KTFA:

Samson:  Explosions in downtown Baghdad

15th November, 2019
Four explosive devices were detonated near the central Baghdad square on Friday, a security source and witnesses said.

The source and witnesses said four sound bombs exploded simultaneously near Tahrir Square in central Baghdad.

They said security forces were continuing to fire teargas near Khalani Square.

One person was killed and dozens were injured in a hit-and-run operation between protesters and security forces this afternoon in central Baghdad's Khalani Square after demonstrators shot down concrete blocks leading to the al-Senq bridge.   LINK

Samson:  Protesters plan to close two border outlets

16th November, 2019
Demonstrators in Basra province intend to close two border outlets, a source familiar with the situation said Saturday.

The source told Shafaq News that protesters from the Shatt al-Arab district had closed the Shalamjah border crossing with Iran.

He added that there are attempts to close the border port of Safwan also, explaining that the protesters are seeking to pressure the local and central governments to meet their demands.

LINK

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Realtormc: Have any of us pledged anything lately that requires a real sacrifice?  I don't think I have.
Lord, protect the people in Iraq, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Iran, and any other place where the people are oppressed and cover the people in your blood Jesus, and turn the hearts of the leaders of those countries Lord to seek peaceful resolutions in Jesus name!!!!  

In Congress, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government

ChrisC:  You are SO right here.  Most people are soft and lazy and have had to make no, or very little sacrifice to have the comfort and safety that they currently enjoy. 

The Patriots that sacrificed their lives and risked their families to give us this safety and comfort are heroes, just as the ones in Iraq are that are willing to sacrifice their lives and risk that of their families.  I have to say, they are taking this with WAY more control than I think I could exhibit. 

 I would be more like Rambo in First Blood and tearing it up with a belt fed machine gun.  I know we have to be showing restraint to be there and not getting physical with the Iranian militias but what does it take?  They have been declared illegal, I thought, and we are peace keepers, I thought, so put on some pointy toed boots and pull that charging handle. 

God bless anyone that would risk their lives to secure the future of their children and their country wherever they are.

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Samson:  MP: Parliament may question Abdul Mahdi in absentia if he refuses to attend

10:34 - 16/11/2019
A member of the Parliamentary Front for Correction and Change Abbas Jaber Al-Atafi, Thursday, that the House of Representatives will proceed to question the Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi in absentia in the event of his refusal to attend the questioning session.

Al-Atafi said in a statement to the information, that "the presidency of the House of Representatives waiting for the answer of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to questioning questions to determine a date for questioning." He added, "The House of Representatives is waiting for the position of the Prime Minister to attend the interrogation session or not," noting that "if not answered, the House of Representatives will proceed to question him in absentia."

Al-Atafi pointed out that "the vote of conviction or not depends on the majority of members half plus one."    LINK

Samson:  The KRG hopes that the 2020 budget will take into account the interest of all Iraqis

15th November, 2019

"I feel that the dialogues have resumed again where there are contacts and exchanges of views between the two sides," he said, adding, "I hope to reach a conclusion in order that the budget for 2020 in the interest of the Iraqi people and Kurdistan."   LINK

Alison:  Ahhh!!!  Now, let me see... FOR THE 2020 BUDGETTO BE RLEVANT TO ANYONE...IT HAS TO BE PASSED AND THEN IMPLENENTED!!!   (All caps in place of yelling)

We've heard about this magnificant new 2020 budget--all about how "great" and "different" it will be from all past budgets! 

Here's a suggestion: Git 'er done.

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Samson:  Canada issues an important resolution on Iraq

2019/11/15 21:38

Canada has announced an important decision on Iraq. "The Canadian government affirms its commitment to Iraq's security, stability and prosperity.  Canada supports the efforts of all to restore stability and proceed with the building and stability of the country. Canada has increased its diplomatic and commercial presence in Iraq in general," the statement said. "An office and a trade representative will be opened in Baghdad at the end of next year, after only in Iraqi Kurdistan."

He added that "the Canadian government has worked through international and commercial partners in the implementation of projects funded by the Canadian government during the period from 2016 to 2019, where Canada has pledged more than $ 265 million in aid projects to Iraq, which was the following {$ 184 million in humanitarian assistance $ 34 million in development assistance and $ 48 million in stabilization and security assistance.

The statement pointed out that "trade between Canada and Iraq amounted to about 144 million dollars at the end of 2017, and Canada's most important exports to Iraq are grain, cars and equipment.  LIN

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Samson:  Iraq invites Germany to introduce its investment companies to the Iraqi market

15th November, 2019
Called on the Foreign Minister, Mohammed Ali al-Hakim, on Friday, Germany to bring its investment companies to the Iraqi market. "Hakim met with German Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Niels Annen on the sidelines of the mini-meeting of the International Coalition to Defeat ISIL in Washington," the Foreign Ministry's press office said in a statement received by Mawazine News.

The statement added, "The meeting discussed the most important issues of concern to Iraq and Germany, and ways to develop bilateral relations." Al-Hakim praised Germany's stances in supporting Iraq and supporting the Iraqi community. He called for "the entry of investment companies to the Iraqi market," pointing to "Baghdad's bid to benefit from German expertise in all fields."

The two sides discussed "a number of important issues in the region and exchanged insights and ideas on them," agreeing to "further political consultation and coordination to enhance bilateral cooperation."

LINK