Daily Briefing on Iran 11/06/2005

Wed., Nov. 2, 2005
"How Dangerous is Iran?" - Full text of the Cicero article on Iran

Iran Press News reported that Ahmad-Reza Shiri, Journalist and blogger from Mash'had who had been arrested and imprisoned temporarily, awaiting trial.

Iran Press News reported that Iranian dissident Payman Peeraan's new trial begins.

Iran Press News published a horrific letter of political prisoner Mehrdad Lohrasbi.

The Wall Street Journal, Abbas Milani, argued that the clerical cabal that rules Iran is pushing its captive population ever closer to the precipice and the only answer to the Iranian nuclear problem is democracy.

Thu., Nov. 3, 2005
The National Review: Demonstrating against [Iranian] anti-Semitism. In response to Iran's call for the elimination of Israel, Wednesday evening in Rome, thousands, probably tens of thousands, will demonstrate in support of the Jewish state. READ MORE

Iran Press News reported that Kuwait puts a moratorium on issuing visas to IRI passport holders.

Adnkronos International reported that the Iranian government has decided to continue the process of uranium enrichment, starting next week.

The Guardian reported that Iran is sending conflicting signals to an international community concerned about its nuclear agenda, granting U.N. inspectors access to a secret military site but also saying it would process a new batch of uranium that could be used to make atomic weapons.

Iran Focus reported that over 290 recorded demonstrations, sit-ins, and strikes took place past month. Bringing the total number of demonstrations in Iran this year now stands at above 1,800.

Rooz Online: In a letter to Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, head of Iran's Judiciary, Masoumeh Shafiee, the wife of imprisoned journalist and writer Akbar Ganji's protested the mistreatment of Tehran prosecutor's team in dealing with her husband.

Center for Security Policy offered three non military instruments we need to use against the regime in Tehran.

Reuters reported that a small bomb exploded outside the offices of BP and British Airways in Tehran.

Yahoo News reported that Iran's hard-line government said Wednesday it was removing 40 ambassadors and senior diplomats, including supporters of warmer ties with the West.

Times Online reported Khatami accused the new leader of using: fascist values and principles in the name of Islam to criticize liberalism.

Fri., Nov. 4, 2005
Western Media Suddenly Get Tough on Iran's New President

The Times UK reported that Ahmadinejad's recent tough talk and action make people wonder if he is a 'Little Short of Lunacy.'

Reuters asked: How radical can Iran's President go?

The NY Sun argued that with Iran now baring its 'Genocidal Intent' the next question to ask is does Iran have the two components that must be present for genocide to occur: intent and opportunity.

Iran Press News reported that Iranian TV, in a special on the 1979 occupation of the U.S. embassy, threatened other western countries with embassies in Tehran saying: “If necessary, embassies of other western countries can and will be invaded with that very same divine plan.”

Iran Press News reported that an Iranian court sentenced 6 protesting workers who have not received their wages for more than 13 months to 4 months in prison and 20 lashes each. The workers were charged with “disturbing public order.”

Kuwait News Agency reported that the U.S. called for the immediate release of jailed Iranian activist, Akbar Ganji.

The New York Times reminds us that we have allies in Iran.

WorldNetDaily.com reported that Iran last month distributed $1 million to families of Palestinian suicide bombers and jailed terrorists.

Reuters reported that Russia is prepared to host a nuclear fuel production joint venture with Iran, a plan that could help break a months-long deadlock in Tehran’s talks with France, Britain and Germany.