text:
Iraq & America: A Strategic Partnership
Dr. Jawad Hashim discussed Iraq and America's strategic relationship during a keynote/lecture at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. In his keynote address, Dr. Hashim began with a short historical timeline of Iraq, after which he provided basic information about the structure of Iraq's population, followed by a short description of what did Saddam do to Iraq. Then Hashim looked at the liberated Iraq and its future strategic relationship with the United States of America.
Preamble (March 2011)
Ladies & Gentlemen…
It is an honor to be invited to address this distinguished audience in this formidable facility at which many brave young men and women, who participated in the liberation of Iraq, are treated.
Iraq is entering its eighth year since the United States' liberation of the country. Many things have changed in that time-period: From the chaos that followed the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime; to the quasi-civil war that erupted; to the surge; and to the reduction of American combat operations and phasing into stabilization operation.
On November 26th, 2007, the President of the United States George W. Bush and the Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri Al-Malaki signed the Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America.
One year later, on November 17th, 2008, the two countries translated this declaration into a treaty of partnership between the two countries, titled: Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq (SFA).
The SFA envisions a long-term relationship of cooperation between two fully sovereign and independent states with common interests. It is specifically stated that "this relationship will serve the interest of coming generations based on the heroic sacrifices made by the Iraqi people and the American people for the sake of a free, democratic, pluralistic , federal, and united Iraq." There are a range of issues envisioned in the Agreement for the friendship and cooperation between Iraq and America which I will outline in my address today. However, at the outset, I must emphasize two points:
First, that any assessment of Iraq's political future must start by acknowledging that the war to liberate Iraq from the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein was a just war.
Second, that any discussion of Iraq must begin with an understanding of where Iraq was before April 9th 2003 ̶ the day of its liberation. Iraq of Saddam Hussein was not a peaceful democracy nor a country of social justice and tolerance. Iraq of Saddam Hussein was not a country where governments succeeded each other peacefully through the ballot-box. Iraq of Saddam Hussein, ladies & gentlemen, was a country occupied by the fascist idea of Ba'athism ̶ a country in which the regime was at war with the people ̶ a regime that was at war with its neighbors and the world. Iraq was not tranquil. It was a dystopia governed by a genocidal dictatorship; it was a cemetery below ground and a concentration camp above.
In my address today, I will begin with a short historical timeline of Iraq, after which I will provide basic information about the structure of Iraq's population, followed by a short description of what did Saddam do to Iraq. Then I will look at the liberated Iraq and its future strategic relationship with the United States of America.
Iraq's Historical Timeline
Iraq is conquered by the Ottoman Empire.
British occupation of Iraq.
British government installs Prince Faisal (a non-Iraqi) as King of Iraq.
Iraq is declared an independent kingdom and admitted to the League of Nations.
1958 (July)
The army leads a coup in which the monarchy is overthrown.
The Royal family is killed and Iraq is declared as a Republic.
1963 (February)
The Ba'ath Party, with help from few military elements, stages a coup and gain control of Iraq.
1963 (November)
The Ba'ath Party is overthrown by a military coup.
The Ba'ath Party stages yet another coup and gains control of Iraq.
Saddam Hussein becomes Vice-Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC).
Saddam Hussein becomes President of Iraq.
Within thirty (30) days, Saddam executes some 400 high-ranking members of the Ba'ath Party.
The reign of terror begins.
1980 (September)
Iraq invades Iran.
The war lasts eight (8) years.
1988 (August)
Iraq signs ceasefire agreement with Iran.
At the same time, Saddam's army attacks the Kurdish area of Iraq using chemical weapons.
Saddam's regime invades Kuwait.
U.N. Security Council imposes numerous sanctions resolutions against Iraq.
Allied forces drive Iraq out of Kuwait.
2003 (March)
United States and Britain commence military activities for the liberation of Iraq.
2003 (April 9th)
The liberation of Iraq and the end of Ba'athist Regime.
Political Map of Iraq
Iraq, the land of Hammurabi and Haroun Al-Rashid, has played a long and unique role in the history of human civilization. The oldest civilization known to humankind evolved on the shore of its twin rivers: The Tigris and the Euphrates. The great cities of antiquity —Ur, Akkad-Babylon, Basra, Mosul and Baghdad— were major centers of high culture and political power for much of the course of human history.(1)
In modern times, Iraq is strategically positioned between major regional players with whom it has the following borders:
Length of Border (km)
Iraq's total area is
Land constitutes
Water constitutes 438,317-sq/km
437,367-sq/km
950-sq/km
Population of Iraq
The demographics of contemporary Iraq reflect the mosaic nature of the country. The country's 30 million people comprises a wide diversity of religiouscand ethnic groups. The Arabs make up 75-80%. The Kurds 15-20%. And the Turkomans, Assyrians and others 5%.
Religion further divides the population.
While 95% of Iraqis practice Islam, the majority (60-65%) of Iraqi Arabs belong to the Shia tradition.
While the majority of Iraqi Muslims are Shiite, the Sunni arab minority (until the fall of Saddam's regime in April 2003) were in control of the country through the army, economic wealth and other instruments of power.
The Sunni dominance goes back to the Ottoman period. Thus, from 1920 until April 2003, that is 83 years (or 996 months), Iraq had about 65 Cabinets headed by Sunni prime ministers, except in six times were the prime ministers being Shiite for a total of 33 months out 996 months. At all times 90% of each Cabinet ministers were Sunnis and 10% shiites. Since the liberation of Iraq, the Prime Minister is Shiite, but at least 40% of the cabinet members are Sunni.
Iraq Until the Early 1980's — Prior to Saddam's Absolute Rule
Iraq, until early 1980, was one of the more prosperous and advanced of the Arab countries with a substantial middle-class, considerable technical capacity, high female participation in education and economy, and relatively high-standards overall in education and health-care.(2)
By 1980, Iraq's per capita income was $4,000; Iraqi Dinar (ID)currency exchange-rate versus US$ was US$3.5 to one ID; foreign-exchange reserves US$35 billion; inflation-rate less than 6% per annum; primary school enrollment 100%; secondary school enrollment more than 57%; life expectancy 67 years; and Iraq was free of foreign debt.
Iraq Under Saddam, 1970 — 2003
In July 1979, Saddam Hussein became the President of Iraq. By August 1979, he began a pattern of ruthless manipulation and extermination. This pattern continued until the fall of his regime on April 9, 2003.
For quarter of a century, Saddam adopted a unique and unparalleled model of power which glorified terror. Three decades of strict control had affected Iraqi culture. Iraqis were systematically bombarded with state-crafted defunct culture and fabricated propaganda.
In December 2009 at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), I provided a long list of Saddam's litany of destruction. Today I do not intend to bore you with that long list but recite only few:
Saddam's wars with Iran and invasion of Kuwait resulted in one million Iraqis killed, 800,000 widows, and 5-million orphans.
In 1980, the GDP was US$53.9 billion falling to US$26.9 billion in 1989, and further falling to a mere US$6.9 billion in 1994.
In 1980, per capita income was over US$4,000 falling to US$1,500 in 1989, and to US$350 in 1996. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the per capita income fluctuated between US$448 to US$644 from 1996–2002.(3)
In 1980, Iraq had US$35 billion in foreign-exchange reserves. By 1987, this reserve had fallen to US$2 billion.
In 1970, the official rate of exchange was US$3.5 per one Iraqi Dinar (ID). By December 1995, the rate reached as low as 2660ID to one US Dollar. By the fall of Saddam, the rate was in the region of 3000ID to one US Dollar!
Prior to Saddam's war adventures, Iraq had been free of foreign debt. By the fall of his regime, Iraq's foreign debt was estimated to exceed US$108 billion.
In 1980,primary school enrollment rate of the relevant age-group was 100%. By 1998, the rate had fallen to 88%.
In 1980, secondary school enrollment was 57%, declining year after year to 20% in 1998.
In 1980, mortality rate for children under 5 years of age was 90 per thousand. In the year 2000, the rate was 121.
Until 1980, Iraq had life-expectancy of 67 years but had fallen to 61 years by the year 2000.
The Liberated Iraq — 2003 & Beyond
When the Saddam regime fell on April 9, 2003, the liberators encountered immense difficulties in their attempt to begin rebuilding Iraq's infrastructures, economic and social institutions, and the creation of business environment that would attract capital, technology and skills to modernize the shattered country.
Under the auspices of the United States, immediate shock-therapy programs were implemented. These included:
Promulgation of market friendly legislations to encourage private investments;
Foreign banks were permitted to establish operations and purchase equity shares in existing Iraqi banks;
Income and corporate taxes were capped at 15%;
Tariffs were reduced to a universal 5% with none on food, medicines, books and humanitarian imports; and
Changing the Iraqi currency and taking the necessary measures for the ID appreciations.
Between 2003 and 2011, Iraq, with financial and technical support of the United States made impressive progress in political, economic and social fields. Here are few indicators of progress:
In the year 2000, GDP was US$25.9 billion. In 2006, GDP rose to US$49.5 billion. And in 2009 it reached US$119.00 billion. The IMF and IBRD expect Iraq's GDP to reach US$132.0 billion in 2013 — an increase of 510% compared with GDP in 2000.
Per capita income which was below US$650 in 2002 jumped to US$3,100 in 2008, and, according to IMF and IBRD, will exceed US$4,000 in the year 2013.(4)
The exchange-rate of Iraqi Dinar versus US$, which revolved around 2600–3000 ID per one US$, became 1,467 in 2006 and 1,170 in 2010.
The consumer price inflation rate which exceeded 2000% in the year 2000 is reduced to less than 4% in 2010.
Until April 2003, no mobile phones, internet access or satellite televisions ever existed in Iraq. Now every Iraqi has access to these communication/media channels.
Billions of dollars were spent on repairing schools, medical centers, roads, oil facilities, ports, airports and other infrastructures.
Permanent constitution and freely-elected members of Parliament.
Between 2003 and 2006, U.S. grant assistance for Iraq's reconstruction totaled US$30 billion. This figure (adjusted for inflation) is double what the U.S. spent in Japan from 1946–1952 and equivalent to the amount spent in Germany during the same period 1946–1952.(5)
Iraq of today is a more open society.
Iraqis are no longer afraid to say what they think. Where once there were only whispers, a cacophony of shouted curses now assaults political leaders.
Iraq is also much more open to the world.
Travel is unrestricted.
Imports are plentiful.
Internet connections/users (access to information) have gone up from 4,500 to more than 10 million.
The number of mobile-phone users has risen from 80,000 to more than 25 million.
Politics became the main forum for disputes. Dialogue has replaced violence as the main way groups in the country resolve their issues or problems.
Iraq is NOT a failed state as it once was described in the media. It has gained back its sovereignty and domestic standing, and the struggle for political power through peaceful means is now paramount.
Iraq's Natural Resources
Oil is the most salient feature of the Iraqi economy. Iraq holds the potential to become the world's largest oil producer. According to an outdated (40-years-old) US Geological Survey (USGS), Iraq holds the world's second largest proven reserves estimated to range between 115–129 billion barrels. According to petroleum experts, Iraq's actual proven oil reserves is 350 billion barrels and an additional probable reserves of 220 billion barrels.(6)
Iraq also contains 110 trillion cubic-feet of proven natural gas reserves and about 150 trillion cubic-feet in probable reserves.
However, for Iraq to become a super-giant oil producer and exporter of oil, the industry would require large financial investments in technical services, capital equipments, and infrastructures. This is one of the great challenges facing the new Iraq. But it is a challenge which could easily be met.
Recently, Iraq has signed several contracts with international oil companies to upgrade its oil facilities and to increase its production capacity to more than 12 million b/d by 2020.
What makes Iraq's oil attractive is its low costs of production which is the lowest in the world. Average investment cost (including drilling) is about US$1 per cumulative barrel, and average operating cost is estimated at about US$1.50 per produced barrel.(7) Modernization of the oil sector has began since 2003, and as of March 2009 the United States had allocated more than US$2 billion to further enhance the modernization process.(8)
Iraq & Its Neighbours
The year 2011 is a turning-point and a very important year in the history of Iraq and in the history of its relationship with the western world in general and with the United States in particular. In March 2010, Iraq came out of very important elections, described by the U.N. and all international observers as being unique, fair and transparent.
There is no doubt the future of Iraq will affect the way the Middle East and the Arab world in particular evolve in the next decade and beyond. Iraq of future will be tested by a combination of security, political and economic challenges.
There are, however, many fundamental challenges to overcome. One of these challenges is dealing with Iraq's difficult neighbors, mainly:
The Neighbours
As a country with Shiites and Kurds constituting 80% of its population, Iraq is surrounded with neighbors who are determined to strangle the democratic process and to see the instability of Iraq continue. Each one of these "neighbors" has different agenda and reasons for seeing the instability there continue, and each one of them uses different methods to influence events.(9)
Saudi Arabia (which is an enemy of any democracy) ranks at the top of enemies of Iraq. Since the liberation of Iraq in 2003, Saudi Arabia has been the supplier of the majority of suicide-bombers in Iraq. Its hostility towards post-Saddam democratic Iraq has three intertwined roots:(10) (i) religious, (ii) political, and (iii) economic.
The religious factor is reflected in the hatred of Wahabism —Saudi Arabia's religion— towards the Shia sect of Islam. Saudi government either looked the other way or gave tacit approval to Saudi jihadis who flocked to Iraq. The U.S. considers the Saudi role to be counter-productive. U.S. officials have said that the Saudis are funding the Sunni tribal opposition. The then U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, stated that:
Saudi Arabia and a number of other countries are not doing all they can to help us in Iraq. At times, some of them are not only NOT helping …they are doing things that are undermining the effort to make progress… .
In a cable dated August 2009 (from U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill) to the States Department, it is stated that:
Saudi influence in Iraq was significant, perhaps more significant than Iran's at the moment, given the financial and media assets at its disposal. …Saudi goal (and that of most other Sunni Arab States) is to enhance Sunni influence, dilute Shia dominance and promote the formation of a weak and fractured Iraqi government… .
Because the Saudi ruling family is concerned that an Iraq with government representing the Shia majority, Iraq will constitute a serious source of instability in Saudi Arabia's oil-rich areas where the population is predominantly Shia and linked tribally with Shia of Southern Iraq.
The economic factor, on the other hand, is Saudi Arabia's nightmare. Saudi Arabia, for now, is the largest oil-producing country among OPEC members. Each member of OPEC is subject to quota-system of oil production. The quota is a factor of each member's proven oil reserves. Because of its high level of proven crude oil reserves (about 264 billion barrels), Saudi Arabia at present is the dominant force in OPEC and the international oil market.
Iraq's proven oil reserves of some 115 billion barrels was based on outdated 40- years-old geological surveys. But recent modern geological 3D seismic surveys elevate Iraq's proven oil reserves to 350 billion barrels, thus exceeding the proven Saudi reserves.
Iraq is currently producing 2.4 million barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil. Iraq, however, will increase its crude production sharply. Recently Iraq signed few contracts to develop six giant oil fields and two natural gas fields with several international oil companies (non of them American).(11) The contracts will gradually increase Iraq's crude oil production to 4.5 millions b/d in the short term and to 12–14 million b/d by 2020.
Hence, a resurgent Iraq with enormous potential of proven oil reserves and aspiration to produce more than 12 million b/d of oil within the next few years could dislodge Saudi Arabia from its prominent position in OPEC and reduce its influence in the international market.
Syria, on the other hand, is the wild-card in regional diplomacy. And from April 2003, Syria has been the facilitator of terrorist-acts in Iraq. It considers any democratic transformation a threat to its one-party Ba'athist control.
The Syrian government continue to undercut Iraq's security in order to bog down American forces which it feels might otherwise threaten the Syrian regime. Syria is the "hub" for the relocation of terrorist operatives to Iraq. Syrian Intelligence Service is actively training the jihadis and supervising their infiltration across the border to Iraq.
Simply put, Syria, by embracing certain elements of Iraqi Ba'athist (commonly known as the Syrian Wing) dreams to install a Ba'athist government in Iraq similar to its own brand of Ba'ath ideology.
Syrian's attitude, however, will be affected by its relations with Israel and Iran. If Arab-Israel talks make progress, or if Iran and America achieve rapprochement, then the relation between Damascus and Baghdad will surely improve to the benefit of both sides.
Iran, throughout history, has been involved in Iraq's affairs. With more than 1450 kilometers border with Iraq, border skirmishes has been recurrent events between the two countries. Iran's interests in Iraq reflect its long-standing regional ambitions, as well as its desire to affect its ongoing dispute with the United States over nuclear technology development and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Iran seeks to ensure that Iraq can never again become a threat to Iran either with or without U.S. forces present in Iraq.
Additionally, Iran does not want to see an independent Arab Shia voice it cannot control. Iran has a historical aspiration for dominating influence in the Gulf region in competition with Iraq. It considers the presence of American forces in Iraq as a serious threat to such aspiration. For this alone, Iran would better see a failed U.S. in Iraq and consequently a failed, weak and chaotic Iraq.
Turkey is not an enemy of Iraq but is agitated with the presence of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Iraq's Kurdistan and the Kurds' intention towards the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, fearing precedent which benefits Iraqi Kurds. Turkey remains distinctly opposed to anything "Kurdish" in Iraq including the Kurdistan Region.
Turkey, however, cares especially about Iraqi Turkomen, their ethnic kin. The high priority that Turkey puts on Iraq's territorial integrity stems from its desire to thwart the emergence of an independent Iraqi-Kurdish state that could serve as a model for separatist Turkish-Kurds.
Turkey, however, is exerting pressure on the Iraqi government through the control of water-flow to Iraq to the extent that the shortage of water may cause unspeakable hardship to the Iraqi people. Here, again the American administration must play a pivotal role to solve this serious problem once and for all.
The Bush Administration policy for the Middle-East was summarized by Condoleezza Rice when she said:
America could not simply leave the Middle-East as it was, dominated by authoritarian figures like Saddam Hussein. …America could no longer do business with dictators; the authoritarianism must give way.
Condoleezza Rice went on to say that for sixty-years the United States pursued stability at the expense of democracy in the Middle-East but achieved neither:
Now we are taking a different course. We are supporting the democratic aspiration of all people.
Based upon this doctrine Iraq became America's most important project in a newly imagined and more democratic Middle-East. Despite all the difficulties encountered in post-conflict, Iraq remains a vital element of U.S. foreign policy.
The liberation of Iraq presents a serious challenge towards realizing the United States' historical opportunity to establish an enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with a strategic state in the Middle-East.
American commitment to drawing down combat forces should not mean political disengagement. Iraq is as important to the interests of Iran, Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia and other regional players as it is to those of the United States.
Signed in 2008 by the Bush Administration and the government of Iraq, the US– Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) provides a comprehensive blueprint for a broad long-term partnership in following fields:
Political & Diplomatic
Economic & Energy
Health & Environmental
Law Enforcement & Judicial
Joint Committees to monitor the overall implementation of the Agreement
In fact, SFA provides the roadmap for the future. After a long period of security- driven relationship, diplomats and private citizens in both countries will now play a more important role in advancing cooperation on matters of mutual interest, such as health, education, food security and others.
Opportunities in Iraq are plentiful for U.S. enterprising business looking to enter the Iraqi market in many sectors such as:
Construction & Real-Estate
Consumer goods tied with Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
Agriculture & Agribusiness
However, for the purpose of my address today, I would like to emphasize the importance of cooperation in two fields: Health and Education.
There is no doubt that a primary pillar to achieving strategic aims in Iraq is through the establishment of a functional healthcare system. Healthcare is an elemental component of basic human-needs and should be accessible, affordable and capable.
Healthcare is one of the most critical components to ensuring a reduction of diseases which in turn will have an immense long-term positive impact.
Following combat operations and phasing into stabilization operation, basic healthcare infrastructure and systems have often been either disrupted or degraded altogether. To address this situation, the U.S. government requires a coordinated interagency approach to formulate a strategic healthcare plan for Iraq.
Section-VI of SFA deals with Iraq-U.S. cooperation in the fields of healthcare and environment. In order to improve the health of the citizens of Iraq, as well as to protect and improve the extraordinary natural environment of the historic lands of the two rivers, the United States and Iraq have agreed to cooperate to:
Support and strengthen Iraq's efforts to build its health infrastructure and to strengthen health systems and networks.
Support Iraq's efforts to train health and medical cadres and staff.
Maintain dialogue on health policy issues to support Iraq's long-term development. Topics may include controlling the spread of infectious diseases, preventative and mental health, tertiary care, and increasing the efficiency of Iraq's medicine procurement system.
Encourage Iraqi and international investment in the health field, and facilitate specialized professional exchanges in order to promote the transfer of expertise and to help foster relationships between medical and health institutions by building on existing programs with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including its Center for Disease Control & Prevention.
Encourage Iraqi efforts to strengthen mechanisms for protecting, preserving, improving, and developing the Iraqi environment and encouraging regional and international environmental cooperation.
As I understand, significant improvement has been accomplished due to important initiative by both U.S. and Iraq's Ministry of Defense (MoD). A memorandum of agreement has been signed by three Iraqi ministers (Minister of Defense, Minister of Health, and Minister of Peshmerga), sponsored by the Iraqi Surgeon General and the U.S. Forces- Iraq, to implement an electronic medical records system (World VistA) — essentially the same system used in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical facilities.
I am glad to see that one of these efforts of cooperation in the field of healthcare has already commenced between Iraq's Ministry of Defense and Walter Reed Army Institute or Research (WRAIR). From January 4th to February 14th, 2011, six Iraqi healthcare providers attended a rigorous training program at WRAIR and WRAMC. This is the beginning of a long lasting cooperation in this important field: healthcare.
However, because of the Iraqi healthcare system has suffered major deterioration in the past, the road ahead calls upon both parties (Iraq and United States) to forge a long- term partnership in the healthcare sector and draw a ten-year plan to modernize and enhance Iraq's healthcare infrastructure, both in the military and in civilian sectors.
To address this requirement, it is important for both governments to start a coordinated interagency approach to formulate a short, medium and long-term strategic healthcare plan, incorporating all relevant players into a sound, organized and unified efforts for achieving the goals of good healthcare system in Iraq as envisioned in Section-VI of SFA.
Education is one of the areas in which the United States and Iraq can have a sustainable partnership. Section-IV of SFA deals with cultural cooperation between Iraq and the United States. According to SFA, both countries Iraq and U.S. do share the conviction that connection between their citizens, forged through cultural exchanges and educational links, will build strong, long-lasting bonds of friendship and mutual respect. Thus, I would urge the authorities in both countries to come up with a ten-year plan, detailing the implementation phases of the principles envisioned in Section-IV of SFA:
To promote cultural and social exchanges.
To promote and facilitate cooperation and coordination in the field of higher education and scientific research.
To encourage investment in education, including the establishment of universities and affiliations between Iraqi and American social and academic institutions.
To strengthen the development of Iraq's future leaders, through exchanges, training programs and fellowships –– such as the Fulbright programs and the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP)–– in fields including science, engineering, medicine, information technology, telecommunications, public administration, and strategic planning.
As I understand, the government of Iraq launched an ambitious program aimed at sending up to 10,000 students abroad per year through scholarships, particularly to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Hence, it is important to facilitate the application process for U.S. visas to speed-up and enhance the participation of qualified Iraqi individuals in this ambitious Iraqi scholarship program.
The importance of a strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq is in the national interests of both countries. This importance was recently emphasized by Ambassador James Jeffrey (U.S. ambassador in Iraq) in his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on February 1st, 2011:
A stable Iraq will play a critical role in achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Middle-East for the foreseeable future.
Iraq strategic importance is based on a number of factors. Iraq plays a central role in the Arab and Muslim world and hosts Islam's Shia holiest sites.
Iraq has a diverse, multi-sectarian and multi-ethnic population.
Iraq is endowed with a significant portion of the world's oil reserves, thus enabling Iraq to play an increasingly influential role in the global economy.
Since the United States has important national interests in the greater Middle-East, an enduring Iraq-U.S. partnership will be critical in enabling Iraq to be the force for stability and moderation in the troubled region of the Middle-East.
(1) See: Historical Dictionary of Iraq; by Edmund A. Ghareeb.
(2) See: Iraq's Economy: Past, Present, Future; June 3, 2003; Report For Congress; code RL 31944.
(3) EIU; Country Profile: Iraq, 2002/2003; July 2002. However, we must note that with wealth being concentrated in the hands of Saddam's cronies, most Iraqis probably subsisted on a much smaller figure than the average would suggest.
(4) The projected figures for 2013 are based on conservative assumptions for oil market price at US$50 per barrel.
(5) See: Center For American Progress: Progress in Iraq; July 25, 2006.
(6) The additional 220 billion barrels is based on a study by the Center For Global Energy Studies (CGES); MEES, VOL. XLVI, NO.12; March 24, 2003.
(7) Investment cost (capital) is total cost needed for drilling, production installation, transportation and loading oil in tankers. Operating cost is the running cost of an operation to make the oil available for shipment (e.g., maintenance, consumables, general and administrative).
(8) According to independent international studies, the cluster of super-giant oil fields of southern Iraq forms the largest known concentration of such fields in the world and accounts for 70-80% of Iraq's proven oil reserves. See: Energy Information Administration (EIA); Department of Energy; USA Gov; http://www.eia.doe.gov
(9) See: For more details and analysis, see: Accepting Realities in Iraq; The Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chtham House); Briefing Paper; May 2007. Also see: The Future of Iraq: Democracy, Civil War, or Chaos?; by Michael Rubin; Middle East Review of International Affairs; September 2005.
(10) See: Dr. Nimrod Raphaeli; "Saudi Concerns About Iraq Oil (Revisited);" MEMRI; Inquiry & Analysis Series Report No. 537; December 14, 2009; http://www.memri.org/report/en/print3836.htm
(11) The companies are: British Petroleum (BP); China National Petroleum Company (CNPC); Eni- Sinopec-OXY-Kogas; Lukoil (Russia); Statoil (Norway); Royal Dutch Shell; Petromas (Malaysia); a consortium of CNPC (CHina) + Total (France) and Petromas.
BBC News Online. Country Profile: Iraq. July 28, 2009.
[URL http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/country_profiles/791014.stm]
Bundt, Thomas S., Lieutenant Colonel. Synchronizing U.S. Government Efforts toward Collaborative Health Care Policymaking in Iraq. (SSI) Strategic Studies Institute, United States Army War College. March 26, 2010.
Center For American Progress. Progress In Iraq. July 25, 2006.
Center For Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). A Wise Peace: An Action Strategy For Post-Conflict Iraq. Supplemental One; Background Information On Iraq Financial Obligation. January 23, 2003.
Cordesman, Anthony and Hashim, A. S.. Iraq: Sanctions & Beyond. (Boulder, CO; Westview Press, 1997).
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Country Profile: Iraq, 2003/2004. July 2002.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). September 2010.
Energy Information Administration (EIA). Department Of Energy; USA Government.
[URL http://www.eia.doe.gov/]
Hashim, Jawad. Reconstruction of Iraq — Post Saddam Hussein. Paper presented to The Spring Conference of the Atlantic Council of Canada; and The Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI). May 2003.
IBRD; International Development Association (IDA); International Financial Corporation (IFC). Interim Strategy Note For The Republic of Iraq For the Period Mix FY09-FY11. February 19, 2009. Report No. 47304-1Q.
International Bank For Reconstruction & Development (IBRD). Iraq: Country Brief. June 2009.
International Monetary Fund (IMF). Program Note on Iraq. July 22, 2009.
Iraq's Economy: Past, Present, Future. Report For Congress. June 3, 2003. Code RL31944.
Laipson, Ellen and Steinbruner, Maureen S.. Future of US-Iraq Relation, The. The Henry Stimson Center. May 14, 2010.
Laipson, Ellen and Steinbruner, Maureen S.. Iraq and America: Choices & Consequences. The Henry Stimson Center. July 2006.
Library of Congress — Federal Division; Country Profile — Iraq. August 2006.
Mockaitis, Thomas R.. The Iraq War: Learning from the Past, Adapting to the Present, and Planning for the Future. (SSI) Strategic Studies Institute, United States Army War College. February 2007.
MEES. Vol. XLVI, No. 12. March 24, 2003.
Probe Links Syria, Terror Network. The Los Angeles Times. April 16, 2004.
Rotella, Sebastian. A Road To Anbar Began in Italy. The Los Angeles Times. April 28, 2003.
Rubin, Michael. The Future of Iraq: Democracy, Civil War or Chaos. Middle-East Review of International Affairs. September 2005.
The Economist. The World in 2011.
The Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House). Accepting Realities In Iraq. Briefing Paper; May 2007.
United Nations / World Bank. Joint Iraq Needs Assessment. October 2003.
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Almost every customer uses more than one communication channel, and you need to be present in all of them. Get active on social media, provide customers click-to-call and text message options, offer to call them back yourself and enable live chat.
Just as importantly, give anyone who interacts with customers as much access to cross-organization information about customer history as you can. This way, you'll provide a personalized service that saves customers time and shows you care enough to pay attention.
Texting, chatting and talking on the phone aren't always the best options. Almost half of our brains' activity is focused on visual processing, and we understand symbols much faster than we do short textual paragraphs. That's probably why people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they read and 80% of what they see and do.
It's not surprising, then, that visual IVRs often lead to shorter handling times and less calls to contact centers than regular IVRs. Even in calls, letting customers and agents send rich media, like videos, to one another can resolve many misunderstandings before they escalate. Better yet, offer video chats to make customers feel like they're creating emotional connections with real people instead of a faceless company.
What matters most to customers is the quality of service they receive. Consider unifying agent desktop application and automating workflows to simplify processes. Otherwise, agents will continue spending 14% of their time trying to find data from multiple applications, according to an Aberdeen Group research, instead of focusing on customers' needs.
Agents that do that cost contact centers with 200 agents $840,000 extra a year, reports Aberdeen. Use that money for better training: Make sure anyone who interacts with customers has a deep understanding of your products' features and benefits, plus the people skills needed to give customers an engaging experience.
Treat your team members like you'd like them to treat customers, and you'll see them working hard to create company-customer success stories.


