Iranian Alert -- May 12, 2004 [EST]-- IRAN LIVE THREAD -- "Americans for Regime Change in Iran"

The Iranian Student Movement Up To The Minute Reports ^ | 5.12.2004 | DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

The US media almost entirely ignores news regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. As Tony Snow of the Fox News Network has put it, “this is probably the most under-reported news story of the year.” Most American’s are unaware that the Islamic Republic of Iran is NOT supported by the masses of Iranians today. Modern Iranians are among the most pro-American in the Middle East.

There is a popular revolt against the Iranian regime brewing in Iran today. I began these daily threads June 10th 2003. On that date Iranians once again began taking to the streets to express their desire for a regime change. Today in Iran, most want to replace the regime with a secular democracy.

The regime is working hard to keep the news about the protest movement in Iran from being reported. Unfortunately, the regime has successfully prohibited western news reporters from covering the demonstrations. The voices of discontent within Iran are sometime murdered, more often imprisoned. Still the people continue to take to the streets to demonstrate against the regime.

In support of this revolt, Iranians in America have been broadcasting news stories by satellite into Iran. This 21st century news link has greatly encouraged these protests. The regime has been attempting to jam the signals, and locate the satellite dishes. Still the people violate the law and listen to these broadcasts. Iranians also use the Internet and the regime attempts to block their access to news against the regime. In spite of this, many Iranians inside of Iran read these posts daily to keep informed of the events in their own country.

This daily thread contains nearly all of the English news reports on Iran. It is thorough. If you follow this thread you will witness, I believe, the transformation of a nation. This daily thread provides a central place where those interested in the events in Iran can find the best news and commentary. The news stories and commentary will from time to time include material from the regime itself. But if you read the post you will discover for yourself, the real story of what is occurring in Iran and its effects on the war on terror.

I am not of Iranian heritage. I am an American committed to supporting the efforts of those in Iran seeking to replace their government with a secular democracy. I am in contact with leaders of the Iranian community here in the United States and in Iran itself.

If you read the daily posts you will gain a better understanding of the US war on terrorism, the Middle East and why we need to support a change of regime in Iran. Feel free to ask your questions and post news stories you discover in the weeks to come.

If all goes well Iran will be free soon and I am convinced become a major ally in the war on terrorism. The regime will fall. Iran will be free. It is just a matter of time.

DoctorZin

[DoctorZIn]

Iran to Put Up Chemical Snipe at Germans on Friday

May 12, 2004
AFP
Khaleej Times Online

TEHERAN - Iranian authorities will erect a plaque outside the German embassy Friday denouncing Germany’s contribution to Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons arsenal, in the latest tit-for-tat measure in a diplomatic spat between Berlin and Iran’s clerical leaders, the official IRNA news agency said.

Teheran’s conservative-controlled municipality gave the order on April 27 to put up the plaque, a direct response to the unveiling the week before of a plaque in Berlin denouncing Iran for the 1992 murders there of four Kurdish dissidents.

“We will put up the plaque to commemorate the chemical weapons victims in front of the German embassy on Friday,” the head of the city council, Mehdi Chamran, was quoted as saying by IRNA.

The ceremony will be attended by the members of Teheran’s City Council, the government and military officials and veterans of the bloody 1980-1988 war against Saddam’s Iraq who were victims of chemical weapons.

Chamran added that the purpose of the plaque is to “support the chemical weapons victims, and to condemn the German government who sold the technology and the weapons of mass destruction to the Baathist regime of Saddam.”

“Germany and the other oppressing countries are collectively responsible for theses crimes and we want the Germans to question their government,” Chamran added.

He also insisted that, “the German government must apologize to the Iranian nation, especially to the victims of the chemical weapons and their family.”

Nearly a month ago, local officials in Berlin’s upmarket Charlottenburg district unveiled a plaque marking the 1992 attack in the Mykonos restaurant. It carries the victims’ names and the words: ”Murdered by the then regime in Iran. They died fighting for freedom and human rights”.

A German court concluded in 1997 that the killers of the four Iranian Kurds were acting on Teheran’s orders, prompting the German government to recall its ambassador and the European Union to suspend dialogue with the Islamic republic for a year.

Germany’s ambassador to Iran, Baron Paul von Maltzahn, has already been summoned to the foreign ministry to hear of Iran’s ”strong objection” to the plaque and hear fresh denials of a state link to the murders.

Last month the German embassy said Teheran’s authorities briefly closed down a German government-funded language institute in Teheran, ostensibly because the centre did not have the necessary permits to operate.

Along with several Western and Arab powers, Germany provided key assistance to Saddam during his war with Iran, in which close to a million people were killed.

A number of German chemical companies are believed to have been key suppliers of components for the ousted Iraqi leader’s chemical arsenal used against Iranian forces.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2004/May/theworld_May242.xml&section=theworld

[DoctorZIn]

Koizumi's Envoy Seeks Iran's Cooperation

May 12, 2004
Kyodo News
Japon Today

TEHRAN -- Former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, who is visiting Iran as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's special envoy, on Tuesday sought Iran's cooperation in the reconstruction of Iraq ahead of the transfer of power to the Iraqis in June, Japanese officials said.

Komura made the request to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami during their talks in Tehran, and handed him Koizumi's letter to that end, the officials said.

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=9&id=298120

[DoctorZIn]

Iran's Accession to WMD Impossible

May 12, 2004
Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting
IRIB News

Moscow -- Iranian access to the atomic bomb is "impossible," said a Russian Foreign Ministry official who was quoted here Wednesday by a local paper.

The paper, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, reported in its Wednesday edition that the Russian foreign first deputy ministry Vyacheslav Trubnikov also branded as "unfounded" US allegations Iran is attempting to build an atomic bomb.

The US accusation that Iran is on the verge of building an atomic bomb stems primarily from Israeli intelligence (Mossad) reports that have warned Europeans and Americans Iran is capable of producing an atomic bomb, the paper further quoted Trubnikov.< br>
The truth is, Trubnikov went on to say, there is absolutely no way Iran can build an atomic bomb as the country does not have the capability to do so."

He said he thinks the Israeli fear of Iran's atomic power is understandable, but pointed out that "what is important is that Israel has atomic bombs but we easily turn a blind eye to this fact."

Rejecting the possibility of Iran using its Bushehr nuclear power plant for military purposes or to build nuclear weapons, Trubnikov pointed out that Tehran's active cooperation with the International Atomic Watchdog (IAEA) should have, by far, removed all concerns in this regard.

http://www.iribnews.ir/Full_en.asp?news_id=204009

[DoctorZIn]

Jailed Iranian Journalist Goes on Hunger Strike

May 12, 2004
AFP
IranMania

TEHRAN -- Iranian journalist Ensafali Hedayat, who was jailed for 18 months after being convicted of insulting regime leaders and writing propaganda against the Islamic republic, has started a hunger strike, his lawyer told AFP Wednesday.

"Ensafali Hedayat has been on hunger strike since Tuesday morning to protest the judiciary refusal to set him free on bail, as was decided by the court," his lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah said.

"He has also refused to undergo an operation for his ulcer problem, though the physicians urged him to," he added.

The revolutionary tribunal in the northwestern city of Tabriz, which condemned Hedayat on April 15, decided to grant him bail until his sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Dadkhah added that there was no news of the confirmation of the sentence.

The Human Rights Defense Circle, which is run by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi, said that Hedayat's detention is "illegal", and called for his freedom.

The Paris-based Reporters sans Frontieres journalists' rights group said that he "is not in a good condition, and he is getting weaker."

Hedayat arrested on January 16 on the orders of the hardline revolutionary court, which tries ideological and religious offences.

The court did not uphold further charges of spying and participation in an opposition group meeting.

Hedayat had already been arrested at the University of Tabriz in June 2003 following his coverage of student-led demonstrations. He had been accused of inciting anti-regime protests, but was freed after three weeks in custody.

He subsequently wrote a letter of complaint over maltreatment to reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

Around 12 journalists are currently in jail in Iran.

The Islamic republic's hardline-run judiciary has also in recent years shut down more than 100 publications, most of them pro-reform.

http://www.iranmania.com/news/120504d.asp

[DoctorZIn]

EU Delegation Heads to Syria

May 12, 2004
Saudi Press Agency
SPA

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Ignoring Washington's get-tough approach, a high-level trade delegation led by the European Union's top energy and transport official will visit Syria this weekend seeking to improve cooperation on exporting oil and gas to Europe, the EU head office announced Wednesday.

European Commissioner Loyola de Palacio was to head Thursday to Lebanon and to Damascus on Sunday to meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad, Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri and other government officials.

The European Commission said the meetings would deal specifically with "Syria's integration in the regional petroleum market and its future transit role toward the EU for Egyptian, Iraqi and Middle Eastern oil and gas resources."

De Palacio would also discuss the opening up of Syria's energy market and include talks on aviation security and safety.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/html/archive_e.asp?srcfile=639790&NDay=12/05/2004&wcatg=0

[DoctorZIn]

US Imposes Economic Sanctions on Syria

May 12, 2004
The Financial Times
Salamander Davoudi

The US government imposed sanctions on Syria on Tuesday for failing to deter terrorist activities within its borders or halt the flow of insurgents and weapons into Iraq.

But the sanctions were weaker than expected, with the Bush administration stopping short of an expected ban on investment in Syria. US oil investments there are estimated to be worth m (£338m).

"US oil companies will be relieved as the sanctions are milder than expected," a Washington oil analyst said.

The decision had been delayed several months, underlining US concern that it might exacerbate regional tensions. But it was finally taken after pressure from Congress in recent weeks.

Under the Syria Accountability Act, a ban will be placed on US exports to Syria, excluding items including aircraft parts, telecommunications equipment, some software and technology, food, medicine and information materials.

Restrictions will be placed on banking relations with the Syrian national bank, CBS.

The US Treasury designated it as a financial institution of "primary money laundering concern" and proposed that US financial institutions be prohibited from holding accounts there.

The Treasury also criticised Damascus for not transfering proceeds generated from the illicit sale of Iraqi oil to the development fund for Iraq as required by the United Nations.

The department has been authorised to freeze the assets of Syrian nationals or entities suspected of involvement in terrorism.

Syria has said that the sanctions will harm US interests and has urged dialogue.

The sanctions also ban the already limited number of flights to and from the US.

http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1083180438099&p=1012571727172

[DoctorZIn]

For those interested in how the US military is dealing with the fallout of the Abu Ghraib fiasco, I just received a copy of an email a US Airman received from his superiors...

"Chiefs, this is a message that General Hornburg has asked for your help in ensuring our Airmen at every level receive.

---

While during these complex and troubling days, some of your Airmen might feel like hanging their heads and even become somewhat depressed over the events that are now unfolding due to the breaking news about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. However, he has asked each of us on his senior staff to let our Airmen know how proud he is of the way they have conducted themselves, and the dedicated service they've rendered during these difficult times.

While we can't and should not ignore what has transpired behind the walls of Abu Ghraib prison, we can and will learn from it; thus ensuring that we do not repeat the same mistakes. Our first core value: Integrity First must always be our guide in how we treat all we come in contact with; whether they are friend or refugee, comrade or prisoner.

Even though, there is a sense of shame and dishonor concerning what took place behind prison walls at Abu Ghraib... It is because we have repeatedly stressed the preeminence of our "first core value" into the hearts and minds of Airmen, over the last decade, that we are able to hold our heads up high today.

While we empathize with our Army brethren as they endure what will certainly turn out to be extremely difficult days in the near term. We must remind them and ourselves, that these unethical breeches were carried out by a very few misguided individuals. We know that the vast majority of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen have conducted themselves with the dignity and honor; that in the truest sense, best represent the highest traditions of America's Armed Forces.

Additionally, it is times such as these that every Airmen must recommit themselves to what has made the United States Air Force one of the greatest forces for good that God has ever allowed a military to become: Our core values of Integrity; Service; Excellence! (ISE!)

General Hornburg wants every Airman, everywhere, to know that he could not be more proud of their service, sacrifice and moral conduct as they fight to keep America free. To liberate those who have yet to taste true democracy, or understand the values that has made our nation strong, yet compassionate. Forceful, yet temperate; while always seeking justice for all, especially in countries where there has seldom been justice at all.

You will see more of General Hornburg's thoughts on this issue in days to come, but in the mean time; He sends his best regards and sincere thanks to each of you, and asks that you pass this message on... up and down the chain.

May God continue to bless you all, as you serve our great nation."

[DoctorZIn]

This just in from a student inside of Iran...

"I was at university today for my classes this morning.
All of us disgusted to hear the news of beheading that American citizen in Iraq.

We feel sorry for those who think that killing innocent people is the way to achieve their so-called holy goals.

We, some Iranian students, stand united with our American friends in their war against Terrorisam and Radicalism and we do support them as possible as we can."

[blackie]

Let Freedom Ring ~ bump!

[nuconvert]

Just a tad self-serving, I'd say.

[Cyrus the Great]

We can base it on #'s from actual election between the reformists v. hard-liners [the original election]
80% voted for reformists and about 12% for Hard-liners.

So i guess 12%

[onyx]

Good to know.
Thanks.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[nuconvert]

Some photos to go along with post#7

Street Fashion May 09, 2004 Here is what Nicholas Kristof has been talking about in his latest New York Times column, Those Sexy Iranians. No one has challenged the cleric's rule more effectively than these young Iranian girls. They have totally changed the Islamic dress code during the past five years. The half-sliced heads of the mannequins are results of Islamic laws that prohibit making identical statues to humans.

[nuconvert]

Journalists in exile May 06, 2004 In Summer 2002 I went back to Tehran and paid a visit to Hayat-e No the newspaper I used to work with. My friends, Sina Motallebi (right) and Nikahang Kowsar (left), both now bloggers in exile, used to work there too. Sina spent 23 days in jail because of his writings last year and after a few months left Iran for good. He is now in Netherlands with his wife and a little boy.

[Stefania]

EU's Control of European Media

http://freethoughts.splinder.it

It's often said that the media influences the public opinions.That's more than true.That's a true fact..

The Media system influences the Italian Public Opinion as well.

It's not surprising that 73% of the Italians now wish our troops back home.

They speak based on what they see and hear on the TV.

It's clear that the Truth is being held secret.

Why is this way ?

Why so much censorship?

Why such a lack of objectivity and Freedom of Information?

All i may say is that none should deny the fact that our Media lack objectivity.

Recently,the European Press has been critized for the lack of objectivity and Pluralism.

Italy was the country that got much of the blame.

The criticism was legittimate and right.

To deny the ordinary people the right to see and know the alternative story other than that usually described by the Official Media;to deny them to listen to fair and balanced reports means that there is no Freedom of Press at all and Censorship is a routine.

The powerful lobby of the Journalists monitors the work of their fellows.

The order issued would be : 'be as more politically correct as possible.'

The very Union of the Journalists,which in Italy holds a tight control of the Media system at whole, is in fact a mere Puppet of the European Union.

In order to better understand how the entire system works,let me analyze why is this way.

To begin with,most Italians are sentimentally tied to the European Union.At least they are regarding the Union's role in the world scenario.

They see it as a counter-weight to the U.S. (indeed it wish to become like that ),that might 'challenge the American hegemony'.

The Italians,as well as their fellow Europeans,are culturally adversaries to the U.S. and his policy.

As a part of such a culture,it's not hard to find Italians from various political backgrounds,right and left,that back EU against what they see as the "sole superpower in this world'.

As it is not hard to find this sort of people,so it's not whether you watch TV or read daily newspapers over here even only 1 week.

Yes, i mean the Journalists and the so-called Media.

So it happens to watch news from a supposed "right-wing" channel or a supposed "fair and balanced" one and notice the same politically correct political line.

That is the official one which is adopted by the EU.

For that reason,there's no difference between one channel and another.

It's anti-Bush and anti-Israel rhetoric and propaganda.

Sometimes,it might not be visible,that means that of course they won't say it openly but you can notice their rhetoric and bias.

It's enough to see which news they tell you and how they tell them.

Let me make some exemples.

Iraq: it's a daily count of tragedies and killings of American or Coalition forces.

It looks like there is an entire population that has turned against the "invader".

It looks like there are only American and Coalition dead and not,as it is in the sad reality,dozens of innocent iraqis.

Again,it looks like the images of daily attacks is all is going on over there. They did not report about the anti-terror demos in Baghdada earlier one March.

2 days ago,none has reported of a demo in the city of Samawa not against the "occupiers",but in favor of them and in that specific case,the japanese troops.

They do not report of the huge efforts by the Coalition members to repari schools,hospital,pipelines,giving jobs and good salary to the Iraq citizens,etc,etc..

They say nothing of the fact that more than 200 newspapers of different political areas as well as independents,have so far been pubblished.

Elections were held in small local communities...

Nothing to do..

It's only bad news.At least,this is what they want you to know.

Oh yes,here we come.

When it comes to America and Bush,reporters from NYC tell of how troubled Bush is.Sometimes they have used to quote Polls in support of their thesis.

Yet,ultimately they're not doing so.. maybe they don't want you to know the good performance that Bush is facing in the polls.

They judged it unappropriate to tell this to the public.

The number of the lies is countless.

I do not know if such a situation is the same as in other countries's media,but it is so ridicule and at the same time sad and unfortunate to think of such a bad part of this people that is the Italian's.

That really makes me so upset.

[Stefania]

President, STAND TALL AND BRAVE..

HUNT DOWN THESE THUGS, FASCIST, SADISTIC ,CANNIBAL MUSLIMS..

HUNT THEM DOWN WHEREVER THEY ARE.

IGNORE EUROPE,U.N.,AMNESTY AND RED CROSS'S CALLS FOR "NOT HARMING THE INNOCENTS".

HUNT THEM DOWN WHEREVER THEY ARE.

IF THEY HIDE THEMSELVES INSIDE THE MOSQUES,FIGHT THEM AND KILL THEM.

IF THEY HIDE THEMSELVES INSIDE THE HOSPITALS,FIGHT AND KILL THEM

YOU ARE INTITLED TO FIGHT AND KILL THEM.

YOU'RE AT WAR AGAINST CANNIBALISM,FASCISM AND ARROGANCE

DO NOT EVEN FORGET THAT YOU'RE AT WAR (AT LEAST A MORAL AND CULTURAL WAR ) WITH EUROPE AND THE COWARD EUROPEANS.

AS AN ASHAMED EUROPEAN CITIZEN,I STAND BY YOU AGAINST THOSE IDIOTS.

AMERICA,BUSH'S AMERICA, THE AMERICA THAT BRAVELY FIGHT THE FASCISTS AND THE NEW NAZIS, WILL WIN AND PREVAIL.

G-D BLESS THE BUSH'S AMERICA !!!!

[Dolphy]

Thanks for the ping.

[PhilDragoo]

I'm Jihad Fedayeen Kerimenei and I approved this fascist POS.

[SandRat]

Good question. Bet it is small but in all the power positions with the guns.