Posted on 12/17/2006 4:03:30 PM PST by DAVEY CROCKETT
Thanks to Milford421 for this alert.
www.jihadwatch.org
Arabic Translator Who Faked Identity Pleads Guilty To Having Secret
Data
He probably found this fairly easy to accomplish because of the
government's eagerness to demonstrate its political correctness by
hiring as many Muslims as possible, without -- obviously -- doing
sufficient background checks. "Translator Who Faked Identity Pleads
Guilty To Having Secret Data," by Josh White in the Washington Post,
with thanks to Sr. Soph:
An Arabic translator who used an assumed identity to get work as a
contractor for the U.S. Army in Iraq pleaded guilty yesterday to
federal charges of possessing classified national defense documents,
including sensitive material about the insurgency that he took from
an 82nd Airborne Division intelligence group in 2004.
The translator obtained U.S. citizenship under a false identity
before securing a job in August 2003 with Titan Corp., which
supplied translators to the U.S. military to aid in fighting the war
in Iraq. The man then used his false identity to get secret and top-
secret clearances -- access to extremely sensitive material that is
supposed to be given only after thorough background checks --
Justice Department officials said.
Authorities said yesterday in a news release that they do not even
know the translator's real name and that they refer to him in court
documents under several of his aliases, including "Abu Hakim"
and "Abdulhakeem Nour."
The man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in New York to
having several documents in his Brooklyn apartment after two
deployments to Iraq. He earlier pleaded guilty to charges of using a
false identity to obtain U.S. citizenship and to gain access to
classified military material.
Iran Al-Alam TV's 'Iraq Today' Discusses US 'Plans' To 'Eliminate Iraqi Leaders'
Originally published on 2/20/2007 by Al-Alam Television in Arabic
Tehran Al-Alam Television in Arabic at 1330 GMT on 20 Feb broadcast its "Iraq Today" program which discussed alleged secret plans by the US to eliminate Iraqi leaders. The guests were Najm al-Sa'di, writer and political analyst based in Baghdad, and Dr Amir Mukhtar, academic and university lecturer based in London.
Before the discussion a video report was shown that alleged that in a last-ditch attempt to regain the control of Iraq, the US was contemplating a secret plan to assassinate a number of "patriotic Arab Islamic leaders". The source for this report was anonymous news websites. The "plan" aims to derail moves to realize harmony and stability in Iraq by eliminating influential anti-US leaders who could steer Iraq towards harmony and stability. The report said that the plan comes as a US response to the Baghdad security plan, which has been successful in targeting terrorists "linked in one way or another" to the US.
Al-Sa'di said that all Iraqis support the Baghdad security plan, but that there were sides in the government who support the plan by day and undermine it by night. He added that despite reservations about US intentions, the US army was cooperating well in implementing the plan.
Mukhtar said that the US fears changes in Iraq, and hoped that the US does not embark on a campaign of assassinations. He said that the Baghdad security plan is the last attempt by Iraqis to achieve stability, and that there are "foreign sides and warlords" who do not want the plan to succeed.
Al-Sa'di said that there were hereditary "regional powers" that do not want to see a democratic country on their doorstep, and who believed their own lies about a "Shi'i crescent". He argued that these countries are the chief losers if the Baghdad Security Plan succeeded. He added that "Iraqi terrorists" based in Syria and Jordan who benefited from Iraq's oil revenues since 1968 now fund terrorist operations. Al-Sa'di also mentioned the Democratic Party in Washington as a side that does not want the Republicans to succeed in Iraq, and Britain, which regards Iraq as "British" and whose policy in Iraq has run counter to US policy.
Mukhtar said that Democrats want the current US administration to fail. He questions why neighbouring countries insist on fermenting instability and sectarian strife, since instability will spread to their countries
Al-Sa'di said that the US does indeed want the Baghdad security plan to succeed but does not want a regime loyal to Iran or Saudi Arabia, or a government dominated by Islamists. After being challenged by the presenter on this point, Al-Sa'di said that differences between the Iraqi government and the US on the implementation of the Baghdad security plan were technical, concerning the types of weapons and equipment available to Iraqi soldiers. The US he argued does not want a strong Iraqi army because it fears the possibility of military coups.
Mukhtar said that there is distrust among all sides in Iraq. The US does not trust Iraqi politicians, and therefore does not want to adequately arm the Iraqi army. Mukhtar dismissed the report of a US hit list of Iraqi leaders.
Al-Sa'di said that reports of a US plan to assassinate Iraqi leaders are just "rumours".
The presenter insisted on discussing the alleged US plan to assassinate anti-US Iraqi leaders despite both guests repeatedly questioning the truth of this claim. The presenter shifted the focus of the discussion to the Al-Sadr movement, and asked why this movement in particular is most likely to be targeted by the US. The presenter described the Al-Sadr movement as "an anti-US current in Iraq which defeated plans for fermenting sectarian sedition and saved the political process".
Al-Sa'di said that the Al-Sadr movement is a hugely popular national movement that was created to resist the occupation and dominate Iraqi politics, and that is why the US struck at this movement.
Mukhtar said that the US fears a strong Islamist force in Iraq, but it should learn to respect the will of the people.
: Tehran Al-Alam Television in Arabic -- IRIB's 24-hour Arabic news channel, targetting a pan-Arab audience
Persian Press: Commentary Warns US Iraq Acts Against Iran To Face 'Consequences'
Unattributed commentary from the "Viewpoint" column: "Forgotten Consequences of Washington's Diplomatic Policies"
Originally published on 2/10/2007 by Resalat in Persian
The decisions taken by the American authorities against Iran, which are against diplomatic norms, have led to consequences in the political atmosphere of Iraq about which America has to be responsive according to international law. After Jalal Sharafi, the second secretary of the Iran Embassy in Iraq, was kidnapped by armed men wearing Iraqi Army uniforms in Baghdad's Al-Karada neighborhood on Sunday 15 Bahman [ 4 February], the American Army declared that it was investigating the kidnapping of the Iranian diplomat.
To date, the preliminary investigations show that the kidnappers were Ba'thists dismissed from the Ministry of Defense. The kidnapping this Iranian diplomat and the arrest of five other Iranian diplomats, who were arrested by the American forces on 21 Dey [ 11 January], have similar outcomes in terms of destroying diplomatic immunity. This might have unpleasant consequences.
Bush's orders to arrest Iranian officials in Iraq can be described as a part of Washington's strict strategy with the goal of weakening Tehran's power to influence developments in Iraq and the Middle East and forcing Tehran to stop its nuclear program. However, since the nature of the kidnappers of the second secretary of the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad is different from that of governments, and the second group cannot be expected to be responsive, the security of the Iranian diplomats is threatened. Hence, there is no doubt that Tehran will not ignore this threat in the future. Since Iraq is under the occupation of America, according to international law, America is responsible for combating kidnappings, and the country has to be responsive about such events.
By arresting five Iranian diplomats, America started a game with the goal of increasing the pressures on Iran. This was in order to put Tehran in dire straits and make it welcome the holding of talks with America with regard to helping the latter in Iraq, without the direct request of the White House leaders for talks. Meanwhile, by having a look at recent events, it becomes clear that the consequences of this game have not been considered by the White House. The policy of diplomatic threats in order to confront Iran's regional power is not comprehensive and complete; it is only considered as a means for achieving Washington's goals. If this fails, it will be a prelude to other confrontations.
The arresting of Iranian diplomats and George Bush issuing the order to shoot Iranian citizens show that Bush intends to follow his actions in Iraq with two policies of making the rival hold negotiations and preparing the grounds for a military attack if Iran does not enter the phase of voluntarily talks. The decisions made by Bush show that, in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the Iraq crisis, victory only is defined for him as the Iranian authorities proposing to hold talks first and provide advantages to the American officials; otherwise, it will be a defeat.
America considers it a defeat in the international arena to provide advantages to Iran over the Iraq crisis. In order to fulfill its goals, America is ready to compensate for its diplomatic shortcomings by resorting to measures that are far from diplomatic manners. However, since the consequences of Washington's policies and the fact that the Ba'thist groups take advantage of them have been ignored, the feedback regarding America's moves will turn into a plague for the balances of America's foreign policy, and they will invalidate Washington's goals.
: Tehran Resalat in Persian -- conservative Tehran daily, owned by the Resalat Foundation; associated with traditional merchants and conservative clerics
Saudi Press Selection List, Highlights 20 Feb 07
The following lists selected items from the Saudi press on 20 Feb 07.
