" The Dinar Daily ", Wednesday, 16 April 2014

[chattels]

“EVICT MALIKI” COUNTDOWN : 14 DAYS TO THE SCHEDULED ELECTION

NOTE: that the countdown notice has been amended to qualify the Election as ”Scheduled ” to give emphasis to the tenuous state of political / constitutional affairs in Iraq in recent days and specifically the mention in the news of a possible delay in the election due to the Anbar diaspora. Add to the foregoing the ” threat” of the election occurring under martial law with Maliki as the chief executive officer.



Jaafari: The next few days should see a quantum leap between Parliament today, which will come; broken to achieve the goals

Tue Apr 15 2014 23:57 | (Voice of Iraq)

HE Dr. Ibrahim Jaafari, head of the Iraqi National Alliance in his office in Baghdad with a delegation from the candidates of the National Reform Alliance, and a gathering of elders and notables of the province of Baghdad.

He pointed out that al-Jaafari, Iraq is not in a crisis electoral programs, or misdiagnosis, but Iraq needs to be honest men in the application of what they claim, and this is a responsibility for the people bring their own.
Jaafari stressed that Iraq today is factory leaders, nor reduced to one list, or a single man, and that the next few days should see a quantum leap between Parliament today, which will come; to achieve the goals deactivated, and the enactment of laws that serve the interests of the citizen, and seek to serve him, and bring about reform State institutions in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. He stressed that the Iraqi people have the foresight awareness, and observation errors, and has the courage to stand up against corruption through active participation in the elections, and Arbitration ballot box, and choose the fair, and the Secretary, and efficient.

https://translate.googleusercontent.c...#ixzz2z0oVFSGy

[chattels]

Differing political views on the formation of a majority government

Tue Apr 15 2014 23:52 | (Voice of Iraq)

BAGHDAD / Baghdadi News

Between rejection and support, different political blocs in the attitude towards the formation of a majority government policy during the next phase.

The promise of the Kurdistan Alliance MP Mohammad Qasim told Mchkta / Baghdadi News / "The formation of a majority government policy experience working on the wrong tearing Iraq because they do not include all the political components."

He added, "because there was no consensus with the people it is difficult to form a majority government policy and wants (do not understand)."

On the other hand saw united bloc MP Nahida Daini told / Baghdadi News / "The formation of a majority government would be an important step for the country's democratic progress, noting that" the quota system adopted by the government has failed over the past years. "

Daini added that "the next government not to allow neighboring countries to interfere the internal political matters, as is happening now."

In the meantime, said a member of the national coalition, MP Kadhim al-Shammari said that "the map of alliances for future coalition will be built on the basis of electoral programs for the rest of the blocks and the extent of convergence with the national constants of the coalition."

"The National has a national project based on the Constitution and the legal and legitimate demands of the Iraqi people and away from the exclusion and marginalization of any component or party and be the source of the Iraqi people is the basis for the decision and in line with the interests and the interests of Iraq."

For his part, MP for the mass citizen Hadi al-Yasiri that "what we hear from the words through the media about future alliances is presumed was premature and Stffersha depends on the results of parliamentary elections in the thirtieth of this month, and the size of each block in the next parliament."

He Yasiri "need to look into the responsibility to the national interest based on respect for the Constitution and serve the Iraqi people away from all the bidders or miscarriage and distortion attempts to serve the political purposes of factional or partisan does not serve the interests of Iraq and the democratic experiment."

https://translate.googleusercontent.c...#ixzz2z0sWTlGL

*** " the quota system adopted by the government has failed over the past years. " ; What is the quota system ? : " Iraq, Democracy and the Future of the Muslim World , Read more @ https://books.google.com/books?id=-eU...rnment&f=false

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE : " ... the “traditional” political scenario in Iraq with three main forces holding sway: Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and the Iraqi Kurdish. This scenario is based on the idea that the country will never be able to rid itself of sectarian and ethnic polarization that was encouraged under the regime of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and used by the US-led administration of the country after the 2003 invasion that toppled Hussein.

This system – which is basically an unofficial quota system - was used to put together an interim government after 2003. The religious and ethnic background of would-be politicians in the interim leadership was based on demographics and the quota system was used to keep the peace and to maintain a balance between all the different, and often competing and conflicted, ethnic and religious factions. Although the quota system was never based in law, it has continued to be used in Iraqi politics today.

