“Tidbits From TNT” Tuesday Morning 8-19-2025
TNT:
Tishwash: The withdrawal of the US coalition... Is the war over or has new influence begun?
The US Embassy in Iraq announced on Monday that the withdrawal of the international coalition from the country does not mark the end of its work against the terrorist organization ISIS, noting that its military mission will transform into a bilateral security partnership with Iraqi security forces.
In statements to Al Jazeera, monitored by Al-Mustaqilla, the embassy confirmed that the international coalition will continue its civilian efforts worldwide, raising questions about the form and extent of future US intervention in Iraq and the extent to which this partnership will impact Iraqi sovereignty.
TNT:
Tishwash: The withdrawal of the US coalition... Is the war over or has new influence begun?
The US Embassy in Iraq announced on Monday that the withdrawal of the international coalition from the country does not mark the end of its work against the terrorist organization ISIS, noting that its military mission will transform into a bilateral security partnership with Iraqi security forces.
In statements to Al Jazeera, monitored by Al-Mustaqilla, the embassy confirmed that the international coalition will continue its civilian efforts worldwide, raising questions about the form and extent of future US intervention in Iraq and the extent to which this partnership will impact Iraqi sovereignty.
Observers believe this shift may represent a less obvious reshuffle of the US presence, but it could continue to shape the course of politics and security in Iraq. While others believe the bilateral security partnership could give Iraqi forces an opportunity to independently enhance their capabilities to counter terrorism, the ambiguity surrounding the nature of this partnership raises concerns about the continued indirect influence of foreign powers.
Amid these statements, the most prominent question remains: Is the coalition's withdrawal a real step toward Iraq regaining its independent security decision-making, or merely a change in form without any change in reality? link
Tishwash: Demonstration announcement in Basra: We will not remain silent any longer.
The Nahr al-Ezz tribes in the Thaghr district, north of Basra in the far south of Iraq, announced this evening, Monday, a demonstration to demand services and job opportunities, starting on August 24. While warning against neglecting the implementation of rights, they affirmed their commitment to continuing until their rights are fully and undiminished.
This came in a statement by the leader of the Shaghanbi, Al-Bubakhit and Al-Hilijiya tribes movement, Sheikh Ali Sabah Hatem Al-Shaghanbi, received by Shafaq News Agency.
Addressing the people of Basra, the statement said, "Enough is enough. For many years, we have suffered the bitterness of deprivation and marginalization, with no health care, no education, no electricity, no services, and no job opportunities that would preserve the dignity of our youth."
He added, "We previously stood in front of the West Qurna 2 oil fields and raised our voices sincerely, but they met us with silence, disregard, and deadly indifference. Today, we say it loud and clear: Our rights will not be granted; we will seize them by force."
He continued: "We warn anyone who underestimates the will of the people of Nahr al-Ezz: the patience of the patient has limits, and if the patient becomes angry, his revolution will not be stopped by a false promise or a deceptive speech." He stressed: "We, the people of Nahr al-Ezz, will not retreat, and we will not remain silent from today on, and we will continue until we obtain our full and undiminished rights, no matter the cost."
The statement declared, "Our date is Sunday, August 24, a day when everyone will hear the voice of the oppressed, the voice of truth, the voice of the river of glory. And tomorrow is near."
Northern areas of Basra province, particularly the districts of Al-Thaghr and Al-Sadiq, and the Al-Qurna district, have witnessed a series of demonstrations and sit-ins over the past few months, protesting what residents describe as "deliberate marginalization and neglect" by the local and federal governments.
Protesters' demands ranged from improving basic services, providing job opportunities, and addressing the dangerous environmental pollution resulting from oil extraction operations, which have destroyed agricultural areas and spread disease. There have been repeated threats to shut down oil fields if the situation continues to be ignored. link
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Tishwash: Iraqi banks eye capital boost extension
An economist expects the capital increase period for Iraqi banks "covered by reform" to be extended.
Economic expert Mustafa Akram Hantoush confirmed on Monday that the Central Bank of Iraq and the Iraqi banking system are going through a critical phase, suggesting that the deadline for increasing the capital of banks subject to reform will likely be extended to three years, instead of the previous deadline of the end of this year.
Hantoush told Shafaq News Agency, "The Central Bank contracted last year with Oliver Wyman to conduct a comprehensive study of the banking sector," noting that "the company has completed its study."
He added, "The preliminary report was submitted three weeks ago, while the final report was recently issued. It included a package of mechanisms to address banking challenges and regulate dollar transactions. These mechanisms are currently under discussion between the Central Bank and the company."
Hantoush pointed out that "the recommendations included raising the capital of all Iraqi banks to 400 billion dinars, in addition to paying $2.4 million over four years for banks, under conditions most notably merger or liquidation, as well as restructuring the capital so that relatives' stake does not exceed 10%."
