A Daily Briefing on Iran: Week in Review

DoctorZin provides a review of this past week's [1/16/06 -1/07/22] major news events regarding Iran. (The reports are listed in chronological order, not by importance) READ MORE

Rumors of War.

MosNews reported that Israel could launch a missile attack on Iran in the upcoming spring.
The Jerusalem Post reported that IAF pilots have completed their mission training and fighter jets have been prepared for an Israeli attack on Iran.
Los Angeles Times in an op/ed asked: Are we living through the origins of the next world war?
Simon Jenkins, The Guardian thinks the west has picked a fight that it cannot win.
Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, The CounterTerrorism Blog reported that as the Iran showdown draws closer, don't expect Iran or the U.S. to back down.
Spiegel Online reported that French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday threatened states developing weapons of mass destruction with nuclear retaliation.
Daily News reported that acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said: Israel will not allow Iran to get the bomb.
Economic Times reported that Nicholas Burns, the US under secretary of state for political affairs speaking about the current crisis with Iran, said: “This is the most serious issue before the world."
Monsters & Critics reported that Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz warned the Iranian people Saturday that they faced 'destruction' unless they managed to restrain their new President.
Israelnn reported that Ken Timmerman claimed that the US and Israel will destroy Iran's nuclear facilities in less than 10 weeks from now. Audio of the interview.

Other Options? How about an Internal Regime Change?

The Christian Science Monitor reported that current diplomatic efforts are prompting some officials and analysts to lay out a range of Plan B's, but not regime change.
The Times reviewed the options for the world towards Iran.
The Editors, The National Review published an excellent statement on the Iran crisis and the poor options facing the west, but they seem to have forgotten the opportunity for the west to support a regime change in Iran.
Iran Press News reported that European nations have ordered their private commercial companies and banks to suspend their issuance of contracts with their Islamic Republic counterparts.
Iran Press News reported that German deputy Foreign Minister Gernot Erler said he favored imposing travel restrictions on Iranian politicians.
Frederick Kempe, The Wall Street Journal pondered the Iranian "Tipping Point."
Jonathan Gurwitz, San Antonio Express-News argued that the world can't ignore the cries calling for change in Iran.
Mark Steyn, Telegraph asked: Would it not be feasible to turn the tables on the Iranian regime and upgrade Iran's somewhat lethargic dissidents?
The New York Sun reported that the strong showing for Iranian-backed Islamists in last month's Iraqi election are prompting backers of the Bush Doctrine of spreading democracy in the Middle East to call for refinements in implementing the policy - but not for its wholesale abandonment.
Michael Rubin, Wall Street Journal reported that 80% of the population have lost faith in the Islamic Republic and do not want to live under theocracy any more than do Americans or Europeans.
Jonah Goldberg, The National Review reminded us that there is a third option in dealing with Iran, regime change from within.
Michael Ledeen, The National Review examined why the Iranian people are waiting for the international community to stand with them in their desire to remove the Iranian regime.
Magna Carta, a new Iranian opposition group, issued a letter to the international community calling for political and media support for their efforts to create a free and democratic Iran.
Joe Katzman, Winds of Change.net argued why failure to support an internal regime change inside of Iran will likely lead to at least 10 million dead.
Eli Lake, The New York Sun discussed the opportunity for the academic left to abandon its neutrality in the war between Iranians and the mullahs who hold them captive.
Reuters reported that the State Department is spending millions of dollars to boost democracy in Iran, but added, the U.S. goal was not to overthrow the Iranian government via these grants.
Vance Serchuk, The Weekly Standadrd argued that there is much the US can do to pressure the Iranian regime to give up its nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad.

