As of February 12, 2020, my former blog site at https://irannationorcause.blogspot.com has moved to https://blogs.acu.edu/coatesn
As of February 12, 2020, my former blog site at https://irannationorcause.blogspot.com has moved to https://blogs.acu.edu/coatesn
February 12, 2020. A really good way to lose your job. “Iran’s information minister apologized Wednesday for posting a photo on Twitter of what appeared to be a Halloween-type costume representing a spacesuit, in an effort to promote the idea of a manned space program for his country. The official IRNA news agency quoted Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran’s information and communications technology minister, as saying his department’s advertising team “undeniably made a mistake in choosing the image” and expressed his apologies to “the people and space scientists” of Iran. [He didn’t even take personal responsibility but blamed the team]. The photo, posted on Jahromi’s Twitter account and depicting what looks like costume of a spacesuit with an Iranian flag sowed on the front, caused a stir on social media, with many Iranians turning to sarcasm and commenting about the fake spacesuit. After his apology, Jahromi removed the photo from his account. The timing of the minister’s faux pas was also unfortunate. An Iranian rocket failed to put a satellite into orbit on Sunday, the latest setback for a program the U.S. claims helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile program. The attempted launch followed two failed launches last year, of the Payam and Doosti satellites, as well as a launchpad rocket explosion in August. Also, a fire at the Imam Khomeini Space Center in February 2019 killed three researchers, authorities said at the time. Jahromi acknowledged the unsuccessful launch in a tweet shortly after the news broke on state TV, comparing it to a “few samples of US launch failures” and insisting that Iran’s space program was unstoppable. The failed launch had been planned amid celebrations ahead of this week’s anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran routinely unveils technological achievements for its armed forces, its space program and its nuclear efforts during this time.” See “Iranian minister apologizes over mock spacesuit post,” AP, WTMJ, February 12, 2020.
February 12, 2020. Incredible reporting by Frantzman reveals what most of the press doesn’t cover—the sudden additional pressures on Hezbollah due to the removal of Qasem Soleimani from heading Iran’s terror efforts. It is so significant to anti-terrorism efforts by multiple countries and to eventual peace that the linchpin of Iran’s foreign policy use of terrorism was removed from the long war against terrorism. Here’s the story, “Inside Iran’s push to get Hezbollah to take a role in Iraq,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 12, 2020.
“Facebook removes accounts run from Iran targeting Americans,” Donie O’Sullivan, CNN Business, February 12, 2020.
“Iran FM stresses Tehran’s rejection of US ‘peace deal’,” Middle East Monitor, February 12, 2020.
February 11, 2020. Let the world see again how Iran does not act as a normal country and cooperate in the investigation of a crashed airliner. “Iran says Canada's complaint over Ukrainian plane crash lacks legal basis,” Reuters, February 11, 2020.
“Iran And ISIS Could Arm Drones With Chemical Weapons, Ex-Cia Official Tells Jerusalem Post,” Logan Ratick, SaraCarter.com, February 11, 2020.
“US accuses Iran of building missiles through satellite bid,” AFP, Times of Israel, February 11, 2020.
“Is Iran's Space Program A Disguise For Its Ballistic Missile Development Project?,” Hannah Kaviani, Radio Farda, February 11, 2020.
February 11, 2020. Good news of a sort—not that many people came out for the nation’s founding holiday—only “thousands.” See “Iranians rally on 41st anniversary of shah's ouster,” AFP, February 11, 2020.
February 11, 2020. So it’s another statement among thousands by an Iranian official that Israel will disappear, be driven into the sea, destroyed, etc. How exactly does the Regime expect this to happen? What does that tell you? See “Iranian Armed Forces spokesman: Zionist state will disappear from Earth,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2020.
“Jeers as Weakened Rouhani Calls for Unity in Deeply Divided Iran,” Arsalan Shahla and Golnar Motevalli, Bloomberg, February 11, 2020.
“Egyptian delegation warns Hamas to stop supporting Iranian interests,” Tzvi Joffre, Jerusalem Post, February 11, 2020.