Our best selling fabric, this 3/8" Light Filtering Double Cell Honeycomb Shade fabric will dress up any window. This fabric is available in our broadest of color palette; is made of 100% woven polyester. Fabric is white on the back for a uniform look from the outside. The 3/8" light filtering double honyecomb shade fabric provide excellant insulation with an R Value of 4.6. Also known as Cellular Shades, Honeycomb Shades offer great evergy efficiency due to the R Value of the Honeycomb/Cellular fabric.
Standard shade control: Traditional cord operated Honeycomb shade that raises from the bottom up and stacks at the top.
Continuos Cord System: Cord design ensures the shade will open and close smoothly and evenly. The cord is shorter then the traditional dangling cord, making for a neater appearance. A special clutch system keeps the shade at the exact height desired. Ideal option for larger shades, eliminating long, cumbersome dangling cords. **Some larger shades require the Continuous Cord system or a Two on One Headrail-this is dependant upon style of fabric and size of shade.
Deluxe Cordless System: Stylish cordless system eliminates the traditional exposed cord and allows easy adjustment by lifting or lowering the shade by hand. Eliminates danger of dangling cords to children and pets. Also available in Top-Down/Bottom-Up Cordless.
Top-Down/Bottom-Up System: This shade can be opened from both the top and the bottom. Right and left hand controls move the middle and bottom rails to raise and lower the shade. This style is ideal for letting natural light in through the top and preserving privacy below. It allows light to flood a room by opening completely from the bottom up.
Cordless Top-Down/Bottom-Up System: Convenience of the Cordless feature with the added privacy of a Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature.
Two on One Headrail: For a very large single window or two large windows side-by-side, this specialty shade provides the appearance of a single shade, with two sections operating independently. Also available with Continuous Cord System. **Some larger shades require the Continuous Cord system or a Two on One Headrail-this is dependant upon style of fabric and size of shade.
Continuous Cord System: Cord design ensures the shade will open and close smoothly and evenly. The cord is shorter then the traditional dangling cord, making for a neater appearance. A special clutch system keeps the shade at the exact height desired. Ideal option for larger shades, eliminating long, cumbersome dangling cords. **Some larger shades require the Continuous Cord system or a Two on One Headrail-this is dependant upon style of fabric and size of shade.
Inside Mount Deductions for all control types.
Fabric will measure ordered width less 3/8"
Headrial will measure ordered width less 3/16"
Outside Mount Deductions for all controls types.
No deduction taken on outside mount.
Minimum Width 12" Minimum Height 8"
Maximum Width 84" Maximum Length 84"
Rail Measurement: Depth: 1 7/8" Height 1/2"
Minimum inside shallow mounting surface: 1/2"
Minimum inside Flush mounting surface: 2 1/2"
Honeycomb Shades (Standard Control) - Measuring and installation.
Minimum Width 22" Minimum Length 8"
*Maximum Width and Length is dependant upon fabric choice.
Depth 1 11/16" Height 1 5/16"
Minimum Shallow Mounting Surface: 3/4"
Minimum Flush Mounting Surface: 1 3/4"
Honeycomb Shades (Continuous Cord) - Measuring and installation.
Minimum Width 18" Minimum Height 8"
Maximum Width 72" Maximum Height 84"
Minimum Flush Mounting Surface: 2"
Honeycomb Shades (Cordless and Cordless Top-Down/Bottom-Up) - Measuring and installation.
Minimum Width 12" Minimum Height 12"
Maximum Width 72" Maximum Length 84"
Rail Measurements and Mounting requirements are same as Standard shade.
Honeycomb Shades (Top-Down/Bottom-Up) - Measuring and installation.
If you like Honeycomb Shades you may want to look at Roman shades. Soft Fabric look with the same functionality as a Honeycomb shade.
Another option for a higher end look is Sheer Shadings. Soft, voluptious Sheer Horizontal fabric vanes betweens two layers of sheers. This shade lifts up and down like a Honeycomb Shade with the added ability to tilt the vanes open and closed.


