New York Times: Last week, the Treasury Department accused the Iranian government of aiding Al Qaeda and blacklisted six Qaeda operatives for funneling money through Iran. Although Treasury’s announcement, coupled with existing sanctions, has put some pressure on Tehran, much more can be done. Indeed, the White House should take action in its own backyard.
To punish Iran, seize its embassy
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, ‘moderate’
Wall Street Journal Europe: Ayatollah Khamenei’s political spectacle continues to fool Western observers.
Time for Iran to show mercy and free two U.S. hikers
Washington Post – Editorial: Two years ago, American hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, both 29, were arrested by Iranian officials along the Iraqi border. They have been jailed ever since in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison.
Delay on Iraq decision threatens smooth withdrawal
AP: Iraq’s indecision on whether to ask American forces to stay beyond the end of the year is pushing the U.S. close to the point where a smooth, safe troop withdrawal will be jeopardized, the top U.S. military officer said Monday as he arrived in the country.
Iran’s president to attend UN General Assembly in New York
DPA: Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, a foreign ministry spokesman said Monday.
Iran oil minister-designate has strategic views, Press TV says
Bloomberg: The Revolutionary Guards commander who has been nominated by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be the new oil minister is a suitable choice, given his “strategic” outlook on the energy industry, Press TV reported, citing the head of the parliament’s energy committee.
Indian refiners start clearing Iran debt via Turkey
Reuters: Iran is receiving long overdue payments for its oil exports to India as two major buyers have started using a Turkish bank to get around U.S.-led moves to isolate the Islamic Republic, industry sources said on Monday.
Iran says oil row with India resolved
AFP: Iran’s oil ministry said on Sunday a five-billion-dollar oil payments dispute with India has been resolved without any interruption of crude exports.
Verdict ‘soon’ on US hikers in Iran: television
AFP: The trial of three US hikers detained two years ago on espionage charges was completed Sunday and a verdict will be issued “soon,” Al-Alam television said, quoting Iran’s general prosecutor.
Lawyer: Iran may free US hikers soon
VOA: The lawyer for two Americans jailed in Iran on spying charges says a Sunday hearing in their case could be an indication that they will be freed soon.