During the meeting, Egypt told Hamas to avoid supporting any militias that harm the region and expressed reservations about the relationship between Hamas, Iran and the Hezbollah terrorist group.
“Iran taunts US on anniversary of shah's ouster,” Lucie Peytermann, AFP, February 11, 2020.
February 10, 2020. Note how Pres. Rouhani defended Iran’s missile capabilities, after Tehran unveiled a short-range ballistic missile powered by a "new generation" of engines. “Our missiles are against terrorism; our missiles are against crimes. We have never built and stored missiles for aggression,” Rouhani said. “We reassure all our neighbors and the people in the region that our desire is peaceful coexistence." See “News: Iranian President Rouhani Defends Tehran's Missile Capabilities After Reveal Of New Weapon,” Wesley Dockery, International Business Times, February 10, 2020.
“Ukraine Is Pressing Iran for Black Boxes on Downed Plane,” John Follain, Bloomberg, February 10, 2020.
“Iran unveils a short-range ballistic missile,” Yahoo News, February 10, 2020.
“Trial Of Abducted Iran Activist Begins, With Threat Of Death Sentence,” Radio Farda, February 10, 2020.
“Ukraine Is Pressing Iran for Black Boxes on Downed Plane,” John Follain, Bloomberg, February 10, 2020. Bottom line—Iran doesn’t want to admit (again) it shot down an airliner, and then lied about it. And then to properly compensate for its mistake and lack of competence and professionalism. This is so outside the norm of international cooperation.
“Watchdog to rule on Iran’s financial isolation,” The National, February 10, 2020.
“New Secretive Iranian Nuclear Sites Spark Concern in Congress,” Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, February 10, 2020.
February 9, 2020. Don’t protest in Iran. “Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) agents arrested a teachers’ representative at his home in Iran on February 8. Mohammad Taqi Fallahi is the secretary of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association, an independent entity which campaigns for higher salaries, better work conditions and improvement of schools in Iran. IRGC agents also confiscated some of Fallahi’s personal items during the arrest, including his telephone, computer case and a hard disk. Agents told his family to remain silent and not talk to any media. Mr. Fallahi was arrested last May, along with other activist teachers, when they protested outside parliament against low teacher salaries. He was released six days later after posting bail and later received a suspended eight-month prison sentence and ten lashes. Intelligence agencies and Iran’s hardliner Judiciary have harassed, detained and convicted many activist teachers in recent years. Salaries of school teachers are among one of the lowest for government employees, close to the minimum wage of about $110 a month. Recently, labor groups petitioned the government to increase the minimum wage, arguing that expenses for food and basic necessities for a family of four is $660 per month. Teachers have also demanded improvement of school buildings as the government invests little in the upkeep of infrastructure in general. Many school buildings are in dilapidated condition, especially in rural regions.” See the story at “Iran's Revolutionary Guards Arrest Teacher Activist At His Home,” Radio Farda, February 9, 2020.
“Inside the IRGC: Two Kurdish Guards shed light on Iran’s secretive elite,” Nasser Piroti, Rudaw, February 9, 2020.
“Purge of reformists in Iran election could doom nuclear deal, say diplomats,” Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, February 9, 2020. This is because hardliners are poised to sweep to absolute power in the Parliament after 90% of the reformist candidates were barred from ballot by the Guardian Council.
February 8, 2020.
"Khamenei says Iran should increase military might to prevent war," Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 8, 2020.
"Khamenei says Iran should increase military might to prevent war," Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 8, 2020.
February 7, 2020.
“Iranian journalists under pressure of authorities after PS752 crash, - Reporters Without Borders,” 112 Ukraine, February 7, 2020.
“British ambassador returns to Iran after brief arrest last month,” Reuters, February 7, 2020.
“Iran displays remnants of U.S. remotely piloted reconnaissance aircraft,” Dylan Malyasov, Defence Blog, February 7, 2020.
“The Return Of Pro-Iranian Militia Fighters To Afghanistan Fuels Fears In Kabul, Washington,” RFE/RL, February 7, 2020.
“Legislative Elections Deepen Rouhani’s Dispute With His Opponents,” Asharq Al-Awsat, February 7, 2020.