Just a girl with a hammer: Flooring!
In other big project news, after eight years(!) in the house, we finally got our wood floors refinished. It took this long because I couldn't afford it for years, then once we could I knew we'd have to move out of the house to have it done. We also had a huge question mark about the sloping subfloor under the carpet.
We had no idea if fixing a creaky franken-floor would cost $500 or $5000. Just to recap, at one point our dining room was two rooms: a formal dining room (the side with the big window) and a kitchen nook that was 2/3 as deep as it currently is. The kitchen nook was bumped out to meet the front of the house and the wall between knocked down.
They either ran out of money to finish out the oak flooring or got lazy? They put down plywood and slapped some carpet on top. The floor sloped and squeaked. When I moved in there was evidence of a previous roof leak (this wall is drywall when every other wall in the house is lathe and plaster and there was clearly damage to the ceiling), and the mouldings were all hiding in the garage.
Anyhoo, we finally bit the bullet and hired Union Floor Co. In preparation I started cutting the carpet away from the wall so it could be easily rolled up the morning that work started. In the course of doing this I discovered past water damage and dried, inactivated mold. Yay! We are assuming this was from the previous leaking roof because why would you replace the plywood when you've had a leak and you could just put carpet on top?
There were a couple of reasons that the floor squeaked. For starters, when they were nailing in the plywood THEY MISSED THE JOIST. So the plywood was sitting atop the joists in places. There was a particularly bad squeak that Greg would stand on and rock back and forth, just to drive me crazy, and I would think, "Oh that's why people get divorced after a year."
It turns out that that squeak was caused by a nail that had been shot into our metal air duct. Every time we stepped in that spot the nail would scratch across the duct. Company that built this floor, I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO REVIEW YOU ON ANGIE'S LIST.
We had deep gouges in the bedroom where someone dragged something heavy across the floor.
The dining room was leveled and patched with white oak flooring, as Siberian oak is no longer available.
We moved everything into the basement and a POD outside and I decided that we are never ever moving because we have too much stuff.
We moved out of the house for a week and into an Airbnb a block away. I was able to check in and be incredibly picky about how the floors were looking. The main worker kept saying things like, "The scratches aren't coming out in the bedroom but you lived with them before, so . . . " and then I'd feel like I was having a stroke.
I had told the owner that we didn't care how much it cost, we wanted all the scratches and stains removed, either by flipping the boards or installing new boards. It was in our contract. We didn't move out of our house to "live with" floors that weren't fixed because it was more effort. I called the owner and asked him to clarify with his employee that we wanted them as perfect as humanly possible.
We opted to seal the floors without a stain and they've assured me that the new white oak will patina to match the original Siberian oak. I'm skeptical, but my fingers are crossed. We did a satin finish, which is the least shiny option.
Other than that, the floors look SO GOOD.
We're very happy with the results. We're also totally exhausted from cleaning the house and moving back in. There was a fine layer of dust on every surface, requiring a wipedown of all the walls, counters, windows, etc.
I'm going to be camped out here for the next couple of weeks, until my feet stop hurting.


