Week in Review

DoctorZin provides a review of this past week's [10/30-11/05] major news events regarding Iran. (The reports are listed in chronological order, not by importance)

Ahmadinejad's Threatens the U.S. and Israel and the Response.

• Rooz Online reported on Ahmadinejad's “senior advisor” who wields extreme influence in everything, Mojtaba Somreh Hashemi, a close friend of Mesbah Yazdi. He is not making a lot of friends.
• Robert Spencer, Jihad Watch, sees the two faces of Ahmadinejad: an English and a
• Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel said on Sunday that Israel is the symbol of disrespect for the United Nations. Persian version of his website.
• Telegraph UK reported that the United Nations is holding talks on how to deal with Iran.
• Yahoo News reported that Iran's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insisted that his controversial call for Israel to be "wiped off the map" was nothing new.
• Ha'aretz reported that Israel on Sunday slammed plans by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to visit Iran.
• Dow Jones Newswires reported that U.K. Defense Secretary John Reid said: Iran appeared to be trying to confront the international community.
• Yahoo News reported that former reformist president Mohammad Khatami criticized Ahmadinejad, saying "those words have created hundreds of political and economic problems for us in the world."
• Iran Focus reported that Ahmadinejad angered by what he saw as his envoys’ meek reaction to the global condemnation of his Wednesday speech against "Israel and the West” fired the ambassadors to Berlin, London, and Paris.
• Iran Focus reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader reaffirmed that the state of Israel would eventually be toppled.
• The Financial Times reported that Iran’s supreme leader condemned international reaction to last week’s speech by President Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad calling for Israel to be “wiped off the map”.
• Seyed Mojtaba Alavi, Rooz Online reported that Iran's leaders are alarmed over Ahmadinejad.
• Michael Ledeen, The National Review said: Surprise! Iran wants the destruction of Israel (and America, England, France, Italy...).
• Iran Press News reported that a regime-run newspapers warned its readers to: keep the names of these inferior creatures in mind... Kofi Anan... the authorities of the European Union as well as the Vatican, Franco Fini... Turkish Prime Minister... the chief of the PLO Steering and Monitoring Committee...Denis Hastert (speaker of the U.S. house of representatives), Sean McCormack (National Security Council Spokesman).
• Dow Jones Newswires reported that politicians from Italy's left and right have said they will attend a rally in front of the Iranian embassy on Thursday to protest remarks by the Iranian president.
• Ynetnews reported that Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini said Tuesday that should Iran equip itself with nuclear weapons the whole world and not only Israel will be threatened.
• Ha'aretz reminded us that the phrase "death to Israel" and "Israel must be eliminated" are Khomeini's original coin phrases. These are the very words that Khomeini uttered to his first-ever foreign visitor - Yasser Arafat.
• Alon Ben-Meir, United Press International reported that many believe that the Iranian president's call to 'wipe Israel off the map,' is tantamount to a declaration of war.
• The Guardian confirmed that Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has embarked on a purge of senior Iranian diplomats.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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.
• Richard Beeston, The Times UK reported that Ahmadinejad's recent tough talk and action make people wonder if he is a 'Little Short of Lunacy.'
• Paul Hughes, Reuters asked: How radical can Iran's President go?
• Haaretz reported on the similarities of Ahmadinejad and Hilter and the need to take his threats seriously.
  
• Bronwen Maddox, The Times UK reported Ahmadinejad has now made it impossible to argue that his threats are just for internal consumption.
• The NY Sun argued that with Iran now baring its 'Genocidal Intent' the next question to ask is does Iran have the two components that must be present for genocide to occur: intent and opportunity.
• The NY Sun reported that with Ahmadinejad's recent threats he has put the leaders of the West on the spot and how European leaders are responding.
• Ynet reported that 15,000 people (from both right and left) participated gathered in a pro-Israel demonstration was held in Rome Thursday following recent statements made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad saying Israel “should be wiped off the map.
• Agence France-Presse reported that Italy's Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini urged the international community to deal firmly with Iran.
• YnetNews reported that Italy's foreign minister said he will not participate in an anti-Iran rally.
• Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Kofi Annan said that in spite of some requests from US congressmen to cancel his visit to Iran, he will make the pre-scheduled trip.