“State Department Official Condemns Harassment Of Iranian Journalists Abroad,” Radio Farda, February 7, 2020.
“Iran Police Targeting 'Indecently Dressed Mannequins' In Shop Windows,” Radio Farda, February 7, 2020.
“Iran can disable U.S. RQ-4 drone from remote distance: commander,” Tehran Times, February 7, 2020.
February 6, 2020. Reporters Without Borders says dozens of Iranian journalists have been interrogated, threatened, searched, and forced to close social-media accounts since the Ukrainian passenger plane crashed in Tehran in January. At least 21 journalists across Iran have been summoned and questioned by intelligence officials working for the IRGC or the Intelligence Ministry. The Paris media watchdog said “the journalists had dared to express anger after reporting a “state lie” about the January 8 plane tragedy as the truth.” See “Reporters Without Borders: Iranian Journalists Are Victims Of Jet Crash Lies," RFE/RL, February 6, 2020.
“What Is the Story of the Divorce Registration Quota in Iran?,” Iran News Update, February 6, 2020.
“Iran executed 36 citizens in January: report,” Kurdistan 24, February 6, 2020.
“What does Soleimani's death mean for Afghanistan?,” Javid Ahmad and Husain Haqqani, op-ed, The Hill, February 6, 2020.
“Iran and North Korea Are Building New, Better Submarines To Counter Enemies At Sea,” Tom O’Connor, Newsweek, Feburary 6, 2020.
“Iranian Minister Tried To Pass Off A $20 Halloween Costume As A Real Spacesuit,” Joseph Trevithick, The War Zone, February 6, 2020.
“Iran Develops Technology to Produce 3rd-Generation Satellite Carriers,” Iran Front Page, February 6, 2020.
“Nuclear watchdog head warns Iran over recent detention of inspector,” Julian Borger, The Guardian, February 6, 2020.
February 5, 2020. Iran continues to hold the black boxes
hostage, forcing Canada to announce its indignation as this story shows. “Canada will press Iran on Wednesday to send
the black boxes from a downed airliner immediately to France where the data can
be analyzed, Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told reporters. Iran’s civil aviation authority said on
Tuesday it would keep working with other countries investigating its downing of
a Ukrainian passenger plane last month. Tehran has not released the black
boxes. Champagne said he would be
talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif about the recorders,
the probe and compensation for families of the 57 Canadians who were among the
176 people aboard who were killed. “We
are going to ask that the black boxes be sent to France ... (which) has all the
equipment and technical expertise to analyze them,” said Champagne. “We don’t
want there to be any more delays so we would like to see that happen
immediately.” Champagne said he and
Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau met the head of the International
Civil Aviation Organization last Friday to ask for its help to make sure the
flight and cockpit recorders were sent to France. “This is a message I will reiterate (to
Zarif) ... we judge Iran by their actions, not their words,” Champagne said.” See “Canada to press Iran to send downed plane's black boxes to France," Reuters, February 5, 2020.
February 5, 2020. Amid the Guardian Council striking some 7,000 “reformist” candidates from the upcoming Parliament ballot, and with the Iranian Students Polling Agency reporting a survey that showed only 21% of the respondents said they vote in the upcoming election, we see two curious stories. First, “Iran’s Khamenei defends pre-election purge of Reformists,” Al-Monitor, February 5, 2020, and “Iran's Khamenei Calls for a High Turnout in February Parliament Election: TV Affiliated Website,” Reuters, February 5, 2020. He wants his cake and to eat it, too.
February 5, 2020. By “cannot announce,” the President's Chief-of-Staff Mahmoud Vaezi means that it is the responsibility of the Coroner's Office and the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces to make the announcement. “Rouhani Aide Says Government Cannot Announce Iran Protest Death Toll,” Reuters, Radio Farda, February 5, 2020.
“Arab Leaders Who Support 'Deal of the Century' Are Incompetent: Iran Supreme Leader,” Reuters, New York Times, February 5, 2020.
“Iran Frees Jailed Christian Converts,” Stefan Bos, Bos News Life, February 5, 2020.