SERIOUS Investing: YTL Corp offering YTLP - WB shares to its shareholders - any catch?
YTL Corp offering YTLP - WB shares to its shareholders - any catch?
I received a question on the potential rationale for YTL to offer YTLP - WB shares to its shareholders at a ratio of 1 warrant share for every 15 shares held. The offered price is RM0.20 per warrant which is a substantial discount from its current traded price of RM0.415.
Subscribe as it is a discount to the traded price anyway. You have 2 options after the subscription - sell it or exercise it. The warrant is in the money. Or about there, depends on timing.
As in my earlier opinion, YTL selling the warrants are due to they are not interested to exercise the shares as doing so would increase the debt of the parent anyway. As it is, the Group is already heavily geared with around RM24 billion in debt. It does not mean that the company is in trouble but they are more interested to reduce their debt at this moment of time rather than increase the gearing.
The cheaper offering may not mean that YTLP-WB current share price will be largely affected as YTL Power's current price is decently attractive. My take is that since they are to announce the warrant offer (shareholders will not know this until they announced), the slow drop in YTL Power's shares are probably due to this as it is the intention of YTL Corp to dispose off the warrants. They want to have a low and attractive price to allow shareholders to take up. If the price is not low, nobody would care to take up anyway.
Disposing off the market would look bad on the group, much more difficult and almost impossible. Hence, it looks good by doing a one off exercise such as this. At least on paper.
By offering the warrants, they are obviously asking you to exercise the shares as they need more cash. YTL Corp is not going to do the exercise.
This exercise as below, will allow YTL Corp to realise immediate gain of RM55.6 - RM60.2 million as announced below. YTL Corp's original costs was RM0.1185 per share. Why Not for them?
The Proposed ROS is undertaken by YTL Corp with the intention of rewarding its shareholders by offering YTL Power Warrants to the Entitled Shareholders at a discount to its prevailing market price. Further, the repayment of borrowings from the proceeds of the Proposed ROS is expected to give rise to interest savings to the YTL Corp Group.
1 The total cash proceeds to be raised under the Proposed ROS cannot be determined at this juncture as it will be based on the actual number of Offer Warrants subscribed for by the Entitled Shareholders and/or their renouncees.
2 Based on the Offer Price and assuming full subscription of the Offer Warrants by the Entitled Shareholders and/or their renouncees, YTL Corp expects to raise cash proceeds from the Proposed ROS of approximately RM136.5 million and RM147.7 million under the Minimum Scenario and Maximum Scenario, respectively.
3 The proceeds from the Proposed ROS, after deducting expenses in relation to the Proposed ROS (the quantum of which have yet to be determined at this juncture), will be used to repay bank borrowings of the YTL Corp Group and is expected to be fully utilised within 12 months from the completion of the Proposed ROS.
The Proposed ROS will not have any effect on the issued and paid-up share capital of YTL Corp and the shareholdings of its substantial shareholders in YTL Corp.
The Company's average cost of investment for each YTL Power Warrant is RM0.1185. Based on the Offer Price and assuming full subscription of the Offer Warrants by the Entitled Shareholders and/or their renouncees, YTL Corp expects to realise a gross gain from the Proposed ROS of RM55.6 million and RM60.2 million under the Minimum Scenario and Maximum Scenario, respectively. The gross gain will increase the EPS of YTL Corp by approximately 0.54 sen under both the Minimum Scenario and Maximum Scenario. Upon the exercise of the YTL Power Warrants by Entitled Shareholders and their renouncees who have subscribed for the Offer Warrants, the earnings contribution from YTL Power to YTL Corp will be diluted. Nevertheless, this dilution will not have any impact on the earnings of the YTL Corp Group for the financial year ending 30 June 2012 as the Proposed ROS is expected to be completed after 30 June 2012. Upon completion of the Proposed ROS, the dilution is not expected to have a material effect on the earnings of the YTL Corp Group.
Is FGVH's first day premium a precursor for IHH?
MAA: Are they not once bitten twice shy?
IHH IPO: Where's the beef?
Who are to be blamed if MAS needs help?
Should EPF reinvests into KFC?
Deciphering FELDA's IPO - really that attractive?