Robert Tait, The Observer reported that Ahmadinejad accused the west being in the "dark ages' in its mentality and then said: If they want to deny us our rights, we have ways to secure those rights.'
Robert Tait, The Guardian reported that Iran was warning the west that soaring oil prices would be the result if Iran is subjected to economic sanctions.
CBS News reported that Iran, whose president has declared the Holocaust a myth, announced Sunday it would hold a conference to examine the scientific evidence concerning Nazi Germany's massacre of the Jews. No date yet.
Mehran Riazaty provided highlights of Ahmadinejad first press conference. Photos.
Yahoo News reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met in Damascus with the leaders of 10 radical Palestinian movements.
Iran Focus reported that Ahmadinejad appointed, Hojjatoleslam Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi, as the new head of the National Security Council. Pour-Mohammadi was a notorious former deputy intelligence minister, whose agents “systematically engaged in extra-judicial killings of opposition figures.
Sanam Vakil, Asia Times argued that Iran's Supreme Leader is using the current crisis in the west with Ahmadinejad to improve his own public image.
Iran Focus reported that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told European nations to open their doors to the Jews of Israel, so that Israel could be removed from the map of the Middle East.

Iran's Nuclear Program.

Reuters reported that IAEA head El Baradei said Tehran "might not seem to care, but if I say that I am not able to confirm the peaceful nature of that program after three years of intensive work, well, that's a conclusion that's going to reverberate ... around the world."
Mehrdad Sheibani, Rooz Online reported that the danger, in the present nuclear crisis with the west, is absolutely serious.
Yahoo News reported that Germany, France and Britain have begun drafting a resolution to submit to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Reuters reported that the US and European Union hope to enlist Russian and Chinese support for robust diplomatic steps against Iran, but China said resorting to the Security Council might "complicate the issue."
Forbes.com reported that Jack Straw said that it is up to Iran to reassure the international community.
Reuters reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel met President Vladimir Putin on Monday for talks in which she was expected to press him to support European Union and U.S. diplomatic pressure on Iran.
National Review reported that Kofi Annan worked furiously to undue European and American efforts to bring Iran before the Security Council.
The Star reported that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Iran had "crossed the threshold" with its recent nuclear actions and that the world must act fast.
Scotsman reported that Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that there should be no "rush" to international sanctions on Iran.
The Financial Times reported that Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, yesterday insisted Tehran's resumption of nuclear research was "irreversible", and announced that Tehran is set to appoint three experienced diplomats as ambassadors to France, Germany and the UK.
Yahoo News reported that Israeli President Moshe Katsav said Israel will not allow "a totalitarian" Iran which exports international terrorism to have a nuclear capability.
The Times reported that Saudi warned Tehran that its nuclear ambitions could bring disaster to the region.
The Jerusalem Post reported that when it comes to Iran, the problem is that what they don't know about Iran could fill an encyclopedia
Eli Lake, The New York Sun reported that many are beginning to look at ways to support an internal regime change in Iran.
The Times reported that the EU3 will seek an emergency meeting of the IAEA on February 2-3.
Reuters reported that a meeting of European, Russian, Chinese and U.S. officials in London on Monday did not produce a full consensus.
BBC News reported on why, as the west presses for punitive international action against Tehran, one of its most difficult tasks will be to win China's support.
Herald Sun reported that UN nuclear chief Dr Mohamed ElBaradei held a secret meeting with Iran's chief negotiator.
