Free Republic

Tehran, April 8, IRNA -- The Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera, whose coverage of the US-led invasion of Iraq has upset both the belligerent sides, claimed Monday that US troops had fired at one of its cars from close range outside Baghdad. The TV showed footages of a car, dotted with bullet holes, saying US troops opened fire at the vehicle which was moving on a highway near the International Baghdad Airport. American troops stopped the car for inspections and shot at it shortly after they let the driver head on, Al-Jazeera said. The station has angered American officials after airing footages...

Baghdad, April 7, IRNA -- Sporadic armed clashes broke out between Baghdad people and pro-Saddam Iraqi army following the US ground strikes on the capital. According to IRNA correspondent Baghdad residents particularly in three areas of the city who were under heavy pressure of Baath's army forces and Saddam's Fedayeen over recent months, clashed with Saddam forces. During the clashes, Baghdad people killed at least 35 soldiers and Saddam's supporters while Iraqi soldiers attacked houses in the city and killed or wounded a large number of people. SF/HM End

European debt capital markets seem open-minded about Iran tapping the bond markets for up to ý500m.[~$400 million]Commerzbank said it had been appointed with BNP Paribas to lead the issue, but disclosed no details about the deal's timing, structure or the exact size.However, analysts say the issue could attract interest from European retail investors and emerging market funds looking to diversify from Latin American debt which had been marred by Argentina's crisis."There is strong demand for emerging market paper other than Latin America, particularly in the European time zone," said Philip Poole, chief emerging markets economist at ING. An Iranian issue...