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Planning Law & Statutory Planning
9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Contact Hours: 1x2 hour lecture per week, 1x1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 140 hours
For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
Dr Alan March
Environments and Design Student Centre
T: +61 3 8344 6417/9862
Email: msd-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au
This subject covers the legal framework within which urban planning takes place, and the ways in which local provisions (e.g. 'Planning Schemes' in Victoria) can be used to implement plans by regulating development. It focuses on the legal frameworks and measures used in Australia, with particular emphasis on Victoria, but critically compares these with alternative approaches used in other jurisdictions. The intention is to teach students not just how to 'operate' the current legal and statutory systems, but also how to change them to produce better outcomes. We begin by considering the role of regulation and laws in the process of urban planning, and the objectives that statutory planning seeks to achieve. We consider the possible tensions and conflicts between these objectives, and the different basic approaches that might be adopted in dealing with these tensions. The course then introduces the framework of planning law and governance in Victoria, comparing it with practice elsewhere in Australia and in selected overseas jurisdictions. The Victorian statutory planning process is covered in detail, addressing the making and amending of planning schemes, scheme administration and appeals. Finally, we consider the relationship between these state systems and other regulatory systems, such as Commonwealth environmental legislation, before turning to the question of possible reform of the Victorian and Australian systems.
This subject aims to equip students with:
understandings of the main processes and actors in Australian planning, with international comparisons;
understandings of the primary legislative basis and related processes of Australian and Victorian planning and environmental systems;
the ability to understand and work with Victorian legal and statutory planning and environment systems;
an understanding of the limitations of current approaches and of possible alternatives.
Two assignments of 2000 words (30% each) one due in week 5 one in week 11.
A two hour open book examination at end of semester (40%).
Critical evaluation of policies and practices.
The ability to efficiently locate available information.
Understanding professional roles and responsibilities.
Master of Property
Master of Urban Design
Master of Urban Planning
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Image Title: Milo Lounge Chair 951 103 By Baughman From Thayer Coggin Pertaining To Chairs Plan 19. Filename: milo-lounge-chair-951-103-by-baughman-from-thayer-coggin-pertaining-to-chairs-plan-19.gif. Image Dimension: 820 x 500 pixels. Images Format: jpg/jpeg. Publisher/Author: Reginald Schneider. Uploaded Date: Friday - January 11th. 2019 06:57:26 AM. Category: Architecture. Image Source: homedecor.com.
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> Freeware > Top 5 Free Audio Recorder for Mac
Top 5 Free Audio Recorder for Mac
Record audio on Mac is easy if you get the right software. If you are a fan of music, you may want to record audio from your favorite radio station, or you may want to record your voice to make your own podcast , or you found a good interview and you want to enjoy it on your portable player. And here is a list of the top 5 audio recorder for Mac, they are free and easy to use. I'm sure you will find your favorite audio recorder.
It's easy to record audio with QuickTime. Just take a trip to Spotlight, or navigate in Finder to the Applications folder. To record, go to the File menu and select "New Audio Recording:". This will open a new window. Using the disclosure triangle on the right side of the window, select the proper audio input and the desired quality. QuickTime features advanced video compression technology called H.264 to deliver brilliant, crisp HD video using less bandwidth and storage. Just launch QuickTime Player, and there's no telling where you're likely to land. The Player may whisk you to the Moon or perhaps to an exotic location on this planet. Take you on a virtual field trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Or treat you to the latest news, movie trailers, music videos, HBO series or PBS specials. That's because QuickTime 7 Player takes advantage of the latest video compression technology. It's called H.264, and it's an important new industry standard that's quickly garnered widespread support. Chosen as the industry-standard codec for 3GPP (mobile multimedia), MPEG-4 HD-DVD and Blu-ray, H.264 represents the next generation of video for everything from mobile multimedia to high-definition playback. H.264 icon.
Download Free Audio Recorder for Mac - Quicktime
Audacity is a free audio recorder/editor/mixer. You can record sounds, play sounds, import and export WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files, and more. Use it to edit your sounds using Cut, Copy and Paste (with unlimited Undo), mix tracks together, or apply effects to your recordings. It also has a built-in amplitude envelope editor, a customizable spectrogram mode and a frequency analysis window for audio analysis applications. Built-in effects include Bass Boost, Wahwah, and Noise Removal, and it also supports VST plug-in effects.
Download Free Audio Recorder for Mac - Audacity
iScream is a freeware voice recording application for Mac OS X. It is designed to record audio from microphone, line-in or another input audio device. The main idea of this application is to sit in the dock and wait for a click. Just click on dock icon to start recording. To stop click on dock icon again. So it's good for a voice records, voice notes and other sound recording things.
One click to record;
Saves it in MP3, AAC or WAV format;
Hotkeys support
Download Free Audio Recorder for Mac - iScream
WavePad is a fully featured professional audio and music editor that allows you to record and edit music, voice and other audio recordings. You can add a variety of effects such as echo, amplification and noise reduction. and it can edit a wide range of formats including WAV. MP3, VOX, GSM, WMA, Real Audio, AIF, FLAC and OGG. The great thing is, it's absolutely free although it does offer you the chance to upgrade to WavePad Master's Edition which has additional effects and features.
Download Free Audio Recorder for Mac - Wavepad
Mac Audio Recorder
Audio Recorder is a professional audio tool to help you record streaming audio and download online streaming music. It uses a virtual sound card to record any sound played through your sound card. Fully supports almost all online streaming music sites and radio stations like MySpace, Napster, Rhapsody, Pandora, iTunes Radio, XM radio, AOL radio, etc. As a simple audio editor, you can use it to split audio files; edit ID3 tags like title, artist, and genre.
Download Free Audio Recorder for Mac
Top 5 Free Audio Converter for Mac
Top 5 Free Audio Editor for Mac


