January 24, 2020.  Another statement from a national figure that aligns with the stated message and purpose of this blog.  “Iran has to act like a ‘normal country’ if it wants to be treated like one, says Saudi foreign minister,” CNBC, January 24, 2020.  Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia, said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that Iran has to change its behavior before Saudi Arabia would be willing to sit down and have a dialogue with them.  “The Iranians have to show good faith, the Iranians have to change their behavior and their policies.”  …  “They can’t give missiles to terrorist groups and they can’t attack facilities in other countries and expect the world to deal with them in a rational manner.  If they want to be treated as a normal country, they should act as one.  …  “They’re the ones who’ve attacked ships, they’re the ones who attacked oil facilities in the Kingdom.”

“Iranian student whose deportation spurred Dem outcry has family ties to IRGC, Hezbollah: DHS official,” Adam Shaw, Fox News, January 24, 2020.

“Iran’s regime sentences Christian convert to prison for “insulting Islam”,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, January 24, 2020.

January 24, 2020.  Systemic discrimination against religious minorities including Baha’is continues in Iran.  The Regime has removed the option for "other religions" from the new application forms for the Smart National ID cards. Thus, Baha'i citizens are being denied obtaining ID cards.  Article 13 of the Constitution states that "Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian Iranians are the only recognized religious minorities, who, within the limits of the law, are free to perform their religious rites and ceremonies, and to act according to their own canon in matters of personal affairs and religious education."  So, Baha’is are now a target, again.  See “Iran Eliminates 'Other Option' Of Religious Affiliation For Citizens' IDs,” Radio Farda, January 24, 2020.

January 24, 2020.  I will agree with Pres. Rouhani and some of the “reformers” that the Guardian Council’s striking of applicants for the upcoming Parliament elections is bad for democracy.  But Iran, of course, doesn’t have a democracy.  Here are two articles.  “High turnout in Feb. election will depend on competitive atmosphere: Rouhani,” Tehran Times, January 24, 2020, and “Iran’s Reformists Criticize Guardian Council for Disqualifying Election Candidates,” Asharq Al-Awsat, January 24, 2020.

“Is Deterrence Restored with Iran?,” Daniel Byman, Lawfare, Friday, January 24, 2020.

“EU Seeks More Time in Effort to Resolve Iran Nuclear Dispute,” AP, VOA, January 24, 2020.