“Iran’s Khamenei defends pre-election purge of Reformists,” Al-Monitor, February 5, 2020.
“Iran Literacy Rate at 96%,” Financial Tribune, February 5, 2020.
“Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias suffer heavy losses fighting in Syria,” Joe Truzman, Long War Journal, February 5, 2020.
“Iran; Betting on Children’s Street Fights,” Iran News Update,” Iran News Update, February 5, 2020.
“U.N. watchdog sees no new Iranian violations of nuclear deal,” Reuters, February 5, 2020.
“Iran to execute alleged spy who gave nuclear secrets to CIA,” Amir Vahdat, AP, February 5, 2020.
“Iran plans to send astronauts into space using domestic technology,” Tehran Times, February 5, 2020.
“Intl response group for PS752 victims demands black boxes from Iran,” UNIAN, February 5, 2020.
“Officials worry Iran will target defense contractors with cyberattacks,” Jackson Barnett, Fedscoop, February 5,
2020.
“Reveled: The deal made in Iran that brought Iraq's new PM to power,” Suadad al-Salhy, Middle East Eye, February 5, 2020.
“The deal of the century will die before Trump dies: Iran Supreme Leader,” Reuters, February 5, 2020.
“Four stories show that disinformation has a home on Iran’s State Television,” Reza Moradi and Farhad Souzanchi,
Poynter, February 5, 2020.
“Iran will support Palestinian armed groups as much as it can -supreme leader,” Reuters, February 5, 2020.
“Iran’s president says America is a terrorist and commits terrorist acts,” Reuters, February 5, 2020.
“Exclusive: Iran-linked hackers pose as journalists in email scam,” Raphael Satter and Christopher Bing, Reuters, February
5, 2020.
“Yemen: Houthi affiliates from Iran, Hezbollah killed,” Alı H. M. Abo Rezeg, AA, February 5, 2020.
February 5, 2020. They are Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, and China—a
collection of successful countries. “Irania nenvoy proposes new alliance of 5 countries,” Islamuddin Sajid, AA, February 5,
2020.
“What brought Iranian forces to Idlib front?,” Hamidreza Azizi, Al Monitor, February 5, 2020.
“Iran exporting million barrels of oil a day tracking firm data indicates,” bne IntelliNews, February 5, 2020.
“Iran's Khamenei calls for a high turnout in February parliament election: TV affiliated website,” Reuters, February
5, 2020.
February 4, 2020. Calling a spade a spade. The IRGC is called out by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change for being a terrorist organization.
See “Report compares Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Daesh, Al-Qaeda,” Benedict Spence, Arab News, February 4, 2020. The news story says, “Western governments and international
bodies, including the EU, should designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization, the London-based Tony Blair
Institute for Global Change said in a report published on Tuesday. The IRGC
acts as an “institutionalized militia,” and uses its vast resources to spread a
“mission of jihad” through an “ideological army” of recruits and proxies, said
the report, titled “Beyond Borders: The Expansionist Ideology of Iran’s Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps.” The IRGC’s interpretation of Islam bears a
“striking” resemblance to the extremist teachings of Sunni groups such as
Al-Qaeda and Daesh, the report added. The institute published its findings on
the back of work to translate training manuals, used and freely distributed by
the IRGC online, into English from Farsi for the first time. Its analysis of
the material uncovered what it called a “formalized system of indoctrination
that seeks to radicalize its recruits with an extremist Islamist ideology.” Tony Blair, former UK prime minister and
executive chairman of the institute, said the international community needs to
recognize the role that the IRGC plays in spreading terrorism and extremism. “The
IRGC is not simply an arm of the state, it is a body dedicated to advancing an
ideology based on an extreme and intolerant distortion of Islam. It is time we