Who's Who.

• Arash Mahdavi, Rooz Online reported on the man behind the President of Iran: Mojataba Hashemi Samareh. A must read.
  

Iran's Nuclear Program.

• Ryan Mauro, The Global Politician reviewed the facts and rumors of Iran's nuclear program.
• Agence France Presse reported that Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, reacting to the threat of war or sanctions over its disputed nuclear program said: They must understand that such an attitude will only persuade us more to have nuclear technology.
• Iran Focus reported that Iran’s top national security official and a senior aide to Supreme Leader, Larijani, said: If the West wants to refer Iran’s nuclear file to the Security Council, we won’t have any problem. It just means that oil prices will reach 150 dollars, which will bring good luck for the government of [Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad.
• Martin Indyk, The Los Angeles Times warned that Iran's recent bluster isn't a bluff.
• Abbas Milani, The Wall Street Journal argued that the clerical cabal that rules Iran is pushing its captive population ever closer to the precipice and the only answer to the Iranian nuclear problem is democracy.
• 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.
• Bill Samii, Radio Free Europe reported that Ahmadinejad is still in charge of its nuclear program, despite speculation to the contrary.
• CBS News reported that Iran has granted U.N. nuclear inspectors new access to a high-security nuclear site.
• Reuters reported that Iran will process a new batch of uranium at its Isfahan atomic plant next week.
• Reuters reported that Russia is prepared to host a nuclear fuel production joint venture with Iran, a plan that could help break a months-long deadlock in Tehran’s talks with France, Britain and Germany.
• Kenneth R. Timmerman, The Washington Times reported that senior U.S. officials will tell Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that it is not yet time to refer Iran's case to the U.N. Security Council for further action. Their reasoning is wrong.
• The Financial Times argued that Russia's Putin has an opportunity to get a compromise out of Iran on its nuclear program.
• BBC News reported that Iran's Supreme Leader insisted Iran does not intend to attack any foreign state.
• Iran Press News reported that the regime's previous IAEA rep, said: We're starting enriching uranium in the Natanz plant.
• CNN.com reported that Kofi Annan has canceled his trip to Iran in response to increasing tension over the Iranian president's call for Israel to be "wiped off the map."
  

Iranian Dissidents.

• Iran Press News reported that Ahmad-Reza Shiri, Journalist and blogger from Mash'had who had been arrested and imprisoned temporarily, awaiting trial.
• Iran Press News reported that Iranian dissident Payman Peeraan's new trial begins.
• Iran Press News published a horrific letter of political prisoner Mehrdad Lohrasbi.
• Rooz Online reported on Ganji's wife's latest letter to the Head of Iran's Judiciary.
• Iran Press News reported that an Iranian court sentenced 6 protesting workers who have not received their wages for more than 13 months to 4 months in prison and 20 lashes each. The workers were charged with “disturbing public order.”
• Kuwait News Agency reported that the U.S. called for the immediate release of jailed Iranian activist, Akbar Ganji.
• Eli Lake, The NY Sun reported that State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack said: The United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Akbar Ganji, as well as his immediate access to medical assistance and legal representation.
  

The Unrest Inside of Iran.

