#political stability Turkey

[youthchronical]

Erdogan ally floats Turkey constitutional amendment to let him extend his tenure - Times of India

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), in Ankara, Turkey, October 29, 2024. (Reuters) ANKARA: The main political ally of longstanding Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that a constitutional amendment should be considered to allow the president to run again in elections set for 2028. After his re-election last year, Erdogan…

[quillsword]

Is the World Going Crazy?

Footnote audio above Footnote section Nope, it’s just straightening out a few messes. Unfortunately, political messes are seldom straightened out quietly. So while there is a lot of stuff exploding at the moment, it’s a relatively minor readjustment. Major readjustments involve world wars. I vote we skip that this go around. At present, no one is doing anything that involves the US showing up…

[whencyclopedia]

Trdat the Architect

“Trdat the Architect” or Tiridates (c. 940s-c. 1020s?) was a Armenian architect who is noted for his role in the reconstruction of the Hagia Sophia's dome in Constantinople following an earthquake in the 10th century CE, as well as the Cathedral of Ani and the Church of Gagik in what is now present-day Turkey. Along with Momik (c.1270-1333 CE), Trdat is the most famous Armenian architect of the Middle Ages.

Very little if anything concrete is known about Trdat's earliest years aside from that he was Armenian with extensive talents in mathematics and architectural design. Trdat's life coincided with the medieval Armenian golden era as well as the so-called “Macedonian Renaissance” of the Byzantine Empire (867-1056 CE). After centuries of intermittent warfare and constant invasions, Armenians and Byzantines halted the tide of the Arab onslaught, stabilizing their borders and safeguarding their population centers. This was a time of political and economic stability in addition to cultural effervescence in both Armenia and Byzantium. Historians and archaeologists can trace Trdat's movements based on his construction and reconstruction projects around historical Armenia as well as the Byzantine Empire. Trdat lived and worked primarily in Shirak province, which in the 10th and 11th century CE included the city of Ani, the capital of Bagratid Armenia (885-1045 CE).

Work in Ani & Shirak

Trdat is sometimes credited as the architect responsible for the construction of several churches at the Sanahin Monastery, the Haghpat Monastery, and the Marmashen Monastery, which are all located in present-day Armenia. According to the Universal History, written by the Armenian historian Stepanos Asoghik in the 11th century CE, Trdat is mentioned by name as responsible for the construction of the Argina Cathedral, which had become the seat of the Armenian Catholicos in the late 9th century CE. Located just to the north of Ani and in a current state of partial collapse, Argina Cathedral was once an aisleless structure characterized by a dome on pendentives. This cathedral's linearity and longitudinal space divided by piers foreshadowed Trdat's subsequent work on Ani Cathedral.

Historians are able to trace Trdat's life primarily through his work in and around Ani, although it should be noted that Trdat was active in Armenia prior to and after his repair of the Hagia Sophia. Ani was a new, but grand city that stood at the crossroads of trade between the Byzantine Empire, the Abbasid Caliphate, the Kievan Rus, and the Persianate states of Central Asia. Founded in 961 CE, Ani grew quickly and at its height, it contained a population of perhaps 100,000 people. Because of the city's rapid growth, King Ashot III of Armenia (r. 953-977 CE) and his sons, King Smbat II (r. 977-989 CE) and King Gagik I (r. 989-1020 CE), ordered the construction of new walls, public spaces, caravanserai (roadside inns), and churches. Ani soon became known throughout the Near East and Mediterranean as the “city of a thousand and one churches."

In 989, Smbat II commanded Trdat to build a new cathedral in Ani and construction of this building ended around 1001-1006 CE under the supervision of Queen Katramide (c. 970-1010 CE), the wife of Gagik I and sister of King Bagrat III of Georgia (r. 1008–1014 CE). Historians contend that Trdat then worked on the Church of Gagik (occasionally referred to as Gagkasen). This church, dedicated to St. Gregory of Armenia, was built in imitation of Zvartnots Cathedral, having "brilliant splendor, lofty vaults, and a sanctuary surmounted by a heaven-like dome” ( Evans et al, 352). However, despite their similarities, Trdat elongates the church's arches and supports, and profiles large interior spaces at the Church of Gagik. Trdat here was perhaps influenced by the linear aesthetics of the Hagia Sophia and other Byzantine churches.

Continue reading...

[mariacallous]

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the only EU leader to openly back Donald Trump in his bid to reclaim the White House, was unsurprisingly among the first to congratulate the former president on Wednesday morning, even before the final results were in and rival Kamala Harris had conceded.

“The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!” Orban rejoiced on X (formerly Twitter).

Orban, who will be hosting European leaders in Budapest later this week, was swiftly joined by other illiberal leaders and fellow populists in Central and Southeast Europe, likewise unable to contain their glee at the return of Trump, who by midmorning Europe time had gained 266 electoral votes — just four shy from the 270 he needs to be elected the 47th US president.

Another close ally of Trump in Central Europe, Polish President Andrzej Duda, who met the former president in New York earlier this year, posted excitedly, complete with emojis: “Congratulations, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump! You made it happen! 👏👏👏🇵🇱🤝🇺🇸”.

In the Czech Republic, the former prime minister and Trump admirer Andrej Babis posted on X: “Sensational comeback @realDonaldTrump! He wasn’t stopped by an assassination attempt, nor by politically motivated lawsuits, nor by a systematic smear campaign in the media. American citizens have made it clear who they want as US President. I am confident that his victory will bring prosperity to the United States and peace to the world.”

More subdued comments came from Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who Babis is looking to oust in 2025, also on X: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on winning the presidential election. Our shared goal is to ensure that the relations between our countries remain at the highest level, despite changes in administration, and that we continue to develop them for the benefit of our citizens.”

Populist Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico, is currently on a state visit to China, though his ally, President Peter Pellegrini, offered his congratulations to Donald Trump on X. “I wish you and the American people all the success. Slovakia remains to be a strong and reliable Ally on NATO’s tested Eastern Flank living up to our shared commitments. I sincerely wish for a continuation of our good cooperation. Let’s make the transatlantic bond great again.”

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who visited the White House during Trump’s first term in office that ended in 2020, welcomed Trump’s win on X. “Congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory. Together we face the serious challenges ahead. Serbia is committed to cooperation with the USA on stability, prosperity and peace,” Vucic wrote.

Turkey’s strongman leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he wanted to congratulate his “great friend” Trump on his victory.

“In this new period that will begin with the election of the American people, I hope that Turkey-US relations will strengthen, that regional and global crises and wars, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, will come to an end; I believe that more efforts will be made for a more just world,” Erdogan wrote on X.