Another thing that is clear: whoever ends up sitting in the Prime Minister’s seat will not necessarily be the politician who got the most votes, It will be the politician who is best able to negotiate, who can persuade Shiite Muslim parties that he is competent to hold the job, convince Iraq’s Kurds that they will be given their due and that their outstanding issues will be resolved and assure Iraq’s Sunni Muslims that they will not be marginalized.

https://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=64104

Iraq's Maliki Threatens to Return To the Politics of Exclusion

In Iraq, hardly a day goes by without somebody suggesting that a majoritarian government should be formed to replace the successive governments of “participation,” “partnership,” and “quotas” that have been ruling Iraq recently.

Read more: https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/poli...#ixzz2z14cQEUE

See also : Iraqi parties dispute “political majority government” slogan

Both supporters and opponents of Maliki agree "National Alliance" has collapsed

Baghdad, Asharq Al-Awsat—A political adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki reiterated his State of Law coalition’s controversial campaign slogan that it will seek a “political majority government” in legislative elections on April 30.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Maliki’s adviser, Mariam Al-Rais said: “If the State of Law coalition wins, the biggest objective of the next government will be to form a political majority government with the participation of other parties and implement a reform of the political system in Iraq,” she said, calling for a Western-style political opposition in Iraq.

But the State of Law Coalition’s calls for “change” and the formation of a “political majority government” have come in for criticism from Maliki’s opponents, who say the prime minister is simply seeking to cling to power after two terms in office.

Iraqi Umma Party leader Mitahl Al-Alusi told Asharq Al-Awsat that this slogan is part of a wider plan “to reproduce the sectarian and ethnic quota system, but in a diluted manner.”

“Everybody wants change due to their dissatisfaction with the current situation, but there is a difference between what the people want and what the corrupt and failed politicians want, namely to protect their own interests,” Alusi continued.

Maliki secured a second term in office in 2010 at the head of a broad National Alliance, including his own State of Law coalition, as well as the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI), the Sadrist Movement, the Islamic Virtue Party and the Badr Organization, among others. This coalition has disintegrated in the run-up to these elections, with Moqatda Al-Sadr in particular strongly criticizing the prime minister’s performance.

In a press conference last week, Sadr called on Maliki not to run for a third term. He said: “Brother Maliki thinks he served Iraq. Let him rest for four years, and see if whoever comes next would serve better.”

Rais agreed that the National Alliance that brought Maliki to office had crumbled: “Moqtada Al-Sadr said that the Sadrist bloc is not part of any alliance . . . and the ISCI, led by Ammar Al-Hakim, has its own programs and alliances.”

“What I know is that the State of Law coalition is not currently coordinating with the National Alliance,” she added.

https://www.aawsat.net/2014/04/article55331101

[chattels]

Erbil Delegation in Baghdad for Full Slate of Talks

By RUDAW

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A Kurdish delegation led by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani is in Baghdad today to discuss a range of topics, among them the long-running rows over Kurdistan’s right to export energy and Erbil’s share of the budget, a source told Rudaw. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) delegation, which includes several ministers, as well as directors from the finance ministry, will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The agenda of the talks includes Kurdistan’s oil exports to Turkey, the 2014 national budget, Kirkuk security, the disputed territories and the Kurdish-Turkish oil and gas export agreement through Kurdistan's independent pipeline, in which 50 percent would go to Turkey at a discounted rate and the rest to international markets. The talks over the budget will focus on the KRG's share.

According to some independent studies, KRG's portion has been 10.5 percent instead of the 17 percent stipulated in the constitution. For this reason, several officials from the ministry of finance are part of the delegation, to explain and negotiate terms.

Another topic includes Kurdistan’s share in Iraq's defense budget. According to Erbil, Baghdad has failed to pay and equip the Kurdish Peshmargas, which it must do as stipulated in previous budget laws. The US has expressed support for the KRG visit to Baghdad, and a senior US official has called Barzani for this purpose. Barzani will also meet Iraq's deputy prime minister for energy affairs, where Baghdad has recently shown a softer tone towards KRG's oil policy.

