Saturday, September 27, 2008

U.S./IRAQ: US-Iraqi Security pact talks step forward

A well informed source close from the security pact talks expected to be sealed between Iraq and the USA revealed that a meeting will be held soon to tackle the development of bilateral talks. The source told Al Sabah newspaper in a phone call that the US delegation that came back to Baghdad last Wednesday has new ideas and solutions. The same source added that the US administration understood the requests of Iraq government. It also pointed out that the government sticks to all its requests especially regarding US forces immunity and the timetables of the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country...(Alsumaria).

Full Article: http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-22914-US-Iraqi-Security-pact-talks-step-forward.html

U.S./ISRAEL: US 'rejected' Israeli Iran strike

US President George W Bush told Israel's prime minister in May that the US would not back an attack on Iran, a UK newspaper has reported. A spokesman denied Ehud Olmert had said the words attributed to him in a working meeting with a foreign guest. The Guardian quoted unnamed European diplomatic sources as saying Mr Olmert had used a one-to-one meeting with Mr Bush in May to raise the issue...(BBC).

Full Article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7637550.stm

ISRAEL/AZERBAIJAN: Israel and Azerbaijan close multi-million dollar arms deal

Israel and Azerbaijan have closed a weapons deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars. According to agreements signed by the Defense Ministry and the government of Azerbaijan, which borders on Iran, Israel will sell the southern Caucasus state ammunition, mortars and radio equipment...Rumblings of Shi'ite political Islam have been particularly noticeable in the more conservative regions that border Iran, and the secular government has displayed concern over Iranian influence...Israeli companies have also recently signed deals worth tens of millions of dollars with Kazakhstan, a neighbor of Azerbaijan's...(Haaretz).

Full Article: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1024798.html

DEBKAfile REPORTS: US-Russian deal lets Iran’s nuclear bomb program off the hook

...A deal between the US and Russia in New York sealed a very brief non-sanctions draft reaffirming previous council decisions for the five permanent Security Council members and Germany to table. It also called for Iran’s compliance. This ignored the reality of Iran openly flouting all three previous sanctions resolutions: Tehran continues to enrich uranium, reprocess plutonium, build nuclear-capable missiles and stonewall on International Atomic Energy Agency’s questions and inspections...

...The collapse of Israel’s foreign policy on this issue came at an unfortunate juncture:

1. The pandemonium in the US-led financial world has removed the Iranian threat from international consciousness.

2. Moscow, Iran and Syria are cementing their partnership, giving Tehran’s nuclear aspirations a strong diplomatic umbrella.

Moscow is pursuing cold war tactics in two new spheres: the Middle East, from its center of gravity in Tehran, and Latin America, resting on Venezuela’s anti-American posture and friendly relations with Iran.

Israel’s foreign policy, lame and defensive at the best of times since Livni took over, appears as oblivious as ever to the disastrous developments pressing down on the Jewish state...(DEBKAfile).

Full Article: http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=5616

IRAQ/TURKEY: President Talabani meets his Turkish Counterpart in New York

In the framework of the General Assembly meeting in NewYork, the Iraqi President Jalal Talabani met the Turkish President Abdullah Gul. They discussed the bilateral ties and the ways of consolidating them...(PUKMedia).

Full Article: http://pukmedia.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6697&Itemid=53

U.S. ELECTIONS: McCain talks tough on Russia, Obama on Pakistan

Russia

U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain denounced Russia as a KGB-run state and chided Barack Obama as naive while his Democratic rival took the harder line on Pakistan in their first debate on Friday...Obama called Russia's incursion into South Ossetia "illegal and objectionable." The candidates agreed that Georgia and Ukraine should be allowed to join the NATO alliance -- which Russia has fiercely opposed -- and Obama said they should be given an immediate plan for membership...

Pakistan

...Obama said $10 billion in aid to the Pakistan government over the last seven years had failed to rid the border region of al Qaeda and Taliban militants...McCain called for a quiet policy.

"You don't say that out loud. If you have to do things, you have to do things, and you work with the Pakistani government," he said..."I'm not prepared at this time to cut off aid to Pakistan," he said...