• SMCCDI repprted that the Islamic republic's security forces attacked and wounded tens of protesters in the northern City of Babolsar.
• SMCCDI reported that a student activist named, "Ali Rasti" was killed, yesterday evening, at the Yoosef-Abad dorm located in Tehran. Ali seems to have been pushed from the six floor's balcony by members of the repressive Harrasat (University's Intelligence) or Bassij.
• Iran Press News reported that a group of armed individuals who claimed to be intelligence agents of the city of Saari (Province of Mazandaraan) kidnapped the editor of Daryaasar newspaper and after brutally beating him, cut his ear off.
• 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.
• Iran Press News reported that the regime fearing wrath of protesting youth postponed a Soccer match.
• Iran Press News reported that the regime's military and disciplinary forces attacked and beat the residents of the town of Mahaabad.
• Iran Focus reported that dozens of people protested in the Arab-dominated city of Ahwaz.
  

Human Rights/Freedom of the press inside of Iran.

• Iran Press Newsreported that Tehran authorities are inspecting the case of a young man who according to his family was tortured to death by the regime’s agents.
• Mehdi Khalaji, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy discussed how to create effective international pressure for human rights in Iran and why it is so important.
• Iran Press News reported that another student publication has been banned.
  

Iran and Al Qaeda.

• Peter Brooks, The New York Sun reported that the most immediate threat Iran poses to American national security isn't its nuclear (weapons) program. It's the safe haven Tehran is giving al Qaeda terrorists.
• Winds of Change: Here is the full English text of the recent Cicero article on Iran, "How Dangerous is Iran?" about Iran's ties with Al Qaeda.

Iran's troublemaking.

• The Australian reported that Tehran's 'rewards' terrorists for rocket attacks on Israel.
• Iran Press News reported on further calls for suicide-bombing volunteers to register in Iran.
• Reuters reported that a small bomb exploded outside the offices of BP and British Airways in Tehran.
• Iran Press News reported that Iranian TV, in a special on the 1979 occupation of the U.S. embassy, threatened other western countries with embassies in Tehran saying: “If necessary, embassies of other western countries can and will be invaded with that very same divine plan.”
• WorldNetDaily.com reported that Iran last month distributed $1 million to families of Palestinian suicide bombers and jailed terrorists.

U.S. Policy.

• 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.
• Business Wire reported on a lawsuit filed against Iran for its role in the 1983 terrorist bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut.
• Kuwait News Agency reported that the U.S. called for the immediate release of jailed Iranian activist, Akbar Ganji.
• Iran Focus reported that the U.S. said that Iran had refused to answer queries on the suspected role of its hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.

The Iranian Military.

• 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.

The Economy.

• Iran Focus reported that Iran's President's solution to the Stock Market slide: Hang two or three people.
• MosNews reported that industrial contracts between Iran and Russia could reach $10 billion per year.
• 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.
• CNN reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad nominated Sadeq Mahsouli, a total unknown in the energy business, as oil minister.
• BBC News reported that the Iranian government has approved plans to offer share options to low-income families.
• Iran Press News reported on a major drop in foreign investment.
  

Efforts against the regime outside of Iran.

• JTA reported on a campaign by Berlin-based activists has resulted in the erasure of "Al Quds Day" from some interfaith calendars in the United States and United Kingdom.
• 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.
  

Iran and the International community.

• Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Foreign Secretary Jack Straw Tuesday to start talks with Iranian opposition groups to overthrow the country's government.
• Iran Press News reported that Kuwait puts a moratorium on issuing visas to IRI passport holders.
• Bloomberg reported that U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair ruled out military action against Iran.
• Iran Press News reported that Turkey’s Armed forces chief of staff said that the Islamic regime’s nuclear activities are a great threat to Turkey and is asking for Turkey to rethink relations with the Islamic regime.
• Axis Globe reported that Iran is trying to influence the situation in Azerbaijan, accordeing to interview with Isa Gambar, an Azerbaijan Presidential Candidate in Sunday's election.
• Kuwait News Agency reported that the Supreme Leader of Iran called for encouraging unity among Islamic countries throughout the world. He added: that the Islamic nation was "going through a revival."
• Michael Hirsh, Newsweek reported that Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz in an interview said: a military option is not on the agenda.
• John Larkin, The Wall Street Journal reported that India is betting on the US in its nuclear future, despite Iranian efforts.
• Kuwait News Agency reported that in a phone call to Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad expressed solidarity with Damascus against international pressure and threats.
• Canada.com reported that Iran has launched an attack on Canada at the United Nations, claiming it is in no position to censure the Islamic republic over its human rights record.
• Monster and Critics reported that Berlin has warned that missile- builders in Iran and Syria are obtaining sophisticated German equipment via Moscow.
• Reuters reported that Royal Marines Major General James Dutton claimed that Iran is supplying the insurgents weapons used in Iraq.
  