He pointed out that "these conditions pose a significant challenge to the sanctioned banks, making it difficult to comply with the required increase," emphasizing that "the matter requires discussions between the Central Bank and these banks to reach an acceptable formula."
The economic expert expects that "the Central Bank will open a new dialogue with the consulting firm to reach a compromise, either by extending the capital increase period to more than three years, or by reducing the required amounts to be closer to the capabilities of Iraqi banks." link
Mot: Now - This is What I Wants!!!!
Mot: .. Fitting In !!!!
FRANK26….8-18-25….ALOHA……IT’s NOT A SECRET
KTFA
Monday Night Video
FRANK26….8-18-25….ALOHA……IT’s NOT A SECRET
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#
KTFA
Monday Night Video
FRANK26….8-18-25….ALOHA……IT’s NOT A SECRET
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#
Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Morning 8-19-25
Good Morning Dinar Recaps,
US Treasury Calls for Public Comment on GENIUS Stablecoin Bill
The U.S. Treasury Department is seeking public input on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. leadership in digital assets while addressing illicit finance risks tied to crypto.
Good Morning Dinar Recaps,
US Treasury Calls for Public Comment on GENIUS Stablecoin Bill
The U.S. Treasury Department is seeking public input on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in July. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. leadership in digital assets while addressing illicit finance risks tied to crypto.
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Public Comment Period Open Until Oct. 17
Treasury has invited individuals and organizations to submit comments by October 17.
Feedback should focus on innovative methods to detect and mitigate illicit activity involving digital assets.
Areas of particular interest include:
Anti–money laundering strategies
APIs and blockchain monitoring tools
Artificial intelligence applications
Digital identity verification
Treasury officials will compile and review the public responses before submitting formal reports to the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee.
Secretary Bessent: Essential Step for U.S. Leadership
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the consultation process as “essential” for implementing the GENIUS Act and securing American leadership in the digital asset sector.
The law requires the Treasury and Federal Reserve to finalize regulations before full implementation. Under the timeline:
The GENIUS Act will take effect 18 months after being signed (July 2025), or
120 days after final regulations are published — whichever comes first.
Political and Regulatory Timing
The timing suggests that enforcement of the GENIUS Act will not overlap with the 2026 midterm elections, reducing the likelihood of the law being used as a campaign issue.
Broader Crypto Legislation Efforts
The GENIUS Act was one of three major bills advanced during Republicans’ “crypto week” in July:
GENIUS Act – Establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins
Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act – Aims to provide clearer rules for digital asset markets
Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act – Pushes back against a government-issued central bank digital currency
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The House of Representatives passed all three with bipartisan support. The Senate Banking Committee has indicated it will prioritize crypto market structure, aiming to advance its own version of the CLARITY Act by October.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: Cointelegraph
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Tether Appoints Former White House Crypto Council Head Bo Hines as U.S. Strategy Advisor
Stablecoin leader Tether (USDT) has appointed Bo Hines, the former executive director of the White House Crypto Council, as its Strategic Advisor for Digital Assets and U.S. Strategy. The move marks a major step in Tether’s push to establish a regulated presence in the U.S. under the new pro-crypto administration.
Bo Hines Brings Washington Insider Experience
Hines, a Yale-trained attorney and former GOP congressional candidate, played a central role in shaping U.S. crypto policy.
At the White House, he helped secure passage of the GENIUS Act, creating a federal framework for stablecoins.
He also organized a high-level digital assets summit connecting industry leaders with government officials.
After seven months in government service, Hines stepped down in early August before moving to the private sector.
Why the Appointment Matters for Tether
Tether has long operated outside the U.S. regulatory framework. By adding Hines, the company gains:
A direct connection to U.S. policymakers
Expertise in navigating Washington’s legislative and regulatory processes
Strategic positioning to launch a U.S.-compliant stablecoin under the GENIUS Act
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed that U.S. expansion plans are “well underway,” calling Hines’s appointment a pivotal step toward meeting institutional and regulatory standards in the world’s largest market.
Tether’s Market Position
Tether issues USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin.
Circulating supply exceeds $166 billion, according to The Block’s data dashboard.
The company’s U.S. strategy signals its ambition to transition from operating on the regulatory margins to becoming a fully integrated player in the American financial system.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: The Block
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Ripple Backs Gemini’s IPO Filing With $75M Credit Line, RLUSD Option Included
Ripple has emerged as a key backer of Gemini’s upcoming IPO, providing the exchange with a $75 million credit line that could expand to $150 million. The deal also introduces Ripple’s new stablecoin, RLUSD, as a borrowing option once the initial facility is tapped.
Key Takeaways
Ripple extends $75M credit line to Gemini, with potential to reach $150M and RLUSD as a borrowing option.
Gemini files for IPO under ticker “GEMI,” aiming to become the third U.S. crypto exchange to go public.
