On a One-way Street

Goldfish swim in an aquarium at a market in North of Tehran, on 24 March 2008.

Obama speaks on Iran

Obama a Man with Global Proportion Deception’s

Obama expected to make strategic changes in US foreign policy

8 November 2008

Tehran-Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Saturday that the US president-elect Barack Obama is expected to make strategic changes in the US foreign policy.

Addressing a local seminar, he said that Obama is expected to send correct signals to the regional nations.

Obama can understand that change does not mean a change of color or superficial developments, but it has to do with strategic policies.

Referring to Obama's recent remarks on Iran's peaceful nuclear program, he said it represents pursuit of the same erroneous policy of the past.

If Washington wants to change the situation in the region, it should send correct and appropriate signals to the regional states, the Iranian Majlis speaker said.

Obama became the first US African-American president to ever conquer the White House as his Republican rival John McCain conceded the presidential race to him after he triumphed 349 electoral votes to McCain.

Obama, 47, is the son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas.

His inauguration, as the 44th US president, will be held on January 20, 2009.

Iran advocates media to introduce real image of Islam

3 November 2008

Tehran-Spokesman of Foreign Ministry Hassan Qashqavi said on Sunday the capacity of mass media and information technology must be utilized to introduce real image of Islam.

Addressing an international conference on Islam and Media in the 21st century in Khartoum, Sudan, Qashqavi said that that Islamic scholars should downgrade minor difference among various Islamic sects and focus on neutralizing organized propaganda against Islam.

Qashqavi arrived in Khartoum Saturday night heading an Iranian media delegation to attend the conference and discuss promotion of Tehran-Khartoum media cooperation with senior officials of Sudan.

Foreign Ministry said in a statement that during his address to the conference, the spokesman outlined Tehran's view on the ways to lead world public opinion by media activities.

"Solidarity of media activities in the Muslim world is necessary to guide the world public opinion about Islam," Qashqavi said referring to the key role played by mass media to this end.

He stressed that Islamic states could successfully portray a logical and acceptable image of Islam for the world public opinion through making optimum use of mass media.

Qashqavi urged Muslim countries to pay due attention to thwart organized propaganda campaign against Islam instead of focusing on minor religious differences among various Islamic sects.

Commentary:

As most people know because it portrayed a false image of Islam with the Islamophobia media propaganda campaign by the Bush Administration predominately, that I have never approved, because the intention while it was not just falsified was down right slanderous.

Which should be against any good people’s religious belief’s not to do such as this to another religion, but in turn to always respect all religions; even sometimes if one may have a disagreement.

For one should focus on the truth of the disagreement, not mud slinging and lies as the US media propaganda has done.

Furthermore, I have always believed in the unity of the Ummah and I will admit, I have never actually made a pronounced focus on the differences of Sunni or Shia because of respect and that with this Islamophobia media propaganda problem; we are actually standing together, because these attacks are on the whole of Islam not caring what sect a person may belong too.

Nevertheless, I will even contend that these media propaganda attacks are not just on Islam itself, but Judaism and little by little other countries and religions that do not agree with the Bush Administration.

As if a big school yard Bush bully in short pants that kind of cuts in the inseam were saying, “If you do not give your milk money, I am going to beat you up and tell the other children a bunch of bad lies about you.”

Rallies marking National Day against arrogance kick off

3 November 2008

Tehran-Rallies marking this year's National Day Against Global Arrogance, an Iranian tradition since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, started here Monday from different parts of the capital.

People from all walks of life converged at the site of the former US embassy in Tehran, better known in Iranian history as the "Den of Spies."

Ralliers, including groups of school and university students, shouted slogans against the United States as they marched through Tehran's streets.

By chanting slogans such as "nuclear energy, is the legitimate right of the Iranian nation", the ralliers underscored the need for producing nuclear energy to generate electricity.

November 4 has great significance in Iranian history because of three decisive events: 1. Declaration of the day as the 'Students Day' in remembrance of several students martyred in 1978 while taking part in protest rally against the former Shah. (Considered a US collaborator.) 2. Sending to exile of the late Imam Khomeini in 1963. And 3. Take-over of the former US embassy in Tehran by university students followers of the Imam Khomeini in 1979.

Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy: India

1 November 2008

New Delhi-India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in an exclusive interview with IRNA has emphasized Iran's right on Nuclear Peace Process.

He said: We firmly are of the view that Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

In an interview with IRNA ahead of departure to Tehran, Mukherjee explained his opinion about his visit to Tehran for participating in Iran-India joint commission before he left India.

