A Daily Briefing on Iran: Sunday's Daily Briefing on Iran

DoctorZin reports, 4.16.2006:

Blair says no to an attack on Iran. But counseled to promote democracy instead.

The Scotsman reported that Tony Blair will not offer military support to any strike on Iran, regardless of whether the move wins the backing of the international community, but is expected to support the call for a "Chapter 7" resolution, which could effectively isolate Iran from the international community. Blair's "favourite think-tank" argues that "The only long-term solution to Iran's problems is democracy."

Iran prepared to attack Britain.

The Sunday Times reported that Iran has formed battalions of suicide bombers to strike at British and American targets if the nation’s nuclear sites are attacked. Dr Hassan Abbasi, head of the Centre for Doctrinal Strategic Studies in the Revolutionary Guards said: “pay close attention to wily England” and vowed that “Britain’s demise is on our agenda”.

Reports on the 12 Imam and his Bassij followers.

Matthias Küntzel, The New Republic produced a detailed examination of Ahmadinejad's roots in the Bassij in a report: Ahmadinejad's Demons. A must read.
Los Angeles Times reported on the messianic fervor growing among some of Iran's Shiites.

War gaming Iran.

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon preparing for possible military action on Iran.
The Guardian reported that British officers took part in a US war game aimed at preparing for a possible invasion of Iran, codenamed Hotspur 2004.
The Toronto Star reported that a U.S. strike on Iran could make Iraq look like a warm-up bout.

Ahmadinejad support inside Iran slipping.

SeattlePI reported that Ahmadinejad is annoying predecessors by claiming the success of Iran's nuclear achievement in his name alone and that not all Iranians back his radical rhetoric.
Rooz Online disclosed details of an under reported meeting where Khamenei criticized other conservative clerks for not backing Ahmadinejad. These criticisms are indicative of the diminishing role of the traditional clerics in Islamic regime.

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

BBC News reported that former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres has urged the UN to take united action against Iran. "Iran is a member state of the United Nations that is threatening to destroy another member state of the United Nations."
Yahoo News reported that Palestinian militant leaders have rallied behind Iran, vowing to resist pressure to recognize Israel and supporting the Islamic republic in its stand-off with the West over its nuclear program.
The Telegraph reported that Iranian scientists are secretly conducting crucial nuclear research and development, using university laboratories as cover to avoid international scrutiny.
BBC News reported that many believe the Iranian regime has two choices: either it will take a tougher stance on its nuclear program, or it will become more willing to compromise.