Originally published on 2/20/2007 by Saudi Arabia -- OSC Summary in Arabic
The following are highlights of the Saudi press on the Internet on 20 February 2007:
I. International Issues
1. Saudi-US Ties
a. Jedda Arab News (Internet Version - WWW) in English 20 Feb (English language daily; formerly owned by the late Prince Ahmad Bin-Salman, son of Riyadh Governor Prince Salman; URL: http://www.arabnews.com/) editorial "Gunboat Diplomacy": "THE impending arrival in the Arabian Gulf of another US aircraft carrier and a flotilla of other vessels to augment the present US naval presence there is cause for considerable concern." (GMP20070220614002)
b. Jedda Al-Madinah (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Conservative daily providing coverage of general domestic, regional, international, and religious news -- URL: http://www.almadinapress.com) editorial titled "Similar Characteristics and Common Objectives" urges Secretary Rice "to listen to the sound of reason and wisdom" demonstrated in the custodian of the two holy mosques' words on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "which mean that resolving the US predicament in Iraq starts by finding a solution for two independent states, which is considered a joint Saudi-US objectives. Riyadh finds that forming a national unity government will be a main launch pad for this solution." (300 words)
2. Iraq
a. Riyadh Al-Riyad (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper of largest circulation; focuses on domestic policies; critical of Israel and US Middle East policy. URL: http://www.alriyadh-np.com) editorial titled "Poverty in Rich Countries" views reasons for poverty in Iraq. It says: "The United States has spent over $400 billion on the occupation, the equivalent of the national budgets of several third world countries. Had this been added to Iraq's oil and other revenues, it would have turned it into a major force where poverty and divisions do not exist. Were western strategies to destroy Iraq part of a planned operation or was it led to total destruction by circumstances that rendered it a breeding ground for terrorists and a field for conflict with regional and international forces?" (500 words)
3. Palestinian Issues
a. Al-Dammam Al-Yawm (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper focusing on Eastern Region news. URL: http://www.alyaum.com/) carries an interview with HAMAS leader Khalid Mish'al about the Mecca agreement, the US position, ongoing national government negotiations, among other issues. (4,000 words; OSC plans to process this item)
b. Al-Yawm cites diplomatic Palestinian sources about Saudi efforts to mediate between Jordan and HAMAS, expecting an announcement of a settlement soon. (600 words)
c. Jedda Ukaz (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper of wide circulation; known for its exclusive reports and interviews with Saudi officials; often critical of Israel and US Middle East policy; URL: http://www.okaz.com.sa) cites Palestinian figures, including Mustafa al-Barghuthi, HAMAS's Isma'il Radwan, and Tal'at al-Safadi declaring the tripartite meeting between US Secretary Rice, PA President Abbas, and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert in Jerusalem "a failed meeting" due to "Israeli intransigence and US bias." (700 words)
4. Lebanon
a. Ukaz carries an interview with Lebanese Prime Minister Al-Sanyurah in which he expresses hope Lebanese adversaries could hold a reconciliatory meeting similar to the Mecca meeting. He also talks about ongoing contacts between the Kingdom and Iran to resolve the Lebanese crisis. (1,300 words; OSC plans to process this item)
b. Abha Al-Watan (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper known for its exclusive reports and in-depth coverage of local, Arab, and foreign news; strongly critical of Israel; financially supported by Asir Governor Prince Khalid al-Faysal; URL: http://www.alwatan.com.sa/) reports secret meetings have taken place between Lebanese Speaker Birri and Al-Mustaqbal Party leader Sa'd al-Hariri recently ahead of a meeting planned between them following Al-Hariri's return from Riyadh. It also reports Hizballah and other opposition figures have agreed to the meeting. (800 words)
5. Iran
a. Al-Watan editorial titled "Iran's Nuclear Program and Conflicting Signals" says Iran's "intransigence" will only "increase its neighbors' doubts about the peacefulness of its nuclear program and intentions toward the region, which will not serve Tehran's interests." It adds: "Resolving this crisis requires complete transparency by all parties to the conflict. Iran, for example, is required to display more flexibility about Switzerland's initiative, having rejected a set of western incentives proposed by the EU. The west is also required to alter its policy of double standards. Now that Israel has announced initiating plans to build the most state-of-the-art nuclear reactor in the world, will the same conditions and pressure apply?" (350 words)
II. Local Issues
1. Security and Terrorism
a. Ukaz reports more than 5,000 students will attend a meeting organized by Umm al-Qura University to protect students from deviant ideology and the danger of terrorism. (200 words)
b. Al-Madinah carries a 2-part commentary by Zahid titled "War on Terror" in which he views local and foreign factors that have and continue to contribute to terrorism. The writer argues that "western attempts to control Islamic world resources and the desecration of our Islamic countries by the occupiers are two outside reasons that have had a big impact." It says: "Angry youth feeling humiliated and oppressed are fueling terrorism... Young people with no hope for the future could be terrorist projects.. so do unemployed men, who can be easily recruited by the "shaykhs" of terrorism." (750 words)
c. Riyadh Al-Jazirah (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper of wide circulation; strongly critical of US Middle East policy; URL: http://www.al-jazirah.com) reports 690 former takfiri ( declaring other Muslims to be infidels) ideology advocates have recanted their views after talking to a number of callers and clerics through the Islamic Affairs Ministry's Al-Sukaynah Internet campaign. (250 words)
2. Economic and Labor Issues
a. Al-Watan commentary by Al-Mayman titled "What Saudization?" lamenting the unemployment situation and claiming that graduates of various vocational colleges and holders of various university degrees are unable to find jobs. (300 words)
3. Crime and Legal Issues
a. Arab News reports "Death Verdict for Joy Rider Evokes Shock and Denial": "Joy riders were left in a state of shock and denial after hearing that a death sentence had been issued on Sunday to a joy rider who killed three young boys and injured two others during a car stunt in late 2005. The case, which is considered the first of its kind, involved over a year of investigation and court hearings before the final sentence was issued. The accused, a navy officer nicknamed Abo Kab (the Man with the Cap), was a noted Jeddah daredevil known for his car stunts."
b. Al-Riyad cites Justice Ministry advisor Shaykh Abd-al-Muhsin al-Ubaykan warning against being too lenient with whoever disturbs peace and security in the Kingdom by committing a crime, be it theft or other crimes. He also calls for applying deterrent punishment against criminals to maintain security and stability in the Kingdom. He supports the sentence issued yesterday to behead four Sri Lanki nationals for the crimes they have committed. (300 words)
III. Negative Selection:
a. Riyadh Al-Iqtisadiyah (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Economic daily providing coverage of business and consumer affairs, especially in Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states -- URL: http://www.aleqtisadiah.com)
b. Jedda Saudi Gazette (Internet Version - WWW) in English 20 Feb (Daily newspaper; twin sister of Ukaz; largest circulation English daily; URL: http://www.okaz.com.sa/sgazette/)
Persian Press: US Politicians Must Accept Iran as Middle East's Leading Power
From the "Viewpoint" column by Hanif Ghaffari: "From Albright to Rice"
Originally published on 2/19/2007 by Resalat in Persian
In her latest remarks, Condoleezza Rice stressed that for the last 27 years America's policy toward the Islamic Republic of Iran has been wrong. In this respect, the secretary of state of the George Bush administration has claimed that she is now proposing a 180-degree change in the direction of the White House policy toward Iran. Between 1998 and 2001, Madeleine Albright, the secretary of state during the Clinton administration, made similar declarations. In the last years of the second millennium, Albright stressed the need for change in Washington's policies toward Tehran and called it a step in the direction of playing down the importance of the existing dialectic and contradiction in the international order.
The difference between the remarks of Rice and those of Albright should be explained within the framework of two important points: The first point is that the domain of Rice's confession of the mistakes the White House has made in dealing with Iran is much more extensive. The secretary of state has addressed all American Governments, Democrat and Republican. In other words, the White House policy toward Iran, from the government of Jimmy Carter up to now, when the extremist Republicans are in power, has been counter to America's interests. This is a message that can be understood from the remarks stated by Rice, as a warmongering and realistic person. Even the "Queen of War" has gone beyond criticism and has announced her new plan based on a 180-degree change of direction in dealing with Iran. The increasing problems of the neoconservatives in the quagmire of Iraq and the process of Tehran's role in the Middle East's regional and extra-regional equations becoming more important have broken down the walls of the realistic ideas of the American extremists. This is why about 20 Republicans in the American Congress have openly declared their disagreement with Bush's policies on Iraq.
The second point is that to Madeleine Albright and her fellow Democrat friends in America, "reforms" in Iran were of special importance. In other words, the "reform" of the political structure of Iran and the Middle East has been considered the Democrats' main goal since 1998. On the other hand, the neoconservatives want to do more than just impose reforms on the political structures of the Middle East. Bush and his companions believe in the total deconstruction and establishment of a "new form." Today, however, this idea has been seriously isolated in the confrontation with the realities of the Middle East.
People like Colin Powell realized at the beginning of the war in Iraq that, with regard to the world's atmosphere in the third millennium, it would be impossible to establish their desired structure in Iran, but people like Rice came to this conclusion later.
Finally, the common point of view of the secretaries of state of the Clinton and Bush governments on the need to change their behavior towards Iran has a clear message: the extremist Republicans and the reformist Democrats have no other way than to accept the leading power of the Middle East and give in to it.
: Tehran Resalat in Persian -- conservative Tehran daily, owned by the Resalat Foundation; associated with traditional merchants and conservative clerics
Luis Atallah Urges Main Jihad Groups To Unite Under Islamic State of Iraq
Originally published on 2/15/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Summary in Arabic
Terrorism: Luis Atallah Advises Main Jihad Groups in Iraq to Join Islamic State of Iraq
On 15 February, a jihadist website posted an article by "Luis Atallah," thought by some observers to be the same person who wrote in the past under the name of Luis Atiyatallah, and often referred to as an Al-Qa'ida strategist and writer. In this article, Luis calls on the jihadist groups in Iraq to unite under the banner of the Islamic State of Iraq.
In his article entitled, "From Luis Atallah to the Islamic Army and the Rest of the Jihad Groups," Luis Atallah addresses various jihad groups in Iraq, especially The Islamic Army, the Ansar al-Sunnah Group, the Mujahidin Army, and the Al-Rashidin Army. After praising them for their jihad work, and saying that if he were in their presence he would kiss their foreheads and pure hands [sign of respect and gratitude], he tells them that, though he does not have the right to advise them, he feels the need to do so because "the Islamic nation is passing through crucial and decisive moments in the life of the Islamic nation."
Quoting from the Koran, the Hadith, and other Islamic sources, Atallah sets out to show that God commanded the Muslims to unite. Atallah reminds the mujahidin that the history of the Muslim nation clearly shows that every defeat resulted form division in the ranks of the Muslims. He adds that although he is aware that there is no strife among the mujahidin in Iraq, he believes that having multiple groups gives the enemy a chance to create strife and division in their ranks. He then warns, "The next phase is a decisive phase, and the strike might be fatal. Here we are approaching the finish line, and the time to reap the fruit has come. Do we let the ship wreck with us in it, just when the port has appeared [on the horizon]?"
To restore what he calls the victorious days, Atallah asks the four groups--The Islamic Army, the Ansar al-Sunnah, the Mujahidin Army and the Al-Rashidin Army--to accept the call of the Amir of the Islamic State of Iraq, Abu-Umar al-Baghdadi, and pledge allegiance to him. He concludes his message by assuring the jihad groups that he will be "waiting for the final blow, which will defeat the enemy once and for all."
