Wednesday Coffee with MarkZ. 06/18/2025

Wednesday Coffee with MarkZ. 06/18/2025

Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: Happy Hump Day

Member: Every day we hear New vocab for RV folks: Hopium-Rollercoaster/ Dinarians / unalive them / Richhopefuls…lol

Member: GM Mark... juneteenth coming up...tomorrow……...

Member: Mark, would you happen to have any updates on the Iranian rial?

MZ: No- But my gut feeling is the Iran rial is going to be in the first basket. They are in the same economic area as Iraq. They share oil fields. Ideally the Iranian currency will be close to what the Iraqi currency is going to be.

Member: Mark what currencies do you think will be in the first basket

Member: old list- 1. US 2. UK 3. Kuwait 4. Canada 5. Mexico 6. Russia 7. China 8. Venezuela 9. Iranian Rial 10. IRAQ 11. Indonesia Rupiah 12. Malaysia 13. Vietnamese 14. Brazil 15. Saudi Arabia 16. Qatar 17. United Arab Emirates 18. Turkey 19. Afghanistan possibly20. India 21. Libya 22. Japan23. Zimbabwe

Member: Mark do you think bonds going quiet right before the Iran situation is a coincidence??

MZ: Right now everything has gone quiet so I believe its coming from the Treasury level….or the Sovereign level…….They could have gone quiet for 2-3 reasons. The most likely reason is to cloud the timing….or because we are close.

Member: anything on CMKX?

MZ: Nothing new yet….but not for lack of trying.

Member: Rumor has it that Iraqi dinar is at 6.24 on coinbase? do you concur ? thanks!

MZ: I do not concur. But we have seen some interesting pairings that point towards a much increased value. But we can’t do anything with it yet. We will keep watching it.

Member: Ghana’s currency jumped1/3 value April 15 (their Liberation Day 67 yrs after) from $0.64 - $0.97 but just in 2000’s their Ghana Dollar was worth $1.06 to USD. I believe the RV is getting ready!!!!

Member: Nixon screwed us with the removal of the gold standard. Please Lord give us that back!

Member: Went to Chase in Phx yesterday and spoke with a personal banker. He knows exactly what is going on with the RV

MZ: “Parliamentarian: Iraqi airspace under Washington’s control amid the absence of air defense capability” Iraq would profit from a regime change in Iran.

Member: what ever happened to the budget tables? last week seemed like a big push to get em done, and this week crickets.

Member: MM had a great video a couple days ago. Kurdistan salary settled possibly tuesday

MZ: “Kuwait on long bumpy journey toward stability. The economy was stopped cold by the Iraqi invasion and is starting a gradual recovery- but, the tiny country may never be the same”  This article was from 1991….they talk about how long it will be before they raise the value of their currency……then BOOM….we have a massive increase in the Kuwaiti dinar.

MZ: There are similarities to what we are going through in Iraq right now. .

MZ: “US Senate passes GENIUS stablecoin bill in 68-30 vote.” Legitimate products with legitimate backing. This will take a lot of power away from the Federal Reserve. This is de-centralization and the bill will now go to the house.

Member: I pray the RV will get started by July 4th

Member: June 30 would be a good day to switch to gold standard....end of the fiscal quarter!

Member: July 1st is important…Basel 3 is supposed to be implemented in all banks by then.

Member: I wonder- what is the likelihood is we've all been awaiting the beginning of Quarter 3 on July 1? I seem to remember the finance folks in Iraq crying they wanted reinstatement at the beginning of a Quarter?

Member: Hope everyone stays safe during the storms that appear to keep producing tornados.

 Member: Have a good day everybody.

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

FOLLOW MARKZ : TWITTER . https://twitter.com/originalmarkz?s=21. TRUTH SOCIAL . https://truthsocial.com/@theoriginalm...

Mod:  MarkZ "Back To Basics" Pre-Recorded Call" for Newbies 10-19-2022 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37oILmAlptM

MARKZ DAILY LINKS: https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

 Note from PDK: Please listen to the replay for all the details and entire stream….I do not transcribe political opinions, medical opinions or many guests on this stream……just RV/currency related topics.

 ZESTER'S LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/CrazyCryptonaut

THANKS FOR JOINING. HAVE A BLESSED DAY! SEE YOU ALL  TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY EVENINGS FOR NEWS @ 7:00 PM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!  FROM NOW ON NO MORE NIGHTLY PODCASTS ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMwJNxAO6LE

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Wednesday Morning 6-18-25

Government And Self-Sufficiency Strategy
 
Economic 06/17/2025  Walid Khaled Al-Zaidi  In a world where   needs are growing,  ambitions are multiplying, and  innovations are increasing to improve the living systems of societies and expand the integration capabilities that  governments seek to revive the lungs of their peoples’ economies with more pillars of development and growth, especially in the issue of  resolving crises and overcoming the economic difficulties that stand in the way of living, in order to secure the factors of the safety of their programs away from isolation in sites of wasting energy and chaos in wealth management.