The first to hail Trump’s win from Bosnia and Herzegovina was, unsurprisingly, the president of the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik. “One of [the] most important electoral wins in recent history of the USA but the World as well! Congratulations, Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States of America!” Dodik wrote on his official X profile.

Late last year Dodik said that a victory for Trump would mean a “better geopolitical situation for Republika Srpska”, claiming that he regretted not declaring his entity’s independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina during Trump’s 2016-2020 presidency.

North Macedonia’s conservative prime minister, Hristijan Mickoski, sent his “heartfelt congratulations” to Trump on Wednesday morning. “This victory is a confirmation of the deep faith of the American people in the principles of freedom and democracy,” Mickoski, whose conservative, right-wing government came to power earlier this year, wrote on Facebook.

Mickoski and his cabinet are not among European leaders who fear a second Trump term could wreak havoc with transatlantic and international relations. His ruling VMRO-DPMNE party nurtures close ties with one of the biggest Trump endorsers on the continent, Hungary’s Orban, and over the summer Mickoski’s series of meetings with close Trump associates made his preference even more obvious.

“We look forward to further deepening our strong partnership and cooperation,” Mickoski added.

Warm words from the Balkans

The president of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, congratulated Trump on his victory. “Montenegro and the USA are friends and steadfast partners, united by shared goals and values, focused on advancing democracy, security, stability, and freedom. As NATO allies, we look forward to working very closely with Your administration on strengthening our friendship and deepening cooperation,” Milatovic wrote on X.

Montenegro’s first congratulatory message came earlier from the president of the parliament and leader of the pro-Serbian NOVA party Andrija Mandic. “I am sure that together we will build bridges of cooperation and preserve peace and stability in the Western Balkans,” Mandic wrote on X.

From Kosovo, which has deep ties with the US since the 1998-99 war, President Vjosa Osmani also congratulated Trump on his White House comeback.

“The US remains Kosovo’s steadfast partner and indispensable ally. I look forward to working with the new administration to further deepen our unique bond and strategic alliance,” Osmani said on X.

A similar message came from Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. “Congratulations on a convincing victory and a second presidential term,” Plenkovic wrote on X. “I look forward to our cooperation and further progress in Croatian-American relations.”

Plenkovic’s domestic political rival, President Zoran Milanovic, hailed “the will of the majority of voters” in choosing Trump. He wrote on Facebook: “Since Croatian independence, the USA has been a partner and friend, I am convinced that this will remain the choice of the new president”.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was also effusive in his congratulations: “I look forward to the great privilege of working with the 47th President to further enhance our partnership for peace, prosperity and further progress,” Rama wrote on X.

In Bulgaria, Boyko Borissov, leader of recent election-winners GERB and former prime minister, posted a photo of himself with Trump on social media, saying: “I’m ready for us to work together, again!”

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev also congratulated the Republican victor: “I am confident that our effective dialogue at the highest level will continue in the interest of the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the USA,” Radev said.

Opposition party We Continue the Change’s Kiril Petkov described Trump’s comeback as US president as “a serious achievement”, while noting: “Of course, Bulgaria’s fate depends first and foremost on the will of the Bulgarians, but good cooperation with the US is crucial in the positioning of our country amid the changing geopolitical reality.”

In Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis added his voice to the congratulatory messages from countries across the region. “Greece looks forward to further deepening the strategic partnership between our two countries and working together on important regional and global issues,” Mitsotakis wrote on X.

[unhetalia]

this is really weak of me but I really do have to headcanon the Nations as having nothing to do with their governments and at times actively working against them because otherwise the atrocities are Not Fictional...

and anyway these beings hundreds of years old absolutely know that governments do not always have the people's best interests in mind. Do not always take care of the land. Nations believe their role is to take care of their land and their people, and maybe the older Nations tried to work with those in power in the beginning, but quickly learn their lesson.

because of this headcanon, I imagine the Nations all have 'departments' they belong to that focus on a certain issue. It would be impossible to have one individual try to have intimate knowledge of every single issue a country faces, and I love the implications this has on how much the Nations rely on each other, and how much their relationships are not reflective of human politics, because their purpose is not to reflect their people but to protect them and the land they're on.

SO finally, to the point of this post.

Here's what I think certain Nations do:

England and Russia are in charge of information gathering AKA espionage, as both have infiltrated their own governments at a very high level. Arthur is in MI6, Ivan is in the KGB-turned-FSK-turned-FSB. They're valuable assets to the rest of the world because they tend to have information on what everyone's governments are doing. Some other Nations who work in this department are Hungary, Philippines (F), Canada, Cuba, Ukraine, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.

A lot of Nations work on environmental issues - Sweden, Finland and Denmark focus on governance as a way to mitigate environmental issues, while Australia, New Zealand, South Africa are focused on conservation, Brazil, Colombia, Congo focus on deforestation and air pollution, the Pacific Islands on rising sea levels and ocean pollution.

China, France, Ireland and Turkey are focused on food security - each one focuses on a specific aspect of it. China on availability, Ireland on access, France on utilisation and Turkey on stability.

Social welfare is headed by Austria and Belgium, with Spain, the Italies, Greece and Portugal focused on it.

Internal security is handled by the Germany brothers and Switzerland - this is the protection of the Nations themselves. Arranging identities, extraction of Nations who land themselves in trouble, and also the keeper of their arsenal.

America heads the research and development department that connects everything together - they develop the gadgets used by Arthur and Ivan's team, help develop technologies and conduct research focused on the environment and food security, help trial new ideas on addressing poverty, hack databases in order to help create identities for Nations. This department includes Japan, South Korea, India (F), Taiwan, Tony (not a Nation but heavily involved), Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, Belarus, Netherlands, Estonia, Mexico (F).

EDIT: I have to re-think a lot of this because I keep thinking about how very little countries there are compared to shit happening in the world and it messes with this universe a little bit. SO. WILL BE RE-WORKED.

[mosabeldali]

The War on Gaza: 332 Days of Continuous Conflict ‼️

Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been engulfed in a continuous state of war, with intense military operations now entering their 332nd day. This conflict, one of the longest and deadliest in the history of clashes between Israel and Palestinian factions, has brought immense human suffering and environmental and economic disasters, affecting all aspects of life in the besieged enclave.

Humanitarian Situation

As military operations persist, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply. The population of the enclave is living under a tight blockade, leading to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Health facilities are barely functioning amidst a rising number of injuries and casualties.

Children, women, and the elderly have been the most affected by this prolonged war, with poverty and unemployment rates reaching unprecedented levels. Additionally, the population suffers from acute shortages of clean drinking water and electricity, exacerbating their daily hardships.

International Stance

Despite widespread international condemnation and repeated offers of mediation to halt the fighting, diplomatic efforts have so far made no tangible progress. The parties continue to exchange accusations of thwarting peace efforts, while countries like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey persist in attempts to broker a long-term ceasefire.