Guided Missile Launched From Tank During Iran's Military Exercise
Originally published on 2/19/2007 by Fars News Agency (Internet Version-WWW) in Persian
The public relations officer of the Najaf Ashraf-8 brigade has said: During the Islamic Revolution Guards Corp's Eqtedar [Might] military exercise in Esfahan's Ramshe region, a guided missiles was successfully test fired and launched from a T72F tank for the first time.
Speaking to Fars News Agency in Esfahan, Mehdi Morakabian said that one of the characteristics of this missile is that it can be launched from an armored tank, adding: The mentioned missile is an anti-armor missile. It is laser-guided and it strikes targets with precision.
[Passage omitted: The official saying that his brigade has participated actively in the exercises]
Persian Press: Commentary Warns US Iraq Acts Against Iran To Face 'Consequences'
Unattributed commentary from the "Viewpoint" column: "Forgotten Consequences of Washington's Diplomatic Policies"
Originally published on 2/10/2007 by Resalat in Persian
The decisions taken by the American authorities against Iran, which are against diplomatic norms, have led to consequences in the political atmosphere of Iraq about which America has to be responsive according to international law. After Jalal Sharafi, the second secretary of the Iran Embassy in Iraq, was kidnapped by armed men wearing Iraqi Army uniforms in Baghdad's Al-Karada neighborhood on Sunday 15 Bahman [ 4 February], the American Army declared that it was investigating the kidnapping of the Iranian diplomat.
To date, the preliminary investigations show that the kidnappers were Ba'thists dismissed from the Ministry of Defense. The kidnapping this Iranian diplomat and the arrest of five other Iranian diplomats, who were arrested by the American forces on 21 Dey [ 11 January], have similar outcomes in terms of destroying diplomatic immunity. This might have unpleasant consequences.
Bush's orders to arrest Iranian officials in Iraq can be described as a part of Washington's strict strategy with the goal of weakening Tehran's power to influence developments in Iraq and the Middle East and forcing Tehran to stop its nuclear program. However, since the nature of the kidnappers of the second secretary of the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad is different from that of governments, and the second group cannot be expected to be responsive, the security of the Iranian diplomats is threatened. Hence, there is no doubt that Tehran will not ignore this threat in the future. Since Iraq is under the occupation of America, according to international law, America is responsible for combating kidnappings, and the country has to be responsive about such events.
By arresting five Iranian diplomats, America started a game with the goal of increasing the pressures on Iran. This was in order to put Tehran in dire straits and make it welcome the holding of talks with America with regard to helping the latter in Iraq, without the direct request of the White House leaders for talks. Meanwhile, by having a look at recent events, it becomes clear that the consequences of this game have not been considered by the White House. The policy of diplomatic threats in order to confront Iran's regional power is not comprehensive and complete; it is only considered as a means for achieving Washington's goals. If this fails, it will be a prelude to other confrontations.
The arresting of Iranian diplomats and George Bush issuing the order to shoot Iranian citizens show that Bush intends to follow his actions in Iraq with two policies of making the rival hold negotiations and preparing the grounds for a military attack if Iran does not enter the phase of voluntarily talks. The decisions made by Bush show that, in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the Iraq crisis, victory only is defined for him as the Iranian authorities proposing to hold talks first and provide advantages to the American officials; otherwise, it will be a defeat.
America considers it a defeat in the international arena to provide advantages to Iran over the Iraq crisis. In order to fulfill its goals, America is ready to compensate for its diplomatic shortcomings by resorting to measures that are far from diplomatic manners. However, since the consequences of Washington's policies and the fact that the Ba'thist groups take advantage of them have been ignored, the feedback regarding America's moves will turn into a plague for the balances of America's foreign policy, and they will invalidate Washington's goals.
: Tehran Resalat in Persian -- conservative Tehran daily, owned by the Resalat Foundation; associated with traditional merchants and conservative clerics
Iran: Highlights: Majles News and Proceedings, 10-14 February 2007
Originally published on 2/10/2007 by OSC Report in Persian
Highlights: Majles News and Proceedings, 10-14 February 2007
The following information is taken from the Majles website (http://mellat.majlis.ir) concerning the Majles proceedings and news for the period 10-14 February 2007.
Pre-Agenda Speeches:
People's 11 February March Sends Message to Bush, Europe, Putin
Mohammad Baqer Bahrami the deputy from Asadabad praised the enthusiastic participation of the people in the 22 Bahman [ 11 February] march and, regarding the foreign message of this march to the U.S. government, said: Mr. Bush, you have said that the idea of a military attack on Iran was your opponents', and this is not true. I hope that you are truthful regarding this statement and will not allow those who are more knowledgeable about identifying the enemy and the nature of your party to say that Bush will not be truthful.
He said that the second foreign message was to the leaders of the European countries and expressed hope that in the new phase of the talks and positive interaction of the Europeans with the Islamic Republic, the indisputable right of Iran and the people of the Islamic Republic will be recognized.
He added: Another message of this march was to Mr. Putin, who in the security conference in Munich said that the United States has made the world unsafe and that Bush's incompetence has destabilized the Middle East. Addressing Putin, he added: I hope it is not too late and you will be able to continue this manner of speaking in order to for the plan to create a natural gas OPEC to be successful.
Outlaws, Smugglers Trying to Create Sectarian Discord; Pakistan Should Be Addressed
Hoseyn 'Ali Shahriari the deputy from Zahedan offered his condolences to the families of the martyrs of Sistan and Baluchestan province and said: Unfortunately, the foolish outlaws and smugglers headed by world imperialism, who are despairing in face-to-face combat with the regime and are confused because of the 22 Bahman march, with the hope of creating ethnic and sectarian discord, every once in a while martyr some of our beloved ones with bombing operations.
Addressing the officials of the country, he said: Is the people's demand for security too great a demand? Why does our foreign diplomacy not respond seriously to the government of Pakistan, whose territory has become a safe haven and shelter for outlaws and the enemies of the regime?
Iran Will Not Suspend Enrichment
Seyyed Mahmud Hoseyni-Dowlatabadi the deputy from Barkhar and Meymeh regarded the 22 Bahman march as a strong response to the sanctions and statements of foreign and domestic enemies and said that if Iran wanted to accept the proposal of Europe and the United States and suspend enrichment, it would certainly have accepted such proposals prior to Iran's case going to the Security Council and the issuance of Resolution 1737 against Iran.
Destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque a Zionist Attempt to Cover Up Domestic Crises
Regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, he said that the Zionists by destroying it are trying to cover up their domestic crises; hence, Muslims, especially the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, have a duty to not remain silent.
Call for Embargo on Companies Affiliated with Israel
He also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vezarat-e Omur-e Kharejeh), the Islamic Propagation Coordination Council (Showra-ye Hamahangi-ye Tablighat-e Eslami), and the Ministry of Islamic Culture and Guidance (Vezarat-e Farhang va Ershad-e Eslami) to take steps to place an embargo on goods from companies affiliated with Israel.
Commerce Ministry Cannot Interfere in Chambers of Commerce Affairs
Kuhkan the deputy from Lenjan said that the Chambers of Commerce, Industries, and Mines (Otaqha-ye Bazargani va Sanaye' va Ma'aden) are people's economic organizations in the affairs of which the government and the Ministry of Commerce (Vezarat-e Bazargani) have no right to interfere and whose supervision is the responsibility of the Supreme Oversight Council (Showra-ye 'Ali-ye Nezarat).
He said that unfortunately in recent elections of the Chambers of Commerce, the Ministry of Commerce has acted in violation and that this action has put into question the competence of the minister of commerce to continue in his position.
Call for Transparency in Developmental Funding for Regions, Provinces
He asked the Majles Center for Research (Markaz-e Pazhuheshha-ye Majles) to examine the developmental funds according to city regions and provinces in various sectors during all the years since the victory of the Revolution and to present the results to the Majles, so that none of the deputies will feel that in the race to obtain funds, if they do not make an effort their city region will be deprived of those funds.
Strong Management Key to Society's Progress
Valiollah Dini the deputy from Ahar and Haris said: We do not have the right to blame others for the problems, high prices, inflation, and social disorder. Regarding planning and management as among the major issues in advancing the affairs, he said that without them there will be no result but disorder and chaos because the foundations for the progress of every society require strong, competent management.
Bill on Services Management, System of Payments Will Promote Social Justice
Stating that the bill on national services management and the coordinated system of payment of salaries will be implemented with the insistence and efforts of the Majles and the cooperation of the government beginning in the second half of next year, he said that if this bill is implemented completely without consideration for particular groups or strata, it will be a great step toward the creation of social justice and a strong motivation for the employees of various organizations.
Ratifications:
Bill to Guarantee Repayment of Foreign Funds for Train Projects
The Majles voted in favor a proposal on the basis of which the government can guarantee the repayment of funds from foreign sources for urban train projects.
Central Bank Gets Permission to Issue Stocks; Deputies Oppose, Support Measure
The Majles granted permission to the Central Bank to issue 10 trillion rials [R] worth of stocks within the framework of usury-free banking operations.
Deputies opposing the measure said that this amounts to injecting cash flow into the society to solve the problems, which is indefensible. They also considered it contrary to usury-free banking.
The deputies supporting the proposal stated that the Council of Guardians (Showra-ye Negahban) does not consider the issuance of stocks contrary to Islamic laws.
Attachment to Current Budget Examined
The Majles began examining the attachment to the 1385 [ 21 March 2006-20 March 2007] budget bill.
Questions and Reminders:
Organizations Having Trouble Paying Salaries
Tala'inik the deputy from Bahar and Kabudarahang said that at the present time certain organizations have problems in connection with the payment of the salaries of the last two months of the year and asked that the attachment to the bill be given priority.
Government Debt to Retirement, Other Organizations
Nadimi the deputy from Lahijan asked the president for the complete payment of the government debt to the retirement, social security, and educator's reserve fund organizations, the City Halls, and the Health Services Insurance Organization (Sazman-e Bimeh-ye Khadamat-e Darmani).
