A Clash of Sources - Budget or No Budget

One of the great frustrations about following events in Iraq and especially those factors that affect the Iraqi Dinar is that the sources of information are voluminous and we can't really tell who knows what they're talking about.  There are innumerable bloggers - the best of which provide links to their sources.  There are also many news sources - which tend to contradict themselves.  And then of course there is the translation factor - we speakers of American English are just not able to easily glean the meaning of Googletranslated English from Arabic.

Whenever it happens, the banks are ready

Here is an example that happened today:
Source Number One says: "Iraqi Government Passes Budget."  We have been waiting for this for a long time; I'm about to jump out of my chair for joy.  Then Source Number Two says: "Budget NOT approved but Article 140 is passed."  Good thing I didn't jump out of my chair.  Then Source Number Three says: "An Amendment to Budget Has Passed (but not the whole thing)."  Okay, that's a step but still feeling deflated.  Then at 9:31 a.m. Source Number Four says (without a link), "Budget Reading Postponed to 2/13."  Now it's sounding like the original news is really bogus.  But then Source Number Five at 9:39 a.m. says (with link): "Budget Passed." Now I'm feeling good again.  Then the last source says:  "Budget to be voted on tomorrow."  Now, that's more like it.  Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps time in its own petty pace, especially in Baghdad.   But I can live with that. 

In fact, I'll just live with whatever happens, but my question is, where there is a situation as cut-and-dried as having a bill pass or not pass, why aren't the sources consistent?  IT'S DRIVING ME NUTS.  How about you?  Anybody else following this stuff?  Lemme know.  Meanwhile, fingers crossed at least until tomorrow.

Okay, Here's Another One

I thought we were done with exploring funny translations, but this just came along today and I had to share:

January 27, 2011 04:12 pm · Posted in NEWS (Iraq & World Currency)

New costumes law to affect Iraqi economy positively, says MP

(excerpt from news story, paragraph 2)

In a statement to the National Iraqi News Agency NINA “The new law will reduce inflammation of goods in the Iraqi markets and encourages the Iraqi Private Sector to increase agricultural and industrial production to support national production.   The law will also help to reduce and prevent entrance of bad or illegal goods into Iraq,” he added.

I'm really excited to see what costumes they're gonna wear to positively affect the economy.  Hopefully Obama and company are watching as well.  And any law that reduces inflammation is really good in my book.  (and this was NOT a translation by Google).  

Don't You Love The Okie Rumors?

If there's no real news happening and you want to get your battery charged about the IQD, go to any of the dinar blogs and click on "Rumors."  Here you can find whatever info that makes you feel good.  You want a rate?  It's there from $.35 to $9.00.  You want a date?  It's there, from "it's already happened" to "maybe in June."

With Prince Poppycock - or is it Okie?

Too often, the post starts with, "I know this to be true.  My cousin's friend who works in a bank says his mother talked to a teller of a different bank about the IQD.  The teller said the IQD was a rumor, but the mom saw for her own eyes a DeLaRue Model 4150 laser-verification currency counting machine sitting on the counter behind her.  That means we're gettin' rich tomorrow, right?"

One of the most infamous rumor sources is Okie the Oil Man.  Okie first appeared about October, 2010 with such authority, people believed him right away.  He tells us he has 40 years in the oil business with highly placed sources in-country and in the US government.  He's rough and tough, can't spell his way out of a sentence, and is dead sure of his intel.  Says he's ordered a new private jet, he's so sure it's gonna happen.  Here's a recent post from Okie:

[OKIE] i’m not going to be on here long enough to answer questions–have new intel just recently received–there are a confidentiality agreement that i have made–suffice to say that those of of today that was dis-appointed will not be dis-appointed very much longer–is is done and expect this week may be a wonderful week for all of us–lets see what develpopes–sure looking good right now
[OKIE] wish i could tell all-but have to honor my word–if your word is no good –neither are you (myself i’m referring too
[OKIE] gankans–will happen sooner than expected–as per source 5 minutes ago

Sounds encouraging, yes?  Okie has been wrong so often (as in every time), people read his posts for comic relief.  Responses to his posts include "Yawn," "Gee, glad I'm glad I quit my job last week,"  "One of these days if we live long enough, Okie's gonna be right," and "Pure Poppycock."   He's been dropped from sites, reviled on others.  I hope he's a real guy, sounds like he'd be a blast to have a beer with at the Driller's Bar.  And I hope he gets his jet.  But really, either he's completely snowed by his sources or his brain is a little brittle from 40 years of sniffing petroleum fumes.  Okie, no offense, man, but you're gonna have to be patient with the rest of us.   

So, if you need a jolt while you're waiting, go read some rumors.  New ones every day.  But think of it as reading the comics or watching The Bachelor - entertainment without any hint of reality (but maybe a speck of hope).