Iranians charged in U.S. over assassination plot

From: reuters.com

1 of 3. Then Saudi Arabian Foreign Policy Advisor Adel-Al-Jubeir gestures during a press conference in response to U.S. engineer Paul Marshal Johnson's beheading at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington, in this June 18, 2004 file photo. U.S. authorities broke up an alleged plot to bomb the Israeli and Saudi Arabian embassies in Washington and assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, court documents and a U.S. official said on October 11, 2011. In July and August, co-plotter Manssor Arbabsiar paid $100,000 to a DEA informant for the murder of Saudi ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir, court documents said.

Credit: Reuters/Shaun Heasley/Files

By Jeremy Pelofsky and Basil Katz

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. authorities broke up a plot by men linked to the Iranian government to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in the United States, U.S. officials said Tuesday.

Attorney General Eric Holder said the United States would hold Tehran accountable for the plot.

Two men, originally from Iran, were charged in a U.S. court for the plot. One of them, Gholam Shakuri, was described in the criminal complaint as a member of the Quds Force, a branch of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Shakuri is still at large but the officials said U.S. authorities arrested the other man, Manssor Arbabsiar who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on September 29.

U.S. officials said there had also been initial discussions about other alleged plots, including attacking the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Washington, however no charges for that were revealed Tuesday.

Relations were already sour between the Islamic republic and Washington, which accuses Tehran of backing terrorism and pursuing nuclear arms.

Holder declined to say what measures the Obama administration would take, but said they would be coming soon.

"The disruption of this alleged plot marks a significant achievement by our law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as the close cooperation of our partners in the Mexican government," Holder told a news conference in Washington.

"In addition to holding these individual conspirators accountable for their alleged role in this plot, the United States is committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions," he said.

Last month hopes were raised of improved ties when Iran released two U.S. hikers accused of spying when they were arrested on the Iran-Iraq border in 2009. Holder said there was no link between the hikers' case and the alleged plot.

SAUDI AMBASSADOR

Officials said that the Saudi ambassador, Adel Al-Jubeir, was never in danger. President Barack Obama was briefed in June about the alleged plot and through a spokesman expressed gratitude for it being disrupted.

The assassination plot began to unfold in May 2011 when Arbabsiar approached an individual in Mexico to help, but that individual turned out to be an informant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The confidential source, who was not identified, immediately tipped law enforcement agents, according to the criminal complaint. Arbabsiar paid $100,000 to the informant in July and August for the plot, a down payment on the $1.5 million requested.

Shakuri approved the plan to kill the ambassador during telephone conversations with Arbabsiar, the complaint said.

After Arbabsiar was arrested in New York, he allegedly confessed and provided U.S. authorities with more details about the Iranian government's alleged involvement, Holder said.

The men are charged with one count of conspiracy to murder a foreign official, two counts of foreign travel and use of interstate and foreign commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire and one count each of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.

Authorities said no explosives were acquired for the plot and the weapon of mass destruction charge can range from a simple improvised device to a more significant weapon. They face up to life in prison if convicted.

(Reporting by Basil Katz in New York, James Vicini, Mark Hosenball, Tabassum Zakaria and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Writing by Jeremy Pelofsky; Editing by David Storey)

IAEA expected to give details on Iran atom bomb fears

From: jpost.com

 

By REUTERS

Diplomats say UN nuclear agency could lay out evidence of military aspects of Iranian nuclear program in report due in November.

 

VIENNA - The UN atomic watchdog is expected to spell out in more detail soon the reasons for its growing concern that Iran may be working covertly to develop a nuclear missile, diplomats say.

Such a move by the International Atomic Energy Agency, possibly in a new quarterly report on Iran due early next month, could raise pressure on Tehran and offer more arguments for Western powers to tighten sanctions on the major oil producer.

The United States and its allies have urged IAEA Director-General Yukiya Amano to declare plainly whether he believes that there have been military aspects to Tehran's nuclear activities and whether such work may still be going on.

It remains to be seen whether the report's conclusion will be sufficiently clear-cut to prompt the agency's 35-nation board of governors to take action at a Nov. 17-18 meeting, possibly by reporting Iran once again to the UN Security Council.

"Many countries have called on Amano to give his best possible assessment of the possible military dimension of Iran's nuclear program," one Western envoy said.

But it is hard to know now what Amano will say and it is "much too early to make a judgment" on whether it could provide the basis for referring the issue to the Security Council in New York, as happened in 2006, the diplomat added.

