AFP: From "surrender date" to "aspirational time horizon," US President George W. Bush seemed poised Friday to seal a reversal in Iraq policy by accepting a target withdrawal date.
In reversal, Bush to accept Iraq withdrawal timetable
Aide: Iraq’s al-Sadr may stay in Iran for years
AP: Militant Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr plans to make a series of short visits to Iraq starting within weeks but has decided to make Iran his home base for years to come, a key aide says.
US sanctions not hampering business: Iran bank chief
AFP: American sanctions on Iran's financial sector have not hampered business for Bank Mellat, one of Iran's major state-owned banks, its managing director said in an interview published Friday.
Iran oil official to head to energy-hungry China
Reuters: The head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) travels to energy-hungry China next week to broaden cooperation, the Oil Ministry said on Thursday, a move that reflects Iran's increasing efforts to draw Asian investors.
Iran central bank issues own high denomination notes
AFP: Iran's central bank has begun issuing its own high-denomination paper notes to replace the promissory notes issued by private banks which will now be banned, state media said on Thursday.
Gulf Arab official compares Iran to Israel -paper
Reuters: Gulf Arab countries have denounced Iran's installation of offices on a disputed island in the strategic Gulf waterway and compared its presence there to Israel's occupation of Arab land.
Iranian execution revives debate over minors
New York Times: Iran has executed a 20-year-old man who was sentenced to death for a murder he committed when he was 15, reviving an international debate over its punishment of minors.
London’s terror bank
Wall Street Journal – REVIEW & OUTLOOK: In the war on terror, the U.S. has had no greater friend than the United Kingdom. And as the U.S. economy continues to suffer under the burdens of Sarbanes-Oxley, our British friends have demonstrated a more sensible approach to financial regulation.
Iran truck with Afghan migrants crashes killing 30
Reuters: A truck packed full of illegal Afghan migrants crashed in Iran on Thursday, killing 30 people, Iran's Fars News Agency reported.
Iran plans manned space mission in 10 years
Reuters: Iran plans to send a manned rocket into space in the next 10 years, state television reported on Thursday, just days after the Islamic Republic announced it had put a dummy satellite into orbit.