Excerpts of interview:
Q.1: Your Excellency's visit to Tehran is taking place in a desirable circumstance after the inking of the US-India nuclear deal, the visit is, in fact, an affirmation of the strong relations between Iran and India and a rejection of the rumors that the deal may influence the ties between Tehran and New Delhi. What is your views in this regard?

Pranab: India-Iran relations are important in themselves because of our historic, civilizational as well as contemporary ties. Regular exchange of high level visits has always been characteristic of our relations. This is in fact my third visit in about 20 months and underscores both the importance which India gives to its relations with Iran as also the substantive interests India and Iran have in common.

Q.2: It seems that the relations between Iran and India have to be evaluated without the prospect of peace pipeline. How do you think about this?

Pranab: India and Iran have a broad based relationship and no single issue defines it in its entirety. Energy security is important for India and Iran as a major hydrocarbon exporting country. The energy aspect of our relationship is therefore also extremely important. Both sides are committed to the Iran-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline Project which is an important part of our much wider relationship on energy related issues.

Q.3: What percentage of the energy need of India would be met by the US-India nuclear deal? Which are the other plans India is looking for to have access to the secure energy resources?

Pranab: As an energy deficient country we have to use all available sources of energy - Thermal, Hydro, Nuclear, Solar, Wind, etc. Just as the Civil Nuclear Agreement is important from our energy security point of view, similarly, other sources are also important and we will pursue all possible sources to meet our energy requirements so as to ensure that our developmental goals are fully achieved.

Q.4: NAM has increased its influence on the international developments. Do you think that NAM will regain its earlier strong position in the international levels.

Pranab: NAM continues to provide the guiding principle of the foreign policies of many countries and has continued relevance for the countries of Asia and the entire developing world India as a founder member of NAM is convinced of the continued importance.

Q.5: The Western and Indian media have said many things on the recent remarks of the Indian Prime Minister about Iran's peaceful nuclear activities. What exactly was the context of the Prime Minister's remarks? Particularly, it is said that the Prime Minister uttered the remarks keeping in mind the US-India nuclear deal.

Pranab: In my view the Prime Minister stated our position which is well known. We have all along been saying that all issues relating to Iran's Nuclear Programme must be resolved through dialogue and understanding and that confrontation must be avoided. We believe that the IAEA must play a central role in resolving all the outstanding issue.

Q.6: As your Excellency is well aware, the negotiations between Iran and the Group of 5+1 are advancing well and it seems that the group is satisfied. Particularly, the reports of the Secretary General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) endorse a good cooperation of Iran with the world body. Since, Your Excellency had earlier said that Iran's nuclear issue has to be taken out of the political concept and put it into a technical and legal one, how do you see the process in this regard?

Pranab: As I said we believe that the IAEA must play a central role in this process. We firmly are of the view that Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and in a manner that is consistent with its international obligations and commitments.

Update:
Mottaki calls for Iran-India to envisage modern ties

Powerful Iran to benefit all world: Davoudi

1 November 2008

Tehran-First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi said that a powerful Iran would benefit all regional and world countries.

He made the remark in a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held on the sidelines of the 7th conference of Shanghai Cooperation Organization prime ministers in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Davoudi added that presence of a powerful Russia in the region would also benefit the Iranian nation, the regional states, and the entire globe.

Referring to close economic relations between the two states, he called for strengthening of Tehran-Moscow strategic cooperation.

On current global economic crisis, the Iranian VP said the current crisis has created serious concern for the world states.

The current situation is an indication of incapability of the capitalism in administering the global economy, he noted.

Referring to the will of the two countries' leaders to further promote all-out ties, Davoudi called for establishment of gas OPEC by the two states.

He also voiced Tehran's readiness to establish a joint bank with Russia.

Criticizing the current global financial crisis, Putin said such a situation is resulted from wrong monetary policies of the western states.

On admission of Iran as the main member of the SCO, he said the move was welcomed by Moscow from the very beginning.

Expressing his satisfaction with the current level of bilateral relations between the two countries, Putin reiterated that mutual cooperation is growing.

The volume of Tehran-Moscow trade stands at dlrs 5.3 billion, he said, adding that the figure is an indication to expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two states.

On cooperation at the Caspian Sea as very important for both sides, the Russian premier noted that there is a bright prospect for both Iran and Russia.

Regular session of SCO Prime Ministers Council was held in Astana on October 29-30.

Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are the SCO member countries and Iran, India, Mongolia and Pakistan are the observer states.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an intergovernmental security organization which was founded in 2001 by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Except for Uzbekistan, the other countries had been members of Shanghai Five, founded in 1996, after the inclusion of Uzbekistan in 2001, the members renamed the Organization.

