Week in Review

DoctorZin provides a review of this past week's [12/04-12/10] major news events regarding Iran. (The reports are listed in chronological order, not by importance)

Ahmadinejad.

• Rooz Online reported on the failure of Ahmadinejad's plans for the creation of the Imam “Reza Charity” fund aimed at promoting and providing financial assistance to help youth intending to get married and find housing.
• Rooz Online interviewed Mohammad Basteh-Negar a member of what is knows as the national-religious movement which focuses on the oppression instead of the oppressor.
• Middle East Newsline reported that Ahmadinejad has ordered another purge of Iran's security agencies, military, police and other government departments.
• Breitbart.com reported that Iran's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that if Germany and Austria feel responsible for massacring Jews during World War II, a state of Israel should be established on their soil.
• Iran Press News reported on the vision of the Islamic leadership.
• Eli Lake, New York Sun reported that with Ahmadinejad's ascendancy to the presidency of Iran, the country's opposition is beginning to show signs of unifying as the clerical regime wages a war against internal dissent.
• Paul Hughes, Reuters reported Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad expressed doubt that the Holocaust occurred.
• Agence France-Presse reported that White House spokesman Scott McClellan said that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's most recent statements "further underscores our concerns about the regime in Iran. And it's all the more reason why it's so important that the regime not have the ability to develop nuclear weapons."
• Reuters reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today. "The comments by the Iranian president are totally unacceptable..." and that "We will do everything to make it clear that Israel's right to existence is in no way endangered."
• Reuters then reported that Koffi Annan expressed shock at the comments attributed to Ahmadinejad.
• JTA News reported that the U.N. Security Council unanimously condemned anti-Israel calls by Iran's president.
• NBC 15 reported that Saudis fumed Friday after Iran's hard-line president marred a summit dedicated to showing Islam's moderate face.
• Louis Charbonneau, Reuters reported that Germany summoned Iran's envoy over holocaust remarks.
  
• Reuters reported that Israel called Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "very dangerous."
• The Christian Science Monitor reported that Tehran and Iranian opposition websites in recent weeks are rife with rumors that the regime is about to replace ultraconservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
• The Jerusalem Post:Iran's supreme ruler came out in support of his maligned president.
  

Ahmadinejad's Worldview.

• Arash Motamed, Rooz Online reported on the three hidden personalities directing events in Iran.
• Rachel Ehrenfeld and Paul E. Vallely, The Washington Times reviewed Shia Islamic prophecies and the present attempts to fulfill them by the Iranian government.
  

Iran's Nuclear Program.

• The Jerusalem Post reported thatIAEA chairman Muhammad ElBaradei confirmedthat Iran is only a few months away from creating an atomic bomb.
• The Jerusalem Post reported that the US is preparing for the possibility that it will have to deal with Iran's nuclear program without the assistance of the UN Security Council.
• Reuters reported that Iran's patience is wearing thin.
• Reuters reported that in its drive to build an international consensus against Iran developing nuclear weapons, the Bush administration has failed to develop an effective strategy.
• The Jerusalem Post reported that Iran would begin construction on two nuclear reactors beginning in March.
• US News & World Report reported that the US and the EU3 are making progress on galvanizing international opposition to Tehran's moves.
• Reuters reported that French FM Douste-Blazy said: Iran "Unilaterally" rejects nuclear deal.
• Dow Jones Newswires reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Monday urged Iran to cooperate with the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog to end the crisis over its nuclear program.
• The Independent UK reported that the IAEA Chief urged the West and Iran to cool its Nuclear brinkmanship.
• Wall Street Journal reported that Mr. ElBaradei's spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said, an Iran that enriches uranium will be "a virtual nuclear weapons state."
• Iran Press News reported that one of the Iranian regime's experts said: "The spokesmen of the Islamic regime must block the cooperation of Russia with Europeans."
• ABC News reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog has not exhausted all avenues to settle Iran's standoff with the West.
• MosNews reported that the United States said Russia’s plans to sell tactical missiles and other arms to Iran would not serve the U.S. or regional interests.
• Reuters reported that El Baradei said the international community is starting to lose patience with Iran.
• Reuters reported that the British government said on Wednesday that comments by Iran's top nuclear negotiator have undermined the possibility of further talks.
• Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor reported that Ali Larijani, Iran's top national security official, warned: "If Iran turns into a nuclear power, then no one dares to challenge it because they have to pay a heavy price."
• Stratfor reports on a growing consensus within the international community acknowledging that Iran will have access to nuclear technology.
• Tony Blankley, The Washington Times reminds us that Bush promised Iran would not be allowed to have the nuclear bomb, but it now appears he lacks the will or the means to stop them.
• The Washington Times in an editorial countered El Baradei's warning against any non-diplomatic means (i.e. military force) to end Iran's nuclear ambitions, saying it would be like opening "a Pandora's box." The WT said: Mr. ElBaradei is quite mistaken; the box is already open.
• The Associated Press reported that Robert Joseph, undersecretary for arms control and international security described the Iranian government as "very aggressive, very determined to develop nuclear weapons."
• The New York Times once again reported that Iran's top nuclear official said Saturday that his country will enrich uranium and produce nuclear fuel.
• ABC News reported that the European Union and Iran are planning to go ahead with nuclear talks on December 21 despite very low expectations. The meeting is "to talk about talks."
  