The most prominent form of success for governments is what can be achieved in the issue of
self-sufficiency in many important and essential elements in the structure of needs that they rely on to serve their people, and through expanding the scope of optimal investment in the available latent national wealth, in order to overcome the problem of securing it from abroad.
 
Self-sufficiency in our country in any vital sector is an ambitious and achievable goal through the implementation of innovative programs based on untapped resources and the development of ambitious plans to rise to the level of real strategies based on realistic capabilities in our generous land, which God Almighty has blessed with all the components of development and the foundations for improving the means of life and a comfortable living, provided there is national will, rising determination, confident steps, and a straight path towards realizing the people’s hope of exploiting their country’s wealth in an optimal and appropriate manner that spares it the scourges of crises and the problems of economic transformations that occur in the world from time to time.
 
This is evident in some of the government's current efforts, such as enhancing agricultural production, achieving self-sufficiency in some food crops, improving water resource utilization methods, and developing more efficient water management systems by rationalizing water use and preventing water waste, utilizing solar energy to power some operating systems, and reducing reliance on the national electricity system, which is produced using expensive traditional methods.
 
In another context, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized that combating unemployment and employing local workers instead of importing them from abroad will provide job opportunities in the factories of Muthanna Governorate, which produce cement, in which Iraq has reached the stage of self-sufficiency.
 
Therefore, increasing the production of this material is the most prominent evidence that government work programs are aimed at securing market needs and saving the exorbitant costs that burden the country with huge sums of money by importing it from abroad, in light of the great work that Iraq is witnessing to implement service and urban projects that require various construction materials to cover local needs.
 
Another aspect of the stages of achieving self-sufficiency through exploiting the country's resources is the emergence of a national industry with various products by exploiting all the available raw materials and labor,
 
in addition to providing job opportunities for the private sector and its contribution in light of the government's openness to it as a basic partner in the issue of economic integration and ensuring it as a true partner with state institutions to carry out various production operations in light of urban and service entitlements and strengthening the government's confidence in it and in businessmen and the role of Iraqi companies to promote national industry and services in various sectors.  
https://alsabaah.iq/116105-.html   

Planning: Iraq's Near-Total Dependence On The Oil Sector Is A Fragile Model That Must Be Abandoned.
 
Energy and Business     Iraq     oil     Basra  2025-06-17 02:36 Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Sabah Jundi Mansour, Director General of the Economic and Financial Policies Department at the Ministry of Planning, considered Iraq's near-total reliance on the oil sector to secure the country's general budget revenues a fragile model that requires an alternative.
 
This came in a speech he delivered during a specialized consultative session organized by the Ministry of Planning titled "Maximizing Non-Oil Revenues in Iraq," as part of the government's efforts to address financial challenges and reduce reliance on oil resources, which constitute one of the most prominent structural challenges hindering the country's path to sustainable development. 

Mansour explained that Iraq's near-total dependence on the oil sector, which accounts for more than 90% of general budget revenues, is one of the most significant structural challenges facing the national economy. 

He added, "Recurring crises in the oil markets, particularly in recent years, have exposed the fragility of this model, necessitating an urgent transition to a more diversified and sustainable economic model."
 
The Iraqi state's continued reliance on oil as the sole source of its public budget
exposes the country to the risk of global crises linked to oil markets.
 
This forces it to cover its deficit through external or domestic borrowing each time.
 
This indicates
     a weakness in the management of public funds and
     an inability to find alternative financing solutions.    
  
https://shafaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/التخطيط-اعتماد-العراق-شبه-الكلي-على-القطاع-النفطي-نموذج-هش-ي-فترض-مغادرته

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Morning 6-18-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Stablecoins May Help Cut U.S. Debt, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly endorsed the growing role of stablecoins in strengthening the American economy—and even helping reduce the national debt.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Bessent said that a booming stablecoin market could generate sustained demand for U.S. Treasury bonds, which in turn would lower government borrowing costs.

Stablecoin Growth Could Reach Trillions—and Bring Down Borrowing Costs

▪️ According to a new Citigroup report, the stablecoin market could expand to $3.7 trillion by 2030 in a high-growth scenario, or at minimum reach $1.6 trillion under more conservative projections.

▪️ Bessent echoed this forecast, noting that U.S.-backed stablecoins alone could exceed $2 trillion by 2028, especially if supportive legislation—like the GENIUS Act—continues to move forward.

▪️ Most major stablecoins, including Tether (USDT) and USDC, are backed by U.S. Treasury bonds, meaning issuers must purchase government debt to collateralize their tokens.

“This increased demand for Treasury securities will drive down interest rates on federal debt,” Bessent wrote, calling it a ‘win-win-win’ for the government, private issuers, and consumers.

GENIUS Act: A Legislative Boost to the Stablecoin Sector

▪️ On June 12, the U.S. Senate passed the GENIUS Act by a 68–30 vote, marking a historic step toward comprehensive stablecoin regulation.

▪️ The act is designed to create clear, secure rules for stablecoin issuance and compliance, boosting trust in the sector and enabling further growth both domestically and globally.

▪️ Bessent emphasized that this legal clarity could be the catalyst needed to make the U.S. a global hub for stablecoin development, while reinforcing the dominance of the U.S. dollar in digital finance.