War’s Impact

Economically, Gaza is facing near-total collapse in its infrastructure. Thousands of homes and vital facilities, including schools and hospitals, have been destroyed, making reconstruction a massive challenge that requires extensive international efforts.

The environment in Gaza has not been spared from the war’s impact either, as agricultural lands have been polluted and destroyed, threatening the food security of the population.

Conclusion

After 332 days of relentless fighting, Gaza remains in a state of loss and uncertainty. The ongoing war casts a shadow over the entire region, foretelling long-term implications for peace and stability in the Middle East. What the Palestinian people urgently need now is an end to this war and the establishment of a lasting political solution that ends decades of conflict and suffering.

This article summarizes the current situation of the ongoing war in Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian, political, and economic aspects of this prolonged conflict.

[eretzyisrael]

by Robert Williams

To assess correctly the damage that Qatari influence in the US is causing, it is essential to understand what Qatar stands for and promotes. Qatar has for decades cultivated a close relationship with the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, whose motto is: “‘Allah is our objective; the Prophet is our leader; the Quran is our law; Jihad is our way; dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope.” It aims to ensure that Islamic law, Sharia, governs all countries and all matters.

Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, has enjoyed Qatar as its main sponsor, to the tune of up to $360 million a year, and was until recently the home of Hamas’ leadership. In 2012, Ismail Haniyeh, head of the terrorist group’s political bureau, Mousa Abu Marzook, and Khaled Mashaal, among others, moved to Qatar for a life of luxury. This month, likely because of Israel’s announcement that it will hunt down and eliminate Hamas leaders in Qatar and Turkey, the Qatar-based Hamas officials reportedly fled to other countries.

Qatar was also home to Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, who was exiled from Egypt until his death in September 2022. According to the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center:

💬 “Qaradawi is mainly known as the key figure in shaping the concept of violent jihad and the one who allowed carrying out terror attacks, including suicide bombing attacks, against Israeli citizens, the US forces in Iraq, and some of the Arab regimes. Because of that, he was banned from entering Western countries and some Arab countries…. In 1999, he was banned from entering the USA. In 2009, he was banned from entering Britain…”

Qaradawi also founded many radical Islamist organizations which are funded by Qatar. These include the International Union of Muslim Scholars, which released a statement that called the October 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas against communities in southern Israel an “effective” and “mandatory development of legitimate resistance” and said that Muslims have a religious duty to support their brothers and sisters “throughout all of Palestine, especially in Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem, and Gaza.”

Qatar is still home to the lavishly-funded television network Al Jazeera, founded in 1996 by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Hamad ibn Khalifa Al Thani. Called the “mouthpiece of the Muslim Brotherhood,” Al Jazeera began the violent “Arab Spring,” which “brought the return of autocratic rulers.”

In 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt made 13 demands of Qatar: “to cut off relations with Iran, shutter Al Jazeera, and stop granting Qatari citizenship to other countries’ exiled oppositionists.” They subsequently cut ties with Qatar over its failure to agree to any of the demands, including ending its support for terrorism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Al Jazeera.

The Saudi state-run news agency SPA said at the time:

💬 “[Qatar] embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS [Islamic State] and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly,”

US universities and colleges are happy to see this kind of influence on their campuses in exchange for billions of dollars in Qatari donations. According to ISGAP:

💬 “[F]oreign donations from Qatar, especially, have had a substantial impact on fomenting growing levels of antisemitic discourse and campus politics at US universities, as well as growing support for anti-democratic values within these institutions of higher education.”

[daenerysoftarth]

Not to defend Rhaenyra again, but when people say that she was ‘stupid’ for having kids with Harwin, their misunderstanding of Westerosi politics really shines through for a couple of reasons

(1) Many people say ‘oh well she shouldn’t have had kids.’ This is pretty ridiculous considering the stability of the realm is considered to rest on the ability of the heir to have kids. If an heir doesn’t have kids to directly succeed them, it can launch succession crises. Even if the realm considers Aegon II as her heir, it still makes Rhaenyra’s political position much more vulnerable. If she has no direct heirs, she is much easier to eliminate in order to install their preferred monarch as heir. Considering book!Alicent is advocating for Aegon II to become Viserys’ direct heir—passing over Rhaenyra—and becomes cold with Rhaenyra when Viserys refuses, I imagine Rhaenyra knew full well that it was a distinct possibility that she might be deposed if she didn’t have heirs of her own. Even with show!Rhaenyra, it’s shown that Tyland Lannister, Otto Hightower, and Criston Cole have all been colluding for quite some time before Viserys’ death to install Aegon II as king. If Rhaenyra had no children of her own, it would’ve made it even easier for them to accomplish this. Not to mention, it would look bad for her on a personal level, as she may be thought of as barren (which would make future marriage pacts difficult) or cold to her husband.

2. To this many say, ‘Well she should’ve found someone who looks more like her husband.’ This is particularly ridiculous. In both the show and book, Laenor has the Valyrian look of white hair and purple eyes. The Targaryen’s roots of Valyria make them unique to the lords of Westeros, as only Houses Velaryon and Celtigar can also claim Valyrian heritage. And unlike the Velaryons, the Targaryens have dragons. In large part it is the dragons that set the Targaryens apart from Westeros, but their slightly alien look definitely adds to that air of exceptionalism that the Targaryens thrive on to maintain their power. This is all to say that finding individuals that have the same Old Valyria traits is extremely difficult. We know this because it’s specifically noted that when King Aerys II was searching for possible wives for Rhaegar Targaryen, he specifically sought suitors with the Targaryen look in Westeros. When that failed, he even went to Essos to search for a woman of noble birth to become Rhaegar’s wife, so as to ensure the inheritance of white haired, purple eyed offspring. Aerys failed to find a match in both Westeros and Essos. It was only after searching in these two continents that he agreed to marry Rhaegar to Elia Martell, because of her distant Targaryen ancestor, princess Daenerys Targaryen. Finding someone who ‘looks like Laenor’ would be no easy feat, much less someone who has access to Rhaenyra and whose presence would not attract immediate suspicion.

3. Which leads me to my last point. People sometimes say, ‘They should’ve tried for a baby anyways.’ In the books, at least, it’s said that Laenor is the one that spurns Rhaenyra. To this I say, should she have sexually assaulted him so as to procure an heir? Additionally, the Middle Ages understanding of sex and procreation was much more primitive compared to our own. Some royals didn’t even know that intercourse was required to have a child, such as King Louis and Marie Antoinette. Those who did understand weren’t sure what factors helped conceive a child and what did not. Something like ‘semen contains sperm which is used to fertilize the egg’ was not something that was known to people at the time. Therefore, the suggestion of using a turkey baster to artificially impregnate Rhaenyra are laughable. As for the couple themselves, it’s entirely possible that Laenor simply inserted himself into Rhaenyra, lay there for what he thought was an appropriate amount of time, and then withdrew without ejaculation. It may sound ridiculous, but I’ll also remind you that it was thought for a time that jumping backwards and sneezing after sex was thought to be a sufficient form of contraception in parts of medieval Europe.