recognized this formally,” he said. “Extremist ideology gives rise to violent
extremism. Defeating it, and calling out those groups and organizations which
promote it, is a vital part of a peaceful and prosperous future for the
region.” The report found that the IRGC’s indoctrination process includes
promoting a universal Shiite Islamist worldview that it said is “violent and
absolutist,” and that “casts both non-Muslims and regime opponents (including
Muslims) as enemies of Islam and calls for armed jihad against them.” The
report said the IRGC exists as a way of life in the way it spreads edicts on
the ideal structure of society, including promoting the subjugation of women. The
report’s author, Kasra Aarabi, said the IRCG’s use of the internet to
radicalize people is something that tech companies in the West have yet to come
to terms with. The IRGC is able to operate “unhindered” by safeguards normally
employed to monitor and restrict propaganda by Salafist-jihadist groups, he
added. Recognizing this, and moving to prevent the IRGC’s dissemination of
material, would be a key component of any strategy by the international
community to combat its extremism, he said. “These internal manuals reveal how
the IRGC operates as an institutionalized militia, with a formal program of
indoctrination that seeks to radicalize its members and proxies in the region
with a violent distortion of Islam,” Aarabi added in the report. “As the new
evidence in our report shows, the IRGC’s Shia extremist ideology has much in
common with Salafi-jihadism and policymakers should therefore treat it with the
same seriousness as Daesh (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda.” Prof. Saeid Golkar, an expert
on the IRGC at the University of Tennessee in the US, said: “Until now, there
has been a void in any tangible evidence put to policymakers about the material
and content distributed by the IRGC to its growing number of recruits.” He
added: “It is clear from the documents analyzed in this report that the IRGC
has a comprehensive and harmful indoctrination system that seeks to radicalize
its members with a violent Islamist ideology that will be hard to reverse
without a concerted effort.”"
“Iran Upholds Death Sentence for Alleged CIA Spy,” Aresu Eqbali and Sune Engel Rasmussen, Wall Street Journal, February 4, 2020.
“Iran-Backed Fighters Claim They Were Deployed Against Protesters In November,” Radio Farda, February 4, 2020.
“U.S. Embassy Attack Victims Get $1.5 Billion Award Against Iran,” David McAfee, Bloomberg Law, February 4, 2020.
February 4, 2020. If Soleimani was really about to meet with
Saudi officials when he was killed by the U.S., this could be confirmed from
hearing from the Saudis (or having some sort of documentary evidence from Iran). Otherwise, this looks like an attempt by Iran
to infer that the U.S. didn’t want peace to be discussed between Iran and Saudi
Arabia. “Slain Iranian General Was Set to Deliver Reconciliatory Message to Saudi Arabia, Diplomat Says,” Reuters,
Haaretz, February 4, 2020.
“Iran’s Zarif phones Abbas to voice opposition to Trump plan,” Times of Israel, February 4, 2020.
“Europe to avoid taking Iran nuclear dispute to U.N., EU's top diplomat says,” Reuters, February 4, 2020.
“'Protest Migration' Of Athletes Serious Challenge, Iran Olympic Chairman Says,” Radio Farda, February 4, 2020.
“Why Does Iran Accuse Kuwait?,” Media
Line, February 4, 2020.
“Egypt: Ministry of Health website still down after Iran hacking attack,” Middle East Monitor, February 4, 2020.
February 4, 2020. The “[n]omination of Mohammed Allawi stokes
further resentment among anti-government protesters, who seek out-and-out
change.” See “Iraqi shi’ite leader – and, apparently, Iran – embrace PM-designate,” Tara Kavaler, The Media Line,
Jerusalem Post, February 4, 2020.
“Iranian Rapper Wanted By Tehran Freed From Turkish Prison,” Radio Farda, February 4, 2020.