Iran

...McCain said that Obama would give "credence in the world arena" if he met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has outraged the United States by saying Israel should be wiped off the map. "We're going to sit down, without precondition, across the table, to legitimize and give a propaganda platform to a person that is espousing the extermination of the state of Israel," McCain said...(Reuters).

Full Article: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE48Q12G20080927?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=10112&sp=true

IRAN: IRGC Commander: No country dares to strike Iran

An Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commander said here Friday that no country and even global arrogance do not dare launching direct military strike on Iran...(IRNA).

Full Article: http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0809261178201349.htm

SYRIA: Syrian 'car bomb' blast kills 17

At least 17 people been killed by a car bomb in the Syrian capital Damascus, according to state television...Witnesses say security forces have cordoned off the area, which is close to an important Shia shrine and a security post. The Sayida Zeinab shrine, in the south of the capital, is popular with Iraqi, Iranian and Lebanese pilgrims. Syria's Dunia television said the car was packed with 200kg (440 lbs) of explosives...(BBC).

Full Article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7639137.stm

Iran News Round Up (Sept. 26): Jerusalem Day speeches, photos; defiance on nukes; "Iran's vociferous 2 percent"; rallying against Bahais

From the Office of Michael Rubin at AEI

[Thanks to Ali Alfoneh; (E) signifies English link]

Diplomacy

  • Tabnak releases the official statement of the Qods [Jerusalem] Day.
    • Lebanese Hezbollah spiritual leader Mohammad-Hossein Fadhlallah slams negligence of "some Arab countries" of the Qods day.
    • Nateq Nouri, substitute Friday prayer leader of Tehran, says "the Zionists have managed to have the U.S. Congress in their firm grip, along with control of European countries...but Israel is decaying...as Hezbollah is rising."
    • Speaking in Sari, Interior Minister Ali Kordan says Iran is a victim of terrorism and that "Iran's fight against Israel is not ideological. It is simply our struggle for freedom and justice for the Palestinians."
    • Seyyed Ali-Akbar Mohtashami-Pour, former Iranian ambassador to Syria, who is also general-secretary of the Qods International Conference Supporting the Intifada of the Palestinian Nation, criticizes the position of Ahmadinejad government on Palestine:
      • "One day we say Holocaust was a myth, the other day we say we want to investigate it...We want to support the Palestinians... but Vice President Mashaei's statements [extending a hand of friendship to the people of Israel] is not separated from the policies and discourse of the government...This is what I call fluctuating policy...One must establish the charity of Sandogh-e Mehr-e Qods [Love of Jerusalem Charity] through which NGO's can support the Palestinians. the government has not recognized such activities..."
    • Shahab News publishes the speech of Rowhani on the occasion of the Qods Day
  • Iranian president Ahmadinejad leaves New York.
  • Czech Republic wants to open an embassy in Iran.
  • (E) Ghana to open mission in Iran.

Nuclear Issue

Religion, Culture, and Society

Politics

Economy

  • National Geographic's assessment of water in Iran shows significant decrease in subterranean water reservoirs in Iran.
  • Presidential candidate Hassan Rowhani warns against decreasing purchasing power of the Iranians.
  • Tabnak News Agency publishes Tehran electricity blackout schedule for next week.
  • Minister of Housing and Urban Development says the government will start issuing 10,000,000 Rial housing loans to the needy next week.
  • Tabnak News Agency publishes letter of resignation of Tahmasb Mazaheri from his post as director-general of the National Bank of the Islamic Republic. Mazaheri mentions the government's irresponsiveness to his policy advice as the main reason for his resignation.
    • According to Shahab News Agency, former Central Bank general director Mazaheri's letter proves that his resignation was due to the bank's publication of unpleasant truths about the state of Iranian economy.

Trade

  • The Islamic Republic to invest in Bolivian natural gas fields.

