The Times: James Baker and Lee Hamilton have delivered a superb, blunt account of the USs dire and deteriorating predicament in Iraq. Options have not yet been exhausted, they say, although none may now succeed; they have identified the few potentially workable ones that remain.
Key issue of Iran’s nuclear ambition is ignored
France says in hurry to reach Iran deal
Reuters: France said on Wednesday world powers must agree quickly on sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme or put the credibility of the United Nations at risk.
Iraqi official accuses Iran of hypocrisy
AP: Iraq’s ambassador to the Netherlands confronted Iran’s foreign minister during a speech Wednesday, accusing his country of hypocrisy in its rhetoric against the United States.
FIFA maintains suspensions on Kenya and Iran
Reuters: FIFA’s Executive Committee confirmed on Wednesday that Kenya and Iran were both still suspended from international soccer activity — although Iran’s under-23 team are being allowed to compete in the Asian Games.
Report: Israel, Iran holding debt talks
AP: While Iran continues to deny that Israel has the right to exist, representatives of the two countries are holding clandestine talks in Europe to settle an old Israeli debt, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
Panel: Bush Iraq policy ‘not working’
AP: President Bush’s policy in Iraq “is not working,” a high-level commission said Wednesday in a blunt, bleak assessment that called for an urgent diplomatic attempt to stabilize the country and allow withdrawal of most U.S. combat troops by early 2008.
White House rules out one-on-one talks with Iran
Reuters: The White House on Wednesday said it has ruled out one-on-one talks with Iran about Iraq unless Tehran suspends nuclear activities, after the Iraq Study Group recommended more engagement with the Islamic republic.
Iran may reduce use of dollar, Tehran papers say
Bloomberg: Iran, the world’s fourth-largest oil exporter, plans to reduce its use of the U.S. dollar in world trade and increase use of the euro, two Tehran-based newspapers reported.
Can Iran be a partner in Iraq?
Iran Focus – Op-Ed
By David Ahmadi
It is anticipated that the Iraqi Study Group, headed by former United States Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton, would recommend that the U.S. talk to Iran and Syria as part of a new approach to resolve the security crisis in Iraq. It has also been leaked that the 100-or-so page report would recommend an international conference take place involving all the countries of the region.
Can Iran be a partner in Iraq?
Iran Focus – Op-Ed
By David Ahmadi
It is anticipated that the Iraqi Study Group, headed by former United States Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton, would recommend that the U.S. talk to Iran and Syria as part of a new approach to resolve the security crisis in Iraq. It has also been leaked that the 100-or-so page report would recommend an international conference take place involving all the countries of the region.