Israel's Military Option.

• The World Tribune a new report published the by U.S. Army War College said geopolitical limitations render Israel's air force militarily incapable of halting Iran's nuclear weapons program.
• Yahoo News reported that Israeli Netanyahu hinted that he could consider a pre-emptive air strike against Iran's nuclear installations.
• Expatica reported that Israel would have to prepare "other solutions" in view of Iran's nuclear program.
  

Iranian Dissidents.

• National Review Online published a message from Iran's underground. A conversation with Amir Abbas Fakhravar, hunted by the regime.
• Iran Press News published a letter from imprisoned political activist, Arjang Davoodi, currently held in the medieval prison of Bandar Abbass.
• Iran Press News reported that the deputy of student affairs of regime's Ministry of Science said: "We have no student political prisoners!"
• Iran Press News reported that, under international pressure, several political prisoners were transferred to Evin prison.
• Iran Press News reported that political prisoners are going on a hunger strike in solidarity with the student freedom fighters and protesting activists.
• Amnesty International reported that more members of Iran's Arab minority, were reportedly arrested on 6 November, and are now believed to be held incommunicado.
• Rooz Online reported that it has been 92 days since Akbar Ganji was moved into a solidarity confinement cell. An interview with his wife.
• Iran Focus reported that students were arrested during protests in Iran capital.
• The Economist reported that Akbar Ganji, "Iran's most outstanding dissident, is in renewed danger" and that he refuses to give in.
• Rooz Online published an interview with Ali Afshari a former member of the ruling council of the Daftar-e Tahkim Vahdat (DTV) student organization.
  

The Unrest Inside of Iran.

• Iran Focus reported that Iranian students from Tehran’s University of Science and Technology plan to hold a demonstration against a ban on a demonstration.
• YNet reported that Iran warned Israel: if it makes a 'mistake' we’ll respond harshly.
• Iran Press News published a statement from the Student freedom fighters regarding December 7th demonstrations in Tehran University.
• Iran Press News reported that Iranian Kurdish students will join in the student demonstrations at Tehran University, Wednesday. A statement.
• Iran Focus reported that radical Islamists are furious at the recent student protests in Iran's capital.
• Iran Press News reported that while Tehran University was closed on Wednesday, December 7th due to "air pollution," however the student's demonstrations in front of the university gates took place, as planned.
• Iran Press News reported on the extreme measures the regime has recently employed to stop further demonstrations in Tehran.
• Iran Press News reported on two of the female university student freedom fighters arrested during the Tehran University demonstrations.
• Iran Press News reported that protesting women blocked the Tehran-Boumehen road.
• Adnkronos International reported on the new unrest In Iranian Kurdistan.
• Iran Press News reported that Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) have begun a new reign of terror on student activists. They are being kidnapped and blindfolded and then the students are then driven to unknown locations undergo brutal interrogations that go on for hours and days.
  
• Iran Press News reported that workers from IRAN BERK protested in front of the Office of General Industries and Mines are protesting 8 months worth of non-receipt of their wages.
• SMCCDI reported that hundreds of students marked the "International Human Rights Day" by making gatherings in several Iranian universities. Yes, SMCCDI is back.
  

Human Rights/Freedom of the press inside of Iran.

• Iran Press News reported that the Islamic regime shuts down 9 Internet cafes in the Tehran suburb of Karadj.
  

Iran's troublemaking.

• Iran Focus reported that an effort by Iraqi officials to stop the release of an official report into the torture of more than 170 Iraqi prisoners in a secret detention centre in Baghdad by Iranian interrogators. A must read.
  

The Economy.

• The New York Times reported that young Iranians are following their dreams in Dubai.
• Parisa Hafezi, Reuters reported that acting Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh was nominated for the position by Ahmadinejad.
• Iran Press News reported that a new gold mine was discovered in Iran.
  

Iran's Military.

• Iran Press News reported on extensive changes in the Revolutionary Guards.
• Iran Focus reported that the Supreme Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) declared on Tuesday that the United States would suffer a greater defeat in Iraq than it did in its war in Vietnam.
• Rooz Online reported that IRGC commanders demanded a greater role in the government. Ahmadinejad promised them more positions in the future.
• The Billings Gazette reported that Iran's armed forces began their biggest ever military maneuvers Friday in the Persian Gulf involving submarines, warships, missiles, jet fighters and helicopter gunships.
  

Iran and the International community.