The exchange reported a $282.5M net loss in H1 2025, highlighting steep financial headwinds ahead of listing.
RLUSD inclusion signals Ripple’s ambition to challenge Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) in the stablecoin market.
Gemini’s IPO Plans
Gemini, which plans to list on Nasdaq under the ticker “GEMI,” disclosed the agreement with Ripple as part of its long-anticipated public offering.
The move positions Gemini to become the third crypto exchange to go public in the U.S., following Coinbase (2021) and Bullish (2025).
However, Gemini’s filing also revealed significant financial challenges:
A $282.5 million net loss in H1 2025, up nearly sevenfold from last year.
Revenue sliding to $67.9 million, down from $74.3 million in the same period of 2024.
Ripple’s Credit Facility Terms
Under the agreement with Ripple Labs, Gemini can:
Borrow in tranches of at least $5 million.
Pay interest rates of 6.5% or 8.5%, with collateral required.
Once borrowing surpasses $75 million, loans can be denominated in RLUSD, providing Ripple’s new stablecoin a direct entry into U.S. exchange infrastructure.
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No funds have been drawn yet, but the inclusion of RLUSD underscores Ripple’s push to compete with USDT and USDC, which dominate the stablecoin market.
For Gemini, the facility provides fresh liquidity at a critical moment, as investor scrutiny intensifies ahead of its IPO.
Wall Street Giants Back Gemini IPO
The deal is being led by major Wall Street banks, including:
Goldman Sachs
Citigroup
Morgan Stanley
Cantor Fitzgerald
With Academy Securities and AmeriVet Securities acting as co-managers.
Investor appetite for crypto listings is strong:
Circle’s IPO (June 2025) saw shares surge nearly 10x from its $31 offering price before settling at $149.
Bullish’s IPO earlier this week more than tripled from $37 to nearly $70 on its first trading day.
Several other firms — including OKX, Grayscale, and Kraken — are also considering public offerings. Meanwhile, listed giants like Coinbase and MicroStrategy have hit multi-year highs.
Policy Shift Fuels IPO Wave
The IPO momentum comes amid a regulatory climate increasingly favorable to digital assets:
Since President Trump’s return in January 2025, the SEC has dropped most cases against crypto firms.
The administration has advanced a pro-crypto agenda, including:
An executive order urging regulators to remove barriers preventing 401(k) retirement plans from including crypto assets.
Potential reforms that could allow millions of Americans to allocate retirement savings into Bitcoin and other digital assets through regulated channels.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: CryptoNews
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Thank you Dinar Recaps
I’m an Economist: Here’s When Tariff Price Hikes Will Start Hitting Your Wallet
I’m an Economist: Here’s When Tariff Price Hikes Will Start Hitting Your Wallet
August 1, 2025 by Gabrielle Olya
A blanket 10% reciprocal tariff issued by President Donald Trump took effect April 5, with more slated to roll out on Aug. 1. So far, prices haven’t surged — but that’s likely to change.
GOBankingRates spoke with Lauren Saidel-Baker, an economist at ITR Economics, about why prices have yet to spike, when they will and how far they are expected to climb.
I’m an Economist: Here’s When Tariff Price Hikes Will Start Hitting Your Wallet
August 1, 2025 by Gabrielle Olya
A blanket 10% reciprocal tariff issued by President Donald Trump took effect April 5, with more slated to roll out on Aug. 1. So far, prices haven’t surged — but that’s likely to change.
GOBankingRates spoke with Lauren Saidel-Baker, an economist at ITR Economics, about why prices have yet to spike, when they will and how far they are expected to climb.
Why Prices Haven’t Surged Yet
We never expected that prices would immediately rise by the full extent of the tariffs imposed.
In some cases, importers absorb at least a portion of the cost. In many cases, excess inventory has been brought into the U.S. in anticipation of these tariff announcements and there will be a lag while that lower-cost inventory is available.
While the impact of tariffs on pricing varies materially on a microeconomic scale, it tends to be smaller on a macroeconomic scale. The supply chain is relatively neutral currently, and stable financial conditions have permitted consumers to shift spending behaviors such that the aggregate effect of tariffs on overall consumer prices has been minimal thus far.
The overall consumer price index also includes housing and services, which are more insulated from tariffs.
When Tariffs Will Start Raising Prices
At Least Social Security Will Go Bankrupt With Good Customer Service
At Least Social Security Will Go Bankrupt With Good Customer Service
Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black) August 18, 2025
I know it’s cliche, but one of the happiest days of my life was a bit more than four years ago when my daughter was born in Cancún, Mexico. My wife and I chose Mexico deliberately— given all the COVID craziness that was going on (especially in the US), we wanted to be in a place where the pandemic wasn’t going to factor into our lives at all. And Cancun was perfect.