Military and Security

  • (E) Iran to launch satellite with own rocket into space.
  • Two Iranian citizens kidnapped in Herat, Afghanistan, are released.
  • An Iranian Air Force officer Jamshid Qasemi imprisoned in Thailand for purchasing dual use material to be released from prison, will not be handed over to the U.S. authorities.
  • Presidential candidate Hassan Rowhani discusses his role as a political commissar in the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). Rowhani says that the Defense Council was formed before outbreak of the war, and that the statute of the Revolutionary Guards was ratified by the council prior to parliamentary ratification.
    • Rowhani also says that Syria, North Korea, Bulgaria and Libya exported arms to Iran at the time of the Iraqi invasion. According to Rowhani, the war effort was directed by "Supreme Defense Council composed of the president, the prime minister, representatives of the Imam [Khomeini], Armed Forces Staff Chief and the minister of defense... After establishment of the Revolutionary Guards Ministry, the IRGC minister also participated in the meetings of the council, along with...Mr. Ahmad [Khomeini.]"
    • According to Rowhani, representatives of Grand Ayatollah Khomeini in the Supreme Defense Council were the hojjat al-eslams Ali Khamenei and Ali-Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani..."

Photos of the Day

HEADLINES 09.25-09.26.2008

Controversy over U.S. Spy Drone

Iran's Revolution Guards Expand Defense Plans

U.S. Navy Drives off possible pirates

Turkey's Nuke Tender Falls Flat

Friday, September 26, 2008

U.S./PAKISTAN: U.S., Pakistani troops exchange fire

U.S. and Pakistani ground forces exchanged fire across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Thursday, the latest in a string of incidents that has ratcheted up diplomatic tension between the two allies. No casualties or injuries were reported after Pakistani forces shot at two U.S. helicopters from a Pakistani border post. U.S. and Pakistani officials clashed over whether the American helicopters had entered Pakistan...(Reuters).

Full Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080925/wl_nm/us_pakistan_usaint

IRAQ: Religion, politics make Najaf focus of Iraqi power

The holy Shiite city of Najaf has come to wield immense influence on Iraqi politics and whoever can harness that power could dominate upcoming local elections and set the tone for Iraq’s nascent democracy. Najaf is home to Iraq’s Marjaiya, or senior Shiite clergy, headed by Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani. They insist they are independent of party politics, and some politicians have pledged not to use their images in elections expected in early 2009...(Reuters via Iraq Updates).

Full Article: http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/37116

IRAN: Shipping firm nervous about new UN sanctions

As the United Nations moves to consider fresh sanctions to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions, the country's largest shipping company has already been hit by restrictions. The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its 18 affiliates were included on a list of companies and individuals compiled in Washington two weeks ago for providing logistical support in relation to Iran's nuclear programme. A request by France to the United Nations' Security Council to extend boycotts to other companies could affect the movement of trade and commerce between Iran and the Mediterranean region...(AKI).

Full Article: http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Business/?id=1.0.2513113362

LEBANON/ISRAEL: Berri Accuses Israel of Launching Intelligence War on Lebanon

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday accused Israel of launching an intelligence war against Lebanon to block reconciliation. Berri, addressing an Iftar banquet hosted by his AMAl movement, also declared support for the agreement reached with Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri on removing banners and posters from Beirut, as a start, in three days. The speaker also declared support for meeting by local communities throughout Lebanon to facilitate reconciliation. He said Israel was in the process of obtaining sophisticated weapons while it prevents Lebanon from acquiring night gauge equipment for its army. He said Lebanon would succeed in adopting a defense strategy in cooperation between the people, the army and the resistance...(Naharnet).

Full Article: http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&1116A5E5989846A1C22574CF0060336F

IRAN/U.S.: Iran's leader criticizes U.S. policies around world

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, reviewing the various conflicts smoldering in his neighborhood, said Thursday that NATO forces paid insufficient attention to humanitarian problems in Afghanistan, that Iraqi forces should be given more responsibility for security and that he was "unhappy" with the situation in Georgia...(IHT.com).

Full Article: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/26/africa/26iran.php

IRAQ/S. KOREA: Barzani signs oil deal with South Korea

Kurdistan Regional Government has signed an oil exploration rights contract with South Korea’s national Oil Corporation, a corporation run by Korean state. The deal was reported by Korean Broadcasting System KBS, a leading public services broadcaster. The Korea National Oil Corporation KNOC will invest 2.1 billion dollars for the construction of power stations and other social infrastructure in the Kurdistan region...(KurdishMedia via Iraq Updates).