Reasons for Warnings Being Irrelevant Must Be Explained
A'lami the deputy from Tabriz made a reminder, saying that in accordance with the bylaws the person presiding over the session is obliged to explain why a reminder or warning is irrelevant; he complained that the day before he gave a warning regarding Mr. Elham having two jobs, but Mr. Haddad[-'Adel], who was presiding over the session, did not consider the warning relevant. He said that the reasons for this were never explained.
Majles Sessions Should Be Regulated to Not Interfere with Prayer Time
'Ali Akbar Naseri the deputy from Amol in a bylaws reminder said that the agenda of the official sessions should be regulated such that they do not coincide with the time for prayer. He said that in the previous session, the continuation of the session following the prayer time was not an emergency and should not have been done.
Controversy over Filling Sivand Dam, Destruction of Pasargad
Niknam the deputy of the Zoroastrians asked the president and the minister of energy to order a stop to the filling of the Sivand dam in order to protect the cultural heritage of Pasargad.
Qanbari the deputy from Ilam asked the president to issue instructions for the investigation of the destruction of the ancient Pasargad sites.
Qobadi the deputy from Marvdasht asked the minister of energy to investigate the reasons for the failure to fill the Sivand dam, considering the severe agricultural water crisis.
Chambers of Commerce Elections
Kuhkan the deputy from Lenjan asked the minister of commerce to avoid actions that are against the law in regard to the elections of Chambers of Commerce and Industries.
Call for Revision of Zero-Tariff Policy on Agricultural Imports
Khoshchehreh and Mahjub the deputies from Tehran asked the minister of commerce to revise the zero-tariff policy on the import of agricultural goods and products under the pretext of market regulation.
Flour Ration Should Increase in Villages
The deputies from Tabriz, Ahar, and Mianeh in a reminder to the minister of commerce emphasized the need to increase the flour ration of East Azerbaijan villages.
Cement Shortage
Madani the deputy from Gonabad asked the minister of commerce to investigate the severe shortage of cement in the region.
Prevent Import of Sugar
The deputies from Borujerd asked the minister of commerce to prevent the purchase of foreign sugar in order to support sugar beet farmers and the use of domestically produced sugar.
Problems in Gachsaran's Commerce Department, Housing, Natural Gas Faucet Plant
Ja'fari the deputy from Gachsaran asked the minister of commerce to investigate the confusion and indecisiveness in the Department of Commerce in the city region of Gachsaran.
He also made a reminder to the minister of housing and urban development about the indecisiveness in the Department of Housing and Urban Development of Gachsaran.
He also asked the minister of industries and mines to investigate the reason for the failure of the large oil and natural gas faucet plant to be put into operation.
Failure to Create Four Industrial Townships
Nezhadfallah the deputy from Savojbolaq asked the minister of industries and mines to investigate the reasons for the failure to create four industrial townships in the city regions of Savojbolaq and Nazarabad.
Illegal Voiding of Farmers' Deeds
Moradi the deputy from Arak asked the minister of agriculture to investigate the reason for the illegal voiding of the deeds of the farmers by the Forests and Natural Resources Organization (Sazman-e Jangalha va Manabeh-ye Tabi'i).
Drinking Water for Tribes
Fahimi the deputy from Parsabad and Bilehsavar asked the minister of agriculture to provide drinking water for the tribes of the two city regions.
Problems of Mazandaran Textile Factories Ignored
Ne'matzadeh the deputy from Qa'emshahr and Savadkuh made a reminder to the ministers of economic affairs and finance and industries and mines for their inattention to and ignoring the problems of the Mazandaran textile factories, considering the ratifications of the government cabinet in its provincial visit.
Prevent Closure of Guard Station
Baqbanian the deputy from Natanz and Qamsar asked the ministers of interior and health to prevent the closure of the law enforcement guard station in Arbesman and to transfer the road emergency station of Tarqrud to its legal location.
Shortage of Specialized Physicians
Tahmasebi the deputy from Lordegan asked the minister of health to make up for the shortage of specialized physicians and medical equipment in Chahar Mahall and Bakhtiari province.
Transfer of Government Companies Out of Tehran
The deputies from Kohkiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad, Shush, Shadegan, Abadan, and Varzeqan asked the president to investigate the reasons for the failure to implement Paragraph 5 of Note 19 of the 1385 budget law, regarding the transfer of the government companies and institutions from Tehran to the city regions.
Salaries for Conscripted Soldiers
Tala'inik the deputy for Bahar and Kabudarahang asked the president to issue instructions to fund the budget for improving the salaries of conscripted soldiers.
Preventing Destruction of Watersheds
The deputies from Tabriz, Kashan, and Babol asked the president to issue instructions to investigate the critical situation of the watersheds in the country and the need for rapid steps by the Environmental Organization (Sazman-e Mohit-e Zist) to prevent their destruction.
Subsidy for Disabled
Sudani the deputy from Ahvaz asked the president to issue instructions for the National Management and Planning Organization (Sazman-e Modiriyat va Barnamehrizi-ye Keshvar) to pay a subsidy to the disabled.
Services for Passengers of Delayed flights
He also asked the minister of roads and transport to investigate the situation regarding comfort and services for passengers left behind because of delayed flights.
ihadist Website Claims Meeting of Groups To Prepare Against Government Security Plan
Originally published on 2/7/2007 by Jihadist Websites -- OSC Report in Arabic
Terrorism: Jihadist Website Claims Meeting of Groups To Prepare Against Government Security Plan
On 6 February, a jihadist website posted a message from its correspondent in Baghdad saying that "leaders of all Iraqi resistance groups met with representatives from the religious, national, and Sunni sectors to prepare a master plan against the new security plans to be imposed by the Iraqi Government in Baghdad." In the meeting, the Islamic State of Iraq "pledged to establish an army of suicide martyrs to fight the Safavids, Americans, and the Kurds in Baghdad."
A summary of the message follows:
In this posting, the jihadist website correspondent claimed that he was in "a six-hour meeting held in Baghdad and attended by the leaders of all resistance groups in Iraq and well-known clerics, Sunni, civic and tribal leaders who drafted and approved a new master plan for protecting Sunnis and their neighborhoods in Baghdad from the new government security plan." The correspondent added that "viewpoints of all the resistance groups were shared and discussed against the government's new plan of redistricting Baghdad's Sunni neighborhoods and replacing Sunnis with Shiites." The website correspondent said that "ways and means of resistance and fighting back were discussed, and then the Islamic State of Iraq presented a new counter plan designed for dividing Sunni residential districts into military sectors commanded by a unified leadership made of military, religious, and civic leaders." The Islamic State of Iraq plan called for "military operations to commence 48 hours after the start of the Safavid-American campaign." The Islamic State of Iraq representative promised to "turn Sunni districts into execution gallows for the occupation and Safawi soldiers." The Islamic State of Iraq plan was "totally approved."
The correspondent said that the attendees discussed ways of protecting women and children, arming civilians, preparing supplies, water, and weapons, and planning medical assistance."
The jihadist website claimed that "the Islamic Army in Iraq presented a great plan [not further identified], and the Mujahidin Army promised a new, unusual invention for the war, while the Islamic State of Iraq guaranteed a new army of suicide martyrs."
When the meeting authorized this website's correspondents to move freely in Sunni areas, the site promised to "dispatch 15 correspondents to cover all Sunni and Shiite districts at the implementation of the government's new security plan and record the end of the Crusaders, Safavids, and Kurds, and the liberation of the greater Iraq."
Iran's Guards Corp Begin Eqtedar Military Exercise
Originally published on 2/19/2007 by Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1 in Persian
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corp's [IRGC] ground force began its Eqtedar [Might] military exercise with the use of modern weapons and arms, which have recently been commissioned to this force's various units.
[Correspondent] The IRGC ground force's great Eqtedar [Might] military exercise covering an area of 850,000 square kilometers began simultaneously in 16 provinces.
[Passage omitted: An IRGC commander giving the order for the start of the exercise]
[Begin Brig-Gen Zahedi recording, commander of the IRGC ground force] This exercise is being held in line with the IRGC ground force's operational doctrine. All of this force's weaponry such as artillery, missile, armored, and air-defense units, as well as all of the armored and anti-armor weapons and the new weapons which have been handed over to the IRGC ground force by the Islamic Republic's Defense Ministry and are used by this force's various units, are being used in this exercise. [end recording]
[Correspondent] This exercise will be held for three days in three stages in the Kermanshah, Tehran, Khuzestan, Esfahan, Fars, Kohkiluyeh-Boyerahmad, Gilan, Qazvin, Central, Kordestan, Kerman, South Khorasan, Zanjan, Semnan, Mazandaran, and Qom Provinces.
: Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1 in Persian -- state-run television
Persian Press: Commentary Warns Iran To Target US Interests in Event of Attack
Commentary by Hanif Ghaffari from the "Point" column: "Comprehensive Reaction"
Originally published on 2/10/2007 by Resalat in Persian
During his meeting with the commanders and thousands of members of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army's Air Force, the eminent leader stated that the enemies' psychological operations against the people of Iran show their weakness and helplessness. Regarding the rumor about the United States of America attacking Iran, he stated: "Do not try to frighten the people of Iran with such issues; has America not attacked Iran in the past? Meanwhile, the enemies know very well that any attack against Iran will be followed by the Iranian nation's comprehensive reaction against the attackers and their interests in every corner of the world."
As a matter of fact, by picturing the comprehensive relationship between "America's possible attack" and "Iran's response," the leader of the revolution pictured the consequences of any unwise action taken by the White House. Based on this, Iran's reaction to America's possible attack will not be a linear and limited response.
In other words, Iran's reaction will have an unlimited feature, and this will deprive the American authorities and Washington's allies of effective thinking. The difference between "total defense" and "comprehensive reactions" should be sought in the type of impact they have on the enemies. The "total defense" in the face of the "limited attack" limits the war within the general interests of the both sides; however, the "comprehensive reaction" makes the enemy helpless in different aspects and directions over a limited period of time. Based on this kind of reaction, the enemy will lose its power to create a new atmosphere, or even to defend itself; it will have to withdraw.
During the 33-day war between the regime occupying Al-Quds [Israel] and Lebanon's Hizballah, by employing the "pre-emptive attack" and "multisided reaction" formulas against Israel's attack, the Islamic Resistance's fighters were able to render the army of Tel Aviv helpless in the face of their reactions.
Meanwhile, the "comprehensive reaction" is more extensive than the formula employed by the brave fighters of Hizballah during their war against Israel. Targeting America's interests throughout the world means striking different economic, political, and strategic blows against the Bush administration, and even the future American governments. This is why many Democrats believe that attacking Iran is like a nightmare and call Bush's stupidity in this regard the Achilles' heel of the White House.
The reason why the world's news and analytical networks bow down before the firm remarks of the leader of the revolution and evaluate any attack against Iran to be far from wise is rooted in the balances in today's international order. According to the wisest strategic and extra-regional calculations, Iran's power to influence regions in which America has interests has created an open and wide field in front of Tehran in order for it to maneuver in reaction to any possible action by the White House or Tel Aviv. On the other hand, with the worsening of the American forces' situation in the quagmire of Iraq, the trap of Afghanistan, and based on the Islamic Republic of Iran's good relations with most of the countries of the world, America's room for action will be very limited.
Finally, even a limited attack by the White House against Iran will start the fall of the United States of America's in international relations. This is a reality, and the trembling voices of American Democrats and Republicans reveal their worries about this matter.
: Tehran Resalat in Persian -- conservative Tehran daily, owned by the Resalat Foundation; associated with traditional merchants and conservative clerics
Presidential Hopeful Edwards Urges Direct Talks With Iran, Syria
Originally published on 2/20/2007 by Fars News Agency (Internet Version-WWW) in English
[Computer selected and disseminated without OSC Editorial intervention]
TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Democratic Presidential contender John Edwards on Sunday urged the Bush administration to reverse its policy and rekindle a dialogue with Iran and Syria to stabilize the upheaval in Iraq. The former North Carolina Senator, who is campaigning in Dubuque, Iowa, said that President Bush's refusal to engage in talks is "a huge strategic mistake."
Edwards said Bush administration's reluctance to open direct talks with Iran is costing the US dearly in its Iraq efforts and Washington and its European allies should use the available "economic tools" to enlist Tehran's cooperation on key issues like peace in Iraq and Iran's nuclear program.
Edwards explained, "What we should be doing with Iran, both on the Iraq issue and the nuclear issue, is being much smarter than we're being now. We have tools available to us to engage them."
The tension between two countries surged recently after the top US officials accused Iran of providing weapons to the militants in Iraq. Last week, the US Defense Secretary Robert Gates admitted that Iran was providing deadly and sophisticated weapons to anti-US insurgents in Iraq but stopped short of blaming top Iranian leaders.
Edwards also proposed that the US should offer a serious package of economic incentives and make it public, "so the Iranian people, who have not been historically anti-American, know that we've made this offer ... and hopefully drive a deeper wedge between Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his own people."
Edwards, who has made opposition to the Iraq War the centerpiece of his campaign, still has a lot to answer for, since he voted in favor of war in 2002. Edwards has said that President Bush and his policymakers misled the country about whether former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and that he admits his move at that time was "wrong."
In another move, Edwards released a universal health care plan for every American, posting the details on his campaign website. Under the plan: "Families without insurance will get coverage at an affordable price. Families with insurance will pay less and get more security and choices. Employers will find it cheaper and easier to insure their workers."
: Tehran Fars News Agency (Internet Version-WWW) in English -- Privately-owned news agency. It began operating in mid November 2002. Its managing editor is Mehdi Faza'eli, the editor in chief of the Javan daily and a member of the managerial board of the Association of Muslim Journalists. The other members of the board of directors of the news agency, are Alizera Shemirani, of Farda newspaper, Abdollah Moqaddam and Akbar Nabavi of Resalat newspaper, the former director of Farabi Foundation Hasan Eslami-Mehr, and university professor Abolhoseyn Ruholamin.
Saudi Press Selection List, Highlights 20 Feb 07
The following lists selected items from the Saudi press on 20 Feb 07.
Originally published on 2/20/2007 by Saudi Arabia -- OSC Summary in Arabic
The following are highlights of the Saudi press on the Internet on 20 February 2007:
I. International Issues
1. Saudi-US Ties
a. Jedda Arab News (Internet Version - WWW) in English 20 Feb (English language daily; formerly owned by the late Prince Ahmad Bin-Salman, son of Riyadh Governor Prince Salman; URL: http://www.arabnews.com/) editorial "Gunboat Diplomacy": "THE impending arrival in the Arabian Gulf of another US aircraft carrier and a flotilla of other vessels to augment the present US naval presence there is cause for considerable concern." (GMP20070220614002)
b. Jedda Al-Madinah (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Conservative daily providing coverage of general domestic, regional, international, and religious news -- URL: http://www.almadinapress.com) editorial titled "Similar Characteristics and Common Objectives" urges Secretary Rice "to listen to the sound of reason and wisdom" demonstrated in the custodian of the two holy mosques' words on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "which mean that resolving the US predicament in Iraq starts by finding a solution for two independent states, which is considered a joint Saudi-US objectives. Riyadh finds that forming a national unity government will be a main launch pad for this solution." (300 words)
2. Iraq
a. Riyadh Al-Riyad (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper of largest circulation; focuses on domestic policies; critical of Israel and US Middle East policy. URL: http://www.alriyadh-np.com) editorial titled "Poverty in Rich Countries" views reasons for poverty in Iraq. It says: "The United States has spent over $400 billion on the occupation, the equivalent of the national budgets of several third world countries. Had this been added to Iraq's oil and other revenues, it would have turned it into a major force where poverty and divisions do not exist. Were western strategies to destroy Iraq part of a planned operation or was it led to total destruction by circumstances that rendered it a breeding ground for terrorists and a field for conflict with regional and international forces?" (500 words)
3. Palestinian Issues
a. Al-Dammam Al-Yawm (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper focusing on Eastern Region news. URL: http://www.alyaum.com/) carries an interview with HAMAS leader Khalid Mish'al about the Mecca agreement, the US position, ongoing national government negotiations, among other issues. (4,000 words; OSC plans to process this item)
b. Al-Yawm cites diplomatic Palestinian sources about Saudi efforts to mediate between Jordan and HAMAS, expecting an announcement of a settlement soon. (600 words)
c. Jedda Ukaz (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper of wide circulation; known for its exclusive reports and interviews with Saudi officials; often critical of Israel and US Middle East policy; URL: http://www.okaz.com.sa) cites Palestinian figures, including Mustafa al-Barghuthi, HAMAS's Isma'il Radwan, and Tal'at al-Safadi declaring the tripartite meeting between US Secretary Rice, PA President Abbas, and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert in Jerusalem "a failed meeting" due to "Israeli intransigence and US bias." (700 words)
4. Lebanon
a. Ukaz carries an interview with Lebanese Prime Minister Al-Sanyurah in which he expresses hope Lebanese adversaries could hold a reconciliatory meeting similar to the Mecca meeting. He also talks about ongoing contacts between the Kingdom and Iran to resolve the Lebanese crisis. (1,300 words; OSC plans to process this item)
b. Abha Al-Watan (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper known for its exclusive reports and in-depth coverage of local, Arab, and foreign news; strongly critical of Israel; financially supported by Asir Governor Prince Khalid al-Faysal; URL: http://www.alwatan.com.sa/) reports secret meetings have taken place between Lebanese Speaker Birri and Al-Mustaqbal Party leader Sa'd al-Hariri recently ahead of a meeting planned between them following Al-Hariri's return from Riyadh. It also reports Hizballah and other opposition figures have agreed to the meeting. (800 words)
5. Iran
a. Al-Watan editorial titled "Iran's Nuclear Program and Conflicting Signals" says Iran's "intransigence" will only "increase its neighbors' doubts about the peacefulness of its nuclear program and intentions toward the region, which will not serve Tehran's interests." It adds: "Resolving this crisis requires complete transparency by all parties to the conflict. Iran, for example, is required to display more flexibility about Switzerland's initiative, having rejected a set of western incentives proposed by the EU. The west is also required to alter its policy of double standards. Now that Israel has announced initiating plans to build the most state-of-the-art nuclear reactor in the world, will the same conditions and pressure apply?" (350 words)
II. Local Issues
1. Security and Terrorism
a. Ukaz reports more than 5,000 students will attend a meeting organized by Umm al-Qura University to protect students from deviant ideology and the danger of terrorism. (200 words)
b. Al-Madinah carries a 2-part commentary by Zahid titled "War on Terror" in which he views local and foreign factors that have and continue to contribute to terrorism. The writer argues that "western attempts to control Islamic world resources and the desecration of our Islamic countries by the occupiers are two outside reasons that have had a big impact." It says: "Angry youth feeling humiliated and oppressed are fueling terrorism... Young people with no hope for the future could be terrorist projects.. so do unemployed men, who can be easily recruited by the "shaykhs" of terrorism." (750 words)
c. Riyadh Al-Jazirah (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Daily newspaper of wide circulation; strongly critical of US Middle East policy; URL: http://www.al-jazirah.com) reports 690 former takfiri ( declaring other Muslims to be infidels) ideology advocates have recanted their views after talking to a number of callers and clerics through the Islamic Affairs Ministry's Al-Sukaynah Internet campaign. (250 words)
2. Economic and Labor Issues
a. Al-Watan commentary by Al-Mayman titled "What Saudization?" lamenting the unemployment situation and claiming that graduates of various vocational colleges and holders of various university degrees are unable to find jobs. (300 words)
3. Crime and Legal Issues
a. Arab News reports "Death Verdict for Joy Rider Evokes Shock and Denial": "Joy riders were left in a state of shock and denial after hearing that a death sentence had been issued on Sunday to a joy rider who killed three young boys and injured two others during a car stunt in late 2005. The case, which is considered the first of its kind, involved over a year of investigation and court hearings before the final sentence was issued. The accused, a navy officer nicknamed Abo Kab (the Man with the Cap), was a noted Jeddah daredevil known for his car stunts."
b. Al-Riyad cites Justice Ministry advisor Shaykh Abd-al-Muhsin al-Ubaykan warning against being too lenient with whoever disturbs peace and security in the Kingdom by committing a crime, be it theft or other crimes. He also calls for applying deterrent punishment against criminals to maintain security and stability in the Kingdom. He supports the sentence issued yesterday to behead four Sri Lanki nationals for the crimes they have committed. (300 words)
III. Negative Selection:
a. Riyadh Al-Iqtisadiyah (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic 20 Feb (Economic daily providing coverage of business and consumer affairs, especially in Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states -- URL: http://www.aleqtisadiah.com)
b. Jedda Saudi Gazette (Internet Version - WWW) in English 20 Feb (Daily newspaper; twin sister of Ukaz; largest circulation English daily; URL: http://www.okaz.com.sa/sgazette/)
Persian Press: Commentary Predicts Iran Not To Accept ElBaradei Nuclear Proposal
Commentary by Abbas Abdi from the "Note" column: "Is ElBaradei's Proposal Acceptable?"
