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10/31/2005


 

HOUSE OF COMMONS -- Transcript, Monday 31 October 2005

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UNCORRECTED TRANSCRIPT OF ORAL EVIDENCE To be published as HC 561-ii

HOUSE OF LORDS
House of COMMONS
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE
TAKEN BEFORE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
COUNTER-TERRORISM POLICY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Monday 31 October 2005
MR LIVIO ZILLI, MR ERIC METCALFE, MR GARETH CROSSMAN,
MR JAMES WELCH and MS ALEXANDRA MARKS
PROFESSOR CLIVE WALKER
MR ABDURAHMAN JAFAR
Evidence heard in Public Questions 90 - 224

Q161 Lord Lester of Herne Hill: May I say I should have declared an interest in asking my questions. I represented once the People's Mujahideen of Iran, who I think do and did regard the need to kill some of the regime people as being a necessary inevitable way of overturning that regime. We are not talking here about war crimes or international crimes but just murder. Would you think that in an extreme situation, to go back to Lord Judd's questions, that there would be a need in a democracy like ours to allow an organisation like that to be putting forward the need to kill, to commit acts of murder, as the only way, as they see it, of changing the regime? I hope I am not inflaming them by saying this, but you get my point.

Professor Walker: I do.

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10/28/2005


 

GLOBAL POLICY FORUM, UN Sanctions Against Iran?


In 1979, at the time of the Islamic revolution and the hostage crisis, the United States imposed broad economic sanctions against Iran. Since then, Washington has imposed various additional sanctions against Tehran, accusing the Iranian government of developing nuclear weapons and sponsoring or funding terrorism abroad. The sanctions block US-based oil companies from operating in Iran, giving the US a strong incentive to generalize the sanctions and block US firms' foreign competitors from operating there as well.

In February 2003, Iran revealed its uranium enrichment program at Natanz, claiming it was using the technology for peaceful purposes and inviting the UN nuclear monitoring body, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to visit. The US, however, alleged that the program is part of a drive to develop nuclear weapons. Washington sought to refer the Iranian case to the Security Council. But in November 2004, Tehran signed a temporary agreement with Germany, France and Britain to cease uranium enrichment and the IAEA issued Iran a clean bill of health, effectively avoiding Security Council intervention. However, the IAEA said it could not confirm that Iran is not pursuing undeclared nuclear activities, and some observers were quick to note that Iran broke a similar agreement with the Europeans in 2003. Even if Iran's case comes before the Security Council, China's energy interests in Iran coupled with its veto power would probably stand in the way of sanctions.


Iran Again Challenges the Security Council (October 28, 2005)According to the Telegraph, the Security Council has failed to take proper action concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially since Tehran has taken an indifferent attitude to repeated resolutions by the International Atomic Energy Agency. If the Security Council does not sanction Iran following President Ahmadinejad’s call that Israel should be "wiped off the map," the Security Council “does not deserve its name,” argues this article.

Are We Going to War with Iran? (October 18, 2005)Is the US threat to go to war with Iran real or is it just a scare tactic to get Iran to halt its nuclear program? Dan Plesch writes in the Guardian that Washington regards Iran as enough of a critical threat to warrant an attack. Indeed, US intelligence considers that while Iran is years from a nuclear weapons capability, “the technological point of no return is now imminent.” US Ambassador John Bolton warned that if the Security Council failed to deal with Iran’s alleged breach of its commitments on nuclear proliferation, “the US would solve the problem on its own.”

Why Iran Isn't a Global Threat (September 29, 2005)Iran’s failure to comply with its International Atomic Energy Agency commitments on nuclear proliferation does not indicate a more sinister motive to subvert its neighbors and export its Islamic revolution, reports the Christian Science Monitor. The US and European Union notion that Iran's foreign policy is entering a new radical phase misreads modern Iranian politics and national interest. The days when Iran sought to undermine established authority in the name of Islamic salvation are over.

Government Reacts to IAEA Nuclear Resolution (September 26, 2005)Expressions of outrage came from Tehran officials following the adoption of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) resolution against Iran’s nuclear program. Calling the resolution “illegal, unfair and completely unacceptable,” the legislature retaliated by preparing a bill that would suspend the implementation of the Additional Protocol of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) within a week of a Security Council referral. (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty)

IAEA Adopts Resolution on Iran's Nuclear Activities (September 26, 2005)The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution that calls on Iran to halt its nuclear program within two months and cooperate fully with UN inspectors. The resolution, tabled by Britain, France and Germany (the EU-3), was approved by a vote of 22 in favor, 1 against (Venezuela), and 12 abstentions. The Islamic Republic News published the integral text of the resolution.

Iran: Drive to UN Security Council Encounters Obstacles (September 22, 2005)At a meeting of the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Britain, France and Germany (the EU-3) withdrew their proposal, which had called for Iran to be referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions. Instead, they presented a softer version of their proposal, accusing Iran of “various failures and breaches” of its obligations to the IAEA. The EU-3 took this decision after intense opposition from veto-wielding Russia and China, who are eager to maintain or build energy ties with Iran. (RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty)

Iran in Talks with Nuclear Watchdog (August 26, 2005)Iran resumed uranium enrichment at one of its plants despite the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) resolution calling on the country to halt its uranium conversion work. Then the European Union threatened at an IAEA meeting to refer Iran to the UN Security Council . Ali Larijani, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, met the IAEA’s chief Mohamed ElBaradei in Vienna in an attempt to forestall the EU’s efforts. (Reuters)

No Proof Found of Iran Arms Program (August 23, 2005)An international scientific panel put together by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded that bomb-grade uranium found in Iran matches that of contaminated equipment from Pakistan. The IAEA data eliminates the “smoking gun” theory that Iran is trying to gain nuclear weapons capabilities. Though the panel included US government experts, the Bush administration still denies the conclusion and instead continues to push for international pressure and UN sanctions against Iran. (Washington Post)

Miscues Set Up Nuclear Crisis (August 10, 2005)The Asia Times warns of an international crisis, as Iran resumes its nuclear program. If the US and its European allies propose UN sanctions against Teheran, the Security Council may face a deadlock: Russia or China may impose their veto and the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will have to establish that Iran is in “material breach” of its obligations toward the non-proliferation regime.

Iran to Re-Start Uranium Conversion (July 31, 2005)Iran has told the International Atomic Energy Agency that it will begin the preliminary stage of uranium enrichment, but the letter to the UN agency “kept open the possibility of compromise,” reports the Financial Times. Iran and the European Union have been engaged in the latest round of talks over Iranian nuclear developments, but “the situation is complicated” by Iran’s new conservative president and this latest “impasse.” The EU has already said that it would support the US push for UN sanctions against Iran if talks fail.

Iran Ready to Compromise in European Talks (May 25, 2005) EU foreign ministers worked to persuade Tehran to suspend its uranium enrichment program, amid continued pressure from the US to impose UN economic sanctions on Iran. The EU previously sought to avoid sanctions but, if the talks fail, EU members will probably move “towards the US position” to bring Iran before the Security Council. However, the Associated Press questions the effectiveness of strong sanctions, warning that they would likely cause oil prices to rise.

Iran Plans Defense of Nuclear Program (May 2, 2005) As representatives from 180 nations gather at the UN to review the non-proliferation treaty (NPT), Iran prepares to defend its nuclear weapons program and will insist on the same rights as those given to all other NPT members. Under the treaty, members gain access to nuclear technology in return for a pledge to abandon nuclear arms. But the right to leave the NPT at any time has given rise to fears over Iran and North Korea’s nuclear program. US concern over both countries’ uranium enrichment programs and attempts to bring the matter before the Security Council will likely dominate the conference. (Washington Post)

Sleepwalking to Disaster in Iran (March 30, 2005)Former UN Chief Weapons Inspector in Iraq Scott Ritter warns of a US attack against Iran in June 2005 at the earliest when, according to the Pentagon, the country will have completed its uranium enrichment program. Senior Israeli officials have said they will not tolerate nuclear weapons in the hands of Iran, and expect the US to take the matter to the UN. Israel and the US want UN sanctions, which would force an Iranian regime change and abandonment of its nuclear weapons program. But a consensus on sanctions in the Security Council seems unlikely as veto-holding Russia supports and supplies Iran’s uranium enrichment program. (AlJazeera)

Washington Urges Nuclear Watchdog to Refer Iran to Security Council (March 3, 2005)Washington has urged the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) to bring Iran before the Security Council and impose sanctions on Tehran, which the US argues is "in clear violation of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty." The calls echo previous US demands that Iraq comply with weapons inspections, and foreshadow a repeat of the 2003 Iraq invasion. Iranian officials suspect the US wants to put the matter on the Security Council agenda so that the White House can exercise its authority and influence in the Council, rather than address the matter from its isolated position in the IAEA. (Daily Star-Lebanon)

IAEA Head Disputes Claims on Iran Arms (February 16, 2005) International Atomic Energy Agency Chief Mohamed ElBaradei has said there is no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear arms and condemned Washington's inconsistent policies with respect to Iran and North Korea. In his latest report ElBaradei finds a greater Iranian willingness to cooperate with inspections, but White House officials maintain ElBaradei favors blocking US policies over halting Iran's nuclear weapon's program. (Washington Post)

Rice Tells Iran to Take Deal or Face UN Council (February 9, 2005) US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has warned Tehran that it must halt its nuclear weapons program and cooperate with European nations to resolve the nuclear issue. Rice said the Iranians "will have to live up to their international obligations" if they want to avoid Security Council referral and possible sanctions. France, Germany and Britain are reluctant to bring the matter before the Council, emphasizing they are "committed to letting the diplomacy run its course." (Associated Press)

Besieged Chief of Atomic Agency Carries On (February 1, 2005)In his speech at the World Economic Forum, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohammed ElBaradei announced a proposal for a five-year moratorium on building uranium-enrichment facilities to prevent Iran and other countries from developing nuclear weapons. ElBaradei called for Security Council involvement during the five-year ban, which he sees as an opportunity for the world to review the laws governing the transfer of nuclear technology and material. Despite similarities with US President George Bush's anti-proliferation initiative, the White House has labeled ElBaradei "soft on so-called rogue countries" and has lobbied other IAEA members to deny him a third term. (New York Times)

Iran's Choice (January 28, 2005)The Wall Street Journal has "substantial reservations and doubts about Iran's good faith" with respect to the country's pledge to cease its uranium enrichment program. This article argues that Iran avoided Security Council referral by "negotiating a departure from the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) normal safeguards standards" and warns that this may set a precedent for further IAEA inspections. Conservative criticism aimed at the IAEA echoes US justification to invade Iraq and could serve as propaganda to legitimize US action against Iran.