Why This Matters

▪️ The U.S. national debt currently exceeds $35 trillion, and interest payments are one of the fastest-growing components of the federal budget.

▪️ If stablecoin expansion results in sustained buying of Treasury bonds, the government could see a long-term reduction in debt service costs.

▪️ This scenario would embed U.S. debt instruments more deeply into the digital asset ecosystem, further stabilizing the financial system and anchoring the U.S. dollar’s role in global markets.

Right now, the total stablecoin market stands at roughly $255 billion, but with new laws and Treasury support, it could evolve into one of the most significant financial innovations of the decade.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Crypto Times

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U.S. Senate Passes GENIUS Act in Historic Stablecoin Milestone

In a major breakthrough for crypto regulation, the U.S. Senate passed the GENIUS Act on Tuesday, establishing the country’s first legislative framework for payment stablecoins. The bill passed with a strong bipartisan vote of 68–30, signaling growing congressional consensus on the future of digital finance.

This marks the first time comprehensive crypto legislation has cleared the Senate, and it now heads to the House for consideration.

GENIUS Act: A Defining Moment for U.S. Crypto Policy

▪️ The GENIUS Act is designed to provide clear rules for dollar-backed stablecoins, a rapidly expanding part of the crypto economy.

▪️ Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) called the legislation “a product of principled, bipartisan leadership,” adding:

“With the GENIUS Act, we’re bringing clarity to a sector that’s been clouded by uncertainty.”

▪️ Eighteen Democrats joined most Republicans to push the bill through after weeks of procedural hurdles and cross-party negotiations.

Legislative Journey Marked by Friction and Compromise

▪️ Though the bill sailed through the Senate Banking Committee this spring with bipartisan support, it stalled in early May when a group of crypto-friendly Democrats pulled support, citing a breakdown in negotiations.

▪️ Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a lead Democratic negotiator, celebrated the final deal:

“This is proof of what can be achieved through honest negotiations and a willingness to work across the aisle.”

▪️ A new compromise bill emerged after two weeks of intense talks, paving the way for the landmark vote.

Industry Impact and Bipartisan Support in the House

▪️ House Financial Services Chair French Hill (R-Ark.) welcomed the Senate passage, saying:

“It brings lawmakers one step closer to creating a functional regulatory framework.”

▪️ While the House advanced its own version—the STABLE Act—in April, it has yet to come to the floor. However, Hill noted strong interest in pushing forward quickly to align with Senate progress.

Criticism and Political Tensions Around Trump Ties

▪️ Some Democrats expressed concern about conflicts of interest involving former President Donald Trump, noting the absence of provisions to prevent him from profiting off stablecoin regulations.

▪️ Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) criticized the final bill:

“Passing the GENIUS Act without strong anti-corruption measures stamps a Congressional seal of approval on President Trump selling access to the government for personal profit.”

▪️ The initial plan to allow floor amendments was scrapped by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to avoid last-minute complications, including controversial proposals like the Credit Card Competition Act.

What’s Next: Market Structure Legislation Still Pending

▪️ The stablecoin bill is part of a larger Republican and Trump administration effort to establish clear crypto rules before August.

▪️ The broader Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which would determine how regulatory power is split between the SEC and CFTC, has made slower progress but cleared two key House committees last week.

Conclusion:
The Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act represents a historic win for the crypto industry, marking a shift from regulatory ambiguity to legislative clarity. With the House now expected to take up the measure, stablecoin oversight could soon become the first officially codified area of U.S. crypto law.

@ Newshounds News™
  Source: The Hill

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS Bank to Disburse Loans in National Currencies, Reducing U.S. Dollar Dependence

The New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank, is moving forward with plans to issue loans in national currencies, a major step toward reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar and strengthening local financial sovereignty among member nations.

The initiative aims to center regional currencies in cross-border financing and make the bank more resilient against external financial pressures.

A Strategic Response to Western Sanctions

▪️ The shift was confirmed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who attributed the move to sanctions imposed by the White House on several developing countries.

▪️ Ryabkov stated that Russia is working closely with NDB to promote lending and repayment in national currencies, positioning the bank as a more attractive and autonomous lender for emerging economies.

“Sanctions pressure from Western countries still impedes the normal functioning of the bank on the territory of the Russian Federation,” Ryabkov noted.

Dilma Rousseff’s Role in Overhauling BRICS Lending Framework

▪️ The bank’s president, Dilma Rousseff, has been tasked with leading the transition. According to Ryabkov, she is actively implementing measures to expand financing in national currencies and develop new investment tools.

▪️ He emphasized that these steps are aimed at aligning the NDB’s operations with BRICS’ larger vision of a fair, non-discriminatory global financial system.

“The management of NDB... takes necessary steps for BRICS Bank to meet its goals on a fair and non-discriminatory basis,” Ryabkov said.

Trade Wars and Tariffs Fuel the Push for Independence

▪️ Ryabkov also criticized ongoing tariffs and trade wars, stating that these measures have disrupted the flow of global trade and undermined multilateral cooperation.

▪️ He said BRICS nations are united in their view that Western-imposed economic barriers hinder progress toward sustainable development goals.