Previously, Iraq's Oil Minister Abdulkarim Luaibi had said he hoped to reach a deal with KRG on oil disputes.

The KRG has started pumping oil through an Iraqi pipeline since April 13. The process was described as “extremely successful" by the KRG Minister of Natural Resources Ashti Hawrami.

Barzani is also expected to meet Amar al-Hakim, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI), to offer condolence for the Arbaeen holy day for Shiites.

https://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/1....Uvt2RZxF.dpuf

[chattels]

*** flashback article ( dated february, 2014 ) referenced herinabove. Posted in it's entirety hereinbelow because of it's great relevance and insight about the election, politics in iraq and the potential outcomes regarding the important position of prime minister ***

BAGHDAD - In the run up to Iraq’s next federal elections politicians are jockeying for position and partnership while analysts try to predict the outcome. Currently there are three “most likely” scenarios. Because everyone wants their representative to be Prime Minister; clearly this is the most powerful job in the country.

Iraq’s next round of elections, scheduled for April 2014, will be a tough test of democracy in the country. They’ll be the first elections held in Iraq without major US presence while the country is also facing numerous challenges in political, security-related and economic areas.

Looking ahead, there are around 39 major coalitions planning to run and around 244 different political entities taking part in the elections; around three dozen parties, mostly from the provinces of Anbar and Ninawa, have decided not to take part in elections because of security issues.

And as one might expect, the wrangling over coalitions, partnerships and power balancing has already started behind the scenes.

The ultimate goal for almost all parties competing in the elections, due to be held at the end of April, is clear though: the Prime Minister’s chair. After eight years of leadership from current prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki it is clear to most ordinary Iraqis, and therefore also to their politicians, that this is the most powerful position in the country. Over the past decade the executive branch of Iraq’s government has shown that it seems to have more power over what goes on in the country than Iraq’s parliament.

And how will the next Iraqi Prime Minister be chosen? Doubtless the person will be chosen by the members of political alliances that form after the upcoming federal elections. Right now the shape of those alliances are far from clear cut. Additionally the fact that Iraq’s current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is so deeply unpopular and that his mostly Shiite Muslim political alliance has been crumbling, alongside the differences in opinion among Iraq’s Sunni Muslim politicians, means that voters will definitely see some new alliances formed.

Analysts inside and outside the country are already coming up with a number of scenarios they believe may occur.


Scenario One:

The first involves what has become the “traditional” political scenario in Iraq with three main forces holding sway: Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims and the Iraqi Kurdish. This scenario is based on the idea that the country will never be able to rid itself of sectarian and ethnic polarization that was encouraged under the regime of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and used by the US-led administration of the country after the 2003 invasion that toppled Hussein.

This system – which is basically an unofficial quota system - was used to put together an interim government after 2003. The religious and ethnic background of would-be politicians in the interim leadership was based on demographics and the quota system was used to keep the peace and to maintain a balance between all the different, and often competing and conflicted, ethnic and religious factions. Although the quota system was never based in law, it has continued to be used in Iraqi politics today. What often happens is that this quota principle leads to supposedly independent institutions being hamstrung, or dead locked.

The latter scenario – where the three major groups continue to run the country based on the ethnic and sectarian quota system – presupposes the Shiite Muslim alliance sticking together. That is the State of Law coalition, headed by al-Maliki, which currently runs the country, which also includes the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, or ISCI, led by Ammar al-Hakim and the Sadrist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr.

“Realities on the ground mean that no prime minister can be chosen without the approval of the Shiite Muslim parties,” says one senior Shiite Muslim politician Jamal Al-Wakil. “So it’s highly likely the future Prime Minister will be Shiite,” he concludes.

However there are deep splits in the Shiite Muslim alliance so coming to some kind of agreement will be tough.

Even more divided at the moment are the country’s Sunni Muslim politicians. In previous elections they gathered together under former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. Scenario One imagines that, when it comes to the formation of the next government, these parties will unite to back their candidate for Prime Minister.

The same is expected of the Iraqi Kurdish parties in Parliament – this group is fairly stable in Baghdad despite any disagreements the constituent parties might have back home up north, in the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Scenario Two:

In this scenario analysts envisage al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition winning a simple majority.