Add in world-class healthcare at affordable prices, and it was an easy call. Plus babies born in Mexico automatically become citizens, and both parents and grandparents receive permanent residency.
At Least Social Security Will Go Bankrupt With Good Customer Service
Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black) August 18, 2025
I know it’s cliche, but one of the happiest days of my life was a bit more than four years ago when my daughter was born in Cancún, Mexico. My wife and I chose Mexico deliberately— given all the COVID craziness that was going on (especially in the US), we wanted to be in a place where the pandemic wasn’t going to factor into our lives at all. And Cancun was perfect.
Add in world-class healthcare at affordable prices, and it was an easy call. Plus babies born in Mexico automatically become citizens, and both parents and grandparents receive permanent residency.
Pretty much everything about her birth went really smoothly. The Mexican paperwork was shockingly easy, and we were able to get her passport and our residency cards very quickly.
The most difficult part by far was the US side.
We couldn’t fly back to Puerto Rico until she had a US passport. But thanks to the State Department’s broken online system (which crashes constantly and conjures bizarre errors) we were scrambling for a slot.
(It’s also bizarre that, despite millions of Americans traveling to Cancun each year, the US government put its consulate 4 1/2 hours away in Merida... not exactly convenient.)
Once there, storm-trooper style security treated a newborn’s bottled milk as a threat, and then we sat for more than an hour while bureaucrats invented reasons to say “no” to her passport application.
In the end, we finally got what we needed—but the whole process revealed the deeper truth: in the US, government offices act as if citizens work for them. They’ve forgotten their purpose is to serve, and citizens are left with inefficient, indifferent, even borderline inhumane experiences.
Some other countries take a different approach; they treat citizens like valued customers, and bureaucrats are measured on the efficiency and quality of their service.
When the US first launched the Department of Government Efficiency—DOGE—I thought this should be a critical piece of the reform.
Yes, of course, slash fraud, waste, and abuse. But even more urgently, reset the entire culture of how the US government does business with its citizens.
I recently found a glimmer of hope that this may be happening.
Late last week, Social Security marked its 90th birthday since being signed it into law in 1935 at the height of the Great Depression.
Ever since, generations of Americans have accumulated stories of painfully navigating this massive institution— too often about waiting rooms, endless forms, and mind-numbing incompetence.
But something unusual has happened in the last few months. Frank Bisignano, the new commissioner, took over. He comes from a CEO position in the private sector, and seems to be running Social Security like a business.
He’s pushed a digital-first strategy, incorporated AI tools, and focused on simple things that most people in the private sector would take for granted.
Processing backlogs are coming down. Efficiency is up.
Barely a year ago, you had to spend nearly 30 minutes on hold when you called Social Security. Today, the agency says the wait is under five minutes—while serving nearly twice as many people.
You can also now schedule appointments before going into an office— imagine that. And the average wait time at a Social Security office has also been slashed down to just six minutes.
The Social Security website has been overhauled as well, so taxpayers are able to obtain much more information and handle their service needs online. Crazy that it took until 2025 to make this happen.
Oh, and it turns out that the Social Security website— until very recently— used to be offline nearly 30 hours per WEEK for scheduled downtime. They’ve now eliminated this and MySocialSecurity is now available 24/7.
Frankly, the bar for government performance is so low that saying “the website now works” is heralded as a massive breakthrough.
But still, it’s encouraging to see what’s possible when someone with a private-sector mindset actually tries to fix things. In just a few months, one of the worst bureaucracies in Washington has shown major improvement.
Unfortunately, there’s one thing the Commissioner can’t control: Social Security’s looming insolvency.
Social Security’s finances are up to Congress, and that picture is bleak.
Social Security is almost out of money. Everyone in Washington knows it. At best, there’s less than eight years until Social Security’s major trust fund runs out of money. And it will probably take place sooner than that.
Just like fixing bad government service, fixing Social Security’s solvency is not complicated. At this point there are only a few levers to pull: either raise taxes, or roll back retirement age.
The trustees and Social Security’s own actuaries have spelled out these solutions for years, practically begging Congress to act.
They’ve also been clear— the sooner that Congress works to solve the problem, the less painful the solution will be.
If they raise payroll taxes now, the tax hike will be minor. If they wait until 2032, the increase will be brutal.
Similarly, if they pass a law today to phase in an increase to the retirement age, the change will be minor. If they wait a decade, the increase will be much more dramatic.
Yet Congress is—predictably—the least capable group on the planet when it comes to handling obvious problems.
Sure, most likely they won’t let Social Security fail. But the longer they wait, the more likely the eventual fix will simply be a multi-trillion-dollar bailout funded by “printing” money.
The national debt will continue its upward surge, taxpayers will fork over more money, and inflation will quicken.
Bisignano, Social Security’s new “CEO” commissioner, shows what is possible when government changes its posture.