Iran offers major proposals for enhanced ties among SCO members

30 October 2008

Tehran-First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi, currently in Astana, Kazakhstan, offered major proposals on Thursday to boost cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's member states.

"Given their important political and geoeconomic position, the SCO member states can, by using massive existing opportunities for multilateral cooperation and convergence, promise a bright future for regional nations," Davoudi said in his address to the ongoing meeting of SCO prime ministers.

Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are the SCO member countries while Iran, India, Mongolia and Pakistan are its observer states.

"Given its strategic and principled policy on expansion of cooperation with regional and Asian countries, Iran has made constant efforts to promote cooperation and interaction with the SCO states," Davoudi said.

He referred to Iran's security, economic development, welfare, justice and energy (oil and gas) resources as main factors which can effectively help the SCO fulfill its objectives.

Davoudi added that Iran's geographical and historical closeness to the Central Asian states and the SCO's members was another major factor for promotion of ties with the organization's member states.

According to Davoudi enjoying rich cultural bonds, easy transportation facilities thanks to Iran's adjacent to the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf waters as well as the country's ability to transit goods and energy to international markets, were among other major factors helping Tehran's further cooperation with the SCO's member states.

He said that Iran's advanced technological know-how and its ability to offer services to the SCO's member states to promote their economic and social growth were other major capabilities of the country for broadening its ties and cooperation with the SCO's member states.

The Iranian official expressed hope that Tehran could strengthen its bilateral ties with the SCO's main and observer member states and could draw specific strategies aiming at expanding multilateral cooperation through setting up specific working groups.

The vice-president also proposed the SCO members and observers to establish a joint bank to reach an independent monetary system.

He stressed the need for finding common strategies to boost interaction between the organization's energy producers and consumers.

Davoudi also recommended the SCO to put expansion of cooperation with Iran at its agenda regarding the country's geostrategical position.

He voiced Iran's readiness to promote cultural ties with the SCO observer members with the aim of fighting against extremism and blind terrorism in the region.

Stressing that the current financial crisis in the world would have adverse consequences on regional countries, Davoudi said, "It is necessary to draw strategies to turn threats into opportunities.

Bullying powers near collapse: Ahmadinejad

30 October 2008

Tehran-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that bullying powers are on the verge of collapse as they are hated by the world nations.

"All nations are looking for a new way as they lost their hope on big powers," said the president who is currently in Lorestan province in western Iran.

Addressing a meeting with provincial ulema and clergymen, he said that the present situation "is a great chance to introduce pure Islamic thoughts and ideals as well as Iran's Islamic Revolution." Stressing the need for implementing justice in an Islamic system, the president said promotion of justice in the society was a major priority of his government.

President Ahmadinejad and his cabinet members arrived in the provincial capital of Khorramabad, Wednesday on the second round of his provincial tours to follow up implementation of the projects that had been approved during the first round of his provincial visits which began since he took office in 2005.

Commentary:

What the world is seeing is changes that such as this to last occur, was about 1437 years ago or usually when a Prophet appears, nevertheless, while the changes are not small things; but rather changes which affect every element from economy to society even to the smallest thread, which something with such momentum as this, only comes by Allah (God) himself.

While one could elaborate on the different changes, things such as this could be more found in writings from the Quran, to the Torah, to even the Christian Bible; it is this profound.

Mankind is in a time when Allah (God) as to what it is written in prophesies, before He is finished; no stone will be the same ever again. This also comes at a time when the armies of light and darkness are in numerous heated battles, for the sake of mankind; which is considered as numerous end of time events.

This also reminds of something I read the day before yesterday and was able to finish yesterday, about the Prophet Jesus (PBUH) mentioning two Prophets at the end of time. I first started reading on this from the Quran, which took me of all places to the Christian Bible, while the Christian part was mistranslated into English; I was still able to get the understanding which was assured meant to be conveyed.

The mistranslation part as I think came about because of the past that all the previous Prophets where men and it is sure that people would have a hard understanding that the first Prophet at the end of time is a woman and the only name given for her is Deborahor while she has this name is sometimes conveyed by her attributes.

Enemies of Lebanon facing deadend: Jalili

29 October 2008

Tehran-Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said on Tuesday that the enemies of Lebanon who attempted to create crisis for the Lebanese nation are now facing a deadend.

He made the remark in a meeting with the visiting former president of Lebanon Emile Lahoud.

He arrived in Tehran on an invitation of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Jalili expressed pleasure with the current positive atmosphere created in Lebanon through establishment of national reconciliation.