“Such measures undermine the multilateral trade system,” Ryabkov warned, reiterating BRICS’ call for more inclusive and balanced global finance.

What This Means for Emerging Economies

▪️ By enabling billions in loans to be disbursed and repaid in national tenders, the BRICS Bank is not only insulating member economies from geopolitical pressure—but also increasing the strength and utility of local currencies.

▪️ The move may encourage greater adoption of national currencies in regional trade and investment, positioning BRICS as a serious counterbalance to the dollar-dominated financial order.

▪️ Although no timeline has been announced, the shift signals a deeper financial realignment as the BRICS alliance continues its push for monetary multipolarity.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru   

~~~~~~~~~

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“Tidbits From TNT” Wednesday Morning 6-18-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Investment in Kurdistan and Iraq is on the agenda of Nechirvan Barzani's meeting with Emirati diplomats.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani discussed investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq on Tuesday with the Chargé d'Affairs of the UAE Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region, Sheikha Bashir Farhan.

A statement issued by the Kurdistan Region Presidency, received by Shafaq News Agency, stated that, "On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, received Sheikha Bashir Farhan, the Chargé d'Affairs of the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in the Kurdistan Region, and discussed with her relations between Kurdistan and the Emirates."

The statement added, "During the meeting, Barzani congratulated Sheikha on assuming her position," expressing "his hope for her success and affirming the support and assistance of the relevant authorities in the Kurdistan Region to enable her to carry out her duties to the fullest extent possible."

For her part, the Emirati official conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the UAE President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and her country's leadership to Barzani, stressing "the UAE's desire to develop and strengthen relations with the Kurdistan Region," according to the statement.

He pointed out that "the meeting addressed Emirati job and investment opportunities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, in addition to the latest developments in the region."  link

Tishwash:  Parliamentary source: Al-Mandlawi is the prime suspect in the 2024 budget manipulation case

An informed parliamentary source revealed, on Wednesday, the involvement of First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi in the case of tampering with the 2024 budget tables, indicating that there is a large financial difference of up to 15 trillion dinars between the tables sent by the government and those voted on by Parliament.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Al-Maalouma Agency, “The parliamentary investigations into the tampering with the 2024 budget tables were obstructed by the direct intervention of Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, who exploited his position as acting Speaker of Parliament at the time to pressure the investigation, due to his direct involvement in the case.”

He explained that "the investment committee asked the Finance Committee to provide it with all documents related to the financial tables, and the Finance Committee responded and provided what was requested, but the investigations were stalled and their results have not yet been revealed."

The source stressed that "manipulating the schedules represents a serious violation, especially in light of the absence of final accounts, which opens the door to unaccountable financial transfers and gives multiple parties the opportunity to act without real oversight."

It is noteworthy that economic experts had previously warned of the danger of manipulating budget schedules, given the lack of transparency and the failure to submit final accounts, which reinforces fears of systematic financial corruption within state institutions.  link

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

Tishwash:  Al-Sudani's advisor reveals to "Tariq Al-Shaab" the procedures for dividing "Rafidain" into two banks. 

The Iraqi banking sector continues to suffer from chronic deterioration and weakness due to accumulated financial failures, weak capital, and a host of other factors, hampering its vital role in supporting the national economy.

There is no doubt about the importance of reforming and developing the banking sector in Iraq, including Rafidain Bank, which constitutes the cornerstone of the country's financial system and government payments system.

Conditions for successful structuring

Although this step is necessary, experts emphasize the need to implement it cautiously and gradually, while enhancing governance and transparency to avoid the risks of rapid privatization and prevent any political influence in the new management of the bank or elsewhere, thus ensuring the restoration of confidence among investors and citizens alike.

How is it structured?

In this regard, the Prime Minister's Financial Advisor, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, stated that Rafidain Bank—one of the largest commercial government banks in Iraq—has previously suffered from accumulated failures that have posed a significant obstacle to its development, despite its status as the backbone of the government payments system.

In an interview with "Tariq Al-Shaab," Saleh said, "Government and individual financial transactions have become largely intertwined, at a time when the bank suffers from weak capital, a near-total reliance on government liquidity, and limited international banking relationships."

He pointed out that Rafidain Bank "alone accounts for approximately 60% of total banking assets in Iraq, which reflects its significant size and the importance of its reform within a broader framework for developing the country's banking sector."

He explained that "the study currently being prepared by Ernst & Young is moving towards separating the bank into two independent entities. The first, called Rafidain 1, will be a joint-stock bank open to citizen participation, with the government's stake remaining below 25%, to avoid transforming it into a mixed-sector or fully private sector."