A divided board decided in June to report Syria, Iran's ally, to the Security Council for stonewalling an IAEA probe into a suspected reactor site that was bombed by Israel in 2007.

Russia and China opposed the US-led diplomatic crackdown on Syria, highlighting big power rifts that the West would want to avoid in any similar IAEA board vote on Iran.

"Russia and China appear to be in no mood for imposing additional pressure on Iran without a pressing reason for concern," said Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the Federation of American Scientists think-tank.

Ahmadinejad: Israelis should go back to original homes

By JPOST.COM STAFF

Iranian president at 'Intifada Conference' says Palestinians should also "go home" and this would provide "simple solution" to solve conflict.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that in order to solve the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the "Palestinians should go home," and "those that were brought [to Israel]" should as well, AFP reported.

Ahmadinejad said that this program would provide a "simple solution" to the "Zionist regime" should it wish "to solve the issue."

The Iranian president made the comments during a two-day International Conference on Palestine, attended by diplomats from more than 20 nations.

Earlier on Sunday, Ahmadinejad asked whether the Palestinian issue was an Arab issue or a problem between the Arab nations on the one side and some western countries on the other side, according to the IRNA news agency.

He then questioned whether it "was a problem between khamArab nations on the one hand and some Jews who have occupied the Palestinian lands on the other."

Ahmadinejad's comments a day after Iran's supreme ruler, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, came out against a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while speaking during at the conference.

Khamenei said that the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel amounts to a renouncement of the Palestinian rights, asserting that any solution to the conflict must be based on a principle of "the whole Palestine for all Palestinians," PressTV reported.

Hamas: 'Resistance' against Israel is only option left for Palestinians

Hamas leader Khaled Meshal addresses Tehran conference 'in support of the Palestinian Intifada'; Iranian supreme leader tells conference that UN bid for statehood will fail.

By The Associated Press and Haaretz

Hamas leader Khaled Meshal told an international conference in Iran on Saturday that "resistance" was the only option left for the Palestinians.

Meshal was addressing the "5th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada" in Iran’s capital Tehran.

	In this photo released by the Hamas Media Office, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shakes hands with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal Cairo, Egypt on May 4, 2011.
	Photo by: AP

"Palestinians must resort to resistance no matter how costly it is, until Palestine is free and Israel is destroyed," Meshal said.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also spoke at the conference on Saturday, assailed a two state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, saying the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations is doomed to fail.

Khamenei told the conference, which was attended by other by senior Palestinian militant leaders as well as Mashaal, that the Palestinians should not limit themselves to seeking a country based on the pre-1967 borders because "all land belongs to Palestinians."

"Our claim is freedom of Palestine, not part of Palestine. Any plan that partitions Palestine is totally rejected," Khamenei told the conference.

"Palestine spans from the river (Jordan) to the sea (Mediterranean), nothing less."

Khamenei claimed that a two state solution would mean "giving in to the demand of the Zionists" and that it would "trample the rights of the Palestinian people" to live on their land.

Khamenei also called Israel a "cancerous tumor" that should be removed.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed its opposition to the Palestinian bid for statehood in the UN, led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Last week, Gaza’s Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh accused Abbas.of relinquishing Palestinian rights by seeking recognition for a state in the pre-1967 borders.

"The Palestinian people do not beg the world for a state, and the state can't be created through decisions and initiatives," Haniyeh said. "States liberate their land first and then the political body can be established."

Iranian Jihadists at the Gate

Via: familysecuritymatters.org

Video shows regime's intent.

Reza Kahlili

 

America!! It’s time to wake up: There’s an Iranian missile base in Venezuela; The Iranian Navy is starting a mission in the Atlantic Ocean and into the Gulf of Mexico; Iranian missiles are being armed with nuclear warheads; Iran now has enough enriched uranium for six nuclear bombs; and Iran has hundreds of terrorist cells in the U.S. and in Europe.

 

For decades I have tirelessly tried to warn the West about the ideology and agenda of the radicals ruling Iran. I have urged the West to help the people of Iran with their aspirations for freedom and democracy. I have tried to help the West understand the determination of these radicals in their quest to bring about death, destruction and disaster to the world.

 

However, the Western leaders have instead chosen to allow these radicals not only to slaughter the freedom loving people of Iran but to arm themselves to the teeth and to continue developing their nuclear program unabated, which only emboldens them and confirms their belief that Allah is protecting them — that they are on the right path.