Referring to Lebanon as an appropriate example for coexistence of various tribes and religions, he voiced Tehran's readiness to assist Lebanon in order to help the country further develop in all areas.

Jalili further referred to Lebanon as the manifestation of victorious resistance to the armed-to-teeth enemy.

He praised resistance movement of the Lebanese nation, stressing that such resistance made the US leaders confess to their past wrong policies.

Lahoud, for his part, termed the Islamic Republic of Iran as the real friend of the Lebanese nation and appreciated Iran's key role in helping resolve the crisis in his country.

He underlined the need for vigilance of the Lebanese people against the enemies' conspiracies.

US disturbing world peace: Rafsanjani

29 October 2008

Tehran-Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Wednesday condemned US aggression on Syria and Pakistan on Wednesday stressing that Washington was disturbing world peace and stability.

Addressing a meeting of the International Ambassadors of Peace Organization (IAPO), Rafsanjani said that the world is currently in dire need of peace as nations are tired of conflicts and wars.

Referring to the high number of peace-loving people around the world, Rafsanjani said that public movements would be highly effective in stopping big powers war-mongering.

Rafsanjani, also the chairman of the Council of Experts, added "No one has the right to provoke a war in the name of Islam."

He stressed that one of the effective ways to promote peace and stability worldwide is strengthening of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

"In some cases, the NGOs are more effective than governments," Rafsanjani said.

He expressed hope that all nations could finally see a world free from wars and the peace prevail.

Iran condemns US troops raid on Syria

27 October 2008

Tehran-Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, condemned on Monday the US troops raid on Syria from Iraq calling it unacceptable.

American helicopter-borne troops from Iraq launched an assault on a residential area on Sunday in the Syrian village of Al-Sukkiraya which lies just eight kilometres from the border.

Eight civilians were killed in the attack.

"Iran condemns in strongest term any form of aggression or violation of the states' territorial integrity which leads to the death of innocent civilians," Qashqavi told reporters at his weekly press conference.

He expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Syrian people who were reportedly a father and his four children, as well as a couple and another man.

Syria's official news agency (SANA) said that Damascus has summoned the official US and Iraqi representatives in protest to the attack.

The US military officials in Iraq said in a statement that they did not have "any knowledge" about the aggression.

Commentary:
The State of Palestine also condemns the attack by US military from Iraq or any action that cause’s the death’s of civilians, which is also against International Laws, as well as the laws of the Geneva Convention and such a situation as this can be considered an act of aggression on the US's part for Syria to declare an act of war on the US.

As to my understanding, the US military had no justifiable reason to commit such an act as this; against Syria.

Furthermore, within the US media, they harassed citizens of Palestine within there propaganda on this situation which also a very dim view was taken by the Palestine government, because we had no part in this situation in any manner, it can also be considered not just insulting; but contrary to real stance that the US attacked Syria.

Nevertheless, it is our wish for the Syrian people to know, that the People of Palestine has there hearts out in sorrow; for those martyrs from the attack, yesterday and that this situation is not far from our thoughts.

Update:
Syrians Hold Funerals on a Day of Mixed Feelings

Families in this village near the Iraqi border buried loved ones Monday who were killed when the U.S. military launched am attack in Syrian territory. During the funerals, angry residents shouted anti-American slogans and carried banners reading: "Down with Bush and the American enemy."

A U.S. military official in Washington confirmed Sunday that special forces had conducted a raid in Syria that allegedly targeted the network of al-Qaida-linked foreign fighters moving through Syria into Iraq.

"We are taking matters into our own hands," the official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of cross-border raids.

In Sukkariyeh, villager Jumaa Ahmad al-Hamad told The Associated Press he was walking Sunday when he saw four helicopters, two of which landed.

"Shooting then started ringing for more than 10 minutes," al-Hamad said Monday. After the helicopters stopped firing and left the area, he and other villagers went to the site and discovered the bodies of his uncle, Dawoud al-Hamad, and four of his uncle's sons, who he said were killed in the raid.

Syria called the raid a "serious aggression," and its Foreign Ministry summoned the charges d'affaires of the United States and Iraq in protest.

Syrian parliament member Suleiman Hadad called the raid "a last-ditch hit by the defeated and desperate" Bush administration, which is trying to "restore some of its lost dignity in the region."
Government newspapers also published scathing criticisms in Monday's editions. Tishrin splashed its front pages with a headline denouncing the raid as a "U.S. war crime," while the Al-Baath newspaper described the attack in an editorial as a "stunning, shocking and unprecedented adventure."

"Even while it's preparing itself to leave the White House, the Bush administration seems determined to demonstrate its foolishness, and this is a dangerous indication of political madness and stupid arrogance," Al-Baath said.

"We are trying to contain the fallout from the incident," Iraqi Foreign Ministry undersecretary Labid Abbawi said. "It is regrettable and we are sorry it happened."

Some Iraqi officials warned that the U.S. military raid into Syria could be used by opponents of a security pact under negotiation with the United States.

"Now neighboring countries have a good reason to be concerned about the continued U.S. presence in Iraq," prominent Kurdish politician Mahmoud Othman told The Associated Press.

~~~~~~
In reading some of the media headlines, that Syria consider's this attack and act of terrorism; on the part of the United States.

Obama and McCain Believe in Warmongering with Bait?

Both McCain and Obama call for rebuilding U.S. ground forces

Barack Obama and John McCain

26 October 2008
By NANCY A. YOUSSEF

WASHINGTON-Barack Obama and John McCain each promise that as president they would continue to transform the U.S. military into a bigger, more agile force that can tackle insurgencies and help allies thwart terrorism.

However, the candidates differ on what role the military should play in global affairs.

"The Department of Defense has been the pre-emptive force of the last eight years," said Col. Michael Meese, a professor and the head of the department of social sciences at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Whether Defense continues in that role - or the State Department, with the U.S. Agency for International Development, picks it up - is a question for the next administration, Meese said.

While there may be big differences in how the presidential candidates would use the military, they generally agree on what kind of force the U.S. needs.

"Temperamentally, Senators Obama and McCain are very different on defense. But when you read the details of their defense positions, they are remarkably similar," said Loren Thompson, a defense analyst with the Lexington Institute, a conservative public policy organization. "They both want to bolster intelligence, focus on counter-terrorism, reduce big-ticket weapons systems and crack down on defense contracts."

Both men call for rebuilding U.S. ground forces, whose troops and equipment have been exhausted by seven years of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The next president will find a military that's still struggling to balance training for counter-insurgency and maintaining its ability to fight conventional wars.

McCain would like to increase the size of U.S. ground forces - the Army and Marines - by 150,000 troops to roughly 900,000.

Obama supports a Pentagon plan to expand the Army by 65,000 and the Marines by 27,000 in the next decade.

Obama and McCain also have said that they're concerned about the shortage of non-commissioned officers in the Army because so many mid-career senior enlisted men and women are leaving the military, exhausted by multiple tours in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Both candidates want to add more military civil-affairs units, which are battalion-size units of roughly 600 troops designed to work with local governments in the wake of conflicts. Such units could help the U.S. rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan, but neither candidate offers specifics on how large a military civil-affairs force should be.

Obama says the National Guard needs better equipment and health care and has called for it to have a greater role.

McCain has made veterans issues a priority, promising to get veterans better health care. He also has supported increasing the monthly veterans' education benefit to $1,500 from $1,200.

They both support missile defense, although Obama has called for more testing of the systems, while McCain has said he wants to deploy them as quickly as possible.

Both candidates have called for more transparency in how the Pentagon doles out defense contracts. McCain, who led the fight against a huge Air Force tanker contract, has promised to review defense contracts and opposes emergency bills to supplement the defense budget.

Obama has said he would trim supplemental bills for defense spending and that overall defense spending would remain steady.

"Whether we get Obama or McCain, we will get a bigger military. They will have different attitudes on how it is used," Thompson said.

McCain, a former Navy pilot and prisoner of war in Vietnam, has suggested that the military can be the face of U.S. engagement around the world.

He's called for U.S. troops to remain in Iraq until victory is assured. His campaign has said the surge was such a success in Iraq that the U.S. military should apply the "surge principles" in Afghanistan, suggesting that he'd send more troops there. He's also called for more training of allies that are combating terrorism within their borders.

McCain also has said that the U.S. can't allow Iran to develop its nuclear arsenal, suggesting that he'd use force if necessary to prevent that.

"There is only one thing worse than a military solution," McCain said in July 2007. "And that ... is a nuclear-armed Iran."

Obama also has said that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable, but he's put more emphasis on trying to reach a negotiated settlement with Tehran. In fact, Obama has made it clear that he thinks robust U.S. diplomacy could substitute, at least in part, for the Bush administration's reliance on the military to carry out America's will in the world.

The Democratic presidential nominee has vowed to end the war in Iraq and to bring U.S. combat forces home over 16 months. He'd shift some U.S. forces from Iraq into Afghanistan, which he calls the real front line in the war on terror, and it's where the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were planned.

Obama also has pushed for the U.S. military to enter Pakistan, unilaterally if necessary, to go after Osama bin Laden. McCain has criticized Obama's stand, saying he's announcing his plan to the enemy and inviting Pakistani resistance rather than cooperation, but McCain's also called Pakistan "a failed state."

"Both have an appreciation for the limits of military power. But they must decide: Does the United States want to be involved in nation building?" said Jake Kipp, the deputy director of the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

For all their plans, the next president cannot fully predict how he'd use the military.

"There are things that cannot be controlled by the new president. A lot of times, he will be responding to events," Kipp said. "As they say in the military: The enemy has a vote."

Commentary:

The only comment's I am going to make is this article is laced with the old US President George W Bush lies, which propagated the global war of unrest within the Bush administration that has destroyed countless of lives from the US to global, genocide, slavery, occupation, poverty, to a big chunk of helping to collapse the US's economy, naming just a few examples and apparently; Obama and McCain plan on following in Bush’s sweat, odor, stained shoes.

Their only difference is to entice people to murder and die with bait inducements.

American people back Iran's right to enrich uranium: Chomsky

26 October 2008

Berlin-The American people support Iran's right to enrich uranium and are "strongly opposed" to issuing any military threats against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program, said a leading US foreign policy expert in an exclusive phone interview with IRNA in Berlin on Saturday.

Noam Chomsky lashed out at western media reports saying Tehran was "defying the world" over its nuclear program.

"That's a funny definition of the 'world'. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), for example which is the majority of countries, endorses Iran's right to enrich uranium," said Chomsky.

"Now nobody thinks they have the right to develop nuclear weapons, however that's different issue. But the majority of the (American) population agrees (on Iran's right to enrich uranium)," he added.

Iran has repeatedly stressed that having nuclear arms would be against its Islamic teachings and laws.

The distinguished 80-year-old professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said, "Public opinion here overwhelmingly holds that Iran should have the right to develop nuclear energy..."

Chomsky reaffirmed also that Iran was "of course entitled to uranium enrichment as a member of the NPT."

The US scholar made clear that most Americans reject the Iran policy of President George W. Bush.

"With regard to Iran, a substantial segment of pretty mainstream opinion has been harshly critical of the confrontational approach and has called for negotiations and diplomacy," Chomsky said.

He added there could have been a US-Iranian "rapprochement for the last 10 years."

"It did not happen because of the extremism of the Bush administration was simply directed at making relations harsher, more bitter, militarizing them and that's why the Bush administration even antagonized allies," Chomsky said.

Asked whether the US-Iranian estrangement could finally end, he pointed to the possibility of a "working relationship" between both adversaries.

Chomsky emphasized that a working relationship between the US and Iran could "improve the overall situation" in the Middle East.

"There is a strong establishment pressure ... moving towards a diplomatic and developmental approach rather than a military approach.

The American popular opinion is strongly in support of it," Chomsky added.

He emphasized Washington's hostile stance towards Tehran stems from Iran's refusal "to subordinate itself to the US will." "Iran is an independent actor. It is defiant of the US and that's not tolerated," Chomsky said.

"In fact that's official policy going back to War II in which the US would try to create a world order in which it is dominant. No exercise of sovereignty should be tolerated, if it intervenes with US efforts to construct a certain kind of world order," he added.

The American professor said the US viewed Iran as an "impediment" to its energy interests in the Middle East.

"Nobody is seriously concerned about Iranian aggression. There has been no sign of any. But they are upset about Iran's influence in the region. Also in the background is the concern that Iran might turn East. That's not discussed very much but that's certainly a policy concern," the feisty US political dissident added.

Chomsky's political activism dates back to the Vietnam War in the early 1960s when he established himself as a prominent critic of American foreign and domestic policy.

Commentary:
As to Mr. Noam Chomsky speaking in this manner about Iran, I will admit I was surprised had to agree with him on some points and with no disrespect, on different occasion’s with his views on Palestine; I will admit, I did not always agree with his ideas on numerous issues that appeared contrary, to what actually was going on in the country.

But as far as Iran, he is much more on the spot in my opinion, then he was on Palestine, which I thought was a bit more negative bias of all things; towards the Jewish people. But this also comes at a time when people where being lied to so badly by the US it made the head swim, which may have been his dilemma also, but this is only a guess.

Even for me wishing so much to do what was good and right for everyone in my country and to actually understand why there was a war, in learning it should have came under the heading that, ‘the truth was stranger then the fiction’ or the US created such a tangled weave they made to practice to deceive; not just everyone in Palestine, but the globe.