All of this is to say that, in my opinion, Rhaenyra made the best of a difficult situation. It wasn’t ideal, but the alternatives were worse. And we shouldn’t shame a woman for what amounts to nothing more than having sex outside of marriage.

[beardedmrbean]

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed confidence that GERB leader Boyko Borissov would successfully form a government and bring stability to Bulgaria. During a visit to Sofia, Orban described Borissov as a good friend and commended the recent political developments in Bulgaria as promising. He emphasized the importance of Bulgaria having a stable government, not just for itself but also for Europe and Hungary.

Orban praised Borissov for his consistent support of Hungary, particularly in ensuring that gas transmission via the "Balkan Stream" pipeline remained uninterrupted despite external pressures. Highlighting the strategic role Bulgaria plays in Hungary’s energy security, Orban explained that Hungary relies heavily on natural gas supplies, with about 7 billion cubic meters of its total 9 billion annual consumption passing through Bulgaria. He also noted successful negotiations with the United States to delay sanctions on Gazprom’s bank, which further ensured Hungary’s energy security.

Borissov, in turn, expressed gratitude for Hungary's support in Bulgaria’s bid to join the Schengen Area. He reiterated the significance of the "Balkan Stream" pipeline, calling it a "pipe of friendship" that benefits not only Bulgaria but also neighboring countries such as Serbia, Hungary, North Macedonia, and Turkey. Borissov highlighted the substantial financial benefits Bulgaria derives from transit fees, emphasizing the strategic importance of the pipeline for regional cooperation and economic gains.

Earlier, Viktor Orban met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who reaffirmed Bulgaria's role as a reliable energy partner for Hungary and the wider Central and Eastern European region. Radev praised Orban’s pragmatic approach to addressing geopolitical challenges and underscored the importance of peace in Ukraine through diplomatic efforts. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of prioritizing diplomacy in European discussions while enhancing the continent’s competitiveness.

Orban further acknowledged Bulgaria’s critical role in ensuring energy supplies amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has reshaped regional dynamics. He noted that Hungary imported 5.6 billion cubic meters of gas through Bulgaria last year, a figure that has increased to 9 billion this year. The substantial portion of Hungary’s gas supply passing through Bulgaria underscores its strategic importance in securing energy stability for Hungary.

[darkmaga-returns]

Winners and losers in Syria

by Melkulangara Bhadrakumar | Dec 9, 2024

Iran and Russia are the two big losers in the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday by the Sunni Islamist groups affiliated to al-Qaeda. Assad fled in the nick of time  after giving orders that there be a peaceful handover of power. The likelihood is that he is in Russia. At any rate, a rollback of the Islamist takeover in Syria is out of the question.

The Arab oligarchies of the Gulf region are full of trepidation over the surge of a variant of political Islam that may potentially pose an existential challenge. Unsurprisingly, they have gravitated toward Iran, whom they see as a factor of regional stability, reciprocating Tehran’s call on regional states to circle their wagons to ward off the challenge of “Takfiri” groups (codename for al-Qaeda and Islamic State in the Iranian narrative.)  

Israel and Turkey are the biggest winners, having established links with the al-Qaeda groups. Both are all well-set to project power into Syria and carve out their respective spheres of influence in Syrian territory. Turkey has demanded that Syria belongs to Syrian people alone — a thinly covered call for vacation of foreign military presence (Russian, American and Iranian.)

Equally, the Biden Administration can derive satisfaction that Russian military presence will not henceforth remain unchecked and an untenable situation of dramatic loss of influence surrounds Moscow’s military bases in the western Syrian province of Latakia. 

There is no question that the lame duck administration in Washington will draw vicarious pleasure that the incoming presidency of Donald Trump will have to grapple with prolonged instability and uncertainties in West Asia, an oil-rich region which generates petrodollar that is the underpinning of the western banking system — American dollar, in particular — that is crucial to the “America First”axis of the new administration’s foreign policies. 

[argumate]

China congrats Erdogan on reelection win; 'Beijing-Ankara ties to continue being stable'

Erdogan's 20 consecutive years in power have freed Turkey from frequent government changes and brought more stability, order and predictability to the country's politics.

uh huh

[donewithcapitalistfrayers]

"Many expect and even hope that the explosion of the security situation in Sudan will delay the Saudi-Iranian reconciliation, with its repercussions on Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, as it will serve the calculations of the parties involved in this country, including America and France, which do not hide their concern and annoyance at the Russian and Chinese roles, not only in Sudan, but in the African continent in general. They also do not hide their concern about the emergence of the Chinese and Russian roles together in the Middle East, which prompted President Macron to suddenly visit Beijing in order to research the totality of these developments in order to ensure French interests in China and its neighbors.

The American intervention, along with the possible Israeli intervention in the developments of Sudan, directly or indirectly, will not be the only weapon used by them to prevent the path of detente, militarily, politically, economically and socially, in the region through the Iranian – Saudi reconciliation, supported by Sudan's neighbor Egypt, as is the case with Libya, which is witnessing a military and political conflict between Egypt, Supported by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and between Turkey, supported by Qatar. US Secretary of state Blinken's surprise visit to Sudan, and his meeting with Daglo and Al-Burhan, proved to everyone how important Washington and its allies attach to this strategic country. It has become clear that it will remain in the regional and international winds with the absence of political stability, resulting from the direct and indirect military intervention in the course of events, since the independence of this country in 1956. This intervention, in light of the authoritarian atmosphere that clouded the country, was the most important reason for the civil wars and the division of Sudan into North and South in 2011, at the beginning of the so-called "Arab Spring", which devastated the region, and we are all still living its security, political, economic, social, cultural, religious, and even moral consequences.

...

In all cases, and whatever the possible consequences of the events in Sudan, everyone knows that the enemies of the region abroad and inside will not breathe a sigh of relief until after the destruction of its states and peoples in favor of the Zionist entity. Therefore, they were, and still are, and will remain against the peoples of the region, who hope that the Iranian - Saudi reconciliation will achieve its goals, the most important of which is to achieve security and stability in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, and now in Sudan, because of the strategic importance of this country for everyone, especially the Zionist entity, which has given Africa special importance, since It has been held in the land of Palestine, which is the main address of all events in the region, for thousands of years, and it will remain so until it returns to its true owners."

