Friday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 5.27.2005:
The Multilateral Moment

The Wall Street Journal:

Pardon us for not joining the huzzahs to Iran and Europe for this week's deal extending Tehran's moratorium on uranium enrichment. It is at best a temporary fix, at worst one more sign to terrorist states that civilized nations won't confront them over the nuclear issue.

Iran gains another few weeks to work on the nuclear program it concealed from the U.N. for 18 years, while the Europeans think up a bigger bribe. Everyone agreed to meet again in late July, when the Europeans are supposed to present a detailed list of incentives they will offer in exchange for Tehran's promise to give up its alleged "right" to enrich uranium. Iran also gains by delaying any showdown until after next month's presidential election -- in which 1,000 reformist candidates have been disqualified. READ MORE

Here are a few other news items you may have missed.

• United Press International reports that the United States will be watching carefully to see what happens in Iran's Presidential elections.
• Reuters reports that the danger of a nuclear holocaust may never have been greater, yet the 188 signatories to the global pact against nuclear weapons have rarely been more divided.
• CBC News reports that Canada's recent designation of the MEK as a terrorist organization is meant to appease Iran, say MP's.
• Iran va Jahan reports that there are increasing signs of better international linkages with individuals and organization interested in advancing the cause of liberty and human rights in Iran.
• Iran Focus reports that a warrant officer of Iran'’s Revolutionary Guards shot to death a young man in cold blood, sparking off widespread clashes between angry protesters and security forces.
• Iran Press Service reports that whether they run or not, in the elections, reformists face a disaster.
• Iran Focus reports that Amnesty International, in its 2005 annual report strongly criticised Iran'’s theocratic regime.
• WorldNetDaily.com reports that the names and faces of Iranian students planning demonstrations against the radical cleric-led regime will be made known to the White House to help ensure their protection.
• Radio Free Europe reports that Iran, EU still far apart on nuclear issues.
• Reuters reports that the present leader in Iran's Presidential race is Rafsanjani with 36.2 percent of respondents saying they would vote for him.
• The Guardian reports that Pakistan delivered uranium enrichment components for analysis by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• WorldTribune.com examines Iran and the new East-West strategic polarization.
• And finally, The Blue State Conservatives reported that Amnesty International has released its newest report on global human rights abuses and you'll never guess what's right at the top of the list. It wasn't Iran.