PolicyMic: The situation surrounding a group of Iranian dissidents in Iraq has reached a dire phase. On September 1, 52 Iranian dissidents were killed with shocking brutality in Camp Ashraf in the Diyala province of Iraq.
The U.S. was supposed to protect these Iranians
Netanyahu struggles to set the terms in Iranian dispute
Reuters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that Iran’s new president was a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”, but he himself looked increasingly like a lone wolf as his allies seek to bring Tehran into the fold.
Iran says nuclear fatwa exists; others don’t buy it
USA Today: In conflicts with religious law, “the expediency of the regime” rules, according to official Iranian government policy. Iran says its supreme leader’s letters and speeches denouncing nuclear weapons count as religious edicts, or fatwas.
Two words that should make the West wary of Iran
Bloomberg: Again and again, the trope appears: “Western-educated” as a sort of marker for “moderate” or “a man we can work with.” It’s hard to see what other purpose could be served by the constant invocation of the same compound adjective.
White House warns shutdown hits Iran sanctions
AFP: The White House warned Friday that the office which enforces US sanctions on Iran could not function as most of its staff was furloughed by the government shutdown. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control had seen its manpower cut from 175 full-time staff to 11.
No ‘suckers’: US threatens Iran with new sanctions
AP: The Obama administration said Thursday it would support tougher economic pressure on Iran if the Islamic republic doesn’t begin slowing the pace of its uranium enrichment activity and opening its stockpiles of nuclear material to greater inspection.
U.S. hints Iran could get some sanctions relief if takes steps
Reuters: The United States held out the possibility on Thursday of giving Iran some short-term sanctions relief in return for concrete steps to slow uranium enrichment and shed light on its nuclear program.
US administration urges Congress against new Iran sanctions
AFP: President Barack Obama’s administration urged lawmakers Thursday not to impose new sanctions on Iran as it seeks to respond to overtures from new leader Hassan Rouhani.
Iran probes ‘horrific’ death, denies assassination
AP: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it’s investigating a “horrific incident” that caused the death of a member of the powerful military force but denies reports that it was an assassination.
U.S. talks with Iran must be based on concrete steps by Tehran: Kerry
Reuters: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday that the United States hopes to engage with the new Iranian administration, but Tehran must first prove it is willing to end the stand-off over its nuclear weapons program.