 

In May, I reported that the Revolutionary Guards were building a missile base in Venezuela (Opinion: Iran is Building a Secret Missile Installation in Venezuela). The leaders of Iran and Venezuela hailed what they called their strong strategic relationship, saying they are united in efforts to establish a “New World Order” that will eliminate Western dominance over global affairs.

 

I revealed back in July (KAHLILI: Iranian missiles could soon reach U.S. shores) that the Guards have armed their naval vessels with long range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles; that the Iranian Navy plans to start missions in the Atlantic Ocean and into the Gulf of Mexico — off the shores of America’s eastern and southern coasts.

 

Yesterday, Reuters reported that Iran says it is ready to deploy its Navy near the U.S. coast. It is important to now understand that the danger posed by the Jihadists in Tehran is not only an existential threat to Israel, but soon it will be an existential threat to the U.S.

 

I also revealed several months ago that the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has ordered the Guards to arm their missiles with nuclear warheads (Does Iran Now Have Nuclear Capable Warheads?). America needs to understand that we cannot fail. We cannot allow them to get the bomb.

 

The Islamic regime in Iran now has enough enriched uranium for six nuclear bombs. They continue to defy four separate sets of UN sanctions and will soon be arming their missiles with nuclear warheads. Not only will they destroy Israel, but with only one nuclear armed missile for an Electromagnetic Pulse attack, they could bring about the demise of America, as promised by the leaders of Iran. Should that attack occur, over two- thirds of the U.S. population will lose their lives.

 

 

If that’s not enough, they have now announced the existence of Hezbollah cells in the U.S. and in the heart of Europe. Their only mission is to destroy the West. The radicals in Iran truly believe that the timing is right, that the time is now for the final glorification of Allah!

 

See video below of the Islamic regime’s theorist, Rahim Poor Azgadi, calling for Jihad in America and Europe:

 

 

Family Security Matters Contributor Reza Kahlili is a pseudonym for an ex-CIA spy who requires anonymity for safety reasons.  He is a senior fellow with EMPact America and the author of A Time to Betray, a book about his double-life as a CIA agent in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, published by Threshold Editions, Simon & Schuster, April 2010.  A Time to Betray was the winner of the 2010 National Best Book Award and the 2011 International Best Book Award.

Iranian pastor and apostate from Islam refuses for a fourth time to renounce Christianity to avoid death penalty

Via: jihadwatch.org

 

Youcef Nadarkhani could be executed at any time. An update on this story. "Iranian Pastor Sentenced to Death: Nadarkhani Refuses to Convert," from International Business Times, September 29 (thanks to Kenneth):

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who is facing the death penalty, again refused to convert to Islam to save his life.

Nadarkhani was arrested in 2009 for the crime of apostasy because he allegedly abandoned Islam for Christianity. As a pastor, Iranian clerics believe that Nadarkhani was preaching in order to convert Muslims.

Like apostasy, the propagation of non-Islamic religions is forbidden under Islamic law.

Before his last hearing Wednesday, Nadarkhani had been given three previous chances to repent, and all three times he has refused. After his final refusal Wednesday, no verdict has been announced, but many expect that he could be put to death as soon as Friday.

The case has slowly garnered international attention, and there are a number of Christian rights groups advocating for his release.

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner also has spoken out against Iran. "While Iran's government claims to promote tolerance, it continues to imprison many of its people because of their faith. This goes beyond the law to an issue of fundamental respect for human dignity. I urge Iran's leaders to abandon this dark path, spare [Nadarkhani's] life, and grant him a full and unconditional release," said Boehner.

There were rumors on Wednesday night that Nadarkhani's execution sentence was to be waived after the final trial, but contradicting reports indicate that the news was incorrect.

"We've had some reports that there has been a verbal announcement from the court in Iran that the sentence is annulled but we urge caution," said Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a religious group campaigning for Nadarkhani's release.

"It's been known that verbal announcements have been directly contradicted by later written statements. We are still calling for international pressure to be kept up."

The American Center for Law and Justice said in a message titled "Troubling News" that the rumors were spread by the Iranian secret service in an attempt to get the media to stop reporting the story. ACLJ said Nadarkhani's lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah called the center Wednesday to say the death sentence hasn't been overturned.

Even if the sentence were commuted, Nadarkhani could still face life in prison. And even if he were released, there would still be danger.

"In Iran about 18 years ago, they had released a pastor, but then came and assassinated him and his bishop later. We cannot stop the pressure," Pastor Firouz Sadegh-Khandjani, a Member of the Council of Elders for the Church of Iran, told the ACLJ.

