AFP: Iraq’s use of the death penalty has increased despite international condemnation, with some fearing execution rates could rise further as officials seek to appear tough on security ahead of elections.
Increase in Iraq executions draws international ire
A new dictator takes Iraq to the brink
UPI: The violent arrest in Iraq of leading Sunni Member of Parliament Ahmed al-Alwani marks yet another step in that country’s rapid descent into sectarian anarchy and civil war.
Jack Straw to visit Iran to help rebuild ties
Reuters: On Monday, the office of Jack Straw, a former British foreign secretary, released a statement saying he would be part of a four-man delegation to visit Tehran from January 6 to January 10.
China may raise Iran oil imports with new contract: sources
Reuters: China may buy more Iranian oil next year as a state trader is negotiating a new light crude contract that could raise imports from Tehran to levels not seen since tough Western sanctions were imposed in 2012, running the risk of upsetting Washington.
Bahrain says it seized Iranian, Syrian explosives
AFP: Bahraini authorities said Monday they have seized a boat smuggling explosives made in Iran and Syria into the Sunni-ruled kingdom, which quashed a Shiite-led uprising in 2011.
Report: Iranian tycoon arrested
AP: Iran’s official news agency says tycoon Babak Zanjani has been arrested over corruption charges. The U.S. has blacklisted him for allegedly attempting to evade economic sanctions against Iran.
Iran, world powers resume nuclear talks
AFP: Closed-door talks resumed Monday between Iran and world powers on implementing a landmark deal to rein in Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions.
Oman stands in U.S.’s corner on Iran deal
Wall Street Journal: Washington has gained a little-known ally in its bid to win crucial Arab support for curbing Iran’s nuclear program: Oman, a small kingdom that is expanding its role on the Middle East’s diplomatic stage.
Iran again plays the U.S. for a fool
Wall Street Journal: The U.S. is following the same path it did under the Clinton administration when it negotiated with North Korea on nuclear weapons.
Saudi to give Lebanon $3B to strengthen army
AP: Saudi Arabia has pledged $3 billion to Lebanon to help strengthen the country’s armed forces and purchase weapons from France, Lebanon’s president said Sunday, calling it the biggest grant ever for the nation’s military.
