BBC: The head of the Lebanese Shia Islamist movement Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has made a rare public appearance in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Hezbollah chief Nasrallah meets Ahmadinejad in Syria
Iran, Syria mock U.S. policy; Ahmadinejad speaks of Israel’s ‘annihilation’
Washington Post: The presidents of Iran and Syria on Thursday ridiculed U.S. policy in the region and pledged to create a Middle East "without Zionists," combining a slap at recent U.S. overtures and a threat to Israel with an endorsement of one of the region's defining alliances.
U.S. says does not seek crippling sanctions on Iran
Reuters: The United States said on Thursday it does not aim to impose crippling sanctions on Iran but rather to pressure the Iranian government to change course on its nuclear program while protecting ordinary people.
Pentagon rejects Iran claims of links to Sunni rebel group
Reuters: The Pentagon on Thursday rejected accusations by Iran of U.S. backing for a Sunni Muslim rebel group and denied its leader had been at a U.S. military base prior to his arrest two days ago.
Tehran’s vote-buying in Iraq
Washington Post: Iran is conducting what U.S. officials say is a broad covert-action campaign to influence Iraq's elections next month, pumping money and other assistance to its allies. The best way to counter this assault, American officials have decided, is by exposing it publicly.
China, Russia could back symbolic Iran sanctions
Reuters: Western powers pushing for new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program face a battle with Russia and China, which may only be persuaded to support steps that are more symbolic than painful.
The Berlin-Dubai-Tehran Axis
Wall Street Journal: The German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce seeks new business in Iran even as Merkel promises additional sanctions.
Russia links Iran arms sale to regional tensions
Reuters: Russia hardened its position on the stalled sale of the S-300 air defence system to Iran on Wednesday, saying it would not sell weapons if it leads to destabilisation in any region.
Clinton asks Congress for flexibility on Iran curbs
Bloomberg: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she hopes the United Nations will agree on new sanctions against Iran’s nuclear effort within 60 days and asked Congress for “flexibility” in any legislation targeted at the regime.
Clinton seen pushing Iran on Latin America trip
Reuters: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Latin America next week, including a visit to Brazil where she is expected to seek support for new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.