Between June 2010 and January 2011, more than 200 people in Iran were arrested for their religious beliefs, according to Elam Ministries, a United Kingdom-based church with ties to Iran....

Iran Mass-Produces New Missile and Rejects ‘Hot Line’ Idea With America

Via: nytimes.com

Iranian President’s Office, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran unveiling the new missile 'Qader'

at a news conference in August in Tehran.

By RICK GLADSTONE

Iran announced the mass production of a new cruise missile on Wednesday, the latest in a series of belligerent-sounding proclamations from that country in the face of its increased isolation by a Western-led group of nations worried about Iran’s nuclear program and avowed hostility toward Israel.

Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, Iran’s defense minister, said the new missile, first unveiled a month ago and known as the Qader, which means Able in Farsi, had been mass-produced “as quickly as possible,” the country’s state-run media reported. The missile, designed to destroy warships and coastal targets, has a range of about 125 miles, the media said.

The announcement coincided with front-page headlines in a number of Iranian newspapers quoting the head of Iran’s navy, Rear Adm. Habibollah Sayyari, as saying he intended to deploy Iranian warships close to the Atlantic coast of the United States to reciprocate for the patrols in the Persian Gulf by the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet. The patrols are a constant source of irritation to Iran.

“Like the arrogant powers that are present near our marine borders, we will also have a powerful presence close to American marine borders,” the official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted him as saying.

The admiral gave no indication when such deployments might happen or how many ships he intended to dispatch. Nor was there any explanation of how the vessels, thousands of miles from home in unfriendly territory, might refuel or replenish supplies.

Obama administration officials downplayed the Iranian admiral’s remarks. Jay Carney, the White House spokesman, told reporters in Washington that the United States did not take them seriously “given that they do not at all reflect Iran’s naval capabilities.”

In another slap at the United States, General Vahidi also rejected any thought of creating a telephone hotline between Tehran and Washington. The idea that was floated a few weeks ago by Adm. Mike Mullen, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a way of avoiding an accidental confrontation in the Persian Gulf, where American and Iranian naval vessels and aircraft sometimes operate within sight of each other.

Admiral Mullen noted that even “in the darkest days of the Cold War” the United States and Soviet Union had such a relationship, and that he worried about the absence of a hot-line connection with Iran.

“We do not need such a line in the region,” General Vahidi said, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. “They are seeking to set up a hotline in order to solve any potential tensions, whereas we believe if they leave the region, there will be no tension.”

His remarks may also have been an indirect slap at Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who endorsed the idea of a hot line when asked about it last week at a news conference at the end of his visit to the United Nations. Mr. Ahmadinejad’s standing within Iran’s hierarchy is in question because of his clashes with Parliament and the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran’s latest military pronouncements come against a backdrop of continued foreign skepticism about its claims of peaceful nuclear energy development. Even Turkey, which has cordial relations with Iran, recently agreed to be one of the host countries for part of a new missile-interceptor system designed by the United States, which has expressed concern that Iran may be developing a nuclear weapon that can be delivered via a long-range missile.

Last week, American officials confirmed that the Obama administration had quietly provided Israel with bombs capable of destroying buried targets, including sites in Iran that could possibly house such a nuclear weapons program. Israel considers Iran its most dangerous enemy, and had been pressuring the United States for a supply of the so-called “bunker-busting” bombs .

Ahmadinejad says Iran, Sudan are allies against 'powers of arrogance'

Via: CNN

By Isma'il Kushkush, For CNN

 

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (L) meets with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in the capital Khartoum during his official visit on September 26.

Khartoum, Sudan (CNN) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lashed out Monday at "the powers of arrogance," saying that both Sudan and Iran were subject to "pressures" from the West because of their political positions.


"They pressure Sudan and Iran; why? Because we stand against the powers of arrogance," Ahmadinejad said during a visit to Khartoum.


Speaking to a crowd of cheering youths, students and supporters in Khartoum's Friendship Hall, Ahmadinejad criticized Europe and the United States for what he described as the "stealing" of Africa's wealth.


"They stole the riches of Africa," he said.


"Despite this wealth, we see poverty and deprivation."


Ahmadinejad arrived in Khartoum Monday morning on his way back to Iran after speaking to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and after a brief stop in Mauritania.


Western delegates walked out of his speech at the U.N.after he repeatedly condemned the United States and said some countries use the Holocaust as an "excuse to pay ransom... to Zionists."


