Week in Review

DoctorZin provides a review of this past week's [1/08/06 -1/07/15] major news events regarding Iran. (The reports are listed in chronological order, not by importance)

Ahmadinejad & Friends.

• Iran Focus reported that the government of radical Islamist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad plans to segregate Iran’s pedestrian walkways on gender basis.
• Iran Press News reported that 0il revenues to be taken out of foreign banks and transferred back to Iran, in anticipation of possible freezing of Iran's assets in foreign banks.
• Iran Focus reported that Rafsanjani said: “Our enemies are poised to take advantage of the situation inside the country to begin another mischief against Iran, but we don’t know where this mischief will begin.”
• Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Monsters and Critics reported that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: 'Those countries which now threaten us with sanctions should know that such threats will have no impact and not intimidate us."
• Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Monsters & Critics reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said: 'The Iranian government and nation has no fear of the Western ballyhoo and will continue its nuclear programmes with decisiveness and wisdom.'
• Iran Focus reported that Iran’s hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said: “In the near future, full nuclear energy for peaceful purposes will be at our disposal.”
• Iranian Republic News Agency reported that former president Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said: "The arrogance and its allies will be regretful if they obstruct the Iranian nation's access to the latest science."
• The Jerusalem Post reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was expected to convene a conference in Iran denying the Holocaust within a few days.
• Rooz Online reported on Ahmadinejad's hopeless quest for an auspicious Islamic government.
• News24 reported that Ahmadinejad called for the exit of "evil" foreign forces from the Persian Gulf.
• CNN News reported that Ahmadinejad continued to insist on Iran's right to Nuclear Research.
  

Ahmadinejad's Worldview.

• Daniel Pipes, Frontpagemag.com provided a report on the foreign policy implications of the expectation by the "faithful" in Iran that anticipates the soon return of the 12th Imam. Leading Iranian thinkers to conclude that if "the Mahdi will come in two, three, or four years, why should I be soft? Now is the time to stand strong, to be hard.”
• Iran Press News reported that talk in Iran of a hotel being built in time for the 12th Imam's reemergence.
• Anton La Guardia, Telegraph argues that Ahmadinejad thinks "he is on a mission for God."
• Charles Moore, Telegraph reported that there's method in the Mahdi madness of Iran's president.

Iran's Nuclear Program.