The Guardian reported that while Javier Solana, the EU foreign affairs chief, said he was "confident" Russia and China will back the referral, both countries expressed serious reservations.
RIA Novosti reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "I fully support the appeal to resume talks but believe it would be possible only under the generally recognized conditions that assume Iran's observance of the uranium enrichment moratorium."
Asia Times argued the Russian position on Iran.
The New York Times reported that Iran on Tuesday proposed a resumption of nuclear talks with the Europeans.
Iran Press New reported that an Iranian MP, Mohammad-Nabi Roudaki, said: "The American and German view is obnoxious and these two countries are breaking all kinds of rules with regards to their stances."
Iran Press News reported that Ahmadinejad in an interview regarding the nuclear issue said: "we are the ones who do not trust certain western countries... I have at least 20 proposals and I've only divulged 2 so far. ... We recommend that these western countries cease using their philosophies of Fascism and tyranny... Western countries must learn to live by the rule of law."
Evelyn Leopold, Reuters argued that Iran can be embarrassed into complying with the west's demands to end nuclear enrichment.
Con Coughlin, Telegraph warned that Iran 'could go nuclear within three years.'
Adnkronos International reported that Iran may be much closer than previously thought to possessing significant quantities of enriched uranium, according to a source who has had direct access to the research laboratories of A.Q. Khan.
The Economist examined what might happen if the IAEA does refer Iran to the UN.
The Jerusalem Post reported that IDF Chief of Staff, Maj.-Gen. Dan Halutz, said: "We need to be fearful of those who call for the destruction of Israel and of the moment when they possess the means to carry out their wishes."
Iran Focus reported that, once again, Iran's Supreme Leader vowed that the Islamic Republic would never abandon its nuclear activities.
Iran Press News reported that threats made on U.S. forces in Iraq if there is any attempt on the part of the U.S. against the Islamic regime.
Iran Press News reported that under mounting international pressure, the authorities of the Iranian regime are expressing great anxiety.
United Press International reported that an Iranian opposition group claims that Tehran is planning a nuclear weapons test before the Iranian New Year on March 20, 2006.
Financial Times reported that Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the UN’s nuclear monitor, has turned down a request by the European Union to issue a far-reaching condemnation of Iran’s nuclear program before the next meeting of the IAEA.
The Financial Times reported that China reiterated its calls for restraint on Thursday in the growing crisis over Iran’s nuclear program.
Reuters reported that Germany's foreign intelligence agency believes that Iran is at least three or four years away from getting a nuclear weapon.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Europe and the United States continue to dismiss the possibility of talks with Iran.
The Financial Times reported that China is now the greatest obstacle to an international consensus on resolving the crisis.
Iran Focus reported that Kofi Annan urged Iran on Thursday to suspend nuclear activities.
The Guardian reported that Italy's foreign minister said that Iran's nuclear program is testing the resolve of the international community, and the world needs a unified approach to the escalating diplomatic standoff.
The Jerusalem Post reported that an Iranian exile group claimed that Tehran has acquired banned nuclear weapons machinery that "are able to simultaneously use pressure and heat to produce uranium spheres for production of nuclear bombs."
Mehran Riazaty reported that The Germany’s BND Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that Iran will have atomic bomb in next several months.
The Washington Times argued that it's not likely that military action short of overthrowing the current regime could eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat.
Louis Charbonneau, Reuters reported that the Russians objected to language in a draft that suggests Iran is a threat to world peace and paves the way for a so-called Chapter Seven resolution at the Security Council.
IranMania reported that Iran wants China to be involved in possible enrichment of uranium with Russia.