Originally published on 2/4/2007 by Ayande-ye Now in Persian
Mohammad ElBaradei, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has presented a proposal in order to remove the crisis from Iran's nuclear case. According to his proposal, the uranium enrichment in Iran and the sanctions imposed on this country should both be stopped at the same time. This proposal has had a relatively extensive reflection; but Iran has not taken any explicit position rejecting it. Meanwhile, the Americans have declared that it is against the Security Council's resolution, but, apparently, other parties are not be against this proposal and they even might welcome it.
What will be the final position of the Iranian Government on this proposal? If Iran is supposed to accept the resolution, it should normally welcome this proposal, because stopping uranium enrichment will be followed by suspending the resolution or considering it null and void. However, it seems that the Iranian Government will not accept this proposal for the following reasons.
First, if the Iranian Government accepts this proposal, it means that it admits that its previous policies were wrong, meaning the policies that allowed the nuclear case to be referred to the Security Council. Now, stopping the uranium enrichment under the pressure of this council is against those policies.
Second, accepting this proposal means accepting that the Security Council's resolution is not just a piece of paper, but a very serious resolution; to date, the Iranian Government has denied the importance of this resolution.
Third, accepting this proposal does not necessarily mean that it will be put to practice. By accepting this proposal, the Iranian Government is taking a few steps back. However, it is not clear whether the American Government will accept this proposal, because stopping the implementation of the resolution is only possible if the majority of the Security Council members agree on it, without the permanent members of this council disagreeing with it. This is the reason why the approval of the United States is necessary for such matters.
Fourth, the Iranian Government's acceptance of this proposal means putting an end to uranium enrichment without having gained any achievements or received any advantages from the West, advantages that Iran was able to gain in the past. If Iran accepts this proposal, practically the talks between Iran and Europe will be stopped or at least become useless.
Fifth, by retreating in this field, the United States will probably increase its pressure in other domains such as Iraq and the Middle East.
Sixth, America will not agree with this proposal, because there is no reason for it to retreat from the resolution, unless it intends to solve its problems with Iran. In this case, before agreeing with this proposal, it has to receive sufficient guarantees for Iraq and Lebanon.
Thus, I believe that ElBaradei's proposal is, in fact, an intensification of the pressure on Iran, because somehow it has thrown the ball into the Iranian Government's court without the existence of any guarantee from the other side (America) for putting this proposal into effect. Of course, under the current circumstances, no positive policy can be seen for removing this crisis. Moreover, within the current structure of the Iranian Government, employing such policy might also not be possible. However, the best position that can be taken on this proposal is to remain silent without rejecting or accepting it, so that it is forgotten as soon as possible.
Saudi: Resigning Ambassador to US on Internal Disputes, Iran, Iraq, US, Terror
Interview with Resigning Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki al-Faysal, by Muhammad Ali Salih, from Washington: "Prince Turki al-Fysal: I Have Resigned Because I Am Exhausted After 30 Years of Government Work"
Originally published on 2/17/2007 by Al-Sharq al-Awsat (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic
Prince Turki al-Faysal has terminated recently his work as Saudi ambassador to the United States after spending one year and four months in this post. Al-Sharq al-Awsat met Prince Turki in his office in the Saudi Embassy in Washington before he ended his work there. During the interview he answered a number of questions published in US newspapers about the circumstances of his resignation. This is because he did not spend a long time in Washington, and his resignation was surprising. Prince Turki said that he resigned for personal and family reasons, and that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdallah Bin-Abd-al-Aziz, agreed to his resignation before it was announced. Prince Turki al-Faysal denied the existence of disputes between him and Saudi officials, or among the Saudi officials over the relations with Iran. He stressed that the Saudi-US relations were strong, and that the Kingdom was following a balanced policy in the field of oil. Prince Turki said that the Iraqi people, despite the current events, would emerge strong and united. He described Iraq as the safety valve of the region, and said that it had been exposed to invasions in the past. The following is the text of the interview:
[Salih] Why have you resigned after a period that was not long?
[Turki] The fact is that I am exhausted, and I found out that I have been away from the family, and that I need rest after more than 30 years of work for the state and in the service of the King and country. I asked the permission of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to allow me to leave this post, and he, God reward him, agreed.
[Salih] Why was the permission coupled with predictions in US newspapers about disputes?
[Turki] My job is not to follow up predictions. I did what I did on the basis of private reasons that concern me personally. Whoever wants to predict something, this is up to him.
[Salih] Perhaps one of the reasons of the predictions is that there has been no statement from the Royal Court as usual in these cases, because the news was published first in US newspapers?
[Turki] I have no explanation for this. I know that when I asked the permission of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, he, God keep him safe, agreed that I leave my job. I have been told (that my resignation was accepted) by my superior, Foreign Minister Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal, and I told him that I would convey this to the US officials and to the colleagues at the embassy here. He said to me, "Go with God." I believe that he announced a few days later at a press conference that I submitted my resignation, and that it was accepted. Perhaps this was considered sufficient rather than issuing an official statement about the resignation.
[Salih] US newspapers have published that there are disputes, and there were references to Prince Bandar Bin-Sultan, secretary general of the National Security Council?
[Turki] These are unfounded rumors, and hence do not deserve a reply from me. I have given the reasons for the resignation, and in my opinion they are good and sufficient reasons.
[Salih] What is the total outcome of the period of one year and three months you spent as an ambassador to Washington?
[Turki] It was a very rich experience as an ambassador, and as a representative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, of my country, and of my people. First, because communicating with the United States has been one of the pillars of the Saudi foreign policy since the era of the late King Abd-al-Aziz. Second, as the existing bilateral relations are diverse and intensive, it was important that I should knock on all doors in the United States, which was one of the reasons of my exhaustion.
I have pursued the restoration of old friendships between me, as a government official, and governmental and non-governmental US leaders, and also to establish new friends for Saudi Arabia. Within one year and three months I visited more than 25 states, and on many occasions I talked to students, university professors, professionals, and others in order to reach the US people.
[Salih] Before you came to Washington you were the ambassador to London. Have you noticed any differences between the two posts?
[Turki] I said to British Prime Minister Tony Blair when I bade him farewell that Britain for me was like a university in which one graduates to face up to the diplomatic work. Naturally, I had no diplomatic experience before this. I said to the prime minister that after my experience in Britain I would be able to face up to any diplomatic post. However, when I arrived in the United States, I found the diplomatic work more intensive and larger in volume.
[Salih] If you found the work in the United States more intensive and larger in volume, why did you relinquish it after a period that was not long?
[Turki] This was not my intention. Quite frankly, I am at the beginning of summer [as published], but I found that there is a gap between me and the family, a gap in time, and in communication. I found that my time is ruled by official work, by traveling to deliver lectures, and by attending meetings. Even when I returned home, I used to be exhausted, and I did not wish to talk to anyone. Therefore, I thought of abandoning work, and this occurred after the agreement of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, as I said.
[Salih] You toured the United States, and learned many things about the US people. How do they compare to the British people?
[Turki] Both peoples have their own qualities, and have their own positive and negative points. However, I prefer to talk about the positive points. The British have a strong feeling of the old history in their structure as a nation and as a country. Thus, they have a strong feeling of their heritage and ancestors, and pride in their country and identity. Despite what is said about their coldness, they are warm, welcoming, and slightly shy. There is something else that helped me in performing my duties, namely that many of those I dealt with had great knowledge of our region.
As for the US people, I found simplicity, spontaneity, and pursuit of reaching their goal as soon as possible through the shortest route. They focus on a specific aim, and try to achieve from you specific information about your own specific aim in order to deal with you, and then they move on to other things. Also this facilitated my mission. The US people are curious, and wish to read an article or a book about something specific in order to add it to their information. They also are warm and hospitable.
[Salih] Have you not found that ignorance of our region among the US people has influenced, and still influences their policy in the region?
[Turki] Yes, I noticed this. However I am optimistic because of their curiosity and their love to understand. Unfortunately, we, the Arabs and Muslims along the history, have neglected presenting information about ourselves to the US people. This has helped in increasing, or preserving, their ignorance about us. How many books have been published in the United States during the past 20 years by an Arab or Muslim intellectual about the Arab and Islamic region?! Not many, but a large number of US experts and university professors have published many books about us, dozens, if not hundreds.
[Salih] US newspapers wrote about the existence of disputes among the Saudi officials over Iran. These newspapers said that some Saudi officials considered that a confrontation with Iran would be a catastrophe, while others considered the opposite, namely that the extension of the Iranian influence over Iraq would be a catastrophe?
