Tuesday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 2.21.2006:

Iran Talks with Russia and the EU - Fail Again.

• The Guardian reported that Iranian negotiators headed home after of an expected two day negotiation session in Moscow.
• The Financial Times reported that Tehran vowed to pursue nuclear research.
• Forbes reported that EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said talks with Iran's foreign minister failed to make progress.

Iranian Dissidents See Rise in Oppression.

• Amnesty International has just released a report on Iran, "New government fails to address dire human rights situation"(available here).
• Iran Press News reported that Elham Afroutan's father is saying his daughter has not committed suicide and spoke to him last Friday, despite government reports to the contrary.
• Iran Press News reported that political prisoner journalist, Mostafa Jowkar who was transferred to a hospital due to complications from heart disease, was returned to Evin prison without proper medical care.
• Iran Press News reported that 11 regime murderers were present at the despicable execution of political prisoner, Hodjat Zamani.
• Khaleej Times Online reported that Iran’s judiciary said two people had been sentenced to death for their role in twin bombings in the southwesten city of Ahvaz last month which killed eight people.

Pro-Democracy Efforts in Iran Gain Support.

• The Washington Post in an editorial welcomed Condoleezza Rice's plan to fund the pro-democracy efforts in Iran.
• Dr. Jack Wheeler, To The Point News reported on a statement of principles of the a Congress of Nationalities For a Federal Iran.
  

Rumors of War.

• The Jerusalem Post reported that American officials have been quietly probing whether Georgia, situated just northwest of Iran, will be willing to allow Washington to use its military bases and airfields in the event of a military conflict with Tehran.
  

Mesbah Yazdi Spies on the other Ayatollahs.

• Rooz Online reported that it was discovered that followers of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi had occupied the Sufi temple and had turned it into a surveillance station to spy and eavesdrop on the grand ayatollahs of Qom, prior to the Sufi's temporary retaking of the temple.
  

More on the Holocaust Conference in Tehran.

• Iran Press News reported on the regime sponsored Hezbollah Congress to take place in Iran designed to investigate of the theory of the Holocaust.

Iran Threatens the World Economy?

• Arab News reported March 20th is the opening day, that some believe, could shake the world economy, when Iran opens a new “bourse” (exchange) on which countries all over the world can buy and sell oil and gas not only for dollars but also for euros.

More on the Iranian Regime's Troublemaking.

• The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran's supreme leader called on Muslim nations to provide annual financial aid to a Hamas-led Palestinian government.
• The Washington Post reported that Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad reiterated that Iran is playing "a negative role" in Iraq by providing weapons, training and other support to militias and insurgent groups that interfere in Iraqi politics.
• Stratfor reported on Iran's efforts to create strategic partners in South America.