"They don't want to see Sudan strong so they pressured it into a referendum," he said, in reference to the South Sudan referendum that led to the independence of South Sudan last July.


"Could there be a referendum in Europe, in the Basque (region of Spain) and other areas?" he asked.

"I am sure if there was a neutral referendum in the U.S., some states would secede from the U.S.," he continued.


"The waves of consciences have started especially in the Muslim lands," he said, in reference to the popular revolutions that have sprung out in the Arab world.


Earlier, Ahmadinejad and Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir met, along with a large team of ministers from both countries.


"We are looking for more economic cooperation with sisterly Iran," al-Bashir said in a meeting.

"We confirm our support for Iran's right to develop its nuclear technology for peaceful purposes," he added.

In a joint statement by both governments, Iran stated that it was "ready to transfer its experience in the science and manufacturing sectors, especially technical and engineering services, to improve Sudan's infrastructure."

List of nations that walked out of Ahmadinejad's speech

Here is the best list I could piece together of nations that walked out when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad started spouting about the Holocaust.

• Australia
• Austria 
• Belgium 
• Bulgaria 
• Canada (boycotted the speech)
• Cyprus 
• Czech Republic 
• Denmark 
• Estonia 
• Finland 
• France 
• Germany 
• Greece 
• Hungary 
• Ireland 
• Israel (boycotted the speech)
• Italy 
• Latvia 
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania 
• Luxembourg 
• Macedonia
• Malta 
• Monaco
• Netherlands 
• New Zealand
• Poland 
• Portugal 
• Romania 
• San Marino
• Slovakia 
• Slovenia 
• Somalia
• Spain 
• Sweden 
• United Kingdom 
• United States

Iran Threatens Turkey, Reveals Missile Silos

Soon those silos will contain nuclear-tipped missiles.

 

by 'Reza Kahlili'

Iranian regime-run site Entekhab reports:

According to sources close to the Iranian regime, who were interviewed by Al-Manar [Hezbollah affiliated TV run out of Lebanon], Iran’s resolve is as strong as a rock and defending Damascus is as much of a priority as defending Beirut and Tehran. … Tehran does not meddle in any of the events taking place in Syria.

Quoting the Iraqi daily newspaper Al-Akhbar, Entekhab wrote:

Tehran has threatened Turkey by announcing that Iran will bomb every single NATO and U.S. base in Turkey, should they allow any attacks on Syria to be launched from within Turkish soil. The Iranian regime believes protecting Syria to be as important as protecting both Lebanon and Iran.

Though Iranian regime officials have claimed that this threat has not affected Turkish-Iranian relations, there are reports that privately a number of Turkish officials are extremely incensed by the Iranian regime’s belligerence. So far, neither Iran nor Turkey has publicly commented on this matter.

I revealed on May 9 that Ayatollah Khamenei held a covert meeting in Tehran with commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, representatives of the Syrian embassy, members of Hezbollah, and leaders of the Sadr movement. There, he demanded that all operational and logistic forces be applied in order to stamp out the blaze of sedition in Syria and to destroy those who are enemies of God in that country. The Iranian supreme leader called the Syrian protesters an enemy of God who are plotting against Islam. One week after that meeting, reports from sources within Iran indicated a dispatch of Guard forces to Damascus via four planes filled with guns, ammunition, and other military equipment.

The Iranian leaders are extremely worried about the situation in Syria as the fall of the Assad government will be a big blow to the Islamic regime in Tehran. Syria has provided the gateway for the expansion of the Iranian terror networks needed to influence the events in the Middle East, and a change in Syria could mean the start of the demise of radicals in Iran.

read more: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/iran-threatens-turkey-reveals-missile-silos/

Iranian Official: ‘We Will Use Our Missiles To Protect Other Muslim States’

Such a warning has never come from the regime before.

 by 'Reza Kahlili'

Last Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani — while at the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Indonesia — stated that Iran will use its missiles to defend other Muslim nations if threatened.

This is the first time that a high-ranking Iranian official has issued such a warning. In effect, Iran is expanding its defense strategy from protecting their own sovereignty to a “defensive umbrella” over other Islamic nations.

