AP: President Barack Obama signaled Tuesday he would consider U.S. military action against Syria if “hard, effective evidence” is found to bolster intelligence that chemical weapons have been used in the 2-year-old civil war.
Obama hints at potential military action in Syria
Iran continues crackdown on Sufis
Huffington Post: Iran continues to arrest Sufi mystics. The victims of state suppression represent the Gonabadi-Nimatullahi order, the main body of traditional metaphysical Muslims in the country.
The window of opportunity that cannot be missed
Iran Focus: For those closely watching events in Iran, these are defining moments. If the United States and her allies miss the valuable potentials that these sensitive moments offer, future developments will not be as generous.
Iraq: Sectarian faultlines widen amid chaos
UPI: Iraq is approaching a security meltdown as a land-and-oil dispute between the Shiite-dominated government and independence-minded Kurds escalates along with sectarian violence between Shiites and minority Sunnis.
Iran: chemicals `red line’ but seeks rebel probe
AP: Iran’s foreign minister is insisting that use of chemical weapons in Syria would also be a “red line” for Tehran, but suggests rebel forces should be investigated rather than the Islamic Republic’s allies in Damascus.
Sources say senior Iranian diplomat detained in March
Reuters: A senior Iranian diplomat linked to Iran’s reformists was detained in Tehran in March, possibly as part of a crackdown on dissidents ahead of the June presidential election, sources familiar with the case told Reuters on Tuesday.
Hezbollah hints at possible Syria intervention
AP: The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group said Tuesday that Syrian rebels will not be able to defeat President Bashar Assad’s regime militarily, strongly suggesting that Syria’s “real friends” including his Iranian-backed militant group would intervene on the government’s side if the need arises.
Nigeria court delays verdict against Iran ‘arms dealer’
AFP: A Nigerian judge on Tuesday postponed his verdict against an alleged member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards who is charged with an illegal arms shipment.
Iran opposes creation of buffer zone in Syria
Xinhua: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, expressed Monday his country’s opposition to the creation of a buffer zone in Syria.
Iran moves American Christian into solitary confinement over prayer protest
Fox News: The American pastor jailed in Iran for his faith has been placed in solitary confinement and may now be suffering organ failure, according to family members in Iran who are increasingly alarmed at his deteriorating health.
