AP: The top American military commander in Iraq said Tuesday that U.N. peacekeeping forces may need to replace departing U.S. troops in the nation’s oil-rich north if a simmering feud between Arabs and minority Kurds continues through 2011.
AP Interview: Odierno eyes UN forces for Iraq
Merchant killed by government agents in Tehran Bazaar – eyewitnesses
Iran Focus: Tehran, Jul. 07 – Tensions increased at Tehran’s grand Bazaar on Wednesday after a respected merchant was stabbed to death, allegedly by pro-government supporters, on the second day of a major strike.
Sen. Lieberman says force may be needed in Iran
AP: U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman says there is a broad consensus in Congress that military force can be used if necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Comedy clip of Iran’s leaders draws 1.2 million on YouTube
Iran Focus: London, Jul. 07 – A popular comedy clip of Iran’s leaders, produced by opposition satellite television channel Simay-e Azadi, has been viewed more than 1.2 million times on the social video sharing channel YouTube.
Iran rejects women’s FIFA-approved soccer strip
Reuters: An Iranian official has rejected a new women’s soccer strip which was created after the world football federation banned the team from international competition due to their Islamic head gear, media reported on Wednesday.
Mousavi lashes out at Ahmadinejad over Iran sanctions
AFP: Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi lashed out at President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday for dismissing UN sanctions and urged the government to brief people about the impact of the measures.
UAE says ambassador in Washington ‘misquoted’ on Iran
AFP: The United Arab Emirates dismissed as “inaccurate” on Wednesday statements attributed to its ambassador in Washington backing possible military action over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran admits sanctions ‘may slow down’ nuclear work
AFP: Iran acknowledged for the first time on Wednesday that newly imposed sanctions “may slow down” its nuclear drive, including its sensitive uranium enrichment work, but said it will not halt it.
Iran plans new satellite launch in late August
AFP: Telecommunication Minister Reza Taghipour said on Wednesday that Iran is expected to launch a new satellite, Rasad 1, in the last week of August, the Mehr news agency reported.
Iran summons Swiss envoy over scientist ‘abduction’
AFP: Iran has summoned the Swiss charge d’affaires to protest the “abduction” of a nuclear scientist by US intelligence agents, state television’s website reported on Wednesday.