[mariacallous]

In the early hours of Dec. 8, the Assad dynasty’s more than half a century of brutal rule in Syria came to an end.

With Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country, not only did Syria’s domestic political order change overnight—so too did its geopolitical identity. It is no longer part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” or one of Russia’s longest-lasting allies in the Arab world, where Moscow had its most profound strategic footprint in the form of both air and naval bases.

Many are busy declaring winners and losers of this pivotal moment. Drawing a list of losers at this stage is relatively easy. The regime itself, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah are among them. However, drawing a list of winners is not as straightforward. Although Assad’s fall has significantly boosted Turkey’s influence and stature in Syria and in broader regional geopolitics, HTS—Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel faction that led the offensive that toppled him—is not a Turkish proxy. That said, Ankara remained committed to the Syrian opposition groups during difficult times and now has significant influence over HTS and the ability to affect its actions and decisions.

That commitment ultimately bore fruit with the removal of Assad, marking a pivotal shift in the regional landscape. In northern Syria, opposition forces—bolstered by years of military and administrative experience and assistance from Turkey—emerged with enhanced governance capabilities.

This transformation became evident not only in the group’s cohesive execution of the operation that led to Assad’s downfall, but also in the disciplined and methodical approach that it adopted in the aftermath. These developments signal a substantive evolution in the Syrian opposition’s capacity to govern, reflecting both the dividends of sustained external support and the intrinsic adaptability of these actors in navigating Syria’s fraught and ever-shifting political terrain.

However, HTS and other rebel groups may soon discover that building a new Syria might prove more cumbersome and challenging than bringing it down. We know what collapsed in Syria, but we do not know what awaits it. A concerted effort by Syrian, regional, and international actors is needed to prevent further bloodshed, fragmentation, and proxy wars in the country.

That effort must begin with a nonsectarian interim government in Damascus and a new regional and international bloc to help with the political process, reconstruction, and rebuilding—a bloc that replaces the old pro-Assad power brokers in Moscow and Tehran with a group including Turkey, Syria’s Arab neighbors, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—as well as the European Union and the United States.

Within Syria, one of the gravest dangers would be if regime collapse turns into a state collapse, as was the case in Libya. Such a collapse would only lead to more chaos and a bleak future for the country. Therefore, the Syrian state’s institutions and mechanisms need to be maintained.

Political transition and government formation are interlinked, but they can be separated. The political transition is an arduous and time-consuming process. Yet a new interim government is needed immediately to provide essential services, preserve state institutions and functions, and prevent a power vacuum and chaos from emerging.

In this respect, the recent decision by HTS to convene its first joint cabinet meeting with ministers from the Assad era suggests a commitment to a transition process and can be interpreted as a promising development. The attainment of stability in Syria is not merely a local imperative but a regional one as well.

Appointing a caretaker prime minister tasked with putting an interim government in place just one day after the fall of Damascus was a step in the right direction. As the group that led the march on the capital, HTS will have a significant say in the political transition and government formation. Yet, to gain societal legitimacy and international acceptance, this new government should be inclusive and reflect the country’s diversity. It cannot be HTS’s previously Idlib-based “salvation government” writ large.

Similarly, in a conflict context, grievances usually produce militias, violence, and radicalism—not least if these grievances are identity-based. Syria’s next-door neighbor, Iraq, is a textbook case of this. The toppling of Saddam Hussein’s Sunni regime in 2003 led to the emergence of a new power configuration in Baghdad that was led by Shiites and Kurds. Such exclusion and grudges toward the broader Sunni community fueled waves of extremism in Iraq and beyond, from the emergence of al Qaeda in Iraq to the Islamic State.

To fend off such a prospect in Syria, there must be no marginalization or criminalization of the Alawite or Shiite communities. Preventing communal grudges is not only crucial for an orderly political transition and more legitimate government in Damascus, but also crucial to curb Iran’s influence and communal networks in Syria.

At the regional and international levels, rather than the U.N.-led and Western-supported Geneva process, the Astana process—launched in the closing days of 2016 and led by Turkey, Russia, and Iran—has mainly charted the course of the conflict in Syria. The Astana format was effectively about freezing the conflict, not facilitating a political transition, while helping Ankara, Moscow, and Tehran manage their interests in Syria.

However, the Astana process has now run its course—not least because two of its major members backed a regime that no longer exists, and their presence in the country is now dramatically reduced. In other words, Moscow and Tehran no longer have the clout—or the legitimacy—to play a major role in Syria’s future. In the short term, Russia may maintain a degree of influence over developments in Syria. However, this influence will be on shaky ground. Iran’s position is even more precarious.

For some time, the Astana trio might want to maintain this platform not only for convenience, but also for Turkey to partially manage the discontent of Tehran and Moscow over the toppling of Assad. However, this platform is unsuitable for discussion and consensus on the internal political transition and process.

A political transition will require a different set of actors around the table. The new platform needs to include Syria’s key neighbors and have Arab ownership. Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are well-placed to join this bloc.

Their inclusion is vital for two reasons. First, the Astana trio was made up of non-Arab states. Since Syria is an Arab-majority state, the new format must have Arab ownership and agency. Second, as they watch what is unfolding in Syria, regional Arab autocrats are probably terrified. Despite the contextual differences, they see the two main features of the Arab uprisings being present in Syria: the regime being toppled and the main protagonists being Islamists. This will trigger paranoia and fear in these states about their own regime security.

Turkey and the Syrian opposition groups should aim to alleviate these leaders’ concerns and push them to cooperate more for an orderly political transition in Damascus by making them part of such an inclusive regional platform. Similarly, the EU and the United States should nudge Arab states to be cooperative, rather than disruptive, during this political transition.

Without a regional consensus, we are likely to see the emergence of a broad coalition of Arab states that will try to undermine any sort of democratic political transition—as was the case after the Arab Spring uprisings in the early 2010s—the Gulf-engineered coup in Egypt being a case in point. Unless well-managed, it would be no surprise to see Iran and many Arab states similarly opposing the new order in Damascus.

Syria could become a test for the regional normalization process that has unfolded in recent years, including between Turkey and the Arab states as well as Iran and the Gulf states. The Syrian transition should underpin rather than undermine the ongoing process of regional normalization.

Finally, the EU should not remain a bystander—as it has been—or indifferent to the transformation of Syria. Early engagement with HTS; rebel groups; and key regional actors, starting with Turkey, is essential to help the transition process. It should incentivize an orderly transition through different aid and reconstruction packages. To do this, Turkey, the EU, the United States, and key Arab states should hold regular and structured dialogue on the political transition, reconstruction, and rebuilding of Syria.

