international institutions like J.P. Morgan and Citibank,” Abdul Rabih urged.

Reassurances from the Central Bank

In response to public concerns, the Iraqi Central Bank has downplayed fears of major disruptions.

In a statement, it described the transition as part of a phased strategy to align with international standards, emphasizing that 95% of transfers had already shifted from the platform to direct banking relationships.

“The transition will be completed gradually, ensuring continuity,” the bank stated, adding that partnerships with foreign banks in China, India, Turkiye, and the UAE would facilitate trade using non-dollar currencies, such as the yuan and euro.

Thirteen Iraqi banks have already begun operations under the new framework, offering pre-approved transfers and enabling global payment systems for personal and commercial needs, the statement said. These steps aim to “stabilize the currency and curb inflation, reinforcing official exchange rates as the benchmark for legitimate economic activities.”

“The official rate reflects real market dynamics,” the Central Bank stressed, warning against unofficial rates driven by “those engaging in unauthorized practices.”

The bank emphasized that it has structured external transfer operations and the fulfillment of dollar demand along proper channels, aligned with international practices, standards, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Law.

"Providing these channels for all purposes at the official dollar exchange rate makes this rate the true benchmark for economic practices, as evidenced by price stability and inflation control. Any other rate traded outside these channels is considered irregular and utilized by those engaging in non-compliant or illicit practices who avoid official channels in their dealings. These individuals bear the additional costs of purchasing at higher rates than the official price to create the illusion of a disparity between the official and unofficial rates." The statement concluded.

Despite reassurances, skepticism lingers among economic experts, who argue that without stricter enforcement and comprehensive reforms, the dinar’s fluctuations will persist. For many Iraqis, the cost of living remains tightly bound to the fate of the dollar.  link

************

Tishwash:  Three senior US officials arrive in Damascus to meet with leaders of the new administration in Syria

The US State Department announced today, Friday, that US diplomats have arrived in Syria to meet with the new Syrian administration, in the first official US diplomatic mission sent to Damascus since the beginning of the revolution that erupted in 2011.

The United States had closed its embassy in Syria in 2012, and withdrew all its diplomatic staff, against the backdrop of the events that the country witnessed at that time.

According to the US State Department spokesman, the US diplomats will meet with representatives of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" and civil society to discuss "their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can support them."

He pointed out that the delegation includes Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, and a diplomat specializing in the Arab world, Daniel Rubinstein, who is now responsible for communicating with Syria.

Roger Carstens, who is responsible for collecting evidence regarding missing Americans in Syria, such as journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in August 2012, will also be present.

The visit comes at a time when Western governments are gradually opening channels of communication with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and its official Ahmed al-Sharaa, and discussing the possibility of removing the organization from the list of terrorist organizations.

Before the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United Nations sent envoys to establish relations with the transitional authorities, whose first phase of governance is being watched with caution.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that Washington is following the positive statements issued by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and wants to see concrete steps as well.

He said in a statement to the American Bloomberg News that removing the name of the organization from the "terrorist list" could be put on the agenda, based on the constructive steps it will take during the transitional process in Syria.

He added: "We heard positive statements from the leader of the organization, Mr. Abu Muhammad al-Julani, but what everyone is focusing on is the reality on the ground, and whether they are working to build an inclusive Syria." link

************

Mot.. Time to Bring them Out It Is!!! 

Mot: .. I'll Tell Ya - Its Getting Tough Out there!!!!