AFP: Iran is funding extremist groups in Iraq out of fear of a strong democracy as a neighbor, the commander of US forces in Iraq said Sunday.
Iran working against Iraqi democracy: US general
Nabucco group scraps plan for Iranian gas supply
Dow Jones: European energy companies have shelved a plan to source gas from Iran to Europe via the European Union-backed Nabucco gas pipeline given Iran’s political situation, the Nabucco consortium said Monday.
16 wounded in violent demo over Iraq power rationing
AFP: Dozens of Iraqis violently protested in the southern city of Nasiriyah to demand better power supplies, wounding 16 people including 10 policemen, witnesses and officials said on Sunday.
U.S. ready to resume Iraq combat role if needed – Odierno
Reuters: The top U.S. military commander in Iraq said local security forces will be ready for the withdrawal of American troops next year but the United States could return to combat operations if needed.
Venezuela defends controversial flights to Iran and Syria
CNN: Venezuela’s ambassador to the United States is defending his country’s controversial airline service to the capitals of Syria and Iran — both countries that are designated by the U.S. as state sponsors of terrorism.
No ‘risk’ from Iran’s Russian-built nuclear plant: US
AFP: The United States sees no “proliferation risk” from Iran’s Russian-built first nuclear power plant at Bushehr that was loaded with fuel Saturday, the State Department said.
Odierno weighs in on Iraq’s immediate future, Iran’s intentions
CNN: The top U.S. military commander in Iraq says the Middle Eastern country is on its way to being ready for next year’s planned withdrawal of remaining U.S. troops, but Gen. Ray Odierno is also sounding a cautionary note about the intentions of one of its key neighbors.
Ahmadinejad unveils new ‘bomber’ drone
AFP: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unveiled on Sunday a new long-range drone, dubbed Karar, which reportedly can bomb targets at high speed, state television reported.
Ahmadinejad warns against Iran attack
AFP: Iran’s hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has promised a global response if his country is attacked, in an interview with Qatari daily Al-Sharq published on Saturday.
Iran starts to fuel up first nuclear power plant
Reuters: Iran began fuelling its first nuclear power plant on Saturday after decades of delay and amid international fears it is seeking an atomic bomb and not just electricity.