• Parisa Hafezi, Reuters reported that Iran said it was ready to remove U.N. seals at some atomic research and development sites on Monday.
• The Observer reported that British officials have allowed the export to Iran of a cargo of radioactive material that experts believe could be used in a nuclear weapons program.
• Dow Jones Newswires reported that the head of the U.N. nuclear agency warned Iran that world leaders are losing patience with Tehran's lack of transparency on its atomic program.
• Times Online reported that deciding how to deal with Iran’s nuclear programme will be one of the main challenges faced by Ehud Olmert, Israel's acting prime minister.
• CNN News reported that as expected, Iran said it would resume its nuclear research program Monday.
• Arnaud de Borchgrave, The Washington Times reviewed Iran's leaders statements on their nuclear intentions and finds them all in agreement, including the so-called moderate leaders.
• BBC News reported that EU leaders say they are very concerned at Iran's plans to resume sensitive nuclear research in the coming hours.
• Hemscott reported that French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy has urged Iran to instantly reverse its decision to resume highly-sensitive nuclear activities.
• Kuwait News Agency reported that EU chief Wolfgang Shussel has warned Iran on Monday of manipulating nuclear activities for military purposes.
• Voice of America reported that the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council have sent strong messages to Iran to halt plans for nuclear fuel research and resume talks with European powers.
• Reuters reported that the U.N. nuclear watchdog confirmed that Iran had broken U.N. seals at the Natanz uranium enrichment plant.
• The Financial Times reported that European diplomats said an emergency meeting could be held this week.
• The New York Times reported that the White House said if Iran continues on its current nuclear course, it will leave the international community no choice but to refer Tehran to the U.N. Security Council for possible actions.
• The Times reported that Jack Straw, the UK Foreign Secretary, warned the Iranians today that they were "pushing their luck."
• Bloomberg reported that French President Jacques Chirac said Iran and North Korea risk making a ``serious error'' by pursuing its nuclear activities.
• Yahoo News reported that Germany's foreign minister said Tehran had "crossed lines which it knew would not remain without consequences."
• Spiegel Online reported that German newspapers, both right and left, have given up on negotiations with Iran.
• Kuwait News Agency reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday expressed concern about Tehran's decision to resume enrichment of uranium.
• Turkish Daily News reported that Turkey's ambassador to the United States said that Iran was "irreversibly" heading for acquisition of nuclear weapons.
• Telegraph reported on the predictably lame response from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• James S. Robbins, National Review Online reported that there is a buzz at Foggy Bottom - low level, but growing - that maybe it would not be so bad if Iran went nuclear. A very bad idea.
• The Times reported that Iran was likely to be referred to the UN Security Council for punitive sanctions by the end of the month.
• The Financial Times reported that Iran’s defiant decision to resume what it calls “research” into nuclear enrichment spells the end of the negotiation strategy.
• Reuters reported that China has offered to help rein in Iran's nuclear ambitions.
• Tony Blankley, The Washington Times reported that when European diplomats use words like "serious," "grave," "disastrous," "red line for international community," "urge Iran to immediately and unconditionally reverse its decision," the rest of us should take these phrases as unambiguous evidence that an international crisis of the first water is fast building.
• The Wall Street Journal reminds us of the UN's poor record of resolving the Iranian nuclear program.
• Breitbart.com reminded us that Iran has secretly built as many as 5,000 centrifuge machines.
• Reuters reported that Prime Minister Tony Blair called for the U.N. Security Council to consider action against Iran adding: "we obviously don't rule out any measures at all."
• The Financial Times published a report on the head of Iran's nuclear negotiating team, Mr. Larijani.
• Times Online reported that Britain, France and Germany agreed to request an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board.
• The Financial Times reported that European officials warned that Tehran would have to reinstate the seals at its Natanz research facility and refrain from all the activities it announced this week if it wanted to avoid a UN referral. “A half-step back will not stop us.”
• Times Online then reported that Iran will be referred to the United Nations Security Council within weeks.
• The New York Times reported that among the possible sanctions being discussed, various officials said, were a ban on travel by Iranian diplomats, restrictions on new commercial contracts or sports contests and other small steps.
• Vital Perspective published the full text of Condoleezza Rice Statement on Iran.
• MosNews reported that Russian officials have hardened their criticism of Iran’s decision to resume sensitive nuclear research, but analysts said the comments did not signal a major change despite a Washington Post report that the Bush administration had secured a guarantee from Russia that it will not block U.S. efforts to take Tehran’s nuclear case to the UN Security Council.
• Monsters & Critics reported that U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Annan offered to mediate in the dispute with Iran and the EU3.
• Timothy Garton Ash, The Guardian said that we face the next big test of the west: Iran. We in Europe and the United States have to respond. But how?
  
• Austin Bay Blog ponders what to do about Iranian nuclear brinkmanship?
• The Jerusalem Post reported on an internal IAF research paper shows that the feasibility of a successful military operation need not be total in order for Israeli leaders to order such a strike.
• DEBKAfile reported that Iranian sources claim that Thousands of P2 and P1 type centrifuges can go into action free of international curbs and within six weeks to two months, and the centrifuges will have produce enough enriched uranium to build a single nuclear weapon.
• CNN News reported that Tehran is threatening to block inspections of its nuclear sites if a dispute over its atomic activity is sent to the U.N. Security Council.
• Telegraph reported that Jack Straw, the UK Foreign Secretary, said that Iran may face UN sanctions over its resumption of nuclear activities, but insisted that military action was not being considered.
• Zaman Online reported that France has reported it is too early to demand sanctions over Iran’s resuming its nuclear energy program.
• The Financial Times reported that Iran still wants more talks and Condi does not support penalizing the Iranian soccer team for the mis-deeds of the regime.
• The Washington Post reported on the meeting of President Bush and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and their efforts to pursue diplomatic efforts to get Iran to end a suspected nuclear weapons program.
• Zaman.com provided excerpts of some major European newspapers and their view the Iran crisis.
• EU Business reported that European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said: A military strike against Iran for its refusal to halt nuclear research is ruled out.
• Los Angeles Times published a satellite photo which shows activity at Iran's nuclear plant.
• Sunday Times reported that the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany will hold talks in London on Monday to plan a pivotal meeting on the Iran nuclear crisis.
• RIA Novosti discusses the Russian expections of the Permanent 5 meeting.
  

