Saturday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 1.28.2005:

Last Minute Obstacles to Iran's referral to UNSC.

• Forbes reported that ElBaradei called on the United States to provide Iran with nuclear reactors.
• The Financial Times reported that Kofi Annan strengthened Iran's hand in the nuclear stand-off.
• Reuters reported that Iran's chief nuclear negotiator dampened hopes that Tehran was leaning toward a compromise.
• Reuters reported that Iran has pledged access for U.N. inspectors to equipment from the former Lavisan military site in a possible bid to avert a crackdown by the U.N. nuclear watchdog (IAEA) next week.

Regime attempts to crush the leadership of Saturday's Strike in Tehran.

• SMCCDI reported that hundreds of Tehran's Collective Bus drivers, technicians and workers have been arrested, since yesterday, following the issuance of a notice of strike, scheduled for Saturday. Major reports expected tomorrow.
  

The MKO/MEK

• Iran Press Service reported that the leadership of MKO now reject an armed struggle with the Iranian regime and commits itself only to non-violent means of struggle, in an attempt to lose its terrorist designation by the western powers.
• Ali Safavim, FrontPageMagazine.com responded to Michael Rubin's article on the Mujahedeen-e Khalq.
• Michael Rubin, FrontPageMagazine.com argued that Ali Safavi’s response is dishonest but useful as a study of Mujahedin-e Khalq (MKO) tactics.

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

• The Jerusalem Post reported that the former head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said Hamas must choose Iran or Israel alliance.
• Eli Lake, The New York Sun reported that the victory of Hamas could lead to a civil war within Gaza and the West Bank and an Islamic theocracy.
• World Tribune.com reported that Iran reported investors have poured $23 billion in the development of the South Pars natural gas field.
• And finally, Josh Gerstein, New York Sun reported that Bush's endorsement of a plan to end the nuclear standoff with Iran has left some of his supporters baffled. The proposal, essentially adopts a strategy advocated by Senator Kerry.