RFE/RL: As part of its vigorous cultural diplomacy in neighboring countries that share its language, Iran is driving plans for a Persian-language satellite network to broadcast in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. But it’s unclear whether the region’s viewers will tune in to shows tailored to the tastes of the Iranian leadership’s arguably radical brand of Islam.
Central/South Asia: Iran pushes cross-border TV project
Asylum: the peers’ revolt
The Independent: Britain must radically change its immigration policy and end immediately the deportation of failed asylum-seekers who fear persecution in Iran, a group of leading peers will tell the Government today.
Lebanese authorities reverse decision to ban ‘Persepolis’
AFP: Lebanese authorities reversed on Thursday a decision to ban the prize-winning animated film “Persepolis,” following an outcry and claims the measure was aimed at pleasing Iran and Shiite clerics.
Analysis: Al-Sadr in trouble, Iraq headed for meltdown
CNN:The fighting among Shiite militias and government troops in Basra is a glimpse of Iraq’s future, and pivotal cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is in deep trouble, according to two CNN correspondents and a CNN military analyst.
Talks on Iran projects will take time – ONGC head
Reuters: Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), India’s top explorer, was in talks to develop oil and gas fields in Iran but a definitive agreement was still some way off, the company’s chairman said on Thursday.
Iran says will institutionalise moral crackdown
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Mar. 27 – The chief of Iran’s police vowed on Wednesday to institutionalise the current moral crackdown which is targeting mainly young Iranians, in yet another sign of the recent sharp increase in the repressive atmosphere in Iranian society.
Iran says will institutionalise moral crackdown
Iran Focus: Tehran, Iran, Mar. 27 – The chief of Iran’s police vowed on Wednesday to institutionalise the current moral crackdown which is targeting mainly young Iranians, in yet another sign of the recent sharp increase in the repressive atmosphere in Iranian society.
Iran wants compensation for UN sanctions
AP: Iran is demanding compensation for what it says are unlawful sanctions imposed by the U.N. for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, the Mideast nation’s foreign minister said in a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Iran asks for apology on sanctions
New York Times: Iran said the United States, Britain, France and Germany should apologize to the countrys leaders and scientists for damaging their reputations through United Nations Security Council sanctions resolutions against the countrys nuclear program and said it might seek compensation and pursue unspecified legal actions.
Basra’s cautionary tale
Washington Times – Editorial: The heavy fighting taking place in Iraq’s third-largest city and most critical oil-exporting center should be a cautionary note as Washington prepares for Gen. David Petraeus’ congressional testimony less than two weeks from now.
