This is a summary of the day’s events and postings. You may notice that you do not see all articles and postings in my blog that you might find across all of the popular Dinar sites. Instead, I do the work of looking for what is important and chucking what’s not relevant as well as eliminating the duplicate articles. In the end, you should get news, information, and rumors that follow along the general trend line of what is being reported. This page summarizes all the postings from the day into the major categories you see below. Enjoy!
Facts:
Rumors:
Of Interest (rumors that I find of particular interest either because of who said it or because of how I think it relates to what is happening right now):
The Rest (doesn’t mean these are not happening):
1. None
Where Are We At?
1. There was much news on the government formation today. Parliament did meet today, and the agenda was to include discussions on the security breaches, the 2nd reading of the budget, and the independent bodies. Also, the National Alliance was scheduled to meet this evening to discuss the Federal Court’s ruling. The meeting was said to include Malki and his cabinet. Parliament is scheduled to meet on Tuesday regarding the Federal Court’s decision. In more news about the Federal Court ruling, the House and the Federal Court were in a special meeting to discuss the issues of the independent bodies. It was said that that many in government reject the ruling, and most are saying that the decision will negatively impact the independent bodies. However, it was also reported that Maliki is defending the ruling. In addition it was reported that there is division within the National Alliance regarding Maliki’s independent action regarding the Federal Court’s ruling. In regards to the open positions, once again it is being reported that Maliki and Allawi will be meeting within 24 hours to discuss the open ministry positions and the powers of the National Council. Also, Allawi is saying that he will renege from all political agreements if there is not a vote in Parliament on the National Council for the strategic policy. That said, Allawi requested that Barzani mediate between him and Maliki in order that they can reach final agreement on the formation of the National Council of the policies.
2. Another low auction day with the CBI!
3. In terms of Iraq’s economy, the Iraqi Planning Ministry is forecasting a rate of economic growth of 47% by 2014. The projected annual growth rate is estimated to be 9.38%.
4. On the Egypt front, it was said today that the current situation in Egypt and escalations in surrounding countries might impact the start of the Arab Summit to be held in Baghdad. Also, the Iraqis are watching this situation closely and are calling on their government to take notice of what is happening there.
5. Today, we saw news of the CBI building a new CBI that will take up to 3 years to build and will cost up to $500 million. I recall someone saying that the new CBI building was already built, but I believe that was a rumor.
6. In news related to the release of Chapter 7, it was reported that the diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Iraq failed to reduce the compensation provided to Kuwait. Also in related news, France said they are working hard on getting Iraq out of the remaining sanctions in Chapter 7.
7. On the rumor front, once again we see a domestic bank rumor supporting all the other rumors about US banking activity. Also, in regards to Scooter’s chat, it appears that his line of thinking is matching up with what Nighthk11 has been saying about the powers that be that are controlling the events in Iraq.
What’s left?
1. Reading of the budget for the third time (this assumes the budget wasn’t approved and that the 2nd reading of the budget was successful).
2. Closure on Security positions (5 in total) and the remaining unfilled positions (4)
3. Formal announcement of government
4. Agreement on outstanding Kuwait issues
5. Lifting of remaining Chapter 7 sanctions (Kuwait related)
6. RV/RI
7. HCL
What’s It All Mean?
1. The good news of the day is that Parliament met. I have not yet seen the results of the 2nd reading of the budget, and I haven’t yet seen the results of the meetings to discuss the independent bodies. So, at this time, the best I can say is that there were meetings that took place that reportedly had these items on the agenda. Perhaps we’ll see definitive news on all meetings and outcomes tomorrow. So far, it’s status quo. We’re still not clear on whether the ministry positions were filled, there is no agreement between Maliki and Allawi on the National Council, the government officials are still speaking out against the Federal Court ruling, and the people of Iraq are carefully watching the events in Egypt unfold.
2. A new CBI building that will cost nearly $500 million huh? Now why in the world would the CBI need a new building, and one that cost $500 million or more? Along the same lines, why would France focus on building stronger trade alliances with Iraq? They are returning French companies to Iraq and have increased exports by 200%. This is all positive news. The CBI seems to want to be significant in a big way, and the news of increased trade activity between Iraq and France is just one example of what is happening regarding trade in Iraq.
3. In regards to the Kuwait reparations and Chapter 7, we still haven’t yet seen the agreement needed to lift Iraq from the remaining sanctions in Chapter 7. Today’s news was somewhat of a disappointment. On a brighter note, however, it appears that the UN and France are involved in helping Iraq and Kuwait come to agreement on their outstanding issues. Also, there is still the rumor out there that “all is done and there is nothing left to do except RV”. I’ve heard this from a few that I trust. I doubt I’ll ever know the truth, and I’m really not certain that I care. An RV would make it great for everyone, and I’m positive I won’t be seeking the real truth afterward!