February 4, 2020. Why vote if they’re all cookie cutter? And if they are all hardliners? Not much incentive for the average
Iranian. “Rouhani's Spokesman Says GoingcTo Polls Prevents Islamic Republic's 'Collapse',” Radio Farda, February 4,
2020. "The Spokesman for President Hassan
Rouhani administration has urged Iranians to go to the polls in the upcoming
parliamentary elections to prevent the collapse of the Islamic Republic. Addressing
reporters at a news conference in Tehran on Monday February 3, Ali Rabiei said
"The upcoming election is the most important election in the history of
the Islamic Republic. The only way to resist the collapse of Iran is going to
the polls." This is by far the most radical comment ever made by an
Iranian official about the state of affairs in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rabiei promised that the government
will do its best to ensure a healthy election. This comes while only two weeks
ago, President Hassan Rouhani said all the candidates who have been allowed to
run belong to the conservative faction. The Guardian Council has disqualified
nearly one third of the current members of the parliament on charges of
"financial and ethical corruption" and reform-minded figures have
complained that there are very few reformist candidates allowed to run for the
Majles in the February 21 elections. This has reduced the choice for voters
mainly to the hardliner candidates, with the consequent lack of incentive for
people hoping for change to go to the polls. Many voters are already
disillusioned with the country's economic conditions and harsh repression of
recent protests. Regardless of
criticisms, the spokesman for the Guardian Council, Abbas Ali Kadhodai said on
Saturday that some 7,000 candidates have been qualified to run. He said 24
candidates will compete for every parliament seat. He added, "More than 50 percent of
those who registered as candidates have been qualified to run for the
Majles." But according to Kayhan newspaper,
during the news conference on Saturday, a reporter from the reformist daily
Etemad questioned the Guardian Council's impartiality and said that all those
qualified come from the same faction. Kadkhodai said: "This is your
opinion and we do not accept that." Following Kadkhodai's defense of the Guardian
Council's performance in the vetting, some of the disqualified candidates,
mainly current MPs have spoken to the press, questioning the Guardian Council's
argument. Ali Motahari, the outspoken MP for Tehran, told reporters that he was
invited to talk with Guardian Council members on Friday about his
disqualification.”
February 4, 2020. “There’s a reason why Iranian students in
STEM fields are being asked questions and sometimes turned away by U.S. Customs
and Border Protection agents.” See “Iran’s Spy Games Can Turn Deadly,” Peter Theroux, Tablet, February 4, 2020.
“Iran’s Mahan Air Continues China Flights for Days After Ban, Upsetting Some Iranians,” Michael Lipin, Mehdi
Jedinia, and Asim Kashgarian, VOA, February 4, 2020.
February 3, 2020. “Iran to Halt Cooperation With Ukraine in Downed Jet Probe,” Sune Engel Rasmussen and Ann Simmons, Wall Street Journal, February 3, 2020. The headline says it all, doesn’t it? International cooperation to investigate a plane crash is something that Iran will not provide.
February 3, 2020. “An Iranian court on Monday sentenced eight activists to 72 years in prison for asking the country's supreme leader to resign, local media reported. The Revolutionary Court in the northeastern city of Mashhad announced jail time for up to 26 years, according to Iran's Human Rights Activists News Agency. The activists wrote an open letter in 2019 calling on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to resign from his office. Abdol-Rasoul Mortazavi received 26 years, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri and Fatima Sepehri six, Hashem Khasttr 16 and Mohammad Nourizad 15. Khasttr and Nourizad are also facing a three-year travel ban. The others will serve a year in prison.” See “Iran slaps activists with prison for letter to Khamenei,” Mustafa Melih Ahishali, AA, February 3, 2020. In contrast, members of Code Pink in the U.S. have called for the impeachment of Pres. Trump. Their freedom of speech rights protect them, and protect them from punishment such as jail. See “'We Apologize' for Trump's Reckless Aggression, US Peace Advocates Say in Open Letter to Iranian People,” Eoin Higgins, Common Dreams, January 24, 2020.
February 3, 2020. “As many as 550 protesters have been killed in Iraq since protests began in October, the Iraqi Commission for Human Rights revealed on Monday. Overall figures are likely higher, because the data only begins on October 30 and many protesters were killed in October.” This information is in “Iranian-backed militias may have killed 500 protesters in Iraq,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 3, 2020.
“Would most Iranians vote no to an Islamic republic?,” Pooyan Tamimi Arab, Ammar Maleki, and Pooyan Tamimi Arab, Open Democracy, February 3, 2020.
“Iranian youth sing to Khamenei: ‘Iran is invincible, Israel is facing its end’,” JNS, February 3, 2020.