Full Article: http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/37103

BLOG Middle East Analysis: A new Middle East philosophy: Oil must pay for the entire economy

Article Submitted by Kevin Homiak, MEMG Correspondent

This article introduces a new, totally extraneous and dangerous consideration into petroleum finances. The price of oil should depend on supply and demand. The "break even" point should depend on the cost of extraction, which in the worst case might be about $20 a barrel in the USA or Russia, and is around a dollar a barrel in the Gulf states. However, the OPEC countries and Arab IMF personnel have made a different calculation entirely. Some gulf states have used unrealistically high oil prices to fuel development. Now the reckoning is based not on the extraction price and fair profit, but on how much oil must cost in order to pay for the development without requiring loans or higher taxes. For most countries, there is still a huge safety margin... (Middle East Analysis).

Full Article: http://middle-east-analysis.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-middle-east-philosophy-oil-must-pay.html

Iran News Round Up (Sept. 25): Ahmadinejad wants to negotiate? 5+1 talks called off; police presence increases in Iran; VAT imposed; Returning Jerusalem to Muslim control

From the Office of Michael Rubin at AEI

[Thanks to Ali Alfoneh for his compilation; (E) signifies English link]

Diplomacy

Nuclear Issue

Politics

Religion, Culture, and Society

  • Ali-Reza Mahjoub, parliamentarian and head of House of Labor, says only one-seventh of public executives are women (94,608 women in exact numbers) despite the fact that 825,000 women out of 1,923,000 M.A. and Ph.D. holders in the public sector are women.
  • Agah-Sazi reports extremely slow internet in Iran.
  • Grand Ayatolah Makarem Shirazi warns against religious superstition, condemns the Wahabis for waging cyber warfare against Shi'a web sites.
  • Supreme Leader Khamenei stresses importance of indigenous scientific production.
  • Agah-Sazi publishes viewpoints of the Supreme Leader on martyrdom: "If your life is taken from you it means that a physical and material frame is taken away from you, and so what? When man knows that death is ascendance to divine heavens and joining the company of souls of prophets why should he mind about when this death arrives? For him, death is only a passage, "Time has arrived for death and flight from life of searching." Man moves from search, the entire being is only a moment, and what follows afterwards is unparalleled divine blessing...Martyrdom is the death of intelligent and wise people who don't lose life easily and for free, without gaining something in return. Our life is our main capital."

Military and Security

Economy

Photo of the Day

Thursday, September 25, 2008

CONTROVERSY OVER U.S. SPY DRONE

Pakistani army finds suspected US spy drone

Pakistan's army said on Wednesday it had found the wreckage of a suspected US spy plane near the Afghan border but denied claims it had been shot down, which could deepen tension between the allies Ties between Washington and Islamabad are under strain over a series of missile strikes by American drones at suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda targets on the Pakistani side of the border...(Today's Zaman).

Full Article: http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=154230

U.S. Military Says Drone Went Down In Afghanistan

A U.S. military drone went down in eastern Afghanistan with engine problems on Tuesday but was recovered immediately and was never near the Pakistan border, a military spokesman said on Wednesday..."It was recovered immediately after it went down," Patterson said. "It wasn't close to the border."...(NY TIMES).

Full Article: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-us-pakistan-drone-militaryint.html

SYRIA/ISRAEL: Assad wants more indirect talks with Israel

Syrian President Basher Assad has expressed the desire for indirect talks with Israel, saying that they called for "more time and effort" and adding that the talks had the potential to lead to direct negotiations between the two countries, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported yesterday...(TODAY'S ZAMAN).

Full Article: http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=154254

INDIA/PAKISTAN: India, Pakistan leaders agree to resume talks

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari agreed after summit talks on Wednesday to resume their strained peace process be scheduling a new round of talks by year's end...Singh and Zardari agreed to convene a special meeting of a joint anti-terror mechanism next month to address concerns including the bombing of India's Embassy in Afghanistan in July, which killed 41 people and which the Indians blamed on Pakistani agents...(Reuters).

Full Article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24483204.htm

U.S./RUSSIA: Russia, US agree to hold ministerial talks on Iran

The United States and Russia agreed on Wednesday to hold further ministerial-level meetings in the future in a bid to stop Iran's sensitive nuclear work, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday.
State Department official Daniel Fried told reporters the agreement was reached in talks in New York between Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, their first since ties tensions soared over the Georgia conflict last month...(AFP via Alarabiya).

