Iran militias in Iraq expected to vanish after US financial sanctions
Iranian militias in Iraq are expected to economically vanish after the enforcement of the US sanctions, analysts told the Baghdad Post. For them, the US pressures and sanctions, imposed on the Iraqi banks linked to Iran will put an end to these gangs, especially after freezing their financial resources. Many questions face the Iranian gangs after restricting the banks that provide them with needed funds.
According to a report published on the Iraqi daily Al-Arab newspaper, the Iraqi political forces loyal to Iran are in a state of severe foreboding over the worrying future of Iran, which appears to be surrounded by serious international risks.
The Iraqi political forces are closely monitoring the current protests staged against the Iranian regime and its foreign policy, which has weakened the country’s domestic economy and resulted in international outrage.
For the first time, the Iraqi forces, loyal to Iran, do not seem confident of the Khomeini’s Velayat-e-Faqih doctrine’s ability to overcome the current looming challenges, topped by the United States withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
Well-informed sources told ‘Al-Arab’ that the Iraqi Shiite political forces, which have friendly relations with Iran, are increasingly concerned about the reports of deterioration of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s health condition, who has sustained with prostate cancer.
Some Shiite political parties in Baghdad are talking about a real US intention to curb the Iranian influence in Iraq.
“Iraq is a potential arena for an impending conflict between the United States and Iran,” said the parties.
Khamenei’s support
In light of the critical economic crisis witnessed by Iran, Some Iraqi factions loyal to Tehran are afraid of the failure to get Khamenei’s help if they came under additional American pressure.
These Iraqi factions rely on Iranian influence in various domestic institutions in order to obtain contracts to execute projects, some of which are fictitious, generating millions of dollars annually.
So far, US pressure exercises against Iran’s allies in Iraq is limited to funding aspects.
International network
Foreign experts working in the Iraqi capital for months have been tracking the flow of funds that are moving between the accounts of pro-Iranian Iraqi figures,” the sources said.
The sources added that “foreign experts coordinate their efforts with the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, in addition to an international investigation network linked to the World Bank and the Central Bank of Iraq, to seize any transfers from and to Iraq, suspected of links to the Iranian regime”.
Observers believe that Iraq is a main station for trading Iranian and Iraqi funds aimed at fueling conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon and Syria.
The United States, according to the report, “dealt an important blow to the network of money laundering operated by Iran in Iraq, by enlisting a bank owned by Iraqi politician Aras Karim as banned because of suspicious financial transactions.
The bank, according to the report, is known as “a major terminal for the transfer of funds from Iran and Iraq to the Lebanese Hezbollah Militias, led by Hassan Nasrallah.
The bank plays an important role in the huge financial activities between Iraq and Lebanon. These activities are supervised by the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards General Qassem Soleimani.
“The US-led financial pressure on Iraqi banks that are helping the Iranian regime is a prelude to US action, perhaps more severe,” the newspaper said, quoting observers.
Iraqi observers living in the United States say Washington may be planning an imminent escalation against Iran.
Article Credit: http://www.thebaghdadpost.com (Special Thanks to Charles Bright)
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International team of experts in Baghdad to track the money of figures loyal to Iran
According to a report published on Sunday, July 01, 2018, a team of foreign experts working in Iraq, for months, to track the accounts of the funds of a number of people “loyal to Iran,” noting that the team works in cooperation with the government Iraq.
The newspaper said in its report that “in light of the economic crisis suffocation suffered by the Iranian interior, Iraqi factions loyal to Tehran fear they could not get Khamenei’s help if it came under additional US pressure.”
According to the report, these factions rely on “Iranian influence in various Iraqi institutions to obtain contracts to execute projects, some of which are fictitious, generating millions of dollars annually.”
“So far, US pressure on Iran’s allies in Iraq has been limited to funding aspects,” she said.
“Foreign experts working in the Iraqi capital for months have been tracking the flow of funds that are moving between the accounts of pro-Iranian Iraqi figures,” the sources told the paper, which they described as “high” in Baghdad.
