Week in Review

DoctorZin provides a review of this past week's [3/6-3/12] major news events regarding Iran.

The EU3 Negotiations with Iran:

• In response to the US offer of trade incentives, Iran offers to make just a little enriched uranium.
• The EU3 finally make it clear, failure of the EU3/Iran talks will lead to the UN Security Council.
• The Iranians said they don't want just trade, they want security guarantees.
• The US offered Iran trade incentives in exchange for ending their nuclear enrichment programs.
• The Iranians rejected it.
• Iran flatly refused to end its nuclear enrichment programs.
• Iran said US presence in the EU3/Iran negotiations is out of the question.
  

Developments in Iran's Nuclear Program:

• Pakistan confirmed AQ Khan sold centrifuges to Iran.
• Iranian officials confirmed they have built secret underground nuclear facilities designed to withstand attack.
• Iran finally admitted that it kept its nuclear program secret.
  

Popular struggle inside of Iran:

• Teachers were protesting in Tehran, it turned violent. Other workers staged their own protest, and it also turned violent. Still more clashes occurred when young people attempted to celebrate the coming "fire fest." This is but a prelude to the actual celebration to take place next Tuesday night. Plus 1000 women protested in Tehran.
• A recent poll inside of Iran found that 44% of young Iranians want to leave Iran, plus other interesting findings.
• Iranian students greeted a presidential hopeful with signs of "referendum yes, elections no." The report claims the candidate didn't find a single display of support in the crowd.
• Blogging is now the main news and analyst medium for Iranians.
• An open letter to the ruling clerical leaders was published and signed by 565 Iranian dissidents . The letter denounced the incompetence of the regime and called for real democracy in Iran. The signatories include activists, scholars, journalists, artists, students, intellectuals and politicians.
  

Iranians outside of Iran:

• France and then Germany canceled Iranian protest marches against EU appeasement of the Iranian government.
• Pejman asked why are we surprised that the people of the Middle East want to be free?
• 56 Iranian protesters refused to leave an aircraft in Belgium yesterday calling for the EU to end its support of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They were eventually removed, but praised by many. I have included a few interesting photos of the demonstration.
• A major coalition of Iran expatriates announced they are gathering Sunday to launch the long awaited "Iranian Opposition Council." Tens of respected leaders and well known activists representing various Iranian political organizations, ranging from republican to monarchist, will be traveling from all parts of the U.S. and European cities to participate. I will be in attendance.
  

Iran's Neighbors:

• Debka reported that Syria had invoked their military cooperation pact with Iran. Iranian troops and equipment were reported to be flying into Damascus. I have seen no confirmation nor denial of this.
  

Middle East Experts:

• Michael Ledeen reminded us that the ruling Mullahs of Iran want to destroy us, but their days are numbered. Michael also called for US support of the revolutionaries in Iran and Syria.
• Ken Timmerman outlined why no deal is possible with Iran. Ken is also the author of a new book to be released soon, "Countdown to Crisis: the Coming Nuclear Showdown with Iran."
• Jerry Corsi's new book Atomic Iran is about to create a fire storm of controversy among US policy makers. Plus he also invited us to have a sneak preview of his Iran Freedom Foundation website.
• Ruel Marc Gerecht provided an overview of the Middle East situation after the events in Lebanon, with recommendations for US policy.

And finally, The Quote of the Week:

President Bush:

"The Iranian regime should listen to the concerns of the world, and listen to the voice of the Iranian people, who long for their liberty and want their country to be a respected member of the international community. We look forward to the day when Iran joins in the hopeful changes taking place across the region. We look forward to the day when the Iranian people are free."