Most of the time, what many call the “new reality” is merely a snapshot of a moment in time. The dramatic scenes in Damascus could lead to a more chaotic situation—or they could create a new government that enjoys genuine legitimacy in Damascus. Close cooperation between Syria, Arab states, and international powers is essential to prevent a chaotic outcome and allow for the construction of a new, legitimate government in Damascus.

This is a watershed moment. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 broke the old Middle East, after which Iran and its regional axis were ascendant and the Arab powers were in retreat. The Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 further eviscerated this erstwhile regional order. In contrast, after the start of the Israel-Hamas war and Assad’s fall, Iran and its regional network are in decline, and the balance of power is shifting significantly.

Forging a consensus around Syria could serve as the foundation for a new regional order.

[economytrees]

Understanding the Exchange Rate in 2025: Trends and Predictions

Exchange rates play a crucial role in the global economy, influencing everything from trade to investment strategies. As we look ahead to 2025, experts are predicting various trends and shifts in the value of currencies, particularly in countries with emerging markets. The exchange rate between currencies such as the Turkish Lira (TRY) and the US Dollar (USD), as well as the Euro (EUR), is expected to undergo notable changes. Here’s a closer look at what the exchange rate landscape might look like in 2025 and the factors driving these predictions.

The USD/TRY Exchange Rate Outlook The USD/TRY exchange rate has seen significant fluctuations in recent years, largely driven by domestic economic policies, inflation rates, and political factors. Moving into 2025, many analysts expect the Turkish Lira to continue facing pressure, with the possibility of further depreciation. Experts anticipate that the USD may continue to appreciate against the Lira due to Turkey’s high inflation, current account deficits, and possible interest rate adjustments by the Turkish Central Bank.

The Turkish government’s fiscal and monetary policies will be key determinants in whether the Lira can stabilize or if it will continue to weaken. As inflationary pressures remain high, the Lira could potentially weaken further, especially if the Turkish Central Bank’s actions do not significantly impact inflation or restore investor confidence.

Euro to Turkish Lira (EUR/TRY) Forecast Similarly, the EUR/TRY exchange rate is expected to follow a similar trend. While the Eurozone has faced its own economic challenges, such as slower growth and political uncertainties, the Euro is still viewed as a more stable currency compared to the Turkish Lira. Analysts suggest that the Euro could continue to strengthen against the Lira in 2025. Factors like the European Central Bank’s monetary policies and inflation rates in the Eurozone could provide some stability, but external risks, such as energy prices or global economic conditions, may also influence the Euro’s performance.

With the Lira potentially facing further depreciation, the EUR/TRY exchange rate might reach higher levels by the end of 2025. This would have important implications for Turkish businesses, especially those that rely on imports or foreign capital, as the higher costs of importing goods would likely strain their margins.

Global Economic Trends Influencing Exchange Rates Several global factors will influence the exchange rates in 2025. The ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in international trade policies will all contribute to currency fluctuations. For instance, the strength of the US Dollar will be influenced by global economic recovery efforts, central bank policies, and geopolitical events such as trade disputes or conflicts.

In addition, inflation trends in major economies, particularly the United States and the Eurozone, will impact investor sentiment and currency valuations. As countries struggle with inflation, central banks may adjust their interest rates, which could lead to shifts in currency strength.

Market Sentiment and Investor Behavior Investor behavior and market sentiment will play an important role in shaping exchange rates in 2025. The global market’s perception of risk, combined with factors like the stability of domestic economies and the confidence in government policies, will drive currency values. Investors tend to flock to safer assets, such as the US Dollar or the Euro, during times of uncertainty, which can strengthen these currencies relative to emerging market currencies.

For countries like Turkey, managing investor confidence is crucial. If investors perceive the country’s political and economic policies as unstable, they may move their capital elsewhere, leading to a further depreciation of the Lira.

Implications for Businesses and Consumers Understanding these currency predictions is vital for both businesses and consumers. Companies involved in international trade should be prepared for fluctuations in exchange rates, especially if they import goods or services from countries with stronger currencies. Developing hedging strategies, such as forward contracts or options, can help mitigate the risks associated with currency volatility.

For consumers, especially those planning to travel abroad or make purchases in foreign currencies, understanding exchange rate trends will be essential in budgeting for expenses. A weaker Lira could mean higher costs for Turkish consumers purchasing foreign goods or services.

As we move through 2025, it will be essential to monitor economic developments closely. Exchange rate fluctuations are influenced by a combination of domestic policies, global economic conditions, and investor sentiment. By staying informed, individuals and businesses can better navigate these challenges and make more strategic financial decisions.

https://maydien.com/

[dinaritexch]

Deletion of Zeros – Iraqi Dinar revaluation – Is it good for the Iraqi Dinar?

Currency redenomination through zero deletion has transformed economies worldwide. For example, Turkey successfully reformed its lira, and Brazil stabilized its currency. Currently, Iraq stands at a crucial crossroads. It is considering a similar path for its dinar through the deletion of zeros—a move that could reshape its economic landscape. 

The Iraqi dinar, which once traded at 3 dinars to 1 US dollar in the 1980s, has seen significant devaluation over decades. As a result, the Central Bank of Iraq is evaluating a comprehensive currency reform initiative that would remove three zeros from the dinar’s denomination. This potential Iraqi Dinar Revaluation raises important questions about economic stability, market confidence, and Iraq’s financial future.

This article examines the implications of zero deletion for the Iraqi Dinar. It explores historical precedents, economic impacts, implementation challenges, and future prospects for Iraq’s currency reform initiative.

Understanding Iraq’s Currency Reform Initiative

Initially established in 1932, the Iraqi dinar replaced the Indian rupee as the country’s official currency. Its early history showed remarkable stability, with a strong exchange rate of 1 dinar to 3.22 US dollars until the late 1980s.

Historical context of the Iraqi dinar

The dinar’s journey witnessed significant shifts during various political periods. Before 1990, the currency demonstrated notable strength in international markets. Furthermore, the pre-1990 notes, known as “Swiss dinars,” maintained their value even as new “Saddam dinars” were introduced. The currency’s stability, nonetheless, faced severe challenges during the Gulf War period, when Iraq could no longer access high-quality note printing services.

The current state of Iraq’s monetary system

The present monetary landscape in Iraq faces several critical challenges:

Excessive dependence on oil revenues, accounting for 99% of exports and 85% of government budget

Limited banking sector development due to technological gaps

Persistent inflation concerns affecting purchasing power

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Iraq maintains strict control over the dinar’s value, which doesn’t freely float on global forex markets. The current system operates through a regulated dollar auction mechanism, with transactions reaching approximately $200 million per day.