Instead of the usual “F-you, take a number” attitude, Bisignano’s team worked to serve people more efficiently and respectfully. That massive cultural shift moved the needle almost instantly—wait times fell, backlogs shrank, and an agency long known for dysfunction suddenly became usable.
It shouldn’t stop there. The same mindset could be applied to bigger problems—Social Security’s solvency, immigration, debt. None of these are mysteries. The solutions already exist. It’s not rocket science. What’s required is competence and a willingness to act early, before the problems metastasize.
But that’s the catch. The most incompetent body of all—Congress—is the one charged with making those decisions.
And until voters stop sending the same clowns back to Washington, nothing changes.
These are people who can’t balance a budget, can’t read a balance sheet, and can barely string together a coherent thought—yet they’re entrusted with fixing the nation’s most critical programs.
It’s no wonder every solution comes too late, costs too much, and creates another crisis in the process.
To your freedom, James Hickman Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC
Evening News with MarkZ. 08/18/2025
Evening News with MarkZ. 08/18/2025
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
Mod: HELLO EVERYONE! GLAD YOU ALL CAN MAKE IT!
Member: Hello and! ARE WE THERE YET? PLEASE!
Member: Seems like several folks think tomorrow is a possibility. Someday , Somebody is going to be right.
Evening News with MarkZ. 08/18/2025
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
Mod: HELLO EVERYONE! GLAD YOU ALL CAN MAKE IT!
Member: Hello and! ARE WE THERE YET? PLEASE!
Member: Seems like several folks think tomorrow is a possibility. Someday , Somebody is going to be right.
Member: we need some good RV news. This part of the movie seems stagnant.
MZ: Good Evening……I am doing a short news update after a rough travel day. So keeping it short.
MZ: I am not expecting any bond news until tomorrow on Tuesday. I know a couple people who did a lot of paperwork last week. They are excited because “payday” is supposed to be occurring this week.
MZ: I had some lovely conversations today with Iraqi contacts. They are expecting and hoping for a big announcement on Tuesday on the HCL gas laws. They are being told to expect a major announcement on that front. That there was a major breakthrough. I don’t know if it means a full HCL agreement but they are looking for some kind of announcement tomorrow.
Member: Mark Nader posted a video of coalition forces packing up.
Member: Frank26 says his job is done…he was teary eyed.
Member: I pray we have the RV before the end of August
Member: Get some rest Mark….See everyone in the morning.
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
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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.
THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING. HAVE A BLESSED NIGHT! SEE YOU ALL IN THE MORNING FOR COFFEE @ 10:00 AM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!
"MAJOR ALERT! Trump's Surprise Gold Strategy Will Send Gold Above $20,000/Oz" – Andy Schectman
"MAJOR ALERT! Trump's Surprise Gold Strategy Will Send Gold Above $20,000/Oz" – Andy Schectman
Finance Log: 8-17-2025
The possibility of a gold revaluation in the United States is no longer a fringe discussion. With Scott Bessent now serving as Treasury Secretary, the signals coming out of Washington suggest that gold is once again being considered as a pillar of fiscal and monetary strategy.
Judy Shelton, long associated with calls for a return to sound money, has openly floated the idea of issuing Treasury Trust Bonds tied to gold—potentially as early as July 4th, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence.
"MAJOR ALERT! Trump's Surprise Gold Strategy Will Send Gold Above $20,000/Oz" – Andy Schectman
Finance Log: 8-17-2025
The possibility of a gold revaluation in the United States is no longer a fringe discussion. With Scott Bessent now serving as Treasury Secretary, the signals coming out of Washington suggest that gold is once again being considered as a pillar of fiscal and monetary strategy.
Judy Shelton, long associated with calls for a return to sound money, has openly floated the idea of issuing Treasury Trust Bonds tied to gold—potentially as early as July 4th, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The symbolism is deliberate: a declaration of economic renewal backed by the one asset that has anchored monetary systems for millennia.
But it may not just be about the future—it could already be underway.
Andy Schectman points to staggering amounts of physical gold quietly being drawn out of COMEX since last November. Over $100 billion worth of gold has moved, with delivery percentages far exceeding historic norms.
For decades, less than one percent of contracts stood for delivery. Now, we’re seeing 100 percent fulfillment in certain contract months, with billions leaving the ecosystem.
The obvious question is: who is buying all this gold? The secrecy and scale strongly suggest that it is not hedge funds or private investors.
The possibility that the U.S. government itself is behind this accumulation cannot be ignored.
Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Afternoon 8-18-25
The Central Bank Of Iraq Sold More Than $35 Billion In Sales Over The Past Five Months
Banks Economy News – Baghdad The Central Bank's hard currency sales on Monday amounted to more than $35 billion over the past five months.
The bank stated in a statistic that "the bank's hard currency sales during the first five months of 2025 amounted to $35 billion and 201 million."