Full Article: http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/09/25/57206.html

TURKEY: Turkey's nuclear tender falls flat

Turkey suffered a setback in its efforts to reduce a costly dependence on energy imports yesterday, receiving just one bid in a tender to build the country's first nuclear power plant. The 4,000 megawatt plant near Mersin on the Mediterranean coast is intended to be the first of three, aimed at averting power shortages and lessening reliance on natural gas imports from Russia and Iran...The only proposal submitted by yesterday's deadline came from a consortium led by Russia's Atomstroyexport and Inter Rao, together with Turkey's Park Teknik Group...(FT.com).

Full Article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c051fb66-8a9a-11dd-a76a-0000779fd18c.html

ROOZ ONLINE: Revolutionary Guards Expand Defense plans: Activation of “Passive Defense” in Sensitive Area

Gholamreza Jalali, the head of Islamic Republic’s Passive Defense Council said, “By the ‎end of the year, passive defense mechanism would be activated in all provinces and ‎sensitive areas in the country.” ...In military language, Passive Defense is referred to the totality of structural and ‎infrastructural measures taken to minimize damage from a potential enemy attack and ‎reduce the enemy’s precision and targeting capabilities, thus imposing higher costs on the ‎enemy. As such, factors such as concealment, camouflage, deception, division, ‎dispersion and protection are emphasized in passive defense...(Rooz Online).

Full Article: http://www.roozonline.com/english/archives/2008/09/revolutionary_guards_expand_de.html

U.S./SOMALIA: US Navy drives off possible pirates near Somalia

A security team aboard a U.S. Navy oiler sailing off the pirate-infested coast of Somalia fired warning shots at two small approaching boats and chased them away, American officials said Wednesday...(AP via Yahoo).

Full Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_on_re_af/ml_us_navy_piracy

PAKISTAN/CHINA: Kayani hails Chinese support to Pakistan

...General Kayani, who is currently on an official visit to China, called on Dai Bingguo, State Counsellor. The dignitaries exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and expressed their full satisfaction at the unique strategic relationship between Pakistan and China...(The News International).

Full Article: http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=17501

HEADLINES 09.24.2008

'Grim' Afghanistan Report to be kept Secret by U.S.

Taliban attacks increase in new strategy, NATO general

Ahmadinejad accuses Bush of waging wars for votes

Iraq parliament approves provincial elections law

Syria sees worse prospects with Israel

Al-Qaeda issues new ultimatum in Algeria

Gulf markets spiral down

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

U.S.: 'Grim' Afghanistan Report To Be Kept Secret by US

US intelligence analysts are putting the final touches on a secret National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Afghanistan that reportedly describes the situation as "grim", but there are "no plans to declassify" any of it before the election, according to one US official familiar with the process.

Officials say a draft of the classified NIE, representing the key judgments of the US intelligence community's 17 agencies and departments, is being circulated in Washington and a final "coordination meeting" of the agencies involved, under the direction of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, is scheduled in the next few weeks.

According to people who have been briefed, the NIE will paint a "grim" picture of the situation in Afghanistan, seven years after the US invaded in an effort to dismantle the al Qaeda network and its Taliban protectors...

...Seth Jones, an expert on Afghanistan at the Rand Corporation think tank, called the situation in Afghanistan "dire." "We are now at a tipping point, with about half of the country now penetrated by a range of Sunni militant groups including the Taliban and al Queida," Jones said. Jones said there is growing concern that Dutch and Canadian forces in Afghanistan would "call it quits."...(ABC).

Full Article: http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=5867448

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban attacks increase in new strategy, says NATO general

...In an exclusive interview with Adnkronos International (AKI), Craddock said that the Taliban had changed its strategy and there was greater insecurity in Afghanistan. "There is greater insecurity, increased violence, but it is generally located in the east and the south, (and) it is not unexpected," Craddock said...

...Craddock expressed particular concern about the dangers along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan...He said ISAF has opened the first border coordination centre at the Khyber pass and there are plans for five others on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan...

..."It is very difficult to understand what's going on because of the complexity of tribal affiliation. I think what we are seeing here is also due the fact that, when the efforts in the south are effective, they push the insurgency to the west and mostly in the central part of the country."...(AKI).