Larijani based his argument on what he called “the school of the late Ayatollah Khomeini,” the founder of the Islamic Republic: Muslims should possess enough defensive strength to use against other countries should one of those countries attack. Larijani further stated:

We do not hide our defensive advancement and (we) have designed advanced missile systems. … Israel and the U.S. should know that if they want to act violently toward Muslims, we will stand in their way.

read more: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/iranian-official-%e2%80%98we-will-use-our-missiles-to-protect-other-muslim-states%e2%80%99/

Saudis permit Israeli jets to pass over to Iran

London Times reports Saudis carry out defense missile tests aimed at allowing Israeli warplanes to pass through airspace on way to bomb nuclear facilities in Iran. 'We will let them through and see nothing,' says source

Saudi Arabia has carried out tests of its missile defense systems aimed at allowing Israeli warplanes to pass over its territory on their way to strike nuclear facilities in Iran, defense sources in the Persian Gulf told the London Times Saturday.

Ynet

Published:  Israel News

Passing over Saudi Arabia would shorten the flight to the Islamic Republic. According to the report, the missile tests were carried out in order to ensure that Israeli planes will not be shot down while flying over the kingdom's territory.

read more: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3903864,00.html

Israel Is Cancer and Must Be Uprooted: New Hamas Rep to Tehran, Ultimate Goal Is to Destroy the Zionist Regime

• Posted by Naked Emperor News

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency)

New Hamas representative to Tehran told in an inaugural interview that the ultimate goal of the movement was to free the entire Palestinian land, destroy the Zionist regime and rescue the revered Quds from the claws of the Zionists.

Khaled al-Qoddoumi said Hamas would not pay any attention to the negative propaganda of the western media that Hamas should or would withdraw from the path of resistance.

In a first interview with Iranian media after arriving in Tehran, Qoddoumi, who replaced Osama abd al-Mo’ti early in May, said Israel has no belief in living alongside the Palestinian nation.

The senior Hamas member refuted any option of compromise with Israel and underlined resistance as the only way of struggling with the occupiers and restoring the rights of the Palestinian nation. He predicted that one day, the Quds would return to the lap of the world of Islam.

read more: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/israel-is-cancer-and-must-be-uprooted-new-hamas-rep-to-tehran-ultimate-goal-is-to-destroy-the-zionist-regime/

Palestinian Activist: Israel Likely to Destroy Al Aqsa through Artificial Quake

Analyst: Zionist Lobbies Thwart Improvement of US Ties with Iran

Show support for Israel

It has been well documented that Iran directly influences Hamas, with many calling Hamas a "puppet" terrorist organization for Iran. Now, Iranian President Ahmadinejad's spiritual mentor is calling for suicide attacks against Israeli civilians - including Israeli children - saying that such attacks are not only "allowed," but are even "an obligation."

The impact of these statements cannot be underestimated. It is clear that Hamas has the blessing of Iran to continue its brutal terror attacks against the people of Israel.

To side with Hamas is to not only side with the terrorist organization, but also to fuel the dangerous Iranian regime. We must show our support for Israel against these outrageous attacks.

Stand with Israel, and send a powerful message to President Obama that we must support our greatest ally in the region, not the terrorists - Hamas and Iran. Sign our Petition to Protect Israel, Not Terrorists.

In appreciation for taking action in support of Israel, I would like to give you two vitally important resources absolutely free - the ACLJ's powerful full-length film, The Export: Radical Islam's Map to End Democracy, and our new booklet, Shari'ah Law: Radical Islam's Threat to the U.S. Constitution.

In The Export, world-renowned experts in Middle East affairs detail for you the threat of radical Islam. This film specifically explains the background behind Iran's dangerous influence on the region, including its control over Hamas and the threat that poses to Israel.

Our booklet on Shari'ah law focuses on the system of laws that radical nations like Iran and Islamic terrorist organizations like Hamas wish to impose on the entire world, including here in the United States.

These resources are critical for you to understand the drastic nature of the threat to Israel and the world.

The threat posed by Hamas and its Iranian backers against Israel continues to grow daily, and it is one we must take very seriously.

Hamas has not only succeeded in infiltrating the Palestinian Authority by joining in the "Unity Government," but there is evidence that their terrorist influence is radicalizing the Palestinian government. Today, there are reports that members of Fatah - the supposedly "moderate" party that has joined with Hamas to form the "Unity Government" - are doing exactly what Ahmadinejad's spiritual mentor has urged and are now under investigation for planning suicide bombings against Israeli civilians.

We must urge President Obama to reverse his support for the Iran-backed, terrorist-led Palestinian government, stop fueling the terrorists with the use of their language by calling Israel a force of "occupation," and withdraw his call for Israel to return to the indefensible 1967 lines.

