BBC: Tens of thousands of Iraqis have joined demonstrations against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shia, in the mainly Sunni province of Anbar.
Iraq Sunni protests in Anbar against Nouri al-Maliki
Iraq star rises in OPEC as embargo uurts Iran
Bloomberg: Iraq jumped two places to No. 2 in OPEC’s rankings this year, cementing its position among the world’s leading oil producers. Neighboring Iran dropped three spots to fifth as international sanctions took hold.
Inside the West’s economic war with Iran
Reuters: In his first week as U.S. president, Barack Obama told Iran’s leaders he would extend a hand if they would “unclench their fist” and persuade the West they weren’t trying to build a nuclear bomb.
Obama signs law against Iran Latin America influence
AFP: President Barack Obama enacted a law to counter Iran’s alleged influence in Latin America, through a new diplomatic and political strategy to be designed by the State Department.
Iran begins naval maneuvers near Strait of Hormuz
AP: Iran’s state TV is reporting the country’s navy has begun maneuvers in the area of the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
Iran’s Qashqavi rejects military base remarks reports, TV says
Bloomberg: Iranian deputy foreign minister Hassan Qashqavi rejected reports citing him as saying that Iran would open its Parchin military base to the United Nations’ atomic agency if there is an end to threats against the country.
Iranian sanctions do little to deter nuclear program
UPI: The time line in 2012 begins in early January with the European Union agreeing to join the United Stated in imposing tougher sanctions on Iran that target the country’s economic lifeline, its oil exports, as a means of unmasking and putting a stop to a suspected nuclear weapons program.
Iran may open military site to UN nuclear watchdog
AP: An Iranian official is saying the country may open a controversial military site to inspectors of the United Nations nuclear watchdog.
Iran president sacks cabinet’s sole woman
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sacked the sole woman in his cabinet, Health Minister Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi, state television reported on Thursday.
Sasol says Arya polymer sale talks continue as Iran denies exit
Bloomberg: Sasol Ltd. (SOL), the largest producer of motor fuel from coal, said discussions continue with potential buyers of its stake in Arya Sasol Polymer Co., amid reports that an Iranian official denied the company plans to withdraw.
