Friday’s Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin Reports:

Words are weapons for Iranian bloggers. This UPI article contains some interesting facts. Bloggers take notice:

• Today an estimated 75,000 Iranians maintain online Web logs…
• 5 million Internet users in Iran…
• Some observers say the gathering revolution will be blogged, not televised…
• At a recent U.N. summit, Khatami himself bragged that Iran's official language, Farsi, stands as the third most popular blogging tongue in the world… [Ledeen says Farsi is the 4th most popular]
• "Web logs are much used at times of crisis (in Iran), such as during the June 2003 student demonstrations….
• Nearly 20 people [bloggers] have been arrested over the past three months…
• Iran's prosecutor-general ordered that a number of major reformist Web logs be blocked by Internet service providers…
  

Here are a few of items you may have missed.

• Iran has acquired the means to shut down the flow of oil through the Straits of Hormuz and worse.
• The NY Sun has a report that alleges that Europe’s negotiations with Iran is all carrots and no sticks
• Blog Iran wonders if Washington is finally serious about supporting democracy in Iran. Plus they have published a report of an “accidental fire” in Tehran’s Gold Bazaar. They are also asking for a letter writing campaign to PBS Frontline to encourage them to air the Canadian film, Prostitution behind the Veil. I am told the film is tragically moving and remarkably poignant documentary on hidden aspects of the Islamic Republic.
• Iran’s Supreme Leader in his own words, with analysis. This is a lengthy but valuable read.
• Russia has finally decided to provide Iran with nuclear fuel in the next three months. It is likely that this will a major issue when President Bush and Putin meet next week.
• Iran warns of a “very rapid response” to an attack. I fear Iran is looking for an excuse to attack, when they are ready.
• France’s new foreign minister, Michel Barnier, may be someone the US can work with.
• Iran makes a desperate call for “Islamic Unity.” But it has fallen on deaf ears.
• NATO wants closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
• Iran will complete its nuclear fuel cycle in the next six months, according to Israel.
• Syria is feeling vulnerable, even backing away from Iran’s call for a “united front” with Iran. Is the Bush administration beginning to get traction with Syria?
  
• Cox and Forkum have done it again. Check out their latest cartoon, Black Wedding.
  
• And finally, MemriTV.org has released three more Iranian TV videos. Check them out...
  

1. Iranian President Khatami: Difficult to Distinguish between President Bush and Bin Laden
2. Iranian President Khatami Presents His Perception of Democracy
3. Iranian TV Reports a Missile Attack in Iran