Iranian Oil a Weapon?

Reuters reported that the U.S. Energy Information Administration warned world can't afford to lose Iran's oil.
The New York Times reported that Ahmadinejad hinted last weekend that Iran might be willing to use the "oil weapon" - that is, curbing oil exports.
United Press International also reported that Iran's plan for opening an oil bourse in March of this year could threaten the world economy.

Iran Preparing for Sanctions.

Adnkronos International reported that the governor of the Iranian central bank, confirmed reports that Tehran is considering shifting funds deposited in European banks to financial institutions in Asia.
Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Iran is ready to transfer 8 Billion Dollars from the EU to Asian banks.
SBS TV reported that a US senator has announced legislation that would urge the international community to impose tough sanctions on Iran.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Iran announced Friday it has begun pulling its foreign currency accounts out of European banks.
Reuters reported that an unnamed senior Iranian official said: "Yes, Iran has started withdrawing money from European banks and transferring it to other banks abroad."
Reuters reported that Iran's decision to withdraw investments from Europe to shield them from U.N. sanctions has unearthed an array of risks for currency investors.
Reuters reported that Iran, which has said it is shifting its money out European accounts as the threat of U.N. sanctions mounts, will NOT move its currency assets to Asia.

The Dissidents.

Iran Press News reported that a political activist from the town of Oshnoviyeh was returned to prison for another 3-year sentence.
Iran Press News reported that the Islamic regime sentenced a German hostage to 18 months in prison.
Robert Mayer, The Publis Pundit reported that a prominent Iranian feminist activist and freedom fighter, Maloos Radnia, passed away yesterday in Tehran.

The Unrest inside of Iran.

Massoud Ansari, Telegraph reported on the Iranian hostages being held by Sunni rebels in Iran and the growing insurgency there.
SMCCDI reported that several demonstrators were injured or arrested, yesterday, following a brutal attack made by the Islamic regime's militiamen and security agents in a suburb of the Iranian Capital.
SMCCDI reported that an Islamist judge and his wife were killed in a mysterious accident near Rasht-Khar.
Barbad Kaveh, Rooz Online reported that protesting Iranian Teachers are demanding rights in the new government budget.
Reuters reported that an Iranian Sunni militant group said it had killed one of a group of Iranian soldiers it has held hostage.

Human Rights/Religious and Press Freedom inside of Iran.

Kamran Mizani, Rooz Online reported on how various governments are blocking private and independent satellite Iranian broadcasters from beaming into Iran.
AnoniBlog produced a Persian guide to anonymous blogging.
Iran Press News reported that "The Servants of Allah Hezbollah of Kurdistan" have issued a bulletin for the physical "elimination" of journalists, civil and human rights activists.
Human Rights Watch released its 2006 Human Rights Watch World Report.
Francis Fukuyama, The Wall Street Journal reported on a Web site that comes online today and documents the individual stories of the victims of the Iranian regime.

The Iranian Economy.

Iran Press News reported that more than 780,000 single mothers are receiving government assistance and 1.5 million people are waiting for financial aide.
Iran Press News reported that director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that trade between the two countries has exceeded $10 billion.

Iran's Military.

Hamed Irani, Rooz Online discussed elements of a confidential report on last months C-130 air crash.
Israel Insider reported that Iran on Sunday commissioned its second domestically built submarine. Photo.
Counter Terrorism Blog reminded us that Iran had bought 18 disassembled BM-25 missiles from North Korea which can easily be launched from [a] freighter modified with launch tubes and blast channels.
Iran Focus reported that Brigadier General Hossein Salami, a senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards who once vowed that “no part of the Islamic world is going to be safe and secure for America” was named as the new head of the Guards’ Air Force.

Iran and the International community.

Iran Focus reported that US Vice President Dick Cheney held talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak regarding the crisis over Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program.
ABC News reported that the Arab world's two major powers urged Vice President Dick Cheney to give negotiations more time in the growing diplomatic conflict over Iran's nuclear program.
BBC News reported that at least eight Iraqi coastguards have been detained by Iran after a clash on the Shatt al-Arab waterway.
Iran Press News reported that Hamed Karzai’s trip to Iran was canceled. The reason for the cancellation is the "unfavorable climate and conditions".
Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday on a two-day official visit.
The Daily Star explored how the growing rapprochement between Iran and Syria will affect Lebanon.
Reuters reported that Iran said it will hand over nine Iraqi coastguards who Baghdad says were "kidnapped" by Iranian forces.
Zaman.com reported that Iran has reduced the amount of natural gas to Turkey, causing a crisis in Turkey.
KansasCity.com reported that despite Ahmadinejad's meeting with leaders of militant Palestinian groups the State Department said neither Iran nor Syria can proclaim itself a champion of the Palestinian people since Palestinian leader Abbas has called for Damascus to close down the headquarters of these groups.

CNN Begs Iran for Forgiveness.

Yahoo News reported that Iran said it is barring CNN from working in Iran "until further notice" due to its mistranslation of comments made by the president.
CNN News reported that after their apology Ahmadinejad has asked that a ban on CNN journalists lifted.