He explained that "Rafidain 1" will be effectively integrated into the national and international banking environment, will be managed in partnership with a strategic banking partner (international or regional), and will rely on modern digital and financial technology. It will also work to finance foreign trade and enhance domestic investment, representing a qualitative shift in the structure of the Iraqi banking sector, which suffers from isolation between government and private banks.

He added, "The goal is to establish a bank that complies with international standards, is free from money laundering issues, and keeps pace with technological developments, thus contributing to improving the banking environment in Iraq."

traditional Mesopotamia

The second entity, according to Saleh, will maintain the "traditional Rafidain Bank" as a fully state-owned bank, exclusively concerned with government financial operations. It will be the official banking arm of the state, responsible for managing the unified treasury account and all government payments.

He explained that "Rafidain 1, which will be privatized through a guaranteed process, will be completely separate from Rafidain 2, and will deal with the banking market and citizens as a major joint-stock company, with a strategic banking partner." He noted that "the details of the capital, number of branches, size of assets, and the transformation mechanism will be precisely determined within the comprehensive study being prepared by the consulting firm, which is expected to be completed and submitted by the end of this year."

Private sector involvement

For his part, economic expert Ahmed Abdul Rabbo stressed that "the restructuring of Rafidain Bank represents a crucial step in the process of reforming the Iraqi banking sector, but it requires careful and gradual implementation to avoid any negative repercussions."

In an interview with "Tariq Al-Shaab," Abd Rabbo explained that "successful restructuring must begin with comprehensive administrative and technical reforms, clearing the public budget of accumulated burdens, and strengthening the principles of governance and transparency." He emphasized the need to "gradually involve the private sector without relinquishing the state's strategic control over the bank."

He warned of "the risks of rapid or random privatization, or selling assets for less than their true value, as well as maintaining government influence within the bank's new management, all of which could undermine reform goals rather than achieve them."

He continued that the success of this process "will contribute to restoring confidence in the banking sector, enhance the attraction of local and foreign investment, and improve the efficiency of the financial system as a whole." However, he cautioned that "any errors in implementation could lead to financial or social crises that would be difficult to contain later."  link

Mot:  Sure Miss those simpler days.

Mot:  I've Had Enough – Sooooo 

MilitiaMan & Crew: Iraq Dinar Update-End To Cash-Maximization of Non-Oil Revenues-Banking Reforms-International Trade

MilitiaMan & Crew:  Iraq Dinar Update-End To Cash-Maximization of Non-Oil Revenues-Banking Reforms-International Trade

6-17-2025

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=LlexD2IEHeA

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Tuesday Evening 6-16-25

A Parliamentary Bloc Calls For A Permanent Meeting Of The Crisis Cell To Address Developments In The Region.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025, | Politics Number of reads: 210  Baghdad / NINA / The parliamentary opposition bloc criticized what it described as the absence of representatives of the blocs representing the governorates from the emergency session to discuss the violation of Iraqi airspace, while demanding a permanent convening of the crisis cell to address any developments in the region.

The head of the bloc, MP Amer Abdul Habbar, said in a press conference on Tuesday, that "the session held to discuss the violation of Iraqi airspace did not achieve quorum, as the number of attendees reached only 75 representatives, and there were no representatives of the Kurdish blocs, the blocs of the central and southern governorates, and the blocs of the western governorates, but rather the presence of only individuals to discuss a sensitive issue that affects the country's sovereignty, security and stability."

He added, "Since last year, we have submitted an official request to form a secret operations room headed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and with the participation of all security agencies and formations, including those affiliated with the security services and those not affiliated, for the necessity of having a national decision that takes into account the interest of Iraq, and spares the country the risk of entering into military and security conflicts." https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=1234931

The Dollar Declines In Iraq After An Earlier Rise.

Economy | 06/17/2025  Mawazine News - Baghdad -  The dollar exchange rate witnessed a decline against the dinar in local markets. It fell on the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges to 143,250 Iraqi dinars for every $100, while yesterday morning, Monday, it recorded 143,850 dinars for every $100.

Selling prices in exchange shops in local markets in Baghdad also declined, as the selling price reached 144,250 Iraqi dinars for every $100, and the buying price reached 142,250 dinars for every $100. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=262691

Gold Temporarily Fell 1.2% After A Sharp Rise.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | Economic Number of reads: 177   Baghdad / NINA / Gold prices fell by more than 1% during today's trading, as investors turned to profit-taking after the precious metal approached its highest levels in eight weeks.

Spot gold fell 1.2% to $3,392.86 per ounce, after reaching its highest level since April 22 earlier in the session.  The yellow metal had risen by more than 1% on Friday.  US gold futures fell 1% at settlement, recording $3,417.30 per ounce.

As for the rest of the precious metals, silver prices stabilized at $36.33 per ounce, while platinum rose 2% to $1,252.57, and palladium rose 0.8% to $1,036.10 per ounce. / End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1234872

Brent Crude Futures Rose 1.6%.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 09:47 | Economic Number of reads: 176  

Baghdad/ NINA / Global oil market prices rose more than 2% today (Tuesday).

Brent crude futures rose $1.17, or 1.6%, to $74.4 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.34, or 1.87%, to $73.11. https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1234874

Economist: Targeting Oil Facilities Could Raise The Price Of A Barrel To $130.
 
Today 12:18  Information / Baghdad..  International economics professor Nawar Al-Saadi warned on Tuesday that  an escalation in military tensions between Iran and the Zionist entity, with the exchange of strikes shifting from limited scope to direct targeting of vital infrastructure,  could push the world toward one of the most serious economic crises in decades.   

Al-Saadi told Al-Maalouma News Agency that  "the targeting of a gas platform by the Zionist entity and Iran's response by bombing a refinery in Haifa represent a dangerous indicator of the potential outbreak of a strategic assets war in which energy facilities, including oil and gas, become key targets in the conflict." 

He added that  "global energy security will be the first to pay the price," noting that  "the Strait of Hormuz, over which Iran has geographic control, passes more than 25% of global oil exports."   

He explained that  "any actual threat to this vital waterway, whether through closure, bombing, or naval mines, would cause a market shock that could send oil prices to nearly $130 per barrel if navigation were partially disrupted." 

 He explained that  "this price jump will put significant pressure on the economies of importing countries, particularly in Asia and Europe,  and will push toward a new global inflationary wave
that could weaken purchasing power and lead to an economic slowdown that could reach the point of recession if the conflict continues." 

 He pointed out that  "the repercussions of the escalation will impact global supply chains,
particularly in the transportation and heavy industry sectors, due to rising fuel and logistics costs,
which threatens a shortage of basic commodities and a decline in global production." 

He stressed that  "the Gulf states will not be immune from the impact, despite their relative distance from the geography of the confrontation," noting that their energy facilities remain vulnerable to potential missile or electronic attacks, which would deepen the supply crisis. 

As for Iraq, he noted, "The impact will be twofold.
 
While it may benefit in the short term from higher oil prices,
it could face a real problem if the Strait of Hormuz is closed or export routes are disrupted,
particularly given the Ceyhan pipeline's closure and its current reliance on the Gulf as the sole conduit for its oil exports." 

He concluded by saying,  "The transformation of the conflict into a full-scale war on energy infrastructure will not remain confined to its security or political scope, but may cause a global economic shock deeper than that caused by the Ukraine war, with the potential to redraw the map of alliances and centers of economic influence in the world."  End 25/S      
https://almaalomah.me/news/101672/economy/اقتصادي:-استهداف-منشآت-النفط-قد-يرفع-سعر-البرميل-إلى-130-دول  

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

Some Clear Thinking On Why World War III Is NOT Happening Anytime Soon

Some Clear Thinking On Why World War III Is NOT Happening Anytime Soon [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  June 17, 2025

Today’s topic is so far-reaching, deep, and important that we had to dedicate an entire podcast episode to it.  Frankly, it is one of the most interesting we have ever done.

With so much conflict in the world—and the potential for even more escalation, particularly in the Middle East—we have heard a lot of worry, concern, and even hyperbole in the media about “World War III.”

I actually have the opposite view: that after the recent strikes and counter-strikes between Israel and Iran, I wholeheartedly believe that World War III is far less likely than it was even just a couple of months ago.

Read that again: in the wake of growing conflict in the Middle East, and even with the potential for US involvement, World War III is less likely.

In today’s podcast, I put on my old hat as an Army intelligence officer and discuss the Iranian order of battle, their weapons and defense systems, much of which, frankly, is derived from Chinese military technology.

Over the past several days, that Iranian-based Chinese military tech was obliterated—completely overwhelmed by Israel’s precision strikes.

And where did Israel get its technology from? Some of it is homegrown, of course, but the majority comes from the United States.

So the way I look at this Israel-Iran conflict is almost like a live-fire exercise or war game that models what a real conflict between the United States and China might look like.

And based on the results, it is not looking good for China—or Russia, for that matter.

It leads me to the conclusion that no adversary nation wants to risk an armed conflict with the United States right now, lest they too get obliterated by America’s F-35s.

Towards the end, we talk about whether or not the United States should be involved. I do not have the definitive answer. But I walk through the rational framework that I hope America’s leaders are using to make that kind of decision.

There is not enough reason and rational decision-making in Washington these days. Too many politicians make knee-jerk, emotional reactions for the benefit of Twitter likes, rather than conducting a clear cost-benefit analysis.

There is so much more we unpack in this episode—it is definitely worth a listen, and we hope you tune in to join us.

Once again, you can listen in to the podcast here.

For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.

Finally, you can find the podcast transcript for your convenience, here.

To your freedom,  James Hickman   Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/podcast/some-clear-thinking-on-why-world-war-iii-is-not-happening-anytime-soon-152982/?inf_contact_key=639a5adff5dc02e3df81b6cf217f4f30f2dd6ac02ffa012fb72df8aa66cf6bc6

FRANK26….6-17-25…….NOT A WAR

KTFA

Tuesday Night conference Call

FRANK26….6-17-25…….NOT A WAR

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE… ORANGE=IMPLEMENTATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgQJSzsq_z4

Gold is the Financial System’s Lie Detector

Gold is the Financial System’s Lie Detector

Liberty and Finance:   6-16-2025

In a recent interview with Liberty and Finance, market analyst Matthew Piepenburg delivered a stark warning about the foundation of our modern financial system.

He argues that the entire architecture is fundamentally deceptive, built upon decades of fiscal mismanagement and propped up by misleading narratives. Piepenburg doesn’t mince words, directly challenging the legitimacy of the current economic order.

Piepenburg traces the roots of the problem back to the abandonment of the gold standard in 1971.

 This pivotal moment, he contends, paved the way for unchecked central bank interventions and the erosion of sound economics. He argues that policies like Quantitative Easing (QE) and Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), while presented as solutions, have only exacerbated the issues, leading to unsustainable debt levels and the relentless decline in the value of fiat currencies.

His criticism extends beyond specific policies, focusing on the overall narrative surrounding the financial system. He believes the public is being misled about the true risks and vulnerabilities inherent in a system increasingly reliant on debt and manipulated markets.

Interestingly, Piepenburg’s perspective on gold is particularly noteworthy. He doesn’t portray it as just another speculative asset.

Instead, he sees the rising demand for gold as a crucial signal, a canary in the coal mine indicating a growing distrust in fiat currencies and the increasingly precarious paper gold markets.

According to Piepenburg, the surge in gold demand is far from an irrational frenzy. It represents a growing understanding amongst investors that the global economy is teetering on the brink of something significant, a realization fueled by the sheer weight of insurmountable debt and the diminishing credibility of traditional financial institutions.

In essence, Piepenburg’s analysis paints a picture of a system struggling to maintain its facade, a system where the cracks are beginning to show, and where the flight to gold signifies a deeper unease about the long-term stability of the global financial order.

His insights provide a valuable, albeit unsettling, perspective on the current economic landscape.

To delve deeper into Piepenburg’s arguments and gain a more comprehensive understanding of his analysis, consider watching the full video interview with Liberty and Finance. It’s a provocative conversation that could change the way you view the world of finance.

https://youtu.be/SoN5bfw7VI0

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Tuesday Afternoon 6-16-25

Iraq’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Decline
 
Iraq Amr Salem June 17, 2025 The Central Bank of Iraq. Photo: INA  Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) revealed on Tuesday that the country’s foreign exchange reserves declined in May 2025. 
 
Official data released by the CBI indicated that the country’s reserves of foreign exchange reached 126 trillion Iraqi dinars ($96.9 billion) on May 31 compared to 127.32 trillion Iraqi dinars ($97.94 billion) on May 1, Shafaq News reported.
 

Iraq’s foreign exchange reserves declined from 127.51 trillion Iraqi dinars ($98.089 billion) in April.
 
The country’s foreign exchange reserves amounted to 130.34 trillion Iraqi dinars ($100.27 billion) in 2024, down from 145.25 trillion Iraqi dinars ($111.73 billion) in 2023.
 
The director of the Investment Department in the CBI, Mohammed Younis,
revealed earlier in June that foreign reserves surpassed $100 billion.
 
Iraq’s foreign reserves are managed in accordance with thoroughly planned policies
based on
     highly secure standards and
     invested in safe financial products
that yield appropriate returns, according to Younis.
 
The CBI disclosed last month that its
official reserves fell by more than 11 trillion Iraqi dinars ($8.39 billion) in a single year.
 
Foreign reserves provide comprehensive coverage of the monetary base,
as well as financial indicators including trade and foreign obligations.
 
Iraq, the world’s fifth-largest oil producer,
can quickly and effectively increase its foreign exchange reserves
due to consistent international financial flows.      
https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/iraqs-foreign-exchange-reserves-decline/

 Iraq Seeks A Balance That Avoids Escalation Between Iran And Israel.

June 17, 2025  Baghdad (AFP) - Iranian drones and missiles, as well as Israeli fighter jets, are crossing Iraqi airspace, a situation that is forcing Baghdad to redouble its efforts to maintain a delicate balance and prevent the country from slipping into a new regional conflict.

"There is a great risk that the escalation will spread to Iraq," political analyst Sajjad Jiyad told AFP.

Iraq has long been an arena for regional conflicts, which is currently raising concerns that it could slide into the throes of war between Iran and Israel.

US forces are stationed in Iraq as part of the US-led international coalition fighting ISIS. However, armed Iraqi groups affiliated with the Iranian-led "Axis of Resistance" are also present, and have previously targeted US forces.

During US President Donald Trump's first presidential term in 2020, a US drone killed Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Baghdad.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the country that receives the largest amount of US military aid, attention is turning to these Iraqi armed factions that have so far remained uninvolved.

But for how long?

Political analyst Tamer Badawi believes that "the more Iran struggles to maintain its firepower in the face of Israel, the greater the likelihood of involvement" of pro-Iranian Iraqi armed groups.

He added, "Iran is trying to spare its network collateral damage by keeping its regional allies on alert. However, this position could change."

A senior Iraqi security official told AFP that "everyone" within the pro-Iranian Iraqi camp "is cooperating with the government to keep Iraq out of the conflict."

- American "response"? -

Baghdad has been working for years to reconcile its strong alliance with its neighbor, Iran, a regional heavyweight with which it shares a long border and political, economic, and cultural ties, and its strategic and military partnership with Washington, which opposes Iran's nuclear program.

At dawn on Friday, Israel launched a large-scale attack, targeting military and nuclear sites in Iran in particular. Iran responded hours later with missile and drone strikes against the Jewish state. The exchange of fire between the two countries continues and expands.

The Iraqi government called on Washington to "prevent" Israeli aircraft "from repeatedly violating Iraqi airspace and carrying out attacks" on Iran.

The violation of Iraqi airspace angered pro-Iranian Iraqi factions, who accused US forces in Iraq of allowing it.

While the Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Brigades, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, affirmed in a statement on Sunday that Iran "does not need any military support from anyone to deter the criminal Zionist entity," he said, "We are closely monitoring the movements of the American enemy army in the region."

He added, "If America intervenes in the war, we will act directly against its interests and bases spread throughout the region without hesitation."

"We once again call on the Iraqi government to protect US diplomatic missions and military personnel present in the country at the request of the Iraqi government," a US official told AFP.

He added, refusing to reveal his name, "Iraq will be more stable and sovereign through its energy independence and distancing itself from harmful Iranian influence," referring to the import of Iranian gas to power Iraq's power plants.

The official also condemned the "violent and destabilizing" activities carried out by "Iran-backed militias."

Sajad Jiyad believes that “if Iran confirms that the United States (…) supports Israel in its attacks against Iran, this could prompt pro-Iranian elements inside Iraq to target the US embassy or consulate in Erbil, or US forces and the Ain al-Assad base,” where the international coalition is stationed in western Iraq to combat ISIS.

This could lead to a "US response inside Iraq, targeting these pro-Iranian groups, as well as a direct attack from Israel."

- "The Godfather" -

Tensions escalated in Iraq when war broke out in the Gaza Strip following the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023. Iraqi armed factions loyal to Iran claimed responsibility for launching dozens of missiles and drones at sites in Iraq and Syria where US troops were deployed as part of the international coalition. Washington responded by bombing sites belonging to these factions.

These same groups, part of what is known as the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," claimed responsibility for launching drones at targets in Israel. The Israeli military intercepted most of these drones, before one killed two Israeli soldiers in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in October 2024.

Tamer Badawi believes that the Iraqi armed factions loyal to Iran "retain the ability to target Israel from western Iraq" or even "target American interests in Jordan."

However, Iraq is preparing to hold parliamentary elections at the end of this year, motivating the political class, including armed factions represented by parliamentarians, to strive to maintain stability.

A leader in the Iraqi armed factions told AFP, "We do not deny that some parties have recently become involved in political activity. It is the nature of battle that preparations are sometimes made, and it is not normal to carry a sword throughout the battle."

He added, "There is a period when the sword must be in its sheath, but that does not mean abandoning the weapon or fearing confrontation."

He pointed out that Iraqi factions consider Iran their "spiritual father," adding, "We will not leave our father to fight the battle alone." He continued, "The United States, France, and Britain stand openly with Israel... so why don't we support the Islamic Republic?" LINK

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

Saving Money Vs. Paying Off Debt: The Personal Finance Conundrum

Saving Money Vs. Paying Off Debt: The Personal Finance Conundrum

By Todd Kunsman  Saving Money  Dec-08-2023 Invested Wallet

Saving money vs. paying off debt might be one of the most common personal finance debates. Least, I think it is and continues to find people on different sides.

For those just getting started and trying to figure out your financial path, it can be confusing with what to do or where to focus your time.

A few years back, I also ran into this dilemma. I researched, ran numbers, but still was truly indecisive as to what would take priority.

And you’ll see many experts choose one over the other. You’ll also read stories of others in the media or bloggers who chose one path over the other too.

For me, saving money vs. paying off debt can be a finance conundrum to those just getting started.

Saving Money Vs. Paying Off Debt

If you look at the math, see the interest on your debt, you’d generally lean towards paying off debt has your main goal. Right?

But pending your financial goals and current situation, it’s not always as simple as that.

In 2014 as a personal finance newb, I was looking at some student loan debt, car debt, credit card debt, but also had very little save and not much in retirement either.

After searching what I wanted to do and reading, I still found myself arguing internally of which is better: saving money or paying off debt.

The research explained the math and gave some great life examples. But even with that information, I still could not make a definite decision.

Chalk it up indecisiveness or financial ignorance still, but I was afraid I’d make the wrong decision if I went down one specific path over the other.

This is why I’m calling this a debate, a finance conundrum, or a confusing and difficult problem to solve.

Hopefully, you aren’t thinking I’m being over dramatic. You may even be yelling,

“C’mon look at the data and math of your situation!”

For me specifically at the time, this was a battle regardless. A bit further down, I’ll share my choice and why.

When Should You Choose Saving Before Paying Off Debt?

20% of Americans don’t save any of their annual income at all and even those who do save aren’t putting away a lot. (CNBC)

One of the top reasons to prioritize saving money before paying off debt is to build an emergency fund.  

This can be important if you have little to nothing saved as you need some buffer for emergencies or other unexpected expenses. Plus, it helps relieve you of some money stress.

Also, if you’re somewhat lucky with your current debt, the interest rates on those loans might be pretty low. If you aren’t getting wrecked by the rates, socking this money away first until you have six months or so of expenses saved might be a great choice.

TO READ MORE:  https://investedwallet.com/saving-money-vs-paying-off-debt/