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Latest Chelsea transfer rumours - Abraham to be sold, mega Hazard swap deal & Blues open talks
The latest transfer news and gossip surrounding Chelsea
Rob GuestTottenham Hotspur correspondent
Transfer season is already upon us and the Chelsea rumour mill is heating up as we approach the opening of the January window.
In 11 days clubs across Europe will be able to officially sign the players they hope will make a difference during the second half of the season and the Blues are no different.
On Wednesday night they booked a place in next month's Carabao Cup semi-final - where they'll face rivals Tottenham Hotspur over two legs - and have also got a Europa League meeting against Malmo to look forward too in the new year.
Furthermore, they currently sit fourth in the Premier League table as Maurizio Sarri looks to guide them back into the Champions League in his debut season in English football.
The Italian tactician replaced compatriot Antonio Conte on mid-July and was able to bring in four new faces in the summer - Jorginho, Rob Green, Kepa and Mateo Kovavic.
Transfer news live: Ozil considers future, Chelsea to deny defender 'dream' Barcelona move
Several names have since been linked with a January switch to Stamford Bridge, so expect Sarri, Roman Abramovich and Marina Granovskaia to be extremely busy.
But what business will be done in January?
Well, we've taken a look at the latest transfer gossip surrounding the Blues in the past 24 hours.
Moses latest
Crystal Palace are confident they will win the race to sign Victor Moses from Chelsea next month, according to the Evening Standard .
Having played a major role in the team during Conte's two seasons with the club, the 28-year-old has barely featured for the Blues this campaign under Sarri.
Victor Moses up against Alberto Moreno at Anfield (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Making only two appearances in the Premier League - both coming off the substitutes' bench - Moses last featured in the 3-1 win over BATE Borisov in the Europa League in October.
Looking set to end his stay at Stamford Bridge once the transfer window reopens, it appears that he could well be heading back to Selhurst Park.
Wolves and West Ham are also believed to be keen on a deal for Moses.
Blues to sell Abraham
The Evening Standard also claim that Chelsea are considering selling Tammy Abraham next month.
Currently on loan with Championship side Aston Villa, the 21-year-old has hit the headlines this season after hitting 12 goals in 17 appearances for Dean Smith's side since joining in August.
Why Chelsea could have the advantage over Arsenal in race to land £45m-rated Roma winger
While many have tipped Abraham to have a big future in west London, the report claims the player would raise a significant sum for the club to put towards a new striker in the transfer window.
Newcastle are believed to be interested in a deal for Abraham, while Crystal Palace are also in the mix to sign the frontman.
Real Madrid plot Hazard swap deal
Eden Hazard will no doubt be in the headlines over the next few weeks with Real Madrid keen on signing the Chelsea ace.
Linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu for well over a year now, the Blues are hoping to convince the player to commit his long-term future to the club by penning a new deal.
Out of contract at the end of next season as things stand, Chelsea will have a decision to make in the summer if the situation remains the same as the player's price will drop as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Eden Hazard celebrates his goal over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-final (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
According to Spanish outlet El Gol Digital , Real president Florentino Perez is to propose a swap deal in his bid to lure Hazard to the Spanish capital.
It is believed that they will offer Isco and an eye-watering £136million for the Belgian ace.
The Spaniard has been linked with the Blues over the past few days and Sarri is believed to be a big admirer of the player.
Hummel talks
The Blues have reportedly held talks with the agent of Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels over a potential deal in the January transfer window.
Once regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in Europe, the German international has dropped down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena of late with Jerome Boateng and Niklas Sule seen as the first-choice pairing.
How Chelsea are reaping the rewards of Crystal Palace's hard work with Ruben Loftus-Cheek
This had led to speculation that the 30-year-old - who has two years remaining on his contract at the club - is unhappy with his situation and wants to leave next month.
According to German publication Bild - as reported by the Metro - Hummels' agent Marc Kosicke, travelled to London and held talks with both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Although it should be noted that Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as well as sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic believe the defender won't be going anywhere in January.
Claude Puel names Leicester City's three main injury concerns ahead of Chelsea clash
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
Rob Green
Roman Abramovich
Julian Nagelsmann's prediction comes true as Frank Lampard tries to solve Chelsea's £48m problem
Frank LampardJulian Nagelsmann warned Chelsea of the difficulties Timo Werner would face in the Premier League
UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA confirm stance on Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham joining a European Super LeagueUEFA and the world's governing bodies have issued a strong statement against the formation of a Super League
Arsenal transfer news live: Odegaard plan, Aouar surprise, Edouard available on the cheap
Arsenal transfer newsAll the very latest Arsenal transfer news, including the latest on Martin Odegaard, Shkodran Mustafi and Mesut Ozil
Spurs transfer newsTottenham stance on Nikola Milenkovic transfer as Liverpool eye another Spurs targetTottenham are yet to dip into the transfer market in January but could make moves in the final days of the window
The key Manchester United tactic as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa challenges classy Paul Pogba
Aleksandar MitrovicFulham talking points from the defeat to Manchester United
Real Madrid take firm stance on Martin Odegaard transfer as Mikel Arteta responds to links
ArsenalMartin Odegaard has been linked with a loan move to Arsenal in recent days but there is one type of deal for the midfielder Real Madrid simply will not consider this month.
UEFA confirm stance on Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham joining a European Super League
UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA and the world's governing bodies have issued a strong statement against the formation of a Super League
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Sokratis, Ozil's move, Balogun's future, transfer aims and leaks
Mikel ArtetaThe Arsenal boss has been speaking to the press ahead of his side's FA Cup fourth round clash with Southampton on Saturday