Another Air Crash in Iran. A roundup.

• Nasser Karimi, The Associated Press reported that a small military jet crashed in northwestern Iran on Monday, killing the commander of the ground forces of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards.
• Dan Darling, WindsOfChange.net argued that as a result of the crash there is going to be a lot more short-term power consolidated into the hands of IRGC's commander-in-chief Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi and his deputy General Mohammed Baqir Zolqadr.
• DEBKAfile reported that its Tehran sources note the high importance of the dead commander who was appointed only three months ago.
• Kenneth R. Timmerman, Foundation for Democracy in Iran reported news of potential sabotage behind the air crash.
• Mehran Riazaty reported that the air crash could be an inside job. Photos suggest a possible internal explosion brought down the aircraft. Before and after photos. More Photos.
• Stratfor published an analysis of the air crash saying it could indicate foul play aimed at undermining Ahmadinejad's power base and influence.
• Eli Lake, The New York Sun reported that the eleven top Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders died yesterday in a plane crash came as tensions among the ruling mullahs are rising.
• Iranian Student News Agency published photos of the military commanders that died in yesterdays air crash. Plus reports by Ken Timmerman and Dan Darling.
• Shervin Omidvar, Rooz Online reported that Rahim Safavi, the commander of the Passdaran, when asked whether sabotage may have been the cause of the most recent air crash said, “Such a possibility has not been raised at this time."
• The Counterterrorism Blog reported that on Monday, an Iranian military plane crash killed eleven top commanders in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and that his sources are convinced that this was an act of sabotage.
  

The Unrest inside of Iran.

• SMCCDIreported that Tehran's Collective Bus drivers organized, yesterday, a symbolic protest action by setting on their head lights during the day time.
  

Human Rights/Religious and Press Freedom inside of Iran.

• Teamsters.org reported that the Teamster's President Hoffa called on Iranian President to release striking bus drivers. The Unions are finally joining the struggle.
• Iran Press News reported that a 17-year-old Nazanin was sentenced to death for protecting her chastity against three rapists.
• Iran Press News reported on more executions in Iran.
• Iran Press News reported that a female member of the Organization for Human Rights in Kurdistan savagely beaten and kidnapped.
• Iran Press News reported that cameras are being installed around Iranian universities in order to tighten control over students.
• Iran Press News reported that the regimes brutal disciplinary forces, in the city of Ahvaz, harassed civilians chanting anti-regime slogans.
• Amnesty International called for an inquiry needed in the death of Baha'i prisoner of conscience.
• Iran Press News reported that the Islamic regimes brutal disciplinary forces attacked a party that was being held in one of Esfahans gardens and arrested 72 people.
• Iran Press News reported that in the Islamic regime, homeless children eat out of garbage bins.
• AlterNet reported on Iran and blogging against the regime.
  

The Iranian Economy.

• Iran Press News reported that Islamic Republic of Iran is next to last on industrial growth index of Mid East countries.
• Iran Press News reported that all of the Islamic regimes government employees live under the poverty line.
  

Iran's troublemaking.

• The Washington Times reported that young Iraqis are receiving training in Iran for political indoctrination and militia training.
  

Iran's Military.

• Iran Press News reported that Iranian Commanders of the army alarmed by political changes in Syria & Lebanon.
• Rooz Online reported Haji Najjar, the acting director of the Political Bureau of the Joint Chief of Staff of the Passdaran Revolutionary Guards revealed that measures were underway to stockpile military preparedness and that there were “300 sensitive nuclear sites” in the country.
  

Iran and the International community.