Given al-Maliki’s unpopularity, the coalition would find it difficult to win a majority all by itself. In this case it would need to seek allies from among the smaller Shiite Muslim and Sunni Muslim parties.

Al-Maliki is expected to try and cosy up to the National Reform Trend headed by former Prime Minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, and the Islamic Virtue Party, or Fadhila, headed by controversial Najaf-based cleric, Mohammed Musa al-Yaqoubi. He will most likely also approach the Shiite Muslim militia, League of the Righteous.

The League of the Righteous is an armed group, led by another Shiite cleric Qais al-Ghazali, a high ranking, former aide to Muqtada al-Sadr until 2004, that split from the Sadrists when they disarmed in 2007; the League did not want to disarm and over recent years the two groups have become more and more estranged. In these elections, the League of Righteous is running for political office for the first time.

It also seems likely that al-Maliki will approach smaller Sunni Muslim groups like the White Iraqiya and Free Iraqiya parties, which have broken away from the main Iraqiya opposition bloc over the past few years.

There have been recent occasions when these Sunni Muslim politicians have supported moves by the Shiite Muslim Prime Minister.

“The coalition governments that formed over the past eight years have proved ineffective and incapable,” says Abdul-Hadi al-Hassani, a former member of the State of Law bloc. “Any new government should be formed according to a political majority.”

If al-Maliki’s State of Law bloc succeeds in cobbling together a ruling coalition like this, then it is also likely that other big parties will need to be more open to negotiating with the Prime Minister. If other Shiite Muslim, Sunni Muslim or Iraqi Kurdish parties want to see members in high ministerial positions or if they want to make any political gains, then they won’t have a choice but to do this. Otherwise they will simply need to form an opposition front.

Scenario Three:

The third scenario focuses on the past few years’ of disintegration and disagreement inside the various political blocs and alliances and suggests that new alliances will be formed on the basis of common political objectives, rather than on ethnic or sectarian grounds.

If this happens it will do away with the unofficial ethnic and sectarian quota system that Iraqi politics often labour under.

And this step towards democracy is not as unlikely as it sounds. The Shiite Muslim alliance has been disintegrating and two major components of it are competing in national elections separately from their former running mate, al-Maliki. The Sunni Muslim parties are riven by antipathies and argument and have been for some time.

It is only Iraq’s Kurds that will continue to stick together. Although Iraqi Kurdish parties saw the balance of power change in their own region, it is more than likely they will continue to present a united front in Baghdad, probably mainly because of Arab versus Kurdish issues such as oil revenues, the federal budget and the disputed territories.

Last year’s provincial elections saw several non-sectarian political alliances formed around Iraq.

One need only look at Baghdad’s local authority to see how this scenario could work out. In this area al-Maliki’s State of Law bloc won 20 seats, which made them the overall winners in the capital province. However two other major Shiite Muslim groups – the Sadrists and the Supreme Islamic Council – formed alliances with two Sunni Muslim blocs - the United party and Iraqiya – to form a majority under the title “Alliance For Baghdad”. As a result this non-sectarian alliance also holds the top two jobs in Baghdad’s local government.

No matter which scenario does eventually play out in Iraq, there is one thing that most analysts would agree upon and that most Iraqi voters probably expect: that no matter who leads the next government, it will take some time before it can be formed. Negotiations will probably take months, as they did after the last federal elections.

Another thing that is clear: whoever ends up sitting in the Prime Minister’s seat will not necessarily be the politician who got the most votes, It will be the politician who is best able to negotiate, who can persuade Shiite Muslim parties that he is competent to hold the job, convince Iraq’s Kurds that they will be given their due and that their outstanding issues will be resolved and assure Iraq’s Sunni Muslims that they will not be marginalized.

Niqash.org

*** RELEVANT ARTICLE FROM TODAY ***

MP: The next government cannot be predicted but after the election results
16/04/2014 09:57:00

BAGHDAD / NINA / The MP, of the national coalition (Watania), Qais al-Shather that we cannot predict the next government, but after the results of the parliamentary elections, pointing out that the majority of the political parties that operate in the Iraqi scene cannot achieve government of political majority.