Why currency reform is being considered

The Iraqi Dinar Revaluation stems from multiple economic factors. Consequently, the Central Bank of Iraq aims to address the negative impacts of high-denomination banknotes with lower value. The reform initiative particularly focuses on the following:

Controlling currency value through systematic management

Reducing inflationary pressures

Restoring public trust in the Iraqi dinar

The recent currency developments are showing some positive signs, domestic inflation is down to 4% by the end of 2023 and the central bank has implemented many measures to improve its liquidity management framework, including raising the policy rate from 4% to 7.5% in June 2023.

Banking sector modernization is still a priority, especially with its historical challenges dating back to the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war. These reforms are to address the structural imbalances that made Iraq vulnerable to external economic shocks.

Global Precedents in Currency Redenomination

Approximately seventy countries have undertaken currency redenomination between 1960 and 2005, each with varying degrees of success. Among these attempts, several cases are particularly instructive for nations considering similar reforms.

Success stories from Turkey and Brazil

Turkey’s redenomination in 2005 is a success story. They removed 6 zeros from their currency and 1 million old lira became 1 new lira. Before the reform, Turkey faced significant challenges – a bottle of water cost 300,000 lira, while a cinema ticket required 7,500,000 lira. However, inflation rates decreased significantly after implementation, reaching 10% by 2011.

Brazil, although facing initial challenges, eventually succeeded through a comprehensive approach. In 1994, with inflation reaching 2,075.8%, Brazil introduced the Real currency alongside several strategic measures:

Increased interest rates and reduced government spending

Attracted foreign capital

Established appropriate dollar exchange rates

Failed attempts and lessons learned

Zimbabwe represents a cautionary tale in redenomination attempts. In 2008 alone, it redenominated twice—first 10 billion to one and then one trillion to one. Inflation reached 231 million percent, and the country abandoned its national currency.

Russia’s 1998 attempt similarly failed because of poor timing and unstable economic conditions. The removal of three zeros from the ruble denominations proved ineffective against structural economic problems.

Key factors determining success

Research indicates that successful redenomination correlates strongly with specific economic conditions:

Countries implementing redenomination during low inflation (<10%) experienced better outcomes

High economic growth before redenomination typically led to improved post-reform performance

Proper timing and stable economic conditions proved crucial for success

Moreover, the implementation strategy plays a vital role. Turkey’s success, for instance, involved a carefully planned two-stage process spanning multiple years. The first stage introduced the word “yeni” (new) on currency notes, followed by its removal in 2009, demonstrating the importance of systematic execution.

Economic Impact of Zero Deletion

The Central Bank of Iraq’s proposed zero deletion initiative presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation’s economic landscape. Recent studies indicate that this currency reform could substantially impact various sectors of the Iraqi economy.

Effects on inflation and purchasing power

The deletion of zeros from the Iraqi dinar presents a complex economic scenario. Studies suggest that removing zeros will not directly affect inflation rates or the purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar. Indeed, the total volume of currency would remain unchanged, merely shifting from 105 trillion dinars to 105 billion dinars.

The reform’s primary benefits include:

Psychological impact on citizens

Simplified accounting processes

Enhanced symbolic value of the currency

Impact on banking and financial systems

The banking sector faces substantial transformation under this initiative. Indeed, the current system shows significant structural weaknesses, with state-owned banks controlling over 85% of banking assets. The reform aims to address several key challenges:

Modernization of payment systems

Improvement in banking operations

Enhanced monetary control mechanisms

Rather than immediate economic gains, the reform focuses on long-term structural improvements. The Central Bank anticipates this Iraqi Dinar Revaluation will help restore trust in the currency as a reserve currency.

International trade implications

The initiative’s impact on international trade presents a mixed outlook. Overall, Iraq’s position as an import-dependent nation makes this reform particularly significant for trade relations. Recent data shows that non-oil bilateral trade with the United States reached USD 805.80 million in 2021.

The reform could affect trade in several ways:

Simplified international transactions

Enhanced currency credibility

Improved financial tracking systems

Straightaway, businesses might face adaptation challenges, as companies currently struggle with large figures in economic transactions. Generally, the reform aims to facilitate accounting processes and international trade operations, though success depends heavily on implementation effectiveness.

The Central Bank’s vision includes strengthening the banking sector through various measures. Soon, these changes could lead to improved financial infrastructure, with recent initiatives already showing promise – such as the One Trillion Initiative supporting small and medium enterprises.

Implementation Challenges and Solutions

The Central Bank of Iraq faces substantial technical and logistical hurdles in implementing its zero deletion initiative. The transformation requires careful planning and systematic execution to ensure a smooth transition.

Technical requirements for the currency transition

The banking sector’s modernization is a primary challenge, with state-owned banks dominating approximately 85% of banking assets. Accordingly, the Central Bank has outlined essential technical requirements:

Implementation of electronic payment systems

Establishment of correspondent banking relationships

Integration of Kurdish and Arabic languages on new notes

Development of automated settlement operations

Enhancement of electronic card systems

Public education and awareness needs

Besides technical considerations, public education emerges as a crucial component. The Central Bank acknowledges that successful implementation depends heavily on comprehensive awareness campaigns. The transition period requires extensive public communication about:

Timeline for currency exchange

Recognition of new denominations

Impact on daily transactions

Banking system modernization benefits

Risk mitigation strategies

The Central Bank has markedly strengthened its approach to risk management through several key initiatives. A new electronic platform now regulates wire transfers, replacing the traditional system (N2-O2) with an advanced N2-O2-CO framework.

The implementation strategy addresses three primary concerns:

Financial corruption risks

Technical adaptation challenges

Market stability maintenance

Subsequently, the Central Bank has implemented strict controls on dollar transfers. Hence, these measures aim to prevent fraudulent transactions and enhance system integrity. The reforms have already shown promising results, with the platform successfully managing international transfers.

Nevertheless, challenges persist in public trust and banking adoption. The current situation reveals that only a small percentage of citizens maintain bank accounts. Therefore, the Central Bank focuses on building confidence through:

Enhanced governance measures

Strict anti-money laundering protocols

Improved banking sector supervision

The implementation timeline spans multiple phases, allowing for gradual adaptation and system testing. This measured approach helps minimize disruption to daily economic activities while ensuring proper technical infrastructure deployment.

Future Outlook for the Iraqi Dinar

Recent economic data reveals complex dynamics shaping Iraq’s monetary future. The International Monetary Fund reports that domestic stability has notably improved since late 2022, with non-oil economic recovery showing promising signs.

Short-term economic effects

At present, Iraq’s economic landscape demonstrates mixed signals. The domestic inflation rate declined to 4% by end-2023, reflecting positive short-term developments:

Currency revaluation effects from February 2023

Normalization in trade finance

Lower international food prices

Improved domestic conditions

The ongoing fiscal expansion is expected to boost growth in 2024, yet this comes with potential risks to fiscal and external accounts.

Long-term stability prospects

The long-term outlook for the Iraqi dinar essentially depends on several structural factors. The banking sector faces significant modernization challenges, with state-owned banks dominating the financial landscape. The Central Bank’s efforts primarily focus on:

Tightening monetary policy

Enhancing liquidity management

Restructuring state-owned banks

Modernizing private banking operations

Projected exchange rates indicate potential volatility:YearExpected Rate (IQD)20251,310.6820261,320.7720311,481.03

International confidence factors

Global market perception remains a crucial determinant of the dinar’s future. The IMF highlights that risks are tilted to the downside, given regional conflicts and substantial dependence on volatile oil prices.

The dinar’s stability faces several challenges:

Limited trade diversity, with 99% of Iraq’s oil and products sold in dollars

Unsuccessful attempts to diversify currency use, despite efforts to trade in yuan

Significant gap between official and market exchange rates

Looking ahead, Iraq’s oil export revenues have surpassed USD 1.00 trillion over two decades, yet the country’s total gross domestic product will reach only USD 253.00 billion by 2023. This disparity underscores the persistent structural challenges in the economy.

Banking sector modernization is key for long-term stability. The Central Bank has launched many initiatives, including a renewable energy program of 1 trillion dinar (770 million USD). The results are good: non-oil GDP grew 4.4% to 87.7 trillion dinars in 2023.

The future trajectory of the Iraqi dinar will largely depend on the success of ongoing reforms and the government’s ability to address key challenges. The Central Bank’s commitment to maintaining price stability while promoting sustainable development suggests a measured approach to currency management. 

FAQs

1. What does the deletion of zeros mean for the Iraqi Dinar?

Deletion of zeros means a plan by the Central Bank of Iraq to remove 3 zeros from the Iraqi Dinar currency. This is called redenomination not revaluation. It’s to simplify the transactions and potentially stabilize the economy but it doesn’t mean the increase of the dinar rate to the dollar.

2. Will the deletion of zeros revalue the Iraqi Dinar?

There are many Iraqi Dinar revaluation rumors saying that deleting the zeros will increase its value against the US dollar. However, experts say redenomination is different from revaluation. While it will simplify the currency, the impact of buying Iraqi Dinar or its rate is unclear and depends on Iraq’s stability.

3. Is investing in the Iraqi Dinar after the deletion of zeros?

Investing in the Iraqi Dinar is a speculative decision and carries high risk. Deletion of zeros will make the currency more manageable locally but it doesn’t guarantee the international value will increase. As with any investment, do your research and be cautious not to fall into any Iraqi Dinar scam.

4. How will the deletion of zeros affect those who buy Iraqi dinars?

For those who want to buy Iraqi dinars, the deletion of zeros means changes in the currency denomination and appearance. But it doesn’t mean the currency’s value will change or the rate will improve. Buyers should also be aware of the misleading claims related to Iraqi Dinar revaluation.

5. Are there risks in buying Iraqi dinars due to revaluation?

Yes, there are. Many people have fallen victim to Iraqi Dinar scams that promise unrealistic returns based on rumors of revaluation. Be skeptical of such claims and seek financial advice when buying Iraqi dinars.

Conclusion

Zero deletion represents a significant yet complex step for Iraq’s economic future. Historical precedents demonstrate both opportunities and risks, with success stories like Turkey offering valuable lessons while cautionary tales like Zimbabwe highlight potential pitfalls.

The Iraqi dinar’s stability depends largely on careful implementation and strategic timing. Economic indicators suggest mixed signals – declining inflation rates and improving non-oil GDP growth point toward potential success, though structural challenges persist. Banking sector modernization and public trust remain crucial factors for this initiative’s effectiveness.

Success requires a balanced approach combining technical preparedness, public awareness, and risk management. The Central Bank of Iraq’s commitment to maintaining price stability while promoting sustainable development suggests a measured approach to currency management. Though challenges exist regarding international confidence and oil dependence, strategic reforms and careful implementation could lead Iraq toward greater economic stability.

The path forward demands patience and systematic execution. Recent positive developments, including improved domestic conditions and declining inflation rates, provide hope for successful currency reform. Yet ultimate success relies on continued commitment to structural improvements, banking sector modernization, and maintaining public confidence through transparent implementation.

Source:- Dinarit

[partnersrelief]

Syria's Uncertain Days Ahead

Photo: A young boy stands outside of a school being used as a shelter for newly arrived families in Northeast Syria.

Over the last few weeks, perhaps the most significant development in the long-lasting Syrian civil war unfolded as Bashar al-Assad and his brutal regime were toppled. Over the following days, stories came out of Syria of families reunited, unjustly imprisoned men and women released, and thousands displaced finally able to return to their homes. These stories are cause for joy. And yet, amidst the joy, there are many more stories – these heartbreaking – of renewed violence against minorities, extra-judicial killings, and horrific human rights abuses.

We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragic stories and the individual lives and souls behind each one. 

Northeast Syria, where the Kurds have governed themselves for years, has become a haven for minorities persecuted under the new leaders of Syria. Thousands of displaced families have fled to the region to escape the violence – often fleeing with only the clothes on their backs as they witnessed the deaths of those not lucky enough to escape. In the bitter winter temperatures, they have been searching for whatever shelter is available – schools, construction sites, and government offices.

Photo: a mother and two children seek warmth around a fire outside a shelter site in Northeast Syria.

With few humanitarian organizations present and the fragility of the political situation, the relative peace within Northeast Syria is unlikely to last. 

Turkish-backed militias are capitalizing on the security vacuum created by the recent conflict and amassing forces near Kobane – a Kurdish town on the border of Syria and Turkey. Many expect an imminent attack that will force more innocent people from their homes in the name of a ‘safety zone’ that Turkey wishes to create along its southern border. 

Meanwhile, the new leaders of Syria have stated that no part of Syria will remain independently governed – there will be one united Syria. This directly threatens the Kurdish self-administered region in the northeast and all the minorities that they are protecting. Thousands of families are already in refugee camps in the northeast, having previously fled persecution and still unable to return home. 

Amid this insecurity, we are coming alongside Kurdish families facing these attacks.

Photo: Heaters are distributed by Partners teams at shelter sites in Northeast Syria.

Emergency food packs have provided nourishment for today, bedding sets have given kids a place to lay their heads, and heaters have been distributed to shelters where the temperature has been frigid. 

We pray for a future of peace and stability for Syria, where all people are safe regardless of their differences.

Our calling in the days ahead is clear - to protect the free, full lives of kids until this peace is reached. 

This community makes this possible. 

You make this possible. 

Thank you for having eyes to see and ears to hear and, without fail, responding with love.

Until peace, 

Brad

Partners Middle East team member

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