New York Times: A crackdown on the Mahdi Army militia is creating potentially destabilizing political and military tensions in Iraq, pitting a stronger government alliance against the force that has won past showdowns: the street power wielded by the radical cleric Moktada al-Sadr.
Crackdown on militias may add to instability in Iraq
Next hot topic in U.S. campaign: The Iran question
Wall Street Journal: Iran might end up sharing center stage when Gen. David Petraeus and the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, testify Tuesday before Senate panels featuring the three presidential candidates.
Hizbollah turns to Iran for new weapons to wage war on Israel
The Independent: The Shia “martyrs” of this hill village are normally killed in the dangerous, stony landscape of southern Lebanon, in Israeli air raids or invasions or attacks from the sea. The Hizbollah duly honours them. But the body of the latest Shia fighter to be buried here from the local Hashem family was flown back to Lebanon last month from Iran.
Major powers plan to meet on Iran in April
Reuters: The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany plan to meet in April to discuss whether to sweeten incentives they have offered Iran to curb its nuclear program, U.S. officials said on Monday.
Major powers may meet on Iran in coming weeks: U.S.
Reuters: Senior diplomats of the five U.N. Security Council permanent members and Germany may meet in coming weeks to discuss Iran, which Washington suspects of pursuing nuclear arms, the State Department said on Monday.
Paris court dismisses libel case against Iran Focus
Iran Focus: Paris, Apr. 07 – The 17th branch of the Court of Paris ruled last Thursday in favour of Iran Focus in a lawsuit brought against it for allegedly publishing libel about a French national. The libel charges were brought by Alain Chevalérias on 21 February 2008 against the Iran Focus website.
Paris court dismisses libel case against Iran Focus
Iran Focus: Paris, Apr. 07 – The 17th branch of the Court of Paris ruled last Thursday in favour of Iran Focus in a lawsuit brought against it for allegedly publishing libel about a French national. The libel charges were brought by Alain Chevalérias on 21 February 2008 against the Iran Focus website.
Democrat Webb argues against confronting Iran
New York Sun: Senator Webb of Virginia is arguing that if America avoids a military confrontation with Iran, the Islamic regime could follow China’s path and become a more responsible nation.
Coburn delays State nominee over pro-Iran radio
Washington Times: President Bush’s nomination of a successor to his longtime friend Karen P. Hughes as the nation’s top public diplomacy official is being held up in the Senate over concerns about anti-American bias in the Voice of America’s broadcasts for Iran.
Tehran’s murderous role
Washington Times – Editorial: The explosion of violence which started in Basra and spread to other cities across Iraq late last month is just the latest reminder of the destructive role that Iran is playing in the region.