[Turki] Despite all that is published in the newspapers whether here or in Europe, the Saudi stance, as stated by Foreign Minister Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal, is that Iran is an important neighbor, has its history and historic status in the region, and we deal with it as equals. We talk to it frankly about all the apprehensions we have about our relations with it, and we listen to it about all its apprehensions about that issue. Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal has said it openly in many press conferences that any military action against Iran is against the Saudi interests. This is the official stance, and there is no other stance adopted by Prince Bandar Bin-Sultan, Prince Turki al-Faysal, or anyone else. We all are government officials, and we perform our duties according to the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, God keep him safe, and it is the King who draws up the public policy, commissions the ministers to implement it, and the foreign minister is the one commissioned to implement all that is related to foreign issues.
[Salih] As part of the talk about the tension in the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, US newspapers returned to the issue of the Al-Khubar explosions, and reiterated that Iran was behind them?
[Turki] I have not heard anything new about this issue, and as far as I know there are no official statements to confirm this claim.
[Salih] There is the other opinion that says that the catastrophe is not a confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but it is the Iranian control over Iraq through the Shiite majority ascending to government in Iraq?
[Turki] If for argument's sake we accept that Iran wants to control Iraq, we believe that the Iraqi people are capable of protecting their sovereignty, independence, and interests. This view has been reiterated many times by Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faysal. We believe that Iraq is capable of overcoming the problems it faces, and we believe that Iraq is the safety valve for all of us in the region. We should remember that historically Iraq has been targeted by invaders. Before Islam it was invaded by the Persians. During the Ottoman rule, Iraq was the field for many battles between the Ottomans and the Safavis. Thus, Iraq today includes many sects and creeds, such as the Shiites, the Sunnis, the Yazidis, the Christians, and the Jews. Also there are many ethnic groups, such as the Arabs, the Kurds, the Turkoman, and the Persians. Therefore, I say that this mixture and woven fabric makes Iraq a safety valve and it will not be fragmented, collapse, or fall.
[Salih] Is this despite all that is happening now?
[Turki] Yes, despite all that is happening now. What is happening now is a political exploitation of the sects and ethnic groups. The killing and destruction that are taking place now have political reasons. If an agreement over a political solution is reached, the unity and sovereignty of Iraq will continue.
[Salih] Two months ago, The Washington Post published an opinion by Saudi expert that caused problems, because he said that Saudi Arabia would intervene on the side of the Sunni minority in Iraq, because this minority was confronting the control of the Shiite majority?
[Turki] As I said, Saudi Arabia keeps equal distances between itself and all the sects and ethnic groups in Iraq. The person who expressed that opinion was not a Saudi official, but he was contracted by the Saudi embassy here to undertake studies, and he has no official status. He personally wrote that his opinion was not official. The Saudi embassy decided to terminate the contract with him in order not to give his opinion an official status, and to secure the independence of his opinion. Anyway, an official statement has been issued rejecting these claims, and reiterating that we do not interfere in Iraq's internal affairs.
[Salih] In the State of the Union address, which was delivered by US President George Bush last month, he reiterated that "the United States is addicted to oil," and that it ought to stop relying on the Middle East oil?
[Turki] I do not know why they think that the one intended by this is Saudi Arabia? We provide the United States with only 10 to 12 percent of its oil imports, and all the countries of the Middle East provide it with between 15 and 18 percent of its oil imports, while 82 percent of its imports come from non-Arab countries. Therefore, this wish to dispense with the imports will affect countries close to the United States before it will affect us. The second point is that we always say to the United States that it will not be able to achieve independence in the field of oil; we know this, and they also know it. However much the reliance on the oil alternatives increases these alternatives will never be able to cover all their needs. Oil will continue to be the main source of energy, whether in the United States or in the rest of the world countries.
We always say to the United States that it is imperative to establish joint cooperation in the field of oil. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said that to President Bush when they met at the president's ranch in Crawford in Texas in April 2005. King Abdallah told President Bush that Saudi Arabia decided to spend 50 billion dollars to increase its production from 10 million to 13.5 million barrels a day. Since then we have been working to implement our part of this agreement. Perhaps you heard the statements by Energy Minister Ali Al-Nu'aymi recently in India when he said that our production would reach 12.5 million barrels in 2009.
[Salih] President Bush announced last month the increase in the US forces in Iraq. However, this announcement was met with strong opposition among the US people, in US congress by the members of the Democratic Party, and even by some members of the Republican Party?
[Turki] President Bush said when he made the announcement that the aim was to stop the violence and achieve stability in Iraq. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, and discussed this issue with their leaders. US Vice President Dick Cheney also visited the region. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal held a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in which he said that Saudi Arabia supported the aims of President Bush's plan to stop the violence and achieve stability in Iraq. As for the decisions of the US Government and the stance of the US people toward these decisions, these are US internal affairs in which we have no right to interfere or influence. I always say that the United States entered Iraq without invitation, but it should not get out of Iraq without invitation; the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi people ought to have a say in its departure, the way it is to be done, its timing, and its requirements.
[Salih] Recently at George Washington University, Washington D.C., and on other occasions, you linked the problem of Iraq to the Palestinian problem. The students asked you about this link, and you confirmed it. Do you think that the US people understand this, believe it, and can solve the Palestinian problem in order to help in solving the other problems?
[Turki] I always repeat that all the problems of the region are interlinked, and not only the two problems of Iraq and Palestine. The problem of Lebanon is linked to that of Palestine. The so-called war on terror is linked to the problem of Palestine. The situation in Iran, all the issues related to the Iranian interests, the fears, and the apprehensions are all interlinked.
I always say to the US people that if they examined every cell of the body of every Arab and Muslim, they would find the word "Palestine" written within every one of these cells. The Arabs do not want anything other than the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, namely the state, the identity, the borders, and the capital. There are positive indicators that have appeared recently, such as President Bush's address to the UN General Assembly of which more than 60 percent was about the Middle East region. For the first time President Bush talked in a public and official address about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and he used the word "occupation." This word had been excluded from the official US dictionary.
[Salih] During your US tours you met Muslims who talked to you about their situation. It is clear that some of them have been facing restrictions and molestation since 11 September attacks?
[Turki] I heard all kinds of things. I heard contradictory and divergent stories. There are those who have said that they are facing persecution and discrimination, and they presented evidence of attacks on mosques, houses, and working places. However, I have heard from the majority that they are completely satisfied with their stay in the United States. They say that they are being treated the same as any other US citizens.
In the past, every group immigrating to the United States faced discrimination and persecution. This was since the Spaniards came to the United States, and then the English and the other Europeans. There were Irish, Italian, and Jewish minorities. Of course there was the black minority, which suffered a great deal in the past. However, all these minorities later on became integrated, and became the same as everybody else. Yes, there are exceptional cases and yes there are extremists on every side, whether among the Muslims or within the US society; however, the general picture of the Muslims in the United States is positive and calls for optimism.
[Salih] Many US officials, with President George Bush at their forefront, say that the war on terror will continue for a long time. The military in the Pentagon in particular emphasize that it is a world war that perhaps is endless. When do you think it will end?
[Turki] Whoever pursues an end of terrorism everywhere has not learned anything from the experience of history. The terrorists resort to terror in order to achieve political aims. They did this in the past, they are doing it now, and they will do it in the future. Man will never establish a Utopia without differences or problems, like the one some people exploit to justify their terrorist deeds. Even if the last "Muslim terrorist" were to be killed, another terrorist under a different name would come to achieve another political aim.
There are nationalities and religions, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists who practiced, practice, and will practice terrorism. No side will be able to confront those extremist Muslims other than the Muslims, because they know more than anybody else the extent of the deviation of these extremists from the Koran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, because they know that there is no justification for killing the innocent and destroying property, and because they know that fighting the extremists is jihad for the sake of God. Yes, our duty is to perform the greater jihad.
[Salih] What will you do when you return to Saudi Arabia?
[Turki] I am returning to Riyadh because I have a job of which I am proud, namely the King Faysal Center for Islamic Research and Studies. I have been selected as a chairman of its board of directors since it was established. With God's help, I would like to develop it in order to increase its activities in the religious, intellectual, and cultural fields.
: London Al-Sharq al-Awsat (Internet Version-WWW) in Arabic -- Influential Saudi-owned London daily providing independent coverage of Arab and international issues; editorials reflect official Saudi views on foreign policy. URL: http://www.asharqalawsat.com/
Iran Moves Uranium Gas from Isfahan to Natanz, Diplomats Say
"Iran readies gas for enriching uranium: diplomats" -- AFP headline
Originally published on 2/19/2007 by AFP (North European Service) in English
VIENNA, Feb 19, 2007 (AFP) - Iran has moved feedstock gas needed to start uranium enrichment into a nuclear plant at the centre of a crisis over Tehran's nuclear program, diplomats said on Monday.
Iran moved the uranium gas (uranium hexafluoride, UF6) early this month from a conversion facility at Isfahan into the underground Natanz plant in central Iran where it last month started installing the centrifuge machines which enrich uranium, the diplomats told AFP.
Uranium is enriched to be civilian reactor fuel but can also make the explosive core of atom bombs. The UN Security Council imposed sanctions in December to force Iran to halt all enrichment work.
"A container of UF6 was moved to Natanz at the beginning of the month so that they can spin some centrifuges with gas if they want to," one diplomat said in Vienna.
The diplomat said some nine tons of UF6 was in the container, enough feedstock gas to make at least one atom bomb if fully refined.
Another diplomat who closely monitors the Iranian program confirmed the development.
BOTh asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the information.
While Iran has not started running the centrifuges, bringing the uranium gas into the plant was a "provocative" act, non-proliferation analyst Mark Fitzpatrick said.
"Running centrifuges with UF6 is not the act of a country that seeks compromise," said Fitzpatrick, of London's International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
The news comes with Iran's nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani set to meet in Vienna on Tuesday with Mohammed ElBaradei, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, amid spiralling tensions over the Iranian nuclear program.
Iran refuses to abandon enrichment but Larijani has suggested a compromise that Tehran place a formal limit on the degree of its enrichment as a guarantee that it is not seeking an atomic bomb.
ElBaradei is to report this week on whether Iran has honoured a UN Security Council deadline for it to halt the sensitive nuclear fuel work.
The report could lead to tougher measures being imposed on Tehran by the international community.