• Neil King Jr., The Wall Street Journal reported that the current debate on Syria exposes political fault lines in Iraq.
• Orly Halpern, The Jerusalem Post reported on a fascinating encounter of the Iranians and Israelis at the recent UN Internet Summit. The Israelis were pleasantly surprised.
  

Can You Believe This?

• News24 reported that Iran is claiming it has extradited all foreign members of the al-Qaeda network.
• Rooz Online reported on AIDS in Iran saying that the country is on the verge of an AIDS epidemic.
• Iran Press News reported that the deputy of student affairs of regime's Ministry of Science said: "We have no student political prisoners!"
  

Inside Iran.

• YNet News examined what we know about the Iranians and what don't we know.
• Beirbart reported that, in an unprecedented government effort, residents of the smog-choked Iranian capital were told not to go to work or school for two days.
• Rooz Online reported on the new push for greater Islamicizing education in Iran, seen as a step towards Security-based Education.
• Iranian.com published an interesting series of interviews with Iranian students, both the hardline and secularists.
  

Inside Iran, the Air Crash in Tehran.

• Reuters reported that Iran grieved on Wednesday for at least 116 people killed when a military plane hit a Tehran apartment block and burst into flames.
• Iran Press News reported that angry Iranians clashed with regimes security forces following south Tehran plane crash. Photos. The Financial Times also reported.
• Iran Press News reported that the passengers of south Tehran plane crash had prepared last will and testaments and the pilot had earlier refused to fly the plane.
• BBC News reported that newspapers in Iran are both angry and cynical about the plane crash.
• The Telegraph UK reported on yesterday's air crash and an Iranian General who claimed: "The plane did not have any technical failure before departure."
• Robert Tait, The Guardian reported that Iranian officials were facing an angry backlash yesterday following the air disaster that claimed at least 116 lives.
• Parisa Hafezi, Reuters reported that thousands of mourners flooded central Tehran on Thursday for a funeral ceremony.
• Winston, The Spirit of Man responded to the Iranian regime's claim that this week's a air crash in Tehran was due to US sanctions.
  

US Policy on Iran.

• VOA News reported that U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns says the government of Iran is pursuing radical policies that are leading that country into further international isolation.
• The Associated Press reported that Robert Joseph, undersecretary for arms control and international security described the Iranian government as "very aggressive, very determined to develop nuclear weapons."
  

US/Iran Talks on Iraq?

• Reuters reported that Iran said on it had no interest in talking to the United States concerning events in Iraq or about its nuclear program.
• The Financial Times reported on the mixed messages that Tehran is sending regarding talks with the US on Iraq.
  

Must Read reports.

• Iran Focus reported that an effort by Iraqi officials to stop the release of an official report into the torture of more than 170 Iraqi prisoners in a secret detention centre in Baghdad by Iranian interrogators. A must read.
• Eli Lake, New York Sun reported that with Ahmadinejad's ascendancy to the presidency of Iran, the country's opposition is beginning to show signs of unifying as the clerical regime wages a war against internal dissent.
• Mehr News reported that Iran seeks Islamic endorsement of its strategic role in the Islamic world.
• Radio Free Europe reported that as Iraq's Kurdistan region has achieved a degree of self-rule Iranian Kurds are watching closely.
  

The Experts.

• Amir Taheri, The Jerusalem Post provides amazing insight why the international media has failed to stand with Iranian dissident Akbar Ganji. A must read.
• Amir Taheri, Gulf News warns the west that the campaign to ridicule Ahamdinejad's religious beliefs inside Iran is deceptive. Ahmadinejad is reflecting Khomeinist ideology that even Rafsanjani and Khatami must believe, if they support the regime. A must read.
• Amir Taheri, Asharq Alawat reviewed several "popular" alternatives to the Bush doctrine.
• Patrick Devenny, The Middle East Quarterly published a report: Hezbollah's Strategic Threat to Israel.

Photos, cartoons and videos.

• Iran Focuspublished a Special Photo Report: Military plane crashes in Iran capital.
• The Media Line published a video report on Iran's secret nuclear plans.
• Rooz Online published another cartoon.
• Panahjoo.com published a special report on Ahamdinejad's dedication to the mystical devotion to "the hidden Imam." It includes the much reported interview of Ahmadinejad regarding his spiritual experience while speaking in NY to the UN General Assembly.
• BBC News published a photo report: Iran air crash funerals.
• Iranian.com published a simple diagram: How Iranian politics works.
• Cox & Forkum published a cartoon about the Weblog Awards: Vote Often.
  

And finally, The Quote of the Week.

Paul Hughes, Reuters reported that Ahmadinejad a news conference he gave in the Saudia Arabian city of Mecca said:

"Some European countries insist on saying that Hitler killed millions of innocent Jews in furnaces and they insist on it to the extent that if anyone proves something contrary to that they condemn that person and throw them in jail,...

If the Europeans are honest they should give some of their provinces in Europe -- like in Germany, Austria or other countries -- to the Zionists and the Zionists can establish their state in Europe. You offer part of Europe and we will support it."