He told the National Iraqi News Agency / NINA / " Since the beginning of the new political process , it was supposed to form a government of political majority, but the majority of the political parties that operate on the Iraqi arena cannot achieve this, on the grounds that they working for the benefit of a specific group of people, thus they have become much like the trade unions . "

He explained that "if these parties are working at the national level, they would be possible to get a comfortable majority, thus can bear the responsibility of forming a government of the political majority, and other parties working on the opposition and constructive criticism and evaluation."

He pointed out that "In Iraq, a government of political majority cannot be formed" adding that the next government cannot be predicted, but after the results of parliamentary elections shown.

He continued: "After the elections and the results emerge, perhaps blocs or political parties that have goals and a shared vision converge to ally to form a government of the political majority."

The MP, of the State of Law coalition confirmed "the determination and the ability of the state of law coalition on the formation of a political majority government in the next phase ."

While the MP, of the Muttahidoon, Ahmed al-Mesari revealed "primary agreement among Muttahidoon, Ahrar, citizen and the Kurdistan blocs to form the next government."


https://www.ninanews.com/english/News...ar95_VQ=HDLGKJ

*** THE " PRIMARY AGREEMENT" REFERENCED HEREINABOVE IS AKIN TO SCENARIO NUMBER THREE IN THE LIKELY SCENARIOS OUTLINED IN THE FLASHBACK ARTICLE ***

*** SEE ALSO :

Electrodes: Partners blocked the road in front of the third term of the owners

Wed Apr 16 2014 06:46 | (Voice of Iraq)

" It seems that the high fever electoral competition and escalating crisis Sort dispute between partners with a number of indicators of payment the first of new candidates to cut the road to the third-term Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who is heading implicitly taken to search for a suitable alternative successor at the helm, according to observers. Commenting on the possibility that al-Maliki, the search for his replacement from within his party, the MP said the coalition united to reform Ahmed electrodes in a statement for "future" yesterday that the conviction of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki not get the third term took crystallize strongly under reject blocks the Liberals and the citizen and united and Kurdistan to stay in power. Added electrodes that Maliki could no longer nail a third term would naturally looking for a suitable alternative because he found all roads blocked in front of him to stay in the governance cycle three, stressing that the dimensions of the prime minister from power is not targeted to a person Maliki or the Dawa party and his coalition. He said that the wrong approach and policy-Maliki in the administration of the government during the last four years that brought Iraq to the dangerous slippery slope made it all the partners refuse to re-repeat the failed experiment itself for the coming years."

Read more: https://translate.googleusercontent.c...#ixzz2z2jJ1ha7

[chattels]

Central defends the procedures followed in the auction currency

Central Bank Governor Abdul-Basit Turki

04/16/2014 10:21

Tomorrow's Press / BAGHDAD: The governor of the Iraqi Central Bank Abdel Basset Turki, Wednesday, lengthy discussions that took place between Iraq and the IMF and the World Bank in Washington over the last instructions issued by the central bank with respect to the auction sale of foreign currency.

Said Abdul Basit Turki for "Tomorrow's Press", "The World Bank expressed doubts about some of the paragraphs of the window from the sale of the currency in Iraq and assumed by the central bank," pointing out that "he was to clarify all of those items for each of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and representatives of the Department of the Treasury U.S.. "

He added that "the results of the recent sale of the currency proved successful procedures, as well as achieving economic results was acceptable stability of the exchange rate of the currency and the currency for banks to provide a smooth and without any crises."

He stressed that "discussions are still ongoing with the U.S. Treasury Department about the activation of financial relations between Washington and Baghdad." https://<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> h...Je3Mb968xDO1qQ

Currency Auctions

Announcement No. (2653)

The latest daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq on the 16-Apr-2014 results were as follows:

Details Notes
Number of banks 15
Auction price selling dinar / US$ 1166
Auction price buying dinar / US$ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US$) 218,728,000
Amount purchased at Auction price (US$) -----
Total offers for buying (US$) 218,728,000
Total offers for selling (US$) -----

Exchange rates ( NOT POSTED FOR TODAY ) * 1,218 Market Rate from April 3, thru yesterday, and 1,221 from January 19 thru April 3, 2014, which may bespeak the " acceptable stability of the exchange rate of the currency " as stated in the article hereinabove *

[chattels]

World Bank reports show significant progress in the development of the Iraqi economy

Minister of Finance Agency purity of net debt

04/16/2014 12:26

Tomorrow's Press / Baghdad: Minister of Finance Agency purity of net debt, Wednesday, that Iraq is going through a period of development by good reports have been discussed by the IMF and the World Bank in Washington.

Safi said for "tomorrow's Press", "The World Bank expressed satisfaction with the progress in the Iraqi economy, which is active in recent years as a result of the expansion of investment operations for the exploitation of its natural resources optimally."

He said the net that "the report of the World Bank about the Iraqi economy showed clear improvement in the country's economy, but he also warned of the risk of increasing pressure on the Iraqi budget because of the high overhead and delay in approving the budget for the country," pointing out that "the Bank will develop a study to assess the economic situation to be accurate and provide the necessary support needed by Iraq in the implementation of strategic projects. "

He added that "the meetings detailed underway between Iraq and the IMF and the World Bank on projects implemented by international institutions affiliated to them in Iraq as projects external road link between Iraq and neighboring countries and the dry canal project," adding, "it was also discussed observations and reports that you see these international institutions on the process economic and financial management in Iraq and the mechanism to deal with the Iraqi budget. "

He pointed out that "Iraq will be present at all meetings of the IMF and World Bank Aldollin addition to the meetings to be held by the World Bank at its headquarters in Amman."

https://translate.googleusercontent.c...Ah2zbKFV4sffmg

[chattels]

Exploring for Oil Within Iraq Is a Risky Business, but Will It Pay Off?

By Rupert Hargreaves

The autonomous region of Kurdistan within Iraq could be a gold mine for international oil and gas companies such as Chevron (NYSE: CVX ) , Total (NYSE: TOT ) , and Talisman Energy (NYSE: TLM ) . Indeed, reports have claimed that the region contains so much oil that it is literally seeping out of the sand.

However, exploration in the region is costly and dangerous. Is it worth the effort?

It would be silly not to
At first glance, it would appear as if oil companies would be mad not to jump at the chance of exploring Kurdistan.

Reports have estimated that Kurdistan's oil reserves stand at 45 billion barrels and that its gas reserves stand at an additional 20 trillion cubic feet -- that's around the same as the Safaniya field in the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia. This is the world's largest offshore field and it has been producing 1.5 million barrels of oil per day since 1957.

Nevertheless, despite the lucrative prospects of operating within Kurdistan, operators face multiple challenges.

Not an easy place to operate
Currently, there are about 40 operators in various stages of exploration within Kurdistan. However, operators have found recruiting skilled workforces challenging. Although the Iraq war is officially over, violence remains an everyday occurrence.

The most recent spate of oil-related violence has occurred around Iraq's main northern oil export pipeline, which has now been shut off for 40 days as bomb after bomb has torn parts of the line into pieces.

Unfortunately, gunmen have also threatened the crews that have been sent out to repair the pipeline, which has resulted in officials cancelling all operations within the region. As described by Reuters:


Maintenance crews have threatened to walk out rather than be sent to the area, where five technicians were gunned down a month ago before they could repair the damage caused by the first blast. Since then, three more bombings have inflicted further damage on the line. Three further repair missions have been thwarted by ambushes, despite having military escorts.

However, one company that knows Iraq well is Chevron, and the company has plenty of plans for growth.


Experience in the region
Chevron has been actively engaged in Iraq since 2003 and it has been building a portfolio of key exploration prospects within the region.

For example, during July 2012, Chevron acquired operating interests in the Rovi and Sarta blocks. Then in June 2013, Chevron acquired an interest in and an operatorship of the Qara Dagh block.

The company's work program anticipates the commencement of an exploration well in 2014. However, progress has been slow, and infighting between Iraq's main government and the Kurdistan region's autonomous government has hampered the national integration of operations.

However, with Chevron's only operations within Iraq located in Kurdistan, the company doesn't have as much to lose as other operators do because the Iraqi government cannot influence decisions within the region.

Aside from Chevron, French oil major Total is one of the three oil majors working within Iraq. Once again, operating within Iraq has not been an easy ride for Total as the company's chief executive, Christophe de Margerie, and over a dozen other defendants have faced corruption charges related to the UN's oil-for-food program.

Luckily for Total, all charges were dropped during 2013 and the company has been allowed to expand throughout Iraq. According to company information, Total's interests in Iraq include a 18.75% interest in the Halfaya field in Missan province. The field came on-stream in June 2012 with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and expectations call for it to rise to 535,000 barrels per day in 2017. Total also has interests in several other exploration blocks throughout Kurdistan.

What's more, recent reports have claimed that the oil giant is considering the construction of a "world-scale" petrochemical complex in Iraq.

Unfortunately, unlike Chevron, Total is not just limited to Kurdistan, and the company has a lot to lose if the Iraqi government place sanctions on the company for working within the Kurdistan region.

The payoff could be huge It's not just the oil majors that are active within Iraq. A whole host of smaller companies are seeking riches in the region, and Talisman Energy is one of them.

Talisman has interests in two blocks, Kurdamir and Topkhana, which cover more than 119,000 acres within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Talisman successfully completed the Kurdamir-2, or K-2, exploration well in early 2013 and it placed the well on a month-long extended test in the first quarter of 2014. Unfortunately, the exploration well K-3 flowed at non-commercial rates. The company plans to drill the Kurdamir-4 appraisal well during 2014. The company spudded the Topkhana-2, or T-2, exploration well in December 2013 and expects rig release in the third quarter of 2014.

Still, as part of its ongoing restructuring program Talisman is planning to sell all or part of its interests within Iraq. However, if its flow tests conducted within the first half of this year prove to be lucrative, then the company could rethink its decision to sell.

Foolish summary
All in all, there appear to be lucrative returns to be had from exploring within Iraq, but is the risk worth the reward? Well, while researching this piece I failed to find any publicly available information that related to employee injury or death in regard to the exploration activities of Total or Chevron within the region. Sadly, however, it would appear as if several contractors working for Talisman Energy in the region have lost their lives.

Perhaps the reward is not yet worth the risk.

*** IT OCCURED TO ME AS I READ THE FOREGOING ARTICLE THAT OUR INVESTMENT IN THE CURRENCY OF IRAQ IS ANALOGOUS TO THE SAME RISK / REWARD ANALYSIS. SIMILARLY WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE RISKS ATTENDANT TO INVESTMENT IN THE CURRENCY OF A COUNTRY WITH SUCH UNCERTAIN OUTCOMES. NO RISK - NO REWARD. IF IT WAS A GUARANTEED INVESTMENT THEN PERHAPS EVERYONE WOULD BE INVESTED ***

[chattels]

*** THE COMPLEXITY OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INFLUENCES IN THE POLITICS OF KURDISTAN / IRAQ NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME ***

In Latest Move, PUK Enlists Iranian Muscle to Get its Way in New Cabinet
By RUDAW

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – As political parties report they are nearly done agreeing on a long-delayed new government for the Kurdistan Region, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan remains adamant on getting the Peshmarga ministry, enlisting the help of Iranian officials who have arrived to twist arms and help the PUK get its way.

According to well-placed Rudaw sources, a senior Iranian delegation arrived in the Kurdistan Region on an unannounced visit, just days after reports that the next Kurdish cabinet has been nearly finalized by five political parties, with the PUK not granted any of the security ministerial portfolios it had been staunchly demanding.

The Iranian delegation, comprising Sardar Masjidi, a senior advisor to Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s powerful Qods Force, and Mohammad Jafar Sahraroudi, chief of staff and advisor to Iran’s parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, have met with senior officials of the PUK, the Change Movement (Gorran) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

Party sources told Rudaw that in a meeting on Monday in Sulaimani, PUK officials called on Iran to mount pressure on Gorran and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) to grant the powerful Peshmarga ministry to the PUK.

“The visit has been at the request of the PUK,” the source added. “Sardar Masjidi has demanded the PUK to support Prime Minister Nuri Maliki's bid for third-term as prime minister of Iraq after the April 30 parliamentary polls.”

In return, the PUK has requested three things from Iran: Convincing the parties to grant the Peshmarga ministry to PUK; advise Gorran not to create problems for the PUK in Sulaimani; and not rush the government formation – which is already nearly seven months delayed.

- See more at: https://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/1....zLRBmisg.dpuf

[popeye7]

Interesting news... Iraq will be run by corporations... Once the economy picks up steam in this nation, the uncertainty within Iraq's politics will become more stable... Money, and economic success seems to have a calming effect on nations... The same would applies here in the US as well... If our economic were to collapse, it would become a chaotic mess in various ways... Including within our own government.... Which brings me to my next point... Who really runs the US, and most governments worldwide... The corporations right?... Well, who runs the corporations?... The ones who have the money... Who controls the money supply?... Central banks... Who controls the central banks?... You get the picture...

[chattels]

Sistani calls on Iraqi voters to 'choose wisely'

Months ago, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani began to guide the Iraqi public through statements regularly issued by him or his office, focusing on the need to fix the current situation. Sistani's guidance is going even further as the elections approach, by providing details and extended visions about the essential criteria that candidates must have to properly represent the Iraqi people, thus preparing them to be knowledgeable and insightful regarding the coming elections. On Feb. 24, Sistani issued a statement calling on voters to "choose wisely" so as not to have regrets later, and asked them to differentiate between the good and the bad.

Summary⎙ Print Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on the Iraqi people to "choose wisely" in the coming elections, holding Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki responsible for problems in Iraq and opposing a third term for him.

Author Ali Mamouri

Posted April 15, 2014

Translator(s)Steffi Chakti

In his latest position, the official representative for Sistani, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, in a sermon on April 4 called for comprehensive change, which would be brought about by voters making the right decision in the coming elections. The Karbalai's sermon was published on Sistani’s official website, proving all mentioned details to be true. Karbalai criticized the way the country was governed on all levels, while violence has been plaguing Iraqi society and corruption infesting the Iraqi government, and citizens lack the basic necessities for a decent life.

Karbalai affirmed that it is not Sistani’s role to introduce or support specific candidates. The decision is that of the Iraqi voters, who are to decide the fate of their country through taking part in the elections. At the same time, Sistani calls on Iraqi voters to study the pasts and qualifications of candidates, and refrain from electing whoever has failed in accomplishing their job or was involved in corruption cases. Karbalai reiterated that voters should not vote on the basis of religious and tribal affiliations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visited Najaf — which Shiites consider a sacred place — on April 10 to launch his electoral campaign. Maliki addressed Shiites using a sectarian rhetoric to urge them to vote for him in the upcoming elections. Maliki said that he would want to form a majority government, without the participation of other political parties in the country. He asked to meet with Sistani, but the latter refused the invitation. Sistani’s office informed Maliki’s officials concerned with the visit that there was no chance to meet with Sistani.

Previously, Maliki claimed that he was supported by Sistani and that the latter considers him to be a successful statesman. Sistani’s office, however, explicitly replied to Maliki's statements as follows: “This video, regardless of its inaccurate content, [highlights positions dating back] four years. Sistani refrained from hosting any official because he was not satisfied with their performance. He has stressed more than once that he does not support any candidate for the next elections, and no one should delude citizens into thinking that some candidates are closer to the religious leader than others.”

Some Iraqi media outlets said that Maliki has received a letter from Sistani’s office through mediators warning him against running for a third mandate. Sheikh Bashir al-Nujaifi, one of the four clerics coordinating with Sistani, spoke against Maliki's third mandate, considering that Iraq will not rise if Maliki remained in office. He called on Iraqi voters to dismiss him through elections. Al-Monitor verified the authenticity of this statement with circles close to his office.

What Iraqis are drawing off these stances is that Sistani has been highly dissatisfied with the performance of Maliki’s government throughout his rule, and that he is explicitly calling for a comprehensive change in the political sphere through the elections. What Sistani is doing is considered a tough stance, characterized by wisdom, as he is drawing the prospective lines of the Iraqi political system through orienting Iraqis into making the right decision in the elections and developing their general political performance without directly interfering. This is what distinguishes Sistani’s work from the concept of velayat-e faqih, and makes his project democratic and civil.

https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/orig...#ixzz2z3xlJert