February 3, 2020. “An Iranian court on Monday sentenced eight activists to 72 years in prison for asking the country's supreme leader to resign, local media reported. The Revolutionary Court in the northeastern city of Mashhad announced jail time for up to 26 years, according to Iran's Human Rights Activists News Agency. The activists wrote an open letter in 2019 calling on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to resign from his office. Abdol-Rasoul Mortazavi received 26 years, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri and Fatima Sepehri six, Hashem Khasttr 16 and Mohammad Nourizad 15. Khasttr and Nourizad are also facing a three-year travel ban. The others will serve a year in prison.” See “Iran slaps activists with prison for letter to Khamenei,” Mustafa Melih Ahishali, AA, February 3, 2020. In contrast, members of Code Pink in the U.S. have called for the impeachment of Pres. Trump. Their freedom of speech rights protect them, and protect them from punishment such as jail. See “'We Apologize' for Trump's Reckless Aggression, US Peace Advocates Say in Open Letter to Iranian People,” Eoin Higgins, Common Dreams, January 24, 2020.
February 3, 2020. “As many as 550 protesters have been killed in Iraq since protests began in October, the Iraqi Commission for Human Rights revealed on Monday. Overall figures are likely higher, because the data only begins on October 30 and many protesters were killed in October.” This information is in “Iranian-backed militias may have killed 500 protesters in Iraq,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 3, 2020.
“Would most Iranians vote no to an Islamic republic?,” Pooyan Tamimi Arab, Ammar Maleki, and Pooyan Tamimi Arab, Open Democracy, February 3, 2020.
“Iranian youth sing to Khamenei: ‘Iran is invincible, Israel is facing its end’,” JNS, February 3, 2020.
February 3, 2020. The civilian side, intertwined with the IRGC
at the control tower, also knew from the start that a missile had been
fired. “Recording shows Iran knew immediately it had shot down plane: Zelenskiy,” Natalia Zinets and Babak
Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, February 3, 2020.
“Eight Dissidents In Iran Sentenced To A Total Of 72 Years For Demanding Khamenei's Resignation,” Radio Farda, February
3, 2020.
“Iran will not have bilateral talks with U.S.: Iran foreign ministry,” Reuters, February 3, 2020.
“Iran foreign minister says Swiss humanitarian channel is not a sign of U.S. goodwill – ISNA,” Reuters, February
3, 2020.
“Iran Rejects Appeal To Free French Nationals, Saying 'Pressures Will Not Work',” Radio Farda, February 3, 2020.
“Iran finds 3 editors guilty of defamation and spreading false news,” Committee to Protect Journalists,
February 3, 2020.
“Iran may block UN inspectors if it faces a ‘new situation’,” MyNorthwest, February 3, 2020.
“Iran to rebuild 30,000 housing units in Syria: report,” AMN, February 3, 2020.
“Senior commander in Iran’s Quds Force reported killed in Aleppo battle,” Times of Israel, February 3, 2020.
“Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif Calls UANI An Economic Terrorist,” UANI, February 3, 2020.
“Iran will continue to work with other countries on Ukraine crash investigation – statement,” Babak Dehghanpisheh, Reuters, February 3, 2020.
“Missing From Iran Headlines: Its Imprisonment Of 11 Journalists, Who Top New ‘10 Most Urgent’ List,” Katherine
Love, Forbes, February 3, 2020.
“Some Relatives Of Ukrainian Airliner Victims Complain Of Pressure From Iranian Authorities,” RFE/RL, February 3,
2020.
“Iran Develops 3D Printers on Par with European Samples,” IFP News, February 3, 2020.
February 2, 2020. “Iran has ‘de-escalated,’ but threat of retaliation remains, general says,” Missy Ryan, Washington Post, February 2,
2020. The use of force and the threat of retaliation from the U.S. again works to put Iran back into line. This is a repeated theme over the past 40 years. The converse is true--that if the U.S. -- or anyone -- does not exercise due diligence and provide deterrence, this Regime and under these two Supreme Leaders takes steps to expand the Revolution. This article from the WPost tells us, “Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie Jr., who
heads U.S. Central Command, said Iran had “de-escalated” its ballistic missile
force and brought its air defense forces back to a “normal state of readiness”
following its retaliatory strikes on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq.”
February 2, 2020. $80,000 per killed passenger is simply inadequate by any standards. “Zelenskiy also said that Ukraine still was waiting for Iran to hand over the black boxes of the plane.” See “Ukraine wants larger compensation for its citizens killed in plane shootdown in Iran,” Reuters, February 2, 2020. Likewise, see “Ukrainian President Says Compensation Offered By Iran For Shooting Down Airliner Not Enough,” RFE/RL, February 2, 2020. “Zelenskiy said that Ukraine had yet to receive the recorders, and that Tehran had instead suggested that Ukrainian specialists fly to Iran on February 3 to examine the black boxes. "I'm afraid that the Iranians might attract our specialists and then say, 'Let's decipher [the recorders] on the spot,' and then say, 'Why do you need the black boxes now?'" Zelenskiy said. "No, we want to take these boxes [to Ukraine]," he added.”
“Iranians must have 'right to choose' at polls: Hassan Rouhani,” AFP, February 2, 2020. The president complained in response to
the Guardian Council’s disqualification of thousands of “moderates” who wanted
to run in the upcoming Parliament election.
“Iran welcomes Allawi's appointment as Iraqi prime minister, calls for U.S. pullout,” Reuters,” February 2, 2020.
“Iran’s Quds Force to work with Hamas, Islamic Jihad against Trump deal,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 2,
2020.
“PS752 downing: Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along,” UNIAN, February 2, 2020.
“Iran's Former Anti-Narcotics Chief Says 'Dirty Money' Influences Elections,” Radio Farda, February 2, 2020.
February 1, 2020. My first thought is, "Does Ukraine know
this?" It is my understanding that the
President of Ukraine is insisting that the box be removed from the possession
of the country that has already admitted it shot down the plane. “Iran, Ukraine jointly analyzing downed plane’s black box,” Tehran Times, February 1, 2020.
“Iran To Launch Satellite In ‘Coming Days,’ Space Agency Head Says,” RFE/RL, February 1, 2020.
“Iran: No More Subsidized Foreign Currency for Sugar Imports,” Financial Tribune, February 1, 2020.
“Iraq Names New Prime Minister Who Praises ‘Bravery’ of Protesters,” Alissa Rubin,” New York Times, February 1,
2020.
“Iran Protests Take Place in Various Iranian Cities,” Mansoureh Galestan, NCR, February 1, 2020.
“Outspoken Lawmaker Summoned By Iran Court For 'Propaganda Against Regime',” Radio Farda, February 1, 2020.
“Iran uses Friday prayers to bash Trump’s 'Deal of the Century',” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 1,
2020.
“Iran's Trade Took A Major Hit In 2019 Across The Board,” Dalga Khatinoglu, Radio Farda, February 1, 2020.
“Passenger Plane Skids off Snowy Runaway in Iran for 2nd Time in a Week,” Asharq Al-Awsat, AP, VOA, February 1,
2020.
“Iran uses Friday prayers to bash Trump’s 'Deal of the Century',” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 1,
2020.
February 1, 2020. President Rouhani, "Although the Iranian
people's choice for the establishment was the Islamic Republic, Imam (RA)
insisted that the title and political structure of the country must be put to a
referendum." He continued, "We send our regards to the souls of all
those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Late Imam and who were
martyred in all stages to date, following the path, logic, and aspirations of
Imam Khomeini, who chose courage and martyrdom, the last of whom was Martyr Lt.
Gen. Qasem Soleimani. General Soleimani took the honorable path of martyrdom
and was able to make a great difference within and across the region and the
world." See “"We’ll definitely continue Imam Khomeini’s path with Leader’s guidance": Rouhani,” Mehr News Agency,
February 1, 2020.
January 31, 2020. Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. commander for the Middle East, says "There has been an increase in Iranian activity in Afghanistan that poses a risk to American and coalition troops there." See “Top Commander Sees Increased Iran Threat in Afghanistan,” AP, VOA, January 31, 2020.
“UN experts: Yemen's rebels getting weapons similar to Iran's,” Edith Lederer, AP, January 31, 2020.
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