Troops take a gamble on Iraqi dinars (U.S. Troops Hoarding)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=24917

In drawers and footlockers, servicemembers in Iraq are banking on the future by hoarding millions of Iraq’s year- old currency, the dinar.

Many suspect the dinar’s precipitous drop in the past decade could mean a huge rebound ahead. Each dinar was once worth a few dollars; they’re now worth a fraction of a penny apiece.

If post-war Kuwait is any example, they might be right: A Kuwaiti dinar was valued at a about a dime after the war. Each now brings in $3.40.

Still, that’s a big gamble, financial experts say. And Iraq is no Kuwait — a small, politically stable country with massive oil reserves.

[Tempest]

1. Where are they getting the money?

Are the stories true about U.S. soldiers stealing it during raids on family homes?

Me thinks the answer is yes.

[Booster]

3. My nephew is in Kuwait and he asked me if I thought this

was a good idea. he said he can buy a million dinar for $700, so I don't think most of the guys are stealing it, but probably a few may have.

[Barrett808]

2. Aren't there, like, currency controls?

Isn't this basically flight capital?

[CarinKaryn]

4. so now the troops are getting rich from the blood

of Iraq's children.

So much for a nobel, just cause.