Furthermore, in learning the truth, what was so very hard for me and actually stomach wrenching, was how anyone could subject people to such cruelty as the US did because they believe in Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia; which as everyone knows, I certainly do not.

This is one of the reason’s why what occurred to the Black American’s and the cruelty that has been done to them for far to long, kept coming into focus in my mind; to even what actually did occur that created the Holocaust, that the Jewish and Palestinian people where so horribly subjected too. To understand this situation, one did not just take into account the 108 year war, but a much larger scope of history of extermination and slavery of a historical people both Jewish and Muslim of a country known as Palestine, that is very loved by Allah (God) Himself; to what is occuring among people all over the globe.

People may call this situation by any number of definitions today, such as Global Domination or what have you; but the bottom line is death, slavery and sorrow. Which will never be acceptable in any manner of normal human reasoning; in part in the name of Democracy and some in blasphemy of using, 'in the name of Christianity;' which is being seen more on a daily basis.

Nevertheless, what happened in Palestine to create this horrible scenario, was to create what became known as the Gladiator Syndrome, so that two groups of people that happened to be Muslim and Jewish would fight; which was against there will, do to the historical significance that they are family and had always embraced in love for each other in the past.

But yet, this still only part of what has occurred, especially using the known historical 9,000 old opponent’s of the Jewish and Palestinian people against them, namely the Canaanites; in US collaboration; with the Canaanites age old thirst to steal all of Palestine, by blood.

But even yet, as to the global situation, one could continue far into the shadows of the night.

Jalili: Stability, economic blossoming are Iraqis' right

23 October 2008

Tehran-Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed Jalili in a meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani said establishment of stability and economic blossoming is the right of Iraqi oppressed nation.

In the meeting here Wednesday, Jalili, by referring to the historical and cultural deep roots between the two countries, said developing relations between Iran and Iraq in all fields is necessary and vital for both of them.

Jalili called presence of occupiers in Iraq as a main factor for insecurity there and by referring to the extortion of a number of powers said, "Wisdom of leaders and active participation of Iraqis in such a sensitive and historical period of time guarantees independence, honor and future progress for the country."

He also evaluated expansion of cooperation between Iran and Iraq as a ground for stability in the region and prosperity for both nations.

President of Kurdish Regional Government Massoud Barzani by presenting a report on situation in the region, appreciated Iran's help for Iraqi people in different periods of history, either before or after downfall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Preparations made for ministerial meeting of Iraqi neighbors

22 October 2008

Amman-Preparations were made for the ministerial meeting of Iraqi neighbors to help beef up national security in Iraq through enforcing border security and contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, IRNA reported on Wednesday.

Experts of Iraq's neighboring states ended their meeting in the Jordanian capital city of Amman on Tuesday night preparing the grounds for the fifth ministerial meeting of Iraq's neighbors.

The expert meeting aimed at discussing Iraqi situation as well as preparing an agenda for the fifth ministerial meeting of Iraqi neighboring states which is to be held in Amman on Thursday.

Iran participated in the expert meeting with a delegation, headed by Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Abbas Mohtaj.

Iranian Interior Minister Ali Kordan will lead a delegation to Amman later on Wednesday.

IRNA reporter in Amman said that Interior ministers of Jordan, Bahrain, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iraq are also expected to take part in the meeting.

The ministers will present reports on implementation of the decisions made in the previous ministerial meeting.

The first confab of Iraq's neighbouring states was held upon Iran's initiative in Tehran in 2004 followed by next meetings being held in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, respectively.

Iraq's neighbors will exchange views on how to fight terrorism, control border areas, prevent illegal cross-border movements and trafficking as well as the ways to promote development projects in border areas.

Iran has allocated some rls 400 billion for promotion of development projects along its borders with Iraq including expansion of border markets and investments by Iranian businessmen.

Western governments wage psychological war in Mideast: Larijani

22 October 2008

Tehran-Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said in Manama on Tuesday that the Western states have waged psychological war in the Middle East in order to sell more weapons to the regional states.

In a meeting with Chairman of Bahraini Legislature's Upper House, Ali bin Saleh al-Saleh, he added that by selling more weapons, the Western governments are trying to settle the current financial crisis.

He urged the Islamic states to make efforts not to be influenced by negative effects of the financial crisis.

Al-Saleh said for his part that exchange of visits between the two countries' senior officials would be useful to further promote bilateral cooperation in all areas.

He added that Bahraini leaders are interested in expansion of ties between Iran and it is a political agenda for Bahrain as a member of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council.

Expressing his satisfaction with inking of a gas accord with Iran, he called for materialization of the agreement as soon as possible.

After the meeting, the Iranian Majlis speaker visited different sections of the Bahraini Consultative Council's building and signed its memorial book.

Larijani then attended a banquet held in his honor by Bahraini Parliament Speaker, Khalifa bin Ahmad al-Zahrani.

Larijani, heading a high-ranking delegation arrived in Manama on Tuesday upon a formal invitation from al-Zahrani.

US Sends 'spy pigeons' to Iran This Time

Iran exposes pigeon-brained espionage plot, literally

Security forces arrest suspected 'spy pigeons,' near Natanz reactor. Last year 14 squirrels were seized on espionage claims. Fate of captive birds unknown


20 October 2008
By Dudi Cohen

Has the symbol of peace joined the efforts against Iran's nuclear program? Iranian media reported on Monday that security forces had seized two 'spy pigeons' near the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz and a second location.

According to the report, One of the pigeons was caught near a rose water production plant in the city of Kashan in Isfahan province, the report cited an unnamed informed source as saying, adding that metal rings and invisible strings were attached to the bird.

"Early this month, a black pigeon was caught bearing a blue-coated metal ring, with invisible strings," the source was quoted as saying.

Iranian sources said that "it is entirely possible that pigeons were used to spy on the nuclear facility in Natanz." The birds were been handed over to defense officials, their fate is unknown.

The reactor in Natanz is one of the most heavily guarded areas in Iran, surrounded 24 hours a day by anti-aircraft units and infantry troops. The enrichment program stands at the heart of the tensions between Iran and the West.

But this is not the first time the Islamic Republic has accused members of the animal kingdom of collaborating with its enemies. Last year the country's media reported that 14 squirrels were arrested for espionage. "The squirrels were equipped with the spy gear of foreign agencies, and were stopped before they could act, thanks to the alertness of our intelligence services," the IRNA news agency wrote.

Iranian police commander Esmaeil Ahmadi-Moqadam confirmed the report at the time.

Iran, Russia, Qatar discuss gas cooperation

21 October 2008

Tehran-Iran, Qatar and Russian senior officials in energy field began their first tripartite meeting for gas cooperation on Tuesday.

The meeting is being attended by Iranian Oil Minister Gholam Hossein Nozari, his Qatari counterpart Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah and senior executive director of Russia's Gazprom company.

The meeting aimed to develop trilateral cooperation, enhance level of economic and political ties and make efforts to rationalize natural gas price in global market.

Participants of the meeting focused on identifying mutual viewpoints and interests and potentials for cooperation of the three countries as well as drawing an outlook for their cooperation in the field of natural gas cooperation.

They also discussed ways to expand strategic cooperation among Iran, Qatar and Russia in regional and international markets and assist each other in the target markets in light of geopolitical and geographical considerations.

They studied ways to employ the existing infrastructures for production, transport and export of natural gas and sharing infrastructures with reasonable tariffs.

Investing in development of regional and international gas fields, producing and marketing for the natural gas was another major issue discussed by the Iranian, Russian and Qatari officials.

They also proposed to set up a center for financial affairs of the three nations cooperation in Doha, Qatar, a technical center in Tehran and a market survey center in Moscow, Russia.

The tripartite meeting also decided to form a joint cooperation committee for coordinating establishment of the three centers and their operation.

Further Reading:
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Experts of Iraqi neighbors kick off meeting in Amman

21 October 2008

Amman-The experts of Iraqi neighbors started a meeting in the Jordanian capital city of Amman on Tuesday.

Addressing the session, deputy Jordanian interior minister expressed hope that the meeting would help Iraq face the challenges safely.

He hoped that the meeting would help promote security for Iraq and its neighboring states.

An Iranian expert delegation, headed by Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Abbas Mohtaj is taking part in the two-day meeting.

Meanwhile, the 5th ministerial conference of the Iraqi neighbors is to start on Thursday with participation of interior ministers from the neighboring countries.

Iranian Interior Minister Ali Kordan will lead a team to the ministerial meeting.

The delegates will present reports on implementation of the decisions made in the previous meeting.

The first confab of Iraq's neighbouring states was held upon Iran's initiative in Tehran in 2004 and the next such events were held in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, respectively.

Iraq's neighbors have been committed to carry out various duties as control of borders, preventing illegal cross-border movements and trafficking along with promotion of development projects in border areas.

Iran has allocated some rls 400 billion for promotion of development projects along Iran-Iraq joint borders including expansion of border markets and investments by Iranian businessmen.