Can You Believe This?

Robert Mayer, The Publis Pundit reported that the Alliance of Iranian Women protested Code Pink.

US Policy on Iran.

Michael Hirsh, Newsweek reported that now that the civilized world is now united against Iran. Can the American president exploit the opportunity?
The New York Times reported that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton last night criticized the Bush administration for its response to Iran's nuclear program.
Daniel McKivergan, Weekly Standard Blog argued that while Sen. Clinton suddenly talks tough on Iran, she hasn't explained why the Clinton-Gore Administration helped arm Iran with "highly threatening military" equipment.
The Washington Post reported that at the heart of an informal review of US Iran policy the goal is to change the character of a regime.
The New York Times reported that the Bush administration and European officials said that they want to avoid causing hardship or more anti-Western resentment in the Iranian public.
Reuters reported that the State Department is spending millions of dollars to boost democracy in Iran, but added, the U.S. goal was not to overthrow the Iranian government via these grants.
Vance Serchuk, The Weekly Standadrd argued that there is much the US can do to pressure the Iranian regime to give up its nuclear program.
Tom Curry, MSNBC reported that Iran's nuclear ambitions could roil America's Elections.

Bi-Partisan Unity on Iran in Senate.

Carol Giacomo, Reuters reported that Republican and Democratic senators said on Sunday the United States may ultimately have to undertake a military strike to deter Iran.
Nedra Pickler, Forbes reported that US Senators said that international penalties against Iran are necessary to contain its nuclear ambitions.

Must Read reports.

Eli Lake, The New York Sun reported that many are beginning to look at ways to support an internal regime change in Iran.
Charles Krauthammer, The Washington Post lamented the recent statement by the new chancellor of Germany that the EU3/Iran negotiations were a success because the allies stuck together!
Frederick W. Stakelbeck, FrontPageMagazine.com examined the threat of a nuclear Iran and its growing alliance with Cuba. A new Cuban missile crisis is coming.
Cliff May, The Corner reminded us that some who claim to speak for the Iranian people in Washington are in reality defending the Iranian regime.
Joe Katzman, Winds of Change.net argued why failure to support an internal regime change inside of Iran will likely lead to at least 10 million dead.

The Experts.

Frank J. Gaffney Jr., The Washington Times is one of the few to reminded us that one of Mr. Ahmadinejad's other stated objectives: "a world without America."
Amir Taheri, Korea Herald reminded the world that Ahmadinejad hopes he will emerge as the unrivalled master of the Islamic republic and the de facto leader of the Muslim world.
Michael Rubin, Wall Street Journal reported that 80% of the population have lost faith in the Islamic Republic and do not want to live under theocracy any more than do Americans or Europeans.
Michael Ledeen, The National Review examined why the Iranian people are waiting for the international community to stand with them in their desire to remove the Iranian regime.
Kenneth R. Timmerman, FrontPageMagazine.com said that when making a revolution, allies matter, arguing that the MEK/MKO are the wrong allies.

Photos, cartoons and videos.

Israel Insider reported that Iran on Sunday commissioned its second domestically built submarine. Photo.
Mehran Riazaty provided highlights of Ahmadinejad first press conference. Photos.
Memri.org published a video and transcript of a disturbing interview with a Bahraini women's rights activist regarding Shia Islam and women.
Informazionecorretta published a cartoon: Ahmadinejad acts like a Nazi.
Israelnn reported that Ken Timmerman claimed that the US and Israel will destroy Iran's nuclear facilities in less than 10 weeks from now. Audio of the interview.
Cox & Forkum published a cartoon: Brokeback Diplomacy.

And finally, The Quote of the Week.

Ilan Berman, National Review Online reminded us that Ahmadinejad's animus isn't simply directed toward Israel. Ahmadinejad has announced:

"The skirmishes in the occupied land are part of a war of destiny . . . a historic war between the oppressor [Christians] and the world of Islam."