Wall Street Journal: The classified U.S. documents released over the weekend—including graphic depictions of torture at the hands of the Iraqi security services—have roiled the already-tense political situation in Iraq, as political parties struggle to form a new government.
Leaks on war fuel rivalries in Baghdad
Iran crude storage at sea falls on strong Asia demand
Reuters: The volume of Iranian crude stored at sea has fallen by as much as 4 million barrels because of a spike in Asian demand this month, traders and shipping sources said.
Iran, Iraq leaders discuss boosting ties: state TV
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad telephoned his Iraqi counterpart Jalal Talabani and discussed boosting relations between the two neighbours, state media reported on Monday.
U.S. warns Turkey against selling Adabank to Iran, Star reports
Bloomberg: The U.S. government warned Turkey against selling Adabank AS to an Iranian bidder after reports a bank from the country was interested in the lender, Star reported.
Iran denies payments to Afghan president’s chief of staff
AFP: The Iranian embassy in Kabul on Monday denied as “ridiculous and insulting” a New York Times report alleging that Tehran has sent Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s chief of staff cash payments.
Iran sidesteps trade sanctions with help from Chinese firms
Los Angeles Times: Iranian officials say international sanctions haven’t kept them from continuing to do business with much of the world. At the Tehran International Industry Fair this month, leaders boasted in a brochure that 25 countries were taking part.
Bolivian president in Iran to seek investments
AFP: Bolivian President Evo Morales was in Tehran on Monday on a three-day visit aimed at securing Iranian investment in the South American country, the English-language Press TV reported.
Iran says some academic courses too “Western”
Reuters: Iran will not allow its universities to begin teaching certain disciplines it deems too “Western,” and existing courses will be revised, a senior Education Ministry was quoted as saying Sunday.
Activists call for continued protests in Iran
Iran Focus: Tehran, Oct. 24 – From the Grapevine… Reports from the southern Tehran districts of Shoush and Khazaneh as well as Edam (Execution) Square say that leaflets have been distributed urging people to challenge Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by taking part in anti-government protests on the Shiite holy day of Ashura (27 December).
Thief hand cut off ‘before inmates’
Press Association: Authorities in Iran have amputated the hand of a convicted thief in front of other prisoners, state radio is reporting.