Full Article: http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2508752736

SYRIA/ISRAEL: Syria sees worse prospects for peace with Israel under Livni

Syrian officials believe Tzipi Livni will stall the ongoing indirect negotiations between Jerusalem and Damascus over a possible peace treaty, according to an article appearing Wednesday in the state-run Tishreen daily...Diplomatic officials told Haaretz that Syrian officials are frustrated over the political turmoil in Israel and its impact on the negotiations. "In Syria, one person can negotiate with Israel for decades without being replaced," said one source. "In Israel, the negotiators are replaced every so often, and none of them can reach any arrangement."...(Haaretz).

Full Article: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1024120.html

IRAQ: Iraqi parliament approves provincial elections law

Iraq's parliament overwhelmingly approved a provincial elections law Wednesday, overcoming months of deadlock and giving a boost to U.S.-backed national reconciliation efforts...The measure still needs to be approved by the three-member presidential panel led by President Jalal Talabani, himself a Kurd who vetoed the last attempt by parliament to push through a measure despite a Kurdish walkout...(AP via Yahoo).

Full Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

IRAN: Iran's Ahmadinejad accuses Bush of waging wars for votes

Iran's firebrand President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has accused US President George W Bush of starting wars "to win votes in elections" in a speech to the United Nations general assembly. Responding to an earlier address by Mr Bush, which accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism, he said the "American empire" was approaching collapse. The US president had told the UN's 192 members they needed to do more to fight terrorism...(Telegraph.co.uk).

Full Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/3069748/Irans-Ahmadinejad-accuses-Bush-of-waging-wars-for-votes.html

IRAN/PAKISTAN: Iranian, Pakistani presidents urge finalization of IPI deal

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari called for finalization of the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project. The two presidents agreed that India could join the finalization of the IPI gas deal project, which is known as the Peace Pipeline if it so desires. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 63rd meet of the UN General Assembly in New York where Ahmadinejad called for further Tehran-Islamabad cooperation...(IRNA).

Full Article: http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0809246273145556.htm

IRAQ: Fresh security operation launched in Diala

Iraqi security forces on Sunday launched a new military operation in Diala province with the aim of enhancing security in former al-Qaeda strongholds, the director of the National Command Center in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior said...(Voices of Iraq via Iraq Updates).

Full Article: http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/36947

LEBANON/SYRIA: Lebanon Concerned Over Syrian Build-up on Border

Beirut is concerned about Syria amassing its military forces on the northern Lebanese-Syrian border, alongside increased Syrian military activity. Damascus has deployed around 10,000 troops along Lebanon’s northern border. The increased deployment began over the weekend, the Lebanese daily Al-Mustaqbal reported. Syria maintains it has increased its military presence on the border fort he purposes of internal security such as cracking down on smuggling, and that the forces are not directed against Lebanon. However, the extent of the build-up is alarming Beirut, despite a recent thaw in ties between Lebanon and Syria...

...In addition to the troop build-up, Syria also conducted a wide-scale military drill on Monday, which was attended by Bashar Al-Asad. The exercise underscores Syria’s right to defend itself and its land against any hostility, the state-owned SANA news agency reported...(The Media Line).

Full Article: http://themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=22800

IRAQ: Sadr not to enter elections under Sadr Banner

...Al Sadr decided that his movement will not compete in upcoming local elections under the Sadr banner but will instead join independent candidate groups. The move could aim to keep a hand in politics without giving legitimacy to elections held while U.S. forces are still in the country. Yet, it could limit their influence in increasingly powerful provincial councils and deprive them from momentum in national polls due at the end of 2009...(Alsumaria).

Full Article: http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-22735-Sadr-not-to-enter-elections-under-Sadr-Banner.html

ALGERIA: Al Qaida issues new ultimatum

The leader of Al Qaida in North Africa has called for Muslims to fight the region's governments and their Western backers. The message decried a "new colonial offensive" in North Africa and warned Muslims not to back the local "regimes of apostasy and treason". It was signed by Abu Musab Abdul Wadud, the pseudonym used by Abdul Malek Droukdel, the leader of Al Qaida's regional offshoot...(Gulf News).

Full Article: http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Algeria/10247377.html

GULF: Gulf markets spiral down

The Gulf region’s stock markets continued their downward decline on Wednesday as poor global sentiment continued to weigh on regional investors. The MSCI Gulf index lost 1.2 per cent, extending its monthly drop to 14.2 per cent, one of the worst months on record in the region. While most exchanges are dominated by day traders, international investors have fled the markets and influenced the outlook of locals.

“The US is in the spotlight, and information is trickling down to local investors and creating fear,” said Oubada Duwaji, a money manager at Shuaa Capital in Dubai. “Long-term investors are on the sidelines, and probably prefer to hold cash.”...

...“Liquidity is a major concern, and a crunch was apparent in the market,” said Mr Duwaji. “But investors are still waiting to see the third quarter results to see the exposure to the US.”...(FT.com).

Full Article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9973678e-8a16-11dd-a76a-0000779fd18c.html

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia to invest $318b in energy sector

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is forecast to invest around $318 billion in energy over the next few years as massive infrastructural developments are in full swing brought about by economic reforms and huge oil revenues amid high crude prices in the global markets...(Zawya).

Full Article: http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20080924044436

KUWAIT: Turmoil leaves Kuwait a $270m Citi loss

Facing domestic pressure over its stakes in troubled US banks, Kuwait's $200bn sovereign wealth fund yesterday took the unusual step of acknowledging losses in Citigroup, one of its most high profile investments. Bader al-Saad, managing director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, told al-Arabiya television that the fund had lost $270m in Citi but had made no losses on its investment in Merrill Lynch, which has been bought by Bank of America...(FT.com).

Full Article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c7d9c8ce-89d1-11dd-8371-0000779fd18c.html

HEADLINES 09.23.2008

Armed groups cross into Iraq from Iran

Iranian General Killed

Palin to meet Talabani on Wednesday

MIDEAST BLOG MONITOR 09.22.2008

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

IRAQ: Armed groups cross into Iraq [from Iran] for attacks

Dhi Qar police chief Sabah Al Fitlawi affirmed that extremist armed groups that have trained in Iran have entered the country the last past days in aim to execute bombings targeting senior officials. Al Fitlawi noted that these special groups which include each 10 militants have crossed the borders from Iran into Amara City. He asserted that these forces are targeted against officials around Iraq mainly in Al Nassiriya. He clarified that local authorities have intensified security measures and banned circulation of motorcycles...(Alsumaria).

Full Article: http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-22678-Armed-groups-cross-into-Iraq-for-attacks.html

ROOZ ONLINE: Iranian General Killed

In an armed clash in Zahedan, capital of southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan, ‎operational deputy of Fath garrison and three other officers were killed. ‎The Fars news agency quoted Salah Asgarpour, deputy governor in social affairs in ‎Sistan and Baluchistan in reporting that “armed rebels in the region” were responsible for ‎killing the Police General. This official also reported that three other officers were killed ‎in recent days in clashed with rebels. He did not disclose any information regarding the ‎names or titles of the fallen officers...

...In another reaction, Nekoui, Sistan and Baluchistan’s police chief and the head of Fath ‎garrison, announced in another report regarding armed clashes in Zahedan area, “In that ‎operation Brigadier General Mohammad Sar-Golzaie was martyred.”...

...Armed clashes have intensified in the Sistan and Baluchistan area in the past three years. ‎An armed Baluchi group by the name of Jundullah (Army of God), led by Abdolmalek ‎Rigi, has accepted responsibility for several such clashes...(ROOZ ONLINE).

Full Article: http://www.roozonline.com/english/archives/2008/09/iranian_general_killed.html

PAKISTAN: Pakistanis Slam President for Leaving Country after Bomb Tragedy

Many Pakistani citizens and politicians are condemning their new president, Asif Zardari, for heading for the United Nations General Assembly in New York just two days after a bombing in Islamabad left more than 50 dead and 200 wounded...(The Media Line).

Full Article: http://themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=22786

U.S./LEBANON: Suleiman, Rice Discuss U.S. Support for Lebanese Armed Forces

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has reiterated the Bush administration's support for Lebanon in all fields, including the army and security forces, Baabda Palace said in a statement...The statement said that Suleiman and Rice discussed about the situation in Lebanon in the aftermath of the national dialogue that was launched at the Baabda Palace on Sept. 16. They also talked about Lebanese-Syrian relations, monitoring of the border between the two countries and the issue of arms.