Let Israel know that despite what the President says - the American people support Israel. Join with the thousands of other Americans who have already done so, and sign our Petition to Protect Israel, Not Terrorists.

It is crucial for us to take a stand now, before Hamas joins the Palestinian Authority, which could occur within the next two weeks.

If you have already signed this petition, thank you! I urge you to forward this email to your friends and encourage them to stand with Israel and receive their free copies of The Export DVD and our Shari'ah Law booklet.

Thank you again for your support for Israel and the ACLJ. As always, I will continue to keep you informed as events unfold in this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Jay Sekulow,
ACLJ Chief Counsel

Pakistan, Iran ‘pillars of Muslim brotherhood’

 

 

Our correspondentWednesday, May 25, 2011

 

Islamabad

A delegation of the Al-Mustafa University, Iran, led by Pakistan Affairs Director General Professor Sajjad Hashmian, called on International Islamic University (IIU) Rector Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik here on Tuesday.

Gulzar Ahmad Khwaja, director general (Administration, Finance and Planning), IIU, Saqib Akbar, renowned writer and chairman of the Akhuwat Academy, Dr. Javed Hamdani, a scholar and Persian language expert, were present on the occasion.

Talking to the delegation, Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik said that Pakistan and Iran have cultural, religious and geographical importance for each other. Similarly, the foundations of both universities are common to promote Islamic as well as modern education. “Pakistan and Iran are the strong elements of Muslim brotherhood bond. This relationship will be much stronger in future,” he said.

Professor Sajjad Hashmian said that the IIU is striving for the same cause just like Al-Mustafa University, Iran. He invited the IIU rector to visit Al-Mustafa University to promote bilateral understandings between the two universities.

Professor Hashmian said that the Al-Mustafa University has several branches in other countries but unfortunately not in Pakistan.

 

 

 

http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=48958&Cat=6&dt=5/25/2011

 

Surprise! Iran May Still Be Developing Nuclear Weapons

by Billy Hallowell

A forthcoming report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will, once again, sound the alarm on Iran’s continued quest to build nuclear weapons. Despite increased scrutiny and penalties from the international community, Iranian leaders appear undeterred. Politico has more:

In the report, the IAEA said it was still assessing “further information related to such possible undisclosed nuclear-related activities” as member states provided evidence suggesting that Iran has continued its nuclear program.

The report also found that a mysterious Syrian installation bombed four years ago by Israel was likely a nearly completed nuclear reactor. That’s the most definitive the IAEA has been about the building’s use since the attack that destroyed the facility.

And according to the AP:

“The agency remains concerned about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed nuclear related activities … including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile,” said the IAEA. Overall the report said the agency cannot “conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities.”

Currently, Iran is under four sets of U.N. Security Council sanctions. Earlier today, in an effort to further isolate the Middle Eastern nation while punishing companies that do business with its regime, the Obama administration targeted seven foreign companies with sanctions. Additional sanctions were imposed on 15 individuals and companies “…in China, Iran, North Korea, Syria and elsewhere for illicit trading in missile technology and weapons of mass destruction.” And it doesn’t end there:

In addition to the Iran sanctions, the administration imposed penalties on 16 individuals and firms from Belarus, China, North Korea, Syria and Venezuela for violating the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act by selling or buying sensitive equipment and technology related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile systems.

Watch U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg explain the sanctions:

Exit question: What steps will the United States and the international community take if the sanctions do not dissuade Iran from continuing its nuclear program?

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/surprise-iran-is-still-developing-nuclear-weapons/

Ahmadinejad: There's a US plot to save 'Zionist regime'

 

By JPOST.COM STAFF 
05/24/2011

After fatal explosion at Abadan refinery, Iranian president says US, its allies, Israel are "main enemies of nations."

 

The US is engaged in plots to save Israel and protect its own interests, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday, according to a PressTV report.

Speaking at the inauguration of an oil refinery in the southern city of Abadan, Ahmadinejad slammed Washington, saying “Their scheme is to save the Zionist regime (Israel), global arrogance and US interests. The speech came after an explosion at the refinery killed two people and injured 12.

"The main enemies of nations are the US, its allies and the Zionist regime. All regional countries must be vigilant," he was quoted as saying.

Ahmadinejad further criticized the US, saying to Washington, "Anywhere there is a dictator, he is supported by you ... he is your stooge.”

On the US political establishment, the Iranian president asked, “What is the difference between a country ruled by one or two [dictators] for thirty to forty years and a country dominated by two parties for many years?” PressTV reported.