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Ловец — деревня в Невельском районе Псковской области России. Входит в состав Плисской волости.

География
Расположена в 3 км к востоку от озера Ловец, в 21 км к западу от райцентра, города Невель.

Население

Численность населения деревни по оценке на начало 2001 года составляла 117 человек.

История
С января 1995 до декабря 2005 года деревня входила в состав ныне упразднённой Ловецкой волости в качестве её административного центра.

Примечания

Населённые пункты Невельского района (Псковская область)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


BONUS #1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBe4lADkE-c - Whispering Hope - Larry Ford - WOWZERS - what an moving introduction!
I saw 2 doctors yesterday and I'm not thrilled with either one!
Dr. Watson said 2 REALLY NASTY words to me. KNEE REPLACEMENT!!! I'm going to try the Rooster Combs (artificial cartilage) again as they helped for almost 5 months. That will put surgery into next Spring.
On a happy note, (my son) Wayne took me to Grafton Thursday to see the trees but they weren't turned yet. BUT I got to go to the Fin Inn for catfish Fritters. I watched the fish watch me eating fish. LOL We had a very nice afternoon. and Fri. night my grandson and his girlfriend brought their new Boxer puppy Jewels to see me, and took me out to Chinatown for dinner.
I had a small pity party Thursday night but I'm over it now and am up and rearing to go again. Plus I got another 3 miles in the river this week. Do the Happy Dance for me!!!!
Judy, Judy, Judy! Well, I'm glad you were able to go to the Fin Inn, anyway! It's one of the coolest restaurants ever - and the food's good, too!
"Three miles in the river"?!? I think I must have missed an earlier news flash..... Take care, Lady!
Happy Birthday today to the late Mr. Julius Conn - 1904 - (deceased - Sept 1983) AND Marlin Eby ('57) AND Albert Dorner ('66) of VA AND Belinda Fortner Langston ('70) of VA!
Happy Birthday tomorrow to the late Herb Hice - 1924 (deceased 18 Apr 2008) AND the late Sharron Wanderer Dawes ('61) - (deceased 22 Sept 2007) AND Annette Funicello of CA AND Craig Miller ('63) of FL AND Al Farber ('64) of GA!
October 21, 1944 - The German city of Aachen was captured by U.S. troops. Hey - my daddy was there!
Thursday, October 21, 1965 - Comet Ikeya-Seki approached perihelion, passing 450,000 kilometers from the sun.
Thursday, October 21, 1965 - Musician Hisashi Imai (今井 寿) (BUCK-TICK, Lucy) was born in Gunma Prefecture.
Thursday, October 21, 1965 - Footballer Ion Andoni Goikoetxea was born in Pamplona, Navarre, Spain.
Thursday, October 21, 1965 - Musician Bill Black (b. 17 Sept 1926 in Memphis, Tennessee) died in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 39 as a result of a brain tumor. One of the pioneers of rockabilly music, he was the bassist in Elvis Presley's trio and the leader of Bill Black's Combo.
A.: Not being a member of the Reunion Committee, I am not really privy to that information.
However, I did happen to personally observe a sizable (and I believe, confidential) contribution being made to Dave Arnold ('65) of VA on Saturday for that very purpose.
As for the top hat and tails, I think you and I would probably enjoy that more than anyone else. I have an elegant burgundy velour evening gown which I've never worn. With some exalted effort on my part, it might just fit by then. I have noticed that society as a whole seems more and more to want everything made far more casual than I would prefer. Of course, I think we should all still "dress for dinner" - a plan I have never been able to sell to my family. Back in 1979 we decided to have a Holiday Dinner Party for our extended family at our home. I specified that it was to be a dressy event. I loved having everyone in satin and velvets, but for some reason, that was not a big thrill in their lives. Go figure.
The Reunion Committee for the Class of 1966 is in the process of taking a vote to decide whether to have a 45-Year reunion next year or to wait and have a really big blowout for the 50-Year in 2016. Unfortunately, when I sent out an e-mail about this vote a couple of weeks ago, I discovered that quite a few of the e-mail addresses were no longer valid. Therefore, I am reaching out to those in our class that read your newsletter to please contact me, if you haven't already, as to your vote. We have heard from about 50 people but need to hear from more before committing our funds to planning this event.
Fellow classmates, please contact me either via an e-mail at dhbartram@cox.net, or call me at 757-868-8443. This will also give me a chance to verify the home addresses I currently have on the roster so I won't have invitations returned, if we do have the reunion next year.
We'll give it our best shot, Dee! I'd definitely vote for BOTH reunions, but then, I'm not really a member of your class, am I?!?
Recently delved into an obscure bit of Virginia Peninsula history; thought you'd like to see the result (attached).
Thank you so very much, Bill! It was wonderfully fascinating as always, but I must admit that this time the ending left me distraught!
I know you are partying in Newport News so have a ball. I have attached some fall pictures to compare with Virginia.
Now, Phil, you know that's not really fair; Utah has some of the most beautiful scenery on earth!
Virginia has no mountains; it DOES have the Sacred Soil, though!
Thanks for these ever glorious images, Phil!
I know you have never heard of me. My name is Jim McDonald and I am a member of the NNHS class of '57. On occasions, I will access the WEB page you made to among other things reminisce about the good old days. You have done an excellent job with the web site.
This past Friday I was browsing through the site and I noticed there was a young girl named Lauren Scott on the prayer list. It stated she has Adrenal Cancer and a very poor prognosis. That caught my eye because the young lady is only 12 years old and has a terrible illness I am somewhat familiar with the disease because my wife also has Adrenal Cancer. My wife is now in a clinical trial at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX. The results of that trial so far are encouraging. Since starting the trial, there has been no further spreading of the disease and her last CT Scans indicate some of her tumors appear to be shrinking. Another person in this same trial, only for a longer period of time, has experienced similar success. I would like to get this information to Lauren's parents. Perhaps they know about MD Anderson and have already checked it out. The bad thing about Lauren's case is that it was posted on the web in Dec 2009, which was almost a year ago. I truly hope the young lady is doing well and I also hope this information can get to her family. I do not know how to contact them.
I sent an e-mail to Pat Letzinger ('57) of VA because she has done an excellent job in keeping in touch with our class as well as other. She could not help, but suggested I contact you so here I am. I feel the best chance Lauren has, other than a direct and miraculous healing from God, is to get to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The trial is a long process. We live in Willamsburg, but have been in Houston, except for a few trips home, since March of this year. I have no objection if anyone from Lauren's family or anyone else wants to contact me concerning this e-mail.
On a different note, I have told several of my old classmates how nice it is that it has been almost 30 years since the Typhoons lost to the Crabbers on the football field. Take care and good luck with trying to contact the Scott family.
Hi, Jim - thank you for your care and concern! We lost a bit of time as I myself was on a trip to Virginia and North Carolina when your note arrived, and rather unable to access my files.
I forwarded your email to Glenn Dye ('60) of TX who originally sent me the information about Lauren. I hope he'll have a hopeful report for us both!
As a comment to this forwarded email, I would like to add that my wife Christine and various members of my church travel to Bethesda Naval Hospital once every month as part of a ministry that was initially started by our church. This ministry has been absorbed by another church but there are still 3-5 from our congregation for a total of 10-12 volunteers. Their mission is simple: To show the love of Christ and feed them. A local business (Dixie Bones) owned by a vet, has for several years donated a full layout of BBQ with all the fixings. This is not just for the wounded but also for their loved ones from all over, the nurses, the doctors, and everyone else, too. They can go into the rooms if permitted by the patients, but absolutely no religious material can be passed out. I have not attended this even once because of my business hours on Saturday, but have supported this noble effort in other ways. I only wish I had enough space here to relate to you the stories I have heard about these brave young men and women. The first casualties were from Iraq, then from Afghanistan. The majority of the injuries were from IED's and one can only imagine the results, many resulting in the lost of limbs. To sum this up, I can only say it is a humbling experience. These are the things not seen on the news or talked about at parties. This is what wars are all about; This is the price of freedom. Is our cost worth the effort? Who knows but God alone. I question our government, especially this current administration. Wars are all like this. Pray for our troops that this may not be in vain.
C-17 Med evac Flight - Afghanistan/Iraq. I had not seen anything like this before. Absolutely worth watching. Just click on the link at the bottom.
Give this time to load and install its player.
Bringing home combat wounded from Bagram in June 2008 - Factual video on the C-17 Aero medical mission.
This is a video on med-evacing wounded service members from Iraq and Afghanistan. If only the American people really understood what the military does for this country and how we are structured to do it all. It is so well worth watching that I encourage all to pass to many so they can see the care given.
WOWZERONI-RINI! Thank you - and Christine - so much, Bill!
Everyone who showed up had a really good time. Unfortunately the CNU staff closed the tailgate lot at 11am so, if you showed up after 11am you were turned away. On top of that, at precisely 1PM when the football game began, the parking lot Nazi's showed up and made everyone stop their tailgate parties. @#$ We are considering another location for next year. Hope all is well.
YIKESARONI! I believe I would definitely do that! Thanks for the report, Chuck!
I know you are enjoying a wonderful visit in NC & VA! I notice that there is a dog, Dollar, who is catching up with Grace in the voting for Dog of the Year. It may be due to no new newsletters while you are away. The next time you send out a mass e-mail you can remind your readers they can still vote by clicking on the site in an old newsletter if they have forgotten the website. If Norris is a facebook member, he may want to also get his friends there to vote. I just hate to see Grace lose out after being in the lead so long.
Have a Blast in the Past this weekend!
OH, NO! I found your note while I was away, June, but by that time my venue had changed and I could no longer respond to anyone, let alone send out mass mailings. Thanks so much for letting us know, June! We'll redouble our efforts. I'm looking forward to seeing Grace's picture on the dog food bag!
See attached. I know it is a huge file, but I wanted to scan it at high resolution to see the detail.
And detail I did see.
Note the horse carts and drivers at the left, the fountain in the center, the gardeners at the right … and much more. I can almost detect individual bricks in the church.
I wonder what happened to that fountain. I hate to think that it was destroyed on the altar of development.
WOWZERS!!! Thank you so much for the time travel, David!
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour.
'It was Bob, the next door neighbour,' she replies.
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident.
Bull ____ might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..
(1) Not everyone who ____s on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of ____ is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep ____, it's best to keep your mouth shut!


With gas price hike on the rise, Prime Time Shuttle offers an alternative to more expensive methods of getting to LAX from metropolitan Los Angeles communities. The company charges customers a flat rate while other companies, as well as airlines, are adding gas fees on top of already escalated rates.
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Vitamin Code RAW Vitamin D3 is different from any other vitamin D nutritional supplement available today. RAW Vitamin D3 is a whole food vitamin D complex that is gluten and dairy-free with no soy allergens, binders or fillers, and contains live probiotics and enzymes. More importantly, Vitamin Code RAW D3 is a rare RAW, whole food source of vitamin D3. There IS no other RAW D3!
Why Do We Need Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Vitamin D-3?
How Can We Help Vitamin D Deficiency?
Since it would be virtually impossible to eat enough foods (you'd laugh at how much you'd have to eat, just to get a measly 1000 IU's a day!), you MUST use vitamin supplementation and it MUST be in the form of D3! Vitamin Code's RAW D-3 is THE best supplement available, since it is RAW, and able to be metabolized better in the body than Vitamin D or D2. Also, Vitamin Code RAW D3 is created NATURALLY, through sun, and raw, whole food sources.
What Happened When I Measured MY Vitamin D Levels!
This might be a long-going story, but I thought you would be interested in what happened to ME as I kept retesting my Vitamin D levels, since this is a very important health issue, so keep reading!
60 Veggie Capsules in each bottle size!
Vitamin Code RAW Vitamin D3!
BOTH my husband and I were tested and I was SHOCKED that after nine years of being on Garden of Life's calcium, Perfect Food and other health supplements including one 2,000 IU Raw D3 a day...BOTH of us were DEFICIENT in Vitamin D!!! That kind of proved the point that for some reason, none of us are truly absorbing our D3 in our health supplements! Plus, Tom and I are always stuck in the office with NO sun! So forgive me in the summer if some afternoons I am trying to GET some sun!
Anyway, I am on a mission to get us FULL of D3. We always eat a lot of fish, but now I'm adding Garden of Life's Immune Balance Daily, which will add 2,000 IU's a day for us, and I plan to take one 2,000 IU D3 capsule with all 3 meals, along with my Vitamin Code multi-vitamin which gives me lots more.
For some reason, since Vitamin D is fat soluble, most bodies have a hard time metabolizing Viamin D3, so the more you take, hopefully the more your body will metabolize. Have your doctor test your Vitamin D levels on your next blood test BEFORE taking the MAX of 10,000 IU a day. But it's safe to take 5,000 IU's a day until you know for sure what your level is since so many of us are deficient. I took 8-10,000 IU's a day and was retested 9 months later, and had only risen from 35 to 46, so I'm continuing to take the MAX amount. Especially since I've learned everything Vitamin D3 can do for your body!
Get tested with a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test for around $50 and it should ideally show levels between 50-100 ng/ml for both children AND adults! Take at least 5-6000 IUs of vitamin D3 DAILY to maintain optimal levels and MORE if you are deficient! One capsules of 2,000 IU's with each meal is great to keep it in your system.
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Along with calcium, Vitamin D is considered VITAL in maintaining healthy BONES and SKELETAL system and is able to regulate the use of CALCIUM in the body by dramatically INCREASING its absorption and utilization. Vitamin D also helps regulate your immune system.


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What is the largest country in the world by land size?
Ziererah
The largest country in the world by landmass is Russia.
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What is the biggest country in the world by land?
Geography • 12 Answers
What's the fifth largest country by land mass?
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Twinkle at the Track Title Sponsor Announced
Wendy's of Bowling Green Joins Holiday Drive-Through Light Display
The NCM Motorsports will be a lot brighter this holiday season as two miles of light displays will adorn the west track at the facility. Supporting the event as title sponsor is Wendy's of Bowling Green.
"Wendy's of Bowling Green has been a longtime supporter of community events throughout the region," said Bayne Million, Marketing Officer. "With 57 stores throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Alabama, we are proud that one is located adjacent to the National Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park. We're excited that they are bringing such a wonderful, affordable activity to our community and wanted to jump on board to help make it a success."
Wendy's Twinkle at the Track will feature 25 holiday scenes, over 350 light displays and over one million lights. Guests will enjoy driving on the road course at the Motorsports Park, though at much slower speeds than the track boasts during their prime season.
Also joining the lineup of supporters is presenting sponsor US Bank. "There aren't many things that an entire family can do for $20. We're happy to be a part of something so special during the holiday season, a spectacular that will be enjoyed by families not only from our area but also from others visiting our community," said Craig Browning, Regional President of US Bank.
Opening the day after Thanksgiving, the light display will be available daily through New Years' Day. Hours of operation are planned for Sundays through Thursdays from 4:30pm to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30pm to 10pm. Admission will be $20 a carload Monday-Wednesday, and $25 a carload Thursday-Sunday. Vehicles and busses carrying 15 or more passengers will be $50.
Information on the Wendy's Twinkle at the Track presented by US Bank is available online at twinkleatthetrack.com and on Facebook, or by calling 270-781-7973.


Join in the fun as Harborwalk Village hosts Fish the Days, Rock the Nights every Saturday in October beginning at 7pm. Watch the winning catches of the 69th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo hit the docks for daily weigh-ins form 10am - 7pm. The Rock the Docks all night long with free live music on the main stage at 7pm and a fireworks celebration over the Destin Harbor at 9pm.
It's fall and music is in the air every Saturday in October! Come early to watch your favorite team on the big screen, catch the rodeo fishing weigh ins, and stay for live music!