Cheney Warns of Iran as A Nuclear Threat (January 21, 2005)Denying Seymour Hersh’s article on covert US military operations in Iran, Vice President Dick Cheney said the Bush administration plans to “pursue diplomacy first” and propose UN Security Council sanctions if diplomacy fails. But Cheney warned that “all options are on the table,” and that Israel “might well decide to act first and let the rest of the world worry about cleaning up the diplomatic mess.” (Washington Post)

Halliburton Unit Prepares for Iran Work (January 10, 2005)Oil services company Halliburton has managed to circumvent US sanctions on Iran and has won a major contract in one of the world's largest natural gas fields, "offering its services via [subcontractor] Oriental Kish." Under federal law, US companies are prohibited from doing business with the "axis of evil," but can maneuver their way around trade laws by working with "a foreign entity." The deal will however diminish US credibility when pressing for UN sanctions on Iran. (Houston Chronicle)

How to Deal With Tehran (December 14, 2004)This article, written by former Canadian and European Foreign Ministers and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, stresses the need for transatlantic cooperation in dealing with a nuclear Iran. The authors urge the US to support diplomatic European efforts and the EU to ready itself for stronger actions, including Security Council intervention, should diplomacy fail. They advocate a solution that allows Iran to pursue a civilian nuclear program as long as the international community gets "the insurance it needs." (Toronto Star)

Iran and Europeans Open a New Round of Negotiations (December 14, 2004)Iran, Britain, France and Germany have begun negotiations for a long-term agreement on nuclear, economic and security cooperation. Talks will follow "two tracks, one to make the freeze permanent, another to explore concrete ways to reward Iran if it does so." The US could block any agreement Tehran may reach with the Europeans because it holds the power to block incentives Europe hopes to offer. (New York Times)

There Are Worse Things Than a Nuclear Iran (December 2, 2004)This International Herald Tribune article challenges the US and EU assumption that they cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran, saying "if the price for a democratic Iran is Tehran's being allowed to develop limited nuclear capabilities, then so be it." The author argues against military action, citing the proven inefficiency of a top-down approach to democracy, and claiming that military strikes would only enrage Islamists and isolate reformists. He also rules out the possibility of sanctions, saying that the world economy needs Iran's oil, and, as with military action, veto-wielding Security Council members would be unlikely to authorize them.

Will Nuclear Bargain with Iran Work? (November 30, 2004)The International Atomic Energy Agency passed a resolution welcoming Iran's agreement with Britain, France, and Germany to suspend its uranium enrichment activities. The resolution's language was weaker than Washington would have liked, and the US remains skeptical that the deal will hold. The situation remains tenuous and some see it as a challenge between European multilateralism and diplomacy, and more "muscular" and "aggressive" US tactics. Observers say diplomacy will only succeed with the US on board. (Christian Science Monitor)

Iran Freezes Uranium Activities (November 23, 2004)Iran narrowly met the deadline to freeze uranium enrichment activities as agreed in a deal with the EU. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Tehran has stopped uranium activities but asserted that the government had rushed to process uranium concentrate before the deadline. The EU will draft a resolution at the IAEA meeting in Vienna stipulating a course of action should Iran breach the terms of the agreement. The US and UK are pushing for a harder line which would automatically refer the issue to the Security Council while Germany advocates a "milder tone." (Guardian)

UN Sees No New Nuclear Signs in Iran (November 16, 2004)The International Atomic Energy Agency says inspectors have found no new evidence of nuclear activities or an atomic weapons program in Iran, though they remain alert and cannot conclude that Iran does not have covert activities. The report, coupled with Iran's agreement with European negotiators to suspend uranium enrichment, will likely stave off Security Council action. Washington is still pushing to refer Iran to the Council. (Los Angeles Times)

Beijing Looking To Tehran to Fuel Its Booming Economy (November 10, 2004)China's "booming" economy means greater energy needs, and oil imports have doubled in the past five years. Beijing seeks energy agreements with Tehran, in part to "ease its dependence on relatively pro-American governments" in the Middle East. Iran needs both foreign investment and a political ally in its battle with Washington over nuclear development. China is a veto-wielding member of the Security Council, and after signing oil and gas agreements with Tehran, has spoken against bringing Iran to the Security Council over its uranium enrichment program. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Tehran Agrees to Nuclear Freeze (November 8, 2004)Tehran pledged to halt its uranium enrichment program in talks with the UK, France and Germany until Iran and the EU strike a "final bargain." The tentative agreement could stop the International Atomic Energy Agency from bringing the issue before the Security Council, but observers warn talks could fall apart. China, a veto-wielding member of the Council with oil and gas interests in Iran, has assured Tehran that it will block any move to refer Iran's case to the Security Council. (Guardian)

Iran ‘Prepared’ for UN Security Council Referral (October 24, 2004)Germany, France and Britain offered Iran a package including "supply and removal after use of enriched uranium, the transfer of nuclear technology… and a trade agreement" in an attempt to stop Iran from proceeding with its uranium enrichment program. Tehran says it is willing to negotiate with Europe to develop a "mechanism" that will ensure it uses its program solely for peaceful purposes. However, Tehran also says that Iran is ready to face the Security Council should the IAEA refer its case there. (Financial Times)

G-8 Nations to Meet on Iran (October 15, 2004)G-8 nations are meeting to discuss a plan drafted by European members to stop Iran from developing a nuclear arms program. The G-8 says that if Iran fails to comply with calls to cease its uranium-enrichment efforts, it will bring the issue before the Security Council and seek international punitive measures. (Washington Post)

Iran Seeks to Avoid Security Council Action (September 29, 2004)Iran is pushing for Europe to create "new mechanisms" to verify that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons in an attempt to prevent the issue from coming before the Security Council. Iran maintains it has a right to use nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, but the US and independent experts suspect Iran may be trying to develop nuclear capabilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said the "new mechanism" would continue inside the UN nuclear monitoring body, the IAEA. (Los Angeles Times)

Iran Rejects UN Call to Freeze Nuclear Enrichment (September 19, 2004)The International Atomic Energy Agency issued a resolution on September 18 demanding that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment activities. Iran, however, has rejected the order, claiming it has only good intentions. The US hopes to bring the issue before the Security Council but Teheran says it will drop out of the nonproliferation treaty should this occur. (New York Times)
2003-1996

US Drops Plans to Report Iran to UN Security Council (September 5, 2003)The US has abandoned a draft resolution accusing Iran of “non-compliance” of UN nuclear regulations. The draft, circulated among members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), received little support for its lack of specific charges. (Reuters)

Iran Blames US Sanctions for Crash Killing 302 (February 20, 2003)The Iranian air industry is suffering from US sanctions on the purchase of US-made planes. Other air disasters may happen if the trade ban is not lifted. Iran's fleet has "reached a crisis point," says Tehran's Transportation Minister. (Associated Press)

US Companies Skirt Ban On Trade With Iran (February 28, 2002) US sanctions against Iran ban virtually “all trade and transfer of technology” to the Islamic Republic.However, the sanctions fail to prevent US firms from selling security and military equipment to Teheran through foreign subsidiaries. (Financial Times)

Cheney Panel Seeks Review Of Sanctions (April 19, 2001)The US is revising its sanction regime not only on Iraq, but also on Iran and Libya in order to meet energy needs in the country. (Washington Post)

US Eases Sanctions on Iran (March 17, 2000)The United States has lifted its ban on the sale of food items and carpets from Iran as a response to election successes by reformists in Iran. The US administration wishes to undermine the power base of conservatives who are more hostile to 'the American lifestyle' over time. (BBC World Service)

Iran Says Lifting of US Sanctions would be Positive Move (March 9, 2000)Iran's foreign minister speaks of Iran's desire for better trade relations with the US, particularly the lifting of sanctions on Iranian goods. (Nando Media)

Iran Smiles After US Waives Sanctions Against Three Companies (May 20, 1998)After intense lobbying by the European Union, the United States has permitted three energy companies from different countries to operate in Iran without facing punishments for this. (The New York Times)

The Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996: Results to Date (July 23, 1997)Testimony by Jeffrey J. Schott, Senior Fellow, Institute for International Economics before the Committee on International Relations, US House of Representatives.

Iran and Libya Sanctions Act A link to the text of HR 3107, an act that was enacted August 6, 1996.

Fact Sheet: Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996White House fact sheet on Iranian and Libyan Sanctions for 1996.

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10/14/2005


 

Parliament urges Iran to restart talks with the EU 3 External relations - 13-10-2005 - 15:53

*~*~*

The European Parliament wholeheartedly supports the attempt by the three EU Member States France, Germany and the UK to find a solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran through negotiations. It urges the IAEA to make full use of its control and inspection capacities and urges Iran to restart talks with the "EU 3" (UK, France and Germany)

Parliament calls on the US government to support the negotiations by giving security guarantees to Iran and says it welcomes the statement by UK Foreign Secretary Jack STRAW that neither the US nor Europe is considering military action against Iran.

In a resolution adopted by 499 votes in favour, 43 against and 89 abstentions, MEPs also deplore the double-standards applied to nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states and recognise Iran's right to develop a nuclear programme for civil and peaceful use. Nevertheless, Iran should fully suspend all activities relating to the enrichment of uranium, as the IAEA made clear that there is no confidence that Iran's nuclear programme is meant for peaceful purposes only. Parliament also urges Iran to reconsider the construction of a heavy-water research reactor.

MEPs urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA inspectors, reminding it that it has signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which allows the IAEA to verify if signatories to the treaty comply with the treaty's provisions.

They also voice grave concerns over Iran's human rights performance. They strongly condemn the death sentences against minors, which frequently concern sexual acts and sexual orientation, the treatment of minorities such as the Kurds, the arrest of women for 'improper veiling' and the arrest of cyber-journalists. They call for the immediate release of journalist Akbar Ganji, and his lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani.

Iran is urged to resume the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue. In the framework of this dialogue, the Council should closely monitor the human rights situation in Iran. The Commission is asked to use the European Initiative for Democracy in order to intensify contacts with Iranian civil society and independent media.

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10/10/2005


 

Free Republic Commentary 10/04-11/10

Abandon Iran gas line, US tells Pakistan

Posted by humint to Saberwielder
On News/Activism 11/10/2005 3:18:27 PM PST · 7 of 13

"The A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network has been shut down And the moon is made up of whipped cream."

The network was exposed when Libya turned over its nuclear program, as Iran should do. The AQ Khan "evidence" led to the disruption of proliferation activities all over the world, most notably Iran's involvement in clandestine nuclear development.

Now, I've never been to the moon, so if you have, and you think it was made of whipped cream... more power to you. If your intent was sarcasm, come up with a reason why you think I'm wrong.

Iran is a state sponsor of terror... the U.S. is building a democratic consensus against Iran. Pakistan's situation is improving and it would make more political and financial sense for Pakistan to join with the community of free nations to achieve economic success. Iran on the other hand is headed for self destruction.

Do you have anything to add???


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Abandon Iran gas line, US tells Pakistan

Posted by humint to Gengis Khan
On News/Activism 11/10/2005 12:31:21 PM PST · 5 of 13

Progressing nicely?? You must be out of your mind. If Pakistan is progressing anywhere, its progressing steadily towards destruction.

The days of Pakistani intel support for the Afghan Taleban are over for obvious reasons. The A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation network has been shut down. Although the government could do more to take steps to prevent terror against Indians, steps were taken to cool relations during the latest earthquake. Maybe it's an overstatement but the situation with respect to Pakistan is improving.

Do you have examples as to why you believe the situation is degrading?


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Not All Negative (Progress is being made in Iraq.)

Posted by humint to neverdem
On News/Activism 11/09/2005 2:45:27 PM PST · 3 of 18

Not All Negative (Progress is being made in Iraq.)

GREAT ARTICLE, Great Post... Thanks,


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Abandon Iran gas line, US tells Pakistan

Posted by humint to Hadean
On News/Activism 11/09/2005 2:22:57 PM PST · 3 of 13

Quoting a senior official, the newspaper said that the government could not take a decision on the issue off the cuff as it required time to completely study the pros and cons of the project first.

CONS: 1. Petro-wealth to the world's most active state sponsor of terrorism. 2. Increased energy dependence on a terrorist regime. 3. Economic alliances forming between Pakistan (a state progressing nicely) with Iran (a state out of step with the community of democratic nations). 4. May infringe on the IRAN-Libya sanctions ACT.

PROS: 1. Hmmmmm. 2. Still thinking. 3. Drawing a blank here...

FACT SHEET: THE IRAN AND LIBYA SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996 (Imposes new sanctions on foreign companies) August 6, 1996

Washington -- A White House Fact Sheet says the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 imposes new sanctions on foreign companies that engage in specified economic transactions with Iran or Libya. The bill sanctions foreign companies that provide new investments over $40 million for the development of petroleum resources in Iran or Libya. The bill also sanctions foreign companies that violate existing U.N. prohibitions against trade with Libya in certain goods and services such as arms, certain oil equipment, and civil aviation services. Following is the official text of a fact sheet from the White House:

FACT SHEET: THE IRAN AND LIBYA SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996

President Clinton has led the fight against terrorism [really?] and will continue to take measures to further pressure and punish states that support it. Purpose: The Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 imposes new sanctions on foreign companies that engage in specified economic transactions with Iran or Libya. It is intended to:

-- Help deny Iran and Libya revenues that could be used to finance international terrorism;

-- Limit the flow of resources necessary to obtain weapons of mass destruction; and,

-- Put pressure on Libya to comply with U.N. resolutions that, among other things, call for Libya to extradite for trial the accused perpetrators of the Pan Am 103 bombing.

The Sanctions: The bill sanctions foreign companies that provide new investments over $40 million for the development of petroleum resources in Iran or Libya. The bill also sanctions foreign companies that violate existing U.N. prohibitions against trade with Libya in certain goods and services such as arms, certain oil equipment, and civil aviation services. If a violation occurs, President Clinton is to impose two out of seven possible sanctions against the violating company. These sanctions include:

-- denial of Export-Import Bank assistance;

-- denial of export licenses for exports to the violating company;

-- prohibition on loans or credits from U.S. financial institutions of over $10 million in any 12-month period;

-- prohibition on designation as a primary dealer for U.S. government debt instruments;

-- prohibition on serving as an agent of the United States or as a repository for U.S. government funds;

-- denial of U.S. government procurement opportunities (consistent with WTO obligations); and

-- a ban on all or some imports of the violating company.

This Bill is Another Step in U.S. Efforts to Enforce Compliance:

-- prohibition on serving as an agent of the United States or as a repository for U.S. government funds;

-- denial of U.S. government procurement opportunities (consistent with WTO obligations); and

-- a ban on all or some imports of the violating company.

This Bill is Another Step in U.S. Efforts to Enforce Compliance from Iran and Libya:

-- In 1984, Iran was placed on the list of states that support international terrorism, triggering statutory sanctions that prohibit weapons sales, oppose all loans to Iran from international financial institutions, and prohibit all assistance to Iran.

-- In 1987, the U.S. further prohibited the importation of any goods or services from Iran and U.S. naval and air forces struck Iranian naval units on several occasions in response to Iranian efforts to disrupt the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf with naval mines and missile attacks.

-- In 1995, President Clinton imposed comprehensive sanctions on Iran, prohibiting all commercial and financial transactions with Iran.

-- In January 1986, the United States imposed comprehensive sanctions against Libya that froze Libyan assets, and banned all trade and financial dealings with Libya. Two months later, U.S. Air Force and Navy jets bombed Libyan targets in retaliation for Libyan terrorist attacks on Americans in Europe.

-- In March 1992, the U.S. supported the imposition of sanction against Libya which prohibited the export of petroleum, military or aviation equipment to Libya; prohibited commercial flights to or from Libya; limited Libyan diplomatic representation abroad; and restricted Libyan financial activities.

-- In addition, the United States has worked with our allies to further isolate Libya both internationally and within the Middle East and to develop new methods to pressure Qadhafi to comply with the U.N. Security Council Resolutions directed at Libya.

(end text) NNNN


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More than 2,000 dead --- worth the cost???

Posted by humint to finnman69
On News/Activism 11/09/2005 10:43:48 AM PST · 45 of 129

America's Wars: U.S. Casualties and Veterans

Thanks for posting these numbers. More than stats, these are our brothers, fathers, uncles, great grand fathers... and some sisters, mothers and so forth. Their service in the cause of freedom will never be forgotten. As a veteran, I wish our citizenry had the kind of context these numbers develop when considering the cost of NOT fighting for liberty. The millions upon millions who have died under oppression at the hands of their oppressors are much larger numbers. This thread brings to mind New Hampshire’s motto “Live Free or Die”, but it’s more than that. There is no more honorable quality than a willingness to “risk” ones life so that others may be free. That “risk” however, should be and is calculated very carefully with our men and women in uniform!

2,000 or 20,000 or… is not the point. The point is the cause! The consequences for surrendering to tyranny are too high, and that’s the point! Americans should hope that more tyrants of Saddam's ilk fall like dominoes and be willing to sacrifice to see it come to pass.


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Iran Asks European Nations To Resume Nuclear Talks (Fool Me Twice - Or 10 Times)

Posted by humint to indianrightwinger
On News/Activism 11/07/2005 11:47:24 AM PST · 4 of 4

"Iran Asks European Nations To Resume Nuclear Talks Associated Press November 6, 2005 11:49 a.m."

What do you suppose they'll talk about??? Here's my guess:

IRAN: We've started enriching Uranium against your resolution... again...

IAEA: Yeah, we know... and that's not good.

IRAN: We think your resolution is stupid so we're going to ignore it until it says what we want it to say... Then and only then will we follow it.

IAEA: Why would we bother writing a resolution then, if you'll only abide by the ones that you agree with?

IRAN: That's your problem! The only resolution that we'll abide by is aligned to our plans.

IAEA: Why didn't you say so... that makes everything easier. You can write the resolutions yourself!

IRGC: Allah-Akbar, Death to America!!!

USA: Wait a damn minute here!!! They get to write their own resolutions? Who’s in charge here... I mean besides us?

J. BOLTON: Elbaraday!!! Do your F*#@ING job.

M. ELBARADEI: John... Kiss my peace prize!!! You’re not the boss of me…

J. BOLTON: Wanna bet??? Iran… you’re making me angry, and you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.

IRAN: We are pleased to frustrate the great Satan. Allah-Akbar, Death to America!!! Mr. ElBaradei, we got some help from China and Russia… but we’ve got the resolution written for you.

M. ELBARADEI: Koffi and I are going to have to soften the language you've used here in paragraph four about wiping Israel off the map, but it looks good... Great job you three. That's the kind of team work we like to see here at the UN!


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The philosopher and the ayatollah

Posted by humint to generalhammond
On News/Activism 11/06/2005 5:09:29 PM PST · 5 of 7

Foucault pokes fun at the secular leftists who thought they could use the Islamists as a weapon for their own purposes;

Which leftists?... there were many flavors of leftist back then. Good post though, thanks. Some of the writing coming out of Iran during that time was actually inspiring. Ali Shariati's writings inspired the nation to challenge the system. Khomeini's works were never very interesting but it is true that his speeches of the era were not indicative of the slaughter house Iran was about to become. It is said that he knew how to agree with everyone he met without appearing to contradict himself.

If only he knew how to govern... I think most everyone expected an improvement after life under the Shah and for six months Iranians really did get a chance to be intellectually and spiritually free. But that was never Khomeini's goal. He was a fascist... who floated to power on words like these.

###

On the Sociology of Islam - Lectures By Ali Shari’ati Translated from Islamshinasi, Vol. I, pp. 97-98.

THE IDEAL SOCIETY OF ISLAM is called the umma. Taking the place of all the similar concepts which in different languages and cultures designate a human agglomeration or society, such as "society," "nation," "race," "people," "tribe," "clan," etc., is the single word umma, a word imbued with progressive spirit and implying a dynamic, committed and ideological social vision.

The word umma derives from the root amm, which has the sense of path and intention. The umma is, therefore, a society in which a number of individuals, possessing a common faith and goal, come together in harmony with the intention of advancing and moving toward their common goal.

While other expressions denoting human agglomerations have taken unity of blood or soil and the sharing of material benefit as the criterion of society, Islam, by choosing the word umma, has made intellectual responsibility and shared movement toward a common goal the basis of its social philosophy.

The infrastructure of the umma is the economy, because "Whoever has no worldly life has no spiritual life." Its social system is based on equity and justice and ownership by the people, on the revival of the "system of Abel," the society of human equality and thus also of brotherhood, the classless society. This is a fundamental principle, but it is not the aim, as in Western socialism, which has retained the world-view of the Western bourgeoisie. The political philosophy and the form of regime of the umma is not the democracy of heads, not irresponsible and directionless liberalism which is a plaything of contesting social forces, not putrid aristocracy, not anti-popular dictatorship, not a self-imposing oligarchy. It consists rather of "purity of leadership" (not the leader, for that would be fascism), committed and revolutionary leadership, responsible for the movement and growth of society on the basis of its world-view and ideology, and for the realization of the divine destiny of man in the plan of creation. This is the true meaning of imamate!


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The last interview of the late Shah of Iran with ABC (Must See)

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/03/2005 7:41:10 PM PST · 118 of 119

"Btw, no more posts to me from u! i have nothing to do with MEK sympathizers! Over & Out"

As I said, I'm not sympathetic to the MEK but... 10-4 Good buddy, Over & Out. :)


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The last interview of the late Shah of Iran with ABC (Must See)

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/03/2005 7:36:00 PM PST · 117 of 119

"I wonder why you keep defending Terrorist MEK here and there and get upset when I call them names"

I don't defend the MEK nor do I get upset when you call them names. It doesn’t upset me that you don’t know what the names you apply to the MEK mean. I get upset when you accuse me of being MEK, defending MEK or being sympathetic to the MEK. I have only ever endeavored to discuss the MEK after I attended a congressional panel in Washington DC. You have been relentless ever since. After that, there have been several MEK events in Iraq of note and YOU POST IT, not me! You're a living advertisement for the MEK... but you do it to promote an altogether different agenda. It's as though you intend to stifle discussion about Iran. Given that you’re an incompetent conversationalist, it may not be intentional, but in any case it's not good for your homeland.


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The last interview of the late Shah of Iran with ABC (Must See)

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/03/2005 7:14:01 PM PST · 114 of 119

"LMAO" What's funny? There is nothing funny here... what's funny about posting propaganda from the IRNA. You know as well as the next Iranian-American that the press in Iran is controlled by a former Revolutionary Guard commander and serves at the behest of the Supreme Leader, a fascist dictator. You posted his words... his oppressive lies on Free Republic. You didn't mention "freepers beware" and that they should know that your post was from a suspect site controlled by the Iranian government.

This conversation, as usual, is not about the MEK but you keep bringing them up. Realize F14 that no matter how you try to shift the focus away from your own political and conversational shortcomings, the responsibility for posting lies belongs to you. You may think there are no consequences but be assured there are. First, your random accusations target FR taglines with real people behind them. This is no video game... Second, this is an open forum where your absurdities reflect negatively on everything your tagline professes to support, and all of the affiliations you make with your posts. Put plainly; you've soiled, not defended Iranian monarchy and you've positioned the Iranian regime's lies in a place where they can be checked against fact and easily confirmed false.

Monarchist or regimee, you are no tribute to either cause! And as for the MEK, in the past you've called the organization so many names, as if you were a child who’s just learned to cuss, that I seriously doubt you understand any of their meanings. You come across as a very simple man! It's a damn shame you fancy yourself political. Simple men who champion irrational concepts are the bane of the democratic process. But as a "copy-paste" king, how much harm can you cause? Probably not much, but the next item you post from the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I’ll be sure to point out that you collude with America’s enemies who are, at a minimum, conspiring to kill Americans as we type.


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The last interview of the late Shah of Iran with ABC (Must See)

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot; wtc911
On News/Activism 11/03/2005 4:57:07 PM PST · 108 of 119

F14:"Now, you as a democRAT have MEK in your side."

What? The MEK ref to me was way out of line, but then again that’s never concerned you before. What concerns me is that you think there are sides. We’re all free here! So who's picking sides? This is just a friendly conversation about historical accuracy.

Oh wait a minute... that's right you're picking sides! You were the one that posted the Anti-Western garbage from the Islamic Republic News Agency propaganda earlier today. The Iranian regime is no friend of mine, but apparently they write for you…

Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier to remain civil holding a conversation with you in person than it is reading your baseless accusations. But then I realize, I’m civil and your not. You’re incapable of holding a rational conversation, which affirms the likelihood that whomever you’d support politically for Iran would be unlikely of organizing a rational government. Remember, the Shah’s was an irrational government… that’s why your ilk was purged from your homeland. Assuming you’re not a mole for the IRNA! If that’s the case, your purge is long over due.


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The last interview of the late Shah of Iran with ABC (Must See)

Posted by humint to wtc911
On News/Activism 11/03/2005 1:59:03 PM PST · 105 of 119

Actually I read the CIA's own after action reports, now de-classified.

You've gotta love the freedom of information act... [FOIA] The free flow of information, even if it's late, is the cornerstone of democracy. I've read most of the source docs as well but it's nice when a good author builds quality context to capture the event. All the Shah's Men is a good example... glad your interested. Keep searching for the truth.

BTW, it's not F14's CIA, it's OUR CIA. The CIA has done and continues to do great work, but people rarely do FOIA requests to learn about why things are working so well. And contrary to assertions here, the Agency is non-partisan. It serves the POTUS who serves the American people who are from every corner of the planet. I wish them the best of luck and my deepest support to win, in partnership with other agencies, the GWOT.


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The last interview of the late Shah of Iran with ABC (Must See)

Posted by humint to wtc911
On News/Activism 11/03/2005 1:33:43 PM PST · 101 of 119

"We assisted! Huge understatement...we did all the heavy lifting and then stuck girly-man reza in his seat."

It sounds like you've read Stephen Kinzer's All the Shah's Men. If not, it's a good read. I fully recommend it.



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'Iranian MKO involved in Basra car bombing'

Posted by humint to bnelson44
On Bloggers & Personal 11/03/2005 4:56:47 AM PST · 5 of 5

Anyone else reporting this?

Nope... just our enemy, the Iranian regime. Iran's state run media is headed by a former Revolutionary Guard commander whose boss is Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Saied Khamenie. This is not news... It's Anti-Western propaganda. For example:

Iraqi police arrested two British nationals accused of bombing in the residential areas of Basra so far. British troops attacked the prison to free the British prisoners later on.

These two Brits were an SAS detachment tracking Iran’s infiltration into Iraq in the south along the border. The troops that this propaganda alleges attacked the prison, in fact negotiated the release of these two SAS soldiers. What was very disturbing was, local police forces handed them over to local militia in an act that looked coordinated by Iranian intelligence. During the negotiations a crowd formed and fire bombed a British personnel carrier. One soldier was seriously burned.

These are lies. It’s a good thing this was posted under “bloggers and personal” because this is not news!


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No report on fate of 250 ex-MKO terrorist members

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 8:44:25 PM PST · 9 of 10

"MEK is a terrorist group!" Interesting label... I wonder how long it will last.

Washington, DC, Oct. 21 – A bipartisan meeting on Capitol Hill heard speeches by several members of the United States Congress calling on the administration of President George W. Bush to back democratic change in Iran by supporting the Iranian opposition and by removing the terror tag on the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MeK) opposition group.

“Iran's ongoing efforts to secure nuclear-weapons capability present a unique and troublesome challenge to the civilised world”, said the group of three Democrats and three Republicans who organised the meeting, titled “Growing Strategic Threat from Iran; Support for Democratic Change”. They included Republican Reps. John Boozman of Arkansas, Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and Tom Tancredo of Colorado; and Democratic Reps. William Lacy Clay of Missouri, Bob Filner of California and Ed Towns of New York.

The speakers, who included members of Congress, Iran experts, and women activists, took turns to denounce the radical Islamist rulers of Iran for their violation of human rights and sponsorship of terrorism.

“In Iran today, we have a regime that threatens the United States and threatens the interests of world peace and freedom in a number of ways”, Missouri’s Senator Jim Talent, a prominent Republican, told the meeting.

“It is a regime that supports terror throughout the Middle East and around the world. It is a regime that is actively seeking a nuclear weapon and it is a regime that is oppressing its own people”, Talent said, adding that the United States had an obligation to support the Iranian people as they seek freedom and democracy.

Rep. John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican who sits on the International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives, noted that he and 323 of his congressional colleagues had co-sponsored the Iran Freedom and Support Act.

“I am concerned that under the new President, the country’s nuclear program is under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps”, Rep. Boozman said. “Iran has a terrible human rights record. A recent report said their human rights record is even worse than it was before, which is hard to imagine”.

Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi addressed the meeting via a live satellite link-up from her home north of Paris. “Any firm policy against the mullahs’ regime must have three components”, she said. These included referral of Iran’s nuclear program to the Security Council; putting an end to Tehran’s meddling in Iraq; and removing the MeK from the list of terrorist groups.

Rep. William Lacy Clay, who chaired the meeting, said Iran’s sponsorship of Islamist terrorism posed a serious challenge to the international community, particularly as it was targeting Iraq.

“We have reached the point where the fate of Iraq has become inextricably linked with the future of Iran and democracy in that country”, he said.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas agreed, and underlined the need to support the Iranian people in their efforts to achieve democracy, while praising the role of Maryam Rajavi.

“We in the U.S. Congress have widely differing, and sometimes contradictory, views on many things, but we all agree on the need to support the Iranian Resistance”, she said.

Raymond Tanter, a former National Security Council staff member who co-chairs the Washington-based Iran Policy Committee, noted that an IPC study showed that Iran’s government-owned media devoted by far more attention to the MeK than any other opposition group. He said it was necessary to remove the MeK from the list of terrorist groups, if the U.S. wanted to adopt a firm, forward-leaning policy on Iran.

Professor Donna Hughes, a recognised authority on women’s studies, said the Iranian regime’s misogynous policies have spread to other countries in the region. Another academic, Carol Fontaine, praised the role that women play in the opposition movement to Iran’s theocratic regime.

The congressional meeting came at a time when there are growing calls in the United States for a more proactive policy on Iran. Earlier in the week, experts on foreign affairs told a meeting organised by the U.S. Congress Sub-committee on Middle East and Central Asia that time was of the essence if the international community were to prevent the Iranian regime from arming itself with nuclear weapons.

Ilan Berman, vice president for policy at the Washington-based American Foreign Policy Council and the author of “Tehran Rising, Iran’s Challenge to the United States,” told the committee that Iran was spending huge sums of money in Iraq to turn the country into another Islamic Republic under its domination.


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No report on fate of 250 ex-MKO terrorist members

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 7:45:54 PM PST · 6 of 10

"Yes! the most hated group among Iranians"

The most hated among monarchists and mullahs maybe... But there is so much more to Iran than these two, small groups... Iran has a wonderfully diverse citezenry, most of whom appreciate freedom and would take to democracy like ducks to water... but not monarchists and mullahs, no friend to democracy are they.

Here's some info you may have missed F14...

###

[MEK, MKO] Supporting the Takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran in 1979

Independent academic research by an Iran Policy Committee, IPC Task Force uncovered primary source documents of the period that cast serious doubt on the likelihood that MEK members supported the U.S. Embassy takeover or subsequent seizure of Americans. Understanding of the political situation was so limited that many groups were easily confused and mistaken for rival and even hostile organizations. In particular, the American Embassy was confused about the identity and role of the MEK during this period of the Iranian Revolution.

To illustrate this puzzlement, consider one example of IPC Task Force material, a declassified document, originally classified “Secret.” The document comes from the Office of Security of the U.S. Department of State, titled, “Threat Assessment: Iran,” dated June 14, 1979. The 22-page report states that when the American Embassy was first attacked on February 14, 1979, it was the forces of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) “that came to the aid of the Americans.” In fact, the Khomeini elements ostensibly “protecting” the U.S. Embassy in June 1979 were actually special Komiteh security forces of the Iranian government, led by Mashallah Kashani. By this time, these forces were in open conflict with the MEK and brutally attacked MEK members on the street. The historical record and recollections of those actually involved make clear that the MEK neither supported nor benefited from the American Embassy crisis.

The adversarial position in which the MEK found itself vis-à-vis the faction of Ayatollah Khomeini at the time of the takeover was described in very clear terms by Massoumeh Ebtekar, spokesperson for the student group that took over the Embassy and later Vice President for the Department of the Environment in the administration of President Khatami. Her book, Takeover in Tehran, provides an eyewitness account of the crisis. She states that they had completely excluded the MEK and its members from participation in the embassy takeover.

###

THREAT ANALYSIS GROUP: DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF SECURITY

Secret

THREAT ASSESSMENT: IRAN

Prepared by: Stephanie C. Stuaffer, 632-1864

Approved by: Bowman H. Miller, Sid T. Telford, 632-2412

June 14, 1979

WARNING NOTICE – INTELLIGENCE SOURCES AND METHODS INVOLVED

NOT RELEASABLE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS// NOT RELEASE TO CONTRACTORS OR CONTRACTOR/CONSULTANTS

Secret

…has been engaged in training activities, you can also act as a spearhead for an assault on the embassy for U.S. personnel off the compound. Such a force, trained and disciplined, would pose a more serious threat than the elements that attacked the embassy on February 14.

(U) The Chariks and the Mujahedin operated clandestinely until the demise of the Peacock Throne. Both groups continue to be viable terrorist groups; however, both have, to some extent, changed their directions of interest in recent months.

(LOU) on February 14, 1979 the U.S. embassy in Tehran was attacked and overrun by the Chariks, an organization which had previously not focused on American targets because they felt such incidents would bring too strong a response from the Iranian security agencies. However, with the Iranian government in internal chaos, they struck and were quite successful, taking control of the embassy compound and nearly 100 Americans including then Ambassador Sullivan. To add and even more disconcerting note, the forces that came to the aid of the Americans and were at the time acting as the provisional police, were members of the Mujahedin. The Mujahedin since 1972 have assassinated six Americans ( three military personnel and three Rockwell International employees). They also attempted the bombing assassination of a U.S. Air Force brigadier general, the kidnapping of an American ambassador, and mistakenly assassinated non-Iranian employee of the U.S. Embassy (the actual target was a U.S. consular official at the present time, and element of the Mujahedin protects the embassy compound ( see section titled “ security of the compound” for a more detailed explanation).

(U) among the gravest problems for the Khomeini government is the capability of restive tribes and regional groups demanding autonomy to harass the beleaguered central authorities. The government is trying to rebuild the armed forces to a capability similar to that which existed under the Shah. Iran’s guerrilla groups are resisting this, trying instead to create a “people’s army” run by soldier committees and elected officers. Several government atempts to dissolve these groups and sees their arsenals of weapons have failed. The guerrillas’…

… Americans. Private vehicles were set on fire, fire bombs tossed through private residence windows, a number of restaurants in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz which catered to foreigners were attacked, bombed, and set afire.

(S) Anti-U.S. feelings, which appeared to have abated several months ago following the evacuation of most Americans, are on the increase. The fractionalization of the Islamic movement and the many political groups competing for public favor may once again find the U.S. an attractive target for propaganda and aggression. Recent demonstrations protesting Senator Jacob Javits’ resolution on Iran point out the fact that any political decision which Iranians in general consider disadvantageous to them could trigger anti U.S. demonstrations and or incidents. In this regard, a decision to allow the deposed Shah and or family members to visit or settle in the United States could have serious consequences. The Iranian reaction would probably be immediate and possibly violent. Such a decision would probably be the one cohesive and unifying factor in the entire Iranian political spectrum.

Security of the Compund

(S) At present the compound is protected by an element of the Mujahedin led by Mashallah Kashani who claims to hold credentials directly from Khomeini. His forces, which supposedly number approximately 40 with a reserve located in two mosques in the area, are untrained, lack discipline, and are armed with a variety of weapons (some stolen from the U.S. embassy) as well as radio equipment removed from the Chancery net February 14, 1979. Foreign Service personnel report that only five to ten of these guards are on the compound during daylight hours. During evening hours the forces increase to fifteen or twenty. Periodic checks at night usually find most, if not all, the troops asleep.

(S) Of definite concern is the Embassy’s lack of control over the after-hour activities of Mashallah and his troops. He has used the Embassy compound to run his own revolutionary and intelligence operations. He has brought SAVAK agents on the compound and used the motor pool office for interrogation purposes. Upon learning of the possibility that Mashallah may have tortured a prisoner on the compound, the Charge ordered these activities stopped. It is believed that this activity ceased; however, Mashallah has found other ways to amuse himself. He has run an operation against the Soviets and also some Iranians from the compound. An embassy vehicle was used in the seizure of three Soviets, and the safe house was located off the rear of the compound. Indiscriminate shooting at each other and at unknown persons firing at the compound during darkness is another inherent problem with Mashallah and his Mujahedin. Lastly, Mashallah and his forces control access to the compound. Attempts are being made for police forces to gradually take over some of the security responsibilities of the Mujahedin.

Tribal Unrest in the Provinces

(C) Nationalist groups, who were active underground until the downfall of the show, are now openly demanding full autonomy for their ethnic groups. This includes the Kurds in the west, the Baluchis in the southwest and the Azeris in the northwest. The most recent Hope and expansion of hostility occurred in Khorramshar on May 30, 1979 following an incident in which a Revolutionary Guards-man killed two Arabs in the course of a labor dispute at the port. The air and community attacked the port in public…

###

Facts are your friend... :)


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Iranian Alert - November 3, 2005 - How Dangerous is Iran? A MUST READ!

Posted by humint to DoctorZIn
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 5:42:08 PM PST · 16 of 71

" Only one country [] has overthrown their own regime without outside help and we need to help the Iranian people now."

"I love to think," he wrote the admiral, "that you will give the first blow to an insolent nation, for I am sure you will appreciate the pleasure of humiliating it and that you know it sufficiently to hate it... May you begin the great work of destruction which will put their nation at the feet of ours. May you do them as much harm as they wish to do us." La Fayette.

If we don't know how freedom was born to us, how can we expect others to achieve it in our midst?


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Iranian Alert - November 3, 2005 - How Dangerous is Iran? A MUST READ!

Posted by humint to DoctorZIn
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 4:58:07 PM PST · 7 of 71

...They will equip and support all Shi'ite terrorist networks with the Sunni networks globally, that is, with everything that they have. For us it would be the ultimate worst-case scenario, one for which we are not prepared."

and what gives anyone the impression that this isn't on their agenda during and after they've made themselves a nuclear weapon? There is only one thing more irresponsible than not having suggestions to solve problems of this magnitude, and that's pretending the problem doesn't exist in the first place.

Being slightly less irresponsible than one’s appeasing counterparts is no bullet point for anyone’s resume... Anyway, thanks for the info, I'll keep all of this in mind while my flag continues to burn in the streets of Tehran.


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If We Don't Insist on War with Iran, Will the Iranians Insist on War with Us?

Posted by humint to motorola7
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 4:29:58 PM PST · 8 of 8

"What drives Ahmadinejad to articulate this vision?"

All indications are that his motivation is based on fascism rooted in the certitude of spiritual righteousness. There is no room to argue with his god's will which is inseparable from his own. As the hand of god on earth, opinions contrary to his, are wrong. To him: We are decadent sinners - not artists. We are conspiring spies - not creative entrepreneurs. We are immature and lazy - not free. But it is he and his crew who suffers from the ultimate identity crisis, not us. We are humble and ask for reform while he wishes us dead... We are patient with his hate because we are wise - not because we are weak. We provide incentives to change - while he spits in our face. He and his crew are like children disobeying a room full of adults. But unlike a child, I see no capacity for Iran's leaders to grow out of their infantile phase. Why? Because they are fascist, certain and willing to kill the patient and wise... Hmmm, there is conflict on the horizon but it has always been there, hasn’t it? It’s growing larger but at a pace that breeds complacency in the free world. It’s as if no one can hear the alarm anymore… You hear it! So there is still hope… Great post!


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Small bomb blast near BP and British Airways in Iran

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 3:58:18 PM PST · 6 of 6

He said staff at BA's franchise partner BMED, which operates daily flights between Tehran and London, were working as normal.

Just another day at the office for Brits in Tehran... BMED must be paying well these days.


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Military action against Iran ruled out

Posted by humint to markedmannerf
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 3:52:22 PM PST · 15 of 15

...the international community simply will not put up with their continued breach of the proper and normal standards of behavior that we expected from a member of the United Nations

The international community is doing a very good job of "putting up with" Iran. They've been consistent for more than 25 years now and that's a damn good resume if you ask me...


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No report on fate of 250 ex-MKO terrorist members

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 11/02/2005 3:47:30 PM PST · 3 of 10

Article begins, "No news is at hand..."

Interesting way to grab a readers attention. Or not!


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Iranian Alert - November 1, 2005 - Iran's Prez Solution to Stock Market Slide: "Hang 2 or 3 people"

Posted by humint to Warthogtjm
On News/Activism 10/31/2005 8:17:06 PM PST · 12 of 17

"Why would they hang them - I thought it was their style to behead them instead."



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Nuclear Iran: Race Against Time

Posted by humint to JasonC
On News/Activism 10/31/2005 12:42:03 PM PST · 10 of 10

U.S. Policy Options for Iran, 10 February 2005

Sham Elections... and Regime Change, 30 June 2005

US Policy Options for Iran and Iranian Political Opposition, Sept 13, 2005

Iran Policy Committee

Nuclear developments, revelations by opposition groups, and statements by Ahmadinejad and other ranking regime figures increasingly support the contention that Iran has significantly stepped up the pace of its nuclear weapons development program. The following provide a sampling of such indicators.

The unilateral decision by Tehran to restart its uranium conversion facility at Isfahan in early August 2005 broke an agreement to halt conversion activities which Iran had reached with the EU-3 in November 2004. Breaking the seals on equipment at Isfahan enabled Iran to proceed with transforming raw uranium yellow cake into a gas ready for the enrichment process.

On 2 Sep 05, an IAEA report: stated that Iran has produced 15,000 lbs of uranium hexafluoride (UF6), 6 which is enough to make one atomic bomb after a process of enrichment in centrifuges.

A 9 August 2005 press statement by Alireza Jafarzadeh, a prominent Iranian exile who has helped uncover nearly two decades of covert nuclear activity by Tehran, revealed that Iran has manufactured about 4,000 centrifuges capable of enriching uranium to weapons grade purity. 7 Iranian IRGC commanders also met with A.Q. Khan, the Pakistani nuclear scientist, to acquire nuclear-capable missile technology, according to Jafarzadeh. Jafarzadeh also highlighted earlier reports on the Ukrainian sale of cruise missiles to Iran in the period 1999-2001.

According to a late August 2005 statement from a spokesman for the Iranian opposition coalition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iranian agents have tried to obtain from South Korea a substance that can be used to boost nuclear explosions in atomic weapons – a hydrogen isotope known as tritium –which is especially important for use in warheads that fit on the nosecone of missiles.

Iran state television announced on 30 August 2005 that its scientists had mastered a biotechnology technique for converting uranium ore to a concentrated form of uranium known as “yellow cake,” which is the basic feed material used at the start of the nuclear fuel process to create weapons grade uranium.

Statements by leading regime figures also underscore Iran’s apparent determination to defy the international community as well as the regulatory powers of the IAEA.

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, head of Iran’s Guardian Council, declared in a Friday prayer sermon on 25 August 2005 that Iran had won out over the U.S. on the nuclear issue, saying “No matter how much they confront us, accuse us and put barriers in our way, it might only slow our movement, but they cannot stop us.” 11

In a major speech to present his Cabinet choices to the Iranian parliament, the Majlis, on 21 August 2005, Ahmadinejad lashed out at the EU-3 (France, Germany and the U.K.) for their slowly-stiffening resolve in the face of Tehran’s intransigence over its nuclear obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He indicated that Tehran’s future foreign policy would make far more aggressive use of its oil wealth, complaining that as Iran is importing “billions of dollars from certain countries,” “these countries must be grateful to us, because we are helping to revive their economies” but instead “they make demands and adopt a hostile posture against us on political issues.” He added that henceforth Iran would more closely link its economic and political foreign policies.13


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Iran's hardline press calls for cutting UK ties-(heh Iran bit.hing about insurgents : )

Posted by humint to RedRover; nuconvert
On News/Activism 10/19/2005 8:11:08 AM PDT · 9 of 10

QUESTION: "Why do Iranian officials blame the Brits for the bombings?

NUCONVERT: "Ahwazi Arabs (the ones in Ahvaz (Ahwaz) where the bombing occurred) are backed by a group in London called British Ahwazi Friendship Society who lobby for them and against the regime."

This does not constitute a link between the Brits and the bombings... If your guess is even close, it only proves the Brits uphold freedom of the press (online). Freedom of the press anywhere exists to the detriment of backward nations who suppress it. Freedom guaranteed to Iranian dissidents outside the reach of tyranny will eventually break the Iranian government's back... As it did before…

BTW, I’m never surprised to meet an Iranian who appears fascinated by the ceremonial implications of their own history, however it’s a sad fact that only a rare few bother to understand it. This regime is making monumental errors in domestic governance and international diplomacy as did the regime before it. All indications are that this regime too, will eventually implode. The question becomes, “who can optimize the implosion toward sustained regional and global stability while at the same time, benefit the Iranian people toward greater human and civil rights???” It is not as though the free world enjoys seeing Iranian governments fall at irregular intervals…


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Iran 'is training Basra killers'

Posted by humint to jwpjr
On News/Activism 10/13/2005 9:26:17 PM PDT · 17 of 17

"There is absolutely no comparison to what is happening in Iraq today with the methods our forefathers used to gain our independence from the British."

My objective wasn't to compare contemporary conflict with Iran to the American Revolution. It was to dismiss your absolutist, negative assertion about supporting rebels. Supporting rebels is a situational argument as is any real political debate.

Today the British are our strongest ally in Europe and it breaks my heart to hear Iranians are attacking them in Iraq. The Brits may find allies among Iranian rebels groups to help them stop these attacks and if they do, more power to them!

In terms of analysis, which is what you were slipping into, any conflict in history can be compared to any conflict one may forecast, but again that wasn't my point. I only sought to prove that at times, it is prudent to support rebels... That said, I think the fundamental problem with America supporting rebels in general is that democracies are inherently bad at war. Iran however is demonstrating how they can bring democracies together to face political and military challenges.

Valeyat e-Faqhee or Supreme Religious Leadership is the Iranian government's fascist ideology and it will fail. Depending on what the future holds, it will fail on its own or citizens of the free world will be called upon to help it fail. A happy medium may be for the free world to support Iranian rebels… If that’s the case, we should talk about the situation we’re in and the rebels themselves, not our government’s report card of rebel assistance.

We can both hope the situation never gets so bad, but shouldn't we both be prepared for the situation if it does?


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Iran 'is training Basra killers'

Posted by humint to Marine_Uncle; Southack
On News/Activism 10/12/2005 12:31:49 PM PDT · 14 of 17

"The trick is catching Iran per se, in the act,"

The act of what? Pulling the trigger, burning our flag or preaching the hate that motivates insurgents to plant roadside bombs? We are not talking about a typical crime in this case… They [elements of the Iranian government] have been caught doing all of these things before. The question is; have they stopped? Evidence suggests they have not and are charging ahead with their expansionist goals...


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Iran 'is training Basra killers'

Posted by humint to jwpjr
On News/Activism 10/12/2005 12:11:30 PM PDT · 13 of 17

re: lets support and arm [their] insurgents

"WITHOUT EXCEPTION every time we've done this it's come back to bite us in the ass!"

You wouldn't have an ass to sit on if your, "without exception" outlook were universally true... and if you’re saying that it is just Americans that are incompetent when it comes to successfully managing rebels... I take offense sir! We are more capable than the French in oh so many ways... Note, the man on the left shaking the original GW's hand is Lafayette. Your freedom was born of revolution supported by a country with freedom in mind. Don't forget that.



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Iran has legal right to peaceful nuclear energy: Russia

Posted by humint to Dyaus Pitar
On News/Activism 10/12/2005 11:31:08 AM PDT · 9 of 15

"We have agreed that there is unity on the ultimate goal - nuclear nonproliferation," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said but apparently the only way to prevent proliferation is to label it peaceful nuclear tech, and when it's proved via mushroom cloud not to be peaceful... "oops so sorry, how could we have known?" It's not as if chants of "Death to Russia" are common in Iran. Why should Russian officials care about an Iranian N-bomb...

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British Trident's future 'linked to Iran'

Posted by humint to pickrell
On News/Activism 10/12/2005 11:15:52 AM PDT · 4 of 4

the Iranian cabinet [is] a "who's who of terrorism"

Just the sort of folks one should expect to comply with international law... In Tehran, the criminals are in charge therefore the entire nation is a jail. Good commentary pickrell.


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Anti-terror TV Show Angers Arabs

Posted by humint to expatguy
On News/Activism 10/11/2005 11:20:20 PM PDT · 34 of 34

"It really needs to be understood, that the so-called extremists are in actuality fundamentalists, and as such much of the Muslim world finds themselves in a dilemma when called upon to condone the actions of their fellow Muslims."

Good point... let's say the dilemma you speak of has rendered %90 of Mohamed's followers sympathetic to the terror tactics of %1, what do you suggest the "powers that be" do with the remaining %9? This question is the foundation of the argument for fighting for Muslim's hearts and minds. The fact is, some Muslims are working for a better future but unfortunately their efforts are often lost in WOT rhetoric. Beyond rhetoric, anti-fundamentalist Muslims are vital allies in the WOT and their role must be supported and emphasized. Are there any anti-fundamentalist Muslims in your neck of the woods?


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US offers quake aid, India declines

Posted by humint to CarrotAndStick
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 11:22:54 PM PDT · 3 of 7

...the United States stands with its friends in Pakistan and India...

Absolutely right! Condolences to those impacted by this tragedy...


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Ex-Iraqi Officials Sought in $1B Theft

Posted by humint to Dubya
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 11:11:00 PM PDT · 2 of 2

Iraq has issued arrest warrants against the defense minister and 27 other officials from the U.S.-backed government

This looks like the new guys are pushing out the U.S. and anyone who remarks negatively about Iran. Is this a smear campaign or what???

SOURCE: Baghdad officials estimate that the Iraqis involved in the fraudulent deal “were only front men and ‘rogue elements’ within the U.S. military and intelligence services may have played a decisive role behind the scenes,” according to the Independent’s report.

SOURCE: In remarks published last week [Aug 01, 2004] by The Washington Post, Iraq's Defence Minister Hazem al-Shaalan said he had seen "clear interference in Iraqi issues by Iran" and accused Tehran of working "to kill democracy" in his country.


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Bono, U2 Perform in Santorum Fund-Raiser

Posted by humint to dangus
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 10:34:15 PM PDT · 7 of 30

Bono, U2 Perform in Santorum Fund-Raiser

Rock on Rick...


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Bono, U2 Perform in Santorum Fund-Raiser

Posted by humint to dangus
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 10:33:34 PM PDT · 6 of 30

Bono, U2 Perform in Santorum Fund-Raiser Rock on Rick...

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Anti-terror TV Show Angers Arabs

Posted by humint to expatguy
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 10:15:26 PM PDT · 28 of 34

"the majority of Muslims worldwide including those in the United States and Europe are sympathizers to the cause of the extremists."

Would apathetic be a better description than sympathetic? And if not, how goes the effort to win hearts and minds in your opinion?


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Lifting the veil - (The Finest Modern Art Exhibition in Tehran)

Posted by humint to F14 Pilot
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 8:02:54 PM PDT · 11 of 16

Amid the glittering company and self-congratulation, who could have imagined that revolution was less than two years away? But that's not the story of an art collection. It's the universal story of an elite too busy gorging itself to notice the Unexpected Guest, standing at the door.

Interesting conclusion...


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Mark Danner: Blaming America for the Global Jihad

Posted by humint to rdb3
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 7:12:26 PM PDT · 18 of 18

Apparently Danner is unacquainted with the speeches and writings of such pillars of “fundamentalist Islam” as Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini

There are many conservatives not familiar with Khomeini's work either... It's unfortunate that they don't know it because if they did, what to do about his followers would be easier to discuss.


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Iranian Alert - October 10, 2005 - The Story Behind Why Britain Finally Exposed Iran

Posted by humint to DoctorZIn
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 6:57:42 PM PDT · 16 of 22

Certainly, the longer the West prevaricates over Iran, the more inclined the Iranians are to think they can get their way by resorting to the tactics of the bully.

If one were to leave out lying, it is not entirely clear Iranian officials exercise any other policy...


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Anti-terror TV Show Angers Arabs

Posted by humint to RonF
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 6:45:58 PM PDT · 26 of 34

Last year, some television stations canceled "The Road to Kabul," which chronicled life under Afghanistan's former Taliban rulers, after Internet threats from Islamists against everyone from actors to television executives if the show portrayed the Taliban in a negative light.

When portraying the Taliban, is it possible to do it in a positive light? Broadcasters across the ME need support to tell it like it is, and if they don’t, jam them...


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Iranian Alert - October 9, 2005 - Iran powerful cleric dares the United States to 'Bring It On'

Posted by humint to freedom44
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 12:18:14 PM PDT · 30 of 32

The powerful cleric, who is a trusted confidant of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the European trio of Britain, France and Germany of having cheated Iran during the nuclear talks. He said what the U.S. and European were saying on Iran’s nuclear program “doesn’t make sense in any logic”.

"any logic"!?! As if his logic extends beyond spiritual certitude articulated by none other than the Supreme Leader himself. In Iran, the Supreme Leader is the official source of all sense. How could he or any of his assistants be wrong? If an Iranian citizen suggests the Supreme Leader is wrong, said Iranian is an enemy of the state, un-Islamic and subject to severe punishment... Thus, Iran is not fertile ground for "any logic". Very sad indeed...


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Terrorists continue violence in quake hit Kashmir, 10 hindus killed

Posted by humint to 2Mex65
On News/Activism 10/10/2005 11:39:49 AM PDT · 18 of 20

"Also, you keep trying to create a difference between Islamist and Muslims when frankly they are the same thing."

Islamist = Islamofascist = Those who promote the virulent ideology of a medieval Islamic empire and are willing to employ terror tactics to realize their ambition.

To target Islamists for ridicule, threats and violence should be encouraged in the context of maintaining and expanding freedom, particularly freedom of religion. But you suggest the fight cannot be looked at in terms of cities… Make no mistake; cities in the free world are targeted everyday with Islamist hate speech that occasionally erupts in terrorist violence. Alternatively there are specific cities associated to Islamic fascism [Tehran, among others] and although bombing them may not be the best solution, the fascists who live there must be fought. To your point, we should be sensitive to the inhabitants who live in these capitols of terror, if they are fighting the terror masters. I however find it difficult to muster up much sympathy for inhabitants that simply live in fear of the terror masters, or expats who retreat to cities in the free world. It goes without saying that not all Muslims subscribe to the backward plans of a few, but the question is, what are they willing to do about the situation? And my question to you is; who are you ultimately protecting by diffusing the threat? If this thread were to exchange the word Jihadist with Islamist, would you agree with it?


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Blair: Iraq Bombs(used to attack Brits) from Iran or Hezbollah

Posted by humint to HHKrepublican_2
On News/Activism 10/06/2005 12:08:00 PM PDT · 13 of 14

The government of Shiite-majority Iran is extremely supportive of Iraq's Shiite-led government, but many U.S. and Western officials have long believed that rogue elements in Iran, including shadowy groups affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, could be backing different factions in Iraq's internal power struggles.

Iran can support the Shiite-majority government AND the insurgency against coalition forces. There is evidence that they are doing both. To do both at the same time represents Iran's ambition to increase its influence and control over Iraq. Iran believes a Shiite government in Iraq will be a solid regional partner if and only if Iran can limit the U.S.'s political and military influence there.


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Iran says it has made progress in nuke fuel cycle programme (When is Iran's Turn?)

Posted by humint to indianrightwinger
On News/Activism 10/06/2005 8:43:33 AM PDT · 6 of 7

"Why can't we simply bomb the hell out of them [nuclear sites] with bunker busters??"

Tehran’s nuclear threat is a symptom of a disease Bunker Busters can't cure. Ideological sickness is the root cause, therefore any relevant target must be ideological in nature. The best weapon in an ideological war renders pillars of the enemy’s ideology socially irrelevant. History has shown that virulent ideologies can be uprooted in short periods of time with massive violence or non-violently replaced over long periods of time. A grand experiment is underway to combine the two to approaches, attempting to achieve the most favorable results for everyone, ie… minimize loss of life and adverse impact to the economy/environment.

Most of the world would like to see Tehran’s nuclear threat erased but unless the world addresses the Supreme Leader and all of his henchmen, erasing anything in Iran is likely to make the situation worse for all concerned. Limiting our threats to the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI)’s nuclear facilities tells the IRI that we are either missing the main point or are trying to avoid it altogether. Symptoms like Iran’s nuclear threat may start a war, but a decisive defeat over the symptom’s root cause is required to win it. Do you think we're ready to win what Bunker Busters would start? I think the U.S. is but are our neighbors in the community of free nations? hmmmm... not so sure.


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Iranian Alert - October 5, 2005 - Army takes control of Iran nukes

Posted by humint to DoctorZIn
On News/Activism 10/05/2005 5:16:34 PM PDT · 14 of 15

"Mr. Ahmadinejad's surprise presidential election was the support of the Basij Resistance Force, a paramilitary force with extensive links to the Revolutionary Guards Corps."

The Basij are not a resistance force. Sanctioned by the system, they assault what they perceive to be un-Islamic and are encouraged to do so by the highest authority in Iran. The Basij are active in suppressing legitimate protests in Ahwaz City and Basij units will be used to suppress dissent in Khuzestan province. Although the Basij refer to themselves as "resistance" forces, they are in fact enforcers that oppress all dissent to prevent any resistance in Iran... This is just another example of how UP is DOWN among the dictator’s assistants in Iran. It makes one wonder what the word “peaceful” suggests when they say they only have plans for a “peaceful” nuclear program.


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Iran 'behind attacks on British'

Posted by humint to BlueStateDepression
On News/Activism 10/05/2005 12:40:44 PM PDT · 23 of 25

"I think you misunderstood what I meant here and I will try again. OK?"

Maybe... I think I've got a better handle on it now, and I agree to an extent. In general the world would be better off with more open source facts and more responsible people if said responsible people know said facts. Unfortunately, in the context of your point, I see two obstacles are converging to prevent your wish for specificity from ranking politicians becoming reality: distance and responsibility.

First, the “facts” on the ground are the best anyone can have, and a good bit of those remain classified to protect the boots on the ground to gather new “facts”. As these “facts” become available and they migrate the long distance between Iraq and the offices of [London, DC, Paris and Berlin], it’s safe to assume they’ve been attenuated a bit as well as distorted by superfluous information such as “propaganda”.

Second… your conflict model is one-dimensional. High ranking politicians and their staff are duty bound to optimize several simultaneous conflicts, toward prioritized resolutions at any given time. Expressing detail is not their responsibility; in fact doing so could interfere with their ultimate goals. But even if details were their responsibility, there is no simple way to democratically formulate a plan, disseminate information about it, build a consensus to support it and finally, execute it.

You should be constructively critical! I applaud your point because I too am amazed when dull information is regarded as sharp in the absence of background info or context. But the responsibility for bubblegum journalism does not belong to democratically elected representatives and their staff. In a society where the free flow of “facts” is protected by law, the free press and its consumers are liable for weeding out “facts” from “propaganda”.


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Iran 'behind attacks on British'

Posted by humint to BlueStateDepression
On News/Activism 10/05/2005 8:44:23 AM PDT · 18 of 25

BSD: "Lets have a name of this official and lets see what he is talking about. Otherwise this is just useless "political pressure" and "propaganda".

ARTICLE: "The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the technology had come from Hezbollah in Lebanon via Iran and produced an "explosively shaped projectile"

Why do you need a specific Brit officials' name to assign responsibility to Iran for facts that are indisputable? This is not propaganda, or political pressure. These are brave British soldiers being ripped apart by Iranian bombs. It would be irresponsible not to call attention to these facts.

DETAILS: The latest upsurge followed the arrest by British troops of three prominent al Sadr deputies at the weekend. The men were seized as part of a crackdown on the traffic in weapons and sophisticated bombs across the Shatt al Arab waterway which separates Iraq from Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has been supplying the Mehdi fighters with shaped charges, devices that channel the blast of a bomb to penetrate armoured vehicles and infra-red triggering systems which cannot be blocked by electronic jammers.


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Gulf factor key to PM’s Iran vote decision (India says US has said we will invade Iran)

Posted by humint to MunnaP
On News/Activism 10/05/2005 8:04:57 AM PDT · 21 of 24

What exactly does 'India getting into war with Muslims' mean...??? Not sure exactly! I went with "war on terror", even though the WOT is not a war against Muslims.

India is a great source of stability in the region and is probably the last nation I would expect to start a sectarian war there. India is a democracy and democracies don't start wars, tyrannies do. I pointed out Kashmir because Indians are no stranger to the war on terror or terror that can be sourced to Islamic fundamentalism. I did not intend to suggest the battle for Kashmir could spread to a greater conflict between Indians and Muslims either inside or outside of India. I am however surprised at India's allegiance to the fundamentalist Islamic dictatorship ruling in Iran. There is a long list of reasons why India should change it, but to suggest war is the answer between India and the Islamic Republic of Iran??? Never in a million years...


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Gulf factor key to PM’s Iran vote decision (India says US has said we will invade Iran)

Posted by humint to Rodney King
On News/Activism 10/04/2005 11:21:37 PM PDT · 19 of 24

"it would be nice if we could get India into a war with the muslims."

Rodney... where you been? Who are the Kashmir militants? Anyway... It's a GOOD POST! I particularly like this part: The EU-3 also assured India that IAEA director-general Mohamed El Baradei would continue to have the whiphand on the issue.



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Iran to invest $50 billion in oil sector

Posted by humint to jmc1969
On News/Activism 10/04/2005 9:46:29 PM PDT · 2 of 2

For context, take a look at Kuwait's new refinery to cost over $6 billion:Reason for new refinery is to increase capacity by 160,000 barrels per day. Alternatively, if Iran were to invest an esstimated $5.6 billion in a high gasoline yield Western-type refinery, it could eliminate its dependence on imported gasoline and increase its annual net oil related revenue by approximately $982 million.

Despite higher oil revenues, Iranian budget deficits remain a chronic problem, in part due to large-scale state subsidies on foodstuffs, gasoline, etc. Expenditures on fuels were estimated at $4.7 billion in 2004, and the country's parliament (the Majlis) has rejected measures to raise consumer prices. To the contrary, in January 2005, the Majlis decided to freeze domestic prices for gasoline and other fuels at 2003 levels. Currently, gasoline costs less than 40 cents per gallon in Iran, far below market cost. Very bad policy...


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TRANSLATION

POSTS

  • HOUSE OF COMMONS -- Transcript, Monday 31 October 2005
  • GLOBAL POLICY FORUM, UN Sanctions Against Iran?
  • Parliament urges Iran to restart talks with the EU 3 External relations - 13-10-2005 - 15:53
  • Free Republic Commentary 10/04-11/10
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