The Central Bank Of Iraq Sold More Than $35 Billion In Sales Over The Past Five Months
Banks Economy News – Baghdad The Central Bank's hard currency sales on Monday amounted to more than $35 billion over the past five months.
The bank stated in a statistic that "the bank's hard currency sales during the first five months of 2025 amounted to $35 billion and 201 million."
He continued, "Sales were distributed between external transfers amounting to $30.264 million, international settlements amounting to $3.649 billion, and cash sales amounting to $1.288 billion."
The bank noted that these sales, during the first five months of the current year, amounted to $35.2 billion, a 15.66% increase over the same period last year, which amounted to $30.435 billion. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=58926
A Slight Rise In The Dollar Price In The Markets Of Baghdad And Erbil
Monday, August 18, 2025 | Economic Number of reads: 188 Baghdad / NINA / The US dollar exchange rate rose slightly, Monday morning, in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil.
The selling price of the dollar in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges recorded 140,950 Iraqi dinars for $100, compared to 140,450 dinars for $100 yesterday, Sunday.
The selling price in the exchange market in the local markets in Baghdad recorded 142,000 dinars for $100, and the buying price was 140,000 dinars for $100.
In Erbil, the dollar recorded a similar rise, as the selling price reached 140,750 dinars for every $100, while the buying price was 140,650 dinars for $100. / End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1246943
Al-Alaq Details Iraq's Banking Reform Plan
Banks Economy News – Baghdad Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq clarified the details of the banking reform plan on Monday, particularly regarding the foreign partner and the plan's objectives.
He emphasized that the foreign partner is not a condition of the reform plan, while noting that the banking reform is based on international laws and standards.
Al-Alaq said, "The banking reform plan is not a surprise, but rather a well-thought-out plan that took more than a year to develop, in coordination with banks and international bodies. It was agreed upon the need to review the Iraqi banking sector after years of practical experience."
He pointed out that, "After the emergence of many problems, an agreement was reached between all parties to adopt a plan that places our banks within international standards and practices, and within the framework of the Central Bank Law and the Iraqi Banking Law.
Therefore, the standards are not innovative, but rather stem from the Central Bank Law and international practices and standards." He explained that, "The goal of these standards is to ensure that the status of banks is stable and secure, that they have the ability to deal externally, and that they are accepted internally and externally."
Regarding enhancing confidence in banks, Al-Alaq explained: "It is often mentioned that the plan included the inclusion of a foreign partner, while the plan, in all its details, did not include this. We are talking about diversified ownership by financial institutions and individuals, and these Iraqi institutions are more deserving of participation."
He continued, "The plan also included the establishment of a fund for Iraqis that would allow a number of local shareholders, and even citizens, to enter into partnerships with banks." He emphasized that "bringing in a foreign partner is not prohibited, but it is not a requirement, as rumored. We publish all the criteria in detail, and this is not mentioned in them."
The Central Bank Governor added, "After a thorough study of the plan and in agreement with international bodies and correspondent banks, we believe that banks that can adhere to these standards will have their dollar transactions lifted and will establish normal relationships with foreign correspondent banks.
Therefore, the matter is optional, and banks that do not wish to participate in this plan have another option, but they must present alternatives that enable them to be accepted locally and internationally."
He pointed out that "one of the outcomes of the plan we are working on is to address the situation of deprived banks. If banks are able to adhere to the agreed-upon local and international standards, restrictions related to dealing in dollars will be lifted from them."
He emphasized that "the plan is designed to benefit banks, and those who believe they are unable to implement it should offer themselves other solutions to address the problem." https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=58922
The Planning Ministry Is Discussing With Sectoral Ministries The Mechanisms For Proposing And Financing Projects With World Bank Loans
Monday, August 18, 2025 | Economic Number of reads: 213 Baghdad / NINA / The Ministry of Planning held its third joint meeting on Monday with a number of sectoral ministries to discuss mechanisms for proposing projects and financing them through World Bank loans.
The meeting was chaired, according to a statement by the ministry, by the Director General of the Sector Planning Department at the ministry, Basem Dhari Mahmoud, with the participation of representatives from the Ministries of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works, Water Resources, Agriculture, Environment, Education, in addition to the Baghdad Municipality.
The meeting discussed most of the projects submitted by the sectoral agencies and completing their financing ceilings in line with the national development plan and the integrated strategy for education. The projects will be presented and approved during the coming period in coordination with the World Bank, in preparation for their inclusion in the general budget law for next year. https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1246992
Gold Prices Rebound From Lows, Eyes On Trump-Zelensky Meeting
Monday, August 18, 2025 | Economic Number of reads: 245 Baghdad / NINA / Gold prices rose on Monday, after hitting their lowest level in two weeks, supported by a decline in US Treasury yields, as investors awaited a meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders to discuss a peace agreement with Russia.