He accused the US of hatching schemes for every Arab country in the region, saying that Washington used countries "to reach its objectives but pushed them aside once it achieved its goals," PressTV said.

The US is scheming "to pit regional nations and countries against each other and to wage a war between them," the Iranian president added.

He reiterated earlier warnings that a "new Middle East and North Africa is about to emerge without the dominance of the US or the existence of the Israeli regime."

“The world of colonialism is about to fall apart and nations will see the collapse of capitalism in the near future,” Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying.

 

 

 

 

http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=221987

Court Filings Assert Iran Had Link to 9/11 Attacks

By BENJAMIN WEISER and SCOTT SHANE

Published: May 19, 2011

Two defectors from Iran’s intelligence service have testified that Iranian officials had “foreknowledge of the 9/11 attacks,” according to a court filing Thursday in a federal lawsuit in Manhattan that seeks damages for Iran’s “direct support for, and sponsorship of, the most deadly act of terrorism in American history.”

 

 

Hussein Malla/Associated Press

Imad Mugniyah, the Hezbollah leader killed in 2008, also was accused of a role in 9/11.

One of the defectors also claimed that Iran was involved in planning the attacks, the filing said. The defectors’ identities and testimony were not revealed in the filing but were being submitted to a judge under seal, said lawyers who brought the original suit against Iran on behalf of families of dozens of 9/11 victims.
The suit’s allegation that Iran had foreknowledge of the attacks is hard to assess fully, given that the defectors’ testimony is being filed under seal.

The suit contends that Iran and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization with close ties to Tehran, helped Al Qaeda in planning the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and in facilitating the hijackers’ training and travel. After the attacks, the suit contends, Iran and Hezbollah helped Qaeda operatives escape, providing some with a safe haven in Iran.

The question of an Iranian connection to 9/11 was raised by the national 9/11 commission and has long been debated. Al Qaeda, which adheres to a radical Sunni theology, routinely denounces the Shiite sect that holds power in Iran, and the terrorist network’s branch in Iraq has often made Shiites targets of bombings. But intelligence officials have long believed there has been limited, wary cooperation between Al Qaeda and Iran against the United States as a common enemy.

The lawsuit also names as defendants Iranian officials and ministries, Hezbollah and Al Qaeda, among others. The families’ lawyers have asked for a default judgment against the defendants, which have not mounted a defense. Even if there were such a judgment, legal experts say it would not be easy to collect monetary damages.

In their court papers, the lawyers assert that Imad Mugniyah, as the military chief of Hezbollah, was a terrorist agent for Iran, and that he traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2000 to help with preparations for the 9/11 attacks.

Mr. Mugniyah, who was killed in 2008, had been accused by American officials of planning a series of major terrorist attacks and kidnappings, including the 1983 bombings of the United States Embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

The 9/11 commission report said there was “strong evidence that Iran facilitated the transit of Al Qaeda members into and out of Afghanistan before 9/11, and that some of these were future 9/11 hijackers.” The report also said there was circumstantial evidence that senior Hezbollah operatives were closely tracking the travel of some of the hijackers into Iran in November 2000.

But the commission said that it had “found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9/11 attack,” and that the “topic requires further investigation by the U.S. government.”

Thomas E. Mellon Jr., a lawyer for the families, said the suit, first brought in Washington in 2002 and later moved to Manhattan, sought to do that investigation.

Ellen Saracini, whose husband, the United Airlines pilot Victor J. Saracini, was killed when his plane was hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center, said she became involved with the suit because she wanted answers. “We now know,” she said, “who assisted Al Qaeda — Iran did — and we want our American justice system to find Iran accountable.”

The lawyers’ filing included reports of 10 specialists on Iran and terrorism, including former 9/11 commission staff members and ex-C.I.A. officers. “These experts make it clear that 9/11 depended upon Iranian assistance to Al Qaeda in acquiring clean passports and visas to enter the United States,” Mr. Mellon said.
But the expert reports do not in most cases seem to go as far as the defectors in contending Iran had foreknowledge of the attacks.

The filing says the defectors worked in Iran’s Ministry of Information and Security “in positions that gave them access to sensitive information regarding Iran’s state sponsorship of terrorism.” It says they have reason to fear for the safety of themselves and their families “should their identities and the content of their testimony be revealed publicly.”

Benjamin Weiser reported from New York, and Scott Shane from Washington.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/middleeast/20terror.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss