Thursday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 11.3.2005:

Italians Stand Unitied in Condemning Iran's Regime: A Rich Italian Dinner Feast

Michael Ledeen, The National Review:

Demonstrating against the anti-Semitism. In response to Iran's call for the elimination of Israel, Wednesday evening in Rome, thousands, probably tens of thousands, will demonstrate in support of the Jewish state. The demonstration has been organized by Giuliano Ferrara, the larger-than-life editor of the feisty daily newspaper il Foglio, and the demonstrators will range from members of some Italian Islamic organizations to foreign minister Giancarlo Fini (long a bete noire of America's "leading" newspapers and networks), just back from a trip to the Middle East. READ MORE

Europeans are condemning the Iranian regime. When will America join them?

• Iran Press News reported that in advance of the massive public protest against Ahmadinejad’s terrorist commentary will take place in front of the IRI embassy in Rome, Germans held a similar protest.
• Reuters reported that Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned Italy's ambassador to protest about plans to hold a rally outside the Iranian embassy in Rome on Thursday.

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

• Iran Press News reported on further calls for suicide-bombing volunteers to register in Iran.
• Iran Press News reported that at the demonstrations on the anniversary of U.S. embassy occupation in Tehran, the head of the radio and television of the Islamic regime said: “We need to create media headquarters and broadcasting facilities, so that when our illustrious president commands that Israel be wiped off the planet, the riotous outcry of the world oppressors’ media can be drowned out.”
• Iran Press News reported that Kuwait puts a moratorium on issuing visas to IRI passport holders.
• Adnkronos International reported that the Iranian government has decided to continue the process of uranium enrichment, starting next week.
• The Guardian reported that Iran is sending conflicting signals to an international community concerned about its nuclear agenda, granting U.N. inspectors access to a secret military site but also saying it would process a new batch of uranium that could be used to make atomic weapons
• Kansas City reported that a state retirement system agreed to implement a terrorism screening process for its investments, divesting itself from investments in countries like Iran. A great idea.
• Ilan Berman, American Foreign Policy Council reported that Iran’s clerical army is going back to school and that the Islamic Republic is planning changes in the “structure, doctrines, and strategies” of the IRGC.
• Iran Focus reported that over 290 recorded demonstrations, sit-ins, and strikes took place past month. Bringing the total number of demonstrations in Iran this year now stands at above 1,800.
• ET, View from Iran confused by the recent fights among hard-liners asked: What do the hardliners want? You tell me. I’m serious. Tell me.
• Shoshanna, Dreams into Lighting suggested that students of Iran should read "Living In Hell" by Ghazal Omid. The book helps activists who look forward to a post-IRI era to understand the other challenges that Iranian society faces.
• Rooz Online reported that Iranian political groups that had opted to remain silent as Iran new government is trying hard to get the support and approval of Russia “by any means and at any cost”; and, private acceptance of the key requests of the IAEA.
• Rooz Online asked: Who is Next: Iran or Syria?
• Rooz Online reported that senior religious clerics in the city of Qom have expressed their concerns over the recent radical changes in the Ministries of Intelligence and Interior.
• Rooz Online reported that despite the fall of Tehran's stock market, Farhad Rahbar, head of Iran's Planning and Management Organization and the economic brain behind Ahmadinejad's government said: Tehran's stock market has no problems.
• Rooz Online reported on Ganji's wife's latest letter to the Head of Iran's Judiciary.
• Bill Samii, Radio Free Europe reported that Ahmadinejad is still in charge of its nuclear program, despite speculation to the contrary.
• Bloomberg reported that U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair ruled out military action against Iran.
• CNN reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad nominated Sadeq Mahsouli, a total unknown in the energy business, as oil minister.
• Center for Security Policy offered three non military instruments we need to use against the regime in Tehran.
• U.S. Department of State reported that Stephen Hadley, assistant to the president for national security affairs, said: It is the spread of freedom, democracy, and justice that is the antidote to Islamic extremism.
• CBS News reported that Iran has granted U.N. nuclear inspectors new access to a high-security nuclear site.
• Reuters reported that a small bomb exploded outside the offices of BP and British Airways in Tehran.
• Yahoo News reported that Iran's hard-line government said Wednesday it was removing 40 ambassadors and senior diplomats, including supporters of warmer ties with the West.
• Times Online reported Khatami accused the new leader of using: fascist values and principles in the name of Islam to criticize liberalism.
• And finally, Yahoo News published photos of an anti-American demonstration to commemorate Student day in front of the former U.S. embassy in Tehran. BBC News also.