Suleiman told Rice that Lebanon, the United States and other developed countries share the same humanitarian values, and called for continued U.S. support for Lebanon and its armed forces so that they could face all dangers and challenges.

Suleiman stressed that any solution in the Middle East won't be comprehensive unless Palestinian refugees return to their homeland...(Naharnet).

Full Article: http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&C4B728526237E434C22574CD000EC5F7

U.S. ELECTIONS: US vice presidential candidate meets Talbani [Wednesday]

Aides of Sarah Paline, US vice presidential candidate, seeking to expand its expertise in foreign policy, announced that the latter will meet on the sidelines of the United Nations GA meetings in New York, foreign leaders including Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Wednesday as well as Pakistani and Georgian presidents...(Alsumaria).

Full Article: http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-22687-US-vice-presidential-candidate-meets-Talbani.html

HEADLINES 09.22.2008

Syria deploys 10,000 troops to border with Lebanon

Pakistan Afghanistan discuss joint border security force

IAEA Chief, Iran hiding secret nukes

Pakistan force dire at U.S. choppers

MIDEAST BLOG MONITOR 09.22.2008

PAKISTAN/U.S.: Pakistan rejects U.S. help in probe of hotel blast

Pakistan on Sunday rejected a U.S. offer to help investigate the weekend suicide bombing that killed at least 53 people and destroyed the Islamabad Marriott, this capital city's best-known hotel. "We do not need help. We are competent. We reject it," Interior Ministry adviser Rehman Malik told reporters Sunday after the U.S. offered FBI help in pursuing the terrorists behind the attack. The Marriott bombing is the latest in a series of terrorist attacks across Pakistan and will likely intensify debate within the country over Pakistani support for the U.S. war on terror, says Samina Ahmed, South Asia director for the conflict prevention, non-profit International Crisis Group...(USA TODAY).

Full Article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-09-21-pakistan-sunday_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Monday, September 22, 2008

SYRIA: Damascus deploys 10,000 troops, claims Lebanese army

The Lebanese army claims 10,000 Syrian troops have been deployed on the border of Lebanon to prevent cross-border smuggling. The troops are part of a special unit trained to stop smuggling across the border between both countries. "We asked the Syrians for clarification and they told us it's an internal situation, inside Syrian territory and not directed against Lebanon," a Lebanese army spokesperson told local network LBC...Some politicians considered the request foreign interference in Lebanese affairs and believed that the clashes could be used as a possible excuse by Syria to return its troops to Lebanon...(AKI).

Full Article: http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2503298899

PAKISTAN/AFGHAN: Pakistan, Afghanistan discuss joint force for border

Pakistan and Afghanistan are discussing a possible joint force to combat fighters in the remote border region they share, a senior Afghan official said on Monday. Afghan Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak said soaring violence has stretched the capabilities of U.S., NATO and Afghan troops, and violence had increased threefold from 2005 to 2007. "2008 is going to be the highest among all," he told reporters at the Pentagon...(Reuters).

Full Article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N22420365.htm

IRAN/IAEA: Chief inspector: Iran may be hiding secret nukes

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Monday that Iran may be hiding secret nuclear activities, comments that appeared to reflect a high level of frustration with stonewalling of his investigators. A senior Iranian envoy accused the United States of trying to use the IAEA as a tool in Washington's confrontation with Tehran. Iran, he said, has demonstrated full cooperation with the agency. Allegations of nuclear weapons work by Tehran is based on forged documents and the issue is closed, the envoy said...And with Tehran showing no signs of giving up uranium enrichment or heeding other international demands, the diplomatic window appears to be closing...(AP).

Full Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080922/ap_on_re_mi_ea/eu_nuclear_iran_4

IRAN: Iran's president replaces Central Bank chief

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad replaced the governor of the Central Bank on Saturday after an escalation in their differences over monetary policy and inflation, according to the Iranian news agency Fars. Tahmasseb Mazaheri, the Central Bank governor, was appointed a year ago after his predecessor left office in a similar policy clash with Ahmadinejad. It is