The sources added that “foreign experts coordinate their efforts with the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, in addition to an international investigation network linked to the World Banks and the World Bank and the Central Bank of Iraq, to prosecute any transfers from and to Iraq, suspected of links to the Iranian regime.”
Observers believe that Iraq is a main station for trading Iranian and Iraqi funds aimed at fueling conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon and Syria.
The United States, according to the report, “dealt an important blow to the network of money laundering operated by Iran in Iraq, when the name of the bank (Islamic countries) owned by Iraqi politician Aras Karim, on the list of banks banned, because of financial transactions suspicious.
The bank, according to the report, is known as “a major terminal for the transfer of funds from Iran and Iraq to the Lebanese Hezbollah, led by Hassan Nasrallah.”
The Iraqi newspaper pointed out that “the amount of Iraqi coordination with the efforts of prosecution, was clear, when the Iraqi Central Bank announced its response to the American decision, about 48 hours after its issuance, as he informed all Iraqi banks to stop dealing with the Bank of the country, asking them to freeze its assets “He said.
The newspaper said that “the Bank of the country is the front of the huge financial activities between Iraq and Lebanon, supervised by the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards General Qassem Soleimani.”
“The US-led financial pressure on Iraqi banks that are helping the Iranian regime is a prelude to US action, perhaps more severe,” the newspaper said, quoting observers.
Iraqi observers living in the United States say Washington may be planning an imminent escalation against Iran.
Article Credit: http://baghdadtoday.news (Special thanks to Charles Bright)
BGG ~ Makes more sense now that Maliki’s kid was arrested in Lebanon with 1.5 Billion USD in his apartment… could he have have been the bag man for Maliki’s hinky Iranian financial dealings??
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Kaperoni (Dinar Guru) – A good article today…sounds like Sadr is calling for currency reform.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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Iraq officially exits the FATF International Financial Control List
BAGHDAD / Tomorrow ‘s Press: announced the International Financial Action Task Force “FATF”, on Sunday, “officially” out of Iraq from the follow – up area thanks to the achievements of the Iraqi Central Bank and the Office of the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism “significant progress”.
The Central Bank of Iraq said in a press statement that “the International Financial Action Task Force officially announced the exit of Iraq from the follow-up area, because of the achievement of the Central Bank of Iraq and the Office of AML / CFT of significant progress in improving and addressing shortcomings.”
He added that “Iraq has fulfilled all its obligations towards the recommendations of the group and address the requirements of the strategy of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism prepared by the Central Bank of Iraq.”
“In addition to the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering Law No. 39 of 2015, the issuance of instructions and regulations and the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Council, as well as the Committee for the freezing of terrorist funds.”
“Thus, Iraq is no longer subject to monitoring and follow-up by FATF,” the bank said.
Article Credit: Alghadpress.com (Special Thanks to Vernell Washington)
BGG ~ It means – ONE STEP CLOSER!!
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Iraq: 20 Lawmakers to Be Arrested as Parliament Term Ends
ERBIL — At least 20 Iraqi lawmakers will be arrested after Sunday as their term at the Iraqi parliament has ended, and they are striped of their parliamentary immunity, another lawmaker said.
Following several failed attempts by some factions, the Iraqi parliament failed to extend its own term before it ended on Sunday.
Mohammed Sayhoud, a lawmaker from the State of Law Coalition, told reporters that at least 20 members of parliament had been issued arrest warrants over charges related to terrorism and corruption.
He said the government is now required to arrest the suspects as they are not protected by their parliamentary immunity any longer.
According to Sayhoud, the government is violating the law by acting reluctant in arresting suspects with influence under the pretext of protecting public interests and peace.
Article Credit: Basnews.com (Special Thanks to Charles Bright)
BGG ~ I’m a little curious to see if there is any specific sectarian break-down on this round of prosecutions. Not that it really makes a direct impact on the overall investment – I’m just curious.
It also looks like, to me, the political climate is getting better and better. Progress.
Anyone telling you the political climate isn’t important simply isn’t paying attention. The things we are seeing unfold right now are pretty good for the overall welfare of this investment and Iraq in general.
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Kaperoni (Dinar Guru) – Just was reading the latest Regional Economic Outlook from the IMF which came out today…”However, in Iran and Iraq, banking systems continue to face numerous challenges, which will be the focus of reforms expected to be implemented this year.” Don’t know about Iran’s banking system as it seems to be going backwards at this point due to the sanctions but Iraq is making positive strides especially with the recent articles from the weekend.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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URGENT Abadi / Pence: We are working to form a strong government service
(BNA) Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi received a phone call from US Vice President Mike Pence on Monday, during which they discussed bilateral relations and bilateral relations, as well as the political and security situation.
“The United States is committed to supporting Iraq, which has achieved a great victory over gangs that support terrorism and liberate its territory,” Pence said in a statement.
“Our country will continue to support Iraq in the construction and reconstruction phase,” he said. “We appreciate the efforts of the Iraqi government to return the displaced and preserve the minorities and return them to their areas.”
Abadi said that “the Iraqi government and our heroic forces continue to pursue the cells and terrorist pockets to eliminate them.”
He added that “Iraq’s priorities are to maintain the achievements achieved in the field of security and the promotion and economic reform and services and construction and reconstruction and the provision of employment opportunities and this is what we are working on now with the importance of forming a strong government provides services and aspirations of the citizen.”
Article Credit: Alforatnews.com (Special Thanks to Charles Bright)
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Mnt Goat (Dinar Guru) – Article quote: “The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Ismail, received the Best Governor of a Central Bank at the level of the Arab countries…” well, well, well…look at all the wonderful reforms he has helped implement in Iraq. Quote: “notably the maintenance of the exchange rate and closing the gap between the official price and the market price”. This is the MCP folks. They mentioned this one first. We know this was the hold up in getting the currency reinstated and moving fully to Article 8.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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BGG Article: “Iraq: 20 Lawmakers to Be Arrested as Parliament Term Ends” I’m a little curious to see if there is any specific sectarian break-down on this round of prosecutions. Not that it really makes a direct impact on the overall investment – I’m just curious. It also looks like, to me, the political climate is getting better and better. Progress. Anyone telling you the political climate isn’t important simply isn’t paying attention. The things we are seeing unfold right now are pretty good for the overall welfare of this investment and Iraq in general.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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The Media the Office AM @ IraqiPMO
Dr. Abadi: The next four years will be to develop the Iraqi economy, create jobs for citizens and raise their standard of living. This requires a tremendous effort and continued maintenance of security and stability.
Tweets by IraqiPMO
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Some interesting headlines…
Sadr’s understanding with Allawi and Hakim waiting for Abadi
End of the meeting of the three presidencies and political leaders .. Jabbouri announced the details
BGG ~ So – let me get this straight… these guys have a meeting, set out a way to verify the results and move on, then someone who was in this meeting, doesn’t like the sound of things – and immediately (the next morning) tries to set fire to the ballot boxes (which would be used to further this effort).
Here’s my take – this is as close as Maliki will ever get to having his way again. Any one thing doesn’t go his way from here on in and he’s done for good.
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Large blocs in Iraq avoid coalition with former prime minister
Iraq’s Prime Minister and Leader of Al-Nasser Coalition (Victory Alliance), Haider Al-Abadi, has been trying to avoid making a coalition with his predecessor, Nouri Al-Maliki, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Monday. Working with the Sa’eroon Coalition leader Muqtada Al-Sadr, Al-Abadi has been exerting efforts to avoid such a deal. Al-Nasser and Sa’eroon are the largest coalitions in the new Iraqi parliament.
Meanwhile, another Coalition, Al-Fateh, formed mainly by Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi (the Popular Mobilisation Forces), has been trying to bring Al-Maliki closer to the largest groups. “Al-Fateh Coalition, headed by Hadi Al-Ameri, is trying to bring the ex-Prime Minister closer to the coalition of Sa’eroon, Al-Nasser and Al-Fateh,” explained one Sa’eroon official. He noted that such an effort “will bring the Shia home together again.”
The official, who refused to give his name, said that all three groups have the same stance towards Al-Maliki, but they have set conditions for him to join the coalition. One of these, he explained, is that he will not be given any of the sovereign ministries to run. This and other conditions are expected to be unacceptable to him.
Al-Abadi and Al-Sadr announced a non-sectarian coalition on Saturday that includes their own groups in order to guarantee the largest parliamentary bloc. They insisted that they are open to anyone.
Meanwhile, Al-Maliki is working to announce a new political initiative with a meeting of all Shia political blocs. The intention is for those attending to agree on the allocation of the sovereign ministries and the government’s programme.
Al-Maliki was the Iraqi Prime Minister between 2006 and 2014. Many rights violations and the detention of thousands of innocent people on political and sectarian grounds occurred during his time in office. Allegations of vast sums of state money being wasted have also been made.
More than five million people were displaced on his watch after their homes were occupied by Daesh. The Iraqi people blamed him, as the then Commander of the armed forces, for the massacre of 1,700 army cadets by Daesh inside the “Spiker” military college in 2014.
Large blocs in Iraq avoid coalition with former prime minister
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Click this link to join the DU “private” FaceBook Group…
https://www.facebook.com/groups/571383766355188/
(go here and ask to join… then add some Dinar Friends!!)
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Iraq PM and cleric Sadr agree alliance
NAJAF: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and nationalist cleric Moqtada Sadr said they had formed an alliance in a bid to create a new government after May polls.
Sadr’s joint list with communists won 54 seats in the legislative elections to become the biggest bloc in Iraq’s 329-seat parliament, while Abadi’s bloc came in third, scooping just 42 seats.
On Saturday Abadi travelled to the Shiite shrine city of Najaf to meet Sadr.
After three hours of talks they issued a joint statement announcing they had set up a coalition.
The statement said their alliance “transcends sectarianism and ethnic” issues “in order to speed up the formation of the new government and agree on the principles which serve the aspirations of our people”.
A source close to Sadr’s Marching Towards Reform alliance said the thorniest issue is who will fill the post of prime minister in the new government.
Abadi would like to keep the job but is meeting resistance from rivals who beat his bloc in the election.
Saturday’s joint statement did not mention an alliance Sadr formed earlier this month with two other lists, ahead of a manual recount ordered by Iraq’s supreme court amid allegations of fraud.
Last week the firebrand Sadr, a former militia leader, reached a coalition agreement with the pro-Iranian former fighters under Hadi Al-Ameri, whose list came second in the election with 47 seats.
Before that, Sadr formed an alliance with Ammar al-Hakim’s Al-Hikma list, which won 19 seats, and the secular outgoing vice-president Iyad Allawi, whose list was comprised largely of Sunnis and secured 21 seats.
Al-Sadr campaigned on a platform to end sectarian politics and replace it with a government that puts Iraqis first.
Instead, he has forged a postelection coalition with a rival Shiite bloc that includes some of the most powerful militias operating in Iraq – groups that get their funding and support from Tehran.
The deal underscores the active role Iran is taking in shaping the next government of Iraq, sending key military and spiritual advisers to revive a grand coalition of Shiite parties as a conduit for its influence in Baghdad. It also illustrates how Iran has gained sway over Al-Sadr, who once called for booting foreign influence from Iraq.
Article Credit: Gulftoday.ae
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Post RV Checklist (it’s getting to be that time!! Listen up!!)
Dos and Don’ts of Windfall Wealth:
Treat it like a PowerBall win
– Tell no one, not even family. If you must talk, do so with one who is already in the know.
– Don’t run out & buy new “stuff”. People notice.
– Get an unpublished number and give it out very sparingly.
– Get a tax accountant you can trust to make sure the IRS is satisfied (Certified Opinion is something to look into) and pursue asset protection…
Read Complete List: http://www.dinarupdates.com/showthread.php?18519-The-Post-RV-Checklist-and-Flashback-documents&p=128477#post128477
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