By dawn today, spot gold rose 0.3% to $3,345.64 per ounce, after recording its lowest level since August 1. US gold futures for December delivery also rose 0.3%, to $3,391.80.
Investors are also awaiting the annual conference of the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Economists largely expect the US central bank to announce an interest rate cut in September, its first cut this year, with a second cut possible by the end of the year amid mounting US economic woes.
As for other precious metals, silver rose in spot transactions by 0.3% to $38.08 per ounce, platinum rose by 0.8% to $1,346.61 per ounce, and palladium rose by 1.3% to $1,126.85 per ounce. /End
https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1246922
For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit: https://www.bondladyscorner.com
Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Afternoon 8-18-25
Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,
BRICS Members in 2025: Full List, New Member Countries & Global Impact
The BRICS alliance has expanded significantly, now including eleven member nations as of 2025. What began with five founding members has grown into a geopolitical and economic force representing over 40% of the world’s population and 37.3% of global GDP. With Saudi Arabia finalizing its membership in July 2025, BRICS continues to attract nations searching for alternatives to Western-led institutions.
Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,
BRICS Members in 2025: Full List, New Member Countries & Global Impact
The BRICS alliance has expanded significantly, now including eleven member nations as of 2025. What began with five founding members has grown into a geopolitical and economic force representing over 40% of the world’s population and 37.3% of global GDP. With Saudi Arabia finalizing its membership in July 2025, BRICS continues to attract nations searching for alternatives to Western-led institutions.
Current BRICS Members and Expansion
Originally formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China—later joined by South Africa in 2010—the BRICS bloc has become an anchor for emerging economies.
2024 expansion: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joined on January 1, 2024.
2025 expansion: Indonesia joined in January 2025, followed by Saudi Arabia in July 2025.
This brings the current BRICS membership to eleven nations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized:
“Adding new economies will inject new vitality into BRICS cooperation and increase the representativeness and influence of BRICS.”
Which Countries Want to Join BRICS
Interest continues to rise, with 32 countries signaling interest and 23 filing official applications.
The alliance has also created a circle of 13 “partner countries,” including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Top candidates for membership include:
Bahrain
Malaysia
Turkey
Vietnam
Belarus
Sri Lanka
Mexico
Kuwait
Thailand
Uzbekistan
Oil producers such as Bahrain and Kuwait aim to leverage their resources as strategic bargaining chips, while Mexico could deliver Latin American access and Belarus offers an Eastern European foothold.
Thailand stated:
“Joining BRICS would benefit Thailand in many respects and boost prospects of being one of the international economic policy makers.”
Economic Impact of BRICS
The expanded bloc now represents 3.3 billion people and wields 37.3% of global GDP (PPP).
China: 19.05%
India: 8.23%
With Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia onboard, BRICS members control nearly half of global oil production and roughly 35% of total oil consumption.
S&P Global noted:
“With Saudi onboard the BRICS grouping would be a commodities powerhouse.”
Meanwhile, the New Development Bank (NDB) has financed over $32 billion across 96 projects since 2016, pioneering local-currency infrastructure loans that reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Challenges Facing BRICS
Despite its growth, the alliance faces internal divisions:
China and Russia are pushing rapid expansion.
Brazil and India are urging a more cautious approach.
This tension has slowed decision-making on new member admissions and economic integration strategies.
Political reactions have been sharp:
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the bloc outright: “BRICS is dead.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted its appeal to developing nations:
“This system was created by rich countries to benefit rich countries. Practically no African country was sitting at the table of the Bretton Woods Agreement.”
Global Shift
The BRICS expansion underscores a multipolar shift in global governance, giving developing nations new financial and trade pathways outside the traditional Western order. With dozens of nations waiting to join, BRICS is positioning itself as the central counterweight to the U.S.-led system in global finance, energy, and trade.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru
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Gold Revaluation to $15,000, Here's The Secret Plan For a U.S. Reset
Gold Revaluation to $15,000, Here's The Secret Plan For a U.S. Reset
Daniela Cambone: 8-18-2025
“Gold is heading to $15,000 an ounce,” says former Swiss banker Clive Thompson in this exclusive conversation with Daniela Cambone.
With U.S. debt exploding and interest costs devouring nearly 20% of tax revenues, Thompson argues Washington’s only lifeline is to revalue its gold reserves, unlocking trillions without adding to the national debt.
“It’s the same playbook from 1934,” he warns, pointing to a quiet plan already in motion that could hand the Treasury $3.9 trillion overnight.
Gold Revaluation to $15,000, Here's The Secret Plan For a U.S. Reset
Daniela Cambone: 8-18-2025
“Gold is heading to $15,000 an ounce,” says former Swiss banker Clive Thompson in this exclusive conversation with Daniela Cambone.
With U.S. debt exploding and interest costs devouring nearly 20% of tax revenues, Thompson argues Washington’s only lifeline is to revalue its gold reserves, unlocking trillions without adding to the national debt.