• Zalmay Khalilzad (the U.S. ambassador to Iraq), The Wall Street Journal wrote about the challenge before us in Iraq.
• Richard Brookhiser, The New York Observer looks at the world after Sharon: what to do about Iran?
• Iran Press News reported on the sudden trip of Bolivian President-elect to Iran.
• Zerkalo.az reported on the problems with the memorandum signed by the Iran and Azerbaijan leaders.
• Kuwait News Agency reported that US Vice-President Dick Cheney is due to have a round of talks with Egyptian leaders starting Monday on the Iranian nuclear problem.
• India Defence reported that Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz will visit with Indian leaders on vital issues concerning Iran's WMD program.
  

Can You Belive This?

• CNN News reported that Iran's interior minister accused the US on Saturday of orchestrating the kidnapping of nine Iranian border guards.
  

Inside Iran.

• BBC Newsspoke to two young Iranians with opposing views on the nuclear issue.
• Farouz Farzami, The Wall Street Journal, an Iranian said: My country will not change without help from the West. I wish the only superpower in the 21st century would realize its full potential in diplomacy, economic leverage and, as a last resort, military action.
  

US Policy on Iran.

• Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review Online thinks that Congressman Eric Cantor becoming the House majority-whip slot would be a nightmare for Ahmadinejad.
• The New York Times reported that the White House said if Iran continues on its current nuclear course, it will leave the international community no choice but to refer Tehran to the U.N. Security Council for possible actions.
• Vital Perspective published the full text of Condoleezza Rice Statement on Iran.
• Reuters reported that U.S. Senator John Kerry said: "Iran has made a dangerous and silly decision of confronting not just the U.S. government but the entire international community."
• Douglas Jehl, The New York Times reported that the director of national intelligence created a new "mission manager" for Iran and appointed S. Leslie Ireland.
  

Must Read reports.

• The Middle East Media Research Institute published the first in a series of papers that will include translations of statements by members of the Iranian regime and Iranian leaders on various issues. Plus a cartoon.
• The Economist in a special report asked: Now that Iran is crossing a clear red line, what can the world do? What should we do?
• The Economist published a special report on the pschology of the Iranian leaders.
• The Economist published a report warning us that Iran is often portrayed as dangerous, irrational and unpredictable. In truth, it is not irrational.
  

The Experts.

• Michael Ledeen, National Review Online reported that Osama Bin Laden died three weeks ago in Iran.
• Rezapahlavi.org published excerpts of a live primetime televised interview with Fox News' in which Reza Pahlavi called for regime change in Iran.
• Michael Ledeen, National Review Online reminded us that we are already fighting Iran in Iraq.
• Kenneth R. Timmerman, FrontPageMagazine recommended sanctions that should follow Iran's referral to the UN Security Council.
• Victor Davis Hanson, The National Review reviewed our bad and worse choices about Iran.
• Thomas L. Friedman, The New York Times reported that recently Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick suggested to the Chinese to become a responsible "stakeholder" in the international system by joining in international efforts to force Iran to end its nuclear weapons program.
• Amir Taheri, Gulf News reviewed reports that the United States has decided to invade Iran and change its regime, on March 19.
• Michael Rubin, FrontPageMagazine.com provided a brief history of the MEK which he describes as a monster of the left.
• Amir Taheri, The New York Post reported that the clock is ticking for a regime change in Syria.
• William Kristol, The Weekly Standard reported that many people-the New York Times editorial board, much of Europe, even some in the Bush administration-don't really believe a nuclear Iran is unacceptable.
  

Photos, cartoons and videos.

• The Middle East Media Research Institute published video excerpts from a rally of Iranian pilgrims in Mecca where the speaker addresses the crowd in front of a backdrop showing the World Trade Center and an American flag in flames.
• Cox & Forkum published a cartoon: Fallout.
• Media Line reported on the Iranian speech at the Hajj which attacked the US and Israel on saudi soil. Video.
• Scott Ott, Scrapple Face published a bit of satire: Iran Years from Nuke, U.N. Decades from Action.
  

And finally, The Quote of the Week.

Mehran Riazaty reported that Ahmadinejad said:

“We don’t shy away from declaring that Islam is ready to rule the world... We must prepare ourselves to rule the world.