Meanwhile, in what might be a political signal, Russia announced Monday that Iran's first atomic power plant, which Moscow is building, could be delayed due to financing and equipment supply problems.
Meanwhile, in a sign of a determined effort by Iran to get Natanz working, non-aligned diplomats in Vienna quoted Iranian atomic agency chief Gholamreza Aghazadeh telling them that Tehran is seeking to install one 164-centrifuge unit per week at the underground site.
Aghazadeh told the non-aligned envoys visiting Iran in early February that he hoped "the goal of installation of one cascade (164 centrifuges) per week could be realised," according to a report by the diplomats obtained by AFP on Monday.
Iran started work in late January on installing 3,000 centrifuges at the heavily bunkered Natanz site, as it moves towards industrial-level enrichment of uranium, diplomats have told AFP.
Iran had said a year ago that it had wanted the 3,000 installed by March 2007 but technical problems have apparently delayed this timetable.
"Iran has not really mastered enrichment capabilities yet," said the diplomat who closely monitors the Iranian program.
The diplomat said Iran would have problems picking up the pace from the research level enrichment it is doing above ground at a pilot plant in Natanz to industrial work with thousands of centrifuges at the huge underground site.
"The cascades would run for a day or two but then grind to a halt because too many centrifuges would be breaking down and could not be replaced fast enough," the diplomat said.
Persian Press: Commentary Warns US Iraq Acts Against Iran To Face 'Consequences'
Unattributed commentary from the "Viewpoint" column: "Forgotten Consequences of Washington's Diplomatic Policies"
Originally published on 2/10/2007 by Resalat in Persian
The decisions taken by the American authorities against Iran, which are against diplomatic norms, have led to consequences in the political atmosphere of Iraq about which America has to be responsive according to international law. After Jalal Sharafi, the second secretary of the Iran Embassy in Iraq, was kidnapped by armed men wearing Iraqi Army uniforms in Baghdad's Al-Karada neighborhood on Sunday 15 Bahman [ 4 February], the American Army declared that it was investigating the kidnapping of the Iranian diplomat.
To date, the preliminary investigations show that the kidnappers were Ba'thists dismissed from the Ministry of Defense. The kidnapping this Iranian diplomat and the arrest of five other Iranian diplomats, who were arrested by the American forces on 21 Dey [ 11 January], have similar outcomes in terms of destroying diplomatic immunity. This might have unpleasant consequences.
Bush's orders to arrest Iranian officials in Iraq can be described as a part of Washington's strict strategy with the goal of weakening Tehran's power to influence developments in Iraq and the Middle East and forcing Tehran to stop its nuclear program. However, since the nature of the kidnappers of the second secretary of the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad is different from that of governments, and the second group cannot be expected to be responsive, the security of the Iranian diplomats is threatened. Hence, there is no doubt that Tehran will not ignore this threat in the future. Since Iraq is under the occupation of America, according to international law, America is responsible for combating kidnappings, and the country has to be responsive about such events.
By arresting five Iranian diplomats, America started a game with the goal of increasing the pressures on Iran. This was in order to put Tehran in dire straits and make it welcome the holding of talks with America with regard to helping the latter in Iraq, without the direct request of the White House leaders for talks. Meanwhile, by having a look at recent events, it becomes clear that the consequences of this game have not been considered by the White House. The policy of diplomatic threats in order to confront Iran's regional power is not comprehensive and complete; it is only considered as a means for achieving Washington's goals. If this fails, it will be a prelude to other confrontations.
The arresting of Iranian diplomats and George Bush issuing the order to shoot Iranian citizens show that Bush intends to follow his actions in Iraq with two policies of making the rival hold negotiations and preparing the grounds for a military attack if Iran does not enter the phase of voluntarily talks. The decisions made by Bush show that, in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the Iraq crisis, victory only is defined for him as the Iranian authorities proposing to hold talks first and provide advantages to the American officials; otherwise, it will be a defeat.
America considers it a defeat in the international arena to provide advantages to Iran over the Iraq crisis. In order to fulfill its goals, America is ready to compensate for its diplomatic shortcomings by resorting to measures that are far from diplomatic manners. However, since the consequences of Washington's policies and the fact that the Ba'thist groups take advantage of them have been ignored, the feedback regarding America's moves will turn into a plague for the balances of America's foreign policy, and they will invalidate Washington's goals.
: Tehran Resalat in Persian -- conservative Tehran daily, owned by the Resalat Foundation; associated with traditional merchants and conservative clerics
Persian Press: Editorial Says Iran To Retaliate Against Threats to Independence
Editorial: "The Revolution's Dawn-bringers Are the System's Strategic Backing"
Originally published on 2/12/2007 by Jomhuri-ye Eslami in Persian
The people's epical presence in the magnificent 22 Bahman [ 11 February] ceremonies around the country yesterday focused international attention on Iran. International news agencies and television networks reported these epical ceremonies with particular sensitivity. Although some reports made it seem as though the massive presence was unexpected, there was nothing unexpected about the massive turnout for those who are familiar with the Iranian nation.
The people's enthusiastic presence yesterday had all the elements one would expect from a nation that is mettlesome and chivalrous. Unity and order, awareness and tact, resolve and faith played significant parts in shaping these momentous ceremonies.
The enemies of the Revolution have waged psychological war on the nation of Iran to paint a frustrated, unaware, unresolved, weary and desperate picture of Iranians and even called this nation "intimidated" and worried with the clearest words possible. But there was no sign of frustration, unawareness, weariness or despair in the people's coherent lines or faces on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution yesterday.
There was political enthusiasm and consciousness everywhere. There was national mettle and pride everywhere. We saw a nation yesterday that knows what it wants and above all, what is expected of it. This great nation is the lasting tent pole of the holy establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and our vigilant and aware people showed the friends and foes of the Revolution and the country that they would constantly stand by Islam, the system and the country and never hesitate to support the system and its officials.
Our foreign audience should not think that they face only Iranian negotiators at the negotiation table. They must realize that these negotiators are backed by an entire nation and that state officials perform their heavy responsibilities knowing that the entire nation is behind them.
Those who speak with an aggressive tone and threaten us with military action must realize that they face a nation that is determined, aware and tactful and that they would not do any better than other evil forces if they want to try their luck.
Everything becomes clear with a simple comparison between the conditions of the Iranian nation and those of its enemies today. Where is the Shah today? No one, not even his friends and supporters helped him in the final days of his wretched existence. The Shah had threatened the people of Iran that he would start a bloodbath and not show mercy to anyone.
Where is Saddam today? His rule ended with such desperation that he would not even show mercy to his closest friends and allies. In the last hours of his ignoble existence, he was begging the Americans to let him continue his crimes against the nation in exchange for his life. But they ended his life just as he had ended so many thousands of lives.
The nation of Iran takes pride in the fact that they have chosen the right path and are resolved to see it through with patience and without one second of hesitation. Our nation knows who its friends and foes are and never falls for enemy tricks.
Of course, it is God's blessing that our enemies are chosen from ignorant airheads who do not realize that their ranting reveals their true nature and forces them to back down from their positions and take back their threats. But the people of Iran are particularly gifted in frustrating their enemies and have demonstrated this quality many times throughout history. With such a determined, tactful, intelligent and perceptive nation, the Islamic Iran has set its course to achieve success and the dawn-bringers of the Islamic Revolution are in fact the "strategic backing" of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Their presence gives state officials and the Revolution's friends "confidence" and makes the Revolution's foes realize that any act of hostility would be responded with the most severe reaction.
One cannot use the language of force with such a nation. One cannot impose the irrelevant words of Zionist elements on such a nation. How is it that the Zionist regime possesses atomic weapons and is not party to the NPT but tells us that we cannot have a peaceful nuclear program and others repeat its assertions? Washington was recently claiming that Iran must be denied access to nuclear know-how and that Iranian students must not be educated in nuclear sciences.
Washington claims that Iran does not need nuclear energy considering its vast oil and gas resources. Our answer is that Washington is even opposed to development projects in our oil and gas sector. Washington is even opposed to the Islamic Republic with some officials openly speaking of regime change in Iran and threatening military action, which is a bigger morsel than they can chew, and yesterday's epical ceremonies served as a jaw-shattering blow for all those who speak such nonsense.
America and its mercenaries like the United Kingdom and others are still living in the past and still prefer to have an oppressive monarchy regime in Iran to serve them and make the nation of Iran give in to their oppressive actions. Jimmy Carter has recently said: "We were incapable against the Islamic Revolution and could not keep the Shah in power." This statement reveals that while America is powerless against the Islamic Revolution but above all, that it would not have hesitated to defend the hated Pahlavi regime and that our enemies are still trying to settle the score with us.
The massive 22 Bahman rallies around the nation demonstrated that the Shah's regime is buried, that Iran's decisions have been made inside the country for the past 28 years and that any hand that reaches to act against the Revolution and the independence of the Iranian nation would definitely be cut short.
: Tehran Jomhuri-ye Eslami in Persian -- Tehran daily insisting on strict adherence to Khomeyni's ideals. Claims to be factionally independent but takes extremely conservative positions
http://en.rian.ru/world/20070221/61060740.html
Russia has no plans to build navy bases in Syria - FM Lavrov
21/02/2007 15:04 MOSCOW, February 21 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's foreign minister Wednesday denied reports about an alleged Russian-Syrian agreement to establish Russian Navy bases on Syria's Mediterranean coast in Tartus and Latakia.
Media have reported that Russia plans to build navy bases in Syria. The reports were probably based on the fact that Russia has a Navy maintenance site in the port of Tartus, which the Russian Defense Ministry said earlier will continue to function as a maintenance site.
"Russian military ships have repeatedly called on Syrian ports... However, there is no talk about any Russian naval bases or plans to expand our presence in the Mediterranean Sea, not to mention the Persian Gulf," Sergei Lavrov told a Lebanese weekly.
Lavrov said Russia is not competing with either the U.S. or with NATO but is trying to raise its defense capability by the most reliable and cost effective means.
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