“It’s the same playbook from 1934,” he warns, pointing to a quiet plan already in motion that could hand the Treasury $3.9 trillion overnight.
Thompson calls $15,000 the “sweet spot” — high enough to ease the debt spiral but not so high as to trigger a dollar collapse. Such a move, he explains, would ignite silver past $100, squeeze America’s creditors, and accelerate a global rush into hard assets.
With Fed rate cuts now certain, COMEX inventories draining, and hedge funds taking physical delivery, Thompson says the world is “waking up to gold’s return as money.”
News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 8-18-2025
Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.
Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Mon. 18 August 2025
Compiled Mon. 18 August 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington
Possible Global Currency Reset and EBS Timing:
Sun. 17 Aug. 2025: Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to Turkey’s Ceyhan port are set to resume within hours, ending a halt of more than two years. An agreement has been reached between the KRG and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil.
Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.
Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Mon. 18 August 2025
Compiled Mon. 18 August 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington
Possible Global Currency Reset and EBS Timing:
Sun. 17 Aug. 2025: Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to Turkey’s Ceyhan port are set to resume within hours, ending a halt of more than two years. An agreement has been reached between the KRG and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil.
An informed source told Channel 8 that Iraqi oil exports will begin this week (Mon. 18 Aug) after 28 months of suspension. (Such could not (allegedly) happen unless the Iraqi Dinar had revalued with an international rate). Majeed KSA on X: / X
Sun. 17 Aug. 2025: “The US-led global international coalition is already packing their stuff and ready to leave Iraq. “ Remember Trump said they aren’t leaving until they get paid in full. https://x.com/majeed66224499/status/1957148043658297637
Sun. 17 Aug. 2025 High Up Rumors were that it would be wise to stay inside for the next couple of days as chaos was about to hit nations across the Globe. … on Telegram
Trump has given the Green Light for the new Quantum Financial System to slide into place.
The Global Military Alliance and BRICS Nations’ recent (alleged) implementation of the Quantum Financial System changed all. Now every stolen dollar, every offshore vault, every hidden transaction — was tracked, blocked and reversed.
The QFS didn’t just bypass the banks. It (allegedly) replaced them.
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Sun. 17 Aug. 2025 Nesara Gesara Rollout Notice …Mr. Pool on Telegram
Treasury begins gold and commodity peg alignment; Dollar moves to asset basis.
Debt Jubilee protocols tested in three states; interest arrears marked fulfilled.
QFS settlement rail handles Federal payrolls and pensions; public wallets Phase Two opens
Withholding on wages paused; funding shifted to tariffs and resource duties.
Mortgage and title audits start; unlawful fees flagged for repayment.
Small Business relief and revaluation windows scheduled; community banks join the new ledger.
EBS briefings will explain Nesara Gesara benefits prior to full implementation
Keep documents handy, save statements; do not sign new loan terms until briefings.
Read full post here: https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/08/18/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-august-18-2025/
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Courtesy of Dinar Guru: https://www.dinarguru.com/
Militia Man We're going to maybe see a surprise. Because Iran is one of Iraq's largest trading partners. Yes we've had sanctions and we have some conflict in the Middle East...There's two articles about Iran removing 4 zeros...One of the things that's interesting here and it's no different than Iraq is that I know they were going to talks about coinage in Iraq again...Iran's gong to drop 4-zeros off their currency and Iraq is going to drop 3 zeros...They're trading partners. That kind of levels the playing field...If they can do the same thing at or around the same time, that might be a surprise.
Mnt Goat Another item is the much-needed Oil and Gas law. Article: “ERBIL, BAGHDAD SIGN OIL EXPORT MECHANISM AGREEMENT”. In a major breakthrough, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Natural Resources and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil have finalized and signed a comprehensive agreement on the mechanism to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, paving the way to end a costly suspension that has been in place since March 2023. So, although they may not have the new Oil and Gas Law fully in parliament yet, we learned that they are getting very close to resolving past issues and use these crises to build the new law, as the years passed.
Iraq's Central Bank of Iraq News: Mandates for End of 2025
Edu Matrix: 8-17-2025
raq’s Central Bank is making some of its biggest moves in years! From ambitious new banking reforms to partnerships with Egypt on digital transformation, these changes could reshape Iraq’s financial future. In this video, we’ll break down the most important updates:
Why banks must raise their capital to 400 billion dinars by 2025
How Iraq is working with Egypt to expand digital banking and fight money laundering
The Central Bank’s daily dollar auctions and what they mean for the Iraqi dinar
New security upgrades to protect financial operations
Support programs for displaced families in Nineveh and Duhok
Whether you’re following the Iraqi dinar, interested in global finance, or just want to stay updated on Middle East economics, this video will give you a clear and simple explanation of what’s happening right now.