Iran In Focus: 2004-12-01

Winds of Change.NET Regional Briefings run on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, and sometimes Fridays too. This Regional Briefing focuses on Iran, courtesy of Gary Metz (DoctorZin) at Regime Change Iran.

TOP TOPIC

• Blogger Adventures of Chester looks at The Future of the Iranian Nuclear Program. A four-part series: first, second, third, and fourth.

• I have my own, fast recap of recent diplomatic maneuverings, andwhere Iran's A-bomb program stands now.

• US News & World Report exposes Iran's effort to see US efforts in Iraq fail. Dan Darling expands on the report in his 6-part series "The Elephant in the Room", as he looks at everything from Iran's strategy to its comparative threat and what the USA ought to do about it: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Final Installment & Recommendations.

Other Topics Today Include: Iran's secret nuclear tunnel, heavy water reactor, military action against Iran, expose of Iran's efforts in Iraq, chatting with the Mullahs, Saudis and nukes, hardliners consolidate power, furor over National Geographic, execution for prostitutes, what Iranian's want, Iranian's view of America, China's oil deal, Iran's new friends, bloggers on a referendum in Iran, Kamezi update, Basij show of force in Tehran.

IRAN'S QUEST FOR THE BOMB

• The Iranians are being permitted to retain their 40 mega watt heavy water reactor in their nuclear deal with the EU and IAEA. Virtually all heavy water reactors of this size are used to make bombs. Iranians retain heavy water reactor in nuclear deal.

• The IAEA will not shut down but monitor by camera 20 "empty research and development" centrifuges. This was nearly a deal breaker. The only reason for Iran to demand that they be permitted to run "empty" centrifuges is that it masks the "noise" of an undeclared uranium enrichment program.

• Germans intelligence reveals a secret nuclear tunnel in Iran. But the IAEA chose not to inspect it.

• Iran appears to already have enough nuclear fuel for five bombs.

THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

• Iran is still soliciting suicide bombers to attack the US, Israel and US forces in Iraq. See the application form here.

• US commander warns Iran not to underestimate US military power.

• Salon.com weighs in, Is the U.S. planning military action in Iran?
  Some say Iran's nukes 'not the only target.'

• The EU quit demanding greater human rights in Iran before gaining greater trade cooperation with EU member states.

• Colin Powell had dinner chat with Iranian Foreign Minister, but it didn't make a difference.

• Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of being a nuclear state.

• Kazemi Update: An Iranian government spokesman has warned Canada's new ambassador will get into "trouble" if he pursues the Zahra Kazemi case.

IRANIAN VOICES

• Iran's Conservatives consolidate power.

• Iran furious with National Geographic over map dispute.

• Apathy: disillusioned youth asking people not to vote in next year's election.

• Iranians have paradoxical views of America.

• What Iranians want The U.S. to do.

• A woman Parliamentarian recommends execution for prostitutes in Iran!

• Debate rages among Iranian bloggers. Should Iran demand regime change first then referendum, or force a referendum while the Mullahs are still in power.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

• Iran seeks to privatize 65% of state owned firms.

• China and Iran ink a $100 Billion dollar oil deal.

• Iran increases ties with Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela.

ETCETERA

• Tens of thousands of Iran's Basij militia staged a show of strength in Tehran recently.