Insight into the Iranian people.

• 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.
  

Iranian Bloggers and Writers.

• Iranian blogger, Farid Pouya, WebGardian said that the Iranian people don't hate Israel (many of them). Many believe Israel can be considered as a friend. Many say Israel never invaded us but Arabs did.
• Iranian blogger, Sheema Kalbasi, Zaneirani said that the main difference between Khatamist charlatanism and Ahmadinejad's extremism should be sought not in ideology but in their honesty about the true nature of the regime.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ghazal Omid, Global Politician provides advice on how to stop Iranian hardliners and their connection to the terrorists.
• Iranian blogger, ET, View for Iran said: No one in Iran wants sanctions, almost.
• Maryam Kashani, Rooz Online reported on the fearful response of Europeans at the Iranian president's sacking of the country’s senior ambassadors.

Can You Believe This?

• Iran Focus reported that Police in Iran have launched a new crackdown on alluring mannequins rounding up 65 feminine mannequins. Truth is stranger than fiction.
• Shirin Ebadi, Rooz Online shared her concerns that Ahamdinejad's administration wants to make NGO's (non-governmental organizations) governmental.
  

Must Read reports.

• Jim Hoagland, The Washington Post asked should Iranian President Ahmadinejad be voted the most Valuable Politician of the year? He reminds a distracted world of the true nature of Iran's regime.
• Winds of Change: Here is the full English text of the recent Cicero article on Iran, "How Dangerous is Iran?" about Iran's ties with Al Qaeda.
• Center for Security Policy offered three non military instruments we need to use against the regime in Tehran.
• Afshin Molavi, The New York Times reminds us that we have allies in Iran.
• Amir Taheri, The NY Post explains why is Paris burining?
• Alan Peters, FrontPageMagazine.com reported that the Mullahs' Threat Is Not Sinking In.
  

The Experts.

• Michael Ledeen, The National Review said: Surprise! Iran wants the destruction of Israel (and America, England, France, Italy...).
• Michael Ledeen, The National Review reported that the Italians are standing unitied in condemning the Iran's Regime.
• Amir Taheri, Asharq Alawsat reported that Iran's President is determined to create "a clash of civilizations."
• Victor Davis Hanson, The National Review argues that either the jihadists really are crazy or they apparently think that they have a shot at destabilizing, or at least winning concessions from, the United States, Europe, India, and Russia all at once.
• Kathryn Jean Lopez, The National Review published an interview with Rich Miniter author of Disinformation : 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror.

Photos, cartoons and videos.

• Rooz Online published a cartoon: Ahmadinejad is doing an incredible job.
• Scott Ott, ScrappleFace - UN Debates Meaning of 'Wipe' Israel from Map (humor).
• DryBones.blogspot.com published a cartoon: Which Map Is Ahmadinejad Reading?
• 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.
• Ynet published photos of 15,000 Italians in an anti-Iranian regime rally.
• MemriTV.org published an Iranian TV cartoon glorifying suicide bombing.
  

And finally, The Quote of the Week.

Iran Focus reported that Iran’s top national security official and a senior aide to Supreme Leader, Larijani, said:

"If the West wants to refer Iran’s nuclear file to the Security Council, we won’t have any problem. It just means that oil prices will reach 150 dollars, which will bring good luck for the government of [Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad."