2-10-11 Recap of the day's events/postings

Facts:

1.     CBI auction results

2.     $$$ Deputy for Iraq: Oil and Gas Law Will be Adopted After Ratification of the Strategic Policies $$$

3.     Al-Iraqiya calls on Maliki to hasten allocation of security ministries

4.     The Iraqi List, a final agreement on the Policy Council and the Parliament debated Saturday

5.     The Supreme Judicial: did not receive a request from the Iraqi parliament to clarify the decision to the Federal independent bodies

6.     Calls to speed up the nomination of Security Minister

7.     Egypt inspires Iraq protests: Ongoing protests in Egypt are inspiring anti-government demonstrations in Iraq.

8.     Lawyers lead anti-government protest in Baghdad

9.     Mahmoud Othman: the three leaders to come together quickly to resolve outstanding political differences

10.  Kordestani: Draft Law on the Strategic Council policy will be presented to parliament next week

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):

1.     Kaperoni Chat from DinarAlert 7pm cst 2/9/2011

2.     Skype chat: PD rumore - CEO's update

3.     Skype chat rumor

4.     MTT: Okie Oil Man rumor

5.     Nighthk11 chat today

6.     PD Rumor: Butch update

The Rest (doesn’t mean these are not happening):

1.     None

Where Are We At?

1.     In government formation news, the Kurds and the National Alliance agreed that the vote on the National Council of the Supreme policies will go to the House this Saturday.  That said, there were at least two articles on this today.  The second article said the law would go to Parliament next week and didn’t specify a day.  In other news, the List called on Maliki to speed up the nomination of the security ministers. The spokesman from the List warned that Iraq is sliding into a dangerous situation in light of low level of services and the weakness in security.

2.     Speaking of low level of services, protests are still occurring.  In fact, there were protests yesterday that were lead by lawyers and numbered in the 3,000.  The protests were held throughout Iraq.  An article today said that the protests in Egypt are inspiring anti-government demonstration in the streets of Iraq.

3.     The Supreme Judicial Council said they didn’t receive any request from the House to clarify the Federal Court ruling! 

4.     Following the vote on the National Council, another article stated that the HCL would be voted on!

5.     Lots of rumors today.  Five of the rumors suggested an RV is imminent and were somewhat similar in nature.   The other rumor was more of a confirmation of past rumors.

What’s left?

1.    Reading of the budget for the third time

2.    Closure on Security positions (3 in total) and the remaining unfilled positions (6)

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

Important Dates

1.     February 12 – Parliament votes on the National Council of Supreme policies    

2.     February 13 – 3rd reading of the budget

3.     February 17 – GCC Meeting

4.     February 28 – Constitutional deadline to form government

5.     February 25  -- Large demonstration online

6.     March 6 – Tariff law goes into effect

7.     March 29-30 – Arab Summit

8.     May 1 – CBI must be ready to transfer DFI monies

9.     May 22 – Presidential order 13303 expires

10.  June 30 – DFI expires

What’s It All Mean?

1.     In government news, the big news of the day has to be the news of the vote on the National Council of the Supreme Policies going to Parliament this Saturday (assuming it does go on this day).  What this means is that Allawi’s new role will have executive powers.  More importantly, it should mean that Allawi will preside over Maliki, and Allawi’s role will not be relegated to an adviser role only role to Maliki.  Maliki fought long and hard on this one, but he clearly did not win this battle.  This leaves Maliki with only one thing of true power, the security ministries.  Keep in mind, however, Allawi’s bloc is entitled to the Defense ministry per the Erbil agreements.  But, I’m sure Maliki will do what he can to try to retain power of the security ministries, which control the armed forces.  Without the control of the security ministries, Maliki has nothing of significance to control.  The other piece of news that goes hand-in-hand with the vote on the National Council is the HCL.  The HCL is supposed to be approved right after the vote on the National Council.  Now if Maliki would just hand over the names of all the vacant ministries on Saturday, they’d have a full government just in time for ratification of the budget on Sunday!  We can only hope.

2.     Today’s news seems to suggest big things are converging towards this weekend, and this lines up with the rumors we saw today.  Maliki has said in previous articles that filling the vacant ministries would not be an issue.  He said all he has to do is go to Parliament with the names and he’ll be done.  We’ve heard that he has the names from news articles, but he just hasn’t announced who will fill the seats.  We’ve heard that Biden gave him the names for the security ministries, but we haven’t seen him announce them.  We also know that other blocs have handed over names for the security ministries, and we’ve seen Maliki reject them.  I have to believe he has enough nominations and knows who can be slotted into the vacant ministries.  It is, as he said, just a matter of walking into Parliament and handing over the names.  Will he do that this weekend?  I’m sure he could, and I hope he does.  As I mentioned earlier, the news we have seems to suggest that this weekend could see a lot of big things happen.  What could happen?  The vote on the National Council in Parliament effectively establishing Allawi as the head and giving oversight powers above Maliki, a vote on the the HCL, and a vote on the budget.  But, to ratify the budget, we need a full government.  So, perhaps we’ll see Maliki walk into Parliament with all the names.  It could all happen, and the good news is that it’s not too far fetched.  But, the question is will it all happen. The rumors suggest everything is done and that we’ll see an RV anytime.  This does line up well with what appears to be going on in the news.  Whether we’ll see the RV this weekend or not, the news we’re seeing is really good and seems to suggests they are acting with a sense of urgency in everything they’re doing.   We can’t be too far away from the RV.

2-10-11 PD Rumor: Butch update

Highlights/Thoughts
PLEASE IGNORE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ RUMORS

Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this posting on PD (membership required)

1. Butch has a brother who is ex-military for over 20 years
2. His brother's banker said the rate would be 5+ at the banks and 6+ at CBI
3. His brother called and said he was told Iraq signed off on the RV and the US and several other countries did too, but Russia, France, and possibly China have not
4. If the remaining countries sign, we are within 72 hours of the RV
5. If they do not sign, we will see it next week
6. Looks good for the next couple of days
7. Butch checked with banker and he said no change on rate

2-10-11 Kordestani: Draft Law on the Strategic Council policy will be presented to parliament next week

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. An MP from the Kurdistan Alliance said the draft for the National Council for the strategic policies will be submitted to parliament next week with a view to legislation as a prelude to the law
2. He said the political blocs are serious about passing the law

2-10-11 Mahmoud Othman: the three leaders to come together quickly to resolve outstanding political differences

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. Politicians and parliamentarians from various parties and leaders of political blocs are continuing meetings in order to reach real solutions to the outstanding political problems
2. The upcoming meeting between Allawi and Maliki has taken a long time, which underscores the need to convene the meeting in the presence of Barzani in order to reach a solution to the problem of the strategic policy Council

2-10-11 Lawyers lead anti-government protest in Baghdad

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. Iraq's lawyers union organized a 3,000 person demonstration to demand better services, jobs, and the end of human rights abuses in prisons
2. The demonstrations were held on Thursday in a Sunni Muslim neighborhood in western Baghdad
3. Lawyers in the cities of Basra and Mosoul held similar but smaller demonstrations
4. On Sunday, protesters scuffled with riot police and marched along sewage-filled streets in demonstrations across Iraq

2-10-11 Nighthk11 chat today

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this posting on DV

1. The events in Egypt are significant and will NOT stop. It will eventually reach Iraq
2. He believes that everyone should cash out soon after the Rv because he does not believe the Iraqi people will be satisfied with a Maliki government. They will demand a change
3. King Abdullah may be forced to give up some power to remain--much like the UK
4. Obama continues to "mess-up" for 2 reasons: 1) Not qualified; 2) Surrounded himself with crooks and Ivy league radicals who know nothing, and he doesn't listen to Hillary, a much more experienced diplomat
5. Do not be surprised if it RVs on Monday
6. Night said Murbarak would be replaced, and he shall be
7. This will only fuel both the GOI/Parliament and the Iraqi people
8. They might speed things up a bit as they are very concerned
9. They will move to dismantle Maliki's government
10. The map of the ME is changing very swiftly
11. Even with the changes about to take place within Iraq, there will be a conflict because of ideologies clashing
12. Get your money and move on
13. "The Great Satan" is the name used by Arabs for the US
14. The reality of the situation is that the "Spirit" of Satan resides with them and is emulated in their actions towards others who are not of the Muslim faith
15. Hillary's recent meeting with the ambassadors was because of changing situations in the world to which they are assigned--someone is re-writing the governments of the globe
16. Will Shabibi wait for the Gazette or act upon the budget being passed by parliament?
17. Night was told the issues regarding Kuwait reparations and bodies have been settled--this came from the Emir of Kuwait
18. The issue of Chapter 7 is Iraq and its position in the region concerning threats
19. They were released for "commerce" on Dec 15th by Biden and the UNSC
20. It was expected the RV would follow, which is why UNSC let them out, but the RV didn't follow
21. Night believes the situation in Iraq will reach a point where the people will effectively stop all government forward motions by demanding an end to Maliki and his government
22. Should this happen, the value of the dinar will drop on the markets until they re-stabilize things
23. Given their track record, who knows how long that could take
24. Even if they get rid of Maliki and his government, there is someone ready to fill the vacuum

2-10-11 Egypt inspires Iraq protests: Ongoing protests in Egypt are inspiring anti-government demonstrations in Iraq.

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. The protests in Egypt are inspiring smaller anti-government demonstrations in Iraq
2. People on the street are angry with the lack of services and widespread corruption

2-10-11 Calls to speed up the nomination of Security Minister

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. Talal Zobale, from the List, called on Maliki to speed up the nomination of the security minister
2. He stressed the need to choose an independent with competence and experience (former military and familiar with the Defense Department or the Interior)
3. He warned that Iraq is sliding into a dangerous situation in light of the low level of services and the weakness of security

2-10-11 MTT: Okie Oil Man rumor

Highlights/Thoughts
PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT LIKE READING RUMORS

1. On MTT, Okie just said that his intel he received last night said that the government is done. We are just waiting for Shababi to RV
2. He can't go into anymore detail
3. He said it was to have happened between 4-6am this morning
4. The situation causing the delay has been rectified
5. Waiting for Shabibi

Here is his subsequent posting:
[OKIE_OIL_MAN] everyone be settled in your mind--everything that transpired yesterday that kept the r'v from happening has been solved--relax a couple of days--i am positive and sure (i have never said that before) it is done--period--this time is not another delay--that i am sure-period …we are on track sit still for a few days it is happening, only yesterday was the complete and entire gov't formed...there are reasons it didnt happen yesterday...cant disclose...sit back and wait a couple days... it is real and is going to happen 3:01 PM [OKIE_OIL_MAN] keep the faith--it will be justified shortly--gone for

2-10-11 Skype chat rumor

Highlights/Thoughts
PLEASE IGNORE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ RUMORS

I am not certain of the source on this. It was sent to me by Skype.

1. RV imminent
2. Maliki is running out of time and all requirements are fulfilled
3. Surrounding countries are in agreement and the IMF and world organizations are in discussions on readiness and timetable for the announcement to the world
4. No links....this was a phone conversation
5. Could come at any time and could take up to a week, but is in process
6. Things are moving in our favor and behind the scenes
7. Last month, the IMF showed the 2/11 and 2/15 as update days

******************************************************************************
<<< RV IMMINENT time closing in on M and all requirement fullfilled agreement from surrounding countries and cordinating through the IMF and many world organization being discussed on rediness and agreeing on the time table for the announcements to the world. NOW I am not going to give the source and there is no links for phone conversation just know that it could be at anytime and could take up to a week but is in process according to one of our best contacts. GOSH people start smiling and you should have been planning for weeks

<<< tHINGS ARE MOVING IN OUR FAVOR and moving behind the scenes IF you remember from last month the IMF showed the 11 of feb abd the 15 of feb as update days well one of those date is tomorrow where will you be . I will be pulling my dinar out of my bank lock box incase it happens friday so i can be ready to roll monday. THINK AHEAD FRIENDS

2-10-11 Skype chat: PD rumore - CEO's update

Highlights/Thoughts
PLEASE IGNORE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ RUMORS

1. Maliki denying the 3 security positions will not be an issue because he has plans to place 3 others of his choice just before the RV, which can happen anytime
2. See the recap below of 4 items
3. The CEOs will not bring intel unless they have confirmed it 100%

*********************************************************************************
First and formost, I would like to thank everyone with your kind words and response to our posts. We were extreamely busy yesterday attempting to varify a few concerns which developed after Maliki denied the 3 security positions to the GOI. I will remain pertinacious and state this will not be an issue as Maliki already has plans to place 3 others of his choice just before the RV takes place which can happen at anytime. Watch for that happen, then get ready as the trigger will be pulled! Let's recap on a couple of issues a few of you tried to DEBUNK ,

1. The lower denoms are in Iraq, they were moved into the country overnight on the Feb. 4th, HOLY DAY - CONFIRMED How is that for detail?

2.. The ATMS are loaded in most locations - CONFIRMED - 10 IQD notes ONLY

3. The additional CBI building has been varified and is ready for use - CONFIRMED

4. Again, the BUDGET does not have to be read a 3rd time for Iraq to RV (SMOKE)

This spells an RV is going to take place very soon, I know, I can't give you a confirmed date but we are at the goal line ready to score BIG! Please be patient...

Please understand, I own 3 corporations which keeps me very busy to say the least. I am also a contractor continuing to provide the best solid concrete information I can possibly obtain for our PD family. We as a group and the ( CEO's ) are ONLY interested in facts and information that can be varified through our contacts. As you can see, they have been dead on with obtaining information which I will stand behind. Keep in mind, I am not going to release intel I cannot 100% confirm with or from the CEO's to be fact, it won't happen! We are working on the validation and some very exciting information we recieved yesterday! Again, I will not post until we can confirm that this info is FACT!! Until then, blessings to all...

2-10-11 Kaperoni Chat from DinarAlert 7pm cst 2/9/2011

<b>Highlights/Thoughts</b>

Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this posting on 1 Dinar (membership required)

1. Kap talked about the tariff law back in December, and then we saw food prices jump in the first week of January.  However, the jump was just a reaction and not the actual implementation

2. The law taking effect (March 6th) is good and bad

3. Good = requirement for the WTO; needed for them to become a full member and we're seeing them implement these requirements

4. Bad = tariff will reach up to 80% for some goods (fruit, vegetables, home appliances and others)

5. This will make Iraq face the problem of rising world prices of raw materials

6. Kap doesn't think there is a chance of delaying this

7. Kap referenced someone who said he was 100% sure the law would take effect

8. Besides the issues with the tariff, there are protests

9. Read Kap's thoughts #12, which explains why these next few weeks are so critical in Iraq

10. Kap is concerned the economists are starting to challenge the GOI

11. They are writing about promises and procedures that were made that have yet to be implemented

12. He cited an article discussing a study that said industrial projects produced in Iraq dropped by 66% for the years before 2003, and it dropped because of the flow of goods

13. The article said the decline in the factories caused a loss of more than 13 thousand jobs

14. It also stated there is a complex housing crisis and said the need for more than 2 million housing unites, which will require foreign companies to invest.  But, the investment Law No. 13 of 2006 needs to be activated and the state institutions need to provide the appropriate climate for investment in a timely manner

15. The article then states the commercial sector is suffering from a complex problem of the migration of capital out of the country to start the stage of new investments

16. The article states Iraq desperately needs foreign investment money 

17. Kap thinks that article is good stuff

18. He says that these articles are now challenging the GOI and this concerns him

19. He says it is critical for the GOI to implement the RV and move forward or see additional protests and potential violence

20. Kap says it would be a mistake for them to host the summit without a tradeable currency--especially since this is an "economic summit", and Iraq expects private investment to triple to $30 bil

21. There are economists with a positive outlook stating that Iraq is activating all economic sectors

22. All of this ties to the WTO, is significant for Iraq joining soon, and ties to the RV

23. Kap quotes an economist, who is saying that there are pros and cons for Iraq joining the WTO

24. The economist says the effects of the accession to the WTO are varied and depend on the nature of economic activities and the the stage of economic development.  He said that developing countries are negatively impacted , especially when importing food more than other items. This caused the economist to question what Iraq would get from the accession

25. According to the economists, the benefits of joining are more long-term benefits

26. Kap says now we know Iraq is serious and he shares a couple of quotes

27. Kap says what we are seeing is the simultaneous implementation of the procedures and the completion of the GOI

28. Kap feels these two will meet and could be at the end of this month, and Shabibi will RV

29. Kap says it could take longer

30. Kap is waiting for these events to take place

2-10-11 The Supreme Judicial: did not receive a request from the Iraqi parliament to clarify the decision to the Federal independent bodies

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

First of all, I have to say that we have plenty of articles to say otherwise, if they need proof! ;)

1. The spokesman of the Supreme Judicial Council said the Council has not received any requests from the Iraqi Council of Representatives to clarify the interpretation of the Federal Court
2. The Judicial Council is ready to discuss the request and the House of Representatives is considering a legal action
4. The judge said after the receipt of the request, they can study the possibility to announce the issuance of another interpretation of the court or not
5. He confirmed on Wednesday that the House approved a new law of the Federal Court, which will clearly organize its work and not cancel its previous resolutions

Another positive article saying the issues could be resolved soon

2-10-11 The Iraqi List, a final agreement on the Policy Council and the Parliament debated Saturday

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. Maliki confirmed he received the 3 candidates for the electricity minister, but refused to announce the name of the candidate accepted
2. During a special meeting on Tuesday, between the National Alliance and the Kurds, it was agreed to that the vote on the National Council of the Supreme polices will go to vote this Saturday in Parliament (wooo hooo....progress!)

This is great news, and this is the sort of progress that I was hoping to see instead of the constant finger pointing, political maneuvering, stubbornness, and the list goes on! Everything seems to be lining up for a possible announcement of the government this weekend. Don't forget, they need a full government to ratify the budget on Sunday. We'll keep watching for the necessary events to unfold.

2-10-11 Al-Iraqiya calls on Maliki to hasten allocation of security ministries

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. A spokesman for the List said that there is no justification for Maliki to delay naming the 3 security ministries
2. He said security in the country is compromised and that further delays is not warranted now that the blocs have named their candidates
3. He said the security situation cannot stand any more political maneuvering by Maliki
4. He talked about the Erbil agreements and how the List would head the Ministry of Defense and said the List proposed 3 candidates
5. Maliki has said the political blocs did not nominate candidates

2-10-11 $$$ Deputy for Iraq: Oil and Gas Law Will be Adopted After Ratification of the Strategic Policies $$$

Highlights/Thoughts
Click on the title of this posting to get the details of this article

1. The deputy of the List said that the HCL (oil and gas law) will be approved in the Council of Representatives after the adoption of the Law Council of strategic policies
2. He said the law of the Council policies strategy is not yet approved
3. He mentioned the announcement of Allawi as the head of the Council will go before the meeting of the Council of Representatives first
4. He also said that the Allawi's Council will be part of the executive (assuming executive branch) and will replace the National Security Council (assuming this means he will head the National Security Counci)
5. The parliamentary oil and energy committee said the HCL requires a political consensus between the blocs before they are discussed within the Commission, and said the law may be voted on during the 10 days provided that there is political agreement
6. The List has no objections to the current version of the HCL and will work to pass it as soon as possible to raise the ceiling on Iraqi oil exports
7. He said economists in the House need to amend paragraph 18 and relate it to the establishment of the Federal service, and to the voting for the organization of the oil wealth in the country in order to limit the function of the Federal service to supervise the actions of the Ministry of Oil and its affiliates
8. The remainder of the article is historical reference

2-10-11 CBI auction results

Currency Auctions

Announcement No. (1833)

The latest daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq on the 10-FEB-2011. The results were as follows:

Details	Notes
Number of banks	15
Auction price selling dinar / US$	1170
Auction price buying dinar / US$	-----
Amount sold at auction price (US$)	146,405,000
Amount purchased at Auction price (US$)	-----
Total offers for buying (US$)	146,405,000
Total offers for selling (US$)	-----

Exchange rates

Dollar's exchange rates / in Baghdad markets